CANU warns of dangerous ‘Strawberry Quick’ drug circulating in schools The
Gov t .’s depletion
Piecemeal information – MP Shurwayne Holder ...urgesfulltransparencyfor citizenstoholdGovt. to account
ExxonM pocket US$7.3B Record production in from World Bank to complete Gov t . to seek another extension of oil funds spells danger for the future on decisions and revenue management earnings for Q4 2024 183 Palestinians to be freed in next Gaza ceasefire swap ingredients for corruption - NRGI
‘Strawberry Quick’ drug
Record production in Guyana, Permian help
Exxon pocket US$7.3B earnings for Q4 2024
Record production in Guyana and Permian helped
A m e r i c a n o i l g i a n t
E x x o n M o b i l C o r p o r a t i o n beat analysts' 2024 fourth quarter profit estimates.
The announcement was made on Friday Exxon's adjusted profit is US$7.39 billion, or US$1.67
per share The company reported full-year adjusted
e a r n i n g s o f U S $ 3 3 4 6 billion, a decrease from its US$38.57 billion earned the previous year
E x x o n s a i d , “ S t r o n g advantaged volume growth including record production from Guyana and Permian,
a n d r e c o r d h i g h - v a l u e product sales volumes, more
t h a n o f f s e
volumes from non-strategic a s s e t
Structural cost savings partly offset higher expenses from
d e p r e c i a t i o n , s c h e d u l e d maintenance, new product d e v e l o p m e n t a n d 2 0 2 5
project start-ups.” E x x o n '
L i m i t e d ( E M G L )
t h e operator of the Stabroek Block, which covers an area of 6.6 million acres and is estimated to hold 11.6 billion barrels of oil. To date, Exxon has obtained approval from the Government of Guyana for six development projects in the Stabroek Block – Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two, Payara, Yellowtail, Uaru and Whiptail The first three
d y producing oil at a daily estimated rate of 660,000 barrels per day (bpd). The Stabroek Block deal waives all taxes from the oil companies and caters for taxes to be paid by Guyana
a
companies recovering 75% of investments before the remaining 25% is shared as profit.
Notably, Exxon's fourthq
increase from the thirdquarter driven by record production in Guyana and Permian, stronger natural gas prices, and favourable tax impacts, partly offset by
Exxon's net production in the
barrels
o
day,
increase
barrels per day versus the prior quarter
O
ExxonMobil Chief Financial O
highlighted the company's
strategic targets. “In 2024, our advantaged assets – the Permian, Guyana, and LNG – represented more than 50% of production, a target that w
early,” Mikells said.
Looking ahead, Mikells
s a i d E x x o n a n t i c i p a t e s further production increases
Darren Woods, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Exxon
The Yellowtail project, Exxon's fourth and largest d e v e l o p m e n t i n G u y a n a , remains on track for start-up later this year and is expected to contribute significantly to the company's long-term growth.
“With each new project start-up, the transformation o f E x x o n M o b i l
improved earnings power comes into clearer view In 2025, we're starting up 10 key projects. In 2026, the first full year after start-up, these ten projects alone not including our growth in the Permian, have the potential to deliver more than US$3 bi
noted.
M o r e o v e r , D a r r e n Woods, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Exxon, s a i d , “ O u r t r a
from these high-value assets. “We expect more than 60% of our volumes will be g e n e r a t e d f r o m o u r advantaged assets in the Permian, Guyana, and LNG by 2030. This results in a s i g n i f i c a n t s t e p u p i n p r o f i t a b i l i t y : a t c o n s t a n t prices, another $3 per barrel by 2030,” it was said.
2024…The proof is in our performance. Operationally, we delivered strong results on safety, reliability, and emissions. Financially, we d
operating cash flow in a decade. We earned returns higher than our peers and w
capital, and we distributed more cash to shareholders than all but five companies in the entire S&P 500.” He further stated, “As we look ahead, we've built
we'll deliver on the plans we
significantly more earnings and cash – not only to 2030, but well beyond. Our unique
give us profitable growth well into the future, which
and ability to return
shareholders.”
PPP to meet GECOM on Tuesday to discuss elections - Jagdeo
The People's Progressive
Party (PPP) will on
T u e s d a y m e e t w i t h officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to discuss the Commission's preparations for t h e u p c o m i n g G e n e r a l a n d Regional elections.
The meeting will also see stakeholders discussing matters of n a t i o n a l i m p o r t a n c e t h a t w a s circulated in the media.
This was disclosed by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo at his weekly press conference held on Thursday
“I thought it necessary to meet formally with GECOM to express our view
We have had the Executive Secretary write GECOM and next Tuesday, I'll be meeting with GECOM to address these matters, a n d t o d e b u n k s o m e o f t h e nonsense that we see in the media in relation to this matter,” Jagdeo told reporters.
Jagdeo, who once served as president, said that the Opposition has no credibility to speak about free and fair elections.
“The question is biometrics or no biometrics. That's not the issue. So, the issue is, has there been voters' impersonation, and do we have a robust system at the polling place now to ensure that we don't have multiple voting, and the
answer is yes. So, I'll be speaking with the Commission,” the VP explained.
Even though the opposition p
General and Regional Elections, on Tuesday, GECOM said that the use of biometrics at the place of polls for the upcoming elections requires a legislative framework failing which it would be unconstitutional.
The commission said that it has
perspectives in the media over the past week, over Chairperson of C
Claudette Singh's decision not to allow the use of biometrics at this
implementing the system.
GECOM said the motion for the introduction of such technology was premised on allegations of voter impersonation at places of poll and that such a feature could serve as an additional mechanism f o r e n h a n c i n g t h e s y s t e m o f identifying voters on Election Day
S u b s e q u e n t l y , G E C O M
explained that the issue became a prominent agenda item at the s t a t u t o r y m e e t i n g s o f t h e Commission, and it was during those deliberations that the Chief
E l e c t i o n O f f i c e r ( C E O ) , M r.
Vishnu Persaud, was tasked with undertaking a feasibility study on t h e i n t r o d u c t i o n o f e l e c t r o n i c fingerprinting at registration and biometric fingerprint identification of voters on Election Day
T h e f e a s i b i l i t y s t u d y undertaken by the CEO presented several case studies on the use of biometrics fingerprinting in other countries, and highlighted multiple t e c h n i c a l , l e g i s l a t i v e a n d administrative concerns.
However, according to the Commission, it has been noted that there are multiple reports in the public sphere that appear to be e x a m
benefits of the use of biometrics without due consideration of the legal hurdle and the challenges that can be experienced.
As such, GECOM said while t
identification, there were several challenges highlighted.
Among the benefits highlighted includes a high level of security, as biometrics are unique to everyone, making it difficult for fraudulent activities such as impersonation or multiple voting to occur
The use of biometrics also
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
offers a more accurate method of voter identification compared to traditional methods like ID cards or signatures, thereby reducing the chances of errors in the electoral process, guarding against electoral fraud. It also ensures the integrity of the voting process, and the use of
streamline the voter identification process, leading to faster and more efficient voting.
Several challenges were also highlighted by the Commission. T
inclusivity, infrastructure, legal and ethical, and operational. The Commission reminded that
Kaieteur News
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.
Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456
Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The Hess-Ali pact
John Hess, CEO of Hess Corporation, and 30% partner of ExxonMobil in Guyana’s rich Stabroek Block seemingly has a hot line to President Ali There is no longer any doubt that Hess has the ear of Guyana’s president What is worrying for Guyanese is whether he also has control of their president’s mind The record is of the ExxonMobil partner speaking with authority and confidence on how much he and President Ali are of one mind, how the president tells him some inspiring things that are most profitable to his company and his interests.
According to CEO Hess, President Ali has given him every assurance, as good as committed to in writing, that the rich 2016 ExxonMobil contract will not be renegotiated “No, we are not going to touch the production sharing agreement ” Hess is on solid ground, for those were the words of President Ali when asked about interest in starting the process of renegotiating the contract that he once cursed long and hard What is so incredibly rich for ExxonMobil, the Hess Corporation, and the Chinese National Offshore Oil Company will not be touched, nor troubled in any way by Guyana Hess is taking that as a blanket guarantee from Guyana’s president and was busy selling that to his listeners at the recent Goldman Sachs Research Energy, CleanTech and Utilities Conference In a not-so-indirect manner, the oil companies are now sticking their noses in Guyana’s politics, with elections coming up later this year
There was the Hess Corporation CEO selling his cosy relationship with Guyana’s President Ali, selling the rich prospects of investing in Guyana, as based on Guyana’s government and its opposition selling out their people The previous APNU+AFC Coalition government sold out Guyanese in 2016 with the signing of the ExxonMobil contract The succeeding PPP/C government has been even more committed to upholding the contract and selling out Guyanese for a song President Ali sings a song called “sanctity of contract” that attracts the greatest contempt for it, reducing he and his government to looking like stooges for the oil companies When Guyana’s President Ali sings in that manner, John Hess is all too willing to be the one-man chorus singing just as sweetly to lure more investors to feast on Guyanese oil wealth
President Ali and ExxonMobil partner Hess speak a common language through the channels they use behind the scenes The usually blustery public Ali apparently converts to sheeplike whispering in the ExxonMobil’s partner ear what impoverishes this country and enriches the coffers of foreign investors Is it any surprise that Hess could proudly stand as a salesman for the PPP/C Government? “So, I see the political risk as being very low, and the fiscal risk being very, very low” was what Hess was selling at the Goldman Sachs forum A blunt interpretation of what Hess said is ‘there is no need to worry about contract change, the president is on the side of investors, he is in the bag and under control, and that is not going to change’. It is revealing how when Hess mentions President Ali how much confidence and swagger, he exudes They have their own understanding, their own arrangements This is what was emphasized before when Hess spoke of a “guarantee” that he had received from high up in the PPP/C Government It was that in the matter of an unlimited parent company guarantee case before the local judiciary, the ruling was going to favour the oil companies How could such a ‘guarantee’ be given by anyone considering the independence of the judiciary? Why would anyone, any government official, any Guyanese politician give such a guarantee on what could be very harmful to Guyana’s environment, its economy, and its citizens? John Hess is virtually laughing at Guyanese, mocking their calls for renegotiation of the 2016 contract. He knows who is at the beck and call of the oil companies.
He sees who is fighting for the ExxonMobil-led consortium H
authoritatively about low political risk and “the fiscal risk being very, very low”. He has his sources; he knows who is captive to the commands of ExxonMobil and it is not the PPP/C Government alone.
The electorate must stand behind the PPP/C
DEAR EDITOR,
N
social entity, apart from the PNC and AFC have called f o
opposition are alone on this one. And it is clear to see why, because whatever the P N C / A F C s u p p
elections, it is viewed with deep suspicion by all those who know how tarnished in body and soul that party is in the light of their election rigging track record.
In the circumstances, any
support, at this time, from any self-respecting political or social organization to demand for the introduction o
w o u l d b e tantamount to ‘a kiss of death.’
Guyanese demographics nor its geopolitics does not rotat
nd th
t inhabited by the PNC and AFC both of whom have skeletons in their cupboards that must be rattling at this time. Worse yet, by pushing for biometrics the PNC and AFC may be holding petards in their hands. And there is a bottom-line: neither of the two parties have clean hands e l e c t o r a l l y, n o r d o
to defend democracy
concerned. The influence they are seeking to exert over GECOM is untrustworthy and aims at undermining and derailing GECOM’S current preparations for elections.
I
p l a n n i n g t o u p s e t t h e electoral process, prominent opposition members have indicated, nay, called for the postponement of elections 2025 using the disingenuous argument that it was done before the 1990 election c
h a t ground-breaking event was brokered.
While the joint political opposition may be mulling over a call to postponement
o f e l e c t i o n s , t h e y
c o n v e n i e n t l y i g n o r e t h e
c o n t e x t i n w h i c h t h a t
e l e c t i o n w a s p o s t p o n e d principally because of the great damage their agents embedded at GECOM did to the voters list and the timely but necessary, if not justified intervention by the Carter Centre who made acceptable recommendations to remedy the problem.
It is clear as night follows day that the raison d’etre for the oppositions’ doubling
down on biometrics is their desperate need for time to bring some degree of order to their current state of disarray from top to bottom o r g a n i z a t i o n a l l y a n d otherwise.
Nowadays with all the ‘ b a c k i n g a n d s h u n t i n g ’ between the AFC and PNC characterized by accusations of betrayal, leaks, backs t a b b i n g a n d s c a n d a l s , nonetheless their aim is to p l a c e t h e c o u n t r y i n a situation of uncertainty, and in the hands of a few, dismantle the progressive policies and programmes and to continue with what they left off after they were booted out of office.
ft behind by the PPP/C. To thwart the objectives o f t h
i t i c
l opposition, the electorate will hav
and four squares behind the PPP/C to defend democracy by taking ap
ional and legal actions. M a s s e s o f p e o p l e representing various social strata, ethnicity and multiculturality will be needed to d e f e a t t h e i n t e n d e d programme of the PNC/AFC elites who will seek to double-down on allegations o f r a c i a l a n d p o l i t i c a l discrimination to achieve a goal that is clearly hubristic and phantasmagorical.
It would come as no surprise that their interest is to recreate a system of governance that would be controlled in a feudalist fashion by a technocratic and bureaucratic elite acting in consort with political ‘has beens’ and ‘wanna bees’ who have a penchant for buying into secret accords arrived at d u r i n g p r i v a t e c o c k t a i l h u d d l e s a n d b a c k - r o o m caucuses. At the apex of the A P N U + A F C g o v e r n a n c e structure we will again see t h e e m e r g e n c e o f t h e c o m p r a d o r e b o u r g e o i s i e a s s o c i a t e d w i t h p r i v a t e c o m p a n i e s , o w n e d a n d controlled by APNU+AFC top brass and their business affiliates whose sole aim w o u l d b e t o e n r i c h t h e m s e l v e s . T h e y w i l l remain largely behind the scenes in their own private capacities and would be m o r e p r i v a t e , a n d m o r e secretive than they were between 2015 to 2020. This is how elite power will o p e r a t e p o l i t i c a l l y, a n d militarily while ransacking the robust econ
Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee
Guyana’s currency stands as a total shame
DEAR EDITOR,
I am thankful that we are blessed by the creator Lord
G o d o f t h e w o r l d s a n d further we are blessed by the One Guyana Government led by H.E. Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali. At this time, with all the measures that the President and Government have put in place to reduce the cost of living, providing grants and other support to the citizens of this country are greatly appreciated. I feel t r e m e n d o u s j o y b e i n g a Guyanese.
It must be also noted that Guyana is considered the w o r l d ’s f a s t e s t g r o w i n g economy per capita, as it relates to our oil and gas r e s o u r c e s , o t h e r n a t u r a l resources etc. As for our Agricultural resources, we must not forget that these bring in lots of foreign exchange and have a great impact on the economy, c o u p l e d w i t h o u r f o o d reliability. However, I do have a few areas of concern. The Guyana currency at
$209 Bank exchange rate, then at $225 - $240 at times at cambio rates is most d e p r e s s i n g , p a i n f u l , annoying and shameful.
I m a g i n e t h e H a i t i a n Gourd is $130 - $1 USD. Haiti is considered as the most depressing economy in t h e w o r l d c o m p a r e d t o Guyana’s fastest growing economy with a population of just about 800,000 people. The Trinidadian dollar is $7 – $1 USD. The Bahamas dollar is $1 - $1 USD. Belize and Barbados is $2 – $1 USD. Grenada, Dominica, St Vincent, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Kitts $2.70 – $1 USD.
O n e o f t h e b i g g e s t shames also is the Cuban peso. The Cuban pesos is $24- $1 USD and as we k n o w t h e C u b a n s a r e flocking Guyana to make money to take care of their families in Cuba and to survive in Guyana. This b e w i l d e r s t h e h u m a n imagination in my opinion. Suriname is $35 - $1 USD,
Dominican Republic is $61 Pesos – $1 USD, Jamaica is $157- $1 USD and as for Guyana, I mentioned above w h i c h i s a t o t a l e m b a r
concerned.
It is also known that we have a major bugbear in G
G
people from Trinidad would b r i n g t h e i r m o n e y h e r e exchanging and converting it to US dollars. At times they seem to know that we have more US dollars available t h a n T r
d a d H e n c e , Trinidadians are responsible in many ways for depleting most of Guyana US dollar resources and causing the rate for the USD to increase tremendously. I wish to appeal to the Government of Guyana to put measures in place to ensure our money could carry the amount of value it should have. The Bahamas where $1 Bahamian dollar = $1 USD has no kind of economy compared to ours. Their main resource is the sand, sun and wind. Belize a n d B a r b a d o s a r e s o minuscule, if we throw them in our Essequibo River, they would disappear many times over The same goes for Trinidad and Tobago. So, what is our problem to have a r e s p e c t a b l e r a t e f o r t h e Guyanese dollar and what can we put in place to ensure that people cannot come from Trinidad or anywhere else and easily drain our c o u n t r y t h r o u g h t h e cambios?
I wish to remind the Government of Guyana of a disgraceful situation I had written about in the media, which got traction from The President, the Minister of External Affairs and the Consulate of Türkiye in Guyana all seemed to have listened and read well my c o n c e r n . A G u y a n e s e passport, as strong as it is (Power rank- 48 and Visa (Continued on page 06)
Our Concept of women in society needs to change
DEAR EDITOR,
I would like to draw attention to the perception and treatment of women in our society
R e c e n t l y, I h a d t h e opportunity to travel with a female bus driver for the first time, and I felt compelled to commend her for her skill.
Wi t h t h e n u m b e r o f vehicles in our country, I am
g r a v e l y c o n c e r n e d f o r
f e m a l e d r i v e r s o n o u r roadways.
D r i v i n g c o m e s w i t h u n i q u e c h a l l e n g e s , p a r t i c u l a r l y d u e t o t h e reckless behaviour of certain motorists.
To my surprise, a male p a s s e n g e r , w h o w a s considerably older than I am, questioned my need to praise the female driver, stating, “She is just doing a basic job.”
A t t h a t m o m e n t , I engaged the male passenger and asked him to explain why he categorized her job as basic. His jarring response was, “What you’re saying isn’t a big deal; she is just a woman.”
I r e a l i z e d t h a t t h i s individual clearly does not value the roles women play i n o u r s o c i e t y, w h i c h r e g r e t t a b l y s u ff e r s f r o m misogyny and similar biases. Despite my efforts to help him appreciate the honour a s s o c i a t e d w i t h t h i s
w o m a n ’ s r o
ultimately an exercise in futility
It is evident that both locally and in other parts of the world, particularly in c e r t a i n M i d d l e E a s t e r n countries and regions of Asia such as India and Pakistan, women’s roles in society h a v e b e e
n t l y disregarded and devalued. There is a pervasive belief
t h a t w o m e n s h o u l d n ’ t p u r s u e v a r i o u s m a l edominated professions, and this mindset needs to be challenged.
I n c o n t e m p o r a r y
t i m e s , s o m e m e n
s t a u n c h l y b e l
c o n f i n e
t o t h e r o l e o f “ c a r e t a k e r s o f t h e h o m e ”
W h i l e t h i s m a y w o r k f o r
s o m e f a m i l i e s , p a r t i c u l a r l y i n a f f l u e n t
c u l t u r e s w h e r e t h e m a n i s
t h e p r i m a r y b r e a d w i n n e r, I
b e l i e v e w o m e n s h ould be financially empowered and liberated. This empowerment will enable them to be seen as assets to the development of t h e h o m e r a t h e r t h a n liabilities.
W h i l e t h e r e a r e i n s t a n c e s o f w o m e n
e x c e l l i
i n S c i e n c
Te c h n o l o g y, E n g i n e e r i n g ,
a n d M a t h e m a t i c s ( S T E M )
f i e l d s , w h i c h a r e o f t e n
c o n s i d e r e d m a l e -
d o m i n a t e d , I w o u l d l i k e t o s e e m o r e w o
a l i t y ratio. The notion that women shouldn’t
b
mechanics, bus drivers, or pilots must be dispelled, as times are changing, and our perceptions need to reflect this reality
m
clude tha
he Democratic Party’s policies contributed to their failure in the elections, highlighting inconsistencies in key issues such as border regulations a n d t h e p r o l i f e r a t i o n o f illegal immigration in the country
In the electoral college, Trump secured 312 votes while Harris received 226. According to a database from the latest exit polls, 42% of the male population voted for Harris, while 55% voted for Trump.
Notably 53 % of the female population voted for Harris while 45% voted for Trump.
On November 9, 2016, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lost to Republican Donald Trump, who was re-elected in 2024 and took the oath of office on January 20, 2025.
Former Vice President and Attorney General of the California Department of Justice, Kamala Harris, vied
leadership against Trump last year
While many believed she might be the first African A
country, this unfortunately did not materialize.
Many political scholars
While this is just an 8% gap, evidently must continue t o c h a l l e n g e t h e s e perceptions and advocate for the empowerment of women i n a l l a r e a s o f s o c i e t y especially in the arena of politics.
In the case of Guyana the late Janet Rosenberg Jagan, O.E. briefly served as the first female president of the r e p u b l i c c o u n t r y f r o m
D e c e m b e r 1 9 , 1 9 9 7 , t o August 11, 1999, under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).
While I won’t delve into the reasons for Jagan’s brief term in office, it’s important to note that since then, Guyana has not had any other female President or
Prime Minister What does this indicate? While legal philomaths may a r g u e t h a t s i g n i f i c a n t amendments to Guyana’s We s t m i n s t e r C o n s t i t u t i o n are necessary to allow for such provisions, there is still much work to be done in terms of inculcating in the psyche of males that women too can lead.
It will be remiss not to acknowledge University of Guyana’s Students Society’s current President Madam Tirishata Semple for her exemplary work.
We all must throw our
university to continue along
a trajectory of success and prosperity
e r Seneca believed that we must support each other “
connected and have a social duty to help others”.
It is time for us to support more women in leadership
careers, instead of being
capabilities.
W
when you can do better and encourage other women to succeed as well?
Regards.
Antonio Dey Final Year Student University of Guyana
Guyana’s Agriculture Sector gets major boost in 2025 Budget
G
DEAR EDITOR,
T
G
G Y $ 1 0 4 6 b
i o n t o t h e agriculture sector in the 2025 National Budget, reaffirming its commitment to expanding this crucial industry
This allocation, a 6%
m 2 0 2 4 , highlights the government’s determination to ensure food
security and diversify the country’s economy
A substantial GY$13.3
industry, aiming to restore its
economic driver
The rice industry will receive GY$430.9 million to increase storage capacity and introduce modern equipment
for crop management. I am most pleased about this as it
advancing these sectors.
heavily campaigned on by President Irfaan Ali and the
GY$2.9 billion has been set
aside for the cultivation of crops like corn, soya, spices, and high-value produce such as broccoli and cauliflower Today, we have seen great strides in this sector
The growing coconut industry will also benefit f r o
T h e a g
- p r o c e s s i n g sector, which adds value to local produce, is earmarked for GY$800 million. This is set to fund the expansion of the Guyana Shop initiative, w i t h 1 2 n e w l o c a t i o n s planned across the country to p r o m o t e l o c a l l y m a d e products under the “Made in Guyana” brand.
The livestock sector will see investments of GY$1.7
including the construction of
facilities for pigs and ducks. Meanwhile, the fisheries and a
benefit from GY$1.3 billion, aimed at increasing shrimp
activities.
These investments are a
development for its people, the opposition with its crop of leaders can in no way achieve such a goal.
We must also take note of the GY$73.2 billion being
irrigation systems, ensuring the resilience of agricultural
lands against climate-related challenges.
A
s made over the last three years have made positive impacts for farmers.
T h e s e
demonstrate
clear strategy
agriculture sector By boosting production, d
modernizing infrastructure, the government is fostering
creating new opportunities for growth. The 2025 budget represents a significant step toward reducing reliance on o
regional leader in sustainable agriculture.
Sincerely, Fawaz Harry.
Guyana’s currency stands...
From page 04 free -49), being accepted in the United K i n g d o m , S i n g a p o r e , M a l a y s i a a n d recognized by so many countries. Now if one decides to stop for some reason in Türkiye and want to enter in that country to do a short tour or things of that sort, A GUYANESE CAN’T!
Türkiye has a system where certain countries are allowed to pay a fee fewer than 100 dollars to purchase a visa to enter the country
However, the shameful thing is the list of
countries that are allowed includes Haiti. Yes, I repeat HAITI!!! It also includes Barbados, Grenada and St Vincent but the Guyanese passport is frowned upon. For such things, I
internationally to bring respect to Guyana and the Guyanese passport.
I appeal to H.E Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali and his Government to look at these two above areas that need serious attention.
Yours’ truly, Hajji Dr Roshan Khan.
Piecemeal information on decisions
and revenue management ingredients for corruption
At a time when Guyanese
a r e f e d h a l f - b a k e d information with regard to the use of revenue earned from the production of oil
a n d g a s , t h e N a t u r a l
R e s o u r c e G o v e r n a n c e Institute (NRGI), a non-
p r o f i t o r g a n i z a t i o n , h a s flagged the importance of the p r o v i s i o n o f a d e q u a t e information on decisions and revenue management.
In its latest Resource Charter, the Institute noted that where resource wealth is m a n a g e d o n b e h a l f o
c i t i z e n s , i t c a n l e a d t o sustained prosperity, only if the government is publicly accountable.
NRGI said, “Ongoing
s c r u t i n y o f b e h a v i o r provides a strong deterrent against corruption and an i n c e n t i v e f o r i m p r o v e d
performance across all levels
s
g resource wealth will remain effective into the future only if this scrutiny ties present and future governments to t h e o
themselves.” F
Institute noted that unlike many forms of economic activity, resource extraction
a n d t h e m a n a g
n
o f revenues is often distant from the lives of the majority of citizens. “The chain of decisions can be difficult to m o n i t o r , p r o v i d i n g opportunities for corruption a
management. An essential
- NRGI
...urges full transparency for citizens to hold Govt. to account
transparency
H o w e v e r ,
information is not sufficient.
T
u l d disclose information about the whole chain of decisions, w
recommended.
Locally, stakeholders continue to debate the need for the government to list the p
revenues.
S h a d o w M i n i s t e r o f N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e s , Shurwayne Holder, on the second day of the 2025 Budget debate, pointed out that the Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh accounted for every dollar spent from the money received from Norway through the Low C a r b o n D e v e l o p m e n t Strategy (LCDS). O
Holder observed that the
refused to account for the h u n d r e d s
dollars withdrawn from the N
Parliament (MP) said, “Mr Speaker, they accounted to the Norwegians for their LCDS money but when it comes to our oil money, the PPP continues to violate their own law which they brought to this very House and approved by themselves in December 2021.”
H
National Assembly that the NRF Act makes it clear that all withdrawals from the Fund shall be deposited into the Consolidated Fund and
– Agri. Minister
shall be used only to finance
priorities and/or essential projects that are directly related to ameliorating the effects of a major natural disaster.To this end, Holder
to state projects
funded through
Policymaker for the oil and gas sector, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, explained that it would be difficult to
garnered from the sector are utilized.
identify projects funded by
withdrawn for emergency purposes.
MMA /ADA staff dismissed for misappropriation of funds, $500k recovered
…says awaiting AG's report on GMC audit
A staff of the Mahaica
Agency (MMA/ADA) has been fired after being found guilty of misappropriating
t h e A g e n c y ' s f u n d s a n d $500,000 recovered.
This was revealed by M i n
Zulfikar Mustapha on Friday during the Consideration of Estimates and Expenditure in the National Assembly
S h a d o w m i n i s t e r o f Agriculture and Opposition
M e m b e r o f P a r l i a m e n t , Vinceroy Jordan sought an update on the matter from the minister
J o r d a n , t h r o u g h t h e Speaker, highlighted that the MMA/ADA is requesting $623M in the 2025 Budget b u t t h e r e a r e m a n y unresolved issues plaguing
Shadow Minister of Agriculture and Opposition Member of Parliament, Vinceroy Jordan
the agency He noted that the government has been silent on the situation at the agency d e s p i t e p r e a c h i n g a b o u t “ t r a n s p a r e n c y , a c c
d integrity.”
“I would like for the honourable minister to say to this House what were the a c t i o n s t a k e n b y t h e
board…and whether the staff is still within the employ of MMA?” Jordan enquired.
In res pons e, M inis ter Zulfikar said, “Yes, indeed t h e p e r s o n w h o w e r e involved was fired. He was dismissed and I believe they recouped back the money, $500,000; it was recouped a n d t h e p e r s o n w a s dismissed.”
S i m i l a r l y, t h e r e h a v e b e e n a l l e g a t i o n s o f misappropriated funds at the N e w G u y a n a M a r k e t i n g Corporation (New GMC) and an internal audit was o r d e r e d b y t h e G e n e r a l Manager
J o r d a n a s k e d t h e agriculture minister to share the recommendations from the internal probe and inform the House what actions were taken.
“Mr Chair, first of all, all the documents were looked at by the internal auditors and they are not at the AG's office and so we are awaiting the report from the AG's o f f i c e , ” t h e M i n i s t e r responded.
Further probing by the shadow agriculture minister r e s u l t e d i n t h e m i n i s t e r disclosing that one of the two persons allegedly involved in the misappropriation of funds was still at New GMC while the other person was t r a n s f e r r e d t o a n o t h e r agency under the ministry
C o n s i d e r i n g t h e revelation, minister Zulfikar a s s u r e d t h e N a t i o n a l Assembly that his ministry and the agencies under it have nothing to hide and “are
awaiting the findings of the AG's Office and whatever
r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s i s r e c o m m e n d e d w e w i l l i m p l e m e n t t h o s e recommendations.”
On September 12, 2024, Kaieteur News reported that at least two staff members of t h e G M C w e r e b e i n g i n v e s t i g a t e d a f t e r s e n i o r management uncovered a massive fraud at the entity
The racket involved the smuggling of chicken and eggs, among other things and General Manager of the GMC, Teshawna Lall in a statement said contrary to a press release issued by the M i n i s t r y o f A g r i c u l t u r e under the guidance of the M i n i s t e r M u s t a p h a , t h e initiation of the audit and investigation was led by her
“The internal audit was commenced by Ms. Lall and her team, after repeated requests for documentation a n d r e p o r t s y i e l d e d n o results,” Lall said.
Additionally, Ms. Lall
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha
said during the internal audit, she id
s a n d discrepancies involving the accountant and the Special Projects Manager “ C o n s e q u e n t l y , s h
requested an external audit
discussed with the Minister of Agriculture,” Ms. Lall detailed in her statement.
She said: “The Guyana
addressed the concerns of financial irregularities by starting with an internal audit and investigation. Persistent unresolved issues, despite
clarification, necessitated a thorough review. According to Ms. Lall, the internal audit aimed at meticulously reviewing the reported irregularities and evaluate the corporation's financial practices.
A wave of criminal depor tees may be coming our way soon
It is peculiar the way the PPP/C government often finds itself staring down the barrel of a problem it knew was coming but chose to ignore until it was too late. Such is the case with Guyana and the looming wave of deportees from the United States. Last week, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, in response to a question from journalist Denis Chabrol, o f f e r e d t h e p o l i t i c a l l y correct response: Guyana has an obligation to accept its citizens. True enough, as far as statements go. But as with most things in life, the devil is not in the declaration but in the details. And the details, in
t h i s c a s e , a r e m e s s y , complicated, and fraught with the potential for social upheaval.
Guyana is no stranger to the issue of deportees. In
2 0 0 1 , u n d e r J a g d e o ’ s p r e s i d e n c y, t h e P P P / C
a n d e v e n attempted to sidestep its responsibility by claiming that it needed time to verify the nationality of intended deportees.
The United States was unimpressed and with the clock ticking down, the U.S.
D e p a r t m e n t o f J u s t i c e formally requested that the S t a t e D e p a r t m e n t s t o p issuing visas to Guyanese nationals due to Guyana’s refusal to accept the return of its deported citizens. This action followed the Supreme Court ruling in Zadvydas v
D a v i s , w h i c h l i m i t s t h e i n d e f i n i t e d e t e n t i o n o f deported individuals The I m m i g r a t i o n a n d Naturalization Service (INS) at the time had been holding over 100 Guyanese nationals d e e m e d d a n g e r o u s T h e
J u s t i c e D e p a r t m e n t indicated that visa sanctions could be lifted if Guyana
a g r e e d t o r e p a t r i a t e i t s citizens within 30 days Jagdeo and his government quickly complied. The PPP/C government, pragmatic as ever, is unlikely to repeat the mistakes of the past. Its leaders, after all, h a v e a f o n d n e s s f o r travelling to the land of the free and the home of the brave. They would not put at risk the loss of that privilege.
S o , w h e n t h e d e p o r t e e s c o m e a n d t h e y w i l l come—Guyana will accept them, no questions asked.
B u t a c c e p t i n g t h e
d e p o r t e e s i s o n e t h i n g ; r e i n t e g r a t i n g t h e m i n t o
society is quite another
Many of those who will be deported have been away from Guyana for years, even decades. They have built lives in the United States,
h o w e v e r p r e c a r i o u s o r undocumented those lives may have been. Many of them have children who speak with American accents and have jobs that pay in US
d 0 l l a r s To r e t u r n t o a
c o u n t r y t h e y n o l o n g e r recognise, to a place where they may have no family, no home, and no prospects, is
n o t j u s t a l o g i s t i c a l challenge—it is a human tragedy waiting to happen.
And then there is the
Carib
n has seen this movie before, and it does not end well. In the 1980s, a surge in gun-related, drugrelated and organised crimes w a s l i n
p
, t o deportees who brought with them a sophisticated and
overwhelmed, struggled to cope.
Guyana, with its already
d weak policing cannot afford a repeat of that era. Yet, there is every reason to believe that history may rhyme, if not repeat itself.
The U.S. authorities have
serious criminal records. But
reside, suggest that even t h o s e w i
o
i o u s criminal records are being swept up in the dragnet. This means that Guyana could s o o n f a c e a f l
o d o f deportees, some of whom may be innocent of any serious wrongdoing, while others may carry with them the seeds of trouble.
T h e g r e a t e s t d a n g e r however, will be those with serious criminal records
DEM BOYS SEH
Ban beating, lock up licks!
Dem boys seh violence is like a national sport in dis country Man beating woman. Woman beating man. Parents beating pickney. Pickney beating one another. And when yuh think school safe, is there some teacher still dishing out licks despite the school rules against this?
Dis violence thing like a generational curse. Grandpa beat Daddy Daddy beat son. Son grow up and beat he wife. Wife beat she child. And de cycle continue like a never-ending soap opera.
Yuh know wha de problem is? Too much people believe licks does fix things. Some a dem even seh, “Licks mek me who I am today.” But who are you, really? Scarred, angry, and waiting fuh de next opportunity fuh pass on de pain?
Dem boys seh it start from small. Yuh get two slap fuh spilling lil water Three cuttail fuh answering back. And a full-fledged whipping fuh not knowing yuh times table.
N e x t t h i n g y u h k n o w, y u h b e l i e v e punishment come with pain, and discipline is just a next word fuh brutality
Is a funny thing too, how de same society banning whipping in schools but
They can pose a grave and i m m e d i a t e t h r e a t t o o u r nation’s safety Many of t h e s e i n d i v i d u a l s a r e h a r d e n e d c r i m i n a l s s e a s o n e d i n violence, drug trafficking, armed robbery, and even murder—who will return to o u r s h o r e s w i t h o u t r e h a b i l i t a t i o n , w i t h o u t remorse, and without any means of livelihood. With no ties to society and nothing to l o s e , t h e y c o u l d f o r m ruthless gangs, terrorizing o u r c o m m u n i t i e s , o v e r w h e l m i n g l a w enforcement, and plunging our streets into chaos. We
c a n n o t a f f o r d t o b e
c o m p l a c e n t F a i l u r e t o prepare now could mean a
future where no one is safe in
t h e i r o w n h o m e , w h e r e businesses are held hostage
b y c r i m e , a n d w h e r e innocent lives are shattered by lawlessness.
In the face of such a challenge, one would expect t h e
, a n
putting in place measures to manage the inevitable. But if Vi c e P r e s i d e n t J a g
recent comments are any indication, the government seems content to wing it. This is not just short-sighted; it is irresponsible.
The social consequences o f
government’s failure to plan
for this eventuality
The wave of deportees is coming, whether Guyana is ready or not.
T h e q u e s
o n i s n o t whether the government will accept them—it must—but how it will manage the s o c i a
, e c o n o m i c , a n d security implications of their return. To ignore this issue is to invite trouble.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r
c t t h e opinion of this newspaper.)
still allowing headteachers fuh tek out dem frustrations pon students? What kinda halfmeasure is dat? Is like banning alcohol but still selling rum fuh “special occasions”. If we serious, leh we be serious!
Dem boys seh we need a full ban pon all forms of violence. If a man slap he wife, jail he. If a woman box she man, jail she. If a teacher cut-tail a child, charge dem. And if a parent decide fuh play Mike Tyson pon dem pickney, put dem in a special training programme fuh learning how fuh parent without causing bodily harm. But de real problem is, too much people think, ‘Ah was beaten, and look how good I turn out’. Dem boys seh, “Yuh turn out good in spite of de beatings, not because of dem.” If licks did mek people better, dem prisoners in Camp Street jail woulda be de most well-adjusted citizens in dis country
So leh we end dis nonsense once and fuh all. Leh we lock up licks. Ban beatings. And if yuh really want discipline, try raising yuh voice instead of yuh hand.
Dem boys seh, yuh hand is fuh build, not fuh bruk up people life! Talk half. Leff half.
H@RD TRUTHS
Renegotiation – one big Guyana laff story
I had to laugh. Poor Minister Vickram Bharrat: he always seems to end up with some dirty job that seniors drop in his lap. Take this one about renegotiation of the Exxon oil contract. Out of the blue, the PPP Government is taking the PNC opposition to task and
o n r e n e g o t i a t i o n o f a l l
things While the PPP Government has burrowed deep underground to put as
m u c h d i s t a n c e b e t w e e n renegotiation of the Exxon deal and itself, it now turns around and fires a broadside at the PNC for what it is doing (or not doing) with
t h a t s a m e c o n t r a c t I s
G u y a n a a m a d , m a d , extremely mad world, or what?
T h e v e n u e w a s p a r l i a m e n t a n d M i n i s t e r Vickram got the call to lay into the PNC during what passes for Budget debates. I never thought that he was capable of certain skills, but he went and proved me wrong. He changed into Wa r n e r B r o s , i n a f a i r rendition of one its more s
Bharrat referring to Tom and Jerry (of cartoon fame) and slapping the PNC silly with his scornful cat and mouse putdown. Where was the PNC, the minister asked? Where is it on renegotiation of the oil contract? After that slash, it all boiled down to the usual dressing down, putting down, and a general d u m b i n g d o w n o f t h e standards of local discourse in Guyana's leading house of disorder, through mindless t a l k i n g f o r t h e s a k e o f talking. Not for the first t
me, some k
hearted, well-intentioned Guyanese invited me to accompany them to listen to the budget debate(s) live and direct. I recoiled, for I would sooner s p e n d a n a f t e r n o o n a n d evening by the torturous and dangerous bus park than put a foot into Guyana's house of t h e p e o p l e T h e r e a r e people, and then there are other kinds of people. The parliamentary hood went the way of Pompeii and Atlantis
a long while back. Down and out on its feet, merely going through the motions (but more on this another time).
In reading what Minister Bharrat articulated in the National Assembly, I recall that old domestic goody: some folks know everybody story, but dem nah know dem own waan.
W h e n t h e s u b j e c t i s about renegotiation, there is not another entity, or body, that has not been more for renegotiation, and then less about renegotiation, than the Government.
When I think of Minister Bharrat's dive into the world of cartoons and Tom and Jerry, it is clear that he did a miserable job at looking inward and upward within his PPP Government. Look at what oil has done to him, he being the subject minister with this and that power Instead of being the subject minister, the Hon. Vickram
B h a r r a t h a s b e e n m o r e pleased to be a voiceless subject of Bharrat Jagdeo first and, then to round off
his piteous weakness, the h e l p l e s
d Exxon Corp America.
Come to think of it, so pathetic Minister Bharrat has b e e n o n o i l a n d g a s specifically, and with not a w o r d t o o f f e r o n renegotiation of the Exxon contract, that he is more along the lines of a shadow minister A minister and a man in a haze, and maze of contradictions. When he thinks of renegotiation, the only thought that comes to his mind is retreat. In this manner, he does a not too shabby imitation of the other two wunderkinds in the PPP Government, Dr Irfaan Ali, and Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, two men who have made cartoon characters of themselves t h r o u g h t h e i r c o m i c a l postures on renegotiation.
In the PNC's hesitancies on renegotiation, Minister Bharrat likened the group to Tom and Jerry In the PPP Government's foot-dragging a n d s t o n e w a l l i n g o n renegotiation, I behold in P r e s i d e n t A l i a n d Vi c e
P r e s i d e n
, those two unmatched c
D a f f y D u c k a n Yosemite Sam. One loses his spine and puts his foot i
m o u t h ( s a n c t i t y o f contract), while the other c a n n o t d i s t i n g u i s h n i g h t from day (better contract management). They were once all sizzling lightning f o r ' r e v i e w a n d renegotiating' all contracts, until they quickly petered out into unlit candles lacking i n w i c k s W h e n renegotiation of the Exxon contract was all the rage, there was none louder and more muscular than Dr Ali a l a t h a t h a p l e s s c a r t o n reveller Daffy Duck. In the same context, there was none bolder than Dr Jagdeo doing w e l l a s t h e G u y a n e s e reincarnation of Yosemite Sam. Jagdeo has converted into the tragedy of thinking t h a t c o n s c i e n t i o u s a n d patriotic Guyanese are the enemy, and Exxon is his passport to power and more r e w a r d i n g a c h i e v e m e n t s c
curvy lines.
In this oil paradise, the PPP Government is now the l e a d i n g j o k e r Renegotiation has reduced the party to comedy and pity Renegotiation has made its leaders concoct one calumny after another to duck their duty Thus, they stand as raucous figures fighting on the side of Exxon and proud
Guyanese. Guyana has been transformed into a jokey country Guyanese have the political leaders to prove it.
Renegotiation converts them to wily phantoms and goofy characters straight out of the funny farms.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the a
opinion of this newspaper.)
‘GPF has been constantly trailing me’ – Calvin Brutus
…confronts Head of Special Branch for following him
Repeated trailing o f e m b a t t l e d
A s s i s t a n t
Commissioner of Police, Calvin Brutus, during the last week resulted in him confronting Special Branch
S u p e r i n t e n d e n t , P r e m Narine recently.
Brutus, who is facing 260
f i n a n c i a l c r i m e c h a rg e s , observed Narine following him for some time. In a video p o s t e d o n F a c e b o o k o n January 30, 2025, Brutus showed that his every move was being watched by the police.
“I moved and then I applied my brakes, and he did the same,” Brutus said in the video. He then turned onto a street, where the v e h i c l e s t o p p e d a s h o r t distance away, prompting him to confront the driver
As Brutus approached the car, Narine emerged from t h e v e h i c l e B r u t u s confronted him, urging him
t o s t o p f o l l o w i n g h i m N
following Brutus, stating, “I see you videoing me, so I want know is who.
I have no interest in following you, you videoing me so I start following you because I see you videoing me.”
F u r t h e r, B r u t u s s a i d ,
“Using his official forceissued vehicle [registration number provided] (a silver To y o t a M a r k X ) , P r e m Narine followed me through s e v e r a l s t r e
s i n Georgetown.
After his cover was blown, he flicked the lights on to make it appear as though they were on all a l o n g a n d t o g i v e t h e impression that there was no a t t e m p t t o c o n c e a l h i s movements but look at the video closely.”
On January 24, 2025, Brutus took to Facebook showing that he was being
trailed by three different teams. He showed the three different vehicles that he claimed were following him wherever he went.
T
mentioned another instance w h e r e a p o l i c e o f f i c
r, allegedly disguised as a taxi driver, had been following him.
“I wish to also publicly inform the state that the cover of the rank who has camouflaged himself as a taxi driver at Haslington R o a d F r o n t , E a s t C o a s t Demerara, is also blown. So, he can stop driving past my home every fifteen minutes,” Brutus added.
He emphasized, “The blown covers of Special Branch operatives and their i n a b i l
c o n d u c t undetected surveillance puts not only them but civilians at r i s k M o r e t r a i n i n g i s required.”
M e a n w h i l e , w h e n contacted on Friday, Brutus' attorney Eusi Anderson said that the constant surveillance of his client is not part of the bail conditions.
“Following is not a bail condition. To be followed around so clearly, that is useless state resources that d o e s n ' t d e r i v e a n y legitimacy from the order of the court,” Anderson said.
I n f a c t , t h e a t t o r n e y reminded that Brutus was g r a n t e d b a i l b y t h e
G e o rg e t o w n M a g i s t r a t e s ' Court and his lone conditions
a r e t o r e p o r t t o S O C U periodically and not leave the jurisdiction.
Brutus was accused of attempting to leave Guyana via Lethem in December 2024, a claim he vehemently denied.
On December 21, 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement claiming that Brutus had been stopped
by police officers while attempting to enter Brazil via L e
December 16, 2024.
Following the incident, SOCU made an application to revoke Brutus' bail, citing the alleged attempt to flee as a b r e a
conditions.
The matter was heard by
Surveillance vehicle Assistant Commissioner of Police, Calvin Brutus observed following him.
Court, with the prosecution presenting several reasons for the revocation. However, the evidence regarding Brutus's alleged attempt to leave the country was never made public.
O n D e c e m b e r 2 7 , 2024—just four days after t h e a p p l i c a t i o n w a s made—SOCU withdrew its application to revoke Brutus' bail, without providing any reasons to the court.
Rwanda illegally occupying DR Congo, minister tells BBC
BBC - Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes due to the fighting.
R w a n d a i s i l l e g a l l y occupying the Democratic
R e p u b l i c o f C o n g o a n d
attempting to orchestrate regime change, the country's foreign minister has told the BBC.Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner said the world had allowed Rwandan President Paul Kagame decades of impunity and failure to hold
h i m a c c o u n t a b l e f o r violating international law
H e r c o m m e n t s c o m e after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured the eastern Congolese city of Goma and threatened to continue their off ensive to the cap
, Kinshasa, which is 2,600km (1,600 miles) away
R w
n
s p o k e s w o m a n Yo l a n d e
M a k o l o d e n i e d t h e accusation and said its troops w e r e o n l y d e p l o y e d t o prevent the conflict spilling
over to its territory
"We're not interested in war, we're not interested in a
change," Ms. Makolo told t h e B B C ' s N e w s d a y programme.
The Southern African
Development Community (Sadc), a regional bloc made up of 16 members, is holding a special meeting on Friday in Zimbabwe to discuss the situation in DR Congo.
S a d c h a s s e n t p e a c e k e e p i n g t r o o p s , primarily from South Africa, to DR Congo to combat armed groups like the M23 and restore peace in the mineral-rich region after decades of unrest.
Sixteen soldiers from southern African countries have been killed in clashes with the M23 around Goma in the past week.
In a public spat on X with h i s S o u t h A f r i c a n c o u n t e r p a r t , R w a n d a ' s
President Kagame said the Sadc troops were "not a peacekeeping force, and it h a s n o p l a c e i n t h i s situation".
T h e f i g h t i n g h a s worsened the humanitarian crisis in eastern DR Congo as the M23 has captured
large areas of North Kivu province, around Goma.
Shelley Thakral, from t h e U N ' s Wo r l d F o o d Programme (WFP) said the city's residents were running out of food, clean water and medical supplies.
"The supply chain has
Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes due to the fighting. (EPA)
really been strangled at the moment if you think about land access, air access, when everything is closed down," s h e t o l d t h e A F P n e w s agency Since the start of 2025, more than 400,000 people have been forced from their homes, according to the UN's refugee agency
Spokesperson for the UN
H i g h C o m m i s s i o n e r f o r
H u m a n R i g h t s J e r e m y Laurence said there had been reports of sexual violence by Congolese troops.
There are reports that at least 50 women had been raped, some by several men, in South Kivu, he said.
The M23 has also killed a t l e a s t 1 2 p e o p l e i n summary executions since the crisis started, according to the UN.
T h e R w a n d a n spokesperson asserted that the country's troops were securing their borders in r e s p o n s e t o " r e p e a t e d
violations" , including 15 deaths, from cross-border shelling.
"The DRC needs to do a better job of getting their territory in order That is t h e i r r e s p o n s i b i l i t y, " s h e said.Ms. Makolo added that R w a n d a w a s p l a c i n g
" h e a v i l y d e f e n s i v e mechanisms, and offensive m e c h a n i s m s " a l o n g
d i t s investment.She also said that R w a n d a w a s c o n c e r n e d about the presence in DR C o n g o o f m i l i t i a s responsible for the 1994 R w a n d a n g e n o c i d e , a n d which wanted to return to Rwanda to "finish the job".
She accused the Congolese authorities of working with these groups.
The Congolese foreign m i n i s t e r a l s o a c c u s e d Rwanda of occupying DR Congo in order to exploit its vast mineral resources, such as gold and coltan, which is
used to make batteries for mobile phones and electric v e h i c l e s " I t h i n k t h a t Rwanda ought to be under an embargo for all of its mineral exportations, they should not be benefiting from what has been mined illegally and under forced labour in the eastern DRC," she said.
This was denied by Ms. Makolo.
Ms. Wagner called for a halt to foreign aid being sent to Rwanda and sanctions to be placed on the leaders "enabling this warfare".
S h e a l s
e d f o r R w a n d a ' s t r o o p s t o b e s u s p e n d e d
around the world.
"We have to witness a country that presents itself as
Lakes region," she said.
UN experts said last year that Rwanda had between 3 , 0 0 0
operating alongside the M23 in eastern DR Congo.
Human Rights Watch has warned of escalating risks to civilians as DR Congo's army battle the M23 rebels. The humanitarian group has
U
conflict risks escalating into a broader regional war
Uganda's army has said it will strengthen its defences along the border with DR Congo in response to the increased fighting.
DR Congo is a vast country, about two-thirds the size o
We
which borders nine different countries.Previous conflicts in the country, in the 1990s,
neighbours and were dubbed "Africa's World Wars".
Gov t .’s depletion of oil funds spells danger for the future
– MP Shurwayne Holder
G u y a n a ' s e x c e s s i v e spending of oil money could have long-term economic
consequences, Opposition Member of Parliament and
S h a d o w O i l a n d G a s Minister Shurwayne Holder has said.
In his critique of the government's handling of the
c
Resource Fund (NRF).
a
The government intends to withdraw about US$2.4 billion (G$512 billion) from
U S $ 6 6 b
( G $ 1 3
Minister of Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh disclosed
h a t i n 2 0 2 5 , a l t h o u g h Guyana's daily production is
e x p e c t e d t o c l i m b , t h e
Opposition Member of Parliament and Shadow Oil and Gas Minister, Shurwayne Holder
country will see a decrease in earnings from the sector, as the oil price is likely to decline. He explained that global oil supply is expected to surpass demand this year, leading to a 10.9% drop in prices to around US$71.9 per barrel.
On Monday, MP Holder during the budget debates challenged the government's claim that it is maintaining a balance between short-term a n d l o n g - t e r m f i n a n c i a l goals.
“The Minister claimed in
his budget speech that he i n t e n d s t o s
k e a n appropriate balance between short-term imperatives and l o n g - t e r m
How are they doing this whilst spending 95% of the NRF funds? This approach suggests that all that matters are short-term imperatives.
A t t h e c u r r
r a t e o f depletion, it will be years before significant funds will be available to invest so that we have funds to stabilize the e
generations,” Holder stated. Further, he pointed to the
p
ices and economic growth, arguing that the country is already overly dependent on oil revenue.
“ B y h i s [ F i n a n c e Minister] own admission, global oil supply will surpass demand in 2025 leading to a 10.95 drop in oil prices to just around $71 per barrel. This drop has consequences for the GDP growth rate. 2025 growth is expected to slow to 10.6% from 43.6% in 2024,” Holder stated.
M o r e o v e r , t h e Opposition MP called for stricter measures to ensure t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d
c c
t a b i l i t y i n t h e management of oil funds. He suggested that the penalty for non-disclosure of oil revenues received should extend to failing to disclose what the oil money is being spent on.
Holder stated, “I suggest to this House today that we extend this penalty to any
finance minister who fails to disclose how our oil money is spent and prohibit the N a t i o n a l A s s e m b l y f r o m further approving any oil money, until that which was spent is properly accounted for. The lawlessness and
people of Guyana by this PPP government must end now.”
This publication recently
voiced his concerns about the government's decision to withdraw over 90% of oil revenues from the NRF to finance the 2025 Budget. “To spend 95% of the
may have already placed
and
improvement in the non-oil sectors,” Norton said during the debate on Thursday
Court yet to rule on request for access to Brutus’ bank account
T h e G e o r g e t o w n Magistrates' Court is yet to r u l e w h e t h e r t h e S t a t e ' s request to access Assistant
C o m m i s s i o n e r o f P o l i c e Calvin Brutus' bank account would be granted.
On Friday, Acting Chief Magistrate, Faith McGusty, adjourned the matter and
scheduled her ruling for February 7, 2025.
T h e S t a t e , t h r o u g h
P r o s e c u t o r D a v i d Braithwaite, on January 17, 2025, filed an application seeking access to Brutus' bank account as part of its investigation into the alleged
f i n a n c i a l c r i m e s T h e attorney requested a banker's book order to access the records.
Brutus is facing 261 financial crime charges.
D e f e n c e a t t o r n e y s Dominick Bess and Eusi
A n d e r s o n o p p o s e d t h e r e q u e s t , a r g u i n g t h a t previous findings from the
D i r e c t o r o f P u b l i c
P r o s e c u t i o n s ( D P P ) invalidated the application. Bess contended that the prosecution's interpretation of the Evidence Act was flawed, arguing that the requested documents did not f a l l w i t h i n t h e A c t ' s definition of a “banker's book,” which includes items like cheques.
F u r t h e r , A n d e r s o n presented a letter in court that he claimed was from the D i r e c t o r o f P u b l i c P r o s e c u t i o n s ( D P P ) , addressed to the head of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). Anderson told the court that the DPP had concluded that a suspicious t r a n s a c t i o n r e p o r t ( S T R ) g e n e r a t e d f r o m B r u t u s ' financial activities did not m e e t t h e t h r e s h o l d f o r criminal charges.
“The STR was submitted by the Financial Intelligence U n i t ( F I U ) , ” A n d e r s o n explained, adding that the State's failure to act on the
CANU warns of dangerous
‘Strawberry
Quick’’ drug circulating in schools
DPP's decision invalidated their current application “This application forces the court to improperly assist the prosecution in their pursuit of evidence they never had to b e g i n w i t h , ” A n d e r s o n stated.
A n d e r s o n a c c u s e
existed” and described the prosecution's application as “embarrassing” and “dead on arrival.” He urged the court to reject the request, w
c o u l d s e
a
g e r o u s precedent for the misuse of the court's authority
The defence continued to argue that the letter was central to their opposition. Anderson also clarified that the account in question was Brutus' salary account, not one of the frozen accounts linked to the case. A
The presence of a dangerous new drug called 'Strawberry Quick' in the country's schools is of major concern to the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU).
CANU, in a statement on Thursday, said the drug resembles strawberry-flavoured pop rock candy and is known for its distinctive “sizzling” and “popping” effect when in contact with the saliva.
The drug's candy-like appearance, paired with its sweet strawberry smell, can easily convince children that it is a harmless treat. CANU said the strawberry drug is believed to be a form of methamphetamine, a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that can cause serious harm to health.
Given its resemblance to a popular snack, CANU believes that it poses a significant risk to children who may unknowingly ingest it, leading to severe physical and psychological effects.
“Please instruct your children not to accept candy from strangers and even not to accept candy that looks like this from a friend (who may have been given it and believed it is candy),” CANU warned.
The presence of the Strawberry Quick drug has been reported in some schools and according to CANU everyone must be vigilant and informed of its dangers.
“Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter this drug or witness anyone distributing it, please report it to law enforcement or encourage children to take any that they may have to a teacher, principal, or parents who can further reach out to Law Enforcement (GPF or CANU),” CANU said.
F u r t h e r, C A N U i s u rg i n g p a
guardians and teachers to educate their children about the dangers of accepting candy or other treats from strangers and friends.
Persons who have been in contact with the drug can contact CANU on its website:
telephone number: 226 0431 and or on Whatsapp via 608 -3344.
“Your safety is our top priority,” CANU assured.
further details on the account a n d s u b m i t r e l e v a n t authorities on January 31, 2025.
The Magistrate said that her ruling will be handed
prosecution.
T h e p
indicated to the court that he would prepare an index of all the statements related to the various matters involving Brutus.Meanwhile, a similar
Nicholson, who is jointly
that a ruling on Nicholson's bank records would also be fort
GCCI chides NIS over slow operations, calls for urgent reforms
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has called out the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) over the “slow pace of conducting business” in a rapidly emerging economy
The organisation, in a statement issued on Friday, expressed frustration with NIS's operations and called for a review of the feasibility of the systems utilized by the Scheme.
Further, the Chamber called for the implementation of reforms to address the c h a l l e
individuals in the day-to-day dealings with NIS.
The GCCI said its upbraiding of NIS follows several complaints about the entity's processes. The organisation said that the primary complaint was NIS's failure to transition to a digitised system to expedite processes.
"The Chamber continues to receive complaints from members of the business community, as well as individuals registered with NIS, over the slow pace of conducting business with the agency, inefficiency in services, as well as NIS' failure to transition to a digitized system that would allow for timely and convenient transactions," GCCI said.
Other complaints include issues with NIS's unavailability by telephone, difficulties i n
h
mishandling of documents.
" Wi t h c o u n t l e
inability to contact the agency via the telephone numbers provided, the hassle involved in registering a company, and m
n applicants having to reapply, the entire procedure results in lost time for businesses," the statement said.
The GCCI also emphasized that Guyana, being one of the world's fastest-growing
interest, should not be facing such delays due to bureaucratic inefficiencies at NIS.
"Coupled with the outcry of contributors
delayed disbursements," GCCI said there “is an urgent need for a review of the feasibility of the systems being used by the agency, and the implementation of reforms to address the growing challenges with this organisation.”
“
landscape in Guyana cannot continue to be
complacency," GCCI said.
The National Insurance Scheme's (NIS) headquarters on Brickdam, Georgetown
The 'Strawberry Quick' drug
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)
Calvin Brutus
Three Israelis and 183 Palestinians to be freed in next Gaza ceasefire swap
Aljazeera - Israel and Hamas will carry out their fourth prisoners-for-captives swap of the Gaza ceasefire
o n S a t u r d a y w i t h t h e Palestinian group set to free t h r e e I s r a e l i c a p t i v e s i n exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
“The updated number of p
P a l e s t i n i a n P r i s o n e r ' s Society spokesperson Amani Sarahneh said on Friday after previously announcing that 90 prisoners would be freed.
T h e a d v o c a c y g r o u p published two lists of names due for release on Saturday
T h e f i r s t c o m p r i s e d 7 2 prisoners arrested before the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.
A second list of inmates to be freed contained 111 names of people from Gaza detained after the attacks, which sparked the war in the Palestinian territory
In an earlier statement on Telegram on Friday, the armed wing of Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, named the three Israeli captives to be released as Israeli-French
c i t i z e n O f e r K a l d e r o n , Israeli citizen Yarden Bibas and Israeli-American Keith Siegel.Bibas, 34, is the father o f K f i r, w h o w a s n i n e
months old when the family was taken by Hamas in October 2023, and Ariel, who was four at the time.
There has been no Israeli confirmation on the fates of Kfir, Ariel or their mother, Shiri.But Hamas said in late 2023 that the children and their mother were killed by an Israeli bombardment in the early months of the Gaza war.Siegel, currently in his 50s, was taken captive with his wife, Aviva, who was released by Hamas in the first captives-for-prisoners
e x c h a n g e i n N o v e m b e r 2023.Kalderon, also in his 50s, was abducted by Hamas with his two children, Erez and Sahar The children were also released in that first exchange.Al Jazeera's Laura K h a n , r e p o r t i n g f r o m Amman, Jordan, because Al Jazeera has been banned from operating in Israel, said the Israeli prime minister's office said it has received and accepted the list.
She said Bibas's release is going to be viewed as particularly symbolic and important in Israel.
“He's interesting for two reasons. One is that there was a sticking point between Israel and Hamas in these negotiations, and that was w h e t h e r t o r e l e a s e m e n under 50.
..Israel set to release 183 prisoners on Saturday in the fourth hostage-prisoner exchange under the Gaza ceasefire deal
At first, Hamas didn't want to do that. They wanted to release civilians, women and youth first, but then they decided to [yield] to that point,” she said.
S h e s a i d t h e s e c o n d reason was that Israelis had expected Bibas as well as Siegel and Kalderon to be released earlier as part of the first phase of the ceasefire, which took effect on January 19.“However, they haven't yet been released, and Israeli forces have said in the past t h a t t h e y a r e c o n c e r n e d about their wellbeing,” Khan said. Under the terms of the Gaza ceasefire, 33 captives held by Hamas in Gaza are to be freed in the first six weeks of the truce in exchange for h u n d r e d s o f P a l e s t i n i a n prisoners, many of whom h a v e b e e n s e r v i n g l i f e sentences in Israel.
So far, 15 captives held in Gaza, including five Thai workers, and 400 Palestinian p r i s o n e r s h a v e b e e n exchanged.
O n T h u r s d a y, H a m a s released three Israelis and five Thai captives and Israel r e l e a s e d 11 0 P a l e s t i n i a n prisoners after delaying the p r o c e s s a f t e r c r o w d s swarmed one of the captive handover points.
R e p o r t i n g f r o m a lRashid Street in Gaza, Al
Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum
s a i d t h a t f o r m a n y Palestinians in Gaza, the return of the Palestinian
d e t a i n e e s i s a “ d e e p l y s y m b o l i c v i c t o r y ” t h a t represents resilience.
But he said many people were shocked by the chaotic scenes around the release of Israeli captives on Thursday
“ T h i s i n c l u d e s t h e
r e l e a s e o f A r b e l Ye h u d ,
w h i c h w a s c r i t i c i s e d a s completely disorganised and lacking the dignity expected
d u r i n g s u c h s e n s i t i v e moments,” he said.
M e a n w h i l e , I s r a e l i
Prime Minister Benjamin
N e t a n y a h u h a s d r a w n criticism in his country for not having sealed a captiveprisoner deal earlier in the war after the security failure
t h a t e n a b l e d H a m a s - l e d fighters to burst across the Gaza-Israel boundary and s t o r m n e a r b y I s r a e l i
communities.
But there has also been opposition to the current deal, which some critics in Israel have said leaves the fate of most of the captives in the balance and Hamas still standing as Gaza's dominant entity.At least 1,139 people were killed and more than 200 were abducted in the Hamas-led attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel's military response has killed more than 47,000 Palestinian people in Gaza, according to the enclave's Ministry of H e a l
A
h
captives were released in November 2023 during the only previous truce, and others have been recovered dead or alive during Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
M o r e t a l k s o n
h e i m p l e m e n
t i o n o f t h e second stage of the current truce, due to begin on March 1, are meant to open the way
Yarden Bibas is one of three Israeli captives who are to be released on February 1, 2025 [Handout/Bring Them Home Now via Reuters]
to the release of more than 60 o
men of military age, and a f u l l I s r a e l i m i l i t a r y withdrawal from Gaza. If that succeeds, a formal end to Israel's war in Gaza could follow along with talks on the mammoth challenge o f r e c o n s t r u c t i n g t h e Palestinian enclave.
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2024-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1062 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION
Between:- Petition No. FD1062 (ALI) JAVID FIAUD -and- (ALI) INDIRA nee CECIL Petitioner/Applicant Respondent TO: INDIRA ALI nee CECIL
AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 12th day of December, 2024, the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of the Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition and Application, you must file an Acknowledgment of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirtyfive) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 10th day of March, 2025 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif in person. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service. Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry Dated the 16th day of December, 2024.
2024-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-528 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-528 BETWEEN: (ARCHER) ELVON ANDRE Petitioner/Applicant -and- (ARCHER) TISHA LUSHANA nee DUKE TO: TISHA LUSHANA ARCHER nee DUKE
The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm onFridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 15th day of January, 2025
/
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Formerly of Lot 86 4t Strat, Winsor Forest West Coast DemeraraTAKE NOTICE that on the 30th day of July, 2024 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by JAVID FIAUD ALI, the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.
Address Unknown Respondent TAKE NOTICE that on the 5th day of December, 2024 an Application Relating to Child was filed against you by ELVON ANDRE ARCHER, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 6th day of January, 2025, the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Application on you by publication of the Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file a Reply to Application Relating to Child, and/or Statement of Arrangements for child (Forms are available at the Registry) in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the matter is fixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 12th day of March, 2025 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Fidela Corbin-Lincoln Meeting ID: 882 1097 6231 and password: Court12.IN DEFAULT of your filing a Reply to Application Relating to Child, Statement of Arrangements for Children and/or Notice of Intention toDefend the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting Custody
LEGAL NOTICE
2024-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-877 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No. FD-877 Between:PANDAY (MELISIA) nee RAJCOOMAR Petitioner / Applicant -and- PANDAY (DAYANAND) Respondent TO: DAYANAND PANDAY Formerly of Lot 77 Mon Desir Clay Brick Road, Canal Number 2®West Bank Demerara.TAKE NOTICE that on the 25th day of June, 2024 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by MELISIA PANDAY nee RAJCOOMAR, the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 8th day of November, 2024, the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of the Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a newspaper printed, published and circulated in Guyana and on the world wide web.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition and Application, you must file an Acknowledgment of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 35 (thirty-five) days from the
LEGAL NOTICE
date of the final publication of this NoticeTAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Thursday the 30th day of January, 2025 at 9:30 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln via zoom meeting ID: 882 1097 6231 and password: Court12 IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service. Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Dated the 13th day of November, 2024
LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE
2024-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-1328
IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION
FAMILY DIVISION
Petition No. FD-1328
AMRITA DEVI KAMPTA
Applicant -V- TAKURDEEN PERSAUD BETWEEN: Respondent TO: TAKURDEEN PERSAUD
ADDRESS UNKNOWN
TAKE NOTICE that on the 3d day of October, 2024 an Application Relating to Children was filed against you by AMRITA DEVI KAMPTA, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 13th day of January, 2025, the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the World Wide Web AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara
Brazil’s Lula says any US tariffs would be reciprocated
The Brazilian leader says he is looking for a relationship based on mutual respect after Trump threatens tariffs.
Al Jazeera - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said that if the United
LEGAL NOTICE
where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Application, you must file a Reply to Appliention Relating to Child, an Answer and/or Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry) in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within (35) thirty-five days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice.TAKE NOTICE that the Application is refixed for Directions Hearing on Wednesday the 12 day of March, 2025 at 9:45 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln via zoom Meeting ID: 8821097 6231 and Passcode: Court 12 IN DEFAULT of your filing a Reply to Application Relating to Child, Statement of Arrangements for Children and/or Notice of Intention toDefend the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting Custody. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm onFridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Dated the 15th day of January, 2025
States imposes tariffs on his country, he will respond in kind.
Speaking at a news conference in the capital Brasilia, on Thursday, Lula said his country seeks a relationship based on mutual respect. His comments came in response to US President Donald Trump’s threat of heightened tariffs.
“It is very simple: If he taxes Brazilian products, there will be reciprocity,” Lula told reporters.
“Trump was elected to run the US, and I was elected to run Brazil. I will respect the US and want Trump to respect Brazil. That’s all.”
The comments are the latest signal that Trump’s efforts may spark a trade war with US allies.
Lula’s stance also offers a model for how other Latin American countries might respond to Trump’s protectionist policies. Trump has touted tariffs as a mechanism to boost domestic industry, as well as to force international rivals to accede to demands ranging from manufacturing to migration.
Earlier this week, Trump threatened large tariffs against Colombia when President Gustavo Petro initially refused to allow a US military flight bearing undocumented immigrants to land.
Petro objected to the US treatment of the immigrants, some of whom were reportedly handcuffed.
After the two leaders exchanged tariff threats, Petro backed down, allowing future
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva poses for a photo after his first cabinet meeting of 2025, at the Granja do Torto country residence in Brasilia, Brazil, on January 20. [Eraldo Peres/AP Photo]
flights to proceed, despite implying a comparison between Trump and “white slavers”.
But Trump has proceeded to dangle the prospect of tariffs against other countries since the diplomatic spat.
On Thursday, for instance, he told reporters that he planned to make good on a promise to impose 25 per cent tariffs on the neighbouring countries of Canada and Mexico, two of the US’s biggest trading partners.
“We don’t need the products that they have,” Trump said.
Trump has indicated the
tariffs would incentivise Mexico and Canada to tighten their border security and stem the flow of drugs, migrants and asylum seekers. In the past, Trump has also threatened to carry out military strikes inside of Mexico to deal with drug-trafficking cartels that move fentanyl over the border.
Experts tie the mounting shadow of tariffs to Trump’s stated desire to pursue an “America First” foreign policy, putting US interests above all else.
His remarks at his second inauguration on January 20 emphasised that platform. Not only did he tease impending tariffs “to enrich our citizens”,
but he also laid out an expansionist vision for the US’s future, including through the seizure of the Panama Canal. Those threats, however, have not been well received in Latin America, where a long history of US interventions and meddling remains resonant.
“I have governed Brazil while the US had Republican and Democratic presidents, and our relationship has always been between two sovereign countries,” said Lula, who began his third non-consecutive term in office in 2023 after defeating Trump ally Jair Bolsonaro.
The US has a trade deficit with Brazil, from which it buys products such as coffee, oil, steel, aircraft and orange juice.
Brazil, meanwhile, largely purchases US goods like energy products, pharmaceutical goods and aircraft parts. According to Brazil’s Foreign Trade Secretariat, the country exported $337bn in goods to the US in 2024, and imported $262.5bn.
But experts say trade deficits are not necessarily a sign of an unhealthy economic relationship: They are affected by factors such as consumer demand and currency values.
There are also fears that a US-sparked trade war could empower other economic rivals to step in.
China, for example, has expanded its economic ties with South America in recent years, becoming the primary trading partner for most countries in the region.
Trinidad’s police commissioner arrested and detained
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Trinidad’s Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher has been “arrested and detained”, a senior police officer said Friday.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Suzette Martin told a news conference that the police commissioner had been arrested and detained along with the former director of the Strategic Services Agency (SSA) Major Roger Best “over the past few days”.
“We understand that this has raised significant public concern and we are committed to providing as much information as possible while respecting the ongoing investigation,” Martin said.
The investigation is into the acquisition of two sniper rifles by the SSA.
Commissioner
Commissioner of Police in Trinidad and Tobago, Erla Harewood-Christopher
of Police in Trinidad and Tobago, Erla Harewood-Christopher
Trump says Black Ha wk helicopter in DC cr ash was flying too high
WA S H I N G TO N , J a n
3 1 ( R e u t e r s ) - U S P r e s i d e n t D o n a l d Tr u m p
said on Friday the Army Black Hawk helicopter that
collided with a regional passenger jet in Washington, D.C. was flying too high at the time of the accident, in what appeared to be a major
d i s c l o s u r e a b o u t t h e investigation. The Army did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
U.S. military helicopters regularly fly a route over the Potomac River near the busy Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, known as Route 4. For safety reasons,
t h e a l t i t u d e o n t h o s e helicopter flights is capped at 200 feet (61 meters).
“ T h e B l a c k h a w k helicopter was flying too high, by a lot. It was far above the 200 foot limit.
T h a t ’ s n o t r e a l l y t o o
complicated to understand, is it???” Trump said in a Truth Social post. The crash remains under investigation by fed
authorities.
U.S. Defense Secretary
P e t e H e g s e t h s a i d o n Thursday that there appeared to have been an elevation issue with the Black Hawk and said Army investigators were on the ground looking into the matter
But Hegs
Army have said the threemember crew of soldiers on t h e B l a c k H a w k w e r e experienced. The Army said the instructor pilot, who was t h e d
n command, had 1,000 flying hours while the other pilot had 500 hours.
The third soldier was a crew chief, typically riding in the back of the helicopter
U.S. Coast Guard, along with other search and rescue teams, operate near debris at the crash site in the Potomac River in a location given as Washington, in the aftermath of the collision of American Eagle flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed into the Potomac River, U.S. January 30, 2025. Taylor Bacon/U.S. Coast Guard/Handout via REUTERS
The helicopter was from the 12th Aviation Battalion, w h i c h i s b a s e d a t F o r t
Belvoir in Virginia. The unit is responsible for helicopter flights in the U S c a p i t a l a r e a a n d regularly transports senior U.S. government officials.
Canada and Mexico face 25% tariffs on Saturday, Trump says
BBC - US President
Donald Trump has said he will follow through with his threat to hit imports from Canada and Mexico with 25% border taxes, known as tariffs, on 1 February
B
US borders as well as t r a d e d e f i c i t s w i t h i t s neighbours.
T h e p r e s i d e n t a l s o suggested that he was still planning to impose new tariffs on China, which he s a i d e a r l i e r t h i s m o n t h would be 10%, but did not give any details
“With China, I’m also thinking about something b e c a u s e t h e y ’ r e s e n d i n g fentanyl into our country, and because of that, they’re
c a u s i n g u s h u n d r e d s o f thousands of deaths,” Trump said.
“ S o C h i n a i s g o i n g t o
e n d u p p a y i n g a t a r i f f a l s o f o r t h a t , a n d w e ’ r e i n t h e p r o c e s s o f d o i n g t h a t ”
D u r i n g t h e e l e c t i o n c a m p a i g n , T r u m p t h r e a t e n e d t o h i t C h i n e s em a d e p r o d u c t s w i t h t a r i f f s o f u p t o 6 0 % , b u t
h e l d o f f o n a n y i m m e d i a t e a c t i o n o n h i s f i r s t d a y b a c k i n t h e W h i t e H o u s e , i n s t e a d o r d e r i n g h i s administration to study the issue.
U S g o o d s i m p o r t s f r o m C h i n a h a v e f l a t t e n e d s i n c e 2 0 1 8 , a s t a t i s t i c t h a t e c o n o m i s t s h a v e a t t r i b u t e d i n p a r t t o a
U.S. President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
s e r i e s o f e s c a l a t i n g t a r i f f s t h a t T r u m p i m p o s e d d u r i n g h i s f i r s t t e r m Earlier this month, a top
C h i n e s e o ff i c i a l w a r n e d a g a i n s t p r o t e c t i o n i s m a s T r u m p ’s r e t u r n t o t h e presidency renews the threat
of a trade war between the w o r l d ’ s t w o b i g g e s t economies - but did not mention the US by name.
A d d r e s s i n g t h e
Wo r l d E c o n o m i c F o r u m i n D a v o s , S w i t z e r l a n d ,
D i n g X u e x i a n g , V i c e P r e m i e r o f C h i n a , s a i d h i s c o u n t r y w a s l o oking for a “win-win” solution to trade tensions and wanted
to expand its imports C a n a d a a n d M e x i c o h a v e s a i d t h a t t h e y w o u l d r e s p o n d t o U S t a r i f f s w i t h m e a s u r e s o f t h e i r o w n , w h i l e a l s o s e e k i n g t o a s s u r e
Washington that they were taking action to address concerns about their US borders I f U S i m p o r t s o f o i l f r o m C a n a d a a n d
M e x i c o a r e h i t w i t h l e v i e s , i t r i s k s u n d e r m i n i n g T r u m p ’ s p r o m i s e t o b r i n g d o w n t h e cost of living. Ta r i f f s a r e a n i m p o r t t a x o n g o o d s t h a t a r e p r o d u c e d a b r o a d I n t h e o r y, t a x i n g i t e m s c o m i n g i n t o a c o u n t r y m e a n s p e o p l e a r e l e s s l i k e l y t o b u y
Gov t . to seek another extensio from World Bank to complete Petroleum Management Project
T h e G o v e r n m e n t o f
G u y a n a ( G o G ) w i l l b e seeking another extension from the World Bank to complete the US$20M loan, approved in 2019 for the G u y a n a P e t r o l e u m Resources Governance and M a n a g e m e n t P r o j e c t (GPRGMP).
T h e p r o g r a m m e ' s objective is to ensure the enhancement of legal and institutional frameworks and
the strengthening of the capacity of key institutions to manage the oil and gas sector
D u r i n g D a y o f
C o n s i d e r a t i o n o f t h e
B u d g e t a r y E s t i m a t e s ,
O p p o s i t i o n M e m b e r o f
P a r l i a m e n t , S h u r w a y n e Holder requested an update on the programme. He also
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat responding to a query during the Consideration of the 2025 Estimates.
pointed out that the loan was left untouched by the Irfaan Ali-led administration for t h r e e y e a r s s i n c e 2 0 2 0 , before government put the resources to use. He also r e c o g n i s e d t h a t t h e remaining sum will not be
used up at the end of this year
Holder was also keen to note that this loan was initially approved for the period 2019 to 2024, but a o n e - y e a r e x t e n s i o n w a s
Guyanese to work in the petroleum sector
Bharrat also pointed to th
framework that has since
subsequently granted.
With an allocation of $850M in this year's Budget, Holder said this would take the loan used to date only up t o 7 8 % , l e a v i n g approximately 22% unspent.
In response Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat admitted that the
Govt. hanging cheaper electricity on GTE project despite unknown final cost - Cathy Hughes
Without knowing the total cost for the gas-to-energy project, Alliance for Change (AFC) Member of Parliament ( M P
electricity for citizens on a project which price tag is uncertain.
Hughes, during her budget debate presentation on Thursday, told the National Assembly that there is no guarantee that the gas-to-energy project will indeed slash electricity costs by half.“On the power generation front,
transformation of the economy through c
G a s - t o - S h o r e project-now costing the taxpayers of Guyana US$2.4 billion, a cost increase of more than 200% and counting,” she said.
Hughes continued, “Today no one knows for sure when this project will be completed, what the total cost will end up being, and if indeed the cost of electricity to the consumer will be reduced by 50%.”
There have been many criticisms from civil society as well as the opposition about the project with stakeholders calling for the feasibility studies and project documents to be released.
The media has repeatedly asked a b o u t t h e f e a s i b i l i t y a n d p r o j e c t documents and have been told by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo to ask the subject minister Vi
Minister of Governance Gail Teixeira or Prime Minister Brigadier (ret'd)
Mark Phillips. Those ministers have all s e n t r e p o r t e r s b a c k t o t h e Vi
President.
On January 28, 2025, Kaieteur News reported that the expenditure by government on the US$2B Gas-toEnergy (GTE) project, in the absence of feasibility and environmental studies, amounts to criminality at its worst.
The Working People's Alliance (WPA), in a statement on Monday, noted that the continued practice of government, of implementing mega projects or seeking massive loans without the necessary feasibility studies and due diligence exercises is most
diligence report on Karpowership, a company with a troubled past, littered with corruption allegations and court cases.
O n t h e G T E p r o j e c t , W PA highlighted that the United States Export Import (US EXIM) Bank, which has provided a US$527 million loan to government, has said it did not conduct a feasibility study nor is it in the possession of one from the Government of Guyana (GoG).
According to the party, “This is shocking. How can a government spend over US$2 billion on a project without a feasibility study, especially as it relates to the environmental impact? This is financial and environmental criminality at its worst.”
The WPA argued that not only is the government borrowing like a drunken sailor against Guyanese patrimony, but
AFC Member of Parliament, Cathy Hughes
it is potentially putting the country at environmental risk.
“Worse, the Vice President was found to be lying when he suggested that EXIM Bank did its own feasibility study His subsequent explanation, that he was referring to a due diligence study does not get him off the hook. Mr Jagdeo cannot convince us that he does n
feasibility and due diligence. It is clear that there is more in the mortar than the pestle,” the political party reasoned.
The WPA said that governance by deception and lying is worse than the Dutch Disease. As such, the party called on the Vice President to come clean on the Gas-to-Energy project. WPA said that the country cannot continue to be governed in this manner
Considering citizens' failure to rely on the administration to observe best practices, WPA suggested that the legislation be enacted to ensure such key studies are conducted, prior to the rollout of such major development initiatives. It said, “WPA calls on the N
legislation compelling the government to do feasibility and due diligence studies for large projects.”
US$20M loan provided by the World Bank will not be exhausted this year As such, h e e x p l a i n e d t h a t t h e programme will go over to 2 0 2 6 “ A l r e a d y w e a r e talking to the World Bank to extend that project and not money or we did not build out the framework,” Bharrat told the National Assembly
To this end, he explained, “Sometimes there is the mentality that if you have a loan you have to use out the money Mr Speaker we are working contrary to that. The idea is not to spend out the money The idea is to ensure we build out a frameworkan architecture- to manage the sector in a very costeffective way and I can tell y o u t h a t e v e r y n e w f r a m e w o r k
i n place...has already brought significant changes in the way in which we manage the sector in a very prudent manner.”
g o v e r n m e n t c o u l d h a v e utilized the funds, building out an efficient framework w a s k e y A s s u c h h e committed to extending the l o a n t o m e e t t h e government's objectives to manage the sector
E a r l i e r, t h e M i n i s t e r informed the House that under a $1M World Bank
P r
Sharing Agreements (PSAs), which will apply to new oil blocks.
In August 2023, it was reported that government convinced the World Bank to r
U S $ 2 0 M l o
extension to the project's closing date, pushing it from its original date of March 30, 2024, by a substantial 21 months. Consequently, the
December 31, 2025.
K
understands that the project
Framework and Stakeholder Engagement: (US$3.20M); Component – B Capacity Building of Key Institutions (US$10.70 M); Component –
2025 CWI Re gional 4-Day Championships Round 1… Anderson ton, Looknauth’s 9 seals dominant 10-wicket win for Harpy Eagles
Aresilient century
Anderson coupled with 9
Richie Looknauth saw the Guyana Harpy Eagles soar to a resounding 10-wicket win over the Barbados Pride with a Day to spare, when action ended at Providence.
The Eagles finished their first innings making a strong 382 in reply to the Pride’s 346 which they made batting first, setting the tone for their first win of the season
It was a mixed day for the talented Kemol Savory, who sadly missed out on another first class century which would have been his first as
Captain of the Guyana senior team.
The left-hander oozed class but fell short on 99 from 144 balls, losing the personal battle but winning the war alongside his men.
H
made amends as Sinclair notched up his third first class ton, scoring a classy
101 with 15 fours. O n l y a l l - r o u n d e r Ronaldo Alimohamed made s
3 , slamming five 6’s in his 32-
(40), Matthew Nandu (36) and Raymond Perez (46); kept the Eagles at proper altitude during the second day of action.
Saturday February 01, 2025
ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)
You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for y o u t o d a y, A r i e s Yo u r persuasive manner and gentle nudges are just enough to get people where you want them.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)
When faced with ten entrees on the menu, it might be hard for you to choose just one. Feel free to order two or more, T a u r u s D o n ' t l e t i n d e c i s i v e n e s s s l o w y o u down. At the same time.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20)
Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act on them, Gemini. No one else is going to do it for you.
Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take matters into your own hands.
CANCER (June 21–July 22)
If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them no mind, Cancer You have the right to live your life any way you want to.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)
Reach for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closer than you think. Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)
Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think about what it is that you want most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to how far you can go.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)
Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra.
T h e r e ' s a n i n c r e d i b l e opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm. Follow the music.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)
Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring more magic into your life.
SAGIT (Nov 22–Dec. 21)
Today is an excellent day for you, one in which you'll find a great deal of strength in your emotions , Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving you well.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) T
Capricorn. Don't feel like you need to make sense of it all. In
impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb.
18) Mix your reality with a bit of fantasy today, Aquarius. Allow your feet to come off the ground for a little while. Give yourself a rest. Take some time to meditate and clear your mind of your daily worries.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)
Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dream as big as your mind allows.
After punching a brisk 82 during his team’s 1st batting innings, debutant Matthew Forde returned to lead the bowling attack with returns of 5-69; after going wicketl e s s f o r 4 0 o d d r u n s following the end of play on Day 2.
The Pride were riddled batting a second time, falling for 112 all out inside 42 overs w i t h c a p t a i n R a y m o n d Reifer leading with 37 with Kevin Wickham (22) and Jonathan Drakes (26) the o n l y o t h e r d o u b l e - d i g i t scorers.
N e e d i n g j u s t 7 7 f o r v i c t o r y , o p e n e r s Chanderpaul (40) and Nandu (33) sped up the chase with t h e i r u n b r e a k a b l e partnership that carried the champs to 78-0, as they prepared for the second assignment.
Off-spinner Looknauth, who grabbed 4 wickets in the first innings finished with a match haul of 9-92 after stunning the Bajans with his 2 n d i n n i n g s h a u l 5 - 2 3 , including the huge wicket of Forde who fell for a duck.
A hostile opening spell by the pacers saw them sink their talons into the Pride’s
t o p o r d e r , a s R o n a l d o Alimohamed (2-36) snagged the wickets of 1st innings
h a l f - c e n t u r i o n s ; Z a c h a r y McCaskie (1) and Johnathan
D r a k e s ( 2 6 ) w h i l e N i a l Smith (1-33) knocked over Leniko Boucher (5).
Savory then called upon h i s s e c r e t w e a p o n i n Looknauth who spun webs
a r o u n d t h e m i d d l e / l o w e r
o r d e r , a l o n g s i d e Veerasammy Permaul (1-19)
t o l i t t l e r e s i s t a n c e a s Barbados found themselves undone.
Day 3’s action under some good weather began w i t h b o t h S a v o r y a n d
Anderson set afte
heir dominance on Day 2 with b o t h b a t s m e n e y e i n g Century Road when play
Kevlon Anderson acknowledges his teammates after reaching triple-figures
began on the third day
T h e H a r p y E a g l e s skipper who resumed on 97, crept to 99 after a horrible m i s j u d g e m e n t i n a n attempted drive led to his caught behind dismissal at the hands of Forde.
Alimohamed played a bit of T20 cricket during his s t a y, f a v o r i n g t h e l o n g boundary before pacer Jair McCallister (2-68) broke his edge, as Looknauth (0) was
bowled on his first ball by Forde.
W i c k e t - k e e p e r
Demetrius Richards, who sealed catches to remove Perez on the second day along with the huge wickets of Savory and Anderson on Day 3, added the scalps of spinners Permaul (1) and Anthony Adams (4) to his collection; as he finished with 5 catches in the innings. (Clifton Ross)
Mar tin Massiah elected president Massiah of Fruta Conquerors Football Club
Fruta Conquerors Football Club, on Tuesday last, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), where they elected Martin Massiah as their new President.
Following the elections at at the Fruta Conquerors Club House, Sakura Road, Tu
Massiah will serve as the club’s leader, where stands as one of the youngest active Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League Club President.
According to a release from the club, Massiah is a m a r k
g y consultant and a Member of the Chartered Institute of
Marketing (CIM) in the UK.
He currently serves as
Association, where he has led multiple leadership and entrepreneurship programs.
Massiah holds an MSc in International Business from Hult International Business School in Boston and has studied in Dubai, London, and China.
He has also undergone
ng and marketing training under the guidance of Concacaf and FIFA.
M a s s i a h w i l l b e
s u p p o r t e d b y a h i g h l y accomplished and diverse
team of professionals, each b r i n g i n g a w e a l t h o f experience and expertise to the club’s leadership, with B u s i n e s s m a n M a r k Defreitas elected to serve as t h e c l u b ’ s F i r s t V i c e President.
Mr Dmitri Nicholson, Executive Director of Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG), i s t h e S e c o n d V i c e President, while Secretary
is Odessa Layne-Abrams a
Tr e a s u r e r w a s f i l l e d b y
Nzinga Maxwell Assistant
S e c r e t a r y / T r e a s u r e r i s Retired Lieutenant Colonel Lelon Saul, former CEO of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (2017-
the Elections Officer, and S
Committee of the Guyana Football Federation
CANOC Executive Committee members visits Pr esident Irf aan Ali
Pr e s i d e n t I r f a a n A l i y e s t e r d a y h o s t e d E x e c u t i v e s o f t h e Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), who are in Guyana for its annual retreat.
D u r i n g t h e i r v i s i t , t h e C A N O C delegation acknowledged the leadership and support of President Ali, whose commitment, they stated, to sports development continues to enhance Guyana’s role in the regional sporting landscape.
The retreat which will open with an address by president Ali today at the GOA’s Headquarters, forms part of the GOA’s preparation to host the 23rd CANOC AGM and Workshop, set for October 17-20.
This significant gathering will bring together sporting delegates from over 26 countries, alongside representatives from leading Olympic and continental sports bodies, to drive collaboration and strategic discussions on the future of Caribbean sports.
(L-R) Edith Cox – Treasurer, Carson Ebanks - 1st Vice President, Keith Joseph - President, President Irfaan Ali, Brian Lewis - Secretary General and Ytannia Wiggins - Committee Executive. (CANOC photo)
Mashramani Street Football Championship kicks
off tonight in Mocha
Th e S e v e n t h
A n n u a l M a s h r a m a n i
S t r e e t F o o t b a l l
C h a m p i o n s h i p k i c k s o ff tonight on the Tarmac of the Mocha Community Centre
G r o u n d w i t h 1 6 t e a m s starting their journey for the coveted top prize in one of the country’s premier ‘small goal’ football tournaments.
S h o w s t o p p e r s g e t t h e
b a l l r o l l i n g f r o m 7 : 3 0 p m
a g a i n s t S t e v e d o r e
B a l l e r s
T o u c h e s w i l l p l a y
A l b o u y s t o w n i n t h e n e x t
g a m e w h i l e L a i n g Av e n u e
f a c e s E a s t B a n k s i d e ,
A g r i c o l a a n d M i d d l e
R o a d b a t t l e s B r o a d S t r e e t t o g e t w h a t i s e x pected to be an action-packed night to the halfway point.
S p a n i a r d s w i l l p l a y f o r m i d a b l e o p p o n e n t s
Z t e k k w h i l e S u r e P a y
c o m e s u p a g a i n s t
B r a g g i n g R i g h t s a n d
G o a l i s M o n e y t a k e s o n
M o c h a - b a s e d s i d e , R e d
F o r c e
The home team Family will bring the curtains down on the night against the r e c e n t l y c o n c l u d e d Georgetown vs The Rest
Final Four unit, Festival City
I n a p r e s s r e l e a s e yesterday, hosts of the event, Sports Management Inc (SMI) disclosed plans to host the 2025 version of the competition.
The organisation said that it is forced to include p r e l i m i n a r y r o u n d s i n
c o m m u n i t i e s b e f o r e t h e grand finals on February 15 at the National Park.
“We have 32 of the best street football teams going head to head in a knockout clash.
T h i s i s s i m p l e , y o u
h a v e t o w i n t o a d v a n c e I t s
w i n o r g o h o m e , a s a r e s u l t
w e e x p e c t t h e s e g a m e s t o
b e v e r y i n t e n s e b e c a u s e
t h e r e a r e n o s e c o n d
c h a n c e s , ” t h e S M I r e l e a s e s a i d
T h e F i r s t R o u n d
c o n t i n u e s t o m o r r o w a t t h e
s a m e v e n u e a n d
We d n e s d a y N i g h t f o r t h e
R o u n d - o f - 1 6 b e f o r e
s h i f t i n g t o t h e N a t i o n a l
P a r k o n F e b r u a r y 8 f o r t h e
Q u a r t e r f i n a l s a n d
F e b r u a r y 1 5 f o r t h e S e m i -
F i n a l s a n d F i n a l s
S t a b r o e k B a l l e r s a r e
t h e d e f e n d i n g c h a m p i o n s
i n t h e t o u r n a m e n t I n 2 0 2 2 , S M I h o s t e d p e r h a p s t h e b i g g e s t s t r e e t f o o t b a l l c o n t e s t i n
G u y a n a ’s h i s t o r y I t w a s c a l l e d t h e
M a g n u m M a s h r a m a n i
C u p F o l l o w i n g a h i a t u s i n 2 0 2 3 , t h e s i x t h e d i t i o n o f t h e e v e n t r e t u r n e d t o t h e
Scenes from last year ’s showdown at the National Park (Peter Barkoy/ Orbit Drones Photos)
a n n u a l ‘ s m a l l g o a l ’ c a l e n d a r l a s t y e a r “ T h i s e v e n t b r i n g s w i t h i t t h e w e i g h t o f s i x y e a r s o f h o s t i n g a n d
d e v e l o p i n g s i m i l a r t o u r n a m e n t s a c r o s s t h e
c o u n t r y , ” t h e r e l e a s e
c o n t i n u e d , w h i l e t h a n k i n g M a g n u m T o n i c W i n e ,
L u c o z a d e , M V P S p o r t s , E N e t , C o r u m G r o u p , S t a r r P a r t y R e n t a l s , J ’s C h i l l S p o t , N i g e l H i n d s
F i n a n c i a l S e r v i c e s a n d t h e
C o m m i s s i o n e r o f P o l i c e , M r C l i f t o n H i c k e n f o r s u p p o r t i n g t h e g r a s s r o o t s f o o t b a l l i n i t i a t i v e The winner will pocket
5 0 0 , 0 0 0 , s e c o n d p l a c e 3 0 0 , 0 0 0 , t h i r d p l a c e $200,000 and fourth place $100,000.
Trophies will be given to teams placing first to third while the Most Valuable P l a y e r ( M V P ) o f t h e tournament gets $50,000 and trophy
Romaine Brackenridge joins Slingerz FC from Harbour View FC
- BritCham Chairman Faizal Khan joins Slingerz FC as Director
Romaine Brackenridge joins Slingerz FC from Harbour View FC
Sl i n g e r z F o o t b a l l
C l u b h a s m a d e significant strides in bolstering its team and leadership, with the signing
o f d e f e n d e r R o m a i n e Brackenridge, and Chairman of the British Chambers of Commerce Faizal Khan as the club’s newest Director
T h e c l u b , y e s t e r d a y, announced the acquisition of central defender Romaine
B r a c k e n r i d g e f r o m Jamaica’s Harbour View FC, who has established himself as a formidable presence in
d e f e n c e i n t h e J a m a i c a Premier League.
He brings a wealth of experience from his tenure in
t h e J a m a i c a n P r e m i e r League, where his football j
c l u b s , i n c l u d i n g T i v o l i
G a r d e n s a n d P o r t m o r e United, before his stint with Harbour View FC.
B r a c k e n r i d g e r e c e n t l y made his debut for Guyana’s
senior men’s national team, the Golden Jaguars, in a C O N C A C A F N a t i o n s
League A match against Barbados, contributing to a 5-3 victory.
G
E l i g i b l e t o r e p r e
g r a n d p
n t s , Brackenridge’s inclusion in t h e n a t i o n a l t e a m underscores his versatility and skill on the field.
A t S l i n g e r z F C , Brackenridge will reunite with fellow Jamaican Kemar Beckford, who is returning for his second season with the club.
He will also join forces w i t h d e f e n d e r T
C a n a d i a n U - 2 0 international, and forward Kelsey Benjamin, further s t r e n g t h e n i n g t h e t e a m ’s line-up as they compete in the GFF Elite League.
J a m a a l S h a b a z z , Slingerz FC’s Head Coach a n d Te c h n i c a l D i r e c t o r,
expressed his enthusiasm
“Romaine’s addition is a
Slingerz FC.
H
n a l experience and defensive e x p e
fortify our backline but also i
players.”
“Having a national team player of his calibre elevates t h e s t
d o f f o
l within our club and sets a benchmark for others. I am confident that Romaine will be instrumental in our quest
d establish Slingerz FC as a
h e Caribbean, Shabazz stated. Meanwhile, as the club
s
Slingerz FC also announced the appointment of Faizal
C
(BritCham Guyana), as a
Savory falls for 99, joins the heartbreaking ‘99 Club’ in West Indies Championship
(SportsMax) - Guyana Harpy Eagles captain Kemol Savory experienced the agony of falling one run short of a century on Friday, joining the long list of batters who have suffered the same fate in the history of the West Indies Championship. Facing Barbados at the Guyana National Stadium, Savory was dismissed for 99, adding his name to a frustrating yet illustrious group of cricketers who have been stranded one shy of three figures.
The ‘99 Club’ is an exclusive yet painful fraternity that dates back to 1966 when Guyana’s Basil Butcher became the first batter in modern West Indies domestic cricket records to be dismissed for 99. Since then, 32 other batters, including the likes of Alvin Kallicharan, Jimmy Adams, Devon Smith, and Kieran Powell, have shared the same fate.
Notably, Devon Smith has endured this heartbreak the most, falling on 99 three times during his distinguished career The Ottley brothers, Kjorn and Yannic, have also both been dismissed at 99, with Yannic suffering the misfortune twice. Kensington Oval in Barbados has been the venue for six such dismissals, making it the most frequent site of near-misses in the competition’s history
Savory’s dismissal in the ongoing West Indies Championship makes him the latest addition to a list that spans nearly six decades. While the knock underlines his skill
and leadership, the disappointment of falling short of a century will linger, as it has for many before him.
As Savory’s disappointment settles, he can take solace in knowing he is in esteemed company Many who have fallen at 99 have gone on to achieve great success, proving that the number, while unfortunate, is still a testament to batting excellence.
new Director
e e
pivotal in fostering UKGuyana trade relations.
H
B r i t C h a m G u y a n a underscores his dedication to enhancing bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
B e y o n d h i s b u s i n e s s acumen, Khan has made significant contributions to Guyanese football.
His tenure with the Malta Football Federation as an international scout and agent provided him with valuable i n s i g h t s , w h i c h h e l a t e r applied in his role with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).
Khan was instrumental in integrating top diaspora
inclusion of players such as M
Danns, and Isaiah Jones.
Club President Javed Ali w e l c o m e d K h
n ’ s appointment, stating, “We are honoured to have Faizal join our leadership team. His v
Chairman of the British Chambers of Commerce joins Slingerz FC as the club’s newest Director.
business and football will be invaluable as we strive to build a professional club and brand at Slingerz FC.” According to Ali, Khan’s s
n s perfectly with Slingerz FC’s
expecting to bring.
Kemol Savory
Golden Jaguars defender Romaine Brackenridge joins Slingerz FC from Harbour View FC
