Guyana, UK explore new avenues for partnership to accelerate national projects
AS Guyana and the United Kingdom (UK) continue to explore new avenues for partnership on investments to accelerate various national projects for economic development, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Tuesday met with a team from the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) Department led by UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Ms. Jane Miller.
According to information from the Ministry of Finance, the UKEF team included the Global Head of Business Origination, Vomic Nur Shah; Regional Head, Business Origination (Americas and South Asia), George Hames; and UKEF Country Head for Guyana, Mr. Camilo Neira.
During the meeting, Dr. Singh expressed appreciation to the UK for the support provided to the govern-
As Guyana and the United Kingdom (UK) continue to explore new avenues for partnership on investments to accelerate various national projects for economic development, Finance Minister, Dr.
Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) Department led by UK High Commissioner
ment’s development agenda in various sectors, while the visiting officials noted that
Guyana is a strategic priority and that UKEF is looking forward to providing further
financing for priority projects in the country.
Also joining were UK’s
Country Director for Trade and Investment at the British High Commission,
Sherwyn Naughton, and several technical officials of the Ministry of Finance.
Ashni Singh, on Tuesday met with a team from the United
to Guyana, Ms. Jane Miller
With diverse growth pillars Guyana’s economy can withstand global shocks
–– President Ali
By Naomi Parris
STANDING on a diverse pillar of growth, Guyana is building an economy that could withstand global shocks, according to President, Dr Irfaan Ali.
Appearing on a recent airing of the Energy Perspective Podcast, the Guyanese Head of State noted that while the country has a burgeoning oil and gas industry, it is critical for the government to pursue economic diversification and build out the other segments of the economy.
“We have to be responsible in the way we manage the resources from oil and gas, and that is why it is so critical for us to pursue economic diversification and build out the other segments and sectors of our economy, so that in times of shock, or in times when the revenue is affected based on the global pricing mechanism, the economy can withstand those shocks,” Dr. Ali said.
In building these diverse pillars, he noted that Guyana and its neighbouring
countries must continuously evaluate and examine potential opportunities across the region.
The question that he believes is lingering, is how to ensure the investments in infrastructure and advanced development could create new growth areas locally, but still be linked to the growth of the region.
“For example, when you look at the Linden to Mabura Hill roadways, when you look at the connection with northern Brazil, the type of opportunities that will bring to add to the value chain of gas in the near future... and not only gas at Wales, but the second, more expansive gas development that we’re pursuing, where will the new areas of growth be created?” the Head of State queried.
The aim is to leverage the raw production in Lethem, Region Nine and Northen Brazil and convert that raw production into value-added goods for not just Guyana, but the entire region as well.
Ideally, with Guyana expected to reduce the cost of
energy, it is expected that much traffic for trade and manufacturing is on the horizon.
“We have to look at not only the major industry, the large industries, but look at all the micro and medium-sized enterprises that can
be developed out of this great potential when energy price will come down.
“And with the education programme that we’re investing in to have the human resource skillset, that of course, will be available to stimulate these small and
medium-sized enterprises that must also benefit from this economic diversification and expansion,” Dr Ali said.
He pointed out that already Guyana is pursuing massive projects at a scale in the agricultural and other non-oil sectors
Dr Ali said: “That is why we are investing at scale in food-production agriculture, so that we can have the raw material to feed into the value-added or value creation, because throughout the production line, you’re able to create additional wealth, create additional jobs, and higher-scale jobs and that is important for us.”
This, he noted, fits into the global scenario, as these projects Guyana could successfully build a diverse economy that is not solely dependent on oil and gas.
“The global scenario and the type of policies and shift that we expect globally must be absorbed by the economy, and the only way it can be absorbed is if we build out the economy in a wide, expansive way through its economic growth and prosperity is on many legs, and that is what we’re pursuing,” Dr Ali said.
In 2025, Guyana’s economy is expected to continue its unprecedented growth this year, with a projected economic expansion of 10.6 percent.
The agricultural, forestry, and fishing sectors are anticipated to expand by 11.4 percent in 2025, with production increases across all subsectors.
In the sugar industry, growth of 115.4 percent is expected, with a production target of 101,000 tonnes.
This growth will be supported by efforts in mechanisation and conversion, as well as value-added production.
Additionally, rice production is expected to expand by 12.4 percent, reaching 804,000 tonnes through expanded acreage and improved crop varieties developed through research and development.
The other crop sub-sectors are projected to grow by 11.7 percent, driven by expanded acreage and the country’s focus on strengthening local food security. Livestock production is also expected to grow by 7.5 percent across all categories.
Mocha Arcadia squatters now faced with $2M in costs
following court ruling
AFTER failing to prove legal rights to the Mocha Arcadia/Caneview lands, the remaining squatters must pay $2 million in costs to the case’s three respondents: the Attorney General, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).
The landmark ruling was delivered last week by Chief Justice Roxanne George, solidifying the government’s legal ownership of the lands and its right to take necessary steps to remove the squatters.
The lands were owned by the GuySuCo and later transferred to the CHPA.
According to the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC, this judgement serves as a timely reminder of the legal position that squatters have no legal rights to the land they are occupying.
The AG was at the time speaking during his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the
For context, these squatters refused to relocate from the area, despite having been served adequate notices by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), and despite the government’s attempts to incentivise this relocation.
“They were served with notices as far back as 2008. Those notices requested them to remove and indicated to them that this land will be used for the construction of a highway,” AG Nandlall said.
This engagement continued in 2021, and the residents were again informed that the lands were required for the construction of the four-lane highway. Most of the over 150 residents heeded the warnings, and were offered house lots and compensation to move.
“The government paid some $250 million in compensation to the squatters. [We] gave them titled lands with houses and helped them to move, and on top of that,
gave them $250 million in compensation,” he emphasised.
Moreover, the squatters proved through their own evidence that they engaged the government to regularise the area, which invalidated their argument that they acquired prescriptive rights.
“If it is your property, as you claim, and it is not the government’s property or the state’s property, why are you petitioning the state to regularise you? The state can only regularise you if it is the State’s land,” he pointed out.
The AG said that the claimants failed abysmally to prove any legal interests in the lands and as a result, the State was wholly justified in taking steps to remove them from the area.
“That is the law of Guyana and of any other country. The lawful owner of a property reserves the legal rights and powers to take such steps that may be necessary, including using reasonable force to remove and eject from his or her land any squatter. You do not necessarily need an order of court
to remove a squatter from your land,” he added.
The attorney general said that many lessons can be learned from this judgement, as it underscores the importance of adhering to land laws and the legal rights of property owners to remove squatters.
“If you are ever in doubt, this decision clarifies for any squatter or potential squatter what your legal status is. You have no right, no interest or title to that land, and the State or the owner can use force and remove you and your erections and buildings from that land without any liability whatsoever.”
“I hope that the public across this country understands that now,” he said.
POLITICAL PAWNS
Turning his attention to the political dimensions of the case, the attorney general sternly criticised the opposition for wielding these Guyanese as political tools in their quest for relevance in the public sphere. He said that they blatantly misrepresented the situation and failed to provide
the legal assistance they had promised the squatters.
In fact, the legal affairs minister cited news reports that recorded the Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton in 2022 urging the Mocha squatters not to remove from the lands, asserting that they are “ancestral lands”.
The attorney general stressed once more that Guyana’s law does not recognise the concept of “ancestral lands”, yet the opposition persists in hammering this notion into the minds of Guyanese.
Minister Nandlall further pointed out that the very Opposition Leader who was so adamant that these residents have legal rights to the lands they were squatting on was conveniently absent when the time came for the residents to defend these alleged rights in the Court.
Specifically calling out the International Decade of People of African Descent (IPADA-G), the AG noted that despite their fervor to approach international organisations with these very claims and their passionate postulations in the pub-
lic domain, the opposition advocates abandoned the Mocha residents when they faced the consequences of not complying with the law.
“I still have not heard any statement from the Leader of the Opposition or any opposition parliamentarian or politician saying what assistance they will give to those people who are now homeless and, I suppose, hopeless. They used those people, abused them and discarded them,” he denounced.
He continued that despite there being five lawyers on the Opposition benches, none of them appeared in Court to represent the squatters.
“They held several press conferences, championing this cause, misleading these people.
They went to the United Nations to lodge complaints. All bark, no bite. When it comes to actual representation and rendering actual assistance to these people, no one came forward, but you will hear [them] champion the cause of African Guyanese in the parliament.” (DPI)
President, Dr Irfaan Ali
Guatemala police investigate bus crash which killed 55
POLICE in Guatemala are investigating what could have caused a passenger bus to crash through a guardrail and tumble into a ravine.
At least 55 of the around 70 people on board were killed in the accident, which happened in the early hours of Monday, local time.
Rescuers struggled to recover the bodies from the creek into which the bus had plunged.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo has declared three days of national mourning for the victims of the crash, one of the deadliest road traffic accidents in the region for years.
The bus normally covered the route between San Cristóbal Acasaguastlán and Guatemala City, officials said.
On Monday it had reportedly left the village of San Antonio La Paz at around 04:00hrs local time. About 30 minutes later,
The bus fell on its roof, complicating the rescue efforts
on the outskirts of Guatemala City, it plunged 20m (65ft) from a bridge into a creek carrying wastewater.
Photos from the scene show the bus, lying on its roof, wheels in the air, in the shallow water.
Local media said the bus had been full of students, commuters, and people on their way to the capital for medical appointments.
As news of the accident spread, worried relatives
gathered at the foot of the bridge waiting for news of their loved ones.
One woman told Guatemalan news site La Hora that her 67-year-old husband had set off at four in the morning but had never made it to work.
Another woman had identified the body of her brother, who had been on board the bus.
Rescue workers said they had retrieved 53 bodies so far.
would check if the driver could have lost control due to a brake failure.
Guatemala's communications minister, Miguel Díaz Bobadilla, told reporters the bus was around 30 years old but had a valid licence for carrying passengers.
Díaz Bobadilla added that officials were checking if it may have carried more weight than it should have.
Police are also investigating a gun they found on board the bus.
The discovery of the weapon has given rise to speculation in local media that the driver may have panicked or been injured when he was threatened with the gun.
Two people who had been rescued alive from the wreck died in hospital, bringing the total number of dead to 55.
The 24-year-old driver is reportedly among those who died.
Eyewitnesses described seeing the vehicle crash into two cars before it hit the guardrail and fell into the precipice.
Investigators said they
The deputy director-general of Guatemala's National Civil Police, Helver Beltetón, said the gun was registered to one of the deceased passengers, who worked as a private security guard.
Beltetón said that police were not "ruling out any hypothesis."
He added that "the brakes could have failed but we're also not ruling out an accident or a criminal act, all that will be investigated." (BBC)
Former Haitian first lady urges Trump to declassify information on her husband’s murder
THE wife of the former Haitian president, Jovenel Moïse, has written to United States President Donald Trump, asking him to declassify all Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and State Department documents related to the assassination of her husband on July 7, 2021.
“ My husband Jovenel Moïse was sworn in as president on February 7, 2017, for a five-year term after winning two elections. Like you, he undertook deep economic reforms to stop billions of dollars of corruption pocketed by oligarchs. Like you, he was targeted with a coordinated character assassination campaign for his ambitious and bold reforms. Also like you, he was the target of physical assassination attempts,” Moïse wrote
“Unlike you, those attempts were successful, and he was killed on July 7, 2021. On that day, I was shot several times and left for dead while my kids sheltered in the other room. Since, I was the target of three assassination attempts.”
Moïse said that the perpetrators of “this heinous act controlled the Executive and Judiciary branches of government and are ruling Haiti with the gangs,” adding that “the Haitian people want justice, peace and opportunity.”
”As you root out corruption and waste in your government, please declassify all FBI, State Department documents related to my husband’s assassination. It’s also time for Haiti, in accordance with its constitution, to have a prime minister heading the Executive Branch (Article 149) in order to destroy the gangs and organise free and fair elections for the return of constitutional order,” she added.
In February 2023, four Florida men were arrested in the plot to kill Moïse with the grand jury returning indictments against 11 people.
According to court documents, from at least February 2021 to July 2021, South Florida served as a central location for planning and financing the plot to oust President Moïse from power and replace him with someone who
would serve the co-conspirators’ political goals and financial interests.
In October 2023, a retired Colombian army officer was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 2021 assassination of Moïse.
German Alejandro Rivera Garcia, 45, also known as Colonel Mike, had pleaded guilty to conspiring and supporting a plot to kill the Haitian president.
According to court documents, he was part of a convoy headed to Moïse’s private residence the day of the killing, after he relayed information that the plan was not to kidnap Moïse but to kill him.
Several former Colombian military men remain in prison in Haiti awaiting trial.
In February last year, a Haitian judge investigating Moïse’s assassination, charged his widow, the former prime minister, and an ex-chief of police with complicity in the killing.
The 122-page leaked document, detailed how Moïse’s widow, allegedly conspired with former prime minister Claude Joseph to kill the president, intending to replace him herself.
Meanwhile, the United States said it remains committed to supporting the Haitian
forcement Affairs (INL) to Haiti.
It said that in addition to the equipment, INL has contributed other law enforcement tools to aid the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission working in coordination with the Haitian National Police (HNP) to continue combatting criminal gangs.
The embassy said contributions include armoured personal carriers, various types of loaders, weapons, ammunition, day cabs, and other materials.
people in achieving stability that can bring about a Haitian-led political solution through free and fair elections.
A statement issued by the US embassy, said that critical equipment had been donated by the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law En-
“A well-equipped HNP and MSS mission is critical to continuing the fight against gangs who aim to destabilise the country and feed their own selfish, criminal interests at the expense of fellow Haitians,” the statement said. (CMC)
Haiti’s assassinated former President Jovenel Moise sits with his wife Martine during his swearing-in ceremony in parliament in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on on February 7, 2017 (Photo: CMC)
Number Portability
THE introduction of number portability in Guyana is a milestone in the nation’s telecoms industry.
The highly touted service, which allows users to take their phone number when switching providers, is a straight-out result of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s bold liberalisation of the sector in October 2020.
Not only ending the monopoly after three decades, this policy action has also opened up unprecedented consumer empowerment and competitive forces in the marketplace.
The liberalisation of the telecoms sector by the PPP/C government was nothing short of revolutionary.
By enacting the Telecommunications Act 2016 and the Public Utilities Commission Act 2016, the
government put to rest the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph’s (GTT) 31-year monopoly in a span of a few months after it came to power.
The action brought Guyana’s telecoms regulation in line with international standards, spurring competition and innovation, and providing tangible advantages to consumers in terms of better services, lower prices, and more choices.
The introduction of number portability is a fulfillment of the government’s promise to enhance consumer rights.
Guyanese users lived in bondage to sub-standard services due to the hassle of having to change phone numbers when switching providers over many years.
Today, thanks to this new service
offered across principal providers such as Digicel, ENet, and One Communications, users finally get to take charge of their telecoms options.
The process is easy and quick, with mobile porting accomplished in a day’s time and fixed-line porting in five working days. The sector has been growing explosively in the liberalisation’s aftermath. The investments of private players surged by a whopping 40 per cent between 2020 to 2023, even broadband subscription recorded a steep surge.
The laying of three submarine fibre-optic cables has also boosted internet capacity and resilience, keeping Guyana competitive in the digital age.
This progress is a reflection of the
vision of the PPP/C government for national progress. By ending monopoly and inviting in competition, they not only brought telecoms to the modern age, but also set a new transparency and inclusion benchmark in government.
The liberalisation of telecoms is a cornerstone of this government’s legacy—a visible indicator of their ability to follow up on commitments that work for all Guyanese.
As number portability is launched, it is more than a technical milestone; it is a beacon of a more consumer-friendly economy.
The milestone is a reminder that visionary policy decisions can deliver transformative outcomes, making Guyana a telecoms leader in our region.
We must remain united against external threats
Dear Editor,
AS we enter into an election year when every Guyanese of voting age who has been properly registered to vote, is expected to go to the polls on election day and cast his or her vote in favour of the political party of their choice to govern our country, we need to be particularly alert to the fact that our country continues to be under external threat.
None of the major established political parties, nor, for that matter, the minor parties, have, as yet, presented their manifestos setting out their policies and programmes for the governance of our country, but, already, each is busy finding fault of the other and, as is always the case, those parties in the opposition quickly target the government on their performance or failure to deliver on their promises to the electorate.
The very nature of this contest for political power is, therefore, divisive, albeit expected to be conducted under the rule of law and the rules and regulations under the Constitution for administering the Regional and General Elections.
Our country, as a result, becomes significantly vulnerable at the time of elections if threatened externally and that is very much the case for Guyana.
So, as we enter into an election year, let us all be conscious of the fact that the security
of our country continues to be threatened from outside, demanding that we remain united against that threat even while we are divided on the choice of which political party should govern us.
On February 5, the Venezuelan Newspaper, El Nacional, reported extensively that “the government of Nicolas Maduro described the Essequibo region as an area of the highest strategic importance, insisting that the Venezuelan authority will be elected for the first time in this area during the regional elections on April 27”. That is Venezuela’s Regional Elections.
“You know that for the first time, we will elect a governor for our Guyana Essequiba. This is a territory of the highest strategic level for us, the highest strategic level,” according to Venezuela’s Minister of Interior and Justice, Diosdado Cabello, broadcast on the Venezuelan’s State television channel VTV. Cabello happens to be the First Vice President of the United Socialist Party (PSUV).
The day before Cabello’s pronouncement, Maduro himself confirmed, in his words, that the “first governor of Guyana Essequiba” will be elected.
Lest anyone in Guyana believes that the Venezuelan regime’s determination, under Maduro, to take possession of the Essequibo region of our country has somehow lessened, then they must think again.
On the other side of our country bordering Suriname, during an International Business
Conference held in Paramaribo hosted by the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce and organized by Action Invest Caribbean Incorporated (AICI), under the leadership of Mr. Vishnu Doerga, a map depicting the New River Triangle area of Guyana as part of Suriname was presented by a Surinamese Minister, unfortunately, without protest from the Guyanese present at the time.
This incident has prompted a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reminding that “the New River Triangle is situated at the tri-junction of Guyana, Suriname and Brazil. The territory is firmly part of Guyana’s sovereign territory, as established by a legally binding process and international agreements from 1936. That agreement involving Great Britain, Brazil, and the Netherlands, set the boundary between British Guiana (now Guyana) and Suriname, defining the New River Triangle as part of Guyana”. The Ministry’s statement went on to point out that the internationally recognised map of Guyana includes the New River Triangle as part of Guyana.
Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, immediately reminded us on his Facebook page that “every Guyanese, particularly those in leadership positions, must be unwavering in their understanding of the nation’s territorial limits.”
It is particularly heartening that the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and In-
dustry (GCCI), the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and the Private Sector Commission of Guyana (PSC) have all condemned this incident as a direct affront to Guyana’s sovereignty.
The Private Sector Commission expressed “its profound concern and disappointment” at the incident, condemned and disassociated itself from “this significant lapse in national responsibility by those Guyanese present” for not having protested immediately at the time and have called upon Mr. Vishnu Doerga “to issue an apology to the Government and people of Guyana for permitting this offensive incident to occur without raising any objection or taking appropriate action.”
Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amanza Walton-Desir of the People’s National Congress, has also condemned the incident, though unfairly criticising Guyana’s diplomatic efforts in Suriname in this regard.
All of this brings us back to the central point of my letter, and, that is, as a nation and as a people, especially as we will be contesting a divisive election this year, we have to be able to rise above and reach beyond our internal political differences at any and all times, to reject with one collective voice, any and all external threats to our sovereignty.
Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento
At 99 years of age, Eusi Kwayana may never do it
GROWING up, I always heard the saying that when you get into an advanced age, you must say and do things that symbolize respect for your age.
Eusi Kwayana is 99 years but even though I am compelled by moral laws to respect him, I also believe the offering of respect hinges on the person manifesting self-respect.
Let’s go through this story step by step. 1- Prominent politician, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran accused Eusi Kwayana (AKA, Sydney King) of describing Cheddi Jagan as being racist. 2- Mr. Kwayana replied in the newspapers and challenged Mr. Ramkarran to cite evidence. 3- I did a column (Guyana Chronicle, Wednesday, January 29, 2025, “The perennial deviousness in the Freudian mind of Eusi Kwayana”) asking Mr. Kwayana why in his denial in his response to Mr. Ramkarran, he simply did not state if he thought of Dr. Jagan was a racist or not.
4- Mr. Ramkarran replied and held his ground and addressed Kwayana in the following manner–why don’t you state your position on Jagan. 5 – Last Monday, Kwayana replied to Ramkarran and declined to offer his analysis or description or judgement on Dr, Jagan. But it is the way Kwayana put it in his letter on Monday that causes[one] to think that Kwayana will never do it.
Below, I quote from Mr. Kwayana’s Monday missive which demonstrates to the entire world that Mr. Kwayana’s politics, scholarship and reasoning have certainly degenerated beyond redemption. This is a tragic descent of someone that was so long admired by this nation and outside of Guyana. Please read the quote below carefully because the degeneration is graphic.
Dr. Jagan’s praxis has always been a matter of compelling interest for me, and it is likely that there may be some development that drives me before my time on the planet ends to attempt a summing up of all the responses I have
had to Dr. Jagan’s remarkable interventions. However, with a general election pending and the work consequent on the 2020 general election still unfinished it is unlikely that I would raise or introduce at this time contentious arguments concerning the praxis of one whose name and memory are still capable of being exploited by media available to what President Irfaan Ali has called special interests.
Two reasons are offered by Mr. Kwayana, and I unapologetically say that there are pathetically asinine. The first is Guyana has a general election coming up. What the hell is the connection between Kwayana at 99 giving his evaluation of one of the great figures of the 20th century who died 27 years ago with the coming election in November?
I admit for all my academic training, I am incapable of intellectually discerning the connection. The fact is, there is none. In what ways can a portrait of Jagan by Kwayana impact on the 2025 election? How is this possible and in what aspects of the election, Mr. Kwayana’s analysis will be seen and felt?
Is Mr. Kwayana telling us that in his assessment of the long career of Dr. Jagan if his analysis is positive it will help the PPP in the election or if his judgement of Jagan is negative, it could weaken the PPP in the forthcoming poll? This thing is so silly that it deserves a strong adjective – stupid. Mr. Kwayana may have written that nonsense in jest, but it is certainly not funny.
The second reason Mr. Kwayana cited is “the work consequent on the 2020 general election is still unfinished.” What does Mr. Kwayana means by those words? He is referring to the election court cases. But what those legal matters have to do with Kwayana’s analysis of the role of Dr. Jagan from 1940 to 1992 when Jagan became president?
There is only one explanation for this bizarre direction of Kwayana – he is
simply being funny. But in being funny, Mr. Kwayana has the people of Guyana deriding and insulting him which he deserves. In what way a published analysis of the long praxis of Dr. Jagan by a man 99 years of age who knew Jagan very closely could affect those court cases? I really did not know I was so poor intellectually, but I cannot muster one ounce of comprehension to fathom the logic of Eusi Kwayana in his Monday letter. I appeal to someone with a more analytical mind to send me an email and
explain to me what Kwayana is really saying.
I close by asking the question: In what ways Mr. Kwayana’s views on Cheddi Jagan could affect how people vote and how the court will rule on the election matters before it?
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.
David Hinds calls Afro-Guyanese ‘lick bottoms,’ ‘house slaves’ for not siding with his politics
AFRO-GUYANESE
have once again been subjected to the vile attacks of the opposition, this time from the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Co-Leader David Hinds, for daring to exercise their democratic right to align with a political party of their choice.
In his show, ‘Politics 101,’ Hinds opened the programme by insulting the dignity of Afro-Guyanese. He hurled a series of grotesque insults such as referring to them as “lick bottoms” and “house slaves.”
This is not the first time an executive of the WPA has been caught attempting to incite racial hostility.
Further, the politician’s words serve as a reminder
of the type of rhetoric that continues to fester within the opposition.
In his programme, Hinds said there are a lot of “lick bottom” Afro-Guyanese. He continued his tirade for some time, continuously hurling verbal attacks towards Afro-Guyanese.
Hinds went on to describe this section of the Guyanese population as “sell outs,” adding, “All kind of talk they giving us, as to why they behaving like house slaves and slave catchers. We got to talk it as it is.”
Despite it being Black History Month as he highlighted, Hinds did not see it fit to use the opportunity and his platform to make uplifting comments, but instead he chose it to make derogatory statements di-
rected at Afro-Guyanese, whom he claimed were not on the “right side.”
The WPA Co-Leader said: “… We’re talking to black people, those of us who are on the right side of the fence, we’re talking to you, to help us to bring them ‘lick bamz**’ Africans on the right side of the fence.”
Hinds’ attack not only sought to denigrate Afro-Guyanese, but was an abhorrent attack on the core values of democracy, human dignity, and equity.
Adding to this, he attacked those Afro-Guyanese who have openly endorsed President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s leadership.
He said: “And some of you lick a**, lick beet** Black people are running around the place [saying] ‘I am campaigning for the
return of President Ali.’ Lick backside; that’s what y’all are. All of y’all.”
He then criticised Afro-Guyanese for not supporting the opposition’s black leaders, showing a clear indication that he believes persons should not vote on policies.
“Y’all prefer to lick somebody else’s a** and find everything that is wrong about black leaders.”
Further, he hinted at having leadership which is Afro-Guyanese, claiming that because Guyana is “racially divided,” one cannot discuss the best leaders without taking race into context.
The WPA Co-Leader said: “Personally and politically, I prefer the best leaders regardless of race, but in a racially divided society, I cannot talk about
best leaders. I have to talk about leaders of the different ethnic groups. If Guyana was all black,99 per cent black, our conversation would’ve been different.”
Despite the success stories of Afro-Guyanese reaping benefits under the current government, Hinds told his viewing audience that the government has no interest in Afro-Guyanese.
Instead of looking at the facts and reports, he sought to do an ethnic count and claimed that Indo-Guyanese have never looked to a People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) government to defend their interests, painting the picture that this demographic does not have the ability to analyse policies and vote based on that.
If the opposition is elected to office and he is a part of the government, Hinds promised repercussions for those Afro-Guyanese whom he deemed as “lick bottoms.”
Such insensitive remarks are not strange from the WPA as in 2023, one of its executive members, Tacuma Ogunseye, was released on $100,000 bail for attempting to incite racial hostility in Guyana.
The Guyana Chronicle had reported that during a public meeting at Buxton, Ogunseye made incendiary remarks about Guyana’s Indo-Guyanese and called for the Disciplined Services “to turn their guns on the state.”
Ogunseye, during a gathering at Buxton on the East Coast of Demerara, said: “I don’t understand how people complain that they are oppressed and they are holding guns in their hands. They are the majority in the army, in the police and they say they are oppressed. And they still say our problem is our own making. Anytime we turn those guns in the right direction it is over.”
He had also called for a day of “National Resistance” on June 12, 2023, the date that had been set aside for the holding of Local Government Elections (LGEs).
WPA Co-Leader David Hinds
MOM hands over houses to two vulnerable Corentyne families
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali’s initiative, Men on Mission (MOM) is continuing to make significant impact in Region Six and throughout the country as last weekend members handed over the keys to new houses to two families on the Corentyne, enhancing their living conditions and ultimately changing their lives forever.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat handed over the houses to the recipients at Number 60 Village, Corentyne, and Port Mourant, Corentyne, on Saturday.
In his remarks, he said: “Today, we are seeing that Men On Mission is going way beyond what they were initially tasked with and that is quite commendable. We have heard Men on Mission going to prisons trying to reform and reintegrate prisoners into society which is very necessary. We have heard Men on Mission reaching the lesser fortunate youths in communities especially in some of those depressed area where we have a high rate of delinquent activities and trying to reform the young people, mold them to ensure that they can build a career whether it is in the technical field or the academic field.”
He stressed that the MOM initiative has grown tremendously over the last few years and “they must be commended for the great work that they are doing.”
Meanwhile, National Coordinator of the MOM, Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli while speaking at the locations, explained that the initiative “which comes directly from President Irfaan Ali was initially “conceptualised to address
the needs of the vulnerable in communities, specifically, men and boys and to provide support for them to be better citizens. However, as the President traversed the length and breadth of Guyana engaging with the citizens, he recognised that [in] homes there were vulnerable persons who were in need of either an extension to their homes, a kitchen, washroom facilities and in some cases had to get an entire home.”
According to Murli, the housing assistance programme was then included, and they have since handed over in excess of 54 homes in 2024 and “intend to hand over another 50 plus homes in 2025.”
Additionally, Murli said that they have also provided materials to assist vulnerable persons “in completing their homes or doing extensions.”
“So, we have built homes in Region 10, Region Nine, Region Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three and Two. Region One and Eight, we have provided materials, and …specifically in Region One, we have in excess of 40 requests for either materials or homes for persons who would have fit those criteria that I mentioned. So, as it regards the home improvement housing assistance, we are continuing with that.”
Murli stressed that MOM has also been working along with the private sector to provide support to the vulnerable, adding that outside of the housing assistance programme they are also primarily involved in youth empowerment which has been established in Regions Four, Nine and Six.
Meanwhile, one of the recipients, 75-year-old Diwanti Sirpat, a pensioner of Num-
ber 60 Village, Corentyne, has endured many hardships in her life. For many years, she has lived in a house that was falling apart. The roof leaked whenever it rained, and the wallboards continuously came loose making it unsafe for her.
The condition of her house became unbearable and so she eventually moved in with her daughter for shelter and support.
Sirpat has also experienced personal loss as her husband passed away 10 years ago, leaving her to navigate life alone. She was a mother of seven children. In 2014, one of her sons died by suicide which deeply affected the family. Then in 2017, one of her daughters passed away after a prolonged illness.
The elderly woman suffers from high blood pressure which requires careful management, and she often experiences pain in her knees and sometimes in her shoulder making movement very difficult.
However, despite everything, she remained resilient and after receiving her new house on Saturday she expressed gratitude to the Men on Mission initiative.
The second recipient on Saturday was 62-year-old Brijwanti Mangru of Port Mourant, Corentyne, a single mother of four children and a grandmother to 14 and a great grandmother to one.
Mangru worked as a domestic worker for many years to provide for her family. However, due to health issues, she is no longer able to do so.
For some time, she lived downstairs at her son-inlaw’s home, however after his mother fell ill and moved in, the space became too
cramped.
With three children in the household, Mangru felt uncomfortable and decided to leave, though she was not directly asked to move.
After receiving her house, she became extremely emotional, thanking the MOM for their support – something she
never expected.
Both women emphasised on Saturday how much their new house would improve their daily lives. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to President Ali and emphasised that the support was not just appreciated, but crucial for their well-being,
highlighting that it was exactly the kind of help they had been desperately in need of. They stressed that the MOM support was a vital lifeline that alleviated a significant amount of stress and uncertainty from their lives, providing them with a sense of relief and security.
MOM handing over the new house to Diwanti Sirpat, a pensioner of Number 60 Village, Corentyne
Brijwanti Mangru of Port Mourant, Corentyne receives a new house from MOM
SGCC Chair apologises for personal comments on incorrect Guyana map
- affirms understanding of international, legal recognition of New River Triangle as Guyana’s territory - says appropriate measures have been put in place to prevent any future reoccurrence
CHAIRMAN of the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC), Dr. Vishnu Doerga has affirmed his understanding of the New River Triangle as Guyana’s territory, as is internationally and legally recognised.
In a statement on Tuesday, he addressed the issue which involved a map that depicted Guyana’s New River Triangle as part of Suriname, which was portrayed by a presenter during the International Business Conference in Paramaribo.
In a prior, personal comment, Dr. Doerga, according to GOGEC and other chambers, had suggested an equivalence between Guyana’s sovereign claim to the territory and Suriname’s educational narrative, thereby failing to uphold Guyana’s internationally recognised territorial integrity unequivocally.
The SGCC Chair, in response, said: “I apologise for any misconceptions or
Chairman of the SGCC, Dr. Vishnu Doerga
grief my personal statement may have caused.”
He affirmed the New River Triangle as being Guyana’s territory.
"I do want to confirm my understanding that the New River Triangle is an integral part of Guyana’s sovereign territory, as recognised by international law,” Dr. Doerga said.
He noted both the Guyana and Suriname governments are committed to “strong and co-operative relations with each other, guided by principles of mutual respect and international law, and will continue to advance discus-
sions through the mechanism established to address outstanding issues on the border between the two countries.”
The SGCC Chairman also clarified that the incorrect map was not distributed to attendees.
He also said: “Appropriate measures have been put in place to prevent any future reoccurrence.”
The Government of Guyana (GoG) has since rejected the inaccurate map.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation said that the presence of representatives of the GoG
at the conference in no way signifies the condoning by the GoG of the use of a map that incorrectly represents the territory of Guyana.
"The Government of Guyana was not consulted about the map prior to its distribution. Had it been consulted, it would have strongly objected,” the government affirmed.
It explained that the internationally recognised map of Guyana confirms that the New River Triangle is part of the sovereign territory of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, and this status is based on a binding legal process and international agreements, between and among the Governments of Brazil, Great Britain and The Netherlands in 1936.
The GoG then stated: “The boundary between Guyana and Suriname was determined in 1936 when a joint British-Dutch-Brazilian Boundary Commission identified the source of the
Kutari River, on the watershed with Brazil, as the tri-junction point where the boundaries of Brazil, British Guiana and Suriname meet.
“A monument exists marking the tri-junction point, the southernmost point of the boundary between Guyana and Suriname. The agreement fixing the tri-junction point was signed by the three Heads of the Mixed Commission (one from each State).
It describes the boundary as follows:
“The Mixed Commission, being satisfied that this is the only river which in any way answers to the Schomburgk description of the Kutari agreed that the boundary between Suriname and British Guiana, as defined in the instructions issued to the Mixed Commission, should follow the left bank of its longest branch.
"This placed the territory that later came to be
called the “New River Triangle” firmly on Guyana’s side of the international boundary.
“Guyana has always respected the agreed boundary and has exercised sovereignty and enjoyed continuous occupation of the territory on its side, including the New River Triangle.
“The boundary agreed in 1936 is the internationally recognised boundary between Guyana and Suriname. Any depiction suggesting otherwise is inaccurate and does not reflect the legally established boundary.
"The Government of Guyana remains committed to fostering strong and co-operative relations with the Republic of Suriname, guided by principles of mutual respect and international law, and will continue to advance discussions through the mechanism established to address outstanding issues on the border between the two countries.”
New housing development slated for Kwakwani, Region 10
THE government is ramping up efforts to expand homeownership in Region 10 {Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) with plans in motion for a new housing development in Kwakwani.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, made the announcement during a recent housing outreach at Watooka Guest House, Linden.
“On March 28, we will be in Kwakwani to allocate persons who have been waiting,” Minister Croal announced.
He said the first phase of this development covers 100 acres of land designed to establish a new housing scheme in the community, while also facilitating the relocation of waterfront residents due to persistent flooding in that area.
Back in November, Minister Croal noted that the relocation would benefit nearly 370 individuals from Jeep Landing, Lamp Island and the waterfront area
Following the flooding in 2021, affected residents approached President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and
Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, requesting relocation. The government subsequently committed to finding a suitable area for them
Minister Croal acknowledged that the relocation was initially scheduled to be addressed in January and urged residents to remain patient, assuring them that the government is actively working to resolve the matter.
“So, I want to ask those persons for some patience, because we have good things coming their way,” he said
The government is also working to reduce the region’s backlog of approximately 10,000 housing applications by mid-2025
Minister Croal stated that discussions are ongoing with the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to acquire additional land at Wismar to facilitate further house lots allocation.
So far, 600 lots have been allocated at the new Wismar housing development. Contracts will soon be awarded to commence
phase one of infrastructural works, ensuring allottees can access their lands without delay.
“So, things are moving quite rapidly. So, it is not a case where you have to wait many years,” he added.
Several regularisation exercises will be conducted in the region to grant legal ownership to individuals who have occupied lands for decades, creating a more stable living environment for families.
Minister Croal noted that individuals allocated lands at Amelia’s Ward can visit the regional housing office to sign their agreements of sale, or to collect their certificates of title.
“I want to be able to, in a few months, bring closure to Amelia’s Ward in every aspect [relating to] ownership and to address a number of persons who have been occupying portions of lands that they don’t have legitimate rights to… There are a lot of things in store for Region 10 in terms of homeownership,” Minister Croal said. (DPI)
– waterfront residents to be relocated soon
Scotiabank expands ATM network with new location at MovieTowne Mall
SCOTIABANK has strengthened its ATM network across the country, launching 2025 with the opening of a new ATM at MovieTowne Mall, East Coast Demerara, near Massy Stores Guyana.
The newly installed ATM boasts enhanced operational features, including touchscreen capability, to provide customers with a more seamless and efficient banking experience.
“We continue to invest and grow our operations here in Guyana.
By expanding our ATM footprint, we’re extending our financial services beyond our existing branches, providing you with greater access to conduct your banking safely and conveniently,” said Nafeeza
Gaffoor, Country Manager, Scotiabank Guyana.
ENHANCED BANKING FEATURES
The new ATM at MovieTowne Mall offers a range of convenient banking services, including: Cash withdrawals (local and foreign-issued cards), Credit card cash advances (local and foreign-issued cards), Bill payments, Mobile topups, Transfers between accounts, Credit card and loan payments via transfer, Balance inquiries, Mini statement generation, and PIN changes.
Scotiabank, recently named Guyana’s Best Digital Bank 2024 by Global Finance and Bank of the Year 2024 by The Banker, remains committed to enhancing cli-
ent services and expanding its ATM locations.
“Additional locations for ATMs are being reviewed, so look out for these as 2025 progresses,” Gaffoor added.
The new installation follows recent ATM upgrades at Pegasus Corporate Suites, Marriott Hotel, Eugene F. Correia International Airport (Ogle), and Courtyard Mall.
As part of its commitment to secure banking, Scotiabank offers real-time notifications for all ATM transactions via Scotiabank Alerts, ensuring customers can monitor and protect their accounts effortlessly.
For a full list of Scotiabank’s branches and offsite ATM locations, visit their website: ( https :// gy scotiabank.com/about-scotiabank/connect-with-scotiabank/locations html)
Scotiabank’s new ATM location at MovieTowne Mall - Massy Stores
Deputy Commissioner Budhram stresses leadership, collaboration at CRD recognition ceremony
DEPUTY Commissioner
‘Administration,’Ravindradat Budhram, has underscored the critical role of community engagement, co-ordination, and leadership in fostering safer communities.
Speaking at a Recognition Ceremony hosted by the Community Relations Department (CRD) at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe on Tuesday, he highlighted the importance of law enforcement’s collaboration with youth programmes and professional recognition initiatives.
Acknowledging the challenges faced, including resource limitations and unit cohesion, Deputy Commissioner Budhram encouraged continuous improvement, teamwork, and humility as key factors in strengthening community support and leadership.
The event, which commenced at 9:00hrs with interfaith prayers and the National Pledge, honoured Regional Community Relations Officers and Scout Leaders for their dedication and service.
Woman Superintendent of Police, Ms. Leslyn Smith, Officer-in-Charge of the CRD, provided an overview of the department’s expanding efforts to enhance police-community relations.
Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration,’Ravindradat Budhram hands out a trophy to the outstanding youth leader for Region Five
She noted that the initiative, which began 11 years ago, has grown into a nationwide programme, culminating in the official establishment of the CRD in June 2022.
Over the past year, the department has significantly increased its community activities, rising from 2,130 in 2023 to 3,174 in 2024. This growth includes the formation of youth and school groups, as well as strengthened partnerships with various community stakeholders.
Superintendent Smith further emphasised the CRD’s ongoing commitment to broadening outreach efforts, enhancing social media engagement,
and refining data analysis to better measure the impact of its initiatives.
To recognise their outstanding contributions, Scout Leaders and Regional Community Officers were presented with certificates and trophies.
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks, marking another milestone in the CRD’s mission to build stronger police-community relationships and promote a safer, more unified society.
Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration,’Ravindradat Budhram (centre) flanked by Scout Leaders and Regional Community Officers at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe
GPHC hosts orthopaedic training to enhance surgical skills and patient care
THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) continues to strengthen medical education and surgical expertise, as its Orthopaedic Department successfully hosted a refresher training programme for orthopedic technicians across the country on Saturday, February 8th.
The nationwide training saw the participation of approximately 60 orthopaedic technicians from Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Seven and 10. Designed to enhance knowledge and practical skills, the programme combined informative lectures and hands-on sessions aimed at refining techniques in orthopaedic care.
The training was accredited with four Continuing Medical Educa -
A section of the gathering at the refresher training programme for orthopaedic technicians across the country
tion (CME) credits, underscoring its importance in professional development within the allied health sector.
The programme was co-ordinated by Dr. Collins and Matthew Doris, Senior Technician at
GPHC, and featured a distinguished panel of presenters, including: Dr. Fawcett Jeffrey, Dr. Kaaleshwar Ramcharran, Dr. Kurtley Hestick, Dr. David Murillo, Dr. Rajendra Singh, Dr. Randolph Tulsi, Dr. Dominic Park,
Ms. Petal Surujpaul (Radiology), and Ms. Christina Charles (Senior Technician).
Participants gained critical insights on doctor-technician communication, conflict resolution, systematic X-ray
evaluation, supracondylar fractures, and frequently missed orthopaedic injuries. A practical X-ray reading session further strengthened diagnostic skills.
At the programme’s conclusion, participants
were presented with certificates of participation, recognizing their dedication to continuous learning and excellence in orthopaedic practice.
GPHC’s Orthopaedic Department remains Guyana’s leading surgical unit, having managed 12,664 patients in 2024 and 13,307 in 2023, with 2,415 elective and emergency surgeries conducted last year alone.
This initiative reflects GPHC’s ongoing mission to enhance medical training, foster collaboration, and improve orthopedic care across Guyana.
The hospital’s Orthopaedic Department remains at the forefront of innovation and best practices, ensuring high-quality patient outcomes and professional growth for healthcare providers.
At AI Summit, diplomats and Pharrell mull destiny of tech revolution
AI is already transforming our world but its power rests “in the hands of a few”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Tuesday in Paris, in an appeal for countries to use the revolutionary technology together, “to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries – not widen it”.
Addressing the AI Action Summit against the glittering backdrop of the Grand Palais museum in the French capital, the UN chief warned that the growing concentration of AI capabilities risked deepening geopolitical divides. ‘Global guardrails’ must be agreed and deployed urgently and best practices shared, Mr. Guterres insisted, in the interests of solidarity, equitable policies and fair business.
With national leaders, tech CEOs and even Pharrell Williams looking on, the UN chief also called for clean energy solutions, as AI data centres already place “an unsustainable strain” on our planet.
“It is crucial to design AI algorithms and infrastructures that consume less energy and integrate AI into smart grids to optimize power use,” he insisted. “From data centres to training models, AI must run on sustainable energy so that it fuels a more sustainable future.”
The rapidly developing field of AI should help to accelerate universally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and not “entrench inequalities,” Mr. Guterres continued.
UNFOUNDED FEARS
Also, at the summit to discuss AI’s possibilities and perils, singer-superstar Mr. Williams rejected concerns that it might make humans redundant or take people’s jobs.
“There’s just too much fear around it,” he said.
“We wouldn’t use AI to help us write a song,” he added, insisting that the tech “wouldn’t replace creativity…You know, there was a whole thing around the year 2000 as well, but we’re fine, we survived that.”
Representing US interests, Vice-President JD Vance said that $450 billion of investment in the sector was planned. He cautioned against overly stringent controls.
“Excessive regulation of the AI sector could kill a transformative industry as it’s taking off,” he added.
COMMERCIAL EDGE
Offering insight into how AI is evolving, ChoiSoo-yeon, head of South Korean AI giant Naver, explained that what people
want today is “not websites, but information” that is more relevant to their needs.
“By understanding users underlying intent and context, AI will recommend products their users really want,” she said.
“This is expected to create a commerce platform where various tastes to end personalities coexist and are actively connected.”
THE UN’S ROLE IN AI
Highlighting the UN’s mission to ensure that no one is left behind by this new technology, Mr. Guterres pointed to the Global Digital Compact on AI governance which Member States agreed to in September last year.
The Compact “brings the world together around a shared vision: one where technology serves humanity, not the other way around,” the Secretary-General said, as he urged all countries to support the creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI.
Equally important is the establishment of a Global Dialogue on AI Governance featuring all UN Member States, “to align [AI] governance efforts around the world and reinforce their interoperability, uphold human rights in AI applications and prevent misuse…We
must prevent a world of AI ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots,’” the UN chief insisted.
ENERGY ANGLE
Addressing the need to square the circle of energy-hungry AI data centres, Fatih Birol, Executive director of the intergovernmental International Energy Agency (IEA) confirmed that electricity demand trends have already been impacted by data centres and other key AI infrastructure requirements.
“There is no AI without energy,” he said, noting that “thousands” of data centres are going to be built. “This is the challenge for governments to find electricity in a clean way, in a sustainable way and in an affordable way.” (UN)
UN Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the AI Action Summit in Paris, France (Photo: United Nations/Marie Etchegoyen)
PAHO warns of increased risk of dengue outbreaks due to circulation of DENV-3 in the Americas
THE Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological alert regarding the increased risk of dengue outbreaks in the Americas, attributed to the growing circulation of the DENV-3 serotype in several countries in the region. PAHO urges countries to strengthen their surveillance, early diagnosis, and clinical management to address potential increases in dengue cases.
can increase the risk of severe forms of the disease.
Dengue, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, has four serotypes: DENV1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Immunity against one serotype provides lifelong protection only against that specific serotype, meaning that subsequent infections with other serotypes
The appearance or rise of a serotype that was not previously predominant in a region can lead to a surge in cases due to greater population susceptibility.
THE SITUATION OF DENY-3 IN THE REGION
The DENV-3 serotype
has been identified in several countries across the Americas, including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru.
In 2024, Argentina reported its circulation, marking the introduction of this serotype into the country.
In the same year, Brazil and Colombia reported an increase in cases associated
with DENV-3, particularly among children, and it has also been detected in other countries in Central America and the Caribbean. This serotype has been linked to severe forms of the disease, even in primary infections, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.
The re-emergence of DENV-3, after a prolonged absence in certain areas of the region, increases the vulnerability of populations that have not been previously exposed to this serotype.
CURRENT SITUATION AND RECOMMENDED MEASURES
In 2024, the Americas region reported over 13 million cases of dengue, of which 22,684 were classified as severe (0.17 per cent of the total) and 8,186 resulted in deaths (case fatality rate of 0.063 per cent).
In the early weeks of 2025, 23 countries and territories in the region reported a total of 238,659 cases, with the majority concentrated in Brazil (87 per cent), followed by Colombia (5.6 per cent), Nicaragua (2.5 per cent), Peru (2.5 per cent), and Mexico (2.5 per cent).
Of these cases, 263 were severe, and 23 people died as a result of the disease.
PAHO recommends that countries strengthen
vector-control measures, enhance diagnostic capacity within healthcare systems, and ensure early and adequate treatment for patients to prevent severe complications. Public education campaigns to reduce exposure to mosquito vectors and eliminate breeding grounds are also essential.
THE ROLE OF VACCINATION AND MONITORING
Regarding vaccination, according to the evidence generated by the manufacturer and published in the main phase 3 study, the TAK-003 dengue vaccine, used in some countries in the region, has shown lower protection against DENV-3, especially in children without a history of infection. This highlights the need to ensure safe vaccination and maintain continuous monitoring of adverse events potentially attributable to the vaccination.
PAHO is closely monitoring the evolution of DENV-3 circulation along with the other serotypes and will continue supporting countries in implementing effective control and response measures to potential outbreaks. It is critical that healthcare systems are prepared to manage the expected increase in cases and mitigate the risk of severe complications associated with this disease. (PAHO)
Teacher remanded for allegedly raping student, 12
A 25-year-old teacher of Three Miles Potaro Road, Bartica has been remanded to prison for the rape of an underage female student.
Dahlerus Courtman was hauled before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for engaging in sexual activity with a child by abusing a position of trust. He was not required to plead to the charge and was remanded to prison until March 7.
Courtman
Courtman was arrested by police on February 5, after the matter was reported. The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that the victim is 12 years old.
Dahlerus
From mystery novels to forensic science: The inspiring journey of Charis Griffith
–– advancing International Day of Women and Girls in Science
FOR Charis Griffith, the path to forensic science was paved with curiosity, determination, and an unwavering passion for solving mysteries.
Today, she serves as the Deputy Director of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory, but her journey began with the pages of crime-solving tales and the captivating world of detective fiction.
Growing up in Hadfield
but persevered, earning her Master of Science in Forensic Science with distinction.
“I had many doubts,” she admits. “I wondered if I was smart enough, strong enough. But I realized that growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones.”
Returning to Guyana, Charis began her career at the Forensic Science Laboratory as a Science Officer and Head of the Chemistry Department. Her relentless
its efficiency and precision, strengthening the justice system in Guyana.
However, her contributions extend far beyond the lab. Charis has a deep-rooted passion for service. She has led as a past president of the Rotaract Club of the University of Guyana, a mentor for the President’s Youth Award—Republic of Guyana (PYARG), and continues to volunteer with the Guyana Red Cross So-
Street, Lodge, Charis was fascinated by the thrilling narratives of James Patterson, the Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew. TV series like NCIS and Murder
She Wrote only deepened her love for crime-solving, igniting endless questions: “How? When? Why? Where? Who?” However, pursuing a career in forensic science in Guyana felt like stepping into the unknown.
“I didn’t even know if my dreams were a possibility,” she recalls. Yet, that uncertainty did not deter her. Fueled by ambition and curiosity, she set out to make the impossible a reality.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Guyana, Charis took a bold leap—moving to the United Kingdom alone to pursue her dream. Enrolling at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, she faced self-doubt and culture shock
pursuit of excellence saw her rise to Senior Science Officer and now Deputy Director. In a developing country where forensic science is still evolving, she faced significant challenges. Yet, she saw them as opportunities to innovate, improve forensic methodologies, and ensure justice through science.
“I believe in the power of science to bring clarity in moments of uncertainty,” Charis shares. “Every case is a puzzle, and the answer lies in the details. That’s what drives me every day—to find those answers and make a real difference.”
Beyond administrative duties, Charis is deeply involved in refining analytical techniques, developing policies, mentoring staff, and fostering collaborations with regional and international forensic institutions. Under her leadership, the laboratory has enhanced
Charis Griffith, a forensic chemist at heart, currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory
become reality. Through her groundbreaking work in forensic science and her unwaver-
ing commitment to community service, Charis is not just shaping the present—she is inspiring the
future of young women in STEM, proving that the pursuit of knowledge and service go hand in hand.
ciety and the Civil Defence Commission. Whether leading community initiatives or aiding in disaster relief efforts, Charis believes in using her skills to uplift others. “Giving back is just as important as pursuing your own goals,” she says. “Service is an essential part of being a leader. Whether mentoring young people or helping during a crisis, it’s about making a positive impact wherever you can.”
As the world marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS), Charis Griffith stands as a beacon of inspiration. Her story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the boundless possibilities that come with perseverance. To young women dreaming of careers in science, she is a living example that with curiosity, dedication, and a heart for service, the impossible can
Charis Griffith
China-LAC trade booms with greater prospects
IN recent years, Chinese President Xi Jinping has charted a new blueprint for building a China-Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) community with a shared future, ushering the China-LAC relationship into a new era defined by equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness, and people-centred benefits.
Guided by head-ofstate diplomacy, China-LAC trade and economic co-operation has navigated numerous challenges, achieving remarkable results. China is now the region's second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade maintaining rapid growth for seven consecutive years. Meanwhile, China's "circle of friends" in LAC continues to expand.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first free trade agreement signed between China and LAC countries. In the past 20 years, the progress made in free trade agreements between the two sides has expanded the scope, enhanced the quality, and increased the efficiency of China's network of high-standard free trade areas.
Since 2005, China has successively signed and brought into force five free trade agreements in LAC with Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. Among these, the free trade agreements with Ecuador and Nicaragua were concluded during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025). China is expediting free trade agreement negotiations
with Honduras, and the two have reached an early harvest arrangement. Negotiations with Salvador are gathering pace, and active efforts are being made to negotiate and conclude free trade agreements with more LAC countries.
The free trade agreements between China and LAC countries reflect the standards required of high-level free trade agreements. The free trade agreements signed with Chile and Peru have both been upgraded in recent years. The China-Nicaragua free trade agreement, signed in August 2023, marks China's first instance of opening up cross-border trade in services and investment through a negative list approach.
In 2024, as the rotating chair of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), China worked alongside other RCEP members to facilitate the procedures for new members joining the agreement. During the same year, Chile officially submitted its application to join the RCEP, promising a bright future for higher-level China-LAC free trade co-operation on broader platforms.
In the past 20 years, the free trade agreements between China and LAC countries have generated fruitful outcomes, boosting growth in trade and benefiting enterprises and people in China and the LAC.
Since the China-Chile free trade agreement came into force in 2006, bilateral trade has experienced
rapid growth, reaching US$61.66 billion in 2024, 8.6 times that of 2006. This growth significantly outpaced the 3.2-fold increase in China's foreign trade during the same period. In the decade following the agreement's implementation, China progressively eliminated tariffs on Chilean wine, leading to a 13-fold increase
crease in China's overall foreign trade during the same period. Peruvian products such as blueberries, grapes, avocados, and squid have successfully entered the Chinese market. Meanwhile, Chinese-made smartphones, toys, and passenger vehicles have gained widespread recognition and popularity in Peru.
in wine imports from Chile. This not only met the diverse demands of Chinese consumers but also opened up numerous opportunities for Chilean enterprises.
Additionally, Chilean cherries have benefitted greatly from the tailwind of free trade, becoming a popular fruit among Chinese consumers.
The China-Peru free trade agreement, which came into force in 2010, has both promoted and witnessed the rapid growth in bilateral trade. In 2024, trade between China and Peru reached US$43.36 billion, seven times the amount recorded in 2010, significantly outpacing the 1.7-fold in-
ragua free trade agreement came into force on Jan 1, 2024. In 2024, bilateral trade grew by 46.8 per cent year on year. Specifically, China's exports to Nicaragua rose by 40.8 per cent year on year, and its imports from Nicaragua surged by 218.3 per cent. Nicaraguan products such as sugar, frozen lobster, white shrimp, and cotton yarn have seen rapid growth in exports to China, starting from a zero base. Meanwhile, Chinese-made passenger vehicles, motorcycles, phones, knitwear, and rubber products have entered the Nicaraguan market at more competitive prices, greatly improving local communities' livelihoods.
in Ecuador, bringing greater convenience to local people.
Less than half a year since the implementation of the early harvest arrangement of the China-Honduras free trade agreement, Honduran white shrimp has successfully entered the Chinese market. At the same time, people in Honduras can enjoy tilapia from China at more affordable prices, directly benefitting from the bilateral free trade co-operation.
The China-Costa Rica free trade agreement took effect in 2011. In 2024, trade between the two countries increased to US$7.76 billion. marking a 36.1 per cent increase year on year. During this period, China's imports from Costa Rica grew by 50.1 per cent, while exports to Costa Rica increased by 21.4 per cent. These growth rates outpaced China's overall foreign trade growth, underlining the promising prospects for enhanced trade and economic co-operation between the two countries.
The three agreements that came into force in 2024 have also yield remarkable results. The China-Nica-
The China-Ecuador free trade agreement came into force on May 1, 2024. In the first month of its implementation, China's imports from Ecuador saw both year-over-year and month-over-month growth. From May to December 2024, China's cumulative imports from Ecuador reached US$5.78 billion, representing a 10.1 percent increase compared with the same period in 2023. Ecuador's signature export products such as frozen squid, frozen lobster, frozen fish, coffee, cocoa beans, pitaya (dragon fruit), and fishmeal all witnessed substantial growth in exports to China.
Chinese-made smartphones, motorcycles, refrigerators, generators, and other cost-effective products have found their way into numerous households
Bound by a shared future, we need to work in unison on the path forward. The resolution adopted at the third plenum of the Communist Party of China 20th Central Committee in July 2024, stated that opening-up is a defining feature of Chinese modernisation, and we must remain committed to the basic state policy of opening to the outside world and continue to promote reform through opening-up.
China's increasingly open market is bound to present more opportunities to LAC countries. Standing at a new historical starting point, China and LAC countries should fully exploit their respective strengths and continuously strengthen free trade co-operation to ensure that free trade agreements can deliver more benefits to the people. The two sides should strive for solid progress in building a China-LAC community with a shared future, and steer the ship of China-LAC friendship toward an even brighter future.
GECOM seeking polling day staff
- as preparations ramp up for elections
THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is continuing its preparations for this year’s General and Regional Elections and has advertised for polling day staff as part of this process.
According to information from the GECOM advertisement, the commission is accepting applications for presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, poll clerks, ballot clerks / counting clerks and information clerks.
Applications are to be submitted by March 30.
The post read: “Apply online at https:// gecom.org.gy/public/ home/apply or down -
load the application form at https://gecom. org.gy/public/home/ post/120 and drop in the boxes provided for this purpose at GECOM's Head Office or at all GECOM Registration Offices.
"Scanned completed application forms can also be submitted via email to applications@ gecom.org.gy.”
Notably, some $7.3 billion in funding for the GECOM was approved by the National Assembly, as the elections body prepares for the upcoming general and regional elections.
During day two of the consideration of estimates and expenditure of 2025 national budget, Minister of Par-
liamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira provided a breakdown of the allocation.
She noted that some 19,000 persons will be trained with the provision of $193 million for education and training.
“This is going to cover the training programmes and the selection, and, you know, identification, and all the Election Day staff,” she clarified while responding to several questions from the parliamentary opposition.
Further, $122 million was also approved for the costs for renting private buildings to serve as polling stations. While some polling stations will be held in public buildings at
no cost, others will incur rental fees.
Minister Teixeira said: “We have to have polling stations. Some may be free public buildings. Others may have to be rented.”
In addition, a separate allocation of $427 million has been designated for civic education and public awareness campaigns to en-
sure voters are fully informed in the lead-up to the elections.
Only recently, the electoral body reiterated its commitment to ensuring the election process is safeguarded and its integrity upheld, with a focus on maintaining a free, fair, transparent, and credible system that earns the confidence of the public.
“GECOM takes this opportunity to categorically state that it will ensure the safeguards and integrity of its processes in the conduct of elections that will guarantee public confidence in a system that is free, fair, transparent and credible,” the commission said.
GDF hosts French delegation for military exchange
THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is currently hosting a distinguished delegation from the French Armed Forces, French Guiana contingent, for the 3rd Regional Military Exchange Meeting, taking place at the Officers’ Mess, Base Camp Ayanganna.
The meeting focuses on strengthening military co-operation and exploring new areas of partnership between Guyana and France.
At the formal opening ceremony this morning, Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, welcomed the French delegation, led by Superior Commander of the Armed Forces in French Guiana, Major General Marc Le Bouil and expressed his gratitude for their visit. He acknowledged the strong, enduring relationship between the two nations, built on both military and civil partnerships. Brigadier Khan emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, particularly as France prepares to establish
its first embassy in Guyana. “Our partnership extends beyond the military domain and includes econom-
ic, trade, and diplomatic relations,” Brigadier Khan noted. “We look forward to deepening our relationship
and reinforcing our shared commitment to regional security and stability.”
Brigadier Khan also ex-
pressed appreciation for France’s continued support to Guyana, and noted that this support has been
instrumental in fortifying Guyana’s security posture, fostering mutual trust, and enhancing bilateral ties.
In his brief remarks, Major General Le Bouil echoed Brigadier Khan’s sentiments, highlighting the shared commitment to building capacity and trust between the two nations. He noted that Guyana and France have stood side by side, tackling common challenges, adding that this collaboration is crucial as the two nations strive for continued stability, peace, and the ability to work together in sharing information and resources. “It is vital for both countries to maintain a strong relationship, for it is important to have a strong neighbour,” he noted.
The 3rd Regional Military Exchange Meeting continues to provide an important platform for dialogue, partnership, and co-operation, with both countries committed to furthering their military, security, and diplomatic objectives.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan (front third from left) next to Superior Commander of the Armed Forces in French Guiana, Major General Marc Le Bouil with other soldiers for the 3rd Regional Military Exchange Meeting, taking place at the Officers’ Mess, Base Camp Ayanganna
159 Kamwatta residents benefit from gov’t spectacles programme
THE Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Health, has once again extended its support to the residents of Kamwatta, providing essential eye care services to the community.
A total of 159 elderly individuals and children have benefitted from the initiative, receiving spectacles as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare access in remote areas.
Leading the distribution exercise, Parliamentary Representative for Region One, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, visited the village in the Moruca Sub-region on Tuesday. Minister Croal highlighted that the Ministry of Health has been distributing spectacle vouchers to individuals aged 65 and older, as well as to children under 18, with the programme in Kamwatta alone amounting to a $2.4 million investment. This initiative was made possible through a partnership with Optique Vision Care.
During his remarks, Minister Croal underscored the significance of healthcare and education in fostering a well-developed nation. He emphasized that the initiative is an investment in both those who have contributed to the country’s growth and the next generation.
Further strengthening the community’s healthcare system, Minister Croal noted the ongoing upgrades to the Kumaka District Hospital, along with other targeted initiatives to support vulnerable populations. Additionally, the government has outlined future plans for infrastructural improvements in Kamwatta, including enhancements to the nursery school and upgrades to the health hut.
The Minister also provided updates on national development initiatives, particularly those under the 2025 budget.
Residents had the opportunity to raise concerns and propose solutions for issues affecting their community.
As part of his visit, Minister Croal, accompanied by Vice Chair Ms. Anansha Peters, District Education Officer Mr. Orlando Domingo, and other regional officials, donated footballs to the village, promoting youth engagement in sports.
Focusing on broader developments in the Moruca Sub-region, Minister Croal highlighted extensive investments in education, including the construction of new schools and the rehabilitation of existing ones. Additionally, significant investments were made in healthcare services aimed to ensure that residents can access essential medical care without having to leave their villages. He also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to training medical personnel within the community.
Water accessibility was another critical area addressed. Minister Croal noted that since 2020, the government has drilled 18 wells to enhance potable water coverage, increasing accessibility from 40 per cent to 80 per cent. However, recognizing the need for further improvements, the government plans to drill an additional 16 wells this year to achieve 100 per cent coverage.
The government remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Guyanese, ensuring that essential services in healthcare, education, and water access continue to be
expanded and enhanced for the benefit of communities like Kamwatta.
Parliamentary Representative for Region One, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal places a new pair of spectacles on a student as part of government’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare access in remote areas
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2025 ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE
(2)
(1)
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TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) Who are the
Shallow ‘considering’ re-election as CWI Boss
INCUMBENT President of Cricket West Indies Dr
Kishore Shallow is still unsure about seeking re-election at the upcoming election in March.
This comes as regional cricket boards prepare to elect a head of the CWI board in March of this year at their annual general meeting
According to Shallow, “When the time is right, I will make that decision. I’m considering it, I’m open to going on for another term, it is something I will obviously decide when I have
finished my consultation with the other directors and if the support is there and the desire is there for me to continue, then I’m committed.’
Shallow, who is an active politician in his native St Vincent, says he counts as a success, being able to realise long overdue reforms to the governance of the game regionally.
‘It’s a great accomplishment, I’m sure it will inspire confidence the stakeholders have in Cricket West Indies. As an organisation, we have to remain committed to evolving in every aspect,
governance reform is only one but this [is] certainly promising and great progress.”
The CWI boss poured cold water on the division within the board and says they will work together, speaking specifically to the Guyana Cricket Board and Barbados Cricket Board’s recent issues.
“I’m happy that both BCA and GCB reps were present and they participated in the exercise. We had great conversation and discussion around governance and other cricket-related matters and
be able to ventilate matters as a board, as shareholders that is really great, we are quite pleased as an entire board, quite pleased with this development.”
The special meeting saw a number of reforms tabled and approved, including introduction of a term limit of a maximum of three terms of three years each for the positions of President and Vice-President.
The meeting also saw the increase of the term of the President and Vice President from two years to three years.
Guyanese boxers shine in IBA World Rankings ahead of Caribbean Championships
SOME of Guyana’s top boxers are heading into the Caribbean Championships ranked among the best in the world, following the latest update from the International Boxing Association ( IBA).
The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is currently preparing its elite fighters for the Caribbean Championships, scheduled for February 27 - March 3 in St. Lucia, marking the long-awaited return of the region’s premier boxing event, which was last held in 2019.
Leading the charge for Guyana are Desmond Amsterdam and Abiola Jackman, both ranked 29th in their respective divisions. Amsterdam, competing in the Light Heavyweight division, is the highest-ranked Caribbean boxer in his category. Known for his pow -
erful punches and quick footwork, he has cemented himself as a dominant force in regional and international competitions. His remarkable performances have made him one of Guyana’s top amateur boxing prospects. Similarly, Jackman continues to excel in the Women’ s Heavyweight division, maintaining her 29th-place ranking. She is known for her aggressive, yet disciplined boxing style, using her reach and strength to control fights. Her success on the regional stage has solidified her status as a standout puncher in Caribbean boxing.
Beyond Amsterdam and Jackman, Guyana boasts several other boxers making strides in the IBA world rankings.
Alesha Jackman, the younger sister of Abiola, is ranked 62nd in the Light
Welterweight division.
Olympian Keevin Allicock holds the 36th spot in the Featherweight division, just behind Trinidad and Tobago’ s Anthony Joseph (ranked 35th).
Jamal Eastman sits at 50th in the Lightweight division, proving his ability to compete among the world’s best.
Colin Lewis, another light welterweight contender, is ranked 83rd, rounding out Guyana’s representation on the IBA spectrum.
The IBA world rankings serve as a benchmark for amateur boxing excellence. Being ranked among the top boxers globally opens doors for international competitions, funding opportunities, and potential professional careers.
It also enhances Guyana’s credibility as a boxing powerhouse in
the Caribbean, attracting more international partnerships and development programmes.
President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle expressed pride in the country’s increasing presence in the IBA world rankings. He reaffirmed the association’s dedication to supporting local boxers and helping them improve their global standings.
“We are proud of what our boxers have achieved so far. This is just the beginning. The GBA will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that more Guyanese fighters break into the world rankings and climb even higher,” Ninvalle stated.
He also highlight the importance of developing young talent, ensuring that Guyana remains a competitive force in international boxing for years to come.
CWI President Kishore Shallow
GFF provides continued support to C Licence coaches
THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) C Licence coaches have received additional technical support during their ongoing training programme.
A recent session, facilitated by the Coach Education Department under the leadership of Technical Director Bryan Joseph, aimed to reinforce key learning points and ensure continuous professional development.
The C Licence programme, designed for coaches involved with Guyana’s Elite League and Youth National Teams, covers a range of topics, including leadership, team functions, tactical principles, and session planning.
Led by Joseph and Coach Development Officer Lyndon France, the programme is delivered in three blocks, combining theoretical and practical components.
A total of 27 coaches from Elite League clubs across Guyana are participating in the programme, which aims to meet CONCACAF’s minimum coaching standards and fulfil club-licensing requirements.
Through these ongoing support initiatives, the GFF remains committed to strengthening coach education and improving the overall quality of football development within the country.
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport endorses Mashramani Street Football Championships
- Enet on board
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S) will substan-tially support the Mashramani Street Football Championships ahead of its Semi-Final and Final set for this Saturday night at the National Park from 7pm.
In a press release yesterday, Sports Management Inc. (SMI), the organisation hosting the Mashramani Street Football Champion-ships, expressed gratitude to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson for supporting the event in a substantial way.
"We are grateful to Minister Ramson, and want to go on record to thank him and by extension the Government of Guyana for sup-porting this event and the communities that participate at this level of sport. Really this is the leadership that's necessary to develop sport holistically," the release observed.
"The Government and the Ministry has been very active
in the development of sport at every level. We believe that Minister Ramson has been very active and vibrant in pushing for the ad-vancement of sport in Guyana and his support at the grassroots level will significantly impact the participants," the release contin-ued.
According to the document, principal of SMI, Edison Jefford con-tacted the Minister to formally request his support for the event, and the Minister did not hesitate to disclose MCY&S backing of the activity. "In fact, the Minister indicated that he will be attend-ing the event Saturday night," the release informed.
The MCY&S is the Ministry responsible for Mashramani activies, and as such, the organising body believe it is a "big deal" to have the official “endorsement" of the only sport activity on the Mashramani calendar. "We are elated and believe we are head-ing in the right direction to have such a major endorsement,"
the release said.
Meanwhile ENet has reaffirmed its support the event as it enters its semi-final and final stages.
The tournament, which has showcased two weeks of exciting street football, has drawn 32 teams from communities across the country.
Sports Management Inc. (SMI), the organisers, expressed their gratitude for
2024
National Indoor Youth Open…
Gani and Cummings take gold medals
BRANDON Cummings and Fatima Gani were the top winners over the weekend when Archery Guyana hosted their 2024 National Indoor Youth Open at the National Gymnasium.
The competition designed to showcase the next generation of archery talent saw Brandon Cummings and Fatima Gani beating off other competitors to take the top spots.
In the Barebow Under-15 Men’s category Cummings won gold ahead of Daniel Cox and Christopher Cooblall who took silver and bronze respectively.
While Gani claimed gold in the Barebow Under-15 Women with Samiyyah La Cruez taking second and Summayyah Karim third.
The Barebow Under-18 Men was won by Saifullah Gani who had to see off a stiff challenge from Samuel George.
E-Net's continued backing, recognising the compa-ny's commitment to grassroots sports. In a press release, SMI emphasised the importance of grassroots sports for talent identi-fication and development.
"We applaud ENet for getting involved at this level," the release stated, adding, "It shows that the company is committed to the development
of sports at all levels."
SMI described the championships as "spectacular," highlighting the impressive skills and talent on display.
The tournament will culminate with a grand final four and final this weekend.
The Mashramani Street Football Championships will culminate with a grand Final Four and Final Saturday night. The winner will pocket 500,000, second place 300,000, third place $200,000 and fourth place $100,000.
She added that “The competition was streamed live, allowing fans, coaches, and supporters to follow the action in real time. Archery Guyana also employed IANSEO, the globally recognised scoring software, ensuring accurate and instant updates that heightened the excitement for athletes and spectators alike.”
The competition featured intense matchups across various categories, with young athletes displaying exceptional talent and resilience.
Archery Guyana said Director of Shooting, Ryan McKinnon, and the Results Management Team, led by Results Manager, Saeed Karim, ensured seamless operations throughout the tournament.
The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, National Sports Commission, Guyana Olympic Association and Guyana Beverages Inc.
President for Archery Guyana Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, says “The event was a resounding success, with youth archers demonstrating remarkable skill and sportsmanship in a high-energy atmosphere.”
Trophies will be given to teams placing first to third while the Most Valubale Player (MVP) of the tournament gets $50,000 and trophy.
There will also be a Plate Playoffs featuring the four losing quar-terfianlists and the top two teams from the Super-16 round for a total purse of $100,000 while each of the top three teams in this competition will be rewarded with one case of Magnum Tonic Wine.
Technical Director Bryan Joseph leads one of the sessions
Brandon Cummings taking aim
Customer Representative at E-Net, Tiffany Ramdyhan (left) makes the presentation to SMI Principal, Edison Jefford
Pitamber, Joshi win categories at GCF U-16 competition
CANDIDATE Master
Sachin Pitamber and Woman Candidate Master Aditi Joshi delivered outstanding performances last Saturday , rising as the top players in their respective categories of the highly competitive Kitty Square Mall - sponsored National Under - 16 Chess Tournament held at the School of the Nations . The tournament, hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation ( GCF ), saw 58 talented junior players, 36 boys, and 22 girls, battle through seven rounds of rapid chess. Each player had 20 minutes per game, with a five - second incre -
ment per move.
Pitamber showcased his exceptional skill in the Open division, accumulating an impressive 6.5 points to clinch the championship title once again
The young CM, who gained his chess title last year at the previous Chess Olympiad in Hungary , was the 2024 Under 16 Champion When asked about his performance, Pitamber said, “I was ecstatic, having won the U16 championships for two years, and I had high hopes, aspirations , and determination to win I have improved my performance from last year, which I’m glad about, and I look forward to retaining my
title next year.”
The stronger players competing this year, he believed, made the tournament more thrilling than last year, highlighting the competitive nature of chess
It was a close call for Pitamber as Kyle Couchman was close on his heels, also with 6.5 points, but due to the tie-break system, he emerged as the winner Pitamber ’ s half - point came from the draw with Couchman Couchman finished an outstanding second with his draw against the tournament champion Newcomer to the national competition scene, Jaden Todd displayed re -
One Guyana Basketball Premier League…
markable resilience, securing third place with 5.5 points
In the Girls ’ division , WCM Joshi showcased her tactical prowess, securing 6.5 points to claim the championship title after holding the crown for the National Under 14 title last year She stated that she was confident in her potential but was nervous because of the competition from Ciel Clement and Kataleya Sam The young WCM said the competition was very high compared to the previous two years Joshi’s draw came from the match with Ciel Clement
Recently crowned Under 12 Girls Champion, Kataleya
Sam followed closely behind in second place with 6 points
Sam ’ s loss came from her match with Joshi Clement rounded off the top three with 5.5 points , reinforcing the fierce competitive spirit on display among the girls
In the Open Division , notable performances came from National Under 12 Champion, Abel Fernandez, who placed fourth with 5.5 points Alexander Zhang , Mahir Rajkumar, Omar Shariff, Arysh Raghunauth, and Aiden Tinnie all finished with 5 points each Parnita Kishun finished fourth with 5 points, while Kaija Clement , Tharisha
Montes De Oca , Angelina Yhap, Divya Persaud, Amaya Sharma, and Lusianna Farlot all ended with 4 points
The National Junior Chess Championship Qualifiers , an Under - 20 event scheduled for July 2025, will be the next national youth competition and typically draws the largest number of participants.
The Guyana Chess Federation extends heartfelt gratitude to Kitty Square Mall for its generous sponsorship and to the School of the Nations for providing a venue for the competition, ensuring a successful and memorable tournament.
Block 22 Flames scorch East Coast All Stars
LINDEN’S Block 22 Flames put on a show to tame East Coast All Stars when action in the One Guyana Premier Basketball League on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall kicked off. East Coast skipper Sheldon Legall had a game high 21 points in a losing cause as an all-round performance from Flames saw them earning a 28 points victory 78-40
Leon Joseph led Flames offensively with 17 points with 13 points from Jadon Reynolds and 18 from Shemar Savory to guide them to the impressive win Flames led from start to finish after the tip off, taking the lead 23-8 after the first period before building a 4223 lead at the break
They would lead 59-27 in the third period before clinch-
ing the win comfortably
Meanwhile, Amelia Ward Jets then won a nail biter against University of Guyana Trojans 66-65 after a see-saw
tussle
UG got the jump after the opening whistle 17-7 and maintained their advantage at the break 29-21
They would make it 4743 but a stellar showing in the final quarter flipped the contest in favour of the Linden side
Akinni Wilson was Jets best scorer with 24 points in the win Nets emerged winners when they battled Panthers
69-36 in their encounter
Travis Steward led the charge with 21 points , Jamaal Mercier chipped in with 10 points and Chris Perez had 9 points
Retrieve Raiders edged Kobras 62-59 in another thriller
It was dead even after the first quarter 17-17 but Kobras started to edge away going into the break , up 35-31
Raiders captain , Neil Marks , who hit 22 points , led the way with 17 from Kareem Roberts and 14 from Leandre McCoy who started to assert themselves in the third period.
Akil Hughes led Kobras with 14 points but Raiders put in a stronger effort in the fourth quarter to take the victory 62-59.
Raiders taking on the Kobras in the latest round of the One Guyana Basketball Premier League
Aditi joshi left and Sachin Pitamber
Motie returns for Harpy Eagles
Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport endorses
Street Football Championships
WEST Indies left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie returns to the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for the third round of the 2025 West Indies four-day championship.
The Harpy Eagles will host the West Indies Academy in a day/night match at the National Stadium, Providence, starting Wednesday, February 12, at 13:00hrs.
Motie returns after completing Test duties in Pakistan to bolster the Eagles’ bowling attack.
However, the Harpy Eagles will be without Shamar Joseph, who continues his full recovery from a shin splint injury and is absent on a precautionary basis for this round.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul is also unavailable due to a split webbing on his hand.
All-rounder Junior Sinclair has been recalled to the squad for the pink-ball match.
Harpy Eagles, unbeaten in their first two matches, are currently second in the standings, just 0.2 points behind the Leeward Islands Hurricanes.
Guyana Harpy Eagles Squad: Matthew Nandu, Raymond Perez, Tevin Imlach (captain & wicketkeeper), Kevlon Anderson, Kemol Savory (vice-captain), Ronaldo Alimohamed, Kevin Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Thaddeus Lovell, Nial Smith, Richie Looknauth, Junior Sinclair
Coach: Ryan Hercules
Manager: Albert Clements
Assistant Coach: Garvin Nedd
Physiotherapist: Angelica Holder
Analyst: Ryerson Bhagoo
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Jaryl Moore
West Indies Academy Squad: Teddy Bishop (captain), Mavendra Dindyal, Ackeem Auguste, Justin Jagessar, Rivaldo Clarke, Carlton Bowen-Tuckett (wicketkeeper), Joshua Bishop, Johann Layne, McKenny Clarke, Jediah Blades, Zishan Motara, Michael Palmer, Nathan Edward
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson (second, right) along with Director of Sport,
Steve Nin-valle (right) and Assistant Director of Sport, Franklin Wilson (left) with Edison Jefford yesterday took a photo opportunity at the Ministry after disclosing their support of the Mashramani Street Football Championships this Saturday night at the National Park.