‘We are creating
environment for the future’ -
says
Education Ministry refutes opposition MP’s misrepresenting comments on TVET sector - says programmes
‘We
are creating an enabling environment for the future’ - President Ali
- says building attractive framework for investment part of govt’s focus
THE government’s policies and programmes have been targeted towards ensuring that Guyana has an attractive framework for investment and further creates an enabling environment for future economic opportunity.
This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali who recently examined his government’s growth agenda over the last few years.
The Head of State indicated that because of several policies that have been pursued and all the investments made over the past four years, what can be seen is increased private sector investment among
other things.
While investment in the private sector increased by almost 20 per cent in 2024, this he said speaks to investors’ confidence in Guyana’s economy.
Dr Ali said that if one is to look at what is being done to boost food security, investment in agriculture has increased by almost 160 per cent, even as investment in real estate has increased by almost 78 per cent.
“Every single segment of the economy whether it’s agriculture, mining, manufacturing services, household, real estate, you see that there’s greater investment, greater spending
President Dr Irfaan Ali
because there’s more disposable income, greater affordability in the system itself,” he added.
These are the examples he noted that exist as to how the structure of the economy is changing as a result of the investments that are being made.
Looking at 2025 and beyond, President Ali stated that his government is creating a platform for long-term growth and economic expansion thus ensuring that the country has an attractive framework for investment and further foreign direct investment.
The creation of this platform also positions Guyana
as a major destination for investment in technology, world-class services, food security, manufacturing, energy and agro-processing among other things.
These are the things, he said that they are doing as a government that Budget 2025 continues to build on as focus is placed on expanding the economy of the country.
“So, we are creating an enabling environment for the future economic opportunity. That is what we’re building; a strong country, a strong society… sustainability in everything we do,” he said.
Fort Ordinance mother of three receives new house
IN a heart-warming gesture that highlights the government's commitment to improving the lives of all citizens, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, brought new hope to Yamanie Bepot, a dedicated mother of three from Fort Ordinance, East Canje, Berbice.
On Sunday, Minister Mustapha officially handed over the keys to a newly constructed house to Ya -
manie, transforming her living conditions and offering her a brighter future.
Yamanie, 35, a hardworking restaurant employee from Lot 913, Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme, had previously lived in a zinc house that offered little protection from the elements.
Expressing her deep gratitude, she thanked both the government and the private sector for making her dream of a safer, more secure home a reality.
Yamanie’s new house is a shining example of how strategic partnerships between the government and the private sector can transform lives and communities for the better.
Minister Mustapha at the location on Sunday, stated that through the Men on Mission (MoM) initiative, “a number of females, especially single parents have received hope across this country and here again we have another of corpo-
rate sponsors working with MOM.”
According to Minister Mustapha, the construction of the house is just another example of the government’s commitment to continue “looking at ways to assist people who are very vulnerable.
“We know for a fact we have a very robust housing programme, over 35,000 house lots have already been issued over the last four years and this is an -
other programme to assist vulnerable groups in the community.”
Minister Mustapha also took the opportunity to thank SAWA Investments and GAICO, the two private-sector companies that came together to make the initiative possible. “This shows again the partnership that the government is forming and creating will help people ease the burden.”
The companies are
also expected to assist in semi-furnishing the house.
Bepot at the location on Sunday thanked the government, President, Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister Mustapha for assisting in ensuring that she received the new structure.
The woman noted that she is extremely excited to move into the new house where her children will be more comfortable and safer while she heads out to work.
Minister Mustapha hands over the house keys to Yamanie Bepot, a Fort Ordinance single mother of three
The new house
NDMA hosts Cyber Hygiene Workshop in Region Nine
THE National Data Management Authority (NDMA) in its efforts to bridge the digital divide and provide improved access to internet in communities, recently launched its Cyber Hygiene and e-Services Workshop in Region Nine. This training initiative commenced in the village of Aishalton in January. According to the NDMA,
through these sessions, it is hoped that participants gain valuable insights into safe internet use, protecting personal data, identifying cyber threats, and maximising the benefits of government online services.
The workshop is being led by representatives from the NDMA’s e-Services and
Cybersecurity Divisions. In addition, it covered areas such as safe internet use, recognising online threats and phishing scams, secure password management and identifying AI-generated content.
As part of the government’s Digital Inclusion Agenda, the NDMA is pro-
viding internet access and ensuring that communities across the country have the knowledge and skills to use technology safely and confidently.
The Cyber Hygiene and e-Services Workshop has thus far been held in Aishalton, Shea, Maruranau and Awarewaunau, all located in Region Nine.
Moreover, the government continues to expand access to essential public services through continued investments in eServices. It was said that through the
NDMA these types of training sessions give residents in communities hands-on experience in utilising these resources.
The NDMA stated that all South Rupununi villages will benefit from these Cyber Hygiene training sessions. With the introduction of WiFiGY and now, the Cyber Hygiene Training, the NDMA is not just connecting villages, but is also empowering people for a safer, smarter digital future.
Scenes from the Cyber Hygiene Workshop (NDMA photos)
NAREI hosts successful one-day hydroponics training exercise
Over 50 persons on Saturday participated in theoretical and practical sessions on hydroponics in the boardroom of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute’s (NAREI) Mangroves Information Centre and hydroponics shade house, Mon Repos, respectively. Participants were exposed to various topics such as Principles of Hydroponics, Types of Systems, Operational Requirements, and Certification of Hydroponics Farms and Benefits (Photos: NAREI/Facebook)
UNOPS: the UN agency turning commitments into reality
NATIONS around the world which are seeking practical solutions to peace and security, humanitarian and development issues are marking 30 years of collaboration with a specialised UN agency.
Despite immense security risks and logistical challenges, the agency worked with international partners to transport
with secure, modern learning environments. By combining engineering expertise, local labour and a rapid implementation timeline, education was revitalised for communities that had lost so much.
UNOPS commitment to helping protect the environment was also highlighted through its work on the Mon-
A newly installed tap in Mirtala Village, India, provides a clean water supply (UNOPS/John Rae)
and eliminate hundreds of tonnes of chemical materials under strict deadlines. This mission drew praise from global leaders, illustrating how a UN body with the right expertise can help neutralise threats to international peace and security.
The devastating 2004 tsunami left Indonesian provinces Aceh and Nias in ruins. Amid overwhelming damage, UNOPS constructed 225 earthquake-resistant schools in the region, providing children
treal Protocol, the international treaty that led to the healing of the ozone layer. By providing technical guidance and project support, UNOPS helped countries transition to safer alternatives for nearly 100 chemicals that harm the ozone layer.
BRIDGING THE AP BETWEEN AMBITION AND ACTION
In any country coming out of conflict, rebuilding essential infrastructure can make the biggest difference. UNOPS remains committed to supporting
countries in conflict – building on its recent work in Ukraine, Syria and Gaza, which has been practically reduced to rubble. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is still in its early stages, but UNOPS stands ready to support a coordinated UN reconstruction response.
From its beginnings as a small department to its evolution into a driving force for concrete action, the UNOPS journey is a testament to the
power of resilience, innovation, and partnership. As global challenges multiply, the agency’s role in bridging the gap between humanitarian, developmental and environmental needs is an example of what the UN can achieve through determination, expertise and a global commitment to improving lives worldwide.
Today, the office is committed to bridging the gap between ambitions and tangible
action, building foundations for countries to recover and thrive, from constructing schools and hospitals, building roads that connect communities in remote areas, and strengthening health systems.
In 2025, as it marks its 30th anniversary, UNOPS is planning for the future, to ensure that it provides solutions where needs are greatest, with a focus on serving some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. (UN)
Fiscal Fantasy
THE recent, muddled attempts by the PNCR to justify its trillion-dollar promises only served to entrench public skepticism, underlining a fiscal lack of responsibility coupled with historical amnesia.
Though the party maintains that such social programmes would cost "just over $600 billion annually," failure to provide legitimate mechanisms for funding equates with the empty promises of times past-a disturbing sign for Guyanese in pursuit of stability amid
rapid national development.
The PNCR's resorting to a "Good Governance Dividend" to undergird cash grants is a recycled fallacy. This rebranded "Democratic Dividend" from its 2015 manifesto-a promise that disappeared after the election, epitomizes chronic disregard for accountability.
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh aptly labeled the opposition's proposals as "whimsical and fanciful", pointing out the absence of costed infrastructure plans for schools, hospitals, or
roads.
The fact that the PNCR admitted that it still has to employ experts to do economic modeling only highlights how unserious its agenda is.
Equally disturbing is the quiet pivot of the PNCR to increased VAT and tax collections as a revenue source. This contradicts its promise in 2015 to cut taxes--a promise it promptly broke with more than 200 increases during its term.
Dr. Singh's reminder of APNU/AFC draconian poli-
cies, from stifling economic growth to banning staple foods like flour, resonates loud as a clear warning. The Opposition's current rhetoric on tax-and-spend policy bears the same tendency for repetition as the austerity that once "reduced this country to pauperism.".
While the PNCR flails, the PPP/C government has passed eight consecutive budgets with no new taxes, investing in infrastructure, education, and social programs. Budget 2025 is no different and comes in line with
Guyana's 34% GDP growth in 2024 and its emergence as a regional economic leader.
Dr. Singh exudes confidence in the PPP/C's electoral prospects, buoyed by public trust forged in the crucible of tangible results—a sharp contrast to the opposition's reliance on hollow slogans.
The fact that the PNCR has not learned from its failures-or even acknowledged them-reveals a party unfit to steward Guyana's transformative moment.
Without fiscal rigor and transparency, its proposals
threaten to derail the momentum of the nation. As Dr. Singh insisted, the commitment of the PPP/C "to deliver until 2030 and beyond" presents a clear direction. Guyana cannot afford to gamble its future on a party that has yet to come to terms with its past.
Trust cannot be manufactured by press releases. The fiscal fantasy of the PNCR threatens to repeat a dark chapter in Guyana's history, one which the PPP/C has worked so hard to close.
Budget 2025 contains better benefits to allow bolder breaks
Dear Editor, LAUGHTER is sometimes recommended by the doctor to be a good medicine for stress relief, and one of the best providers is the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana, where the 2025 Budget debate is taking place.
The PNC once again proved that their party remains “dead meat,” the worst possible alternative, without substance, insignificant and the centre of attraction for comedy.
The toxic opposition is living up to their poisonous legacy of being unable to run a cake shop, their devastating history of being proud enablers of vitriolic debates and their fervent duty of religiously spewing venom. Hailed as a bigger budget with better benefits to allow bolder breaks, Budget 2025 is yet another ground-breaking trillion-dollar budget, closely following the footsteps of the pacesetter, the trillion-dollar Budget, 2024.
Yet, most of the malicious members of the mendacious PNC cannot find anything
good about the budget to support it. But hark, a moment of hope did glimmer with the conscience of a few who dared to antagonise the PNC in defiance and deviate to support the budget because they found it good for the people of Guyana. A few good women and men on the other side of the bench did not follow the ‘quicksand’ policy of the PNC as they recognised, acknowledged and endorsed the right side of development. Will this be consequential for the rebels and viewed as a mutiny or a revolt?
The opposition is once again washing their dirty laundry in public, showing how volatile they are in skulduggery by distorting facts. The young, budding and bright economist needs to acknowledge that the graphics of the country reflect real growth. They exposed themselves so that Dave can see all the way to Arizona by tainting the truth. It was the downside of the PNC’s 33 years of mismanagement which created the downsizing of Guyana’s economy. The
young ones should undress themselves from the PNC’s circus. Unable to calculate the half of 65, imagine how mind-boggling it must be to handle a trillion-dollar figure.
They have the “GADZOOKS” to then tread on Minister Priya Manickchand’s territory and want to talk about educating the children of Guyana.
APNU/AFC has the temerity to talk about resuscitating sugar after murdering the industry and drinking the blood of the workers. Imagine, the opposition is now debating about APNU/ AFC wanting to revive and develop GuySuCo after vandalising and destroying the corporation during their last tenure, by closing four estates and putting over 7,000 (seven thousand) sugar workers on the breadline! This statement certainly tickled the ribs of the PPP/C parliamentarians which produced roars of laughter that smelled of sarcasm and mockery. This devastated move by a heartless PNC government certainly brought tears to the workers, destroying the livelihoods of
over 40,000 (forty thousand) people, creating social disorders and even suicides.
As a nation mourned the death of sugar in 2016, the PNC danced away and sang the praises of a devious Granger leadership while the workers, businesspeople, farmers, suppliers and families plummetted into poverty and bankruptcy. “Sugar will not die,” boasted the PNC in their 2015 election campaign as “Naga” and “Janjat” coerced the people to vote for the AFC. And now the opposition has the “ CHUTZPAH” to feign compassion for the workers and to ask Guyanese to trust them. How can Guyanese trust the PNC when they turn around and stab you in the back? How can you trust them when they failed to deliver on their promise to increase sugar workers’ wages? How can workers trust the PNC when the poor workers were sent home without any compensation for months? Without a Ministry of Labour, no wonder workers were left outside in the cold.
The bombastic PNC had the audacity to talk about
integrity. Yet, it was the same PNC who attempted to subvert the will of the people in their brazen attempt in front of the eyes of the world to rig the 2020 general and regional elections. Yes, Guyanese and the world at large will remember them and will not forget when election 2025 comes around. When the wicked PNC ruled from 2015 to 2020, they squatted for two years and refused to hold an election when it was due three months after the No Confidence Motion was passed in 2018.
Caught with their pants down, the young PNC members were misled and forced to sing their shenanigans for their supper only to be ultimately ridiculed, as they were found wanting by the PPP/C who educated them with facts, figures and formulas. The heist of shame was very presumable as the presumptuous PNC delivered their expected load of malarkey with unreserved impertinence. Wanting to showcase their achievements, the PNC left the door wide open to remind Guyanese how their
The PNC wants the nation to know the PPP/C government by their “Deeds.” A slip of the tongue from the learned friend? What a compliment the opposition paid to an administration which has crossed the border to fulfil its manifesto and keep their promises they made during the 2020 General and Regional Elections. The PPP/C has fulfilled their obligations and Guyana can now depend on President Ali and the PPP/C to continue the transformation of Guyana from poverty to prosperity, from destruction to development, from hindrance to headway and from ruckus to repose.
The PNC has once again shown their sharp steel and have failed to temper their sword of nescience. With their tarnished track record not based on truth, trust nor tranquility, they will unavoidably and understandably be debating Budget 2026, sitting on the same side of the bench.
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
squandermania brought Guyana to its knees.
Simona is a simarouba
WHEN Simona Broomes read that I have likened her to a simarouba, I guess she will be thinking of her lawyer. I can dispel that intention of hers right away. The word simarouba is not a disparaging or libelous or degrading or humiliating or insulting or demeaning or even embarrassing description.
I thought of applying the word to Simona after I read she launched her political party. So, what is simarouba? It is an American tree that has a bitter bark and illshaped leaves. I assigned the word to Simona because I believe her politics is driven by bitterness and her politics has always been ill-shaped.
First, the bitterness. I think she has failed to aspire to higher leadership in the PNC and had a falling out with Aubrey Norton. The inability to rise to the top of the PNC was because of the continuation of her ill-shaped political archi -
tecture. As a member of the government, Simona took on the mantle of a street fighter.
She seems to delight in that direction, but it did not occur to her that street fighters in a political party are not normally seen as people to trust with political leadership. Aubrey Norton is an exception but his exceptional circumstances we don’t often see in politics. I will explain that below. It is a mental shortcoming on the part of Simona not to know that street fighting in political parties and in government though attracting enormous popularity, has its congenital flaws. Party leaders and governmental leaders do come to rely on the aggressive instincts and habitual confrontationist style of their comrade who is seen as a battle-hardened soldier.
But it begins and ends there. The soldier in the trench becomes type-cast.
When the street fighter decides he/she wants to elevate their politics and sit at the top of the pyramid, the perception remains – he/she is needed on the streets, the intellectual is needed at the top. The confrontationist soldier in the trench is seen as presumptuous to want to become part of the pyramid.
Simona it seems is not familiar with the history of her own party. If she was aware of the history of the PNC, she would have gone in another direction. We will return to one episode in her political career where her mentality ran wild during the 2020 election nastiness. But first let’s look at the fate of the street fighter in the PNC.
Forbes Burnham came to rely on Hamilton Green to allegedly frighten, torment and violently hurt those who opposed his rule. Green was mistakenly seen as Mr. Burnham’s second in line. This was a huge myth in the
1970s. Why people thought so was because Burnham clothed Green with enormous power. Green was reportedly allowed extensive latitude to commit extremist behaviour with immunity.
But Burnham never had any intention of ever manoeuvring Green into succeeding him. Burnham knew once he, Burnham, could not continue, he would transfer the throne to a highly educated PNC stalwart. For all his deep autocratic instincts, Burnham respected and admired men and women with intellect.
When Desmond Hoyte died, Corbin succeeded him. But even though he had become a lawyer, Corbin never could have shaken off the image of the bad boy of the PNC. And it was an image that was ubiquitous in Guyana. Vincent Alexander, James McAllister and Aubrey Norton could not have brought themselves to accept Corbin as their lead-
er. Alexander challenged Corbin for leader position and Norton’s differences with Corbin ended up in the High Court. Corbin removed Mc Allister as a PNC parliamentarian.
Norton had no opposition when he contested the PNC leadership. The election came a mere 16 months after the PNC lost the government and Norton’s two rivals – Joseph Harmon and Basil Williams - would have lost to any contestant. PNC members did not want them. If there was a credible, educated challenger to Norton in December 2021, Norton would have been beaten. If the PNC’s 2024 congress was open and fair, either Roysdale Forde, Amanza Walton-Desir or Gary Best would have knocked out Norton.
Finally, where was Simona when Sherod Duncan thought he could become
the leader of a quintessential Mulatto/Creole party, the AFC? Once Nigel Hughes entered the race, Sherod’s star dropped from the sky and burned up. I guess, we will remember Simone when she went in front of the home of “Guyanese Critic” during the election disaster and kept shouting: “Get it right Claudette, get it right.” She was referring to Claudette Singh, chairperson of GECOM. Simona wanted Claudette to get it right and by right she meant, a PNC victory. To Simona, I say “Get it right Simona, get into Irfaan’s party.”
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.
SN misrepresented Mabaruma business community
Dear Editor,
THE media has a duty to ensure that it reports and frames discussions in a non-partisan and politically neutral way. As we should know already, biased or misleading narratives can skew public perception and policy decisions and create unnecessary panic and confusion.
It is against this backdrop that I wish to register my disappointment with Stabroek News and one of its junior reporters Khadidja Ba, who filed the January 28 news article, ‘Some Mabaruma small-business owners rail against political ‘fight down’ affecting their livelihoods.’
To her credit, Ms Ba included “some” in her headline. But what was
most disappointing was that the reporter blatantly ignored the views of businesspeople in Mabaruma who provided positive reviews about development and business in the sub-region. Several of them related this to me. Editor, reading her article would lead one to believe that Mabaruma has regressed since 2020, when a most basic analysis or review of the sub-region will show that there has been a significant increase in business activities and cash flow since 2020. Don’t take my word for it, ask the James family which campaigned for the coalition in 2015 and 2020 but have benefitted from government contracts since 2020.
“Political fight down”
as referenced in the article? During the APNU+AFC’s time in office, we were met with increased taxes on essential goods and services, including fuel and mining equipment that suffocated the mining industry which is the lifeblood of many of our communities. We were burdened with tax on hinterland travel which forced residents to travel less and reduced business activities. The children’s cash grant was removed and many of the CSOs who were dismissed were from our district. This placed greater hardship on many families who relied on those measures to supplement their incomes.
One vendor related that he told the Stabroek
News reporter that prior to 2015, they were allowed to bring goods in from Venezuela without having to pay duties, once they were sold in Region One, and this allowed us to offer products at a cheaper cost to the residents. Not a word of this was mentioned in the news report. Another businessperson told the junior reporter that under the previous administration, the GRA waged a war on business owners in the region, resulting in businesses permanently closing down; yet this was not reflected in her report.
Instead, what I read was an article entirely constructed on the negative views shared by some persons who have been affected by the dis-
continuation of illegal vending and encroaching on public parapets.
Editor, we are entitled to our opinions, but not our own facts. When I read what was said about the “smart” hospital, I could not believe it was the one in Mabaruma. This is a facility that has brought tremendous relief to the healthcare system in the region and provided expanded healthcare services to thousands of residents on a weekly basis. None of this was highlighted in the news report.
I was therefore curious, Editor, as to why this young reporter would pen an article that was blatantly one sided and ignored the views of residents who had positive things to say about Maba-
ruma and the improvements made over the last few years.
Not surprisingly, I discovered that not only is this reporter a family member of former President David Granger, but she has a history of publicly criticising the PPP and referring to the government as ‘corrupt.’ I therefore wish to urge the Stabroek News to not allow its reputation to be sullied by a reporter with a political agenda. Stabroek News has a duty to the people of not just Mabaruma, but Guyana, to report accurately what the realities are in our country. Sadly, this article did not reflect the realities of Mabaruma.
Sincerely, Sharon Mc Donald –Mabaruma resident
Another opposition excursion to treachery
LET’S cut to the chase. Based on all available data from the last 11 elections (seven general elections and four local government elections) since 1992, I can safely say that the PNC, in any of its many formations, is unable to win elections on its own. The PNC tried to reinvent itself many times in an attempt to change its fortunes, but nothing worked until the Cummingsburg Accord.
I believe that during the 2015 negotiations for the Cummingsburg Ac -
cord, the PNC was made to come face to face with the crudity of the facts concerning their electoral limitations. They were forced to accept most of the tough terms that were dictated by the AFC. It was a realistic act of desperation, though many of the leaders who Robert Corbin affectionately referred to as “a bunch of wild men,” were content in deluding themselves that the PNCR, turn APNU, could win elections on their own. In essence, in 2015, the PNC was rescued by
the AFC. The thing is, most PNC leaders never saw the coalition relationship in those terms. As such, they had a flippant approach to dealing with the AFC.
There were two clear camps in APNU. The Corbin/Granger/Harmon-led camp that knew the importance of the AFC as well as the implications of the “wild men” who perpetually believed that the PNC has all the stuff to win on its own. While in government the “wild men” malady was so rampant that even
Granger was infected. A review of Granger’s actions will show that there was a dangerous amalgam of these two mindsets in a continuous bizarre enigma in his practice of politics.
There were times when Granger, to the chagrin of the “wild men,” acted in a manner that gave due recognition to the fact that the AFC was indispensable to the 2015 victory. However, there were too many times when it really mattered to the good image of the coalition and the accumulation of political dividends for the 2020 elections, when Granger himself treated the AFC with blatant disregard.
Given its position of political indispensability to the APNU, many still find it difficult to parse why the AFC took a posture of indifference to the preponderance of contempt hurled in its direction. I believe there was an ugly obsession with power that explains the political demeanour of the AFC leadership.
There were many aspects to the Granger/ APNU contempt; however, I will narrow my comments only to the very Cummingsburg Accord which made the rescue mission possible. Among some of the more blatant actions of Granger that comes to mind are that the determination of the structure of the government was directly assigned to the AFC after the elections and he didn’t even offer a word of consultation on the structure of government. A list of ministries was sent to the AFC, and in each case with truncated responsibilities, without murmur, complaints or resistance, the AFC accepted. Raphael Trotman confirmed this fact.
In his latest book, he wrote that he learned of the name of the ministry he was about to head, only at the very moment
he stood to take the oath of office. Next, Granger bluntly refused to appoint persons to ministerial positions actually named by the AFC and substituted with persons of his own choosing. Further, the accord required regular interparty meetings/ dialogues, but Granger reportedly refused to even acknowledge requests for interparty meetings. In fact, not a single interparty meeting was held before January 2020.
Even further, the accord required two Vice-presidents (VPs) to the AFC and one to APNU; Granger appointed two APNU VPs without consulting the AFC.
Lastly, we can recall that on February 14, 2018, 36 months into the life of the accord, the parties had two options: either revise the agreement or extend it. The AFC officially asked APNU (under the hand of its general secretary), to revise the accord. AFC even named its plenipotentiary, but APNU didn’t even grant the AFC the courtesy of a response. After weeks of being ignored, the AFC simply stopped asking and defaulted to the status quo.
The accord was a vehicle for APNU to profess the things that the AFC wanted to hear just to get into power, so that they can do as they please; treachery is the terminus.
For the AFC leaders, the acquisition of power was the final destination, the fulfilment of an aspiration. Having reached their objective, nothing APNU did would offend them, no amount of pleading from their executives would persuade them, the prophetic fulfilment was manifested.
Another agreement was inked for the 2020
election. I’m sure readers will recall that APNU again broke the agreement before the ink was dried. One example will suffice: there was a squabble over the Vicechair position in Region Four. This time the AFC was not in power and David Patterson suddenly found his mojo, threw a tantrum and faked a resignation as general secretary and parliamentarian. He was no longer at the coveted and self-ascribed destination, so he was then in a position to jump in front the bus to stage guerilla warfare.
What remains nauseating is that the accord document was monikered “An accord with the people.” This meant that, in the administration of the accord, the people were given the middle finger. These guys have demonstrated over and over that they are unable to keep an agreement among themselves. How could they be trusted to keep their word with the people?
Last week we heard that APNU and the AFC signed a secret coalition MoU. I wish to attempt a sobriquet, “the same old new era of opaque transparency.’ The contents of the agreement, reportedly already “on life support,” is secret because it has nothing to do with the people; it is entirely to satisfy the egos of those who signed it. My initial and only reaction, so far, to the MoU finds expression in local parlance, “pigeewinging.”
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.
Pathway workers essential to the maintenance, development of their communities – Minister McCoy
– residents to receive one-off $100k cash grant by February month-end
THE National Pathway Workers (NPW) are essential to the maintenance and development of their communities, as they execute pertinent duties at the schools, health centres and other government facilities.
This was underscored by the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Information and Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, during meetings held at Kuru Kuru Training College and Friendship Sec -
ondary School on Saturday.
During the meetings, the workers were able to raise pressing issues about their jobs, including the payment system, work schedule, and equipment, among others.
After listening to the concerns, real-time solutions were provided to remedy the issues.
“The role you play at your community level
should never be taken for granted…This is something you should be proud of,”
Minister McCoy emphasised.
He continued, “It is important for you to participate in the continued development of your country and community. We want to provide you with an opportunity to work and to do a job in the best way possible.”
He further emphasised
that the programme had given many women the chance to work at the community level outside of their homes for the first time.
They were encouraged to utilise the educational opportunities offered by the Women Innovation and Investment Network, Guyana Online Academy of Learning, or the Board of Industrial Training to advance their skills.
By doing this, it will enable them to gain more permanent employment.
“Do not limit yourself to the opportunities that avail themselves to you… There is nothing stopping anyone here or elsewhere from striving for betterment and upward mobility,” he added.
Minister McCoy emphasised the importance of hosting such meetings twice yearly to discuss matters and challenges about their role as pathway workers.
The public affairs minister emphasised that the programme exists nowhere else in the world.
Furthermore, several countries are already considering adopting this model in their countries.
Some 15,283 persons are employed under this programme that was launched by the PPP/C Government in 2022.
The initiative allows persons to work for 10 days
and earn $40,000 monthly.
The sum of $12.7 billion has been set aside in 2025 for the Community Enhancement Workers and the National Pathway Workers programmes.
The residents were also enlightened about the new and existing measures in this year’s budget to offset
Universal Healthcare and Cervical Vouchers to lead healthier lives.
Minister McCoy announced that the residents will receive the one-off $100,000 cash grant by the end of February.
the global rising cost of living and enhance their livelihoods.
Further, they were encouraged to utilise the
Chairperson of the Lamaha/Yarrowkabra Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Michelle
and other regional officials were also in attendance. (DPI)
Drepaul
A pathway worker raising an issue at the meeting
Minister McCoy interacts with pathway workers
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, addresses pathway workers at the Kuru Kuru Training College
Education Ministry refutes opposition MP’s misrepresenting comments on TVET sector
- says programmes focus on evolving job market needs, aspirations of young people
THE Ministry of Education on Saturday issued a response to comments made by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Devin Sears on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Guyana.
According to the MoE, on Tuesday last, during the debate for the National Budget 2025, the Opposition MP in his presentation misrepresented the state of TVET in the country.
The ministry said it remains committed to enhancing the TVET sector and ensuring that it remains aligned with the evolving needs of the job market and the aspirations of our young people.
It noted that a recent Tracer Study conducted by
the CAYAMBE Group from France has provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of Guyana’s TVET programmes. The findings of this study highlight several key successes.
The ministry said: “A significant percentage of TVET graduates have successfully pursued career advancement upon completing their respective programmes, with many continuing to higher qualification or certification levels, further strengthening their professional development.
The study underscores the crucial role of strong parental support in shaping the educational and career paths of graduates, reinforcing the idea that TVET education is valued and encouraged at the community level.
The accessibility and convenience of local TVET centres have resulted in a high retention rate, with most graduates from Regions 10 and Two, as well as from Georgetown and Region Four, opting to study locally.”
The education ministry pointed out that this speaks to the quality and relevance of TVET programmes.
Additionally, it noted that a remarkable percentage of graduates participated in industrial attachments, gaining hands-on experience with new technologies and methodologies. A significant number continued their industrial experience post-graduation, demonstrating the effectiveness of the TVET system in preparing students for the workforce. Post-secondary
graduates exhibit the highest employment rates, further proving the success of these programmes.
The study indicated that a large percentage of TVET graduates who applied for jobs in their respective fields were contacted by employers to take up appointments, a testament to the high demand for TVET graduates in the job market.
The ministry underscored that most graduates secured employment within one year, illustrating strong job-market integration. High levels of satisfaction were recorded among graduates, with most expressing contentment with study conditions and facilities.
Furthermore, the ministry remarked that TVET
graduates predominantly find employment in the private sector, with most secondary graduates preferring local employment.
It said as well that salary expectations for graduates fall within a competitive range, further highlighting their employability in the labour market. The study confirms that the Ministry of Education’s TVET programmes are highly aligned with current job-market requirements, ensuring that graduates are equipped with skills that are relevant and in demand.
“Given these findings, it is evident that the Ministry of Education’s investment in TVET is yielding signif-
icant benefits for students and the economy. The ministry remains steadfast in its efforts to strengthen TVET education, ensuring that it continues to serve as a viable pathway to employment and career growth for Guyanese youth,” the MoE stated.
The ministry said too that it welcomes constructive dialogue on ways to enhance the TVET sector further, but rejects any misrepresentation of its progress and achievements.
The ministry highlighted that the evidence is clear on TVET in Guyana being strong, effective and a driving force in national development.
Ukraine: UNICEF alarmed over incessant attacks devastating young lives
THE UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed deep alarm over relentless attacks on populated areas in Ukraine and their devastating impact on children.
“I’m devastated by the ongoing attacks hitting heavily populated areas and killing and injuring many people, including children,” said Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative to Ukraine, in a statement on Saturday.
In Poltava, a missile strike on a residential building reportedly injured three children, while at least four others were reportedly wounded in Kramatorsk, Sumy and Synelnykove in recent days.
The violence has left children not only with physical wounds but also deep psychological scars.
“These brutal attacks do not only cause physical and mental harm but strike at the holistic development of children,” Mr. Mammadzade stressed.
SCHOOLS DAMAGED
The attacks are also
taking a devastating toll on education.
In Odesa, two schools were reportedly damaged –one of which had received shatter-resistant film from UNICEF, preventing major interior damage. Two other schools in Nikopol and Zaporizhzhia also suffered damage.
UNICEF reiterated its call for the protection of
children and the infrastructure they rely on such as schools, health facilities, social services and energy systems.
“Hitting heavily populated areas with explosive weapons must be avoided for the sake of every child, every civilian,” Mr. Mammadzade urged.
He also emphasised the need for a sustained peace,
one in which children can recover from war, regain their education and rebuild their futures.
HEALTH SYSTEM UNDER STRAIN
The violence has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation, amid widespread destruction of homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure.
Fighting has intensified along the Donetsk and Kharkiv frontlines, leading to mass displacement.
In the first two weeks of January alone, over 1,600 people, including children, fled their homes, with mandatory evacuations ordered for families in high-risk areas, according to the Health Cluster.
Authorities reported
the evacuation of 132 people, including 12 children, from Donetsk oblast on 11 January, while on 23 January, 267 children were evacuated from high-risk areas in Kharkiv oblast.
Responding to the situation, Health Cluster partners, in collaboration with local authorities, continue to deploy mobile medical teams to provide essential healthcare services and mental health and psychosocial support.
In January alone, teams delivered essential health services to 578 people in two designated transit centers in Kharkiv and Dnipro oblasts.
Led by UN World Health Organization (WHO), the Health Cluster coordinates the efforts of over 900 partners globally to address health needs in humanitarian emergencies, providing expertise, capacity-building and technical guidance to ensure effective and life-saving responses in crisis-affected regions. (UN)
A children’s playground in front of a heavily damaged residential building in Kharkiv (UNICEF/Stas Bilyk)
Minister Singh acknowledges China’s continued support, investment in Guyana’s growing economy
GUYANA and China share a historical bilateral relationship that has continued to be built on since the arrival of Chinese immigrants to Guyana some decades ago.
On January 31, 2025, the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana (ACEG) hosted its annual dinner, to commemorate the 2025 Chinese New Year, where the impact of Chinese nationals on Guyana’s rapidly growing economy was spoken of repeatedly.
Speaking on behalf of President, Dr Irfaan Ali, Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, said that over the years, Chinese nationals and persons of Chinese descent and Chinese ancestry have come to represent a significant demographic in the Guyanese population and have contributed tremendously to every aspect of national life.
In acknowledging the role of Chinese companies and businesses here, Minister Singh said that the role played by Chinese nationals and their descendants in Guyana over the past two centuries is commendable. However, looking at the history of Guyana, he said we would see how truly significant the contribution of Chi-
nese nationals and their descendants has been.
The minister stated, “If you were to look, for example, at public and national life, the first President of Guyana was a descendant of Chinese immigrants, and similarly in every other aspect of national life, whether it be in the judiciary, whether it be in academia, whether it be in the professions, whether it be in industry, commerce, business and entrepreneurship.”
He pointed out that throughout the 172 years, the Chinese presence has been visible and valuable.
According to Minister Singh, shortly after Guyana became independent, the country established diplomatic relations with China, and it was only three years ago that we celebrated the very significant milestone of
50 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Guyana and China.
Expounding on this, the minister said that this relationship extends far beyond the presence and contribution of people, as today, there are many other facets of the relationship, including the local celebration of Chinese culture and festivals and all other aspects of Chinese identity, by all Guyanese irrespective of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Furthermore, he noted that in almost every sector of our economy, there are Chinese companies contributing to what government is trying to achieve and participating in all that Guyana has accomplished.
He highlighted the Chinese contribution to the construction of the
new Demerara Harbour Bridge, and ongoing road works throughout Guyana.
He remarked that in recent years, Guyana has experienced an extraordinarily rapid economic growth, which is anticipated to continue to grow by 30 per cent per annum.
Minister Singh underscored that we would see government placing the highest level of importance during this time on investment in social infrastructure, particularly education and health, further ensuring that Guyanese people and those who make Guyana their home, are able to enjoy the best quality of education and healthcare available.
Meanwhile, Chargé d’ Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of China in Guyana, Huang Rui, said the total volume of trade be-
tween China and Guyana reached US$1.4 billion, up 14.4 percent each year.
“The Chinese enterprises invested US$2.7 billion to Guyana and the total investment volume reached US$10.56 billion. The Chinese enterprises have made great contributions to the biggest economic and social transformation of Guyana, while abiding by the local content law, creating new job opportunities and shouldering their social responsibilities. For example, they made generous donations to local schools, orphanages, nursing homes. They are building and considering to build kitchens, smart classrooms and consulting rooms. With care and love, they have won the hearts of [the] Guyanese people,” the Chinese diplomat stated.
Looking forward, he said there is a promising future for bilateral economic and trade relations.
Huang noted that Guyana and China should enhance strategic communication and integrate China’s modernisation strategy with Guyana’s economic and social transformation strategy.
China will continue to implement high-quality belt and road initiatives, and hope to sign the co-operation plan with Guyana as soon as possible. He said: “We are also considering to sign FTA and mutual visa-exemption agreements which will boost economic and trade co-operation and people-to-people exchanges. We also want to follow up the MoU on standardisation and hope that the MoU will be implemented in the areas of health care, telecommunication, new energy, etc. Last, but not least, we will stand side by side with Guyana to increase transportation efficiency, facilitate digital economy transformation and provide modern financial services. In a word, let’s build the community with a shared future for our two nations with concrete actions.” (Faith Greene)
Chargé d’ Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, Huang Rui
Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh (Japheth Savory photos)
Committee of Supply ‘green lights’ $100B for education development
THE development of Guyana’s education sector is set to continue as the parliamentary Committee of Supply on Friday night approved the $100 billion sum allocated to the ministry.
The approval came after the committee examined the estimates and expenditures for 2025.
Subject minister Priya Manickchand, while defending the allocation noted that it will aid in revolutionising of the country’s education system.
Some $11 billion is expected to go towards continuation of the ministry’s “Because We Care” cash grant and the uniform vouchers.
This allocation caters for increasing the grant by $10,000 to $50,000 for 2025.
The committee fur-
ther approved the sum of $36.2 billion which was set for infrastructural expansion, with 23 nursery schools, 16
primary and 26 secondary schools set for construction. Meanwhile, the continuation and expansion
of the mathematics intervention is expected to continue this year.
“For us, every child deserves to pass mathematics; that is why we have the mathematics intervention programme where we are looking at each and every child across this country,” Minister Manickchand said.
She told the committee that the government has this intervention aimed at attaining a 100 per cent pass rate in mathematics.
Funds have also been earmarked to develop a new digital school platform envisioned by President, Dr Irfaan Ali.
Against this backdrop, Manickchand added, “We are very keen on two things: getting expert work and having the content aligned to our local and international curricula, because it is very important that we don’t fail to teach things that will be tested.”
Several other programmes and policies are expected to be implemented with the substantial budgetary allocation that was approved by the Parliamentary Committee of Supply on Friday evening.
The digital school is expected to ensure that all students nationwide have free and equitable access to educational resources at all levels.
Minister of Education Priya Manickchand
J&G Supermarket on board inaugural One Guyana Mashramani Softball Cup
PROMINENT business entity, J&G Supermarket of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, has thrown its support behind the One Guyana Mashramani Softball Cup set for the Sunday, February 16 at the Bath Community Centre Ground. The action bowls of at 09:00 hrs.
The one-day limited overs tournament is being organised and co-ordinated by Roraima Community Developers and R.S. Sports in association with Bath Settlement Sports Club.
Managing Director of J&G Supermarket, Deonarain, pointed out that he was very pleased to support the event and as part of his cooperate social responsibility,
IRISH RACING TIPS
PUNCHESTOWN
09:00 hrs Coco Beach
09:30 hrs Music Of Tara
10:00 hrs Kainsbourg
10:30 hrs Lehaunstown
11:05 hrs Jacob's Ladder
11:40 hrs Argento Boy
12:10 hrs Scotty Dotty
12:40 hrs King Of Kingsfield
AMERICAN RACING TIPS
MAHONING VALLEY
Race 1 Castle Magic
Race 2 Makibg Me
he sees it fitting for his business to be part of the softball competition.
Deonarain stressed that the event will see people from different walks of life and communities coming together in one place to support the grassroot sport.
Deonarain thanked the organisers for reaching out to his entity for supporting the event and wishes all the teams and players the very best and hope they perform to the best of their abilities. He further urged the players to respect each other and to adhere to the rules which govern the game.
The coordinators thank the management of J&S Supermarket for coming on board and encourages the
Crazy Race 3 Midnight Council
Race 4 Divine Fashion
Race 5 Bobby's Gift
Race 6 Snell Flicka
Race 7 Torrefactor
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
WOLVERHAMPTON
12:27 hrs Paratrooper
13:00 hrs Kaleidoscope Ryes
13:30 hrs Pirahna Rama
14:00 hrs Patrol
14:30 hrs Burabank
15:00 hrs Payment Plan
15:30 hrs Lihtningboltzoom
16:00 hrs Just Ten High 16:30 hrs Co operation
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Monday, February 3, 2025)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD
83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Gudakesh Motie - 92 runs
(2) Mohammad Rizwan - 147 runs
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Which WI bowler claimed most wickets in the recent Test series against PAK?
(2) Which PAK bowler bagged most wickets?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
public to show appreciation by supporting the business entity.
The tournament is part of the celebrations to commemorate Guyana’s 55th Republic Anniversary and will feature both male and female teams from Regions 3, 4, 5, and 6 in the one-day limited overs affair.
The organisers believe that sporting events like these will bring out the young and old despite being Open tournament which will see over $500,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs.
Outstanding individual
players in each match, along with players with the best overall bowling figures, the best overall highest score in an inning, players of the finals, and most valuable player being awarded with trophies..
Other side attractions include snatch-de-bottle, sack race, 100 metres sprint, tugah-war and dancing competitions, with the winners receiving cash prizes and trophies.
Among the other sponsors are Revision Optical, Cozy Pub, Furniture Pro,Taro’s Construction, S. Chatter-
goon 65 Sports Store, M.K Kayum Hoosein Construction, Wakar Steel Fabrication, Khan’s Agri Centre, Tage Singh (Rex), Angad and ATL Engineering, All funds raised will go towards Bath Sports Club to assist in enhancing the club’s activities for its young people.
Interested teams are asked to contact the captain of the Bath Settlement Sports Club, Mahesh Persaud, at 626-1869 or 6572022 to register. Registration closes on Friday, February 14.
Representative of R.S. Sports, Ms. Assriya Seetaram (right), receives sponsorship cheque from Deonarain of J&G Supermarket while other staff members look on
Abhishek's 37-ball
ton decimates England in Mumbai
ABHISHEK Sharma
thrilled the Wankhede with a spectacular record-breaking century as India completely decimated England in the final T20I by a massive margin of 150 runs.
Having already clinched the series, India's batting might was in full flow with Abhishek leading the charge.
India finished with 247/9 following the opener's 54ball 135 and in reply, England caved in to get bowled out for less than 100 despite Phil Salt's sparkling half-century.
Under a bit of pressure, Sanju Samson pulled the very first ball for a six after India were sent in and followed it up with another maximum four balls later. However, Mark Wood sent him packing in the next over as the opener hit a short-ball straight to deep square leg. That's where the Abhishek Sharma show began.
He hammered Archer for a couple of sixes in the following over and meted out a similar treatment to Wood too. Jamie Overton was welcomed with successive sixes that helped Abhishek bring up his fifty off just 17 balls, the second-fastest by an Indian in the format, and Tilak Varma for his part contributed with a flurry of boundaries as India broke their record for the highest total (95) in the powerplay.
Indian.
Salt's intentions were very clear as he came out all guns blazing in pursuit of 248. Mohammed Shami was treated to 4,4,6 on his return but came back strong with the wicket of Ben Duckett. England then raced to 48/1 after the first four overs but the real challenge was always going to be against spin. And on expected lines, it was spin that wrecked any remote chances they might have had as Varun Chakaravarthy struck first ball to remove the dangerman, Jos Buttler.
Concussion sub row: ICC match referee Chris Broad sees 'bias and corruption'
THE England team management has said that it has moved on from the concussion controversy but the issue is not exactly dying. Sunil Gavaskar and a few prominent English voices have weighed in on the matter. One of the Englishmen was actually quite scathing in his criticism, alleging bias and corruption.
"Independent match officials were brought in to stop situations like this! Why are the ICC returning to the 'bad old days' of bias and corruption?" Chris Broad, a former England opener, more famously one of the decorated International Cricket Council (ICC) match referees, said on X (formerly Twitter).
Any hopes England might have had to bring down the scoring rate post the powerplay were squashed in no time as Abhishek carved out two off Adil Rashid, followed by another couple off Liam Livingstone. Much to their relief, England then got rid of Varma and Suryakumar Yadav's lean run continued. England did stage a mini fightback at that point by bagging the wickets of Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh in succession and that mini phase probably ensured India didn't cross the 250-run mark. But Abhishek caused enough damage at the death again, by adding to his sixes tally and eventually breaking the record for the most sixes (13) in a T20I innings by an
Harry Brook and Livingstone followed suit as Ravi Bishnoi and Chakaravarthy absolutely killed the chase inside 6.1 overs even though Salt had raced to 48 off just 20 at that point. The opener then smashed Chakaravarthy over deep midwicket to bring up his fifty off just 21 balls and Jacob Bethell showed signs of aggression with a hit over the fence in the same over. However, in a matter of 2.1 overs, England went from 82/4 to 90/8.
Those wickets came from the unlikeliest of sources as Dube and centurion Abhishek breezed through that batting lineup by bagging two wickets each. Shami then came back to put England out of their misery as the visitors crashed to 97 all out inside 11 overs.
In another social media post, which has now been deleted, he had said that the ICC should allow only neutral match referees. Ironically enough, as recently as last May, he was the match referee for a couple of T20 games between England and Pakistan. More specifically, he oversaw the games at the Oval and Edgbaston in May 2024. Asked to comment on the posts, he told Cricbuzz, "I have nothing more to say."
Broad has officiated in 622 games, third most by any ICC match referee after Ranjan Madugalle (798) and Jeff Crowe (656). Cricbuzz has reached out to the ICC for a comment.
Michael Vaughan, a former England captain, made a couple of comments but those were retweets on the subject. He sarcastical -
ly said that Harshit Rana, "He is going to be some player if he bats like Shivam Dube as well."
Another former England captain, Kevin Pietersen, said Rana for Dube was not a like for like replacement. "Concussion sub is quite the topic everywhere here atm and my view is...it was NEVER a like for like replacement and the match referee should just hold his hand up and say he got that one wrong. End of event for good and we move on to another great clash this evening (sic)," the former England cricketer, here in India as a commentator, remarked. Pietersen's comments reflected England skipper Jos Buttler, who was also clear that the Indian team fielded 12 players in the Pune T20I.
Sunil Gavaskar came down heavily on the Indian
team management. In his column in Telegraph, the former India captain wrote, "In the Pune game, Dube batted right till the end after having got hit on the helmet earlier, so clearly, he was not concussed. So, allowing a concussion substitute itself was not correct. Yes, there could have been a substitute in case he had strained a muscle while batting, but that would have been only for fielding and he could not have bowled. Even by the most generous stretching of the like for like term, there was nothing such between Dube and Rana.
With tongue firmly in cheek, one can say that they are the same height and have the same standard in fielding. Otherwise, there's nothing like for like as far as they are concerned. England has every reason to feel done in. This Indian team is a superb team and doesn't need its wins to get tarnished by such acts."
It is being said that the England coach, Brendon McCullum, was furious at the Indian team's choice of replacement. Seemingly, he was very angry in the England dressing room. Asked about it, an England team spokesman said they have moved on. "He (McCullum) was fine. (He) spoke to the match referee at the end of the game. We move on."
But with Dube included in the playing XI at the Wankhede, the issue is sure to attract more traction. (Cricbuzz)
Cricket umpiring controversy erupts in Trinidad and Tobago
…calls for intervention amid credibility concerns
By Lennox Aldred
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – A brewing controversy over the appointment of umpires in local cricket matches has sparked concerns about the credibility of the sport in Trinidad and Tobago. Kellman Kowlessar, Executive of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Umpires Council (TTCUC), has raised alarm over the Trin-
idad and Tobago Cricket Board’s (TTCB) decision to appoint umpires, contrary to regional standards, a move he claims undermines the integrity of the game.
The TTCUC no longer had the responsibility of appointing umpires to officiate in club cricket matches in T&T, as an appointment committee had been named by the TTCB to select match-day officials. Kowlessar, speaking on
the Isports radio program hosted by Andre Errol Baptiste on i95.5fm on Saturday, criticized the TTCB for appointing unqualified umpires to officiate matches in the Premiership divisions this week.
He argued that this practice is inconsistent with the protocols proposed by Cricket West Indies (CWI) and is not aligned with the procedures followed by other regional territories.
“From our information gathering today, we have umpires out there that have
only written the preliminary exam and that question the quality that is available,” said Kowlessar.
Kowlessar stated the latest development could lead to protests by clubs over decisions made by individuals who lack the necessary qualifications and experience.
Kowlessar emphasised that the TTCB’s actions could have far-reaching consequences for the sport, including a loss of confidence among players, clubs, and fans. He called for ur-
gent intervention from key stakeholders to address the matter.
“We see it’s clear that we are the governing body for umpires and we have been doing this job since 1968. We still hope to have a compromise, because we don’t want to jeopardise the quality of cricket, the quality of umpiring and the quality of the game. So we are hoping that the cricket board will respond to our email and reach out to us and let us solve this thing as early as next week.”
In a bid to resolve the issue, Kowlessar revealed that the TTCUC will be sending letters on Monday to two prominent figures. Vivian Johnson, President of the West Indies Umpires Association (WICUA), and Mrs Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Sports and Community Development. The letters will seek their mediation and intervention to ensure that proper umpiring standards are upheld in local cricket.
Abhishek Sharma hammered a spectacular 54-ball 135
Shivam Dube has been picked in the XI for the final T20I
Olympic Kremlin crowned Horse-of-the-Year
at One GuyanaThoroughbred Racing Awards
OLYMPIC Kremlin, the star of Slingerz Stables, was named Horse of the Year at the One Guyana Thoroughbred Racing Awards held on Friday evening in Berbice.
The Brazilian-bred champion’s dominance throughout the 2024 season made the recognition almost inevitable, as it completed an undefeated run with victories in the President’s Cup, Guyana Cup, and Showdown of Champions.
“We’re doing it all over again this year,” Slingerz Stable owner, Javed Ali, stated.
According to Ali, his aim is to compete this year outside of Guyana, adding that he’s confident in the horse doing well against some of the top thoroughbred in the Caribbean.
Olympic Kremlin arrived in Guyana as an already promising contender.
Slingerz Stables owner, Javed Ali, receiving the Horse of the Year award for Olympic Kremlin
Bred in Brazil, this thoroughbred quickly made a name for itself in the South American racing circuit before being acquired by Slingerz Stables.
Known for its explosive finishing speed and remarkable endurance, the horse seamlessly adapted to the
Guyanese racing scene, establishing itself as the most formidable competitor of the year. Its unbeaten streak in 2024 not only solidified its status as the best horse in
Global Super League to take place in July
THE ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) 2025 has been confirmed to run from July 8-18 2025. All 11 matches of the tournament will take place at the iconic Guyana National Stadium, Providence, as five elite
T20 teams from around the world compete for the coveted GSL trophy.
The 2025 edition marks the second instalment of this exciting tournament. The inaugural event in 2024 was won by the Rangpur Riders of the Bangladesh Premier
League, who defeated Cricket Victoria in the final.
GSL’s first season will be remembered for thrilling cricket as well as confirming Guyana as a premier destination for world class sporting events. Sir Clive Lloyd, GSL Chairman, expressed his en-
thusiasm for the upcoming tournament:
“The first GSL was a resounding success, with all five participating teams praising the exceptional facilities and warm hospitality they experienced in Guyana. We are excited to build on
this momentum in 2025 and are delighted to confirm the tournament dates. The GSL continues to position Guyana as a key destination for international cricket and sports tourism.”
The Global Super League is an annual T20 cricket tournament hosted in Guyana, bringing together teams from top cricketing nations. The
Guyana but also reaffirmed Slingerz Stables as the premier force in local horse racing.
With Olympic Kremlin leading the charge, the stable continues to set the gold standard in horse racing in Guyana.
“When we got into horse racing, like we do in everything else at Slingerz, we wanted to dominate, so we made the investment and it has been paying off,” Ali noted.
The One Guyana Thoroughbred Racing Awards recognised not just individual brilliance but also the collective efforts of trainers, jockeys, and owners in elevating the standard of horse racing in the country.
According to Ali, Olympic Kremlin’s Horse of the Year title is a fitting tribute to a season of pure excellence and one that will be remembered for years to come.
2025 tournament will feature five teams competing in 11 thrilling matches, all held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from July 8-18, 2025. With a focus on delivering high-quality cricket and unforgettable fan experiences, the GSL aims to promote the sport while enhancing Guyana’s reputation on the global stage.
India clinch back-to-back U-19 World Cup titles
INDIA finished the ICC Women's U-19 T20 World Cup in just the same style they had demonstrated all the way along - with confidence and brilliance as they took South Africa apart in the final and won by nine wickets.
It means they keep the trophy they won two years ago.
South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first but struggled against India’s bowlers throughout the innings. Parunika Sisodia made an early impact, dismissing opener Simone Lourens for
a duck, while Shabnam followed with the vital wicket of the dangerous Jemma Botha, leaving South Africa at 20/2 by the end of the 4th over.
Aayushi Sharma added to the pressure, removing Diara Ramlakan and reducing South Africa to 29/3 by the end of the powerplay. A brief partnership between captain Kayla Reyneke and Karabo Meso steadied the innings, but both were dismissed in consecutive overs.
Mieke van Voorst and Fay Cowling put on 30 runs—the largest partnership of the match—before falling
to back-to-back deliveries.
India’s bowlers continued to dominate, bowling out South Africa for just 82 runs.
Gongadi Trisha took three wickets, but Aayushi Shukla was the standout bowler, claiming 2/9, including two maidens. Parunika Sisodia, Vaishnavi Sharma, and Shabnam each contributed with two and one wicket, respectively.
India began their chase with a blazing start, racing to 18 without loss in the first two overs and maintaining their momentum to reach 36/0 by the end of four overs.
South Africa found their only breakthrough soon after, as captain Kayla Reyneke forced Kamalini G into a rash shot, which was brilliantly caught by Simone Lourens. However, that was the only bright moment for South Africa’s bowling attack. Trisha Gongadi continued her outstanding form, scoring an unbeaten 44 off 33 balls, including eight fours. She was well-supported by Sanika Chalke, who contributed 26 off 22 deliveries. The duo guided India comfortably across the finish line, securing a command-
ing nine-wicket victory and claiming the ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup 2025 title.
Both teams had been unbeaten coming into the final, meaning the showdown was hotly anticipated.
South Africa dominated Group C with victories over New Zealand, Samoa, and Nigeria, carrying four crucial points into the Super Six stage. They continued their strong run by defeating Ireland before sharing points with the USA due to a rain-abandoned match. In the semi-final, Kayla Reyneke’s
side secured a five-wicket win over Australia to book their place in the final. Defending champions India also enjoyed an unbeaten campaign, winning all their group-stage matches against West Indies, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. They continued their momentum in the Super Six, overcoming Bangladesh and Scotland. With a spot in the final at stake, India delivered a commanding performance against England, extending their winning streak to six games.
(ICC Media)
Mavericks trade Doncic to Lakers for Davis in stunning 3-team blockbuster
LUKA Doncic led Dallas to the NBA Finals last season. Anthony Davis won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. They're switching teams now — in an absolute blockbuster.
Doncic is being traded by the reigning Western Conference champion, Mavericks, to the Los Angeles Lakers for Davis, a person with knowledge of the agree-
ment said early Sunday.
Doncic, Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris are headed to the Lakers, while Davis and Max Christie are going to Dallas, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither team can announce the deal while it awaits league approval.
The Utah Jazz also is involved in the deal, said the
source. ESPN, which first reported the trade, said Jalen Hood-Schifino and two draft picks will be headed to the Jazz. The Dallas Morning News also reported those details on the trade.
The trade news broke about an hour after the Lakers beat New York at Madison Square Garden. Davis was not with the Lakers for the game; he has been back
in Los Angeles because of an abdominal injury that needed assessing.
Doncic has not played for Dallas since Christmas Day, when he was sidelined with a strained left calf.
"I believe that defence wins championships," Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison told ESPN. "I believe that getting an All-Defensive centre and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We're built to win now and in the future."
The deal, at least for now, would pair Doncic with LeBron James as the new 1-2 punch in Los Angeles, while Davis would be forming a new star duo with Kyrie Irving in Dallas. And it also reunites Doncic with his former teammate, Lakers coach JJ Redick.
Doncic was one of the Mavs on the floor when Redick came out of a game for the final time on May 11, 2021.
There was one game still going on in the NBA on
Dallas Mavericks guard, Luka Doncic, drives against Lakers forward, Anthony Davis, during the first half of a game last season
Saturday night when reports began swirling of the trade, that being Phoenix-Portland.
Suns guard Devin Booker said someone in the stands told him and his teammates of the trade.
"They said Luka. I said, `Luka Garza?"' Booker said, referencing a Minnesota centre.
Booker wasn't trying to be funny. He just thought what many probably thought — that there was no way
the Mavericks would move Doncic.
Dallas plays at Cleveland on Sunday, while the Lakers are off until visiting the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night. It's not clear when Doncic or Davis could play for their new clubs: the trade needs NBA approval, and both are dealing with injuries without any publicly known firm timetable for their return. (CBC Sports)
GCA Mayor’s Cup U-17 100 overs competition
Apple 151, Latif 5-2 highlight first-round action as TSC and Agricola register wins
By Sean Devers
IN sweltering heat at the Transport ground, Shamar Apple smashed 151 and Reyaz Latif bagged 5-2 as TSC beat Everest, Agricola led by Gavin Kirsten’s 80 beat host GCC while Malteenoes got more points against DCC in a game which failed to produce a result in the opening round of GCA’s Mayor’s Cup U-17 ‘hundred overs’ competition.
At Transport ground: Transport beat Everest by 283 runs. Transport won the toss and rattled up 351 all out in 54 overs with Shamar Apple scoring a commanding and chanceless 151 decorated with 13 sixes and eight fours.
The National Youth batter brought up his first hundred
with an effortless six and kept going to the delight of a small but vocal gathering.
Demerara U-15 Captain, Brandon Henry, scored 55 with three fours while Emmanuel Lewis (38) and Latif (37) contributed to the day’s highest total.
Jamal Hill took 3-53 and Brandon Browne 3-21 were the best bowlers for Everest, who were dismissed for 68 in 25.2 overs despite Arshud Drepaul’s 20.
National youth spinner, Reyaz Latif, took 5-2 from 3.2 overs. Henry (2-11), and Andy Ramgoolam (2-16).
Transport had 20 points (5 batting, 5 bowling, 10 for the win) while Everest collected five for dismissing Transportation.
In Queenstown, DCC was dismissed for 217 in 54 overs
with Jonathan Mentore, the son of former Guyana U-19 Opener Alfred Mentore, making a carefully constructed unbeaten 61.
Nathan Bishop who scored 59, Lomar Seecharran 36 and Mickel Sharma who got 27, led the way with the bat for the home side.
Renaldo Harris took two wickets for Malteenoes who began badly, slipping to 30-3 in the ninth over.
National Youth players
Joshua Bollers and Nicholas Lovell who travelled from Essequibo on the morning of the match, joined forces to deny DCC bowling more bowling points as the Thomas Lands team reached 160-5 when their 46 overs expired.
Bollers, the more elegant of the two, hit six fours in an even half-century before he
Transport SC’s Shamar Apple stroked 151 against Everest (Sean Devers photos)
was trapped LBW to Dilshan Latchman at 131-4 to end his 101 fourth wicket stand with Lovell who was unbeaten on 62 with six fours.
Sharma finished with 2-27 as the game ended without a positive result. Malteenoes
Transport’s Reyaz Latif bagged 5-2 against Everest
had eight points (5 batting and 3 bowling) while DCC had seven points (5 batting and 2 bowling).
At Bourda Agricola beat GCC by 85 runs.
Agricola, led by a fluent undefeated 80 from Berbician Gavin Kisten reached 179-9 in
55 overs, Agricola slumped to 20-6 before Kisten and Miah Amsterdam put together 122 for the seventh wicket.
Extras contributed 31 and Theiry Henry (12) and Zemel Felix (10) were the other batters to reach double figures.
Ravindra Singh (2-22), Nathaniel Sukhnandan (2-13) and Darveer Seegobin (2-24) were the main wicket-takers for GCC who were bowled out for 91.
Only Revaldo Pereire (31) and Tilok Nanan (18) offered any fight, as Kisten returned with the ball to grab 4-2 for the East Bankbased club; the last Village in Georgetown. Amsterdam picked up 2-17 for Agricola who received 19 points (4 batting, 5 bowling and 10 for the win). GCC got 4 bowling points.
India clinch back-to-back U-19 World Cup titles
Former Windies captains remember 'brethren' and 'friend', Colin Cumberbatch
FORMER West Indies cricket captains paid tribute to Colin Cumberbatch, the outstanding photojournalist, who died on Friday. Cumberbatch, who was Guyanese and made his home in Antigua, provided coverage of all international cricket on the island dating back to the 1980s.
Among his many famous photos feature the first Test played on Antiguan soil Antigua in 1981; the famous century by Viv Richards against England in 1986; the historic run chase against Australia in 2003; as well as the world record knocks of 375 and 400 not out by Brian Lara.
Known as ‘Jah B’ or ‘Bones’, he also travelled around the world on tour with the West Indies team for two decades and chronicled many of the team’s successes, including the first
Test match win against South Africa at Kensington Oval in Barbados in 1992 and the first Test match win in South Africa at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth in 2007.
Leading the tributes were Sir Richie Richardson, the former Test and ODI captain, who is a former West Indies team manager and presently ICC Match Referee. He noted: “I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of my friend who we knew affectionately as Jah B. He was not only a quality photographer and journalist but also a great lover and follower of West Indies cricket. He was very supportive of the team and had a very good understanding of the game.”
Ambassador Courtney Walsh, another former Test and ODI captain described Cumberbatch as his “brethren” who was part of his illustrious
cricket journey.
“I was really sad to hear the news about the passing of my brethren, Colin ‘Bones’ Cumberbatch. He was an outstanding photographer who toured with me in the West Indies team and also came to see me when I played county cricket in England. He came to Bristol and also came to Jamaica, and I showed him around. He was part of the cricket family, and we all embraced him. He was a jovial guy, a very nice person, someone you could reason with and someone who had a passion for West Indies cricket.
He always wanted the team to win and, on the occasions, when we didn’t win he appreciated the efforts. The memories he left us were tremendous. I admired his work and have full respect for his contribution to the game of cricket.” (Sportsmax)