- President Ali says newly commissioned Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc an asset to create logistics, transport hub
Irresponsible opposition proposals would take Guyana back to ‘deadly’ period of 70s/80s - pace of global development requires strategic, value-based leadership, Dr Ali says Guyana launches $520M food-safety lab to drive agricultural transformation Public, private healthcare systems being
President, Dr Irfaan Ali and others cut the ribbon to the US$260 Million shorebase facility at Plantation Best, West Coast Demerara on Saturday (Office of the President photos)
Guyana continues to build world-class marine industry
- President Ali says newly commissioned Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc an asset to create logistics, transport hub
By Trina Williams
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has affirmed that Guyana's standing as a leader in the region's marine industry and sector is being further strengthened by the US$260 million Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc. (VEHSI). Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of VEHSI on Saturday, the President highlighted the significant transformation of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and shared his vision for the promising future of Guyana. In his remarks, he emphasised that development must keep pace with the world’s rapid evolution and should not be delayed.
In that regard, he said VESHI is “one additional asset that allows us to build one of the best marine industries and marine sector in the region. This is that one additional asset that positions us to build a transport, logistics hub and a link that is key and critical and brings new opportunity with it.”
Dr Ali also stated that Guyana’s transformation is not solely about oil and gas, but it is about leveraging the revenue from that sector to build a “world-class, diversified and sustainable” economy.
With development being
der the Ali-led administration, those investments were unlocked.
On the Demerara River alone, in the last four years, it has seen investments of more than USD $700 million, he said. Adding to this, the President spoke on why it is important to not lag when it comes to advancing development.
“There is a concept in business called early movers, and you have the early-movers advantage. If we remain static in our development and the way in which we structure our development, we will be late movers, and we'll pay the price,” the Head of State said. He called for the focus to be on creating economic sustain-
site during construction. We're celebrating the more than 250 persons in the initial phase who will work here permanently…250 families that will find sustainable jobs here.
“We're celebrating the policies and the initiatives that would have enabled us as a country to bring back more than 80 per cent of the semi-technical and low-level technical jobs that were held outside of our country here in Guyana,” the Head of State said.
The President stated that these positive results, which are benefitting everyone, stem from the government's policies, their bold approach, clear vision, and the confidence of the
This is the first shore base of its kind in Region Three and the precursor to what is expected to become the larger Port of Vreed-en-Hoop vision that seeks to improve Guyana’s long-term maritime offerings.
The project was developed by VEHSI, a joint venture between NRG Holdings Inc., a 100% Guyanese-owned consortium, and Jan De Nul, a globally renowned maritime infrastructure company, and is one of the largest private-sector investments in Guyana’s history, with an estimated cost of over US$260 million so far.
The opening of the shore base is expected to bring significant economic and employment opportunities to Region Three and already during its construction phase, the project
Umbilicals, Flowlines, and Riser (SURF) shore base for ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL).
CHANGE YOUR PHILOSOPHY
Meanwhile, President Ali highlighted his government’s investment in human capital and noted that this is essential if they are to achieve the three million people coming through the economy.
He emphasised that the tourism sector needs to be built and a change in philosophy is required. “I listened to some of the comments in Parliament. I don't call it a debate, because some of it lacks anything close to the debate…comments that seek to reduce the value of persons who are coming up in the hospitality and tourism
practices employed.
He also commended the leadership of President Ali and the partnerships with ExxonMobil and local investors. Even with oil developments, he said that locals are being prioritised in this transformation, especially owing to the Local Content Act (LCA).
He said that VEHSI serves as manifestation of the President’s commitment to make Guyana an oil and gas hub within the region, that could service other oil-producing countries nearby.
Additionally, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, spoke extensively on the “visionary” project and how it will drive transformation in Guyana. Reflecting on the strong partnerships that
has created hundreds of jobs.
the linchpin of progress and the gateway to opportunities, the President reflected on the efforts by the former administration to block private sector investments. The Head of State recalled that between 2015 and 2020, investments of more than US$150 million were left idle, waiting in a file for approval.
But within 30 days, un -
ability, job creation and stimulating wealth. In this regard, the President noted that the commissioning of VESHI not only celebrates the completion of the physical infrastructure, but also the jobs that were created for Guyanese.
“We're celebrating the hard work of the more than 400 men and women who worked on the
private sector.
Phase One of the Port of Vreed-en-Hoop, a state-ofthe-art shore base facility at Plantation Best, West Coast Demerara, is a transformative project that will revolutionise Guyana’s oil and gas sector and provide critical infrastructure for the country’s expanding offshore energy industry.
In addition, local businesses and the immediate community have already seen the tangible benefits. During construction, over US$60 million was invested in the deepening of the Demerara River channel; the channel has been widened from approximately 50 metres to 100 metres; it has also been extended from 18KM to over 28KM in length from the mouth of the river to provide access to larger vessels with deeper draught. The community of Plantation Best has seen the addition of new roads and bridges, as well as the improvement of existing infrastructure, in the process, raising the profile of the community and increasing property values.
The over 50 acres will serve as a world-class Subsea
sector…We have to understand what are the requirements of this country, moving forward.”
These statements by the President serve as a strong rejection of opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Juretha Fernandes’ remarks about workers in the hospitality industry and the overall tourism sector during day one of the budget debate in the National Assembly.
Fernandes referred to these workers as “washing hotel sheets or mopping hotel floors.”
DEVELOPMENT
Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, in his remarks, addressed the significant development in Guyana's oil and gas sector and spoke about the responsible and sustainable
underpin the project, he said this can be traced back to 2015 when ExxonMobil Guyana and its co-venturers, Hess and CNOOC saw the great opportunities that Guyana possessed.
He noted, “Our industry is one that invests over decades. It's not a short-term investment, it's a long-term commitment. It requires that vision. It requires that longterm commitment.”
Alistair said that the oil major looks forward to continuing its support for further investments as they fulfil their vision.
“We've set the cornerstone for development, not just of local content for oil and gas, but for the development of a larger part of the economy that
on this foundation.”
can build
President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering at the commissioning ceremony
A section of the gathering at the event
This is the first shore base of its kind in Region Three and the precursor to what is expected to become the larger Port of Vreed-en-Hoop vision (Office of the President photos)
Trump, at zenith of power, moves quickly to ‘take over’ Washington
(Reuters) - Donald Trump has been in office for five days, and yet he has already imposed his will on Washington with ruthless speed and efficiency, showing that even his most radical campaign promises were far from just bluster.
The Republican president has taken the first steps toward fulfilling his vow of remaking a federal bureaucracy he believes was hostile to him during his 2017-2021 presidency, reassigning or firing hundreds of civil servants in simultaneous moves against a swath of agencies.
He has rushed the military to the southern border, fired the head of the U.S. Coast Guard and challenged decades of constitutional law with a series of wide-ranging executive orders - 26 of them issued within hours of taking office - that cover everything
from environmental regulations to America's citizenship rules.
In perhaps the most audacious move of all, he pardoned about 1,500 supporters who took part in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, the global symbol of American democracy.
Trump's allies have compared his shock-and-awe opening foray to a special forces raid that has caught federal workers, unions, advocacy groups and even the media off-guard in its scope.
They credit the meticulous, years-long work of conservative allies who have spent much of Trump's time out of office drafting detailed policy plans that would allow him to hit the ground running.
"This is the beachhead team taking over the federal government," Steve Bannon, who served as the White
House chief strategist during Trump's first term and is close to many of Trump's core policy advisers, told Reuters.
Trump's opponents say he is distorting the U.S. Constitution and expanding the limits of executive power beyond its intended limit. They also say Trump's opening moves show he is less interested in uniting the country than on radically transforming itand in many cases exacting vengeance.
In one of his opening moves, Trump removed the security clearances of dozens of former intelligence officials who attributed unflattering media reports about former President Joe Biden's son Hunter to a Russian influence operation.
Trump also stripped three former national security officials of their security details, even in the face of credible threats from Iran. His aides found time to remove the portrait of one of his harshest critics, General Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from a Pentagon hallway.
He purged the White
House National Security Council of career officials who were seen by Trump's team as insufficiently loyal to the president. The move allows him to import loyalists into over 100 national security roles.
"He is clearly not a man who discards his grudges easily," said William Galston, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who has worked in and out of government for over 40 years.
The White House did not respond to a request for comment on this story.
YEARS IN THE MAKING
Even Trump's foes say the last five days represent a stunning contrast to his first term, when infighting and poor preparation scuttled many of his most ambitious policy initiatives.
"In terms of just the scope of all this and the speed, his team has shown the results of extraordinary preparation," said Timothy Naftali, a presidential historian and former director of the Nixon presidential library.
Many of Trump's policies
dovetail with those advocated by "Project 2025," a consortium of conservative organizations that has spent more than two years drafting policies in anticipation of Trump's possible return.
Trump distanced himself from the project last year, saying he knew nothing about it, even though many former aides were deeply involved. But its influence on his new White House operation is all too clear.
Project 2025 advocated for the purge of career officials at the National Security Council.
Another policy pushed by the project that Trump has already adopted is making potentially hundreds of thousands of civil servants easier to fire by creating a new category of federal worker known as "Schedule F."
Trump has also floated an overhaul of the Federal Emergency Management Agency that would devolve many of FEMA's functions to the states, another Project 2025 proposal.
"There's been hardcore policy and political people that have believed in Trump ... and started working imme-
diately in 2021 for Trump's return to the White House," Bannon said. "And that's what you're seeing come to fruition."
HEIGHT OF POWER?
Trump's agenda faces roadblocks going forward. The opening weeks of his administration may represent the height of Trump's power, some supporters acknowledge.
Many of Trump's executive orders test the limits of constitutional law. An order to end birthright citizenship - a constitutional doctrine holding that almost everyone born in the United States is automatically a citizen - has already been enjoined by a federal court.
Several other pledges and orders have immediately faced lawsuits from states and advocacy organizations, and the shock and awe of his first week could get mired in litigation that lasts for much of his term.
Trump may face a challenge maintaining the Republicans' narrow congressional majority in the House of Representatives in two years. The party of the incumbent president often loses seats in midterms. If that happens, it would result in the already narrow legislative path closing for Trump altogether.
"Trump has a decisive mandate from the American voters to bring dramatic reforms to Washington," said Mike Davis, a close Trump adviser on judicial matters.
"That political mandate will fade if he doesn't deliver - and deliver fast."
Irresponsible opposition proposals would take Guyana back to ‘deadly’ period of 70s/80s
By Trina Williams
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali cautioned that Guyana’s economic stability could be jeopardised if the opposition’s unrealistic proposals were implemented. Speaking at the commissioning of the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc. (VEHSI) on Saturday, the President addressed the ambitious electoral promises being made by the opposition.
One such promise from the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) is to introduce a $400,000 tax-free threshold, should they win the upcoming General and Regional Elections. With elections scheduled for this year, the opposition has been intensifying its campaign, offering promises that lack solid economic backing.
This approach has been widely criticised, particularly by economists, and has been rejected by various sectors of society. President Ali used the occasion to remind Guyanese of the opposition’s fiscal irresponsibility, making it clear that these unrealistic promises should not sway public opinion.
He said, “The world today is moving in a direction and at a pace that requires leadership that is bold, leadership that is exciting, leadership that generates ideas, leadership that is value-based and leadership that is responsible. It does not re-
- pace of global development requires strategic, value-based leadership, Dr. Ali says
quire spur-of-the-moment excitement that would allow someone to belch out a figure.”
According to the Head of State, this irresponsible proposal would take Guyana back to the “deadly” period in the country’s history, between the 1970 and 80s when the country’s debt sky- rocketed. He said that it was the debt incurred to carry recurrent expenditure, wages and salaries, not to expand the economy, create employment or generate wealth.
Owing to prudent management by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, the total Public and Publicly Guaranteed (PPG) debtto-GDP ratio has been
reduced from 47.4 per cent at the end of 2020 to 24.3 per cent at the end of 2024.
Under the People’s National Congress (PNC), Guyana was characterised by a significant debt-service burden, when the country’s debt was once nine times the size of the economy and the country was using over 100 per cent of revenue to service debt. However, Guyana has since gained better footing and is no longer facing a crippling debt-servicing crisis.
DRIVING
TRANSFORMATION
There has been a flurry of rhetoric by the opposition regarding the government’s prioritisation of infrastructure, especially
in this year’s budget. President Ali has also responded to these comments.
The President firmly stated: “Development follows infrastructure.”
With that said, he pointed to just two major infrastructural projects that will drive development all across Guyana.
First, he highlighted the significant relief and economic activities that the new Demerara River Bridge will drive.
The new Demerara River Bridge, which is being constructed by China Railway Construction International Limited under the supervision of the Italian firm Politecnica, is set to become Guyana’s largest public infrastructural project. The US$260
million contract for the bridge was signed in May 2022.
Spanning approximately 2.65 kilometres with a driving surface width of around 23.6 metres, the bridge will feature two carriageways and four lanes. Its design includes a cable-stay structure for the high span, expected to have a vertical clearance of approximately 50 metres above the mean highest watermark. Additionally, the bridge will incorporate cycling lanes and other amenities, ensuring a modern and efficient crossing for motorists and cyclists alike. He then pointed to the gas-to-energy project, which has been touted as a major milestone in the
country’s development and will result in enormous financial savings and energy benefits to citizens once completed.
“It is going towards improving the competitiveness of our country. It is going to be an investment that will enable us to bring jobs in Guyana, to develop a first-world industrial, manufacturing, agro-processing sector in this country.”
The anticipated savings would stem from a major reduction in electricity rates with the price of electricity set to be reduced from $0.22 per kilowatt hour to $0.11 per kilowatt hour, halving the cost.
The pipeline installation for the project was completed in 2024 with the government expecting the integrated gas-processing facility to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025, while partial start-up is planned for earlier in the year.
The President said the future for Region Three is exciting, especially with the infrastructure that will connect it to Regions Four and Seven.
For instance, he highlighted that the Sand Hill road alignment has already been laid out.
He then told the large gathering to “look at the impact of policymaking and the impact of investment and the impact of infrastructure, and how it translates into personal and community wealth.”
President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the commissioning of the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc.
Efficiency in the Public Service
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali in a recent engagement with public officers emphasised the need to enhance the delivery of public services to the Guyanese people. He urged higher levels of efficiency and productivity in the sector which is a critical component of the national development process.
The public service is regarded as the 'lubricant' of the national development machine. This is why it is so important to ensure that the public service operates at maximum levels
of efficiency and productivity.
There is a view that it is difficult to measure productivity levels in public service due to the complex metrics involved in the delivery of social goods and services. While it is true that there is no 'silver bullet' for measuring public sector productivity, there are several measurable macro-economic indicators such as project completion rates, student attainment levels, infant mortality rates, inflation rates, economic growth and per capita increases to name a few.
Measuring efficiency level in the public service is less problematic. The removal of unnecessary waiting time and bureaucratic inertia are two such examples. In Singapore for instance there is the concept of 'estimated waiting time' for every unit of public sector delivery. Failing to provide such services within the stipulated waiting time could result in the imposition of 'sanctions' on the responsible public servant.
The concept of a public servant is instructive in its own right. Providing a ser-
vice for which one is employed is not by any means doing a favour to those entitled to such services. This is why the principle of the 'customer is always right' is so useful as a philosophical guide. Customers, whether in the public or private sectors must be treated in a dignified and professional manner.
This is why the engagement by President Ali with public officials at the senior managerial levels is so necessary and timely especially at this point in time when the country is advancing rapidly to -
wards transformation and modernization.
One consequence of this development is rising expectations by the population of a new and changing public service culture in which there are higher levels of customer satisfaction.
As noted by President Ali, much progress has already been made in this regard, especially in areas such as the delivery of education, health, housing and water. But like every good thing, people always want more and it behoves those responsible for the provision of such services to do
more within the limits of the resources available to them to facilitate the process.
The country needs public servants who are productive and who provide value for money. A rapidly growing and diversified economy requires a trained, skilled and disciplined public service.
The PPP/C administration must be commended for providing the necessary incentives to public servants by way of substantial salary increases and other benefits to further enhance their standard of living.
The increasing role of oil revenue in Guyana’s development
GUYANA’S emergence as an oil-producing nation has transformed its ability to meet its needs, with oil revenue now contributing an increasingly larger share of the national budget. In just three years of oil fund withdrawals, now entering the fourth, this revenue source has become a pillar of the government’s financing strategy for its agenda. Oil revenue operates alongside other important funding sources, creating a balanced framework for national development.
The Guyana government began spending from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) in 2022. That year,
oil revenue funded 23% of the US$2.65 billion (GY$553 billion) budget, with US$607 million (GY$126 billion) withdrawn under a special provision allowing the government to access the entire accumulated balance of the fund since oil production began in December 2019. Since then, withdrawals have been governed by the legally mandated NRF formula, which ties annual withdrawals to deposits from the previous year. As a result, oil revenue contributions have steadily increased, correlating with the growth of the sector. In 2023, oil revenue funded 27% of the US$3.75 billion (GY$782
billion) budget, rising to 29% of the US$5.5 billion (GY$1.15 trillion) budget in 2024. In 2025, oil revenue is projected to contribute 37% of the US$6.63 billion (GY$1.38 trillion) budget, with approximately US$2.46 billion (GY$513 billion) to be withdrawn. This steady growth shows how oil earnings are reshaping the government’s capacity to contribute funding to transformative projects, like the new Demerara River Crossing.
The increase in oil revenue has enabled major capital investments, including new hospitals, and schools, expanded energy projects, and enhanced
infrastructure such as roads and bridges. It has also bolstered social programmes. However, the success of Guyana’s development agenda cannot solely be attributed to oil revenue. Other vital sources of funding, such as tax revenue, dividends from state-owned enterprises, licensing fees, loans, and development grants, continue to play a role. The sale of carbon credits, part of Guyana’s efforts to monetise its vast forest resources sustainably, also contributes to the national budget. Together, these revenue streams complement oil earnings, enabling the government to undertake projects that improve access
to healthcare, education, utilities, and infrastructure.
Importantly, the fiscal space created by oil has strengthened Guyana’s borrowing capacity. Confident in its ability to service debt through future earnings, the government has been able to secure financing, such as a US$526 million (GY$110 billion) loan from the United States Export-Import Bank for the Gas-to-Energy project. Such agreements are also reflected in the steep increase in the national budget, which has grown from US$1.84 billion (GY$384 billion) in 2021, the last year without oil revenue, to US$6.63 billion (GY$1.38 trillion) in 2025—a 3.6-
fold expansion. Transparency and accountability remain central to the management of the NRF. The fund’s operations are governed by stringent reporting requirements, including monthly and quarterly disclosures of revenues and withdrawals. Parliament approves all withdrawal requests, ensuring that oil wealth is used responsibly. Looking ahead, the government expects more than five times its 2024 receipts in additional oil revenue over the next four years, increasing its ability to invest in development and improve the quality of life for Guyanese.
They made us believe they were better than us. We still believe so
THERE is overwhelming consensus among Third World scholars that the psychological penetration of the colonial ruler was far more harmful and dangerous than his plunder of the colony’s resources. When you get into the mind of Third World folks and you see how deeply embedded are the subliminal effects of colonialism, it makes you both sad and angry.
The former colonies now have control of their own resources but they don’t have control over their own minds. Right here in the Caribbean, the colonial mind is emblazoned on the shirt sleeves of so many of our people. It is incredible, unimaginable and downright stupid that after 60 years of Independence, some CARICOM countries delight in the existence of the Privy Council as their final court of appeal.
The agony and irony are that the judges in the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) are of higher quality than their counterparts in the UK and the West. And we don’t have to go far back in history to make the comparison. We just have to rewind two years and see how the British judiciary treated Julian Assange. Did those CARICOM heads who won’t part with the Privy Council look at how the judges behaved in the Assange case? If they did, do they still believe that British judicial officers are superior to CARICOM’s?
The colonial mind is playing out graphically in Guyana. Our former colonial masters have warned us about climate change and urged us to avoid the fossil fuel industry. It was a subtle form of colonial brainwashing and many believe that our former colonial rulers want to save the planet
and they believe them. They believe them because they are the people who once educated us, so they must know what they are talking about.
So, they have been demanding that the Guyana Government get out of the fossil fuel industry because Guyana has to help save the world. They sold us similar narratives when they ruled us. When they ruled us, they told us Hinduism and Islam were pagan rituals so we rushed to change our names and religion because we felt inferior to them.
When they ruled us, they told us that the monuments in France, Italy and Greece were historic sites. They told us about London Bridge. They didn’t tell us about the Taj Mahal in India and the Great Wall in China. And 60 years after Independence, we are still fascinated with their cities. We want to see their cities
not those in Malaysia, Indonesia, India, China and Egypt.
The colonials left us with a template of how our leaders must behave and the pattern must be to emulate their leaders. And we think their leaders have more democratic instincts and more respect for laws and tradition when in fact our own leaders are far more rational and democratic. They instructed us in the value of an independent media and 60 years after Independence, we accept that our journalistic standards must follow the Western press.
But the stark reality is that their leaders and their media organisations are no examples to follow. The genocidal devastation of the Palestinian people has laid bare for the entire world to see that their journalism is politically and racially driven and far from the glorious journal-
Manners- solving the problem
IN an address to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) two years ago, President Irfaan Ali called for a "new standard of performance and professionalism."
Of course, this call is not limited to the Police Force but extends to those in our workforce throughout the country. Our falling standards have been a cause of concern for leaders going as far back as former Prime Minister Dr Ptolemy Reid, who said in the 1980s that on declaring independence from the British, this country had "thrown away the baby with the bath water."
He was at the time referring to the declining standards of courtesy and behaviour prevalent in Guyana. Now this decline
has permeated all levels of our society, to the extent that many seem to feel that bad manners and shoddy service are synonymous with our newfound independence and status as a Republic.
This country is known as 'the land of many waters' and has six peoples— El Dorado—with enormous mineral wealth and, lately, vast oil reserves.
Our land is a cultural melting pot, recently augmented by an influx of people from countries as diverse as the United States, India, and the Middle East and from our own 'backyard', Cuba, Venezuela, and the West Indies. Many come as tourists, while others now live and work here, attracted by jobs in the now-booming
oil and gas industry. In this changing landscape, it has become increasingly clear that training in non-traditional areas is needed to supplement the usual educational fare.
We are way behind many Caribbean countries in this respect and particularly Trinidad and Tobago, where several organisations offer a variety of courses on subjects such as etiquette and protocol.
For many of us here these terms seem 'highbrow' and the lessons beyond our reach, though an increasing number of local agencies, like the University of Guyana, have begun paying attention to these subject areas and offering short courses. However, children are emerging from our schools
ism they drummed in our colonial minds.
One of the things we need to understand about the West’s continued mental subjugation of Third World peoples is the symbiotic relationship between governmental power and the media. It is not the Western leaders themselves that describe how better they are than their Third World counterparts, it is their media that portray them as such and it is their media that paint the Third World in negative and condescending terms. Western leaders do not bad-mouth the Arab world and rundown their leaders. They don’t have to do that when their media do it for them. The classic case is Yasser Arafat and Muammar Kaddafi. All the negative descriptions and misrepresentations of these two Arab icons did not come from the mouths of Western rulers. They
came from the Western media. No Western leader ever referred to Kaddafi as a madman. That was how the Western media painted him.
For a fine account of how partisan and unprofessional the Western media are, see the recently released autobiography of Guyana’s international economist, Dr. Maurice Odle. So, are those Western leaders of higher quality than those of the Third World? Rishi Sunak is gone, Boris Johnson is gone. Joe Biden is gone. Look at their record. Biden’s final week in office was nothing but clownish. More on that in another column.
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.
with an impressive list of subjects studied and grades achieved, but have little or no social graces. They do not know how to behave in certain settings, such as formal or informal meals and the saying 'manners maketh man' bears no significance for them. But they are not alone. Many in our wider society are just as guilty. Given the changing dynamics in our country, particularly in our blossoming tourism sector, the time is past due for our population to get on par with our Caribbean neighbours and the rest of the world when it comes to raising our standard of professionalism and social skills.
Addressing an Agri-investment Forum and Expo
two years ago, President Ali suggested that, "Guyana and the Caribbean need to utilise each other's competitive advantage". This notion can and should be expanded to include other areas of co-operation.
I was therefore heartened to learn that a local group, Management Options, has designed a comprehensive list of courses, under what they call the
D.E.P.T.H. Initiative (Deportment, Etiquette, Protocol within the context of Tourism and Hospitality). The group is collaborating with a Trinidadian organisation- Etiquette School of the Caribbean - and plans to launch its first three-day course on Etiquette shortly. Announcements will be made on the timing and details of the course in the coming weeks.
Crying wolf, playing the victim
THIS past week, the PNC/ R-led APNU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Alliance For Change (AFC). The MoU appeared to focus on starting the talks for the continued coalition to compete in this year’s election as one strong group of political parties that will try to unseat the ruling PPP/C government.
We heard that the MoU signed was just one part that spelt out the terms, conditions and rules for engagement. There is slated to be a next part of the talks that will deal with choosing the possible head of such a coalition, the presidential candidate and the division of ministeri-
al responsibilities should the coalition win at the polls set for later this year.
Soon after this engagement, the AFC called a press conference telling the public through the media that their relations with the PNC/R/ APNU was on “life support.”
There had already been some fallout over information of the signed MoU getting into the hands of apparently the PPP and the public. It, nonetheless, said that the AFC remained firm ahead of the engagements with the main opposition party, the PNC/RAPNU.
When asked about this at his press conference later in the week, opposition leader Aubrey Norton poured cold
water on the whole idea of the “life support” comment. He maintained that talks were slated to begin soon, within the next two weeks, but said that expectations of his position changing were not realistic, especially since he had been voted as his party’s choice for the candidature in any alliance.
Firstly, the AFC is clutching at straws and it is bluffing the public with the “life support” comment attached to Nigel Hughes. It knows that it will have no choice but to team up with the PNC/R APNU for a chance at power and a chance to remain in parliament with the current MPs position.
It knows it has little to no credibility left from its time in government, and its decision which cost it its independence in 2011 when it first coalesced with the PNC/R APNU.
So, it has started bluffing its way and using the strong-arm methods in the negotiations. It is bluffing the PNC/R with its decision to walk if the PNC or APNU cannot come around to its terms.
Secondly, the AFC wants all but is willing to give anything or very little. It’s parliamentarians and politicians are far inferior to those that the PNC/R has in its political armoury. They are more less likely to win votes or finance the coalition in the upcoming elections this year.
Moses Nagamootoo was their last star power and he wasn’t even a star by the standard of Guyana’s body politic. Hughes might see himself at the level, but with a significant political weight and baggage which is still not talked about enough by the media, civil society groups and other public commentators.
The fact that AFC is sending the signals of being distressed so early at the commencement of talks is telling, as it is suggesting a party that is in turmoil and
desperate for attention.
Thirdly, the MoU that was signed bears a striking resemblance of the 2015 Cummingsburg Accord, save and except for some minor tweaks to make it appear new. What the AFC and PNC want to do is kerfuffle the public and the PPP into thinking that it will walk away from the negotiations with APNU to contest the elections alone.
If it does do this, its performance will be not much different than it was during the local government elections which left it licking its wounds after being defeated handsomely. It is dramatically seeking to upset the negotiations because it wants to secure public sympathy.
Thirdly, the PNC/R-APNU sees straight through what the AFC is doing and dodges it. It will leave no room for the AFC to have leverage over it, either in the negotiations or in the actual alliance that they are planning.
It has a plan to behave just as it did with the WPA and other coalition groups if the government is secured. The APNU will never change its modus operandi and behavioural pattern, not even Norton can inspire this change. It is in the political DNA and the party’s ideology to try to be the dominant
partner in every way because the numbers matter, and political relevance is essential to winning an election.
Finally, so far, this columnist is always right. The AFC is a third party that is seeking to use the PNC/R to eventually get into political power and does not give anything substantial to coalition politics in this country. It is playing strongman politics but PNCR-APNU has experience in that regard because it was a strongman for 33 years in Guyana’s political history.
The AFC should know it doesn’t have the numbers, plans, experience and popularity to stand firmly as an equal coalition partner with the PNC, but the APNU is equally desperate for a playmate; so who knows it might just get its way.
Who can play the victim better?
Who can cry wolf the loudest when there is no one coming, the AFC or the APNU?
Who will win the upcoming elections? PPP/C!
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.
Geeta’s Bold Step
OPPOSITION MP
Geeta Chandan-Edmond is determined to make a name for herself, regardless of the toll it may likely have on her political career. That takes courage. Her unflinching support for Budget 2025 garnered mixed reviews in the National Assembly last Friday.
Chandan-Edmond told the House that she had listened carefully to Dr. Ashni Singh’s reading of Budget 2025 and described the government’s policies, programmes and projects as positive measures.
“Let us make this a moment where we rise above the fray, where we put the interest of our people first and where we demonstrate that we are worthy of the trust that they have placed in us. Measures that alleviate poverty, I support. I support progress, peace, prosperity and commitment,” Chandan-Edmond said.
Her words were a breath of fresh air and signalled that there was still life buried under the debris of the Opposition. Did Aubrey Norton give her the green light? Was he using Chandan-Edmond to send a message to Nigel Hughes that he was skating on thin ice?
Or, was the attorney and former Magistrate speaking for herself or on behalf of a faction in the ranks of the Opposition - size, scale and scope yet to be determined - that is no longer prepared to embrace APNU+AFC’s divisive politics and race-baiting
that are suffocating the people of Guyana.
While APNU+AFC members would have been contemplating what disciplinary measures they might inflict on their MP, it is ironic that Opposition MP Sherod Duncan, of all people, was made to follow Chandan-Edmond’s refreshing presentation.
If we were to assume for a moment that Chandan-Edmond represents a faction in her party that recognises the tremendous good that the government is doing for the country, Duncan, on the other hand, represents a loud and obnoxious cabal that is determined to pour scorn on any and everything that the current administration does for no good reason.
Instead of addressing what his observant colleague had to say, Duncan was fixated on the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd. That Duncan was way out of his league was evident from the beginning. He did not have the oratory skill, the clarity of thought, the knowledge, experience or integrity, to speak ill of minister Todd or the work of his ministry.
It was extremely difficult to make sense of what exactly Duncan was trying to say. As Duncan composed himself, I thought perhaps he was going to turn his attention to Chandan-Edmond’s remarks. The two of them have a history of bad blood.
Chandan-Edmond was formerly a member of the AFC, but she jumped ship in 2022 to join the PNC/R and secured 445 votes to become one of its 11 Central Executive members. The PNCR described her at the time as possessing “management skills and good human relations skills” and Norton himself said he had “confidence in her abilities and will work with her as she strengthens and reorganises the administration of the PNCR.”
Duncan, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to have anything to his name. He opposed the leadership of Nigel Hughes. During a broadcast of “Road to AFC National Conference 2024” (April 2024), Duncan accused Hughes of not having the party at heart and said, “I’ve seen some people only come alive around national conference time,” a clear swing at Hughes.
Duncan also once enjoyed the full confidence of the tepid and inconsequential APNU+AFC Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo. In 2019, an audit of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, printer of the Guyana Chronicle, from June 1, 2018, to September 10, 2018, found a litany of infringements under Duncan’s leadership as the General Manager of GNNL.
For example, tender rules were breached, services were procured without contracts, approvals were given
for payments without the regular procedure of company stamp or signature, and cash advances were given to Duncan to travel abroad, but he did not clear the amounts.
Following the audit, Chandan-Edmond voted to remove Duncan from the board. In other words, the GNNL fired him. But Nagamootoo reinstated him with “immediate effect” which then led to the resignation of Chandan-Edmond and two other directors.
Her resignation came with a five-page letter addressed to Nag-
amootoo. In it, she explained that three Directors had voted to retain Duncan while three voted against and that she cast a vote in favour of dismissal.
The fact that Chandan-Edmond stood up to Nagamootoo and the vociferous Duncan and defended her principled position tells me that she is exceedingly thorough and that she possesses a high degree of professional integrity which led her to act upon her good conscience by resigning from the GNNL board on the basis of ethical principles.
If Norton did not green light Chandan-Edmond’s praise for Budget 2025 and he were to take action to expel her, the fearless MP must know that there is always room across the political aisle, but she should also know that time is of the essence.
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.
409 Guyanese re-migrated in 2024 – Foreign Minister
- says this demonstrates the trust & confidence of the diaspora in the PPP/C government
The growing trust in Guyana’s economic and political climate has been demonstrated with the remigration of 409 Guyanese to their homeland in 2024. During the opening day of the 2025 Budget debates on Friday, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd highlighted that the majority of these re-migrants hailed from countries such as the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Canada and various nations in the Caribbean.
Todd said that the government, under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali, continues to aggressively pursue the involvement of the diaspora community in the national development.
The Foreign Minister said, “In 2024, Guyana undertook more than 15 diaspora engagements in approximately eight jurisdictions. We will continue to engage with Guyanese living abroad to encourage their involvement in the national development process.” He also pointed out that the ease and efficiency with which Guyanese nationals are now able to return to their home country is a direct result of the administration’s efforts to streamline the re-migration process.
“The remigration unit continues to process applications within seven working days. This represents one-third of the processing time under the ANPU+AFC [A Partnership for National Unity/
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd
Alliance for Change] government,” Minister Todd remarked during his speech.
He further shared that since the PPP/C took office in August 2020, the government has processed approximately 2,000 qualified re-migrant applications, a significant achievement that reflects the growing trend of Guyanese nationals returning to their homeland. “This highlights the trust and confidence of the diaspora in the PPP/C government,” he emphasised.
The Diaspora and Remigration Unit within the ministry continues to play an essential role in processing applications expeditiously. For those wishing to apply for re-migrant status, the required documentation and step-by-step guidelines are readily available on the ministry’s
official website, as well as on the websites of Guyanese Embassies and High Commissions located overseas. The Re-migrant Scheme of the Government of Guyana is administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in conjunction with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). The ministry is responsible for determining and granting re-migrant status while the GRA administers the tax exemptions. To qualify for re-migrant status, a Guyanese citizen must meet certain criteria. The individual must be at least 18 years old, have lived legally overseas for a minimum of five consecutive years, and intend to return to Guyana or a Guyanese graduate who has completed their studies at an institution abroad and resided overseas for a minimum of three
years and is now returning to Guyana to reside. Upon meeting these conditions, the applicant qualifies for all tax exemptions offered by the GRA under the Re-migrant Scheme.
In his 2025 budget speech, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh emphasised the government's commitment to involving the diaspora community in Guyana’s national development. He said the administration worked
to reverse changes to the re-migrant scheme, stating that engaging the diaspora is crucial to maximising the potential of the country's human resources. To date, he said, the government has worked to enhance services to the diaspora through the revival of the Diaspora Unit and the re-establishment of stakeholder engagement programmes. Several fruitful engagements with the diaspora in
recent times, the Virtual Diaspora Conference in 2021, webinars on remigration and investment in 2023, and job fairs held in Suriname, Trinidad and New York in 2024.
These, the Minister noted, have resulted in significantly higher interests in remigration and are evidenced by the surge in re-migrant applications approved over the last four years.
Guyana launches $520M food-safety lab to drive agricultural transformation
GUYANA has achieved a new standard of improving food quality and public health with the launch of the Guyana Food Safety Authority’s laboratory and office at the Ministry of Agriculture’s La Bonne Intention complex on the East Coast of Demerara.
The state-of-the-art facility, commissioned by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Saturday morning, is a crucial part of the government’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health and promoting food safety across the country.
The facility boasts some of the best testing capabilities in Guyana, designed to improve the quality of locally produced food and protect the public’s health. Dr Richard Blair, Adviser to the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasised the importance of food safety on a national scale.
"This commissioning is a commitment on the part of the government of Guyana to ensure that the food we produce, consume, and export meets
"This laboratory is a testament to where we want the sector to move. Guyana’s agricultural sector is undergoing rapid transformation," he remarked. He further emphasised that the facility has long been a goal for the current administration, aimed at reducing and ensuring the quality of Guyana’s food products.
“According to the World Health Organization, around 600 million people, almost one in every 10 in the world, fall ill after eating contaminated food. And almost 420,000 people die from contaminated food annually. He further added, “Our government wants to ensure that food is safe, and as a result, we are strengthening the capability of the Guyana Food Safety Authority.’
The facility also supports Guyana's ambitious “25 by 2025” initiative, which aims to reduce the food-importation bill for CARICOM by 25% by the end of 2025.
"To take advantage of the
He also stressed Guyana’s growing role in the region’s food market. "Guyana is becoming a regional food hub and a leading player in the Caribbean's
the highest safety standards. Food safety, however, is not only about public health—it is an integral part of our national development; it protects our citizens and builds consumer trust," he explained.
Minister Mustapha addressed a gathering of farmers, residents, and other stakeholders, underscoring the role of the laboratory in Guyana's agricultural transformation.
opportunities created by the 25 by 2025 initiative, we must reduce the food-import bill by 25% by the end of this year within CARICOM," Minister Mustapha stated. He urged farmers and agro-processors to seize the opportunities presented by this initiative: "You, the farmers and agro-processors here, will need to fill the gaps created when we reduce 25% of the imports into the region."
agri-food market. We have seen a renewed interest, with more people entering the agriculture sector. The opportunities are abundant, not just in Guyana, but in the region as a whole," he said.
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Country Representative in Guyana, Lorena Solorzano-Salazar, highlighted the collaboration between
the IDB and the Government of Guyana in advancing food safety.
"This is a milestone in this collaboration with the Government of Guyana, sharing a vision to ensure food safety and public health in Guyana. It's not just about food; it impacts several areas of the economy, including the social sectors," she said.
The facility was funded through a partnership with the IDB, with more than GY$520 million invested in outfitting the laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment capable of testing a wide range of commodities to ensure their safety for consumption. This equipment will also enable sophisticated traceability studies and analyses, keeping the country ahead in the rapidly
evolving global food-safety landscape.
This laboratory is part of the larger Sustainable Agriculture Development Programme, financed by the IDB and implemented by the Government of Guyana. Solorzano-Salazar further elaborated, "It's essential to establish high standards because today, it’s not just about growing the products, but also about meeting the demands of both international and local markets. Consumers expect flexibility and quality in what they eat and drink."
Detailing the lab's capabilities, Solorzano-Salazar added, “This laboratory performs a variety of tests, including contamination testing, authenticity testing, and nutritional analysis. Food safety laboratories worldwide are critical for trade because they ensure that food products meet safety standards and comply with regulations." She also pointed out the lab's importance for capacity building, saying, "It's key to building the capacity of the authority to meet national and international food-safety standards, and it’s encouraging to see students here—it's also a learning lab."
Minister Mustapha alongside Inter-American Development Bank Country Representative in Guyana, Lorena Solorzano-Salazar cutting the ribbon to commission the facility
The state-of-the-art facility is already equipped with skilled personnel and will serve as a learning centre
A team of students, farmers, and various stakeholders were gathered at the commissioning of the facility
Public, private healthcare systems being strengthened - VP Jagdeo
The opposition’s criticisms of the government’s strategy to ensure equitable healthcare for all have been rubbished by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary and the country’s Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.
At a recent news conference at Freedom House, Jagdeo responded to the opposition's commentary regarding the $1.38 trillion budget. He specifically addressed the concerns raised about the healthcare sector, emphasizing the government's comprehensive plan to strengthen both public and private healthcare systems.
Opposition members, such as Alliance for Change (AFC) Leader, Nigel Hughes have made a series of claims in relation to the government providing a $10,000 Universal Healthcare Voucher this year to every person in the country to help finance a
basic menu of medical tests.
Although this intervention will benefit some 500,000 individuals, it was still met with fault-finding by the opposition. In a Facebook post, Hughes claimed that the investment being
made by the government is aimed at “fattening the wallets” of private healthcare providers.
Not only did Dr Jagdeo reject this but he also highlighted the shallowness of this analysis. While Hughes
services provided in these hospitals will be upgraded when it comes to management, cutting-edge technology and staffing, to name a few.
“So public healthcare will be upgraded,” Jagdeo said.
However, he noted that this cannot solve all of the problems within Guyana’s healthcare system. Tax incentives for private healthcare are beneficial because they encourage investment in infrastructure and services, improve accessibility and quality of care and because of this, the government has given tax incentives to private health facilities, he said.
claimed that public hospitals “desperately” need investment, the General Secretary pointed to the positive trajectory that the public healthcare system is undergoing because of the PPP’s interventions.
One example of this is the 12 new regional hospitals that will come on stream shortly.
Further, he said that the
As a result, Guyanese have seen an expansion in private healthcare. Speaking more on the universal healthcare voucher, he said: “Now, this voucher is for every Guyanese. It is to expand on what we have already.”
“Just imagine 500,000 Guyanese want to go this year to the public health system and try to get those tests. You will overload the system.”
He added, “The public health system must continue doing its work. And this is one way of getting service to our people and give them choices. They collect a voucher. They can still choose to go to the Georgetown Hospital and do it, and not use the voucher.”
Additionally, he said these vouchers along with the others, like the cervical cancer voucher, are a demonstration of the government caring for its people.
Highlighting the mentality of the Opposition, Dr Jagdeo said: “Should we just open the ophthalmology centre that they (APNU+AFC) closed, that was built in when I was president, [and] should we not give the kids now their money to buy a spectacle and or get your eyes tested or pensioners or let’s wait only for the public sector to provide those. It will take 50 years and people won't be seeing, they would die and the children grow old and die. That's the APNU mindset.”
PPP General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
‘Not a single promise’ kept by APNU+AFC
- Datadin blazes opposition for poor management of education, healthcare, oil &gas sectors
- Highlights strides made under PPP/C, supports Budget 2025 for fostering growth, opportunities for all
MEMBERS of Parliament (MP) Sanjeev Datadin has emphasised that it is not the opposition's promises, but rather the tangible results delivered by the current government that are fostering prosperity and shaping a bright future for Guyana.
He made this statement during his presentation on the first day of the 2025 budget debate at the 92nd sitting of the National Assembly.
He said: “There's one side that will have a talk shop and promise everything. [Then] there's another side that will deliver.”
Although his presentation focused on how this year’s budget will expand opportunities in all sectors, he also rebutted a number of claims made by several opposition parliamentarians who had presented before him.
Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones claimed: “Under the David Granger administration, Mr Speaker, patients across the country were provided life-saving dialysis treatment, free of cost at several centres.”
Datadin dismissed the claim as being "economical with the truth," firmly rebutting it. He also highlighted how the policies of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government had failed to address the needs of the people.
Datadin reminded the House: “Dialysis was not free under APNU. What happened under the APNU, and the only thing to happen, was a $300,000 one-off payment given to persons
who required dialysis.”
This stands in sharp contrast to the treatment of dialysis patients under the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Datadin said. Under the current government, each dialysis patient receives $600,000 per year in assistance, benefiting 550 individuals. Additionally, new diagnostic labs and centres have been established under the current administration, with facilities in Regions Two, Three, Four, Six, and 10. Datadin also pointed out that all the new hospitals set to open soon will be fully equipped.
Jones also spoke extensively on the need for young people to get more opportunities and during his presentation, he painted a grim future for the youth under the PPP/C. However, Datadin reminded him of how the APNU+AFC government treated youth and the lack
of opportunities within the education sector.
“When it came to fees at the university, the coalition government APNU+AFC raised university fees by 35 per cent. That is a fact. The University Council subsequently met and 10 per cent more was what the administrative fees were raised [by],” the MP stated.
He then compared that with the tangible impact of delivered promises under the PPP/C.
He said: “We all know that, at present, the position of this government is university education is free. Those who have loans and student loans before, it's going to be written off.”
Datadin then reminded the other side of how the University of Guyana (UoG) loan students were treated. While some APNU+AFC government ministers were benefitting from education opportunities, he said, those UoG loan students had their
names published in newspapers stating that they could not travel.
SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS
While commending this year’s $1.38 trillion budget, Datadin reflected on the opportunities it presents for all. Datadin then spoke of Guyana’s vast growth which has set the country in a league of its own.
He said: “We are now witnessing right before our eyes, an economic transformation that positions Guyana on an upward economic trajectory that we have never seen. Guyana stands out now as a beacon not only in the Caribbean and CARICOM, but on the world stage.
“The accomplishments that we have achieved, Mr Speaker, were all promised in the PPP’s 2020 Manifesto. They are not milestones, Mr. Speaker, more markers, more symbols of all that has been achieved, and what keeping your promises look like. Tangible results, visionary leadership, sound government, a deep commitment to the people of Guyana.”
The MP said that a large portion of Guyana’s economic growth is linked to the rapidly evolving oil and gas sector.
Speaking on the management of the sector, he said that the revenues are being carefully managed and being spent to improve the country’s infrastructure and ensure that there is sustainability and development.
Although the oil and gas sector was poorly managed under the previous coalition administration, Datadin said that under the PPP/C there is growth and transparency.
The Local Content Act (LCA) is one of these growth instruments that the MP referenced, which also protects citizens.
“What existed before it, as usual, promises, perhaps feasibility studies, perhaps reports from the (APNU+AFC) petroleum advisers…” he said.
Since the LCA came into action under the PPP/C, more than 1,100 companies have applied for and obtained local content certificates, he said.
This means that there are 1,100 companies involved in the petroleum sector that are at least 51 per cent owned by Guyanese people.
In 2024 alone, that accounted for revenues in excess of USD $620 million, he explained.
“That's what keeping your promise looks like. That's what caring about the people of Guyana looks like. Don't say you're going to have a policy to benefit them and for which they would be able to develop their companies and earn revenue and you don't actually do it,” Datadin firmly stated.
Other measures that the government has put in place to ensure that Guyanese are safeguarded, are the revised Petroleum Activities Act and the Natural Resource Fund.
The education sector and healthcare in Guyana have grown by leaps and bounds, according to Datadin, who extensively highlighted the remarkable achievements made. Addressing the lyrical of fiscal space that the Opposition continues to wax when pressed about their stint in office, Datadin reminded them of the hun-
dreds of taxes they imposed on the backs of Guyanese, But, when the PPP/C came back into power, they was all reversed, he said.
“All of it [sic] was reversed. We took away VAT on water. We took away VAT on electricity. We took away VAT on education. All of that was done,” he said.
He highlighted that 50,000 jobs have been delivered already under the PPP/C and the promise of 50,000 house lots is being materialised.
He said: “When APNU+AFC was in government, not one single promise was kept. There is not one infrastructure project that was undertaken in this country during that five years that they can point to.”
ATTEMPTS TO REWRITE HISTORY
Opposition parliamentarian, Deonarine Ramsaroop during his presentation claimed that the Community Service Officers (CSOs) were not fired under the APNU+AFC.
However, Datadin was alarmed by this untrue claim and rebutted it.
He said: “Mr. Speaker, again, we're facing a startling thing that occurs in this House with regularity. The attempt to rewrite history. The honourable member before me [Deonarine Ramsaroop] said CSOs were not fired.
“This is a fact that they were fired. Mr. Speaker, it's rather simple. Today they had a job, tomorrow they didn't. They were fired.”
He then flayed the opposition MP for justifying putting those CSOs on the breadline because of their alleged political affiliation.
Member of Parliament, Sanjeev Datadin
Women being taken to ‘another level’ in Guyana
- MP Veerasammy highlights gov’t policies that are empowering women
EMPOWERING
women has been one of the hallmarks of the government and its policies are significantly changing lives, Member of Parliament (MP) Bhagmattie Veerasammy has highlighted.
Veerasammy, in her presentation on day one of the 2025 budget debate during the 92nd sitting of the National
Assembly, spoke extensively on how the government’s policies are outpacing the previous coalition administration’s own.
While there has been a lot of commentary on this year’s $1.38 trillion budget by the opposition, Veerasammy refuted these claims and boldly stated that it is about “people and country.”
She said, “It has something for everyone and its gender-mainstreaming component ensures that women benefit equitably. In the four years prior from 2020 to now, the PPP/C government has fulfilled its manifesto and promises and delivered beyond our people's expectations.”
Speaking on the A Partnership for Nation-
al Unity +Alliance For Change’s (APNU+AFC) stint in office, she said that their failed promises and draconian taxes suppressed the Guyanese people and strangled the economy. Giving more insight into how dismal commercial life was, the MP stated, “Businesses closed their doors and scaled down their operations and thousands of people lost their jobs. They shut down the sugar estates and forced thousands of people on the bread line.”
She then pointed to the hardships that Lindeners faced, especially those who were employed in logging, call centre and bauxite industry.
“With the PPP/Civic at the helm of our government, our people know that life is easier because they could have celebrated democracy and freedom. We don't go about fooling people and we do not give them promises of a good life. We are working night and day to give them a good life.”
Addressing the rhetoric by the opposition that people cannot “eat” roads, she said this is true but, what is not being looked at is the time and money families are saving because of the infrastructure being constructed. She spoke about how the taxes that were imposed by the former administration have been removed and sectors have improved.
“Our prudent measures instead put billions of dollars in disposable income each year into the hands of our people. Over the last four years,
people can see development and progress in every sphere.”
She also stated that the government has recognised the importance of empowering women and thus, there were investments to create education, training and job opportunities.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has invested heavily in training teachers across Guyana in the last four years, she said. The MP noted that approximately 43,78 teachers were trained, and MoE is introducing new teaching methods and smart classrooms for students.
She also said that the Guyana Women's Leadership Institute, under the Women Innovation and Investment Network, developed courses for women and girls who dropped out of school.
Those courses aim to empower women and girls with accredited technical and vocational training, entrepreneur-
ial skills and access to financing opportunities.
She said: “The very long list, of course, offered is accessible to women across Guyana. From 2021 to 2024, over 12,000 women have been trained.”
The Board of Industrial Training also trained 5,077 males and 7,688 females.
“Again, we have seen that 60 per cent of women benefited from these courses, taking women to another level in our country, this is promoting gender inclusivity in a male-dominated profession,” the MP stated. When the National Pathway Workers Programme was created since 2022, 10,751 persons were employed and more than 75 per cent were women, she said. In the last four years with 40,290 house lots and over 2,000 homes built for new homeowners, 18,530 house lots or 46 per cent were allocated to women, the MP said.
MP Bhagmattie Veerasammy
Free education was an economic casualty
…it was never stolen by PPP/C, says the Dean of UG’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Kofi Dalrymple, Dean of the University of Guyana's Faculty of Engineering and Technology, has refuted the claim that free education was "stolen" and is now being restored.
In a post on his Facebook page, he wrote: “In the 70s and 80s, Guyana faced a severe economic downturn, leading to IMF-imposed austerity measures under President Hoyte’s Economic Recovery Program (ERP).
“These measures aimed to stabilize the economy and reduce debt but ultimately led to the discontinuation of free education.
When the government changed in 1992 under Dr. Jagan—who originally founded UG in 1963—these measures remained in place and tuition-free education at UG eventually ended in 1994.
“So, free education wasn’t stolen; it was an economic casualty. Good governance and
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, during his presentation of Budget 2025 to the National Assembly, indicated, that, at that time, some $1.8 billion in loans have been written off for over 2,700 persons.
economic stability are key to making such rights sustainable.”
In a post on his Facebook page, the Dean wrote that free education is a positive right, meaning it depends on the government's ability to provide it.
He explained that unlike negative rights--such as free speech, which only re-
quire government restraint--state-provided benefits like education and healthcare are subject to economic conditions.
The delivery of free tertiary education has been a hallmark of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Manifesto. The government has begun phase one of the debt writeoff process.
“In 2024, we also announced that UG will be tuition-free from January 2025. This will benefit in excess of 11,000 current students and all new students. This will relieve students of having to bear the cost of university education at UG, whether by way of cash or student loan,” he said.
As such, reflecting the abolition of tuition fees some $13.4 billion is allocated in this year’s budget to finance UG’s operations.
Kofi Dalrymple, the Dean of the University of Guyana (UG)’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology
Minister Manickchand defends matriculation rates
THE Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, has addressed recent concerns surrounding Guyana’s matriculation rates while responding to criticism and outlining her ministry's strategic measures to tackle the issue.
In a brief Facebook post on Saturday morning, the minister defended progress in the nation's mathematics results. She attributed challenges to the COVID-19 pandemic, prolonged teachers strikes and regional trends, while emphasising her ministry’s strategic, targetted interventions and bold resource investments.
In a brief video statement, she said, "There's a lot of people talking, but not a lot of people who spend the time to even learn the figures or let
- Highlights COVID-19 impact, teachers strikes
children who were out of school for about two years during COVID—their firstand second-form years and maybe even a little bit of third form. Those are also the children who suffered from a five-month strike of teachers, where their education was seriously interrupted," the Education Minister stated.
According to her, the decline in mathematics rates is not specific to Guyana, but rather is a regional issue affecting other Caribbean states.
"The entire Caribbean saw a drop in matriculation by seven percent. The entire Caribbean," she emphasised.
Although the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has developed a regional plan, Guyana’s Ministry of Education has already implemented measures to improve mathe-
that is giving children trouble, so every single child from grade one to grade 11 has the required mathematics and English textbooks. Every single child in fourth and fifth form
alone trying to determine and analyse what might be the problem."
She explained that many of Guyana’s issues with mathematics in schools largely stem from the pandemic, which disrupted education nationwide for two years.
"The kids who wrote CXC in 2023 or 2024 were
matics nationwide.
"CXC has spoken about this publicly and said their plan will take effect in September 2026. Guyana, of course, is not going to wait for that," she said.
Minister Manickchand outlined various efforts by the ministry, stating, "We've noticed that it's mathematics
has scientific calculators, geometry sets, graph paper, graph books, past papers organised by topic, and math teachers."
One of the ministry’s most recent interventions has been the introduction of math monitors. These ministry personnel have been deployed across
Guyana to ensure effective teaching of mathematics in schools.
“So often we have teachers, but then they're not teaching, they're not teaching ac-
port since its launch. Online platforms such as Quiz Me and the Guyana Learning Channel, are now accessible to 92% of hinterland communities, have further supported the initiative. Despite these strides, the minister urged parents to take a more active role in their children’s education.
"This whole thing is a partnership. It's not going to be the Ministry of Education alone, or the school alone or the math teachers or the monitors. It's going to be a partnership that we all have to partake in," she said.
Acknowledging criticism, Minister Manickchand urged Guyanese students and parents to work collaboratively to improve mathematics outcomes across the country.
"We're very, very con -
previously underserved areas. The minister also emphasised the ministry’s efforts to train teachers, stating, "We're training teachers more than we've ever trained before. We've graduated in four years more than 4,000 teachers—more than double the trained teachers who graduated during the five years APNU was in office."
Additionally, she stressed the importance of enhancing education infrastructure, noting the ongoing construction of 17 secondary schools. Minister Manickchand concluded by reaffirming the ministry’s dedication to raising academic standards. "It's easy to make noise about something that is not optimal. It's hard to come up with solutions, but we don’t throw up our arms."
curately, they're not finishing the syllabus. They might like a particular area, they might dislike another area, and you'll see that in children's results," she explained.
Moreover, the ministry’s Math Intervention Programme, led by Leon Beaton, has gained significant sup -
scious that we need to change our matriculation rates, which stood at 19% when I wrote in '92. Let’s not talk about where we came from—let's talk about where we're going," she said.
She highlighted the construction of 17 secondary schools in the hinterland to ensure access to education in
She further stated that "We're happy to share our solutions, implement them in schools, and ensure children benefit from them—all with the goal of increasing matriculation rates and equipping students to access tertiary education and remain competitive in Guyana and globally”
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand
QuizMe in use at an Essequibo island Secondary School
Students of Leonora Secondary School are using QuizMe to practise multiple-choice questions ahead of CSEC exams
Guyana Energy Conference announces venue change for Taste of Guyana event
IN an effort to ensure a consolidated experience for two of its new initiatives, the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo has announced a change of venue for its Taste of Guyana Event.
This ancillary event, planned for February 18th, was initially set for Main Street, Georgetown. Patrons can now look forward to experiencing this culinary extravaganza
at the Kingston Esplanade area.
This ensures that the initiative is in proximity to the Conference Village, another new event that the Guyana Energy Conference will be hosting on February 17th, 2025.
Notably, the Conference Village will serve as a precursory opening to the main four-day conference being held at the Marriott Hotel from February 18th to 21st, 2025. It will
showcase Guyana’s agri-tourism potential alongside the incredible talents of its arts and crafts vendors.
As for the Taste of Guyana event, it is being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport and the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and Industry.
The Guyana Energy Conference is working with the Ministry of Agriculture on the Conference Village.
Housewife, 64, murdered in ransacked Belle West home
A 64-year-old housewife was found dead on Saturday at her Lot 1118 Belle West, West Bank Demerara (WBD) home, the police said in a statement.
Parbhudai Boodhram, also known as Renie, was murdered by unknown person(s) between 20:00 hrs on Friday and 08:00 hrs on Saturday.
Enquiries disclosed that the victim resided with her husband, Anthony Alphonso Boodhram, called Tony, a 63-year-old tailor at the aforementioned address in Belle West.
The woman would visit her husband daily at his tailor shop located in Georgetown, to assist him with work and on completion she would return home leaving him at the shop.
From time to time, he would stay overnight depending on the volume of work. On Friday, January 24, at about 10:00 hrs, Parbhudai left home and proceeded to her husband's tailor shop where she assisted him for the day. Thereafter, she left for her home. Before arriving home, the woman stopped at a shop in the area where she purchased several grocery items and was escorted home by the
shop owner/friend. As the woman arrived home, the shop owner watched as she entered the yard and he then drove away. It is suspected that the perpetrator(s) were hiding in the yard and managed to capture the woman as she was about to enter her home since there was no sign of forced entry. Whilst in the home, they restrained her with the use of 'plastic cable zip ties' and dealt the woman several blows to her face and about her body. The suspect(s) then ransacked the dwelling house as her purse was found to be missing along with her
jewellery and US$4,000 from a closet.
The woman’s body was later examined by police ranks and was subsequently escorted to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The body was later escorted to the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination. Detectives visited the scene at around 10:30 hrs on Saturday and several persons were questioned in the area with some useful information received. Two persons were arrested and are assisting with investigations.
Dead: Parbhudai Boodhram
This ancillary event, planned for February 18th, will now be held at the Kingston Esplanade area
Afreximbank looking to explore opportunities to contribute to Guyana’s energy development
THE Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo (GECSCE) scheduled to be held from February 18th to 21st, 2025, has onboarded African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) as one of its Diamond Sponsors.
Afreximbank is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. The Bank’s main purpose is to stimulate a consistent expansion, diversification, and development of African trade, while operating as a first-class, profit-oriented, socially responsible financial institution and a centre of excellence in African trade matters.
Headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, the Bank maintains regional presence through offices in Harare (Zimbabwe), Lagos (Nigeria), Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), Yaoundé (Cameroon), Kampala (Uganda), and Bridgetown (Barbados), serving the Caribbean community. Notably,
12 out of 15 CARICOM countries are Afreximbank member states, reflecting the Bank's commitment to its "Global Africa" agenda. This strategy aims to unite all Africans, irrespective of geographic location, in addressing the challenges of the global economic order and unlocking shared growth and prosperity.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Guyana Energy Conference, Anthony Whyte, underscored the importance of having the participation of such a financial giant, especially at a time when the region grapples with the challenges of financing sustainable development.
“For more than three decades, Afreximbank has been a leader in providing innovative financial instruments that have accelerated transformation across Africa. With a commitment to deepening its connections and trade relations with the Caribbean region, the financial institution has approved a limit of US$1.5 billion for financing
Executive Vice President Intra-African Trade and Export Development, Kanayo Awani
within the CARICOM states. This will increase to US$3 billion when all 15 CARICOM countries sign the partnership treaty.”
The Chairman added, “With Afreximbank at our conference, it signals to the world that it is committed to helping regional economies such as ours achieve their mission of sustainable growth and trade expansion. I certainly look forward to their invaluable contribu -
port and development in The Bahamas, tourism revitalisation support in Barbados, tourism projects in Grenada, renewable energy projects and trade finance in Saint Kitts and Nevis, and climate adaptation interventions in Saint Lucia.
tions which will, no doubt, strengthen the business community’s blueprint for success.”
The Chairman was keen to note that this massive support is certainly not a standalone show of commitment by the bank as it has also led investment missions to CARICOM which to date have resulted in pipeline deals totalling over US$2 billion. These include small and medium enterprise sup-
Specifically for Guyana, Whyte said Afreximbank has proven that it is ready to support Guyana’s economic transformation as it had exchanged a loan proposal of US$500 million with local authorities during the hosting of its 31st Annual Meetings in Nassau, Bahamas in June 2024.
Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President Intra-African Trade and Export Development, Kanayo Awani, commented: “We are delighted to be a Diamond Sponsor of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo. This event provides an invaluable platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration within the energy sector, a critical driver of economic growth in Guyana and the wider Caribbean region. Afreximbank is committed to supporting the CARICOM region to realise the full potential of its natural resources by participating in such initiatives. This is in line with our Intra-African trade strategy and Global Africa initiative that mandates our intervention to the African diaspora. We look forward to exploring opportunities to contribute to Guyana's energy development through our innovative financing products and solutions, and partnerships."
Afreximbank successfully hosted its inaugural Annual Meetings (AAM2024) in CARICOM in Nassau, The Bahamas, in June 2024. Held under the theme 'Owning our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa,' the event brought together over 4,000 delegates from around the world, including Heads of State, Prime Ministers, government ministers, and business leaders.
Stray dogs allegedly kill five sheep on Leguan Island
Some of the dogs allegedly responsible for killing the sheep (Big Smith News Watch photo)
AN En terprise, Leguan Island woman, Sharron Stephens, is counting her losses after a pack of stray dogs allegedly attacked and killed five of her sheep last week.
The Police Force reported that the incident occurred between January 23 and 24, 2025, at the above-mentioned village.
On arrival at Leguan at 10:30hrs on January 24, 2025, police ranks visited the area of the alleged attack. Freshly dug earth was
seen in an area identified to be the burial area of the slain sheep.
Further investigations revealed that several of the dogs were seen at a Chinese restaurant. As such, the police ranks visited the restaurant.
On arriving there, the ranks observed 12 dogs in the restaurant’s yard. When the operators of the restaurant were questioned, they claimed not to be the owners of the dogs and insisted that they were 'strays'.
In an effort to bring relief to the victim, the Police team tried and were able to catch four of the dogs with the use of ropes. The dogs were then taken to the police boat and transported to Parika, East Bank Essequibo.
Photos of the dogs being tied with rope to the police vehicle went viral on social media with many people expressing outrage at the cruelty meted out to the animals by members of the police force.
Afreximbank’s
Leading Mexican oil & gas company participates in the Guyana Energy Conference as a Gold Sponsor
THE Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo (GECSCE) is pleased to welcome Cotemar SA de CV onboard as a Gold Sponsor for the 2025 edition of our flagship event.
ico. It is the first private company to extract hydrocarbons and explore oil fields for potential future exploitation and the only one in the sector to be funded exclusively with Mexican capital.
GECSCE Chairman,
Cotemar is committed to strengthening and developing the energy industry and Mexico's well-being. The company provides comprehensive solutions for offshore exploration and production (E&P), adhering to
Cotemar is a leading Mexican company that provides services related to developing offshore oil fields through specialised vessels. It performs maintenance and rehabilitation of platforms and process centres in offshore facilities. It also provides catering and accommodation services and supports vessels, transport operations, and specialised services.
Additionally, it is a key provider in the supply chain industry and a manufacturer of steel components for the oil, gas, and industrial sectors. The company was incorporated in 1979 and is based in Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico. It has over 5,500 employees and over 15 vessels to offer comprehensive solutions.
Since 2016, this leading company has been working on the onshore oil exploration and production through its subsidiary, Lifting de Méx-
Mr. Anthony Whyte, commended Cotemar for its considerable support of the region's most dynamic energy conference and expo.
Mr. Whyte said, "While Guyana has been considered the world's fastest-growing economy for five consecutive years, sustaining this incredible growth trajectory will necessitate forging connections with experienced global partners. I am therefore pleased to welcome Cotemar on board. It will not only be able to interface with leaders within Guyana's booming oil and gas sector, but certainly, it can share its expertise and showcase its technological prowess to authorities."
The Chairman concluded, "I wish Cotemar every success in its participation. It will set new benchmarks for private sector partnerships between our nations."
stringent national and international standards for safety, quality, environmental protection, and health. True to its philosophy of being "one stop to get it done and done right," the company has earned the trust of its clients, positioning itself as the go-to partner.
The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain reiterates appreciation for Cotemar's support and looks forward to facilitating discussions to integrate its advanced technologies and strategies within the local market.
To learn more about this groundbreaking Mexican company and its unwavering commitment to excellence, visit www.cotemar.com or email contact@cotemar. com.mx. Discover how innovation and dedication drive its vision to transform the industry and create lasting impact.
One of Cotemar’s state-of-the-art semi-submersible platforms that provides construction and accommodation services
Mocha businessman nabbed with narcotics at Mabura police checkpoint
Paul Battersfield, a 48-yearold businessman of Mocha Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was nabbed with a quantity of cocaine and marijuana at the police checkpoint at Mabura.
Police Headquarters reported that 1,988.85 grammes of marijuana and 82 grammes of cocaine were found in his possession at around 21:30 hrs on Thursday.
At the time, Battersfield was a passenger in a blue Toyota Hilux extra-cab pickup bearing registration #GZZ 9658, driven by Ashman Scott called 'Scotty', a 50-year-old gold miner of Supply, EBD, which had arrived at the Mabura Police Outpost check-point.
There was one other person in the vehicle -- Dexter Atkinson, a 39-year-old gold miner/carpenter of Kuru Kuru, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. In
the tray of the pick-up vehicle was a freezer.
The driver went into the Mabura Police Outpost to be 'checked in', and while doing
so, one of the police ranks observed Battersfield acting suspiciously. The rank told the driver that he would like to search the vehicle, passengers
and their belongings. The rank also enquired who the freezer belonged to and Battersfield indicated that the freezer belonged to him.
The rank asked Battersfield what was in the freezer and he said his belongings. The rank told him to take out his belongings and in doing
so, Battersfield handed a bulky plastic bag to the rank which, when opened, contained five parcels of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis sativa.
Another parcel contained a quantity of a whitish powdery substance suspected to be cocaine. Battersfield was told of the offence committed, cautioned and admitted ownership.
Battersfield was arrested and escorted into the Mabura Police Outpost along with the narcotics. The suspect was subsequently escorted to the Mackenzie Police Station where the marijuana and cocaine were weighed in his presence. The narcotics were sealed, marked and lodged.
Battersfield was placed in custody pending charges. Investigations are ongoing.
The narcotics were seized from this vehicle during a Police checkpoint search at Mabura
Man sentenced to 4 years for uttering a forged document
MAGISTRATE Marisa
Mittelholzer jailed a man for four years on Friday after finding him guilty of uttering a forged document. The convict, Leslie Paul, had initially denied the allegation.
In a separate case, Ann Smith, who was
charged with the offence of attempting to obstruct the course of Justice, appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh on Friday. Magistrate Singh found her guilty and imposed a fine of $100,000, with an alternative six-month jail term.
Several arrested following fight at Leonora Superbet outlet
POLICE are investigating a fight that occurred outside a Superbet outlet at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD), on the evening of January 24. The fight, which involved several persons, first occurred inside the Superbet shop at about 20:15 hrs.
A police report indicated that 23-year-old Javier Kubair, a driver from Edinburgh, WCD, argued over the order in which to place bets with other customers. The report stated that Kubair attempted to purchase his bet before others who were ahead of him in line when an argument ensued between
himself and 24-year-old Fazal Jabbar of Patentia, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and 42-year-old businessman Donia Alleyne of Anna Catherina, WCD, among others.
Matters took a turn for the worse when Kubair exited the shop, went to his parked car, armed himself with a cutlass, and returned to the Superbet outlet threatening and attacking other customers. The customers, in defence, armed themselves with stones and pieces of wood and threw them at Kubair. He retreated to the nearby District Sports Bar for safety. The police were called and members of the Anti-Crime Patrol responded promptly.
Kubair, along with several others involved in the incident, was taken into custody and transported to the Leonora Police Station, where statements were recorded. Investigations continue.
RACING TIPS
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS
TURFFONTEIN
08:20 hrs Decret Chord
08:55 hrs My Soul Mate
09:30 hrs Son Of Raj 10:05 hrs Mary's Green Light
10:45 hrs Komati Rivet
IRISH RACING TIPS NAAS
09:00 hrs Canal End 09:30 hrs Charlus
10:05 hrs Amzadam
10:30 hrs Dancing City
11:00 hrs A Dream To Share
11:30 hrs Must Go Now 12:05 hrs Adiemus ENGLISH RACING TIPS FONTWELL
10:20 hrs Hot Rod Lincoln 10:50 hrs Book Of Wexford
11:20 hrs Kap Quest 11:50 hrs Grove Road
12:20 hrs Edward Sexton
India star named ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year
INDIA’S leading wicket-taker of 2024 has been named the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards.
Arshdeep Singh starred as India ended their wait for a major ICC trophy win with victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean and USA back in June, and has gone on to cement his reputation as one of the leading powerplay and death bowlers in the game.
The 25-year-old left-armer has long been tipped for the top, and India put a great deal of faith in his ability since making his full international debut in 2022.
And 2024 was the year when Arshdeep ful -
ly established himself as a world-class bowler in T20 International cricket, taking bucket-loads of wickets with the new ball and proving to be consistently economical at the death on a variety of surfaces.
Arshdeep was the leading Indian wicket-taker in T20 Internationals in the year, bagging 36 wickets in just 18 games.
He played a huge part in steering India to the title at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and stepped up as leader of the attack as the selectors built a new era for the T20 squad following the triumph in the Caribbean.
Only four players in the world took more T20I wick-
ets than Arshdeep in the calendar year – Saudi Arabia’s Usman Najeeb (38), Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga (38), UAE’s Junaid
Man City beat Chelsea to return to top four in Premier League
ERLING Haaland took advantage of a major blunder from Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to score the decisive goal as Manchester City won to return to the Premier League's top four.
Sanchez was caught badly out of position as he came out, then tried to scurry back as Haaland tussled with Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah to reach Ederson's long punt forward.
When Haaland won the physical duel, he deliberately moved the ball on to his left foot before chipping Sanchez for his 18th league goal of the season and his sixth in his last six games in all competitions.
Phil Foden wrapped up victory three minutes from time when he ran on to Haaland's lay-off to score his fifth goal in four games.
The win extended City's unbeaten league run to six, gave Ederson the notable achievement of becoming the first goalkeeper to claim two assists in a single season in 16 years and, more impor-
tantly, spared the blushes of £33.6m debutant Abdukodir Khusanov, who had been at fault for Chelsea's third-minute opener - when he headed the ball into Nicolas Jackson's path deep into the City half. Jackson's square pass to Noni Madueke gave the forward a tap-in. Foden struck a post and City's other new signing Omar Marmoush had a goal disallowed before Josko Gvardiol equalised as he reacted quickest to finish the rebound after Sanchez had denied Matheus Nunes.
After a bright start, during which they failed to take a golden chance to double their lead when Cole Palmer squared a pass too far in front of Jackson, who would have had an open goal to aim at, Chelsea faded and are now without a win in 11 meetings with City. Despite rotating his stellar roster of international attacking players, Enzo Maresca's side did not really threaten to force their way back into the contest once Haaland had struck.
Siddique (40) and Hong Kong’s Ehsan Khan (46) –with all four playing more matches. Of those bowlers, only Hasaranga featured for a full-member nation.
Arshdeep took his wickets at an average of just 15.31 and, despite predominantly bowling in the powerplay and death overs, finished the year with an economy rate of 7.49. He was a constant wicket-taking threat, taking his wickets at a
strike rate of 10.80.
Arshdeep had a number of impressive displays in the year, not least when he ripped through the USA in New York during the T20 World Cup group stage, bagging remarkable returns of 4/9 in his four overs.
But Arshdeep’s most significant performance of the year came on the biggest stage of all, as he played a huge part in helping India successfully defend their total of 176 in the World Cup Final in Barbados.
As part of a pace trio with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya that effectively won the game for India, Arshdeep’s terrific figures of 2/20 from four overs only tell part of the story.
Excellent with the new ball up top, Arshdeep struck in the powerplay to have the dangerous South African skipper Aiden Markram caught behind in just the third over. And when India
were in need of a wicket in the middle overs it was Arshdeep that provided the breakthrough, dismissing a set Quinton de Kock when the Proteas looked to be in control of the chase.
India’s collective effort at the death was astonishing as South Africa pulled up seven runs short of their target, and Arshdeep played a huge role in that, returning to the attack to bowl the penultimate over with South Africa requiring 20 from 12 deliveries.
Arshdeep delivered a near-perfect death over under the greatest pressure, conceding just four runs to leave Hardik Pandya with 16 runs to defend in the final over, a job that he spectacularly did.
Brilliance in the powerplay, a wicket in the middle overs, and economical excellence at the death – Arshdeep stepped up when it mattered most. (ICC Media)
Tilak Varma’s superb undefeated 72 helps India complete thrilling victory
TILAK Varma's superb unbeaten 72 led India to a thrilling two-wicket victory over England as they chased down 166 to win the second T20 international in Chennai.
England posted 165-9 after being put in to bat and looked to be on course for victory as they reduced India to 78-5 and then 126-7, but Tilak's brilliant 55-ball knock saw the hosts home with four balls to spare to give them a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Tilak's only significant support came from Washington Sundar (26), as superb bowling from Brydon Carse (3-29) and Adil Rashid (1-14) was undone by Jofra Archer (1-60) proving extremely expensive.
England had earlier set a competitive total after captain Jos Buttler (45) top scored for a second successive game, with Carse's cameo of 31 from 17 balls ensuring the tourists improved on their feeble effort in the series opener. But Tilak continued
his stunning form as he remarkably completed a fourth successive T20 international innings without being dismissed, following back-to-back centuries against South Africa in November last year and an unbeaten 19 against England on Wednesday. (Skysports)
Tilak Varma batted superbly to lead India to victory
Erling Haaland (left) and Phil Foden have found their shooting boots in recent weeks to help Manchester City back to some sort of form
India star bowler Arshdeep Singh
Lovell Surprised
Thaddeus Lovell is the lone new face in the Guyana senior team
…surprised
at selection
but aims to perform with bat and ball
By Sean Devers
WHILE off-spinning all-rounders Junior Sinclair and Richie Looknauth are hoping to play First-Class cricket they have represented Guyana at the 50-over level.
But the only player to have never played senior-level cricket for Guyana is fast-bowling all-rounder Thaddeus Lovell, who turned 20 on December 5, 2024.
After bagging a 5-for and finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the two practice matches, the lively Lovell was selected for Guyana in the absence of the still-injured Shamar Joseph, Keemo Paul and Romario Shepherd.
Lovell’s exploits for GCC with the bat and ball led to his elevation to the National U-15 and two years in the Guyana U-19 teams.
“Yeah! I was surprised when I heard I was selected
Thaddeus Lovell bowling in the Regional U-19 tournament
in the 13-man squad. When I began the practice match I aimed to gain experience and did not think of getting picked.
“But I took five wickets in the first match and I heard that Shamar had still not fully recovered, my hopes of getting picked.
“I played for Essequibo because it was comfortable for me and some of my fami-
Thaddeus Lovell demonstrated his batting ability since his youth days
ly are from Essequibo, I also represented the NOC cricket club in South Essequibo.”
Born to Leon Lovell and Michelle Lovell, Thaddeus attended the Leonora Primary and Secondary school and says growing up in Vreedin-Hoop was smooth for the most part. I wrote 7 subjects in the technical stream and passed all of them.
“We played cricket and
football at school and I always liked football but I love cricket more,” disclosed Lovell, who has an older sister.
According to Lovell, when he was just five years old his father would take him to watch his (dad’s) games.
“When I finished primary school my teacher advised me to join a club so I joined GCC where I decided to become a
cricketer. I was encouraged to join GCC because one of my friends also played,” added Lovell who last year represented Essequibo in the senior Inter-county tournament.
Talking about his early days at Guyana’s oldest Cricket Club, the home of the historic Bourda, Lovell spoke of his first coach.
“Well at first it was Coach Monte Lynch but for many years now it has been Coach Peter Persaud also most of the senior guys at my club help and push me along the way.
“Yes, always a fast bowler, however, I loved batting more than bowling back then,” said the all-rounder who scored 68 and had 5-for for GCC in the same game.
Lovell knows the importance of contributing with the bat and aims to be a genuine all-rounder. And he says he is working on that facet of his game.
“I have always been working on my batting in
Thaddeus Lovell is determined to make most of his chances
nets at my club but my main strength is the ability to move the ball both ways. My training is simple… I work on some bowling drills first then batting in nets. Then I take a day during the week to work on my fitness,” continued Lovell.
“Yes! there should be more first-division cricket since there is a rule that says if you play senior inter-county or for Guyana, you cannot play second division.”
“So, players will have no cricket to play and keep training and if they are lucky, they get a chance to play overseas,” concluded Lovell, who enjoys relaxing, watching movies and playing console games.
World Cup hero named ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year
NEW Zealand all-rounder
Melie Kerr has been named the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year for 2024.
Kerr has been announced as the leading player in the world following an impressive year in T20I cricket that was capped by a Player of the Tournament display in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where she inspired New Zealand to their first T20 World Cup title.
The 24-year-old becomes only the second New Zealander to win the award, following in the footsteps of her World Cup winning teammate Suzie Bates, who won the award back in 2016.
One of the features of Kerr’s phenomenal year was how she raised her game in the biggest
moments, stepping up as a decisive player for the White Ferns in their crunch knockout matches en-route to the T20 title.
Her 2/14 in the semi-final against West Indies played a vital part in shutting down the second innings as the Windies fell short by eight runs, with Kerr being the most economical
bowler on both sides and picking up the defining wicket of the contest when she removed big-hitting Deandra Dottin at a vital moment in the match.
Across the year, Kerr scored her runs at an average of 24.18 and bagged her wickets at a strike rate of just 13.6 across her 18 matches. No New Zealand
women’s cricketer has ever taken as many wickets in a calendar year as Kerr’s 29.
Her 15 wickets in the tournament in the UAE is the most ever by a single bowler at an ICC Women’s T20I World Cup, and came at an average of 7.33 and with an economy rate of 4.85 across her six matches, marking her out as the stand-out bowler in the competition.
Kerr was also exceptional in the field throughout the tournament, and made a number of significant contributions with the bat, finishing with 135 runs in six innings at an average of 27 – putting her in the top ten run-scorers, along with two of her teammates.
Kerr’s impressive form in the UAE saw her play a leading
part throughout the World Cup in all three facets of the game, and culminated in a Player of the Match display in the final as the White Ferns beat South Africa to claim the trophy in Dubai.
She was already a major contender for Player of the Tournament even before her match-winning efforts in the final, where she made crucial contributions with bat, ball and in the field.
Coming in at number three in the first innings she topscored in the match with a crucial anchoring knock of 43 from 38 balls, coming in during the second over and ensuring that the White Ferns reached a competitive score, with her wicket coming with just seven balls of the innings remaining.
South Africa looked to be in control of their chase after a rapid start in the powerplay, but Kerr turned the game on its head with the ball, taking two wickets in an over to remove key Proteas batters Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch to turn the tide in the second innings. Her figures of 3/24 in four overs were the pick of the returns across both bowling attacks in the match.
Not content with excelling with bat and ball, Kerr also produced one of the best bits of fielding of the match, holding on to a ball dropping over her shoulder to help remove Nadine de Klerk with the contest still in the balance. (ICC Media)
Young Windies women stumble at ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup
WEST Indies found themselves in a familiar predicament at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, as they suffered a seven-wicket defeat to Australia in their opening Super Six match in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Bowled out for a mere 53 after being sent in to bat, the Caribbean side offered little resistance as Australia comfortably chased down the target in 10.5 overs, finishing on 57-3. With this loss, the West
Indies are teetering on the brink of elimination and will aim to salvage some pride in their final match against Bangladesh on Monday. Australia’s bowlers set the tone early, as they reduced the West Indies to 7-3 with a flurry of quick wickets.
Eleanor Larosa (2-6) bowled Asabi Callender for one, while Naijanni Cumberbatch fell for a duck to a brilliant stumping by Grace Lyons off Hasrat Gill. Larosa struck again to dismiss Jahzara Claxton and left the
Windies reeling.
Captain Samara Ramnath offered a brief fightback with 14 before falling to Juliette Morton, while Tegan Williamson’s two wickets in consecutive balls further dented any hopes the Caribbean side had of a bounce back as they were reduced to 31-6 at that point.
Brianna Harricharan showed some resistance with a top score of 17, but Caoimhe Bray’s 2-9 wrapped up the tail. Despite losing Ines McK-
eon to Selena Ross for a duck in the second ball of the chase, Australia cruised to victory thanks to Lucy Hamilton, who anchored the innings with 28, adding a 38-run partnership with Kate Pelle (11).
Rain caused a brief delay, but upon resumption, Australia remained in control. Although Hamilton and Pelle were dismissed late in the innings, Bray (11 not out) and Ella Briscoe (4 not out) sealed the win with ease. (Sportsmax)
New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr
Windies women eye consistency after ODI series win over Bangladesh
HAVING secured a confidence-boosting 2-1 ODI series win over Bangladesh, West Indies Women's head coach Shane Deitz and captain Hayley Matthews are hoping the team can build on their momentum in the upcoming T20 series and address key areas of improvement as they set their sights on the more important World Cup qualifiers.
In fact, Deitz was quick to point out that the team remains focused on delivering consistent, disciplined performances to achieve their ultimate goal, following an eight-wicket win in the series decider at Warner Park in St. Kitts on Friday.
Led by a stellar bowling performance from spinner Karishma Ramharack, who registered career-best figures of 4-12, the Windies restricted Bangladesh to a modest 118. Contributions from Qiana Joseph (39), Deandra Dottin (33 not out), Shemaine Campbelle (25 not out), and Matthews (22) then
sealed the chase with ease.
“Yeah, good win. Players played pretty well for most of the games. Obviously, the second game we didn’t perform as we wanted to with the bat, so we’re a bit disappointed we didn’t win 3-0. But a 2-1 series win is good, and we take a bit of momentum into the T20s starting next week,” Deitz said.
The batting department, which has often relied heavily on Matthews, saw other players stepping up in the series, which was a welcome return for the coach.
“Qiana played two good innings this series, and obviously Deandra’s power—we all know about that. Minnie [Shemaine Campbelle] played a good anchor innings, so that was pleasing. But we need to see more of it, more often," Deitz remarked.
Matthews echoed the sentiment, as she too highlighted the importance of team contributions.
“Yeah, it was a great op-
portunity for us to see some of the other girls as well. Getting Shemaine and Deandra out in the middle, spending some time together—it was great to see. The way they went about it, too, so aggressively, really stamping their authority in those final few overs,” she said.
To address the batting concerns, Deitz pointed to upcoming regional cricket as a key preparation phase for the World Cup qualifiers, as he stressed their push for consistency.
“In the qualifiers, you can’t afford to have one bad day. We’ve got to be more
consistent and disciplined for the whole qualifier. Our goal is to win every game, and the qualification process will take care of itself then. But we’ve got to be consistent for 100 overs in each game,” he stated.
“We’ll work on some things there (regional games) to make sure the girls come out with good form. We’ve played two series in the last two months, so we’re now in ODI mode. We’ll review this series, see what worked well, and take those things into the next series and qualifiers," Deitz added.
On that note, Deitz lauded Matthews, who was named in the ICC ODI Team of the Year.
“She gets into everybody’s team all the time, so there’s no surprise. We know how awesome she is with the bat, ball, and in the field. She’s one of the best players in the world, and we’re pleased for her to get those personal accolades. But I know she’s determined to win games for West Indies
and lead us into the World Cup,” he stated.
Matthews, in turn, praised Ramharack for her outstanding bowling performance as well as the allround experience that Dottin brings to the team.
“She [Ramharack] was trying to be a bit humble there, but obviously, she’s someone who loves doing well and works so hard to do well, too. So it was good to see her finally reap some rewards this series, especially,” Matthews shared.
“Deandra obviously adds a whole new dimension to our team. She’s one of the most destructive people, not just in the West Indies but in the world as a whole. Not many people can hit a ball like Deandra Dottin. Just having her up your sleeve means she can change any game from any situation, and she is just a wonderful all-rounder to have within his side,” Matthews noted. (Sportsmax)
England 20% behind Australia in every area - Cook
England's women are "at least 20% behind Australia in everything", according to former men's Test captain Sir Alastair Cook.
Heather Knight's side suffered their latest humiliation of a chastening Women's Ashes tour by being bowled out for 90 in the third and final T20 in Adelaide, meaning they remain winless after six white-ball matches.
Australia now lead the series 12-0, with four points up for grabs in the one-off Test which rounds
off the multi-format contest on 30 January.
There has never been a 16-0 clean sweep in the multi-format series which has been in existence since 2013.
"This series has shown the reality of where the two sides are," Cook said on TNT Sports.
"But the best thing about when you go down to 5-0 or a clean sweep, is that you're at the bottom and the only way is up.
"Ultimately, England are about 20% behind Australia at everything -
batting, bowling, fielding, athleticism, the lot."
Cook led England during a winless Ashes series of his own in 201314 and said that clarity and honest reflection was the only way of recovering from the "doom and gloom".
Knight and head coach Jon Lewis are both under enormous scrutiny as they have repeatedly insisted the gap between the sides is not as big as the scoreline suggests.
It has been a disappointing decline in En -
gland's competitiveness, considering they won both white-ball series of the drawn Ashes at home in 2023, and Cook added that it would take at least two or three years to catch Australia again.
"You get to the point where you either sulk, you quit, or you go again," added Cook.
"We lost 5-0 and then won the Ashes back 18 months later, so it is possible, but if you're not honest then you won't get anywhere.
"So they've got the
exciting thing of playing the Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, but then you look at the
reality of where you are at as a side, as a system, and how do we use it to get better?"(BBC Sport)
(1) How many WI batsmen were dismissed for ‘ducks’ in the first Test against PAK?
(2) How many PAK batsmen were dismissed for ‘ducks’?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Hayley Matthews and coach Shane Deitz
Kane scores as Bayern Munich go six points clear in Bundesliga
Harry Kane scored from open play for the first time since November as Bayern Munich went six points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table with a win against
Freiburg.
The England captain opened the scoring for the Bavarians with a powerful effort into the bottom left-hand corner.
It was the 31-year-
old's 23rd goal of the campaign and his first from open play since a 3-0 win against Augsburg on 22 November, when he hit a hat-trick.
South Korea defender Kim Min-jae
Mbappe has scored
Wembanyama’s Spurs beaten by Pacers in Paris
France's Victor Wembanyama could not prevent his San Antonio Spurs side suffering a 136-98 defeat by the Indiana Pacers in Paris.
Having been beaten 140-110 by the Spurs on Thursday in the first of two regular-season NBA games played in the French capital, the Pacers avenged that defeat with a convincing win.
Tyrese Haliburton scored a game-high 28
points while Pacers teammate Pascal Siakam added 23 points.
Wembanyama, who played for Paris-based Metropolitans 92 before being selected by the Spurs as the number one overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, managed 20 points and 12 rebounds as his team-mate Harrison Barnes contributed 25 points at the Accor Arena. This is the fourth year
that the NBA has staged regular-season matches in Paris.
"It's been really fun to be here," said Haliburton. "It's helping grow the game, the opportunity from the league has been amazing.
"We just wanted to leave the city on a good note. I thought it was a really good showing from us tonight and just want to carry this momentum going forward."
doubled Bayern's lead with his fourth goal for the club as he headed in Joshua Kimmich's corner.
Freiburg halved Bayern's advantage with 22 minutes left of
normal time when substitute Matthias Ginter headed in from a corner.
But 32-time German champions Bayern held on to increase their buffer at the top of the table. That is because champions Bayer Leverkusen failed to keep the pressure on Bayern, conceding an equaliser in the 85th minute in a 2-2 draw
Mbappe hat-trick gives Real Madrid win
KYLIAN Mbappe scored his first hattrick for Real Madrid as they went four points clear at the top of La Liga with the 3-0 victory at Real Valladolid.
The France captain curled into the far corner from Jude Bellingham's cross in the 30th minute.
After the break, Mbappe latched on to Rodrygo's pass before cutting inside and unleashing a fierce shot into the bottom corner to increase Real's lead.
Mbappe completed his hat-trick in added time, sending goalkeeper Karl Hein the wrong way from the spot.
Real loanee Mario Martin gave away the
penalty after a reckless tackle on Jude Bellingham, which led to his dismissal.
Mbappe has 15 league goals this season, behind only Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski (16) in the standings, and 22 in all competitions.
Atletico Madrid drew earlier on Saturday and Real took full advantage to move further clear at the top while Real Valladolid remain bottom of La Liga.
Attention now turns to the Champions League for Carlo Ancelotti's side, when they travel to Brest on Wednesday, needing a win to stand any chance of a top-eight finish. (BBC Sport)
Kylian
the opening goal in five La Liga matches this season
Wembanyama helped France win a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics
20 wickets tumble on Day One in Multan…
Warrican, Motie, Roach lead Windies fightback against Pakistan on opening day of second Test
MULTAN, Pakistan (CMC)
– Jomel Warrican, Gudakesh Motie and Kemar Roach were at the forefront of a superb West Indies fightback against Pakistan on a dramatic opening day that saw 20 wickets fall in the second Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Motie scored his maiden Test half century batting at number nine and together with Warrican and Roach helped to rescue the Windies from 38 for seven, with the trio combining to add 125 runs before the West Indies were eventually dismissed for 163 in 41.1 overs in the morning session.
Left-arm spinner Noman Ali was the main destroyer for Pakistan, finishing with 6-41, while becoming the first Pakistan spinner to bag a Test hat-trick in the process.
Warrican then returned to grab four wickets, while Motie took three and Roach two, to orchestrate a dramatic middle order collapse as Pakistan were bowled out for 154 in the final session, giving the Windies a slender nine-run first innings lead.
But it was the West Indies’ three tailenders that stole the show, showing grit and determination that was evidently missing from the top order batsmen.
After winning the toss and
They both had luck on their sides, with Motie being dropped by Salman Agha at slip when he was 39, while Agha floored a difficult return catch when Warrican was 26.
Motie took advantage of the opportunity to bring up his first Test half century off 81 balls when he drove Nomad Ali down to long on for a single.
Ali got his revenge in his next over though, when he comprehensively bowled Motie to bring the innings to an end just before the lunch break.
Motie faced 87 balls and struck four boundaries, while Warrican was unbeaten on 36 from 40 balls with two sixes and one four.
electing to bat, the visitors found themselves in trouble early on when Mikyle Louis became the first Test wicket for debutant Kashif Ali, edging him behind for just four.
Amir Jangoo then had a nightmare start to his Test career when he was dismissed for a duck, adjudged lbw to off spinner Sajid Khan, to see the Windies slip to nine for two.
Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite made just nine before he was trapped lbw by Nomad Ali, and when Nomad Ali snared the wickets of Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach and Kevin Sinclair in successive deliveries in the 12th over, the West Indies slumped to
38 for seven.
Jomel Warrican starred with bat and ball for the West Indies on the opening day of the second Test.
Kavem Hodge’s defiant 21 then came to an end when he was dismissed by Abrar Ahmed with the score 54 for eight, to leave only the tail.
However, Roach added 41 with Motie to carry the total to 95 before he became Nomad Ali’s fifth victim, out lbw for 25 from 45 balls.
His dismissal brought Warrican to the crease and together with Motie, they frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers during a 68-run partnership for the last wicket.
Following on from the exploits of their bowlers, Pakistan would have been hoping to gain a sizeable first innings lead and take control of the contest.
However, veteran pacer Kemar Roach dismissed openers Muhammad Hurraira and Shan Masood and Motie bowled Babar Azam to leave the home side wobbling on 25 for three.
And when Athanaze held on to a good catch at slip to account for the wicket of Kamran Ghulam off the bowling of Motie, Pakistan was in trouble at 51 for four.
But the heroes of the first Test, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, shared a 68-run
stand for the fifth wicket to put the home side back in the ascendancy.
Once Warrican dismissed Shakeel for 32 and Rizwan was stumped off his bowling for 49,
the rest of the batting collapsed to give the West Indies an unlikely lead.
Warrican finished with 4-43, Motie took 3-49
Season Seven of Elite League to kick off on March 9 - GFF confirms GISE, Star Party Rental and Trophy Stall first division two-day competition
THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is delighted to unveil the much-anticipated launch of Season Seven of the Elite League, set to commence on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the National Training Centre, Providence.
Under the inspiring theme ‘Stronger Together,’ this season embodies a renewed commitment to unity and progress, highlighting the unwavering collaboration between clubs, players, sponsors and fans.
Together, they share a bold vision to raise the league’s standards, enhance professionalism, and drive greater competitiveness, ensuring an exciting and dynamic season ahead.
The road to Season Seven brought its own share of excitement during the qualification play-offs. Lake Mainstay FC claimed their spot in the league with a stellar performance, adding fresh energy to the competition.
Meanwhile, Ann’s Grove United fought valiantly to retain their position, ensuring their presence in another thrilling season. With these additions, the league promises an even more dynamic and competitive
environment.
Season Six delivered unforgettable moments and fierce battles, with Guyana Defence Force FC emerging as champions, finishing with an impressive 50 points.
They were followed closely by Slingerz FC with 46 points, while Guyana Police Force FC secured third place with 34 points, proving their resilience and determination.
Season Seven will introduce enhanced development opportunities as each Elite League club is now required to participate in key youth and women’s competitions, including a Under-17
Girls Competition, Under-17 Boys Competition, and the Women’s Division One League. These tournaments are mandatory under the Concacaf Club Licensing regulations, which stipulate that clubs must field both a youth boys’ and a youth girls’ team to secure a Concacaf Club License which is an essential requirement for participation in regional and international tournaments.
Additionally, the GFF will host a series of comprehensive workshops to support clubs in achieving full compliance with Concacaf Club Licensing regulations.
These workshops will cover essential areas such as governance, ensuring clubs establish transparent structures and accountability frameworks; best practices, focusing on operational excellence and strategic growth; club management, providing guidance on effective administration and leadership; and finance and bookkeeping, equipping clubs with the necessary financial skills to maintain sustainability and transparency.
Through these initiatives, the GFF aims to further professionalise the league, empowering clubs with the knowledge and tools needed to seize greater opportunities on the regional and international stage.
With an updated roster promising more matches this season, top-tier talent, and a shared commitment to growth, Season Seven of the Elite League is poised to deliver thrilling football action and unforgettable moments.
The GFF extends its best wishes to all participating clubs and encourages fans to support their teams as they compete for glory. (GFF Press Release)
GCC’s fast bowlers Yeudister Persaud (Left) had 4-47 and Niland Cadogan took 4-19 (Sean Devers photo)
THE 2023 Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA), GISE, Star Party Rental and Trophy Stall first division two-day resumed yesterday with GCC in control against Police.
At the Police Sports Club ground Eve Leary, Police were shot out for a paltry 64 after the 50 came up in 17 overs a track with variable bounce.
Kamonya Ramkaran (10) was the only batter to reach double figures as pacers Yeudister Persaud 6-20 and Nailand
Cadogan 4-19 did the damage with the ball for GCC. GCC were dismissed for 177 with Rivaldo Phillips (38), Nicholas Shiopersaud (37) and Navindra Persaud (36) getting starts as off-spinners Ivar Trotz had 47 and Kelvon Leitch took 4-68. With a deficit of 113 Police ended the opening day on 47-3 with Krsna Singh 3-1 from four overs taking all of the wickets.
(Sean Devers)
Gudakesh Motie (left) and Jomel Warrican during their vital last wicket partnership (Photos: AFP/ Getty Images)
Guyana Defence Force are reigning champions of the Elite League
Superb Keys stuns Sabalenka to win Australian Open
AMERICAN underdog Madison Keys finally got her hands on a Grand Slam trophy after holding off defending champion Aryna Sabalenka to win the Australian Open women's title.
Keys, playing her second major final and first for more than seven years, overcame the world number one 6-3 2-6 7-5.
Only three other women have been older than the 29-year-old Keys when winning their first Grand Slam title.
Keys, seeded 19th in Melbourne, clasped her head in amazement before sharing an emotional hug with husband and coach Bjorn Fratangelo.
"I have wanted this for so long. I never knew if I'd be in this position again," said Keys.
Belarus' Sabalenka, 25, had been attempting to claim a rare third successive victory at the opening major of the season.
After Keys secured victory, Sabalenka warmly hugged her opponent at the net before her mood quickly soured.
She smashed a racquet then covered her head with a towel before walking off court.
playing "too safe".
"I'm glad I've got you back," Keys joked afterwards.
After another injury-hit season last year, which forced her to miss the Australian Open, Keys was unsure if she would "be able to do it all again".
A bold move to change racquet manufacturer in the off-season has paid dividends, with Keys keeping her explosive power while playing with a level of confidence she previously lacked.
Beating Sabalenka was the pinnacle of a title run where has beaten a host of star names.
But Keys, a powerful baseliner, is one of the few players on the WTA Tour who has the weapons to damage Sabalenka.
The explosive match-up led to a gripping final where Keys won only one more point overall.
A stunning opening set, where she whacked 11 winners and had a rock-solid first serve, set the platform.
Keys was also helped by a nervy start from Sabalenka, whose once-unstable second serve returned to trouble her.
"She played super aggressive. It seemed like everything was going her way," said Sabalenka.
"I was just trying to put the ball back. I couldn't really play my aggressive tennis and didn't feel my serve that well.
An exasperated Sabalenka felt the need to go off court after a 35-minute first set and, having tried to clear her head, was able to shift momentum.
Keys was unable to sustain her previous level, with her winners deteriorating and her first serve lacking precision.
"Madison was incredible and I couldn't do anything," said Sabalenka.
"Next time I play Madison I will bring better tennis."
Keys caps incredible run
Patience can be a precious commodity in sport and even Keys thought her chance of winning one of tennis' greatest prizes had slipped by.
When she returned a few minutes later she received a warm ovation from the 15,000 fans on Rod Laver Arena.
Her only previous Grand Slam final appearance had seen her lose the 2017 US Open title to Sloane Stephens. The seven-and-a-bit years
between Keys' first and second major finals is the longest gap in the Open era on the women's side.
After reaching the French Open and US Open semi-finals in 2018, Keys dropped outside of the world's top 50 after struggling with injuries.
She returned to the top 10 in early 2022 after making the Australian Open semi-finals and also had a run to the last four at the 2023 US Open.
Keys was denied a place in the final of her home Grand Slam by Sabalenka - a crushing defeat in which she regretted
Keys also beat second seed Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals, becoming the first player to beat the top two Australian Open seeds since Serena Williams in 2005.
That came on the back of previous victories over former Melbourne finalists Danielle Collins and Elena Rybakina, plus 2023 Wimbledon semi-finalist Elina Svitolina.
How Keys unlocked Sabalenka in gripping final Sabalenka was the prematch favourite, having won 33 of her previous 34 matches on the Australian hard courts.
Two double faults in the opening game allowed Keys to break, while another set up a second break point in the fifth game which Sabalenka handed over with a sliced forehand into the net.
Keys continued to play lights out, thumping clean winners from the back of the court and also showing deft touches.
A bemused Sabalenka could only smile when Keys pulled out an ice-cold drop-shot on the way to holding for 5-1.
However, Sabalenka was furious with herself after a fourth double fault handed over another set point, which Keys took with a backhand winner.
While Sabalenka was still lacking fluency – illustrated by a long forehand that left her dropping her racquet in exasperation – she improved enough to dominate the second set.
A tight and tense decider did not produce a break point until the pivotal 12th game.
Keys upped the ante with some deep returning that Sabalenka could not handle, before sealing victory with a wonderful cross-court forehand winner.
"She played incredible," said Sabalenka.
"I was trying my best. Obviously it didn't work well.” (BBC Sport)
GSCL to stage Republic Cup three-day softball extravaganza
THE Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. will commence the 2025 season in grand style with the Republic Cup three-day softball extravaganza, set for February 14-16.
According to the GSCL, the tournament is being staged in honour of Guyana’s 55th Republican status and will be played in the usual three men’s categories – Open
All Stars, Masters Over-40 and Legends Over-50 over 20 overs. A significant addition will also be the inclusion of a women’s category which will be 15-over affairs.
While a few teams have already signaled their intention to participate, the GSCL is urging others to do so since registration process will be closed shortly. Interested teams in all categories
Flashback: Regal Legends celebrate following their triumph in Orlando in the 2023 tournament
20 wickets tumble on Day One in Multan…
Warrican, Motie, Roach lead
are asked to contact 219-0451 and 610-7902 for further details.
The GSCL pointed out that softball cricket has always been part of the Guyanese culture and it is determined to keep the grassroot sport alive. It said that as an organisation, it’s vision is about the promotion and playing of softball cricket.
“We are also endeavour-
ing to achieve the goal of encouraging and fostering a sense of community among all cricket enthusiasts, hence the staging of the Republic Cup tournament.”
Meanwhile, defending Over-50 champions, Regal Legends will also be using the tournament as preparations for the upcoming Orlando Cup to be staged on April 4-6 in Orlando.
Madison Keys is the first woman to beat the top two seeds at a major since Svetlana Kuznetsova at the 2009 French Open
