Kaieteur News

China says not interfering in Guyana and Venezuela border controversy

ByRenaySambach

China’s Deputy Chief of Mission to Guyana, Huang

Rui, has stated that China will not interfere in the Guyana and Venezuela bordercontroversy

The diplomat was at the time addressing reporters during a press briefing hosted at the Chinese

Embassy in Georgetown on Wednesday He said China maintains a strict policy of non-

China’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Guyana, Huang Rui

interference in other countries’internalaffairs.“If you actually follow the Chinese foreign policies, all those policies, as long as possible,youwillsee,firstof all, we never intervene in internalaffairsofanynation. The second principle is we always respect [other countries] sovereignty and territorial, that’s all,” Rui added.

China’s remarks came amid heightened tensions between Guyana and Venezuela over the longstanding border controversy regarding the resource-rich Essequibo region, which spans over two-thirds of Guyana’slandmass.

The Guyana-Venezuela border controversy is c

he InternationalCourtofJustice (ICJ). Despite a December 2023 agreement between President Ali and

Venezuelan President Maduro committing to regional peace, on March 1, 2025, a Venezuelan naval vessel entered Guyana’s waters and approached Exxon’s Prosperity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel operating in the oil-rich Stabroek Block and radioed thattheFPSOwasoperating indisputedterritory

The Stabroek Block is operated by American oil major ExxonMobil, which holds a 45 per cent interest, Hess with 30 per cent, and ChinaNationalOffshoreOil Corporation (CNOOC), a Chinese state-owned entity, with a 25 per cent stake. Rui’s remarks were in response to questions about whether CNOOC’s offshore presence signalled broader Chinese involvement, particularly in the face of Venezuela’saggression.

The Government of Guyana has insisted on the ICJ’s role in providing a

conclusive judgment on the matter, noting that it has no intention of having direct dialogue with the Nicolas Maduro regime regarding thebordercontroversy

In 1899, Guyana (then British Guiana) and Venezuela participated in an ArbitralAward,conclusively settling their border, including the Essequibo territory as part of Guyana. However, prior to Guyana’s independence, Venezuela revived the border controversy

This led to the establishment of the 1966 GenevaAgreement,alegally binding instrument addressing the controversy overthe1899ArbitralAward and the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.

The agreement’s Article IV outlined a procedure for mandatorysettlement. If bilateral negotiations failed,bothcountriesagreed to refer the matter to the United Nations Secretary General Initially, the SecretaryGeneralemployed the good offices mechanism to facilitate a mutually satisfactory settlement. Despite over 20 years of engagement between Guyana and Venezuela, this process yielded no progress. Consequently, the Secretary General declared the failure of the good offices process. According to Article IV of the Geneva Agreement, the nextstepwastheselectionof a new means of dispute resolution.

The Secretary General optedforlitigationbeforethe International Court of Justice.

In March 2018, Guyana submitted an application to the ICJ, seeking a final and binding judgment on the validity of the 1899Arbitral Award and the boundary betweenthetwoStates.

Venezuela objects to newest FPSO in Guyana’s Stabroek Block

TheGovernmentof Venezuelaisonce againobjectingto exploration activities by Guyana in the Stabroek block,accusingthenationof illegally traversing and exploring its maritime area with the arrival of its One Guyana Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

The Venezuelan Government, in a statement

f r o m C a r a c a s o n Wednesday, noted that “the arrival and eventual operation of the FPSO vessel One Guyana in the so-called Stabroek Block constitutesanillegalaction

In the statement, the Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela said that it categorically rejected the act,asitconcernsamaritime area yet to be delimited, where Venezuela maintains historical and legitimate rights.

“Th

d b y t h e Government of Guyana in alliance with ExxonMobil, constitutes a violation of fundamental principles of international law, which require the State to refrain from adopting unilateral measures in areas without agreed delimitation By persisting in this conduct, Guyana demonstrates a b

international law and the commitments made in the

2023 Argyle Agreement, recklessly endangering regionalpeaceandstability.”

Further, the release added that Venezuela does not recognise any

Biker badly injured after car jumps intersection

A42-year-oldmotorcyclistwasseriously injured in the early hours of Wednesday morning following a collision at the intersection of Camp and Norton Streets, Georgetown.

The injured man has been identified as Andrew Simpson, of Lot 3 Providence, East Bank Demerara. The accident occurred around 01:00 hrs and involved motorcycle CN 9518, which Simpson was riding, and a motor car bearing registration number PAC 9667, owned and driven by Christopher Washington.

Accordingtoapolicereport,Washington was travelling west along the southern drive lane of Norton Street.As he approached the intersection, he reportedly failed to stop while proceeding north along the western drivelaneofCampStreet.

concession granted in the area and warned companies involved that they may be subject to legal action and will have no rights to the illegallyexploitedresources.

“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to peace,butwillfirmlydefend its sovereign rights and will not accept provocations or faits accomplis,” the statementadded.

threateningly via radio communication that FPSO Prosperity was operating in Venezuela’s exclusive economic zone, before c o n t i n u i n g i n a southwesterly direction towards other FPSOs, to which it delivered the same message.

territorialsea,andsovereign rights beyond 12 nautical miles in the Exclusive Economic Zone and the continentalshelf.

As a result of the impact, Simpson was thrownintotheair,landedonthefrontofthe car, and then fell onto the road surface, sustaining multiple injuries. Police also noted, “The motorcyclist was not wearing a safetyhelmetatthetimeoftheaccident.”

Subsequently, an ambulance was summoned to the scene and Simpson was pickedupinaconsciousstatebyemergency medical technicians and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s AccidentandEmergencyUnit.Heislistedin stable condition Notices of intended prosecution were served on both drivers as investigationsintotheincidentcontinue.

“Thecarfailedtostopattheintersection of Camp and Norton Street, driving into the path of motorcycle CN 9518, which was proceedingsouthalongtheeasterndrivelane of Camp Street, and a collision occurred,” policesaidinastatement.

This is the second time within the last four months that Venezuela has issued warning to Guyana over petroleum exploration work doneintheStabroekBlock.

OnMarch1,Venezuelan Naval Vessel ABV Guaiqueiri PO-11-IMO

4 6 9 5 5 2 s a i l e d approximately700metresin Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone near FPSO Prosperity, which was operating lawfully under a licence issued by the GovernmentofGuyana.

The Venezuelan naval vessel communicated

As a result the Government of Guyana sent a formal complaint to the Government of Venezuela, remindingVenezuelathatall activities which the Government of Guyana has authorised to be undertaken in its Exclusive Economic Zone are entirely within the maritime areas appurtenant to the sovereign coastal territory of Guyana, as defined by the Arbitral Award of 1899, which established the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela consistent with well-established principles of international law in respectofthismaritimearea.

Guyana enjoys sovereignty upto12nauticalmilesinthe

The Government of Guyana had further remindedtheGovernmentof Ve n e z u e l a o f i t s international obligations under general international law, the United Nations CharterandtheOrderissued bytheInternationalCourtof JusticeonDecember1,2023 which states: (1) Pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby the Cooperative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control over that area; and (2) Both Parties shallrefrainfromanyaction which might aggravate or extendthedisputebeforethe court or make it more difficulttoresolve.

The newest FPSO, One Guyana

KaieteurNews

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

NGSA and our schools

Thousandsofourchildrenthisweekarewritingtheir “SixthGradeAssessmentExaminations”.

Thisannualriteofpassageisamajoreventthathas been given a very prominent place in our national psyche. This is at it should be: for our nation, the graduatesofthis“Assessment”representourcollective hope, our future. The most valuable resource of any countryisnotitsgoldordiamondsoritsfactoriesbutits people.Butlikeallresources,itisnowacceptedthatthey must be developed for them – and the society they collectivelyconstitute–toachievetheirinnatepotential. Education is what develops our people resource: not necessarilythenarrowcrammingoffactsandfiguresor thechurningoutofbodiestobecomecogsofindustrial productionbutthecreationofindividualswhocanbest fulfiltheirinalienablehumanity

In preparing our citizens for living more fulfilling lives, governments utilise the educational system and strive to include in the curriculum and in its teaching practice, those forms of knowledge and methodologies thatarein accordancewith theethos of thesociety We must reiterate, as we have done in the past, that in the primaryschoollevelherewehaveacurriculumthatwe can all be proud of. It encompasses not just the three “R's” – reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic – but a very comprehensive coverage of a wide range of topics covered under the rubric of “Social Studies and Science”.Wearewillingtohazardthatifanyadulttoday weretothoroughlygothroughtheknowledgebasethat is required nowadays to pass the Sixth Grade AssessmentExamination,thatindividualwouldbewell preparedtodealwithmostoftheencountersineveryday life.

Notwithstanding, the education system here is fraughtwithproblems.Thereremaingrowingconcerns aboutdeviancy,indisciplineandbullying,asschoolsare increasinglybecominghotbedsofviolence.Thismaybe due to a series of factors, not least among them the impact of social media. The very social media perpetrates the most intimate problems in schools and broadcasts them. This distraction leads children away fromtheiracademicpursuits.

Our schools have had too many situations deteriorating into raw anger, with some levels of violencebeingpartofanalarmingmix.Previously,there were instances of the unthinkable, where parents threw alldecorumoutofthewindow,soughtoutteachersinthe classroomorwiderschoolenvironment,andpummeled them.Teachersthemselves,theguardiansofouryoung, have sometimes taken matters into their own hands, either to defend themselves or to retaliate against attackers.Regardlessofthecircumstances,andwhowas right and who wrong, the unacceptable and the outrageous have resulted, which could only have been damagingtovulnerableminds.

Inrecentweeks,therehasbeenaflurryoftroubling incidents in our schools. A child was forced to drink bleachbyherpeers,othersbeatenatschoolsontheWest DemeraraandeveninGeorgetown.Thisisnotthebest learning environment for nurturing the little ones, the slowly developing wave of Guyana's future.Traumatic is the word that comes to mind, and the bullied and victimized are not the only ones impacted, especially when the unthinkable arrests the entire nation in the worstwaypossible.

Stop misusing 10-day workers

DearEditor, It is with a heavy heart and growing concern that I write to address a deeply troubling issue that should alarm every right-thinking citizen of our country Reports have emerged that ten workers are held against their will and coerced into attending political meetings organized by the People's Progressive Party (PPP) Even more disheartening is the revelation that some of these individuals were forced to abandon their personal obligations and responsibilities ne reportedly even being pregnant and still made to carryoutpartyduties. This is not just an inconvenience or an internal issue. This is outright abuse of power It is exploitative,

DearEditor, I noted a letter titled ‘ switched fromAPNU to the PPP/C,’ written by Shaun Smith,StabroekNews,April 16,2025.

In a free world, even where information is

unjust, and inhumane. No citizen, regardless of political belief, economic status, or employment situation, should be treated as a political pawn to serve the interests of any political entity

Theworkplaceshouldbe a space where individuals can earn a living, contribute meaningfully, and maintain theirdignity

Instead, what we are seeing is a disturbing trend where loyalty is being demandedunderduress,and where fear, manipulation, and obligation are being weaponizedtobuildpolitical crowds and showmanship. Such tactics undermine the veryprinciplesofdemocracy andgoodgovernance.

It is especially egregious that individuals with

personal and even medical obl

gations, such as pregnancy, are not being spared from these coercive acts.Whatmessagedoesthis sendtooursociety?

That political optics are more important than human dignity?

That party allegiance o

freedom?

Let u

r: participation in political activities must be voluntary and guided by personal conviction,notintimidation, pressure, or fe

victimization. Any form of compulsion is a violation of basic human rights and democraticnorms.

The purpose of schools is to educate children, prepare them for work and to make meaningful contributions to the development of the country by equippingthemwiththenecessaryskillsandattitudeto be productive, successful and decent citizens. A good education is the key to a prosperous and bright future. Indeed, with a proper education, many Guyanese were able to obtain good jobs, successful careers and even owning their own businesses. We wish all our Sixth Gradestudentstheverybestintheir“Assessments”.

DearEditor, Undoubtedly, the social death theory conceptualised by sociologist Orlando Patterson is applicable in analysing the extant conditions of AfroGuyanese.

Patterson theorises that an ethnic group becomes helplessinsocietywhenthey are consistently excluded from significant economic, social and cultural engagements.

In Guyana, there seems to exist discriminatory practices, policies, political rhetoric and institutional negligence that reinforce historical patterns of e x c l u s i o n a n d disenfranchisement, factors thatenablesocialdeath. Racial strife and tension are very much part of Guyana’ colonial legacy Consequently, the political socialisation and affiliation of the masses are influenced bythislegacy

S i n c e g a i n i n g independence, political power has been rotated between two race-based parties: the Afro-led PNC, alongwiththeAPNU+AFC and the Indo-led PPP/C There have been complaints of discrimination emanating

The abuse of State resources or authority to further political agendas erodes public trust, dehumanizes individuals, and corrupts the institutions meant to serve the people. This issue must be investigated thoroughly, and those responsible must be held to account. We cannot allow this kind of exploitation to become a normalized part of our political culture. It sets a dangerous precedent and undermines everything we claim to stand for as a developing and democratic nation.

Pity the man blinded by glitter

withheld from the public, Mr.Smithisentitledtohave that letter written. I will maketwocomments.

First, pity the man who was blinded by glitter and pitythemanwho isperched on the precipice of not knowing or understanding allofthecircumstances.

Wemustdrawa line.Let us speak for those who feel voiceless,forthosewhofear reprisal, and for the many who suffer in silence. Our people deserve better They deserve the right to choose freelyandwithoutfear

Sincerely, RayRampersaud

Second,Idon’knowthat I know this gentleman, but his name suggests he may h a v e a C h r i s t i a n background Let us not forgetthatJesusofNazareth had twelve disciples. One doubted him, one denied him, and one betrayed him forthirtypiecesofsilver

Amen!Amen!Amen!

Goodluck,Mr Smith. HamiltonGreen, Elder

THE RISE OF THE SCRAPE

fromvariousethnicgroupsat different times. It is not unusual for governments to dismiss these claims as baseless. For instance, there have been many accusations of marginalisation against Afro Guyanese during Jagdeo’ time in office, and things have only seemed to worsen since the chaotic 2020 elections that brought the PPP/C back into power Still, it’ interesting to note that a few Afro Guyanese have been seen openly supporting the PPP/C at variouspoliticalevents.

This tactic has not lessened claims of racial discrimination; rather, it has increasedoppressedpeople's animosity toward those who supporttheregime.Thedata unequivocally shows that Indo-Guyanese supporters

o f t h e P P P / C a r e disproportionately given State contracts, important government positions, and public sector jobs, perpetuating a patronage system that alienates AfroGuyanese who reject all forms of subjugation and oppression Emphatically, Patterson's notion of social death, in which a group is either invisible in the political and bureaucratic

sphere or makes little contribution, is mirrored in the absence of meaningful r e p r e s e n t a t i o n i n governance.

Historically, AfroGuyanese who are primarily based in urban and periurbanareasareemployedby Stateagencies,includingthe disciplined services and government ministries

However, because of the PPP/C discriminatory practices,partyloyalistsnow occupied the most senior positions in the bureaucracy anddisciplinedservices.Itis apt to note that Afroc o m m u n i t i e s a r e underserved and often receive developmental benefits after their Indo counterparts.

Generally, Indo communitieseasilyenjoythe advantages of State resources and development. Such a discriminatory measure reinforces social death by limiting mobility and sustaining poverty cycles.

Arguably, psychological warfare and cultural erasure are some ways that social deathworks.

While Indo-Guyanese holidays are officially sanctioned, Afro-Guyanese

culturalexpressions,suchas Emancipation Day celebrations, though officially sanctioned, are frequently sabotaged by the governmentviatheintrusion ofrivalorganisationssuchas APAD. Militant and vocal Afro-Guyanese are further stigmatised by official rhetoricthatusuallyportrays them as opposition troublemakers.

A sense of helplessness and alienation, two essential elementsofsocialdeath,are cultivated by this delegitimization.

State-sanctioned neglect is more glaring in AfroGuyanese strongholds such as Georgetown and Linden. Policebrutalityagainstmale Afro-Guyanese youths is still a problem, and inadequate housing, poor social services, poor sanitation, and increased crime are all ignored P o i n t e d l y , t h e s e communities' social mortalityisreinforcedbythe State's systemic neglect in failing to safeguard and improvethem.

The uneducated, violent, mindless, and credulous group of young people knownas"scrapes,"or (Continueonpage6)

Shuman backs GECOM's non-renewal of legal officer's contract

DearEditor,

The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) issues the following statement on r e c e n t j u d i c i a l developments, the conduct of the Guyana Elections Commission(GECOM),and the critical need to uphold democratic values ahead of the 2025 General and RegionalElections:

The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) welcomes the recentrulingbyActingChief Justice Roxane George, whichunequivocallyaffirms that there is no statutory or constitutional requirement for Guyanese citizens to resideatafixedaddresstobe eligibleforregistrationorto vote.

This landmark decision protects the fundamental rights of all Guyanese, whether residing at home or abroad,tofullyparticipatein the democratic process and rejects the APNU/AFC’ backdoor attempt at houseto-house registration –a matter that has been e x t e n s i v e l y a n d conclusivelyadjudicated.

The ruling is a sound rejection of efforts by the APNU+AFC coalition to disenfranchise voters and restrict access to the electoralrollundertheguise of reform. It sends a clear message that voter suppression tactics will find no support in law, and that Guyana remains committed toaninclusivedemocracy The LJP further expresses its full confidence in the leadership of the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM), especially Chairperson Justice (Ret’) Claudette Singh. Justice Singh has served this nation with integrity, impartiality, and unshakable commitment to theruleoflaw.

Her stewardship of GECOMduringandafterthe turbulent2020electionswas instrumental in protecting thesanctityoftheballotand preventingthederailmentof Guyana’democraticorder

Despite baseless attacks and personal vilification, Justice Singh has stood firmly for fairness and t

Commission’ decision to part ways with its legal officer, Mr Kurt Da Silva, f

GECOM’positioninacourt oflaw,isfurtherevidenceof itsresolvetoupholdinternal a

ity and professionalethics.

Since2020,GECOMhas taken decisive steps to strengthenitsoperationsand improve public trust, improvedtrainingofpolling staff, upgraded IT systems,

education campaigns. These reforms must be supported, notsabotaged.

Regrettably, the Liberty and Justice Party notes with

destabilising behaviour by the APNU+AFC coalition. Their actions in the lead-up to, and aftermath of, the March 2020 elections, i

en falsification of tabulated results, manipulation of the Region Four vote, defiance of local and international

Guyana was ahead of its time

DearEditor,

It was very encouraging toseethegrantsgiventoour youths for their future endeavours in the green economy A recent study of the human brain conducted by the University of New Mexico showed a large magnitude of microplastics beingpresent. The equivalent of a disposable spoon (7 grams on average). This is an increase of 50% from eight yearsprior.

The presence of microplastics has been found in the bloodstream, the placenta and also in the first stool of babies (Reference: TCD article by KritikshaSharmafromApril 14th).

Inthenot-so-distantpast, Guyana did not have a large garbage problem as it does today In Guyana, we used paperbagsandreusablebags instead of one-use plastic

bags,andweusedcardboard food containers instead of styrofoam containers. Many would say that Guyana was ahead of its time.Today, we see many first-world countries implementing these practices of reusable bags and the use of paper bags. Thepaperandcardboard are biodegradable, and the risk of microplastics getting intothebodyissignificantly reduced. Asthecountrycontinues its development of the oil and gas sector while balancing this pursuit with thedevelopmentofthegreen economy, we must allow ourselvestostayaheadofthe mistakes of the larger economies.

Avoiding the health issues that microplastics create by reverting to biodegradable products and recyclingourplasticwasteis a must. Good luck to the

observer missions, and frivolous, embarrassing abuseofthejudicialsystem, constituted an outright assault on Guyana’ democracy

Therecordsshowthatall the observer teams, including those from the Organisation of American States (OAS), CARICOM, the Commonwealth, and the E u r o p e a n U n i o n , documented and denounced theseefforts.Haditnotbeen for the courage of the judiciary, civil society, and committed public servants, Guyana may have faced an u n p r e c e d e n t e d constitutionalcrisis.

Rather than accept the lessonsof2020,thePNC-led coalitioncontinuestopursue a scorched-earth political strategy rooted in ethnic polarisation, judicial obstruction,andinstitutional sabotage.

Theirfrivolouslawsuits, misinformation campaigns, and deliberate attempts to cast doubt on the credibility ofGECOMarerecklessand dangerous.

The time has come for belligerentoppositionforces to abandon the politics of deception, abandon the narrative of perpetual grievance, abandon the unabated assault on our country’ democratic architecture, and transition into the fold of collective responsibilityandrespectfor theConstitutionandthewill ofthepeople.

All patriotic Guyanese mustcoalescetoforceanend to this kind of destructive politics.We must denounce, reject and vanquish these persistent divisive and antidemocratic tactics by the PNC-led coalition, and createthebreathingroomfor ourbelovedcountrytomove forward.

The Liberty and Justice Party urges all political forces to act with restraint, responsibility, and respect for the institutions that safeguardourRepublic.

We call on civil society, themedia,andtheelectorate toremainvigilant,informed, andengagedwiththecorrect course of democracy and

historyasweprepareforthe 2025elections.

Let there be no doubt: GECOM is constitutionally mandatedandinstitutionally capable of delivering credible elections. Attempts to destabilise the Commission or delegitimise its leadership must be resistedbyallright-thinking Guyanese.

Our democracy, hardfoughtandhard-won,cannot andmustnotbethecasualty of reckless anti-nationalist and selfish partisan ambition.

The future of Guyana depends on our collective ability to uphold the rule of law, defend constitutional order,andprotecttherightof every citizen to cast their vote freely and fairly, as we so powerfully demonstrated in2020.

The Liberty and Justice Party stands firmly in that defence.

Regards, Lenox R. O. Shuman, Mr Chairman –Liberty and JusticeParty

THE RISE OF THE...

winners of the grants. Your impact and influence can be verybeneficialforthehealth ofyourfellowGuyanese.

The RDCs, NDCs, Amerindian Village Councils, the Mayors, Deputy Mayors and the Town Councils around the country also have a major role to play in successfully implementing such an initiative. Central government can also aid by placing import restrictions on plastic bags, styrofoam and other one-use plastic products. After all, no one wantstoseeanewborncome into the world contaminated by microplastics that can hamper their development andhealth.

Nor do we want our currentcitizensbecomingill due to the plastic contamination in our environment.

Bestregards, Mr JamilChanglee

Frompage4 "scrape-heads," are the result of Afro-Guyanese people's economic, social, andculturalmarginalization. Numerous people have arguedthatthisphenomenon is a reaction to the AfroGuyanese's social demise. Sinceviceshavebeenshown to manifest in Afro communities at the expense of shared values and customs, this is in fact upsetting.Inthefuture,Afro leadersmuststrivediligently tomitigatetheconsequences

ofsocialdeathbyadvocating forbettersocialservicesand representation.

The theory of social

understanding how Afro-

systematically marginalized under the PPP/C regime. C u l t u r a l e r a s u r e , institutional brutality, economic neglect, and political exclusion all contribute to the situation where Afro-Guyanese peoplearetreatedassecond-

class citizens in their own nation To address this, Guyana's ethnopolitical d y n a m i c s m u s t fundamentally change, in additiontopolicychangesto guaranteefairrepresentation and justice for all ethnic groups.

Thethreatofsocialdeath willcontinuetoplagueAfroGuyanese in the absence of such reforms, sustaining cycles of division and disenfranchisement.

LelonSaul, LtCol(Ret’)

China will not sit idly by as US weaponizes tariffs – Diplomat

China's Deputy Chief of Mission

i n G u y a n a , Huang Rui, has slammed the United States government for what he described as a one-sided tariff war, accusing Washington of using trade measures as a weapon to pressure other countries.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Rui warned that China will not stand by while its interests, or the rules of international trade, are threatened “Trade war or tariff war, I think it is a onesided war China doesn't want to create any war,” Rui stated. He went on to accuse the US of using tariffs as a tool of economic pressure againstitstradingpartners.

The diplomat made it clear that China would defend its national interests and the integrity of global tradesystemsifchallenged.

“China is not one to fight these wars, but is not scared of them. We will not sit idly by when the Chinese people's legitimate rights and interests are on the line or when the international trade rules or multilateral trade regime are sacrificed,” he warned. His comments come at a time when the

thattheissuecanberesolved withinthatperiod.

announced a 38% reciprocal tariff on Guyanese goods enteringtheUnitedStates. However, the reciprocal tariffiscurrentlyona90-day pause.

The Government of Guyana has welcomed this pause and expressed hope

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo explained that the move was not unexpected, g i v e n

T r u m p campaigned on addressing trade imbalances between

countries. Further, he noted thatinGuyana'scase,theUS

trade figures suggest a substantial trade surplus as Guyana exports more to the US than it imports, while Guyana's data differs significantly As a result, he assured Guyanese exporters that the government will seek to clarify the difference in the trade surplus data with the

aim of potentially lowering thetariff.

“So,clearlythereisroom for us to work with the US partners to clarify this information,” Jagdeo said. He had assured exporters that the government will work with them to mitigate the impact of the tariff and noted that there is no need to panic.

He said, “I want to assure all of our exporters that we'll work with them as we learn more of the issue. We will be meeting with them, working with them to ensurethattheycancontinue toaccesstheUSmarketsand other markets in the world and they will have the full supportofthegovernmentof Guyanaandsothatwedonot lose economic, welfare, or welfare associated with the loss of economic output, this is like people losing jobs etcetera in the export industries.”

43% road fatalities in 2025 were motorcyclists - President Ali

─ calls for more caution by bikers, other road users

President Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, revealed that 43 per cent of road fatalities recorded so far for 2025 involved motorcyclists, with 72 per cent of those victims not wearing helmets at the timeoftheiraccidents.

The alarming statistics were disclosed in a Facebook post by the President, as he issued a call for increased caution among road users, particularly motorcyclists.

“I am appealing to all road users, especially motorcyclists, to exercise extreme caution on our roadways. So far this year, 43% of all road fatalities were motorcyclists, and of those who lost their lives, 72% were not wearing a helmet,” President Ali stated.

The president's post was made moments following the tragic death of a motorcyclist in an accident involving a truck on M a n d e l a A v e n u e , Wednesdayafternoon.

Further, less than 24 hours prior, two other motorcyclists were injured inseparateaccidents,neither of whom was wearing a safetyhelmet.

Despite efforts by the government to curb road fatalities through the implementation of the eticketing system and speed

m o n i t o r i n g m e t e r s , motorcyclists' deaths remain high. The government has also signalled its intention to amend aspects of Guyana's

traffic laws to address the issuemoreeffectively

One of the most recent deadly motorcycle accidents occurred on April 10 along the Nappi trail in Region Nine,whereamanidentified as Hamlette Henrico of Nappi Village lost his life, and two others were injured. Police reported that Henrico was riding at a fast rate and

was not wearing a helmet at thetimeoftheaccident. The crash involved motorcycle #CG 6196, owned and driven by Deon McDonald with pillion rider Evangelist G

y Henrico Investigations revealed that Henrico was heading south along the left

side of the Nappi trail at a high speed when McDonald, who was travelling west on thesametrail,approachedan intersectionandmadearight turn into Henrico's path withoutstopping.

Inanattempttoavoidthe crash, Henrico swerved, but both motorcycles collided, causing all three riders to be thrown off and injured. Henrico was pronounced deadatthescenebyanearby doctor.

In another incident on April 1, 25-year-old Joshua Ross of Industrial Area, Linden, died after his motorcycle collided with a car at the intersection of Amelia's Ward Public Road andToucanDrive.

At the time of the accident, Ross was

reportedly performing stunts, riding in a zig-zag motionandathighspeed.He was not wearing a helmet, and the motorcycle had no workinglights.

Police reported that the car was travelling north on the western lane of Toucan Drive and had stopped before attempting to cross thepublicroad.

The motorcycle then crashed into the front left side of the car, flinging Ross severalfeetfromthepointof impact. He landed on the northern parapet, sustained serious injuries, and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Linden Hospital Complex.

In late March, another motorcyclist, 43-year-old

Laikram Bandine of Fort Ordinance, East Canje, Berbice, died after colliding with a car driven by a senior policeofficer

The incident took place along Garson Road, East Canje. According to police, the vehicle was being driven by 43-year-old Police Superintendent and Deputy Commander of Regional Division 6, Ravindra Stanley

The officer was driving south at normal speed and hadsignalledtoturnleftonto Garson Road when Bandine, who was speeding and not wearing a helmet, lost control of his motorcycle andcollidedwiththeleftrear fenderofthecar

He was picked up in a semi-conscious state and takentotheNewAmsterdam Hospital, where he later died whilereceivingtreatment.

Another fatal case was that of 20-year-old Dellon Archer, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a January accident on the Edinburg Public Road, East BankBerbice.

The crash occurred on January 24 at around 19:40 hrs. Archer was reportedly speeding and not wearing a helmet when he slammed into the rear of a stationary car parked on the western side of the road near a shop. Securityfootageobtainedby Kaieteur News showed Archer being flung off his motorcycle and landing face down on the parapet a distance away from the car He died from his injuries on March1.

Aftermath of the Nappi Trail accident involving Hamlette Henrico

Joshua Ross, who died while performing stunts with a bike

Dead: 20-year-old Dellon Archer

China's Deputy Chief of Mission in Guyana, Huang Rui

US President Donald Trump Source: Getty / Chip Somodevilla

BLUNT BLUNT

Ramson must go

Guyanesehavebeenprotestingeveryweekforgreater accesstopublicinformationandfortheremovalof theCommissionerofInformation,CharlesRamson. Guyanahasknownnoothercommissionerof informationsincetheAccesstoInformationActwas enactedherein2011.Ramson,aformerattorney general,hasbeenatotalfailure,deliveringnothing toGuyanesewhoseektheservicesofhisoffice,but thecurrentadministrationseemsunbothered.

This,however,isnotsurprisingtomany,especially thoseinthemedia,becausethePPP/Chasbeen notoriousforduckingandhidingimportant informationfromthepublic,andsomeonelike Ramsonistheperfectservantfortheirpolicy.

ThePPP/C,especiallyBharratJagdeo,haslong viewedfreedomofinformationasathreat-his recordofsuppressingmediafreedoms,threatening andinsultingjournalistsandmediahousesiswell documented.Throughouthistenure,althoughitwas underhispresidencythattheactcameintobeing, hedidnothingtoensurethatitworked.

IsraelsaysitstroopswillremaininGazaindefinitely

…more than 30 killed in strikes on Wednesday

(ALJAZEERA) Israel’s defence minister says that Israeli troops will remain in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria indefinitely, as the military tightens its grip on several occupiedterritories.

More than 30 people were killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza Wednesday, medical sources told Al Jazeera.

The victims include a Palestinianjournalistand10 members of her family who were killed in an Israeli air strike that targeted their homeinGazaCity

“Unlike in the past, the [Israeli military] is not

evacuating areas that have been cleared and seized,”

Israel Katz said in a statement on Wednesday

Thearmy“willremaininthe security zones as a buffer between the enemy and [Israeli] communities in any temporary or permanent situation in Gaza – as in LebanonandSyria”,saidthe statement.

The military said that it had turned 30 percent of Gazaintoa“security”buffer zone and struck around 1,200 “terror targets” since resuming its offensive on March18,followinganearly two-month truce in Gaza

with the Palestinian group Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to annihilate Hamas and return 59 captives being held by armed groups in Gaza, including 24 who Israel believes are alive Hamas has said it will not agree to release the captives without a complete Israeli withdrawalfromGazaanda lastingceasefire.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group on Wednesday released a video of captive Rom Braslavski He appearedtobeunderduress, saidhewascoveredinsores,

andpleadedwithNetanyahu to stop the war The main organisation representing captives’ families accused the Israeli government in a statement of “choosing to

seize territory before the hostages”.

Israel says it must maintain control of what it calls “security zones” to prevent a repeat of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack in which some 1,139 people were killed and 250 others were abducted – includng captives who have already beenreleasedbyHamas,and those still being held by the group.

Netanyahu also has said that Israel will implement US President Donald Trump’s proposal for the resettlement of much of Gaza’s population in other countries through what Netanyahu refers to as “voluntary emigration” Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said that Israel’s continued presence in some areas of southern Lebanon was “hindering” the Lebanese army’s full deployment as required by the ceasefire between HezbollahandIsrael.

According to the deal signed in November, which ended more than a year of war, both parties agreed to withdraw from southern Lebanon and leave the area to be controlled by the Lebanese army However, Israel only partially pulled out its troops from the country’s south, leaving soldiers in at least five locations.

Lebanon’s Health

Ministry said two Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon killed two people onWednesday IsraelistrikesinLebanon have killed more than 70 civilians since the ceasefire took effect in November Israel also established several military posts inside Syrianterritory,includingon the summit of Mount Hermon, after warplanes launchedhundredsofstrikes in the aftermath of the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Israeli government immediately revealed its position towards the new Syrian government led by the former opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), calling it “a terror

Israel has restricted Palestinians’ access to roughly two-thirds of the besieged Gaza Strip

group from Idlib that took Damascusbyforce”,andhas since refused to withdraw fromtheterritoriesitseized.

‘Nohumanitarianaid’to enterGaza

Katz said in a statement onXthatIsrael’spolicywas “clear”. “No humanitarian aid will be allowed into Gaza,” the defence minister said on Wednesday Preventing humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza Strip “is one of the main pressure tools that stops Hamas from using this means against the population,”headded.

“Inthecurrentreality,no one is going to allow any humanitarian aid into Gaza, and no preparations are being made to allow any aid of this kind.” Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar echoed this position, saying, “the despicable murderers in G a z a d e s e r v e n o humanitarian assistance fromanycivilianormilitary mechanism.”

“Only hellfire should be poured on the makers of terrorism until the last hostage returns from Gaza,” Zohar said on X. Israeli authorities have blocked all aid from entering Gaza for more than six weeks, worsening the already catastrophic humanitarian situationinGaza.

The United Nations on Wednesday rejected a new authorisation mechanism that purported to introduce greater control over aid delivery in Gaza by Israeli forces, stating that aid organisations already had a mechanism in place to ensurethataidisnotdiverted toHamas.“Aiddeliveryinto Gaza has for too long been obstructed,” the UN said, addingitsteamswere“ready todeliverassistancetothose most in need based on humanitarian principles” Meanwhile, Israeli air raids continued on Wednesday, withatleast25peoplekilled in attacks across Gaza PalestinianjournalistFatima Hassouneh and 10 members of her family were killed in an Israeli air strike that targeted their home in Gaza City

Hope is what you rely on when you do not have a plan

Idon't know about you, but I've never been comforted by something named “Hope” during a flood It's like calling a leaky lifeboat “Faith” and rowing into a hurricane. Yet, here we are again—standing beside the spectre of knee-deep water withourbootsfilledandour spiritssoaked—learningthat the government is building moreHope-likecanals.

One in the Canals' Polder, two in Region 6. Because if one Hope Canal didn't quite do the trick, maybe three more will do absolutely nothing three times faster Now, don't get mewrong.

I'm not against canals. I like canals. They're long, they're wet, they go places. Venice has canals and gondolasandwine.Wehave canals and floodwaters and weeds. But I'm beginning to think that maybe just maybe our government buildstheseHopeCanalsnot becausethey'reeffective,but because they come with catchy press releases. “A Hope for Every Flood!” “Drainage with Dignity!”

“Don't Worry, It's Just a Bit ofMoistDemocracy!”

The last time I checked, the original Hope Canal—the granddaddy of them all—was supposed to save us from another Great Flood. It was built with all the fanfare of a national holiday, complete with ribbon-cutting and a speech about well, you guessed it…hope.

The Dutch, incidentally, are the global royalty of water management. They live below sea level and yet manage not to drown on a dailybasis.

That's impressive. But when they came to Guyana

andtoldusweneededbetter data before building more drainage infrastructure, we apparentlynoddedinsolemn agreement and promptly ignoredthem.

The thing is, nobody seems to know if the Hope Canal has actually worked. Oh, sure, it's there. You can drive by and wave at it. But in 2021, when the rain gods went on a rampage, the East

Hope—was still so full it lookedlikeitwasoneangry raincloudawayfromsaying, “Tohellwiththisdam!”and flooding everything from Mahaica to Mon Repos Water had to be deliberately released into the farmlands to prevent disaster Asort of controlled sacrifice, like offering your crops to Neptune and hoping he sparestherest.

And now, in a glorious show of optimism, we're building more Hope-like canals, presumably with the samescientificrigourasone usestopicklotterynumbers. No feasibility studies, no hydrological modelling, no projections about rainfall and runoff, just vibes and a wholelotofexcavators. It's the engineering equivalent of closing your eyes,throwingaspongeinto apool,andhopingthewater goesaway

Let's consider the word “Hope” for a moment. It's not a plan. It's not even a strategy Hope is what you have when you don't have a plan. You hope the flood misses you. You hope the cropssurvive.

You hope the cows can swim. So when the government announces it is building another “Hopetype” canal, what I hear is, “We're out of ideas, but we

Dem Boys Seh...

stillhaveabudget.”

Meanwhile, the farmers in Region 6 and Region 3 don't need hope. They need relief.They need data.They need to know when it will rain, how much water will come, where it will go, and howfastitwilldrain.Thisis not Greek mythology—it's hydrology But in Guyana, water management has become a faith-based initiative.

This may sound harsh, but imagine being a farmer inBlackBushPolder,where everyyearislikeacointoss between feast and famine. You plant with your fingers crossed You harvest if you're lucky—with a canoe. And when the rain comes, it doesn't fall on the just and the unjust alike; it falls mostlyonthelowestpartsof the field and then sits there, grinning, while you lose everything.So,forgivemeif I'm sceptical that a canal namedHopewillfixwhatis essentially a scientific problem.

The Dutch, bless them, came and said what we all kind of suspected: you cannot manage water if you don'tunderstandit.Youneed sensors You need flood maps.You need models that predict what happens when rain falls here and drains there. And for all of those, youneeddata.Butwe,being who we are, decided that's too complicated. Why use science when we can use cement?

At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if the next plan involves building canals shaped like the word “HOPE” visible from space—soifthecanalsdon't work, at least the aliens will knowwetried.Soyes,build the canals. Hope away But know that all the excavators

Overtime nah pay

Lang ago when yuh use to wuk overtime,de company use to buy meal fuh yuh.Desedays,demprefertopayyuhwan mealallowancebecausesomepeopledon't gahdiscretion.

Once dem hear de company buying food,dembellydoessuddenlybecomelang unending hole. Dem does order de most expensivefoodandtwoandthreeservings. De meal does be more dan de over time. Andsomepeopledoesmalingerpundewuk justsoitcanreachdetimewhendemgatfuh getmealallowance.

Dehgatjurorsdoesgattogetmealstoo. And dem boys know dat even though de verdictreachveryquicklyitgatsomejuries does tek dem time just suh dem can get a meal.Overtimenahpaydesedays.Askdem securityguards.

Demoneysuhsmalldatdemdoesprefer

in the world can't replace a good spreadsheet. Until we investinthethinkingpartof infrastructure until we measure before we build, monitor after we build, and revise when we fail—we're just pouring money into ditches and calling it development.

The truth is, the government is not building

Hope-type canals. They're building “Fingers-Crossed” canals “Maybe-This-WillWork” canals “Don'tBlame-Us-If-It-Floods” canals.Andunlesstheystart grounding their flood mitigation strategy in actual science,theonlythingthat's really going to be drained, besides the land, is the nationaltreasury

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and d

n

t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

tobeathomerelaxingwithdemfamily But some ah dem security firms does insist dat demgattowukdoubleshift.

It mek dem boys remember de story of de boss dat come to work in a brand new MercedesBenz.Desecurityguardgooutto meetheandsay,“Wow!Datswanamazing car!

I wish ah had one just like it. It mussy cost yuh a fortune!” De boss turn to de securityguardandsay,“Yes,itdid.Andyuh knowsomething?

Next year, if yuh wuk really hard, and yuh put in yuh overtime, do your absolute best then maybe ”De employee, all excited fuh wuh coming next, say “yes…”

Debosslookintodeemployeeeyesandsay, “then maybe… I'll have another one next year.”

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

Politicians in houses of worship

Gold price jumps to US$3,300 per ounce

April 16 (Reuters)Gold prices extended their record run on Wednesday to breach$3,300perounce,asa weakerdollarandescalating U.S.-China trade tensions pushedinvestorstowardsthe safe-havenasset.

Spot gold climbed 3.1% to $3,327.97 an ounce as of 1:45 p.m. ET (1745 GMT), after hitting a record high of $3,332 89 earlier in the session.

U.S. gold futures gained 3.3%tosettleat$3,324.50.

“Gold remains heavily supported by a broadly weaker dollar, uncertainty aroundtariffannouncements and fears about a global recession,” said Lukman Otunuga, senior research analystatFXTM.

“Beyond $3,300, it’s all about psychological levels for gold prices. Bulls may target $3,400, $3,500, and upwards.However,aboutof profit-taking or positive U S - C h i n a t r a d e developmentscouldtriggera selloff.”

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered an investigation into possible tariffs on all U.S. critical minerals imports, marking another escalation in his dispute with global tradepartnersandanattempt topressureChina.

The latest flare-up of tensionsbetweentheworld’s two largest economies dented sentiment in wider financial markets, sending investors towards safehavenassetssuchasgold.

The dollar, meanwhile, slipped against its rivals to holdnearathree-yearlowhit lastweek,makinggoldmore attractive for other currency holders.

Gold has risen nearly $700 this year, supported by tariff disputes, expectations of interest rate cuts and strongcentralbankbuying.

“The rally has become a bit unhinged, leaving it at riskofcorrections.However, wehaveformorethanayear now seen corrections to be shallow, with underlying bids waiting on any

setbacks,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy atSaxoBank.

U.S. economic growth appears to be slowing, with consumer spending growing modestly, a rush of imports to avoid tariffs likely to weigh on estimates of gross domestic product, and

sentiment souring, U S Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, spot silver rose 1.7% to $32.85 an ounce, platinum gained 0 8% to $967 45, and palladium shed 0 1% to $970.42.

Gold bars are stacked in the safe deposit boxes room of the Pro Aurum gold house in Munich, Germany, January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Angelika Warmuth/File Photo

‘WECOMINGFORYOU’

…Nandlall

says Govt. to go after employers who fail to remit workers NIS contributions

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

Anil Nandlall said employers who deduct National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions from theiremployees’salariesbut fail to remit the funds to the entitywillfacethefullforce ofthelaw

Speaking during his weekly ‘Issues in the News’ programme, Nandlall emphasisedthatsuchactions are fraudulent and will be m e t w i t h l e g a l consequences “We have said very clearly and firmly thatoncewefindevidenceof employersdeductingmonies from employees for NIS

purposes and are not paying it over to NIS, they will be charged and prosecuted vigorously because that’s fraud.”

Nandlall admitted that the NIS remains one of the government’s most challenging institutions to manage, primarily due to two recurring issues. The first involves private sector workers whose employers deduct contributions from their salaries but fail to forward those sums to the NIS Nandlall expressed, “This is a tragedy.” As a result, many contributors do not meet the required 750 contributionstoqualifyfora pension “People are genuinelyhurtandrightfully so, when they have made their contributions and they now can’t get the rewards,” henoted.

The second major issue relates to poor recordkeeping, where some employers may have submitted payments but failed to properly transmit employee records. “It is a

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall

serious situation and a lot of people are affected,”

Nandlall said. “It is for that reason that we decided to amelioratethesituationnow I know that this is not the solution. Not everyone will be pleased. I also know that this is better than nothing, and we said that we’ll do some adjustments ” He emphasised that the initiative is what the government is able to do at thistime.

Last week, President Irfaan Ali announced that Guyanesewhohaveattained the age of 60 on or before December 31, 2024, but did not qualify for an NIS pension, will receive a onetimecashgrantrangingfrom $250,000 to $650,000. The initiative is backed by a $10 billion government allocation to the insurance

scheme and is aimed at offering relief to those affected. More than 25,000 senior citizens are expected to benefit, with payouts expected to begin soon. The president had also urged eligible individuals not yet on the NIS database to register promptly at their nearestNISoffice.

Theone-timecashgrants will be disbursed according to the number of NIS contributions an individual has made. Senior citizens whohavemadebetween500 and 749 contributions will receive the following oneoff payments: 500 to 549 contributions – $260,000; 550 to 599 contributions –$390,000; 600 to 699 contributions – $520,000 and persons who made 700 to 749 contributions –$650,000.

Biker killed after crashing into truck

Amotorcyclistlosthislifeon Wednesday afternoon, after he was involved in an accident, involving a motor lorry at MandelaAvenue.

Up to press time, the motorcyclist had not yet been identified However, reports indicatethathewasspeedingand attempted to ride between two motor lorries, colliding with the oneinfront.Moredetailswillbe providedinasubsequentreport.

The condition of the motorcycle after the accident

Linden gets aerial support from CDC to help contain sawmill fire

Linden Mayor

Sharma Solomon said the township is receiving aerial support from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), as efforts continue to contain the fire at the Waaldijk SawmillinLinden.

Speaking to Kaieteur News on Wednesday, Solomon explained that a helicopter is being used to

disperse water from overheadontoafewsporadic areas.

Heexpressedgratitudeto the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) for bringing the infernoundercontrol

“So that is the visual look of what things are,

however, the smoke, becausethey’vemanagedto control most of that flame, the material is still

c o m b u s t i b l e , n o t combustible, but it is still flammablefrominternalit’s

smokingalot,andthatisthe major concern now,” he explained

There were a number of agencies involved in the battle against the flames in thelastfewweeks,however, additional resources were requestedduetotheseverity ofthesituation.

Themayordisclosedthat fromtheonset,thetownship has been “seeking interventionandhelpbeyond the capacity of the local community, and I want to also say that capacity included not only the fire service, but also many organisations and private people who rendered assistance. It was outside of that capacity, and help was beingaskedfor.”

Though assistance was eventually given, it was not availableinatimelymanner, the mayor lamented. Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d)

The aircraft during its operations.

MarkPhillipsvisitedthesite on Tuesday The mayor said while it was much appreciated, he stressed that it should have been done at anearliertime,andnotwhen

gettinginvolved,istoensure that we have a medical assessment done in South Amelia’s Ward, where homes are looked at and peopleareforcedassessedto see their medical condition, and if the need is for evacuation of persons, becausewedon’tknowhow long this matter will last, in terms of the smoking, persons should be then providedwithsuchspacefor evacuation,”headded.

On Sunday, the mayor reported that elderly residents of South Amelia’s Ward have developed respiratory complications due to the smoke from the aftermath of the sawmill blaze.

there is thick smoke affecting almost 2,000 persons residing in South Amelia’sWard.

“So,ourfirstthing,aswe saw the government is now

Whilehecommendedthe Guyana Fire Service on the efforts taken to extinguish the blaze, he appealed to the Ministry of HomeAffairs to provide the necessary gear,

machinery and vehicles to the to the municipality so thatshouldasimilarincident occur in the future, Linden would be well equipped to handle it on their own, or containituntilhelparrivesif needed.

Pointing in the direction ofahomefromthesiteofthe fire, His Worship told his viewers that there is an “entire population of people downintothevalley,andit’s already causing significant respiratory issues for some veryelderlypeople.Infact,I got a call this morning from someone complaining about this So, this is now becoming something we now have to look at as we finish one catastrophe of the fire,wenowhavetogodown intothevalleyandlookatthe residents who are complaining about the dust, thesmoke,becausethisisnot goingawayanytimesoon.”

JerSweanyCalder,thedriverofthe carthatwascapturedbythespeedclock going at 152kM, was fined $40,000 when he appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’sCourtonWednesday Calder,whowasarrestedonApril8, 2025, also faced another charge of prohibitionoftintedglassandobscured identification mark. Police said Calder exceeded the speed limit along Mon Repos Public Road, East Coast Demerara(ECD),whiledrivingamotor car bearing registration number PAJ 4671.

HewasarraignedbeforeMagistrate AbigailGibbs.Calderpleadedguiltyto the two charges and was subsequently fined$7,000fortheprohibitionoftinted glass charge and $40,000 for the obscuredidentificationmarkcharge.

Govt. responds to BBC article on tariff First man nabbed by speed clock fined $47,000

The attention of the Government of Guyanawasdrawnearliertodaytoanarticle publishedon14April2025ontheBBCNews website headlined “Was China the reason GuyanafacedhigherTrumptariff?”authored byoneGemmaHandywho,itwouldappear, isafreelancejournalistbasedinAntiguaand Barbuda. The author of the article poses the question “Why had Guyana been facing a higherlevyinthefirstplace?”inconnection withthereciprocaltariffannouncedrecently bytheUSGovernment.

Ostensibly to find her answer, the author identifies a single Guyanese person to speak on the matter, an anti-Government socialmedia personality who is a professional beekeeper, anoints him as a political commentator, and proceeds to quote him extensively,includingassaying“theplanned high tariff showed Washington’s ire the USissaying‘ifyouwantourprotectionyou need to chase the Chinese out of your country’” The Government of Guyana wishes to draw Ms. Handy’s attention to a previous article published on 3 April 2025, also by the BBC News website under the headline “How were Donald Trump’s tariffs calculated?” in which a detailed explanation is provided on the methodology for calculatingthereciprocaltariff.

Thatarticleconcludedthat“ifyouunpick the formula above, it boils down to simple maths: take the trade deficit for the US in goodswithaparticularcountry,dividethatby thetotalgoodsimportsfromthatcountryand thendividethatnumberbytwo”.

The methodology for calculating the reciprocal tariff was also very helpfully published on the website of the US Trade Representative.

Here again, it was very transparently indicatedthattheformulafordeterminingthe tariffappliedtoeachcountryisbasedonthe tradebalancebetweentheUSandthecountry concerned, and that the formula does not include any variable to capture the relationship of the country concerned with anyothercountrywhatsoever

The Government of Guyana considers thatthebaselessspeculationcontainedinthe aforementioned article by Gemma Handy is mischievous and irresponsible, it falls short of the BBC’s customary high standard of journalistic excellence, and it is particularly egregiousgiventhatthemethodologicalbasis for the tariff computation has been widely availableinthepublicdomainforweeksnow and has been published by the BBC News websiteitselfnearlytwoweeksago.

(DepartmentofPublicInformation)

Defendant Jer Sweany Calder

Jer Sweany Calder’s car

Nandlall accuses Alexander of misleading UN Forum on state of Afro-Guyanese

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC, has accused Chairman of the International Decade for People of African Descent

A s s e m b l y - G u y a n a (IDPADA-G), Vincent Alexander,ofmisleadingthe UnitedNationsForumonthe stateofAfroGuyanese.

Earlier this week, Alexander told the Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People ofAfrican Descent thatAfro-Guyanese continuetobesystematically m a r g i n a l i s e d a n d discriminatedagainst.

However, Nandlall has takenoffenceatAlexander’s presentation, calling his statement untrue and debatable.

During his weekly “IssuesintheNews”airedon Tuesday, Nandlall contended that AfroGuyanese are better off now

thaneverbefore.

“Ifaforensicauditisever done,itwillrevealthatAfroGuyanese, currently are betteroffthantheyhaveever been in the history of Guyana, and I say that without any fear of being contradicted successfully, andIinviteanydebatetothis effect and you can start on education, more AfroGuyanese are pursuing education now, than any other point in time in Guyana’shistory,”hesaid The Attorney General emphasised that the benefits offered to Afro-Guyanese

tremendous.

He continued, “More

Afro-Guy

are receivingcashgrantsandall formsofwelfaregrantsfrom the government of Guyana than they have ever AfroGuyanese are receiving more lands and they own

more properties from the state than they have ever received or they ever enjoyedatanyotherpointin Guyana’shistory.”

Nandlall sought to debunk Alexander’s claims that African ancestral lands are being disposed of in Guyana.

According to him, government has taken steps to regularise many of the historical ancestral villages, not seizing any ancestral lands.

“Our government is regularising Ann’s Grove, a slave village without title, they have been living there for 440 years, so all the families there will get transport before the end of thisyear 440familiestherewillbe regularised under this g o v e r n m e n t o u r government, and they are Afro-Guyanese.”

During his presentation

to the UN Forum, the IDPADA-G chair had pointed out that education, landrights,entrepreneurship and political representation in Guyana all reflect this exclusion.Hetoldtheforum that the Government of Guyana has not taken any equitable action to address thestateofpeopleofAfrican descent.

“Allowmetopaintatrue narrative about the state of Afro-Guyanese our school curriculum continues to omit the history and cont

n descent…”Alexandersaid.

The IDPADA-G chair also said Ancestral lands acquiredthroughthehistoric village movement are being s e i z e d w i t h o u t compensation through institutional and legal manipulations.

He stressed that in spite of legal provisions, a functioning human rights commission is yet to be constituted,20yearson.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall SC

“The Government of Guyana, whilst vocally supporting reparations abroad as was done here today,hasnotimplementeda single dedicated national policy to repair the internal legacies of enslavement Instead, African Guyanese are blamed for their circumstances and demeanedbypublicofficials

Man, 18, jailed for simple larceny

An 18-year-old man was sentenced to one-year imprisonment on Wednesday, when he appeared at the Port Kaituma Magistrate’s Court to answer to a simple larcenycharge.

Alfred Madramootoo, called “Roach,” made his first court appearance virtually before Magistrate Rabindrinauth Singh, where the charge was read to him. He pleadednotguiltyandwassentenced.

as lazy or unworthy The currentgovernancestructure entrenches this exclusion even within the Ethnic Relations Commission, which is in attendance Which is here today represented by someone other than someone of A f r i c a n d e s c e n t , notwithstanding the African community asking otherwise…”Alexandersaid as he called on the forum to support a quest for justice andequalityforthepeopleof Africandescent.

Alfred Madramootoo called “Roach”

Chairman of IDPADA-G, Vincent Alexander

Mechanic shot 5 times during home invasion

A23-year-old

m e c h a n i c sustained five gunshot wounds to his body from two gunmen during a h o m e i n v a s i o n a t

Haslington, New Scheme, EastCoastDemerara(ECD) earlyonMonday

Kaieteur News was told that Keran Persaud, along withhis21-year-oldbrother,

Navin Persaud, were conducting mechanical works on a vehicle at their Haslington home between 00:00h and 01:00h when gunmenpounceduponthem.

The younger Persaud said that while servicing the vehicle, he left to retrieve tools from the front of the yard.Itwastherethathewas

confronted by the two maskedgunmen.

“By the time I raise up back, two gun man come in the yard and tell me, ‘don’t move.’”Hesaidheattempted todisarmoneofthemen,but while doing so, he heard the gun being cranked and realiseditwasreal.

Navin said he fled into the house to alert his father whowasasleep.

When he returned, he found his brother lying injured beside the car “He deh lye down at the side of the car, and he a bleed out,” thebrotherstated.Thevictim sustained five gunshot

wounds,twototheabdomen, one to the shoulder, and two tohisrightfoot.

A neighbour who heard the commotion rendered assistance to the injured Keran.Hewas rushedtothe nearbyMelanieFireStation, after which he was taken to GPHC. He was admitted, and his condition is listed as critical. Persaud is unable to moveonhisown.

Kaieteur News learned that the gunmen, who were dressed in black with masks onlyrevealingtheireyes,did not steal anything “The banditsdidn’tstealanything, because,hereacttothem,he

An injured Keran Persaud at GPHC

fight,andItrytopullthegun offofthembutafterIseereal gun them crank it, I run inside,” the younger brother stated.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage reportedly

thematter

Mahdia driver on $30,000 bail for assault, damage of property

A46-year-olddriverwas placed on $30,000 bail on Wednesday when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’Courttoanswer to damage of property and assaultcharges.

Thedefendant,JoelDear of Lot 111 Miles, Mahdia, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, who read the two charges.

ItisallegedthatDear,on April13,2025,atAlexander Street Kitty, Georgetown, assaulted his ex-partner, Jeanette James He also maliciously damaged one Samsung cellular phone valuedat35,000,propertyof James,onthesamedayatthe sameaddress.

He pleaded not guilty to thetwocharges.

Dear told the court that he and James were friends and were seeing each other for nine months before he wasaccusedoftheoffence.

Defendant Joel Dear at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court posting bail

Theprosecutionobjected tobail,statingthatJamesand the defendant shared a close relationship and resided at the same address. They added that in her statement, she revealed that at the time oftheincident,theywereata hotel when the defendant startedtoverballyabuseher Magistrate McGusty released Dear on $10,000 bail for the assault charge and $20,000 for the damage of property charge. The matter was adjourned until May14,2025.

shows the perpetrators observing the Persaud’s property The gunmen fled the scene in the direction of GoldenGrove. Police are investigating

Keran Persaud

Strengthening public health capacities essential to ensure resilience and equity in the Americas, says new PAHO report

Washington, D.C., 15 April 2025 (PAHO) - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) today presentedImplementationof the essential public health functions in the Americas:

E v a l u a t i o n a n d strengthening of capacities. This report highlights the urgent need to strengthen public health capacities in theinstitutionsoftheRegion of the Americas to ensure universal access to health and respond effectively to current and future health challenges.

Based on evaluations conducted between 2021 and 2023 in 14 countries of the Americas, the report underscores the critical role oftheessentialpublichealth functions (EPHF) as a strategic framework for improving health systems. Thesefunctionsspan11key areas, including population health surveillance and assessment, development of

health policies and plans, andequitableaccesstocare.

ImplementationoftheEPHF seeks to strengthen health gov

e inequalities, and increase resilience in the face of crisessuchastheCOVID-19 pandemic.

"By prioritizing the EPHF, count

s can significantly improve the capacities of their health systems to respond to the needs of populations and achieve more equitable and effectiveoutcomes,"saidDr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO.

"This not only strengthens the capacity to respond to emergencies, but also ensures a solid foundation for addressing l o n g - t e r m h e a l t h challenges,"headded.

There has been significant but uneven progress in the Region. Ten ofthe14countriesevaluated have used the EPHF

evaluations to identify priorities and develop strategic action plans. In general, the evaluated countries have moderate capacity to implement the EPHF, ranging from 40% to 59% of the established standards. However, there are differences between subregions: Caribbean countriesshowmorelimited capacity, while Latin American countries achieve moderate levels The average compliance rate for the Region as a whole

%

fragmented health systems, lack of financial and human resources,andtheabsenceof integrated information systems. These limitations hinder countries' ability to monitorhealth,planactions, and coordinate responses amongdifferentsectors.

T h e C O V I D - 1 9 pandemic highlighted the

importance of the EPHF Countries that have made greater progress in implementation showed better preparedness and r

sponse during the pandemic, indicating the need to integrate these functions into a robust primaryhealthcaremodel.

Recommendations for action

PAHOurgesitsMember States and partners to prioritize the following measures:

1. Sustained investment: Increase funding for the EPHF,withemphasisonthe development of human resources and information technologies.

2. Robust data systems: Establish integrated platforms for the collection, analysis, and use of health data.

3 I n t e r s e c t o r a l cooperation: Strengthen coordination mechanisms between the public and

private sectors and civil society 4 Health governance: Improve leadership and stewardship in public health to ensure inclusive and effectivepolicies.

In September 2024, the countries of the Americas approved the Strategy for Strengthening the Essential Public Health Functions to Accelerate Health Systems Transformation 2024–2034, a regional framework that combines the EPHF with primary health care to transform health systems. Thisstrategyhelpscountries develop national policies and train local teams, fostering a comprehensive approach that addresses diseases as well as their socialdeterminants.

A call for regional collaboration PAHO reiterates its commitment to provide technical and strategic assistancetothecountriesof

theRegionastheyassessand strengthen their public health capacities "The EPHF provide a clear roadmap for moving toward resilientsystemsthatprotect thepopulationsoftodayand tomorrow," Dr Barbosa said.As part of this effort, a

on governanceandtheEPHFis b

collaborative space seeks to promote more resilient and equitable health systems in theAmericas,facilitatingthe exchangeofexperiencesand solutions to overcome common challenges The fullreportisavailableonthe PAHO website, along with additional resources that support the implementation ofitsrecommendations.The O

internationalpartnerstojoin efforts to strengthen public health throughout the Region.

Global T&T puts focus on improved FDI

( T R I N I D A D GUARDIAN) Deputy chairman Calvin Bijou, left, chairman Franka Costelloe, Minister of Trade and Industry Paula GopeeScoon, CEO Sekou Alleyne and Deputy CEO Stacy Adams at the launch of Global T&T, the trade promotion agency resource for businesses and investors exploring opportunities, which was held at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain yesterday

Deputy chairman Calvin Bijou,left,chairmanFranka Costelloe, Minister ofTrade and Industry Paula GopeeScoon, CEO Sekou Alleyne and Deputy CEO Stacy Adams at the launch of Global T&T, the trade promotion agency resource for businesses and investors exploring opportunities, which was held at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain yesterday

With trade being at the forefront of T&T's diversification agenda, the government has launched Global T&T to focus on optimising the country's resources and aligning expertiseandeffortsundera single, focused agency to deliver more impactful resultsforthecountry

Making the remarks was TradeMinisterPaulaGopeeScoon at yesterday's media briefing which introduced Global T&T, which took place at the Hyatt Regency,

Port-of-Spain. Global T&T is an amalgamation of InvesTT, CreativeTT and ExporTT which under one umbrella, was previously known as the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency(TIPA). In outlining the advantages of the new structure, Gopee-Scoon, who explained the new structure of Global T&T, said it would remove duplication, strengthen coordinationandallowfora more integrated approach to how work is done and how T&T is promoted as a destination for trade and investment.

“The agency will be better positioned to serve both local businesses seeking to expand into internationalmarketsaswell aslocalandforeigninvestors looking for opportunity in T&T A single, cohesive agency means clearer lines of accountability, faster decision-making, and more efficient service delivery,” theministerexplained.

NotingthatT&Tisfaced with an increasingly competitiveenvironmentfor foreign direct investment (FDI), Gopee-Scoon said theremustbetransformative and innovative ways to attract these investments

“Forging deeper ties with emerging markets and negotiating new or different trade terms are imperatives in the current global economic environment.So, too, is the need to diversify and differentiate our offer,” sheadded.

Last week the ministry launched the Special Economic Zones regime which would also helpT&T to navigate the prevailing market volatility Last week also saw the launch of an expanded and enhanced TTBizLink platform, marking a total of 53 services delivered by 25 government agencies which

arenowexpeditedunderthe upgradedTTBizLink.

Chair of Global T&T, Franka Costelloe who also

spoke at the media conference, reiterated that through this new company, T&T is not just responding to global shifts but is also actively shaping its future.

“Withastrongfoundationin data and research, we will drive forward global strategies that help us identify both risks and opportunities and diversify andstrengthenoureconomy

“This moment represents a pivotal step in T&T's journey towards global competitiveness.

It's the beginning of a new chapter that will redefine how we represent ourselves to the world, how we compete on the international stage, and how we unlock the immense potential of our people and our industries, ” she explained.

Costelloe added this integratedapproachtogether brings talent, expertise and resources to deliver reliable information on key sectors and industries, support services for exporters and investorsaswellasguidance on the regulations and processes for establishing a businessinT&T

“Whether you're setting up for the first time or looking to expand into new markets,GlobalT&Tisyour partnereverystepoftheway This organisation represents a pivotal shift in how we approach investment and trade,” she added Also, Costelloe noted this was a shiftfrom“siloedefforts”to astrategicunifiedapproach, onethatisagile,data-driven, andgloballyconnected.

“We are here to drive meaningful economic outcomes, more jobs, more i n n o v a t i o n , m o r e opportunities for businesses acrossT&T

Asaboard,wearedeeply committed to building a foundation of good governance grounded in accountability,transparency, andinclusion,”shestated.

Deputy chairman Calvin Bijou, left, chairman Franka Costelloe, Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon, CEO Sekou Alleyne and Deputy CEO Stacy Adams at the launch of Global T&T, the trade promotion agency resource for businesses and investors exploring opportunities, which was held at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain yesterday.

WANTED

Farm workers wanted for Highway location preferable from Interior. Contact : 655-0471 / 673- 7652.

Excavator Operator & Cook to work in the interior. Call : 695-6401.

Staff - Male & Female to work in office , age 18 - 30 years, Campbellville, Georgetown. Tele : 621-5140.

Pressman to print on Offset machine, age 18 - 30 years, Campbellville, Georgetown. Tele : 621-5140.

Single male seeks live-in domestic partner- aged 45 years or older, Light housework. Salary $60,000 monthly. Call: 603-9085.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

One Unregistered Nissan X-Trail 2016 model, Mode Premiere. Call : 649-0956.

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Leyland DAF truck for sale. Contact: 676-6165 / 693-9843

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Space for business/ Bond 7000,488 SQ , 4 unit apartment @ US 2300. Contact : 722-8237

FOR SALE

For Sale 6 used American made Dental chairs excellent condition contact Mr Vino on 661-3030 or 626-8918

SERVICES

Need a grocery shopper, ship chandler or visa application preparer: USA, Canada, UK ETA. 626-7040.

Elevate your brand with our professional Graphic design services. Call: 619-0007, 6295526.

RSS team investigating Linden fatal shootings to leave Guyana on April 20

The members of the Regional Security System (RSS) who are currently in Guyana to probe the recent fatal police shootings of Lindeners, Ronaldo Peters and Keon Fogenay, will be in the country until April 20th Linden Mayor, Sharma Solomon told Kaieteur News on Wednesday that the team has received the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the scope of the investigation from Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken.

“The three representatives of the RSS, the two Barbadians and the Saint Lucian, explained that their presence here should not give the impression that they are here with any amount of bias.” He said their comments were in response to concerns expressed by the families of the deceased men.

The family had referenced issues encountered during investigations into the killings of the Henry cousins in Berbice, and Orin Boston on the Essequibo Coast.

The mayor said as far as he was updated, the RSS has an ongoing investigation, but did not provide specifics.

Last week, the mining town descended into chaos after 21-year-old Peters was shot dead by a police sergeant.

VACANCY

Kitchen assistant needed. For more info Call: 676-5534 / 618-3696.

Female cleaner for office in Eccles. Call: 645-8443.

Vacancy exists for bodywork men & Arc welder. Call: 7169989.

Desk staff, Receptionist, Supervisor, Room Attendant @ 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.

Pastry Maker, Roti Cook & Cashies, send applications to Roti Hut, 18 North Road Bourda. Call 227-4949 ext 1137 / 656-7686.

Maid for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132.

Vacancy exist for one clerk of works to work on a construction site. Send Resume to whatsapp 656-0603./ amconguyana@gmail.com/ Call : 225-5818.

Residents dubbed the shooting death a murder even as the police officer responsible for Peters’ death claimed that his gun accidentally went off.

The police’s claim was disputed by surveillance footage which showed him running behind Peters with a gun.

Shortly after, the police officer was seen fetching the injured man by his clothes.

As the video footage circulated, residents of the mining town, especially from Peters’ community, were angered.

The shooting death evoked a massive protest in the township on Tuesday,

relayed that both men will be laid to rest on Sunday.

German doctor charged with murder of 15 patients

(BBC NEWS) The 40-yearold suspect allegedly killed 12 women and three men between September 2021 and July 2024 A German palliative care doctor has been charged with murdering 15 of his patients using a cocktail of lethal drugs.

Prosecutors in Berlin have accused the 40-year-old of setting fire to the homes of some of his suspected victims to cover his tracks. He allegedly killed 12 women and three men between September 2021 and July 2024, though prosecutors have said they believe that total could rise.

The doctor, who has not been named due to strict privacy laws in Germany, has not admitted to the charges, prosecutors said. He is accused of administering an anaesthetic

The 40-year-old suspect allegedly killed 12 women and three men between September 2021 and July 2024

and a muscle relaxant to his patients without their knowledge or consent. The relaxant “paralysed the respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory arrest and death within minutes”, the

prosecutor’s office said in a statement. He worked in several German states, and the ages of those whose deaths are being treated as suspicious range from 25 to 94. It is also alleged that the

suspect set fire to the apartments of his alleged victims to cover up the killings on five different occasions.

The suspect is accused of killing two patients in a single day in July 2024 - a 75-yearold man at his home in central Berlin, and a 76-year-old woman in a neighbouring district “a few hours later”.

Prosecutors said the doctor tried to set fire to the woman’s house but failed, adding: “When he noticed this, he reportedly informed a relative of the woman, claiming that he was standing in front of her apartment and that no one had responded to his ringing.”

The doctor was initially suspected of having killed four people in his care when he was arrested in August 2024 but investigations have uncovered other suspicious deaths, with more exhumations on potential victims planned.

A “lifelong professional ban” and “preventative detention” is being sought for the 40-year-old suspect. He remains in custody.

where 32-year-old Fogenay, a bystander, was shot in the eye and killed by another police

rank. Meanwhile, Solomon

Ronaldo Peters

Keon Fogenay

He is set to meet with the families to finalise arrangements.

$20M estimated to construct Ordinance/Fort Lands NDC building

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is planning to construct a Neighbourhood

Democratic Council (NDC) buildingforOrdinance/FortLands inRegionSixforanestimatedcost of$20million.Thisisaccordingto

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:

information provided through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, which revealed that 10

contractorshavebidfortheproject. NDCs, which fall under the responsibility of the Local Government Ministry, manage the

affairsofcommunities. Theynotonlyaddressconcerns of residents but also implement regionalprogrammesandprojects.

RehabilitationofMiddleStreetWindsorForest. Supply&DeliveryofTwoNewThirtySeaterBus.

MinistryofLocalGovernmentand RegionalDevelopmentConstructionof Ordinance/FortLandsNDCBuilding.

T&TsignsBilateralAirServices AgreementwithNigeria

( T R I N I D A D GUARDIAN) T&T and Nigeria are now directly connectedbyair,atleaston p a p e r, a f t e r t h e Government yesterday signed a Bilateral Air

Services Agreement (BASA)withNigeriaatthe Piarco International Airport.

The agreement allows airlines to transport passengers and cargo between the two nations under what is known as Fifth Freedom Rights, which, according to the InternationalCivilAviation

Organization, allow scheduledflightstooperate from a home country, stop in an intermediate country to drop off/pick up passengers, and then continue on to a third country Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace

Development Festus Keyamo went one step further, calling on T&T to make Nigeria the gateway toAfrica.

He said, “As your influence in Africa grows, we offer you to be the hub ofAfrica.Nigeriaopensits doortoT&T Comeandbethehubof Africa Under the fifth freedom,weofferyoufifth freedom(rights)”.

Though T&T has signed memoranda of understanding with several African nations, this is the first BASA to be signed withanAfricancountry–a process that has been in trainfor22years.

Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan explained that BASAs taketime,especiallywhen there is a change in government He said, “We havesomeagreementsthat took30yearsbecauseonce you have a government change, you have a policy change What may be a p

n e government may not be a priority for the other government.”

RegionalDemocraticCouncilRegionThree RehabilitationofFrontStreetPakistanWindsorForest.

US judge says he could hold Trump administration in contempt of court

BBCNEWS)AUSjudge has said he could hold the Trump administration in contemptofcourtfor"wilful disregard"ofanordertohalt the departure of deportation flights carrying more than 200 people to El Salvador lastmonth.

The administration had invoked a 227-year-old law meant to protect the US during wartime to carry out themassdeportation.

"The Court does not reach such conclusion lightly or hastily; indeed, it has given Defendants ample opportunity to rectify or explain their actions. None of their responses has been satisfactory," federal judge JamesBoasbergwrote.

Inastatement,theWhite House said it would contest thedecision.

W h i t e H o u s e Communications Director

Steven Cheung said: "We plan to seek immediate appellate relief "The President is 100% committed to ensuring that terroristsandcriminalillegal migrants are no longer a threattoAmericansandtheir communities across the country."

Judge Boasberg's decision to begin contempt proceedingsescalatesaclash between the White House and the judiciary over the president's powers The administrationcouldavoida contemptfinding,or"purge" itself of contempt, if they provide an explanation of their actions and come into compliancewiththeoriginal order issued last month, B o a s b e rg s a i d o n Wednesday. That filing is due by 23 April, he said. His ruling comes despite the Supreme

Court's later finding that Donald Trump could in fact use the 1798Alien Enemies

Act to conduct the deportationstoElSalvador

The Supreme Court's ruling against Boasberg's temporary restraining order

"does not excuse the Government's violation", he said.

If the administration does not provide the requestedinformationbythe 23April deadline, Boasberg willthenseektoidentifythe

individual people who ignored the order to stop the deportations.

H e c o u l d t h e n

recommendprosecutionsfor those involved Federal prosecutionscomeunderthe USjusticedepartmentwhich ultimately reports to the Trumpadministration.

The March deportation flights saw more than 200 Venezuelans accused by the White House of being gang membersdeportedtoajailin ElSalvador

During a 15 March hearing, Judge Boasberg imposed a temporary restraining order on the use ofthewartimelawanda14day halt to deportations coveredbytheproclamation. After lawyers told him that the planes had already departed, he issued a verbal order for the flights to be turnedaroundtotheUS.

TheWhiteHousedenied violatingthecourtruling.US press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: "The administration did not 'refuse to comply' with a court order "The order, which had no lawful basis, was issued after terrorist TdA[TrendeAragua]aliens had already been removed fromUSterritory."

After two deportation flights continued to El Salvador despite his order that they be turned around, Judge Boasberg convened a hearing to discuss "possible defiance"ofhisrulingbythe Trumpadministration.

Inresponse,Trumptook to TruthSocial to call Boasberg a "troublemaker andagitator"andcallforhis impeachment. El Salvador has agreed to take in the deportees in exchange for $6m(£4.6m).

Fed Chair Powell gives starkest warning yet on potential economic consequences from tariffs

(CNN)

President Donald Trump's significant policychanges,includingon tariffs, are unlike anything seen in modern history, putting the Federal Reserve in uncharted waters, Chair

Jerome Powell said Wednesday

“These are very fundamental policy changes,” Powell said at an event hosted by the Economic Club of Chicago. “There isn't a modern experience for how to think aboutthis.”

Powell said “the level of the tariff increases announced so far is significantly larger than anticipated” and that the lingeringuncertaintyaround tariffs could inflict lasting economic damage With Trump's tariffs putting the economy on a path toward weaker growth, higher unemployment and faster inflation — all at the same time—theFedisalsofacing asituationithasn'tdealtwith inabouthalfacentury

“We may find ourselves in the challenging scenario in which our dual-mandate goalsareintension,”Powell

said. US stocks tumbled as Powellspoke:TheDowwas down 700 points, or 1.7%. The broader S&P 500 fell 2 5% The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite slid 3.5%.

The Fed is responsible for promoting full employment and keeping inflation in check, but Trump'stariffsthreatenboth of those goals. For now, however, the US economy remains in decent shape, accordingtothelatestdata.

PowellsaidtheFed'sbest move for the moment is to stand pat until the data clearly shows how the US economy is responding to Trump'spolicies.

But it's only a matter of time until Trump's tariffs stoke inflation, push up unemployment and weaken economicgrowth,according to most economists, especially if the massive “reciprocal”tariffsthatwent into effect briefly onApril 9 areputbackinplace.Trump delayed that historic hike in importtaxesuntilJuly So far, Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on aluminum and steel; 25%

tariffsongoodsfromMexico and Canada that aren't compliant with a free-trade agreement; a massive 145% duty on Chinese imports; a 25% tariff on cars, with separate tariffs on auto parts coming at a later date; and a 10% baseline tariffs on all USimports.

The administration also introduced temporary exemptions for some electronicgoods,andTrump has said separate tariffs are likelycomingdownthepike on semiconductors, pharmaceuticals,copperand timber “Jerome Powell just laid down the law with Trump,” David Russell,

global head of market strategyatTradeStation,said in commentary issued Wednesday

“It was a clear warning about stagflation, and a declaration that the Fed won't enable the White Housewithratecuts.”

DoestheFedhaveagood playbook?

The Fed might be confronted with a challenge it hasn't dealt with in decades. In the 1970s and early 1980s, the US economysufferedperiodsof high unemployment and double-digit inflation, a troublesome combination known as “stagflation ” Back then, under the leadershipofFedChairPaul Volcker, the Fed prioritized fighting inflation, even if it meant inflicting some economicpain.

TheUSeconomyseems to heading in that direction, according to most forecasts, but it's unclear whether or not it will fully reach that point.ChicagoFedPresident Austan Goolsbee said last week at an event in New York thatTrump's tariffs are putting the central bank in

thatsametoughspot.

“Atariffislikeanegative supplyshock.

That's a stagflationary shock, which is to say it makesbothsidesoftheFed's dual mandate worse at the same time,” he said. “Prices are going up while jobs are being lost and growth is coming down, and there is not a generic playbook for how the central bank should respond to a stagflationary shock.”

Powellsaidifstagflation does become a reality, “we would consider how far the economy is from each goal, and the potentially different time horizons over which those respective gaps would be anticipated to close ” “We understand that elevated levels of unemployment or inflation canbedamagingandpainful for communities, families, andbusinesses,”hesaid.

Several Fed officials have said that the central bankshouldkeepacloseeye on people's perception of prices, which have deteriorated based on' the University of Michigans closely watched consumer

survey It's unclear at what point rising inflation expectations would prompt any action from the Fed and whatthosemoveswouldbe. And inflation, albeit substantially below a fourdecadepeakreachedinJune 2022, is still' slightly above theFeds2%target,meaning theFedhaslessofareasonto resumecuttinginterestrates.

But for now, most officials seem to agree that it's best to wait for any evidence to show up in the data.“Thisisadifficultsetof risks for monetary policy to navigate,” Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack said Wednesday at an event in Columbus, Ohio. “Given theeconomy'sstartingpoint, and with both sides of our mandate expected to be under pressure, there is a strongcasetoholdmonetary policy steady in order to balance the risks coming from further elevated inflationandaslowinglabor market.”

“When clarity is hard to come by, waiting for additional data will help inform the path ahead,” she added.

Federal Judge, James Boasberg

Fed Chair Jerome Powell, Erin Hooley/AP

Ninvalle praises work of NSC...

Frompage31

allocated a record $21.61

b i l l i o n t o s p o r t s development, a historic investment that Ninvalle says underscores the a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s commitment to nurturing athletic talent, promoting wellness, and elevating Guyana’s profile on the globalsportsstage.

Ninvalle highlighted, that under President Ali’s leadership, the national s

consistentlygrown. In 2020, the Ministry of Sport received $805 3 million.Thisnearlydoubled in 2021 to $1.5 billion, rose to $2 4 billion in 2022, expanded to $4.3 billion in 2023, then to $4.6 billion in 2024, and finally surged to $8 billion in 2025, marking the largest sports budget in thecountry’shistory

The recent $8 billion allocation in the 2025 National Budget, a 73.9% increase over the previous

Government’s unwavering commitment to sport under the stewardship of Minister CharlesS.RamsonJr

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, shortly after the NSC handed over $3 million to the East D

Association to fully sponsor its upcoming league, N

questions that invited comparisons between the current NSC and past

administrations.

“I would not want to delveintothepast,”Ninvalle said, “because as being a presidentofanassociation,I know exactly what went on, soformeit’srefreshingboth as the Director of Sport and as the president also of an association.”

According to Ninvalle, “This National Sports Commission, we are driven by a vision and that vision has been laid down by the Honourable Minister (CharlesRamsonJr)andwe workovertimetomakesure thatthatvisionisachieved.”

Thursday April 17, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Itwillbeasthoughyou'reina newandhopefulworldtoday, Aries. The people you meet willbecordialandcaring,and the future will seem like a bright,attractiveplacetolive.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Because you tend to brood over everything right now, Taurus,adaylikethiscan'tbe anythingbutbeneficial. Ithasbeendifficultforyouto find satisfaction within the realm of the known world lately

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Therearedayswhenyoufeel wonderfulwithoutbeingable to attribute the feeling to any real event. Of course, your rationalmindwillsearchfora reasonforyourhappiness.

CANCER(June21–July22)

If you're in the arts or sciences, Cancer, sudden inspirationcouldcauseyouto startorcontinueaprojectthat meansalottoyou.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You will probably be perfectly in tune with the day ahead, Leo. Of course, it's temptingtorunawayfromthe reality and hardships of the moment. But at other times, w h e n y o u ' r e s o compassionate and find it easytolisten.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Don't try to control what happenstoday,Virgo,because you won't be able to fathom what'sgoingon.Howcouldit be otherwise when collective currents are interfering with yourlife.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

This kind of strange day doesn't come around often, Libra. It will seem as though you no longer know what you want. Do you have a yen to takeofffortheothersideofthe globe? People won't understandyou.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Do other countries represent realopeningsforyou?Thisisa question that you will soon have to answer This may be true, but it may also be an illusion that gives you a simplistic explanation for the dissatisfactionyoufeelnowin yourprofessionallife.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

You're going to think this is a strange period It isn't, Sagittarius. It's just that today won't be like others. Look around and you will see that people are either depressed or trying to keep up a good façade.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Today, Capricorn, you might get the chance to take a trip around the world to visit fabulous palaces and experienceatimelesslove,and all-getthis-totallyfree!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb.

18You will float today, Aquarius. You won't talk, you will be sleepy, and your mood won'tbethebest.OK,perfect! Getbackintoyournovel,take several siestas, and do as little aspossible.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)You'recertainlyinastrange mood today, Pisces True, things have been going smoothlyforthepastfewdays butbecarefulnottobefooled.

Desmond Haynes appointed to ICC Men’s Cricket Committee

Honourable Desmond Haynes has been appointed to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s

C

C

, marking yet another prestigious honour in a storied career that spans decades of excellence and servicetothesport.

Hayn

He added, “Most of the associations, if not all, are muchmorecomfortablenow because they can reach out, weareaccessibleandweare responsive as a National SportsCommission.”

The Director of Sport made it clear, that the core approachoftheNSCandthe Ministry of Culture, Youth andSport,isworkingclosely with all stakeholders to develop sports and support their initiatives, which will continue to be a defining hallmarkoftheGovernment ofGuyana.

Attorney Phillip Nicholls demands...

Frompage31 of non-payment through legal channels and remains confident of a resolution through further dialogue withCWI.

With the disciplinary proceedings behind them, Nicholls and the BCA are now pressing for what they believe is overdue compensation to players whoweredeniedthechance to compete through no fault oftheirown.

EverestMasters...

Frompage29 themostprolificbowlerfor Everest Masters and his contribution to the longestablished club over the years. All trophies were donated by proprietor of Trophy Stall of Bourda Market.

Meanwhile, Captain of Everest Rajesh Singh thanked Pomeroon for coming and participated in the four-match series. He congratulated Everest for winning this game on Sunday and also all four fixtures. Singh expressed sentiments of appreciation to Ramesh Sunich for his donationofthetrophies.

Temba Bavuma, India’s VVS Laxman (reappointed), and England’s JonathanTrott.

captain of both Barbados andtheWestIndies,joinsan e

cricketing minds who will help shape policy and decision-making at the highest level of the game. His appointment was confirmed this week by the ICC,whichalsoannounced the reappointment of India’s Sourav Ganguly as Chair of the committee. Other members include Afghanistan’s Hamid Hassan, South Africa’s

Regarded as one of the finest opening batters in cricket history, Haynes played 116 Test matches between 1978 and 1994 — the most by any Barbadian —andscored7,487runsat anaverageof42.29.InOneDayInternationals,hemade 8,648 runs in 238 appearances and was a crucialmemberoftheWest Indies squad that lifted the ICC Cricket World Cup in 1979.Haynes’appointment to the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee is a recognition of his extensive cricketing knowledge,experience,and the respect he commands globally His presence on the committee is expected to bring a valuable and balanced perspective to discussions shaping the moderngame.

Arsenal cruise past lacklustre Real Madrid to reach semis

MADRID, (Reuters)Arsenal snuffed out any chance of a famous Real Madrid comeback to reach the Champions League semi-finals after a 2-1 victory in the Bernabeu Stadium completed a 5-1

a g g r e g a t e w i n o n Wednesday

Holders and 15-times winners Real never looked like clawing back a 3-0 deficit from last week’s quarter-final first leg and when Bukayo Saka scored for the visitors in the 65th

minute their fate was effectivelysealed.

The Reuters Daily Briefingnewsletterprovides allthenewsyouneedtostart yourday Signuphere.

ViniciusJuniorseizedon araredefensiveslipacouple of minutes later to rouse the home crowd, but it proved too little too late as Carlo Ancelotti’s side exited in feeblefashion.

Arsenal’s superiority over the two legs was underlined in stoppage time as Gabriel Martinelli burst

throughtoscore.

They will face Paris St Germain in their first Champions League semifinalsince2009.

“Ithinkit’ssuchaspecial night for this club, it’s a historic night for this club,” said Arsenal’s Declan Rice, whose two sublime free kickslastweekputhissidein control.

“There was a lot of talk coming in about them coming back from the dead, they’ve done it so many times before. But we had so

much belief and confidence fromthatfirstlegthatwehad enoughtocomehereandwin thegame.”

A cacophony of noise greeted kickoff with the home fans fuelled by the hope of witnessing what would have been one of the greatest Champions League comebacks But Real’s knack of extricating themselves from difficult positions in a competition they won six times in the previous11seasonsdeserted them as they were comprehensivelyoutplayed.

“Did we fall short of what we wanted in pure football terms? Perhaps,” Real captain Lucas Vazquez said “They really are terrifically organised defensively.”

PENALTYMISS

Real needed a storming startandMbappehadtheball in the Arsenal net in the opening minutes but was clearly offside when chestinginaViniciuscross.

Arsenalwereinnomood tosimplysitandprotecttheir leadthoughandSakaforced a great save from Courtois. They were handed the chancetokilloffthetiewhen Raul Asencio needlessly hauled down Mikel Merino from a corner and referee FrancoisLetexiereventually

awarded a penalty after checking a pitch-side VAR monitor Saka opted for a Panenka-style chipped penaltyandCourtoisclawed awaytheball.Itlookedlikea potentially pivotal moment andwhenLetexierpointedto the penalty spot at the other end after Kylian Mbappe tumbled under minimal contactfromRice,Arsenal’s night looked like taking a turnfortheworse.

After five painstaking minutes, however, Letexier wasagaininvitedbyVARto view the monitor and to a chorus of whistles from the home fans, overturned his originaldecision.

Thatscareaside,Arsenal coped easily with Real Madrid’s famed frontline whoweregivenlittletowork with.

Arsenal keeper David Raya was not required to make a save before halftime as Real’s predilection for hopefulcrossesintothearea provedeasypickingsforthe visitingdefence.

Real’s Mbappe barely had a sniff of a chance as Arsenal showed great controlandSakamadeupfor his first-half miss with a clinical finish after being sentclearbyMerino.

William Saliba gifted Real a lifeline when he was caught in possession on the edge of his area, allowing Vinicius to score, but there wasneveranysenseofpanic inthevisitingranks.

Martinelli put the icing on the cake in added time, again from a Merino assist, to send Arsenal’s fans into raptures.

Guyana’sSeonBristolandDexterPatterson among14Caribbeanboxingpromoters onnewlyformedpromotionalbody

Guyana has two boxing promoters namely Mr Seon Bristol and Mr Dexter

promotion grouping which

promotion of combat sports withintheregion.

They attended the first meeting where ten countries from within the Caribbean region and they will soon meet in-person to chart the course for promoting both amateur and professional bouts.

United States-based Guyanese boxing promoter

Seon Bristol, whose promotionalunitisknownas G u y a n a ’s B r i s - O Promotions, is a key figure, having over two decades of experience both with amateur and professional boxing. That first virtual

settingonthe1stand2ndof Februarythisyearhassetthe stage where an in-person meeting is to be realised soon in one of the countries intheCaribbeanregion.

Apart from Guyana’s Bristol and Patterson, the otherrepresentativesareMr Floyd Seymour of The Bahamas, Ronald AlsBarbados, Kieran KellyBarbados, Coregelino Djaoen-Curacao, Steven B

G

nada, Sebastian Steel – Grenada, Carl Grant -Jamaica,

Mullins

Christ Joy - US /

David Christopher

St Lucia,

and

This boxing promotion group is open to each country having two representatives, and while they are a boxing entity looking to help amateur and professionalboxing,theyare not limited to the pugilistic sport alone, as other combat sports will be considered also,Bristolsaid.

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior in action with Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior.

(REUTERS/ Juan Medina)

Shakima

-Jamaica,

Jamaica,

-

Bobby Ottley -St. Maarten

JoshuaGarciaTrinidadandTobago.

Seon Bristol Dexter Patterson

St. Rose’s crowned Georgetown champions in Cheddi Jagan Memorial Windball Cricket Competition

St. Rose’s High School was crowned champions of the Georgetown leg of the Cheddi Jagan Memorial

Wi n d b a l l C r i c k e t competition, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) in collaboration with the

N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission(NSC).

They secured a commanding 73-run victory overBrickdamSecondaryin thefinalheldattheNational Gymnasium.

Brickdam Secondary advanced to the final after a solid 21-run win against Tucville Secondary in the semi-final Batting first, Brickdam posted 104-1, with Erick Phillips leading the charge with an unbeaten 55 that featured seven toweringsixes.

Dilshan Coach supported with a handy 24. In reply, Tucville were restrictedto83-2.MarkJuly

scored 32 before being caught,whileShanRaimoon contributed 25 and Colin McLeodremainednotouton 12. David Sardinha starred with the ball for Brickdam, claimingtwowickets.

R i d i n g h i g h o n confidence, Brickdam faced St. Rose’s High in the final. However, St Rose’s High prevailed to the crown Battingfirst,St.Rose’spiled on 113-3, thanks to a blistering knock from Noel

Madramootoo, who smashed eight sixes in a dominant 68-run display

Joshua Sharma added a useful 32 before being bowled, while Ezekiel Ramaught chipped in with 14runs. In response, Brickdam struggled against a disciplined St. Rose’s bowling attack and were restricted to just 40-5. Erick Phillips and Carren Newton were the only batsmen to

reachdoublefigures.Shivay Bissondyal impressed with theball,taking2for0,while

Everest Masters defeat Pomeroon Masters in 25-over friendly game

Everest Masters overwhelmed Pomeroon Masters by a massive, 92run margin last Sunday at Everestground,Georgetown inafriendly25-overgame.

Everest piled up a daunting 189-3 at the expiration of the 25-overs while the visitors responded with97-9whenthe25-overs ranout.

Former Guyana youth playerHemrajGarbarranled thewayfortheGeorgetownbased team Everest with an attacking 45 which containedfourfoursandsix. He got excellent support from ex-Essequibo senior Inter-CountyplayerSahadeo Hardiow who contributed 43. Hardiow struck three fours and lifted a ball over thefence.

Derwin Christian, a retired senior Guyana firstclass wicketkeeper/batsman also added runs for Everest Masters by scoring 30 not out.

Roy Rajkumar took two wicketsfor31runsfromhis five overs having bowled off-spin for Pomeroon Masters.

When Pomeroon Mastersbatted,theirinnings never gained momentum as wickets tumbled regularly

Pacer Basil Persaud, a West Indies International Masters playerwhorecentlyreturned fromSriLanka,bowledwith paceandhostilityconceding only three runs from three overs.

ButChristianledtheway withballforEverestnabbing 3-7 from four seamed-overs and another former Guyana youth cricketer Lookeshwar Mahabeeralsoaccountedfor threevictimsbutwentfor26 runsfromthreeovers. Trevon Garraway, who

shared the new-ball with Christian,wasalsodominant with his pace Garraway represented Guyana at the highestlevelaswell.

Raja Pooran supported Christian and Mahabeer with2-6fromthreemediumpaceovers.

Christian was given a trophy for being the best bowler for his outstanding bowling performance while Garbarrangotatrophyasthe top-batsmanandMahabeer

(Continuedonpage27)

Madramootoo, Sharma, and AkeenLyghteachpickedup a wicket to seal a

comprehensive win for St. Rose’sHigh. The tournament,

sponsoredbytheMCYSand NSC, was organized by SportsOfficerA.Munroe

St Rose’s High school crowned Georgetown champions.

Captain of Everest Cricket Club Rajesh Singh, right, makes the presentation to Lookeshwar Mahabeer

Baksh half century inspires Herstelling’s 50-run victory

- Demolition, Providence also register wins in Ryan Dookie Annual Memorial T/20 Championship

Th e s e c o n d weekend of the E a s t B a n k D e m e r a r a C r i c k e t

Association/Ryan Dookie Memorial T20 Cricket Tournament saw thrilling action last Saturday and Sunday, as Demolition Sports Club, Herstelling ‘A’ and ‘B’ , along with Providence Cricket Club, registeredimportantwins.

Thedaykickedoffwith a major upset at the Farm ground, where Diamond Sports Club suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Demolition SC Batting first, Diamond struggled to build any momentum, with batters getting starts but failing to capitalize

Avishkar Beharry and Junior Sinclair kept things tight with the ball, bundling out Diamond for just76runs

In reply, Demolition chased down the modest target in just 10 overs Joshua Ferrel led the way with a classy 20, including three elegant boundaries, while Sinclair contributed a quick-fire 15, featuring two fours and a towering six, helping Demolition reach 82-6.

In the second match of the day, Herstelling ‘B’ secured a strong win over Peter’s Hall SC Batting first,Herstellingposted1608, with Budhan Baksh anchoringtheinningswitha composed 53 that included six fours and two sixes. For Peter’s Hall, Narendra Persaud and Ray Newton eachclaimedthreewickets. Chasing 161, Peter’s Hallwasrestrictedto110all out.MalcolmMartinoffered some resistance with a fighting 26, but Nicholas Lawson’sbrilliantspellof428 turned the game in Herstelling’s favour

Stephon Wilson chipped in with 3-18, sealing a 40-run win.

Meanwhile, over at the Canal #2 ground, Providence Cricket Club cruised past Timehri Sports Club in a low-scoring encounter Chasing just 40 runs,SheldonChapman(15) and Jason George (12) guided Providence to 40-2, earning their team an easy eight-wicketvictory. Sunday brought more excitement,starting again at the Farm ground where North Soesdyke SC overcame Eccles CC in a competitive contest. In the

Bughan Baksh stroked a brilliant half century to lead Herstelling ‘B’to victory against Peter’s Hall.

second match of the day, Herstelling ‘A’, put on a dominant batting display against Ruimveldt SC; posting 211 all out in 19.4 overs.

Ricardo Adams topscored with a fluent 58, whileAnthony Lim added a

valuable 46. Ruimveldt faced an uphill task chasing over 10 runs an over, and despite their efforts, they couldonlyreach146-9after 20overs.

Anand Bharat starred with the ball, taking 4-28, while Lim (2-23) and Sagar

CARIFTA Games athletes depart for T&T

Guyana’s largestever CARIFTA

G a m e s delegation departed today from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, heading to Trinidad and Tobago to compete in the Caribbean’s most prestigious junior athletics championship.

T h e A t h l e t i c s Association of Guyana (AAG) announced a 42member team, the biggest contingent the country has assembled since the inception of the Games in 1972, which will see this year’s event being held April19to21attheHaseley CrawfordStadiuminPortof Spain.

Accompanying the athletes are 11 coaches and officials, bringing the total delegationto53members.

This year’s team nearly doubles the size of last year’s squad, which consistedof23athleteswho competed in St. George’s, Grenada.

At the 2024 edition, Guyana finished fourth in the medal standings behind Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago, earning a total of eight medals—four gold, three silver,andonebronze.

Among the returning athletes are 2024 gold medallists Tianna Springer (U20 400m), Malachi Austin (U20 400m), and Athaleyha Hinckson (U17 100m), who will all defend theirtitlesintheirsignature events.

The country’s fourth gold medal last year came from the Mixed 4x400m relayteam.

Hinckson, who also secured silver in the U17 200m, returns alongside KaidonPersaud(Boys’U17 800m) and Attoya Harvey (Girls’3000m),whowillbe making her final CARIFTA appearance after winning bronzein2024.

Several athletes making their CARIFTA debuts this year stood out during the

recent National Secondary SchoolsChampionships.

Johnny Greavesande, Kenisha Headley, Dwayne Cater, Kariem Aaron, Aretha Legal, Timothy Sealy, Vanesa Wickham, and Adessa Albert are the coaches, while Twana McCalmont will serve as the team’s Safeguard Officer

RepresentingGuyanaat the North American, Central American and C

Association (NACAC) C

conjunction with the Games, will be AAG

P

Hermonstine and General SecretaryJamesColes.

The full list of athletes includes: Advanya Glen (1500m U17), Kaymayra Lacon (800m U17), Angel Jeffery (U17 100m, 200m), Shaquan Shepherd (U17 1500m, 400m),Ade Sealey (U17 1500m, 5000m), Timothy Smith, Jonathan Richards (100m U20),

SkylarCharles(100mU20), Bryson Anderson (800m U17), Danangelo Smith (Relayonly),AdessaAlbert (U20 100m, Long Jump), David Williams (Long JumpU17),WaltonAlleyne (200m U20), Tianna Springer(400mU20).

Ebo McNeil (U17 1500m, 3000m), Deuel Europe (U20 Triple Jump, Long Jump), Ethan Cort (Decathlon U20), Kaidon Persaud(U20800m,400m), Afi Blair (Relay only), Nathaniel Samaroo (U17 Shot Put, Discus Throw), CortAnthony(U201500m, 5000m),EzekielMillington (100mU17),DevonEaston (U17 800m,1500m),Jamie Fraser (U20 Shot Put, Discus Throw) and Lamar Yaw(Relayonly).

Guyana will also compete in several relay events,includingtheMixed 4x400m, Female 4x100m (U17 & U20), Female 4x400m (U17 & U20), Male 4x100m (U20) and Male4x400m(U20).

Anand Bharat bowled Herstelling ‘A’to victory.

Hatiramai (2-39) ensured Herstelling’s total remained safe.

Over at Laluni Cricket Club ground, the home side edged past Patrewta SC in a rain-affected match. Batting first, Laluni CC posted 90-4 in 10 overs, thanks to key

contributions from Derick TejnarineandNolanHodge. In response, Patrewta managed only 60-8 as the overs ran out, with Wayne Rose (2-9) and Troy Domingo (2-7) delivering match-winning spells to securea30-runvictory

BCB congratulates female T20 cricket team for winning inter county competition

The Ber

Cricket Board (BCB) is once a g a i n e x t e n d i n g congratulationstooneofits representative cricket teams.

This time the senior female T20 cricket teams that recently won the just concluded Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) T20 inter county cricket competition isgettingtheplatitudes.

The BCB is extending heartfelt congratulations to theplayersandmanagement team. Berbice played unbeatendefeatingtheother two counties easily to win thecompetition.

The BCB is even more delighted in the team’s accomplishment especially since a number of their top playerswereunavailable.

Be

dominant that they copped alloftheawardsavailable.

The win by Berbice of

the senior female T20 cricketcompetitionmakesit three out of the four inter c

organizedandcompletedby theGCBsofar

The county also played unbeaten to win the senior

competition They also played unbeaten to win the U15

y competition.

The Berbice squad was:

, Katana Mentore, Sherika Cambelle, Reneta Ramdeo, Tameka George, Tia Isaacs, Tricia Hardat, Crystal Durant, Daniella Hicks, Plaffiana Millington, Daniella Manns, Danielle Lindee, Jada Fraser and KiannaLeach.

Winston Smith was the coach while Angela Haniff served as the manager (SamuelWhyte)

BV Sec’ takes Sports Ambassador and Players Tapeball trophy

All-rounder Bhrishan Udan stole the spotlight at the Sports Ambassador and Players Trophy Secondary School Boys’ End-of-Term

3

Ta p e b a

l C r i c k e t Competition, delivering a commanding performance withbothbatandballtoearn the coveted Player-of-theTournamenttitle.

T h e f a s t - p a c e d tournament came to an exciting conclusion last Saturday at the Queen’s College ground, where Beterverwagting (BV)

Secondary emerged

victorious over St. Rose’s High in the final to secure the prestigious Sports Ambassador & Players Trophy

Batting first, BV

Secondary posted an impressive 62-1 from their allotted 30 balls, thanks largely to a blistering knock of47fromUdan Hisinnings laidasolidfoundationandset achallengingtarget. When it was St. Rose’s turnatthecrease,Udanonce a g a i n p r o v e d instrumental this time with the ball—snaring 3 wickets for 14 runs. His

efforts helped bowl out St. Rose’s for 54 in just 27 deliveries, sealing the title forBVSecondary Udan’s all-round brilliance in the final rightfully earned him the Player-of-the-Tournament accolade.

In related news, the much-anticipatedR&TTaxi ServiceTrophies Champion of Champions Schoolboys’ Tape Ball Competition got underway yesterday (Wednesday,April16)atthe same venue. Full coverage ofthateventwillbefeatured inanupcomingedition.

Attorney Phillip Nicholls demands CWI Pay withheld prize money and fees after Reifer case resolution

SportsMax - Noted Barbadian attorney-at-law

Phillip Nicholls has written toCricketWestIndies(CWI) CEO Chris Dehring, calling for the immediate payment of prize money and match fees to players involved in the abandoned final of the 2024 CG United Super50 Cup.

Nicholls,whorepresents Barbados Pride captain Raymon Reifer, issued the letter following the recent resolutionofthedisciplinary caseinvolvinghisclient.The veteran attorney argues that with the charges against Reifer now dismissed, there is no valid justification for C W I ’s c o n t i n u e d

withholding of the US$100,000 winner’s prize andassociatedplayers’fees.

“Nowthattheissuewith Reifer is settled,” Nicholls

told Sportsmax.TV, “I have written CWI requesting that theprizemoneyandplayers’ feesbepaid,astheyhavenot only been withheld without any justification but without giving the BCAa hearing to discusstheiraction.”

The controversy stems from the rain-affected final on November 23, 2024, betweenBarbadosPrideand Jamaica Scorpions Both teamsfailedtotakethefield followingextensiveweather delays, and match referee Reon King subsequently charged both Reifer and Scorpions captain John Campbell with Level 3 offencesforfailingtoappear forthecointoss.

While Campbell accepted the charge and received a four-match suspension,Reifercontested the process The CWI

Disciplinary Committee later ruled that the referee hadnojurisdictiontopursue the charges and ordered that allchargesagainstReiferbe dropped CWI was also directedtopayReifer’slegal costs.

In the wake of the abandoned match, CWI declaredthecontestadouble forfeit and announced that no champion would be named,withnoprizemoney or match fees to be awarded toeitherside.

However, a statement from the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) has challenged that position, emphasizingthattheissueof financialpenaltieswasnever adjudicated “The Committee also made no ruling on the prize money issue and on the payment of the players’ fees because those issues were never before it — the sole issue being the legality of the

purported charges against Raymon,” the BCA said in itsstatement.

TheBCAalsonotedthat the players have never had an opportunity to present their side of the story in any formal hearing, as preliminary objections raisedbyReifer’slegalteam led to the charges being thrown out before a full examination of the events couldtakeplace.

“In a press release of April 5, CWI suggested that the two captains escaped sanction on a technicality andreiteratedthefactthatas therewasnotoss,therewasa clearbreachoftherulesand spiritofthegame,”theBCA said. “It is important to note thattheCommitteemadeno referencetoMr Campbellin its ruling on the Reifer matter.”

TheBCAconfirmedthat ithassinceraisedthematter

(Continuedonpage27)

Shattas meet Botafago, Capital FC battle Milerock in semifinals of Mice / Jermaine Futsal Championship tonight

The battle for the winners’ top p r i z e o f

$700,000 and trophy will be heightened tonight (Thursday)whenBotafago match skills with Silver Shattas in one semifinal and the other brings together Milerock and Capital FC in semifinal matches of the Mice/ Jermaine Linden futsal competition at the tournament venue, the Retrieve Hard Court in the bauxite mining town of Linden.

It boils down to the penultimate day tonight, as these teams are in the money since the losing semifinalist will pocket $400,000, third place finisher $200,000 and fourthgets$100,000.

In the quarterfinals

Silver Shattas shot their way past Eagles United, 5-3, as it was 2-2 midway through that contest

In that victory Silver Shattas top scorer Jamaine Samuelsblastedhiswayto four goals, and Jehu Regis nettedtheothergoalforthe winners.

For the losers Akeem Nieuinkirkhadabraceand the other goal was registered by Kemani Fields.

Shattas will now face Botafago, who hammered NetRockers,6-4following

thembeingahead3-2atthe halftime.

For the victorious Botafago side, Shamar Caesar netted four goals as teammate Malachi Todd and Jashawn Moore each netting the other goals for the winners For Net Rockers, double strikes camefromKelroyAnthony andJoelIsaacs.

Also reaching the s e m i f i n a l s w e r e , Milerock, who disposed ofCoomacka8-4,behind hat-tricks from Colwyn Drakes and Amaniki Buntin as Allan Halley and Mickel Tappin hit in singlestrikes.

Doubles were scored by Ateba Edmondson and Jamal Whyte but their side Coomacka sufferedaheavyloss

I n a n o t h e r quarterfinal clash, Capital FC put away the challenge of Winners Connection by a 3-2 margin with Devonte Tappin netting twice as Omarion Ramsammy hit CapitalFC’sothergoal Anthony Layne and Ronic Veloza got the two goals for Winners Connection.

After tonight’s semifinals the final and third place playoff games will be played matches at theRetrieveHardCourton Sunday

Tournament coordinator, James Lewis (fourth from right) hands over the Sports Ambassador and Player Trophy to Beterverwagting Secondary School captain upon winning the Secondary School End of Term championship. End

Raymon Reifer

Philip Nicholls

DC win an IPL classic in Delhi after Super Over drama

ESPNcricinfo - Nine runs needed, six wickets in hand — it should’ve been a routine finish for Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. But Mitchell Starc flipped the script, delivering five pinpoint yorkers in a sensationalfinalover Dhruv Jurel couldn’t find two runs off the last ball, and Starc dragged the game into a dramaticSuperOver RR imploded in the Super Over, lasting just five balls and losing both Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal torunouts.DCchaseddown the 12-run target in just four deliveries.

WithDCneeding5off3, Tristan Stubbs pulled Sandeep Sharma for six to seal DC’s fifth win in six gamesthattakesthemtothe top of the points table

Stubbs had earlier contributed a vital unbeaten 18-ball34inregulationtime

to help DC score 42 off the lastthreeovers. TheStubbsShow The 200-run mark had beenbreachedoneachofthe last eight T20s by the side batting first at Arun Jaitley Stadium.DCdidn’tlooklike gettinganywhereclose,until Stubbs joined hands with AxarPatel,whoalsoinjected momentum with his takedown of Wanindu Hasarangatomake34off14.

RR also didn’t finish well Sandeep, who had figures of 3-0-14-0, bowled four wides and a no-ball in what proved to be a 11-ball over that ended with Maheesh Theekshana dropping a sitter off the last ball,theovercosting19.

RRalsoreprievedStubbs on12whenRiyanParagput down a regulation chance at long-on. And he hurt them with some important runs at thedeath-allcontributingto RR chasing a bigger total

thantheywouldhave.

While Stubbs’runs were crucial,agunthrowrunning aroundfromwidelong-onto

restrict the penultimate delivery to a single in regulation time - with RR needing 3 off 2 - was

Scores:

Fletcher’s back-to-back centuries power Rangers to twin wins in VPL T10

SportsMax - Andre Fletcher was at the peak of his powers over the weekend, smashing consecutivecenturiestolead Botanical Gardens Rangers to victories over Salt Pond Breakers and Fort Charlotte StrikersintheVincyPremier LeagueT10.

In Saturday’s clash with SaltPondBreakers,Fletcher blazedhiswayto106notout from just 30 balls, hammering13sixesandfive fours at a staggering strike rate of 353.33. Chasing a daunting 154, the Rangers cruised to 157-1 in just 8.4 overs Fletcher’s assault made light work of a Breakers total that was built around quick-fire 45s from Sunil Ambris (16 balls) and DanielMcDonald(18balls), with support from Haston Jackson’s33off12.

Despite the Breakers’ imposing 153-5, the Rangers’ bowlers shared in the spoils Darel Cyrus picked up 2-34, including the key wicket of Ambris, while Roneil Jeffrey delivered an exceptional over,concedingjustonerun andclaimingawicket.

The following day, Fletcher was unstoppable once more, this time torching the Fort Charlotte Strikersfor104notoutfrom 39 balls, cracking 10 fours and 7 sixes. He received support from Keron Cottoy, who added 19 off 18 before retiringout,asRangerspiled up132-2fromtheir10overs.

The Strikers mounted a spiritedchaseledbyCosmus Hackshaw’sunbeaten39off 21 balls and Kyle Jordan’s 35off15,butultimatelyfell shortat111-7.RoneilJeffrey

was the pick of the bowlers with2-7fromhistwoovers, well backed by Darel Cyrus (2-10) and Tijourn Pope (130),asRangerssecureda21run win. The twin victories moved Botanical Gardens Rangerstofourthinthetable with three wins from seven matches and six points Fletcher, who added 18 in a losing effort to Salt Pond Breakers on Monday, remains the tournament’s topscorerwith246runsata blistering strike rate of 264 52 and the only player so far to register centuriesinVPL6.0. With form like this, Fletcher continues to underlinehisstatusasoneof the most destructive batters intheT10format,givingthe Rangers momentum as the tournament heads into its finalstages.

invaluable.

Delhi Capitals 188 for 5 (Porel 49, Rahul 38,Stubbs34*,Archer2-32)

tied with Rajasthan Royals 188 for 4 (Jaiswal 51, Rana 51, Axar 1-23, Starc 1-36) DCwonSuperOver

Tristan Stubbs and KL Rahul finished the job for DC. (Getty Images)

Andre Fletcher (Vincy 6.0)

Ninvalle praises work of NSC under his tenure

- Highlights excellent relationship with all national associations

While the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission (NSC), has been making significant investments in sports under the leadership of President IrfaanAli, Director of Sport SteveNinvallehasdescribed thepastfouryearsasnothing shortof“phenomenal.”

It has now been four years since Ninvalle, a former Deputy Permanent Secretary, Member of Parliament and the current president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), was appointed Director of Sport.

He believes the landscape of sports in Guyana has changed dramatically under Minister Charles Ramson Jr , particularly in the way the Government engages with

national federations and associations.

“It’s not the National Sports Commission beating our own drum,” Ninvalle explained, noting that numerous associations have publicly acknowledged the renewed, strengthened relationship with the Government “The relationship that we have or we are having with all associations,it’snothingless thanphenomenal.”

“What we do is listen more than we speak. That

Steve Ninvalle - Director of Sport

Steve Ninvalle

way, we’re able to fully understand the issues facing theseassociations,andwork together to solve them. We are more accessible and responsive,”hesaid.

However, Ninvalle was adamant, “If you ask me if we have finished working, no, there’s a lot of work left tobedone.ButifIlookback, asoffrom2020tonow,itis nothing short of being phenomenal.”

Between2020and2025, theGovernmentofGuyana (Continuedonpage27)

MalachiAustin will be looking to defend his U20 400m title at the CARIFTAGames.