Kaieteur News

VPJagdeourgesexportersnottopanic

- says Govt. to clarify trade surplus data with U.S. Govt. which triggered 38% tariff

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has assured Guyanese exporters that the government will work to clarify differences in trade surplus data with the United Statesgovernment,whichhe believes played a role in the 38% reciprocal tariff on Guyaneseproducts.

United States President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday a 38% tariff on goods from Guyana and stated that this country is charging the US 76% tariffs in currency manipulation andtradebarriers.

However, at his press

conference on Thursday, the VicePresidentexplainedthat the move was not unexpected, given that Trump campaigned on addressing trade imbalances between the US and various countries “So, President Trump’s announcement yesterday did not come as a surprise to us here in G u y a n a , t h i s w a s anticipated, this was expected,”hesaid.

Further, he noted that in Guyana’s case, the US trade figures suggest a substantial trade surplus that Guyana exports more to the US than

it imported, 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.

DifferenceinData

Guyana’s Vice President said that the government’s understanding of the reciprocal tariff is that countries exporting more to the US than importing face highertariffs.

He said, “A number of people thought that it was

AFC, GAAC express concerns over Trump’s 38% tariff on Guyanese goods

TheAllianceforChange(AFC)iscalling for a united national response to the United States’ decision to impose a 38% rate of tariffsongoodsexportedfromGuyana.

The party warned that the tariff could have significant negative effects on the country’s economic development, urging politicalconsensusandcollaborationacross partylinestoaddressthesituation.

“We repeat our call for mutually agreed political consensus across the political divide on short-, medium- and long-term economicdevelopmentplansinthenational interest,” the AFC stated in a release on Thursday

Further, the imposition of the tariff has sparked concerns from the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) aswell.

Inapressrelease,GACChighlightedthat the move signals a dramatic shift in trade relations between the US and Guyana. According to the GACC, the tariff is linked to Guyana’s rapidly growing oil industry, whichhascontributedtoatradesurpluswith theUS.

“The imposition of these tariffs appears to be linked to the evolving economic landscape, particularly Guyana’s rapidly growingoilindustry,”theChambersaid.

Further, GACC also expressed concerns thatthetariffwillhavesevererepercussions for Guyana’s agribusiness and manufacturingsectors,whichrelyonaccess to the US market. The Chamber further

warnedthatthetariffcouldleadtojoblosses inbothGuyanaandtheUnitedStates.

“This policy threatens to undermine the gains being made by many agribusinesses and manufacturing entities,” the GACC stated.

United States President Donald Trump imposeda38%rateoftariffsongoodsfrom Guyana on Wednesday, as he unveiled a sweeping new trade policy, which targeted some of that country’s biggest trading partners.

The rate imposed on Guyana is the highest for Latin American and Caribbean countriesandcomesjustdaysafterPresident Irfaan Ali vowed to stand by Washington amid threats to impose tariffs on Chinesebuilt vessels during a news conference last week with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

According to the US’new tariffs policy Brazil, Bahamas, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, Barbados, Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and St. Vincent have all been charged10%tariff.

Trinidad and Tobago has been slapped with12%,andVenezuela29%.Inreactingto the move by the US, the Government of Guyana,inastatement,saidthatithastaken note of the reciprocal tariffs announced by theUSGovernment.

“Our government is closely engaged withourUSpartnerstobetterunderstandthe issue and have it addressed as appropriate,” thestatementconcluded.

based on our own trade barriers,thatis,highertariffs ratesforgoodscomingfrom the US, that caused us to be in the bracket or in the categoryofhigherreciprocal taxes. From what we looked atandhaveread,itseemsas though all of the countries that have had higher reciprocal tariffs are countries that have been exporting more into the United States of America thanthey’reimprintingfrom the United States of America, that is countries thathaveatradesurpluswith the United States of America...itseemsasthough that is the basis not individualized tariff barriers ineachcountry.”

Using information from the United Nations

COMTRADE, Jagdeo pointed out a significant difference between Guyana’s trade surplus figures versus the figures reported by the US. For 2024,Guyana’sreporttoUN COMTRADE states that the country exported US$3.3 billion to the US and imported US$2.56 billion, leaving a trade surplus of US$799 million. However, the US report to the UN COMTRADE presents drastically different figures, showingGuyana’sexportsto theUSfor2024wereUS$5.5 billion and imports were only US$1 3 billion, resultinginatradesurplusof US$4.1billion.

“So,clearlythereisroom for us to work with the US partners to clarify this information,”Jagdeosaid.

The Vice President stated, “We are still to work with the US government on thenumbersandtoseeifthat is what is applicable in our

case, so clearly we would want to point out to the United States of America, cause we have good import data that we are importing much more from the united states of America than is reportedbytheUStotheUN COMTRADE,andsothatis oneareawherethatcanlead to a significant reduction in thetradesurplus.”

Moreover, Jagdeo highlighted that another avenue of engagement with the US could show that the surge in Guyana’s trade surpluswiththeUSoverthe pastfouryearsismainlydue to oil exports. According to US COMTRADE data, in 2020 the trade surplus from Guyana was US$69 million, in 2021 it was US$1 3 billion, in 2022 it was US$1.7 billion, in 2023 it was US$2 billion, and in 2024itwasUS$4.1billion.

“So, you would see clearlythatourtradesurplus is largely because of our export of oil in the last 4 years, that is why we have a major surplus with the UnitedStatesofAmerica,so we can clearly make that case and we can make the case that the majority

ownershipoftheexportersof oil the company here is an American company Hess and Exxon, because they’re the majority owners for the venture that they have in Guyana that’s producing oil andgas,”Jagdeoexplained. Formula B a s e d o n h i s understanding on the formula that was used to calculatethereciprocaltariff using the trade surplus, Jagdeo explained that the trade surplus of US$4.1 billion, is divided by the by totalexportsUS$5.5billion, and this figure is then multipliedby100,arrivingat the 76% which is then divided by two to determine a reciprocal tariff of 38%.

“Thebiggerthesurplusisin Continued on page 6

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

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EDITORIAL

ExxonMobil and Guyanese livelihoods

Atfirstglance,thereisanencouragingsoundandfeel to what American oil giant, ExxonMobil is promising CompensationforthelossofGuyaneselivelihoodsinthe event of an oil spill We warn Guyanese not to be fooled, not to expect too much of either compassion or generosity from the oil company Business is for profit, and there is none more ruthless about its bottom line than ExxonMobil

There have been no oil spills, no release of actual oil fluids, into Guyana's waters, something for which all Guyanese should be thankful But there has been fallout from offshore oil operations, from spillage of a different kind,andwithvictimsasproof Guyanesefisherfolkand those who depend on them for a living are the first victims, with material economic loss now their norm It would be helpful, a sign of its kind consideration, if the company were to say something about that wounding reality

Doing something to provide relief to struggling fisherfolkwouldbeworthmorethanallthatExxonMobil could say It would provide evidence of compensation, and of ExxonMobil's sincerity, for loss of livelihood, due toimpactsofoiloperationsonGuyana'sfishingsector

Within the context of compensation for impacted Guyanese should there be an oil spill, there are a few essentials for Guyanese to note ExxonMobil's promise about compensation applies only to oil project number seven, Hammerhead Also, compensation would not be consideredforanyandalloilspills,butonthesizeofone Itisunknownatthistime,whethersmallspillsaffectinga limited number of Guyanese would qualify for compensation,orinclusioninthecompany'sremediation programthatisbeingbandiedabout.

With a corporate entity that is as tricky as ExxonMobil, one can never afford to be complacent Guyanese are learning of a “claims process” to be put in place, “to provide compensation as appropriate for asset losses ” This has a solid ring to it, until serious emphasis is placed on that conditional “as appropriate”, which means that ExxonMobil has the first and final say about what is appropriate, if anything at all There it is in black andwhite

“Eligible persons would be compensated as appropriate based on the magnitude of potential projectrelated impacts they individually experienced, either in regard to human health or as a result of economic loss.” If anything, the company is being super careful, which thewords usedreinforce.

The objective of the livelihood remediation program would be “to restore the welfare and livelihoods of affected person to no less than preimpact conditions.” In other words, putting impacted Guyanese back to where they were before the consequences of an oil spill of magnitude bore down on them

We call this program for what it is in the frankest terms It is a face saver for ExxonMobil, through what giveseveryimpressionofbeingtheworkofcheapskates Give potential victims some hope by appearing to be prepared to do some good for them, but as determined by thecompanyandonlythecompanyultimately Even more harshly, what this remediation program amounts to is that if poor Guyanese were struggling on their hands and knees in this rich oil producing country, that is precisely where they will be returned, and not one dollarmore

In other countries, those with real leaders and real vigilant regulatory agencies, the first objection would be to the absence of any wording or promise about other losses,besidebareboneseconomicloss

Health impacts could stretch for years and seep acrossgenerations

But expecting even some provisions for compensation in such circumstances from ExxonMobil

GUYANA/VENEZUELA RELATIONS… WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS.

Dear Editor,

Addressing recent d e v e l o p m e n t s i n

neighbouring Venezuela, the President of Guyana at the commissioning of a new hangar to house military aircraft owned and operated by the Guyana Defence Forcehadthistosay…

“Guyana believes in diplomacy and in dialogue but not dialogue under duress.”

The President went on: “Our neighbours (meaning Venezuela l) would have chosen on more than one occasion to violate the ICJ (International Court of Justice) orders and Argyle Declaration.”

He said that: “The very fact that they would see to hold an election in a territory that does not belong to them tells you that they are not seriousaboutthedialogue.”

“ T h e G u y a n e s e

President continued: “They are not serious about the Argyle Declaration and we will not be drawn into any discourse under duress. We are all for dialogue, but dialogue with respect, dialogue with dignity, dialogue with a sense of purposeanddialoguethatwe cantrust,”

So, we come now to the questionoftrust…

We know people who have suffered by trusting too much, as a result, they have been burnt by misplaced trust. This applies to interstaterelationsaswell.

In formulating Guyana's attitude towards Venezuela's belligerent stand towards Guyana, President Ali being the astute politician he is, obviously has no interest in beingdupedbyMaduro.

WeknowabouttheOscar Brown jnr story about a woman who finds a snake, shivering and hungry on a path. The snake begs her for help, pleading 'Take me in, oh tender woman,' until she relents – at which point the snake promptly gives her a fatal bite.As she protests her unfair fate, the snake snarls: 'YouknewdamnwellIwasa snakebeforeyoutookmein.'

This is probably the reference to trust that President Ali had in mind when he referred to dialogue and trust insofar as Maduro isconcernedespeciallysince Maduro's betrayal of the ArgyleDeclaration.

Under such conditions it is important for Guyana to guard against any attempt by theMaduroregimetoexploit in any shape or form, any engagementbetweenthetwo countries.

Guyana must strive more

vigilantly to ensure that no real or perceived harm is done to the process currently before the International Court of Justice especially by those with the interest to dorealharm.

Hypothetically, the annexation of the Essequibo by Venezuela would reshape the political map of Latin America.Moresignificantly, our country known as Guyana, with an established geographic profile for decades would be gone from themapoftheworld.

The matter is as serious asthat.

If realized, the quest by Venezuela, to seize and occupy a huge chunk of Guyana's national territory, would be tantamount, in the c l a s s i c a l s e n s e , t o conquering Guyana not just theEssequibo.

Added to that, is the bigger question; would M a d u r o f i n d a n y hemispheric or global power or powers who would be either neutral or prepared to be part of a 'coalition of the willing' to support, by omission or commission, Maduro'spushfurtherEast.

Secondly, a much broader question is; has the collective strength of Guyanese nationalism or better yet, patriotism,

reached a sufficient level, enough to act as a powerful and material force to push back against Venezuela's expansionistdesigns?

Hopefully, based on our c o m m o n h o m e a n d citizenship, as reflected in; 'One Guyana' or as in 'One Nation, One People, One Destiny,' as well as our democratic understanding of politics, will these motivational outlooks act as effective rallying points to confront an intervention in anyshapeorfashion.

My point is, we Guyanese do not need a war to justify our being a nationstate as was the case for the dynasties of ancient China, the empires of Mesopotamia and, centuries later, the kingdoms of Europe, for them,wagingwarwasoneof theirreasonsforbeing.

Prussia clashed with regional rivals during the 17th and 18th centuries to make the nation we know today as Germany Across the Atlantic, in the mid-18th century, the 'Seven Years' War helped to galvanise American colonists against the British, setting them on the path to form a nation of theirown.

We Guyanese have a nationwecallourown.Itis (Continue on page 5)

Were our minerals a factor in 'Liberation Day' tariff?

Dear Editor, It was touted as 'Liberation Day' but seems like bondage day for countries.

The announcement hit likeatsunami-38%tariffon exports. Theauthorities,itis perceived, had no inkling this was coming and was caught totally unawares Now it is a mad scramble to understand the issue through engagement.

Caribbean states were hit with the baseline 10% but Guyana a stunning 38%. Even our neighbour to the westwastreatedkinder Are our minerals a factor in this 'Liberation Day' tariff imposition?

So, just what does this mean for exporters and the economy? New markets to pursueanddevelop?

Over to the pundits.

Shamshun Mohamed

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail

Dear Editor, Trumphasbeenspeaking about increasing tariffs for months. Marco Rubio, the U S Secretary of State, recently visited, and adequate preparations were not made to ensure that

would be expecting too much, as such could prove tobetoocostly.

T h e c o m p a n y ' s Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA)sayslots of right things in the right way.

A c l e v e r p u b l i c relations job, or a program with real substance to it, should there be an oil spill of magnitude, that is the

Guyana's exports were secured, and our trade agreements with the U.S. were on equal footing in order to avoid reciprocal tariffs that would lead to reduced competitiveness of our goods. Instead, we kept

questionhangingbeforeall Guyanese This is notwithstanding all the comforting words about designated geographic zonesandrapidresponseto claimssubmitted. Because ExxonMobil has been so miserly with Guyana, there i s s k e p t i c i s m t h a t Guyanese would be in caring hands, if an oil spill occurs

hearing about many less important issues over and over to nauseam, such as the VP's rants about the Mohameds.

The government should have already analyzed the trade agreements with the U.S. and made changes in preparation for Marco Rubio'svisitinordertoavoid any interruption in our exports, and they should have also capitalized on the reductionincompetitiveness of other countries who exportsimilarproductstothe U.S.

The government must be better prepared for changes in the global economic environment Increased

focusontheimportantissues needs to take place. As a resultofthepoorpreparation for the change in tariffs the growthinseveralkeysectors that depend on exports is now at risk. It would have also been prudent for the government to have negotiated and renegotiated several trade agreements withEUmembersinorderto capitalizeonthegapscreated by the trade war in markets whereourproductswouldbe competitive.

The poor preparation shown in this instance

echoes of the poor preparationforthesigningof thecurrentPSAwith

(Continue on page 5)

At least 100 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza

Anairstrikeonaschoolin northern Gaza kills dozens of sheltering civilians as Israel ramps up its offensive on the enclave

Euronews- At least 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza onThursday, including 27, or more sheltering at a school in the north of the strip, according to Palestinian medicalauthorities

TheattackscomeasIsrael heightens its offensive in what it said is a campaign intended to ramp up pressure on Hamas and eventually expelling the Gaza-based group

The bodies of 14 children and five women were recovered from the school in the Tuffah neighbourhood of GazaCity

The death toll may continuetoriseassomeofthe 70woundedsustainedcritical

injuries, according to the spokesperson of the Hamasrun Gaza Health Ministry, Zaheral-Wahidi

Al-Wahidisaysmorethan 30 other Gaza residents were killed in strikes on homes in the nearby neighbourhood of Shijaiyah,citingrecordsatalAhliHospital

Palestinians grieve over the bodies of their relatives, who were killed in an Israeli airstrike, at the Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, on Thursday,April3,2025

Israel's military says it struck a “Hamas command and control centre” in the Gaza City area, adding that it took steps to minimise civilian casualties The same reason was also used –striking Hamas militants in a “command and control centre” – for attacking a United Nations building usedasashelteradayearlier,

killingatleast17people.

Hamas condemned the strikeontheschoolcallingita “heinous massacre” of innocentcivilians

TheIDFsaysithasstruck over 600 targets in Gaza and killed over 250 Hamas operatives, including 12 senior officials in Hamas' military wing and politburo, since it resumed fighting on 18March

Israel issued evacuation orders to residents in parts of northern Gaza, instructing civilians to move west and southtoshelters,warningthat it planned to “work with extremeforceinyourarea”

Many Palestinians abiding by the forced evacuation notices did so on foot,withsomecarryingtheir belongingsontheirbacksand othersusingdonkeycarts

“MywifeandIhavebeen walking for three hours

Palestinians grieve over the bodies of their relatives, who were killed in an Israeli airstrike, at the Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, on Thursday, April 3, 2025Jehad Alshrafi/Copyright 2025, The AP

coveringonlyonekilometre,” saidMohammadErmana,72

The couple, clasping hands, eachwalkedwithacane “I'm

GUYANA/VENEZUELA RELATIONS…

From page 4 reflected in our National Anthem, the National Pledge,inourpatrioticsongs andfolkloremusic

We are committed to nation building as we have been doing since 1966. We do not engage in acts of hostilities against any of our neighbours, save and except Venezuela, where the facts clearly indicate that it is the otherwayaround

If there is one important lesson we should learn from history, it is that we do not want in the aftermath of a wartobeinasituationwhere defeat could be even more unifying than victory over theaggressor

Nation-building is not a one-off event, it can be a long-drawn-out process; worse yet, if interrupted by war or by invasion by a hostile neighboring state, as is the case withVenezuela, it can be catastrophic if Guyana and its populace are notprepared.

Recall in 1980, when Iraq under Saddam Hussein attacked Iran following the Iranian Revolution. Iran was woefully unprepared. But the Iranian Revolutionary

Guard drew on religious commitments to help galvaniselegionsoffighters. Iranian men young and old flung themselves against Iraqi tank attacks, again and again, until Iraq's advance groundtoahalt.

In our case, it would be good if such acts of bravery, courage and sacrifice is manifested by those who willbecalleduptobeatback the forces who would dare violate our territorial integrity

A r m e d c o n f l i c t , whatever its origins and outcome, would be an unwelcome interruption to the rapid progress our country is making currently under the Irfaan Ali administration.

It would result in a big setback for development here.

Admittedly, there is no question that the current threat from Venezuela is existential and hangs line a dark cloud over the welcoming, if not the bright prospectsforGuyana. But strong leadership first and foremost, buttressed by a united and fully prepared populace in

Failure to prepare is...

Exxon The loss of incomehasbeentremendous and the continued lack of proper preparation may prove equally or more damaging to the affected sectors.

Those in leadership must do the job at hand in a thorough, efficient and effective manner Do the job properly or allow others morecapabletogetitdone.

Sincerely,

Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman

support of an active and vibrant foreign policy with its main focus on the controversycanbethekeyto success

T h e p r o s p e c t o f Venezuela waging a war of conquest on Guyana and s u b s u m i n g a n d incorporating a huge chunk of Guyana's national territory into Venezuela's v

established since in the late 20thcentury

Venezuela must be pressured by Russia, China and other BRICS nations to desist from harbouring territorial ambitions on Guyanaandtoremainwithin in its long-established borders.

The question that must be asked is can a Head of State who claims to be 'antiimperialist' be, at the same time, someone bent on annexing, by force of arms and, occupying his neighboring country's territory? Is annexation and the illegal occupation of other people's territory compatible with antiimperialism?

Guyanese need to be

ideologically prepared. And it cannot be only antiVenezuelan sentiments that should be the mobilizing factor

Note how Maduro and his military satraps are using, from an ideological perspective, anti-imperialist and revolutionary narratives to keep their supporters mobilized.

Maduro has framed Guyana, EXXON MOBIL

and America in an ideological context, so has the US, Russia and China in terms of their sanctions and tariff wars against each other

There are lessons are to belearnthere.

Belief in our country's future along with deep and clearideologicalconvictions mean a lot in global politics today as we strive to guard andprotectwhatisdearestto usinalltheworld

Guyanese should take note of the Poet Maya Angelou's quote that while “Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between.”

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

searching for shelters every hour now, not every day,” he said Israel has issued sweeping evacuation orders for parts of northern Gaza ahead of expected ground operations The UN humanitarian office said around 280,000 Palestinians have been displaced since Israel ended the ceasefire withHamaslastmonth

The fresh evacuation orderscameadayaftersenior government officials said Israelsaiditwouldseizelarge parts of the Palestinian territory and establish a new securitycorridoracrossit

TopressureHamas,Israel has imposed a month-long blockade on food, fuel and humanitarian aid that has left civilians facing acute shortagesassuppliesdwindle atacticrightsgroupssayis awarcrime

Overnight strikes by Israelkilledatleast55people in the Gaza Strip, hospital officialssaidThursday.Inthe south in Khan Younis, officials said the bodies of 14 people were taken to Nasser Hospital, of which nine were from the same family. The dead included five children and four women. The bodies of another 19 people, including five children aged between one and seven, and a pregnant woman were taken to the European Hospital near Khan Younis, according to hospital officials.

The attacks came as the Israeli military promised an independent investigation of a March 23 operation in which its forces opened fire on ambulances in southern Gaza

UN officials say 15 Palestinian medics and emergency responders were killed, and their bodies and ambulances were buried by Israeli soldiers in a mass grave

The Israeli military initially said the ambulances were operating suspiciously and that nine militants were killed It added that the probe would be led by an expert f a c t - f i n d i n g b o d y “responsible for examining exceptionalincidents”during thewar

UN human rights chief Volker Türk, citing the ambulance attack, warned on Thursdaythatthereis “ahigh and increasing risk” Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza More than 50,000 peoplewerekilledinover15monthsoffighting,according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which makes no distinction between civilian and combatantcasualties.

On 7 October, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing about 1,200peopleandtakingmore than 250 others as hostages Israel responded by waging a war on Hamas, vowing to destroythegrouptoensureno suchattackcanberepeatedin thefuture

More parents of Mahdia dorm fire victims sue State

Two more parents have filed lawsuits against the Government for their children who died in the horrific school dormitory fireatMahdia,RegionEight. Last month, ten parents filed an almost identical claim against the State, claiming billions for the loss oflives.

In their claim, the parents, Delphia Elda Toney and Onica Felicia Edwin, stated that the deceased children, Eulanda Luciannie Toney and Omefia Felicia Edwin, lost their lives tragically in the Mahdia School Dormitory on May 22,2023.

The parents are asking the Court to grant a declaration for ordinary damages of at least $500 million for each child who

perished in the incident. The claimants also want aggravated damages in excess of $500 million for each child, in light of the emotionalandpsychological distress caused by the actions and omissions of the StateofGuyana.

They are also seeking exemplary damages in excess of $500 million for each child, in order to deter the respondent from engaging in such reckless, negligent, and inhumane conductinthefuture.

The lawsuit, filed by attorneyDarrenWade,stated that the parents are suing for inter alia, loss of life, distress,andnegligence.

Accordingtodocuments, the claimants are seeking declarations from the Court that the confinement of the

now dead students behind locked grills, with the doors and windows padlocked from within, constitutes torture, inhumane and degradingpunishment,anda violation of fundamental human rights under Article 141 of the Guyana Constitution; a breach of their fundamental rights and liberty, specifically the freedomofmovement.

At the time of their deaths, the children were under the care, custody, and control of the State of Guyana at the student dormitory at the Mahdia SecondarySchool,locatedin Mahdia,Region#8.

According to the claim, the State of Guyana had a duty to ensure the safety and wellbeingofthechildrenand all other occupants in the

dormitory The dormitory was locked from the inside, heavily grilled and p a d l o c k e d w i t h n o emergency exit, preventing thestudentsfromescaping.

The claimants explained that the State had a positive duty to ensure that all persons under its care and custody were in a safe and protectedenvironment.“The State breached this duty by failing to implement proper safety measures, including: fire extinguishers and sprinklers and fire sand buckets,” the document stated.

Additionally, the claimants noted that the State breached its duty by failing to provide adequate security, access control, and an evacuation plan for the dormitory

“The dormitory further lacked proper ventilation, with doors padlocked and windows grilled, which exacerbated the danger during the fire The authoritiesresponsiblefailed in their duty to ensure that the dormitory had properly trained and adequately staffed personnel to supervise the students,” the document added. According to the lawsuit, the direct and foreseeable consequence of the State's failure to uphold its duty of care was that barriers trapped the students insidetheburningdormitory, leading to tragic and avoidabledeaths.

“The failure,” it said, “was to ensure proper fire safety mechanisms, including accessible exits, whichdirectlyresultedinthe

loss of the children's lives due to smoke inhalation and burns”

The distraught parents of the deceased children met with the Attorney General Anil Nandlall in Mahdia, Region 8, Upper Takatu Upper Essequibo. At that time, the tragedy was recent, and they were still in deep grief According to the document, despite this, they were encouraged by the Attorney General to sign the agreement with the indication that it was part of several initiatives that the Government was offering to them. However, they said thatthepurportedagreement has no legal effect on the estate of the deceased, as they lacked the necessary authority to enter into such anagreement.

Phillipaitogetnew$83Mnurseryschoolbuilding

The Regional

D e m o c r a t i c Council(RDC)of Region Seven will soon begin the construction of a new nursery school for Phillipai Village, Upper Mazaruni, at an estimated costof$83million.

An invitation for bids released by the regional administration states that bids will open onApril 10 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board(NPTAB)office.

T h i s p u b l i c a t i o n understands that the new structure which will replace thecurrentwoodenbuilding, will provide a more spacious environment for children andwillbeequippedwithall necessitiesforlearning.

Having been allocated $5.7 billion from this year's budget, the school project will form part of the $3.2

billion which was set aside for education delivery in the region.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand has said that having already achieved universalprimaryeducation, the intention now is for Guyana to achieve universal nursery and secondary education.

“What universal means, itmeansallover So,allover Guyana, we want nursery aged children to be able to access nursery schools and nurseryeducationinGuyana is not compulsory as yet, but we have registered the highest enrollment in the Commonwealth Caribbean at more than 85 percent of our nursery age cohort attending nursery school,” shehadsaid.

Manickchand said where there is a gap, it would be where there are not enough

schools and that is mostly in thehinterlandregions.

Notingtheimportanceof nursery education, the education minister at the commissioning ceremony lastyearstatedthatifnursery teachers put out children who cannot read at their grade level, then the entire systemfeelsthat.

“They go into grade one and struggle, to grade two and struggle, reach grade six and can't write a single word on the NGSA paper, and so, this is the level where we're investing significantly to ensure they're getting the foundation they need,” she said at the time The government has completed over30newnurseryschools,

construction is ongoing for over 25 more new nursery schoolsacrossthecountry

VP Jagdeo urges exporters not to...

From page 3

percentage terms, the higher the reciprocal tariff will be…and it's across the board it is for friends and foe alike, theUnitedStatesappliedthis right across the board on the basis of this formula that we think they applied,” he noted.

He explained that the government's discussions with the United States government will have to show the points he made earlier that there is no inbuilt discrimination against US products coming into Guyanese markets and that

there are no barriers to US products.

“So, we are looking forward to having that engagement with the US government,”hesaid. Exemptions

Further, he noted that, according to the executive order issued by the Trump administration, some items are exempt from the reciprocaltariff.

Jagdeo shared that the government reviewed

Guyana's top 10 exports to the US, which include petroleum crude, aluminum ore, fresh, chilled, or frozen

fish, gold, molasses, sugar, honey, alcoholic beverages, measuring and checking instruments, prepared fish and crustacean products, w o o d , a n d w o o d manufactures.

He noted that according to the annex of the executive order petroleum, aluminum ore, and gold are among the items exempted from the highertariff.

Do not panic

Further, he assured e x p o r t e r s t h a t t h e government will work with them to mitigate the impact of the tariff and noted that

thereisnoneedtopanic. Hesaid,“Iwanttoassure all of our exporters that we'll work with them as we learn moreoftheissue.Wewillbe meeting with them, working withthemtoensurethatthey can continue to access the US markets and 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.”

The Phillipai Nursery School in Region Seven. (Photo courtesy, National Data Management Authority/ Facebook)

Leaderofthelistshould notbetakenfromparties contestingelections - Dr. Hinds

- says

Granger’s

Co-leaderoftheWorking People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr David Hinds, has suggested that the leader of the list should not be taken from parties within the coalition contesting the upcomingelections.

Hesaidthepersontaking up the position of power must understand the system, butshouldhavenoaffiliation withanyparty Theleaderof the list controls who enters Parliament. They have the power to fire and select persons who were chosen to serve,aseitheraMemberof Parliament or a regional representative.

Hinds’ comment followed a statement from the Alliance for Change (AFC) which stated that whoever the presidential candidate of the coalition is, the leader of the list should come from any party other thanthatofthecandidate.

He said theWPAprefers the 2015 model used, where Dr Harold Lutchman held the position, but was not a member of any of the contestingparties.

“ W e a r e m o r e

decision kept WPA out of Parliament

Co-leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds

comfortable with that, and p a r t l y i t ’ s subjective Subjective in thatwehavebeenthevictims oftheleaderofthelist,being a member of the coalition. Mister Granger was the leader of the list at the 2020 election,andthefactthatthe WPA is not in Parliament, this has to do with his sole decisionasleaderofthelist,” heexplained.

The WPA co-leader told reporters that while in the position, President Granger,

“took it upon himself to appoint a representative for us and not a representative thatwepreferred,andefforts byussincethentogethimto correct that error did not result in the affirmative and sowe,forsubjectivereasons, arewearyoftheleaderofthe list coming from a political partyinthecoalition.”

Heexplainedfurtherthat if the leader of the list is chosen from one of the political parties, it would meanthatthepartywillhave absolute control over who represents the constitutient partieswithinthecoalition.

Based on this, the WPA holdsthebeliefthatbuilding a coalition would be a difficult task. However, his party understands the temptation of the larger parties to assume control overcertainthings.

“We feel that it is better a n d w e w o u l d b e comfortable with someone outside of the political partiesandthecoalitiontobe the leader of the list or the representative of the list, as it’s called,” Dr Hinds concluded.

Govt., international partners

GTUC writes GECOM, on electoral reform

- says laws can be amended to allow for biometrics

The Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) said on Thursday that it has written to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the Government of Guyana, as wellasinternationalpartners on electoral reform ahead of the2025elections.

Addressing media personnel at a p

GTUC’s General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis,saidthecurrentvoters list remains inaccurate with 738,484 names on the preliminary list This is despite the country’s population being estimated at approximately 750,000 to 780,000.

“This discrepancy highlightstheurgentneedfor electoral reform. Both the Organisation of American States and CARICOM have called for comprehensive voters’ registration and campaign finance reform, but these recommendations are yet to be implemented. GECOM is tasked with ensuring a credible voters’ role and overseeing fair elections,” Lewis told the media.

He told the media, “We havewritten...(on)thosetwo areas, the EU, we have written Carter Center Our position is very clear The trade union movement has foughtforoneman,onevote inthiscountry.”

Lewis said there are reports of irregular voters’ registration “such as a

significant surge in registration at a single address in Ogle raises seriousconcern.”

GTUC, along with opposition parties People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), and Alliance For Change (AFC) have been calling consistently for a clean voters list as well as the introduction of biometrics, including fingerprint, to preventfraud.

“GTUC is committed to s a f e g u a r d i n g t h e democratic principles of one man, one vote and continues to push for this reform GTUChasmetwith G E C O M p o l i t i c a l opposition parties, PNCR, WPAandAFCandGECOM opposition commissioners, and has written to both G E C O M a n d t h e government,andisawaiting responses,”herevealed

They have also reached out to regional and

international bodies and are expecting to meet soon GTUC has vowed to pursue these reforms to ensure a fairer and more transparent electoralprocess.

It is their belief that the opposition political leaders andpartiesareonboardwith a s k i n g f o r t h e implementation of biometrics.

“The General Secretary of the PPP, while they were in opposition, when they were pushing Chairman Surujballyandaskinghimto leave office, they were sayingthatwhattheywantis a enhance biometrics, right? They have asked for that. The parties that are in opposition now, they have askedforittoo.So,whatthey all should do is to get together Don’t tell us what can’t be done. Show us how itcanbedone,”hestressed. Lewisurgedthatitistime to approach the National Assembly and ask for the lawstobeamended.

Gold smuggling racket busted

Fourpersonshavebeenarrestedandover $60M in cash and gold have been seized by theSpecialOrganisedCrimeUnit(SOCU).

The unit, in a statement Thursday night, said that a major intelligence-led joint operation “successfully intercepted an allegedgoldsmugglingattempt”.

“Acting on credible intelligence, SOCU officers detained four individuals, two Brazilian nationals, one Cuban national and one Guyanese. SOCU also seized a large quantity of gold valued at over $30 million andover$31millionincash,togetherwitha quantity of electronic equipment. This is a significant breakthrough in the fight against illicit gold smuggling. The four individuals are currently assisting with investigations,” SOCUsaid.

Head of SOCU, Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, said that SOCU officers wereabletodisruptthesmugglingoperation

before the gold could be moved and warned goldsmugglersto“stopthisillicitactivityor theywillfacethefullforceofthelaw”.

According to the statement, Deputy Commissioner Karimbaksh underscored the government’s commitment to tackling transnational crimes and protecting the nation’svaluableresources.

Thursday’s crackdown follows a similar enforcement action on March 5, 2025 at Lethem, Region 9, where two persons were arrested.

“The Government of Guyana remains resolute in its mission to combat illicit gold smuggling and dismantle networks involved intheseillegalactivities.Officialscontinueto monitor and enforce strict measures to hold offenders accountable and prevent further economiclossestothecountry,”SOCUsaid. Investigationsarecontinuingwithaview ofprosecution.

General Secretary of the GTUC Lincoln Lewis

The reciprocal tariffs

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has once again proven his talent for making the indefensible appear to be routine This time he downplayed the impact of the 38% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on G u y a n e s e exports excepting, of

course, the strategic exemptions of oil, gold, and aluminumore.

Reciprocation, Jagdeo suggests, is the logic behind this move, though one wonders how a one-sided punitivemeasurequalifiesas anything other than a unilateral broadside against asmall,openeconomy

Before Guyana struck black gold, its trade balance with the United States was comfortablytiltedinfavorof American exporters In 2018, America enjoyed a huge trade surplus with Guyana.

But oil, that eternal disruptor of the balance of things, has transformed Guyana's position from that of a perpetual debtor to that of a net exporter, at least in ledger entries. And therein lies the rub. The scale of this shift must be enormous for the United States to impose such punitive tariffs In normal economic statecraft, an administration does not imposea38%taxonimports from a country whose trade surplusistrivial.

Jagdeo, in his usual fashion,quotedfiguresathis press conference. One might have expected a properly documented analysis, perhaps a reference to data from the Bureau of Statistics or the Bank of Guyana. But no, Jagdeo, ever the magician, offered numbers shrouded in mystery—year unstated and sources unclear

The Bureau of Statistics' website provides no published disaggregated data for Guyanese exports to the U S for 2024 This should be concerning, even to Jagdeo. After all, how does one engage in trade negotiations with a global superpower when one does not have, at one's fingertips, the most timely and basic data on trade volumes and values?

The IMF's Article IV c

lamentable data gaps and systemic

cal deficiencies. That such an elementary issue persists despite repeated censure from international financial institutions is a damning indictmentofgovernance.

Even if we take Jagdeo's statements at face value, his insistence on downplaying theeconomicimpactofthese tariffsiscauseforalarm.Itis true that Guyana's primary exports oil, gold, and aluminum ore—are exempt. But the more pressing issue is not what remains untaxed but what is left of Guyana's non-oil export base. The government seems to have resigned itself to a singlecommodityfuture,wherethe economy lives or dies by the price of crude If, as expected, oil accounts for 89%ofGuyana'sexportsthis year, then the country is teetering on an economic tightrope, entirely at the mercy of global price

swings, geopolitical machinations and America's unpredictability The slightest tremor in oil marketscouldsendtheentire economy into freefall. And worst of all what happens should Trump decides to no longer exempt oil and gold

Dem Boys Seh...

from his reciprocal measures?

Diversification, the golden rule of economic resilience, is a principle that appears to have eluded the PPP government. It does not seem to trouble Jagdeo that Guyana's economic wellb e i n g r e s t s a l m o s t exclusively on the fortunes of a single commodity. Nor does he seem particularly perturbed by the fact that the remaining sectors those which now face Trump's tariffs are precisely the ones that could have provided a buffer against oil dependency Instead, he has chosen the path of least resistance: minimize the problem, dismiss the concerns, and hope that the headlines move on before anyone asks difficult questions.

Jagdeo, in an attempt to exudeomniscience,declared that the tariffs were not unexpected. If so, then one must ask: where were the contingency plans? What preemptive measures were put in place to protect local exporters from the predictablefallout?

If this was all foreseen, w h y w a s t h e r e n o consultation with the private sector, no joint strategy, no public discourse on how Guyana would navigate this economic turbulence?

Instead, the Finance Ministry's initial response was to say it would engage t h e U S t o s e e k clarification—an admission that, contrary to Jagdeo's claims, the government was caughtoffguard.

And what of Secretaryof State, Marco Rubio's recent visit? One would have expected that the foreseen possibility would have been raised, that Guyanese

When yuh stand up to Trump, he does back down

Demboyssehwhenamansehhegivin' yuh a lil slap fuh balance things out, and then he bring a big bat, yuh know he ain't comefuhnoliltap—hecomefuhwar Well, that is exactly wah Donald Trump doin' with he so-called “reciprocal” tariffs. Dem boys want fuh know, reciprocal fuh who? Guyana?

Yuh see, Trump ain't playin' no trade skirmish game. He launchin' an all-out trade war, and de whole world got to tek notice. But some people still think he just “adjusting” trade relations. Dem boys seh Vee Pee better wake up and smell de dutyfree coffee This is not about no rebalancing—thisiseconomicwarfare.

LookhowCanadaandMexicostandup toTrump. De man talk big, seh he gon' shut dem down, slap on tariffs, but guess wah? Dem boys hold dem ground, and he had to back down like a schoolyard bully who

officialswouldhaveusedthe opportunity to voice

c o n c e r n s a n d s e e k assurances.

Yet, instead of robust diplomacy, we saw a display of political sycophancy. The PPPleadership was too busy basking in Rubio's praise of G u y a n a ' s e c o n o m i c

t r a j e c t o r y t o a s k uncomfortable questions. It s e e m s t h a t w h e n compliments are being handed out, national interestscantakeabackseat.

At the heart of this debacle is a fundamental failure of governance. The PPPC government has once again demonstrated that decision-making within the PPP is an insular affair, confined to a small circle of

officials who operate under the assumption that they alonepossesswisdom.There is no inclusivity The private sector, the very people most affected by these tariffs, was leftoutoftheloop.

The reality is that these tariffs whether Jagdeo admits it or not—will have consequences. They will affect businesses, jobs, and trade relations. They will limit the ability of Guyanese exporters to remain competitive in the U S market. And they will serve as a stark reminder that Guyana, despite its newfound oil wealth, remains vulnerable to

pressures. Jagdeo may think hecantalkhiswayoutofthis

crisis,ashehaswithsomany others. But rhetoric is no substitute for strategy At some point, the people of Guyana will have to ask themselves whether they are willing to accept this style of governance Until then, Jagdeo will continue to do what he does best: talk in circles, evade scrutiny, and hope that no one notices the emperorhasnoclothes.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h

o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

meet he match. Even Europe slap he back with some hard tariffs.And China gat dem farmersinOhiofeelingsomepain.

Now Guyana find itself in de middle of a big, global trade fight. Dem boys seh, we can't sit down and hope fuh de best. Is time fuh realignment. Time fuh Guyana fuh recognize dat dis ain't no back-and-forth game—dis is a World Trade War, and Americuh start it. If we don't tek action, we gon' get ketch in de crossfire and end up payin'morefuheverytin'fromricetorope.

Demboyssehifyuhseeamanpunchin' everybody in de face, yuh don't go run up andhughe.

Is time fuh we fuh look at we trade relations, find we real friends, and realign. Because when yuh stand up to Trump, history prove one thing—he does back down!

Talk half, leff half!

Tariffs–Americangame,Americanimagination

Protest against Commissioner of Information continues today

A protest against the OfficeoftheCommissionerof Information over the lack of information in Guyana will continuetodayfrom12noon

Last Friday, a group of Guyanese, including lawyers, Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), the independent media, and transparency organisations, picketed the office of Charles Ramson SC on East Street, Georgetown

Attorney Christopher Ram, who organised the activity, explained Thursday thatheandothercitizenshave been attempting to obtain information from the Office

He said those requests were never met due to “ridiculous reasons”, including Ramson's demand that he be addressed as Justice with S C O R followinghisname Ramsaid the Commissioner of Information has been “playing games” with applicants, dismissing their requests with his personal interpretation of the Access to Information Act

Protestors argued that theAct is not achieving its objective, although the Office receives some $40 million each year Questions have also been raisedabouttheoperationsof (Continueonpage22)

A section of protestors in front of the Office of the Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson (senior), last week

Strathspey bridge reopens

…significantly reducing ECD traffic congestion

A temporary bridge constructed along the Railway Embankment at Stathspey, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was on Thursdaymorningopenedto light vehicular traffic immediately easing traffic build-up along the ECD’s mainaccessroad.

The opening of the temporarybridgeisaimedat reducing the severe traffic congestion that plagued the East Coast’s main access road for three days. The old bridge started sinking on March 27, 2025, forcing authorities to allow only lighttraffic.

However, the situation worsened when the bridge collapsedentirely,haltingall traffic along the Coldingen and Strathspey carriageway

In response, the Ministry of Public Works issued an advisory, stating the bridge would be closed for 70-90 daysforreconstruction.

Asaresult,vehicleswere forced to divert to the East Coast’s main access road, which led to significant traffic jams. The congestion began on Monday evening,

stretching as far back to Beterverwagtinginthewest.

OnTuesday andWednesday mornings, the traffic backed up from Hope to Annadale and Lusignan in the west, causing major disruptions forcommuters.

Thecontractor,H.Nauth & Sons, was given 48 hours from Tuesday to complete thetemporarystructure.This emergency initiative was launched in response to numerous complaints from roadusersontheEastCoast.

However,thenewbridge was constructed using precast concrete slabs and can only accommodate light traffic. Trucks are strictly prohibited from using the bridge.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, visited the bridge site on Thursday morning and spoke to reporters about the initial plans for the bridge, which had been adjusted due to publiccomplaints.

“ T u e s d a y a n d

Wednesday was confusion on the East Coast for people to get to work, get to businesses We decided,

rather than going into full rehabilitation construction, to build a bridge that is in keeping with the design for the expansion of the Sheriff to Mahaica project, we will put in place a temporary structure, which was done over the last 48 hours,” Edghillexplained.

He also praised the workers for their round-theclockeffortstocompletethe bridgeontime.

“No trucks should be crossing under the railway embankment We can’t continue to have the trucks o n t h e R a i l w a y

Embankment,” Minister Edghillsaid.

At approximately 08:45h, Kaieteur News observed workers setting up caution signs along the bridge.

One sign indicated a speed limit of 15 km/h, and additional signs prohibited trucks from crossing. Police were also stationed in the vicinity of the bridge to redirecttruckdrivers.

Further safety measures are planned, including the installation of railings on Thursday evening, to ensure thesafepassageforvehicles.

temporary bridge, stating thattheinitiativewillhelpto significantly ease traffic congestion.

One dr

granddaughter to school said, “The congestion will definitely ease today, this is veryconvenient.”

Headded,“Iusedtoonly t a k e t h e R a

w a y Embankment to President’s College, but because of the massive congestion on the main access road, I had to

The temporary Strathspey Bridge that was opened to traffic on Thursday.

adjust. Building this bridge

; the governmentistrying,man.”

A

d in agreement, “I’m glad the bridge fix! I glad bad, bad!” beforedrivingoff.

Anotherdriver,aresident of Melanie Damishana, also expressed relief “I feel happythattheyopenedback theroadbecauseItravelthis road every day for business. When the bridge break down,Ihadtowakeupearly, but now we are back to our regular schedule. We happy, happy!”

Linden to Mabura road project extended to December

With only 40 per cent of worksofarcompletedonthe Linden to Mabura road project, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill has given contractors until December,2025tocomplete theworks.

Theministermetwiththe

project’s contractor and supervisory management on Wednesday expressing dissatisfaction at the slow pace of work. Edghill said whileonly40percentofthe work has been completed, some 80 per cent of the allotted time has already elapsed.

During the engagement, the public works minister reminded the team that they neededtostepuptheirgame in order to complete the project within the stipulated timeline.

“Your commitment to

- Edghill flags slow pace of work

complete must not only be verbal commitment. It must be shown through your action,”theministernoted.

Further, the minister said, “December is the end date. [I want to know] how we will work from now all the way to December If we continue at the rate we are going, we will not meet the December[deadline].”

To support the project’s completion,theministryhas committedtoprovidingalist ofpossiblesubcontractorsto Alya Construction, who is overseeing the project. The ministry informed the team that by the end of April, all approvals should be given for subcontractors to commencework.Kaieteur

Continued on page 14

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill (centre) meeting the contracting team of Linden to Mabura Hill road project. (Photocourtesy,MinistryofPublicWorks)

Labourersentencedto 2yearsforwoundingcharge

A 22-year-old labourer was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment when he appeared at the Cove and John Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday to answer to a felonious woundingcharge.

ThematterwasheardbeforeMagistrateOrinthiaSchmidt.

KrishnaBeharrylall,ofLot903Grassfield,Enmore,East Coast Demerara (ECD), was arrested on March 30, 2025 for feloniouslywoundinga27-year-oldlabourerfromGrassfield, EnmoreonMarch29,2025.

Beharrylallpleadedguiltytothechargebeforethetwentyfour-monthsentencewashandeddown. Krishna Beharrylall

Regiononemanremandedforrape, sentencedafterescapinglawfulcustody

A39-year-old

c h a i n s a w operator was sentenced to 12 months i m p r i s o n m e n t o n

Wednesday when he appeared at the Mabaruma Magistrates’ Court, Region One, to answer to three charges.

Richard Domingo, of White-Water, North-West District, Region one, appeared via Zoom before MagistrateCliveNurse.

Domingo was charged for allegedly raping a 25year-old female between November 1, 2016 and

November 30, 2017 in the said region. He was also charged with sexual activity with a child family member

betweenAugust 1, 2012 and August30,2013. Additionally, Domingo allegedly escaped from lawful custody from the MabarumaPoliceStationon February11,2025. He pleaded guilty to the offence of escaping lawful custodyandwasnotallowed to plead to the other two offences. Magistrate Nurse remanded Domingo for the offences of rape and sexual activity with a child family member and sentenced him forescapinglawfulcustody.

The matter was adjournedtoMay20,2025.

Missing Berbice pensioner found dead on sea dam

A 70-year-old pensioner wasfounddeadonThursday atRossSeaDam,WestCoast Berbice(WCB).

The deceased has been identified as Arnold Seetaram, a resident of Ross Village,WCB,whohadbeen missing since March 31, 2025. According to police, Seetaram lived with his grandson, Ameer Ali. He explained that his grandfather suffered from memory loss and had frequently wandered off to unknown locations, but

would usually return home.

On the day Seetaram went missing, Ali left the house, leavinghisgrandfatherinhis hammock. Upon his return, Seetaramwasnotathome. Thre

found motionless on the Ross Sea Dam “Ameer Ali was informedbyapersonnamed ‘Tuffy’ that a motionless bodyhadbeenspottedonthe Ross Sea Dam Upon checking, Ameer identified th

Seetaram,”policesaid.

Seetaram was found lying face-up, dressed in a blueT-shirt,blackpants,and black slippers An initial examination of the body revealed no signs of foul play

T h e b o d y w a s p h o t o g r a p h e d a n d transported to the Fort Wellington Hospital, where hewasofficiallypronounced dead.

The body is currently at the Bailey/Michael Funeral Parlour for storage, pending a post-mortem examination. Investigationsareongoing.

LindentoMaburaroadproject...

Frompage13

News had reported in January that the LindentoMaburaroadprojectwasexpected to be completed by October this year Initially, the project was scheduled to be completed in July, however, the contractor was forced to halt works due to some challengesmid-2024.

The Government of Guyana, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and theGovernmentoftheUnitedKingdomhad partnered in 2020 to fund the US$190 millionproject(GY$32.4billion).

TheCDBfundedUS$112million,while theGovernmentoftheUnitedKingdomvia the CDB- administered United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund provided a grant of £50 million (US$66 million). The Government of Guyana injected some US$12millionintotheproject.

In2022,followingathoroughevaluation process by the CDB and Consultant Mott MacDonald and other specialists, Construtora Queirozñ Galvao S.A, (Alya Construtora) was determined the most responsive bid. The contract for the project wassignedinMay2022.

The project forms part of a wider development of the Georgetown to Lethem corridor It consists of two main highways; the width of each lane is approximately 3.6 metres, some hard shoulders both sides measuring2.4metres,cyclistandpedestrian lane of two metres, a utility corridor, about 10busstops,andninerestareas.

The Linden to Mabura Hill road project isthefirstphasethatwillultimatelyleadtoa completed Linden to Lethem Road link whichwillthencompleteanoverlandlinkto Brazil.

Richard Domingo

Randy Madray announces “Brunch in Paradise” Fashion Show Runway Elegance Meets Cultural Heritage:

- A fusion of high fashion and pageantry comes to Scotty’s Scotty’ Smoke House this May

Celebrated Guyanese designer Randy Madrayisbringinghiscreativevisiontolife with “Brunch in Paradise,” an exclusive fashion event that promises to transform Scotty’s SmokeHouse into a vibrant runway showcase on May 4th. This all-inclusive brunch and fashion show will not only highlightMadray’slatestcollectionsbutwill alsofeaturetheofficialsashingceremonyfor the 2025 Miss Guyana Culture Queen Pageantcontestants.

Attendees of this exclusive event will enjoy a full brunch experience while witnessing Madray’s newest designs in an intimate setting that celebrates Guyanese creativity The show will showcase his distinctive aesthetic, which masterfully blends contemporary silhouettes with cultural elements that have become his signaturestyle.

“Thiscollectionrepresentsmycontinued exploration of our rich cultural heritage through modern fashion,” Madray shared. “I’m excited to present these new designs in suchanintimateandengagingformat.”

In his dual role as both designer and franchiseholderfortheMissGuyanaCulture QueenPageant,Madrayhascreatedanevent thatbeautifullybridgestheworldsoffashion andpageantry

The integration of the sashing ceremony highlights the natural connection between these art forms, both serving as powerful vehicles to promote Guyanese culture internationally

Under Madray’s leadership since 2019, theMissGuyanaCultureQueenPageanthas

Guyanese Artist Jay Ammo’s Memorable Journey on The Voice Comes to an End

In what has become one of the most talked-aboutmomentsthisseasononNBC’s “The Voice,” Guyanese artist Jay Ammo’s journey on the show has concluded after a competitive duet round against fellow contestantRenzo.

Jay Ammo initially captivated both the judges and viewers nationwide during the blind auditions, where his remarkable performance earned him the coveted fourchair turn - a dream scenario for any contestant on the show With options to join anyofthefourcoachingteams,Ammochose to work with EGOT winner John Legend, a decision that seemed to align perfectly with hismusicalstyleandaspirations.

reached unprecedented heights on the regional stage. Guyana securedback-to-backvictoriesat the Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant in St. Kitts, with SheminaPerounemakinghistory as the first Guyanese to win the title in 2023, followed by Shequana Holder continuing the winningstreakin2024.

The 2025 contestants, who will make their first public appearance at the May 4th sashing ceremony, face the exciting challenge of pursuing a historic third consecutive internationalwinforGuyana.

“While my passion for fashion drives the creative direction of the show, incorporating the sashing ceremony allows us to celebrate these exceptional young women who will represent our cultural heritage,”Madrayexplained.“Thisfusionof fashion and cultural pageantry creates a unique and memorable experience for all attendees.”

Withlimitedseatingavailable,ticketsfor “Brunch in Paradise” are expected to sell quickly. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the convergence of Guyanese fashion excellence and cultural pageantry in anintimatesetting.

Tickets are $15,000 and are available on PotsaltAppandWebsite.

The young artist quickly became a viral sensation following his blind audition, with fansacrosssocialmediaplatforms

Continued on page 17

ShaneilMuirre-emergeswithnew EP,artistesaysshefeelsrefreshed,secured

Jamaican Observer - For dancehall artiste Shaneil Muir self-actualisation is inextricably linked to her vision of a successful career So when things began to get a little too overwhelming for the Confidentsinger,shemadetheall-important decision of temporarily walking away from thelimelighttorefocus.

Now, with a new EP locked and loaded for release Friday, April4,theentertainersayssheis returning to the music space refreshed and re-energised about herprofessionaljourney

“Ineededtotakesometimeto myselftoregenerateandrefresh.I feltitwasnecessaryatthetimeto take a step back and regain my focus, because I knew I would need that going forward. Behind thescenesduringthatperiodIwas working, listening to beats, writing, and of course spending much-needed time with family… And I came out of that season feeling so centred and renewed,” she told the Jamaica Observer

gettingbacktofullworkmode.”

Muir, who once entertained thoughts of calling quits on her career, shared that she understandsalltoowellthepressureartistes facetomaintainacertainstandardofwork.

She shared that the latter can cause artistes to become anxious about the future andsosheencourageshercolleaguestotake breakswhentheyfeelburdened.

The EP is distributed by the renowned OneRPMandalreadyavailableforpre-order.

“Art was created, and time definitely gave way to a new horizon,” she said. “It really opened my mind to writing again and

“I understand the pressure that comes withbeinginthespotlightanditdoesn’tjust go for artistes, it goes for anyone in the creative industries. It is necessary to take a stepback,sodon’thesitatetodothatifyou

Continued on page 22

Jay Ammo performing in the duet round

Jay Ammo (left) and duet performer Renzo (right) moments before John Legend made his pick

Pritipaul

Singh exports drop to 2 containers monthly

from 20, as catches reduce

...calls on Govt. to intervene urgently

ByDavinaBagot

General Manager of Pritipaul Singh Investments (PSI), Pritipaul Singh, is fearful of what the future holdsforthefishingindustry in Guyana, given a 77% decline in catches and revenue recorded by his companysince2019.

The businessman, in an interview with Kaieteur News on Monday, detailed what he described as a reduction in profits and catchessincetheoperatorof

M G L ) , commenced oil production in2019.

harvestingandprocessingof seabob (shrimp) in the year 2000. The company quickly discoveredahugedemandin the foreign market for the produce and commenced exporting.

The General Manager recalls enjoying “extensive exports” between 2000 and 2010. He said, “We started e

offshore

container to two containers, to 10 containers, to 20 containers per week in the peak years from 2000 to 2010 We did extensive production because the shrimpwasthereandwesaw the opportunity to fish and export because the demand wasthereforit.”

Despite the demand still being present today, the businesshasbeenfacedwith challenges that has resulted in PSI failing to meet its customers’demand.

Singh explained, “When they started that oil exploration from 2015 to 2020, we had seen a slight decline, we are all apprehensive about this. We never thought it would have beentotheextentwhereitis today, where from a productionof20Mpoundsto 5Mpoundsannually.”

The General Manager said that after the 5M raw materials are processed, the product falls to about 2.5M pounds.

Currently, PSI exports most of its produce, with 99% being shipped to different countries in the Caribbean and even the United States and Europe.A smallpercentageisalsoused to supply the local market since the demand is not as high, according to the company

P r i t i p a u l S i n g h Investmentsownsabout107 fishing vessels which are equippedwithfood,fueland other supplies for the fishermen, who spend about 7-8daysoffshore,depending on the volume of catch recorded.

Prior to oil production, the General Manager said fisherfolkspentthreetofour days offshore but this has increased to as much as 15 days at sea. This has also caused an additional strain on the establishment, with operational expenses growing.

“Wearespendingmore

Continued on page 22

Fish caught by a crew preparing for offload and assessment by a certification team

Workers check seines for damage and conduct repairs to prepare for another trip offshore

Fishing vessels owned by Pritipaul Singh Investments docked at the company’s Providence, East Bank Demerara wharf

Chart showing a significant decline in export recorded between 2019 and 2024

Trinidadian promotion company set to elevate Guyanese event experiences

-

With inaugural event “Ultra Sunset – The Soca Experience” set for May 3

In a bold move set to

transform Guyana’s entertainment landscape, NAFAD Promotions is preparing to launch “Ultra S u n s e t , T h e S o c a Experience”, an inaugural event promising to bring Trinidad’s legendary fete culturetoGeorgetown.

After spending four years in Guyana, NAFAD f o u n d e r L o r e n z o Ramjitsingh identified a

crucial gap in the local entertainment scene: the absence of premium, allinclusive experiences that cater to both locals and

visitors seeking something beyondtheordinary

“While Guyana has a vibrant culture, there has been a noticeable gap in

Guyanese Artist Jay Ammo’s Memorable...

Frompage15

celebrating his talent and representation of Guyanese culture on one of America’s biggestmusicalstages.

However, the competition took a turning point during last week’s duet rounds, where Ammo was paired with Renzo, another promising artist on Team Legend. Despite deliveringwhatmanyviewersdescribedasa compellingperformance,coachJohnLegend madethedifficultdecisiontoadvanceRenzo tothenextroundofthecompetition.

In a moment that tested the resilience of the young artist, none of the other coaches opted to use their “steal” option to bring Jay Ammo onto their teams, effectively ending hisjourneyontheshow

Despite this setback, Jay Ammo has demonstrated remarkable grace and

professionalism.Inhispartingcomments,he expressedthatitwas“anhonourtoperformin front of John” and assured fans that he’ll “neverforgetthelessons”learnedduringhis timeontheshowashecontinuespursuinghis music career While this chapter on “The Voice” has concluded for Jay Ammo, his four-chairturnandmemorableperformances have undoubtedly created opportunities that extend beyond the competition. Music industryobserversnotethatmanycontestants whodon’twintheshowoftengoontobuild successful careers, leveraging the exposure and professional connections gained during theirtimeonnationaltelevision.

ForfansofJayAmmo,thisappearstobe justthebeginningofwhatpromisestobean exciting musical journey for the talented Guyaneseartist.

premium, all-inclusive entertainment experiences,” Ramjitsinghexplains.“Ultra Sunset aims to fill this void by providing a high-energy event that combines great music, delicious food, and a festive atmosphere, elevating the standard of entertainmentintheregion.”

Drawing inspiration from Trinidad and Tobago, widely regarded as the Caribbean’s “fete capital”, UltraSunsetaimstorecreate that infectious energy and communityspiritthatmakes Trinidadian celebrations world-famous.

“The ‘fete capital’ experience is characterized byalivelyatmospherefilled with infectious energy, captivating rhythms, and a sense of community,” says Ramjitsingh “It’s about letting loose, celebrating life,andenjoyinggreat Continued on page 21

France’sMacroncallsforsuspensionofinvestmentinUSaftertariffs

(Reuters)-FrenchPresident EmmanuelMacroncalledon Thursday for European companies to suspend planned investment in the United States after U S

President Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffsonAmericanimports. “Investments to come or investments announced in recent weeks should be suspended until things are clarified with the United States,” Macron said during a meeting with French industryrepresentatives.

The comments come weeks after French shipping firm CMACGM announced planstoinvest$20billionin the U.S. to build shipping logistics and terminals, a plan that was hailed by PresidentTrumpatthetime, and mentioned again in his Wednesdayspeechunveiling thetariffs.

(SCHN.PA), said late last month it would invest $700 million in the country to

infrastructure to power AI growth.

N

immediately responded to requests for comment on Macron’sproposal.

Macronsaidnoresponse to Trump’s tariffs had been ruled out yet and suggested using the anti-coercion m

m, an EU instrument to protect the bloc’s trade, and responses targetingdigitalservicesand financingmechanismsofthe U.S.economy Macron added that the response to the reciprocal tariffs would be “more powerful” than its earlier retaliation to U.S. steel and aluminumtariffs.

Macron called the tariffs “brutal and unfounded” and a shock for international trade, and that Europe must respond “industry by industry”.

French President Emmanuel Macron. MOHAMMED BADRA/ Pool via REUTERS

Fedupwithsurginggangviolence, thousandsofHaitianshitthestreets

Aljazeera-Armedgangs control about 85 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, accordingtotheUN.

Thousands of Haitians have taken to the streets of Port-au-Prince to express their anger against armed gangs that control nearly all of the capital and its surrounding areas and the government’sfailuretohold themoff.

Since mid-February, Haiti has seen a resurgence of gang violence. Gangs, which control about 85 percent of Port-au-Prince, according to the United Nations, have stepped up attacks in several neighbourhoods previously beyond their control, spreading terror among the population.

The violent groups have united behind a coalition known as Viv Ansanm and forcedmorethanonemillion people from their homes, which has contributed to a freezingoftheeconomyand has fuelled mass hunger They are also accused of extortion, mass rapes and killings. Th

A man gestures towards soldiers in a pick-up truck as protesters make their way to the Villa d’Accueil in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to demand increased security from the government [Clarens Siffroy/AFP]

Wednesday, the protesters

government,arotatingbody of presidential council members appointed nearly a year ago, alongside a long u

n d underfunded UN-backed security mission, has done little to hold off the gangs’ advancessofar F

nd disrupted traffic as they headed towards the offices o

h

P

dential Transitional Council (CPT) and the prime minister before being dispersed by thepolice. They denounced the inaction of the authorities, who have failed to restore

Trinidadian promotion company...

Frompage17 company,food,anddrinks.”

What sets this event apart is its meticulous attention to detail. The venue will be transformed with exquisite décor, including authentic carnival costumes and vibrant feathers imported directly fromTrinidad.

Set against a backdrop of natural beauty, “surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery,” the location promisestoenhancethesunset soca experience with an immersive atmosphere rarely seen in Guyana Ultra Sunset,setforMay3rdatthe The Black Magenta, isn’t just another concert, it’s a comprehensiveexperiencethat goes far beyond what Guyanese party goers have previouslyencountered Attendeeswillindulgein a premium all-inclusive package featuring culinary delights prepared by featured chefs from both Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago The beverage selection promises to be equally impressive, with dedicated shots bars, cocktail stations, and premiumdrinksensuringthe vibes flow uninterrupted throughouttheevent.

P e r h a p s m o s t surprisingly, Ultra Sunset introduces pampering servicesrarelyseenatmusic

events, including foot massages and beauty touchup booths that add an unexpected layer of luxury andcomfort.

“We are particularly excited about the diverse culinary offerings that will allow guests to explore differentflavorsfromItalian to Indian and Jamaican cuisine,” Ramjitsingh shares “Additionally, the pampering services will add a new level of comfort and relaxation that enhances the overallexperience.”

The music lineup features carefullyselectedartistswho connect with Guyanese cultural values while delivering that signature Trinidadian energy Among the headliners is Wadicks, whose catchphrase “We don’t beat gyul, but we beat rum bad” encapsulates the light-heartedyetmeaningful spiritoftheevent.

The Beginning of Something Bigger For NAFAD Promotions, Ultra Sunset represents just the beginningoftheirambitious vision for Guyana’s entertainment future The company plans to establish an annual calendar of highprofile events celebrating Caribbean culture, music, andculinaryexcellence.

“We envision Ultra Sunset as a catalyst for

transforming Guyana’s entertainment landscape by elevating the standard of eventsandcreatingaunique platform for local and regional talent,” explains Ramjitsingh.“Ourgoalisto make Guyana a go-to destination for exciting cultural events, ultimately enriching the local entertainment scene and encouraging economic growth through tourism and hospitality.”

To those still undecided about attending this groundbreaking event, Ramjitsingh offers an invitation to embrace something fresh: “This event is not just about music and food;it’saboutcelebratingour culture, connecting with friends and family, and creating unforgettable memories Join us for a day filled with joy, laughter, and amazing performances that showcasethebestofwhatour regionhastooffer”

AsGeorgetownprepares for this infusion of Trinidadian fete culture, UltraSunsetstandspoisedto deliver on its promise, bringing a taste of the Caribbean’s entertainment capital to Guyanese shores and raising the bar for what locals can expect from premium events in the future.

Wearefree.

Those men today cannot frightenme.”

“We can’t stand this insecurityinthecountryany longer,” one protester, who declined to be named, told theAFPnewsagency.

“It is unacceptable that wecontinuetoloseterritory Inreality,Ibelievethatthese territories are being handed over to bandits by the authorities, who are not rising to the occasion,” he added.

The protest came days after a mass jailbreak in the centraltownofMirebalais.

security almost a year to the day after the creation of the CPT, set up after the resignation of Prime MinisterArielHenry

“Do you see what is happening?” protester Joseph Mackendy told the Reuters news agency at the demonstration.

“Today, Haitian people will fight to be free already

From Sunday night to Monday, gangs attacked the police station and prison in Mirebalais, a town about 50km(30miles)northeastof Port-au-Prince, freeing 529 inmates.

This attack and another on the nearby town of Saut d’Eauforced5,981peopleto flee their homes, according to the International OrganizationforMigration.

Many critics have alleged the government’s poor performance against

thegangs’advancesistiedto corruption and even collusion with the armed men and their financial backers.

While the government has rejected these accusations, Haiti’s authorities have a long history of ingrained corruption, and its judicial system has been paralysed amidtheviolence.

The Kenyan-led Multinational Security Mission, which has about 1,000 police officers from sixcountriesandthesupport of the UN, has also been assisting Haitian police to tacklegangviolence.

But the situation continuestodeteriorate.

“We demand the restoration of security, free movement and the return of our children to school,” another protester, speaking on condition of anonymity, toldtheAFP “Down with the bandits! Longlivepeaceandsecurity If the authorities are overwhelmed by events, theymustleave.”

WANTED VACANCY

Selling your house lot or unfinished building, give us a call : 216-0671 / 692-8464 or WhatsApp 622-0267.

Truck drivers & welders with mechanical idea & Handy boys. Living accommodation provided. Call : 627-5043 / 639-1315.

Press man to operate offset printing machine in Campbellville. Call: 6215140.

One experienced Domestic/ Cleaner to work in the West Minister area, one day per week. Call: 683-3417/ 6467400.

Experienced Salesgirl to work at a boutique at Hydronie Market on Saturday and Sunday (attractive salary). Call: 658-2980/ 6856796.

Employment on cruise Boat! Jobs for manager, receptionist, clerk, restaurant helpers, housekeeper, cook & assistants. Call: 757-8231.

Male/ Female Workers to work in Mahdia. Call: 6887067/ 688-9506.

Wanted! Workers for packaging pasta and chowmein. $4,600 /day: $5,400/ night. Workers paid weekly. Call: 611-7839 (GTT)/ 637-0983 (digi).

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

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LAND FOR SALE

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We repair & install fridge, freezer, washer & dryer, AC units, stove, etc. Whatsapp/ Call Omar: 654-9711/ 683-8734.

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

Protest against Commissioner of Information...

From page 7 the Office and the lack of transparency surrounding its activities since a single annual report, as required by the Act, has not been tabled in the National Assembly to date.

General Domestic, Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office. 4 day work.

One (1) painter needed. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2. Call: 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@yahoo.com

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

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

Handyman to work 2 days per week. Call: 621-5140.

Males & Females to work at a wash bay in Campbellville, 8am-5pm. Shift available 10am-7pm. Call: 604-1980/ 669-4676.

Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hring Sales Representatives. Tel# 226-2621.

Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hring Factory Workers. Tel# 226-2621.

Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hring Jr. Accountant. Tel# 226-2621.

Experienced Accounts Clerk to assist in administrative function that company may require. Email: bakshwork @gmail.com / 662-0469.

Handyman to work in Eccles area, driver expeditor & Workers to live & work in Hauraruni. Call: 231-0363.

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 exists for bodywork men & Arc welder. Call: 716-9989.

One skilled Driver to make purchases in G/Town. Contact: 701-4000.

LAND FOR SALE

Roadside Heroes Highway Land for Sale, Garden of Eden 3.8 or 6 acres. Contact: 621-1139 / 71240203

House plan drawing, Estimates, Grubbing of land and Sand filling K.Lakeram Building Contractor. Call 216-0671 / 692-8464 or Whatsapp 622-0267.

Repairs at affordable prices: fridge,air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, tv, microwaves & freezer. Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158.

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

TOURS

Suriname Tours- Easter weekend tour to Suriname. WhatsApp/ Call: 639-2663 / 673-2348 for more info.

Overnight boat cruise to Bartica Regatta. All inclusive of room & food on board. Call to book: 757-8231.

One bedroom apartment for couple or single person. $50,000 monthly, water & free wifi included. Call: 7577371

Spacious botton flat apartment, 40ft X 12ft in Mon Repos, ECD. Single person over 30 years, $55,000. Call: 234-0965/ 728-4053 7am7pm.

FOR SALE

100 acres of land at Western Hogg Island, 5 mins from the stelling. Ideal for crops and vegetables. Call: 227-1813.

Small Farmers mini Tractor, complete plows - coutock plows. Cantact : 624-0646. Machinery tools, materials for manufacturing and repairs of machinery spares. Call: 227-1813.

The protest by Ram demands the true operationalisation of the Act, followed by a review and amendment more than a decade after its passage.

“The idea is to hold this picket for four weeks outside the Office of the Commissioner of Information at 340 East Street, Georgetown, and if there is no positive response from the government, to take it to the Office of the President, as it has portfolio responsibility,” Ram stated.

Shaneil Muir re-emerges with new EP, artiste...

From page 15 believe that’s best. Physical and mental health go hand in hand, and if you feel like you’re on a roller coaster, that’s unhealthy,” she said. The artiste shared that she has grown in emotional intelligence in this season,

and her audience will see and hear it in her new music. The first track out on the EP is called Secured and it’s a reflection of “my current state of mind”, she said. “I am happy, I’m confident, and just looking forward to all the good things that will happen as a result of that.” According to Muir, Secured, produced by Damage Musiq is a relatable track which speaks to “maturing to a place where you are so confident in yourself and that the security that comes with that just gives you an unwavering sense of peace.”

Pritipaul Singh exports drop to 2 containers...

From page 16 time, we are being less productive, we have to put more groceries on board, so it’s more expense, less returns,” the businessman said.

According to statistics recorded by the company over the past five years, catches have declined significantly. “From 2019, these represent numbers of catches, and from 2019 right onto 2024, you can see a complete decline in the number of catches that are coming in. It reflects a 77% reduction, approximately both in raw materials and revenue generation for the company,” PSI said in explaining a data chart seen in this article.

Future of fishing

Although Singh has seen dwindling catches and profits, the businessman said he is reluctant to turn his back on the industry. To offset his expenses, he is now exploring other business options.

“Because of my extensive expansion and my commitments to the bank, I cannot jump out of it. I have to find solutions,” he stressed. Consequently, Singh explained that PSI is entering the construction and retail of concrete piles and concrete blocks, among other things.

To date, Singh has invested over US$50M into his business and still has outstanding loan payments to the bank. “I have to continue hoping that something would change in the years to come, but my diversification can eventually put me in a different direction, which can end with me out of the seafood business, depending on my potential in this field of investment,” he said.

Importation

As an exporter, Singh said he may even have to consider importing stocks to keep his processing facility in Guyana alive. This, however, also has challenges, given global competition, tariffs and other

taxes. “When you import these raw materials, they have to process, so that’s a cost, and then to re-export it may be uncompetitive, so it may not make sense, but it is something for us to consider,” the businessman said.

Besides the seabob production, PSI’s business also includes fish, which is supplied by artisanal fisherfolk. The General Manager explained, “We buy fish from the whole country, so other than the shrimp business, there is still a percentage of fish which is 25% of the business, so to combine the two, we are trying to stay afloat.”

Govt. not concerned Singh told this newspaper that he has raised his concerns with the government. In fact, this has been done repeatedly, according to the businessman. “Everything was shared, and it’s something continuous that we keep doing because of the difficulty with the business,” an almost desperate entrepreneur related.

According to him, “We wrote to the Minister of Finance seeking assistance with financing, lower interest rates, because of the position we are at, we cannot meet our financial commitment to the banks. We also shared this with the Minister of Agriculture, the President and everybody who can help us but we got no response.”

“We were looking to see what help we can get to survive in this business. We have in excess of 1000 employees; they would be out of jobs if this place is to close down. Indirectly, we have 10,000 people that could be affected because the fishermen have families and those persons depend on that revenue to spend in the shops, if they (vendors) don’t have the revenue, their sales would automatically reduce,” the businessman added.

Singh noted that his ef-

forts to engage the government on the situation commenced around 2023 when PSI faced difficulties with meeting its commitments to the bank and paying wages.

He noted, “We are right now in arrears with payment for NIS, payments for PAYE. You go to the government to ask for help but we are being pressured to pay up. If not, you have penalties to deal with, but nobody is concerned about this.”

The businessman complained that even though the government has been furnished with statistics, the leaders seem more concerned about the oil sector.

Since oil production commenced, two of Pritipaul Singh’s competitors have left the seafood business; Gopie Investments Inc. and Noble House Seafoods Limited have closed their doors, with PSI fearing that his business may be heading in the same direction.

“As a result of the closure of the two companies, I am the only one in existence. As a result, I shoulder all expenses that relate to certification…we finance everything that relates to get scientists, data, people going on our boats. We look after all this and the business is in a dire state,” he shared.

The businessman told this newspaper that while meetings are held occasionally where concerns about the industry are discussed, the commitments to address these have so far failed.

With the oil and gas sector expanding, resulting in more frequent vessel movement offshore, Pritipaul Singh Investments is still hoping that offshore fishing does not die.

“Right now, all I can do is hope to stay in business. I just hope that it doesn’t change drastically to where we would not see any fishing taking place,” he said.

Craig (30 acres) Friendship EBD 85x213 ft, Yarrowkabra and long creek Soesdyke Highway & Bent St. Contact Ray's Realty: 627-9685.

Pres. Ali gets Global Leadership Award for Global Open Innovation from University of California

President IrfaanAli was bestowed with the Global Leadership Award for Open Innovation 2024 from the University of California, BerkeleyonThursday

A press release from the Office of the President said that the award honours individuals who demonstrate innovative and motivational leadership in their academic, professional, or community environments, particularly those who champion open innovation and make a positiveglobalimpact

P

A

recognised fo

w

h

s “transformative leadership, particularly in advancing e n v i r o n m e n t a l sustainability and inclusive economic development”, the statement said, noting that under his stewardship, Guyana has emerged as a pivotal player in global environmentalconservation efforts

Ali was bestowed with the Global Leadership Award for Open Innovation 2024 from the University of California, Berkeley.

“His administration has spearheaded innovative initiatives, such as the development of market mechanisms for carbon tradingandadvancingplans for the establishment of an International Centre for B

Chief

n collaboration with esteemed institutions, including Yale University, Harvard, and Oxford.

underscore the President’s

Justice cites need for

commitment to fostering a stable, forward-thinking marketplace for carbon credits and addressing critical environmental challenges,” the Office of thePresidentsaid

The award, which was previously given to distinguished political leaders, reformers, and business visionaries, was presentedattheNASAAmes Research Center during the

InnovationForum2025. The award goes to those who have played critical roles in driving

economicgrowth

restructuring electoral laws

…as legal challenge to GECOM’s verification process thrown out

Chief Justice (ag)

Roxane George cited on Thursday the need for the restructuringofthecountry’s electoral laws even as she dismissed the legal challenge brought by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chief Election Scrutineer, Carol Smith-Joseph, over the G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission’s (GECOM) verificationprocess.

“Something else has to h a p p e n T h a t ’s a parliamentary issue I’ve saiditinpreviouscases.The electionlawsarealloverthe place It’s very hard to manage, to navigate them,” shesaid.

The Chief Justice said that Article 159(1) and Article 72(1) are to be read together

“How it will be addressed is another issue. That’s not for the Court to decide,” the Chief Justice statedclearly

She said, “Given the entireschemaandcontextof the various provisions, it is unclear why the legislature included that a registration or authorised officer is to visit addresses along with party scrutineers… it seems that the verification of an addressbyvisitcollideswith Article159(1).” “This is a matter for

parliament to address,” JusticeGeorgeopinedasshe urged the Attorney General Anil Nandlall SC to address the state of the country’s electorallaws.

“I’ve said it in previous cases. The election laws are all over the place. It’s very hard to manage, to navigate them,”shesaid.

Recently, GECOM’s Legal Officer, Kurt Da Silva’s told the court that he sees a need for there to be a separate list of electors for Regional and General Elections.

Da Silva posited that the change must be to the statutoryprovisiontoensure that the provisions governingtheconductofthe elections comply first with theConstitution.

Assuch,itwouldnowbe necessary for ballots for General and Regional Elections to be printed separately

GECOM’s legal officer noted that it would also be necessary for separate Lists of Electors to be generated for the two elections, since some persons would qualify to be electors for General Elections but not be qualified to be electors for Regional Elections; for example, Guyanese citizens residingoutsideofGuyana. According to him, this

means that Claims and Objections (C&O) in relation to those lists would bebasedondifferentcriteria, withresidencebeingafactor for Regional Elections but not in relation to Guyanese citizens for General Elections.

Meanwhile, hours after the ruling, Vice President BharratJagdeonotedthatthe decision vindicates the Government’s position on theissueofresidency “What they [the opposition]weretryingtodo wasrobcitizensofarightto vote over an issue of verification, which is not evenarequirement,”Jagdeo said.

However,thePNCRina statement following the ruling said that SmithJoseph has already instructed her lawyers to appeal Justice George’s ruling.

“Guyanawillneverhave fair and credible elections if persons can give GECOM any address that does not even belong to them, including, according to AG Nandlall, the address of Guyana’s High Court. The PNCR/APNU rejects this as ridiculous and a threat to democracy We will continue our quest for a clean voters list, fingerprint biometrics, and an election processthathasthefulltrust

oftheGuyanesepeople,”the Partysaid.

Meanwhile,inherruling handed down on Thursday morning, Justice George affirmed that there is no residency requirement for Guyanese citizens to be registered or vote in the GeneralElections.

The case challenging GECOM’s house-to-house registration process was filedbyCarolSmith-Joseph, who sought judicial review of the process, citing the need for verification of the addressesofregistrants.

In her application, the PNCR memberclaimedthat checksataddressesprovided proved empty lots, or dilapidated or abandoned housesinwhichnoonelives or has lived for years; the addressesexistbutnooneat the address knows the Applicant/Registrant; the address is generic; for example, it may be just the name of the village or town area She fears that the integrity of General and Regional Elections and LocalGovernmentElections and their results will be questionable,inaccurateand notcredible.

However, in her ruling, Justice George said that Smith-Joseph produced no evidence to support her contention of persons not

beingfoundattheaddresses that they claimed at their registration.

“The evidence produced is based on the application vieworperceptionofwhatis or might be occurring …” shesaid.

The Chief Justice (CJ) noted that neither the applicant nor her attorney, Dr Dexter Todd, provided theCourtwithplausibleand legal solutions to the perceived issue of verification.

Assuch,thejudgenoted that once someone provides an address claimed, and it is verified as existing, the personhastoberegistered.

She stressed that even if the person no longer lives there,hisorhernamecannot beremovedunlessheorshe makesarequest,isdeadoris disqualified.

“Inmyview,theaddress claimed has to be accepted. The Registration Officer cannot say to a person presenting themselves for registration that they do not accept the address they are given for whatever reason, and therefore disqualify the personforafirstregistration orregistrationofachangeof address.Todosowouldbeto disenfranchise persons, w h i c h w o u l d b e unconstitutional,” Justice Georgeexplained

President Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali (center) with U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot (second right) and other officials at the awards ceremony.

President Irfaan

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

Hundreds of thousands flee as Israel seizes

Rafah in new Gaza ‘security zone’

CAIRO/GAZA, April 3

(Reuters) - Hundreds of thousands of fleeing Gazans sought shelter on Thursday in one of the biggest mass displacements of the war, as Israeli forces advanced into theruinsofthecityofRafah, part of a newly announced "security zone" they intend toseize.

A day after declaring their intention to capture largeswathesofthecrowded enclave, Israeli forces pushed into the city on Gaza's southern edge, which hadservedasalastrefugefor peoplefleeingotherareasfor muchofthewar

Gaza's health ministry reported at least 97 people killed in Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours, including at least 20 killed in an airstrike around dawn in Shejaia, a suburb of Gaza City in the north. Rafah "is gone, it is being wiped out," a father of sevenamongthehundredsof thousandswhohadfledfrom Rafah to neighbouring Khan Younis, told Reuters via a chat app. "They are knocking down what is left standing of houses and property," said the man who declined to be identified for

fearofrepercussions.

The assault to capture Rafahisamajorescalationin the war, which Israel restarted last month after effectively abandoning a ceasefire in place since January

In Shejaia in the north, one of the districts where Israel has ordered the population to leave, hundreds of residents streamed out on Thursday, some carrying their belongings as they walked, others on donkey carts and bikesorinvans.

"I want to die. Let them kill us and free us from this life. We're not living, we're dead," said Umm Aaed Bardaa.

In Khan Younis, where severalpeoplewerekilledby a strike, Adel Abu Fakher was checking the damage to histent:"There'snothingleft for us. We're being killed whileasleep,"hesaid.

GAZANS FEAR PERMANENT DEPOPULATION

Israel has not spelled out its long-term aims for the security zone its troops are now seizing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said

troopsweretakinganareahe called the "Morag Axis", a reference to an abandoned former Israeli settlement between Rafah and Khan Younis.

Gazanswhohadreturned to homes in the ruins during the ceasefire have now been ordered to flee communities on the northern and southern edgesofthestrip.

They fear Israel's intention is to depopulate those areas indefinitely, leaving many hundreds of th

ple permanently homeless while Israel seizes some of Gaza's last agricultural land and criticalwaterinfrastructure.

Since the first phase of the ceasefire expired at the start of March with no agreement to prolong it, Israel has imposed a total blockade on all goods for Gaza's 2.3 million residents, recreatingwhatinternational organisations call a humanitariancatastrophe.

Israel's military said on Thursday it was conducting an investigation into the deaths of 15 Palestinian aid workers found buried in a shallow grave in March near Red Crescent vehicles, an

the Shujaiya neighborhood of Gaza City, April 3, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa

incident that caused global alarm The military said troops fired on the cars, believing they carried fighters.

Israel's stated goal since the start of the war has been the destruction of the Hamas militant group, which ran Gazafornearlytwodecades.

But with no effort made to establish an alternative administration, Hamas returned to control during the ceasefire. Fighters still hold 59 dead and living hostages Israel says must be handed over to extend the truce temporarily; Hamas says it will free them only u n d e r a d e a l t h a t permanentlyendsthewar

Israeli leaders say they have been encouraged by signs of protest in Gaza again

H

mas, with hundreds of people demonstrating in north Gaza's Beit Lahiya on Wednesday. Hamas calls the protesters collaborators and saysIsraelisbehindthem.

The war began with a Hamas attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023 with gunmen killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's campaign has so far killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, Gaza health authoritiessay Rafah residents said

most of the local population hadfollowedIsrael'sorderto leave, as Israeli strikes toppled buildings there. But a strike on the main road between Khan Younis and Rafah stopped most movement between the two cities. Movement of people and traffic along the western coastal road near Morag was a l s o l i m i t e d b y bombardment.

"Others stayed because theydon'tknowwheretogo, or got fed up of being displaced several times. We are afraid they might be killed or at best detained," said Basem, a resident of Rafahwhodeclinedtogivea secondname.

Trump's tariffs spur trade war threats, fears of pricier iPhones

WASHINGTON/OTTA

WA, April 3 (Reuters) - U.S. trading partners threatened toratchetupatradewarwith the United States on Thursday as President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs ignited fears of steep price hikes in the world's largestconsumermarket.

The penalties announced on Wednesday spurred a plunge in world markets and drew condemnation from other leaders reckoning with theendofadecades-longera oftradeliberalization.

Trump's tariffs would amount to the highest trade barriers in more than a century: a 10% baseline tariff on all imports and higher targeted duties on someofthecountry'sbiggest tradingpartners.

That could jack up the price of everything from cannabis to running shoes to Apple's iPhone for U S shoppers.

Businesses raced to adjust. Automaker Stellantis said it would temporarily lay off U.S. workers and close plants in Canada and Mexico, while General Motors said it would increaseU.S.production.

CanadianPrimeMinister MarkCarneysaidtheUnited States had abandoned its historicroleasachampionof international economic cooperation.

"The global economy is fundamentally different today than it was yesterday," he said as he announced a l i m i t e d s e t o f countermeasures.

Elsewhere, China vowed retaliation for Trump's 54% tariffs on imports from the world's No. 2 economy, as did the European Union, whichfacesa20%duty French President Emmanuel Macron called for European countries to suspend investment in the UnitedStates.

Other trading partners, including South Korea, Mexico and India, said they would hold off for now as theyseekconcessions.

Washington's allies and rivals alike warned of a devastating blow to global trade. The burden could fall heaviest on poor countries like Madagascar, which would face a 47% tariff on vanillaexports.

"The consequences will bedireformillionsofpeople

around the globe," EU chief UrsulavonderLeyensaid.

Stocks suffered a global meltdown, as analysts warned the tariffs could upend global supply chains and hurt corporate profits. Tech and retail stocks were especiallyhard-hit.

Imports to the United States now face an average dutyof22.5%,upfrom2.5% last year, according to Fitch Ratings.

T r u m p s a y s t h e "reciprocal" tariffs are a response to barriers put on U.S.goods,thoughhislistof targets includes uninhabited Antarctic islands and some of the world's poorest countries, which now face tariffsapproaching50%.

Administration officials said the tariffs would create manufacturing jobs at home and open up export markets abroad, though they cautioned it would take time toseeresults.

"We know a lot of Americans are worried," VicePresidentJDVancetold Fox News. "What I'd ask folks to appreciate here is that we are not going to fix thingsovernight."

Economists say the

tariffs could reignite inflation, raise the risk of a U.S. recession and boost costs for the average U.S. family by thousands of dollars - a potential liability

for a president who campaigned on a promise to bringdownthecostofliving.

Regions that backed Trump in the last election could be among the most exposed, according to the Federal Reserve.

Trump predicted financial markets would recover.

"The markets are going toboom,thestockisgoingto boom,thecountryisgoingto boom, and the rest of the world wants to see is there any way they can make a deal," he told reporters b e f o r e d e p a r t i n g Washington for a golf tournament at one of his Floridaresorts.

This map shows the percentage of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration on each economy

This map shows the percentage of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the U.S. administration on each economy

BUSINESSES, SCRAMBLING THE GLOBAL ORDER

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump's on-again, off-again tariff threats have rattled consumer and business confidence Trump could step back again, as the reciprocal tariffs are not due totakeeffectuntilApril9.

U S C o m m e r c e

Secretary Howard Lutnick said that would not happen.

"The president is not going to back off what he announced yesterday," he saidonCNN.

But analysts said the uncertainty will only snowball, making it difficult for businesses to forecast demand.

Others questioned whether the tariffs would goose U.S. exports to poor countries like Madagascar, where the market for highend U.S. products is limited. "Presumably no one is buying Teslas there," said John Denton, head of the International Chamber of Commerce.

Many of those countries are already struggling with a loss of U.S. funding to fight

HIV, malaria and other diseases.

Analysts said the tariffs could also alienate allies in Asia and undercut strategic effortstocontainChina.

Trump has slapped a 24% tariff on Japan and a 25% tariff on South Korea, both home to major U.S. military bases. He also hit Taiwan with a 32% tariff as the island faces increased military pressure from China.

In Europe, Trump has already upset NATO allies with demands for higher defense spending and potential concessions to RussiainitswarinUkraine. Germany's economy minister Robert Habeck said the region should look to bolster economic ties with other countries, and Canada's Carney said he had s p o k e n t o G e r m a n Chancellor Olaf Scholz aboutstrengtheningtrade.

Canada and Mexico, the largest U.S. trading partners, were not hit with targeted tariffs on Wednesday, but they already face 25% tariffs onmanygoodsandnowface a separate set of tariffs on autoimports.

Palestinians make their way with belongings as they flee their homes, after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders, in

Construction worker accused

of grievous bodily harm gets $250k bail

A 29-year-old construction worker was placedon$250,000bailonWednesdaywhen he appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court to answer to a grievous bodily harm charge.Theaccused,RavindranauthParbhu, of Lot 378 Success, Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD), pleaded not guiltytothechargeafteritwasreadtohimby MagistrateAbigailGibbs.

Parbhu was arrested on March 29, 2025 for harming a 42-year-old construction worker of Success SquattingArea on March 10,2025atSuccessRailwayEmbankment.

MagistrateGibbsgrantedtheaccusedbail on the condition that he reports to the

Search on for Brazilian following discovery of illegal shotgun

TRavindranauth Parbhu

Beterverwagting Police Station on the first Mondayofeverymonth.

The matter was adjourned to May 21, 2025.

heGuyanaPolice Forceisinsearch of a 54-year-old Brazilian national, after ranks found a black 20guage single barrel shot gunand20-guagecartridge shells at his residence in Bush Mouth Road, Achawib Village, South Rupununi.

Police reported that at a b o u t 1 6 : 0 0 h o n Wednesday,ranks,actingon information visited the homeofFernandoDaSilva.

Upon arriving at the

residence, the police called

response. The door was found

prompted officers to enter andconductasearch.Inside, theydiscoveredtheshotgun which was propped up againstawall.

The gun was without a serial number Further checks in the house led to the discovery of four 20gaugeshotgunshells.

“The police took possession of the said f

cartridges and took them to Aishalton Police Station where they were marked, sealed and lodged in the general property book, then placed in the property room for safe keeping,” police said.

Efforts were made to locate the suspect in the surroundingarea,buthewas notfound.

Additionalsearcheswill be conducted at Marudi Backdam in an attempt to locateDaSilva.

2025 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 6…GHE vs. LIH Day 2 Carty misses ton, Hamilton (80) sets up tense battle as Harpy Eagles speed ace

Alimohamed

bags - GHE 2nd inns. (Nandu 53*, Anderson 31*) trail Hurricanes by 5 runs

KeacyCartymissedoutona ton by eight runs, while Jahmar Hamilton scored 80 to consolidate, despite a brilliant 5-wicket haul from Guyana Harpy Eagles pacer R

competitive 2nd day tussle yesterdayatWarnerPark.

After trailing by 50 runs followingtheendofdayone, Leewardsownedmostofthe second day thanks to overnight batsman Carty, who sadly missed his hundred after grafting 92 from 182 balls including 12 fours, carrying his team’s batting for majority of day two.

The veteran Hamilton got to his third half-century oftheseason,stabilizingthe middle/lower-order with his robust innings of 80, smacking three sixes and 8 fours.

Apart from opener Mikyle Louis stroking a brisk 73 on day one, only captain Rahkeem Cornwall

managed to show some late order aggression as he finished with 26 from 25 (4x4 1x6), carrying the Hurricanes to 335 all out in the80thover

G u y a n a ’ s s p i n departmentwentwicket-less but success came from their three-pronged fast-bowling attack, led by Ronald Alimohamed who snared 591; as he continues to shoot upthelistforleadingwickettakersthisseason.

Friday April 04, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Some unexpected but very welcomevisitorscouldarrive today, Aries They might bring some people you don't knowbutshouldconnectwith rightaway Expectinteresting n e w s , f a s c i n a t i n g information,.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Taurus, who's that intriguing new person in your neighborhood? What is it about this new neighbor that makesitimpossibleforyouto stop wondering about them? Quitobsessing.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

An unexpected letter could arrive today, Gemini, with a check enclosed, perhaps a gift, bonus, or offer to make more money.This might be a welcomebreak.

CANCER(June21–July22)

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

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Meditation, dreams, or visions could bring amazing insights your way, Leo. You mightfindthemtoobizarreto believe, at least at first, but follow-up research could reveal that what you've come upwithisquitecredible.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

You're an adventurous soul, Virgo.Areyouthinkingabout a little mischief today? Are yougoingtoproposethatyou and a friend or perhaps your partner skip town for a day andforgetaboutwork,

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

A n u n e x p e c t e

communication may come

e connected with your career, Libra.Thisisgoodnews,butit maybesooffthewallthatyou couldwalkaroundinadazefor awhiletryingtomakesenseof itall.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Anunexpectedchancetoflyto a faraway place, perhaps at someoneelse'sexpense,could cometoyoutoday,Scorpio.A group might be involved, perhaps one connected with education.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Some bizarre and rather silly dreams might come to you tonight,Sagittarius.Theymay bethesortthatissocrazythat youactuallywakeuplaughing. Don't dismiss them. Silly or not,thesedreamsaretryingto tellyousomething.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Ifyou'resingle,youcouldfeel a very powerful attraction to someone unusual and perhaps alittlewacky Ifyou'realready inarelationship.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Have you been looking for anewjob,Aquarius?Ifso,you might hear of an opportunity from an unexpected source, perhapsatasocialgathering,if possible.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

If you're single, Pisces, love may come to you completely out of the blue today The person could be standing behind you in line at the store or sitting nearby you in the park.

BySamuelWhyte

Withtheabsenceofthree of their top players, the Berbice Cricket Board has named a 15- member squad

With their three West Indies players Shemaine

absent. The selectors were force to make three changes to the squad that was previouslyselected.

Right-arm mediumpacersNialSmith(2-62)and Keemo Paul (2-61), did a good job given the spin department’s first innings woes.

Guyana’ssecondinnings saw them finish on 137-1 when play ended. It was headlined by a composed 78-run opening stand between Raymond Perez (49), who did all the hard work before giving his wicketaway

Other Eagles opener Matthew Nandu was rocksolid on 53* with five fours andwillnodoubtbeeyeinga big score today, along with runs-machine Kevlon Anderson (31*), as both batsmen will be keen on controlling day three (CliftonRoss)

However, the Berbice squad is still a formidable combination and includes a numberofseniorandupand comingstarplayersandmay goontowinthecompetition.

captainedbytheexperienced and seasoned campaigner

with

Grimmond as the Vicecaptain.

Thosemakingtheirentry into the squad are Tameka George,DanielleLindeeand KiannaLeach.

The full squad reads S

Katana Mentore, Sherika Cambelle, Reneta Ramdeo, Tameka George, Tia Isaacs, Tricia Hardat, Crystal Durant, Daniella Hicks,

Daniella Manns, Danielle Lindee, Jada Fraser and KiannaLeach.

S

Winston Smith is the coach with Angela Haniff serving asManager

The competition starts today

Shenetta Grimmond

Russell picks up two wickets as KKR bounce back from Mumbai loss with 80run hammering of Sunrisers Hyderabad

SportsMax-TheKolkata KnightRidersbouncedback from their defeat to the MumbaiIndiansonMonday with a dominant 80-run win

over the Sunrisers

Hyderabad in TATA Indian PremierLeague(IPL)action at Eden Gardens in Kolkata onThursday

KKR first recovered from being 16-2 halfway throughthethirdovertopost 200-6 from their 20 overs after being put in to bat by Sunrisers skipper Pat Cummins.

Venkatesh Iyer led the charge with a 29-ball 60 including seven fours and three sixes while Angkrish Raghuvanshimade50off32 ballsincludingfivefoursand twosixesinsupport.

CaptainAjinkya Rahane and Rinku Singh also chipped in with 38 and 32, respectively No Sunrisers bowler tookmorethanonewicket.

Andre Russell took 2-21 from his 1.4 overs.

It then took the KKR bowlers just 16.4 overs to dismiss the Sunrisers for 120.

Heinrich Klaasen (33) and Kamindu Mendis (27) were the only batsmen to make any meaningful contributions against the Kolkataattack.

Varun Chakravarthy pickedup3-22fromhisfour overs of mystery spin while pacerVaibhavAroratook329fromhisfourovers. Andre Russell took 2-21 from his 1.4 overs while SunilNarinetook1-30from hisfouroverspell.

Saints and GTI dominate as YBG Georgetown Regional Conference continues

The Georgetown Regional Conference continued in thrilling fashion on Wednesday attheNationalGymnasiumhardcourt,with dominant performances from Saints Stanislaus and Government Technical Institute (GTI) marking the latest round of action.

In the first matchup of the evening, Saints Stanislaus proved too strong for St Rose’sHigh,securingacommanding32-17 victory Leading the charge for Saints was Kadeem Beckles, who delivered an outstanding performance with 18 points and five steals. Supporting Beckles was Daniel Chisholm, whose all-around brilliance contributed eight points, five rebounds, five steals, and four assists, helping Saints cruise to a comfortable 15pointwin.ForStRose’s,ChazaiahBernard and Jason Goppy combined for 13 points, buttheireffortswerenotenoughtoprevent a heavy defeat at the hands of a superior Saintssquad.

The second encounter of the evening saw GTI overpower School of the Nations (SON) in a lopsided contest, thanks to a dominant fourth-quarter showing. Jamiem Barnwell starred for GTI with a doubledouble performance of 14 points and 10 rebounds Meanwhile, Alwyn Adams’ explosive20-pointoutingwasinstrumental inGTI’semphatic65-27victory Raymond Paulalsoplayedakeyrole,contributing10 valuablepointsinthewin.

The competition resumed yesterday with two highly anticipated matchups: President’s College faced off against Plaisance Secondary, while Queen’s College battled North Georgetown Secondary Coverage of these encounters will be featured in a subsequent edition of thenewspaper

The tournament is proudly sponsored by KFC Guyana, Edward B. Beharry Limited, and G-Boats Inc., whose support continues to elevate the level of competitioninschoolbasketball.

T&T cyclists cop team sprint gold at Pan Am Championships

Nicholas Paul, Njisane Phillip, and Ryan D’Abreau delivered a flawless performance to capture the gold medal in 43.428 seconds at the 2025 Elite Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Paraguay

SportsMax - Trinidad andTobago’scyclistswasted no time in making their intentionsknownatthe2025 Elite Pan American Track Cycling Championships, as they opened their campaign with a resounding victory in the men’s team sprint at the N a t i o n a l O l y m p i c Velodrome in Paraguay on Wednesday

T&T’s

The formidable trio of Nicholas Paul, Njisane Phillip, and Ryan D’Abreau

delivered a flawless performance to capture the gold medal, outpacing their South American rivals to stop the clock in 43 428 seconds. Their triumph dethroned Colombia, who settled for silver,whileMexicosecured

bronze by edging out host nationParaguayinthethirdplacerace.

Trinidad and Tobago entered the competition as strong contenders, as they qualified second-fastest in 44 087 seconds just a razor-thin 0 011 seconds behind Colombia’s leading timeof44.076.WithCanada clocking44.719toroundout

the top three qualifiers, the battle for gold was set to be fiercelycontested.

However, the Caribbean powerhouse wasted little time in making their presencefelt.Intheopening round, Paul, Phillip, and D’Abreau overpowered Brazil to register a commanding near twosecond margin to advance. Their momentum carried into the semifinals, where they dispatched Paraguay in another dominant display to book their place in the gold medalevent.

Despite Colombia’s early dominance in qualifying, the Twin Island Republic’s trio saved their best ride for last In a thrilling championship showdown, they unleashed their raw speed and tactical precision, leaving the South Americans trailing in their waketosealthetitle.

The victory not only reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’sstatusasoneofthe premier sprinting nations in thePanAmericanregionbut also set the tone for what promises to be an exciting championship for the Caribbeanteam.

Candace la Borde among panel of 10 umpires selected for ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan

SportsMax-Trinidad& Tobago’s Candace la Borde has been named among a panel of 10 umpires for the upcoming 2025 ICC Women’sCricketWorldCup Qualifier in Pakistan from April9-19.

This will be the second ICCtournamentforlaBorde who also officiated at the ICC Women’s Under-19 Women’sT20World Cup in Malaysiaearlierthisyear

In Pakistan, the host nationwillberepresentedon theumpiringpanelbyFaisal Khan Afridi and Saleema Imtiaz.

In September 2024, Imtiaz made history by becoming the first Pakistani womantojoinanICCpanel

of umpires, being successfully nominated to the ICC International Panel ofDevelopmentUmpires.

T h e s i m i l a r l y trailblaz

Dambanevanaisalsopartof the team. She is the first female Zimbabwean umpire to stand in a Cricket World Cup final during the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup2023,aswellasthefirst female to officiate in a Zimbabwean domestic men’sfixture.

T h e r e a r e t w o Bangladeshi umpires on the panel, with Masudur Rahman Mukul and Shatira JakirJesyselected.

Masudur has been a regularfeatureatICCevents inrecentyears,includingthe ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cups of 2020 and 2024, while Shathira – who featured in two women’s ODIs during her playing career – is looking forward tohermaidenappearance.

Donovan Koch, who was persuaded to pursue a career in umpiring by Richard Kettleborough duringastintasanoverseas professional in Sheffield, England, is also on the panel alongside Babs Gcuma, la Borde, Dedunu deSilvaandShaunHaig.

AliNaqvi,ShandreFritz andTrudyAndersonwillbe inplaceasmatchreferees

ICC Senior Manager –Umpires and Referees, SeanEaseysaid:“Thisisan excitingopportunityforour appointed match officials, overseeing this important

tournamentwhichisthelast stepforteamsonthepathto theWorldCup

“Our officials are experienced and well prepared, and we look forward to seeing them participateinthisevent.”

Thefulllistofofficialsis asfollows:

Referees

Ali Naqvi (Pakistan), Shandre Fritz (South Africa), Trudy Anderson (NewZealand).

Umpires: Babs Gcuma (South Africa), Candace la Borde (West Indies), Dedunu de Silva (Sri Lanka), Donovan Koch (Australia), Faisal Khan Afridi (Pakistan), Masudur Rahman Mukul (Bangladesh), Saleema Imtiaz (Pakistan), Sarah Dambanevana (Zimbabwe), Shathira Jakir Jesy (Bangladesh), Shaun Haig (NewZealand).

Trinidad & Tobago’s Candace la Borde

Haiti keep slim U-17 qualification hopes alive as Bermuda, T&T out of contention

SportsMax - Haiti maintained their slim hopes

of advancing in the Concacaf Women’s Under17 Qualifiers after a commanding 4-1 victory over Bermuda in Group A, while Trinidad and Tobago suffered another heavy defeat to El Salvador in GroupConWednesday Haiti’s triumph over Bermuda kept them in contention for one of four spots to the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, but group leaders Mexico strengthened their hold on thetopspotwithadominant 4-0 win over Costa Rica. Meanwhile, in Group C, the United States reaffirmed their supremacy with a 7-0 demolitionofHonduras,and El Salvador surged into second place after cruising pastTrinidadandTobago.

Inthecurtainraiseratthe Mini Estadio de la Federación Mexicana de Fútbol in Mexico, Haiti opened the scoring in the

14th minute when Ella Etienne calmly converted fromthepenaltyspot. Three minutes later, Dominique Desert doubled the lead with a well-placed header inside the penalty area.Etiennestruckagainin the 28th minute, guiding a clinicalfinishtothefarpost tomakeit3-0.

Despite holding a comfortable lead, Haiti faced adversity when goalkeeper Kalea Tranchant was sent off in the 38th minuteforafouloutsidethe box,forcingthemtoplaythe remainderofthematchwith 10 players. However, their attacking intent remained undeterred, and Maya Piquion converted another penaltyinthe82ndminuteto sealthewin.

Bermuda found a late consolation goal in stoppage timewhenNilaSamuelsfired astunninglong-rangestrikein the90+4minute

Meanwhile, Mexico reinforcedtheirdominancein

Battle in the match between Haiti and Bermuda. (Concacaf Media)

Group A with another comfortable win Citlalli Reyes set the tone with a clinical penalty conversion in the28thminutebeforeJoselyn Solis unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the top cornerjustthreeminuteslater Dafne Sánchez added a stunninglong-rangeeffortin first-half stoppage time

(45+1)toputMexicofirmly in control. Reyes rounded out the emphatic win in the 78th minute, converting another penalty for her secondgoalofthematch.

Over in Group C at Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad andTobago,theUnitedStates continuedtheirruthlessmarch with the drubbing of

Honduras Kimmi Ascanio broke the deadlock just before halftime (45th), and thefloodgatesopenedinthe second half Micayla Johnson (47th), Ashlyn Anderson(51st),PearlCecil (56th), Riley Kennedy (60th), and Jaiden Rodríguez (65th) all found thenetinquicksuccession.

Anderson completed the rout in the 74th minute, scoring her second of the match with a close-range finish. The win keeps the United States firmly atop Group C, having yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

Inthefeature,Trinidadand Tobago endured another difficult outing, though they heldtheirowninthefirsthalf andwouldhavehopedtosteal amarchinthesecondhalf,but itwasnottobe

El Salvador broke the deadlock when Abigail Salgadofiredhomeinthe58th minute with a spectacular curling strike Three minutes later, Maya Buerger doubled the lead with a clinical finish insidethepenaltyarea

Angie Alvarenga then took over, netting twice in the closing stages (86th and 90th). Her first came from a well-taken free kick, while hersecondwasathunderous long-rangestrikeintothetop rightcorner

All set for Rotary Club of NA Childhood Obesity Prevention Inter Secondary School Tapeball Cricket competition final and semifinal today

BySamuelWhyte

After weeks of intense competition, the semifinals and final of the Rotary Club of New Am

Prevention Inter Secondary School Tapeball Cricket

competitionissetfortoday.

The T10 cricket competitionisforSecondary Schools in the New

Amsterdam/ Canje area and cater for six schools. The schools taking part are New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School (NAMS), Tutorial Academy Secondary School (TASS), Berbice Educational Institute (BEI), Berbice High School (BHS), Vryman’s Erven Secondary School (VESS) and Canje SecondarySchool(CSS.)

Being played using the theme“Exercise,eathealthy, stay healthy”, it is for studentsinGrades7-9.

Result of Wednesday game saw VESS defeating BHSby7wickets.

Batting first BHS were dismissed for 43. Bowling for VESS, W Castillo was thedestroyerwithfiguresof 5-2. InreplyVESSbreezed to44-3offsevenoverstotop the group and book their placeinthesemifinals.

In another game BEI defeated NAMS by eight wickets. Taking first strike NAMS made 61-6 with Elijah Sukdeo 13. Extras

contributing20.

InreplyBEIracedto623in5overswithL.DeJonge 29andL.Amsterdam10.

Bowling for NAMS, Budhan grabbed 2 wickets, DonavanNewlandsnared1.

The semifinals will see VESS taking on NAMS at the Rose Hall Community Centre, while BEI will play CSS at the BHS ground. Both matches beginning at 09:00hrs.

The two winners will then clash in the grand final from 12:00 hrs at the Rose Hall Community Centre ground Members of the NARC as well as teachers and students from the participating schools are all expected to assembly at the venue for the presentation ceremonywhichwillfollow

The RCNA has been one of the leading service organizations in the Country in terms of its multiplicity of activities Recently the RCNA along with the National Library, Food for the Poor and some

ons completed a six weeks Literacy and Numeracy classesinNewAmsterdam. The classes catered for adults, teenagers and p r e - t e e n s T h e attendees, a number of whom who could not read, were successfully

and

That activity was held at the N

awards compliments of the RCNA

Incentives are available for the top teams and outstanding individual players The RCNA is presently being led by businessman Keine Read. He along with a team made up of fellow Rotarians Raffick Kassim, Tajpaul Adjodhea, Waynewright McIntosh and Nolan France are coordinating the cricket activities.

CWI President Shallow visits Grenada PM in a move to strengthen partnership ahead of Windies, Australia series Shallow

SportsMax - With another three-year term secured as Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dr Kishore Shallow reaffirmed his commitment to cricket developmentintheregionas he recently led a delegation to Grenada for a courtesy call on Prime Minister Honourable Dickon Mitchell.

Dr Shallow was accompanied by CWI Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring and Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe on thevisit,whichcomesahead

ofthehighlyanticipatedTest series between West Indies and Australia, set to take place in Grenada from July 3-7.

The series is expected to drawhundredsofAustralian visitors, further boosting cricket’s presence in the Caribbean.

During the meeting, discussions centered on the continued collaboration between CWI and the Government of Grenada in developing cricket at all levels.

A key highlight of the

talks was the agreement to formalizeaMemorandumof Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening cricket infrastructure, grassroots programs, and opportunities for young playersinGrenada.

“Cricketplaysavitalrole

n community, and we need to inv

development, especially at the gras

ensuring that the young players at the primary schools get opportunities to learn and play the game.

Four matches set for Sunday in ESCL T20, Over-40 competition

Four matches have been set for this Sunday in the continuation of the 2025 Essequibo Softball Cricket League (ESCL) T20, Over-40 competition at two separate venues.

From 10 am at Reliance Sports Ground, Devonshire Castle will meet up Untouchableswhileatthesamefacilityfrom 1:30pm,RelianceSportsClubclashingwith QueenstownTigers.

AndacrossatAffianceNumber1ground alsoontheCoast,from10:00am,Essequibo Legends will take on Hibernia Strikers and then at 1:30 pm, defending champions Caribbean Cricket Club 2 and Richmond Unitedwilldobattle.

LastSundayonlyonematchwaspossible between Queenstown Tigers and Essequibo Legends. Tigers claimed a gripping, fourwicketwinagainsttheiropponents.

PlayingatZorgBeach,Legendsracedto a competitive 209-8 at the expiration of the 20-overs while Queenstown Tigers replied with214-6withthreeballstospare.

LindenMatthewsledtheruns-chasewith apugnacious61thatcontainedsixsixesand

Cricket is more than just a game for Grenadians. It is the one sport that has the power to bring people togetherforgenerations,and so we must invest in our young players starting from the primary school level,”

Prime Minister Mitchell s

commendable strides that PrimeMinisterMitchelland the Government of Grenada havemadeinthesport.

“The conversation with Prime Minister Mitchell reaffirmed the shared commitment to nurturing young talent, enhancing

strengthening partnerships that will propel West Indies cricketforward. This collaboration holds great promise for the future of our cricket, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on the region,”henoted.

threefours.

The top-batter for Essequibo Legends wastheconsistentopenerImamGafoorwho hitanimpressive58.

Meanwhile, the other three scheduled rounds were called off due to teams not finding a full side. However, points were awardedtothefull-strengthteams.

Chairman of the ESCL Wakeel Layne statedthatheisveryoptimisticthattheywill have four complete matches this weekend. According to him, this will be round 4 and moreexcitementishighlyanticipated.

Layne mentioned that the 8-team competition will run until May 25 when the encounter takes place between the two finalists.

He informed that the winning team will pocket $100, 000 and a trophy while the second-placesidesettocartoff$50,000and atrophy.Moremonetaryincentivesarealso atstakeforplayerswhoareoutstandingwith bothbatandball.

LaynefurthersaidthattheLeagueisalso appreciable to all the sponsors from both in GuyanaandUSA.

(from left) CWI CEO Chris Dehring, Grenada Prime Minister Hon. Dickon Mitchell, CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow, CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe.

Annandale Sec’ dominates latest fixtures in Region #4 leg of the Jagan Memorial Windball Competition

The Region Four

(East Coast Demerara) leg of the Janet and Cheddi Jagan Memorial Windball Cricket competition featured two thrilling matches at the Enterprise Community CentreGround.

In the Girls’ segment, Annandale Secondary claimed a commanding 40run victory over Camille’s Academy

Batting first after being sent in, Annandale set an imposingtotalof66without loss,thankstoawell-crafted 36-run knock from

Mahadevi Dass, who represented Guyana at last year’sWest IndiesWomen’s Tournament In response, Camille’s Academy struggled to gain momentum, managing only 26-1.

Dass shone with the ball as well, taking 1-1 to help restricttheopposition.

In the Boys’ division,

Annandale Secondary

comfortably de

ated Camille’s Academy by nine wickets, chasing down the targetinjust2.2overs. Camille’s batted first, posting 29-4 in their allotted overs, with Lorenzo James top-scoring

with 10 runs. Annandale’s RavinSinghwasthepickof the bowlers, taking 2-2 to stifle Camille’s efforts. In reply, Annandale made quick work of the chase, reaching31-1,poweredbya blistering14-runknockfrom JuniaDindyal.

Coast

President’sCollege

After electing to bat, Junia Dindyal produced a masterclass, leading the charge with an explosive 46

Permaul’s Trading & Distribution joins forces for the 2025 O40s T20 tournament -16teams/clubssettocompeteforgloryand spotsontheWestIndiesWorldCuproster

BMC is proud to announce the expansion of masters’ cricket across the nation and beyond with the upcoming O40s masters’ tournament in Guyana Following the last year’s successful event in 2023 with 14 teams participating, this year’s tournament has attracted 16 eager clubs, all vying for the championship inaT20format.

Leading the charge in sponsorship, Permaul’s Trading & Distribution has played a vital role in supporting these masters’ tournaments With operations based in Industrial Site Ruimveldt and Berbice, they are renowned for providing

high-quality food products, including oil and milk, at competitive prices, making them a familiar name throughoutGuyana.Beyond their sponsorship of the tournament, Permaul’s has also contributed to the financing of players representing Guyana in variousmasters’WorldCups globally

This commitment to c o r p o r a t e s o c i a l responsibility significantly encourages these masters to embrace their “Second innings” in a sport they cherish. They are the first sponsor to commit to the 2025O40sT20tournament, with more sponsors expectedtojoinsoon.

Participants in this tournament will be aiming for a chance to be selected fortheInternationalMasters Cricket O40s T20 World Cup,scheduledtotakeplace in Karachi, Pakistan from December1stto13th,2025. Notably, four players from Guyana who participated in p r e v i o u s B M C tournaments Basil Persaud, Kamraj Sumair, Sudesh Persaud, and Vejai Seonarine were recently chosentorepresenttheWest Indies at the O50s World CupinColombo,SriLanka. The competition will feature teams from various regions: six from Berbice, two from East Coast Demerara, four from

Georgetown,twofromWest Demerara, one from East Bank Demerara, and one from Essequibo, all competing for top honors and enticing cash prizes.As sponsorship grows, the top four teams from each zone willadvancetotheplayoffs, leading to two semi-finals andagrandfinale.

The total prize money will be contingent on the level of sponsorship secured. Following this tournament,anInterCounty T20 O40s competition will take place, with Demerara being the defending champion.

The participating teams have been organized into twozones:

partner, Sanjay Dindyal, added a patient 16 to propel Annandale to 76 without loss. In reply, President’s College struggled to keep up, finishing on 39-5, with Parah De Souza taking 2-4 to ensure

Annandale’s comfortable 37-runvictory

The tournament is organised by A Munroe, with support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission

Lloyd backs Hope to take over Test captaincy after Brathwaite resignation

SportsMax-Legendary former West Indies captain, SirCliveLloyd,hassingled out West Indies ODI and T20I captain Shai Hope as themanwhoshouldreplace Kraigg Brathwaite as Test skipperfortheregionalside.

Brathwaite’s decision to step down from the role of Testcaptain,aroleheserved in since March 2021, was announcedonMonday Lloyd, in a recent interview with Television Jamaica, said he believes that Hope should be seriously looked at for the role. “He seems to be doing fairly well in the One-Day format but I thought he might’ve been the guy to take over but that’s just my

judgement,”Lloydsaid.

“It’s up to them now to pick somebody for the long term,”headded.

Lloydalsogavecreditto Brathwaite for his time in therole.

“He has really done a marvelous job during his timeascaptain,”hesaid. Hope,whohasservedas ODIcaptainsince2023,has not played a Test match sinceDecember2021.

During that time away from the longest format, he has become one of the world’s best players in the ODIformat.

He was also recently named as the West Indies newT20Icaptain,replacing RovmanPowell.

East

Leg of the Janet and Cheddi Jagan Memorial Windball competition underway

West Indies ODI and T20I captain Shai Hope

GPF FC to tackle Slingerz tomorrow as GFF Elite League Season VII continues

The highly anticipated ‘Clash of the Titans’ weekend in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League Season VII is set to ignite the National TrainingCentre(NTC)with fourthrillingencountersthis Saturday and Sunday With thetournamentinfullswing, footballenthusiastsareinfor a spectacle as the league’s top team’s battle for supremacy

Last weekend saw commanding performances from Slingerz FC and Guyana Defence Force Football Club (GDF FC). Slingerz continued their flawless campaign with back-to-back victories, while GDF FC made a s t a t e m e n t w i t h a commanding 7-0 triumph over Monedderlust FC after an opening draw With momentum on their side, bothteamswillbelookingto

extendtheirimpressiveform intheupcomingfixtures.

T h e w e e k e n d ’s doubleheaders kick off on Saturdayat6:30PMwithDe AmstelFCfacingaconfident GDFFC TheArmymenwill be keen to prove their resurgence,whileDeAmstel aims to make a mark in the competition Laterthatnight, two unbeaten powerhouses collide as Guyana Police Force FC takes on Slingerz FC With both sides hungry for dominance, this clash promises to be one for the books

Sunday’s action is equally enticing, starting with Mainstay Goldstar FC searching for their first point

a Conquerors FC at 6:30 PM. The night wraps up with Western Tigers FC locking horns with Santos FC in what is expected to be a points-huntingencounter

The GFF Elite League continues to serve as a

development and football excellence in Guyana. Featuringtenofthenation’s best clubs, the competition has been a testament to grit, skill, and determination Fans have been treated to intense battles over the past

resulting in several drawn

emphasizing the league’s competitivenature. Thanks to sponsors such as Guyana Beverage Inc., Turbo Energy, Blue Water Shipping, and NAMILCO, the league continues to thrive, providing players with opportunities to shine on the national stage. Be there to witness the best of Guyanese football as the battle for Elite League supremacycontinues!

Titians clash! Guyana Police Force FC is set to face off with Slingerz FC tomorrow at NTC, kickoff time 9:00pm.

RonaldoAlimohamed and Matthew Nandu played key roles in Guyana’s second day battle.

Round 6…GHE vs. LIH Day 2 Carty misses ton, Hamilton (80) sets up tense battle as Harpy Eagles speed ace Alimohamed bags 5

Saints’Kadeem Beckles knocking down a lay-up shot during the St. Rose’s encounter on Wednesday.