- President Ali unveils plans to develop 20 acres of farmland, establish processing facility
President
IN an effort to bolster food security and promote sustainable agriculture in Eteringbang, Region Seven, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has announced plans to develop some 20 acres of farmland.
During a recent community engagement, the Head of State said this initiative will be designed to empower the hinterland community and ensure a reliable food supply.
“To ensure your food-sustainability plan for the community, we are going to work with the ministry of agriculture on developing 20 acres of farmland,” President Ali said before highlighting government’s commitment to investing in local agricultural capabilities.
He further disclosed that the government will work on establishing a food-processing facility.
“We're going to invest for you to produce,” he said, adding that a 20acre integrated agricultural food-production facility will be established for the community.
The initiative is part of a broader vision to promote food security and reduce dependence on imported food. By
cultivating a sustainable food system, the community can expect not only to enhance its nutritional security, but also to create job opportunities.
Aside from these initiatives, President Ali outlined plans for a poultry programme that will target youths in Eteringbang and other neighbouring communities.
“I want the young people to be a part of the ownership of this agriculture project because you have the opportunity of getting your eggs into the mining camps and all of these things; tremendous opportunities [for] the children.”
Meanwhile, the commissioning of a new airstrip in the community will unlock vast economic prospects for Eteringbang and the surrounding communities.
President Ali said that limited access to air-transport services had held back the community economically and now that a new airstrip has been commissioned, residents can expect things to change.
“This facility will lead to many other developments in the community,” he emphasised.
By Feona Morrison
THE nation united in solemn reflection during an emotional memorial service held on Sunday morning to honour five brave soldiers who perished in a tragic helicopter crash almost one year ago.
The ceremony, attended by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, senior members of the Joint Services, the families of the deceased, and other dignitaries, paid tribute to the late Brigadier (Ret’d) Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, and Warrant Officer Class Two Jason Khan.
Held at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown, the service served as a sincere remembrance of the servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice while on a mission to safeguard Guyana's sovereignty during one of the nation's most tumultuous periods—the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela.
President Ali, delivering
mercy that constitute bringing some level of hope to your lives,” he said, underscoring the collective grief and solidarity felt by the nation.
The President highlighted the critical mission the men were undertaking at the time of their death, emphasising their commitment to the nation’s defence. “They were on a mission to exercise their oath of office in protecting every square inch of Guyana and every Guyanese. Their loss is deep and connected to our national sovereignty and defence,” he stated.
He added, “These men answered the call of duty with courage and conviction. Their mission was not one of aggression or hostility but of preparation to ensure the safety and security of our motherland. It is said that true patriotism is being willing to sacrifice for one’s country. For these men, duty was not just an obligation; it was a calling. When our nation needed them the most, they didn’t hesitate. They placed their commitment to Guyana above their personal interests…”
heartfelt remarks, described the day as one of profound sorrow and reflection. “Today is a painful day of reflection for us as a nation,” he stated.
Addressing the grieving families, he offered assurances of continued support and prayers from the nation. “I would like to assure the families of our continued prayers as a nation for faith, patient, endurance, love empathy and every
Omar Khan expressed that while we reflect on the lives of the five fallen heroes, it is equally important to recognise and celebrate the resilience and sacrifices of their surviving families and relatives. “Know that you are not alone. You can count on our unwavering support as a force. Together, we bear the weight of this loss, and it is our duty to ensure that their
memory of our five servicemen.
Last December, the Eccles to Great Diamond Highway along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) corridor was commissioned and named the Heroes Highway in honor of the five soldiers.
Last week, President Ali commissioned the Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome at Eteringbang.
“Their service was a shield for us all,” the Guyanese leader declared.
President Ali described the fallen soldiers as "five extraordinary men" who epitomised dedication and courage.
“One year has passed since that fatal helicopter crash that claimed their lives. Yet the grief of their passing remains as fresh as the day it occurred. Today, we do not seek to relive the
anguish of that tragic moment but to celebrate the ideals and values these men represented. Ideals that continue to inspire us as a nation,” he said.
He reflected on their multifaceted roles in life—as fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons— emphasising their unwavering commitment to a cause greater than themselves. “These five heroes were more than just members of the Guyana Defence Force. They represented
the ideals that continue to inspire us as a nation,” he added.
By making the ultimate sacrifice, President Ali stated that the soldiers have not only cemented their personal legacies but also elevated the reputation of the Guyana Defence Force, ensuring that their contributions will resonate for generations to come.
For his part, Chief of Defence Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier
memory lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew them," Khan said.
He concluded, “May their souls rest in eternal peace, and may we carry forward their legacy of service and sacrifice in all that we do and say.”
In recognition of their bravery, dedication, and service, a monument has been erected on the front lawns of GDF’s Base Camp Ayanganna to honour the
On December 6, 2023, a Bell 412EP helicopter operated by the Guyana Defence Force crashed in western Guyana, claiming the lives of five out of the seven people on board. The helicopter, which was carrying GDF officers, was engaged in border operations at the time of the crash. The incident occurred about 30 miles east of Arau, near the Venezuelan border.
TWENTY years ago, the Rahaman family started a tradition that is synonymous with the Guyanese Christmas experience.
Along with the expected December rain, scores of Guyanese look forward to the annual Rahaman Christmas Tree light-up that is held at the Rahaman's Park Triangle on the East Bank of Demerara.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond related
that this annual Christmas Tree light-up, now in its 20th year, is cementing itself as a tradition heralding the start of the festive season.
According to Minister Walrond, with its strategic location at a bustling intersection, the now illuminated tree stands as a vibrant reminder that the Christmas season, which is a time of joy, hope and unity, is now upon us.
“Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this tree is a powerful symbol of togetherness,
embraced by both Guyanese and visitors alike, and it embodies the spirit of joy, hope and peace, qualities that uplift us, and bring our communities together. I wish
Tourism Awareness Month, which is celebrated in November annually.
She expressed, “Each year, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce
man family.”
The family took to the stage to deliver heartfelt remarks to the gathering. The youngest Rahaman son, Elan Rahaman briefly stated that, “Being part of the process is one thing, but you don't do it by yourself.
to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Rahamans for their steadfast dedication to this tradition.
“For two decades, your commitment has enriched our lives, and it is especially inspiring to see the legacy now carried forward by the second and third generations of your family,” she said.
The tourism minister stated as well that the lighting of the tree has become an integral part of the official calendar of events for
supports this initiative in various ways, recognising its cultural and communal significance. We understand that Christmas holds a special place in the hearts of Guyanese. By supporting this event, the ministry reaffirms its commitment to preserving and promoting traditions that resonate with Guyanese people, fostering a sense of pride and community. This is why we are delighted to continue our partnership with the Raha-
“We do all this hard work; it's taken a toll, and we all feel like we have other things to do. But I tell you what, it's rewarding at the end of the day. And what's rewarding is exactly what I see in front of me.”
Looking around, the young man stated that this Christmas Tree light-up is a good way to kick off the Christmas season.
He said: “It's December 1st; we're all here together to do one thing: That's the
beginning of a beautiful season. And it's rewarding for me; it's rewarding for my family, because, at the end of this ceremony, we get to see a magnificent tree with thousands of lights inside. We get to share gifts; we get to share and be part of it. So, it's a beautiful thing that I won't say we've created, but we've done from the beginning. And that's what it's grown into.”
With immense support from the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce, and ExxonMobil Guyana, among other companies, the Rahaman family has managed to keep what marks Christmas in Guyana going for generations. (Faith Greene)
PLANS to upgrade the airstrip at Camp Jaguar in the New River Triangle will enhance support for Indigenous communities, President, Dr Irfaan Ali has said.
His comments came in response to media reports that Suriname’s Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin had summoned Guyana’s Ambassador, Virjanand Depoo, expressing concerns about the plans and citing the Dutch
nation’s claims to the New River Triangle though international maps recognise that area as Guyana’s territory.
Offering comments to reporters on the sidelines of an event on Sunday, President Ali stated that it currently takes about two weeks to get supplies into that area from New Amsterdam, the capital town in Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne).
“Right now, the infrastructure to service them -- to
have food, and humanitarian aid go in there -- is posing a tremendous challenge for the people living there.”
He added: “We always look at ensuring the infrastructure can support our humanitarian effort and the community life there.”
Ambassador Depoo according to media reports was called in for a meeting on Friday with the Suriname government following President Ali's announcement of
plans for the airstrip and a school in the area.
President Ali, however noted that he has engaged Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhie and informed him that it isn’t a military move.
He however stressed that the government is focused on enhancing humanitarian support.
Last week, as he commissioned the new Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome at
THE question of who will decide whether a case proceeds to a judge-alone trial or a jury trial is at the centre of ongoing discussions as Guyana prepares to introduce this significant judicial reform.
Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs
Anil Nandlall, SC, has revealed that the draft legislation for the implementation of judge-alone trials is already under review, with the government emphasising the need for broad consultations to address this critical issue.
Speaking on the draft legislation, the Attorney-General emphasised that Guyana is significantly ahead of the benchmarks outlined in the Needham’s Point Declaration on Criminal Justice Reform. This declaration advocates for judge-alone trials as an integral aspect of enhancing the criminal justice system. The Needham Declaration, an international framework for judicial reform, emphasises the importance of flexibility and accessibility in legal systems.
The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to improve access to justice, reduce delays, and offer greater flexibility in the trial process, according to Nandlall.
Judge-alone trials represent a significant departure from traditional jury trials, where a panel of peers determines guilt or innocence. Under this system, a single judge would assume the role of both fact-finder and arbiter of the law. Nandlall explained that the new provision is not intended to replace jury trials, but to
Attorney-General
Anil Nandlall, SC
provide an additional option within the legal system.
“Judge-alone trials is one option that we will install in our legal system,” he stated, while acknowledging that several critical issues require consultation before the measure can be fully imple-
mented. Among these is determining who will have the authority to decide whether a case proceeds to a judgealone trial or a jury trial. “In whose power will it lie to determine whether or not to go to a jury trial; and that is a crucial issue. The position varies from one jurisdiction to another, both in the Caribbean and the wider commonwealth,” he pointed out.
In many jurisdictions where judge-alone trials exist, the decision-making power varies.
In some Caribbean nations, like Trinidad and Tobago and Belize for instance, the accused may choose the mode of trial. In others, the court or prosecution may have a say.
Nandlall noted that the
Eteringbang, President Ali said there would be upgrades of the Camp Jaguar airstrip and several others.
“Those two airstrips, Camp Jaguar and Orinduik, immediately will be added, and work must commence before the end of the year,” President Ali stated. "The materials must be procured and work must commence on these airstrips before the end of the year," he said.
draft legislation is currently under review by the judiciary, signifying the government’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to craft a balanced approach.
One of the main advantages of judge-alone trials is their potential to expedite the legal process. Jury trials, while essential in many cases, often face delays due to logistical challenges, including empaneling jurors and addressing concerns of impartiality.
The introduction of judge-alone trials is expected to ease the burden on Guyana’s over-taxed judicial system, reducing case backlogs and providing swifter resolutions for litigant.
Speaking at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre
during a lecture on “Rethinking Criminal Justice” last year, Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) judge, the late Justice Jacob Wit proposed the adoption of judge-alone trials in Guyana. He highlighted this as a potential strategy to enhance the efficiency of justice delivery and address the persistent backlog in the legal system.
“[There] are little things we look at, but there are more countries that are using our judge-alone trial, and I personally have been a judge alone in my former jurisdiction. I have done more than 90 cases as a judge alone for the most serious criminal cases, and that works…” Justice Wit had said.
During the same lecture,
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, had urged the relevant authorities to amend existing legislation to facilitate the introduction of judge-alone trials as part of the rethinking of the criminal justice system. She emphasised that the time had come for Guyana to adopt this approach to enhance justice delivery.
Ali-Hack, who’d participated in the panel discussion, stated that judgealone trials are better suited for cases such as money laundering and cybercrime. She pointed out that this approach would result in quicker case processing, and help reduce backlogs in the judicial system.
VERY often, owing to various natural reasons, we are hit with high prices for fruits and vegetables when we visit the markets to do our weekly shopping or sometimes when we want a particular thing to eat, it is not available.
The complaints are endless. It comes during drought and again during the rainy season when flooding destroys crops.
However, there is a simple, economically viable and sustainable solution – a kitchen garden. In the past, many have advised that people have kitchen gardens in
their yards and rear a few chickens, ducks and even pigs.
Not many have heeded this valuable piece of advice and the reasons vary.
Some claim they don’t have the time and energy to maintain such a garden and others claim they don’t have the space for it. However, these are merely convenient excuses.
All a kitchen garden really needs is less than 30 minutes of care each day and endless love and dedication.
Kitchen gardens have many benefits. A major plus is that it can help to greatly
reduce one’s household food bill. There will be less need to spend thousands of dollars on fresh fruits and vegetables which we can grow in our backyards. When we grow our own food, we can consume as much as we want without having to deal with the cost factor. It can bring in additional income for the household; the produce can be sold within the community. Having a kitchen garden can inspire us to eat healthily. It can contribute significantly to a daily balanced diet by ensuring that we have foods from the different food
groups and have nutritious, fresh and organic supplies at our disposal.
A kitchen garden can give us produce that is free from disease, pesticides and fertilisers. Our minds will be at ease knowing that what we are consuming is safe.
A kitchen garden will ensure food security, as there will be a steady supply.
Additionally, such a venture can turn into a productive hobby which can be used in a therapeutic way to reduce stress. A few minutes each day tending to trees and crops can help to relax our minds, drown-
ing out the stresses of our daily lives.
Today, putting together a kitchen garden is very simple: no experience is required; just commitment, determination and creativity.
There are many gardening apps available, also, a plethora of information can be found on Facebook and gardening websites.
W hat is known is that kitchen gardens do not require a lot of space. If this is a factor, plants can be grown in pots or unwanted containers or even hanging baskets on your back porch. It is also a good idea depending
on where you live to plant in raised beds which can be easily built with pieces of wood you might already have.
When it comes to a kitchen garden, the advantages are too many to ignore. Next time you go to throw away pumpkin or boulanger seeds or callaloo stalks, or you pass the stall in Bourda Market that sells seedlings for most of the popular vegetables and herbs, think about the possibilities. Think about how you can have all those things growing in your yard.
Dear Editor,
I WAS pleased to see that the AFC finally managed to livestream its press conference on Friday, after a series of so-called ‘technical difficulties’ which supposedly hindered its ability to do so for several weeks.
Friday, however, might have been the ideal moment for those ‘technical difficulties’ to intervene to spare the party from the embarrassment its leadership subjected it to during that press conference.
The comedic outpourings began with AFC’s technical adviser on Indigenous Affairs and former member of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) Ms. Laura George.
In her usual style, she sought to champion the rights of Amerindians, go-
ing as far as to call on the PPP/C Government to make financing (specifically from the sale of carbon credits) more accessible to Amerindian villages. Ms. George proposed the setting up of a “fund” through which these villages would have greater access to carbon credit funds.
The irony of her proposition, however, is that it was the said APA, of which Ms. George was the Governance and Rights Coordinator at the time, that attempted, on several occasions and as recent as this year, to prevent the Architecture for REDD+ Transaction (ART) Secretariat from issuing carbon credits to Guyana; the same carbon credits which Guyana sells to provide billions in funding to more than 240 Amerindian vil-
lages for sustainable livelihood projects.
AFC’s Chairman Mr. David Patterson revealed a groundbreaking “development” which was brought to his attention by “persons” from the United States’ Export Import (EXIM) Bank on the status of a loan to finance part of the country’s gas-to-energy project.
Eager to disclose this information, Mr. Patterson boldly stated on record that contrary to Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo’s claim of the loan being approved: “No approval was given by the EXIM Bank, and their last meeting was in November.”
Less than three hours after his assertion, Demerara Waves Online News embarrassed Mr. Patterson by reporting that the US EXIM Bank had
confirmed that its board had approved a just over US$500 million loan for Guyana’s gas-to-energy project.
The closing scene, and perhaps my favourite, was by party leader Mr. Nigel Hughes. He blasted the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) for its alleged admission that it had erred and permitted an “imposture”, as Mr. Hughes describes them, to sit in the National Assembly for more than a year.
Mr. Hughes went on to describe this suspected error by GECOM as “reckless disregard for the laws of this country”, and issued a call for the leadership of the electoral body to resign.
Editor, this is the very gentleman who attempted to defy logic by arguing that 34 and not 33 was
the majority of 65, thereby extending the life of a government defeated in a no-confidence vote, allowing it to blatantly violate Guyana’s Constitution by not calling elections within the stipulated timeframe.
This is the gentleman currently representing several persons accused of electoral fraud during the 2020 general and regional elections. This is the same gentleman who boldly proclaimed recently that it “can’t be right” to put the interest of Guyana and Guyanese above his client, ExxonMobil.
This is also the gentleman who ironically did not call for the resignation of former President David Granger after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that his (Granger’s) unilateral appointment
of the late Retired Judge James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM was unconstitutional; or when he (Granger) revoked over fifty 50-year rice farmers’ leases in Region Five and the court ruled that he violated the Constitution; or when he (Granger) attempted to seize Red House from the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre and revoke a 99-year lease and the court ruled that he’d violated the Constitution; or when he (Granger) reportedly summoned the Chairman of the Public Service Commission and requested that he resign, again violating the Constitution.
Editor, technical difficulties might have been serving the best interest of the AFC.
Yours faithfully, Ravin Singh
Hughes will never apologise and take responsibility for the wrongs committed by his party
Dear Editor, CONTRADICTIONS and disingenuity are the established modus operandi of the ExxonMobil Guyana (EMGL)-anointed AFC leader in the person of Nigel Hughes.
It would be recalled that at his party’s conference held earlier this year where he emerged as the elected leader, he committed to examining the mistakes of the AFC during their 2015-2020 stint in government, with a view to implicitly assume collective responsibility thereof.
As an independent observer, this was the rational, ethical approach that one would expect any decent candidate contesting for the highest office of the land to pursue. Albeit, not surprisingly, Nigel Hughes has back-peddled on that commitment.
The minimum qualities to be a national leader are (i) patriotism and (ii) inclusivity. Nigel Hughes has neither, not even pretextually as demonstrated hereunder.
Unapologetically, Nigel Hughes, in his capacity as the leader and presidential candidate of the AFC stated categorically that should his clients’ interests, in this case, EMGL’s interests’ conflict with the national interest, that his client’s interests shall prevail [at all times].
Credit to him, on this singular fundamental issue of conflict of interest, he has been brutally honest! Perhaps, it is the only thing that he has been callously honest about in his entire political career. Moreover, he has an extraordinarily well-established, indisputable, and independently verifiable track record of several legal cases and instances in which he has represented his clients’ interests, successfully in most case examples, against the country’s national interest. Towards this end, the following are some notable examples.
Example 1:
The Skeldon Modernisation Project Case: Booker Tate versus the State (Attorney representing Booker Tate against the State was Nigel Hughes): As is publicly known by now, the PPP/C Government had filed legal action against Booker Tate for the failed Skeldon project in their pre-2015 term. The relationship between GuySuCo and Booker Tate deteriorated due to sub-standard performance by Booker Tate in their oversight role of the Skeldon Project. Consequently, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Nanda Gopaul, GuySuCo withheld payment of Booker Tate’s management fees, which eventually led to Booker Tate taking court action against GuySuCo for same to be settled. The decision to withhold payment was based on the Board’s discovery
of numerous acts of inefficiencies, mismanagement, poor decision making, and major planning deficits and flaws in the construction of the factory.
Predicated on sound legal advice, GuySuCo filed a counterclaim against Booker Tate for alleged contractual breaches in relation to the Skeldon Project. The Affidavit filed in the High Court by GuySuCo detailed the alleged breaches, which can be summarized as follows:
Booker Tate was in breach of its obligations under clause 4 and 2 of Schedule A of the Agreement. Specific infractions included:
Yield loss due to wrong choice of file layout
Loss of sugar
Untimely installation of drainage structure
Bungled reconfiguration of ridge and furrow to broad beds
Poor placement of bridges.
Poor construction of all-weather road.
Water supply structure
Multiple design flaws of the factory
Modification of plant equipment for design capacity
The court proceedings began in October 2010. The Court’s ruling by a High Court Judge followed in February 2015. The Judge chose to rule only on Booker Tate’s case against GuySuCo. The Court, however, did not rule on the counter-claim by GuySuCo. GuySuCo had sued for compensation for damages in the amount of $4.529 billion, owing to the breach of Booker Tate’s contractual arrangement in respect of their role in the Skeldon Project noted above. Considering the time value factor, when adjusted for inflation for the period 2005-2023, that sum has a present (2023) value of $7.693 billion.
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, GuySuCo then filed an appeal with Guyana’s Appeal Court for that Court to consider its counter claim. In May 2015, the APNU-AFC formed a new government, and they withdrew GuySuCo’ s case against Booker Tate and shockingly paid them as per the initial court judgement. No responsible government would have done that.
By so doing, the APNU+AFC Government jeopardised the cash-starved entity from recovering vast sums of monies lost due to their improper execution as per their contractual terms.
With the APNU-AFC’s withdrawal of the court action by GuySuCo, Book Tate was relieved of any liability to the State in relation to the failure of the Skeldon Project. Effectively, APNU+AFC bailed out Book Tate at the expense of the sugar industry and the people of Guyana.
Notably, the attorney who
represented Booker Tate in this case was none other than Nigel Hughes, and it was the AFC faction of the APNU+AFC government that held the portfolio for the agriculture sector.
Example 2:
In August 2024, a US firm, namely ConocoPhillips, was seeking to enforce an arbitral award in Guyana against Venezuela over financial assets that
the Venezuelan Government has in Guyana. In this regard, “reports are that the Guyana Government’s escrow account for the payment to Venezuela has a deposit of US$32.01 million under the PetroCaribe agreement” (Guyana Times, August 15, 2024). However, the Government of Guyana, through the Attorney-General, filed an appeal against
the enforcement of the said arbitral award considering the negative impact this could have on Guyana in light of the ongoing border controversy between the two countries. It may potentially be viewed as an act of aggression against Venezuela. In the premises, any sane-minded person would agree that Guyana should not enforce the arbitral award at
this point in time. Of note, Nigel Hughes was/ is the attorney representing the US firm against the national interest of the country in respect of this matter.
Example 3:
Deliberate attempts at re-shaping the political demographics. The APNU+AFC’s primary political objective in
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WITH oil-driven economic growth, Guyana is attracting a lot of international business recognition. This past week we learned that this country is also attracting interest from legal practitioners from faraway places, in this case, no less a place than New York City. The prevailing law requires, among other things, that a practitioner be a citizen of a country that is a member of the Caribbean Council of Legal Education.
As such, the Guyana Bar Association is vehemently opposed to the NYC attorneys being admitted to the local Bar. My own opinion
is that the rules should be amended to include Bar reciprocity, in that, if the rules of any country or city will allow Guyanese lawyers qualified to practise here, is also qualified to practise there, then they should be eligible to be admitted here. This will then put both the Bar Association and the Government of Guyana in a position to pursue agreements that can put Guyanese lawyers in courtrooms in far reaches of the world and acquire wide experience and knowledge. Moving on to the issues surrounding the cash grant. I would like to call on my knowledge and training in information technology to
offer an evaluation on the efficiency of the technology employed.
Based on my reading of the distribution procedure, I sincerely believe the President and his closest lieutenants: The Prime Minister, the Vice President and the Senior Finance Minister in the Office of the President, were misled, misadvised, and frankly, failed by the people in charge of technological development and deployment.
This commentary surrounds the choice of technology for implementing the cash transfer. The Vice President announced a few weeks ago that an App to aid the cash transfers is being devel-
oped. There is a major confusion surrounding the definition of an app. In computer science and software development, any programme designed to run on an Operating System (OS) is called an application (abbreviated App). Generally speaking, all nonOS programmes are Apps, whether designed for mobile devices or not. Though that is the general definition, the worldwide man-in-thestreet, thinks of an app as a mobile software downloaded from one of the popular “app stores” or some other source that makes it available on their personal mobile device.
The technical people tasked with setting up this back-office technology for the cash grant must know of this distinction. It is their advice the Vice President relied upon to announce that an app is “coming soon,” conveying the impression that grant recipients can simply acquire an app on their personal device to do the registration.
Then it turned out that the app was designed for administrators to deploy field officers to physically complete the registration process. Here is where the government officials listed above were failed by their technocrats. First, technocrats ought to know that the wrong public impression was
being created, they should’ve swiftly tendered a ‘code red’ advice to the policymakers to correct the public impression. These technocrats allowed this perception to brew for weeks, leaving the highest echelon unclothed, somewhat embarrassing.
What they created was a database app to capture the data with background programming to avoid duplicates and to minimise chances to ‘jook’ the system.
The app creators also failed the nation when they developed an app in 2024 (the age of AI) to be so labour intensive that it is causing inordinate delays in the distribution.
All they simply had to do was create an additional user interface linked to the said database and deployed it via a website where a typical recipient can create a unique username then fill out the form fields and upload relevant documents along with a clear real-time photo taken against a solid background. There should be predetermined cheque distribution centres in every region and the registrant is required to select the distribution centre closest to or most convenient to him/her. The cheques are printed and available at the preferred distribution centre within one week of
registration. It is not until the registrant goes to receive the cheque in person that the labour-intensive administrators will verify the photo and original documents before issuing the cheque. As an additional layer of defence, each cheque could have a special crossing preventing, a third party from encashing it on behalf of others.
I will admit that there are other, more efficient ways to distribute the cash transfers. However, I suggest this method based on the fact that a registration process has already started with an existing database. My suggestion is simply to extend the frontend capture forms of the said back-end database to be put online so that citizens could self-register. Putting the forms online would quadruple the number of daily registrations. The physical registrations can still proceed in areas without adequate internet access, there can also be registrations at central village sites and internet cafes.
In short, it is not too late to make these adjustments or extension. It could be done within a matter of days and the government could be back in parliament by December 20 to appropriate more funds for distribution before year’s end.
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government (2015-2020) was to materially re-shape the political demographics of the country to one that would guarantee their retention of political power. What was their strategy? The strategy in this respect manifested itself when the APNU+AFC disregarded its own recommendations by a Commission of Inquiry that they commissioned into the state of affairs of the sugar industry, to not close any sugar estates given the adverse socio-economic impact it would engender.
Interestingly, the 7,300 sugar workers who lost their jobs in that process was not a random number. It was a well calculated number by the political master minds. The 7,300 sugar workers translate to 7,300 households or families, with an average of 3 persons per household, which further translates to
21,900 persons who were directly, negatively impacted by that callous decision.
It is well established that the sugar belt constitutes the core base of the PPP/C’s supporters, therefore, a loss of 21,900 votes for the PPP/C would have, in theory, guarantee a win for the APNU+AFC at the 2020 national election. The thinking was that they were hoping that with the devastation, the depression etc., that they had inflicted on those families, would have resulted in another wave of mass migration. Nevertheless, this strategy failed owing to the steadfast resilience of the people supported by the leadership of the PPP/C while in the opposition. Consequently, the APNU+AFC was left with no other choice but to attempt to rig the election in their favour, which also failed.
Conclusion
This was the combined track record of the APNU+AFC in government, which, if given another chance, shall be the order of the day. And, as evidently demonstrated herein, while Nigel Hughes pretends to be a patriot, his actions have proven and continue to prove otherwise. Furthermore, these are precisely the reasons why Nigel Hughes will never apologize because it is the only way that they believe, if given any chance in government again, that they could retain political power, vis-à-vis, doing whatever it takes to reshape the political demographics to their advantage. Even if it means destroying the livelihoods of more than half of the population, thereby creating the conditionalities for mass migration. Yours sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin
WHEN things are put in black and white, they remain available forever. I campaigned for the Alliance For Change and I told David Patterson to his face one night that my activism was a factor in the AFC’s electoral success.
There is, in black and white, my feelings about the AFC in power from the day they got into power. Don’t take my word for it; just read my daily columns beginning from the day the AFC came into office in May 2015. I was relentless and vituperative about the power intoxication of the AFC and moral bankruptcy of the leadership of APNU. And guess who was a constant recipient of my carping –David Hinds.
One evening, while having plantain chips and fried fish at Nickey’s on Drury Lane with David, I hinted to him that the government will fall on a no-confidence motion. My wife baked a cake for Michael Carrington’s birthday and I gave it to him at Demico Roof Garden and I told him the government will fall through a no-confidence motion. I knew what was coming and I was glad it was coming. Even the Forbes Burnham regime was more patriotic and less pompous than the APNU+AFC entity.
During my daily critical columns on the APNU+AFC’s exercise of power, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, was the guest of the
show, Plain Talk, hosted by Chris Ram. Ramjattan referred to my columns and told Ram that it looks like I wanted to bring back the PPP in government. So, no one on Planet Earth can accuse me of silence during the betrayal politics of the APNU+AFC regime.
One of the deep scars that grew on my mind in May 2015 was when several second-tier leaders of the AFC told me what happened in the boardroom of the AFC when its leaders met to select its ministers. There was consensus in the room to contact a complete stranger and ask her to become the Minister of the Environment. This woman was a friend of the AFC’s elitist leadership. Nigel Hughes was present in the room.
Nigel and I enjoyed a good friendship during the years of AFC’s governmental tenure. But in those years, we hardly saw each other. He is now the leader of the AFC and I am putting two questions to him because the questions relate to a territory, he was part of. The first is the choice of the lady.
Why were so many excellent second-tier leaders, qualified and hard-working overlooked for the ministerial post of Environment Minister? Why did Nigel concur? I hope if and when Nigel answers, he names the lady. Over the past 9 years, writing on this subject, people have asked me to identity her but I refused because I
don’t want to have a libel writ.
It is for the people who chose her to do the politically obligatory thing and name her. David Patterson in an interview on the Freddie Kissoon Show conditioned his appearance on me not bringing up the subject of the lady and the proposal to her of the Minister of the Environment portfolio. Up to this day, I still cannot figure out why David Patterson did not want to discuss that issue.
The second question relates to the amendment to the marijuana law that Nigel himself drafted. His Bill removed the draconian penalties for small amounts of possession and the shape of bail. The Bill was put on the Order Paper of the House to be read under the name of AFC, parliamentarian, Michael Carrington. The Bill never saw the light of day.
Because Nigel spent precious time on the Bill and was the second- incharge of the AFC at the time (chairman), I always wondered why he did not confront the AFC leadership and insist that the Bill go through the process. At the time, the PPP said it would allow its MPs a conscious vote, meaning they can vote without party direction. The Bill would have passed either way.
Nigel is now leader of the AFC; he must know that there will be “millions” of questions that will be put to him on the
AFC’s tenure in government.
I am putting two simple questions to him and my reason is not a political or personal one. I am always driven by the need to record history. What Nigel has to say on these situations when the AP -
NU+AFC were in power will be recorded in the history book.
Only David Patterson has given me a reason why the lady was offered the ministerial position. My research showed that he did not tell me the truth.
I expect Nigel to be more forthcoming.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
IN an effort to revolutionise the healthcare services in Region Eight, government has expended a substantial $508 million in 2024.
This significant investment is in addition to the government’s budgetary allocation for the region, demonstrating its commitment to funding the development of healthcare across Guyana.
Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony highlighted the major healthcare improvements in the region during a ground-breaking ceremony for a new hospital in Kato on Friday.
Emphasising the importance of ensuring far-flung communities have equal access to healthcare, the min-
ister noted that “this government, this President is committed to the development of Guyana. And one way that we can develop the people of our country is to make sure that we invest in their healthcare.”
He further added: “We are going out to the people, finding their problems and helping to fix their problems in the community.”
Throughout 2024, several transformative efforts have been implemented to construct and improve medical infrastructure, acquire equipment and train personnel.
The minister noted that prior to this investment, the majority of the region’s hospitals lacked the capabilities
to provide essential services.
As a result, some surgeries and diagnostic tests were deemed impossible in the region, forcing patients to travel long journeys to Georgetown to access critical services.
This situation has drastically improved through the ministry’s continuous investments that have already begun to make a tremendous impact on the lives of residents.
Among the most notable achievements is the installation of an operating theatre at the Mahdia hospital. This facility is now able to perform surgeries locally for the first time. This is a major leap forward in transform -
ing healthcare in the region, providing services to those in need regardless of their locations
Since the upgrade, over 46 surgeries have been successfully performed, benefitting scores of residents of Mahdia and surrounding communities.
The minister affirmed that, “the investments we are making in that regional hospital are paying off.”
Dr Anthony also highlighted the upgrades to the hospital’s diagnostic capa -
bilities, including a newly expanded laboratory which now offers essential tests such as blood work.
In addition to the numerous improvements to the Mahdia hospital, the investment saw the construction of maternal waiting homes in key areas, including Kato and Mahdia
Furthermore, the region’s number of healthcare facilities has increased from 15 to 19, ensuring that more residents can receive the care they need closer to home.
The region now also boasts 11 telemedicine sites, allowing remote consultations and emergency services and facilitating hands-on training for health staff.
Recognising the needs of key demographics such as the elderly and children, the ministry has facilitated a raft of programmes to deliver life-saving and essential programmes to communities in the region.
Women aged 21 to 65 can now receive HPV testing and vaccines, while those aged 65 and older will receive with free cataract surgeries and rehabilitation services. Meanwhile, under the government’s school health programme, health checks will continue for every child in the region, including vision and hearing tests, providing free spectacles and hearing aids where necessary. These efforts aim to protect the prosperity of the future generation by prioritising their health and safeguarding their ability to develop into healthy and happy citizens. (DPI)
A 57-year-old security guard and handyman, identified as Pharbodan Rampersaud, is now deceased following a workplace accident on November 28, 2024.
According to the Ministry of Labour, its Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has initiated investigations into the fatal workplace accident involving Rampersaud, a resident of 1003 Belle West Housing Scheme.
A report by the ministry stated that Rampersaud was employed by DSC Construction. Preliminary findings indicate that, at approximately 16:55 hours, Deodat Charran, the employer and driver along with Rampersaud, were transporting a machine roller in a lorry from the northern carriageway on Canal Number Two Road to the DSC Construction site
located at Lot 1321 Belle West Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara.
It was mentioned that during the process Rampersaud became trapped between the front of the truck’s cargo body and the machine roller.
A passerby noticed the incident and immediately alerted the driver, who then stopped the lorry and con-
firmed the situation. Rampersaud was assisted by the driver and concerned citizens and transported to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The investigation is being led by OSH Officer, Johana Vaughn, and will continue into the coming week.
Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, extends his
heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. At this time, Minister Hamilton reiterates to employers and employees the importance and need for good safety and health practices in the workplace so that similar incidents/ accidents that can result in the loss of lives of loved ones can be avoided.
THE Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced the commissioning of multimillion-dollar schools in Quiko and Moco Moco, which are part of its ongoing efforts to enhance access to education in Region Nine.
In a statement, the Ministry said that a new chapter in the educational development of Quiko Village was written with the official commissioning of the Quiko Primary School.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, presided over the event, which took place on a recent trip to the region,
built to meet the educational needs of the growing student population, ensuring that every child has access to a safe and supportive environment for learning.
During her visit, Minister Manickchand addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of the new school in enhancing the educational experience for children in the area.
According to the statement, she further emphasised the ministry’s commitment to improving educational standards across Guyana, particularly in hinterland regions, ensuring that no child
that the school’s opening is expected to alleviate overcrowding in nearby institutions, ensuring that every child receives the attention and education they deserve.
“The Ministry of Education continues to prioritise the expansion and improvement of educational infrastructure across Guyana, focusing on hinterland communities to bridge the gap in access to quality education. The commissioning of Quiko Primary School is part of the ongoing efforts to provide every child with the resources and opportunities needed for success in today’s
marking a significant step forward in improving access to quality education.
The newly commissioned school, valued at $12, 621, 230, is designed to provide a modern and conducive learning environment for the children of Quiko, the statement said adding that the facility is equipped with spacious classrooms, contemporary teaching resources, and ample outdoor spaces for recreational activities.
It was emphasised that the school’s infrastructure is
is left behind regardless of their location.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by local leaders, parents, and learners, all of whom expressed their joy and gratitude for the new facility.
The new Quiko Primary School will serve not only the children of Quiko but also pupils from neighbouring villages, providing them with easier access to education and reducing the need for long travel distances.
The statement added
world,” it added.
LANDMARK DEVELOPMENT
Meanwhile, in a separate statement which was also release on Sunday, the MoE said that the commissioning of the $13 million Moco Moco Nursery School is a landmark development for early childhood education in hinterland communities.
The school was officially inaugurated on November 23, at Moco Moco, Region Nine.
This new facility,
constructed at a cost of $13,821,020, exemplifies the ministry’s dedication to ensuring equitable access to quality education for Guyana’s youngest learners, the statement said.
It added that the school boasts modern classrooms, age-appropriate furniture, a playground, and essential amenities designed to foster a safe and supportive environment for children to thrive academically and socially.
The commissioning ceremony was graced by Minister Manickchand alongside local leaders, parents, and an
access secondary, every child could access primary. And by access, I mean going to the classroom. When we get into the classroom, we still have to make sure they can learn and learn well,” she was quoted as saying.
Minister Manickchand also stressed the significance of having trained teachers in the region, which now boasts nearly 100 per cent of trained teaching staff.
“It’s more likely that your children will get a solid education if we teach your teacher how to teach, and that’s what the Cyril Potter College of Education does. It
“I hope you see how much emphasis we place on education. We believe your children are capable of doing everything that every other child is capable of doing. What they need is the opportunity and that you deserve the opportunity and you’ve earned the right to have the same opportunities other children in other regions have,” she added.
According to the statement, the Moco Moco Nursery School is a timely addition to the community, addressing the urgent need for accessible early childhood education.
The
Nursery School which was commissioned on November 23
enthusiastic community.
Minister Manickchand emphasised the pivotal role of early childhood education in establishing a strong foundation for lifelong learning and development.
She commended the final outcome of the project, highlighting that it is one of twelve nursery schools constructed by the government in the region.
“We want to build so that we make sure every child could access a nursery education, every child could
teaches teachers, not content, but how to teach the content, because you can know a lot of things, but not how to put it over,” she explained.
During her visit, the minister engaged with students, teachers, and parents, urging them to seize the opportunities provided by the new school. She underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to investing in hinterland education to bridge disparities and promote equal opportunities nationwide.
By reducing travel distances and providing a purpose-built facility, the school ensures that young learners can focus on their growth and education.
This initiative is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to expand access to quality education across hinterland and remote regions. Similar projects are being implemented nationwide, ensuring that every child benefits from Guyana’s educational advancements, the statement said.
WITH the aim of boosting tourism and enhancing connectivity, work will soon commence to upgrade several airstrips in Guyana’s hinterland region, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.
The Head of State made the announcement at the recent commissioning of the Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome at Eteringbang, Region Seven.
According to the President, works have already commenced to upgrade the Kaieteur Airstrip, where about 500 feet of runway remains to be completed.
He expressed optimism that the final section will be finished by March next year.
“That will not only
boost tourism, but that will ensure we have a safe landing space there in Kaieteur,” he said.
Kaieteur Falls, one of Guyana’s most iconic natural wonders, draws thousands of visitors annually, and the completion of the airstrip is expected to significantly enhance access for both tourists and emergency services providers.
President Ali further detailed plans for another key airstrip development in the bordering community of Kaikan.
"From here, they're going to go to another important border location in Kaikan, and we want that airstrip to be delivered by June,"
President Ali explained. “So, they (engineers)
have to put everything in place.”
In addition to these projects, two other strategic airstrips are set to be added to the portfolio managed by the Guyana Defence Force Engineering Corps. These are Camp Jaguar, which will be vital for security and operational purposes, and the Orinduik airstrip, which is critical for both regional connectivity and economic development in the area.
“Those two airstrips, Camp Jaguar and Orinduik, immediately, will be added, and work must commence before the end of the year,” President Ali stated. "The materials must be procured, and work must commence on
these airstrips before the end of the year."
The President also emphasised the importance of local community involvement in the upkeep of these airstrips. "In relation to this airstrip, we want to immediately restore the community contract for the maintenance of the airstrip," he noted before highlighting the role that local communities will play in sustaining the infrastructure and ensuring its long-term viability.
These developments are part of a broader national strategy aimed at improving air travel access across Guyana, particularly in remote regions that are crucial for economic growth, tourism, and national
security. The government’s investment in aviation infrastructure is expected to foster greater connectivity, while also positioning Guyana as a premier destination for eco-tourism.
As work continues on these projects, President Ali reiterated his commitment to improving Guyana’s transportation infrastructure and
ensuring that the country’s remote regions are adequately served by reliable, modern facilities.
According to President Ali, these airstrips will not only enhance tourism, but will also ensure the safety and convenience of people, especially those living in the hinterland regions. (Naomi Parris)
AS the Ministry of Education's (MoE) National Mathematics Intervention Awareness Campaign continues its journey across Guyana, it has made a stop at the St. Ignatius Secondary School in Region Nine.
The campaign is a key pillar of the ministry's broader strategy to improve academic performance nationwide, with an aim to address long-standing challenges in Mathematics, a subject critical to the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and the academic futures of students.
According to the MoE’s press release, during her address, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand shared with students that only 13 per cent of their peers passed Mathematics last year.
Acknowledging the challenges faced, the Minister offered assurance that with the right tools, targeted efforts, and disciplined study habits, they could change the narrative.
As part of the campaign, each student was provided with essential tools to aid in their studies, including a scientific calculator, a geometry set, a graph book, a Mathematics textbook, and past papers organised by topic.
Minister Manickchand noted that these resources are not just handouts, explaining that, “They are tools designed to help you practise, be-
come familiar with the types of questions you’ll encounter, and build your confidence so that when you walk into that examination room, you are fully prepared.”
A cornerstone of the campaign is the integration of the ministry’s Distance Learning Unit, particularly through the Guyana Learning Channel.
The ministry said that twice weekly, (Sunday and Tuesday), renowned educator, Leon Beaton, teaches Mathematics lessons that align with the CSEC syllabus. These lessons are also available on YouTube, giving students the flexibility to learn at their own pace.
“The tools and lessons we are providing are meant to complement the hard work of your teachers,” Minister Manickchand said. “If you engage with these lessons, complete the exercises, and follow your teachers’ guidance, I am absolutely certain you can pass these exams.”
The education minister emphasised the importance of daily practice in achieving success.
“Every night, you must dedicate time to solving Mathematics problems. Repetition is the key to mastery. By the time you walk into your exam, you will recognise 50 to 55 out of 60 questions because you have solved them before. That familiarity can secure the 30 per cent needed to pass with ease,” she explained.
The release stated that the National Mathematics Intervention Awareness Campaign is one of several targeted initiatives by the Ministry of Education aimed at improving student outcomes. It complements efforts such as the Book Distribution Programme, which ensures students across Guyana have access to high-quality educational materials, and the National School Feeding Programme, which supports students’ overall well-being. These initiatives, ac-
cording to the MoE, align with the mission to make education more inclusive and accessible, ensuring that students in remote regions like Region Nine are not left behind.
The visit to St. Ignatius Secondary School underscores the ministry’s commitment to transforming education and empowering students to achieve their best. It also reflects the belief that, with the right support, every child has the potential to excel.
By Shaniya Harding
DATA compiled by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has shown that Guyana’s shipping sector has seen remarkable growth since 2020, and according to Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, government’s proactive policies are a major contributory factor.
Minister Indar made this revelation while delivering the keynote address at the Shipping Association of Guyana’s Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony, held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Saturday night,
The event, celebrated under the theme "Capitalizing on Opportunities for Sustainable Growth in the Shipping Industry," saw Minister Indar highlighting the growth of the shipping sector.
He outlined the next steps for the sector, including increased investments, expansion of the workforce, and enhanced certification for the country’s ports and harbours.
Citing recent data from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Minister Indar stated, “I will present you with some numbers from the MARAD. They say that we had about 3,822 vessels that moved in 2020. In 2019, when we first started out, it was 1,922. So, it literally doubled. The kind of traffic we had before oil production has literally doubled.”
He further noted that marine traffic has grown by some 19 per cent which he attributed to proactive government policies which are designed to foster maritime development. “The government policies toward the marine sector remain active and alive,” he affirmed.
A key driver behind Guyana’s maritime advancement has been the focus on International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) compliance. Minister Indar reported that 22 of the country’s ports are now ISPS-compliant, a critical measure for enhancing safety and operational
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, delivers the keynote address at the Shipping Association of Guyana’s Annual Dinner and Awards
efficiency.
He further stressed the importance of ISPS compliance in ensuring secure port operations, safeguarding goods, and maintaining safety for people entering and leaving Guyanese ports.
One of the sector’s primary challenges, according to Minister Indar, is the shortage of skilled professionals, particularly Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs). “These officers are highly skilled, highly trained, and some countries have more than others. I believe that is what we are lacking,” he said.
To address this gap, Minister Indar called for a concerted effort to invest in training programmes. He highlighted collaboration with Caribbean maritime development initiatives and other international entities as avenues to enhance local expertise.
“We need to try and come together as the industry gets more and more advanced,” he said, adding, “We need to have training with them. The Caribbean maritime development helps with that.”
Meanwhile, several members of the Shipping Association of Guyana were awarded for their outstanding performance and the roles they played in the sector’s development. Among the awardees was Dr. Christopher Fernandes, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 for his high level of commitment to improving and developing the SAG and the broader shipping industry.
The SAG Chairman’s
outstanding performances
Award 2024 was presented to Dr. Desmond Sears, who was honoured for his 50 years of service in the maritime sector and his sterling contributions to both the Association and the industry. Additionally, the Outstanding Business Executive Award 2024 went to Colin Moore, recognised for his business excellence in the shipping industry during the 2023/2024 period.
Similarly, the Outstanding Business Excellence Award 2024 was awarded to Jennifer Prashad for her exceptional contributions to the shipping industry during the 2023/2024 period. The Award for Innovativeness 2024 went to Robin Muneshwar, who was recognised for his innovative approach and business initiative in responding to the needs of the shipping industry.
Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer also received the Award for Innovativeness 2024, honoured for his continuous expansion and development to meet the growing needs of the maritime sector, particularly in the oil and gas industry. Furthermore, the Innovativeness Award 2024 went to Prittipaul Singh Jr., who was similarly recognised for his contributions to the development of the shipping industry.
As the sector continues to grow, Minister Indar calls for investment in technical skills as well as the adherence to international standards and how crucial they remain in ensuring sustainable progress of Guyana’s maritime sector.
THE British High Commission on Sunday reminded Guyanese travelling to the United Kingdom of the need for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) approval effective January 8, 2025.
“…it is mandatory for all Guyanese nationals [sic] travelling to the UK without a visa to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This new requirement applies to most visa-exempt travellers and is part of the UK’s efforts to enhance border security and improve the travel experi-
ence,” a statement from the High Commission said.
It also announced that applications for an ETA are now open and can be done via the UK ETA app— available on the Apple Store and Google Play Store—or through the official GOV. UK website.
“The process is simple, takes less [sic] than 15 minutes, and costs £10. Decisions are typically provided within three working days, and app users may receive quicker responses. Once approved, the ETA will allow multiple trips to the UK for
up to six months per visit, lasting either two years or until the passport linked to the application expires— whichever comes first,” the statement explained.
It added that travellers arriving in the UK on January 8, 2025, must secure ETA approval beforehand, so those flying late on January 7, 2025, should ensure their ETA is in place. If an application is refused, travellers must apply for a UK visa.
The ETA requirement does not apply to British or Irish passport holders, or
those travelling to the Turks and Caicos Islands or other British Overseas Territories. The statement said that the introduction of the ETA system aligns with the UK’s
commitment to making travel safer and more efficient, mirroring similar systems used in the US and Australia.
Guyanese travellers are encouraged to apply
early to avoid delays. For more information or to start your application, visit the GOV.UK website or download the UK ETA app today.
THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MoHSSS) has announced that it will commence the distribution of old-age pension books in five regions starting December 5, 2024. These are Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine, and 10.
According to the ministry a detailed schedule of venues, dates and times will be published in the newspapers and on social media, so that pensioners can be informed.
The ministry encourages all pensioners to follow the published schedules, as the books will be distributed in specific clusters in every region and in communities.
Th e ministry stated: “We are urging that you go only to the venue that matches your address. Books will not be delivered outside of those clusters or across regions. The exercise is very specific, and is done in a manner to reduce travel outside of communities to uplift books. Updated schedules will be published each week to keep pensioners informed where to go to uplift their books.”
Additionally, it was announced that all distribution exercises are expected to start at 08:30hrs and will proceed in an orderly man-
ner to ensure that pensioners are served efficiently and quickly.
The ministry is urging that pensioners not visit distribution sites in the wee hours of the morning, as they will all be served when they get there throughout the day.
It was further noted that while the ministry does not want pensioners’ wait time to be a lengthy one, it is impossible to serve each person at the same time. Because the sites will also be open for more than one day at each location to facilitate the numbers of persons, the ministry noted that everyone should not go on the first day. Sites will close daily at 16:30hrs.
Moreover, the ministry is asking the public not to
bring shut-in cases to the sites as the delivery to those pensioners will be done at their homes. Instead, such persons can be registered by contacting the ministry’s offices or on site.
The ministry said: “We are working diligently to make the process as seamless as possible for all 73,000 pensioners, and we ask for the co-operation at all sites. We also remind pensioners of the banking and MMG options which do not require books. Monies will be deposited within the first five days of every month. Please do not go to locations before checking the schedule to see where your community will be served. We thank you very much."
By Sean Devers
WATCHED by another sizeable crowd at Providence last night, the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) faced off with English county team Hampshire in a contest they had to win to advance to the final of the Global Super League, where the top teams would qualify.
Australians Victoria with consecutive victories lead the points table with four points and has virtually qualified for the inaugural final of the Exx-
onMobil Guyana Global Super League.
When the dust settled last night, it was the Warriors who had won by four wickets as Man-ofthe-Match Imran Tahir (318) overshadowed a magnificent 79 from Shaan Masood.
In a fantastic atmosphere, the Warriors invited the Hawkes to bat on the best pitch of the tournament so far.
Hampshire reached 146-6 off 20 overs with Masood smashing eight fours and two sixes from 54 balls, as 45-year-old
Skipper Tahir took 3-18. The Warriors began their reply chasing 147 to win but were quickly on the back foot, losing their first two wickets with the score on 18.
Kevlon Anderson, in the team for Keemo Paul, fell to James Fuller who off his next ball had Shai Hope stupendously caught at short mid-wicket by a leaping Ali Orr.
Hetmyer got going with contrasting boundaries; the first being a dismissive pull to backward square leg before inside-edging the next ag-
onisingly past his leg-stop to the fine leg ropes.
Moin Ali executed some glorious cover drives, the best of them clearing the ropes at cover to spark a crescendo of noise from the less-than-capacity crowd which sounded like 100,000.
However, Ali was caught behind off the lively Sonny Baker for 20 at 41-3 and when he was well set for the fifth 50 in the tournament, Hetmyer, who hit three fours and a six in his 24, was taken trying to play a big shot
off Benny Howell at 80-4
Roston Chase made an important 33 while Hassan Khan scored an unbeaten 27 with two fours and a six.
When Gudakesh Motie (16) was dismissed by Howell, the Warriors still needed 24 to win, but Romario Shepherd, 11 not out with a six and a four and Khan saw them home
The Warriors play their final preliminary game on Wednesday against the Rangpur Riders.
Another closely fought match in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) in the first of Sunday’s double header of fixtures saw Victoria overcome Rangpur Riders by a margin of 10 runs in Providence.
After losing their first match the Riders were looking to get their points tally moving but they came up against a slick looking Australian outfit who were full of confidence after their own winning start to the tournament.
Nural Hasan won the toss for Riders and elected to field first, he may well have been regretting the decision when glancing at the scoreboard in the ninth over and seeing the opposition cruising at 70-0 with both Victoria openers timing the ball and finding the gaps.
Blake McDonald was the first to fall for a well-made 40 off 29 deliveries and the old adage of ‘one bringing two’ saw fellow opener Joe Clarke succumb in the next over for 32. Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain were the pick of the bowlers for Riders and after the strong start regular wickets saw Victoria pegged back. A score of 151-6 meant that Riders were still in the game if they could build some partnerships of their own with the bat.
Soumya Sarkar was the glue that held Riders chase together, the Bangladeshi southpaw struck an impressive half century with
Wayne Madsen of Rangpur Riders is bowled by Corey Anderson of Victoria during the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League T20 match between Rangpur Riders and Victoria at Providence Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Georgetown, Guyana. (Photo by Ashley AllenGSLT20/Global Super League via Getty Images)
(Monday December 02, 2024)
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD - 83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Jason Holder-11/103 (Kingston, 2018)
(2) Mehidy Hasan Miraz-12/117 (Mirpur, 2018)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Which WI wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals in Tests versus BANG to date?
(2) Which BANG wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals in Tests versus the WI to date?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
51 off 42 deliveries from the top of the order but when he fell as one of player of the match Callum Stow’s three wickets in the game, the Riders had it all to do at 108-4 with a little over five overs left.
Rishad Hossain kept the Riders hopes burning in the 18th over with a well struck and timely six dispatched off Max Birthisel but Dominc Drakes and
Anderson shut up shop for Victoria in the final two overs to see Victoria run out winners. Victoria now look the team to beat in the GSL and sit top of the table on four points with two wins in two. The standings don’t look so pretty for Rangpur Riders who are rooted to the bottom of the table without any points from their first two fixtures.
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
08:35 hrs. Hollygrove Cha Cha
09:05 hrs. Rosscahill
09:35 hrs. Grove Road
10:05 hrs. Holeshot
10:35 hrs. Mumbles
11:10 hrs. Walkinthewoods
11:45 hrs. Captain Claude
PLUMPTON
08:20 hrs. Go West
08:50 hrs. Theonlywayisessex
09:20 hrs. Korus
09:50 hrs. Batwomen 10:20 hrs. Gold Clermont
10:55 hrs. Ask Her Out
11:30 hrs. Twist Of Fatecatch WOLVERHAMPTON 12:30 hrs. Gilt Efge 13:00 hrs. Safanah 13:30 hrs. Sol Argent 14:00 hrs. Waiting For Love
14:30 hrs. Oakley Boy 15:00 hrs.
Fernandes holds off Ali to win GMR&SC Endurance In changing conditions
at the South Dakota Circuit, Adrian Fernandes held on Mohamed Ali in a nail-biting finish to the
Rockstone Street-ball Classic...
Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club/BM Soat sponsored 100 laps Endurance race yesterday.
Contested in both wet and dry conditions, the twoand-a-half-hour race saw Fernandes completing the
100 laps just two corners ahead of Ali.
The event was also sponsored by Secure Inno-
vations and Concepts and White Boys Auto Spares. Details in tomorrow’s edition
Showstoppers, Pouderoyen, Brothers, and Family advanced to the semifinal round when the inaugural edition of the Rockstone Street-ball Classic commenced on Friday evening at the Pouderoyen Tarmac in West Bank Demerara.
Showstoppers dismantled Jetty Gunners 5-1. Deon Alfred bagged a brace in the first and 21st minute while Stephon Jupiter, Teffon Fraser, and Donte McAulay scored in the second, 11th, and 19th minute respectively. For the loser, Chris Macey scored in the 33rd minute.
They will now battle Pouderoyen Brothers in the semifinal after the aforementioned team bested Westside Ballerz 2-1 on sudden death penalty kicks following
a 1-1 score.
Prior to the aforesaid conclusion, Dwayne Peters gave Pouderoyen Brothers the initial lead in the first minute while Darrel Abrams equalized in the fifth.
Meanwhile, Ballers
Empire downed Agricola 4-2. The quartet of Kevin Padmore, Ravin Naughton, Jaleei Alcindor, and Samuel Garnett scored in the fourth, 27th, 30th, and 40th minute apiece. For the loser, Bilaal Jabbar
scored in the sixth and 14th minute respectively.
Their next opponent, Team Family, downed Bagotstown Warriors 2-0 via goals from Teon Stewart and Lloyd Matthews in the sixth and
25th minute respectively.
The winner of the event will pocket $200,000 and the championship trophy, while the second, third, and fourth-place finishers will receive $100,000, $75,000, and $50,000, respectively.
The event will conclude on December 6th at the same venue.
Complete Results
Game-1
Team Family-2 vs. Bagotstown Warriors-0
Teon Stewart-6th
Lloyd Matthews-25th
Game-2
Agricola-2 vs. Ballers Empire-4
Ballers Empire scorers
Kevin Padmore-4th
Ravin Naughton-27th
Jaleei Alcindor-30th
Samuel Garnett-40th
Agricola scorers
Bilaal Jabbar-6th
Jonathan Andries-14th
Game-3
Pouderoyen Brothers-1 vs Westside Ballers-1
Pouderoyen Brothers won 2-1 on sudden death penalty kicks
Pouderoyen Brothers scorers
Dwayne Peters-1st
West Side Ballers scorer
Darrel Abrams-5th Game-4
Showstoppers-5 vs. Jetty Gunners-1
Showstoppers scorers
Deon Alfred-1st and 21st
Stephon Jupiter-2nd
Teffon Fraser-11th
Donte McAulay-19th
Jetty scorer
Chris Macey-33rd
JAYDEN Seales delivered a masterclass in pace bowling with sensational figures of 15.5-10-5-4, as the West Indies skittled out Bangladesh for 164 on the second day of the second Test here at Sabina Park, Sunday. His performance saw him go into the record books with the seventh most economical spell in Test cricket since 1977 for bowlers delivering a minimum of 60 balls.
The Trinidadian ensured the hosts held a commanding position, and by stumps, the
West Indies had reached 70 for 1, with Kraigg Brathwaite and Keacy Carty steadying the ship after the early loss of Mikyle Louis. Earlier, it was Shamar Joseph who set the tone, dismantling the Bangladesh batting lineup with a fiery spell. After a solid 73-run partnership between Shadman Islam and Shahadat Hossain, Joseph triggered a dramatic collapse. From 83 for 2, the visitors slumped to 98 for 6 in the space of 34 balls, with Joseph accounting
for three key dismissals. Joseph first ended Shahadat’s resilient knock of 22, breaching his defence with a delivery that uprooted the stumps. He then forced Jaker Ali into an awkward pull shot, resulting in a top edge that lobbed behind for an easy catch by wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva. In his next over, Joseph found Shadman’s outside edge, giving Da Silva his fourth catch of the innings. Litton Das fell amid the carnage, edging Seales to first
slip for just 1.
After lunch, Bangladesh’s lower order, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, mounted a stubborn resistance. The duo batted for 116 balls, adding 41 runs while frustrating the West Indies bowlers. Their stand ended when Taijul Islam fended an Alzarri Joseph bouncer to third slip for 16.
Seales returned to clean up the tail with ruthless efficiency, taking the final three wickets for just five runs. Taskin Ahmed’s at -
tempt to pull a short ball resulted in a sharp catch by Alick Athanaze at second slip, courtesy of Da Silva’s reflexes.
Mehidy’s hook shot found the hands of fine leg, and Nahid Rana’s leg stump was uprooted by a pinpoint delivery to end the innings.
Bangladesh’s seamers responded with disciplined bowling, conceding only 16 runs in the ten overs before tea. After the interval, Rana’s fiery spell yielded the wicket of Louis for 12, caught be-
hind off a sharp delivery. Taijul Islam extracted turn and bounce from the surface, keeping both Brathwaite and Carty in check. Despite his accuracy, he failed to claim a wicket, with seven of his ten overs being maidens. The West Indies skipper Brathwaite, unbeaten on 33, and Carty, on 19, ensured there were no further setbacks before bad light ended play prematurely for the second consecutive day.
Two more match days remain in the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC)
T10 Tapeball Harmony League and all signs point towards a thrilling finale at the Everest Cricket Club on Sunday, December 8.
The day before the quarterfinals will be at Queen’s College Ground.
On Sunday, formidable sides such as Eccles All-Stars and Village Rams were eliminated, leaving the tournament wide open to who could lift the inaugural title.
At Queen’s College, Jonte Thomas (80) and Akeim Vieira (56) led Eccles to 173-1
from their ten overs, and it proved way out of reach for Village Rams, who reached 131-6, despite 47 from 19 balls by Antony Adams. Eccles then progressed to play CJIA Warriors, who batted Eccles out of the match as they made 141-4, led by a brutal 31-ball 78 (3x4s;7x6s) by Avinash Mohabir. Tight bowling then limited Eccles to 79-7.
More so, Lil Rams edged Pure Entertainers in a thrilling comeback. Lil Rams posted 82-8, which looked insufficient at the halfway stage, but it was more than enough as Entertainers limped to
71-7.
Alvin Mohabir (51) made the difference with the bat for Lil Rams.
More so, Movements Family (Mahdia) got two wins to progress and join the tags of title favorites.
Against Zeeburg Vipers, they posted a mammoth 1971, led by Martin Singh (94; 4x4s; 11x6s) and Ershaad Ali (77). They then restricted Zeeburg to 46-6 at MetenMeer-Zorg Ground.
There was a tricky match against the Vikings, but their 107-8 proved more than enough as they limited them to 66-6.
Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival Day 4…
With two more match days remaining, the tournament is heading for thrilling finale
Despite not fielding their full-strength side, The Guards, along with Kings and The Organisation, progressed to the next round. Strike Panthers is the other team set to play on December 7.
The tournament boasts exciting rewards, includ -
Saints Hockey Club put on an awesome display which required Queens Park Hockey Club to pull on all their experience to overcome the young side on Saturday in the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival ongoing at the National Gymnasium.
A converted penalty corner saw Queens Park taking the lead in the 3rd minute of play but Saints showed their tenacity and quality thereafter as Keeland Cummings, Shakeem Fausette and Baraka Garnett came to the fore with field
goals in the first and second quarter to overturn the advantage 3-1.
Queens Park, boasting an experienced side would rise like the phoenix near the end of the third period as top player Jordan Vieira proved instrumental piloting a hat trick of goals to narrow 4-3 victory
NORTH Ruimveldt Ravens showed their class once again on Saturday by axing Linden’s Victory Valley Royals in the final of the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) Elite 16-knockout Basketball Championship at the National Gymnasium Hard Court.
Defending One Guyana basketball League champions, Ravens showed their prowess as a basketball unit to take a 75-53-point victory in front of a raucous crowd.
It was a close game at the end of the first quarter as Ravens led 15-14, but they started to pull away in the second period as they went into the half up, 37-28.
Ravens’ Nikkoloi Smith, skipper Dominic Vincente, Shemar Huntley, and Ryan Stepheney again stepped up for the team to secure another title win for the storied side.
After the second-quarter showing by the city side, Linden’s Victory Valley Royals never mounted a suc-
Ravens’ Shemar Huntley going for a lay-up
cessful comeback, despite Harold Adams and Orland Glasgow dropping 15 points each in the contest.
Stepheney and Smith were Ravens’ top scorers, as they both finished with 14 points each in a good all-round performance for the Ravens unit. They had support from Vincente, 10, and Huntley, 13 points.
The clash ended with Ravens taking a 22- point victory, 75-53.
The tournament featured club teams from Bartica,
Linden, Georgetown, and Berbice, and served as a precursor to the One Guyana league that is set to tip off in the coming weeks.
Ravens earned themselves $300,000 as the winner, with Victory Valley Royals having to settle for the second-place trophy $100,000.
The competition was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, the National Sports Commission, MVP Sports and Praetorian Security.
to leave left Saints empty handed. Queens Park then battered TT Police Force Side 5-2 with Vieira scoring a double.
Pepsi Hiker also defeated TT police side 4-3 in almost identical fashion, the T&T side went in front after a Roger Daniel goal before Jamarj A ssanah showed why he highly regarded as one of the country’s best players, scoring a triple in the 16th, 20th and 29th minutes respectively a make it a 3-1 game.
Veteran Devin Munroe rolled back the years to register a fabulous goal to extend the lead 4-1.
Trinidad Police Side had two late goals to make it a close contest but Hikers held on for the victory 4-3.
Meanwhile Toronto Lions also edged TT Police side 4-3 in the men’s clash and YMCA Old Fort and Lions played to a draw 0-0.
Over the in women’s category GBTI GCC defeated TT Police
ing a $500,000 prize for the champions, $250,000 for the runners-up, and $100,000 for each of the two semi-finalists.
MARIAN Academy, led by coach Troy Wright, showed their dominance as defending champions as they have stopped all challengers with some impressive performances in a squad boasting a host of budding stars.
On Saturday’s semifinals at the Ministry of Education Ground, they lined up against Potaro Primary and they lived up to the hype and form with a 3-nil victory.
Marian Academy’s Ella Fernandes hit the back of the net in the 16th minute as they took the early advantage. Second-half goals from Ha-
Individual accolades of $60,000 each will be awarded for the Man of the Final, Most Runs, and Most Wickets, with trophies generously sponsored by Trophy Stall.
Through this initiative, the ERC aims to build lasting connections among participants, promote mutual respect, and strengthen community ties across Guyana.
2-nil compliments of goals from Rebecca Ferreira and Abosaide Cadogan.
George United was the biggest winners in the women category as they effected an 11-nil thrashing on YMCA Old Fort, Alana Lewis scored 4 goals with doubles for Savannah De Freitas and Zene Henry as they won it easy.
YMCA Old Fort ladies and T&T police played to a 1 all draw. The over 35 division saw an
impressive showing for Toronto Lions as they got the better of old fort expendables 11-nil.
Inderjeet Singh and Satnam Dosanjh had a triples with a pair of goals for Jeewanjot Singh.
Hikers old boys also beat TT Masters 5-2 with Devin Munroe in fine touch as he captured 4 goals and Timothy Jonas scoring the other in a dominate display.
Fernando Beatrice and Derek Tang Nian scored T&T masters goals.
ley Haberkorn in the 22nd and 30th minutes sealed the contest for the champions as they showed their intent on reclaiming their title, booking a spot in the final set for December 7 at the CARIFESTA Avenue Ground.
In the other semis, Waramuri took a needle victory over top side St. John the Baptist Primary.
Waramuri Primary’s goal scorer was Attai Harris in the 8th minute of play.
In the clashes for 5th to 8th places, West Ruimveldt Primary defeated Genesis Primary 3-nil with Ariel Farley scoring a hat-
trick of goals in the 1st, 3rd and 13th while Stella Maris Primary also won via the same score line over Smith Memorial Primary with goals from Jada Cranmore and Gabreann Thomas. The winning school will benefit from $100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars) in kind, along with trophies and medals with $75,000 for second place, $50,000 for third and $25,000 for fourth place along with trophies.
The most disciplined team will also be awarded and individual prizes will go towards the top goal scorer, MVP and best goalkeeper.
