- President Ali says, outlines innovative ‘agri’ plan for Melanie, Non-Pareil residents - commits to supporting local NDC’s efforts to enhance security, sanitation, other services
By Naomi Parris
GEARED towards promoting community development, an innovative agriculture programme will be rolled out in the villages of Melanie Damishana and Nonpariel along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor.
Conceptualised by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the initiative will see residents from these respective communities identifying five acres of land to be utilised as innovative poultry farms.
“I’m going to ask the Ministry of Agriculture to work with you and the group to see how we can identify five acres that we can put all the infrastructure in, and we can work with you to develop an agriculture innovation plan, where we can use the most innovative technology in building tunnel houses for chickens; in building egg production, and work with you on having a highly-integrated five acres,” the Head of State said during a Thursday afternoon engag ement with residents of ‘Melanie’.
James Bond, a prominent community figure, pointed out that residents have already organised themselves into a group, forming a rel-
atively large association of farmers, and efforts have been made to clear backlands, but more support is needed.
In response to this, the President committed to working closely with residents to advance food production, focusing particularly on adopting more innovative technologies and targetting diasporan markets.
“We have to put these small processing plants in the villages, where we can do the breadfruit chips; where we can put it into vacuum packs and get it to the diaspora market. That is what we want to do,” President Ali said.
“It is very commendable, the attention your government has given to the people of ‘Melanie’. You were here first with a number of ministers a few years back, and it’s good to see that consistency,” Bond said, further commending the President and his team for their support.
Meanwhile, President Ali made further commitments to enhance the capabilities of the local Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), strengthening the security, sanitation and other services to communities.
“I don’t lead a government that is disconnected; we want to be connected to the
- President Ali says, outlines innovative ‘agri’ plan for ‘Melanie’, Nonpareil residents - commits to supporting local NDC’s efforts to enhance security, sanitation, other services
people. That is why I am only asking the technicians to be here, but we have team from the Office of the President, and the team is right here,” the President added.
Meanwhile, at Nonpariel, the Head of State reiterated the government’s commitment to not just only making commitments, but delivering on them; honouring the promises that were made during the government’s run for office in 2020.
“Every single day in the
life of this government for the last four-plus years, I can guarantee you, without the shadow of a doubt, that either the President, the Prime Minister the Vice-President or one member of Cabinet was in some community engaging people at the community level.
“That was a major emphasis in 2020; to build a government that is a listening government that acts on behalf of the people,” Dr. Ali said.
The President discussed plans to enhance agriculture, address drainage issues, and examine the rehabilitation of community roads.
Upon the request of residents, he also committed to providing support to assist the community in establishing a learning resource centre catering not only to children but also adults.
“The conversation now is changing; it’s about productivity. How do we get engaged in economic activi-
ty; how do we increase production, how do we become a part of the agricultural innovation project, and how do we become a part of the building process of the country,” the President said. Also present at Thursday’s engagement was Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues; and Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony.
- following series of engagements, Dr Jagdeo says
By Trina Williams
OWING to the series of community engagements conducted by the government, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has said Budget 2025 will be focused on community issues and on further bettering the lives of Guyanese.
During a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, Dr Jagdeo explained how the government has been able to get a more in-depth understanding of what the people want because of their people-centred approach.
Since assuming office, the governing PPP/C has focused on ensuring Guyanese live more comfortable lives.
As a result of this, Guyanese have seen more focus on infrastructure, health, edu-
cation and efforts to provide more disposable income.
Budget 2025, which is set to be presented next week Friday, will address a number of issues.
In his New Year address to the public, President, Dr Irfaan Ali alluded to the roll out of major projects and the introduction of new, innovative initiatives aimed at transforming Guyana and creating a whirlwind of new opportunities.
Last year, the country presented its largest budget ever, totalling $1.146 trillion, which was 46.6 per cent larger than the previous year. The budget was fully financed without any new taxes.
Re-emphasising what the President said, Dr Jagdeo highlighted that the budget will be characterised by an enhanced focus on community issues.
He then said: “This government has been in almost every community in the country repeatedly. People have an open opportunity to dialogue with the President, with the ministers. It gets live-streamed. This level of transparency is unseen in many countries.”
Dr Jagdeo noted that in many countries, citizens are not offered the chance to be in direct contact with the nation’s leaders. However, under the PPP/C, the barriers have been removed and direct engagement is allowed.
“It is a tool that this party will never give up on… That is, allowing people to have their voices to be heard,” he said, while highlighting the “elitism” under the previous coalition administration.
Focusing on some of the ways the government has assisted the people, the General
Secretary said thousands of persons have been aided under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and in budget 2025, more will be done, especially to assist those who do not collect pensions.
Additionally, he said that the government has listened to the people when it comes to roads.
Dr Jagdeo stated: “In the five years under APNU, all of the investments that we had made under community roads just disappeared. We were going back to the past.”
Fast forwarding to under the current PPP/C, he pointed to the vast transformation.
Aside from the improved roads, investments have been made to better healthcare facilities, and community infrastructures such as grounds.
In Budget 2025, there will be enhanced focus on sol -
id-waste management and garbage disposal and how communities can be supported, without increasing the cost.
He said the townships and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) will be further supported too.
Aside from this, security will be targeted even more in this year’s budget.
When it comes to the fiscal side of things, the General Secretary said the budget will push people to work harder because the taxation system will evolve in a manner that rewards those
who make greater efforts. While highlighting how the income has grown in the public sector, he said: “People will be able to keep more of the money they earn, and less will go towards taxes…This is part of the government’s broader effort to increase disposable income for the people.”
Dr Jagdeo also referenced the period 2015-2020 when exorbitant taxes and measures were put in place by APNU+AFC; this also negatively impacted several sectors.
The following is the full text of a statement from the Guyana Elections Commission:
“THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has taken note of the contents of two letters authored by R. Williams and published in the Kaieteur News on January 7 and 8, 2025, respectively.
“In the first letter published under the caption, “Partisan Appointments Threaten Electoral Integrity at GECOM,” the writer has accused the government-nominated commissioners and the Chairperson of the Commission, Justice Claudette Singh of colluding and exhibiting partisan bias in relation to the appointments of key management staff in particular, the Chief Election Officer, the Deputy Chief Election Officer, the Assistant Chief Election Officer, Logistics Manager and the Civic and Voter Education Manager.
“Thus, the writer concluded that in view of those appointments, GECOM cannot be trusted for the 2025 elections.
“Again, on January 8, 2025, the writer reiterated the disinformation narrative that the appointments of key management staff were always supported by the government-nominated commissioners and the chairperson.
“This time, R Williams even went further to accuse the GECOM Chairperson of always supporting the position of the Chief Election Officer (CEO), who was a candidate backed by the government-nominated commissioners.
“From all indication [sic], it appears as though the writer’s sole agenda was to narrate unsubstantiated accusations with the objective to undermine the confidence in the operations of GECOM and to deter participation in the electoral process.
“While the commission
is fully aware that a misinformation and disinformation campaign is ongoing regarding the upcoming General and Regional Elections, GECOM will not allow the propagation of falsehoods about its structure and work.
“In this regard, notwithstanding that GECOM has previously addressed accusations similar to those raised by R. Williams several times in the public domain, having perused the contents in the letters in the newspapers, the commission finds it necessary to strongly condemn and dismiss those unfounded accusations that are solely intended to be detrimental, particularly where it is evident that the thrust is to demonstrate that “GECOM has never been able to rise above corruption” and that GECOM will rig the 2025 elections.
“In relation to GECOM’s hiring practice, it must be noted that the process is highly objective and transparent.
“Vacancies are advertised and all commissioners are given the opportunity to shortlist suitable candidates from the applications received in accordance with the set criteria. The separate lists submitted by commis-
sioners are combined and interviews are conducted to determine the best suitable candidate from among those shortlisted for each post.
“In most cases, different candidates were preferred by the government and opposition-nominated commissioners, thereby resulting in ties. Consequently, leaving it to the Chairman, in her deliberate judgement [to] proffer a conclusive decision.
“It is also necessary to clarify that although the outcome may not have always met the expectations of some commissioners, there is no evidence to suggest that the hiring processes led by the current chairman [sic] was not highly objective and transparent.
“The Chairman [sic] of the commission has explained on numerous occasions that her decisions are neutral, based on consideration of the applicable criteria and in the best interest of the organisation.
“Important to note is the fact that the operations of GECOM are effectively managed by a competent team of professionals who continues [sic] to deliver quality work of a high standard and for anyone to suggest otherwise is un -
scrupulous, mischievous and intentionally trying to tarnish the integrity of those persons and by extension the commission.
“Further, since the letter writer has established a correlation between the appointments of key staff and a plan to rig the 2025 elections, it is of utmost importance for GECOM to strongly condemn this level of disinformation that can potentially cause harm to key management staff at GECOM and the integrity of the commission.
“GECOM takes this op-
portunity to assure all stakeholders that it will deliver free, fair, transparent and credible elections and that they should guard against persons whose sole intention is to undermine their trust and confidence in the commission.
“In view of the foregoing, GECOM takes the opportunity to emphatically remind all stakeholders that it will continue to execute its constitutional mandate and guarantee the delivery of free, fair, transparent and credible elections.”
THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Wednesday engaged in a substantive discussion with Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), to deliberate on key issues related to the upcoming General and Regional Elections this year.
According to a press release from the PSC, the meeting held in its boardroom reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to support a free, fair, transparent, and timely electoral process, integral to Guyana’s democratic integrity and socio-economic stability.
Dr Jagdeo provided an in-depth overview of the amendments made by his government to the Representation of the People Act in 2022.
These amendments, introduced in the wake of lessons learned during the 2020 elections, were designed to strengthen the electoral process and safeguard against potential discrepancies.
The revisions include provisions to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency, underscoring the government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles.
The PSC recognised the critical importance of these amendments in fortifying the electoral framework and fostering public confidence in the process.
“As an impartial advocate for electoral integrity, the PSC emphasised the necessity for robust implementation of these provisions by the
Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and other stakeholders,” the commission said.
The meeting also delved into several measures currently being discussed in the public domain, including the introduction of biometric verification, the installation of cameras at polling stations and calls from the opposition for a revised and “sanitised” voters’ list.
Dr Jagdeo underscored that while these proposals aim to enhance the electoral
process, certain aspects are either unconstitutional or impractical for the GECOM to implement within the timeframe required for the 2025 elections.
He emphasised the need for solutions that comply with constitutional provisions and operational feasibility, to ensure the integrity of the elections without compromising the established timelines.
The PSC reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Guyana’s
democratic process, noting: “Free, fair, and transparent elections are pivotal to the nation’s stability, economic progress, and the preservation of citizens’ constitutional rights.”
The PSC said it stands ready to engage with all stakeholders to ensure the integrity and inclusivity of the electoral process.
The commission called on GECOM, political parties, civil society and the international community to uphold their responsibilities in fos-
tering a secure and credible electoral environment.
The PSC remained resolute in its efforts to facilitate dialogue and provide support that ensures the election accurately represents the people’s will.
THE year 2025 commenced on a high note of optimism.
This optimism is rooted in a number of factors, which, when taken together, will result in monumental changes that undoubtedly will take this country to higher levels of progress and prosperity.
In all of this, history is a useful guide. The ruling party, in collaboration with its Civic component, has been in power for twenty-eight years since the restoration of democratic rule on October 5, 1992. This period, incidentally coincided with the 28 years of PNC authoritarian rule, which spanned the 1964-1968 period.
As is popular knowledge, the PNC, under the leadership of both Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte, rigged its way to power from 1968 all the way to October 1992, when democracy was finally returned to Guyana.
That democratic struggle was led by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which this month observed its 75th year
as a political party. The party was formed on January 1, 1950, under the leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, who had the distinction of becoming the first democratically-elected Executive President of Guyana when the country returned to the fold of democratic nations.
It speaks to the fighting nature of the PPP that it remained the largest and most organised political party in the country after seventy-five years of its formation.
The PPP has the unique distinction of having won all national elections since 1953, when the then colony experienced its first elections under the system of universal adult suffrage.
The Party was manipulated out of power in 1964, due to an imposed system of Proportional Representation (PR), which saw the formation of a PNC-UF coalition government. All subsequent elections were blatantly and massively rigged by the PNC regime until October 1992 when democracy was finally re -
stored to the country.
During its 75 years in existence as a political party, the PPP stood like the rock of Gibraltar, defending the rights and interests of the Guyanese people, first against the colonial and neo-colonial rule, and, following the granting of independence status on May 26, 1966, against PNC dictatorial rule.
Unlike other political parties that have over the decades fallen by the wayside, the PPP has literally weathered the storms, and has emerged triumphantly as the dominant political force in the country.
The footprints of the PPP are indelibly written in the annals of our history and our political landscape. It was the PPP that led the struggle for universal adult suffrage; it was the PPP that was in the forefront of the struggle for national independence; it was the PPP that championed the cause of a democratic Guyana, after the right to vote was stolen from the
Guyanese people by the PNC regime.
And no less significant, it was the PPP that provided visionary leadership over the several decades that has resulted in a modern rules-based society in which all Guyanese, regardless of race or party affiliation, are provided with an opportunity to realise their dreams to the full extent of their potential.
As we observe this historic milestone in the political life of the PPP, Guyanese can be assured that the future of Guyana is secure under the tried and tested hands of the PPP and its leaders.
As noted by PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, when we tell the PPP story, we have to also tell the story of bad governance and rigged elections inflicted on this nation by the PNC.
The PPP, he said, is on the right side of history, and will no doubt continue to provide visionary leadership to this country down the corridors of time.
Dear Editor,
IT can be said that Guyana and its citizens have ended the year with a positive outlook for future developmental projects throughout the 10 regions, and the numerous villages and districts within the country.
Such massive development projects, including the construction of new roads, bridges, schools, but most importantly, the installation of new and larger pump stations which are meant to prevent or reduce flooding of cash crops, rice lands and properties.
To his credit, these massive developments could not have been achieved without the skilful, stout, brave and ingenious leadership of President Ali, which is second to none in Guyana, the Caribbean, Latin America and elsewhere.
In his New Year message to the nation, His Excellency not only acknowledged the success of these developmental projects, but he also outlined his government’s plan
to invest billions of dollars in 2025 in the construction of houses, roads and bridges, not to mention in human development.
Against this backdrop and in an impromptu visit to Region 10 in Linden, President Ali reiterated that since he took office in 2020, his government has invested almost $6 billion in housing in the various communities in Linden, and promised that such large-scale investment will continue in the region in 2025 and beyond.
The President told the residents of Linden that during the last four and a half years, a whopping $96 billion was expended to enhance and modernise the region’s infrastructure, which includes the Linden to Mabura Road and the Soesdyke-Linden highway, among others. It is true that President Ali’s government has invested more in the Linden communities than any other government in the history of Guyana.
Guyana’s Head of State highlighted several transformational projects and initiatives that are expected to be completed in 2025. Among them are the gas-to-energy
project; the new Demerara River Bridge; six new regional hospitals and two stateof-the-art nursing schools; the construction of a new ultramodern bridge across the Berbice River; the Wismar Bridge; the widening of the Corentyne Highway and the building of the Corentyne River Bridge between Guyana and Suriname, which is a joint venture between the two countries.
These ongoing projects will boost the country’s development, improve its image and the lives of the people, and move it from a Third World (Global South) status to a First World (Global North) nation.
More pointedly, President Ali in his new year message promises more opportunities and a more unified and inclusive Guyanese society, which forms the basis for his “One Guyana Initiative.” The President noted that one such prospect is democratic renewal through free and fair elections and that each citizen has the power to shape the future of Guyana’s democracy in 2025.
According to the President, democracy
is the foundation for a just, impartial and inclusive society and it must be protected by all, regardless of political persuasion, ethnicity or religious beliefs. He did not mince words when he candidly and explicitly called on all the leaders-political, religious and social-to be true to themselves and embrace and affirm their commitment to free and fair elections and a vibrant democratic process to show the world that Guyana’s democracy is not only resilient but also durable and eternal.
Despite the high cost of living during the last two years, Guyana has made remarkable progress under the outstanding, judicious and clever leadership of President Ali; Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, and Vice-President, Dr Bharat Jagdeo, who did not yield to the enormous pressures both from in and out of the country. Simply put, they stood their ground.
Sincerely, Dr Asquith Rose
Dear Editor,
ON January 7, 2025, the AFC issued a press release responding to one of their former members who challenged their oiland -gas expert, Dr Vincent Adams.
Instead of dealing with the merits or demerits of the argument, the AFC digressed into an ugly personal attack against their former member, Leonard Craig. According to the AFC, Vincent Adams’ qualifications are superior, and Craig is unqualified to speak or write on the subject. This was quite an unfortunate, nasty and ugly attack on the gentleman, wherein a different level of arrogance on display.
In so far as anyone’s qualification is concerned, to engage in or debate issues on public policy and of national importance, for me the only qualification that matters is being a Guyanese, especially a tax-paying Guyanese. No politician should ever denigrate anyone’s qualifications.
Let me state at the outset that I am also not as qualified as the self-conferred intellectual lords or according to their standard. I have no fancy education or PhDs. My parents made immense financial sacrifices to send me to school. After I wrote CXC, I had to work and studied part- time.
I couldn’t afford a fulltime university education. I did an Advanced Diploma in Banking and Finance. It was nearly 10 years into my career at a financial institution when I held a senior position, I enrolled into a master’s programme and was eligible to enter the programme through the mature-student route.
I financed my postgrad studies from my earnings, aided by an interest-free loan from my employer, which was a financial institution. Fortunately, it is not a 2x2 masters, the university is ranked in the top five per cent global university rankings, and most importantly, credible and accredited. I graduated in absentia because I couldn’t afford to attend
the actual graduation in Scotland.
Coming back to the AFC’s press release referenced above, 99 per cent of the press statement was surrounded by an excessive embellishment of Dr Adams’s qualifications and experience drawing from his 30 year-career at the US Department of Energy (UDOE). The way he was sold to the Guyanese public, one would think he held the highest portfolio at the USDoE.
While I have no intentions of trivialising his career accomplishments in the US, whatever those were that he claimed; I must point out that the position he held when he retired was below that of a mid-level management position.
According to the organisational chart on the UDoE’s website, he was situated seven levels below the Office of the Secretary (the Office of the Secretary is the Head of the Organization). He retired as a Deputy Manager in the Office of Environmental Management. (See organisational chart attached hereto, which was taken directly from the US Department of Energy’s website).
On the contrary, in Guyana, when he was appointed Executive Director of the EPA, as the Head of that organisation, he violated the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. To this end, there was no audit done of the EPA’s financial statements for the years during his tenure and in fact, for the entire tenure under the APNU+AFC between 2016 and 2020.
Those audits had to be done under the PPP/C government. In other words, the PPP/C had to clean up the “mess,” thanks to the supremely qualified, Vincent Adams. As of 2024, the last audit report noted that all the outstanding years’ audits were completed and laid over to the National Assembly.
Not only that, BUT the AFC ALSO claimed that Adams secured an unlimited guarantee from Exxon to cover the environmental liability. Yet, he has failed to prove to
the nation when and in what form he secured that guarantee. There must be some written documentation or letter to that effect. How come he has never produced it?
Ironically, the AFC contends that the government is in court fighting against the unlimited guarantee, but has failed to acknowledge that Nigel Hughes, the AFC leader, is Exxon’s attorney in the
very case fighting against the unlimited guarantee at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). What the AFC would not tell you is that the government is not siding with Exxon against the unlimited guarantee, the unlimited guarantee is not provided for in our laws and, therefore, not legally required. What is required is adequate coverage, which was secured.
And if the High Court’s ruling is to be enforced, it means that Exxon would have to cease operations immediately, which would have severe adverse economic repercussions for the country. This is the only reason why the government joined the case, to protect the country’s interest in order to avert any negative effects.
All in all, while the AFC’s self-acclaimed in-
tellectual lords boast of superior qualifications, their combined proven track records are atrociously inferior. Nigel Hughes himself revealed at his last press conference that he has presided over some 1,200 cases since 1992. He should now say how many victories he had.
I HAVE this little satirical joke that I have episodically injected into my columns over my 36-year-old newspaper career. It goes like this.
I would be reading the newspapers early in the morning while drinking my hot coffee. I come across one of the most absurd expressions which is so alarming that the surprise would cause me to lurch forward, the coffee would spill on my leg, and the burn would be so extensive that off to hospital I go.
Here are the examples of extreme absurdities in 2024 that almost took my leg off. The Mulatto/Creole class personality, Dr. Nigel Westmaas that is a dye-in-the wool apologist for middle class superiority in Guyana, wrote (in the Stabroek News of course; which other paper would carry such a stupid opinion) that Martin Carter is arguably the deepest thinker Guyana has produced.
I have never read in any era gone by that a country’s deepest thinker was a poet. You can argue that a person was a phenomenal poet but to say that the poet was the nation’s most profound intellectual is bordering on irrationality. In fact, Carter was not a scholar at all. And one of his poems was a justification of CIA inspired violence against Indians in the 1962 violence against the Jagan government.
Here is that anti-Indian, anti-PPP, anti-progressive, pro-imperialist, poem from Carter titled “Black Friday, 1962,” taken from, “Martin Carter, University of Hunger: Poems and Prose” edited by Gemma Robinson:
Were some who ran one way.
Were some who ran another way.
Were some who did not run at all.
Were some who will not run again.
And I was with them all,
When the sun and the streets exploded,
And a city of clerks
Turned a city of men!
Was a day that had to come,
Ever since the whole of a morning sky,
Glowed red like glory,
Over the tops of houses.
I would never have believed it.
I would have made a telling repudiation.
But I saw it myself
And hair was a mass of fire!
So now obsessed I celebrate in words
All origins of creation, whores and virgins!
I do it with a hand upon a groin,
Swearing this way, since other ways are false
I could name at least 10 top Guyanese thinkers whose books on economics, politics and sociology would put them a million miles ahead of Carter. Carter did not pen any philosophical analysis of Guyana’s ontology.
But Westmaas felt he had to pay homage to one of the top names in the evolution of the Mulatto/Creole class in this country. Carter remains the second most opportunistic politician Guyana ever produced after Forbes Burnham, though I am inclined to put Carter ahead of Burnham.
Westmaas’ brother, Yuri, wrote last year (only in the Stabroek News of course) as a reaction to Mr. Jagdeo’s reference to Ms. Cathy
Hughes as a low-life that Mr. Burnham would never have referred to anyone as a low-life.
When I read that massive expression of stupidity, the coffee did burn my leg. Yuri Westmaas has a cleaning business in New York where he is employed to do fumigation tasks. When I wrote in reaction to his angelic interpretation of Burnham, I urged that Westmaas clean his mind. Westmaas and the world know that Burnham did far, far worse types of name-calling.
Last year’s stupidities in Guyana had no parallel elsewhere in the world, maybe except in the US. There were two expressions by a well-known, anti-oil, anti-government personality, Malinda Janki. Here is the first one. She noted that well-known anti-PPP crusader, Ramon Gaskin, spat on the oil curse in Guyana.
With the exception of Janki, no one knows in this country what the oil curse is. What all Guyanese know is that more one-off payment is coming in 2025 from oil money. I am buying a bicycle when I get my $100,000. In another column, I will tell you why I am
buying a bicycle.
Last year, Ms. Janki ridiculed the education shortfall of Guyanese politicians. She said all MPs must undergo an education examination including critical thinking. If there was ever someone in Guyana that lacked critical thinking in 2024 it is a real, known citizen named Malinda Janki.
At a Moray House presentation on oil, in 2022, Ms. Janki made Guyana laugh at her. The title of her lecture was: “Oil will make Guyana poorer not richer.” At Moray House that day, this country saw what a flawed mind can be like. Janki’s friend, Editor-in-Chief at the Stabroek News, Anand Persaud, last year, referred to me as the PPP’s latest hire.
But I wonder if Mr. Persaud thinks that Ms. Janki may be a hire for those in the West who want Guyana to save Planet Earth while we get poorer and they get richer.
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 of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, on Tuesday, visited the construction site of the new wing and extension at the Port Mourant Secondary School, where work will soon wrap up.
In her visit to assess the progress of the project, it was noticed that the concrete structure has already been completed and painting has commenced.
Electrical installations and ceiling works were also set to commence this week alongside additional efforts to ensure a modern and comfortable environment for both teachers and students at the location.
Minister Parag in providing an update to the media noted that the extension was nearing completion.
She said: “When I visited about a month and something ago they didn’t have a roof, they were now putting up some frame, however now the roof is on there, the flooring is on
there, they are now going to do electricals and so we are at that point where it’s
just the finishing touches to be done.”
She added, “So we are working towards the next few weeks to be completed.”
––
By Feona Morrison
ATTORNEY-GENER -
AL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has made it clear that blame for delays in the substantive appointments of the Chief Justice and Chancellor of Guyana’s Judiciary is the People’s National Congress’s (PNC) handiwork.
He told those listening to his Tuesday night programme, ‘Issues in the News,’ that the current impasse stems from the PNC’s refusal to agree to the necessary appointments under the country’s constitution.
He explained that the issue goes back to constitutional amendments made in 2001 that introduced the requirement for a consensus
between the president and opposition leader before the appointment of these two top judicial posts. Article 127 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana stipulates that:
“The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”
Since the tenure of the last confirmed Chief Justice, the late Désirée Bernard, from 1996 to 2001, the position has remained in an acting capacity. Similarly, following the tenure of the last confirmed Chancellor, the late Désirée Bernard, from 2001 to 2005, that position has also remained in an acting capacity.
Following Justice Ber-
nard’s elevation to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Carl Singh served as acting Chancellor from 2005-2017. From 2001 to 2015, Ian Chang served as acting Chief Justice. Following his retirement in 2015, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards was appointed acting Chief Justice from 2015-2017. In 2017, she was elevated to the position of acting Chancellor, while Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire was appointed acting Chief Justice.
These acting appointments have lasted for over two decades, leaving the highest positions in the judiciary in a state of uncertainty and prompting ongoing calls for substantive appointments to be made.
Nandlall pointed out that since the 2001 constitutional changes, there has never been an agreement between the President and the Leader of the Opposition on the appointments.
“Since we changed it [the constitution], we have never had an agreement between the President and the Leader of the Opposition,” he stated during the programme.
The opposition, now led by Aubrey Norton, has repeatedly called for President, Dr Irfaan Ali to engage in talks for the confirmation of the current acting Chancellor and Chief Justice.
However, Nandlall reminded the public that despite efforts by previous People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administrations, the PNC-led opposition continuously withheld consent for the appointment of a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice.
He explained that the situation first arose after the retirement of Chief Justice Bernard in 2001, when Justice Singh was appointed to act as Chief Justice.
Nandlall explained that from 2001 to 2005, then President Bharrat Jagdeo made multiple efforts to secure an agreement from Opposition Leaders Desmond Hoyte and Robert Corbin to substantiate Justice Singh’s appointment, but these at-
tempts were unsuccessful.
“Some persons want us to believe that this situation is a sudden creation, and they want to blame President, Dr Irfaan Ali as though President Ali is the author of this entire imbroglio. We must understand where the withholding of the agreement first came from. First, Hoyte withheld his agreement from the confirmation of Justice Carl Singh, and Robert Corbin did so on several occasions,” the Attorney General reminded his listeners.
Nandlall noted that repeated efforts by Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar to confirm these acting appointments were obstructed by opposition leaders who failed to give their consent.
He also recalled the term of President David Granger, who led the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Chance (APNU+AFC) coalition government from 2015 to 2020.
Nandlall criticised Granger’s administration for not confirming Justice Cummings-Edwards as Chancellor, despite efforts in 2018 to seek agreement from then Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to appoint former Chief Justice of Belize, Kenneth Benjamin, as Chancellor of Guyana.
“He [Granger] was never prepared to confirm Madame Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards as the Chancellor. He was prepared to bring in a gentle-
man who was the Chief Justice of Belize and make him Chancellor, and that could not have happened. When you read the Constitution, you see that you had to be a judge in Guyana to become the Chancellor,” Nandlall said. As a result of this fact, he explained that Jagdeo withheld his agreement.
“[That] was the only time the PPP ever withheld agreement. It was because it was going to [result in] an unconstitutionality. And also, most significantly, it was none of these two [Justice George-Wiltshire and Justice Cummings-Edwards] that was being confirmed as Chancellor.”
Despite the ongoing impasse, President Ali has assured the nation that the appointments of a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice will be addressed at the appropriate time.
During a recent press conference, he informed reporters that the appointment of permanent office holders to the two highest judicial positions is being carefully considered.
“There’s a process to be followed and, as the President, I would follow the process, taking into consideration all the circumstances that exist to ensure that we have a Chancellor and Chief Justice that would continue to take the judiciary into a place that all of us will be proud of, all of the region will be proud of,” he stated.
By Cindy Parkinson-Chowbay
THE Dazzell Housing Scheme on the East Coast of Demerara has undergone remarkable transformation, prompting residents to praise President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his government for their developmental efforts.
The improvements, which include road infrastructure, agricultural support and empowerment initiatives for women, have significantly enhanced the quality of life in the community.
In a recent interview, Ms Jessica Bacchus, a resident of Dazzell Housing Scheme, Paradise, expressed her satisfaction with the progress made under the current administration. Highlighting the state of the roads, she shared, “We are very thankful to them [the government]. It is a big development from what it was, and the children in the community, as well as the elderly, are now able to better access the road.” Roads that were once “mud dams” have been transformed into concrete or asphaltic pathways, improving mobility and accessibility for all.
Beyond infrastructure, Ms Bacchus noted the government’s investment in agriculture, which has been instrumental in supporting local farmers.
“The farmers are now being recognised and they have been getting donations [grants] from the Ministry of Agriculture,” she said. She also commended the Ministry of Human Services for its efforts to assist
young women in starting their own businesses.
“Before now [before the PPP/C government], we were unable to access proper information as to how to go about getting grants and other different things. However, now we are able to do that under this administration, and we are very thankful for that,” Bacchus added.
Mr Harold Hutson, a six-year resident of Dazzell, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the visible improvements in infrastructure.
“When I came in here at first, the place wasn’t like this. In terms of the roads, the roads were terrible. I have seen a lot of development now in terms of the roads and the streets being done,” he explained. However, he identified drainage as an area requiring further attention, noting, “What we would like is to get more drainage, but I am seeing a healthier Dazzell than I came and met.”
Other residents, including Ms Sherryl Armstrong and Mr Quacy Douglas, also expressed their appreciation for the government’s dedication to fostering development. Ms Armstrong
lauded the frequent visits by government officials to the community and the ongoing construction of roads and buildings. “We are seeing works happening that we didn’t see before,” she said, adding that the visible progress has uplifted the community.
Mr Douglas highlighted the impact of improved roads on emergency access and daily transportation. “A lot of the roads are done, and we are very much grateful for it. A lot of times we’ve been struggling [to get around], especially where emergency cases are concerned,” he remarked.
On Wednesday, President Ali further demonstrated his commitment to community engagement by making an impromptu visit to the neighbouring community of Enterprise. During the visit, he interacted with residents, listened to their concerns, and provided support to address their issues. Community members expressed their appreciation for the President’s hands-on approach and conveyed their gratitude for the administration’s dedication to Guyana’s
development.
The residents of Dazzell Housing Scheme view these initiatives as a testament to the government’s resolve to improve living conditions and create opportunities for all.
With continued investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and community empowerment, they are optimistic about the future and the sustained progress of their community.
By Naomi Parris
BOLSTERING its capability
to fight forest fires, Guyana has acquired helicopter he-
libuckets, and has already trained personnel to enhance the country’s response to the natural disaster.
This was according to
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who commissioned the Guyana Fire Service’s largest fleet of rapid-intervention vehicles, and its new headquarters on
Homestretch Avenue.
“We have the capacity; we have already trained to fight bush fires and forest fires with the buckets. We have the buckets to be attached that can go to the rivers; lift the water,” he said.
A helicopter bucket, or helibucket, is a special bucket attached to a cable, and carried by a helicopter to drop water during firefighting operations. The design allows the helicopter to hover over a water source, like a lake, river, or pond, lower the bucket to fill it, and then carry the water to the fire.
The helibuckets will also be used to respond to major incidents within the city or in other urban settings.
In 2024, it was reported that the Fire Service had responded to 1,285 forest fires between January and April.
At the time, Guyana was battling an extreme dry period, which saw drought conditions persisting.
President Ali said: “You will recall that in the very dry season last year, we had to have the help of Brazil to fight some of the forest fires. And they had this capability, and we adopted that technology and built that capability in our system.
And that capability also will come with a new acquisition.”
These enhanced capabilities, the President said, is a part of a broader strategy aimed at integrating the country’s security institutions.
He related: “So, we are integrating our assets among the Joint Services, too, and that is critical.”
Last year, the government had begun the process of obtaining state-of-the art assets to facilitate the integration of the Guyana Police Force with other security institutions.
Dr. Ali related: “Soon, you will see the Guyana Police Force also developing their air wing, so that we can have greater capacity in that department. And that will occur as soon as, and by the end of January.”
Simultaneously, works are also underway to build air capacity and capability for the Guyana Police Force that will be integrated with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
President Ali said: “I was
told mid-February, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) would accompany the full rehabilitation of the Ogle hanger, so that we will have a more efficient deployment area for your asset, and the Guyana Police Force will be also part of that.”
Meanwhile, Fire Chief Gregory Wickham pointed out that Guyana has made significant strides in enhancing its emergency response capabilities, with the Fire Service standing at the forefront of these efforts.
He noted that with a combination of strategic investments, the government has ensured that the Fire Service is not only well equipped to respond to local emergencies, but is also recognised as a leader in the Caribbean Region.
Wickham related: “I want to thank you for the government’s commitment and support to ensure that the Fire Service is equipped to lead, not only in this geographic space of our native land, Guyana, but even in the Caribbean. On many occasions, we are leading.”
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn disclosed that some $1.2 billion was expended in 2024 on bolstering the capacity of the local Fire Service.
Additionally, six new fire stations have been constructed in Eccles, Wales, Ogle, Leonora, and Diamond, while stations at Charity, Parika, Wisroc, and Soesdyke are being developed.
to
By Trina Williams
THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has a rich history of embracing stability and transparency, along with free and fair elections, General Secretary of the PPP Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said.
Highlighting the outcomes of a recent engagement he had with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and its affiliates, Dr. Jagdeo said that a number of topics surrounding the 2025 General and Regional Elections were discussed.
While labelling it a “good” meeting, he said that the PSC wanted the party’s perspective on issues within the general public.
He commended the PSC for being interested in the “transparency” of the upcoming elections.
“They expressed concerns about instability and how instability could affect their well-being and the people who work with them,” Dr. Jagdeo related.
He, in turn, assured the PSC that they should have no concern about the PPP/C stoking any instability or violence.
“We have a track record that will show that our entire history, we have always supported free and fair elections, and we’ve been a calming influence to people, even in periods when they have been tested and their patience tried,” he said, adding that the party has even fought against violence perpetrated by the Opposition.
He said the PPP/C is going to address the question of security, so that the Guyanese people can freely exercise their constitutional right to select a government freely.
The General Secretary highlighted the numerous strategies that the Opposition is employing to not only cushion their future loss but undermine the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).
The objective of GECOM is to ensure free, fair, transparent, and credible elections in Guyana; however, the Opposition has attempted to challenge this in various ways.
The repetitive rhetoric concerning the voters list was once again addressed by Dr. Jagdeo, who pointed out how baseless it is.
“In most quarters now, there is a recognition that the PNC and AFC, they have been misleading their supporters, and also maybe themselves. By now most Guyanese would recognise that, constitutionally, you cannot remove people’s names from the voters’ list who have gone through the robust process; a scrutinised process of being registered,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
He added that the pro-
based on migration, is simply “misleading”.
He said: “The Constitution does not allow for this; voters who have gone through the robust registration process should not be removed from the list.”
Stating that the Opposition is attempting to create a “smokescreen”, he highlighted that such tactics, if implemented, could lead to further confusion, potentially causing delays or even stopping the elections entirely through legal challenges.
Additionally, he said that unlike the Opposition, the PPP/C’s focus is
cess is highly scrutinized, with not only GECOM doing such, but also both the government and opposition having scrutineers involved.
Also, people have an opportunity to object to the process, too.
Notably, GECOM has stated that it is intensifying preparations to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process.
Further, the General Secretary said that the PPP/C wants GECOM to act lawfully, and in line with the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land.
Responding to the claims being peddled by the Opposition, Dr. Jagdeo said: “The Opposition is already preparing to create a hullabaloo when they lose; we’ve seen it before, and we expect it again. They want to confuse the process and create an excuse for their defeat.”
Additionally, he said that the opposition’s call for “house-to-house” registration undermines the constitutional process.
Dr. Jagdeo emphasised that the opposition’s plan to remove people’s names,
on unity and stability. He said: “We do not have any interest in dividing the people; we want to bring everyone together. Our campaign will focus on our track record, and our commitment to the country… The people will decide their government freely, fairly, and transparently.”
IN a stunning public endorsement, James Bond, who has been a key figure in the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC-R), has thrown his support behind President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, signalling his backing for a second term for the current Head of State.
He praised President Ali for his consistent friendship and support, tracing their relation -
ship back to Dr. Ali’s time as a minister.
Blending personal gratitude with political endorsement, Bond told a gathering at Melanie, East Coast Demerara, that he would be publicly backing the President for re-election in the 2025 national polls.
“President Ali is one person who has always remembered me, from since he was a minister, he has always remembered me. He has
always been a friend to me, and I am giving you a second term,” Bond said, addressing President Ali directly, as the audience applauded in response.
“I say this publicly, sir,” Bond further asserted.
Meanwhile, another resident signalled her support for the Dr. Aliled administration.
“You have our full support,” the woman declared, commending
PNC-R’s James Bond engaging with President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, during a community engagement on Thursday
the government’s continued efforts to engaging residents.
The resident said: “I believe this is the first time a President from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Gov-
ernment has visited our village.”
The endorsement signals the success of the government’s efforts in building out community spaces, creating opportunities and engaging with citizens all with the aim of promoting a unified Guyana.
The community, was once considered to be a stronghold of the PNC-R.
- says there will be no
AT the instruction of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, there will be no appeal of the $24 million awarded in the Quindon Bacchus judgement.
This was according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo during his press conference on Thursday.
The President also instructed that the $24 million award be paid in accordance with the ruling.
of
the fatal shooting of Bacchus, a 25-year-old father of one, by a police constable at Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD) back in June 2022.
“The President was made aware of the ongoing efforts by the Attorney-General’s Chambers, and instructed that the appeal should not proceed. Instead, the compensation must be paid,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
The matter concerns
Lance Corporal Kristoff DeNobrega is facing a murder charge in connection with Bacchus’s death, while two of his colleagues, Lance Corporal Thurston Simon, and Cadet Officer Dameion McLennon, are charged with willfully attempting to obstruct the course of justice. DeNobrega is presently awaiting trial at the Demerara High Court.
PETER Thompson, a 22-year-old food vendor, was granted $250,000 bail on Wednesday after spending over a month on remand for an alleged armed robbery.
Thompson appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where arguments over the strength of the evidence were heard.
Thompson’s charge relates to a November 12, 2024, alleged armed robbery at a salon on D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown. Thompson, armed with a handgun and accompanied by others, allegedly robbed Adelle David of valuables totalling more than $3.4
million. The reported stolen items included $1,190,000 in cash, a handbag worth $2,990, a gold wristband
valued at $570,000, a gold anklet valued at $150,000, two gold chains worth $870,000, and six gold rings valued at $632,500.
At the initial hearing in November last, the prosecution successfully argued against bail, emphasising the gravity of the offence and the victim’s assertion that she could identify Thompson as one of the perpetrators. The defendant’s then attorney, Darren Wade, argued that no stolen items were recovered and that the video footage submitted as evidence failed to clearly identify the suspects. On Wednesday, Thompson’s new attorney, Nigel Hughes, challenged the prosecution’s case, par-
ticularly the reliability of the video evidence.
The lawyer said the footage, purportedly from the salon’s security cameras, showed two men entering and robbing patrons. However, he noted that the individuals’ faces were obscured due to camera angles and physical obstructions.
The prosecution contended that Thompson could be identified by a mark on his hand, but this claim was challenged by the defence.
The prosecution further requested that Thompson
surrender his passport as a bail condition, which the magistrate denied. While recognising the seriousness of the allegations, Magistrate Mc Gusty noted the insufficiency of the video evidence in conclusively identifying Thompson as a perpetrator. She granted bail under strict conditions, requiring Thompson to report regularly to the police, but allowing him to retain his passport. Thompson’s case will continue on February 5, 2025.
By Faith Greene
CARLVIN Burnett, the Guyanese singer who took the music scene by storm in 2024 with his infectious hit, "Handy Man", has come a long way since his humble beginnings.
The Berbician artiste first burst onto the local scene in 2009 during the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Jingle and Song Competition, where he earned the spotlight, though, like many great artistes, Carlvin's journey began in the church, where he first honed his vocal skills.
"It was always church for me," he recalled. "That was the only thing I knew, until I entered the competition, and everything just blossomed from there."
Born into a family steeped in musical talent, Carlvin’s passion for music was almost instinctual, nurtured by the rhythms and melodies of his upbringing.
Recalling his rise to local fame, Carlvin remembers travelling from Berbice to Georgetown for the ‘jingles’ audition, eventually making it to the finals and finishing in second place.
"I remember them coming to Berbice; we did the auditions, and they told me I passed
the rounds. Then, I got to Georgetown, and everything just kept going and going until I made it to the finals," Carlvin reminisced. It wasn't until after the competition that Carlvin truly grasped the extent of his rising fame.
“That's when I realised how well-known I had become," he said. Fast forward to 2024, and the artiste is at the pinnacle of his career, winning the coveted Soca Monarch title with his breakout anthem, "Handy Man".
Written by Carlvin and
Joel Browne, the song struck a chord with audiences, securing Carlvin's place as one of the region's most electrifying performers. The music video, directed by Sean Thompson and choreographed by Robert Wall, was a visual masterpiece, further
cementing Carlvin's growing influence.
Despite his success, Carlvin remains focused on what’s next. When asked about his plans for the upcoming Soca Monarch competition, Carlvin said, "I'm not sure. The reason why I’m saying that is because I did it already. I won. So, for me, there’s nothing else to prove in that area. I’d more so like to explore something different. I’d probably try Calypso or maybe the Dancehall Monarch. We’re still deciding; myself and my team, as to whether we’ll do it."
In addition to his Soca accomplishments, Carlvin has been hard at work crafting new music. In 2023 and 2024, he released tracks like "Guide My Way", "Broken", "Never Had", and "Survivor", each showcasing his vocal prowess and versatility.
For 2025, Carlvin is already hitting the ground running, with fresh releases like "Reap What You Sow", along with upcoming tracks such as "Diplomat", a dancehall song, and "Party Like It’s Your Birthday", another vibrant Soca tune. There's also "R.I.P.", which promises to be another crowd favourite. "There are more projects in the pipeline," Carlvin teased, "and they will be drop-
ping soon."
As a testament to his growing influence, Carlvin is set to host his first major event, Overdue, on January 25, 2025, at Scotty’s Smoke House and Grill on the East Coast Demerara. "It's going to be an unforgettable night," he said with excitement. Tickets are available for $5,000, and Carlvin is encouraging all his fans to secure their spots early. "If you're interested in attending, get your tickets and come out to support. You can reach out to me on any of my social media platforms: Facebook @Carlvin Burnett, Instagram @ carlvin_burnett, or TikTok @officialcarlvinburnett. You can also message Chen Bo, Selector Andre Entertainment, Joel Browne, or Marlon Jacobs (Freedom Boss) to get your tickets. We're personally delivering them to you," Carlvin added, ensuring that his fans will have every opportunity to be part of the celebration.
As the reigning Soca Monarch and a rising star on the Caribbean music scene, Carlvin Burnett is a name to watch in the years to come. His journey has just begun, and with his unwavering passion and talent, the best is yet to come.
THE announcement of this year's Oscar nominations has been delayed by two days because of the deadly wildfires raging in the Los Angeles area.
It had been scheduled for Friday, January 17, but the stars and films up for Academy
geles area, and we are thinking of you."
The latest blaze broke out in the Hollywood Hills, close to Hollywood Boulevard and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, late on Wednesday afternoon.
The fires have caused havoc for LA
Television Arts, has been cancelled.
The event had been due to take place at The Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on Saturday 11 January.
Elsewhere, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) nominations, will now not take place
Awards will now be revealed on January 19.
The voting for the nearly 10,000 Academy members, which opened on January 8, has also been extended by two days, until Tuesday, January 14.
Former Oscars host Billy Crystal is among the celebrities who have lost homes in this week's blaze, as well as Paris Hilton, James Woods, and Miles Teller.
'WE ARE THINKING OF YOU'
In a letter sent to members on Wednesday, Academy CEO Bill Kramer said: "We want to offer our deepest condolences to those who have been impacted by the devastating fires across Southern California.
"So many of our members and industry colleagues live and work in the Los An -
residents, as well as the area's film and TV industry since Tuesday.
Conan O'Brien is set to host the 2025 Oscars ceremony at the Dolby Theater on Hollywood Boulevard on March 2.
AWARDS AND EVENTS CALLED OFF
Against that backdrop, the Critics Choice Awards, held in Santa Monica, has also been moved, from 12 January to 26 January.
Joey Berlin, chief executive of the Critics Choice Association, said: "This unfolding tragedy has already had a profound impact on our community.
"All our thoughts and prayers are with those battling the devastating fires and with all who have been affected."
The Bafta Tea Party, a networking event hosted by the British Academy of Film and
loved ones are currently affected, and our thoughts are with them at this time," Netflix said in a statement on Wednesday.
Ben Affleck was seen helping his ex-
wife and near neighbour Jennifer Garner and their children move home away from the fires; while another of his ‘exes’, Jennifer Lopez, saw the Tuesday premiere of her movie,
Unstoppable, cancelled by Amazon MGM Studios.
Universal Studios scrapped the premiere of Wolf Man on the same day, while Paramount and Max did the
as planned on Thursday 9 January.
The Producers' Guild of America (PGA) has postponed announcing the nominees in its movie and TV categories until Sunday 12 January.
Meanwhile, Hacks star Jean Smart has made a public request for TV networks and streamers to "seriously consider not televising" forthcoming awards shows, given the circumstances.
She asked broadcasters to donate "the revenue they would have garnered to victims of the fires and the firefighters" instead.
Thursday's New York premiere of Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx's comedy, Back in Action, has been cancelled as a show of solidarity.
"We recognise many in our industry and their
FROM PAGE 17
same for Wednesday's premieres of the Robbie Williams biopic, Better Man, and The Pitt, respectively.
And comedian Margaret Cho wrote on Instagram that she had cancelled her weekend gigs in LA, urging ev-
eryone to "stay safe".
The ongoing fires have caused a glut of TV productions to be halted, after FilmLA, which gives permits to shoots in Los Angeles, issued an alert ad-
vising that "personnel resources ordinarily available to support film production may not be available during the local state of emergency".
The affected shows include Season Two of Fallout, plus Abbott
Elementary and Grey's Anatomy.
NBCUniversal said it had also suspended filming on TV shows Loot, Ted, Suits: LA, Happy's Place, and the Golden Globe-winning Hacks.
Jimmy Kimmel
Live!, the CBS game show The Price Is Right, and late-night series After Midnight are among the unscripted shows that have also paused production, with repeats being shown instead.
America's Got Tal-
ent also said on Instagram that Sunday's scheduled auditions had been postponed, noting how a new audition date will be announced soon.
"Your safety is our top priority," it added. (BBC)
Friday January 10, 2025)
CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Gerry Alexander-29 (25 catches/4 stumpings – 8 Tests) (2) Kamran Akmal-25 (23/2) in 5 Tests; Moin Khan-25 (21/4) in 10 Tests
Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI has played most Tests versus PAK to date? (2) Which PAK player has contested most Tests against the WI to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
ARAB EMIRATES
RACING TIPS MEYDAN 09:30 hrs Golden Redemption 10:05 hrs Creative Story 10:40 hrs Barq Al Emarat 11:15 hrs Symbol Of Honour 11:50 hrs Galen 12:25 hrs Local Dynasty 13:00 hrs Thunder Of Niagara 13:35 hrs Regal Connection AMERICAN RACING TIPS AQUEDUCT
(BBC) - THE Los Angeles Lakers have postponed Friday's NBA fixture against the Charlotte Hornets amid ongoing wildfires in the region.
NHL side Los Angeles Kings, who also play at the Crypto.com Arena, postponed their meeting with the Calgary Flames which was scheduled for 03:30 GMT on Thursday.
Firefighters in Los Angeles are battling a number of blazes in city suburbs, as nearly 180,000 residents were forced to evacuate.
"We're heartbroken for Los Angeles." said the Lakers in a statement as they looked to "focus on what matters most today".
"Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this unimaginable situation. And our gratitude is with the first responders and all of you who come together when we need each other the most. We're with you, LA."
The Lakers were due to host the Hornets at
03:30 GMT on Friday and the NBA said the date for the rescheduled game will be announced at a later time.
"The entire NBA family sends its thoughts and support to the community of Los Angeles during this challenging time," the NBA added.
"Our hearts are with our entire Los Angeles community," the Kings
said in a statement on Wednesday.
"We appreciate the hard working first responders who are diligently working to contain the fire and protect our community."
Meanwhile, basketball star Kawhi Leonard, who plays for the Lakers' city rivals the LA Clippers, is reportedly, external set to step away
THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pleased to announce that the 2025/2026 Mid-Season Transfer Window officially opened on January 1, 2025, and will close at midnight on January 31, 2025.
The GFF has advised all clubs, regional associations, and Transfer Matching System (TMS) users to review FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players to ensure compliance with the relevant guidelines
The Federation also reminded clubs and associations of the procedural requirements for domestic player transfers noting that it must include involvement from the player’s former club, the relevant regional associations, and the new club. Transfers involving Elite League clubs require direct consent from the GFF.
Furthermore, any disputes or delays during the process can be escalated to the relevant regional as-
sociation or the GFF for resolution.
The GFF remains committed to ensuring a transparent and efficient transfer process that supports the continued development of football in Guyana.
Stakeholders requiring clarification or assistance have been encouraged to contact the GFF Secretariat's Competitions Department at (592) 227-8758 or via email at competition@ guyanafootball.org.
NFL franchise Los
"The safety of the Los Angeles community is our top priority, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fires in the area," added the Rams.
"We are grateful for the tireless efforts of first responders who continue to protect our city and community, as well as individuals who continue to help our neighbours in need."
In a statement, the league said: "The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA [National Football League Players Association]."
Angeles Rams, though, said their play-off game against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium is still expected to take place on Monday.
By Sean Devers
THE Guyana Harpy Eagles began the preparations for this year’s Regional FirstClass season with a day/ night four-day game last night on a slow Providence track and lightning-fast outfield.
Yesterday, under a blue sky in sweltering heat, Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s X1 elected to bat and was watched by nine fans in the Green stand.
Chanderpaul’s X1 fell for
230 with Kevlon Anderson getting 69 and Jonathan Van Lange making 41 not out.
Thaddeus Lovell had 5-45.
In response, Kemol Savory’s X1 reached 26-1 by the close last night.
The 28-year-old left-handed Chanderpaul got going with a glorious cover-driven boundary off teenager Isiah Thorne before the genuinely fast Thorne left the field after 4.2 over suffering from cramp. Chanderpaul pulled Thaddeus Lovell for four in his first over before slapping Demetri Cameron for another boundary
past extra cover.
Fellow left-hander Sachin Singh (4) was at slip as he fiddled at one that left him off the bowling of left-arm fast bowler Chris Harry at 14-1 before Ushardeva Balgobin (10) retired hurt nursing cramps at 27-1.
Chanderpaul, who has a double hundred and three fifties from 10 Tests but has been off the boil recently, swivelled Lovell for four and looked well set despite not finding the gaps as he would have liked.
After spending 76 minutes at the crease and facing 56 balls in his 24 with four boundaries, Chanderpaul was
‘squared up’ by a full-length delivery that plucked out his off-stump at 43-2.
Kevlon Anderson and Adrian Sukwah (2) brought up the 50 in 15.3 overs before Lovell bowled a short ball which got big on Sukwah, who top-edged a hook and spooned a catch to the bowler to leave the score on 58-3; Lovell celebrated his second wicket.
Yearwood, one of four left-handers among the first six batters, got off the mark with an exquisite boundary past cover off Lovell from his first ball.
Anderson caressed Cameron for four past cover, edged
him to third man for four before elegantly on-driving him for a the third boundary in the over.
The pair carried the score to 77-3 at the first break with Yearwood on nine and Anderson on 22.
When play resumed, Anderson continued to play well and soon reached his fifty but was removed by Lovell for 69 (10 fours) after facing 147 and batting for 163 minutes.
Yearwood was then removed by Thorne for 30 with five fours and a six after adding 61 for the fourth wicket with Anderson.
Teenage Jonathan Van Lange clobbered a robust
unbeaten 41 with eight fours from 48 balls before Lovell polished off the tail to end with 5-45.
Ashmead Nedd (2-22) and Thorne (2-44) were the other successful bowlers for Kemol Savory’s X1, who reached 26-1 at stumps.
After Nial Smith removed Raymond Perez (6), Matthew Nandu (6) and Zynul Ramsammy (5) were the not-out batters at the end of the day. Day two begins at 14:00 hours today.
Guyana faces Barbados Pride in the first round, which will be contested at Providence from January 29.
CMC – West Indies Women’s head coach Shane Deitz believes the upcoming whiteball series against Bangladesh is the perfect litmus test to measure the strides they have made in the past few weeks.
The Windies Women come into the series on the back of a disappointing tour of India in December, when they lost the T20I series 2-1 before being swept 3-0 in the One Day International series.
While it will be the first-ever tour of the Caribbean for the Bangladesh Women, Deitz sees it as the perfect opportunity for the Windies Women to gauge their progress.
West Indies Women will take on Bangladesh Women in three ODIs and three T20Is
The two teams will play three ODIs and three T20s at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts.
“Bangladesh’s visit comes at an ideal time in our preparation cycle.
“They’re a skilled unit that has [sic] shown impressive growth, and this series gives us an excellent opportunity to
examine our squad depth and continue to implement our aggressive, flamboyant brand of West Indian cricket,” Deitz said.
“We have been focusing on specific areas of improvement in our training and touring, and these matches will help us gauge our progress.
“The conditions at Warner Park will challenge both teams and make for compelling cricket. I’m looking forward to seeing how some of our younger and less-experienced players respond to the test,” he added.
The two teams last met in the group stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE, where West Indies Women secured an eight-wicket victory at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Their last ODI meeting, which took place nearly three years ago in New Zealand, resulted in a four-run victory for the West Indies.
Overall, the two teams have met five times in international competition—four times in T20Is and once in an ODI—and West Indies are yet to taste defeat.
The West Indies will be led by Hayley Matthews, but will once again have to do without the services of veteran Stafanie Taylor, who is still recovering from a knee injury.
However, Jannillea Glasgow and Cherry Ann Fraser, who recently had successful stints in state cricket in Tasmania, have been included in the 15-member squad.
SQUAD
WEST INDIES: Hayley Matthews (captain). Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Nerissa Crafton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack.
MANAGEMENT: Shane Deitz (head coach), Sheena Gooding (manager), Ryan Austin (assistant coach), Damien Wright (assistant coach), Gary Belle (team analyst), Angelica Holder (physiotherapist), Antonia Burton (strength & conditioning coach), Dr. Nadine Sammy (performance coach), John Phillips (media & content officer).
COMMISSIONER of Police Clifton Hicken, a passionate advocate and champion of youth development, today, at his Eve Leary Office, assured his full support to the youths of back circle ballers who are
Organising the 2nd Annual Georgetown vs the Rest Street Football Tournament. The tournament will commence from January 15, 2025, and conclude on January 31st, 2025 at Back-Circle, East Ruimveldt Tar -
mac.
The Top Cop who fully sponsored the tournament last year January continues to encourage the youths to remain optimistic and encourage more gaming activities to restore community
togetherness, minimise young, gifted athletes' idleness, and build partnerships with youths of all communities through sports to foster a safer and more secure Guyana.
THE Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) on Thursday announce the participation of Guyana’s Senior Men’s Basketball Team in the highly anticipated “Nations Cup” tournament, set to take place from January 24 to 27 in Paramaribo, Suriname.
The team will face tough competition against regional rivals Suriname and Grenada in what promises to be a thrilling showcase of basketball talent in the Caribbean.
The GBF has shortlisted 23 players for the tournament, emphasizing a commitment to showcasing and developing local talent. The list includes standout performers from the ongoing One Guyana Premier Basketball League.
The players selected for trials are: Travis Belgrave (Eagles) Harold Adams (Royals), Dominic Vincente (Ravens), Zian Gray (Eagles), Nikkoloi Smith (Ravens), Yannick Tappin (Royals), Shelroy Thomas (Colts), Jushawn Bayley, Oquacey Shortt (Colts), Shane Webster (Colts), Orlan Glasgow (Royals), Jermaine Slater (Kobras), Kimol Grimmond (Untouchables), Domair Gladstone (Untouchables), Stanton Rose (Untouchables),
Shamaar Huntley (Ravens), Denzil Ross (Eagles), Jamaal Gilkes (Untouchables), Brando Bento (Mambas), Emmanuel Atherly (Kobras), Nathan Saul (Pacesetters), Jaleel Duke (Pacesetters), and Elijah David (Kobras).
The team will be led by Head Coach Adrian Hooper, with Marlon Rodrigues serving as Assistant Coach and Warren Wilson as Team Manager.
The squad will undergo a rigorous two-day trial this weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, where the final roster of 12 players will be determined.
Coach Hooper noted that the final selection process will be highly competitive, given the exceptional talent and performances of the shortlisted players in the One Guyana Premier Basketball League.
“Every player on this list has earned their spot based on merit. It’s going to be a challenge narrowing this group down to 12, but I’m confident that we’ll assemble a team capable of representing Guyana with pride and competitiveness,” Hooper stated.
According to GBF President Michael Singh, the Nations Cup marks the beginning
of what promises to be a busy and exciting year for Guyana’s National Basketball Team.
The tournament in Suriname serves as a key step in the team’s preparation to defend their title at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship.
“This tour is the start of early preparations for our national team, and it provides an excellent opportunity to measure the standard of our local game,” Singh said.
“By focusing on our locally based players for this tournament, we aim to identify and develop talent here at home, giving them the exposure needed to compete at the international level. This approach will allow us to integrate overseas-based players into future engagements with a stronger foundation.”
Singh also highlighted the significance of the ongoing One Guyana Premier Basketball League as a developmental
CMC -As preparations ramp up for the much-anticipated Test series, the West Indies team’s three-day warmup match against the Pakistan Shaheens will be taken seriously, according to assistant coach Jimmy Adams.
The encounter, which has been shifted from Rawalpindi to Islamabad, is set to begin this Friday at 09:30hrs local time (12:30 a.m. ECT/11:30 p.m. in Jamaica).
Speaking ahead of the game, batting coach Adams expressed satisfaction
with the team’s readiness, and praised the local facilities.
“The conditions are excellent for cricket. The weather here is good, as it is neither too cold nor too hot. The facilities they’ve provided have been excellent, with quality surfaces and enough practice bowlers. The players have had everything they need, and have been putting in the time with great intensity.”
While this match is technically just a warmup, Adams underscored its significance. “I wouldn’t use the word just. This
game will provide invaluable middle time, which is critical as we head into the first Test.”
The former West Indies captain further highlighted the importance of the match in fine-tuning preparations, as conditions can be different from what the players are accustomed to.
“This is an important part of the build-up; it’s about getting quality time in the middle against a strong opposition. Hopefully, we can make full use of the opportunity.”
The team’s training
sessions have reportedly been high-intensity and focused, with players working on both individual and collective aspects of their game. Adams emphasised the importance of mastering the basics, which will be put to the test when the official series begins.
“Our goal is to execute the fundamentals for longer than any team we face. After a long flight and a few days of rest, the focus has been on ensuring we’re ready to deliver those basics tomorrow.”
platform.
“Our players have been competing at a high level domestically, and this has provided the GBF with a robust pool of talent to work with. The Nations Cup will give us valuable insights into how our local players match up against regional competition,” he added.
The Nations Cup, the GBf said, will be a test of endurance, skill, and teamwork as Guyana’s Senior Men’s Team takes on Suriname and Grenada
in back-to-back games.
The GBF is confident that this opportunity will not only strengthen Guyana’s presence in Caribbean basketball but also provide invaluable experience for the players and coaching staff as they gear up for a year of competitive engagements. Meanwhile, Singh revealed that the GBF is also planning its own version of the Nations Cup in May this year, with three other CBC teams competing in Guyana.
