Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08-03-2025

The Guyana National Newspapers Limited joined other agencies and

International Women’s Day 2025 (Japheth Savory photo)

‘We don’t flinch as a political party’

–– Jagdeo says PPP will always stand against attempts to undermine the will of the people –– opposition building smokescreens to prepare for its ‘impending defeat’ at the 2025 general and regional elections

By Trina Williams

EVEN in the face of the APNU+AFC’s “pernicious” attempts to subvert the will of the people in 2020, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) did not flinch or hide but instead fought for the nation’s democracy, General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo said during his press conference, on Thursday.

Marking the anniversary of the historic March 2, 2020 election, Jagdeo highlighted how Guyana would have been in a dif-

ferent position if it were not for the citizens and the PPP’s rejection of the APNU+AFC’s “clumsy” attempt to stay in power against the will of the people.

“We don’t flinch as a political party. We don’t run and hide. We confronted them (APNU/PNCR) and that is important for people to remember,” Jagdeo said.

The General Secretary also said: “We would have been a very different country, had APNU prevailed in the aftermath of the 2020 elections. And

the fact that they did not prevail is because of the vigilance of the people of this country, and also of the support from the international community.”

The General Secretary also honoured the bravery of those who stood in defense of the country’s democracy, many of whom, he noted, still bear physical scars, with some carrying pellets in their bodies as lasting reminders of their sacrifice.

On March 6, 2020, according to Jagdeo, there

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IMF hails gov’t social transfer policies, fiscal management

–– cites increase in disposable income, reduction in poverty rate

–– points to highly favourable economic outlook, strong pace of transformation

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised the government’s social transfer policies that have resulted in increased disposable income and a reduction in Guyana’s poverty rate.

“Staff assesses that social transfer policies implemented in recent years have increased disposable income and reduced the poverty rate,” the IMF’s 2025 Article IV Mission noted in its concluding statement which was released on Friday.

Since assuming office in 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has invested heavily in the social welfare of Guyanese, while also building out the country’s infrastructural landscape to enable long-term growth and sustained development.

Among the plethora of measures are the re-introduction and increase of the education grant to $55,000 per child; the increase in old-age pension to $41,000; increase in public assistance; targeted cash transfers, including the ongoing $100,000 cash grant initiative, and the grant for persons living with disabil-

ities; health vouchers and programmes; and the removal and reduction of taxes, along with other targeted tax-deduction measures.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, while previously referencing the investments geared at enhancing the lives of all Guyanese, had said: “This is how the resources and revenues of this country is being spent every single day; to uplift the lives of people, to expand national wealth, to expand personal wealth, to expand community wealth. This is what the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government is all about.”

These measures, he noted, are real policies and actions taken by the government to bring relief to citizens.

“We don’t demonstrate our love and commitment to people by noise; we demonstrate our love and commitment to people by real action; real policy, real intervention,” he added.

The IMF, as part of its advice to the government, said: “Going forward, additional targeted transfers, integrated into a medium-term fiscal framework, could further

support inclusive growth, and help Guyana advance faster towards its sustainable development goal (SDG) of no poverty.”

The government’s financial framework and mechanisms for funding these initiatives were also commended by the IMF.

“Staff commends the authorities’ continued commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and fostering inclusive growth. While there are no clear signs of overheating, enhancing the close monitoring of macroeconomic developments and continuing to proactively respond through tighter policies would be essential to ensure that the economy avoids overheating and remains on a balanced expansion path.

Early in 2024, the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) withdrawal ceiling was increased, creating space for a significant increase in capital expenditure, which in 2024 accounted for more than 12.5 per cent of GDP.

To ensure intergenerational equity and maintain fiscal and macroeconomic

sustainability, it was suggested that the overall fiscal deficit be gradually closed by 2031, followed by a reduction in the non-oil primary deficit over the (conservatively) projected lifespan of oil reserves.

“Given Guyana’s development and investment needs, the fiscal policy stance is appropriate at this stage, and the fiscal deficits should gradually close over the medium term,” the IMF said.

While acknowledging the country’s efforts to modernise its public financial management systems, the IMF advised: “Implementing a comprehensive medium-term fiscal framework with an explicit anchor and an operational target, further modernising public financial management systems, and conducting regular expenditure reviews to continually assess spending efficiency and effectiveness in reaching the SDGs will also help further strengthen fiscal discipline and transparency.”

Despite significant investments, owing to prudent management by the PPP/C government, the total Public

and Publicly Guaranteed (PPG) debt-to-GDP ratio has been reduced from 47.4 per cent at the end of 2020 to 24.3 per cent at the end of 2024.

The government has constantly stressed the importance of prudent financial management, noting that it is focused on sustainable development rather than short-term gains.

The overall progress of the country was acknowledged by the IMF, which stated: “Guyana’s economic transformation is advancing at a strong pace and broadening in scale. Rapidly-expanding oil production, strong non-oil output, and large-scale public infrastructure investment supported the highest real GDP growth rate in the world, at a recorded average of 47 per cent in 2022–24.

“The non-oil economy continues to reflect a solid broad-based performance across sectors, especially construction and services. Real GDP and real non-oil GDP are projected to grow by about 10¼ per cent and 13 per cent in 2025, respectively.”

The IMF further noted:

“The medium-term economic outlook remains highly favourable with balanced risks. The economy is expected to grow on average 14 per cent per year over the next five years, driven by robust oil production amid a growing share of the non-oil sector. Non-oil GDP is projected to expand on average by about 6¾ per cent per year. Risks to the outlook are broadly balanced.

“On the upside, further oil discoveries and productivity-enhancing investments, including to strengthen energy resilience would further bolster Guyana’s economic prospects.”

Guyana was, however, cautioned that downside risks stem from overheating pressures which, if not contained, could lead to higher inflation and real exchange rate appreciation beyond the level consistent with a balanced expansion of the economy.

Commodity price volatility in a highly uncertain global environment and climate shocks could also adversely affect inflation, and alter the macroeconomic outlook.

20 Region Seven landowners get steel, cement subsidies

AN excited George Benjamin from Bartica in Region Seven was among the 20 landowners who were provided with a steel and cement subsidy to build their homes.

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Bishram Kuppen led the distribu-

tion of the vouchers at the Bartica Community Centre Ground on Friday.

Due to other responsibilities, Benjamin, who received his land in 2020, was unable to start building his home.

Things have now turned around for him, thanks to the financial boost from the government.

Now that the government has provided him with financial assistance, Benjamin will be able to move from a rented house to his own home.

“This is a very good start; it will help me out a lot. My family is grate

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An excited George Benjamin from Bartica in Region Seven was among the 20 landowners who were provided with a steel and cement subsidy to build their homes

Two dead, 186 missing after four boats sink off Yemen and Djibouti

FOUR boats carrying migrants from Africa have capsized in waters off Yemen and Djibouti, leaving at least two people dead and 186 missing, according to the United Nations migration agency.

A spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Friday that two of the boats capsized off Yemen late on Thursday.

Tamim Eleian said two crew members were rescued, but 181 migrants and five Yemeni crew remain missing.

The IOM chief of mission in Yemen said the majority of those onboard were believed to be Ethiopian migrants, and five were thought to be Yemeni crew members. At least 57, from both boats, were women.

“We are working with authorities to see if we can find any survivors, but I’m afraid we may not have any,” Abdusattor Esoev told the AFP news agency.

Two other boats capsized off the tiny African nation of Djibouti about the same time, Eleian said.

Two bodies of migrants were recovered, and all others on board were rescued.

Despite a nearly decade-long civil war, Yemen remains a major route for migrants and refugees from East Africa and the Horn of Africa trying to reach Gulf countries for work. Hundreds of thousands of people attempt the crossing each year.

To reach Yemen, people are taken by smugglers on often dangerous, overcrowded

boats across the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden.

The numbers of people making it to Yemen reached 97,200 in 2023, triple the number in 2021.

But last year, the number dropped to just under 61,000 amid increased patrols of the waters, according to an IOM report this month. The IOM said 558 people died along the route in 2024.

In January, 20 Ethiopians were killed when their boat capsized off Yemen.

Over the past decade, at least 2,082 people have disappeared along the route, including 693 known to have drowned, according to the IOM.

About 380,000 migrants are currently in Yemen. (Al Jazeera)

Despite a nearly decade-long civil war, Yemen remains a major route for tens of thousands of migrants, mostly from Ethiopia, trying to reach Gulf countries for work [File: Fawaz Salman/Reuters]

Haitian economist takes over as transition president in friendly ceremony

HAITIAN economist and former central bank chief, Fritz Alphonse Jean took over the rotating presidency of Haiti’s transitional presidential council on Friday, taking the top

according to U.N. data, though it remains underfunded and under-gunned.

A UN-backed mission, with approximately 1,000 mostly Kenyan troops, has partially deployed to

Fritz Alphonse Jean is pictured after being elected as the Montana Accord President by members of the electoral commission of the National Transitional Council, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, January 30, 2022 (REUTERS/Ralph Tedy Erol/File Photo)

executive role in a country battling a devastating conflict with armed gangs.

Jean took over from architect Leslie Voltaire in a friendly ceremony, following a more fraught transition in October when the first president refused to sign the transition decree over an unresolved corruption scandal.

Jean thanked Voltaire at a ceremony at the Villa d’Accueil, which is now serving as the government headquarters, instead of the National Palace in downtown Port-au-Prince that is the now the site of frequent gun battles.

“Today our country is at war, and it is imperative we unite to win,” he said in a speech, pledging a “corrective war budget”, and to train more than 3,000 new police and army recruits this year to address endemic shortfalls in personnel.

The government spent some $227 million, or nine per cent of its 2024/25 budget, on the national police,

transition took place in “an atmosphere of mutual respect, friendship, solidarity and continuity.”

Jean’s term is set to run until August 7 this year, after which businessman

Haiti to help boost police, but since its arrival, gangs have continued to gain territory, forcing hundreds of thousands more from their homes.

Over 1 million people are now internally displaced, nearly 10 per cent of the Caribbean’s most populous nation.

Last month, the UN said in a letter seen by Reuters that Haiti’s request for a more financially robust peacekeeping force is not considered feasible if it does not first substantially reduce gangs’ existing control, but proposed a hybrid model to boost the scant voluntary security support received so far.

Jean also doubled down on a commitment to hold long-delayed elections by a February 7, 2026 constitutional deadline, a move encouraged by the United States, but that critics fear could legitimise powerful gang leaders.

Voltaire said Friday’s

Laurent Saint-Cyr is set to take over through to the February 2026 deadline.

Three council members, who are accused of corruption but retain their seats on the nine-member top

executive council, continue to be excluded from the leadership agenda.

The transitional council, which was introduced in April last year and which has been marked by political in-fighting, has come under fire by various sections of society, including the country’s two top police unions for failing to address the violence. (Reuters)

IN governance, tough decisions must be made, especially when national interests are at stake. The recent statements by General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, in response to allegations made by US-sanctioned businessman Nazar Mohamed, underline this very principle: Guyana’s welfare must always come before personal or business interests.

The decision to cut financial ties with Mohamed and his businesses is not one of political spite or personal vendetta, but one of national stability.

The US Treasury Department’s sanctions carry significant consequences, and ignoring them could jeopardise the entire financial system of the country.

As Jagdeo rightly pointed out, allowing Mohamed to continue operating a cambio would have put banks at risk of US sanctions, potentially leading to an

economic catastrophe.

Mohamed’s attempts to cast himself as a victim of government hostility are misleading at best. Nowhere in his public statements does he acknowledge the full implications of the sanctions levied against him and his son, Azruddin Mohamed.

Instead, he has opted to make claims that conveniently sidestep the core issue: the US government found them culpable of serious financial misconduct following a two-and-a-half-year investigation.

The ramifications of US sanctions extend far beyond American borders. As Jagdeo explained, even non-American businesses and individuals transacting with sanctioned entities could face consequences. This is not a matter of perception—it is a documented reality under international financial regulations.

The idea that Guyana should defy such sanctions for the benefit of one business

family is absurd, as it would place the entire nation in jeopardy.

Furthermore, Mohamed’s assertion that a local businessman is allegedly purchasing gold from Venezuela—a sanctioned country—warrants serious scrutiny.

If he possesses evidence of such transactions, as he claims, then the responsible action would be to make this information public or share it with the relevant authorities, including the US government. The fight against corruption and financial malpractice cannot be selective; all allegations must be supported by verifiable proof.

As for his suggestion that his son is under threat of assassination, this is a matter best left to law enforcement authorities. Instead of fuelling speculation, Mohamed should engage with the Guyana Police Force to ensure a thorough investigation.

Ultimately, the Guyanese government’s position on this matter is clear: no individual or business, regardless of past affiliations, will be placed above the interests of the nation. The government’s priority remains the economic and social well-being of its citizens. The enforcement of international financial regulations is not an option—it is a necessity.

As Guyana continues on its path of growth and development, it is crucial that the principles of transparency, accountability, and national interest remain at the forefront of decision-making. Businesspersons must recognise that the integrity of the country’s financial system cannot be compromised for the sake of personal gain.

In this regard, Jagdeo’s firm stance should be seen not as an act of hostility, but as a necessary step in safeguarding Guyana’s future.

Putting Guyana First Minister Mustapha has transformed the agriculture sector since 2020

Dear Editor,

PLEASE allow me to share my views on some of the negative and personal attacks against Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha M.P. over the past week.

From the onset, let me make it very clear that under the previous PNC (APNU+AFC) government, agriculture was dead. There wasn’t any development happening within any industry of this sector, and those that depended solely on agriculture were nearly put to starvation.

PERIOD.

I had done many letters before 2015 on agriculture, calling for betterment for all, especially those in the sugar, rice, and cash crop sectors, while asking for something to be done in helping all farmers. Many know that before 2015, I used to attack and cuss out the PPP so that they could do better for the agriculture sector.

But from 2015 to 2020, I realised that the coalition government and minister didn’t care for the industry and by extension for anyone but for themselves, and I used to say it to their faces but as many

may know, they were all Gods unto themselves, while I was warned that I will be in trouble for speaking up and out. It was like throwing water on ducks back when advising them.

The previous government was a dead meat government that cared for no one, and that is why today they are falling apart in terms of leadership and in general membership.

Mr. Editor, before someone attacks the agriculture industry or, in fact, any industry, they must have knowledge of the same and be able to advise on how to

make that industry better and economical where all can benefit.

Many wannabe politicians want to use the agricultural sector for their own political gains, and when those within the industry fall into the traps, they are left to wonder what’s next after they are being swept under the carpet.

We saw this with the AFC that joined the PNC in 2015 and made lots of promises to all within the sector, and

President Trump proven right by the Europeans

IF you do not support the foreign policy behaviour of the US president, recent developments in Europe have thrown up facts that have become the new reality in US-Europe relations that have favoured the new approach to international relations by Mr. Trump.

Let’s rewind the tape. In his first term, Mr. Trump advocated that NATO countries elevate their defence budget to contribute more to NATO. I think in one instance in his advocacy, he asked why the US should fight a war over Montenegro in Europe. That was the very first indication that the US was relooking at its relations with its post-world war, traditional partners. It signalled Trump’s intention that as president he was relooking at the traditional relation.

Europe did not respond. Instead, Trump lost his rerun candidacy and new President Joe Biden continued the traditional relation from across the Atlantic - the US would protect Europe (from whom) including new members of NATO. Under Mr. Biden’s presidency, a war broke out in Europe and the US acted as if the Ukraine was Israel and in fact treated Ukraine as a priority on par with Israel.

The Republican Party in the meantime, rejected the parity approach by Biden and became almost anti-Ukraine, the most vocal in the Senate was the man who later was to become the Vice President, Mr. Vance. But let’s return to defence spending. The British Government, last week, decided to increase budget spending. And three days ago, the EU decided on same.

Does that not prove that Mr. Trump has won round one? Why are they increasing

the budget now? Because Trump demanded that for the continuation of the Big Brother umbrella, they have to spend more. The other side of that answer is that they are now spending more because Trump argued that their international policies were being paid for by the US and that should stop.

What the acceptance by Europe of higher defence spending means is that if Europe wants to continue seeing an imaginary monster at their gate then they have to pay for a bigger fortress rather than sit back and expect the US to continue to expand the fortress for them.

Mr. Trump won another round against Europe last week when Europe came up with a peace plan. This document has to be one of the most humiliating moments in the history of European diplomacy over the past 500 years.

Let’s examine it contextually. The new American President met the Russians in Saudi Arabia without European involvement to come up with a peace plan or a war ending paper to put it another way.

The Europeans and Ukrainian Government were livid for not being consulted and shut out from the talks in Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration responded with a commonsensical question – why for three years of the war you produce no ceasefire document and no peace plan?

Europe has now produced a proposal to end the war, literally three years after it began. Why not before and why now? This is where Europe thinks that Mr. Trump is a pliable client that it can continue to manipulate. Europe only now (last Sunday) produced a war-ending document because it wanted the

anti-Russian campaign to continue through the continuation of the war and the war will go on because President Biden across the Atlantic will finance Ukraine to keep on fighting.

This is exactly what happened until Biden was ignominiously tossed out of power. The new man, Donald Trump asked three simple questions – why is this war going on in Europe? Why is the US financing it when it has no geo-strategic threat to the US? Why no attempt three years ago at a ceasefire arrangement?

Mr. Trump then announced a new approach to Ukraine based on his three simple questions. He has been proven right on his new Ukraine policy because Europe knows he is deadly serious about his three questions, and has transformed their attitude to the fighting. Europe has lost round two. Trump has won both rounds and the world is seeing the Europeans for their anti-Russian, war

mongering attitude.

We conclude this column by advising International Relations students to pay close attention to Mr. Trump changing the US position on Ukraine. Mr. Trump has accepted two things about the current shape of Europe’s international policies. One is the war in Europe is a European effort to weaken Russia and that does not concern the US.

The second thing is that the US sees Russia as a powerful and rich country that the US should do business with.

The US will not isolate such a country because US national interest dictates it should have mutually benefitting trade and economic relation with Russia.

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.

Minister Mustapha has transformed ...

after gaining political office and power, kicked every one of them.

When the PPP took office in late 2020 and Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha took the oath of office as the Minister of Agriculture, immediately he started community meetings and Region Five was the first region he set foot on as a minister.

I can recall that he went to several villages to meet the farmers on the ground and hear what they had to say, and I can say this, all the farmers at all the meetings said nothing good about the former Minister Holder and the then government.

I stood there and the complaints were all true and factual because under the previous government nothing was done to better the industry.

From that day, Minister Mustapha started to take action and made several promises to the farmers for their betterment and all those promises were fulfilled.

From that day, we all saw the agricul-

ture sector start to bloom, and farmers started to invest more, be it in rice, cash crops, poultry, cattle, etc…. Farmers see the light and are confident in the minister and by extension the PPP government.

The entire agriculture industry started to transform and we all saw the rise in the various sectors as the ministry’s technical staff was directed by the minister to ensure that they reach out to the farmers at all times and do all that they can to ensure that the sectors positively move forward and people get the assistance they need.

Under the PNC (APNU+AFC) government, help was given to the top brass family and friends and not to the actual farmers in the industry.

Minister Mustapha ensures that the staff of his ministry and the various sub agencies are at all times available to meet with the public. This never happened under Holder.

Since 2020, we all saw how Guyana is rising in agriculture development and we are once again the breadbasket of the

Caribbean. Under the leadership of Minister Mustapha, Guyana is now becoming food secure.

Under Holder and the PNC, we were all about to starve because the industry was quickly going down the drain.

Before 2020, people hardly wanted to invest in the agricultural industry, but today investments are pouring into all sectors because of the leadership shown and given in this important industry.

Since 2020, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha M.P. has tremendously transformed the agriculture sector for the betterment of all Guyanese and, by extension, the Caribbean.

Minister Mustapha is very hardworking and dedicated towards serving the people no matter what. He has been working around the clock to ensure that we are food secure and that the various agricultural sectors strive towards the highest peak no matter the difficulties.

Since the minister took office, he has been meeting with farmers and continues

to do so through the villages and regions of Guyana. He listens to the concerns raised, gives advice to them, and also provides assistance if needed.

So for the want-to-be politicians that blame the minister for the prices of various crops, they must do their research and don’t just allow those dunce tugs to fill your ears with lies and deception because under the previous government, farmers were promised major improvement in prices but what they collected were empty promises.

All within the agriculture sector, especially farmers and by extension, all Guyanese should be proud of this hard-working minister.

Keep up the good works Minister Mustapha, you have saved the agricultural industry.

And as the saying goes “You can’t keep a good man down”.

Yours truly, Abel Seetaram

Baramita Hospital gets $6.5M in supplies to improve healthcare delivery

THE Baramita Cottage Hospital will see another significant boost in its operating capacity with a $6.5 million donation from the Food for the Poor organisation.

This sizeable gift will improve the quality of service provided to residents of the Amerindian village nestled in Region One.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, received the supplies during a simple ceremony on Friday at his ministry’s main office, Brickdam, Georgetown.

Through continuous government support, the hospital has evolved from a small health post to a cottage hospital.

The upgrade included infrastructural expansion, inclusion of inpatient facilities and enhancements

to the competency of personnel working at the hospital. The development has guaranteed quality and

modern treatment for persons admitted to the hospital with extreme illnesses or physical trauma.

Minister Anthony

started from a health post where we had one community health worker, and the services at that time were very minimal. We have grown over the last couple of years to now where we have moved it from a health post to a health centre to now a cottage hospital and that took a lot of work.”

He also explained that the recently received donation will build upon the standing advancements and complement the government’s vision for the health institution.

highlighted the tremendous improvements stating “What we’ve been able to do at Baramita is extraordinary. We have

“A lot of the items that we have here relate to maternal and child health…We would like to improve what we are doing in Baramita in terms of maternal and child health…We want

to reduce the amount of maternal deaths and that can only come about if we constantly invest in improving the quality of care that we are giving to pregnant women,” he said.

The donation included home care beds, baby cots, a refrigerator, sanitary bins and other maternal and paediatric supplies.

This contribution will bolster the development of the community, empower its women and safeguard the health of the village’s children.

Food for the Poor reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the health ministry to provide for those in need regardless of geographical location. (DPI)

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, receives the supplies from representatives of Food for the Poor

20 Region Seven landowners ...

ful for this,” he said.

Priya Persaud said this voucher means a lot to her, since it will help her build her first home.

She added that the financial boost will provide many families with the ‘start’ they need to begin construction work.

“I received my land about 10 years ago. This is a great start; I must say thanks to the government,” Persaid expressed.

Eversley Sumrah praised the voucher’s prompt disbursement, pointing out that it will help to offset some of his material costs, and provide his children with a home.

“This is very good what the government has done for me; it is a great opportunity for me. This will benefit my kids. This will put me in a great position to provide for my

family,” Sumrah joyfully stated.

Ishaqi Jarvis received his house lot around 2018 at Five Miles Housing Scheme.

“Things have been going a little slow, but this here is a great boost. I would like to get down to business as soon as possible; this is a new start for me and my family, especially my kids,” Jarvis said.

He added that the housing support will provide a lot of families with the assistance they need to build their homes.

‘We don’t flinch ...

were massive protests at Lusignan, Cotton Tree and Bush Lot, and a number of people, particularly young people, stood up against the APNU+AFC administration.

The General Secretary said: “It was playing out in the newspapers and the public domain, and they decided to come on the streets to have none of it and among those who came on the street were a significant number of young people, young men and women whose future was at stake. And they were met with pellets.”

This happened in spite of those persons exercising their democratic right to protest peacefully, he said.

After the PPP/C government assumed office in the aftermath of the APNU+AFC’s fivemonth attempts, Jagdeo said that persons came to meet him to inform him of what happened to them.

He recalled: “One girl had over 70 pellets in her body, different parts of their body. And I said, really? And then it took several months thereafter, we sent them to have the pellets removed…They said, we can’t remove all the pellets it’s too many. And it might be just to leave it in the body.

“And so, you have in this country now a

number of young people who have significant amounts of pellets in their body because they were fighting for the future of this country. These are young PPP supporters, but young Guyanese generally, who are fighting for the future of our country, not just for PPP supporters but for our country because we have seen when countries lose freedom, what happens to their civil rights and human rights in those countries.”

Jagdeo then said: “So, this day is a crucial day. The battle would have been waged, we continued to wage the battle until we prevailed on August 2. Many people contributed, but, it was led by the People’s Progressive Party… the fight. And this party has a legacy of fighting for the people of this country, all of our people, the only multiethnic party.

“And I’m extremely proud of the role that we played in that period, and we’ve always played historically, and the people of the country supported us.”

SMOKESCREEN

However, the General Secretary told Guyanese that despite these brazen attempts, the APNU/PNCR is building a smokescreen around its impending loss of the 2025 general

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and regional elections.

He said: “They will lose the elections, and they are preparing this smokescreen to claim again that it’s the PPP that sought to rig the 2020 elections, and they would want to claim that we are rigging the elections now, again.

It is so transparent. This is the same party that said, they have the statements of poll but the statements of poll are still missing; they can’t find those statements of poll.”

Guyanese, after casting their votes, had to endure a five-month wait for the results of the General and Regional Elections as they witnessed alleged unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges.

During this time, the patience of the electorate was tested, as electors observed what was described as attempts by the then APNU+AFC administration to rip the democratic fabric of the nation, with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by a wide section of society.

It was only after the legal challenges and international intervention that a national recount of all votes cast was convened and the figures showed that the PPP/C received 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC Coalition got 217,920 votes.

This housing support initiative is the brainchild of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

Persons constructing homes estimated at $6

“Everybody is not fortunate to start doing it as soon as they get their lands. It will give them the push they need,” he noted.

million and below will receive steel and one sling of cement, while homebuilders with estimates above $6 million to $25 million will receive two slings of cement. (DPI)

‘Pay attention to the needs of our rapidly growing economy’

–– Labour Minister tells Guyanese, as massive job fair, open day gets underway at UG

UNDER the theme, “Explore, Connect, Evolve”, the University of Guyana (UG) on Friday held a short opening ceremony for its two-day annual Open Day and Job Fair at the Turkeyen Campus.

During the ceremonial opening, it was noted that UG is on the path to becoming a world-class tertiary institution, ensuring its students are ready to take advantage of the opportunities ahead as Guyana experiences exponential economic and infrastructural growth.

Starting three years ago, the job fair aspect of the event was begun to bring employers into direct contact with students. During this time, it was reported that the

Open Day and Job Fair has positively impacted not only the students, but the university at large.

The University of Guyana, as the premier tertiary institution in Guyana, plays a critical role in shaping the mindset of tomorrow’s workforce.

Over the past 60 years, UG has played an integral role in upskilling the future of our country through its engaging courses and programmes.

UG has also been able to equip Guyanese, regional and international students with critical-thinking skills, exposure, and other traits to thrive in today’s world.

By collaborating with public and private sector

companies, UG is allowing its students to explore and engage with these partners for job and learning opportunities.

Some 30 public and private sector agencies are present at this year’s event supporting UG’s efforts. There are also approximately 90 exhibits from various faculties.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, in his remarks alluded to the fact that the companies present at the event would not have been involved a few years ago. This, he said, highlights Guyana’s rapidly changing labour landscape.

Minister Hamilton encouraged students to pay attention to the needs of our rapidly developing country.

He related that we need to plan in such a way that all Guyanese can participate in education development.

According to the minister, national development goes far beyond Georgetown. He emphasised that it should include citizens in every administrative region to ensure that the goal of national development is accomplished.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical) Dr. Ritesh Tularam said the ministry is continuously engaged in networking, collaboration, and partnerships to realise strategic goals.

He remarked that the open day is more than an opportunity to see what UG has

to offer its students; it is an opportunity for networking, information sharing, internship, and job exploration.

Underscoring the growth of UG, it was mentioned that over the past years, the number of students from outlying regions has increased.

For Region One (Barima-Waini), the institution has seen a student growth of 35.8 per cent, for Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), the increased growth rate stands at 25.1 per cent, and for Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), it’s at 5.8 per cent. Additionally, for Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), the number of students has increased by 17.7 per cent over the last year, while Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Seven

(Cuyuni-Mazaruni) have seen an increase of 5.4 and 10.9 per cent, respectively. These increases highlight UG’s widespread reach over the years.

While the institution was started as a national tertiary institution to meet the needs of Guyana’s developmental thrust, the quality of education delivered has impacted some 34 countries around the world.

At present, there are students from Nigeria (representing the largest increase in the student population), Belize, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua, Grenada, Romania, the Russian Federation, China, Canada and several other countries.

Scenes from UG’s Open Day and Job Fair 2025, which ends today. The annual event is being held at the Turkeyen Campus (Delano Williams photos)

Life sentence without parole for vendor’s killers

A JUDGE has sentenced convicted killers Akeem Morris and Roy Sandiford to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the brutal murder of 45-year-old vendor, Troy Ramalho.

On January 31, 2025, a 12-member mixed jury unanimously found Morris, 26, and Sandiford, a 37-year-old father of one, guilty of Ramalho’s murder. Ramalho, who sold cheese and sausages at Bourda Market, was senselessly killed during a robbery in 2018.

After being arraigned before the judge, the duo pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged that they murdered Troy Ramalho on August 15, 2018, during the course or furtherance of a robbery. Delivering the sentence on Wednesday, Justice Navindra Singh of the Demerara High Court emphasised the gravity of the crime and the need to address its prevalence.

In his sentencing remarks, Justice Singh emphasised the importance of sentencing as both a deterrent and a rehabilitative tool, as outlined in Recommendation #30 of the Needham’s Point Declaration.

According to him, this recommendation urges courts to impose sentences that serve either purpose, depending on the specifics of each case. In this instance, after reviewing the evidence, the judge concluded that the sentence in this case must prioritise deterrence rather than rehabilitation.

The judge explained that the nature and severity of the crime necessitated a strong punitive response to discourage similar offences in the future.

“Audacious robberies, such as the one in this case—boldly committed in a crowded night market—exhibit a wanton disregard for human life and a presumptuous indifference to the law. Killing an unarmed market vendor and removing his jewellery from his dead body…this kind of crime has become too common in our society. Any person involved in the execution of such a crime, carried out in this manner, is incapable of rehabilitation,” Justice Singh emphasised. He argued that a sentence exceeding the men’s remaining lifespan would be appropriate but also acknowledged that higher courts in the region often overturn such rulings. Consequently, Justice Singh sentenced each of the men to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

In ruling that they should never be considered for parole, the court took

into account that they murdered Ramalho during a violent felony, using a gun with unprovoked brutality— shooting an unarmed man who posed no threat to them during the crime.

The judge made it clear that even “mildly favourable” probation and prison conduct reports would not persuade the court to impose a lesser sentence.

Justice Singh said: “[The reports] cannot serve as mitigation and cannot certainly serve as an indication that the violent propensity of the individuals has been curbed. The convicted persons have demonstrated absolutely no remorse for the killing.”

The judge reasoned that for remorse to be expressed, the convicts must first acknowledge that they committed the act and explain why they did so before they can genuinely express remorse.

State Prosecutor, attorney-at-law Christopher Belfield, urged the court to impose the maximum sentence, emphasising that “the prevalence of unlawful killings in our society is at an all-time high.”

He argued that the punishment should be severe enough to deter both the offenders and potential criminals. Recounting the facts, the prosecutor stated that Sandiford was the one who shot Ramalho, while Morris stole the victim’s jewellery after he had been shot.

He argued that Morris raised an alibi defence, despite being positively identified by an eyewitness and captured on Close-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage committing the crime.

Highlighting Sandiford’s complete disregard for the court, Belfield pointed out that Sandiford’s alibi witnesses had clearly lied during their testimony.

“The state strongly frowns upon fabricated evidence being produced in a court of law and denounces such blatant attempt and disrespect,” Belfield said.

Rehabilitation, according to Belfield, requires convicts to take responsibility for their actions, yet they

have gone to great lengths to avoid doing so. He stressed that Sandiford and Morris were found guilty after a lengthy trial, which retraumatised the victim’s family.

Ramalho’s wife, Precious, and his stepdaughter described him as loving, cheerful, and dependable.

“I often dream about him. Whenever I dream about him, it feels extremely real. Troy may be buried in the cemetery, but his spirit still lives on,” Precious said in a victim impact statement, which was read aloud by the prosecutor.

Marcy, Troy’s 24-yearold stepdaughter, shared: “He was always uplifting, encouraging, and dependable. He was a great father figure, even though he wasn’t my biological father. I’ve lost both my biological father and my stepfather— it’s like losing my father twice.”

Morris was represented by attorney Kiswana Jefford, while Dexter Todd and Excellence Dazzell served as Sandiford’s defence counsel during the trial. However, attorney Candaice Adams appeared for Sandiford at his sentencing hearing.

Both Jefford and Adams urged the judge to temper justice with mercy, emphasising that their clients are good candidates for rehabilitation. They emphasised that their clients are products of difficult upbringings and should be given a chance to reintegrate into society.

Meanwhile, when given the opportunity to address the court, Sandiford said, “I am innocent of this crime. I have no knowledge of it, and I wish the Guyana Police Force could do a proper investigation. But I am sorry for the loss of Troy Ramalho.”

Similarly, Morris stated, “I am sorry to the family of Troy Ramalho, but I was never involved in this incident.”

BACKGROUND

The convicted men were part of a three-man gang that ambushed Ramalho on August 15, 2018, near Bour-

da Market in Georgetown. Prosecutors Muntaz Ali and Christopher Belfield argued that the crime occurred around 11:00 p.m., when Ramalho, a well-known vendor selling cheese and eggs in front of “Rambarran’s” on Robb Street, Georgetown, resisted the robbery attempt.

The assailants, armed with weapons, fatally shot the vendor during the confrontation, before escaping

in a waiting car. Despite efforts by bystanders to assist, Ramalho succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Ramalho sustained a single gunshot wound, and his cause of death was determined to be shock and haemorrhage.

In connection with the case, Nya John, initially charged with Ramalho’s murder, was acquitted after

a jury returned a unanimous not-guilty verdict. Meanwhile, George Paton, an accomplice of the convicts, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2022 and was sentenced to 12 years in prison, minus time served by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall. Paton, who was the driver of the getaway car, received a reduced sentence following his guilty plea.

Troy Ramalho Akeem Morris

Roy Sandiford

Justice Navindra Singh

George Paton

GOAL signs three-year agreement with Irish university

THE Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland, providing citizens with the prospects of pursuing their studies in 17 specialised programmes.

According to a press release, the threeyear MoU strengthens GOAL’s mission to ex-

pand access to quality education and broaden career opportunities for professionals. Through this partner-

ship, GOAL scholars can now pursue undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in areas critical to national development,

–– introduces Master’s in Sports Performance, other programmes in areas of engineering, healthcare, fire safety, tourism, infrastructure development

laying the foundation for technical expertise, the academic said.

“As part of this agreement, a range of certificate programmes is available in biopharmaceutical processing, engineering, healthcare, fire safety, environmental management, and digital marketing. Further, key technical and professional disciplines at the bachelor’s degree level include Electronic and Computer Engineering, Real Estate Development & Valuation, and Quantity Surveying. These programmes support careers in engineering, construction, and property management, aligning with industry demands,” GOAL said.

The partnership also introduces a Master’s in Sports Performance, designed for professionals seeking advanced knowledge in athletic performance, biomechanics, and high-performance training.

In addition to the bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes, the agreement includes postgraduate diplomas and certificates that provide industry-specific skills in engineering, healthcare, fire safety, sports science, tourism, and infrastructure development.

“These short-term, specialised qualifications allow professionals to enhance their expertise and advance their careers.

The programmes became accessible to prospec -

tive applicants during GOAL’s 2025 application intake,” the academy said.

GOAL is a government initiative dedicated to providing tuition-free scholarships for tertiary education through partnerships with local and international institutions. Meanwhile, ATU is committed to fostering excellence in education and preparing students for professional success in a competitive environment.

ICJ acknowledges Guyana’s request amid Venezuela’s Essequibo election plan

THE International Court of Justice (ICJ) has officially acknowledged Guyana’s request for provisional measures to ensure that Venezuela refrains from conducting any electoral activities in the Essequibo region.

The ICJ, in a statement on Friday, noted that Guyana’s request was made in accordance with Article 41 of the Statute of the Court and Articles 73, 74, and 76 of the Rules of Court.

On Thursday, Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, disclosed that the country submitted a formal request for provisional measures to the Registry of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the ongoing case concerning the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela).

Guyana’s request was prompted by Venezuela’s recent announcement of plans to hold elections in the Essequibo region.

Guyana pointed out that the Bolivarian Republic’s plans for an election, on May 25, 2025, and any preparatory actions leading up to then, have been deemed as a violation of its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, as well as a breach of the ICJ’s Order of December 1, 2023 concerning provisional measures.

Guyana has contended that any electoral activities by Venezuela in the Essequibo region would result in irreparable harm to the country and, therefore, is requesting urgent provisional measures.

Guyana requests the court to indicate the following provisional measures: 1.) Venezuela shall not conduct any election in, or in respect of, any part of the territory on Guyana’s side of the boundary line as established by the 1899 Arbitral Award, including by doing any of the following acts:

purporting to extend the right to vote in any Venezuelan elections to any individuals living within that territory; distributing ballot papers, poll cards, electoral materials or any other physical or electronic electoral documents to individuals within that territory;

presenting or naming or otherwise supporting candidates for any Venezuelan elections within that territory; establishing polling stations, counting stations or electoral offices within that territory;

2.) purporting to establish, elect or appoint any office of governor, legislative council, deputies or any other legislative or governmental official in respect of any part of that territory; and communicating directly or indirectly with any residents in that territory in regard to any elections planned by Venezuela.

Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which purports to annex de jure or de facto any territory on Guyana’s side of the boundary line established by the 1899 Arbitral Award, including by incorporating ‘Guayana Esequiba’ as part of Venezuela.

Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would seek to modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby Guyana administers and exercises control over that area.”

Recently, a Venezuelan naval vessel, the ABV Guaiqueiri PO-11-IMO 469552, entered Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone on March 1, 2025, coming dangerously close — approximately 700 metres—to the FPSO PROSPERITY, which was operating lawfully under a licence issued by Guyana.

The Venezuelan vessel made threatening radio communications, falsely claiming that the FPSO PROSPERITY was operating in Venezuela’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

It then proceeded southwest, repeating the same aggressive message to other FPSOs operating in the region.

The genesis of the border controversy goes back to the 1899 Arbitral Award, a landmark decision that delineated the boundary between British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela. Decades after this historic award, Venezuela reignited tensions by challenging its validity.

In 2018, Guyana took a

decisive step by approaching the International Court of Justice (ICJ) seeking affirmation of the award’s legitimacy.

Venezuela initially claimed that the ICJ lacked jurisdiction, a contention flatly rejected by the World Court in a crucial ruling in December 2020.

The door was thus opened for the ICJ to delve into the merits of the substantive case.

Region Two rice farmers welcome

Gov’t intervention,

higher prices

By Indrawattie Natram

RICE farmers in Region

Two are celebrating the government’s successful intervention in securing a guaranteed minimum price

of $4,000 per bag, a significant boost from the $3,500 they received at the start of the crop season.

The price increase was achieved through direct engagement between the Min-

istry of Agriculture, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), and rice millers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ livelihoods.

During a recent rice farm-

ers’ meeting in Anna Regina, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, assured farmers that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government remains dedicated to ensuring stability and profitability in the rice sector.

Minister Mustapha noted that past government policies had negatively affected rice farmers, recalling how the previous administration distanced itself from direct involvement in the industry. However, under President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s leadership, the government has prioritised agricultural development, including the renegotiation of the halted Panama contract, which led to the recovery of $1.7 billion owed to Guyanese rice farmers.

Another farmer, Rovindra Narrine, welcomed the announcement that farmers would receive no less than $4,000 per bag, up from $3,700 before the intervention.

Single mother Jasmattie Goberdhan, who depends on rice cultivation, also praised the government’s efforts. “Since this government took over, we are seeing our way. The PPP/C government is a caring government and always supports us rice farmers,” she said.

As harvesting continues, rice farmers feel reassured by the government’s proactive approach.

With ongoing interventions, increased investments, and direct engagement with stakeholders, the future of Guyana’s rice industry appears promising.

Farmers at the meeting expressed gratitude for the intervention. Narayan (only name given) said, “We are very happy for the Minister’s visit. He came to sit and talk to us and explained what is going on. We are happy for this and for better prices.”

Construction worker sentenced for larceny

A 38-year-old construction worker has

to one year in prison after pleading guilty to a charge of Larceny by Bailee.

Mervin Rudolph, of 19th Avenue, Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was arrested on March 4, 2025, by a detective from the Golden Grove Police Station’s Criminal Investigation Department. He was formally charged on March 7, 2025, for the offence, which falls under Section 165 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

Jailed: Mervin Rudolph

The charge stemmed from an incident on October 26, 2024, in which Rudolph allegedly committed the offence against Stephan Franklin at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. Appearing before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court #1, Rudolph pleaded guilty to the charge. As a result, he was sentenced to one year in prison.

The sentencing serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of financial dishonesty and the importance of accountability in business and contractual dealings.

Scores of rice farmers turned out for the meeting

been sentenced

Norton says he can’t vouch that opposition members are not being paid by the Mohameds

OPPOSITION Leader, Aubrey Norton, has said that he has not received any money from the Mohamed family but noted that he cannot vouch for other opposition members.

“I am not aware of any opposition member being paid. I can’t vouch for any opposition member,” Norton said when questioned at the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) press conference on Friday. He further added that since assuming leadership of the PNCR in 2022, the party has not received any financial support from the Mohameds.

“What I can say to you is that since I became leader of the PNC, no financial support has come from the Mohameds. I have no reason to lie. If it happened, I would say it happened — but it didn’t,” he stressed.

However, earlier this week, Nazar Mohamed con-

Several opposition members, including former Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, have been accompanying Azruddin Mohamed during outreaches in various communities

firmed that he has made financial contributions to political parties in Guyana.

Additionally, reports within the PNCR indicate that several senior opposition members are currently

during outreaches in various communities across Guyana.

The US Treasury has warned that financial institutions and individuals engaging in certain transactions or activities with sanctioned entities or individuals, such as the Mohameds, could expose themselves to sanctions or enforcement actions.

“The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person,” OFAC stated.

being paid to advocate on behalf of the Mohameds, who were sanctioned last year by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for gold smuggling, money launder-

ing, and tax evasion.

The US estimates that the businessmen, Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin, have evaded more than US$11 billion in taxes, thereby depriving Guyana and its citizens of much-needed resources.

Several opposition members, including former Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, have also been accompanying Azruddin Mohamed

The Treasury Department further emphasised that these prohibitions apply to all forms of contributions, including funds, goods, and services, whether provided to, for the benefit of, or received from a designated person.

Gov’t expands housing access in Bartica with 500 new allocations

By Cindy Parkinson-Chowbay

IN a continued effort to improve the quality of life for citizens across Guyana, the government has announced a major expansion in its Dream Realised Housing Drive.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, revealed that 500 additional house lots will be allocated to residents of Bartica, Region Seven, as part of the administration’s commitment to sustainable development and homeownership.

During a recent engage-

ment with Barticians, Minister Croal highlighted the government’s efforts to rejuvenate the housing sector after what he described as a period of stagnation under the previous administration.

“Coming from a period where nothing and literally nothing happened in the housing sector for Bartica from 2015 to 2020, [we the PPP/C] government, after coming back into office, His Excellency, President Ali, and us (MOH&W) came and engaged with you all here, and a number of commitments were made,” Minister Croal stated.

Since re-engaging the region, the Ministry of Housing and Water has made significant strides, initially resuming allocations with 132 lots. Recognising the increasing demand, further analysis and consultations

construction as of January 2025.

A total of 55 homes are now designated for Bartica, and some beneficiaries received their allocations during the recent outreach.

Minister Croal further

Bishram

led to the inclusion of house construction initiatives. Minister Croal disclosed that despite challenges encountered during the first round of tenders, modifications were made, allowing for progress in the second phase. As a result, 40 houses are nearing completion, with an additional 15 awarded for

Mayor

stated that 20 persons have already prequalified through the banking system, with the opportunity for more to be added to the programme.

NATIONWIDE HOUSING COMMITMENT

Since returning to office, the PPP/C government has allocated 41,849 house lots, underscoring its commitment to homeownership and employment generation across all regions.

Over the past four years, more than 70 new housing areas have been developed countrywide, three of which are in Bartica. Minister Croal pointed out that the government is investing approximately $5 million per individual lot to reduce the financial burden on prospective homeowners.

In addition to expanding housing access, the administration is tackling informal settlements. Minister Croal addressed concerns regarding squatting in the Mora Camp area, noting that after President Ali’s intervention, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission has surveyed the area, paving the way for 128 additional lots to be distributed. He reaffirmed the government’s stance on

squatting, stating, “Because of the programmes that the PPP/C has in place, there is no excuse or justification for squatting... no new squatting will be recognised. We must have law and order, and we must have systems in place [to determine] how things are done.”

With a firm commitment to addressing all pending housing applications this year, Minister Croal reiterated the government’s dedication to uplifting citizens through homeownership.

The expansion of housing initiatives in Bartica is a testament to the administration’s broader vision of ensuring sustainable development, economic empowerment, and an improved standard of living for all Guyanese.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, presents the Certificate of Title to one of the allottees at Bartica, Region Seven, Dream Realised Housing Drive Outreach

Kuppen, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Water with an allottee in Region Seven outreach.

of Bartica, Anthony Murray, and one of the persons being allocated their house lots

Corentyne Chamber commends gov’t on paddy price

THE Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, in a recent statement, commended the PPP/C government on its hard work to bring relief to rice farmers by ensuring a price of no less than $4,000 for paddy.

In its statement, the chamber pointed out that agriculture, particularly rice is the backbone of the economy of Berbice.

“The collective effort of the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Agriculture and farmers has seen remarkable increase in cultivation and production of rice,” the chamber said.

Noting that in 2024, 67,000 acres of rice was cultivated in Berbice, they pointed out that in 2025 this

figure is projected to be a record breaking 78,000 acres.

“In 2024, countrywide production was 2,400,000 tonnes. In 2025, this is projected to be in excess of 3,000,000 tonnes,” the chamber related.

However, they then noted that farmers “have recently been agitating for assistance and the intervention of the Government of Guyana because of the 20 per cent decrease in the price per tonne of paddy

locally.”

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, this week, announced that after consultations with the millers, farmers will not be paid less than $4,000 for paddy, and those farmers who have

already sold will be repaid the correct price.

“The Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce wishes to commend His Excellency the President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Honourable Minister of

Agriculture, Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha, for their proactive approach and prompt intervention to bring relief to our hardworking rice farmers.

“Through their intervention, an agreement has been brokered wherein the farmers would be guaranteed a minimum of $4,000 per bag of paddy from the millers with the government contributing (subsidising) at a rate of $300 per bag,” the chamber said.

The private sector body noted too that they viewed this as a concrete indication of the government’s commitment and dedication to sustaining and promoting agriculture and the wellbeing of farmers.

SOCU refutes ‘fishing expedition’ by Brutus’ defence

–– denies withholding evidence that favours former Assistant Commissioner

THE Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), a division of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), has denied media reports claiming that it is withholding evidence that could be in favour of

former Assistant Commissioner of Police and attorney-at-law, Calvin Brutus. Brutus, who was fired by the Police Service Commission (PSC) last month, is facing over 200 charges for serious financial crimes, including money laundering.

charges for breaches to the Police (Discipline) Act.

On February 6, 2025, the PSC announced the dismissal of Brutus, following a tribunal hearing in which he was found culpable on two

His dismissal took effect from February 5, 2025. In a statement issued on Friday, SOCU Head, Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh,

clarified that a news article published on March 7, 2025, which suggested that SOCU prosecutors had withheld evidence in favour of Brutus, is erroneous.

“From the outset, no reporter was in court when the case was called yesterday, 6th March 2025, before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty [at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts]. It is clear that defence counsel contacted Demerara Waves and deliberately concocted a story without affording the Prosecution the right of a hearing,” Karimbaksh said.

He emphasised that Bru-

tus’s attorney, Eusi Anderson has been repeatedly accused of similar conduct in the recent past.

Offering insights into Thursday’s court proceedings, the SOCU Head said:

“At the hearing yesterday, defence counsel for Mr. Brutus produced, for the first time, a letter addressed to the court requesting disclosure of over 50 statements which he claims to be in the possession of the prosecution. The statements to which defence counsel refers are either non-existent or have already been disclosed in other mat-

ters concerning the over 200 charges for financial crimes.” Karimbaksh maintained that all statements relevant to the specific charge heard on Thursday were disclosed to the defence several weeks ago by the prosecution.

He added: “This is a clear fishing expedition on the part of the defence to bolster their case in the public domain and a crass attempt at seeking cheap publicity by defence counsel. The defence cannot direct the conduct of investigations in these proceedings by demanding, through a

letter to the court, or any other means, that SOCU takes statements from persons of their choice.”

He emphasised that the prosecution is “well aware” of its legal and ethical duty to disclose all relevant evidence, including any that may favour the defenCe, and firmly rejected any allegations to the contrary.

Finally, the senior policeman noted that the article misleads the reader into believing that the reduced reporting conditions on the accused are the result of the disclosure requests by defence counsel.

“Again, this is a misrepresentation. The court reduced the conditions on an oral application by counsel for Asif Zafarali, Mr. Everton Lammy, due to the frequency with which that accused is required to be at court for the multiple charges. Counsel for Mr. Brutus simply piggy-backed on this application, after the court granted Mr. Zafarali’s request.”

Zafarali is also facing charges related to serious financial crimes and is jointly charged with Brutus in one of the cases.

Like the prosecution, Karimbaksh pointed out

Calvin Brutus

SOCU Head, Fazil Karimbaksh

Brutus’s lawyer, Eusi Anderson

MV Kimbia returns to service after $75M overhaul

The MV Kimbia has resumed operations on the Georgetown to Region One route following the installation of two new engines and gearboxes valued at $75 million.

The 44-year-old ferry has been a longstanding transport link for Region One communities, supporting trade and travel.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, provided an update on the vessel’s return during an inspection at the dockyard Friday morning.

He noted that its resumption is expected to ease transportation challenges, particularly for businesses and residents reliant on the ferry for the delivery of goods and supplies.

“I would have announced before that the MV Kimbia is being prepared to expedite the movement of cargo in and out of Region One. We have the MV Barima and the MV Malisha handling passengers and some cargo.

Due to the accelerated pace of development and the boost in agriculture in the region, there is a greater need for cargo movement,” Minister Edghill stated.

The MV Kimbia was docked in December last year for extensive repairs, including the removal and replacement of its old engines and gearboxes along with crucial underwater works.

Additional maintenance, such as hull scraping and the installation of anodes, was also carried out.

Hull scraping is the process of removing marine growth from a vessel’s hull while anodes are metallic components attached to boats to prevent corrosion of essential underwater metal parts.

Ahead of its return to service, the vessel will undergo test runs to ensure it is fully operational and meets safety standards.

The MV Kanawan is undergoing similar repairs

SOCU refutes

From page 18

‘fishing expedition’ ...

that defence counsel has a duty to uphold the ethics and standards of the legal profession.

“Mr. Brutus’ team has been consistently and woefully falling short of these basic standards,” Karimbaksh noted.

Brutus is currently facing over 200 criminal charges in relation to financial misconduct involving more than $800 million.

Brutus and his co-accused, including his wife, Adonika Aulder face serious allegations of money laundering, which, if proven, could see them facing lengthy jail time and hefty fines.

Prosecutors alleged Brutus used his position as acting Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) to divert public funds into questionable projects, with a significant portion allegedly redirected for personal gain.

Investigations revealed that Brutus and his wife, Adonika Aulder allegedly acquired substantial funds through unlawful means, which they then attempted to disguise in multiple bank accounts.

Of this amount, $300 million is associated with properties and other assets belonging to Brutus and his wife. The remaining $500 million has been frozen in several bank accounts belonging to Brutus, his wife, their businesses, and their four-year-old son.

Charges were recommended for the accused persons by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions following an extensive probe by SOCU.

Brutus has maintained his innocence, asserting that the charges are fabricated. He has maintained that the money in question represented his savings accumulated over the years, as well as wedding and holiday gifts from family and friends.

Brutus has been released on bail amounting to over $16 million, while his co-accused have also posted substantial cash bail. As part of their bail conditions, they are required to report to the police regularly and surrender their passports to the court.

However, an exception has been made for Brutus’ wife, who is currently pregnant.

and is expected to return to service within 10 days.

The ferry, docked on February 20, is receiving general dry-docking, superstructure maintenance, and underwater repairs.

In addition to ongoing repairs, the government is moving to strengthen transportation services to Region One by procuring new ferry vessels through the 2025

budget. With new vessels in operation, ferry services on the Region One route will increase in frequency and capacity.

The service has expanded from operating twice a month to several trips per month with further improvements expected once additional vessels are acquired. (DPI)

One Guyana Basketball premier League…

Six clashes set for CASH this weekend

THIS evening, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) will come alive with hardcourt action, with 12 teams battling as the ongoing One Guyana Basketball Premier League nears the playoff stage.

Opening the action is Kobras, who will play Leonora D-up at 18:30 hours

followed by Panthers playing University of Guyana Trojans.

Linden Retrieve Raiders next face Wortmanville Pacesetters in the final clash on Saturday.

On Sunday, Kings firstly take on Amelia Ward Jets, then University of Guyana Trojans take on Nets before Masters Bas-

ketball team play Kwakwani Untouchables.

Meanwhile in the latest round Victory Volley Royals whipped Plaisance guardians while Bounty Colts and North Ruimveldt Ravens also grabbed wins.

Linden’s Victory Valley Royals had the biggest win as they took a 49-point victory over Plaisance

Guardians 89-40.

Royals were led by Yannick Tappin with a game high 24 points as they steamrolled their east coast counterparts comfortably.

Bounty Colts also battered Black Caiman 69-39, after good showing from Errol Dryden and Quacy Shortt.

GRFU/John Lewis Seven-a-side tournament set for Sunday

THE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) will hold the John Lewis Seven-a-side Championship Tournament on Sunday, 9th March, 2025, at the National Park Rugby Ground The event will commence at 10:00 hours.

The Tournament will be held in memory of John Lewis who served as the former President of the Union, succeeding Kit Nascimento in 2012. The Seven-a-side Championship will be contested by defending champion, Panthers, and

Hornets, Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force Rugby Clubs. Secretary of the Rugby Union, Petal Adams, will serve as Match Commissioner in charge of the Tournament.

The British High Commissioner, Jane

Dryden finished with a game high 19 points and found good support from Shortt with 18 buckets.

Caiman’s best player in offense was Ronald Kisson with 13 points on the board.

Defending champions North Ruimveldt Ravens also edged block 22 Flames 62-52.

Ravens Dominic Vicente and Shemar Huntley lead the way with 14 and 12 points respectively.

This year sees the top side collecting a million for first place with half a million for the second-place team with third and fourth place also collecting cash prizes along with trophies.

SATURDAY, MARCH 08, 2025

Miller, will make a presentation of Rugby Kits to the Union on behalf of the British Company, SOS Kits, during the Tournament interval at 12:00 midday.

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Virat Kohli (IND) (2) Rachin Ravindra (NZ)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) What was the highest individual score made in the semifinals of Champions Trophy 2025?

(2) What were the best bowling figures in the semifinals? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Cricket West Indies Championship….

Harpy Eagles in strong position against Scorpions

CMC – BARBADOS Pride and the Windward Islands Volcanoes both registered impressive wins inside three days over the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) and Leeward Islands Hurricanes, respectively, when the West Indies Championship continued on Friday.

Barbados thrashed the CCC by 10 wickets, while the Volcanoes blew away the Hurricanes by a massive innings and 60 runs.

Elsewhere, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and West Indies Academy are locked in an intriguing contest, while the Jamaica Scorpions are putting up some resistance against the Guyana Harpy Eagles.

At Kensington Oval: Leftarm spinner Jomel Warrican took five wickets to set up a comfortable 10-wicket victory for the Barbados Pride against the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC).

Trailing by 166 runs after the first innings, CCC needed major contributions from their lower order to make the Pride

bat again after collapsing to 103 for seven.

Akeem Jordan made an even 50 batting at number nine and last man Chemar Holder finished unbeaten on 20 to help the CCC up to 188.

Their efforts were required after pacer Kemar Roach struck early blows in the morning session.

Roach dismissed Johann Jeremiah and Kalvin Marcus and Matthew Forde accounted for first innings century maker Damel Evelyn for 18 to restrict CCC to 54 for three.

And when Roston Chase snagged the wickets of Kieran Powell for four and Demario Richards for a duck, they were in even more trouble at 96 for five.

Warrican then ran through the lower order, taking four of the last five wickets to fall, albeit meeting some resistance from Jordan and Holder.

He ended with 5-59, while Roach (2-14) and Chase (269) provided good support.

Needing just 23 runs to seal a third straight victory, the Pride then eased to 28 without loss in 4.4 overs.

At Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium: Another below par effort with the bat by the Leeward Islands Hurricanes condemned them to an innings and 60 run defeat at the hands of the Windward Islands Volcanoes.

Resuming the day on 165 for seven in response to the Volcanoes’ mammoth first innings total of 480, the Hurricanes added only 30 more runs to concede the follow on.

Mikyle Louis, who began the day on 82, scored only two more runs before he became Gilon Tyson’s fifth wicket.

Tyson finished with 5-45 and Ryan John took 4-42 to bring a swift end to the innings.

With their batters under pressure to produce a better showing in the second innings, the Hurricanes managed only slightly better to be dismissed for 225 runs.

Justin Greaves led the way with 67, while Louis (39), Cameron Pennyfeather (39) and captain Rahkeem Cornwall (31) got starts but didn’t push on.

Pacer Shadrack Descarte

--Pride,

Volcanoes register early wins

led a balanced Volcanoes bowling attack with 3-58, with John, Darel Cyrus and Kenneth Dember each claiming two wickets.

At Coolidge Cricket Ground: Both the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and the West Indies Academy are in with a shot of victory heading into Saturday’s fourth and final day.

Resuming the day on 167 for five in response to the Red Force’s first innings total of 304, the Academy owed their eventual total of 268 to Joshua Bishop who scored an impressive century.

Bishop played a brilliant counter-attacking innings of 102 from 81 balls with 16 fours and one six and actually put the Academy in position for a larger total until a late collapse.

From a score of 246 for five, spinners Yannic Cariah and Khary Pierre claimed the last five wickets for just 22 runs to give the Red Force a handy first innings lead of 36.

The West Indies Academy then fought back to limit the Red Force to 218 for nine in

their second innings, an overall lead of 254 runs.

The visitors were in command at 84 for one at one point thanks to a knock of 55 from opener Cephas Cooper, but the Academy grabbed four wickets for just 19 runs to even the contest.

The Red Force were in real trouble at 116 for six before Cariah rescued them, scoring 54 off 78 balls.

Pacer Kelvin Pitman has so far taken 4-38, while Rivaldo Clarke has grabbed 2-23 with his part-time off spin.

At Sabina Park in Jamaica: Faced with the herculean task of trying to avoid defeat, the Jamaica Scorpions gave themselves a chance of pushing for an unlikely victory against the Guyana Harpy Eagles, until two late wickets gave the visitors the edge.

Having established a massive first innings lead of 295 runs, the Harpy Eagles piled on the pressure by declaring their second innings at 193 for three, setting the Scorpions 489

runs to win the contest.

Tagenarine Chanderpual scored a patient 74 from 172 balls and Kevlon Anderson finished unbeaten on 50 from 85 balls to put the Harpy Eagles in firm control.

The Scorpions lost opener Odain McCatty for five early on, but a 132-run partnership between Kevin McKenzie, who is unbeaten on 104, and Brandon King gave the home side some hope. They carried the score to 150 for one and looked set on carrying their bats into Saturday’ s final day, but the Harpy Eagles struck twice in the final half hour to gain the momentum.

Pacer Ronaldo Alimohamed had King caught for 53 and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie had Jermaine Blackwood caught behind for a duck, as the Scorpions ended the day on 179 for three, still requiring another 310 runs for a memorable victory.

LGC set to host Citizens Bank Golf Tournament this week-end

THE Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) is set to tee off an exciting day of competition as it welcomes golfers to the Citizens Bank Golf Tournament this Sunday.

The highly anticipated event, to be held at the scenic Lusignan Golf Course, promises a thrilling showcase of skill, precision, and sportsmanship in the Medal Play format. This tournament will

challenge players across 18 holes, offering not only a true test of ability but also a platform for camaraderie and networking within the golfing community. The event will feature prestigious awards.

These include the first to third placed finishers as well as Best Net in Each Flight, Overall Best Gross Score, Nearest to the Pin (Hole #4) and Longest

Drive.

Citizens Bank, a cornerstone of Guyana’s financial sector, continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to social corporate responsibility by supporting initiatives that uplift communities and promote personal development. As a proud sponsor of this tournament, the bank underscores its dedication to fostering sportsmanship,

discipline, and healthy competition among athletes and enthusiasts alike.

Beyond golf, Citizens Bank has been an active advocate for community enrichment, championing programmes in education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. Their partnership with LGC not only elevates the status of golf in Guyana but also strengthens the development of local talent and

the sport’s accessibility to a wider audience.

Golfers eager to participate can register through the Lusignan Golf Club, by contacting 620-0093. The event welcomes players of all skill levels, providing a fantastic opportunity to test their abilities in a competitive yet friendly atmosphere.

With the Lusignan Golf Course offering a

breathtaking landscape, challenging fairways, and a well-maintained course, the Citizens Bank Golf Tournament is set to be a premier golfing event that will continue to push the sport forward in Guyana. The official start will be signalled by a horn or siren. The awards ceremony is scheduled following the conclusion of play.

--with elimination matches around the country

Milo Schools Football Championship kicks off this weekend

THE elimination games are set to be played at several grounds around the country as the highly subscribed MILO Schools Football tournament returns for the 2024 season.

Eliminations to determine the final 24 teams that will form part of the tournament proper began yesterday, with the action continuing today.

In Essequibo, at the Affiance Ground, Abram Zuil, Charity and 8th of May Secondary Schools will battle each other once to qualify for the final 24.

Over ‘the pond’ in Region Three, at the Uitvlugt Ground, Vergenoegen plays VreedEn-Hoop, Patentia tackles Endeavours and the Commons, Leonora takes on West Demerara Secondary, and Stewartville meets Westminister to determine who qualifies.

Over on the East Coast,

Good Hope plays Annandale, Buxton clashes with Hope, and Bygeval takes on Ann’s Grove Secondary.

GDF boxers promoted for stellar performances

dam, with the winners moving forward to the round-robin stage.

Brickdam plays Pure

In Region Five, Mahaicony, Fort Wellington, Rosignol, Bush Lot and Belladrum take to the field to determine the two qualifiers for the area. And in Region Six, Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) takes on Vryman Erven, and Canje tackles New Amster-

Masters, Bishops meets St. Stanislaus, North Ruimveldt plays St. John’s, and Tucville faces off with Tutorial at the Georgetown end of things.

After the elimination round, 24 teams will duel it out in the main draw, starting on March 15 for the

championship trophy and the $300,000 cash prize.

The cash will be used for a school project of their choice, with $200,000 and $100,000 for the second and third-place schools towards a project or items for the school.

The teams will be divided into six rounds of four, with the top two teams, along with the best four third-place teams advancing to the knock-out stage.

The main draw of the 11th Edition will feature the round robin before the knock-out, quarter final, semifinal and grand finale on May 9.

The round-robin games are set to be played at the Ministry of Education and Queen’s College Grounds on Saturday and Sundays, with all the games from the knock-out stage set for the MoE Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

First stage set for tomorrow

ON Sunday, riders from all across the country will line up at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, to battle it out for the first stage of the coveted Cheddi Jagan memorial cycle road race.

The event is being hosted by Charlton Wheelers Cycle Club on the West Coast of Demerara.

This year’s competition will feature three stages: West Demerara, Berbice, and the Essequibo Coast, with riders in the seniors, Veterans Open, Veterans-Over 50, Category 4, Juniors and Mountain Bikes battling it out.

The organisers will award the top six seniors and top three in all the other categories.

The top open riders will pocket $22,000, with $12,000 for juniors and Category 4, $14,000 for veterans and $10,000 for mountain bike and veterans over 50.

Charlton Wheelers Cycle Club member Linden Dow-

ridge says that he expects fireworks, with some of the seasoned riders set to compete.

“I expect heavy competition between Jamaul John, who seems not to be in the best of condition as yet, but is getting there and looking pretty good. We saw a remarkable performance from Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams,

Dr. Cheddi Jagan, former President of Guyana

a veteran on the comeback, and young Aaron Newton showing good promise, so we expect a ding-doing battle among the three and the others who intend to upset what was written on Sunday last.”

Last week at the Jude Bentley Memorial Road Race, Newton narrowly pipped the likes of John and Williams for the title.

Dowridge says the second and third leg of the competition will follow in the weeks after the first stage.

“We start at Schoonord at 08:30hrs on Sunday morning, proceed to Bushy Park and return to Schoonord for the finish. Next Sunday is the famous Babu Jaan event, which starts at the PPP/C headquarter in New Amsterdam, proceed to Corriverton, and return to Babu Jaan for the finish. And the following week, as committed by the party, we are looking forward to the leg which will be held in Essequibo.”

He said that the organ -

isers have included the third stages this year, which the riders are enthused about.

“We have the first leg of the Jagan Memorial Cycle Event, which has been sponsored by the party stalwarts of the PPP/C party in memory of the two great presidents, and as you may know, both Jagans died in the month of March. Since then, every year, the executive arm of the party and some stalwarts have been sponsoring this event. So, this weekend, all systems are in place.”

Seniors, juniors, veterans open category will start at Schoonord and proceed to Bushy Park and return to Schoonord for the finish.

Veterans over 50 and mountain bike will start at Schoonord and proceed to Uitvlugt and return to Schoonord for the finish.

The three stages are sponsored by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has once again proven its commitment to excellence, by promoting two of its star boxers following their outstanding performances at the recent Caribbean Boxing Championship. Sergeant Desmond Amsterdam and Petty Officer Colin Lewis were promoted by Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, in recognition of their exceptional achievements in the sport.

Sergeant Amsterdam has been promoted to Staff Sergeant, while Petty Officer Lewis has been elevated to Senior Petty Officer. These promotions were approved by Brigadier Khan upon the recommendation of the soldiers’ respective Branch Heads, underscoring the Force’s dedication to rewarding excellence.

The Caribbean Boxing Championship, held recently, saw both soldiers deliver remarkable performances. Staff Sergeant Amsterdam, competing in the middleweight division, secured his fourth Caribbean title, further cementing his legacy as one of the region’s most dominant boxers. His technical skill, resilience, and strategic prowess were on full display as he outclassed his opponents, demonstrating why he is a

force to be reckoned with in the ring.

Senior Petty Officer Lewis, competing in the lightweight division, also showcased exceptional talent and determination. His agility, precision, and unwavering focus earned him a well-deserved victory, contributing to Guyana’s strong showing at the championship. Both boxers exemplified the discipline, dedication, and fighting spirit that the GDF instils in its ranks.

Brigadier Khan congratulated the boxers on their continuous excellence, noting that their achievements not only bring pride to the GDF, but also to the nation as a whole. He also lauded the efforts of the Force’s Sport department. “This is another historic moment for the Force,” he stated. “While we are tasked with defending our nation, we are also leaders in every field possible. Your conduct, professionalism, and ability to excel in everything you do set a standard for others to follow.”

The promotions of Staff Sergeant Amsterdam and Senior Petty Officer Lewis not only celebrate their individual successes, but also reflect the GDF’s holistic approach to nurturing talent and leadership.

Both the NIS and the Ministry of Education Grounds will be in use this weekend for Round Three of Milo Schools Football tournament

Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycle Road Race…

Harpy Eagles in strong position against Scorpions

Gudakesh Motie had Jermaine Blackwood caught behind for a duck (File Photo)

Brigadier Omar Khan (Centre) with Sergeant Desmond Amsterdam and Petty Officer Colin Lewis, as well as other top ranks of the GDF