Guyana, US EXIM sign historic loan agreement for Gas-to-Energy Project
President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday at State House, met with Ms Reta Jo Lewis, President and Chairperson of the United States Export-Import Bank (EXIM). During the meeting, the Head of State discussed Guyana’s plans for development and economic diversification. Ms Lewis was accompanied by Hazeen Ashby, Deputy Chief of Staff and White House Liaison; Ufo Eric Atuanya, Acting Senior Vice President of the Office of Global Development; and Nicole Theriot, the US Ambassador to Guyana. Also present at the meeting were Dr Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, and Hugh Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (Office of the President)
–– President Ali says, as gov’t continues to expand initiatives to improve lives of all Guyanese
–– bank’s Chairperson optimistic about future developments as US-Guyana further strengthen partnership –– as it ramps up efforts to reduce spread of vector-borne diseases
Guyana, US EXIM sign historic loan agreement for Gas-to-Energy Project
–– bank’s Chairperson optimistic about future developments as US-Guyana further strengthen partnership
By Naomi Parris
IN a significant step towards advancing its energy infrastructure, Guyana has officially signed a loan agreement with the US Export-Import (EXIM) Bank for its ambitious Gas-to-Energy (GTE) Project.
The contract was officially signed on Friday afternoon at the GTE project site at Wales, West Bank Demerara, where the US EXIM Bank’s President and Chairperson, Reta Jo Lewis highlighted the significance of the project which aims to reduce the cost of electricity, enhance energy security and promote environmental sustainability.
Jo Lewis said: “Together, we are taking bold steps to strengthen energy security, enhance environmental sustainability and unlock economic opportunity.”
She further pointed out that this multimillion-dollar collaboration is just the first of many, emphasising the long-standing relationship between Guyana and the US.
The Exim Bank Chairperson said: “We’re not just talking about US businesses and workers in the United States, we’re talking about businesses and workers right here in Guyana.”
She dubbed the project a ‘game changer,’ highlighting the opportunities that lie ahead for citizens, businesses and the shared aspiration of Guyana and the United States.
Jo Lewis said: “I want to thank the Guyanese government for its vision and collaboration…together we will demonstrate that partnerships rooted in shared values and shared benefits yield results that are greater than the sum of their parts.”
Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said that the secured funding will allow the country to modernize its energy infrastructure, positioning it to meet the growing demand for an in-
creasing dynamic economy.
“This project will be the backbone of a strong economy that is prepared to compete on the global stage. But as we consider transition to an energy mix of cleaner natural gas, achieving a dramatic reduction in emissions is also a testament to the understanding respect for the environment”, the
Prime Minister said.
He reminded that the project will create thousands of jobs and support economic growth while prioritising environmental sustainability. According to the Prime Minister, the GTE also symbolises the potential the country holds in harnessing its resources to bring real
and lasting benefits to the people.
He added: “Let us not forget that this moment would not have been possible without the margins of Guyana as a key player in the global energy landscape. Our oil and gas industry provided the means to envision such transformative projects, and this agreement
stands as a proof that we’re building a future beyond the extraction of resources.”
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, further highlighted the shared values of the two nations, pointing to the economic trade and com-
mercial dimensions of the two countries’ partnerships.
The project, he said, is a visible example of Guyana entering a historic dimension in its trade and bilateral ties, which reflects the country’s continued push for building a resilient and diverse economy.
“But importantly, as Guyana navigates this period in our economic history, notwithstanding those historic dimensions and origins of our special and strong relationships, we hold the view of this government for this relationship that is entering new phases, that you see new dimensions, emergently and greater importance,” Dr. Singh said.
The Senior Minister further issued a call to the US official to support more of Guyana’s endeavours in building a sustainable future.
“We want to see much more done, medium, small size projects. We are going to do much, much more with EXIM on every size point the along the spectrum,” Dr. Singh said.
Back in December, the financial institution granted its final approval for the US$526 million loan at their Board Meeting, after having completed the 35day congressional notice period.
The benefits of this project go beyond cheaper electricity. It was highlighted that there could be additional revenue potential from gas liquids extracted during the process.
This, Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had said, spawn by-products like cooking gas which could generate some $250 million annually if sold at current market price.
The pipeline installation for the project was completed in 2024 with the government expecting the integrated gas processing facility to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025 while partial start-up is planned for earlier in the year.
Following Friday afternoon’s signing, the officials were given a tour the of project site, where works have already commenced
From left, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharat; Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh; Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips; US EXIM Bank’s President and Chairperson, Reta Jo Lewis and US ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot during the official presentation of the US$526 million loan agreement (Delano Williams photos)
Plan being crafted to further address backlog of housing applications
––
President
Ali says, as G ov’t continues to expand initiatives to improve lives of all Guyanese
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to addressing housing demands and enhancing community development across Guyana.
In his remarks during a recent visit to Non Pariel on the East Coast of Demerara, President Ali revealed a bold and ambitious drive to address the backlog of applications.
“We have been work-
ing on a plan to bring all the applications up to August of 2023 to zero,” the President said, emphasising that this effort has been a key focus during the holidays and the beginning of this year.
While acknowledging the unique challenges faced in Region Four due to limited land availability, President Ali highlighted strategic solutions such as investing in infrastructure projects—including bridges and connecting roads between regions Three and Four—to improve accessibility to suburban housing developments.
According to the President, a significant initia-
tive at Wales is set to accommodate up to 30,000 residents, which will enable regional connectivity and housing expansion.
The President also called for a cultural shift in housing preferences, urging citizens to embrace suburban developments.
In underscoring the Government’s holistic approach to community development, he outlined three key priorities in the 2025 Budget: security, sanitation, and community service. These investments will include enhanced support for local NDCs, improved drainage, the installation of streetlights, and the cre-
ation of green spaces to elevate the quality of life for residents.
Beyond infrastructure, President Ali praised the growing focus on productivity and innovation within communities.
He celebrated the shift in national dialogue toward economic empowerment and modernisation, with citizens increasingly eager to participate in agriculture innovation projects, technology, and the broader development of the nation.
“What I love is the conversation in the country is changing...the conversation now is about productivity. How do we get engaged in economic
activity?
“How do we increase production? How do we become a part of the agricultural innovation projects? How do we become part of the building process of the country? A totally different conversation.
“I applaud all of you. That tells you that people are not engaged in the negativity...,” he said. The President’s vision represents a transformative era for housing, connectivity, and community building in Guyana. One that is modern, inclusive, and promotes a prosperous society for all.
Jagdeo rejects attempts to link PPP to signing of lopsided 2016 oil contract
–– challenges Trotman to produce source of his information; says claims being used now as a smokescreen for coalition’s poor track record
By Trina Williams
PEOPLE’S Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo vehemently rejected the claims being peddled by politicians and affiliated media outlets that he agreed with the APNU+AFC government waiving taxes to ExxonMobil.
During a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, he pointed out that political opponents are attempting to deflect from their track records by spewing such claims.
Despite former Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman’s book “From Destiny to Prosperity” published for some time now, it is only until the election year that these claims are now emerging.
In the book, Trotman claims that Jagdeo, who was the opposition leader at the time, was informed about the terms of the contentious oil contract with ExxonMobil, which allegedly included tax waivers.
There are now attempts
by well-known government critics to attach Jagdeo to the lopsided oil contract that was signed by the previous government.
The coalition has continuously come under fire for its lack of transparency regarding a signing bonus related to Guyana’s oil sector.
According to Jagdeo, the coalition not only hid the US$18 million signing bonus
paid by ExxonMobil, but also lied about its existence, and said it was a gift when caught.
Challenging the claims made within the book that he was briefed on the oil contract, Jagdeo called on Trotman to cite the source of his claims.
Further, pointing out how untrue these claims are, he said if he were involved,
based on how the current opposition operates, they would have masqueraded it all these years.
He then pointed out how Christopher Ram also peddled these baseless claims, compounded with his “recycled” arguments about the oil and gas sector.
Jagdeo continued to refute these claims, highlighting that the issue was made public during a parliamentary debate via the supplementary order paper.
He noted that PPP members of parliament disclosed they had first seen the document in question late at night.
Gail Teixeira, now Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, and former PPP/C Parliamentarian, Odinga Lumumba, both opposition parliamentarians at that time, highlighted a number of issues, especially given the short notice.
While the former government claimed that they had the best interest of citizens at heart, both PPP parliamentarians grilled them for not acting so.
PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali
US announces $25M reward for arrest of Venezuela’s Maduro
THE US has announced an increased $25 million (£20.4 million) reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on the day he was sworn in for a third six-year term in office.
The inauguration ceremony was overshadowed by recrimination from the international community and Venezuelan opposition leaders.
Rewards have also been offered for information leading to the arrest and or conviction of Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. A new reward of up to $15 million for Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino has also been offered.
The UK also issued sanctions on 15 top Venezuelan officials, including judges, members of the security forces and military officials.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Devel -
opment Office said those sanctioned were responsible for “undermining democracy, the rule of law, and human rights violations”.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy went on to describe Maduro’s regime as “fraudulent”.
Also on Friday, the EU said it was extending “restrictive measures” against Venezuela because of “the lack of progress... leading to the restoration of democracy and the rule of law”. The bloc also sanctioned a further 15 Venezuelan officials.
Canada also imposed fresh sanctions in what Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly called Maduro’s “shameless actions”.
Joly said Canada “will not tolerate the erosion of the democratic process or the repression of citizens seeking to express their rights”.
Maduro and his government have repeatedly
denounced many of the allegations made by Western countries and opposition leaders.
The reward from the US cites narcotics and corruption charges dating back to 2020.
In 2020, the US charged Maduro, and other senior officials in the country with “narco-terrorism”.
It accused them of flooding the US with cocaine and using drugs as a weapon to undermine the
health of Americans.
Maduro has rejected the accusations. The US also re-imposed oil sanctions last year, after temporarily easing them in the hope Maduro could be incentivised to hold free and fair elections.
The Venezuelan president has blamed an economic collapse in his country on US-led sanctions he calls illegitimate and imperial. His critics blame corruption and economic mismanagement.
On Friday, President Maduro took the oath of office, vowing his third six-year term in office would be a “period of peace”.
“This new presidential term will be the period of peace, prosperity, equality, and the new democracy,” he said.
“I swear by history, I swear by my life, and I will fulfil it,” he added.
The 28 July election results were widely rejected by the international community, including by Brazil and Colombia, some of Venezuela’s leftwing neighbours.
The inauguration itself was a tightly controlled affair. Most accredited Venezuelan media were not allowed inside and foreign journalists were not allowed in the country.
Maduro has a few allies remaining including Iran, China and Russia but is increasingly isolated on the world stage.
The Cuban and Nicaraguan presidents were the only leaders present at the inauguration.
The 62-year-old was declared the winner of last July’s presidential election but the opposition and many countries, including the US, rejected the result and recognised the exiled opposition candidate Edmundo González as the legitimate president-elect.
González fled Venezuela in September and has been living in Spain, but this month he went on a tour of the Americas to rally international support.
The Maduro government has issued an arrest warrant for him, offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to his detention.
On Friday, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for the release of all who have been “arbitrarily detained” since the elections. (BBC)
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
IN the wake of recent accusations seeking to undermine the Guyana Elections Commission for not being impartial, it is now necessary that these unfounded claims be put in their proper perspective and the organisation’s commitment to electoral integrity be restated.
The accusations made by R. Williams in two recent letters published in the Kaieteur News are not only unfounded but also injurious to the democratic process in Guyana.
Williams’ assertion that GECOM’s key management appointments result from collusion between government-nominated commissioners and the Chairperson is a dangerous misrepresentation of facts.
The reality is that GECOM’s hiring process is rigorous, transparent, and objective. Vacancies are publicly advertised, and all commissioners participate in shortlisting candidates based on predetermined criteria.
The final selection often involves breaking ties between different preferences, with the Chairperson making the ultimate decision based on merit and organisational needs, not political bias.
The claims range from outrageous allegations of a conflict of interest to allegations of attempted rigging of the forthcoming 2025 elections. These vitriolic accusations tend to lead to undermining confidence in the process of election and making less interest on civic matters among people.
An examination of GECOM shows this entity is composed of professional competent workers with very pleasing records. Trying to defame that only signifies disrespectful attempts on these individuals, a ploy aimed at tilling a psychological soil to further scatter confusion among electors.
The commission is committed to transparency and fairness in its operations. Justice Claudette Singh, the Chairman, has at numerous times reiterated that her decisions are impartial and in the best interest of the organisation.
The public needs to understand that GECOM operates independently, without any partisan influence, to ensure the integrity of Guyana’s democratic processes.
As the country gets ready for the 2025 elections, all stakeholders, including the media and the public, have to be vigilant against misinformation campaigns. GECOM’s mandate is quite specific: that of providing free, fair, transparent, and credible elections. It is only by focusing on facts and not on unfounded accusations that we will collectively strengthen our democracy and ensure that every Guyanese voice is heard and respected at the ballot box.
Hence, what should be put across is that while healthy scrutiny of the electoral processes is welcomed, baseless allegations that go to the heart of undermining the system must be strongly rejected.
Absence of a fixed date does not prohibit GECOM’s preparations for elections Reject Baseless Allegations
Dear Editor,
PLEASE permit me space in your letter column to given clarity to some misleading matters that were published in the January 8, 2025 edition of the Guyana Times in an article titled, “GECOM awaits official date for E-DAY to formally begin preparations – CEO – as over 2,800 transactions facilitated during current Claims & Objections period.”
The article conveys that “formal preparations remain on hold, with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) awaiting an announcement
on a date from President, Dr Irfaan Ali.” This is ambiguous in relation to the preparation of a work-plan (not “war plan”) delineating the statutory activities and their respective enabling administrative tasks for the conduct of the elections.
Such a work-plan can be prepared only after the President would have named a date for the conduct of General and Regional Elections this year. However, the absence of a fixed date for the elections does not prohibit the GECOM Secretariat from embarking on the conduct of non-statutory preparatory activities e.g. developing strategies for procurement, Civic and
Voter Education and Logistics, and revision of the manuals in line with the amendments that were made to the Representation of the People Act to be followed by the conduct of training of management staff for the elections.
It follows, therefore, that there is no issue about GECOM being unable to initiate its official preparations for the elections until the President announces the official date for the hosting of the elections.
I have absolutely no idea what is meant by the commission is yet to “receive the formal mandate to proceed with the necessary groundwork,” and I certainly did not provide any such
comment to the reporter who spoke with me over the telephone.
The reporter did ask about critical (her word) preparations, such as the introduction of cameras at polling stations and the use of biometrics.
I responded by emphasising that (i) the issue of biometrics was currently engaging the attention of the commission, and (ii) discussion on the issue of the introduction of cameras at polling stations had not commenced as yet.
Sincerely,
Vishnu Persaud Chief Election Officer
Reminding you of a few things in 2024
MANY absurd and absorbing things occurred in 2024 that in many ways Guyanese people need to be reminded of because in keeping these issues alive, people in Guyana learn more about their country.
We start with the man who says he has six masters degrees and six doctorates and has been conducting polling in Guyana since the 1980s. His name is Vishnu Bisram. He penned a public letter last year in which he stated that Kaieteur News (KN) is, “the ultimate free press in Guyana.”
Can you forgive Bisram for penning such nonsense because he doesn’t live in Guyana? Bisram, with his 12 higher university degrees knows full well that the owner of KN, Mr. Glen Lall is a lone ranger. I wrote for KN for almost 30 years so I know how Lall ran the newspaper. After that gargantuan blunder, one wonders if anyone takes Bisram seriously. Last year, Bisram went on a steady campaign against the government but as I wrote last year, Bisram with his 12 higher degrees has to know that people who live in glass houses must not throw stones.
Three items in 2024 need to be highlighted and they all involved the Stabroek News (SN). The first
one is SN’s consistency in 2024 of bringing the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) to life.
No one in this country in 2024 knew what activism the GHRA was involved in that resulted in citizens’ complaints being aired and investigated.
All the GHRA did last year was to continue what it has been doing for many years – issue press releases. And guess which paper carried these press statements exclusively as front page news? Of course, the SN. The second occurrence was Saturday Man, the person who composes the Saturday editorial for SN.
In support of the anti-oil lobby which includes SN’s co-owner, Isabelle DeCaires (remember in SN of November 17, 2022, Ms. DeCaires, along with others, demanded Guyana stop oil production), Saturday Man noted that the reason why the Guyanese people accept oil production in Guyana is because they do not know of the impact that the fossil fuel industry has on the climate.
Most people in the world today know climate damage is a threat to the global environment. The West has so saturated people with that sermon that the world is aware of what
is going on with climate change. But 100 per cent of the people in Third World countries where oil has been discovered and is being marketed want the money that comes from the sale of the oil because they believe they are entitled to the revenue from their resources that will lift their countries out of poverty.
A 100 per cent of the people in the Third World where oil is being marketed are fully conscious that the West is not now or ever going to get them out of poverty by financial generosity. The peoples of the Global South now they have to do that by themselves. Almost 100 per cent of the Guyanese people know that the rich, developed nations are the countries that damaged the global environment and they became rich in the process.
Saturday Man wrote his nonsense last year because he is a spokesperson for the New Imperialism that wants the Third World to save the planet that the New Imperialism destroyed since the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century.
The third item in relation to the SN was its repetitive song in 2024 that attacked the government for its criticism of certain civil society groups.
This is a bizarre position of SN that is only found in Guyana. Why a government must not defend itself if certain NGOs and civil society groups constantly condemn policies of the government and make wild accusations against it? SN for last year three times accused the government of attacking certain civil society groups. But why those groups are allowed the right to chastise the government but ministers and the President must not have the right to reply?
Finally, 2024 was the year of humiliation for “Bell Man.” That is the term given to Sherod Duncan of the AFC. Since 2020, Duncan has been hosting a social media programme in which the show
starts with Duncan ringing a bell. Duncan became the street fighter for the AFC since 2020. But last year, Duncan had a rude awakening. It goes to show how ignorant Duncan is of Guyana’s sociology.
Last year, Duncan announced his candidacy for leader of the AFC. The middle class leadership of the AFC was appalled that Duncan did not know his place. A street fighter must stay on the streets.
The leader position is for a different kind of person. So Nigel Hughes ran against Bell Man and beat him badly. Bell Man’s bell has rung out.
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.
More than 4,000 teachers trained between 2020 and 2024
–– Caribbean countries express interest in Guyana’s training programme
By Shamar Meusa
WITH the expansion of the teacher’s training programme in Guyana, over 4,000 teachers have been trained between 2020 and 2024, with even Caribbean nations expressing interest in the country’s teachers training programme.
This was according to Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand this during the presentation of the Education Ministry’s 2024 annual report.
She said: “We have trained over the last four
years, 4,378 teachers, and this is more than double what we trained between 2015 and 2020.”
Since entering office in 2020, she noted that the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) was closed due to COVID pandemic, but there was no prospect of when it would reopen as since the college existed it had always been in-person.
While noting that there was no technology infused in that aspect of the education sector, she said that there would be a time when there would be no COVID and gatherings were going
to be allowed again and as such there should be some training for teachers.
“So we got to find a way to train. Let’s take this college online,” she said in reflection on past challenges.
However, before the platform was taken online, she added that the college was only able to admit or graduate at a given year, some 535 teachers.
Manickchand said, now the institution is now seeing some 2,000 or more teachers graduating.
“That means higher quality and a higher num-
ber quantitatively. So, you have more teachers and you have better-trained teachers,” the minister added.
However, the impact of this programme being online, she said, stretches even further and highlighted the issue of the trained teacher certificate which almost all hinterland teachers were doing in the past as that was the only programme that was accessible to them.
That programme, she said, would involve teachers doing three years and then a further three years at the University of Guyana to get their degree in education.
“So, what we had was a lot of untrained teachers in the hinterland, because you have to leave your three-month-old baby and come here and spend six years to get a degree. That was not what was happening… on the coast it was four years,” she said.
Manickchand added that as soon as the associate degree programme was opened to the hinterland, they saw an almost zeroing of the numbers of teachers who were doing the trained teacher certificate, and these persons are now graduating with their associate degree and moving on to the university of Guyana in a shorter time.
“So what you saw,
what that story tells us is teachers of the hinterland were always capable of doing the degree programme. They were always qualified to do the degree programme, but they had no access to that degree programme, which means they were forced to either take longer to graduate and enjoy the benefits of a graduate, or two, not pursue the programme, so that they couldn’t get the benefits of being a trained teacher,” Manickchand added.
While this was hailed as a remarkable success, the Education Minister
added that because the programme is now online, at least two Caribbean countries have approached Guyana and asked how their teachers could benefit from the nation’s programme.
She said, “[They] have asked how they could send their teachers, much smaller numbers than ours, could benefit from this online training that we have and that is something we’re currently exploring with them, because of course you know Guyana once we have something, we share it.”
A record 1,502 teachers graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) in 2024, marking the second-largest cohort in the institution’s history
Education Minister, Priya Manickchand (Delano Williams photo)
Good Hope residents thankful for new concrete road
RESIDENTS living within the Good Hope/Pomona Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in Region Two, especially cash crop farmers, are very thankful for the concrete road that was recently constructed in their community.
The project was executed by the Ministry of Public Works and will bring relief to both farmers and residents.
Residents had approached the NDC requesting the much-needed road works. At that time, it resembled a grass-covered track.
Now that the project is complete, the residents are very thankful to the Gov-
ernment of Guyana for the road. Those who were using it said it was “muddy” and whenever it rained, it was impassable. Councillor for Good Hope, Devon Tang while speaking on behalf of his community said that the upgrade was badly needed and as such he is very thankful. Further, he said that he is happy for the project and the relief it will bring to residents. Tang explained that for years, the community was in need of such a project. He thanked the Ministry of Public Works and the Regional Democratic Council for representing the residents.
“We the farmers are
very thankful. With the road comes the culvert and this will provide better drainage for the community,” one farmer told this publication.
Another farmer said that the road had grass and with the concrete road, residents’ commute can be easier and more comfortable.
There were loud praises from residents who said that they anticipate more progress in their community.
Many persons in the community depend on cash crop farming for survival.
The ministry has already constructed 37 similar roads in other parts of the region.
The new road that was recently constructed in Good Hope, Region Two
The grass-covered track that residents were using. During the rainy season it was impassable
Minister Rodrigues refutes opposition claims on water access, highlights PPP/C achievements
says ‘No reinvention can rewrite coalition’s poor track record’
By Cindy Parkinson-Chowbay
MINISTER within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, has dismissed claims by opposition member Annette Ferguson, accusing her of distorting the realities of water access in Guyana under the current administration.
In a Facebook post, Ferguson alleged that the coalition party, APNU+AFC, had installed nine wells in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), providing a consistent supply of clean water, and criticised the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government for purportedly depriving citizens of potable water. Ferguson claimed residents were now left with “rusty water.”
Responding to these assertions, Minister Rodrigues stated, “The APNU+AFC are trying to rewrite history. If their role in the rigging of the 2020 elections is not shameful enough to disqualify them from holding political office ever again, then we
can examine their track record over the 2015-2020 period and show how unfit they were in government. They have no record of achievements in any sector, especially in the housing and water sectors.
They were an abysmal failure.”
HIGHLIGHTING HINTERLAND WATER ACHIEVEMENTS
Minister Rodrigues emphasised the transformative strides made by the PPP/C government in improving access to potable water, particularly in hinterland regions.
She noted that in 2024 alone, 56 new wells were completed, bringing clean water access to over 15,000 residents for the first time.
Since taking office
in 2020, the PPP/C has completed over 100 wells across the hinterland, significantly increasing access to clean water from 45 per cent in 2020 to 91 per cent by the end of 2024.
“Our goal is to achieve 100 per cent access by the end of 2025,” Rodrigues affirmed.
Additionally, she pointed out that in 2024, $2.1 billion was allocated to further enhance water infrastructure in the hinterland, a stark contrast to the coalition’s track record.
She revealed that APNU+AFC’s per capita spending on hinterland water was less than $10,000 between 2015 and 2020, compared to $48,000 under the PPP/C administration.
FACT-CHECKING OPPOSITION CLAIMS
Minister Rodrigues fact-checked Ferguson’s claims, acknowledging that, even if the APNU+AFC had drilled
nine wells in Region Nine during their tenure, the PPP/C has far surpassed that effort by drilling 41 wells in the region over the past four years.
She further noted that water access in Region Nine rose from 60 per cent in 2020 to 94 per cent under the current government.
“These numbers are irrefutable. The PPP/C is investing in the people of Guyana and ensuring their basic needs are
met,” Rodrigues said.
COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Minister Rodrigues underscored the PPP/C government’s dedication to improving citizens’ lives through initiatives that promote job creation, home ownership, and expanded opportunities.
She attributed this progress to President Ali’s visionary leadership, stating, “We are building a Guyana for all to enjoy, be proud of, and live in harmony.”
The Minister reiterated that the government’s mission remains focused on delivering tangible benefits to the people, highlighting the stark contrast between the coalition’s tenure and the PPP/C’s achievements.
“While the opposition may attempt to rewrite history, the facts speak for themselves,” Rodrigues concluded.
Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues
Opposition Member
Annette Ferguson
Health Ministry hands over $646M in equipment, supplies to RHOs and NDCs
–– as it ramps up efforts to reduce spread of vector-borne diseases
By Michel Outridge
THE Minister of Health
Dr. Frank Anthony, on Friday morning handed over vector control equipment and supplies to the tune of $646M as part of ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of vector borne diseases.
The handing-over ceremony was held at the ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown office and saw regional health officers (RHOs) and representatives of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in the 10 administrative regions receiving the equipment and supplies.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony in remarks prior to the handing over, told the gathering that it is indeed a significant morning for them since one of the ministry’s biggest challenges is the control of vector-borne infections across Guyana.
He reported that they have been placing a lot of emphasis on the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
The minister explained that if they attack the vector, which is the mosquito, then they can reduce the spread of diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.
“So, once we attack the
vector, we will be able to control many of these diseases,” he said adding that countries in South America are experiencing a surge in vector- borne diseases.
“In Brazil for example, there have been millions of cases of dengue and you had lots of persons being admitted and of course, you had deaths. When you look at the wave across South America, you saw in 2023 and 2024 and of course, you will continue to see that the experts talked about climate change. You will see more of these vectors coming into being and transmitting more types of these infections,” he said.
The minister stated that Guyana recorded 8,000 cases of dengue in 2023. In 2024, that figure went up with 11,000 cases being diagnosed and for this year, there has been 62 cases confirmed cases this far.
“We want to reduce the incidence of dengue, malaria and other vector borne diseases in Guyana and we believe that one way of doing this is to interrupt the cycle. What you see before you here are ways of how we can interrupt that cycle by killing the mosquito, killing the vector, killing the transmission,” the minister said.
Dr Anthony pointed out that there have been
discussions with the technical staff and what was being displayed represents a $646M investment in spraying machines and large fogging machines mounted on vehicles, as well as the hand-held version of those equipment.
The minister assured the attendees that persons using the equipment will be properly attired with protective gear. He informed the gathering that the mist that will be sprayed from the machines contain harmful chemicals and given the danger, masks will be used.
Noting that the goal is to interrupt the mosquito cycle both at the adult stage and at the larva stage, the
ability to do sequencing to assist in molecular surveillance.
minister said that according to the guidelines that are in place, protective gear must be worn whenever the spraying and fogging equipment are in use.
Dr Anthony pointed out that the staff have been trained and they will in turn train the representatives of the NDCs and municipalities in the 10 regions.
The minister disclosed that they have made available test kits in all the regions to test for vector-borne diseases and at the national level they have a referral laboratory equipped to do more advanced testing with the
“The quality of what we are able to do now are improving significantly and with this major investment we are now making in terms of diseases’ elimination, I think this will take us one step closer to controlling many of the mosquito-borne infections,” he said.
Also delivering remarks was Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, Director General Regional Health Services, Ministry of Health, who reported that the handing over is a direct approach by the minister, who has responded to a challenge by providing the equipment and supplies to tackle vector-borne dis-
eases in the country.
“You will be held accountable for the proper use and care of the equipment, since it wasn’t ‘chicken feed’ money spent to acquire it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Riza Niles-Robin, Director of Vector Control Services, Ministry of Health, said that the activity was an overall step towards reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases in Guyana.
She said that the tools being handed over represented a substantial commitment of the administration and the Ministry of Health to improving the collective efforts to prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases.
“Today, we are cementing the impact, in [the] hope of reducing the diseases and ultimately contributing to the disease-elimination plan which the minister has spearheaded within the country through the Ministry of Health,” she said.
Dr Cerdel McWatt, the Region Nine RHO, said vector control has played a pivotal role in the regions and he is grateful for the additional equipment and supplies
“We urge that the various departments use it to decrease the incidents [sic] of diseases,” he said.
Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony with ministry staff, RHOs, and others following the handing over of vector-control equipment and supplies (Japeth Savory photos)
Some
Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony speaking during the handing- over ceremony
Norton says opinion poll shows he has highest rating among opposition members
–– confident ‘the average person’ likes him
LEADER of the People’s National Congress-Reform (PNC-R), Aubrey Norton has said that an opinion poll, which was done by an undisclosed source, shows that he is preferred as leader in his party.
During a press conference on Friday, he said a poll was conducted, however, he did not say who conducted it or who were the other candidates within the poll.
Norton told the media: “There are people here who just did a poll and that poll would’ve shown that among
the opposition that I have the highest rating, including the people who they’re naming.”
Although he said the question is not about likability, Norton later said: “I believe and know that the average person out there likes me.”
The PNC-R leader remains confident despite criticisms of his leadership by past and present party members.
However, although Norton is confident in the party’s support base, the bleak turnout in strongholds of
the PNC-R/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in the 2023 Local Government Elections (LGE) said otherwise.
The June 12, 2023 LGEs marked a significant milestone in Guyana’s democratic journey. The PPP/C came out of elections as the big winner, since the party won 67 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs), including seven of 10 municipalities, and 906 of the 1,206 local government seats.
The PPP/C won over 83 per cent of the LAAs, 75 per cent of all seats available
Leader of the PNC-R, Aubrey Norton and more than 70 per cent of all votes cast.
The PPP/C not only strengthened its hold on its traditional strongholds, but it has massively made inroads in areas where the PNC-led APNU usually celebrated almost 100 per cent votes in the past.
WENDEZ Pompey, a 24-year-old market vendor from Hill Street, Albouystown, Georgetown appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday
He pleaded not guilty to a charge of possession of 1.156 kilogrammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. He was denied bail, and the case has been adjourned to February 21, 2025.
Pompey was arrested on January 9, 2025, after a targeted operation conducted by the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) at Mittleholzer Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
Acting on information received, CANU officers intercepted a Toyota Minibus, licence plate number BAE 7328. A search of the vehicle uncovered a brick-like parcel containing a significant quantity of cocaine.
Following the discovery, Pompey was taken into custody and escorted to CANU’s headquarters, where the parcel was weighed and confirmed to be cocaine.
Wendez Pompey
The cocaine that was seized by law enforcement officials
Gov’t boosts education infrastructure with $31.5B investment
By Shamar Meusa
WITH significant focus being placed on improving access to education at all levels across Guyana, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand has said that over $31.5 billion has been expended on education infrastructure.
The minister outlined this during the presentation of her 2024 annual report on the work of the ministry.
She said that this sum catered for the construction, rehabilitation and extension of schools across Guyana.
“From 2020 to 2024 we’ve spent $31,529,228,360 on infrastructure,” she said.
On new constructions some $13 billion was expended, reconstruction $7 billion, major extensions accounted for $8 billion and major rehabilitations amounted to $2 billion.
Giving a regional breakdown of sums spent, the minister noted, “Region One, we’ve spent $870 million; in Region Two, $3.6 billion; in Region Three, $3.5 billion; in Region Four, $8.3 billion; in Region Five, $897 million; in Region Six, $751 million; in Region Seven, $2.4 billion; in Region Eight, $1.8 billion; in Region Nine, $2.8 billion; in Region 10, $825 million, and in Georgetown, $5.3 billion.”
While she added that it includes schools at all levels, she noted that specifically for secondary schools, one of the promises of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government is to deliver universal secondary education, and the government is
of Education
inching closer to this. Manickchand indicated that all have seen the major expansions happening in secondary education across the country.
Against this backdrop, she specifically noted that secondary schools were built or are being built in all regions except for Region Five.
Manickchand went on to note that while persons may look at the investment as a purely dollar and cents investment, what is important to her is the offering of seats to children across the country who previously might not have had access to secondary education.
“We are currently building 37 secondary schools across this country,” Minister Manickchand said.
This number, she indicated, equates to just around one third of all secondary schools that exist now being done in one term of under the Irfaan Ali led government.
The expansion and addition of new schools, Man-
ickchand said, comes as the numbers of students continue to increase and also to ensure access to education.
Going back, she gave an example of not having some 3,000 spaces at secondary schools in Georgetown and Region Three, just as the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results were about to be announced some years ago.
At the present moment, she noted that some students were at primary-tops which she said is not a place the government wants it to be in.
As such, Manickchand affirmed: “We’re not people who wring our hands, we’re people who find solutions.”
Meanwhile, in addition to secondary schools, the minister indicated that primary schools and nursery schools are being built where they were non-existent.
While according to the United Nations, Guyana has already achieved universal primary education,
Woman dies prior to boarding American Airlines flight at CJIA
72-year-old passenger,
Ameri-
According to a press release from CJIA, the elderly woman’s family said she was discharged from Balwant Singh Hospital the previous day and was traveling with her son to seek further medical treatment in the United States. She was suffering from diabetes, hypertension and
pneumonia.
While waiting to board, Barratt appeared unwell. Airline personnel directed her to Port Health for a medical clearance.
At Port Health, it was determined that she had no pulse. The ambulance was immediately summoned, and Barratt was transported to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where she was pronounced dead.
The management of CJIA extended its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Barratt during this difficult time.
–– between 2020 and 2024, Minister Manickchand says
the government will still ensure they are looking to make sure they either rebuild where necessary or build new primary schools where none existed.
Minister
Priya Manickchand delivering remarks at the ministry’s end-of-year press conference (Delano Williams photo)
A
Alwayne Barratt, tragically passed away at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) while preparing to board
can Airlines flight AA2694 to New York, on Friday.
GNBS and partners host workshops on Energy Efficiency Standards
ENERGY Efficiency
Standards and Labelling (EESL) programmes are globally recognised as powerful tools to drive the adoption of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.
In Guyana, these programmes hold immense promise in advancing the objectives of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 and fulfilling the country’s commitments under international climate agreements. However, their success depends on sustained investments in capacity building to empower stakeholders and decision-makers.
This week, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Climate
Change (DECC) within the Office of the President, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), conducted a series of sensitisation workshops on Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling in Guyana.
The workshops, facilitated by UNDP Consultant Jacob Kurian, were hosted at the GNBS on January 6 and at the Cara Lodge Hotel in Georgetown on January 8 and 9, 2025.
EMPOWERING STAKEHOLDERS THROUGH STANDARDS
Quincy Troyer, Head of the Product Compliance Department at GNBS, highlighted the
critical role of standards in promoting energy efficiency.
“The National Standards for energy-efficient products help Inspectors
perform their duties more effectively,” he explained. “We encourage the use of energy-efficient products to reduce costs and lower electricity consumption. Education and awareness are key to ensuring compliance.”
Since 2021, GNBS has introduced three standards addressing Minimum Energy Performance and energy labelling for electrical appliances: GYS 576:2021 for refrigerating appliances; GYS 577:2021 for compact fluorescent and LED lamps; and GYS 578:2021 for air conditioners.
These are supported by the foundational mandatory standard GYS 9-1:2017, which outlines general requirements for product labelling.
Gradually, GNBS plans to enforce compliance with these standards to encourage sustainable energy practices. Energy-efficient products will join the list of 17 product categories currently monitored by the Bureau.
TRAINING FOR A GREENER FUTURE
The workshops covered a range of topics,
including national actions to combat climate change, the current energy scenario, progress in sustainable energy, and the scope of the energy efficiency standards and labelling programme in Guyana.
Senior Energy Engineer at GEA, Olson Abrams, elaborated on the practical insights shared during the sessions. “We examined energy use patterns, costs, and sources of energy loss to help participants understand the energy footprint of different appliances,” he noted.
Programme Analyst for Energy, Environment, and Extractive Industries at UNDP Guyana, Colin Mattis, underscored the broader significance of these initiatives. “By fostering innovation and market transparency, energy efficiency standards strengthen Guyana’s LCDS and reinforce its global climate commitments,” he said.
“The UNDP is proud to support this transformative initiative, paving the way for a greener, more energy-efficient future for all Guyanese.”
In tandem with the
workshops, Inspectors from the GNBS Legal Metrology Department completed a five-day training session on International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) Standards. Facilitated by Trillium Measurement and Control, a Canadian leader in process control solutions, the training covered advanced topics such as meter proving, LPG theory, tolerances, and meter technologies. This effort aims to enhance Inspectors’ ability to verify the accuracy of bulk meters and LPG meters, ensuring fairness and reliability for stakeholders.
The GNBS’s ongoing efforts in capacity building and stakeholder engagement underline its commitment to fostering a culture of quality through standards. As Guyana continues its journey toward sustainable development, initiatives like the EESL programme are crucial in reducing energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
For more information, the GNBS can be reached via telephone at 219-006466, the GNBS hotline at 219-0069, or WhatsApp at 692-4627.
Inspectors trained on verification of Bulk Meters and LPG meters
Participants of the Energy Efficiency Workshop
From Training to Employment: Labour Ministry conducts comprehensive graduate survey
THE Ministry of Labour (MoL) has launched a Tracer Study targeting a sample of 2,000 graduates from training programs between 2020 and 2023.
This study aims to evaluate the education and training experiences of graduates and their subsequent transition into the workforce. Using a revised and tested questionnaire distributed via email by the Board of Industrial Training, the study is clas-
sified as a graduate survey or longitudinal study.
Out of the 2,000 targeted graduates, approximately 226 responded, yielding an 11 percent response rate. The response rates for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 showed significant variation, with responses increasing from five percent in 2020 to 60 percent in 2023, according to data provided by the Labour Ministry.
Gender analysis of the
respondents revealed that 93 were males, while 133 were females. Additionally, a regional analysis indicated representation from each administrative region, except for Region Eight.
The employment status of the respondents indicated that 73 percent are gainfully employed, 19 percent are unemployed, and eight percent are pursuing further studies. Notably, 18 percent of respondents are employed in fields directly related
to their training. Employment distribution among sectors showed that 43 percent are in the public sector, 26 percent in the private sector, and 31 percent in other areas.
The top five ranked employment sectors identified in the study were education and training (15 percent), building and construction (nine percent), healthcare and medical (nine percent), agriculture (six percent), and oil and gas (three
percent).
The Ministry plans to continue the Tracer Study this year, with the primary goal of enhancing education, improving the transition to work, matching skills with job opportunities, and increasing the marketability of graduates.
The study may include core questionnaires along with additional modules tailored to specific institutions or fields of study.
It is anticipated that these studies will provide
valuable insights, particularly when aimed at fostering long-term and significant changes in the education and workforce landscape.
Guyoil introduces two new freightliner trucks to enhance fuel distribution
THE Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) has announced the commissioning of two state-of-the-art freightliner trucks which further strengthen its fuel distribution network and ensure reliable service for its customers.
According to a press release from the company, the new trucks were officially unveiled at a soft commissioning ceremony held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at the Providence Service Station premises.
General Manager, Molly Hassan highlighted that the company has not commissioned new trucks since
2017, so these freightliner trucks mark a significant investment in Guyoil’s commitment to delivering fuel safely, quickly, and sustainably.
She said: “We have a responsibility to the people of Guyana to ensure the equitable distribution of fuel at all times.
The addition of these new freightliner trucks will aid in fulfilling our responsibility. These trucks will enable us to meet the growing demand, streamline fuel transportation, enhance service reliability, and maintain the highest safety standards.”
The General Manager commended those staff who played significant roles in the acquisition of the new trucks, for demonstrating teamwork, dedication and professionalism.
The two new trucks have a fuel capacity of 9,300 and 23,000 litres, and are equipped with the latest technology and designed for optimal safety and efficiency.
They will play a critical role in ensuring seamless operations, particularly during high demand periods, enabling Guyoil to better serve its customers, the company said.
General Manager, Molly Hassan (fourth from left) along with staff in front of one of the new freightliner trucks
Labour Ministry reports 1,381 inspections done by OSH Department
–– impacting 13,000 workers in
2024
MINISTER of Labour Joseph Hamilton announced during an end-of-year press conference, that the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) department conducted an impressive 1,381 inspections across highand low-risk workplaces in 2024.
This extensive effort included inspections in both the formal and informal sectors throughout Georgetown and Regions One to 10. Notably, 673 of these inspections were conducted in high-risk workplaces, marking a remarkable 68 percent achievement over the 400 high-risk inspection target set for the year. The proactive inspections have positively impacted approximately 13,000 workers, reinforcing the importance of workplace safety in Guyana.
While some breaches of the OSH Act were noted during inspections, Minister Hamilton highlighted the positive responses from various employers.
He stated, “We have been able to promote a joint-responsibility system for safety and health at work.” This initiative has led to the establishment of health and safety committees in workplaces, as mandated by law for organisations with more than 19 registered employees.
In the oil and gas sector, the OSH department collaborated with the Department of Labour to conduct nine offshore inspections. These inspections were carried out on several drill ships, including Stena Drill Max, Stena Carron, and Noble Tom Madden, as well as on three Floating Production and Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels: Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, and Liza Prosperity. These visits provided ministry rep-
resentatives with opportunities to engage directly with management and employees on board, ensuring they understand their roles and responsibilities under Guyana’s OSH Act.
In addressing workplace accidents and fatalities, Minister Hamilton reiterated, “One death is too many.” He reported a decline in workplace fatalities from 32 in 2020 to 22 in 2023; however, the number rose back to 32 in 2024, primarily in the mining and construction sectors. The OSH department investigated approximately 176 out of 543 accident reports this year, revealing that most non-fatal accidents occurred in agriculture, while fatal incidents were concentrated in mining and construction.
The minister pointed out a five percent decrease in non-fatal accidents compared to the previous year, but a concerning 60 percent increase in fatal accidents. These fatalities were mainly attributed to unsafe work systems and conditions. Additionally, the OSH department received and investigated 33 complaints regarding workplace injuries, which were referred to the National Insurance Scheme for com-
pensation.
Emphasising the broader implications of health and safety, Minister Hamilton stated that the issue extends beyond workplaces to homes, warning that a cultural change in Guyana regarding occupational safety and health is essential. He concluded with a call to action, urging all stakeholders to foster a safer environment for workers.
To further promote workplace safety, the OSH department successfully conducted 14 training programmes for 257 members of joint workplace safety and health committees across various sectors. Additionally, seven lectures and seminars were held, benefiting 362 workers, including 94 representatives from the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Through OSH Talks, 832 workers were sensitised, and approximately 90 members from ministries learned about good safety practices.
In the construction sector, three seminars were conducted, reaching about 190 participants and highlighting the ongoing commitment to improving workplace safety in Guyana.
Gov’t to expand training for NDC officials this year
MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, announced that the government would be expanding its training programme for overseers and Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) councillors across the country.
At a recent end-of-year press conference, she said this initiative, which was first launched in July of last year, aims to strengthen the capacity of local government officials and ensure the continued socio-economic development of communities.
The training programme, which initially began in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), the largest local authority area, received an overwhelming response from participants.
Region Four, being home to the largest number of local democratic organs, was identified as a critical area for the rollout of the program, Minister Parag noted.
She emphasised that while the Local Government Commission (LGC) typically handles training sessions, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has taken the initiative to oversee and manage the programme to guarantee its effectiveness.
“This is a pioneering initiative,” Parag said. “We want to ensure that we play our part in capacity building for these councillors, overseers, and those who play an integral role in ensuring we have the socio-economic development in the communities.”
She explained that the comprehensive training covered several vital topics, including local government laws, financial management, community involvement, record management, and the effective operation of committees.
These subjects were selected to equip local officials with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of governance and provide efficient services to their communities. The programme was designed not only for newly elected councillors but also for returning officials, ensuring that both groups would benefit from the initiative.
Recognising the success of the programme in Region Four, the Ministry extended the training to Region Five,
Chinese worker’s body recovered after falling from new Demerara River bridge
FOLLOWING a tragic incident on January 8th, 2025, during which he fell into the Demerara River at Pier 34 while conducting rigging operations, the remains of Mr. Fu-Jian Wei, a 39-year-old Chinese national, were recovered by the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard at 09: 55 hours on January 10th, 2025.
Subsequent to recovery, the remains were transferred to the Guyana Police Force for preliminary investigation before being transported to the Ezekiel Funeral Home in Poudroyen, West Bank Demerara.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of
Mr. Fu-jian Wei on behalf of the Ministry of Public Works and the Government of Guyana.
Minister Edghill underscored the government’s dedication to worker safety and directed the contractor to immediately implement all necessary safety measures to safeguard worker well-being for the project’s duration.
a move that Minister Parag praised as a critical step toward broadening the initiative’s impact. Following the successful implementation in Region Four, she said: “It was launched in Region Four and we took it to Region Five. We will be taking it to Region Two and Region 10, and Region Three and other regions that have NDCs…and municipalities.”
She mentioned that, in 2025, the government plans to not only enhance the training but also ensure
an impact assessment is conducted with the local democratic organs to evaluate the effectiveness of those bodies. The success of the training initiative, especially after the 2023 local government elections, is an important step in the improvement of governance and management at the local level. This expansion of the training programme reflects the government’s commitment to support for local authorities and ensuring that councillors and other
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag
officials have the necessary skills to do their jobs competently.
This initiative marks a significant step in fulfilling a key commitment from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) manifesto to bolster the capacity of local democratic organs.
Gov’t invests $1.3 billion in training, opportunities for indigenous youths in 2024
THE Government of Guyana allocated $1.3 billion in 2024 to empower indigenous youths through various training programmes and development opportunities, according to Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai.
This initiative, which engages nearly 2,759 youths aged 16 to 35 under the Community Service Officer (CSO) programme, highlights the government’s commitment to fostering human capital development in Amerindian communities.
Speaking earlier this week, Minister Sukhai revealed that the programme saw participation from approximately 840 males and over 1,000 females, reflecting a significant investment in youth empowerment and community development.
The Minister emphasized the CSO programme’s role in enhancing Amerindian human capital, noting, “This investment is not only about reimbursing them for their contribution to community development but also about equipping them with skills and knowledge to drive progress in their villages.”
In 2024, various training initiatives under the programme included:
Tourism and Hospitality: 62 youths from communities with emerging tourism products were trained to enhance their villages’ potential in the tourism sector.
Garment Construction: 124 participants were taught to sew school uniforms, complementing the government’s $5,000 school uniform grant for each child.
Small Engine Repairs: 120 youths received technical training in this field.
Tractor Driving and Maintenance: 110 participants were equipped with skills for operating and maintaining tractors.
Business Proposal Writing: 44 youths learned to craft business proposals, supporting Village Councils and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Craft Production: 40 individuals were trained to preserve traditional Amerindian craft-making skills.
Shade House Management: 44 youths were introduced to shade house farming techniques, aligning with the establishment of 111 shade houses in Indigenous communities over the past two years.
Minister Sukhai explained, “We have already begun training so that
the young people can operationalize the shade houses as they are assembled.
The Ministry of Agriculture will assist in managing and completing them efficiently.”
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT
Under the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, Amerindian youths are encouraged to work as apprentices within their Village Councils, contributing to various fields such as agriculture, forestry, mining, and environmental conservation.
Minister Sukhai described their involvement as “critical at this point in time” for advancing village development.
She added, “It’s an investment in youth. Our government holds youth development close to its heart, and the investment has seen significant growth in the last four to five years.”
SUPPORTING SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
In addition to the $1.3 billion allocated to youth programmes, $100 million was dedicated to youth and sports development in Amerindian communities in 2024.
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs also collaborated with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport to promote sports initiatives in these regions.
Minister Sukhai underscored that these efforts aim to ensure that indigenous youths are actively engaged and equipped with the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to their communities and Guyana’s overall development.
Community policing key to 2024 crime reduction in Region Three
THE Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, has commended the Regional Police Division number Three, led by Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Siwnarine, for achieving a 6.4 per cent reduction in serious crimes for 2024.
This milestone reflects the division’s dedication to proactive and community-centered policing strategies.
Speaking to the ranks during a special address, Commissioner Hicken praised their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the region. He emphasized the importance of community-oriented policing, urging officers to focus their efforts beyond the confines of police stations.
“Everybody must be in the communities. That is where the work is, that is where the guns are, and that is where the drugs are. That is where everything that is going bad... that is where you find them. I don’t want anybody sticking in the police stations; get out and go into the communities and do your jobs [as police officers],” Commissioner Hicken instructed.
The Commissioner reiterated a strict zero-tolerance policy on corruption within the Guyana Police Force (GPF), warning that any officer caught engaging in corrupt activities would face consequences. “I am not going to support the wrong thing... and you are going to be applauded for doing the right thing; you are going to
be promoted for doing the right thing,” he declared.
During the meeting, Commissioner Hicken outlined the pillars of the GPF’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. These pillars focus on developing the Force’s infrastructure, enhancing human resource capabilities, improving operational efficiency, and fostering partnerships. The Commissioner highlighted these as critical to strengthening the Police Force and ensuring effective law enforcement.
This engagement with Region #3 officers is part of Commissioner Hicken’s broader initiative to meet with all ranks of the GPF to “set the tone,” address issues, and outline a clear vision for 2025 and beyond.
Deputy Commissioners
Ravindradat Budhram, Calvin McBean, and Wendell Blanhum echoed the Commissioner’s sentiments. They emphasized the importance of professionalism, integrity, and discipline among law enforcement officers.
“Be cognizant of your attitude, conduct, and deportment as law enforcement officers,” they urged, reminding ranks of their duty to serve and protect with integrity.
They also stressed the significance of mental and physical well-being, encouraging officers to balance academic growth with policing knowledge and personal development.
The senior officers called for unity and teamwork, reinforcing that collaboration is essential to achieving the
GPF’s mission of maintaining law and order. The reduction in serious crimes in Region #3 is a testament to the effectiveness of community engagement and strategic policing initiatives.
Commissioner Hicken’s focus on operational efficiency and zero tolerance for corruption, combined with the leadership of Assistant Commissioner Siwnarine, positions the division as a model for other regions.
As the GPF continues to prioritize community-oriented policing and professional development, the outlook for crime reduction across Guyana remains promising.
Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, speaking to the senior officers and ranks of Division Three
Section of the gathering consisting of senior officers, ranks, and other branch of the GPF of Division Three
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER SATURDAY,
JANUARY 11, 2025
ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’ S QUIZ:
(1) Courtney Walsh-18 Tests (2) Imran Khan-18 Tests
TODAY’S QUIZ:
(1) How many players have captained the WI in Tests against PAK to date?
(2) How many players have led PAK in Tests against the WI to date?
ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE
Persaud, Savory push Savory XI past first innings total
The Chanderpaul XI will have work to do today when day three of their Guyana Harpy Eagles trial match gets going at the Guyana National Stadium Providence.
Commencing at 14:00hrs, the Chanderpaul XI, into their second innings will have an uphill task at rebuilding, as they are 90-4
Sachin Singh is not out on 33.
Earlier yesterday, the Savory XI were bowled out for 275 off 57.1 overs
That was mainly due to the push of Captain Savory who was unlucky to fall 11 short of his century as well as Akshaya
Persaud, who oddly enough made the same score.
Richie Looknauth (25 not out) also helped push the side past the Chanderpaul XI’s first innings score of 230.
Joshua Jones and Golcharan Chulai were the chief destroys for the Chanderpaul XI. They took three wickets each With a lead of 45, the Chanderpaul XI will have their work cut out for them when play resumes.
This is the first of two trial matches to select the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad that will defend the Cricket West Indies Championship 2025.
CMC — Alick Athanaze fell agonisingly short of a well-deserved century as the West Indies showed resilience on the opening day of their three-day tour match against the Pakistan Shaheens here Friday.
The regional side closed on 273 for 7 after 74 overs with Athanaze highlighting the day with a polished 98.
The West Indies began the day positively after winning the toss, but the Pakistan Shaheens struck early in the first session.
Captain Kraigg Brathwaite made a steady 34 before being dismissed with the score at 47 for 1.
Keacy Carty followed with a patient 22, and
Mikyle Louis contributed an attacking 34, but their dismissals left the visitors at a precarious 90 for 3 at one stage. By lunch, the West Indies reached 115 for 3, with Kavem Hodge ( 16) and Athanaze (8) steadying the innings. The second session belonged to the left-handed Athanaze, who showcased his class and determination. The Dominican compiled an elegant 74 off 108 balls, striking 13 boundaries.
However, wickets continued to fall at the other end. Kavem Hodge added just one run after lunch before departing for 17, and Justin Greaves managed only 5. By tea, the West Indies were 202 for 5, with
Tevin Imlach unbeaten on 12 and Athanaze holding the innings together.
In the final session, Athanaze continued to dominate, crafting a sublime 98 off 148 deliveries, including 15 fours and a towering six. His dismissal, agonizingly short of a century, marked a turning point late in the day.
The middle and lower order provided valuable support, with Amir Jangoo contributing an unbeaten 29 and Joshua Da Silva steadying the ship with 11 not out.
Mohammad Rameez Jnr has so far taken three wickets for 40 runs with Ahmed Abdullah claiming two for 91.
Guyana Harpy Eagles Trial match day two…
The field unsuccessfully appeals for a caught behind
West Indies vs Pakistan three-day tour match Athanaze falls short of century as West Indies show fight
West Indies batsman Alick Athanaze gathers runs on the opening day of the three-day tour match against the Pakistan Shaheens in Islamabad on Friday.
Photo: PCB Media
Self-defence training camp set for today at Police Sports Club
WORLD President of WISDA (World International Self-defence Association)
Grandmaster 9th Dan Jose Luis Montes, of Barcelona, Spain, arrived in Guyana on Thursday for a 3 - day visit
The International visitor, is a 3-time World Champion in Self-defence, the European Police Karate Champion, Police Baton-Combat Champion, multiple Hall-Of-Famer, among many other accolades.
He is a specialist in Police training, and Master in Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo, and Taiho Jutsu (the latter being Police arresting techniques).
WISDA has representation in over 80 countries, and 200 cities.
Grandmaster Montes will be joined by WISDA Guyana President, Soke Max
Massiah, who was appointed that position since 2019, to conduct the “Presidents International” Close-Combat/
Self-Defence 3-hour Training Seminar today from 13:00 hours at the Police Sports Club, on Barrack St.
The event will facilitate the general public, ages 18 - 88, and is expected to include, elders, females, police,
security, military and bodyguards etc.
Soke Massiah is also the Chief Instructor of the
rapidly growing MAXIDO Adult Street-Defence system, which is known for it’s defence responses.
The pair of 9th Dan Black belts have a total of 100 years of study and practice in the Ancient, spiritual, physical Science of Martial Arts (GM Montes 48 years, Soke Max 52 years), which ultimately indicates the benefits and improved confidence levels of reduced vulnerability to physical or weapon attacks, participants will leave the Seminar with.
There is a limited amount of spots at the Seminar, (approximately 100) for better individual learning and the fee for the event is $5,000. Participants will also receive a “Certificate of Participation”, with the WISDA logos, signed by Mr. Montes.
CWI announces West Indies Championship fixtures
- Guyana to play first three games at home
CRICKET West Indies (CWI) is pleased to announce the schedule for the West Indies Championship 2025 which continues the eight-team format introduced in 2024
There will be several innovations in the upcoming edition of the West Indies Championship including the return of first innings points in drawn matches, the use of Kookaburra balls for two rounds and at least one pink ball day/night fixture per team.
Teams will be battling for the prestigious Headley Weekes Trophy and an attractive prize purse of US$250,000 for the champions and US$100,000 for the runners-up.
Miles Bascombe, Cricket West Indies’ Director of Cricket said,
“The return of the West Indies Championship is a crucial pillar in our cricket development pathway. Having eight (8) teams competing across the region reinforces our commitment to first-class cricket, which remains the foundation for developing Test cricketers.”
He continued, “This year we have introduced several initiatives geared at broadening the experience of our regional players by exposing them to many of the challenges they would otherwise only experience on tour.
We are happy to be taking the championship around the region again ensuring that players are tested in the various conditions our region serves up. This can only add to the resilience needed by our players to excel at the international level.”
The teams competing over seven (7 ) rounds of matches are defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles, Barbados Pride, Combined Campuses & Colleges, Jamaica Scorpions, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, West Indies Academy and Windward Islands Volcanoes
Both the West Indies Academy and the Combined Campuses & Colleges (CCC) have retained their places as permanent fixtures in the championship following their impressive debut seasons.
Guyana Harpy Eagles won last year’s very exciting competition, to earn their seventh crown in nine years, after heading into the final round with three other teams within touching distance of the title
The competition kicks off in late January and fans will be treated to three action-packed rounds from January 29 to February 15.
The first round of games will take place in four host countries – Guyana, Trinidad, St Vincent and Antigua. For the second and
third rounds, play extends to Barbados, Dominica and St Kitts.
The second block of matches commences on 5 March, with the fourth and fifth rounds scheduled to be held in Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia, Guyana and Antigua. The tournament resumes just under a month later with the final two rounds in Antigua, St Kitts, St Lucia and Trinidad, from 2 to 12 April.
Cricket enthusiasts worldwide can catch every moment of the action through live streaming on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel. For those seeking detailed statistics and ballby-ball updates, the www. windiescricket .com Match Centre will provide such coverage.
Matches begin at 10 AM AST daily while pink ball matches (P) will commence at 1 PM AST.
FULL SCHEDULE:
1st Round Fixtures 29
January – 1 February
Guyana Harpy Eagles vs Barbados Pride – Providence, Guyana
(P) Trinidad & Tobago
Red Force vs CCC – BLCA, Trinidad
West Indies Academy vs Leeward Island HurricanesCCG, Antigua
Windward Islands Volcanoes vs Jamaica Scorpions - Arnos Vale St. Vincent
2nd Round Fixtures 5 – 8
February
Guyana Harpy Eagles vs CCC - Providence, Guyana (P) Barbados Pride vs West Indies AcademyKensington Oval, Barbados (P) Windward Islands Volcanoes vs Trinidad & Tobago Red Force - Arnos Vale, St. Vincent
Leeward Island Hurricanes vs Jamaica Scorpions – SVRS, Antigua
3rd Round Fixtures 12 –15 February
(P) Guyana Harpy Eagles vs West Indies AcademyProvidence, Guyana Windward Islands Volcanoes vs CCC - Windsor Park, Dominica
Barbados Pride vs Jamaica Scorpions - Kensington Oval Barbados
Leeward Island Hurricanes vs Trinidad & Tobago
Red Force - Warner Park, St. Kitts
March
(P) Jamaica Scorpions vs Guyana Harpy Eagles - Sabina Park, Jamaica Windward Islands Volcanoes vs Leeward Islands
Hurricanes - Daren Sammy Stadium, St. Lucia West Indies Academy vs Trinidad & Tobago Red Force - CCG, Antigua
Barbados Pride vs CCCKensington Oval, Barbados 5th Round Fixtures 12 –15 February
Guyana Harpy Eagles vs Windward Islands Volcanoes – Providence, Guyana West Indies Academy vs Jamaica Scorpions – CCG, Antigua
(P) Leeward Island Hurricanes vs CCC – SVRS, Antigua
Barbados Pride vs Trinidad & Tobago Red Force - Kensington Oval, Barbados
6th Round Fixtures 2 – 5
April
Leeward Islands Hurricanes vs Guyana Harpy Eagles - Warner Park, St. Kitts (P) Trinidad & Tobago Red Force vs Jamaica Scorpions - BLCA, Trinidad Windward Islands Volcanoes vs Barbados Pride - Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia CCC vs West Indies Academy - UWISPEC, Trinidad 7th Round Fixtures 9 – 12
April
Trinidad & Tobago Red Force vs Guyana Harpy Eagles - QPO, Trinidad (P) Leeward Island Hurricanes vs Barbados Pride
- Warner Park, St. Kitts
CCC vs Jamaica Scorpions - UWISPEC, Trinidad (P) West Indies Academy vs Windward Islands Volcanoes - SVRS, Antigua
World President of WISDA (World International Self-defence Association) Grandmaster 9th Dan Jose Luis Montes (Centre) along with WISDA Guyana President, Soke Max Massiah (second from right)
CPL 2025 set to start August 14
The 2025 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will take place from Thursday 14 August to Sunday 21 September. This window has been agreed between CPL and Cricket West Indies (CWI) and once again there will be no clash with West Indies international matches. The six teams taking part in the 2025 season will be Antigua & Barbuda Fal -
cons, Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Saint Lucia Kings and Trinbago Knight Riders. The teams will compete across 34 matches to decide who will claim the 2025 CPL title.
Pete Russell, CEO of the Republic Bank CPL, said: “We are pleased to have once again worked with Cricket West Indies to find a window that allows the very best play-
ers from across the region to take part in the CPL. The 2024 season was our most successful to date and we are looking forward to building on that success in 2025.”
Lynford Inverary, Cricket West Indies acting CEO and COO, said: “ We are delighted to confirm the 2025 CPL window. While CWI continues to take a leading role in shaping our
2025 Next Generation Referee Course set for January 17-19
Twenty-two match officials representing 15 Member Associations are gearing up for the start of the 2025 edition of the CFU Next Generation Referee Course, which runs from January 17-19, 2025. The Barbados Football Association (BFA) will host the session.
Launched in 2022, the initiative, supported by Concacaf, provides Caribbean match officials with the prerequisites to matriculate to the FIFA Refereeing International Lists. The course equips participants with theoretical and practical skills, ultimately leading to nominations to the FIFA rank.
overall cricket calendar, the CPL remains a key part of our cricketing ecosystem, playing an important role in the development and promotion of the game throughout the Caribbean. Our collaboration with CPL ensures that the best talent will be on display while avoiding any conflicts with international cricket.”
One Guyana Premier Basketball League returns to Linden this weekend
The famed One Guyana Basketball League is set to head back to the mining town of Linden with a double header today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday.)
This evening action at the Retrieve Hardcourt will pit host team Retrieve Raiders against defending champions North Ruimveldt Ravens in the feature clash.
Meanwhile, Black Caimans will meet the other Linden side - Victory Valley Royals in the other match-up for the evening.
While on Sunday Master’s Basketball side will play Linden’s Block 22 Flames followed by Panthers taking on Jets.
In the latest round on matches on Wednesday at the Retrieve hardcourt, Kwakwani Untouchables and Retrieve Raiders are emerging winners.
Untouchable came up against Block 22 Flame in their encounter.
It was a one-sided affair for three of the four quarters as Untouchables led by Domair Gladstone picked up a 13-points victory 69-56.
Flames would have their best showing in the fourth to outscored KK 24-17 but it was not enough to overcome
Retrive
All-Stars in One Guyana Basketball League
Kwakwani led 22-17 in the first quarter, before outscoring Flames 11-5 in the second period to led 33-22 at the half.
The third saw them scoring 19 to Flames 10 to lead 52-32 going into the final quarter.
their huge deficit as they lost it comfortably 69-56.
Meanwhile, Retrieve Raider had 23 points from Neil Marks and 15 from Selwyn Henry as they grabbed a 9 points victory over Berbice All Stars.
The clash was dead even after the first quarter 22-22 but Raider would begin to pull away after the second quarter 39-30.
Berbice would step up their game with 18 from Marvin Marks and 14 from Garfield Benjamin to pull back the lead in the third period 48-53.
However, a strong finish from Raider in the fourth period saw them closing out the win 65-56.
The tournament is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, and National Sports Commission.
The League is set to conclude in April and features 24 teams drawn from all across the country battling for bragging rights, top dollars the coveted trophy.
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 collects cash prizes along with trophies.
Dave Meikle, a CFU Referee Committee member and Next Gen administrator, is supported by a team of instructors comprised of FIFA Fitness Refereeing Instructor and CFU Referee Committee Member Kelesha Antoine, FIFA Technical Instructor Dianne Ferreira-James, Instructor Victor Stewart, Concacaf Technical Instructor Ishan Philip, and Concacaf Fitness Instructor Rohan Thobourne.
FIFA match officials and World Cup candidates Odette Hamilton (Jamaica) and Crystal Sobers (Trinidad and Tobago) will be mentors.
Over three days, the match officials will undergo intense training on the field and in the classroom. The training then transfers online, with the instructors designing a bespoke program for the cohort, monitoring their progress, and providing mentorship. Next Gen students may also receive appointments to competitions, such as the CFU Girls U-14 Challenge Series slated for the summer. The in-person program continues at that time with more practical and technical training.
Victor Moore, the BFA’s head of refereeing, said the BFA is delighted to host the 2025 program.
“We look forward to the 2025 edition with high expectations,” Mr. Moore said.
“We are pleased to be represented, along with other young, emerging, talented match officials, as part of this distinguished gathering with top referee tutors. Referee education and physical development are critical to meeting the CFU and Concacaf objective of having a panel of match officials present at every FIFA-recognized tournament, including the World Cup. The high success of previous Next Gen Courses indicates that the program has the potential to achieve the CFU’s desired expectations,” Mr. Moore added.
The Next Gen initiative is an impacting and pivotal program for the CFU. Eight students debut on the 2025 FIFA International Refereeing List: McManaman Bedeau (GRN), Cleon Cully (BRB), Jonathon Hughes (CAY), Evens Julims (BAH), Edson Lieveld (SUR), Jaselle Louison (BRB), Amaury Majors (BER), and James Ramprasha (BVI).
Mr. Randolph Harris, president of the CFU and the BFA, hailed the program’s success.
“We have seen the tangible benefits of Next Gen, with our Caribbean referees getting match appointments, moving on to the Concacaf Academy, and dozens advancing to the ranks of FIFA, all in a few short years. Intangibly, we have, for aspiring Caribbean match officials, examples of the development and growth of people from within their sphere, and they know that there is a pathway for them to advance their careers,” Mr. Harris added.
“The success of the program is due to a collaborative approach between the CFU and Concacaf and the support of the Member Associations, and we are grateful to all of the partners,” Mr. Harris said.
Fans celebrating the Guyana Amazon Warriors victory over the St. Lucia Zouks at the Guyana National Stadium. (DPI Photo)
Raiders battling Berbice
FIFA Technical Instructor Dianne Ferreira-James works with a match official during Next Gen 2024.
Action from day two of the Guyana Harpy Eagles first trial match at the National Stadium. (Japheth Savory photos)