Grades 10 and 11 Agricultural Science students of the Berbice Education Institute are now knowledgeable about growing crops in the Deep Flow Technique hydroponics system. Last Thursday and Friday, students were exposed to theoretical and practical sessions. The practicals were done on their very own system which was donated by the PPP/C Government. Participants of the training were introduced to innovative methods and skills aimed at enhancing their knowledge and capabilities. The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has been assisting schools to build shade houses and hydroponics systems to promote climate-smart agriculture (NAREI photo)
- President Ali says, points to govt’s strategic investments to accelerate the economy, create opportunities, boost competitiveness - rubbishes opposition notion of too much being spent on infrastructure - advocates of this system are aware of legal implications, Ramkarran
President Ali calls for expansive collaboration with China in 2025
- notes ‘inerasable’ contribution Chinese community has made to Guyana’s development
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has said that as China embarks on the Lunar New Year, Guyana looks forward to deepening the bonds of friendship and collaboration.
While extending wishes to all on the occasion of the Chinese Lunar New Year and Spring Festival 2025, the head of state on Friday noted that this year, they celebrate the year of the snake.
He called this animal “a symbol of wisdom, resilience, and transformation,” adding that “The snake’s graceful movements and its ability to shed its skin remind us of the importance of renewal and adaptability, qualities that are vital in navigating the ever-changing global economic landscape.”
President Ali went on to add that the Year of the Snake also encourages us to harness intelligence and insight to foster economic growth, while strengthening social bonds and achieving sustainable development
for our people.
Against this backdrop, he stated that China’s remarkable achievements over the years continue to serve as an inspiration to the global community.
“As we embark on this new year, we look forward to deepening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between our two nations,” he said.
Further to this, Dr Ali indicated that while the Chinese presence in Guyana can be traced back more than 170 years, the community has made an inerasable contribution to Guyana’s development.
This partnership continues to yield mutual benefits in areas such as infrastructure, education, technology, and cultural exchanges.
He said: “Together, we can tackle shared challenges, seize emerging opportunities and contribute to the collective advancement of humanity. Let us commit to expanding our collaboration in 2025, guided by the positive traits of
the snake: foresight, perseverance, and a harmonious spirit.”
Meanwhile, on the same note, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, Huang Rui indicated that bilateral ties between the two countries grew even closer last year as Guyana and China co-operated closely economically and culturally.
“China and Guyana have become good friends and trusted and relied on each other,” he said.
Speaking on the Lunar New Year, the Chinese diplomat added that the year of the dragon is slipping away as the year of the snake is quietly approaching.
The Lunar New Year or Spring Festival he added, has not only been the Chinese traditional holiday, but it has also become an international one.
“The year of the snake is a year of smoothness, strength and vitality,” the Charge d’Affaires noted.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali
Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, Huang Rui
Gov’t has exceeded expectations to deliver a people-oriented strategy - President Ali
- says 2025
By Naomi Parris
IN a comprehensive overview of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C administration's fiscal strategies, President, Dr Irfaan Ali emphasised that the last four national budgets were designed with one guiding principle in mind: improving the well-being of the people of Guyana.
The Head of State during a Sunday afternoon broadcast stated that the government has exceeded its own expectations by fulfilling its commitment to a people-oriented strategy and investing in various sectors to uplift the population.
“The whole philosophy of the last four budgets was about improving the conditions of people, the life [sic] of people; the conditions of [the] community; empowering people; creating wealth; building prosperity; expanding growth; opening up opportunity [sic]; and investing in the development
National Budget a
of our people all across the country, whether it's health care, education, community services, roads, infrastructure, drainage, agriculture. It was all about investing around people, empowering people, uplifting people,”
President Ali said.
Some key achievements he noted included reversing over 200 punitive taxes, saving the private sector $100 billion annually and boosting foreign direct investment.
These taxes which were imposed by the previous administration, he noted, had ‘killed’ the country’s economy, dulled productivity, extracted disposal income from citizens and reversed growth in many sectors.
“One of the first things we did was the adjustment to the tax regime to improve the investment climate of our country and provide relief to citizens. These included restoring the VAT zero rate on basic food items and household necessities; rolling back freight costs to
continuation
pre-pandemic levels; reducing [the] excise tax on gasoline and diesel and adjusting the income tax threshold.”
MANIFESTO PROMISES
Shifting his attention to the government’s manifesto promises, President Ali noted that not only has the government delivered on all of the commitments it made during its campaign run back in 2020, but it had exceeded them beyond expectations.
“We were able to exceed, even before the presentation of budget 2025, the GOAL [Guyana Online Academy of Learning] scholarship programme, more than 20,000, close to 30,000 scholarships issued; 70 per cent of which went to women; ICT liberalisation. This would have saved consumers billions of dollars; reducing the cost of data; reducing the cost of capital for ICT businesses and giving wider access to ICT-related services, data services that are critical in empowering especially
of investing in people, communities
young people,” he said.
The Guyanese leader reminded viewers that the government brought back the Because We Care education grant, increasing it incrementally over the span of five years.
This had resulted in a direct cash injection of $26 billion going to the country’s children.
Further, the government has invested more than $28 billion in electricity generation, ensuring that the country was able to keep pace with the expansion of its economy and the demand for electricity.
Highlighting specifically the country’s flagship gas-to-energy project, President Ali noted that the government’s investments are interrelated.
“The gas-to-shore project that will bring down the cost of electricity by 50 per cent; that will put back more money into the pockets of people; that will make us more competitive; that would allow the migra-
tion of more international businesses in manufacturing, agro-processing, [and] industrial development here in Guyana.”
This in return, he explained, will create sustainable and long-term jobs, translating into prosperity of people and the expansion of businesses.
HEALTH AND EDUCATION
Investments in healthcare, education and infrastructure were highlighted, with $108 billion spent on healthcare and $54 billion on education.
With the massive investments in the healthcare sector, public health has seen a transformation with more specialised services now being offered.
To this end, he pointed to the six regional hospitals that are currently under construction, which will create more beds and specialised care.
“Between 2021 and 2023, all the regional health centres were upgraded at
a cost of $12 billion. Between 85 and 90 per cent of drugs and medical supplies are now available in the healthcare sector, that is, our health dispensaries, our pharmacies.”
Regarding education, the Head of State noted that more educators across the country have been trained.
Meanwhile, some 34 schools across the country were either extended or constructed since 2020, while some 315 nursery institutions, 440 primary institutions and 150 secondary intuitions were rehabilitated.
“So, we have been investing not only in infrastructure, the school, having good buildings, but also building recreational facilities for children to enjoy, creating good public open space[s] for quality of life.”
He added: “Now budget 2025 will continue the story, the story of giving our pensioners more, the story of giving our children more, investing more in our communities.”
MoM hands over new house to Enterprise mother of two
An Enterprise mother of two on Saturday received the keys to a new house which was constructed through the Men on Mission initiative
IN a heartwarming display of community and compassion, the Men on Mission (MoM) initiative, spearheaded by the Government of Guyana, handed over a newly constructed
home to Ameena Elliot, a deserving resident of Enterprise on Saturday.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, and key members
of the MoM team, who expressed their commitment to uplifting vulnerable individuals and families across Guyana.
Ameena Elliot, the recipient of this life-changing gesture, expressed
profound gratitude for her new home, which symbolises hope and a fresh start. Her story of resilience resonated with those in attendance, highlighting the importance of initiatives like MoM in transforming lives.
The programme which focuses on providing support and empowerment to those in need, has successfully delivered numerous homes to individuals and families across the country. This latest project in Enterprise underscores the Government’s commitment to inclusivity and its vision for a better Guyana. (MoH)
‘Development follows infrastructure’
- President Ali says, points to govt’s strategic investments to accelerate the economy, create opportunities, boost competitiveness - rubbishes opposition notion of too much being spent on infrastructure
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has strongly countered opposition criticisms of the government's heavy investment in infrastructure, asserting that such spending is crucial for spurring economic development and improving the country’s global competitiveness.
The Head of State while speaking at the commissioning of the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc. (VEHSI) on Saturday evening, pointed to several key infrastructure projects as essential tools for creating opportunities and driving long-term economic transformation, rejecting claims that these investments are excessive or misdirected.
“We have to understand what the requirements of this country are moving forward,” Dr. Ali
said before dismantling the barrage of criticism spewing from the opposition over the past few days.
“If you don't have infrastructure, you have to build it, because development follows infrastructure.”
He pointed to the
New Demerara Harbour Bridge, which once completed will drive a wave of economic opportunities.
This new modern piece of infrastructure, is not more than just a bridge. It will span approximately 2.65 kilometres and features a hybrid cable-stayed design. It will also include four lanes for vehicle traffic as well as cycle lanes. The structure will be built six meters above the water allowing for the passage of large vessels without the need for retraction.
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.
The new bridge is set to replace the bridge which has been in operation since 1978, and which has faced numerous structural issues and limitations over its life span.
Once the new bridge is completed, commuters will also travel toll free.
President Ali further pointed to the country’s flagship gas-to-energy project. This significant initiative will transform the country’s energy landscape by using natural gas from offshore field, particularly the Liza Field. It is designed to address the country’s growing energy demands, while reducing electricity costs.
“On the gas-to-energy project, it is not coming for recurrent expenditure. It is not going towards public service wage bill. It is going towards improving the competitiveness of our country it is going through is going to an investment that will enable us to bring jobs in Guyana, to develop a first world industrial manufacturing, agro-processing sector in this country.”
Since the inception of this project, the parliamentary opposition has made several attempts to decimate its funding.
“It is going to reduce the cost of electricity by half. It is going towards putting more disposable income in the pockets of families. It is going towards poverty reduction. It is going towards
economic expansion and job creation,” President Ali said, highlighting the tremendous benefits of the project.
Earlier this month, Guyana officially signed a US$526 loan agreement with the US Export-Import (EXIM) Bank for the ambitious endeavour.
“We have to understand the direction in which we want Guyana to go, the vision, a clear understanding as to where the opportunities are,” the Head of State said.
Meanwhile, Natural Resources Ministers Vickram Bharrat in his remarks noted that Guyana can boast about many achievements, but it must be acknowledged that these successes were only possible through the framework the PPP/C government has built.
“It is the only way that Guyanese and Guyanese businesses are going to truly benefit from the oil and gas sector …by ensuring that there are opportunities, ensuring that there is a proper framework in place that the benefits derived will reach the ordinary Guyanese in every single community,” he added.
The New Demerara Harbour Bridge’s 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 (Delano Williams/ January 2025)
President Dr. Irfaan Ali speaking at the commissioning of the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc. (VEHSI) on Saturday evening (Office of the President photo)
Govt will continue to withdraw from NRF in keeping with the law
- Finance Minister says in scathing rebuttal of Terrence Cambell’s unfounded criticism
The following is the full statement that was issued by Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, on Sunday night:
“I have not previously commented on Terrence Campbell’s recent forays in the media on the matter of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), being of the view that Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo has already and comprehensively addressed the issues Campbell has raised.
However, Campbell’s letter in the January 25th issue of the Stabroek News (SN) has been brought to my notice, along with an article in the Village Voice News of the same day. The references he makes to me in the said letter suggests that, after the thorough schooling he received from the Vice-President, Campbell now needs a face-saving or soft-landing of some sorts. So, it appears he has now turned his gaze in my direction hoping for some form of engagement to salvage his ego or, perhaps even better yet, no engagement at all. Needless to say, there is little that I can add to what the Vice-President has already said.
Nevertheless, I will not deny Campbell the courtesy of this, my first and likely final, response to some of the specific issues he has raised.
First, he makes the point that specific projects are identified as being financed by our climate revenue but that the same is not done in the case of our oil revenue.
I will restate what the Vice-President has already said. As a general rule, balkanisation (or hypothecation or earmarking) of government revenue to finance specific government initiatives or projects is not considered recommended practice for a variety of reasons documented in a substantial literature that is readily available. The recommended and vastly superior alternative is payment of all government revenues from all sources into a single consolidated fund from which all expenditure is appropriated.
The entire constitutional and legal architecture for fiscal management in Guyana is clear on this question.
The Constitution establishes the principle that all revenues or other moneys raised or received by Guyana be paid into one Consolidated Fund.
The Constitution also details the arrangements under which withdrawals may be made from the Consolidated Fund, including the requirement of an Appropriation Act passed by Parliament. Key elements of Guyana’s fiscal management architecture have remained faithful to this constitutional principle, including the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, Cap. 73:02, and the NRF Act 2021.
This brings us to the question of why specific projects are identified as being financed by our climate revenues. The answer to this question is, in fact, quite simple. In a world where climate financing arrangements are still very nascent, this identification is necessary in order for Guyana to be able to earn these revenues. In other words, Guyana needs to demonstrate that the revenues are being used to finance climate adaptation and mitigation expenditure. Hence, a practical and transparent solution is developed where the funds are deposited into the Consolidated Fund and appropriated back out to meet identified climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives, all fully incorporated into the national budget and considered in the parliamentary budgetary process.
The ultimate and preferred solution remains for all government revenues irrespective of source to be deposited into the Consolidated Fund and for all expenditure to be met by appropriations approved as part of the budgetary process. This is what is recommended by good fiscal management practice and this is what our constitutional and legal architecture contemplates.
Second, Campbell criticises the Government’s level of withdrawal from the NRF, going so far as to describe it as ridiculous and excessive. Campbell would be well advised to remind himself that the level of withdrawal from the Fund is a matter of law.
The NRF Act stipulates that the amount that may be withdrawn in any fiscal year is approved annually
by the National Assembly within a ceiling that is defined by a transparent formula contained in the Act. Irrespective of Campbell’s personal views on what the level of withdrawal should be, and ignoring for the moment the fact that he has volunteered absolutely no rigorous basis whatsoever for these views, the level of withdrawal is determined by law and is approved annually by a democratically elected Parliament, a matter I will return to shortly.
Finally, Campbell laments the absence of detailed reporting on how NRF funds are allocated.
For the avoidance of doubt and an abundance of clarity, I will restate what has already been said elsewhere and should by now be patently clear.
Once the National Assembly approves the amount to be withdrawn from the NRF in any fiscal year, that amount is transferred to the Consolidated Fund (typically in tranches over the course of the year), which constitutes the fungible pool of fiscal resources available to finance the various policies, programmes, and projects reflected in the national budget. The national budget is itself considered in detail by the National Assembly through the appropriations process in the Committee of Supply. When approved, the national budget is implemented. After the end of the
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh
fiscal year, financial reports are produced, audited, and submitted to the National Assembly to be examined in detail by the Public Accounts Committee.
In summary, therefore, there is both robust ex ante and ex post scrutiny of all sums appropriated from the Consolidated Fund. Beyond this, there are of course multiple other layers of scrutiny of the NRF, including the requirement to publish all receipts in the Official Gazette and report them to the National Assembly.
I promised above to return to the subject of the democratically elected Parliament.
I am advised that Camp-
bell briefly signalled an interest in contesting for elected office as a founder of one of the newer political parties in 2018. Apparently, he resigned early in 2019. If media reports are to be believed, his resignation came shortly after APNU+AFC called for his businesses to be boycotted because he had the audacity to associate with a political party other than theirs. By Campbell’s own admission, he had hitherto supported the PNC/APNU/ AFC in every previous general election. It is reported that, when APNU+AFC called for the boycott of his businesses, he expressed his hurt with the words “today a knife was stuck into my back by my own people”.
The world knows Campbell’s views on the NRF today. On that, he has been very vocal. We are less apprised of his views on the signing bonus of US$18 million (Guyana’s very first receipt of oil revenue, incidentally) being diverted from the Consolidated Fund where it lawfully belonged given that it was received prior to enactment of legislation establishing the NRF. That diversion was perpetrated by those believed to be Campbell’s “own people”. We are also less aware of his views
on whether 33 is a majority in 65, also the subject of creative interpretation by those believed to be his “own people”. Similarly, we are clueless as to his views on the constitutionally enshrined requirement for a government to resign and hold elections within three months of being defeated by a vote of no confidence, a fate that befell those believed to be his “own people” not so long ago. As far as I am aware, Campbell has been considerably less forthcoming on these and similar matters, with very obvious implications for his moral authority.
All of the above notwithstanding, I consider his withdrawal from competitive politics most regrettable and would urge him to reconsider. He would have been a most worthy opponent on the opposite benches. I might add that the confines of a closet politician are far too restrictive for, and most unbecoming of, a man of his ability and evident affinity for the cut and thrust of competitive politics. Unless and until he exits the relative comfort and safety of that closet, regrettably, the slip that he believes is showing is entirely his own.”
Gravitational Pull
THE ongoing debate in the National Assembly on the 2025 Bugdet presentation has created some interesting dynamics. As to be expected, there are arguments from the political opposition that are at best disingenuous and in several instances hypocritical and completely at odds with objective realities.
It takes a fair amount of courage to stare development in the face and pretend that they do not exist because of blind political loyalty. And yet this is exactly what is playing out in the National Assembly by the political opposition as they seek to score cheap political points.
Truth, it must be said, comes more naturally than lies, half-truths and distortions. This is what essentially differentiates those from the government benches and those who occupy the opposition benches. It is obvious that opposition parliamentarians are forced, as it were, to stifle their consciences by trying to create a facade of indifference to the enormous economic and social gains made by the PPP/C which the 2025 budgetary estimates seek to build on and further expand. This is why those from the political opposition who have the courage and decency to recognise progress when they see it must be applauded. Moreover, it
speaks to political maturity and fairness to give credit when it is due, regardless of how it may come across to the constituency to which he or she may belong.
The fact of the matter is that the policies and programmes of the PPP/C are touching the lives of all Guyanese in positive ways in all constituencies, in sharp contrast to what obtained under the previous APNU+AFC administration.
The Granger administration which campaigned on a promise to provide 'the good life' for the Guyanese people turned out to be nothing but a mirage. Whatever 'good life' took place was limited only to the top
echelons of the regime. Ordinary people saw their incomes plummet by way of new and increased taxes, withdrawal of subsidies on basic consumer items and the imposition of value-added taxes on a wide range of goods and services, including water and electricity.
This is why attacks on the budget presentation by the political opposition sounded hollow in the face of failed policies and inept management by the previous administration. Guyanese are witnessing a new wave of development and progress under the PPP/C administration and are not shy to acknowledge this new dispensation.
This new reality has
resulted in a 'gravitational' pull which has now found expression in several former members and supporters breaking ranks with the PNC and the AFC and openly identifying themselves with the vision and developmental goals of President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C administration.
But as pointed out by Vice-President and PPP General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, there is a place in the PPP for all Guyanese regardless of race or politics and who identify themselves with the developmental goals and aspirations of the party and government.
The PNC no doubt sens-
ing the changing political dynamics and the gravitational pull of the PPP/C is trying desperately to broaden its electoral base for the upcoming elections by way of rekindling alliances with other political parties, especially the Alliance For Change (AFC). The talks with the AFC, from all indications, are not going well and are on 'life support,' according to AFC Leader Nigel Hughes.
The PPP/C on the other hand, is growing in strength and popularity which no doubt is indicative of an acknowledgement from the Guyanese masses of the enormous strides made by the current administration.
Households supported, boosted by tax relief, subsidies
Dear Editor,
THE APNU+AFC’s spokesperson on finance in the National Assembly contends that the PPP/C government will add some $5.9 million in debt per household. First off, her calculation is incorrect, which is dealt with hereunder.
It is important to note that the increase in debt burden per household would only be realised in a real sense if the increase in debt is accompanied by increase in taxes. However, this has not been the case. In fact, the PPP/C government has been offsetting the increase in
debt burden per household with tax reliefs and both direct and indirect subsidies per household.
Secondly, in my calculation, I chose 2021 as the base year and not 2020. Reason being, the total public debt stock was unlawfully understated by the APNU+AFC between 2015-2020 by over $100 billion, inter alia, the Bank of Guyana overdraft.
In 2021, the PPP/C government remedied this financial illegality by converting the overdraft into treasury bills, which was then added to the total stock of debt. As such, the total public debt is projected to increase by $1.163 trillion by the end of
2025 from where it was in 2021. Therefore, with a total household of approximately 300k, the increase in the debt burden per household works out to $3.9 million albeit in nominal terms. This means that the opposition finance spokesperson overstated her estimate by $2 million.
As established earlier, the increase in the debt burden is in nominal terms per household, which is offset in real terms by tax reliefs, subsidies and indirect subsidies as well as measures to increase disposable household income by the PPP/C government, vis-à-vis, reduction in taxes. To this end, net dis-
posable income is projected to increase by $288.8 billion by the end of 2025 to reach an estimated $415.7 billion from $126.9 billion in 2020 (calculations are based on the personal income tax data and the effective tax rate).
Additionally, the indirect Cost of Living (CoL) measures aggregate to an estimated $324 billion, giving rise to a combined total of $612.8 billion increase in household income, coupled with household direct and indirect subsidies.
The 50 per cent anticipated reduction in electricity costs by the end of the year when the gas-to-energy (GtE) project is realized,
will add another $20 billion in savings, adding to disposable income at the household level. Altogether, these measures translate to approximately $2.1 million per household.
In summary, the increased debt per household as alluded to by the opposition spokesperson amounts to $3.9 million per household and not $5.9 million. Be that as it may, this is a nominal increase in the sense that it is not actually realised such that the tax burden per household has not increased to service the national debt.
The fact is that the PPP/C government has re-
duced taxes, which means that each household will benefit from tax reliefs per household of approximately $2.1 million in real terms.
(Note: This demonstration was merely to show that the fiscal measures in the budget together with the strategic investments in the various sectors and projects: how these would translate to net household benefit, offsetting nominal household debt. There is a menu of other measures and other factors excluded from this analysis, which would significantly add to the net household benefit.)
Yours faithfully, Joel Bhagwandin
Citizens should withhold their votes if…
DAVID Patterson consented to be interviewed on the Freddie Kissoon Show but submitted a requirement – he did not want to talk about the incident when the AFC met to select its Cabinet members in May 2015 and all the top AFC leaders agreed to offer the Environment Minister position to someone who was not even remotely connected to the AFC or even spent one minute campaigning for the AFC in 2011 or 2015.
I accepted his conditionality, and the incident was not discussed on the show. The same David Patterson is on the campaign trail (AFC behaving as if the “silly season” has started) and wants Guyanese to vote for him and his party. Why should the electorate vote for people who were in power and refuse to discuss their time in office?
Mr. David Granger’s si-
lence is unacceptable but understandable – he is not asking for our votes to put him back in power. Granger is gone so he does not have to face questions. Clive Thomas evades discussion on his time in power and chooses to avoid mentioning his role from 2015 to 2020. Again, that is unacceptable but understandable. Thomas will not be taking part in electoral politics for the remainder of his life. He doesn’t want our votes.
Joe Harmon quietly works at his law firm on Hadfield Street (four blocks eastward from where I was born). Harmon doesn’t give interviews and seems to have relinquished his political career. But Patterson, Nigel Hughes, Vincent Adams, and Cathy Hughes want our votes.
I am suggesting to voters that they demand answers from these people who held political power from
2015 to 2020. They want power again and they must manifest political decency and obligation and answer our question or voters must shun them.
Patterson and Hughes must go public with an explanation as to why they wanted to give a complete stranger a Cabinet portfolio over serious, qualified second-tier AFC leaders who spent years in the trenches. I have received about a dozen enquiries about the identity of this lady. Her name should go into book on AFC politics whenever it is written but I have restrained myself in naming her.
Michael Carrington, Rajendra Bissesar, Leonard Craig and Trevor Williams were in the room when the phone call was made to the woman but have not named her on the Freddie Kissoon Show, no doubt because they, like me are afraid of libel. She is a member of
the Mulatto/Creole class and has a close family relation with fellow Mulatto/Creole personality, controversial businessman, Terrance Campbell.
Once more I am calling on Patterson and Hughes to level with the Guyanese people on why such an unusual choice not seen in normal politics was made. If they cannot answer, then they must offer an explanation why it cannot be done.
I have asked Nigel before, and I am asking him again right now - who killed the amendment to the marijuana legislation that he drafted and was on the Order Paper in 2016?
I have a third question for Nigel. Immediately after a special AFC retreat in April in 2016, he resigned as chairman and from active politics and never made his reason public. Does he feel he has to be accountable to the voters and outline the
factors that caused him to exit politics?
I have a question for Vincent Adams. A substantial figure in the hierarchy of the AFC did not want the AFC to concede defeat at the 2020 poll, and so frustrated at a likely PPP victory, declared at a virtual meeting of the AFC in July 2020 that Guyana should have racial partition. Vincent Adams was the only hierarchical leader to reject the partition proposal.
Yet Adams writes incessantly about lack of accountability in the PPP Government but he himself is not a person open to accountability. He has barefacedly refused to discuss this malignant and treasonable advocacy for partition yet he and the person that composed the partition position want our votes. I am suggesting to voters to shun Adams at the November poll unless he makes himself accountable
on the partition suggestion.
Finally, voters and AFC members must furiously demand an answer from Cathy Hughes about the accusations made against her by Trevor Williams, a former foundation member of the AFC. Mr. Williams and Ms. Hughes sat next to each other in Parliament for five years and fifteen years as executive members of the AFC. Yet Ms. Hughes refused to give Mr. Williams the cell phone number of Volda Lawrence. That was an obnoxious act of Ms. Hughes. Barring any lie from Mr. Williams, she has to come clean with the electorate.
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.
Endorsement statement for President Ali
Dear Editor,
AS we look toward the future of Guyana, I am proud to endorse His Excellency President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali as the most suitable/qualified presidential candidate for the upcoming elections.
My name is Sase Shewnarain. I am a Guyanese Canadian who emigrated to Canada in 1973. In 1995, I answered the call of Dr Jagan to return and invest in Guyana. In
1997, I incorporated Roraima Trust & Investment Inc through which I developed the gated community, The Town and Country Estates at Plantation Versailles, West Bank Demerara.
In 2007, I established Sasita Enterprises Inc and built the Aracari Resort. Last year, I created two subsidiary companies, the Aracari Hotel Inc to manage the resort and the Aracari Security Services Inc to provide security services for my various
projects in Guyana.
I have been observing the President’s approach to governance since his ascension to the presidency in July 2020. I particularly applaud his regular forays into the various communities where he is well received by all. Knowing your people is the mark of a great leader. He has grown into the position and despite his youth, represents Guyana very well on the international stage with more mature and experienced leaders. Guyana
will be in good hands with President, Dr Irfaan Ali at the helm.
President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has demonstrated a clear vision for the future, focusing on national development and the well-being of all citizens. He has consistently demonstrated the strength, integrity, and dedication required to guide Guyana through both challenges and opportunities.
With his determination and integrity, President Ali is the leader we need
to continue building a stronger, united, and prosperous Guyana. I stand with him and encourage all Guyanese to support his re-election for the continued development of our nation.
My confidence in the leadership of President Ali has inspired me to embark on my most challenging project yet: the development of the Bushy Park Estates.
Roraima Trust & Investment Inc is the owner by Transport of 211 acres
at Plantation Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo. I have submitted a proposal to the Central Housing & Planning Authority to develop the 211 acres into three zones; Commercial (46 lots), Residential (70 lots half acre each) and Commercial/Industrial (139 one-acre lots).
I invite others to share my confidence in his leadership and join in supporting his presidential candidacy.
Sincerely, Sase Shewnarain
Water tank distribution continues along Soesdyke-Linden Highway
– 94 Adventure residents gain easier access to water
THE government is steadily progressing in its commitment to improving the liveli -
hoods of residents on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
On Saturday, 94
families from Adventure gained easier access to water when the government distributed
black water tanks to the community.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs Kwame McCoy spearheaded the distribution exercise and engaged with residents to address their concerns.
The tanks, each with a capacity of 450 gallons, will allow households to store clean water for daily use.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke with residents and capture their immense joy during a moment they described as a “blessing.”
Patricia Williams, a loving grandmother, explained how her new tank will benefit her family saying “Sometimes we can’t reach by the creek to catch rainwater to wash the children’s school clothes… so I feel glad and thankful.”
Like Patricia, many other residents experienced similar plights collecting rainwater or
travelling gruelling distances to access creek water during the dry season.
However, with the distribution of these tanks, these residents will be able to enjoy easy and free access to stored water.
Some residents like Mozart Aldophus and Winston Apple told DPI how they will utilise their tanks to boost their agricultural activities and generate wealth.
“Now I’m going to plant some nice six weeks crops and make some money…They [the government] gave us things that we could work…and get money.” Winston said with a satisfied expression.
An atmosphere of happiness prevailed in the community as residents, some for the first time, received assistance to ease their burdens.
In light of the upcoming national transformation, Minister McCoy assured resi -
dents that their community is, and will remain, a priority for the government.
“In the next three years, you will see great advancement, and you’ve already been able to see the signs… You will have more factories, companies, housing schemes. We’re going to be establishing housing schemes on the Highway, gas station, golf course, a whole host of things as part of our Highway Development Plan,” Minister McCoy said.
He continued, “this corridor along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway is an important corridor. Your moment and most glorious moments are fast ahead.”
As the distribution continues to advance, more residents along the East Bank corridor will soon receive their tanks, benefitting from a fulfilled government promise and experiencing better access to water.
(DPI)
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs Kwame McCoy spearheading the distribution exercise
Winston Apple with his new water tank
Amir of Qatar receives signed copy of President Ali’s latest book
Guyana’s Ambassador to Qatar Safraaz Ahmad Shadood and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, following the handing over a personalised, signed copy of President Ali’s latest book
A PERSONALISED, signed copy of His Excellency President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s most recent book, “Achieving Global Food Security: The Caribbean Experience and Beyond,” was recently presented to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar.
Handing over the book was Guyana’s Ambassador to Qatar Safraaz Ahmad Shadood was received by H.E. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Mu -
raikhi, a statement said.
Ambassador Shadood outlined that this book, which was written against the backdrop of the COVID-19 global pandemic, examined the challenges surrounding food security and its concomitant effects such as, rising food prices and disruption of supply chains.
“The Ambassador alluded to the fact that His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali in his characteristic inimitable style presented futuristic, visionary and thought-provoking solutions to the chal -
lenges posed by food security; solutions that can be used by small states to bolster and combat the challenges that encompass food security,” the statement said.
It added that the minister assured that that His Excellency President Ali’s book will be handed over to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar and that it will no doubt stimulate further discussions on food security.
The cover of President Ali’s latest book
‘We will continue to come and invest in your community’
- gov’t officials tell Dartmouth
residents
THE Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, the Region Two Regional Vice-Chairman, Humace Oodit and members of their team, recently engaged residents of Dartmouth as part of efforts to address key community concerns and strengthen grassroots connections.
Ramraj during the engagement said that the government will continue to invest in the community and will conduct frequent visits to hear the concerns of residents and implement relief measures.
The meeting served as a platform to highlight the government’s focus on enhancing infrastructure and fostering inclusive development across Region
Director General Ramraj reminded residents that the government will continue to invest in their community. He listened to their concerns and said necessary interventions will be made.
Ramraj also briefed residents on transformative projects aimed at improving accessibility, connectivity, and overall livelihoods in grassroots communities.
Emphasis was placed on initiatives designed to boost infrastructural development, ensuring that even the most remote areas benefit from the government’s vision for progress.
Residents were told that the 2025 National Budget represents a key driver of inclusive
growth, highlighting the administration’s commitment to equitable development and improved quality of life for all citizens.
Meanwhile, Oodit informed the residents of the investments being made in the region and he used the opportunity to highlight some of the transformative projects that are being executed.
Among the beneficial investments highlighted was the recent distribution of piglets, chickens, and other resources to improve the residents’ farmlands.
“We are very happy for such meetings where persons can come and connect. We made a request in the past and it was delivered,” one resident said.
Two.
Dartmouth residents turned up in their numbers to engage government officials
Writers Workshop for Grade Six pupils being held ahead of NGSA
THE Ministry of Education (MoE) through the National Literacy Department (NLD) has commenced the Online Writers Workshop for Grade Six pupils.
According to the ministry, with more than 1,250 participants, experienced instructors, and continuous teacher training, it is enhancing composition skills for the upcoming National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).
The classes will be held from 09:00 - 11:30hrs, 10:00 - 12:30hrs , 13:0015:30 hrs, and 18:00
- 20:30hrs on Saturday and Sunday, from January 25 – April 13, 2025.
According to the ministry, this initiative has attracted pupils from each of the 11 education districts.
Over the next 12 weeks, the ministry said participants will benefit from the expertise of experienced instructors who will guide them in enhancing their composition-writing skills in preparation for the NGSA, scheduled for April 16 and 17, 2025.
In advance of this programme, selected teachers underwent capacity-building ses -
sions to ensure they are equipped to provide the highest level of support to the pupils.
Furthermore, the National Literacy Department will conduct additional professional development training sessions for Grade six teachers to continually refresh their skills and enhance their effectiveness in engaging learners within their classrooms.
The ministry noted that it looks forward to a productive and enriching experience for all participants as they develop their writing abilities.
The synopsis of the first Online Writers Workshop for Grade Six pupils
Advancements being made to move special education forward
SIGNIFICANT advancements have been made recently to provide better access to education for persons with special education needs and those living with disabilities.
This was disclosed recently as the Ministry of Education and Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) launched several programmes.
As part of the efforts to advance Special Education Needs and Disabilities or SEND as it is referred to in the Education Ministry, the
sod was recently turned at the site for the first deaf school in Guyana at Cummings Lodge.
Added to this, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand said that right at the CPCE campus, a diagnostic and treatment facility for SEND students has been established.
She indicated that the ministry has had the pleasure of working with Assistant Chief Education Officer, Dr Keon Cheong who heads SEND efforts along with other education officers and this is a testament to the focus
being placed on these efforts.
“That is telling you the direction we are taking SEND… this is special enough for us to pay attention in a way that has never had attention before,” she said.
With this, Minister Manickchand revealed that the ministry is currently in the designing phase for a new autism school.
As such she added, “As you may know this cannot be just buildings, they have peculiar features that we have to get expert advice for. We’re looking at making sure as
you see we train teachers to go into the classroom.”
The education minister further disclosed that they have also already established SEND classrooms across the country where they have the ability to treat with SEND children in clusters.
To this end, Manickchand indicated that they will announce shortly where all of these classrooms are and further ensure that they are all equipped with everything that is needed to provide quality education.
Tourism Ministry encourages use of technology in small-business advancement
THE Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (MTIC) urges small-business owners to leverage the use of technology along with the support and training being provided by the ministry to ensure they have viable businesses.
Subject Minister Oneidge Walrond last week pointed out that the aim is to show small-business owners who are interested in the agricultural sector, how they can take advantage of these kinds of opportunities to enhance their businesses.
“So, we use shade houses for them to plant high-value crops. We're looking in Region 10, Region Two, Region Three, Region Six, in these different areas, farming communities to show them using technology, how they're going to be able to leverage technology, and with the small-business support and training, to make sure that they have a viable business,”
she said.
Minister Walrond added that this also teaches them that coming together as a consortium can help to grow and expand their own income bases.
The ministry has successfully trained more than 8,000 persons in different aspects of small business.
Aside from providing financial grants, the minister said the ministry will continue to expend resources and make investments in training small and micro enterprises
Notably, the minister announced that the ministry will be launching its Single Windows for Trade in a matter of weeks.
She explained, “Its one single window for trade, and that is going to take down, reduce the time for processing an import licence from two weeks or sometimes months, to days.”
She explained that this
implementation will reduce the time importers and exporters take to go to the Guyana Revenue Authority and it will allow them to get their licensing done online.
The ministry has several other partnerships with in-
the digital medium for marketing, for accounting, and so we've had a widespread targeted project where they're teaching and they have taught business, small-business owners and micro enterprises, how to use the digital media to get payments and do transactions.”
Minister Walrond also mentioned that the recently launched three-year project for a national standardisation strategy by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards with support from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the United Nations.
ternational communities, including a recently concluded training where the ministry sent around 30 persons to China, for a two-week programme.
“Chinese artisans came down here to Santa Aratak to train in bamboo weaving. We continue to work with the United Nations and IDB on the digital in motion programme,” she explained, adding,
“This programme is to help businesses learn to use
The minister said that with this three-year partnership, Guyana will have a complete and comprehensive assessment and improvement of our national standards to ensure that it is comprehensive to support our own developmental goals.
Aspiring entrepreneurs in 2024 at the Berbice Incubator Centre (Small Business Bureau photo)
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand (Delano Williams photo)
Upgraded Affiance ground offers recreation, networking opportunities for youths
THE government’s investment in the Affiance Cricket Ground is transforming lives and providing valuable opportunities for youths in Region Two and beyond.
With ongoing upgrades and regular maintenance supported by part-time workers, the ground has become a hub
for sports and recreation, attracting youths from Regions One, Two, and Three.
The upgrading was a commitment made by Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. A total of $100 million was released to conduct the necessary upgrades to grounds across the region.
The Busta Cricket Tour-
nament and Silas Under 17 Cricket Tournament were launched on Friday, giving more youths the opportunity to meet, network and enjoy the game.
During an interview at the ground, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, who is responsible for
Region Two, expressed his admiration for the interest the ground has attracted.
He commended the community’s active involvement and the visible enthusiasm among the youths making use of the facility.
Young people in the region have expressed their gratitude for the govern -
ment’s intervention.
“We are very happy and thankful for these interventions which have provided us with recreation in our leisure time,” one youth shared.
Another youth said that in the evenings, they are happy they can find a space where they can go.
The successful utilisa -
tion of the Affiance Cricket Ground underscores the value of investing in recreational spaces to promote healthy lifestyles, community building, and youth development. Residents and youths are very thankful for yet another promise being fulfilled by the People’s Progressive Party.
Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj (centre), at the Affiance Cricket Ground
Some of the youths who are participating in a cricket tournament at the upgraded Affiance Cricket Ground
More than 50 companies certified by GNBS
CERTIFICATION
provides assurance, credibility, and consistency in meeting guidelines and specifications aimed at consumer satisfaction, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has said.
Bringing awareness to its certification programmes, the GNBS stated that certification builds credibility and trust, provides a competitive advantage for certified products or businesses, provides quality assurance, opens access to more markets, and helps to mitigate risks by requiring organisations to follow best practices.
In accordance with national standards, the GNBS offers certification to products and businesses under its certification programmes. These programmes are the Made in Guyana Certification, Product Certification, GYS 901 Certification, Laboratory Certification and the Bed & Breakfast Certification programmes.
The Made in Guyana Certification Mark pro -
gramme is available to all local manufacturers who are looking to differentiate their products, based on key quality and other requirements.
According to the Bureau, thus far, more than 50 companies, including agro-processors as well as large manufacturers are certified under this programme.
Certified products bear the GNBS approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark, showing that they comply with the set criteria of the programme. These criteria cover the quantity of local raw materials used in their production, the number of Guyanese staff employed by establishments, production records and the applicable test certificates for products. Additionally, the GNBS Product Certification Scheme aims to implement and monitor certification systems in industries to provide assurance that locally manufactured products conform to requirements of the relevant Guyana standards. At present, the GNBS certifies polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) pipes, gold jewellery, concrete hollow blocks, and fibreglass bathtub and shower units according to the requirements of the respective National Standards, which outlines the requisite testing parameters to ensure product consistency and quality.
Relatively new, the GNBS 901 Certification programme is applicable to Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises desirous of establishing a simplified but effective Management System tailored specifically for them. It provides a steppingstone to businesses whose owners would like to later pursue International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9001 Certification.
The GYS 901 certification provides local small businesses with a framework for implementing best practices, ensuring consistency, reliability, and compliance with industry standards. Businesses are required to meet criteria outlined in the National Standard GYS
901:2024 – Requirements for Management system for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
For Laboratory Certification, this programme is premised on the National Standard GYS 170:2021 –General requirements for the operation of a laboratory. This standard allows laboratories to develop a comprehensive laboratory management system, which facilitates the delivery of accurate and reliable test results.
The certification programme provides formal recognition that a laboratory has implemented a management system, thus providing a ready means for customers to identify and select reliable testing services to meet their needs. To maintain this recognition, laboratories are re-evaluated periodically by the GNBS to ensure conformance to requirements and to verify that their standard of operation is being maintained.
The Bed and Breakfast or BnB Certification pro -
gramme is implemented in accordance with the National Standard GYS 514:2016 – Requirements for bed and breakfast facilities.
Businesses certified under this programme are required to adhere to this standard which incorporates information from various stakeholders, including the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It outlines the minimum requirements for BnB facilities operating in Guyana to improve the quality of services to visitors who choose this accommo-
dation style. This certification also provides those seeking accommodation with the assurance that they will receive a specific level of comfort.
The application forms for these programmes along with other information on the programme can be found on the GNBS website https: https://gnbsgy.org/certification/
For more information, persons can contact the GNBS Certification Services Department on telephone number: 2190064-66 or via WhatsApp: 6924627. They can also visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org
PAHO calls for intensified efforts to address
Leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases
ON the occasion of World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has called for increased efforts to eliminate these diseases, which affect more than 50 million people in the Region of the Americas.
Leprosy, dengue, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, rabies, scabies, schistosomiasis, and trachoma are among the more than 20 diseases that primarily impact vulnerable populations with limited access to safe water, basic sanitation, and healthcare services.
Historically, these diseases have had limited presence on the global public health agenda, receiving little attention and funding. However, in recent years, NTDs have gained greater visibility due to various strategies, such as PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative, which aims to eliminate more than 30 communicable diseases and related conditions by 2030, including twelve from the NTD group.
As of December 2024, 54 countries worldwide had eliminated at least one NTD. In the Americas, 11 countries have achieved at least one elimination target. In 2024, Brazil
“Addressing this group of diseases requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach,” PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, said. He emphasised the importance of implementing strategies such as surveillance, mass drug administration, expanded vaccination coverage, vector control, and increased awareness and education.
eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. Other notable achievements include the elimination of onchocerciasis in Colombia (2013), Ecuador (2014), Guatemala (2016), and Mexico (2015). In 2017, Mexico eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, and in 2019, it became the first country in the world to eliminate human rabies transmitted by dogs. These advances
reflect the impact of joint efforts by governments, communities, civil society, and cooperation agencies. World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is observed on January 30. This year’s theme, “Acting Together. Putting Communities at the Heart of the Fight Against NTDs,” highlights the importance of amplifying community voices, strengthening their capacities, and ensuring
people are at the centre of actions while respecting their ways of life to ensure the sustainability of these efforts.
WORLD
LEPROSY DAY
Leprosy is part of the neglected tropical diseases group. It is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. If untreated, it can lead to progressive and permanent disabilities. However, leprosy is curable through multidrug therapy (MDT), an accessible and effective treatment.
Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in the fight against the disease. Timely treatment can prevent disabilities and deformities and stop transmission.
In 2023, 182,815 new cases of leprosy were reported globally, 13.6 per cent of which were in the Region of the Americas, where over 90 per cent of cases occur in Brazil. Brazil not only leads the regional figures but also ranks second globally in the number of reported cases. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 30,000 new cases were reported annually in the Americas. This figure dropped significantly during the pandemic but rose again in 2023 to around 25,000 cases. World Leprosy Day, observed on the last Sunday of January, aims to raise awareness about the disease and end discrimination, stigma, and prejudice against patients. (UN)
Mandatory biometric identification would create unnecessary barriers for voters
- advocates of this system are aware of legal implications, Ramkarran
RALPH Ramkarran, a prominent political figure, and attorney-at-law is once again cautioning against rushing into constitutional amendments to facilitate biometric voting.
The former Speaker of the National Assembly has repeatedly emphasised that any legal changes to voter identification must not obstruct the constitutional rights of qualified voters.
In an opinion piece published over the weekend, Ramkarran argued that imposing biometric identification, particularly the use of digitised fingerprints as the sole method of verification, would create unnecessary barriers for eligible voters, which would be unconstitutional under Articles 59 and 159 of the Guyana Constitution.
This legislation he explained, safeguards the right of all Guyanese citizens who are 18 years and over and who registered to vote, from any obstacles that could prevent them from participating in elections.
“Therefore, legal obstacles placed in the path of voters that obstruct them
from voting if they are qualified under articles 59 and 159 of the Constitution, namely, they are Guyanese, over the age of 18 and registered to vote, are unconstitutional. This is the view that has been subsisting since 2001 and is known to those who are advocating for biometric voting, that is, the use of digitised fingerprints as the sole means of identification to enable a person to vote. Yet, some are not convinced, and others ignore it,” Ramkarran explained.
Speaking out against calls for biometric voting, Ramkaran pointed to the longstanding legal precedent set since 2001, citing the Esther Pereira case, which reaffirmed that any changes to voter identification must align with constitutional protections. He stated too that it is clear from this history that imposing mandatory biometric identification—without an amendment to the Constitution—would violate the basic rights of voters.
Despite this, the People’s National Congress / Reform (PNC/R) and Alli-
ance For Change (AFC) opposition continues to advocate for the use of biometric identification to combat voter fraud.
Vincent Alexander, a Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) commissioner, and strong advocate of biometric identification of voters was quoted in a January 19 Demerara Waves publication as saying: “I am personally looking at the question of the
substantial proof of issues such as multiple voting, would be an undue burden on voters and could be seen as a politically motivated move.
Ramkaran also drew a historical parallel, reminding the public of the 1997 elections when a law requiring a Voter ID card as the sole means of identification was supported by both the People's Progressive Party (PPP) and the People's National Congress (PNC) and passed unanimously in Parliament.
says
electoral fraud. He warned that a rush to amend the Constitution to accommodate partisan political demands could set a dangerous precedent.
unconstitutionality of the fingerprints as the primary source of identification and seeking some legal advice on that matter.”
While Ramkaran acknowledges the concerns about electoral integrity, he argued that the case for biometric voting lacks credible evidence. He asserts that introducing biometric identification as the primary method for voter verification, particularly without
After the elections, the PNC challenged the constitutionality of the law, leading to the Esther Pereira case. The court ruled in favour of the PNC, striking down the law as unconstitutional, and reinforced the principle that any electoral reform must be carefully weighed against constitutional rights.
Considering this history, Ramkaran argued that it would be politically and legally unwise to pursue major constitutional reforms to enable biometric voting based on unsupported claims of widespread
Ramkaran's concerns are amplified by the current debate within the GECOM about the future of biometric voting. While GECOM’s Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, recently ruled that biometric data could not be made the sole means of voter identification, she suggested that it could be used as an additional tool, if supported by new legislation.
Like Alexander, some persons continue to advocate for its expanded use, arguing that biometric identification would help address concerns about voter fraud.
However, Ramkaran stressed that any proposal to make biometric identification mandatory must be accompanied by a constitutional amendment, and there needs to be compelling, evidence-based justification for such a significant change to the electoral system.
Ralph Ramkarran
All-rounder rises through ranks to win ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year Award
PROMISING South Africa
star Annerie Dercksen has been named as the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024, beating a tough field to win the prestigious honour.
Dercksen, wore the green and golds for the first-ever time in January 2023 during the T20I triangular series featuring India and West Indies, and has never looked back.
While the 23-year-old featured in five T20Is in her initial year, the all-rounder established herself in international cricket in 2024, in a year in which she also made her Test and ODI debuts.
If 2023 was the year of testing the waters, the all-rounder opened up in full flow in 2024, making a big impact in the international arena.
Dercksen demonstrated composure with the willow, showcasing an ability to both reconstruct an innings and to guide a chase should the situation demand. Among her contributions was a stabilising 27 in South Africa’s only victory of the limited-overs leg of the series against England late in 2024. With the ball, the medium pacer picked up 11 scalps, underlining her potential as a true all-rounder.
Dercksen was part of South Africa’s stellar campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, during which the Proteas managed to reach the final before falling short against New Zealand.
Dercksen maintained a healthy average of 32.2 in T20Is and salvaged South Africa from several difficult situations, while also showing the ability to pick pace despite floating in lower-order positions at the start of the year before being drafted into the middle-order towards the end.
She also picked up five wickets in the format, in -
cluding a career-best 2/5 against Sri Lanka during South Africa’s comprehensive win at home in March.
Dercksen’s bowling
shone further in the longer white-ball format, where she delivered with a career-best 3/16 during South Africa’s win against England in the first ODI.
A similar story continued in Tests, during tough contests against India and England. Dercksen’s best was 41 in Bloemfontein, during which she helped rebuild the innings with a 92-run stand for the second wicket.
In the leadup to the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Dercksen had only one batting opportunity in the T20I series against Pakistan, but the youngster made the most of it.
In the series decider, South Africa faced a challenging chase of 154. After losing Tazmin Brits early and seeing Anneke Bosch retire hurt at a critical moment, Dercksen was thrust into the spotlight. She rose to the occasion brilliantly, smashing an unbeaten 44 off just 23 balls, featuring six fours and two towering sixes, which came against the experienced Nida Dar and Sadia Iqbal. Her explosive knock guided South Africa to a series-clinching victory, earning her the Player of the Match award. (ICC Media)
Sri Lanka’s new batting star crowned as ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year
KAMINDU Mendis, who shone for Sri Lanka with consistent batting displays in the year gone by, has been named as the ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year.
Mendis, who scored 1451 runs across formats at an average just above 50, rubbed shoulders with some of the greats of the game in 2024.
The flamboyant left-hand-
ed batter had made just a solitary Test appearance for Sri Lanka prior to 2024, but ended the year having not only cemented his place as an all-format resource for Sri Lanka but also becoming their go-to-player in moments of crises and when the stakes were high.
This was on the show during Sri Lanka’s push for a maiden ICC World Test
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Monday, January 27, 2025)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 4 (WI) (2) 2 (PAK)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) Which WI player was dismissed for a ‘golden duck’ in the first innings of the first Test against PAK?
(2) Which WI player was dismissed for a ‘golden duck’ in the second innings?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Championship Final spot as the 26-year-old delivered a
streak of big scores in the whites.
Slotting in the middle-order, Mendis was one of the six batters who scored over 1000 Test runs in the recently concluded calendar year - averaging the highest among them.
Making the most of his starts, Mendis hit five centuries and three fifties in his staggering tally of runs, taking Sri Lanka home on multiple occasions.
While on his hot streak, the 26-year-old also became the joint-third quickest to score 1000 runs in Men’s
Tests - equalling Sir Don Bradman’s 13-innings mark to reach the milestone.
His exploits with the bat helped Sri Lanka attain crucial Test wins against New Zealand, Bangladesh and England, delivering in both home and away conditions. In England, Mendis finished as Sri Lanka’s leading run-getter in a three-Test series, and played a crucial role in the visiting side’s first Test win in the country after a decade’s wait.
The southpaw’s most impressive outing came in the
Three U19WC 2025 semi-final...
Indies and hosts Malaysia to progress to the Super 6, where they continued their excellent form with Sunday’s big win over Bangladesh.
Opening batter Trisha Gongadi ended Sunday’s game as the tournament’s top run-scorer, hitting 120 across 89 balls faced in her four innings so far.
Left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma has been a consistent threat with the
ball, taking extraordinary combined figures of 9/23 across her 12 tournament overs to be tied as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
Australia dominated in Group D, overcoming Bangladesh, Scotland and Nepal before showing their class with a convincing win over West Indies in the Super 6.
Eleanor Larosa and Caoimhe Bray have led the way with the ball for the Auss -
second Test against New Zealand in Galle, where Mendis forged his career-best score in the longest format of the game.
An unbeaten 182 in the first innings helped Sri Lanka post a mammoth total of 602/5, and laid the foundation for a 2-0 series sweep for Sri Lanka.
The attacking innings was constructed over 250 deliveries and was laced with 16 boundaries and four maximums, earning Mendis the Player of the Match award. (ICC Media)
(FROM PAGE 22)
ies, taking seven wickets apiece, while the top order has been solid throughout the tournament so far.
Australia also came out on top in a final-over thriller against Bangladesh, edging past the latter by a two-wicket margin.
The Proteas started off their tournament in impressive fashion with victory over New Zealand and have been in dominant form since then, seeing off Sa -
moa and Nigeria in Group C before hammering Ireland in their first Super 6 game. Captain and all-rounder Kayla Reyneke has been outstanding with the ball, taking nine wickets in her four matches to-date, while keeper Karabo Meso has shown a penchant for destructive middle-order hitting, slamming her runs at a tournament-leading strike rate of 194.11. (ICC Media)
Promising SA star Annerie Dercksen
Sri Lanka batter Kamindu Mendis
Cricket being run by a competent ICC is a pipe dream
By Ian Chappell
There should have been a two-tier Test system in place years ago.
In reality only a limited number of teams are capable of competing long-term in the five-day game. West Indies earned the right to financial assistance with their capacity to draw crowds, and it's criminal they've been allowed to languish.
A system that includes promotion and relegation is feasible but there need to be certain criteria attached before a team attains Test status. Those should include: Do they have a viable firstclass competition? Do they have legitimate grounds for holding five-day games? Do the grounds have adequate facilities? Are they financially stable?
If a team meets those criteria - and maintains a high standard of play over a number of years - then promotion to Test status would be legitimate. However, most of the recent Test-appointed nations don't come close to meeting any reasonable criteria. For instance,
could Afghanistan hold a Test series in their strifetorn country? Does Ireland have a realistic number of Test-standard grounds?
Even setting aside the Taliban's reprehensible treatment of women, the answer to those questions is: absolutely not. Then why do they have Test status?
Because in return for Test status they provide valuable ICC votes on important issues. The ICC is widely regarded as an event management company. They should add "and not a very good one".
On the subject of a two-tier Test system, former West Indies pace-bowling champion Michael Holding noted: "For all its faults, at least FIFA actually runs soccer. The ICC must run cricket."
Therein lies a perplexing problem. The ICC doesn't run cricket, and unless there's a major change of heart, the financially desirable nations will continue to have a huge say in producing a self-serving schedule.
Then there's the major issue of the financial split.
...The
governing body is hamstrung by its very nature - and issues like the overloaded schedule are a result
The big three - India, Australia and England - despite being the wealthiest cricket nations claim a large slice of the money divided among cricket bodies, and yet they agitate for an even larger share.
India's powerful presence in the ICC is in direct proportion to their contribution of around 70% of cricket's income. It's a complex issue to which cricket hasn't found a workable solution.
The ICC doesn't run cricket, and unless there's a major change of heart, the financially desirable nations will continue to have a huge say in producing a self-serving schedule
Producing a player who performs well in Test cricket requires having a strong four-day competition. It's extremely expensive to run a four-day competition and therefore not many beyond the big three can really afford the burden.
It's one reason why T20 cricket flourishes. Running a successful T20 competition improves the financial capacity of a cricket body. This, along with running a
UG Trojans thrash Black Caimans in One Guyana Basketball Premier League
THE University of Guyana Trojans took their biggest victory in the One Guyana Basketball Premier League when they matched skills with Black Caimans at the National Gymnasium Hard Court 100-31.
It was a blowout showing for the UG team as they had their way with Black Caimans defence
UG started strongly with a double-digit score at the end of the first period 24-12.
Kadeem Peterkin would prove phenomenal on the offensive end with 31 points as they dominated the second quarter to lead by 28 points
48-20.
Leeandre Abrams and Jushawn Bailey supported well with 15 and 12 points respectively as they extended their dominance to the third quarter, opening an even more sizable lead 77-27.
East Coast All-Stars showed some fight in the third and fourth quarters but UG’s sheer dominance crushed any momentum they had to finish with a 69 points victory 100-31.
Meanwhile, Retrieve Raiders took a walk over victory after East Coast All Stars were no shows for their clash on Saturday.
successful T20 competition being vastly more acceptable than losing money on a first-class schedule, dominates the thinking of most cricket administrators.
Cricket being run by a competent ICC is a pipe dream. Hence the growing T20 calendar and the current scheduling schemozzle that plagues the game.
The proliferation and
financial rewards of T20 leagues have also impacted the motivation of many players. The number of batters playing audacious shots has increased while bowlers and captains desperately seek ways to contain fast scoring.
It's reaching the point where fans attending Test matches expect to see more T20-style shots played. De-
spite the uncertain viability of these shots in a Test, the enthusiastic reaction to Sam Konstas' daring debut at the MCG suggests this is already happening. There's been a large increase in Test match results and more acceptable pitches, highlighting the importance of bowlers in producing a good spectacle. There's also greater emphasis on playing entertaining cricket. Despite facing various challenges, Test cricket does a creditable job of keeping the format relevant. Nevertheless, unless some issues, including a reasonable schedule and the criminally slow speed of play (which creates notoriously poor over rates) are critically addressed, Test cricket will struggle to attract younger audiences. Cricket administration is difficult. However, in addition to producing a viable two-tier system, there are other pressing matters that need urgent attention if Test cricket is to improve its relevance in the wider sporting world. (ESPN Cricinfo)
Three U19WC 2025 semi-final spots confirmed as unbeaten heavyweights shine
The league is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, and National Sports Commission.
The League is set to conclude in April and features 22 teams in the Jaguars and Harpy Eagles conference drawn from all across the country battling for bragging rights, top dollars and the coveted trophy.
This year sees the top side collecting a million for first place with half a million for the second place team with third and fourth place winners also collecting cash prizes along with trophies.
INDIA and Australia have joined South Africa in securing their spots in the semi-finals of the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup with a game to spare.
The trio have been the stand-out teams so far in Malaysia, and Sunday’s results mean that both India and Australia are assured of progressing from the Super 6 stage.
England are currently best placed to secure the fourth and final semi-final spot, and would do so if they win against New Zealand on Monday. Nigeria, the USA and New Zealand are all still in contention.
India won all three of their matches in Group, beating Sri Lanka, West
The influence of T20 cricket on the game at large is reflected in the reception players like Sam Konstas have received in recent years (Getty Images)
Second Test in Multan
Batters put Windies in sight of historic win against Pakistan
MULTAN, Pakistan, (CMC) – West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite scored an invaluable half century, and his batters produced a gutsy effort to install them as favourites to push for victory against Pakistan going into the third day of the second Test here at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Brathwaite ended his abysmal run of form by scoring 52, his first half century in 21 innings and 31st in Tests, as the West Indies produced their best batting performance of the two-match series to post 244.
With Pakistan needing to score 254 runs to complete the second highest run chase at the venue, off spinner Kevin Sinclair took two wickets to limit them to 76 for four, still 178 runs adrift at the end of play on the second day.
It was a sterling effort by the West Indian batsmen, who had failed to reach 200 in any of their three previous Test innings, and it put them in prime position to win their first Test match in Pakistan since 1990.
Resuming the day with a slender nine-run first innings lead, Brathwaite and opening partner Mikyle Louis gave
Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite topscored with 52 for the West Indies
the visitors a solid foundation during a 50-run partnership.
Brathwaite showed his aggressive intent early on, lifting Sajid Khan for six over long on and then hitting Nomad Ali for consecutive boundaries in the sixth over.
Louis became the first wicket to fall when he chipped spinner Noman Ali straight into the hands of Shan Masood at short extra cover to be out for seven.
Brathwaite continued to attack. He danced down the pitch to hit Ali for a six over long on to move to 48 and then brought up his 50 by reverse sweeping Khan to deep
point for two runs.
He had added a further 42 with Amir Jangoo and West Indies were strongly placed at 92 for one, when the skipper danced down the pitch to a slower delivery from Ali but was deceived in flight and stumped for 52.
Brathwaite’s demise led to a collapse that saw the West Indies lose four wickets for 37 runs and they went to lunch on 129 for five after Jangoo, Kavem Hodge and Alick Athanaze fell in quick succession.
After the break, Tevin Imlach and Kevin Sinclair added 51 runs for the seventh
wicket following the dismissal of Justin Greaves, to further frustrate Pakistan’s bowlers.
The introduction of Kashif Ali into the attack reaped almost immediate dividends as he trapped Imlach lbw for 35 and Khan bowled Sinclair behind his legs for 28 to leave the Windies 206 for eight.
Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican then each scored 18 runs to ensure Paki-
stan would have to chase over 250 for victory.
Nomad Ali ended with 4-80, to complete a 10-wicket haul in the match, while Khan took 4-76.
Pakistan suffered an immediate setback in their quest for victory when Sinclair trapped Masood lbw with his first ball of the second over, before Motie pinned Muhammad Hurraira plumb
in front the next over to leave the home side in trouble at five for two.
Babar Azam and Kamran Ghulam added 43 runs before Warrican accounted for the wicket of Ghulam for 19 and Sinclair grabbed the important wicket of Azam for 31 just before the close of play to put the West Indies in control of the contest.
SCOREBOARD
WEST INDIES 1st innings 163 PAKISTAN 1st innings 154 WEST INDIES 2nd innings
*Kraigg Brathwaite st+Rizwan b Noman Ali 52
Mikyle Louis c Masood b Noman Ali 7
Amir Jangoo c Salman b Khan 30
Kavem Hodge st+Rizwan b Noman Ali 15
Alick Athanaze lbw b Noman Ali 6
Justin Greaves c Khan b Ahmed 10
+Tevin Imlach lbw b Kashif Ali 35
Kevin Sinclair b Khan 28
Gudakesh Motie lbw b Khan 18
Jomel Warrican c Azam b Khan 18
Kemar Roach not out 4
Extras (b12, lb8, nb1) 21
TOTAL (all out; 66.1 overs) 244
Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-92, 3-106, 4-124, 5-129, 6-145, 7-196, 8-206, 9-233, 10-244.
Bowling: Khan 24.1-4-76-4, K Ali 6-2-231, N Ali 21-0-80-4, Ahmed 15-1-45-1.
PAKISTAN 2nd innings
*Shan Masood lbw b Sinclair 2 Muhammad Hurraira lbw b Motie 2
Babar Azam c Athanaze b Sinclair 31
Kamran Ghulam c Jangoo b Warrican 19 Saud Shakeel not out 13
Yet to bat: Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed.
Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-5, 3-48, 4-71. Bowling: Motie 7-1-25-1, Sinclair 11-0-412, Warrican 6-4-3-1.
Rain disrupts final day as matches drawn
By Sean Devers
On Saturday, Queen’s College (QC) became the eighth ground in the city to host a ‘Red Ball’ First-Division game when Transport SC battled the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) on a good track and fast outfield.
QC number 1, joined Everest, Guyana National Service (GNS), GDF, Malteenoes, Police, DCC and GCC as grounds that hosted matches at this level in the past.
Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), GISE, Star Party Rental and Trophy Stall first division two-day tournament, which has not been completed since 2023, resumed with two
matches over the weekend.
Rain snatched a possible victory from GCC in a drawn encounter at Police at Eve Leary while at QC, rain washed out the entire final day as the truncated game ended in a draw.
At Police, the home team, who fell for 63 in their first innings, started the final day yesterday on 47-3, still 66 away from avoiding an innings defeat and reached 202 despite a half-century from Quinton Sampson.
Krsna Singh, the first three wickets failed to his tally while Skipper and left arm Devon Lord bagged a 4-for. Set 90 to win from 40 overs, GCC were 53-3 when
Left-arm spinner Keith Simpson took 4-54 for GDF
the inclement weather stopped play for a third time. With just one Umpire present for the second consecutive
Jadon Campbell hammered an entertaining 85 for Transport
day while two GCA Umpires were officiating in an East Bank fixture at the YMCA ground on Saturday, yesterday’s game in
Police’s Quinten Sampson scored a fifty yesterday at Eve Leary before the rain had the final say
a draw with Bourda Boys 37 away from victory with seven wickets in hand.
At QC, Transport, with a deficit of 20 runs, were overnight on 5-1 in their second innings.
However, the ground had no covers and overnight and morning showers left the pitch in an unplayable condition.
On day one, Jadon Campbell hit 10 fours and six sixes in his 85 but only Ewert Samuels (23) and Myhiem Khan (18) of the other Transport batters passed 15 as they fell for 179.
Left-arm spinner Keith Simpson had 4-54 while Joshua Jones took 2-31 for GDF who made 199.
Shamar Angel (48), Delshawn McDonald (40) Gevon Shultz (24), Leon Andrews (23) and Kwesi Mickle (18) made useful contributions. Khan and Nehemiah Hohenkirk captured three wickets each for Transport.
GISE, Star Party Rental and Trophy Stall first division two-day tournament
JANNIK Sinner underlined why he is the world's best men's player by securing back-to-back Australian Open titles with a merciless victory over Alexander Zverev.
The Italian top seed delivered in the decisive moments to win 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 against the second seed.
Despite an ongoing doping case hanging over him, Sinner has been able to block out the noise to claim a third Grand Slam title.
After sealing victory with a composed cross-court winner on his first championship point, the 23-year-old calmly raised his hands into the air before walking over to celebrate with his team.
"It's an incredible tournament for me, I hope I can keep it going," said Sinner, who is the first Italian player to win three majors.
The straight-set win was a demonstration of Sinner's relentless baseline game, physical power and mental steeliness.
Zverev could not create a single
break point in the match and grew increasingly frustrated as his game failed to trouble Sinner.
The 27-year-old German becomes the seventh man in the Open era to lose his first three Grand Slam finals, having also fallen at the final hurdle at the 2020 US Open and 2024 French Open.
After slumping forlornly into his chair, a visibly upset Zverev hunched forward and covered his face with a towel.
His runner-up speech was delayed by a heckling spectator who made apparent reference to past domestic abuse allegations against the player.
Zverev, who denied the allegations and had a Berlin court case brought by one woman discontinued last year, then addressed the crowd.
"It sucks standing next to this trophy," he said.
"I was hoping to be more competitive but Jannik was just too good - as simple as that."
Merciless Sinner wins back-toback Australian Open titles
Ruthless Sinner dominates again
Backing up the finest season of your career – and one of the most dominant in recent memory – is the challenge facing Sinner this year.
The manner in which he has swept to the Australian Open suggests he is more than capable of reaching the same heights that led to two major trophies, six more ATP titles, a Davis Cup triumph with Italy and an overall record of 73 wins from 79 matches.
What makes his achievements even more extraordinary is the unsettling situation surrounding his ongoing doping case.
It was announced in August that Sinner had tested positive for the banned substance clostebol, sending shockwaves around the sport.
While he was cleared of wrongdoing by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed against the decision and is seeking a one to two-year ban.
In a difficult time, the tennis court has become his sanctuary.
Sinner's coping mechanism has been to try and "isolate" himself but his coach Darren Cahill provided a telling insight when he said nobody is "bulletproof".
However, Sinner has been as close to fully armoured as he could have been in the circumstances.
He has swatted his way through the draw with relative ease, with the hot and humid conditions in his fourth-round match against Denmark's Holger Rune being his toughest opponent.
The way he ruthlessly dismantled Zverev was a stark contrast to the fight he needed to recover from two sets down against Daniil Medvedev last year.
Calmly converting his first championship point - luring his opponent forward with a drop-shot before drilling a backhand past him - illustrated the ease he felt.
How Sinner left Zverev with
Richard Illingworth named ICC Umpire of the Year 2024
DUBAI: Richard Illingworth, a member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, has been honoured with the prestigious David Shepherd Trophy as the ICC Umpire of the Year 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Sunday.
Illingworth enjoyed a remarkable journey in cricket, transitioning from being an international cricketer to one of the most respected match officials in the game.
Representing England, he played nine Tests, taking 19 wickets and scoring 128 runs. In ODIs, he featured in 25 matches,
claiming 30 wickets and contributing 68 runs.
After retiring from international cricket, Illingworth embarked on his umpiring career, a decision that has led him to officiate in 74 Tests, 93 ODIs, and 35 T20Is to date.
The David Shepherd Trophy, named after the legendary English umpire David Shepherd, is awarded annually to recognise excellence in umpiring.
The accolade was first presented in 2004 to Australia's Simon Taufel, who set the benchmark by winning the award five
consecutive times (2004–2008).
Other notable winners include Pakistan’s Aleem Dar, crowned three times (2009–2011); Sri Lanka’s Kumar Dharmasena, a two-time recipient (2012, 2018).
England’s Richard Kettleborough, a three-time winner (2013–2015); and South Africa’s Marais Erasmus, who claimed the honour thrice (2016, 2017, 2021).
The 61-year-old now etched his name in history by winning the award for the fourth time, having previously claimed it in 2019, 2022, and 2023. (Web Desk)
unwanted tag
Being dubbed the 'best men's player not to have won a Grand Slam title' is a tag Zverev is desperate to shake off.
As a teenager, Zverev followed older brother Mischa around on tour, but his talents soon saw him labelled as a prospective major champion.
Still the wait goes on.
From the opening exchanges against Sinner, Zverev looked more likely to break down in the baseline rallies.
He became impatient when Sinner targeted his more vulnerable forehand, with errors from that swing contributing to the German losing serve at 4-3.
Sinner demonstrated his allcourt brilliance as he closed out the set.
Zverev finally buckled on a fourth break point when Sinner turned defence into attack, leaving the German only able to put a stretching volley into the net.
Jannik Sinner has won three of the past five men's Grand Slam titlesall of them on hard courts
