Linden being positioned for major investments
President
More than 50 families gathered at Non-Pariel, Phase 2, East Coast Demerara, to identify their newly allocated residential lots. This event aligns with the Ministry’s goal to increase occupancy in housing schemes across the country (Ministry of Housing and Water)
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Monday, signed a book of condolences at the United States Embassy in Georgetown in honour of the late former President Jimmy Carter.
Carter, who died on December 29 at the age of 100, was a respected statesman, humanitarian and a global champion of democracy (Office of the President)
Gas-to-energy project to bring power to grid by third quarter of 2025 - PM
PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has affirmed that the monumental gas-to-energy project which will aim to slash electricity costs in half, is on track with its deadline.
The PM on Monday shared this information during his end-of-year
completed—it will save us, the consumers in Guyana, 250 million U.S. dollars per year.”
These anticipated savings would stem from a major reduction in electricity rates with the price of electricity set to reduce from $0.22 per kilowatt hour to $0.11 per kilowatt
press conference which he used to provided updates on projects undertaken by his office and the agencies under its purview.
When asked whether the project is on track with its deadline, PM Phillips noted that the simple answer to the question was yes.
However, in providing further details, he indicated, “The third quarter, I’m advised [of] 2025 we start evacuating power from the gas-to-energy site.”
He went on to add that a lot of the equipment is in the country already while some are on the way.
PM Phillips said that it is just a matter of putting everything together and reiterated, “I’m advised that the third quarter of 2025 we should start receiving electricity from that.”
The gas-to-energy project has been touted as a major milestone in the country’s development.
Just around two weeks ago, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo noted that the initiative would deliver enormous financial savings and energy benefits to citizens once completed.
He was quoted as saying, “When that project is completed—and it will be
hour, halving the cost.
This substantial drop in rates is expected to alleviate financial pressures on both households and businesses.
The reduction is expected to provide a direct economic benefit, boosting the financial well-being of Guyanese citizens by lowering their utility bills.
This measure could have a ripple effect, stimulating greater economic activity and improving overall living standards.
The benefits of this project go beyond cheaper electricity. It was highlighted that there could be additional revenue potential from gas liquids extracted during the process.
This, the Vice President had said spawn byproducts like cooking gas could generate some $250 million annually if sold at current market price.
The pipeline installation for the project was completed in 2024 with the government expecting the integrated gas processing facility to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025 while partial start-up is planned for earlier in the year.
A representation of the gas-to-energy project that is being constructed at Wales on the West Bank of the Demerara River
Linden being positioned for major investments
–– in tourism, other areas with crucial infrastructural, human capital developments, President Ali says
IN a bold move to catalyse economic growth and regional development, the Government of Guyana has outlined a comprehensive vision to foster longterm sustainable investments in Linden, Region 10, with a sharp focus on tourism and infrastructure.
President stated.
The government’s emphasis on Linden’s tourism sector is part of its broader strategy to position the town as a central player in the country’s economic expansion.
These projects are designed to modernise the region, improve connectivity, and lay the foundation for future economic growth.
ONGOING INFRASTRUCTURE
PROJECTS: TRANSFORMING
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during an engagement with residents on Sunday, emphasised the importance of attracting significant investments to the region, since it will be key to unlocking vast wealth for the people of Linden and surrounding areas.
PEOPLE-CENTERED LEADERSHIP AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The President also underscored the govern-
LINDEN AND REGION TEN
One of the most significant projects currently underway is the rehabilita-
incorporating smart technologies and eco-friendly infrastructure. The city is expected to provide a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, offering a modern lifestyle to residents and attracting investors, businesses, and tourists alike.
Silica City will feature ‘smart’ transport systems, renewable energy solutions, and hi-tech facilities to make it a cutting-edge
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
President Ali emphasised that the investments already made, and those in the pipeline are not just short-term fixes but part of a long-term vision for Linden’s future.
He pointed to the visible signs of growth in the region, particularly in the housing sector.
“You will see how it will stimulate other invest-
FOR LINDEN
The government’s efforts are aimed at creating a self-sustaining economy that will not only improve the quality of life for its residents but also attract investments that will fuel growth for years to come.
President Ali highlighted Linden’s untapped potential as a hub for tourism development, since he believes that continued investments in this sector will create significant economic opportunities for the region.
“We have to bring longterm sustainable investments, and that is why we are marketing Linden for a major tourism investment. People come, people spend, business doing; you growing, wealth creating,” the
ment’s commitment to a “people-centered leadership” approach. He noted that the PPP/C government not only speaks about its love for the people of Guyana, but also demonstrates it through action, especially in Linden.
“The government’s people-centred leadership, he said, is a testimony that the PPP/C does not simply preach of love for the people, but demonstrates it,” President Ali affirmed.
In line with this vision, the government has already embarked on several key infrastructure projects in Linden and surrounding areas.
tion of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, a critical route that connects Linden with Georgetown.
The highway is being upgraded to support the flow of traffic, and ensure smoother, safer transportation for commuters and goods which will be essential for the region’s growth, particularly as it moves towards becoming a major tourism destination.
In addition to this, the construction of Guyana’s first ‘smart city’, Silica City, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, is set to reshape the region. Silica City is envisioned as a model for sustainable urban living,
urban centre that serves as a regional and national economic hub.
Further north, the Linden to Mabura Hill Road is under construction, creating vital access to the interior regions of Guyana. The new road will drastically reduce travel times and open up new opportunities for mining, agriculture, and tourism in the hinterland.
This infrastructure project is expected to facilitate the movement of goods and people, boosting trade and stimulating investments.
A VISION FOR LONG-TERM
ments. How it will create new wealth… I can tell you from 2020 to now, there are many, hundreds of homes that I can point to in Linden that are either improving, rehabilitating, or being built from scratch,” the President remarked.
These changes are not limited to commercial and residential development; they are part of a broader strategy to transform Linden into a modern, thriving town with enhanced infrastructure, improved public services, and greater opportunities for its residents.
For now, the people of Linden are beginning to see the tangible benefits of this investment, with housing developments and modern amenities starting to shape the town’s future. As these projects continue to unfold, the region is set to become a central pillar in Guyana’s ongoing transformation.
“The Soesdyke-Linden Highway is going to be modern highway; we are going to connect it with the new highway, all the way to Georgetown. That highway is coming to Land of Canan, then we are going to do Silica City.
You know what that does for Linden, the value creation.
The value of your property, the value of your land here will continue to go up, it will not go down,” President Ali added.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali and several government ministers being briefed on several ongoing projects in Linden, Region Ten
US Congress certifies Trump election win in ceremony presided over by Harris
THE US Congress formally certified Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory on Monday during a session presided over by Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost the November contest.
The quadrennial ritual, clearing the way for Trump’s inauguration in two weeks, went like clockwork and stood in sharp contrast to four years ago when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a failed bid to block the certification of then-President Trump’s 2020 loss to Democratic President Joe Biden.
Trump continues to falsely claim that his 2020 defeat was the result of widespread fraud, and had warned throughout his 2024 campaign that he harbored similar concerns until his Nov. 5 defeat of Harris.
Harris oversaw the roll call of the states in the vice president’s ceremonial role as president of the Senate. Known for her broad smiles and upbeat demeanor in public appearances, she stood stoic with hands
clasped on the dais as she handed off certificates of each state’s electoral votes for Trump and herself.
“Today was obviously a very important day, and it was about what should be the norm and what the American people should be able to take for granted, which is that one of the most important pillars of our democracy is that there will be a peaceful transfer of power,” Harris told reporters at the Capitol. “I do believe very strongly that American democracy is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it.”
Four years ago, thenVice President Mike Pence had to preside over Biden’s victory. In 2001, then-Vice President Al Gore had the same dubious distinction following a bitter battle between him and George W. Bush that ended so close that the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately had to put a stop to the legal challenges, leading to Bush being declared the winner.
Sitting in the House chamber was Senator JD Vance, whose vice presidential victory was also certified by Harris. Vance
stood and waved to the members in the chamber when his electoral vote total was announced.
“Congress certifies our great election victory today - a big moment in history. MAGA!” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social earlier on Monday.
The joint session of Congress proceeded even as a winter storm hovered over the nation’s capital, dropping about 6 inches (15
cm) of snow and snarling travel.
The final certification backed up preliminary findings that Trump won 312 Electoral College votes to Harris’s 226.
REPUBLICANS
CONTROL WHITE HOUSE, CONGRESS
Republicans also captured a majority in the US Senate and held a narrow edge in the House in November’s election, which
will give Trump the party support he needs to implement his planned agenda of tax cuts and a crackdown on immigrants living in the country illegally.
Democrats did not try to block certification of Trump’s victory on Monday.
“We must renew our commitment to safeguarding American democracy,” No. 2 House Democrat Katherine Clark said in a statement earlier in the day.
“As elected leaders, our loyalty must be to the Constitution, first and always. We are here to honor the will of the people and the rule of law.”
Security inside and outside the Capitol was heightened in preparation for the certification and was expected to remain in place through Trump’s swearing-in on Jan. 20.
The Capitol grounds were ringed by metal fences hundreds of yards from the U.S. Capitol, and accessible only via checkpoints guarded by uniformed police officers.
Convoys of black police vehicles were on hand, led by a 10-wheel Baltimore
police mobile command center. New York Police Department reinforcements were also patrolling the area.
Inside, extra teams of uniformed US Capitol Police officers were checking IDs at entrance sites including doors and underground tunnels leading to the House and Senate chambers.
Trump has said he plans to pardon some of the more than 1,500 people charged with taking part in the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol, when a mob fought with police, smashing its way in through windows and doors and chanting, “Hang Mike Pence,” referring to Trump’s thenvice president, in a failed bid to stop Congress from certifying Biden’s victory. In the 2021 melee at the Capitol, rioters surged past police barricades, assaulting about 140 officers and causing more than $2.8 million in damage.
Multiple police officers who battled protesters died in the weeks that followed, some by suicide. (Reuters)
Trudeau to resign as prime minister after nine years, blames party infighting
(Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday said he would step down in the coming months after nine years in power, bowing to pressure from lawmakers alarmed by his Liberal Party’s miserable showing in pre-election polls.
A subdued Trudeau, among the most prominent progressive leaders in the world, told a press conference that he would stay on, both as prime minister and Liberal leader, until the party chooses a new chief within months.
He also announced that parliament would be prorogued, or suspended, until March 24.
That means an election is unlikely before May, at the earliest, so Trudeau will remain in charge - at least initially - of dealing with the threat of crippling tariffs, once U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.
The next election must be held by late October, and polls show voters are angry over high prices and a shortage of affordable housing will elect the opposition Conservatives, and hand the Liberals a resounding defeat, no matter who leads the party.
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles; I cannot be the best option in that election,” Trudeau said.
In recent weeks, unhappy Liberal lawmakers openly called on Trudeau to quit after his finance minister resigned, and accused him of “political gimmicks” to win back voters.
“I am not someone who
backs away from a fight, particularly when a fight is as important as this one is,” Trudeau told reporters outside his residence as temperatures dipped to minus 15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit).
“But I have always
been driven by my love for Canada; and it has become obvious to me with the internal battles that I cannot be the one to carry the Liberal standard into the next election.”
‘FATIGUE FACTOR’
Trudeau, 53, took office in November 2015 with a message of hope and “sunny ways”, and won re-election twice, becoming one of Canada’s longest-serving prime ministers and winning plaudits from progressives for his focus on gender parity policies.
But his popularity started dipping two years ago as prices of groceries and housing rose in the post-
COVID period, and his fortunes never recovered. Parliament was originally due to resume on Jan. 27, and opposition parties had vowed to bring down Trudeau’s minority government as soon as they could.
But with parliament returning only on March 24, the earliest they could present a non-confidence motion would be some time in May.
Trudeau said he had asked the Liberal Party to set in motion a leadership contest, but did not say how long it would take.
A new party leader would become prime minister immediately, and lead the Liberals into the next election.
US Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) attend a joint session of Congress to certify Donald Trump’s election, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, US January 6, 2025 (REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Disaster risk management reform on the cards – PM
–– work ongoing for development of disaster management structures in all regions
WITH lots of work done throughout 2024 to boost disaster risk management across the country, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has said that works are ongoing to build out these structures across all regions.
The Prime Minister made the foregoing information known during his end-of-year press conference, which was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday.
Delving into details concerning Guyana’s Civil Defence Com -
mission (CDC), which falls under his portfolio, he said that in terms of policy development, the reform of the disaster risk management bill is ongoing.
He added that they have been working with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) on the upgrading of the early warning systems.
He said: “There are some communities that are affected by high winds, especially the hinterland, and the early warning system will be
helpful in helping them to be prepared to mitigate against any damages [from] those incidents.”
Pertaining to the legislation, he noted that the government is working towards having the comprehensive disaster management legislation placed before the National Assembly soon, and that issues related to audited skills management went through several iterations and studies to arrive at this point.
“So, we have a document now that we would like to take before the National Assembly to legislate the operations of the Civil Defence
Commission,” the PM said, adding that there has been an ongoing build-out in relation to its reach.
“You know, we are building out; for each region, we would like them to have their own disaster management structure,” he added.
He said, too, that a lot of work in this regard has been done in Region Nine, as there already exists a structure in terms of shelter and storage.
And further, the Regional Democratic Council has a CDC structure that is operational and works with the central CDC.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips (Delano Williams photo)
Legality over emotions
THE Guyana-ExxonMobil 2016 oil contract has been the source of much controversy, with continuous calls for renegotiation in some quarters without a clear analysis of the situation. These calls, though emotionally appealing, are blind to the complex realities of international business and the potential consequences for Guyana’s economic future.
Recent statements by Member of Parliament Sanjeev Datadin should help lower the temperature on the call for a breach of sanctity of contract in the global business environment.
While the 2016 agreement is certainly lopsided in favour of ExxonMobil, the notion that Guyana can unilaterally jettison a legally-binding contract on grounds of unfairness is not only naive but potentially disastrous for the country’s reputation as an investment destination.
The stabilisation clause in the contract requires Guyana to compensate ExxonMobil for any financial losses resulting from renegotiation, making unilateral changes to the agreement financially untenable.
This often-overlooked clause underlines the complexity of the situation, thus requiring a nuanced approach.
The calls for renegotiation do not take into account the benefits already derived from the investment by Guyana at the hands of ExxonMobil. The rapid pace of development has brought significant economic growth, with more than US$4.2 billion paid into the Guyana Natural Resource Fund since production started in 2019. The Local Content Act put in place by this administration has already retained billions of dollars within Guyana through local businesses.
It is important to note that the long-term value of oil is not certain, as the world is moving towards renewable energy. In this context, it makes a lot of sense that Guyana would want to extract its oil resources as quickly as possible to reap the most economic benefits. It helps no one if the oil is left in the ground when it can yield meagre returns someday.
The current administration has shown that more could be gotten from the existing contract without resorting to renegotiation.
The gas-to-energy project alone will save US$250 million per year, and US$700 million comes in due to the local content law. These initiatives testify to a prudent way of maximising benefit within the four corners of the existing contract. While the circumstances surrounding the negotiation of the 2016
contract are shady, including the writing of Guyana’s negotiating position by ExxonMobil, the solution does not involve breach of contract but learning from these mistakes. First, the government has held firm to the position that it would not weaken new Production Sharing Agreements to suit ExxonMobil’s liking. While the zeal to get a better deal for Guyana is understandable, the calls for renegotiation of the 2016 contract are misguided and potentially injurious. Guyana needs to respect the sanctity of contracts if it is to retain credibility on the international scene for the attraction of foreign investment necessary for its development. The emphasis needs to be how best to maximise the benefits from the current agreement, and make sure that future agreements are negotiated with the interest of the country at heart.
People, Principles and Policies celebrate 75
Dear Editor,
HAVING attained 75. It’s great to be alive, With honey in the hive, Everyone is enjoying the dive.
What a date, January first, The year 1950, was a burst. A nation was not at the worst, But men lived with a thirst.
How did they arrive
to live other than thrive? It was more they wanted to derive, From a thrust to drive.
An idea gave birth, Rooted with navels in the earth. Its salt it was worth, Accepting not an early death.
A search in the archive, Would reveal who did connive. An attempt to deprive, Yet, a flock, did not contrive.
So many to advise, They came, many, in a disguise. A struggle not to stoop did arise, The departed brought no demise.
Each new year shed a different light, The cause grew stronger, standing for its right. Its color sparkled, changing with the fight, Time and taste decided its height.
People suffered, as forces tried to deprive, Progressive yes, policies they did revive.
Party and principles will always survive, Civic and civilized, to celebrate another 25.
Yours respectfully, Jai Lall
Here is what 2024 should teach every post-colonial human
On January 17 last year, my column was titled, “Here is what 2023 should teach every post-colonial human.”
That article was about one subject only – the double standards of the West, the very West that fashioned a rule-based system for global interactions and demanded that the post-colonial world shape their national and international behavior in accordance with international norms.
In that commentary last year, I juxtaposed the West’s aggressive denunciation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its pro-Israeli stance in relation to genocide in Gaza. It was because of these double standards, the Third World refused to join the relentless energy of the West to encircle Russia.
In that very column, I mentioned the almost impossible criteria Canada has placed on Palestinian seeking refugee status while the paperwork to be filled by Ukrainian refugees is simpler than kissing the palm of your hand. Here is how I ended that January 17, 2024 column, “Gaza showed in 2023 that the West cannot and will never be a standard bearer for humanitarian justice, philosophical truths and democratic endurance.”
Did we see any change in 2024 in the West’s double standards in adhering to international laws? Here is what happened in 2024 that poses an existential threat to the rule-based international system. The International Criminal Court (ICI) issued an arrest warrant for Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Many countries in the West have said that they will not accept the warrant.
It was France that offered the bizarre
and ghoulish explanation of why it will not arrest Netanyahu. France said Israel is not a signatory to the ICC and therefore you can’t apply ICC rules to Netanyahu. But while France and the US will not arrest Netanyahu, France and the US have accepted the ICC’s arrest document for Russian President, Vladimir Putin.
Netanyahu is accused by the ICC of committing genocide. Putin is accused of kidnapping Ukrainian children and forcefully taking them to Russia. The children are alive and well, but about 30, 000 thousand mothers and children have died by the wanton bombing of their homes by Israeli jet fighters.
Here is an interesting reaction to the ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu. It was told to world famous journalist, Christiane Amanpour by the ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan. Mr. Khan did not name the high-ranking Western government official, but he reported what he said to him in a moment of emotional exclamation. He shouted: “This court was built for African and thugs like Putin.”
Mr. Khan said he received threats while conducting the investigation into Netanyahu. He did not go further but take your mind further and logical deduction will tell you that the threats came from countries that have persistently instructed the post-colonial world after independence to observe democratic rules and international law.
So, Mr. Putin is a thug and not Netanyahu, and why is that so? Because the West says so. So, the West sets their standards to which the countries of the Global South must adhere to. The ICC controversy in 2024 is simply a continuation of what took
place in 2023. But 2024 not not produce the double standards in the observation of international morality. It also produced glaring hypocrisy in Western journalism.
So, if you think 2023 has opened the eyes of the peoples of the Third World, so did 2024. Every account of the bombing of Gaza and Beirut came from official press releases from the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). So, through the prism of Western journalism, the world knew how many causalities Hamas and Hezbollah suffered as reported by Israel. And the world knew that Israel suffered no losses as reported by the Western media as told by the IDF.
So last year, when Iran bombed Israel, the Israeli government said there was no damage, and the drones were intercepted. But factually there was widespread damage, including the destruction of a military intelligence building. Last year, the bombing of Gaza continued. The earth toll is around
45, 000.
Since October 7, 2023, the West with its great tradition of democracy going back to centuries, has failed to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza.
What account for that failure when the very West sustains the foundation of the state of Israel? How can the West fail to wrest from Israel a ceasefire in a country that is a mere 8000 square miles with 8 million people? But the very West wants a cease-fire from Russia, which is not close to the West as Israel is.
Really! What are friends for? As with 2023, 2024 has opened the eyes of the world as to who really practices democracy.
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.
PAHO launches interactive dashboard to monitor avian influenza A(H5N1) in the Americas
THE Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has launched an interactive dashboard to monitor avian influenza A(H5N1) cases in the Americas.
This tool is designed to improve access to data on outbreaks of this disease in birds, mammals, and humans, providing key information for public and animal health authorities.
The dashboard features tables and maps showing outbreaks in humans as well as in domestic and wild birds and mammals across the region, the latter with data sourced from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Through this resource, PAHO strengthens its active surveillance efforts to prevent potential transmission of the disease to humans.
Between January 1 and
December 31, 2024, the platform recorded 66 confirmed human cases in the United States, and one in Canada, as well as over 1,300 outbreaks in animals in various countries across the region.
In December 2024, PAHO published an assessment of the public health risks associated with the potential occurrence of zoonotic avian influenza A(H5N1) in Latin America and the Caribbean, classifying the risk as moderate. To date, human-to-human transmission has not been identified.
The platform not only provides data on outbreaks but also on symptoms presented by patients, based on information provided by countries. This level of detail can help public health authorities be better prepared to detect and make informed, swift decisions during an
outbreak.
PAHO has also published a timeline on avian influenza in the Americas, covering key events from 2020 to December 2024.
As concerns grow over the spread of this disease, the availability of accurate, real-time information is crucial for authorities to prepare, prevent new outbreaks, and protect public and animal health in the region.
The data underscores the importance of regional and global collaboration to monitor the spread of zoonotic diseases like avian influenza A(H5N1) and mitigate its potential impact.
For more detailed and up-to-date information on avian influenza A(H5N1) in the Americas, visit the PAHO interactive dashboard at the following link: shiny.paho-phe.org/h5n1/
Dutch court extradites Grenadian serial killer to Guadeloupe for trial
THE Dutch Supreme Court has granted the extradition of Kathron “Kuchi” Fortune, a notorious serial killer originally from Grenada, to Guadeloupe for a retrial concerning his role in multiple violent crimes.
Fortune, who has been active in the Caribbean, particularly in Sint Maarten, has gained international infamy for his brutal killings, including the rape and murder of French woman Angélique Chauviré in 2006.
The Dutch decision allows him to face justice in Guadeloupe, where he had been convicted, in absentia, for Chauviré’s murder, along with additional crimes committed on the French side of
St. Martin.
CRIMINAL HISTORY
Born October 14, 1977 in Grenada, Fortune first became known to authorities in the Caribbean in 1989.
At just 22 years old, he received a three-year prison sentence for a violent robbery at a jewellery store in Sint Maarten. His criminal behaviour would escalate over the years, and in 2001, he was sentenced to eight years in prison for violent extortion, a charge he denied. But the most shocking chapter of his criminal history began in 2005.
That year, Fortune murdered Ervin Margerita, an Aruban national, during a
botched drug deal at Rice Hill Estate in Sint Maarten. The crime led to a 21-year prison sentence, handed down by the Court of Appeals in 2007.
ON THE RUN
While serving time for the Margerita murder, Fortune escaped custody during a medical visit in February 2016. On the run, his violent spree continued. In December 2016, he killed two men, Luis Sarante Diaz and Edwin Rosario Contreras, in a hotel room at the Simpson Bay Resort in Sint Maarten.
His actions were brazen, as they were committed in broad daylight.
Fortune remained a fugitive until July 2017, when he
Woman hospitalised following house fire in Bahamas
THE Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) has launched an investigation into a structural fire which left a 31-year-old woman hospitalised.
According to initial reports, the fire occurred on January 6, 2025, sometime before 04:00hrs. Reports
indicate that the woman was alone in a residence on West End Avenue, off Baillou Hill Road, when she awoke to the house on fire. She managed to escape, however, the house was subsequently engulfed in flames.
Fire services respond -
ed to the scene and extinguished the blaze. The victim sustained burns, and was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
Her condition is unknown at this time. Investigations continue. (Loop News)
was recaptured in St. Kitts and returned to the Pointe Blanche prison. However, the damage to the prison caused by Hurricane Irma prompted authorities to transfer him to the Netherlands, where he was held in a maximum-security facility.
Following the murders of Diaz and Contreras, the “Mars” investigation was launched, a significant criminal inquiry in Sint Maarten.
In June 2019, Fortune was sentenced to life imprisonment for the killings. He appealed the verdict, but in October 2020, the Appeals Court in Amsterdam upheld his life sentence, citing his lack of remorse, and the extreme danger he posed to society.
In addition to the life sentence in Sint Maarten, Fortune faced charges in
Guadeloupe for the murder of Angélique Chauviré. In October 2020, the Court in Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe, convicted him in absentia to 30 years in prison for her rape and murder, a crime he committed in June 2006 on the French side of St. Martin.
For years, the Netherlands had refused to extradite him, citing his dangerous nature and prior violent history.
However, the Dutch Supreme Court recently reversed this position, approving Fortune’s extradition, with strict conditions ensuring his transfer under the highest security.
The 46-year-old remains incarcerated in the high-security prison in Vught, Netherlands, where he will be closely monitored during extradition. Upon his arrival in Guadeloupe, Fortune will
be retried by the Basse-Terre Assize Court in connection with the murders committed in 2005 and 2006.
INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE IN ACTION
Kathron Fortune’s extradition marks the culmination of years of legal proceedings across multiple jurisdictions, underscoring the complexities of international crime and justice. Despite being behind bars in the Netherlands, Fortune’s criminal activities continue reverberating through the legal systems of Sint Maarten, Guadeloupe, and beyond.
The decision to proceed with his extradition highlights the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies to hold transnational criminals accountable for their heinous actions. (Loop News)
Anguilla police investigating armed robbery at a Western Union location
THE Royal Anguilla Police Force is investigating an armed robbery that took place at the Western Union location inside Lakes Supermarket in Stoney Ground on Saturday, morning.
According to preliminary reports, two masked men, both armed with firearms, entered the establishment and threatened the staff. The robbers managed to steal a sum of approximately XCD$13,000
and US$ 8,500 from the cashiers. After the robbery, the suspects quickly fled the scene on a motorcycle. The incident occurred at about 10:50hrs.
The first suspect is described as having a dark complexion, approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, and wearing long sleeves, black socks, and black slippers. The second suspect is described as shorter in stature and also wore long sleeves. No other
distinctive features have been noted.
The Royal Anguilla Police Force has condemned the act, calling it a “brazen crime”, and reiterating its commitment to ensuring the safety of the community.
The police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or has information that could assist with the investigation to come forward. (Loop News)
UGSS, Women’s Haven Guyana launch pioneering ‘Washroom Amenities Project’
THE University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS), led by its President Tirishatha Semple, has partnered with Women’s Haven Guyana to launch the ‘Washroom Amenities Project’, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing period poverty, and improving the overall well-being of students on campus.
The contract for the project was signed on Monday in the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) boardroom, marking a significant step towards fostering dignity and equity for all students at the University of Guyana.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Semple empha -
sised the importance of the initiative, which she described as the first of its kind at the University. “This is a proud and significant moment for the UGSS and the university community; it addresses an often-overlooked issue faced by women and girls,” she said. During her interactions with students, Semple noted repeated concerns about the state of campus washrooms, particularly the lack of essential items like toilet paper and sanitary pads. “Female students would share the challenges of being caught offguard during that time of the month, and struggling to find a sanitary pad. These were the voices of concern that
I couldn’t ignore,” Semple explained.
The Washroom Amenities Project aims to ensure that all campus washrooms— both male and female—are stocked with essential items, including sanitary pads, liners, toilet paper, hand soap, and air fresheners. “The goal is to make students feel comfortable, supported, and at home on campus,” Semple added.
In her search for support, Semple connected with Women’s Haven Guyana, a company known for its safe and organic hygiene products. Women’s Haven CEO Lexann McPhoy praised the initiative, and announced the company’s ongoing donation
of sanitary pads and liners to support the project.
“This partnership represents more than just an agreement; it’s a shared commitment to uplifting women and girls, breaking down barriers, and tackling an issue that impacts daily lives,” McPhoy stated.
She further highlighted that the initiative addresses period poverty by ensuring students have access to organic, reliable feminine hygiene products. “We are not just providing products;
we are fostering education, allyship, and a culture of understanding and inclusivity,” McPhoy noted.
The partnership also seeks to empower female students with knowledge about their health, and engage male students, as informed allies, in creating a supportive environment. “These conversations are critical in breaking the stigma, and fostering inclusivity,” McPhoy said.
Commending the UGSS leadership, McPhoy underscored the potential of pub-
lic-private partnerships to create meaningful change.
“This collaboration is a testament to what can be achieved when entities come together with a shared purpose,” she said.
With the Washroom Amenities Project, the UGSS and Women’s Haven Guyana have taken a bold step towards ending period poverty on campus, thereby promoting equity, and ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to thrive.
UGSS President Tirishatha Semple (left) with Women’s Haven Guyana Chief Executive Officer Lexann McPhoy (Japheth Savory photo)
Products from Women’s Haven Guyana
‘No need for panic or worry’
–– Registration for $100,000 cash grant to continue, Minister Singh says
GUYANESE who missed initial registration for the $100,000 cash grant should not worry, as there will be venues in place to give those an opportunity to register.
This was announced by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh.
He said: “There is absolutely no need for panic or worry that you might not get registered. I’m saying this definitively that there is no need to fear that ‘I missed the registration day on a particular day so I will miss my chance to register’
ble citizens have access to the much-anticipated cash grants.
Dr Jagdeo had reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusivity in the distribution process. Acknowledging the challenges faced by some groups during the initial registration period, he assured the public that additional measures would be implemented to address these concerns.
“If you are busy on the first day, let’s say you live in region six or region five, there is absolutely no necessity for everybody to converge to the NDC office on the first day…”
up for those who missed registration to get their opportunity.
The Minister said that the registration places will be opened for the advertised dates and even after those dates, locations will be set
Recently, Vice President, D. Bharrat Jagdeo revealed that the government is working on a supplementary system to ensure that all eligi-
––
“If you miss the number of days that those registering people or in your community, you would have another opportunity,” he explained. “We are going to make sure that we announce a supplementary kind of approach, or our people may be able to go to the post office wherever,” the Vice President added.
‘Consumer Affairs’ launches investigation into cooking gas incidents
THE following is the full text of a statement from the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission:
“THE Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) has noted recent incidents involving critical injuries to consumers and severe damage to property during the use of a particular brand of cooking gas product.
The Commission publicly extends our heartfelt compassion to those affected and their families even as we engage them
privately.
We wish to refer and remind suppliers of goods and services that Part X, Section 78 of the Consumer Affairs Act No. 13 of 2011 requires that a person shall not:
Supply consumer goods or services which fail to comply with the general safety requirements
Offer or agree to supply goods or services that are not safe; or
Expose or possess unsafe goods or goods or services supply
A person who contravenes this subsection of the
urges consumers to exercise all safety protocols
Act commits an offence.
Following the first two official complaints filed by the affected persons, we have commenced our investigations which will engage the relevant industry experts to make assessments and recommendations based on their findings. The CCAC intends to pursue these investigations until there is redress.
In the meantime, we urge consumers to exercise the greatest caution and safety protocols during the use of cooking gas products. Consumers are reminded to reach out to the CCAC on its website: ccac.gov.gy or WhatsApp (592)-625-0557 if there are any complaints.”
Dr. Jagdeo emphasised that no one who qualifies for the grant will be excluded because of logistical or scheduling issues. He specifically addressed the concerns of those who might have been out of the country, working at sea, or otherwise unavailable during the registration period.
As he stated, “You are not going to lose that money
if you didn’t get an opportunity to register, for example, you are busy on that day or those days, you’re out of the country, or you are at sea or somewhere else.
So, the fishermen and the others don’t have to worry, or the miners, for example, if you’re a miner and you miss the area, you don’t have to worry about that,” Dr Jagdeo assured.
Dr. Ashni Singh
50 more families move closer to home ownership
Monday,
the
Gov’t has unprecedented record of accessibility and transparency
– Information Minister notes, says over 90% of commitments to electorate have been fulfilled
MINISTER within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame Mc Coy, has noted that the Government of Guyana over the last four years has maintained a record of engagement with members of the media and the public at large.
The Minister made this remark while speaking during the Office of the Prime Minister’s end-of-year press conference on Monday.
Speaking on achievements of the past year and beyond, Minister Mc Coy noted that the media and
communication sector plays a role in ensuring that the programmes and policies of the government are disseminated in keeping with the mandate.
“Of course, in keeping with a very important constitutional provision of providing information to the people of our country, the purpose of them being able to make informed choices and decisions and of course lends itself to the whole notion of accountability and transparency,” he said.
It was against this backdrop that he added that Guyana remains one of the countries in the region and beyond
that leads in terms of the access the media has to the government, its cabinet and others.
He said: “So the government, the cabinet of this country – what has been our record over the last four years, unprecedented record of engagement with not only media but the public at large.”
This he said has been facilitated through outreaches, community activities and even side events where media operatives have the opportunity to probe and seek answers from the government.
As such, Mc Coy ex -
pressed that it ought to be clear that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration takes its manifesto promises very seriously. By the end of 2024, the minister said that the government has over 90 per cent of the commitments that were made to the electorate of the country.
He added that there is no doubt that by the end of the first term, all will be celebrating the achievements that are a result of the government being one that stuck to the promises it has made to the people of the country.
On
more than fifty families gathered at Non-Pariel, Phase 2, East Coast Demerara, to identify their newly allocated residential lots. This event aligns with
Ministry of Housing and Water’s goal to increase occupancy in housing schemes across the country. The ministry has successfully met its allocation target for 2024, and in the coming weeks, efforts will focus on improving access to these housing opportunities (Housing Ministry photos)
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame Mc Coy
New $80M North East La Penitence Health Centre to offer high standard of care – Health Minister
THE Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday reopened the newly constructed North East La Penitence Health Centre in Central Georgetown. This modernised facility, constructed at a cost of approximately GY$80 million, marks a significant step in the ministry’s ongoing commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services and will service a population of 7,651.
During his remarks, the Minister of Health, Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, expressed enthusiasm about the enhanced services the centre will offer.
“We are very pleased to reopen this facility. The Ministry has invested in its renovation to ensure that the citizens of Georgetown benefit from primary healthcare services of the
highest standard. We aim to deliver a comprehensive package of 115 interventions across every health facility in Guyana,” the Minister noted.
The Minister highlighted several critical programmes that will be available at the centre, including expanded vaccination services for 19 preventable diseases, including HPV; school health screenings with corrective care; advanced chronic disease management with HEARTS and HbA1c testing; and infectious disease monitoring through accredited testing and surveillance by the Pan American Health Organization.
In addition to healthcare, the minister shared plans for upgrading neighbouring facilities and announced the installation
of a dental suite at the North East La Penitence Health Centre in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, noted the Ministry of Health’s commitment to raising healthcare standards across Guyana, stating:
“Every citizen is entitled to the same level of care, and we will ensure that no region is left behind as we strive to provide world-class healthcare,” he said.
Among those present were Chief Medical Officer Dr Narine Singh; Micheal Gouveia, Hinterland Coordinator; District Medical Officer Dr Judy Bentley-Browne; Counsellor Alphonso De Armas, and other officials. (MoH)
96% of power outage woes in 2024 caused by accidents – Minister Indar
MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar on Monday said that some 96 per cent of power outage woes were as a result of accidents, which caused interferences in the power supply.
The minister made this known while speaking on power generation issues at the Office of the Prime Minister’s end-of-year press conference.
Minister Indar indicated that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) came off of a good year with lots of power to generate, and even having excess generating capacity as compared to the current peak demand for power.
However, he said that almost on a daily basis, reports are sent to him about cars driving into power poles,
trucks breaking down some electricity main line, or a contractor with a crane driving piles in close proximity to the 69,000-volt lines causing disruptions to customers.
Giving another example, he noted that it was just a day or two after December 26 when someone was cutting a tree that fell on a main wire and plunged the entire Eccles community into a blackout.
“So, these things; you know, you get wary of them… 96 per cent of the occurrence in 2024 in that vicinity was due to some kind of intervention with the transmission line,” he said.
Further explaining, he said that when a transmission line is hit and the two wires collide, it causes power relays.
These relays, he added,
act as a protection for the entire system, which further causes the system to shut down.
However, in handling these matters, Minister Indar said that GPL was instructed to have these persons charged, and their names and faces posted on the company’s social media pages, and even in traditional media outlets.
Some of these cases, he said, are currently before the courts.
Noting the police presence on the roadways, Minister Indar said that persons are being taken to court, and yet still the issues he highlighted continue to occur.
During the press conference, it was noted that the total generation capacity has increased significantly.
The North East La Penitence Health Centre which was reconstructed at a cost of $80 million is expected to service more than 7, 500 persons
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar
Minister Edghill engages East Bank residents on Diamond to Good Success road rehabilitation
AS part of Guyana’s ongoing infrastructure development, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, along with officials from the Special Projects Unit (SPU) and technical staff, met with residents of the East Bank Demerara on Sunday to discuss the rehabilitation of the road corridor from Diamond to Good Success.
Minister Edghill informed the gathering that the three-month restoration project, now underway, has
been divided into five lots. To foster collaboration and harmony, he introduced the five contractors responsible for rehabilitating the concrete road connecting Grove, Diamond, and Heroes Highway.
Highlighting the project’s impact, Minister Edghill explained that heavy vehicles would use a single lane on the main road during the rehabilitation, which will proceed simultaneously across the five lots. He urged residents to work closely with the contractors to ensure timely
completion of the project and expressed gratitude for their cooperation, despite temporary inconveniences.
“While we may suffer inconvenience, I want you to start thinking about the overall benefit,” Minister Edghill said, emphasizing the long-term advantages of the restored roadway.
The meeting also provided a platform for residents to raise concerns. Minister Edghill tasked the Diamond-Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC)
with developing strategies to address parking issues for homeowners during the construction phase.
SPU Head Collin Gittens assured residents that work would proceed around the clock. He outlined the scope of the project, which includes the development of new sewers and the construction of a roadway from subsurface layers to asphalt. Gittens also committed to addressing water infiltration concerns raised
by residents, ensuring that corrective measures would be implemented promptly.
The Guyana Police Force pledged their assistance to minimize disruptions and ensure smooth execution of the project. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works announced plans to release infomercials about alternative routes, encouraging residents to share this information with travelers using the East Bank corridor.
At the meeting’s conclusion, the NDC chairman received the unpriced bill of quantities for the project, and several councillors were introduced to residents as points of contact for reporting concerns.
This comprehensive rehabilitation effort reflects the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure while prioritizing community engagement and collaboration.
Former AFC Executive schools party’s oil and gas spokesperson, Adams, on ‘profit oil’
THE Alliance For Change (AFC) lead oil and gas ‘expert’, Vincent Adams, has been grilled for his “callous, careless and shallow” statements on the sector by Former AFC member, Leonard Craig.
In a column published on Monday, Craig criticised statements made by Adams along with the manner in which the party holds its press conferences.
He said that the AFC “slaps” together responses on Fridays based on what Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, says on Thursdays. Because of this approach, he stated that the party does not give itself ample time to put together responses that are robust and properly researched.
“profit oil” which has to be split 50/50. Further, the two per cent royalty is taken from the gross of production and not an additional two per cent of profit.
Therefore, the royalty fee will fluctuate as an overall percentage when juxtaposition directly against profit oil depending on the magnitude of cost oil.”
Craig also said that Adams got “egg” in his face by accusing the government of reneging on a promise to re-negotiate the current Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreements (PSA).
attention to the changes to future agreements and what contributions they can make to improving it, but instead the party is being consumed with non-issues.
Guyana’s profit oil refers to the portion of oil funds from offshore oil production that the government of Guyana is entitled to, after deducting costs and expenses incurred by the oil companies.
Under its PSAs with oil companies: ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC, Guyana receives a percentage of the oil extracted once the companies recover their exploration and production costs.
Craig pointed out the pseudo-intellectual nature of Adams and stated that even though he attempted to rebut the Vice President’s assertions that in due course Guy-
At the AFC press conference last Friday, Adams said that, Guyana’s income from oil will never be 50 + 2 per cent and misconstrued the concepts of ‘cost oil’ with ‘profit oil.’
ana will receive its full share of 50 per cent of revenues, it was evident that Jagdeo was referring to ‘profit oi.’
Craig then stated: “He guesstimated that 30 to 40 per cent of oil will go towards production costs and
the difference of 60 per cent when split is no more than 30 per cent coming to the NRF. Dear Dr. Adams, regardless of the size of the deductibles associated with production (cost oil), that which remains represents 100 per cent of
“There is no record anywhere of a promise to renegotiate the PSA, it has been a firm and steadfast position of Granger’s PNC and the PPP/C, both in and out of government, to not force renegotiations,” the Former AFC member wrote.
He then called out the party for not paying close
As of recent years, the country’s share of profit oil has increased significantly and this has led to a major economic boost for Guyana, as the country is now one of the fastest-growing economies in the world due to its burgeoning oil sector.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, and other officials engaged with residents of East Bank of Demerara on the way forward regarding the rehabilitation of the road corridor
A section of the crowd that engaged with Minister Edghill at the Grove Primary School, E.B.D
ExxonMobil targets 2025 drilling at Ranger-1 well
EXXONMOBIL, a leading United States oil company, has announced plans to expand drilling operations at the Ranger-1 discovery within the Stabroek Block, commencing in 2025, according to President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge.
During a recent episode of the Energy Perspectives podcast, he outlined the company’s plans for the year, emphasising that extensive well drilling will be a key focus.
The Ranger discovery, announced in January 2018, marked ExxonMobil’s sixth oil find in the Stabroek Block. The Ranger-1 well, drilled in a previously untapped reservoir, encountered approximately 230 feet (70 meters) of high-quality oil-bearing carbonate rock. The well was safely drilled to a depth of 21,161 feet (6,450 meters) in 8,973 feet (2,735 meters) of water.
ExxonMobil highlighted that this discovery showcased its expertise in ultra-deepwater and carbonate reservoir exploration, introducing a new play concept for the Stabroek Block.
When asked why this well is gaining attention in 2025, Routledge explained that it lies in the central part of the Stabroek Block within a carbonate reservoir. Unlike the sandstone formations of earlier developments, he explained that carbonate reservoirs present greater challenges in development, requiring more detailed analysis and advanced techniques.
“It is more challenging to develop a carbonate discovery than it is to develop a sandstone. Predominantly, all of our developments to date have been in sandstone. So, it’s more challenging, takes a lot more effort to go through the geoscience data from the wells that we have already drilled. We have gathered other data from neighbouring exploratory wells that we have been drilling to see what we can combine in that part of the block as a potential development.”
Initial estimates in 2018 placed Ranger’s oil reserves at 346 million barrels, a figure that increased to between 500 and 600 million barrels by 2022.
Routledge affirmed the company’s commitment to unlocking Ranger’s full potential, highlighting its capacity to significantly enhance Guyana’s oil production. With the prospecting li-
cense valid through October 2027, he said the company’s focus is on both exploration and appraisal to ensure it fully capitalises on the opportunities this discovery presents. He emphasised that the Ranger discovery marks a significant milestone in diversifying resource development within the Stabroek Block, where approximately 46 oil discoveries have been made since 2015.
According to Routledge, thirty development wells are planned for drilling during the current year, thus enabling amplified exploration and production operations in the Stabroek Block.
Since the initial discovery in 2015, three major projects—Liza 1, Liza 2, and Payara—are collectively producing over 600,000 barrels of oil per day in the Stabroek Block.
This production is supported by three Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels: Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, and Prosperity. The prolific Stabroek Block has solidified Guyana’s position as a major player in the global oil industry and the fastest-growing economy in the world.
Three other development projects in this block—Yellowtail, Uaru and Whiptail— are set to begin production in 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively.
Each project is estimated to generate 250,000 barrels per day, bringing the total offshore oil output in Guyana to more than 1.3 million barrels per day.
President of ExxonMobil Guyana Alistair Routledge
GWI embarks on major water network upgrades across Georgetown
THE Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), is undertaking extensive upgrades to Georgetown’s water transmission and distribution network.
The initiative seeks to replace aging infrastructure,
some of which is over a century old, and improve water service delivery across the city.
Over recent years, GWI
has been diligently working to modernize its systems in Georgetown. However, the upgrades often lead to temporary water service disrup-
tions, affecting a significant portion of the population.
Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, emphasized the need for these critical upgrades, noting that the existing infrastructure cannot sustain the level of service the government aims to provide.
“These works will help upgrade the water distribution network in the city, allowing pipes to be replaced and enabling customers to receive a higher level of service,” Minister Rodrigues explained.
The upgrades will lead to increased water pressure and cleaner water for residents, as the new infrastructure will be less prone to leaks. However, the Minister acknowledged that the process is both costly and time-consuming and can cause inconvenience to the public.
Thus far, GWI has completed upgrades in several areas, including: Republic Street (from Eping Avenue to Lamaha Street) and Shelterbelt to Church Street and onwards to East Street.
Future works are planned from East Street to the Bank of Guyana area. Currently, the network is being upgraded in: Broad Street to Pegasus Hotel, Cemetery Road (from Square of the Revolution to Sussex Street), and to date, approximately $2 billion has been invested in these projects.
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to extend its efforts to the following areas, pending budget approval: Lamaha Street to David Street, Kitty, Water Street (from Church Street to Marriott Hotel), David Street (from Sheriff Street to Vlissengen Road), and Brickdam (from Square of the Revolution to Avenue of the Republic).
The estimated cost for these additional upgrades is $1.5 billion, which will be included in this year’s budget proposal to the National Assembly.
Other areas, including Subryanville, Bel Air, and Atlantic Ville, are also set to benefit from the transmission upgrades as part of the broader initiative.
Minister Rodrigues reassured residents that these efforts are part of a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade strategy for Georgetown. “This is not random. We have completed many areas already,” she said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing water services for all citizens.
With significant progress made and ambitious plans for the future, the Ministry of Housing and Water remains steadfast in its goal to modernize Georgetown’s water distribution system and ensure improved access to clean, reliable water for residents.
Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues
Ponting on Bumrah: ‘Probably the...
most Test wickets by an Indian in Australia – 64 wickets at 17.15 compared to Kapil’s 51 at 24.58.
ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting believes that Bumrah’s exploits are not only the best he’s seen of a visiting bowler in Australia, but probably the best fast-bowling display of all time.
"No doubt, it's proba
Thunder
bly the best series of fast bowling I've ever seen. Yes, they had good conditions, the fast bowlers, for most of this series. But when you watched him (Bumrah) bowl compared to anyone else in the series, he made batting look so much harder,” Ponting said.
“There's a lot of quality batting in that Australian
top-order as well but he made all of them at different times look silly,” he added.
Bumrah, who had captained India to a win in Perth at the beginning of the series, didn’t bowl on the final day of the series in Sydney after experiencing back spasms on Saturday.
Dejected on missing out having a go in the second
beat Celtics for record...
points behind in the second quarter, recovered to win after trailing by at least 12
points for the fourth straight game.
The defending champions, who had not scored fewer than 44 points in a half this season, managed only 27 in the second half at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Victory improved Oklahoma's record to 30-5 and extended their lead at the top of the Western Conference.
The game was the Thunder's second of three in a row against the Eastern Confer-
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS FAIRVIEW
08:15 hrs Walkonthewildside
08:50 hrs Mr Belvedere 09:25 hrs Cool Cat
10:05 hrs Lady Zultanite
10:35 hrs Angel Of My Heart
(FROM PAGE 21)
innings, Bumrah conceded post-match, “Little frustrating but sometimes you have to respect your body, you can’t fight your body,” Bumrah said. “Disappointing, probably missed out on the spiciest wicket of the series. I felt a bit of discomfort during my second spell in the first innings.”
(ICC Media)
(FROM PAGE 22)
ence's top three teams, having beaten the third-placed New York Knicks on Friday.
On Wednesday they take on Eastern Conference leaders the Cleveland Cavaliers, who beat the Charlotte Hornets 115-105 at home to claim a 10th consecutive win.
Darius Garland scored 25 points and Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell 19 apiece for Cleveland.
Jalen Green scored 33 points and Amen Thompson
ENGLISH RACING TIPS WOLVERHAMPTON
12:30 hrs Caramay
13:00 hrs Forever Proud
13:30 hrs Treasure Fleet
14:00 hrs Bankrupt 14:30 hrs Red Walls
15:00 hrs Tiger Crusade
23 as the Houston Rockets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 119-115 in Houston.
The Sacramento Kings made it four straight wins with a 129-99 victory over the Golden State Warriors 129-99 in San Francisco.
CJ McCollum scored 25 points as the New Orleans Pelicans won 110-98 at the Washington Wizards, while the Utah Jazz triumphed 105-92 at the Orlando Magic. (BBC Sport)
MAHONING VALLEY Race 1 Ivory Sky Race 2 Fierce Assault Race 3 Holiday Lights Racd 4 Express Fashion Race 5 Noyorious Sixohtwo
Race 6 Master Of The Nite
Race 7 My Two Aunt Joan's
15:30 hrs Alfhelm 16:00 hrs Bungle Bay 16:30 hrs Ash Wednesday AMERICAN RACING TIPS
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Tuesday, January 7, 2025)
COMPLIMENTS OF
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) Courtney Walsh-63 wickets (18 Tests)
(2) Imran Khan-80 wickets (18 Tests)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) What is the highest score made by a WI batsman in a Test against PAK to date?
(2) What is the highest score made by a PAK batsman in a Test versus the WI to date?
Rashid Khan spins Afghanistan to 1-0 series win
RASHID Khan's seven-wicket haul powered Afghanistan to a 72-run victory in the second Test in Bulawayo, helping the visitors clinch the series 1-0 after the first rubber ended in a draw. Zimbabwe were already on the brink of defeat going into the final day at 205 for 8, and lost the last two wickets without any addition to their overnight tally.
Rashid would've struck in his first over to remove Richard Ngarava, if not for captain Hashmatullah Shahidi putting down a chance at point after running in from cover. It didn't make much of a difference as Ngarava fell in just the next over, run out by Shahidullah Kamal after a miscommunication for a run with Craig Ervine. Ervine, who kept Zimbabwe alive heading into the fifth day - even if only just - was trapped leg before to give Rashid his seventh wicket of the innings and Afghanistan their win.
Before Rashid could run through Zimbabwe's lineup across the last two days, Afghanistan successfully turned the tables on the home side through centuries from Rahmat Shah (139) and Ismat Alam (101) that allowed
Rashid Khan picked up seven wickets for Afghanistan in the second innings
them to post a daunting total for the hosts despite conceding a first-innings lead to them.
Like in the second dig, Zimbabwe's first innings too relied on three of their senior batters to dig in and give them the advantage. Sikandar Raza (61), Ervine (75) and Sean Williams (49) pushed them past Afghanistan's first innings total but couldn't quite come together for the second time around in the
face of a target of 278. Ben Curran, Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Raza got starts but Rashid took each of them out on Day 4. Ervine attempted defiance again but the rest of the middle and lower order couldn't keep up. Ultimately, Zimbabwe folded with Rashid taking out Zimbabwe's best batter of the game, to finish with a match haul of 11 wickets.
(Cricbuzz)
Ponting on Bumrah: ‘Probably the best series of fast bowling I've ever seen’
IN his third Test tour Down Under, Jasprit Bumrah put an incredible shift with the ball to make India’s case for a fiercely-contested Border-Gavaskar Series.
The 31-year-old finished as the leading wicket-taker in the five-Test series with an incredible tally of 32 scalps. During his iconic run, Bumrah also overtook former India captain Kapil Dev to hold the record for
Khan spurs TSC to a six-wicket win over GDF
Myhiem Khan, Jeremiah Hohenkirk and Reyaz Latif produced an outstanding performances for the Transport Sports Club (TSC) who hammered GDF by nine wickets in a 40-over practice match on Sunday at the TSC ground as preparations began for the GCA season, scheduled to commence on January 19.
The Guyana Defense Force (GDF) won the toss sweltering heat and were dismissed for 150 in 39 overs. Rockel Reddy scored 32 with two sixes and two fours. Shamal Angel hit five fours in 38 and veteran Randy Lindore contributed 22 including
a six and a four. Extras contributed 20.
Bowling for TSC, off-spinner Jeremiah Hohenkirk took 5-9 from four overs. Reyaz Latif captured 4-14 while Azeem Azeez captured the other wickets to fall.
Transport replied with 152-4 in 19 overs to win by nine wickets as Khan top-scoring with 61 decorated by six fours and three sixes.
Shamar Apple’s 41 included five fours a six while Emmanuel Lewis chipped in with 15.
Off-spinner Jeremiah Hohenkirk took 5-9 from four overs for TSC against GDF
Angel, Rockel Ready, Joel Samuels, and Rolan Smith picked up a wicket for the Soldiers. (Sean Devers)
India pacer Jasprit Bumrah
TSC’s Myhiem Khan stroked an attractive 61. (Sean Devers photos)
South Africa seal 10-wicket win to complete whitewash
SOUTH Africa won the second Test comfortably by 10 wickets in the final session on Day 4 in Cape Town and thereby, clinched the series 2-0 against Pakistan. The hosts comfortably chased down the paltry target of 58 in just over seven overs.
This was after Pakistan surmounted 478 in their second innings, a remarkable effort with the bat after being enforced to follow-on. The victory has ensured that South Africa were unbeaten in Tests in the 2024/25 season with nine wins and a draw.
Pakistan were still set to fightback after Tea with Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan in the middle.
Two overs in, the former survived a LBW shout as he got his bat down in the nick of time before the ball crashed into his pads, and Rizwan brought up the 400 with a four off Keshav Ma-
haraj who was still wicketless at that stage. But the 88-run stand was broken as Rizwan chipped one delivery by Maharaj to Temba Bavuma at cover, in what was a soft dismissal.
Aamer Jamal was dropped two balls later by Aiden Markram at first-slip and made them pay with a boundary in the same over to bring scores level. Agha survived an LBW appeal through the recourse of DRS but was caught at slip two balls later, once again off Maharaj. Jamal and Mir Hamza latched into Kagiso Rabada milking him for few boundaries, and the latter played a lovely lofted shot straight down the ground for six off a length ball. Soon after Pakistan's lead had crossed 50, both batters fell within five balls of each other to leave the hosts with a small target to chase.
David Bedingham was
promoted to open after Ryan Rickelton could not bat due to a knock he picked up while fielding yesterday. He was in a belligerent mood in his 30-ball 47 which consisted of five fours and two sixes.
Meanwhile, Aiden Markram rotated the strike around to seal the chase quickly and marked South Africa's seventh successive Test win.
Earlier in the day, South Africa struck twice in the first session which included nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad and Kamran Ghulam. Marco Jansen generated the extra bounce which forced Shahzad to tentatively push one to the point fielder while Ghulam was beautifully set up by Rabada with multiple outswingers before a nip-backer from the pace ace had the batter's stumps castled. However. Masood continued to push on from the other end.
South Africa then struck
Thunder beat Celtics for record 15th straight win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Boston Celtics 10592 for a franchise record 15th successive win in the NBA.
Gilgeous-Alexander also made 11 rebounds, six assists, three steals and two
blocks for the Thunder, who have not lost since 1 December.
The Thunder's previous longest winning run of 14 games came in 1996, when they were the Seattle Supersonics.
"We're out there having fun," said Thunder forward
with the key wickets of Saud Shakeel and Masood soon after Lunch with the new ball.
Pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada picked up Shakeel as one shaped in with the angle from around the wicket which the batter nicked to second-slip
Luguentz Dort, who scored 14 points.
"Any time somebody does something well, we're always out there cheering for them. We've been building this chemistry for years, and we're clicking right now." Oklahoma, who were 13
(TURN TO PAGE 20)
In the very next over, Maphaka sent back Masood LBW after the hosts asked the third umpire to have a look once Nitin Menon gave it not-out on field. The ball just struck Masood in line in front of the off-stump and it was straight enough to hit the flush of off-stump. The two wickets set up the victory for the hosts heading into the final session despite Rizwan's and Caption: Agha's resistance. (Cricbuzz)
Cummins on captaincy future
Australia captain Pat Cummins has no plans to quit the position after his side's 3-1 Test series victory over India.
Australia Test captain Pat Cummins is likely to miss his side's tour of Sri Lanka at the end of this month but has no plans to give up the role full-time.
Cummins has overseen an impressive run as skipper since taking over from Tim Paine in 2021, most recently sealing a 3-1 series victory over India and a place in the ICC Test Championship final in June.
His side have also won the 2023 50-over World Cup, as well as currently holding the Ashes.
But, with a second child on the way, the 31-year-old says he "likely might struggle" to be involved in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
Cummins said: "I absolutely love what I do. That's the biggest driver in wanting to play Test cricket and work with this team and support staff.
"If I can keep doing it for a while, even better.
"We have two vice-cap-
tains in the team. We have had three debutants in this series. You're always balancing between the here and now and having a bit of an eye towards the future.
"They are conversations we always have, but I don't think there is any point in doing things for the sake of it. Those can play out over the next few years."
The hosts lost the first Test in their five-match series with India, a defeat that was seen by some as the beginning of the end for what has become a very familiar Australia team. They bounced back impressively, though, with Cum-
mins dismissing any suggestion that this team is at the end of its cycle.
He added: "When you start a series behind, a lot of things get questioned, fairly and unfairly.
"I think it shows the strength of the group to stay strong. We know we weren't at our best, but we can be better."
Steve Smith is likely to deputise for Cummins as captain for the Sri Lanka tour.
Smith was handed a twoyear leadership ban as a result of the ball-tampering scandal in 2018 but has since stepped in on four occasions. (Sportsmax)
Only West Indies are below Pakistan in the nine-team World Test Championship table
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averages 31.3 points per game for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season
Aussie captain Pat Cummins is likely to miss his side's tour of Sri Lanka at the end of this month
Mashramani Street Football Championship returns on February 1
THE seventh annual Mashramani Street Football Championship is expected to kick off on February 1. Thirty teams will compete for the coveted top prize in one of the country’s premier ‘small goal’ football tournaments.
The event’s host, Sports Management Inc. (SMI), disclosed in a press release that they plan to host the 2025 version of the competition.
The organisation indicated that the preliminary rounds would be hosted in communities before the grand finals, which will be held on February 15 at the National Park.
“We will host three preliminary nights in Pouderoyen, Back Circle, and Mocha before the grand finals at the National Park on February 15.
The semi-finals, third place playoff, and finals will be held at the National Park,” the release informed.
Stabroek Ballers are the defending champions in the tournament that featured 16 of the top teams last year.
In 2022, SMI hosted perhaps the biggest street
“Last year, we hosted the event on one night, and many teams complained about being left out and allowed to win the title. We have come up with a way to address that this year, given the number of teams that want to play in the tournament,” the SMI release said.
football contest in Guyana’s history. It was called the Magnum Mashramani Cup.
Following a hiatus in 2023, the event’s sixth edition returned to the annual ‘small goal’ calendar last year.
“This event brings the weight of six years of hosting and developing similar tournaments across the country,” the release continued.
The release thanked ANSA McAL Trading, MVP Sports, Nigel Hinds Financial Services, Cevons Waste Management, ENet, Corum Group, Fireside Grill and Chill, Star Rentals and the Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken for their continued support.
Kapil Dev swings in – An all-time great
India's greatest allrounder is born. Kapil Dev is still the only player to score 4000 runs and take 400 wickets in Test cricket.
His 5248 runs included eight centuries, his 434 wickets were a world record at the time, and he captained India when they won the 1983 World Cup. Kapil averaged over 40 with the bat against England and 25 with the ball
against Australia. Highlights included a rollicking 84 and 11 wickets in a big win against Asif Iqbal's Pakistan team in Madras in 1980, which sealed the series for India; 318 runs and 22 wickets against England - Botham, Gatting, Gooch, Gower, Willis and all - in 1981-82; 25 wickets against Australia in the series there in
is born
1991-92; and 129 in an innings against South Africa in Port Elizabeth where the rest of the India side made 86 between them. If Kapil hadn't been dropped for one Test against England in 1984-85 (a disciplinary measure after an attacking stroke at the wrong time), his Test career would have consisted of 132 consecutive matches. (ESPN cricinfo)
Garcia backs Yorke to deliver goods for Soca Warriors
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – One of Trinidad & Tobago’s senior players, Levi Garcia believes that Dwight Yorke’s presence as head coach of the national football team will have a significant impact on its performance.
The 27-year-old Garcia has scored eight goals in 42 appearances for the Soca Warriors and currently plays for Greek Super League club, AEK Athens, where he has scored five goals and provided two assists in 13 matches of the 2024/2025 season.
Speaking during an interview on I95.5 FM on Sat-
urday, Garcia said he did not believe people fully understood the effect Yorke’s hiring would have on the team.
“I’ve had a chat with Dwight earlier on when he was appointed as the head coach and I think people underestimate how big Dwight is and the influence that he will bring to the team and surrounding the team,” Garcia said.
“I’m really excited to work with him and I’m hoping that he can get the best out of the team.”
Garcia, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, said he was ener-
gized to represent his country and had been working extremely hard on improving his fitness.
He maintained that once he remained fit, he would be a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.
“I’m just working on staying healthy as long as possible so that when I’m with the national team I’m giving 120 per cent and do what I know best and give them what I can.
“…My main focus is to be healthy because I know once I’m healthy I will be able to deliver for the country,” Garcia said.
Scenes from last year's showdown at the National Park (PHOTO: Peter Barkoy/ Orbit Drones Photo)
Kapil Dev lifts the 1983 World Cup (Getty Images)
Levi Garcia has made 42 appearances for Soca Warriors
Mackenzie Multipurpose Stadium set to host matches by mid-year
IN a development that promises to elevate local sports, President Dr. Irfaan Ali received a comprehensive update on the progress of the Mackenzie Multipurpose Stadium during a briefing on Sunday.
This facility, which was previously known as the McKenzie Sports Club Ground, is undergoing significant upgrades to transform it into an international-standard venue.
Among the key enhancements being made to the stadium are the elevation of the outfield and the installation of a pitch that adheres to international standards, ensuring it meets the requirements for various sporting events.
Additionally, the implementation of automated watering-systems is set to enhance the maintenance of the field, while ICC-approved floodlights will allow for matches to be played in the evening, expanding opportunities for both players and fans.
President Ali was informed during the briefing that the stadium would be completed in time to host its inaugural match by mid-
year.
The Mackenzie Multipurpose Stadium will have a seating capacity of nearly 4,000 spectators, featuring two well-designed stands and an additional grassy mound area for fans seeking a more relaxed viewing experience.
This design not only caters to a larger audience but also fosters a community atmosphere that is vital for local sports events.
Moreover, the stadium’s cutting-edge lighting system, which is internationally certified and capable of remote operation, is expected to attract various sporting events.
This ambitious project is part of a broader initiative to invest in local sports infrastructure, complementing the recent installation of a synthetic track at the Bayroc Community Centre ground in Wismar.
Such developments are crucial not only for nurturing local talent but also for promoting sports as a vital part of community life, encouraging engagement and participation at all levels.
Sultana to lead Bangladesh Women on historic Caribbean tour
DHAKA, Bangladesh, (CMC ) – Niger
Sultana Joty will captain Bangladesh Women’s team when they embark on their first-ever tour of the Caribbean later this month.
Sultana was named to lead a 16-member squad that will play three ODIs and three T20Is against West Indies Women starting January 19, with all matches scheduled to take place at Warner Park in Basseterre, St. Kitts.
The ODI series carries significant importance as both teams aim to secure vital
ICC Women’s Championship points for direct qualification to the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup in India.
Bangladesh currently sit seventh in the standings with 19 points, just outside the automatic qualification zone, while West Indies are in ninth place with 14 points.
With just three matches remaining, both teams will be eager to claim the final direct qualification spot.
The Bangladesh team will arrive in St. Kitts on January 14, with the ODI matches set to take place on January 19, 21, and
24, followed by three T20Is, scheduled for January 27, 29, and 31.
SQUAD
BANGLADESH WOMEN: Nigar Sulta na Joty (captain), Nahida Akter, Mur shida Khatun, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Lata Mondol, Rabeya, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Farzana Haque, Taj Nehar, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Marufa Akter.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, along with Ministers of Government, inspected the stadium on Sunday
Niger Sultana Joty will captain Bangladesh Women on their historic tour of the Caribbean