Kaieteur News

Bhola

Badal turns sod for 150-room hotel next to Pegasus Corporate Centre

President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday joined prominent Guyanese businessman and owner of Pegasus Hotel, Robert Badal and his family in turning the sod for the construction of a new 13-storey internationally branded hotel.

The construction of the new five-star hotel which is expected to commence in a few weeks will be located in the compound of the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Kingston, Georgetown. Speaking of this new investment, Badal said the hotel will consist of 150 rooms and facilities of five-star rating. It will include a lobby, restaurant, an extensive third floor gym overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a 13th floor executive lounge overlooking the ocean, and a penthouse sky view overlooking the city skyline among other features. “This project will provide a bridge between the old and the new, literally a bridge between the iconic (Pegasus) and the fabulous,” he noted.

Having opened the US$100 million Pegasus Suites some two and a half years ago, Badal said this new project comes against the backdrop of massive public investments by the government in infrastructure, hospitals, schools among others, complemented by private investments particularly in the oil and gas sector. Through this new investment, he hopes to provide extensive opportunities for employment, economic activity and consumption of local goods and services.

“Thanks to the sound investment policy led by the President, Guyana is now a hub web for investments of all kinds,” he said. The businessman noted that with a number of internationally branded hotels under construction in the country, it does not dissuade them for making this investment. “The reality is that there are attractive investments alternatives which make more economic sense with much better returns,” he added.

Providing a brief history of the iconic Pegasus Hotel, Badal recalled that he had purchased the property in 2009 with no insight into the hotel and hospitality business.

“A totally different business from what I had then, its complexity in all of its forms the 24/7 culture of its operations, the need for immediate and expensive refurbishment as it was built in 1969 with very little improvement over the years were all inhibiting and daunting to meet. The only consolation was the realisation that this iconic property and whatever efforts and investment are needed are well worth it,” he related.

The iconic Pegasus Pool side and Grand Savannah Suite which have been around for years have created generations of memories, from the hosting of birthdays, weddings and wedding receptions to reunions to conferences, this building has seen it all, the owner expressed.

No stranger to capital projects, Badal said for years he has been investing in the development in the country Briefly he mentioned, “Investments in the poultry sector in 1999 to 2005 of US$15M, investment in rice in 2007 of US$10M, investment in the Pegasus Hotel in 2009 of US$12M, refurbishment of the Pegasus hotel US$10M 2010 to 2012, the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre– US$100M in 2022.” A significant feature of the corporate suites investment, he said is the combination of accommodation and corporate offices a strategy not before pursued in this part of the world.”

In congratulating Badal on this achievement and his numerous contributions to Guyana, President Ali said that the businessman is not only making significant investments in the Continued on page 8

President Irfaan Ali (centre) joining Guyanese businessman and owner of the Pegasus Hotel, Robert Badal and his wife, and GO-Invest CEO, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop in turning the sod for the New Branded Hotel at Pegasus on Tuesday evening.

ExxonMobil proposes new pipeline to transpor t gas to Berbice

By Davina Bagot

T o s u p p o r t t h e Government of Guyana’s (GoG’s) gas utilisation and monetisation plan, its energy

p a r t n e r, E x x o n M o b i l o n Wednesday unveiled a draft p

resources to shore.

T h e d r a f t p l a n w a s revealed by President of

E x x o n M o b i l G u y a n a Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge during this year ’s Guyana Energy Conference, hosted at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown. It includes a f

plant and a Data Center in Berbice.

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e proposed development seen by this newspaper, the gas will be supplied to the o n s h o r e f a c i l i t y f r o m a Floating Production Storage

a n d O f f l o a d i n g v e s s e l (FPSO) operating in the Southeast of the Stabroek Block. The gas will be fed to an offshore gas processing and LNG export facility, which appears to be located in a shallower portion of Guyana’s waters.

I n h i s r e m a r k s , Routledge explained that over the last few years, the company has been working on three main elements to progress its understanding and to try to materialize a plan for gas development.

The proposed gas plan,

The proposed gas plan shared by President of EMGL, Alistair Routledge

according to Exxon will see the utilization of more than 120 million cubic feet of gas per day at the facility

H e s a i d , “ G i v e n t h e fluids that exist there we will almost certainly require a deepwater FPSO for the upstream development but that has been part of the first element of studies that have been ongoing- is what are the concepts for developments of the deepwater resource. Underpinning that has been all of the exploration and a p p r a i s a l , t h a t v e r y foundational element and around understanding the resource...”

Beyond appraising and exploring, he pointed to the need for a market which he s t a t e d G u y a n a d o e s n o t currently have.

To this end, Routledge said, “I talked earlier on about Guyana does not today have a market. We started t h a t w i t h t h e W a l

s development but there are a lot of other opportunities, that could be onshore, and

particularly the most likely origin or location will be in the Berbice Region that we’ve heard earlier Anand (Jagesar) himself mentioned b a u x i t e d e v e l o p m e n talumina production is a good use of gas.” W

component being explored by the developer, it is also assessing the potential of harnessing the resources to support Data Centers.

Routledge told delegates

President himself, President

A

Data Centers. We’ve had conversations with some Continued on page 9

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

Food prices

Amid all the noise in this country-one thing has remained constant for the past years is that of rising food prices. The World Bank has said that food security continues to be at alarming levels in most low-income countries, Guyana not excluded.

The Bank said too that domestic food price inflation remains high in many low-income countries, noting that information from the latest month between October 2024 and January 2025 for which food price inflation data are

5%

s experienced in 73.7% of low-income countries (1.5 percentage points higher since the last update on January 14, 2025), 52.2% of lower-middle-income countries (8.7 percentage points higher), 38% of upper-middle-income countries (no change), and 5.6% of high-income countries (1.8 percentage points lower). In real terms, food price inflation exceeded overall inflation in 56% of the 164 countries where data is available.

According to the Bank since its January 2025 update, agricultural and export price indices have risen, closing at 3% and 6% higher, respectively Here in Guyana, during the reading of the budget, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh noted that government has worked strategically to contain prices and cushion the impact on domestic consumers. He said the 12-month inflation rate at the end of 2024 was estimated at 2.9 percent, driven primarily by food prices, which rose by 5.6 percent and contributed 2.8 percentage points of the overall rate. Within food, vegetables and vegetable products accounted for 1 percentage point, while meat, fish, eggs, cereals and cereal products contributed 0.7 of a percentage point and 0.6 of a percentage point, respectively

The steep rise in food prices over the past years has also no doubt worked wonders in focusing the minds of our fellow Guyanese on the value of money and perhaps pushed them into differentiating between their needs and wants. Faced with the prospect that even such basic items such as rice, flour, bora and plantains may be soon out of reach of the average worker, old and almost forgotten distinctions between wants and needs are rising to the fore. In Primary School, we had all been taught that the basic needs of mankind were food, clothes and shelter

Love might have been mentioned but that was given short shrift – some did claim that it “made the world go around” but then we learnt about gravity and orbits. All else were wants, with the implication that they may be dispensed with. But what the average citizen is finding out is that the latter is easier said than done. Between the time when the basic needs were defined and today, our worldview has undergone quite a shift.

And this is not just a consequence of a widening of the list of needs by scientists such as Abraham Maslow with his i n c l u s i o n o f “ h i g h e r- o r d e r ” n e e d s s u c h a s “ s e l factualisation” not to mention medium levels ones such as security etc. We are referring to the revolution occasioned by the introduction of “consumerism” and its facilitator, money as a feature of “modernisation”.

Karl Marx pointed out the danger early on: “The extent of the power of money is the extent of my power Money’s properties are my — the possessor ’s—properties and essential powers. Thus, what I am and am capable of is by no means determined by my individuality. I am ugly, but I can buy for myself the most beautiful of women. Therefore, I am not ugly, for the effect of ugliness — its deterrent power — is nullified by money I, according to my individual characteristics, am lame, but money furnishes me with twenty-four feet. Therefore, I am not lame. I am bad, dishonest, unscrupulous, stupid; but money is honoured, and hence its possessor Money is the supreme g o o d , t h e r

Take the old, most basic need for food. Somewhere along the way we tied what we ate to who we were. And what we

In defence of Dr. David Hinds: The Radical Language of Liberation and the Critique of Complicity

DEAR EDITOR,

legacy and entrenched ethnic

demanded voices willing

truths.

Dr David Hinds,

oppression and internalised subjugation.

His use of the term “Lick Bottom” to describe African Guyanese complicit in the

n t r o v e r s y, b u t i t i s a critique rooted in a long tradition of radical truthtelling.

To dismiss his language as divisive or disrespectful is to ignore the historical and systemic context that makes s

y.

U n d o u b t e d l y, D r. H

terminology, while jarring, is

c o n s c i o u s n e s s , d i s m a n t l e complacency, and confront t h e i n s i d i o u s n a t u r e o f internalised oppression.

G u y a n a ’s h i s t o r y i s

s t e e p e d i n c o l o n i a l i s m , slavery, and indentureship, systems that pitted ethnic groups against one another

t o m a i n t a i n i m p e r i a l

control The British “divide

a n d r u l e ” p o l i c y l e f t a legacy of tension between

African and Indo-Guyanese communities, which postindependence governments have often exploited for political gain

Within this framework, s o m e A f r i c a n G u y a n e s e i n d i v i d u a l s p a r t i c u l a r l y t h o s e i n p o s i t i o n s o f p o l i t i c a l o r e c o n o m i c

i n f l u e n c e h a v e

h i s t o r i c a l l y a l i g n e d

t h e m s e l v e s w i t h p o w e r

structures that perpetuate

r a c i a l i n e q u i t y T h i s

c o m p l i c i t y , w h e t h e r

m o t i v a t e d b y s u r v i v a l , o p p o r t u n i s m , o r i n t e r n a l i s e d i n f e r i o r i t y, r e i n f o r c e s s y s t e m i c oppression

Dr Hinds’ use of “Lick

B o t t o m ” ( a C r e o l i s e d

p h r a s e a k i n t o “ b o o t l i c k i n g ” ) i s n o t a

blanket condemnation of

African Guyanese people but a targeted critique of t h o s e w h o a c t i v e l y o r passively uphold systems

t h a t h a r m t h e i r o w n community

T h r o u g h o u t h i s t o r y, j u s t i c e m o v e m e n t s h a v e relied on bold, unflinching language to disrupt apathy and galvanise action Frantz Fanon, in “The Wretched of the Earth,” dissected the psychological violence of c o l o n i a l i s m a n d t h e complicity of “native elites” w h o m i m i c o p p r e s s o r s . S i m i l a r l y, M a l c o l m X ’s

i n d i c t m e n t o f “ H o u s e

Negroes” who prioritised proximity to white power over Black liberation was intentionally provocative

Dr Hinds’ “Lick Bottom”

o p e r a t e s w i t h i n t h i s tradition it is a linguistic weapon meant to shock the c o n s c i e n c e a n d f o r c e i n t r o s p e c t i o n B y u s i n g culturally resonant Creole phrasing, he connects with the lived experiences of

ordinary Guyanese while

r e j e c t i n g t h e s a n i t i s e d discourse that often obscures accountability

Critics may argue that s u c h l a n g u a g e i s counterproductive or “unA f r i c a n , ” b u t t h i s misunderstands the purpose of radical critique.

The term is not an insult hurled indiscriminately; it is a diagnostic tool to identify

b e h a v i o u r s t h a t s u s t a i n inequality

When African Guyanese

ate was determined by the money we had. In the colonial days, the Europeans decided that they would rather eat old, soft, sprouting Irish potatoes than the yams and cassava that provided the same carbohydrate nutrient values and we followed suit.

So today, we import millions of pounds of potatoes annually because we decide that we “need” just that source of carbohydrate. But we’ve gone a step further today The TV beams the advertisements of the developed world directly into our living rooms and the old “colonial” mentality on food has deepened to levels that are astounding.

Even the markets in the countryside now offer fresh strawberries, cauliflower and broccoli flown in from “overseas”. And so on for clothes and shelter: we cannot just buy jeans; they must be Calvin Klein jeans. Clothes, food

p o l i t i c i a n s , f o r e x a m p l e , l e g i t i m i s e p o l i c i e s t h a t

m a r g i n a l i s e t h e i r o w n

communities, or when elites prioritise personal gain over

c o l l e c t i v e u p l i f t , t h e y

b e c o m e e n a b l e r s o f

o p p r e s s i o n N a m i n g t h i s betrayal is not divisive—it is

a necessary step toward

unity

Some may interpret Dr Hinds’ words as dismissive

of the complex realities

f a c e d b y m a r g i n a l i s e d

p e o p l e n a v i g a t i n g

o p p r e s s i v e s y s t e m s

Survival, after all, often

r e q u i r e s c o m p r o m i s e However, his critique is not aimed at those struggling to make ends meet but at those w h o w i e l d p o w e r a n d

c o n s c i o u s l y c h o o s e t o perpetuate inequity

The “Lick Bottom” label applies to actors who, in e x c h a n g e f o r s t a t u s o r privilege, legitimise policies

t h a t d e n y h o u s i n g , e d u c a t i o n , o r j u s t i c e t o African Guyanese. It is a condemnation of the elite

w h o w e a p o n i s e r a c i a l

loyalty to shield corrupt leaders or silence dissent. To conflate survival with complicity is to strip the term of its specificity

D r H i n d s ’ r h e t o r i c

d o e s n o t b l a m e t h e

o p p r e s s e d f o r t h e i r

oppression but challenges

t h o s e w h o e x p l o i t t h e i r cultural capital to deepen i t R e s p e c t a b i l i t y p o l i t i c s t h e i d e a t h a t marginalised groups must c o n f o r m t o d o m i n a n t norms to earn dignity has l o n g s t i f l e d l i b e r a t i o n movements Dr Hinds rejects this approach, recognising that p o l i t e n e s s r a r e l y d i s m a n t l e s t y r a n n y B y using “Lick Bottom, ” he r e f u s e s t o s o f t e n h i s message for the comfort of the powerful This mirrors

he Caribbean intellectual tradition of scholars like

Walter Rodney a

l e s s confrontational language is to demand that he dilute his message.

O p p

e s s i v e s y s

e m s thrive on euphemisms; terms like “collaborator” or “Uncle To

carry academic weight, but they lack the visceral impact needed to stir a populace numbed by generations of exploitation.

Dr Hinds’ use of “Lick Bottom” is not an act of disrespect but an act of love—a refusal to let his community succumb to the lies of respectability or the seduction of tokenism. It is a call to critical consciousness, urging African Guyanese to h o l d p o w e r a c c o u n t a b l e , even when it resides in familiar hands. The term’s h a r s h n e s s r e f l e c t s t h e harshness of the conditions it describes.

In a nation still grappling w i t h t h e g h o s t s o f colonialism and the fresh w o u n d s o f e t h n i c politicisati

work remains vital.

H

y unsettle, but precisely this d

t s transformative potential. To dismiss it is to side with the s

b

e s oppression. To engage with it is to take the first step toward liberation.

Finally, I do not seek to endorse ad hominem attacks b u t t o c o n t e x

rhetorical strategies of

Sincerely, Lelon Saul

and shelter now literally “maketh” the man – and the woman. I

becomes an end in itself and demand for particular products is dictated by impulses far removed from the basic needs. The specificity of consumption – which has to be facilitated by the possession of money – becomes the yardstick of an individual’s worth. The point we are attempting to highlight is an old one made by the authorities since the seventies: we have to wean ourselves away from the rampant consumerism that impels us to equate wants with needs. In addition to growing our own food we have to initiate a “get real” campaign that resists consumerism’s subversion of our liberty and turns us into automations of insatiable consumption. And it is not just about food: it is everything else.

‘America First’ and the Future of U.S.-CARICOM Trade

DEAR EDITOR

U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s renewed ‘America First’ trade policy is a mustwatch development for the Caribbean given the U.S.’s role as the region’s primary trading partner – both as an export market and an import source. In 2023, CARICOM countries exported US $9.76 billion in goods to the U.S. market, importing US $18.9 billion from that country, and resulting in a longstanding trade deficit with the U.S. Under the Caribbean Basin

I n i t i a t i v e ( C B I ) a n d i t s constituent legislation such

a s t h e C a r i b b e a n B a s i n

E c o n o m i c R e c o v e r y A c t (CBERA) and the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), most Caribbean

C o m m u n i t y ( C A R I C O M ) member states have enjoyed preferential access to the U.S. market for their goods

since the 1980s Unlike negotiated trade agreements, these trade preferences are unilaterally extended by the U.S. government and are non-reciprocal, meaning that

b e n e f i c i a r i e s a r e n o t required to grant similar trade concessions to U.S. goods. Eligible CARICOM member states also benefited under the U.S. Generalised System of Preferences (U.S. GSP) programme, a wider programme for developing countries, but this expired on December 31, 2020 and is

a w a i t i n g c o n g r e s s i o n a l renewal.

T h i s S R C T r a d i n g T h o u g h

p

tial imp

cations of President Trump’s economic nationalist trade policy and a g e n d a f o r C A R I C O M

m e m b e r s t a t e s a n d concludes by offering some

p o s s i b l e s t r a t e g i e s t h e y could adopt to navigate these evolving trade dynamics. The First Iteration of “ A m e r i c a F i r s t ” T r a d e Policy

D u r i n g P r e s i d e n t Tr u m p ’s f i r s t t e r m , h e

withdrew from the TransPacific Partnership (TPP), imposed tariffs on major t r a d i n g p a r t n e r s m o s t notably China and, to a lesser extent, the European Union (E.U.)—and pushed for the r e p a t r i a t i o n o f manufacturing jobs to the U.S. He also halted U.S.E U talks for a Trans-

A t l a n t i c T r a d e a n d

I n v e s t m e n t P a r t n e r s h i p

( T T I P ) a g r e e m e n t , a n d

r e n e g o t i a t e d t h e N o r t h

A m e r i c a n F r e e T r a d e Agreement (NAFTA), now the United States-MexicoC a n a d a A g r e e m e n t (USMCA). This stance also l e d t o a n o b s t r u c t i o n i s t approach at the World Trade O r g a n i z a t i o n ( W T O ) , i n c l u d i n g a t t e m p t i n g t o block the appointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the D i r e c t o r - G e n e r a l a n d successfully blocking the a p p o i n t m e n t o r reappointment of Appellate Body members (judges), which resulted in the WTO’s A p p e l l a t e B o d y b e i n g unable to hear appeals since December 2019.

Of particular concern for Caribbean countries was a p r o p o s a l e n t i t l e d

“Procedures to Strengthen the Negotiating Function of

t h e W T O ” r e p e a t e d l y submitted by the Trump administration at the WTO’s General Council meetings in his first term. If accepted by members, this would have b a r r e d W TO d e v e l o p i n g country members from being e l i g i b l e f o r s p e c i a l a n d d i f f e r e n t i a l t r e a t m e n t

(S&DT) under the WTO’s agreements if they met any of four criteria, including if they were classified as ‘high income economies’ by the World Bank Under this

c r i t e r i o n ,

(

&

, Barbados, St. Kitts & Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago) w o u l d h a v e b e c o m e ineligible for special and d i ff e r e n t i a l t r e a t m e n t i n

c u r r e n t o r f u t u r e W T O negotiations or under any of the Agreements coming out of such negotiations. The Trump proposal failed to gain significant traction and the Biden Administration withdrew it. Despite these d e v e l o p m e n t s , P r e s i d e n t Tr u m p ’s f i r s t - t e r m t r a d e policies had minimal direct i m p a c t o n C A R I C O M countries. Given the U.S.’s s u b s t a n t i a l t r a d e s u r p l u s with the region and the b i p a r t i s a n s u p p o r t historically enjoyed by the CBI, Caribbean countries were largely insulated from t h e m o r e a g g r e s s i v e components of the ‘America First’ Trade Policy 1.0. The C B E R A i s ‘ p e r m a n e n t ’ (albeit subject to periodic W TO w a i v e r s ) , a n d t h e CBTPA, which was due to expire in 2020, was renewed by Congress until 2030 However, as these trade p r e f e r e n c e s r e m a i n unilaterally granted, they are i n h e r e n t l y v u l n e r a b l e t o future revocation.

‘America First’ Trade P o l i c y 2 0 : W h a t L i e s Ahead?

The broad contours of President Trump’s secondterm trade policies can be d i s c e r n e d f r o m a memorandum outlining his ‘America First’ Trade Policy 2.0, one of several Executive Orders he signed on his first d a y i n o f f i c e T h i s m e m o r a n d u m o u t l i n e d a strategy to prioritize the U.S. e c o n o m y, w o r k e r s , a n d n a t i o n a l s e c u r i t y T h e memorandum directs key officials to do five main things as a matter of priority: investigate trade deficits, establish an external revenue service, identify unfair trade practices, review and assess the impact of the USMCA in preparation for the July 2026 review, and evaluate the currency policies of major U.S. trading partners.

While the Caribbean has n o t f e a t u r e d i n a n y o f P r e s i d e n t Tr u m p ’s t r a d e plans to date, some potential s e c o n d a r y r i s k s a n d challenges for the region can already be anticipated. First, the expansion of tariff-based trade measures could impact the region given President Trump’s penchant for using tariffs to tackle both trade a n d n o n - t r a d e d i s p u t e s Moreover, on February 13, t h e P r e s i d e n t i s s u e d a Presidential Memorandum directing the creation of a comprehensive strategy to promote ‘fairness’ in U.S. trade relations and address n o n - r e c i p r o c a l t r a d e agreements. This ‘fair and r e c i p r o c a l ’ p l a n w o u l d match U.S. tariffs with those charged by other countries

o n U S i m p o r t s I f i m p l e m e n t e d , t h i s p l a n potentially violates the spirit o f t h e W T O ’ s M o s t F a v o u r e d N a t i o n ( M F N )

t r e a t m e n t p r i n c i p l e P u t simply, this core principle requires WTO members to not discriminate in their t r e a t m e n t a m o n g s t e a c h other, except in instances where there is a free trade agreement or customs union or in cases of special and differential treatment. This plan could create uncertainty for businesses in the U.S. and those which export to or import from the U.S. using t h e s e p r e f e r e n t i a l arrangements. Specifically, this raises the question of what this new policy means f o r t h e U . S . ’ u n i l a t e

m m e s like CBI and the Africa G r o w t h O p p o r t u n i t y A c t (AGOA). Second, although the U S -C

e m a i n largely stable, the region could experience indirect fallout from Trump’s trade a n d w i d e r e c o n

policies. Increased tariffs on imports, particularly from China, could drive up costs

for American manufacturers. These costs may, in turn, be passed on to consumers in

communities, as well as to Caribbean consumers who rely on imported U.S. goods. As noted, the U.S. is a major source of imported goods into the region, including food stuffs. Third, Trump’s emphasis on cutting funding for various agencies and deregulation may result in

authorities should monitor these developments closely, as they could potentially affect the quality and safety of food and other products imported from the U.S.

potential for U.S. renewed

eligibility criteria for S&DT,

escalating trade wars could further weaken the rulesbased multilateral trading s y s

imperfect, provides some

(Continued on page 06)

Man charged with rape of 12-yr-old girl

Andrew Bhola a 25-year-old man of Stanleytown, Berbice was on Wednesday charged with raping a 12year-old girl.

B h o l a i s a c c u s e d o f picking up the child from a city school back in January a n d t r a n s p o r t i n g h e r t o Berbice where he held her for some three weeks.

The child in an interview had said that Bhola allegedly raped her three times and also had her caring for his baby She was rescued from the home by police last week Friday and handed over to her parent on Sunday Bhola appeared at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate, Michelle Matthias. He was refused bail and will return to court on March 11, 2025.

During a Facebook live

w i t h A c t i v i s t , S i m o n a Broomes, the child shared her harrowing story Her mother also joined the live, expressing her distress of having her daughter missing for weeks.

“We found her safe. She was in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The police call me that I must come up there for her Public-spirited persons up there reached out to the police where the child was, and the police went there and did their job,” the mother said on the live.

Rape accused, Andrew Bhola

The mother revealed that the police had found her daughter in a house with a one-year-old baby The 12year-old recounted how she first communicated with the man through social media, eventually agreeing to meet him at a bridge near her school. “I left to go to school when I meet the school yard the children them went at the back for assembly I end up left the school g a t e a n d w e n t t o b u y something and then I walked out to Tucville bridge and he

came to pick me up with a motorbike,” she explained.

phone. “We start talking and stuff and then he send his number and I add him

said.

e y

ived

at school. “He said when I

go to school, when I get

drop off, he said come off

at Tucville bridge and meet

him, but when I go out he was not there yet but then after, he then show up,” she recalled. Upon arriving at his home in New Amsterdam, the girl was taken by surprise

when she saw a baby “When we get there I didn’t know he had a son but is when I see his son he end up tell me that he get a son saying he and the child mother fall out and he take way he son from his mother because the mother does beat he son,” she said.

D u r i n g t h e l i v e

Broomes asked the girl if she had intercourse with

t h e m a n t o w h i c h s h e

r e s p o n d e d i n t h e affirmative.

“ We h a d s e x t h r e e t i m e s , ” t h e e m o t i o

t h e e v e n i n g s a n d w o u l d i n t r o d u c e h e r t o h i s f r i e n d s a s h i s g i r l f r i e n d

S h e a l s o n o t e d t h a t h e w o u l d b u y c l o t h e s f o r h e r R e c a l l i n g t h e m o m e n t w h e n p o l i c e f o u n d h e r, s

Country not pleased with Political Leadership; opportunity for new parties – Poll

DEAR EDITOR,

T h e l a t e s t o p i n i o n s u r v e y

c o n d u c t e d b y t h i s w r i t e r f o r

NACTA on voter popularity in January showed the ruling PPP in the lead for the next general elections due by November

The poll also put President I r f a a n A l i a s b e i n g m o r e

f a v o r a b l e a s P r e s i d e n t t h a n

A u b r e y N o r t o n a n d N i g e l

Hughes. However, Hughes has a higher favorability rating than

Norton. The PPP, at its weakest since returning to office in August 2020 and saddled with several financial scandals, has managed to remain more popular than the opposition (PNC or APNU) and i t s c o a l i t i o n p a r t n e r ( A F C ) b e c a u s e t h e y h a v e n o t b e e n

u n a b l e t o p r e s e n t i t s e l f (themselves) in a more posi

PPP, and i

(

ey) has (have) failed to show itself (th

The PNC, under Norton has been losing ground among all groups. He has zero cross over racial support from Indians.

The poll found voter interest in the election has been waning, impacting both the PPP and PNC with the latter being more affected than the former.

This writer has been conducting surveys (polls) for NACTA going back to the early 1990s No surprises have been found in recent surveys. The latest tracking poll has the PNC (led by Aubrey Norton) trailing the PPP by more than 10% as voters reject Aubrey Norton and in favor of Irfaan Ali as President. The PNC is found to be slightly ahead of the AFC, but t o g e t h e r, t h e i r s u p p o r t h a s a fighting chance against the PPP

T h e t w o p a r t i e s t o g e t h e r c o u l d p u t u p a s t r o n g c h a l l e n g e

t o t h e P P P N e i t h e r o p p o s

s

p a r ty, PNC or AFC on their own or together, can defeat the PPP On their own, the mini parties do not pose any threat to the three main p a r t i e s ; t h e m i n i p a r t i e

struggling with the support falling short of a seat under the joinder list system. B u t a n

m e d

,

c h a r i s m a t i c l e a d e r c o u l d p u l l o ff a n u p s e t a t general elections due by November. Azruddin Mohamed and Glenn Lall are att

g significant following, but it is too early to tell whether that can translate into votes. Many voters did say they will vote for Azruddin and or Glenn; that could produce a shock outcome as many voters said they are fed up of the dominant parties Political momentum is shifting towards the duo. B

A significant number of voters, d i s e n c h a n t

d w i t h N o r t o

’ s leadership as well as with the PPP, and expressing remarks of political fatigue, said they will not vote. But they said they will be likely to cast ballots if Azruddin, Glenn, and other new credible figures contest the elections; none has come forward. Besides NACTA, other polls were or are also being conducted. As this pollster found out from interviewers in the fields, Barbadian pollster Peter Wickham did a survey for an interest group last year A n A m e r i c a n f i r m a l s o d i d a p o l l t o t e s t f o r v o t e r

s u p p o r t f o r a n A m e r i c a n

i n t e r e s t e n t i t y P o l l s w e r e a l s o

c o n d u c t e d b y a p o l i t i c a l p a r t y

( c o u l d b e P P P a s P N C l a c k s

f u n d i n g ) t h a t h a s e m p l o y e d t w o

f o r e i g n f i r m s , u s i n g f i n d i n g s t o

p l a n e l e c t i o n c a m p a i g n N o n e

o f t h e f o u r p o l l s h a v e ( k n o w n )

c o o r d i n a t o r s i n G u y a n a a s d e m a n d e d t o b e r e v e a l e d b y a

c r i t i c o f N A C TA’s p o l l s A l l p o l l s

i n d i n g s

From page 05 modicum of a safety net for small States. Its weakening could expose Caribbean economies to greater vulnerabilities , including from escalating trade wars.

Strategic Responses for the Caribbean First, it is essential to recognize that this situation is evolving, and several of these proposals remain under consideration rather than c

s However, it is important to be proactive. To safeguard regional t

representatives should continue to a

stakeholders to ensure continued

e programs like the CBI. This engagement should be evidencebased and could involve studying w h a t c o u l d b e t h e p o t e n t i a l economic fall-out for the region of the removal of CBI preferences for Caribbean exports to the U.S. The u p c o m i n g r o u t i n e U S International Trade Commission

(USITC) hearings on the CBERA’s impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Beneficiary Countries are a good opportunity for the region to have its voice heard. A unified CARICOM voice can help the region navigate this s h i f t i n g g l o b a l l a n d s c a p e a n d a d v o c a t e f o r i t s i n t e r e s t s effectively Like under the previous a d m i n i s t r a t i o n , i n d i v i d u a l U S states could also be allies. Second, c o n t i n u i n g t o e x p a n d t

relationships beyond the U.S. by strengthening economic ties with o

European Union, Latin America, and emerging markets in Africa and Asia could reduce dependency on t h e

conducted by this writer in midJanuary has a margin of error of plus or minus four per cent when the data is analyzed at the 95 per cent confidence level, a standard operating procedure of polling. Similar tracking polls conducted last November, September, August, and earlier in 2024 also found the PPP ahead of the PNC (APNU) and any coalition. T h e

u

t s c l e a r l y indicated that the writing is on the wall for Norton’s leadership and

, opening up opportunities for new parties.

Yours truly Vishnu Bisram

Barbados on February 19-20 for their 48th Regular meeting. As President Trump’s second term unfolds, Caribbean countries must remain vigilant, united and proactive in responding to shifts in U S trade policy By strengthening

Jagdeo slams shoddy management of Gov t . road projects

Vice President Bharrat J

with the Ministry of Public

construction sites, citing the

citizens.

The Vice President made these remarks on the first day of the 2025 Guyana Energy

y Chain Expo. Jagdeo noted

raised concerns in a Cabinet group chat about the state of t h e c o u n t

y ’ s r o a d construction projects. “I came back yesterday from abroad, and from the time I came down the East Bank road, I posted in the C a b i n e t g r o u p m

Ministry of Public Works. They are not managing these

sites well. There are people all around you know, just they don’t think about the thousands of people who are discomforted every day,” he said. Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill was in the audience at the time Jagdeo made the remarks.

According to the Vice President, the issue is not just about ongoing projects but also the lack of coordination a m o n g v a r i o u s a g e n c i e s

— says “they don’t think about the thousands of people who are discomfor ted ever y day”

involved in infrastructure development.

“They just go and take things up everywhere. And so, I see the minister here, and I was really angry The President got on their case l a s t w e e k I t ’ s l i k e everywhere, I know we’re building lots of things at the same time. We have to do it, and it’s causing discomfort. But for Christ’s sake, just let’s do it with some order,” Jagdeo stressed.

H e l a m e n t e d t h e recurring issue of newly paved roads being dug up soon after by other agencies l i k e t h e G u y a n a Wa t e r I n c o r p o r a t e d ( G W I )

d i s r u p t i n g p r o g r e s s a n d frustrating citizens.

“You can’t express the amount of frustration that we express every day with these guys. They dig up a road that says, we just paved a road. They come, and then GWI will come and dig up the road

a g a i n , ” h e s a i d J a g d e o indicated that if regulations c o u l d h e l p i m p r o v e t h e situation, the government would take necessary action. “So, if regulation will help tomorrow, then I’m doing all the regulations. We do every bit of regulation,” he said.

On the topic of quality control in construction, he a c k n o w l e d g e d t h e importance of addressing c o r r u p t i o n a n d inefficiencies. “Yeah, so that

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

is precisely why we made those amendments. Now, we have a debate going on in our society…they said that we m u s t n o t s p e n d o n infrastructure,” he said. He r e j e c t e d t h e n o t i o n t h a t infrastructure spending does not benefit the public and pointed to past economic policies that he believes c o n t r i b u t e d t o G u y a n a ’s poverty T h e V i c e P r e s i d e n t f u r t h e r e m p h a s i s e d t h a t p r o p e r i n f r a s t r u c t u r e investment is crucial for national development.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill

W h i l e

construction sector, Jagdeo

addressing.

“I agree that sometimes w

regulations would help with that, but often it’s people you deal with. And we’ve been public about corruption in Guyana. We have not we said, here is some of, or here’s some of the things that have happened. We have seen multiple companies,” he said.

“So, there is a group who says in Guyana, ‘Oh, share out all of the oil money. You can’t eat infrastructure.’ But that’s short sighted. You have to build the power plants, you have to build the ports, you have to build highways, you have to build the health facilities or the schools so that you can prepare for the future. And so, that’s where the money is spent,” he said.

Badal turns sod for 150-room...

From page 2

diversification in the country’s economy but also in the expansion of the economy The Head-of-State said that when Guyanese make these bold steps to invest their resources, to borrow, to play their part in expanding and b u i l d i n g t h i s e c o n o m y f o r t h e n e x t generation, the government will do its duty in ensuring their success.

“I want to say that you could have the best policies or the best programmes of development, you could have the best incentives, but if you don’t have a private sector that is driven, if you don’t have individuals with vision, an individual with a clarity of thought as to what they want to accomplish then all those policies fall flat and I want to congratulate Mr Badal and his family for their faith and belief in Guyana , for their faith and belief in this government, for their faith and belief in our economy and for the confidence that they have shown in making yet another bold investment in our country,” he expressed.

According to the President, the Pegasus Hotel is an establishment that has been a major player in the country’s hospitality sector for more than 50 years, and that since its inception from 1969 the Pegasus Hotel has been a household name in Guyana.

“ I t w a s t h e c o u n t r y ’s f i r s t t r u l y

benchmark for our hospitality industry For decades it remains the most recognisable name in the sector welcoming guest from a

international standard hotels in Guyana and its legacy of excellence assures it of a

He further said that the Pegasus Corporate Suites is just not a physical structure that has changed the skyline of northern Georgetown but it changed the outlook of the country and where it is heading.

“This building was a statement and is a statement of ambition, it is evident of Guyana’s confidence in its own future and it is a reaffirmation of Pegasus’ place as a leader in the hospitality sector This rebranding comes at a time of immense transformation to Guyana’s tourism and hospitality sector The sector is poised for significant growth with several internationally branded hotels being erected across the country,” the President elaborated.

Wishing Badal success in executing the project, the President took time to call on hotel owners and investors to work together i

themselves as a collective in representing Guyana and the tourism industry in totality

A flawed interpretation of international law

The assertion that “under international law, Venezuela is responsible for any harm caused to Guyana or its nationals by persons acting from Venezuelan territory, including private individuals

u n a f f i l i a t e d w i t h t h e Venezuelan Government or Armed Forces” is a deeply flawed interpretation of state responsibility While international law does impose obligations on

s

criminal acts carried out by private actors operating from its territory oversimplifies a

established legal principles of international law The reality i s

international law depends on s

location from which an attack originates

U n d e r c u s t o m a r y international law and treaty obligations, a state can only b e h e l d r e s p o n s i b l e f o r wrongful acts if those acts can be attributed to the state itself. The International Law

C o m m i s s i o n ’ s ( I L C )

A r t i c l e s o n S t a t e

Res pons ibility provide a framework for determining state liability Specifically, Article 8 states that acts

c o m m i t t e d b y p r i v a t e i n d i v i d u a l s c a n o n l y b e attributed to the state if those

individuals are acting “on the instructions of, or under the direction or control of, that State.”

Applying this standard, for Venezuela to be held liable for the attack on Guyanese soldiers, there must be evidence that the criminal gang in question was acting under the orders o r e f f e c t i v e c o n t r o l o f Venezuelan authorities. If these individuals were not directed, armed, financed, or otherwise supported by the Venezuelan state, then their a c t i o n s r e m a i n t h o s e o f p r i v a t e a c t o r s , a n d Venezuela cannot be held directly responsible under international law.

However, even if direct state responsibility does not apply, international law does recognize a due diligence o b l i g a t i o n f o r s t a t e s t o prevent transboundary harm. International law requires states to take reasonable s t e p s t o p r e v e n t t h e i r territory from being used as a base for hostile acts against another state. However, this obligation is one of conduct, not of result. In other words, a state is not automatically r e s p o n s i b l e f o r e v e r y criminal act committed from its territory; rather, it is required to take reasonable measures to prevent and suppress such activities.

F o r G u y a n a t o h o l d

Ve n e z u e l a a c c o u n t a b l e under this principle, it would need to demonstrate that

Venezuela either actively harboured these criminals, failed to exercise reasonable efforts to suppress them, or deliberately turned a blind eye to their actions. Given V e n e z u

i n

t u r m o i l m a r k e d b y economic collapse, political instability, and armed groups beyond state control—it is entirely plausible that the Ve n

lacks the capacity, rather than the will, to prevent such a t t a c k s C

y limitations , while not an a

, significantly complicate any argument for direct liability.

G u y a n a ’s b r o a d a n d u n q u a l i f i

Venezuela is liable for all

individuals from its territory is not only legally incorrect but also carries dangerous i m p

international relations and s

principle were universally a p p l i e d , c o u n t l e s s s t a t e s would be held responsible for cross-border criminal acts beyond their effective control.

C

frequently engage in violent acts that spill across the U.S.

b o r d e r , i n c l u d i n g d r u g trafficking and kidnappings. Under the logic of the claim in question, Mexico would be automatically responsible for these actions, regardless

DEM BOYS SEH

Manners done gone!

De m b o y s r e m e m b e r w h e n b a d m a n n e r s u s e d t o m e a n pickin yuh nose in public, slurping soup loud loud, or leaving yuh plate on de table like yuh had a maid.

B u t n o w, b a d m a n n e r s upgrade to a whole new level people just don’t have none at all!

D e m y o u n g p e o p l e n o w a d a y s b e l i e v e i n rights—de right to skip de line at de supermarket, de right to drive carelessly on de road, de right to litter in public, and de right to talk to big people like if dem is dem lil pardna.

Dem boys seh once upon a time, parents used to give yuh one hard glare

w h e n y u h f o r g e t y u h manners. That glare alone had power—it could freeze yuh in yuh tracks and reset

y u h w h o l e l i f e B u t

nowadays, dem parents too

b u s y s c r o l l i n g p o n Facebook to notice when lil Timmy shove he way in front of five people at de cash register like he own de place.

Dem boys seh one time, a big woman tell a lil boy to go to de back of de line at de supermarket. De lil boy turn round and tell she, “Why?

Y o u g o n d e a d s o o n anyway.” Dem boys nearly faint. Back in dem days, if yuh tell an elder dat, yuh woulda wake up next week asking what year it is.

B u t i s n o t j u s t d e

s u p e r m a r k e t I s

e v e r y w h e r e B u s p a r k s , bank lines, even church. De young ones rushing in, pushing in front, and giving yuh one blank stare when yuh tell dem, “Excuse me, yuh ain’t see de line?” One old man try tell a young lady bout de line, and she look at

of its efforts to combat cartels. Similarly, the United States would be liable for c r i m i n a l e n t e r p r i s e s operating from its territory i n t o C a n a d a , d e s p i t e significant law enforcement e f f o r t s t o c u r b s u c h activities. Such an approach would upend the established p r i n c i p l e s o f s t a t e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y a n d d u e diligence in international law Instead of advancing an untenable legal argument, Guyana should focus on diplomatic engagement and s t r e n g t h e n i n g d o m e s t i c security measures to address the threat posed by crossborder criminal elements.

President David Granger had enunciated an insightful policy aimed at protecting civilians against the threats p o s e d b y Ve n e z u e l a n criminal gangs that were

harassing and robbing locals in communities bordering Venezuela. When the PPPC came in they abandoned this p o l i c y A p r a g m a t i c a p p r o a c h

prevent its territory from b e i n g u s e d b y c r i m i n a l groups to launch attacks on persons from Guyana. If V

obstructs efforts to curtail such activities, then there may be grounds to argue that it has failed its due diligence obligations. However, this does not equate to automatic

actors.

contention that Venezuela is per se responsible under international law for every harm inflicted by private actors

Venezuela does have a duty to take reasonable measures

criminal activities, liability arises only when the state is either complicit or grossly negligent in addressing such threats.

(The views expressed in this article are

of

opinions of this newspaper.)

ExxonMobil proposes new pipeline...

From page 3 potential investors. We’ve all heard in other parts of the world, the huge demand for energy to support the AI growth and build out in the world as we go through another evolution of digital, to support society’s development. Well why not use gas in Guyana as part of distributed data centers in AI around the world?”

Additionally, the oil giant highlighted the existing potential for investment

fertilizer plant. He explained, “While its potential that in the Wales development there could be a fertilizer plant that could supply the fertilizer needs of Guyana, Northern Brazil, CARICOM, within this region there are significantly higher needs for fertilizer

(facilities) in the country.”

he like he was de problem. She seh, “You too old to be standing up, go sit down and rest yuh knee.”

Dem boys seh is time fuh some parents put down de phone and pick up some sense Stop letting yuh children grow up like dem born inside a palace and e v e r y b o d y e l s e i s j u s t s e r v a n t T e a c h d e m m a n n e r s ! T e a c h d e m

“please” and “thank you.”

Teach dem how to line up. Teach dem how to talk to people without rolling dem eyes like dem auditioning fuh drama school.

Dem boys seh manners don’t cost nutten. But if people don’t start teaching dem pickney soon, one day dem same pickney gon push in front de wrong person in

a l i n e a n d i n s t e a d o f getting away wid it, dem might get a history lesson. Talk half. Leff half.

Finally, the Exxon boss said that while laying a pipeline to transport gas to Trinidad and Tobago may not be feasible there are other options being investigated. “There is still the possibility of using Liquefied Natural Gas technology to connect us to global markets and so that is a further option that is on the table and being investigated,” he outlined.

As ExxonMobil works with the Guyana government to solidify this plan, Routledge noted that there are key considerations being looked at.

These include the option that delivers the most value to the country in the long term

from the development of the resources. Another key element to the discussions is the potential timeline to bring these facilities on stream.

According to him, “We’ve been starting these discussions...the government has been working strategies, we have been working strategies trying to bring players together so that we can start to understand what is your inves

u develop a bauxite facility, when might you develop a data center All of that is critical to understanding volume off-take, timing, price so that we can pull all of those together into a development concept and roadmap that will enable a significant investment both offshore where we’ve been making the investments but also in shallow water and onshore.”

king to complete phase one of its first gas project, which seeks to bring gas to shore from the Liza One and Liza projects in the Stabroek Block, to the Wales Development site. The gas is expected to be used to produce 300 megawatts of electricity and other byproducts, such as cooking gas to drive further earnings for the country

Meanwhile, Phase Two of the Gas-toEnergy (GTE) project is also likely to come on stream in the future where private developers will construct another power plant and Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) facility, using gas from the existing 225-kilometers pipeline, built by EMGL. Phase Two is currently in the procurement stage.

Dissecting, dissembling, clearing up covering up

“Only PPP Central Exec

p i c k e d 2 0 2 0 p o l l s P M

c a n d i d a t e - J a g d e o ” (Demerara Waves, February 09, 2025). I quite agree with PPP General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. On its face, there is substance to what he said. Relative to where the decision rested upon who was to be the PPP prime

ministerial candidate, no question that the PPP Central Executive would have the last word on who is picked. But as with so much that

m a s t e r h a i r s p l i t t e r a n d verbal swinger Jagdeo adds his voice to, there is more to the issue that is not said, w h a t m i s l e a d s n a ï v e Guyanese.

T h e i s s u e i s b e s t presented as a question. Did PPP presidential candidate Dr Irfaan Ali communicate back during the runup to the March 2020 elections with

Dr Terrence Campbell on being his running mate, i.e., t h e p r i m e m i n i s t e r i a l candidate? Campbell has answered in the affirmative; Ali said ‘not so.’

After lining up his aging, overworked brain cells, Dr Jagdeo decided that to enter the picture and put his g

(leadership gloss) on the issue. Instead of putting an end to the controversy, all he did was give it an extension o f l i f e M o

e r, h e exposes himself as being a dissembler That is, covering up, by adding another layer of deviousness into the PM candidate question. Simply put: what is about straight talk, and what is more into twisting and deceiving.

P P P p r e s i d e n t i a l candidate Ali was the new party star in the making. His own candidacy for the top

spot was not universally welcomed inside the PPP Central Executive. Thanks to General Secretary Jagdeo, sense was hammered into holdouts and secret balloting closed the case. Irfaan Ali became the number one. With this as context, several points can be made, which I now do.

For starters, Irfaan Ali was still feeling his way into his elevated role. He had to k n o w f r o m h

p a s t ministerial portfolio, how

power to decide who should be the candidate for PM.

Second, given his own shaky passage to be the PPP’s

t defies political logic that Ali would have been so reckless, so cavalier, as to award to himself the sole determining

I r f a a n A l i m a y b e adventurous to a fault in public, particularly with his u n c h a r t e d v e r b a l navigations, but he is not that irresponsible, that reckless, to reach out on his own to Te r r e n c e C a m p b e l l a n d invite him to be his number two An out-of-control maverick he is not. Third, it is my position, therefore, that Candidate Ali was given the go ahead by the PPP Central Executive to connect w i t h C a m p b e l l a n d communicate to him the party’s invitation to be its P M c a n d i d a t e F o r emphasis, Ali did not hold t h a t c o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h Campbell, by himself, about t h e P M r u n n i n g m a t e position being his for the taking.

W h e n I g i v e p r o p e r weight to the foregoing, I detect that General Secretary J a g d e o i s h a l f r i g h t

W h e t h e r a C a m p b e l l , a Johnson, or a Phillips, the PPP Central Executive has veto power or final approval authority

It is that other half that, in classic Jagdeo fashion, he kept to himself, and kept away from Guyanese. What w a s d i s p u t e d o r

controversial before i s n o w b e i n g camouflaged. It’s the usual daring of Jagdeo with suppressing what could clear the air, bringing closure to this chapter in local politics about who invited a n d w h o r e j e c t e d competiting for the number two office in Guyana.

“ T h e p r e s i d e n t i a l c a n d i d a t e

o t determine who is the prime ministerial candidate will be. It’s the Executive of the PPP and I led that process to select the prime ministerial candidate,” was what Dr Jagdeo told Demerara Waves Online News. There’s no objection here. The Central E x e c u t i v e , w i t h D r B spearheading the process, had

to select” the candidate that got the highest party marks.

Prior to the mechanics of that gathering “to select”, presidential candidate Ali had to be part of the process deciding on a pool of PM candidates. At least, he had to have been informed of who were in mind, because they made the PPP’s short list. Ali did not pluck Campbell name out of thin air, and all by himself.

Again, I assert that he was instructed to engage

Campbell. I urge thinking of this little tidbit: there was Ali just squeezing through a b r u i s i n g ( a n d d i s p u t e d ) internal party battle to be the presidential candidate, and there he was running off like a l o o s e c a n n o n i n v i t i n g whoever pleases him to run for PM.

This is not the Irfaan Ali that Guyanese know when he was minister It is not the Ali that Guyanese absorb since he became president. He doesn’t step out of line, and he knows his lines. I c o n c l u d e t h a t h i s instructions were as follows: go to Campbell and get him. Had he said ‘yes’, then it was t o t h e P P P C e n t r a l E x e c u t i v e , a n d f o r t h e process “to select” the prime ministerial candidate a done deal. Even when Jagdeo seems to walk straight, he t i l t s

story

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t n e c e s s a r i l y r e f l e c t t h e opinions of this newspaper.)

Mexico-Guyana Chamber of Commerce launched

The Mexico-Guyana Chamber of Commerce was officially launched at the Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo 2025 on Tuesday

The newly established Chamber will serve as a key platform for fostering business collaboration, with a strong f o c u s o n e n e r g y,

manufacturing. Leaders from both countries highlighted its role in facilitating partnerships, market expansion, and knowledge sharing.

Chief Investment Officer Dr Peter Ramsaroop expressed his pride in the collaboration between Mexico and Guyana, emphasising the value Mexico brings to Guyana’s economic landscape. “Mexico brings significant value to the Guyana project, noting that they’ve been in the business for a long time in manufacturing, logistics, and oil and gas, among others,” Dr Ramsaroop said.

He encouraged Guyanese businesses to actively engage with the Chamber and underscored the government’s support for Mexico establishing operations in Guyana.

He said too, “We are keen on Mexico establishing operations in the country…I pledge to do my best to facilitate a smooth transition, foster local partnerships, and support project development, assuring that my office is committed to assisting in every possible way.”

Moreover, Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Mauricio

acknowledging its historical significance and its origins in discussions between the private sectors of both nations. “I am happy to see this historical event materialise,” Ambassador Vizcaíno said.

He also reaffirmed Mexico’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties, particularly through efforts to waive visa requirements for travel between the two countries.

“Such initiatives, along with improved connections, are aimed at making business easier for all,” he added.

President of the Mexico-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, Ricardo Magana, echoed the commitment to strengthening economic collaboration.

“I want to be clear Mexico and Guyana are both open and

entrepreneurs are ambitious, and our governments are committed to investment and trade,” Magana declared. He

diplomatic and business relationships. “The Mexico-Guyana Chamber will be a bridge to connecting ambassadors, businesses, and missionaries, fostering and strengthening

industries,” he said.

Laing Avenue women dragged before court for fighting

Three women were on Wednesday placed on bail, when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to answer to the charges of assault and causing actual bodily harm

Colleen Neblett of Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, was charged with assault Jewel Bearam causing actual bodily harm on January 29, 2025. Wendy Charles who shares the same address was also charged with assault Bearam causing actual bodily harm on January 27, 2025.

Bearam also of Laing Avenue was charged with assault of Charles causing actual bodily harm, as well as assaulting Christinon Neblett who was absent and Colleen Neblett on January 29, 2025.

Neblett, Bearam and Charles all pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to them by Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore. It was made known to the court that they are neighbours. Magistrate Azore gave the ladies the option of resolving the matter but they failed to do so.

As such they were all placed on bail. Bearam who had three charges was placed on 35,000 bail, 25,000 for the assault, causing bodily harm and 10,000 each for the other two assault charges.

Charles and Neblett were placed on $25,000 each for the assault, causing actual bodily harm charges. They are scheduled to return to court on February 26, 2025 for statements and to receive a date for trial.

Mexico-Guyana Chambers of Commerce Launch

Opposition alarmed over attack on soldiers

…calls on Govt. to boost militar y with moder n, ef f ective weapons

T h e O p p o s i t i o n h a s expressed alarm over the shooting of Guyana Defence

F o r c e s o l d i e r s b y a Venezuelan gang on Monday in the Cuyuni area and has called on the government to

a d e q u a t e l y p r o v i d e t h e military with more effective

a n d m o d e r n w e a p o n r y,

i n c l u s i v e o f s u r v e i l l a n c e

t e c h n o l o g y a n d r a p i d response capabilities.

Six of the servicemen

w e r e i n j u r ed d u r in g t h e shooting, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of three of the gang members. This has not been confirmed. The ambush of the soldiers has

been roundly condemned and the Guyana Government

o n T u e s d a y s u m m o n e d Venezuelan Ambassador to

G u y a n a u r g i n g h i m t o

condemn the acts In a statement, the PNCR/APNU said it is alarmed over the armed attack. “As we praise our soldiers for their courage in defending themselves and our territorial integrity, we wish those who were injured a full and speedy recovery,” the parties said.

“ W e c a l l o n t h e

g o v e r n m e n t t o u r g e n t l y launch a full investigation into the incident and to review and ramp up the c o u n t r y ’s s e c u r i t y a n d defense arrangements along

t h e G u y a n a / Ve n e z u e l a border Our army and its

g a l l a n t s o l d e r s m u s t b e provided with all required training and equipment to ensure their own safety and to withstand and repel all armed threats from across

t h e C u y u n i r i v e r

Particularly, we strongly recommend that the GDF be adequately provided with more effective and modern w e a p o n r y, i n c l u s i v e o f surveillance technology and rapid response capabilities. We must quickly learn and adapt from this incident. We also call on the government to be pro-active and be

c o n t i n u o u s l y v i g i l a n t i n p r o t e c t i n g o u r t e r r i t o r i a l integrity It must not respond only to flare-ups and crises. The PNCR/APNU remains u n c o m p r o m i s i n g a n d resolute in defense of our

c o u n t r y ’ s b o r d e r s a n d territory We once again salute our brave soldiers.”

For its part, the Alliance For Change (AFC) calls for urgent measures to be taken for the protection of the t e r r i t o r i a l i n t e g r i t y o f Guyana and members of our armed forces. “In light of the recent attacks on our military men on the border with Venezuela by armed gang

members, the Alliance For Change restates its support for the actions of the State and its armed forces in their

e f f o r t s t o p r o t e c t a n d maintain the integrity of our international borders.”

According to the AFC, the attack on members of the Guyana Defence Force by members of an armed gang, highlights the challenges which are faced by the members of the armed forces

w h i l e d i s c h a r g i n g t h e i r national duties. “It is evident that significantly enhanced d e f e n s i v e a n d p r o t e c t i v e measures and support are r e q u i r e d t o a v o i d a n y p o s s i b l e r e p e t i t i o n o r e s c a l a t i o n o f t h e r e c e n t events.”

T h e A F C s a i d t h e recently approved budgetary allocation of $50.4 billion should be urgently deployed for the enhanced deterrent capacity of the armed forces.

“On the diplomatic front urgent engagement of all international and regional friends of Guyana must be notified of this incident and its consequential threat to our sovereignty and the real risk of escalation.

T h e A F C r e m a i n s committed to the protection of the integrity of Guyana a n d w i l l s u p p o r t a n y appropriate steps to deter assaults on the territorial integrity of Guyana. The Alliance For Change wishes to urge the Government to ensure that all the necessary support is provided to the members of armed forces so that they may not only protect our integrity but that the State will when required, and will spare no effort to attend to their needs. We salute our brave soldiers and

wish our wounded a speedy recovery. “ I n a

n Monday, the Guyana Police

Lieutenant Ansel Murray, w

s h o t wound to the right of his head; Sergeant Kevon Davis who was shot in the right foot and ankle; Corporal Andrew F r a s e r , w h o s

a i n e d gunshot wounds to his leftside abdomen and shoulder; Corporal Kevin Henry, who was shot in the left arm and shoulder; Lance Corporal, Travis Yorrick, who was injured in the right thigh; and Private Ezron Samuel, who was shot in the right-side of his abdomen. Despite their injuries, all of the soldiers were reported to be

Continued on page 15

President Irfaan Ali and other officials visited the injured soldiers at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Tuesday

Focus on equipping Guyanese to par ticipate, benefit from oil resources -

President of the Africa E x i m B a n k B e n e d i c t Okechukwu Oramah told the Guyana Energy Conference

and Supply Chain Expo that G u y a n a ’s e s t i m a t e d 1 2 B barrels of oil reserves that is w

y

US$850B, at the current market price will mostly be e n j o y e d b y f o r e i g n companies if the country

AfriExim Bank President tells Govt.

does not put systems in place to avoid this.

Addressing the Guyana E n e r g y C o n f e r e n c e a n d

- says Guyana’s 12B bar rels of oil reser ves will mostly be enjoyed by f oreign companies

Supply Chain Expo, Oramah

service sector would amount to US$5 to US$8 billion a n n u a l l y i n t h e y e a r s ahead…I dare say that most of it you will pay to oil service companies abroad, if Guyana does nothing to avoid that.”

H e h i g h l i g h t e d t h a t having a population of less than a million people, with that amount of estimated wealth is something Guyana s h o u l d b e p r o u d o f

H o w e v e r , n u m b e r s a r e hardly accounted for in the national accounts or the gross domestic product.

Oramah questioned the l o g i c b e h i n d d e f e r r i n g natural resources to back up economic development but keeping the population in poverty under the pretense of saving such resources for the future saying that, “The notion held by a certain group of policymakers and development practitioners, in perspective I think it is promoted to keep resourcerich developing countries virtually poor.”

He said his advice to such countries is that they “must drill baby drill” and if it is the case where they cannot do so, then they should strive to

sell the oil reserves, and u t i l i s e t h e p r o c e e d s t o s w i f t l y b u i l d o u t infrastructure, tr

citizen and dynamise their economies. “I’m very proud that Guyana is doing just that,” he said.

T h e A f r i E x i m B a n k President cautioned that “we must say no to serving as an unpaid warehouse for rich economies, and keeping the oil under the ground, while our people are poor, and then people take them when they leave.”

Further he advised that the money in pocket, if a government does not know w h a t t o d o w i t h i t immediately, it is best to put it into the Federal Reserve. “For Guyana this proven crude reserves must become r

a l needed to pursue economic t

a n s f o r m a t i o n t h a t ’s t h e only purpose such resources can serve for us,” he said.

H e a p p e a l e d t o t h e Government of Guyana to e

resources it has serve as doors to transform the socioeconomic fortunes of its citizens, as there should be a focus placed on equipping Guyanese with the capacity to effectively participate and benefit from the country’s economy

President of the Africa Exim Bank Benedict Okechukwu Oramah

Guyana not ready to go fully renewable - Oil Minister

M i n i s t e r o f N a t u r a l

Resources Vickram Bharrat

told the Guyana Energy

C o n f e r e n c e a n d S u p p l y Chain Expo on Wednesday that if there is a reduction in the capital exploration and production of fossil fuel without enough investment in renewables, the world will be headed backwards. He said Guyana is not ready to go fully renewable.

H e e x p l a i n e d t h a t Guyana is currently moving towards a transitional type of energy with the Gas to Energy Project, which will have less emission and be cleaner for the environment. Additionally, he said the c o u n t r y i s a l s o m o v i n g towards solar and in some of the off-grid areas of the country they are looking towards hydro power. “But the bottom line, I believe, is that we are not quite ready We are not quite ready, and the oil companies will tell you how difficult it is today

t o a c q u i r e f i n a n c i n g o r capital to engage in new exploration activities, but if we decide as a world that we’re going to reduce capital exploration and production of fossil fuel while at the same time not investing as

m u c h a s w e s h o u l d i n renewable energy, we are

g o i n g t o f a c e a m a j o r problem,” he warned. “It is a more sensible

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

approach to work on cutting demand, rather than cutting production, as if we take the a p p r o a c h o f c u t t i n g production while demand is there. It means that you’re putting people back to where they started,” he lamented. This will also mean that t h e r e w i l l b e v e r y f e w producers and it will end up where many will not be able to afford the energy On the other hand, he said if there is a cut in the demand while there is ongoing production this will be more effective as producers will automatically withdraw

T h i s h a s b e e n t h e position of the Government o f G u y a n a a t e v e r y conference it has been given the opportunity to speak at. They have been constantly urging other countries to work on cutting demand, once it exists and not the

supply

He explained that the country’s model for its oil

a n d g a s s e c t o r h a s s u r r o u n d e d e c o n o m i c development, alongside the s u s t a i n a b i l i t y o f t h e environment. However, at e n e r g y c o n f e r e n c e s t h e conversation worldwide is set on cutting production, as countries should be acting f a s t t o p r e v e n t c l

change and global warming.

I

questioned “if we are truly and really ready to fully t

a n s i t i o n ” W h i l e h e i s aware that there may be countries that have the will to transition and may want to do so, the real question is are they in the position to do so?

He alluded to the fact that CARICOM while it wants to go green,

will cost billions of US dollars to make a full transition.

“If you ask any country, I was among the six country at the conference and those small islands, they’re so willing to transition the political will is there they want to do it? Do they have the resources to do it? No, they don’t have the resources to do it. That is the bottom line.” The minister went on to say that in this case countries that have natural resources must be able to produce these resources in a responsible manner

Man beats 15-yr-old girl with cutlass who had a fight with his daughter

A 54-year-old technician

w a s o n W e d n e s d a y remanded to prison after he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on an unlawful wounding charge.

Kendrick Cozier of West Ruimveldt was charged for unlawfully wounding a 15 year-old girl on January 31, 2025 at the said address. Cozier pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him by Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

T h e p r o s e c u t i o n objected to bail given the seriousness of the offence. They told the court that the 15-year-old girl and Cozier ’s

daughter had an argument after which she went home and told her father Cozier armed himself with a cutlass and approached the minor and started to beat her

The minor ’s mother told the court that there is video footage of him inflicting injuries to her which they are happy to share with the court.

Magistrate Azore denied Cozier bail after the video footage was shown to him and remanded him to prison. He is scheduled to return to court on February 26, 2025.

Opposition alarmed over attack on...

From page 13

conscious and stable, police said in a s t a t e m e n t M e d i c a l t r e a t m e n t w a s administered by GDF medic L/Cpl Melville at the Makapa GDF Observation Post. Police said the shooting occurred about 15:45hrs Monday, involving members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and suspected armed individuals believed to be associated with Sindicatos The incident took place near Black Water Mouth in the Cuyuni River, while a GDF boat was enroute from the Eteringbang

GDF main base to the Makapa GDF Observation Post to deliver supplies The GDF team was using a thirty-foot canoe powered by a 185-horsepower Yamaha engine

During the journey, the GDF boat was intercepted by two wooden boats carrying heavily armed, masked men. The assailants circled the GDF boat and opened fire, prompting the GDF ranks to return fire. The exchange resulted in the attackers retreating, but not before multiple GDF members sustained gunshot wounds.

Kendrick Cozier

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Teen to stand trial for deadly Mahdia dorm fire

The teenage girl, charged with 20 counts of murder in connection with the deadly Mahdia dorm fire in 2023 has been committed to stand trial in the High Court after the lower court found substantial evidence against her for the murders.

Special Prosecutor of the case, Latchmie Rahamat confirmed this to reporters on Wednesday. The tragic fire, which occurred in May 2023, resulted in the deaths of 20 children, including 18 female students aged 12 to 17 and a 5-year-old boy, the son of one of the dorm parents.

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Edwards, Belnisa Evans, Lorita Williams, Mary D’Andrade, Omefa Edwin, Natalie Bellarmine, Arianna Edwards and Sherona Daniels in the course of arson. Rahamat noted that the defence had submitted a ‘no case’ submission, suggesting the teenager was not actively involved in the fire. However, the praosecution countered this submission, providing strong circumstantial evidence. The prosecution in its response to the no case submission, detailed that the teenager became upset after her phone was confiscated by a teacher. The prosecution presented testimonies from survivors, including Alica Booker, Felisha Henery, and Serendi Xavier, who claimed to have witnessed the accused with a yellow cigarette lighter and perfume before the fire. The accused allegedly told them she planned to use

these items to set the dorm on fire. “The accused was annoyed and planned to burn down the dorms, which Alica Booker, Felisha Henery and Serendi Xavier (the students that escaped the fire) supported each other by hearing/ seeing (the accused) with a yellow cigarette lighter and perfume, which she claimed the she will use to start the fire with,” the prosecution stated.

“It is very strong circumstantial evidence that [the accused] maliciously set the fire at the dorms, which caused the building to burn down, caused the loss of lives and injuries to several other children…”

Additionally, quotes from the accused were presented, including one survivor recalling the accused saying, “If me na get to burn the place now it will be for tomorrow night, midnight time when

everybody sleeping,” and “Is problem you all want you all gon get problem for the phone.”

Due to the evidence presented to the court, Magistrate Scarce overruled the no case submission and ordered that the teenager be committed to stand trial. News of the Mahdia fire had shocked the nation and garnered international attention. Kaieteur News reported had reported that the dormitory- a flat concrete structure accommodated approximately 59 students who hailed from villages such as: Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie and Chenapou. At the time of the fire, 56 students were present while three girls had gone home for the weekend. The fire took around three and a half hours to be extinguished. It started in the bathroom area and quickly spread throughout the building.

Companies educated on Guyana’s labour laws

Hundreds of companies in Guyana are now informed about the country’s labour laws and the standards for workplace health, safety, and employee morale.

In an effort to foster a healthy and safe labour force, the Ministry of Labour hosted one of its largest sensitisation seminars on Tuesday. Nearly 300 private and public sector companies attended the informative session held at the Arthur Ching Conference Centre. During the session, representatives from both established and up-and-coming businesses were able to garner crucial knowledge on various aspects of Guyana’s labour law constituents. The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke to a few participants and captured their appreciation for the enlightening lesson.

Branch Manager of the recently launched business “Boba Fete” Nathaniel Powers shared how this initiative will greatly impact his capabilities as a manager. “It (the seminar) not only gives us an

idea of the importance of…a healthy work environment but it also gives us an understanding of why it’s important to not only protect your company but also to protect one of your main assets which is your employees,” he said.

One of his subordinates, Shakira Hercules found herself gaining knowledge about her rights as an employee. Elaborating on her experience, she said, “Stuff that you didn’t know you can gain more knowledge about and you can improve in your working environment…to be very honest, I knew a little and now today I’m here I learnt so much.” Another participant Aldercy Peters shared her thoughts on how this initiative will benefit a wide range of workers in various positions across multiple sectors. She said, “I think this is a wonderful initiative that the Ministry of Labour has put forward. It is educating not only HR professionals but your admin managers. You [also] have your CEOs who are [now] able to understand better what are your

labour laws, what the labour laws are made out of, how they can go about it [and] how it can advise them so that they’re always working within the law and doing right not only by the employer [or] the business, but also the employee.”

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton said the seminar is one of the ministry’s many undertakings to provide free assistance to workers, keep the public informed and prioritise safety in Guyana’s dynamic job labour landscape. “These exercises are useful to engage public sector and private sector so that people can have a clear understanding as to what the labour laws are and what they’re not because a lot of people are misinformed. They are misinformed in a lot of instances by people who they trust,” the minister told DPI. Over the years, the Ministry of Labour has implemented numerous initiatives to support employees, including training opportunities, a labour app to receive complaints and other sensitisation programmes. (DPI)

Two days into election fraud trial defence raises conflict

The trial into the 2020 election fraud case officially resumed on Monday before

A c t i n g C h i e f M a g i s t r a t e F a i t h M c G u s t y

Court.

The defendants in the case i n

(GECOM) Chief Elections

O f f i c e r ( C E O ) K e i t h Lowenfield; former Returning Officer for District Four Clairmont Mingo; former D e p u t y C h i e f E l e c t i o n s

O ff i c e r R o x a n n e M y e r s ; former Minister of Health

V o l d a L a w r e n c e ; A P N U + A F C ’ s C h i e f

Scrutineer Carol Smith Joseph

a n d f o r m e r G E C O M

e m p l o y e e s : S h e f f e r n

February, Enrique Liven, Michelle Miller, and Denise Babb-Cummings

The charges allege that between March 2 and August 2 , 2 0 2 0 , t h e a c c u s e d conspired to manipulate the results of the 2020 elections at the Ashmins’ Building in Georgetown, defrauding the electors of Guyana.

The defence attorneys include: Nigel Hughes, Eusi Anderson, Darren Wade and R o n a l d D a n i e l s T h e prosecution includes Special

P r o s e c u t o r D h a r s h a n

R a m d h a n i K C ( K i n g ’ s

C o u n s e l ) , L a t c h m i e

R a h a m a t a n d T h o m a s

A s t a p h a n K C ( K i n g s Council).

of interest regarding prosecutor

Two days into the trial, the defence raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving the lead p r o s e c u t o r , L a t c h m i Rahamat. Defence attorneys Anderson and Wade argued t h a t R a h a m a t h a d b e e n involved in the investigation process concerning two of the defendants who were facing two separate criminal m a t t e r s . T h e a l l e g a t i o n s stemmed from Rahamat’s admission in court that she had previously advised one o f t h e d e f e n c e l a w y e r s , Dexter Todd, regarding two p r i v a t e c r i m i n a l c h a rg e s filed against some of the defendants. She confirmed that she had been instructed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that the charges no longer existed a n d s h o u l d h a v e b e e n disclosed to the court in August 2020. Todd denied that he was involved in any f u r t h e r p r o c e e d i n g a f t e r giving the advice. He said that he was requested to give a d v i c e o n t h e p r i v a t e

criminal matter but never prosecuted the matter

In her defense, Rahamat assured the court that she had not been involved in the investigation and that only the police were handling it, stating, “I do not hold the t

n c e continued to question her ability to prosecute the case given her involvement and relationship with the police

husband is a chief member of the Guyana Police Force.

Despite these concerns, Magistrate McGusty ruled that, at this stage, she saw no reason to remove Rahamat from the case, unless further instructions were provided.

T

during the testimony from

m

r election observer Rosalinda Rasul, who described the events she witnessed during the tabulation process at Ashmins’ Building. Her testimonies were heard on Tuesday and concluded on

Wednesday She testified that around 3:00 AM on March 5, 2020, she observed party agents expressing concerns

tampered with Rasul recalled h e a r i n g p a r t y a g e n t s demanding to see various totals on the spreadsheet, as discrepancies between the numbers on the screen and those in the agents’ possession led to frustration.

Rasul also described a chaotic scene when party agents raised objections about the results She stated that G E C O M e m p l o y e e s , i n c l u d i n g D

s e B a b bCummings, were seen reading numbers from a document rapidly Rasul testified that Babb-Cummings’ figures for the APNU+AFC were higher than those on the spreadsheet shown to her D u r i n g R a s u l ’ s t e s t i m o n y t h e d e f e n c e

a r g u e d t h a t R a s u l ’ s testimony was inconsistent with her written statement submitted to the court four

years prior Anderson on W e d n e s d a y f u r t h e r challenged the credibility of the witness, stating that her testimony contradicted her initial statement and accused h e r o f f a b r i c a t i n g n e w details. He argued that this undermines the fairness of the trial.

Prosecutors responded by asserting that witnesses are allowed to elaborate on their statements and provide further details, as long as their recollections remain consistent with the original e v i d e n c e M a g i s t r a t e McGusty, while noting the concerns, allowed Rasul to finish her testimony After her testimony, Magistrate McGusty allowed Rasul to be crossed examined by the d e f e n d a n t s A t t o r n e y Hughes conducted the cross examination During crosse x a m i n a t i o n , H u g h e s q u e s t i o n e d R a s u l a b o u t whether she had submitted a report knowing that it might contain false information.

Th e M i n i s t r y o f Human Services

a n d S o c i a l S e c u r i t y h a s c o n d e m n e d what it described as the appalling increase in the

retraumatisation of child victims of sexual violence and assault.

T h i s g r a v e i n j u s t i c e

d e m a n d s i m m e d i a t e a n d

d e c i s i v e a c t i o n b y l a w

e n f o r c e m e n t a n d t h e

Childcare and Protection Agency, the ministry said in a statement. The statement comes on the heels of a 12y e a r - o l d r a p e v i c t i m appearing with her mother

o n a f a c e b o o k l i v e p r o g r a m m e w i t h s o c i a l a c t i v i s t S i m o n B r o o m e s e a r l i e r t h i s w e e k T h e

a c c u s e d r a p i s t A n d r e w

B h o l a o f S t a n l e y t o w n Berbice was on Wednesday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court charged with rape.

“The ministry is deeply concerned about the recent and multiple social media posts and interviews, often purportedly intended to raise awareness of alleged sexual violence or abuse, which, in reality, inflict further, often i r r e p a r a b l e , h a r m u p o n already vulnerable children. While the stated aim of these posts may be to highlight these critical issues, such actions, particularly those perpetrated by several selfs t y l e d “ i n f l u e n c e r s ” a n d “social activists,” only serve to endanger and emotionally d i s t r e s s e d c h i l d r e n b y f o r c i n g t h e m t o r e l i v e traumatic experiences,” the ministry said.

Minister

of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Vindhya

Persaud

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e ministry, failure to report or exploit these issues causes u n n e c e s s a r y d e l a y s a n d harm to the child and the c a s e “ T h e M i n i s t e r o f Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr Vindhya P e r s a u d , s a i d t h a t t h i s p r a c t i c e i s q u i t e u n a c c e p t a b l e Retraumatising a child is not right, irrespective of who you are I have noticed persons bringing children on social media to recount their abuse, this act is not only d e s p i c a b l e b u t a l s o r e p r e h e n s i b l e a n d m u s t

c e a s e i m m e d i a t e l y, ” t h e minister is quoted in the statement as saying.

The ministry added that it recognises the devastating impact of retraumatisation on children’s emotional and m e n t a l w e l l - b e i n g . “ To c o m b a t t h i s , i t h a s implemented a series of

r o b u s t r e p o r t i n g

m e c h a n i s m s d e s i g n e d t o protect children and ensure they receive the necessary s u p p o r t a n d c a r e U p o n notification of such cases, the Childcare and Protection

A g e n c y ( C P A ) w i l l immediately intervene.

A crucial component of this intervention is a private f o r e n s i c i n t e r v i e w c o n d u c t e d b y t r a i n e d p r o f e s s i o n a l s ” “ T h i s

s p e c i a l i s e d p r o c e s s i s

s p e c i f i c a l l y d e s i g n e d t o m i n i m i s e t h e r i s k o f r e t r a u m a t i s a t i o n a n d p r i o r i t i s e t h e c h i l d ’ s

information be added but it was not included.

When the trial resumed on Monday the defendants were asked to enter a plea after the charges were read to them. The charges, which

misconduct in public office,

related to the March 2020

s pleaded not guilty to their respective charges. During

confirmed that all statements

disclosed, allowing the case to proceed.

Rasul acknowledged that she had submitted her report even though some of the information might have been i n a c c u r a t e H u g h e s a l s o asked her whether she had r e v i e w e d h e r s t a t e m e n t several times, to which she c o n f i r m e d t h a t s h e h a d reviewed it about 15 times, and noted that she had r e q u

‘Don’t put sexually abused children on Facebook live’ - ministry condemns retraumatisation of children

emotional and psychological welfare,” Minister Persaud s a i d a c c o r d i n g t o t h e statement.

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e ministry, a child’s traumatic story is not a commodity to be exploited for popularity or social media engagement.

“ T h e s e v u l n e r a b l e i n d i v i d u a l s d e s e r v e o u r u t m o s t p r o t e c t i

victimisation.

The ministry implores all members of the public to prioritise the well-being of children above all else.

T h e m i n i s t r y u rg e s anyone aware of child abuse or neglect to utilise the c o m p r e h e n s i v e r e p o r t i n g m e c h a n i s m s w e h a v e e s t a b

action.” Reports can be made

h r

t h e f o l l o w i n g avenues: 914 Hotline: This dedicated hotline provides immediate access to trained professionals who can offer support and guidance. Direct P o l i c e R e p o r t : L a w enforcement is a cruc

reporting to the police is encouraged. Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA): The CPA is the primary

investigating and addressing child abuse and neglect Reports can be made directly to the CPA on its hotline 2270979. The ministry said it

commitment to protecting children and ensuring their safety and well-being.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to prevent the

concluded.

Trump calls Zelensky ‘a dictator’ after Ukraine’s leader accuses him of living in ‘disinformation space’

(CNN) — US President

D o n a l d T r u m p c a l l e d

U k r a i n e ’ s P r e s i d e n t

Vo l o d y m y r Z e l e n s k y “ a dictator,” escalating a public war of words between the two leaders that started when

T r u m p f a l s e l y a c c u s e d Ukraine of starting the war with Russia.

T r u m p ’s a c c u s a t i o n , posted on his social media network Truth Social, came just hours after Zelensky accused him of repeating Russian disinformation.

Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Zelensky pushed back on several unfounded claims the US president made on Tuesday, while reinforcing Ukraine’s position that a deal to end the war needed its i n v o l v e m e n t “ U n f o r t u n a t e l y, P r e s i d e n t

Trump – I have great respect for him as a leader of a nation that we have great respect for, the American people who always support us –unfortunately live in this d i s i n f o r m a t i o n s p a c e , ” Zelensky said.

Trump has made it clear he wants the war to end as soon as possible – even if it m e a n s f u r t h e r t e r r i t o r i a l losses for Ukraine And much to the horror of Kyiv and its allies, Trump has at times adopted Kremlin’s

n a r r a t i v e a n d b l a m e d Ukraine and NATO for the conflict, even saying that Ukraine “may be Russian some day.”

But Trump’s boosting of Russia goes well beyond

r h e t o r i c T h e p r e s i d e n t raised many eyebrows last week when opting to hold a 90-minute phone call with

h i s R u s s i a n c o u n t e r p a r t

V l a d i m i r P u t i n b e f o r e speaking to Zelensky Then on Tuesday, US and Russian

o ff i c i a l s h e l d h i g h - l e v e l talks on ending the war in Ukraine in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, excluding Kyiv from the meeting. Putin praised this new US attitude t o w a r d s h i s c o u n t r y

Speaking about the talks in Riyadh, Putin said he was told the atmosphere was “friendly.”

“There were completely d i ff e r e n t p e o p l e o n t h e American side, who were o p e n t o t h e n e g o t i a t i o n process without any bias, without any condemnation of what had been done in the past,” Putin added. The US and Russia agreed in Riyadh to appoint high-level teams to negotiate the end of the war and said they were w o r k i n g t o r e e s t a b l i s h diplomatic channels.

Zelensky reiterated on Tuesday Ukraine was not happy with the exclusion, s a y i n g t h a t w h i l e a n y country has the right to discuss bilateral issues, the fact that the US held direct talks with Russia “helped P u t i n o u t o f h i s l o n g isolation.” The US was one of Ukraine’s closest allies u n d e r t h e B i d e n a d m i n i s t r a t i o n , p r o v i d i n g the country with tens of billions worth of military aid. But Trump has made it clear that he thinks the US should no longer send aid to U k r a i n e w i t h o u t g e t t i n g anything in return. Earlier this month, he suggested the US should get access to Ukraine’s mineral riches in exchange for aid. Zelensky said on Tuesday that the US has asked Ukraine to “give a w a y ” 5 0 % o f i t s r a r e minerals, without offering any security guarantees in e x c h a n g e H e s a i d h e rejected that idea, saying: “I

APolice Lance Corporal is feared drowned after jumping off a sinking b

Tuesday M

Po

ce in a statement said that the incident occurred on the Puruni River, a tributary of the Mazaruni River According to the police the incident also involved Constable 24612

Q u i n c y M a r k s a n d R a n s d a l e M e l v i l

Bartica.

P r e l i m

y i n v e s t i g a t i o n s indicate that the three individuals departed from Puruni Landing at approximately 09:00hrs Tuesday in a wooden boat measuring twelve feet in length and three feet in

cannot, I cannot sell our state.”

T r u m p r e p e a t s f a l s e claims

I t w a s K y i v ’s i n i t i a l complaint about being shut out of the talks that sparked Trump’s tirade of falsehoods on Tuesday Speaking late on T u e s d a y , T r u m p s a i d :

“Today I heard, ‘Oh well, we weren’t invited. Well, you been there for three years. You should’ve ended it after three years. You should’ve n e v e r s t a r t e d i t Yo u could’ve made a deal.”

The incorrect claim that Ukraine somehow started t h e w a r h a s l o n g b e e n repeated by the Kremlin and its supporters. The conflict began in 2014, when Russia illegally annexed Crimea, t h e s o u t h e r n U k

But Trump did not stop at questioning who started the war in Ukraine. Repeating another line often pushed by t h e K r e m l i n , T r u m p a p p e a r e d t o q u e s t i o n Zelensky’s legitimacy “We have a situation where we haven’t had elections in Ukraine, where we have martial law,” Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort, incorrectly claiming that Zelensky’s approval rating was “at 4%.” Zelensky won more than 73% of the vote in the second round of t h e 2 0 1 9 p r e s i d e n t i a l election. While his mandate was meant to end last May, a new election was not held because Ukraine has been under martial law since R u s s i a l a u n c h e d i t s unprovoked invasion of the country The martial law prohibits elections.

n v a s i o n o f U

r a i n e i n February 2022, attacking its smaller neighbor at night, sending tanks across the border, bombing Ukrainian cities and sending special f o r c e s i n t o K y i v t o assassinate Zelensky

w i d t h , p o w e r e d b y a 4 0horsepower Yamaha engine.

The boat was on patrol along the Puruni River Constable Marks was seated in the middle of the boat, unarmed but fully dressed in uniform while L/Cpl Batson, also in the middle, was armed with one Ta u r u s p i s t o l c o n t a i n i n g 1 5 matching rounds and similarly dressed in uniform.

R a n s d a l e M e l v i l l e w a s positioned at the rear of the boat, operating the engine.

Police said that about 11:45hrs, while navigating upstream through a ‘fall’, the boat’s engine cut off, causing water to enter the vessel and leading to a partial sinking.

As the boat began to sink, L/Cpl Batson jumped into the river

month which showed that while his popularity dropped significantly since the early days of the war, his approval rate has never dropped below 50% and currently stands at 57% Ukraine’s minister of d i g i t a l t r a n s f o r m a t i o n Mykhailo Fedorov went even

Zelensky’s current approval ratings are higher than those of Trump

Trump and Zelensky’s relationship has been fraught since Trump’s first term in office when he pressured Zelensky to investigate his political rival Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, in a phone call. That call led to Trump’s first impeachment.

Trump earns Kremlin’s praise

T r u m p ’ s c o m m e n t s s p a r k e d o u t r a g e a c r o s s Ukraine, with some people saying the US president is not to be trusted. Speaking to C N N i n c e n t r a l K y i v, p s y c h o l o g i s t V a l e r i a Valevska said Trump was “very wrong.” “I believe that Trump is a narcissist, he is v e r y u n p r e d i c t a b l e , a n d Ukrainians cannot trust him or count on his support at all. I don’t like Trump’s policies, and I think most Ukrainians and Europeans don’t either,” she said.

Speaking on Wednesday, Zelensky specifically said the claim that his approval rating was at 4% comes from Russia, and that Kyiv has some evidence that the numbers were discussed between the US and Russia He referred to a poll conducted by the Kyiv

I n t e r n a t i o n a l I n s t i t u t e o f Sociology (KIIS) earlier this

The boat subsequently drifted downstream, prompting Constable Marks and Melville to jump onto a

M e a n w h i l e , p e n s i o n e r Oleksandr Mykhailov told CNN he believed Trump “ o b v i o u s l y d o e s n ’ t understand what he is talking about.” “If this continues, Europe must intervene and s e t i t s o w n c o n d i t i o n s Because wherever America has stepped in, they have done damage and then left, as they did in Afghanistan, Iraq, and so on,” Mykhailov added. Trump’s comments w e r e w e l l r e c e i v e d i n M

i s i n g t h e U S president for echoing the Kremlin’s narrative, telling the Russian parliament, the D u m a , t h a t T r u m p seemingly “understands our position.”

“Trump, I think, is the f i r s t We s t e r n l e a d e r t o publicly and openly say that the cause of the Ukrainian conflict was the efforts of the previous administration to expand NATO,” Lavrov told lawmakers on Wednesday “No Western leader has actually said that before. So that is already a signal that he understands our position.” At the same time, Russia continues its brutal assault on Ukraine, inching ahead along the eastern front lines and attacking from the air Moscow launched a massive drone attack against multiple Ukrainian cities on Tuesday, just hours before the meeting i n R i y a d h D

h e assault, the talks went ahead as planned.

Russia has long argued that the eastward expansion of NATO put its security u n d e r

claiming that NATO leaders promised Russia that the defensive alliance would not enlarge after the end of the Cold War

NATO has always had an open door policy with any European state welcome to join as long as it meets the

with NATO after Russia first started attacking it in 2014. P

invasion of Ukraine, even claiming, falsely, that NATO

Ukraine.

sinking boat

nearby rock to prevent the boat from being carried away by the current. They managed to secure the boat by tying it to a branch. According to the police, at this point, Constable Marks observed Batson holding onto a branch on the opposite side of the river and engaged in a brief conversation with him.

B a t s o n , t h e p o l i c e s a i d c o n f i r m e d a t t h e t i m e t h a t h e w a s u n

l o n g e r v i s i b l e A c c o r d i n g t o p o l

Marks and Melville proceeded to restart the boat and continued their search efforts. When these efforts proved unsuccessful, they walked to a nearby camp to access

M a r k s a n d t h e b o a t o p e r a t o r w e r e e m p t y i n g w a t e r o u t o f t h e b o a t t o r e s t a r t t h e e n g i n e , t h e y n o t i c e d t h a t B a t s o n w a s n o

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and then Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump meeting on September 27, 2024 in New York.

Photo: AFP / Ukrainian Presidential Press Service

Policeman feared drowned after jumping out

Mainstay Goldstar FC receives NSC support ahead of GFF Elite League debut

Recently promoted to the Guyana Football Federation

( G F F ) E l i t e L e a g u e , Mainstay Goldstar Football Club is gearing up for its first season in the country’s topflight football competition.

i r p

e p a r a t i o n s received a significant boost yesterday when Director of

support to the Essequibobased club. In a simple, yet

held at the National Sports

footballs on behalf of the team. Expressing gratitude,

transferred from Santos FC, highlighted how crucial such assistance is as the club transitions into the Elite

“moving up to the Elite League comes with some

support we receive.”

spurred by veteran journalist Allan La Rose, who reached o

n g assistance for the newly promoted club. Recognizing the importance of supporting

presence in the Elite League

CG United Women’s Super50 Cup...

From page 24 Conaree and St Paul through L I V E s t r e a m i n

Thursday February 20, 2025

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

The words for today are "romance" and "creativity," Aries. Romance is enhanced by passion generated by a gratifying love relationship that will probably last for a long time.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)

Has a new housemate recently moved in, Taurus? If so, you can expect this person to live with you for a while. This is good, because he or she is likely to be very loving, supportive.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

A love letter or perhaps a poem or other artistic work dedicated to you could make your day, Gemini. A warm feeling of being cherished and adored could stay with you throughout the day as a result. Hang on to this rosy glow w h e n t h i n g s g e t r o c k y, especially on the job.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

A love relationship that's been around for a long time could be enhanced today by an increased level of sensuality, Cancer

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

Artistic activities or those i n v o l v i n g h e a l i n g a r e e n h a n c e d t o d a y , L e o Whatever you try is going to be more a part of your very being than it would be at other times.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

Love takes on an idealized

a n d f a i r y t a l e a u r a t o d a y, Virgo, as you and a current or potential partner spend time alone, talking or just enjoying being together

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

A meditation circle or other g

spiritual pursuits could be on your agenda today, Libra. It's important that you attend, as you need a little peace and quiet, as well as the support from others in the group.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

Career and financial successes might finally come your way after months and perhaps years o f s t r i v i n g , S c o r p i o T h e emotional support you receive f

n working with you can be very gratifying.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21)

A complex creative project could require some in-depth resea

h today, Sagittarius, and you could spend much of the day online or in the library This is probably a subject you love.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

Financial growth adds to a growing sense of self-worth, C

your current situation should continue.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Romance blossoms for you t o d a y , A q u a r i u s , a n d commitment or marriage may be just over the horizon. You and your beloved may have r e c e n t l y r e a c h e d a n e w understanding that has bonded you more tightly

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Service to others might take up a large part of your day, Pisces, perhaps on an artistic level or maybe in the form of sharing psychic or healing energy Don't think your efforts are unappreciated.

football in Essequibo but also provide young players

i n t h e r e g i o n w i t h a n opportunity to aspire to play a t t h e h i g h e s t l e v

Guyana,” Ninvalle stated.

N

administration of football with his time at Alpha United as Vice President, believes t

underrepresented region in t

M a i n s t a y

Windies Cricket YouTube channel, while matches at

viewers.

These broadcasts will be c o m p l e m e n t e d b y comprehensive ball-by-ball

c o v e r a g e o n t h e w w w. w i n d i e s c r i c k e t

live match centre.

CG UNITED WOMEN’S SUPER 50 CHAMPIONSHIP 2024 FULL SCHEDULE:

Round 1 - February 24

Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands (St. Paul’s)

B a

(

Trinidad & Tobago (Warner Park) Round 2 - February 26

Wi

Barbados (Warner Park)

Trinidad & Tobago vs Leeward Islands (Conaree)

Guyana vs Jamaica (St. Paul’s)Round 3 - February 28 Trinidad & Tobago vs W i n d w a r d I s l a n d s ( S t Paul’s) Leeward Islands vs Guyana (Warner Park)

J

(Conaree) Round 4 - March

3 L

Jamaica (Warner Park)

C ’s elevation to the Elite League marks a major milestone for the area. M

season with a narrow but decisive 1-0 victory over Mahaica Determinators FC in the Qualification Play-Off F

Providence last month.

The match’s lone goal came early, with Rayeon John finding the net in the 7th minute.

That crucial strike not only sealed the win but also

M

G

d Stars’ place in Guyana’s p r e m

f o o t b a l l competition.

With their promotion, Mainstay Goldstar FC joins an exclusive list of clubs vying for supremacy in the GFF Elite League.

Closure

v

Barbados vs Trinidad & Tobago (St. Paul’s)

Guyana vs Windward Islands (Conaree)

Round 5 - March 5

Guyana vs Trinidad & Tobago (Warner Park)

Windward Islands vs Jamaica (Conaree)

Barbados vs Leeward Islands (St. Paul’s)

Finals Day - March 7

Championship Final:

vs 2nd (Warner Park) 3

(Conaree) 5th Place

CG United Women’s Super50

Cup

action r etur ns to St. Kitts

e s

cricket.

exciting regional women’s cricket to St. Kitts with the C

tournament, showcasing the Caribbean’s premier female

c

Super50 Cup will unfold across three premier venues – the historic Warner Park, Conaree Cricket Centre and St. Paul’s Sports Complex –from February 24 to March 7, with matches beginning at 10 am daily

D e f e n d i n g c h a m p i o n s Jamaica will face fierce competition from a stellar lineup including Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Guyana, Windward Islands and hosts Leeward

I s l a n d s T h e t o u r n a m e n t marks a crucial preparation phase in a landmark year for

This regional showpiece p r e c e d e s a n i n t e n s i v e international calendar for the West Indies Women, who l o o k t o b u i l d o n t h e i r commanding ODI and T20I

s e r i e s v i c t o r i e s a g a i n s t Bangladesh in St. Kitts last month.

CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe expressed his excitement at the start of the tournament saying, “We at Cricket West Indies are thrilled are to kick off this year ’s CG United W o m e n ’ s S u p e r 5 0 ”

”This tournament isn’t just a c o m p e t i t i o n b u t a celebration of the incredible s t r i d e s w e ’ v e m a d e i n women’s cricket across the Caribbean. We are seeing phenomenal talent emerging from every corner of the region and watching these players battle it out on the

”With our international tours

o

impending ODI World Cup

c

showcase the strength of

W

cricket. We are particularly excited for cricket fans in St. Kitts to see once again, some of our rising stars in action as

looks brighter than ever.”

Last year ’s tournament highlig

region even as rain-affected matches added an extra layer of difficulty

Jamaica started strongly with a commanding 204-run v

contenders with consistent performances, including a crucial win over Trinidad and Tobago where Ashmini

M u n i s a r c l a i m e d exceptional figures of 5/15.

The Windward Islands also made their mark with a thrilling two-wicket victory over Trinidad and Tobago t

Glasgow’s decisive innings of 62.

Some notable individual performances also lit up the

H

r y ’ s remarkable 6/31 for Jamaica

’s steady batting for Barbados which brought her three half-

batting displays for Guyana.

C r i c k e t

n t h u s i a s t s worldwide can catch every moment of the action at (Continued on page 23)

Th e G u y a n a

C r i c k e t B o a r d (GCB) wishes to express profound sadness at the recent passing of Mr Lennox Edmund Phillips at the age of 94 years in Florida, USA.

P h i l l i p s w a s a n

o u t s t a n d i n g p l a y e r a n d cricket administrator who in his long and distinguished c a r e e r c o n t r i b u t e d

s i g n i f i c a n t l y t o t h e advancement of cricket in Berbice over an extended period from the 1940’s to 1985 when he migrated. In his early days, he played for the Youngsters Cricket Club in the Davsons Cup FirstD i v i s i o n C r i c k e t Competition for over 20 years as an opening batsman and leg-spinner. He also r e p r e s e n t e d B e r b i c e a t football and table tennis.

Phillips served as an Executive member of the B e r b i c e C r i c k e t B o a r d (BCB) from 1970 to 1985 including a record period of 13 years and 6 months as President. In 1972, he was elected Vice-President of the

Guyana Cricket Board, a position he held until June 1985. In May 1979, as a result of the passing of then G C B P r e s i d e n t B a

y

p s w a s appointed President acting until the official election of Joe Solomon later in that year He also served as a BCB Selector for 10 years a n d w a s c r e d i t e d w i t h opening a BCB office in 1974.

I n 1 9 8 5 , t h e B C B introduced Life Membership t o b e c o n f e r r e d o n individuals who had given long and dedicated service of an exceptionally high quality over a period of at least 10 years to Berbice cricket. Lennox Phillips was among the first batch of inductees. He was also an inductee of

Administration Hall of Fame and was honoured with the Tribute to Hero Award by the BCB. T

opportunity to salute this remarkable gentleman and to extend condolence to his family, relatives and friends.

Lennox Edmund Phillips

BCB str engthens Executive body as moves made to improve cricket structur e

Th e B e r b i c e

C r i c k e t B o a r d (BCB), which is

r e s p o n s i b l e f o r h a r d b a l l cricket administration in the County of Berbice, has made a number of appointments to its executive structure. T h e B C B i

( G

Appointed executive Former Berbice player and Assistant Superintendent of Police Michael Newland heads the disciplinary committee.

Narendra Persaud REO Region 6 has been appointed as executive member of the BCB.

competitions.

T

. T h e b o a r d , w h i c h i s

headed by Dr Cecil Beharry, decided to appoint those p e r s o n s w h o h a v e specialized skills and will be an asset to the board. Those appointed were

Narendra Persaud, Michael Newland, Devika Chetram and Samuel Whyte.

Mr. Naren

Chinelle Henry’s

Assistant Superintendent of Police and former Berbice

Newland, apart from being appointed as an executive member, he also heads the Disciplinary Committee. W

Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce Ms. Devika Ch

heads the merged Marketing

S

Committees.

T

s expected to spearhead fund raising and other marketing activities.

V

c Relation Officer (PRO) of the board. The BCB recently met and ratified those and other decisions. (Samuel Whyte)

experience as a disciplinary officer and a top cricketer he is set to serve well in his post. Newland who still plays cricket, has already given pep talks to teams that were selected to represent Berbice i n v

effort not enough as UP

Warriorz fall short against Delhi Capitals

SportsMax - West Indies all-rounder Chinelle Henry

d e l i v e r e d a n e x p l o s i v e unbeaten 33 and a tidy spell with the ball, but it wasn’t

e n o u g h t o p r e v e n t U P Warriorz from suffering their second straight defeat in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), as they went down by seven wickets to Delhi Capitals Women at Kotambi

S

Wednesday

(19.5 overs)

After being sent in to bat, the Warriorz got off to a promising 66-run opening s t a n d b e t w e e n K i r a n Navgire and Vrinda Dinesh (15) before Australian allrounder Annabel Sutherland s

aggressive 51 off 27 balls, which included four fours and three sixes, was the highlight of the top order, but a middle-order collapse saw the Warriorz stumble to 82-4. Captain Deepti Sharma (7) and Tahlia McGrath (1)

H

i

( 1 2 ) a n d S h w e t a

Sehrawat gradually rebuilt the innings with a 36-run

p a r t n e r s h i p H o w e v e r , H a r r i s ’ d i s m i s s a l t o

Arundhati Reddy put the brakes on the innings once more. Henry, though, injected much-needed momentum in the final overs, smashing three fours and three sixes in h e r 1 5 - b a l l 3 3 a s s h e combined with Sehrawat (37 off 33 balls) for a 44-run stand. The late surge helped

West Indies all-rounder Chinelle Henry delivered an explosive unbeaten 33 and a tidy spell with the ball.

Warriorz post a competitive 166-7, though they fell just short of the 170-run mark.

S u t h e r l a n d w a s t h e

s t a n d o u t b o w l e r f o r t h e

Delhi Capitals, finishing with 2-26, while Marizanne Kapp (1-30) and Reddy (126) provided solid support.

The Capitals began their c h a s e c o n f i d e n t l y, w i t h

S h a f a l i Ve r m a ( 2 6 ) a n d captain Meg Lanning putting on 65 for the first wicket.

W a r r i o r z f o u n d a breakthrough when Sharma dismissed Verma, and when

Jemimah Rodrigues fell for a two-ball duck, they seemed to have an opening at 70-2.

H o w e v e r , L a n n i n g r e m a i n e d t h e a n c h o r , stroking 12 boundaries in her 49-ball 69, as she combined with Sutherland for a crucial 49-run stand. The Warriorz had multiple opportunities to put the pressure back on Delhi but were guilty of d r o p p e

Capitals to take control. Even after Harris bowled Lanning at 119, the damage w a s

. Sutherland, who remained unbeaten on 41 off 35 balls, and Kapp, who provided a quickfire 29 off 17, guided Delhi to victory with one ball to spare. H e n

y b o w l e d t h r e e overs for 26 runs in a tidy but wicketless spell.

, t h e Capitals moved to second place on the WPL table with

games, while UP Warriorz remain at the bottom, still without a point.

Annabel Sutherland (left) and Marizanne Kapp during their match-winning 48-run stand. (Photos: BCCI)

Guyana U-20 Women’s squad arrives in Antigua for Concacaf Qualifiersa

The Guyana U-20

W o m e n ’ s

N a t i o n a l Te a m has safely arrived in Antigua

The team will open its campaign against Belize on Friday, February 21, before facing host n a t i o n A n

B

n S u n d a y , February 23. Guyana will then close out the group stage against Haiti on Tuesday, February 25. The 21-member squad, selected to represent Guyana in this crucial campaign

a h e a d o f t h e C o n c a c a f Women’s U-20 Qualifiers, s e t t o t a k e p l a c e f r o m February 20 to 25. Guyana will compete in Group A alongside Haiti, Belize, and Antigua and Barbuda, with the winner of the group advancing to the Concacaf U - 2 0 W o m e n ’ s C h a m p i o n s h i p T h a t tournament will serve as the qualification pathway for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

includes:

Goalkeepers:

• Nya-Grace Young –Howard University

• K y m o r a C h u n g –Unionville Milliken Soccer Club

• Deena Fredericks –Unaffiliated Defenders:

• Maliya Gangadin –Vaughan SC

• Heike Clarke – Alliance

• Shareina Langevine –Vaughan Soccer Club

• S a r a h D a s i l v a –

Toronto Blizzard

• Akeelah Vancooten –Police FC

• L a t o y a Wi l l i a m s –Police FC

• Aaliyha Christie – GDF FC

• Jaida Tucker – Ottawa South United (OSU)

• A n a y a J o s e p h –Western New York Flash Soccer Club

Midfielders:

• A l e x i s B a y l e y –Durham College

• Sydney Glean – North

Toronto GU15 OPDL

• Liyah Menilek – Saint Bonaventure University

• Olivia Watt – Vaughan FC

• Naomi Benjamin –Markham FC

• Kaela Medas – North Toronto Nitros OPDL Forwards:

• S e - H a n n a M a r s –University of Connecticut

• Nydel Nelson – GS United

• Myanne Fernandes –Pickering FC

G u y a n a ’ s c a m p a i g n kicks off on February 20, with the team determined to secure the top spot in Group A and book their place in the Concacaf U - 2 0 W o m e n ’ s Championship.

The Guyana Football Federation extends its best wishes to the team and encourages all s u p p o r t e r s t o r a l l y behind the players as they compete on the regional stage.

Guyana boys team selected for 2025 PAHF Jr Challenge

On the heels of the girl’s

s e l e c t i o n , t h e G u y a n a Under-21 boy’s hockey team has been selected for the

2 0 2 5 P A H F J u n i o r

C h a l l e n g e s c h e d u l e d f o r Bridgetown, Barbados from 8th to 16th March. The boys team comprises of a good

b a l a n c e o f e x p e r i e n c e d

players and young newcomers who have shown g r e a t p o t e n t i a l a s contributors to the team. Sixteen players have been

s e l e c t e d u n d e r t h e management of Head Coach

R o b e r t F e r n a n d e s , a n d

Assistant Coaches Shane

Samuels, John Abrahams and Tivesard Garnett.

T h e b o y ’s t e a m w i l l comprise of a strong core with as many as nine players remaining from their 2023

t e a m w h i c h f i n i s h e d a credible 5th in the 2023

J u n i o r P a n A m e r i c a n

C h a m p i o n s h i p s M o s t notable among those would b e m i d f i e l d m a e s t r o Shaquon Favorite, central defender Jabari Lovell and striker Simeon Moore. In addition, to the nine players w i t h i n t e r n a t i o n a l experience, all but two were part of the national junior straining squad over the past t w o y e a r s T h e t w o newcomers to the team are strikers 16-year-old Shane Sargeant and the youngest selectee at 15 years old, Grant Fernandes.

T h e s c h o o l s p r o g r a m introduced a few years ago, that is facilitated by the Icool j u n i o r c h a m p i o n s h i p s , i s largely responsible for this solid crop of players with six coming out of the North

R u i m v e l d t M u l t

r a l programme, five from the Saint Stanislaus programme.

H e a d c o a c h R o b e r t

chances to medal, saying that the Guyanese players have

y

competition at the highest

powerhouses like Argentina and the USA would have to be met with solid defensive

In this case, where he feels G

contender, the players need to adapt a more aggressive a

disposition with a lot more focus on possession and attacking buildups.

Guyana’s

Fernandes being challenged by Quinn Tobin.

st ma

h, similar to that of the girls, is against Guatemala on 8th March. They then go on to face Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela, Brazil and hosts Barbados. The ambition of the team is to finish in one of the top two positions to gain qualification for the 2025 Junior Pan American Games being hosted by Paraguay in August. The full squad reads:

The Guyana U-20 Women’s National Team.

Grant

Lusignan Golf Club Announces the 2025 Ansa McAL Pre-Mash

L u s i g n a n G o l f C l u b (LGC) will be hosting the Ansa McAL Pre-Mash Golf

Tournament on Saturday, February 22, 2025 This annual celebration, perfectly timed to precede Guyana’s

M a s h r a m a n i f e s t i v i t i e s , promises a day filled with

s p i r i t e d c o m p e t i t i o n ,

c a m a r a d e r i e , a n d

e x c e p t i o n a l e x p e r i e n c e s both on and off the greens.

W h e t h e r y o u ’ r e a seasoned golfer or exploring the sport for the first time, this tournament offers an i n c l u s i v e a n

l Play format spans 18 holes, ensuring a challenging yet

enjoyable experience for participants across all skill levels.

Managing Director of Ansa McAL, Troy Cadogan said, “Ansa McAL has been sponsoring this tournament for the last ten years and we will continue to do so. We’ve been sponsoring it under the various company brands, this year we are sponsoring

under our Glenmorangie Whiskey Brand which is distributed by Ansa McAL Trading Limited. Known for i t s e x q u i s i t e r a n g e o f w h i s k i e s , G l e n m o r a n g i e offers a sensory journey from the delicate notes of the Original 12 Years Old to the rich complexities of the 18 Y e a r s O l d I n f i n i t a Participants and guests will h a v e t h e e x c l u s i v e opportunity to savor these distinguished spirits, adding a touch of sophistication to

the day’s festivities.” P a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l compete for a range of

p r e s t i g i o u s a w a r d s , including:

% Best Net in Each F l i g h t : R e c o g n i z i n g t o p performers across different skill categories.

% Overall Best Gross Score: Honoring the player with the lowest total score.

% Nearest to the Pin: Test your precision on Hole #4.

Golf Extravaganza

Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will be hosting the Ansa McAL Pre-Mash Golf Tournament on Saturday, February 22 sponsored under their Glenmorangie Whiskey Brand.

% L o n g e s t D r i v e : Showcase your power on Hole #5. The tournament is more than a competition; it’s a c e l e b r a t i o n o f s p o r t , community, and culture. Lgc w

partake in this exceptional event, whether as players or spectators, and to immerse themselves in the dynamic atmosphere that defines the Lusignan Golf Club.

S e c u r e y o u r s p o t b y c o n t a c t i n g t h e L u s i g n a n G o l f C l u b a t 2 2 0 - 5 6 6 0

Registration closes promptly a t 1 : 0 0 P M o n F r i d a y, February 21, 2025.

Players are to assemble at their designated tee boxes by 12:30 PM on tournament day The official start will be signaled by a horn or siren.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for approximately 5 : 3 0 P M , f o l l o w i n g t h e conclusion of play

competition is expected when

Keen

the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) host the Ansa McAL Pre-Mash Tournament on Saturday.

Sports

Lusignan Golf Club Announces the 2025 Ansa McAL Pre-Mash Golf Extravaganza

Guyana U-20 Women’s squad arrives in Antigua for Concacaf Qualifiers

BCB strengthens Executive body as moves made to improve cricket structure

Guyana boys team selected for 2025

PAHF Jr Challenge

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, makes a presentation to Mainstay Goldstar FC’s Jermain Ralph. Also in the photo is veteran journalist, Allan La Rose.

Mainstay Goldstar FC receives NSC support ahead of GFF Elite League debut

Nkosi Saul controls under pressure.