…Jagdeo says CARICOM seeking meeting with Trump for him to soften approach
Husband & wife killed …as car flips into trench after driver lost control
US company looking to speed-up works on Gas-to-Energy project
Gov t . blanks suppor t for reevaluation of proper ties in the cit y
GNBS: New standards for
cooking gas coming
following explosions
Jagdeo plays down potential threat to PPP by Mohamed at ...sayshecannotcommentoneverysocial
Shane Tyndall and Shabeca Gordon
The car after it was pulled from the trench
Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State
Jagdeo plays down potential threat to PPP by Mohamed at upcoming elections
...says he cannot comment on every social media activist who gives out a few things
Vi c e P r e s i d e n t , Bharrat Jagdeo, has played down any potential threat from
b u s i n e s s m a n , A z r u d d i n Mohamed if he enters the elections race, saying that he cannot take the time out to comment on every social media activist that hands out a few things to people.
M o h a m e d h a s b e e n drawing large crowds during visits to communities across the country
And recently he caused quite a stir when he rolled into Corentyne to visit a large group of fishermen and other citizens.
Mohamed has also made
s e v e r a l v i s i t s t o t h e hinterland- building homes
a s y e t o r d e
r e d h e ' s contesting the elections,” he explained.
Jagdeo went on to say the he has eased off of the Kaieteur News publisher a bit because it would be premature of him to just comment on individuals who
are yet to formally launch their political party
As intent is one thing but
another
H o w e v e r , i f t h e s e persons are critical of the PPP then this is an entirely different situation.
He noted that if any criticism of his party made by this individual can be presented to him, he would share his view on that. “But beyond that I think it's premature.
The time will come or may come when I'd have to
do that, and I'm ready to do that…in fact (I am), eager to do that, about all of our o p
gentleman, should he decide to go that route.
But right now, it's, it's
President said.
for indigenous residents, setting up small businesses for some and providing other gifts.
He has also drawn strong appeal in recent stops in c o m m u n i t i e s s u c h a s Albouystown and Victoria
w h e r e s c o r e s o f y o u n g people swarmed him.
However, Mohamed is under US sanctions.
L a s t y e a r t h e U S Treasury's Office of Foreign
A s s e t s C o n t r o l ( O FA C ) imposed sanctions on the Mohameds on allegations of t a x
s i o n a n d P P P, e x e c u
v e m e m b e r, M a e T h o m a s f o r a l l e g e d l y misusing her position to o f f e r b e n e f i t s , l i k e government contracts to the Mohameds. A
H o u s e o n R o b b S t r e e t , Jagdeo was asked to share the extent of his worry about the multi-ethnic feedback from Guyanese every time Mr Mohamed goes out in public and if he decides to contest the 2025 General and Regional elections.
He told the media that he is the leader of a political party, the largest one in Guyana, and his party has gotten to where it is because of its commitment to the citizens and the groundwork its members put in.
“We transform the lives of many people, and we have… because of that, we have won several elections. We're the only multi ethnic party in the country, and you can see evidence of that. For me to comment politically on individuals and what they a r e d o i n g w o u l d b e premature,” Jagdeo said.
The VP stressed that he comments on the political opponents of the People's Progressive Party (PPP) and other parties even though some of them may very well b e a l l i e s o f t h e P P P However, as the General S e c r e t a r y o f t h e p a r t y currently in government, he cannot be commenting “on every social media activist if they go to a community or any charity that hands out a few things to people.”
“I made it clear that should people declare a political intention, then that at that point in time, it's fair game for me to express a view on that party or that person, like when Glen Lall declared his intention to form a political party I dealt with him slightly differently He has not formed the party
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
Kaieteur News
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.
Publisher: GLENN LALL-TEL: 624-6456
Editor: NIGEL WILLIAMS
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Oil chokehold
The PPPC Government and its leaders go to great lengths to emphasize how Guyana is a diversified economy Someone is either playing the fool, or trying to fool Guyanese, with that stretch of how local circumstances are. It is that they are burying their heads in the sand, feigning ignorance. Oil is the driving force behind Guyana’s economic numbers, and everybody knows that across the globe. Yet, there is this pretense that Guyana is a diversified economy As circumstances emphasize, oil now has a chokehold and controlling presence in this country’s life, including its political, social and, most of all, economic arenas. This causes much concern, especially with a government leadership that has made borrowing the spearhead of its economic visions and practices.
Oil prices take a dip, a small one in the 10% range, and everything changes in this country It doesn’t grind to a halt, with economic slowdown adding to the fears of citizens But it changes many things, and the ways certain actions of the government have been taken as the norm, nothing to worry about Annual national budgets, which have been on a record creating spree, would be among the first areas that feel the pressure of constriction The rich stream of borrowings from countries and financial institutions all too willing to lend huge sums to Guyana will not seize up, but will have to slow down and take a breath Debt serving the huge amount that has to be prioritized to repay interest and principal on loans, cannot be wished away, but must continue, notwithstanding changed local circumstances
Debt serving is then a huge strain on the economy, and all those billions of American dollars borrowed so irresponsibly and hastily transform into a nasty hangover that will not go away quickly nor easily The US$6B debt binge then comes back to torment. Part of the problem is that ordinary citizens feel the squeeze of changing oil circumstances the most, are the ones who pay the stiffest prices. With oil now having such a dominant presence in Guyana’s economy, over 50% of export earnings, any downward and sustained blip in the oil markets could wreak havoc in this country The first thing that governments then talk about is how they have to cutback, how expectations have to be tamped down. When oil prices were up and the money was flowing into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) in New York, the poor in Guyana did not get anywhere near to a fair nor full taste of their massive wealth. But when oil prices go down, the people are the first candidates to feel its hammer blows.
The fat cats have already had their fat share to cushion them The mass of citizens, who were left out of the celebrations are then left to carry the load The PPPC Government loves to highlight about there being no new taxes What is not given as much exposure is how much they are recklessly and hardheadedly taking on as debt Oil and its price levels are what serve as the rich collateral that induces lender countries and lending institutions to lend Guyana what it asks for, and to remind this country’s debt-addicted leaders to come back for more, which will be readily approved In contrast, when the oil markets undergo a correction, then the debt spigot tightens, and the lenders wait to be repaid They may be sympathetic, but they are not forgiving With less money flowing into the treasury, this is when debt serving changes into the beginning of a long nightmare At the end of 2024, debt serving charges totaled US$196 1M, (almost a billion Guyana dollars) which is not an insignificant amount for a country like Guyana trying to make poverty for its people a thing of the past
Guyana could find itself trapped in the jaws of tightening circumstances. Borrowing is harder, with the rates higher, and repayment terms harder Less money goes into the NRF, less can be withdrawn from it, since so much already drained from it by this PPPC Government. For emphasis, with oil’s chokehold on Guyana’s economy, one small price drop and big ripples are felt everywhere. Ordinary citizens feel the shockwaves the most.
Guyanese New Yorkers Observed Hindu Festival of Shivratri
DEAR EDITOR,
M a h a s h i v r a t r i o r
Shivaratri is an important festival for Hindus attracting huge congregations across
visited the Ashram at Vice and John. Guyanese Hindus
N Y
February 25 and 26 at home and in mandirs.
It is among the most
f Hinduism glorifying Lord Shiva. Hindus thronged to the man
w
e packed with worshippers, some overflowing. Shivratri is a night festival and usually fall on the eve of a new moon in late February or early March, before the full moon festival of Holi or Phagwah. The tithi this year fell on two e v e n i n g s , l e a d i n g t o observance in some mandirs on Tuesday night and in o t h e r s o n W e d n e s d a y evening. In India, Shivratri fell on Wednesday evening with the day also observed as a holiday, unlike in Guyana.
S h i v a r a t r i o b t a i n s i t s name from the word rath which means night. It is a night of worshipping Shiva. So Shivaratri is observed in
the evening, but puja is also performed during the day a n d f o l l o w i n g m o r n i n g
b e f o r e s u n r i s e S o m e devotees kept vigil all night singing praises and offering supplications to the Lord. This is not to suggest that Shiva is worshipped only on this day as the Lord can be w o r s h i p p e d o n a n y day/night, but an auspicious d a y h a s b e e n s e t a s i d e annually for the exclusive worshipping of Shiva, who H i n d u s c o n s i d e r a s t h e fountain of all cosmic energy and power
Shiva is known as the D e s t r o y e r i n t h e H i n d u
Tr i n i t y o f B r a h m a ( t h e
C r e a t o r ) , V i s h n u ( t h e
Protector and Preserver),
and Shiva (Destroyer of evils). For Hindus, Shiva is the originator and Lord of all things in the universe.
Shiva takes the form of a Lingham or Murthi that
d e p i c t s t h e L o r d
Wo r s h i p p e r s p e r f o r m e d oblations and rituals on or to the Murthi of Lord Shiva. It i s f e l t t a t a n y o n e w h o w o r s h i p s S h i v a o n t h e occasion is eternally blessed, a n d n o t s u r p r i s i n g l y , mandirs were packed with
d e v o t e e s e n g r o s s e d i n praying to the Almighty
There are over fifty West Indian mandirs in greater New York City and all attracted large numbers of worshippers who streamed into the temples during the evening and the following m o r n i n g – p r a y i n g a n d joining in the music and rituals.
Shivratri worshipping in New York is similar to that in Guyana, Trinidad, Surinam,
a n d o t h e r p a r t s o f t h e
C a r i b b e a n w i t h p e o p l e making offerings to Shiva’s L i n g h a m , a n e m b l e m through which the lord is p r o p i t i a t e d D e v o t e e s o
a a l ( s p
l l y prepared milk and/or water with various spices, curd, h o n e y , a n d o t h e r ingredients) and the threepronged bael leaves in the day or at midnight followed by Aartee. Agarbatie was also lit. Prasad (mohanbhog, fruit) is also offered. Incense w a
p
f o r m e d F i r e g l o w e d eternally in the havan kund. Worshippers performed nonstop jaal and aartee on the S h i v a m u r t h i a n d t h e l i n g h a m a n d
havan (feeding of the fire with small pieces of wood and various spices). Pandits presided over service amidst bhajan and kirtan singing. Verses were chanted from the Shiv Purana scripture. Bliss, piousness and peace p e r v a d e d a s t h e p a n d i t conducted ceremonies. The pandits explained that Shiva is worshipped to ward off dangers and evils assailing mankind. Devotees pray with utmost reverence ( b h a k t i ) t o t h e l o r d Devotees attempt to reach
prayers on Shiva chanting Om Namah Shivaaya. The scripture says that
Shivratri prostrating to Shiva
moksha. Just by attending temple or thinking of the Lord, devotees are rewarded with blessings. A
Attendees were treated to
prasad.
Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
Ramadan in Guyana: An Observance of Unity, Faith, and Shared Values
DEAR EDITOR,
As we commence the blessed month of Ramadan, it is fitting to reflect on its significance, particularly in a diverse and multi-religious s o c i e t y l i k e G u y a n a Ramadan, the ninth and most signific
Islamic calendar, is observed by over 1 billion Muslims worldwide It is a month of
reflection, solitude and charity
, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs, using the time to strengthen their piety, draw
cultivate self-discipline, and develop empathy for those less fortunate It is a time of profound spiritual connection and renewal, emphasising
and community values Ramadan is even more r e m a r k a b l e i n G u y a n a because of the deep respect and understanding of its people of different faiths,
e t h n i c i t i e s , a n d c u l t u
s inclinations, Guyanese from
all strata of society observe, respect and appreciate the importance of this auspicious month, exemplifying the true s p i r i t o f u n i t y a n d c o e x i s t e n c e D u r i n g t h i s month, many non-Muslims o f f e r e d e n c o u r a g e m e n t , participated in iftar meals, and even observed some d a y s o f f a s t i n g T h e y appreciate the discipline and d e d i c a t i o n r e q u i r e d t o observe the fast. This mutual
r e s p e c t a n d l o v e a r e a t e s t a m e n t t o t h e u n i q u e social fabric of our country, where religious harmony is not just an ideal but a daily reality
Remarkably, this year’s Ramadan corresponds with other important religious observances such as the Christian season of Lent, which also emphasises fasting, prayer, and sacrifice and Phagwah (Holi), the festival of c o l o u r s , s y m b o l i s i n g t h e shared motifs of renewal, selfdiscipline, and the triumph of good over evil This significant similarity reminds us of the universal values that unite us in our spiritual paths These o v e r l a p p i n g o b s e r v a n c e s e m p h a s i s e a b e a u t i f u l
truth though our religious practices may vary, our core values of devotion, dedication, self-improvement, sacrifice, spiritual enlightenment and community bonding remain strikingly similar Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it is a jihad (struggle and challenge) of the nafs (soul), a
p e r s o n a l b a
i m p r o v e m e n
, a n d t h e cultivation of wisdom and h i g h e r e t h i c a l v a l u e s I t teaches patience, self-restraint, g r a t i t u d e , e m p a t h y a n d c o m p a s s i o n , v i r t u e s t h a t benefit everyone regardless of religious inclinations Fasting serves as a physical detoxing o
l cleansing of the nafs and a break from harmful habits; that is, it reforms and develops the i n d i v i d u a l p h y s i c a l l y , spiritually and socially In this spirit of community bonding, we must be cognizant of the importance of One Guyana a vision of national unity that transcends religious, ethnic and cultural differences
President Dr Irfaan Ali’s One Guyana Initiative seeks to develop a society where
r e s p e c t , i n c l u s i v i t y, a n d equality are the cornerstones of national development Like Lent and Phagwah, R a m a d a n o f f e r s a n opportunity to advance more p r o f o u n d u n d e r s t a n d i n g , appreciation, respect, and s o l i d a r i t y a m o n g
l Guyanese. As we welcome this auspicious month, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of mutual respect and shared humanity that define us as a nation. As someone whose name combines Hindu and Muslim heritage, I take pride
religious fabric My name signifies Guyana’s unique blend of traditions, cultures, and beliefs We are a nation w
s , Christians, and people of all faiths stand together in love,
compassion for each other May this Ramadan bring p
community
Sincerely, Shazad Sookram
Zero Discrimination Day: Stand Together for Equality, Justice, and Health
DEAR EDITOR
March 1 is observed
g l o b a l l y a s Z e r o
Discrimination Day, a call to a c t i o n t o r e a f f i r m o u r commitment to a people-
c e n t e r e d H I V r e s p o n s e because protecting everyone’s rights, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized,
i s e s s e n t i a l t o e n s u r i n g universal access to health.
This year ’s theme, “We Stand Together,” is a call for solidarity to eliminate all forms of discrimination and b u i l d a m o r e j u s t a n d equitable society It is an opportunity to reassert the right of every individual to live a full, productive, and
dignified life free from stigma, exclusion, and harm. We can only do this if we pull together, stand together, act together and solidarize in our community action.
Addressing Inequalities to End AIDS In the Caribbean, discrimination and inequalities continue to fuel the HIV e p i d e m i c . T h u s , d e s p i t e scientific advancements and increased access to treatment, punitive laws, discrimination, and social stigma affect sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender people, people who use drugs, and incarcerated individuals f r o m a c c e s s i n g s e
W i t h o u t a d d r e s s i n g discrimination, it will be impossible to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 in the Caribbean
O v e r 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 p e o p l e l i v
Caribbean are not yet in care and treatment Civic spaces are shrinking due to pushbacks on gender and human rights issues as well as reduced
public health success in the
HIV response must remain s
relentless. Many individuals
, violence, and exclusion from essential services, creating
individuals are afraid to seek healthcare.
We cannot stand for the principle of leaving no one behind if we do not stand
l s , communities, partners, and n a t i o n s t o s o l v e t h e s e
c h a l l e n g e s t o g e t h e r i n s o l i d a r i t y a n d m u t u a l collaboration Already, there are encouraging signs which show it is possible to create a more inclusive, rights-based approach to addressing public health challenges in the Caribbean. These include successful anti-discrimination c a m p a i g n s , s t r e n g t h e n e d community networks, notable victories in securing legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and reforming HIV transmission and nondisclosure laws But much work remains to be done to end discrimination and human rights violations that continue to fuel the region’s HIV epidemic
T h i s Z e r o
Discrimination Day serves as a wake-up call, to focus on f o u r k e y p r i o r i t i e s : a ) defending human rights, b)
p r o t e c t i n g c i v i l s o c i e t y
s p a c e s a n d a m p l i f y i n g
c o m m u n i t y v o i c e s , c ) putting people first in public health and d) strengthening i n t e r n a t i o n a l c o o p e r a t i o n
and solidarity
To make progress, there must be strengthening of legal protections mechanism to champion human rights in line with the Paris Principles to benefit everyone, especially the most vulnerable in society
C o m m u n i t y - l e d l e g a l advocacy efforts must be supported to protect the rights
o f m a rg i n a l i z e d g r o u p s Governmen ts must repeal discriminatory laws that create barriers to accessing HIV services There needs to be training for healthcare workers and community sensitization
p r o g r a m s m u s t b e implemented to prevent HIVr e l a t e d s t i g m a a n d discrimination
Amplifying Community Leadership for Health & Rights People living with and most affected by HIV are vital to sustaining the HIV response and broader global health efforts given their
policy reforms, and ensuring accountability They remain
commitment to ensuring that everyone receives care with
shrinking civic spaces and limited funding, and police h
ability of these organizations to play their watchdog role effectively
To meet 2030 HIV targets, s u s t a i n e d i n v e s t m e n t i n community-led responses is c r u c i a l T h e r e f o r e , governments must protect and fund CSOs and include them in national HIV strategy planning and implementation for greater impact, including for long-term sustainability, National HIV budgets must allocate direct funding to community-led organizations to ensure continuity when e x t e r n a l d o n o r s r e d u c e support. Furthermore, there must be legal protections for h u m a n r i g h t s d e f e n d e r s working to advance social justice and public health.
Putting People First: A Public Health Imperative
A people-centered HIV response is critical to ending AIDS in
C
s
p l e living with and most affected by HIV must be an integral
part of the efforts to improve health outcomes. Similarly, policies and programs must c o n s i d
d priorities of individuals in different settings. We need h e a l
education to be evaluated and fully implemented to help reduce HIV infections, teena
gender-based violence. To reduce new HIV infections, Governments must expand and increase investment in PrEP, including long-acting HIV prevention methods, and make them accessible to all who need them. The healthcare system must be reformed to provide stigmafree and non-discriminatory care for all. The message for Z
2025 is clear:
together to end the HIV epidemic in the Caribbean through the fearless defense of human rights.
2 We must stand together t o e n s u
l s o c
organizations are supported, funded, and empowered
3 We must stand together to ensure public health policies put people first and are driven by evidence, not stigma and discrimination
4 We must stand together t o
cooperation and maintain s
sustainable HIV response for the whole of the Caribbean This Zero Discrimination Day, we stand together and act with unity and determination to build a Caribbean where no one is left behind.
Sincerely
Dr. Richard Amenyah
Ramsammy’s diatribe does not refute any of the propositions of my presentation
DEAR EDITOR,
O n F e b r u a r y 2 0 , I attended, and presented at, the 49th Universal Periodic R e v i e w p r e - s e s s i o n o n Guyana.
That session, which was held in Geneva, provided an opportunity for civil society organizations to report on
t h e G o v e r n m e n t ‘ s i m p l e m e n t a t i o n o f t h e
r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s o n Human Rights that were made at the end of the previous session, four years ago. The opportunity was also provided for issues which arose during the reporting period to be raised. I, as Chairperson of IDPADA-G, attended that forum.
On February 26, 2025 Dr Leslie Ramsammy, who i s G u y a n a ‘ s P e r m a n e n t Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, in his Guyana Times columnRuminations- proffered that m y p r e s e n t a t i o n w a s “ B a l d f a c e d ( s i c ) , Reprehensible, Ugly lies”. Ironically, the title of his column is tantamount to confessing his state of being. “Rumination is a form of perserverative cognition that r e s u l t s i n e m o t i o n a l distress.”
While accusing me of “lies”, Ramsammy failed to
a d d r e s s , d i r e c t l y , m y
p r o p o s i t i o n s , s o u g h t t o create his own context, and barefacedly misrepresented w h a t I p r e s e n t e d H e engaged in a baseless and propagandistic defense of the PPP/C record on Human Rights. For example, in my
presentation, I referred to promotions in the Police F o r c e d u r i n g a n d immediately after the tenure of Paul Slowe as Chairman
o f t h e P o l i c e S e r v i c e
C o m m i s s i o n R a m s a m m y misleadingly referred to the recent promotions that postdated my presentations and to wit that of the Army rather than the Police Force. That notwithstanding, the essence of my contention prevails.
In his fulminations he correctly stated that the Police Force is dominated by African Guyanese but failed to acknowledge the recent disproportionate promotion of Indian Guyanese in the higher ranks of the Force. Of 8 promotions to Assistant Commissioner 4 are IndoG u y a n e s e , a n d o f 1 4 p r o m o t i o n s t o S e n i o r
S u p e r i n t e n d e n t 8 a r e discernible Indo-Guyanese, i n a F o r c e i n w h i c h a c c o r d i n g h i m “ A f r oGuyanese dominate”.
That African Guyanese dominate the Public Sector is historical. That the hierarchy is now disproportionately, a n d i n s o m e i n s t a n c e s , absolutely dominated by Indo-Guyanese is a function of the Government‘s covert and discriminatory policy as contended by Slowe and Brutus, both of whom were given directives to show favour to Indians without reference to merit. That was my contention in Geneva. It c a n n o t b e r e f u t e d b y Ramsammy or any of his ilk. T h i s c o v e r t p o l i c y i s i n d i c a t i v e o f w h a t ‘ s occurring across the Public
Sector
In relation to the granting of contracts, nothing has changed with regards to the inequitable distribution of the spoils. Of course, there are many more small black contractors, no less small Indian contractors, and an o l i g a r c h y o f b i g I n d i a n c o n t r a c t o r s w
l dominate. They either subcontract to the small blacks for the want of capacity, although capacity is the basis on which they are awarded t h e c o n t r a c t s I n o t h e r i n s t a n c e s
contractors, due to meagre resources, are forced to hire e q u i p
oligarchs who in-turn get the hog of the contract sum l
benefitting is but a façade. The images on bill boards and in media; coverage of events across the country, of the distribution of resources
; selections to boards and commissions, the selection of the historic sites protected and those ignored – all depict
society and cannot be refuted merely by vitriol. Hence,
A p
d R a m
a m m y repeatedly accuses me of referring to Guyana as being an Apartheid state. While there are those who with some justification do so, I did not. Ramsammy either (Continued on page 21)
It was this Tacuma Ogunseye who spoke at a PPP public meeting when it was not fashionable for Africans to do so
DEAR EDITOR
K a i e t e u r N e w s a n d Guyana Times published a letter by Mr Kit Nascimento in the Saturday, February 22, 2025, edition, captioned,” Neither Hinds nor Ogunseye has any place in politics in G u y a n a ” P e r m i t m y response.
I wrestled with whether to excuse Nascimento for his shift from principled politics to serving as a propagandist for the rulers who employ him, particularly regarding my Buxton speech delivered two years ago. Amid the h e a t e d c o n t r o v e r s y following the speech at a WPA meeting on Buxton Line Top, Nascimento wrote a letter claiming he had l i s t e n e d t o O g u n s e y e ’s speech, which he argued was b e i n g m i s r e p r e s e n t e d I
r e s p o n d e d b o t h i n t h e newspaper ’s letter column and at WPA street corner
m e e t i n g s , a c k n o w l e d g i n g
N a s c i m e n t o ’s p r i n c i p l e d stance and commending him for it.
Now, he has changed his p o s i t i o n A s a n A f r i c a n
c u l t u r a l a n d p o l i t i c a l
a c t i v i s t , I s e e p o l i t i c s
through an African lens
u s i n g t h e A f r i c a n
p h i l o s o p h i c a l w o r l d v i e w, which prevents me from having an automatic tit-fortat mentality It was this
Ta c u m a O g u n s e y e w h o
s p o k e a t a P P P p u b l i c meeting when it was not fashionable for Africans to do so - and at a time when the PPP was in the political
wilderness, in opposition, and had nothing to offer I fought Burnham/PNC while Nascimento was a leading official in the government and who by the way had a l o n g h i s t o r y o f v e n o m against the PPP At that period, Dr Jagan and Indians were claiming racial and political victimization, etc. I never question the Indian community or their leaders’ r i g h t t o i n t e r p r e t a n d represent their struggle as they see it. Today, I demand the same for the African community and myself now that the PPP is facing similar a c c u s a t i o n s o f racial/political victimization and apartheid governance. I now qualify for political “banishment” in the view of the rulers and their overlords and minions.
While I respect and will defend the right of any G u y a n e s e t o c r i t i c
country’s political sphere.
In a country that their ancestors helped build, we Africans endured hundreds of years of slavery without receiving a single “cent” for the labor that transformed Guyana from a wild coast
conference in response to Dr David Hinds and the WPA. How can anyone deny that
forms of oppression and domination? We Africans reject this assault on our dignity, freedom and human rights.
As I mentioned earlier, y
M
m
y engage with my political statements, I reject the racist political culture that has emerged in our country in recent years, masquerading a s o b j e c t i v
Individuals of a different race are now shamelessly assuming the right to define
n d determine who represents our community I am willing to concede that Nascimento, as a member of a privileged class and ethnicity whose people were not subjected to enslavement, finds it easy to a s
fighters within the African
Nascimento has abandoned principled politics and now serves as a propagandist for the rulers and his employers. His stance on my speech from two years ago has completely reversed under political pressure, revealing a dramatic about-face.
In his letter referring to Dr David Hinds and me, he w
complicit, two years ago, in appealing to our security forces to attempt to remove an elected government from office. They both pursue an ugly, contemptible, racist
(Continued on page 23)
Gov t . blanks suppor t for reevaluation of proper ties in the cit y
Vi c e P r e s i d e n t ( V P )
Bharrat Jagdeo has said that the government will not support any bid to reevaluate properties in the city Jagdeo was at the time responding to the disclosure made by City Mayor, Alfred Mentore, that efforts will be made to have city properties reevaluated so as to collect higher rates and taxes.
m
Jagdeo questioned the
properties in an election year “Why would you want
f property in Georgetown in this year? We have made it very clear that there will be
higher taxes for people in Georgetown or any other part of the country.”
“We will not approve any
properties in the city or any
whatsoever,” he told his weekly press conference on Thursday The VP urged the
citizens of Georgetown not to negotiate any payment directly with the Mayor or his officers as they might be coerced into paying bribes.
defaulting taxpayers of the
'shame' and take legal action against those who fail to
intention to hold discussions with the Chief Valuation
Officer on revaluation of properties in Georgetown. Speaking at a statutory
M&CC, Mentore said that new orders are meant for those defaulting in rates
percentile to make a special effort to reach out to
y, resolve and bring solutions
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
to their tax issues. Should this not be addressed in this period, the Council will have n
publish the names of the delinquent ratepayers and lastly with a view to taking
recover,” the Mayor said. He said that notices will b e p u b l i s h e d i n t h e newspaper for outstanding rates and taxes if persons fail to go in and settle their a r r e a r s A c c o r d i n g t o Mentore, debt payers are invited to write to City Hall to apply for “solutions to y o u r o u t s t a n d i n g indebtedness”.
They will have to plead their cases and justify why the Finance Committee and the Council should green light recommendations and grant approvals. I want the people of this city to know we are trying to help and as a council we are trying to help,” the Mayor said. This is not the City's first attempt to go after defaulting rate and tax payers. Last year, the M&CC said that the Council will focus on aggressively p u r s u i n g d e f a u l t e r s a n d delinquent ratepayers.
Council
A 29-year-old technician was on Thursday granted
firearm. Kwame Holder of Lot 52 S a n d y P
Georgetown, was charged
Council Act to recover the rates owed. Under the Act, the rate recovery measures are in accordance with a civil debt. Therefore irrespective of the amount owed, under the Summary Jurisdiction ( P e t t y D
owing less than $100,000; and warrants on movable property of the person liable, w
c h
a b l e property is situated on the property in respect of which t h e r a t e s
elsewhere.
Additionally, the council had planned to improve the effectiveness of its Debt Recovery Unit by hiring and training more staff members as well as issue Demand N
y bolstered by a strong public
a m m e t o remind ratepayers of their responsibility. Moreover, the Council was also looking to monetize several assets to generate more revenues. The City Council was expected to f u r t h e r w o r k w i t h t h e Valuation Office to make necessary adjustments to the r a t e s c h a r g e d o n s o m e properties and create new valuation list for areas not listed in the city
The prosecution had no objection to bail but they told the court that there is video footage available that will be shared to the court. The court heard from Holder who said he was on his way
officers who arrested him. He said he was unsure why he was arrested and his family was unaware that he was arrested.
The Police Force is a broken institution
It w a s r e c e n t l y
declared by none
o t h e r t h a n t h e
President—that if one pays a bribe to a police officer, one is complicit in the problem of corruption. Now, this is an astonishing revelation, on par with the discovery that w a t e r i s w e t o r t h a t a mosquito’s purpose in life is to ruin yours.
Of course, bribery has two sides: the giver and the taker But let’s not allow this grand philosophical detour to distract from the real i s s u e t h a t o u r p o l i c e officers are moonlighting as unofficial toll collectors, supplementing their income one folded bill at a time.
When a police officer accepts a bribe, it is not an ethical dilemma; it is a business transaction And business, dear readers, is booming The streets have turned into negotiation tables, where an expired license or a slightly adventurous speed limit becomes the opening b i d T h e h a p l e s s d r i v e r, caught in the headlights like a deer about to be fined into oblivion, is gently nudged t o w a r d s a n a l t e r n a t i v e solution one that involves no paperwork, no points on t h e l i c e n s e , a n d , m o s t importantly, no receipts.
But let’s talk about this idea of co-responsibility, which is the equivalent of blaming both the cat and the canary for the disappearance of the latter Yes, technically, the bird could have flown away if it had the good sense to be somewhere else. But when one party holds the badge, the ticket, and the power to determine whether you spend the next few hours making futile hand gestures
at a bureaucratic desk, the balance of guilt is hardly equal.
One might argue that if p e o p l e s t o p p e d o f f e r i n g bribes, police officers would stop taking them This is a charmingly naive view of human nature, akin to saying that if banks stopped having money, robbers would cease to exist It assumes that people gleefully hand over their hardearned cash for the sheer thrill of it In reality, most bribes are not freely given; they are tactfully extracted, subtly suggested, and, in some cases, practically invoiced.
When the highest office in the land frames corruption as being part moral failing of the p o p u l
institution, then we have to be concerned The issue isn’t that people are corrupt; the issue is that corruption has become so embedded in the system that people feel they have no choice
If the President truly wants to tackle bribery, let’s s t a r t b y m a k i n g i t l e s s appealing for the police to engage in this lucrative side h u s t l e . H e r e ’ s a revolutionary idea: Pay them better. No, really. If an officer ’s official salary can’t
c o m p e t e w i t h t h e “generosity” of the driver of a tinted vehicle, then we shouldn’t be surprised when traffic stops turn into silent auctions. Next, how about some actual enforcement?
Corrupt officers should be held accountable. Arrested. Prosecuted. Possibly forced to work an actual desk job where their only opportunity for illicit gain is stealing office supplies.
And then there’s the
matter of technology Other countries have figured out that pu
significantly harder for a b
appearing on the evening news. We now have that here but how do we know for how long and just when these cameras are going to be turned on. There are still stops taking place in front of police stations where no cameras are being worn. There are still groups of
random stops on vehicles. The public is not sure just what constitutes a road block from a group of policemen stopping vehicles behind the Botanic Gardens.
What we need is an appr
at
es that when a system is broken, those who rely on it will behave accordingly If a man i s d r o w n i n g , y o u d o n ’t blame him for grabbing onto whatever lifeline he can. And if a driver, desperate to avoid an unnecessary legal ordeal, slides a bill into the hands of an officer, the real question should be: Why did he feel he had no other choice?
C o r r u p t i o n d o e s n o t thrive in a vacuum. It thrives where it is tolerated, where it is excused, and where it is quietly shuffled under the rug Instead of pointing fingers at drivers trying to escape an absurdly tangled web of inconvenience, let’s point them at those who use their position to turn law enforcement into a revenuegenerating enterprise.
So, let’s not be distracted b y t h e c o - r e s p o n s i b i l i t y argument. Let’s not allow it
DEM BOYS SEH
to become the convenient excuse that prevents real action. Let’s demand better, not only from ourselves but from those who swore an oath to serve and protect. And if any officers feel the sudden urge to retire from their roadside negotiations,
well, let’s just say the rest of
wallets
(The views expressed in this article are those of the a
opinions of this newspaper.)
Leader Now?
Dem boys nearly drop dem cup ah bush tea when dem hear de Vee Pee seh he is the leader of de PPP Not a leader, not one of de leaders—the leader
Yesterday’s presser, de man seh, “as the leader of a political party.” It mek dem boys jump. Now, dem boys know long time dat de PPP always got a General Secretary, not a leader De party never had no official big boss man. But it look like times change. Dem boys start to wonder—since when de PPP get a leader? Dem check back de records. Uncle Cheddi was a leader, yes, but he never call heself the leader When Janet was running things, she was de boss lady, but still, no talk bout the leader Uncle Donald was General Secretary, and so was Uncle Clement, but dem boys never hear dem claim de big title.
So wha really going on? Dem boys want know how de old guard of de PPP feeling about dis new revelation. Dem still think is a collective leadership, or dem
wake up and realize dem get a big boss overnight? Dem boys hear some ah dem old heads still whispering in corners, wondering if dem get de memo.
C o m m
Committee? Dem boys thought dem was de ones making big decisions. But now it look like dem just part ah de decoration, like de lights pon Main Street at Christmas—nice fuh show, but not really in control ah nothing. Dem boys seh is either de PPP change dem rules quietly, or de Vee Pee mix up being ‘the leader ’ with being ‘a leader ’. Next ting yuh hear, he gon declare heself Supreme Leader like dem fellas in North Korea.
B u t d e m b o y s g o t o n e f i n a l question—if de PPP got a leader now, is who gon be de next one? Or de leadership done decide dat position is permanent? Dem boys watching! Talk half. Leff half PPP Get A
H@RD TRUTHS
No, Pres. Ali, not that way with support
I am caught on the horns of a dilemma, all three of them I ask myself if President Ali can be that careless. I ponder whether President Ali could be in s u c h a d e e p s t a t e o f unconsciousness. I question if President Ali is capable of such arrogance. I would like to believe that he is neither; and if he is, that some element of one or all three could be publicly manifested as he did at the
A n n u a l G u y a n a P o l i c e Officers' Conference. If the head of state didn't know where he can't go, what is off-limits, then one of his streetwise advisers at the O ff i c e o f t h e P r e s i d e n t should have informed him, not to go and say what he did.
“Support the work of the government beyond 2025.”
Those words were uttered by the president, and though hedged, I take the position that he went too far, that
some damage was done. Though unwritten (to some degree) and unsaid, it is the height of unwisdom for a n y p o l i t i c i a n t o c r o s s certain lines. What applies to the government, also applies to the opposition. The army is one line where the greatest care must be t a k e n t h a t i t i s n e i t h e r
c r o s s e d n o r i n s i n u a t e d through political appeals, however nuanced. At the army gathering, President Ali was a study in the circumspect. From him to the army gathering, it was that its members must vote their conscience. Though there is some difficulty with that, it can be allowed to pass, and here is why The president was sensitive enough to tread carefully, straddle the line, to wit, vote conscience. My hang-up has to do with the mention of how to vote before such an audience. An
army assembly cannot and should not be seen as simply another presidential stop, as part of a bigger political
c a m p a i g n i n a p o l i t i c a l season that, is for all intents and purposes, (and from early appearances) saturated w i t h t h e e d g y, a n d t h e beginnings of a broad front of anxiety Even to go near to voting and mention such in that context is a little too m
comment.
I think that President Ali was keen enough in his army address to recognize how far he could push the envelope, so he smartly settled for 'vote conscience.'
Having exhibited that p o l i t i c a l l e a d e r s h i p discipline, something that is becoming a greater and more d i s t a n t s t r a n g e r t o h i m ) during his army charge, the president threw caution to the winds, and advanced into
forbidden territory at the Annual Police Conference 2025.
“Support the work of government beyond 2025” could be considered loaded, and in more than one regard. It is helpful that President Ali was sharp enough to discern that he was going into a minefield. But his couched l a n g u a g e w i t h i n t w o disclaimers did the opposite of what he may have had in mind. “Support the work of the government ” may appear to give the president wiggle room That is, “support the work of the government” is neutral and should not be interpreted any other way Meaning, that it is not a naked call to support (vote for) the PPP in the upcoming elections. My first reactions are as follows. So, what has the Guyana Police Force (GPF) been doing in the last five years approximately? Supporting o n a c a n ' t h e l p b a s i s ? Supporting in a selective manner, and to such an extent, that the authenticity of such support suffers in the credibility department?
Has the kind of support
that President Ali and his government were expecting been d e f i c i e n t a n d n o t forthcoming? And last, why was what the president uttered thought highly of, that it could not be left out of his address, w h a t e v e r t h e r e c e p t i o n anticipated?
I n g o i n g o v e r t h e s e questions, I think that a public reminder and appeal are both now necessary What the president said may be thought of by some as timely during an Annual Police Conference. I beg to disagree. What was said is untimely in any season, and a complete no-no, not to be done at all, in an elections season, especially before a senior GPF audience. A season where the GPF could be called upon to stand on the line and deliver in the face of great hostility A season where the GPF has many burdens to shoulder, and is not assisted to any degree by what gives off a whiff of the political. This brings me to E x c e l l e n c y A l i ' s s e c o n d disclaimer, the one having nothing to with partisanship.
“Every member of the Force has a right to vote according to the dictates of their conscience…and that right will be respected.” I am sorry, Mr President, but that doesn't cut it. By itself, that is a meaningless and l a u g h a b l e p o l i t i c a l commercial. I think that the president realized that he had overstepped, and believed that he could paper over his a w k w a r d e x c e s s w i t h protective words. Words for the sake of the words. Words that were intended to diminish the weight of “support the work o f t h e g o v e r n m e n t ” Words that only succeeded i n g e n e r a t i n g a d d i t i o n a l skepticism about what game he was really playing.(The v i e w s e x p r e s s e d i n t h i s article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t n e c e s s a r i l y r e f l e c t t h e opinion of this newspaper.)
BLUNT BLUNT
Borrowing and dereliction of duty
The Guyana government said that borrowing or taking loans to run this countr y is a must. A nation borrows not because borrowing is an existential prerequisite, but because its government has failed to derive sufficient revenue from its existing assets.
A person who earns enough to cover his expenses does not take on debt unless his financial management is inept.
Likewise, a countr y need not sink itself in the morass of international lending institutions unless it has failed to properly steward its resources. Consider, then, the absurdity of borrowing in a land where oil revenues ought to flood the treasur y with a bounty sufficient to finance any conceivable infrastructural ambition.
If the state is engaged in perpetual borrowing while simultaneously allowing itself to be fleeced by an unfavourable oil agreement, the problem is not revenue insufficiency but rather a willful abdication of financial prudence. When a government concedes billions in potential earnings by refusing to renegotiate an oil deal or to ring-fence its oil blocks, it does not suffer from an absence of wealth but from a dereliction of duty.
Concerns grow as US threatens visa sanctions over Cuban doctors
…Jagdeo says CARICOM seeking meeting with Trump for him to sof ten approach
T h e G o v e r n m e n t o f Guyana said that it will be working through Caricom to get the United States to soften its plans to sanction countries that benefit from Cuba's medical programme.
The United States on
Tu e s d a y e x p a n d e d v i s a
r e s t r i c t i o n s o v e r C u b a ' s dispatch of doctors overseas, a programme Havana sees as a source of influence and
revenue but which has long f a c e d a c c u s a t i o n s o f exploitation Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a CubanAmerican and vociferous foe o f t h e c o m m u n i s t government in Havana, said the United States will now also bar visas to foreign government officials who assist the programme. Cuba has been sending scores of doctors here over a number
of years and also hundreds of Guyanese doctors and other professional have benefitted from scholarships to study in that country
On Tuesday Rubio said that the United States was immediately imposing visa
expanded policy on several
immediate family members
Members of a Cuban medical team
of sanctioned officials would a l s o b
e d " C u b a continues to profit from the forced labor of its workers
and the regime's abusive and coercive labor practices are well documented," Rubio said. "Cuba's labor export programs, which include the medical missions, enrich the Cuban regime, and in the c
medical missions, deprive
y desperately need in their home country," he said in a statement.
Cuba, which frequently h i g h l i g h t s i t s u
s a l health care system, has sent doctors around the world
s i n c e t h e 1 9 6 0 s a s i t p r o m o t e s i t s e l f i n
d e v e l o p i n g n a t i o n s T h e programme has become a major source of needed cash, particularly after the Soviet Union's collapse deprived Cuba of a major benefactor
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said that Rubio's decision was "based on lies" and will "affect health services for millions o f p e o p l e i n C u b a a n d around the world." "Once a g a i n , M a r c o R u b i o i s placing his personal interests above those of the United States," he wrote on social media platform X.
A c c o r d i n g t o C u b a n official figures, Cuba sent 2 2 , 6 3 2 m e d i c a l professionals to 57 countries in 2023, with Cuba earning $6.3 billion in 2018 and $3.9 billion in 2020, in part in the form of oil from Venezuela.
C r i t i c s c h a r a c t e r i z e t h e program as forced labor, and the United States under former president George W Bush launched a program to encourage Cuban doctors overseas to defect. Human Rights Watch has said that t h e C u b a n d o c t o r s a r e deprived of fundamental freedoms as they live under draconian rules overseas. Since returning to office last month, President Donald Trump has swiftly sought to ramp up pressure on Cuba. He reversed a decision by his predecessor Joe Biden to take Cuba off a list of state sponsors of terrorism. The Biden administration agreed to lift the designation, which h a s s e v e r e e f f e c t s o n investment, in return for
Cuba's release of political prisoners.
Meanwhile, addressing the issue at his weekly news
c o n f e r e n c e o n T h u r s d a y Vi c e P r e s i d e n t
Jagdeo said Guyana will be
d T
u m p '
administration on the threats to impose visa sanctions on the leaders and their families
beneficiaries of the Cuban labour export programme, i
c a l missions. He was asked to
whether Guyana will stop
Cuban Medical Brigade in light of these threats by the United States. Jagdeo told t h e m e d i a t h a t t h e government has carefully examined the statement that was released by the US c o n c e r n i n g t h e C u b a n Medical Brigade in countries and the potential sanctions against the said countries for collaborating with Cuba. He reasoned, “Now you know that this, the Cuban presence, a medical presence in the Caribbean, has been there for a very, very long time and has transcended several US administrations. The Cuban medical presence in the region has had some positive impact on health care delivery across the region. This issue is not just about Guyana. This is about the entire Caribbean.” Jagdeo highlighted that at CARICOM's last Heads of Gov
nt m
y issues, as they felt that he should see the region not through the eyes of a third party but directly get the views of the leaders of the region.
A c c o r d i n g t o J a g d e o Secretary of State, Rubio has been in contact with several l e a d e r s i n C A R I C O M , P r e s i d e n t I r f a a n A l i included, so it is anticipated given the impact it would have on the region, these threatened visa sanctions is one of the many issues on (Continued on page 22)
IDB and Non-Regional Member Countries Review IDBImpact+ Implementation
T h e I n t e r - A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) held its annual consultation with non-regional member countries on February 19-20 in Tokyo, Japan, as part of preparations for the IDB and I D B I n v e s t A n n u a l
M e e t i n g s , s c h e d u l e d f o r March 26-30 in Chile. This high-level dialogue
c o n v e n e d r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s from all 22 non-regional member countries to review progress on IDBImpact+, a reform agenda designed to expand the scale and impact of the Bank's work to reduce
p o v e r t y, a d d r e s s c l i m a t e
r i s k s a n d p r o m o t e s u s t a i n a b l e g r o w t h –including by increasing the IDB's financing capacity
According to the IDB, as part of this agenda, a broad set of reforms is underway,
i n c l u d i n g e f f o r t s t o strengthen IDB Invest and IDB Lab to mobilize private investment, scale financing
s o l u t i o n s a n d f o s t e r innovation to drive private sector-led growth. A subset of these – 11 key reforms and i n i t i a t i v e s – w i l l b e presented at the Annual Meetings.
The two-day meeting also served as a platform to discuss the IDB's strategic priorities and the economic outlook for Latin America
a n d t h e C a r i b b e a n
A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h e I D B
executive team provided updates on the IDB's role in a d v a n c i n g r e g i o n a l
p r o g r a m s a n d i n i t i a t i v e s
w i t h g l o b a l r e l e v a n c e , i n c l u d i n g A m a z o n i a Forever, ONE Caribbean, América en el Centro, the Alliance for Security, Justice
a n d D e v e l o p m e n t , a n d
I n t e g r a t i o n R o u t e s Discussions also covered a
p r o p o s a l f o r a r e g i o n a l impact program on disasterrisk management and the
B a n k ' s l e a d e r s h i p i n d e v e l o p i n g i n n o v a t i v e f i n a n c i a l i n s t r u m e n t s t o mobilize private capital.
A key theme was how n o n - r e g i o n a l m e m b e r countries play a pivotal role in mobilizing investment, innovation and expertise to position Latin America and the Caribbean as a key player in global solutions.
Their contributions help
scale private investment, d r i v e s u s t a i n a b l e infrastructure and strengthen economic integration.
T h e d i s c u s s i o n s highlighted how IDB Invest and IDB Lab are critical in channeling private capital i n t o t h e r e g i o n , w h i l e regulatory reforms, rule of law and business-friendly policies remain essential to unlocking sustained growth.
“Our partnership with non-regional members is
essential to positioning Latin America and the Caribbean a key player in solving global challenges. The IDB serves as a bridge, connecting the region with global markets, investment and expertise to drive shared prosperity and sustainable growth,” said IDB President Ilan Goldfajn.
New Agreement with JICA
During the consultation, IDB Invest and the Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced a new $1 billion contribution to establish the JICA Trust F u n d f o r A c h i e v i n g D e v e l o p m
n
n L a t i n America and the Caribbean (TADAC).
This fund – the agency's first private-sector fund with the IDB and its largest private-sector fund in Latin America and the Caribbean –aims to co-finance projects w i t h I D B I n v
growth across the region.
The TADAC fund will bolster IDB Invest's efforts to drive private investment in sustainable infrastructure. It uses an innovative reflow feature to enhance blended finance tools, supporting IDB Invest's new “originateto-share” business model, which is designed to scale i n v e s t m e n t s a n d a t t r a c t private capital to the region.
Collaboration with Nonregional Member Countries
Contributions from nonregional member countries in Europe and Asia allowed the IDB, IDB Invest and IDB L a b t o f i n a n c e a n d i m p l e m e n t p r o j e c t s i n critical areas, such as social p r o t e c t i o n , w a t e r a n d sanitation, climate, energy, sustainable infrastructure, tourism, urban development, agribusiness, digitalization, a n d r e g i o n a l - i m p a c t programs.
List of IDB Partners
Contributions from nonregional member countries a r e c h a n n e l e d t h r o u g h development agencies and ministries in Europe and Asia. These include Austria's Ministry of Finance (BMF) and Ministry of Economy; B e l g i u m ' s M i n i s t r y o f External Affairs; Croatia's M i n i s t r y o f F i n a n c e ; F i n l a n d ' s M i n i s t r y o f
Foreign Affairs; France's
F r e n c h D e v e l o p m e n t
A g e n c y ( A F D ) a n d i t s p r i v a t e - s e c t o r a r m , P r o p a r c o ; G e r m a n y ' s M i n i s t r y
D e v e l o p m e n t ( B M Z ) , Ministry of Economy and Climate Action (BMWK), a n d K f W D e v e l o p m e n t Bank; Israel's Ministry of
Finance; Italy's Ministry of E c o n o m y a n d F i n a n c e (MEF), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), and Ministry of Environment (MASE); the Netherlands' Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( B Z ) a n d t h e D u t c h
E n t
Development Bank (FMO); N
ion (Norad); Portugal's Ministry
o
Ministry of Finance; Spain's M
(MINECO) and the Spanish
A
D
( A E C I D ) ; S w e d e n ' s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Swedish International Development Cooperation
A g e n c y ( S I D A ) ; Switzerland's Swiss Agency f o r D e v e l o p m e n t a n d
C o o p e r a t i o n ( S D C ) a n d
S t a t e S e c r e t a r i a t f o r
Economic Affairs (SECO); and the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & D e v e l o p m e n t O f f i c e ( F C D O ) I n A s i a , contributions came from Japan's Ministry of Finance (MOF), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Bank for International C o o p e r a t i o n ( J B I C ) , t h e
E x p o r t – I m p o r t B a n k o f
K o r e a ( K E X I M ) , a n d K o r e a ' s M i n i s t r y o f
E c o n o m y a n d F i n a n c e (MOEF).
B e y o n d p u b l i c - s e c t o r partnerships, the IDB, IDB I n v e s t a n d I D B L a b c o l l a b o r a t e w i t h n o nregional member countries through engagements with the private sector, academia and cultural institutions. It m a i n t a i n s a c t i v e partnerships with leading c o m p a n i e s , a s s o c i a t i o n s , and institutions, including Banco Santander, Bayer, B B VA , B N P P a r i b a s , Confindustria, Danone, Enel Group, Engie, Fundación La Caixa, Fundación Mapfre,
Fundación Telefónica, IE University, Mouvement des e n t r
d
F
(MEDEF), NEC, NTT Data, O N C E , S a c y r, S
g , Seoul National University, S o p h i a U n i v e r s i t y , Telefónica, University of Tokyo, Waseda University, and Wayra, among others.
B y d
regional members, the IDB c o n
opportunities for economic g
across Latin America and the C
with IDBImpact+.
Local Govt. Commission to be in place shortly - Jagdeo
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has said that a new L o c a l G o v e r n m e n t Commission (LGC) will be in place shortly
Responding to a question
a t h i s w e e k l y p r e s s
conference on Thursday, Jagdeo said he believes the government is making every effort to put the issue to rest. “The last that I know of it is
that Gail Teixeira wrote requesting a nominee from the leader of the opposition. I think he may have submitted
that nominee or a number of nominees because according to the Act, he has a role to p l a y s o h e m a y h a v e submitted I think I saw that the n
n submitted,” Jagdeo asserted. He continued that “By
The ministers have to submit their nominees too and I guess as soon as that's done the president will appoint the l
The Local Government Commission head office
desire of the government to get the Local Government Commission in place and it
will be done shortly that is w h y t h e l e a d e r o f t h e opposition was written to
ensure that his nominees are submitted.”
Jagdeo said: “I anticipate it will be done shortly and it
m a y b e c r u c i a l n o w
p a r t i c u l a r l y w i t h t h e pernicious plot that I spoke of by the mayor and those of his ilk and APNU in the local government system that they may be trying to put more pressure on people with the hope that they would blame the government and then
result in more favorable view of APNU/AFC in the electoral process.”
E a r l i e r t h i s m o n t h ,
O p p o s i t i o n M e m b e r o f
Parliament (MP) Ganesh
Mahipaul has accused two Ministers of Government of m i s l e a d i n g t h e N a t i o n a l
A s s e m b l y o n t h e appointment of the new
L o c a l G o v e r n m e n t
Commission (LGC) The
LGC is legally mandated with management oversight of local authorities including R e g i o n a l D e m o c r a t i c Councils, (RDC) s, Town Councils, and Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDC) s. The LGC deals with all m a t t e r s r e l a t i n g t o t h e staffing of local government organs. It is responsible for e m p l o y m e n t , t r a n s f e r , discipline and dismissal of s t a f f a n d a p p r o v a l o f
r e m u n e r a t i o n ,
s u p e r a n n u a t i o n , t r a i n i n g , leave and promotion of staff.
In a statement issued, Mahipaul noted that the matter was raised during the c o n s i d e r a t i o n o f t h e estimates for the Ministry of L o c a l G o v e r n m e n t a n d
R e g i o n a l D e v e l o p m e n t Mahipaul said that he asked the subject Minister Sonia Parag a simple question: “ W h e n w i l l t h e L o c a l Government Commission be sworn in?”
According to him, the m i n i s t e r r e s p o n d e d b y stating that the process had been initiated and that a letter was sent to the Leader of the Opposition, but to date, there has been no r e s p o n s e H o w e v
dismissed this claim, stating
responded. Furthermore, he noted that Ms. Singh from the Office of the President
acknowledge receipt of the letter and also requested the CVs of the nominees.
As a result, Mahipaul
submitted to the National Assembly the two pieces of
o substantiate his position that
H
r requested an apology from
Government and Regional Development.
US company looking to speed-up works on
Gas-to-Energy project
Fo l l o w i n g t h e announcement by Head of the Gasto-Energy (GTE) Taskforce, Winston Brassington, that the project is not likely to be
c o m p l e t e d w i t h i n t h e
s t i p u l a t e d t i m e l i n e , t h e contractor, Lindsayca/CH4 on Thursday indicated that
The state of the GTE project site in January this year
enhanced protocols have been implemented to allow for accelerated progress on the construction of two gas plants.
T h e c o n s o r t i u m w a s
c o n t r a c t e d b y t h e
G o v e r n m e n t o f G u y a n a (GoG) in December 2022 to build a Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant and a 300megawatt natural gas fire plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara.
The construction was delayed following a late handover of the site to the contractor, which led to a dispute between the GoG and the contractor
While that matter was forwarded to the Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Board (DAAB), government said the construction works were not put on hold.
In a statement to the m e d i a y e s t e r d a y , Lindsayca/CH4 said it was informed of recent public statements about timeline adjustments for the Wales Gas-to-Energy Project.
I t s a i d , “ L N D C H 4
G u y a n a r e c o g n i s e s t h e strategic importance of this l a n d m a r k p r o j e c t t o
Guyana's energy security and economic development.
W e a r e a c t i v e l y
c o l l a b o r a t i n g w i t h a l l
s t a k e h o l d e r s t o a d d r e s s technical complexities and logistical considerations.”
The contractor added, “ F o l l o w i n g p r o d u c t i v e
d i s c u s s i o n s w i t h t h e Government of Guyana and other key stakeholders, we have implemented enhanced
p r o j e c t m a n a g e m e n t
p r o t o c o l s a n d i n c r e a s e d
r e s o u r c e a l l o c a t i o n t o accelerate progress while m a i n t a i n i n g t h e h i g h e s t q u a l i t y a n d s a f e t y standards.”
The consortium noted that U S Ambassador to G u y a n a , N i c o l e T h e r i o t , recently reaffirmed the U.S. Government's full support
f o r t h e p r o j e c t a n d underscored the value the United States places on its partnership with Guyana.
I n w e l c o m i n g t h i s endorsement, the company reaffirmed its commitment t o G u y a n a ' s e n e r g y t
f o r m a t i o
n d t h e delivery of the gas plants, noting its appreciation for the GoG's partnership in advancing the project.
L
, provided delegates with
various components of the project.
With regard to the NGL a n d 3 0
scheduled to be delivered in the second half of this year but we have seen a schedule that suggests this is going to take longer- so contractually this year, realistically we're looking at some delays and a lot of this is, some of these matters are in dispute and therefore I can't speak about it at this point.”
According to his visual presentation, the final cost of the two plants is “to be determined,” in light of the ongoing disputes with the joint venture. Brassington's p r e s e n t a t i o n i n d i c a t e d completion of the plants by 2026.
In the meantime, the p i p e l i n e e l e m e n t , constructed by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has been completed, with nitrogen pumped into the s t r u c t u r e a s i t a w a i t s completion of the other components.
O n J a n u a r y 3 1 , t h e DAAB issued its ruling on the dispute between the GoG and the contractor
T h e O f f i c e o f t h e President in a statement however, indicated that the p a r t i e s t o t h e d i s p u t e resolution process are bound b y c e r t a i n r u l e s o f “confidentiality”.
As such, Government did not specify the details of the decision made by the D A A B , f o l l o w i n g a c o m p l a i n t f i l e d o n September 19, 2024. It only revealed that the Parties have 28 days to determine if they wish to refer the decisions, or a n y p a r t t h e r e o f , t o Arbitration, which would be the next stage in the dispute resolution process. It was explained, “The GOG will, therefore, in the n e x t f e w w e e k s , i n c o n s u l t a t i o n w i t h i t s p a r t n e r s , i n c l u d i n g Exxon/Mobil, as well as relevant legal and technical advisors, determine the best course forward for GOG.”
Husband and wife killed …as car flips into trench af ter driver lost control
A 39-year-old man and h i s 3 5 - y e a r - o l d w i f e , tragically lost their lives on Thursday morning after their v e h i c l e c o l l i d e d w i t h a concrete rail, and flipped several times at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Dead are Shane Tyndall, and Shabeca Gordon, who resided at Lot 609 East
R u i m v e l d t , G e o r g e t o w n
The accident occurred at about 08:00h at Haags Bosch main access road (Dump Site Road), Eccles.
According to a friend of Gordon, Tyndall was taking her to work at the time of the accident. Police reported that the car which was driven by Tyndall was proceeding east along the northern driving lane of Dump Site road at a fast rate when the driver lost control and collided with a concrete rail on the edge of the road.
" A s a r e s u l t o f t h e
c o l l i s i o n , t h e v e h i c l e 'flipped' several times and ended up 130 feet further east, in a trench on the northern side of the road and became submerged," police said in the report. Following that the duo were pinned down for some time in the vehicle, and were later taken out of the car by public-
s p i r i t e d c i t i z e n s i n a n unconscious condition. The
A m b u l a n c e S e r v i c e w a s summoned to the scene and arrived shortly after with a team of Emergency Medical
T e c h n i c i a n s ( E M T s )
Unfortunately, the two were p r o n o u n c e d d e a d a t t h e scene. Their bodies are at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting post-mortem
e x a m i n a t i o n s T h e investigations are ongoing.
The death of the couple follows a string of fatal road accidents for the week thus far Only on Thursday this newspaper ported the death o f 1 9 - y e a r- o l d , A n n a l i s a Smith in Berbice. She died after the car she was in crashed into a utility pole at the Berbice River Bridge Access Road, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six. Three people were severely injured
a f t e r a 2 1 - y e a r - o l d
Provisional Licensed driver
lost control of motorcar #PSS 6725 and crashed into a Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) utility pole. The a c c i d e n t o c c u r r e d a t
1 2 : 2 0 h r s W e d n e s d a y According to police, the driver is identified as Clifton S m i t h a n d t h e o t h e r occupants include: Marlyn Jones, age 60; and Odessa Smith, age 49 of the above address and Simon Gomes, age 43 years, of 5th Street Alberttown, Georgetown.
The aftermath of the accident
P o l i c e s a i d
investigations revealed that the car was proceeding west along the southern drive lane allegedly at a fast rate, when the driver lost control and collided with a utility pole which is situated on the southern side of the road.”
As a result of the collision, Smith who was seated in the
body and was taken out in an unconscious condition by public-spirited citizens. She
Amsterdam Public Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Her body is at the hospital's mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination. The other occupants of the car received treatment at the hospital. Also on Monday Kaieteur News reported that five men lost their lives tragically between Sunday night and Monday morning after they were involved in (Continued on page 20)
Dead: Shane Tyndall, and Shabeca Gordon
Success Bridge on the verge of collapse
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday warned d r i v e r s a b o u t t h e deteriorating condition of the Success Bridge which is now on the verge of collapse.
The advisory emphasised the need for motorists to find alternative routes for their travel to avoid the bridge's
potential failure, which could result in
compromise public safety Authorities have been alerted to the situation and are actively working on immediate interventions.
“Motor lorry owners and operators are advised that if small vehicles are allowed to use the said bridge while
Foreign exchange wasted on Carnival costumes - Rowley says
( T R I N I D A D G U A R D I A N )
“Absolute foolishness” that is how Prime Minister Keith Rowley
d e s c r i b e d t h e h e a v y f o r e i g n exchange spending on Carnival costumes. While he understands t h a t p e o p l e w a n t t o e n j o y themselves during Carnival, he i n s i s t s t h a t c o s t u m e s a r e n o t investments.
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony for Nutrimix's Animal Feed and Pet Food plant in Point Lisas on Tuesday, Rowley revealed that he recently saw someone offering a significant sum of money
f o r C a r n i v a l c o s t u m e s H e emphasised that costumes should be locally sourced “I saw a children's band on Saturday, and I think it was the best band in the large band category for toddlers. All the costumes were made in Trinidad and Tobago, and that, to me, is what we should be about,” Rowley said.
Lauding the Nutrimix Group of Companies' expansion in the agroprocessing sector, Rowley also
a c k n o w l e d g e d N u t r i m i x ' s president Ronnie Mohammed's complaint that while several state agencies functioned efficiently in s e c u r i n g a p p r o v a l s f o r h i s company's project, others made the p r o c e s s p a i n s t a k i n g l y s l o w, requiring patience and persistence.
Rowley warned that the slow p a c e o f a p p r o v a l s c a n s t i f l e i n v e s t m e n t a n d h i n d e r t h e expansion of T&T's economy. He noted that when speaking with his counterparts in Grenada, Barbados, a n d S t V i n c e n t a n d t h e Grenadines—who are also striving for economic growth—there is a clear sense of urgency However, he lamented that T&T seems to s p e c i a l i s e i n d e l a y s a n d
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley examines a model of the upcoming Nutrimix Animal and Pet Food Plant presented by Nutrimix president and Group CEO Ronnie Mohammed during the sod turning ceremony at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate yesterday. Also pictured, from left, are Minister of Energy and Energy Industries Stuart Young, Nutrimix GM Lydia Mohammed, and Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon.
obstruction, giving the impression t h a t s o m e e n t i t i e s a r e m o r e concerned with processes than outcomes, which he described as frustrating.
“I have seen projects in Grenada and St Vincent move at an alarming speed without damaging their countries and without their p o p u l a t i o n s a s s u m i n g t h a t everyone involved in the project is corrupt.
Yet here, every page, every day, every hour, and every minute must be scrutinised.”
He stressed that the time has come for citizens to address the issue of inefficiency, warning that the country risks missing out on investments flowing into other
Caricom territories.
“If we do not have these kinds of investments, if we do not have the vision and belief that our c o u n t r y c a n a b s o r b t h e s e investments, or if we are required to make them only in traditional sectors, and we focus solely on what is wrong with this country instead of what is good, then we will always be looking at what is happening in Barbados, in Jamaica, a n d n o w i n G r e n a d a a n d S t Vincent.”
He appeared dismayed by the lack of new hotel rooms in Tobago, w h i l e p e o p l e a d m i r e t h e developments in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Rowley shared that he toured Barbados last Wednesday
and spoke with Prime Minister Mia Mottley the following day. He saw six large hotels under construction, the completion of a major golf c o u r s e t h a t r e c e n t l y w o n a n international award, and several large-scale projects set to begin. He pointed out that the one thing missing from the conversation was the approval process.
He also noted that in St Vincent and the Grenadines, a Sandals
R e s o r t p r o j e c t m o v e d f r o m p l a n n i n g t o c o
operation in the same time frame
t
approvals for
hotel.
“And now that the Sandals project is well underway, I cannot stop hearing Ralph Gonsalves in
wonderful it has been for the economy of St Vincent. They are about to embark on another $250 million expansion of that project, while we are still discussing the
Rowley insisted that T&T needs to get serious, as the decision-making processes are far too laborious, slow, and indifferent He said people who lost enthusiasm due to bureaucratic red tape have spoken to him, as well as others who bypassed T&T altogether out of fear of the process. He noted that while laws must be followed, it is
obstacles have been placed in the way of progress.
Religious harmony must remain a unifying force, rather than a cause for division – Pres. Ali
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali joined scores of devotees at the Cove and John Ashram for Maha Shivaratri, a sacred Hindu festival observed globally
In his feature address, the head of state emphasised the importance of appreciating God's blessings and using each day to express gratitude, s
positively to humanity “Have we
a y t o acknowledge this blessing? To
acknowledge this fact that we are given not only one more year of opportunity to live but one more year of an opportunity to correct missteps and to do more for humanity,” he expressed in his address to mark the religious f e s t i v i t y H i g h l i g h t i n g t h e prevalence of hypocrisy, President Ali noted that many advocate for democracy yet act contrary to its principles. He underscored that M
reminder of the self-destructive nature of dishonesty According to the president, those who refuse to acknowledge their actions will eventually be held accountable by a higher consciousness.
G u y a n a ' s d i v e r s e r e l i g i o u s fabric, he asserted, is a divine test that challenges its people to use their differences as a source of strength and set an example on the global stage. Against this backdrop, he urged the Guyanese public to
traditions.
“Our nation's rich cultural and religious fabric is a source of strength. By upholding mutual respect and understanding, we ensure that our diversity remains a unifying force rather than a cause f o r
emphasised.
Also attending the event was
the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall who said Guyanese must remain vigilant against those who seek to sow division among the population. Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated every year in honour of the deity Shiva, b
March
According to the Hindu calendar, th the festival is observed on the 14 day of the first half of the lunar month of Phalguna. (DPI)
From page 17
Husband and wife killed
three separate accidents along the roadways in Corentyne Berbice and at Wallers Delight Public
R o a d , We s t C o a s t D e m e r a r a (WCD). Those who perished have been identified as: 64-year-old Dennis Gilkes, 40-year-old Abdool
S h a r a f R a h i m , 1 8 - y e a r - o l d Keishan Ramnauth, 22-year-old Adrian Inshan and 21-year-old Ameer Subhan, a supervisor of Queensway Security Services. Slow down
Meanwhile, in a statement on T
Humanitarian Mission Guyana Inc. has urged all drivers and road users across Guyana to exercise caution, responsibility, and respect while on t
speeding, drunk driving, and a lack of road discipline have contributed to countless tragedies, leaving f
communities in mourning over the past few days and weeks,” the organisation said. According to the
loss of lives due to preventable accidents is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety “These incidents do not just claim lives;
families, broken dreams, and a n
i a n Mission Guyana Inc. urges all d r i v e r s t o t a k e p e r s o n a l responsibility and put an end to dangerous behaviours on the road,” the statement read. In its appeal to drivers and road
users, the organization urged them to avoid speeding, adhere to speed limits and drive at safe speeds, especially in advers
w
ather conditions or high-traffic areas.
“We are one people, one nation, connected by love and humanity,” said a spokesperson, Mr Sugrim, for Humanitarian Mission Guyana I n c “ I t i s o u r c o l l e c t i v e responsibility to ensure the safety of ourselves and others on the road. Let us drive with wisdom, patience, a n d c a r e t o p r e v
n t f u r t h e r tragedies.” The organisation also calls on the government, the police, and the c o m m u n i t y t o s u p p o r t t h o s e affected by road accidents, offering prayers for strength, healing, and comfort during these difficult t i m e s H u m a n i t a r i
n M i s s i o n G u y a n a I n c s a i d i t r e m a i n s committed to promoting safety, unity, and compassion across the nation. Together, we can create safer roads and a brighter future for all.
Rowley to bow out on March 16
( T R I N I D A D
G U A R D I A N ) - P r i m e
Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced he will officially resign from office on March 16. But first, he will open the Central Block of the Port of
Spain General Hospital on March 10. Then he will open the new ANR Robinson Airport project on March 15. He was speaking at the commissioning and renaming ceremony of Lisa
M o r r i s J u l i a n B o u l e v a r d , formally, O’Meara Road.
Lisa Morris Julian and two of her children died in the house
fire on December 16 Dr Rowley commended her public
service Dr Rowley spoke about the end of his tenure in public service as well saying, “I
too am ending my tenure in public service, thankfully, not sadly, but with a certain amount of satisfaction.”
He reflected on the nature of political life, remind
ng everyone that it is always temporary “Many people in public life do not believe or forget that your service in public life is really for a period. Doesn’t matter how good you are, how important you think you are, it’s all about a specific period.”
Looking back on his time in office, he said, “I do so with s o m e s a t i s f a c t i o n t h a t m y presence among my colleagues and national community would have contributed to national development, and I would have
done something good with you and for you.”
H
particularly the difficulty of
with limited resources. “The national budgetary process is
enough to do all the things you want to do, especially when you want to do them at the same t
d governance to a conveyor belt, explaining that as one project is c
immediately takes its place.
p s pushing these challenges to you, and as it comes forward,
resources… we have to do
some, leave some for later, come back to them, but it’s a continuous process.”
During the event, he also paid tribute to Lisa MorrisJulian, in whose honour a road was renamed. He spoke about “the shock of the passing and the pain we continue to feel” f o l l o w i n g h e
d e a t h H e described her as someone who w a s “ h u m b l e , f a i t h f u l , visionary, hardworking, and respectful of those who she set out to represent.” By naming the road after her, he said, “It is s a i d t h a t o n c e y o u a r e remembered, you are not dead, and if that is so, then Lisa Morris-Julian would remain among us and generations to come.”
T&T has paid $$ to Venezuela as part of Dragon Gas deal, says Young
Tr i n i d a d E x p r e s s -
When Government entered
i n t o a n a r r a n g e m e n t i n v o l v i n g S h e l l a n d Venezuela to develop the Dragon Gas field, money w a s p a i d t o Ve n e z u e l a , acting Prime Minister Stuart Young disclosed today
Young said he did not consider the money to be the ‘ b a n k r o l l i n g ” o f t h e Venezuelan regime.
Last May, Young said that T&T was already paying a portion of over US$1 million per year in taxes to Venezuela as part of the deal.
He said the payments due to Venezuela consisted of r o y a l t y , a s p e c i a l commission of five per cent, s u r f a c e t a x a n d s o c i a l contributions totalling US$1 million, and a confidential signing bonus.
O n We d n e s d a y, U S
P r e s i d e n t D o
t h e Venezuelan government to export oil to the United States. Trump said this was b e i n g d o n e b e c a u s e Venezuela failed to take back
Truth Social “We are hereby reversing the concessions that Crooked Joe Biden gave t o N i c o l á s M a d u r o , o f
Ramsammy’s diatribe does not refute...
From page 06
l a c k s w h a t i t t a k e s t o understand what is meant by “ a k i n ” o r f i n d s i t a d v a n t a g e o u s t o misrepresent my statement a n d i n d o i n g s o i s a s “ b a l d f a c e d ( s i c ) a n d r e p r e h e n s i b l e ” a s i s h i s assertion about me.
W i t h r e g a r d t o t h e Mocha issue, there is no case more blatant.
A t t h e t i m e o f t h e demolition, the Government justified its action on the basis that the land was required for the construction of the road.
The lands were never in the path of the road.
The road has since been completed without the use of the affected lands.
In addition, other lands adjacent to the new roadway
been met by the Maduro regime.”
A f e w h o u r s a f t e r Trump’s post, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X he will provide foreign policy guidance to terminate all Biden-era oil and gas l i c e n s e s “ t h a t h a v e shamefully bankrolled the i l l e g i t i m a t e M a d u r o regime.”
Young said there is no
word yet on the impact of
U S P r e s i d e n t D o n a l d
Tr u m p ’s a c t i o n s a g a i n s t
Venezuela on Trinidad and Tobago’s Dragon gas deal.
S p e a k i n g a t a n e w s
the Cabinet meeting, he
was on the phone with US officials and Shell to get information and guidance.
Y o u n g c r i t i c i s e d
P e r s a d - B i s s e s s a r f o r h e r “attack” o n P rime M
Although, it is the current President who encouraged those people to establish themselves on those lands when he was responsible for the Ministry of Housing. It is the current President who told “me”, in person, that ‘the construction of the road
w o u l d r e s u l t i n t h e escalation of the value of the properties adjacent to the proposed road’. A benefit to the residents according to him.
He also stated that at a c o m m u n i t y m e e t i n g N o
c o n t e n t i o n t h a t s o m e
p e r s o n s a c c e p t e d compensation can negate the savage, vile and unjustified a c t s o f d e m o l i t i o n o f property and disruption of people‘s livelihood.
The current post trial
o ff e r o f a l t e r n a t e l a n d s epitomizes hypocrisy and the politici
h a v e b e e n a l l o c a t e d t o others. Suffice to say that Ramsammy tries to spin a new tale about the atrocity
p
Government was written to pleading for an engagement before the court action was filed.
T
courtesy of a response.
R
m s a m m y ’s
r i b e does not refute any of the p r o p o s
n s o f m y presentation, and it fails in its attempt to obfuscate the poor and untenable Human R i g
d
h e Government. Notably, he stays clear of my submission on issues such as the disregard for inclusivity as provided for in our constitution and the urgent issues surrounding the right to vote and the use of biometrics as a means of protecting that right and ensuring a free and fair election process.
Yours sincerely, Vincent Alexander
Ve n e z u e l a , o n t h e o i l transaction agreement, dated November 26, 2022, and a l s o h a v i n g t o d o w i t h Electoral conditions within Venezuela, which have not
conference at Whitehall,
Port of Spain, Young said
he too is concerned about the posts coming from US Government officials.
Young said that before
economy The Minister confessed that he
Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley
Venezuelan deportees from the US.
Trump posted on his
Prime Minister Stuart Young
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Trump tariffs of 25% on Canada, Mexico set to kick in March
Trump’s comments Thursday clarified confusion he sowed on Wednesday when he seemed to suggest tariffs would be pushed back to April.
Aljazeera - United States President Donald Trump has said that his proposed 25-percent tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods will go into effect on March 4 and threatened an extra 10-percent duty on Chinese imports because, he claims, deadly drugs are still pouring into the US from those countries.
Trump said in a post on his Truth Social site on Thursday that he would impose the additional 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods on March 4. This would come on top of the 10 percent tariff that he levied on February 4 on imports from China over the fentanyl opioid crisis.
Trump said drugs, namely fentanyl, were still coming into the US at “very high and unacceptable levels,” with a large percentage of them the deadly opioid fentanyl.
“We cannot allow this scourge to continue to harm the USA, and therefore, until it stops, or is seriously limited, the proposed TARIFFS scheduled to go into effect on MARCH FOURTH will, indeed, go into effect, as sched-
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uled,” Trump added. “China will likewise be charged an additional 10% Tariff on that date.” Those comments Thursday cleared up some of the confusion Trump sowed during his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday when he seemed to suggest that he may push the deadline back for about one month until April 4.
But subsequent comments from Trump administration officials indicated that the April deadline was for Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” matching import duty rates of other countries and offsetting their other restrictions. His trade advisers consider European countries’ value-added taxes to be akin to a tariff.
Kevin Hassett, the top White House economic ad-
viser, told CNBC television on Thursday that Trump would determine new tariffs after a study is completed by April 1. Trump decided to add the extra tariffs on China and stick to the Tuesday deadline for Canada and Mexico given what his administration sees as insufficient progress in reducing fentanyl deaths, a White House official told Reuters.
“There are ongoing discussions with the Chinese, Mexico and Canada. We’ve gotten a good handle on the migration issue, but there are still concerns on the other issue of fentanyl deaths,” the official said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 72,776 people died from synthetic opioids in 2023 in the US,
chiefly from fentanyl.
Tariff, border talks
Meanwhile, Canadian and Mexican officials were due to meet Trump administration counterparts in Washington, DC on Thursday and Friday to try to forestall the tariffs, which could deal a serious blow to a highly integrated North American economy.
Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard will meet newly confirmed US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Thursday and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Friday.
In Canada, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty said on Thursday that the progress Canada has made on tightening security along the border with the United States and combating drug smug-
gling should satisfy the Trump administration.
“The evidence is irrefutable – progress is being made,” McGuinty said in televised remarks to reporters in Washington before two days of talks with US officials, adding that any test on those metrics had been “met”.
The Canada Border Services Agency said in a statement that it was launching a targeted, cross-country initiative to intercept illegal contraband arriving and leaving the country, with a focus on fentanyl and other synthetic narcotics.
China, in a letter to Greer, said the two countries should address concerns in economic and trade fields through equal dialogue and consultation.
Concerns grow as US threatens visa sanctions...
From page 12 which CARICOM’s leaders will have to jointly approach and address the US government on, Jagdeo said. “Still, there are several other issues, so Guyana will be part of that CARICOM approach to the US administration. It will be done with, I guess, at the leadership level of the region, by the regional leaders directly with either the State Department or the White House. We hope that we’d be able to do so, but not just on the Cuban Medical Brigade…on trade, matters on eight, matters on deportees,” he said. Further, the Guyanese government has made it clear and Jagdeo believes that this is the view of other countries in the region as well that they will accept without any con-
dition their nationals.
Faithful friend
The Guyana Government last year had allocated some $60M to house Cuban doctors and technicians who were expected to arrive in the country. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony had said that some 200 Cuban doctors and nurses were expected to arrive in the country early last year. Back in 2022 at an event to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between Guyana and Cuba President had said: “When we think about our healthcare system and the thousands of doctors and nurses that benefited from training in Cuba; when we think about our engineering system; when we think about the medical brigades
that came to support our health sector; when we think about the selfless sacrifice of sharing even when Cuba itself had limited resources, it tells us about a people who are committed to the cause of humanity, a people who are committed to the upliftment of humanity, a people who are committed to ensuring that they do their bit to making the world a better place.”
President Ali said then that Cuba has always been a faithful friend to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and continues to be a top destination for leaders in the LAC Region to seek medical treatment.
“This tells you something about the character of the people themselves… [and their] interest in humanity.
Cuba has shown us that if we put humanity at the centre of what we do, we can achieve great things,” President Ali stated. Nevertheless, the Head of State contended that Guyana will continue to maintain its strong, solid, respectful and dignified relationship with Cuba. Key Focus: Guyana to be part of CARICOM mission to engage Trump on threats to impose visa sanctions on Cuban labor export programmeJagdeo. Lede: Guyana will be a part of the CARICOM mission to engage President Trump’s administration on the threats to impose visa sanctions on the leaders and their families of countries who are beneficiaries of the Cuban labor export program, including the medical missions.
US President Donald Trump also threatened an additional 10 percent tariffs on Chinese imports over the fentanyl opioid crisis [File: Jim Watson/AFP]
$46M to refurbish
GDF’s Training Corps HQ
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is seeking bids for the rehabilitation of its training corps headquarters located at Camp Stephenson, Timehri.
Bids for the project were
o p e n e d r e c
National Procurement and Te n d
A
B o a r d ( N P
, where it was revealed that 12 contractors have applied for the project. According to G D F ’ s e n g i n e e r , t h e rehabilitation at the facility
Below are the companies and their bids
Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Rehabilitation of Headquarters Training Corps - Camp Stephenson.
Construction of reinforced concrete (RC) Pavilion for Non-Commissioned Officers at Small Bore Range.
$46,985,130.
Meanwhile, in a sperate bid the GDF is also seeking c
h e construction of reinforced concrete (RC) Pavilion for N
Range, which is estimated to cost $18 million, and for the rehabilitation to the A13 Building, located at Base Camp Ayanganna, which is e s t i m a t e d t o c o s t $ 2 4 million.
Rehabilitation to A13 Building.
Extension & Rehabilitation of GNR Headquarter Building.
It was this Tacuma Ogunseye who spoke...
From page 06 and divisive agenda in the name of falsely representing the interests of Guyanese of African descent. Neither has any place in the politics of our country.” The political behavior of our current rulers and their overlords is, in some ways,
resorting to banishment to address political challenges. D u r i n g
h e
i - c o
n
n i a l struggle, we condemned the Europeans for their racism and domination. And then, much like the PPP today, we also labeled some of our fellow countrymen as house slaves, collaborators, and similar terms as they cozied up the colonial rulers. I end by asking-how democratic is our newfound democracy, alluded to by Mr Kit Nascimento? Yours sincerely, Tacuma Ogunseye.
The government w i l l k e e p i n v e s t i n g i n digitisation to develop a more data-driven approach to fighting crime. President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali believes this approach will help transform the Guyana Police Force (GPF) into a m o d e r n p o l i c i n g organisation.
The head of state said this, while addressing the
Eve-Leary
He explained that the
determining where crime occurs and where it are likely to occur
h e p r e s i d e n t s a i d
t e c h n o l o g y a n d d i g i t a l
s o l u t i o n s m u s t b e t h e
b a c k b o n e o f e f f e c t i v e public security systems and policing. And that is why the government continues to m a k e s i g n i f i c a n t investments to transition the force into a modern agency using technology “This is important. We have to develop
scientific approaches to
c r i m e f i g h t i n g D a t a ,
a c c u m u l a t i o n o f d a t a , analysis of data and quality of data are all important
i s s u e s t h a t w e ’ r e addressing to develop an
e ff e c t i v e c r i m e - f i g h t i n g mechanism,” the head of state said.
The government has b e e n a l l o c a t i n g
significant resources to equip ranks in specialised a r e a s , i n c l u d i n g digitisation and artificial intelligence (AI) Some 1,400 officers r e c e i v e d s p e c i a l i s e d t r a i n i n g i n 2 0 2 4 , a m o u n t i n g t o a n i n v e s t m e n t o f $ 2 5 0 million An additional 1,700 ranks will be trained later this year T h e g o v e r n m e n t i s also partnering with the U n i t e d S t a t e s ( U S )
Government to establish w o r l d - c l a s s d i g i t i s e d scanners at all ports of e n t r y t o e n h a n c e t h e c o u n t r y ’s i m m i g r a t i o n services This will remove the
b u r d e n o n h u m a n c a p a c i t y a n d r e m o v e biases “This is the type of investment we are making to ensure that our human c a p a b i l i t y, o u r h u m a n capacity,
UK's Starmer says ending Russia's war in Ukraine
'can't be peace that rewards the aggressor'
WASHINGTON (AP)
President Donald Trump said Thursday that talks to end Russia’s invasion of U k r a i n e a r e “ v e r y w e l l
advanced” but cautioned that there is only a narrow window to get a deal done to end the grinding war
T r u m p m a d e t h e
c o m m e n t s a s h e h o s t e d Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House for talks in which the British premier made his case that American leadership would be critical to maintaining the peace in Ukraine should the threeyear war end.
Trump also expressed c o n f i d e n c e t h a t R u s s i a n President Vladimir Putin won’t press to restart the war if a truce can be reached.
“I think he’ll keep his word,” Trump said of Putin. “I’ve spoken to him, I’ve known him for a long time now, we had to go through the Russian hoax together.”
The mention of “Russia hoax” is a reference to the FBI and Justice Department special counsel investigation
t h a t e x a m i n e d w h e t h e r Trump’s 2016 presidential c a m p a i g n i l l e g a l l y coordinated with Russia to sway the outcome of the U.S. election.
Special counsel Robert Mueller found that although
t h e T r u m p c a m p a i g n welcomed Russia’s help in the form of the release of hacked emails stolen from D e m o c
prove that the campaign had colluded with Moscow Starmer ’s trip, coming a f e w d a y s a f t e r F r e n c h P r e s
T r u m p ,
c t s t h e mounting concern felt by m u c h o f E u r o p e t h a t Trump’s aggressive push to find an end to the war signals his willingness to concede too much to Putin. Trump’s rapprochement with Russia has unsettled America’s historic allies in Europe.
T h e y h a v e f o u n d themselves on their heels with Trump returning to the W h i t e H o u s e w i t h a d e t e r m i n a t i o n t o dramatically make over U.S. foreign policy to correspond with his “America First”
world view The Trump administration held talks last
week with Russia without Ukrainian or other European allies represented. And this week, the U.S. refused to sign on to resolutions at the U n i t e d N a t i o n s b l a m i n g Russia for the war, which began three years ago when M o s c o w i n v a d e d T h e drifting White House view of Ukraine under Trump is leading to a tectonic shift in transatlantic relations.
S t a r m e r o n T h u r s d a y following private talks with Trump applauded his push to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but said that “it can’t be peace that rewards t h e a g g r e s s o r ” “ H i s t o r y must be on the side of the p e a c e m a k e r , n o t t h e i n v a d e r , ” S t a r m e r t o l d reporters, with Trump by his side. The White House is pushing back on the notion
t h a t Tr u m p i s i g n o r i n g
Europe or is too eager in his push for settlement talks
w i t h P u t i n “ H e h a s n ’ t
c o n c e d e d a n y t h i n g t o anyone,” Vice President JD Vance said. “He’s doing the job of a diplomat.”
A t a W h i t e H o u s e meeting Friday, Trump and U k r a i n i a n P r e s i d e n t Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to sign off on a contentious agreement that would give the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, w h i c h a r e u s e d i n t h e
a e r o s p a c e , d e f e n s e a n d
n u c l e a r i n d u s t r i e s Zelenskyy had chafed at a d e a l w i t h o u t s p e c i f i c
security guarantees from Washington.
T r u m p w a s
n o n c o m m i t t a l a b o u t a n y coming American security guarantees, and underscored that Russia would think
t w i c e a b o u t a t t a c k i n g
Ukraine should the U S build an economic footprint in Ukraine to extract critical minerals “We are a backstop because we’ll be over there, we’ll be working in the country,” Trump said.
But Trump also offered a m e a s u r e o f c a u t i o n , suggesting that a deal might be at hand but the window to complete it is narrow
“If it doesn’t happen quickly, it may not happen at all,” Trump warned.
If a truce can be reached, Starmer and Macron have agreed to send troops for a p o t e n t i a l p e a c e k e e p i n g mission to Ukraine to ensure t h a t f i g h t i n g b e t w e e n Ukraine and Russia doesn’t flare up again.
B u t W h i t e H o u s e officials are skeptical that B r i t a i n a n d F r a n c e c a n a s s e m b l e e n o u g h t r o o p s from across Europe, at least at this moment, to deploy a c r e d i b l e p e a c e k e e p i n g mission to Kyiv
Z e l e n s k y y, w h i l e e n route to Washington, met on T h u r s d a y w i t h I r e l a n d ’s p r i m e m i n i s t e r, M i c h e á l Martin, who said he told Zelenskyy that Ireland is open to helping, including s e n d i n g p e a c e k e e p e r s t o Ukraine.
Zelenskyy and European officials have no illusions about U.S. troops taking part i n s u c h a m i s s i o n B u t Starmer and others are trying to make the case that the plan can only work with a U.S. b a c k s t o
o p e a n forces on the ground
and support, as well as rapidresponse cover in case of breaches of a truce.
Trump is also looking at
opportunity to potentially reopen economic relations with Russia after three years o
invasion.
S
will focus on Ukraine, and Zelenskyy is expected to attend. The prime minister also announced plans this week for the U.K. to bolster d
, something that should sit well with Trump, who has been critical that European allies are spending too little o n d e f e
S
a
m e r ’ s government will increase military spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2027, yea
expected, and aim to reach 3% by 2035. Beyond the war in Ukraine, Starmer said the talks would hone in on “a
cooperation on AI and other cutting-edge technology He would stress that Europe must “play its part on global defense and step up for the good of collective European security ” Peter M a n d e l s o n , B r i t a i n ’ s ambassador to the U.S., said the two allies should stand “shoulder to shoulder” at “a
between our two countries
democracies in the world.”
“We share people, we share cultures, we share a lot of intelligence, we share technologies, and … we also share some of the fighting of our adversaries as well,” Mandelson said. S
behalf of King Charles, and Trump accepted. The prime minister said the invitation for a second state visit — Trump already received the honor during his first term
“unprecedented.”
President Donald Trump meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, at the White House, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Washingston. (oh hellCarl Court / Pool via AP)
GNBS, stakeholders creating new standards for cooking gas following explosions
Th e G u y a n a National Bureau
o f S t a n d a r d s (GNBS), in collaboration
w i t h t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the Guyana Fire
S e r v i c e ( G F S ) , t h e Competition and Consumer
A f f a i r s C o m m i s s i o n (CCAC), and the Ministry of
L a b o u r ' s O c c u p a t i o n a l
S a f e t y a n d H e a l t h D e p a r t m e n t ( O S H ) , w i l l
s o o n i n t r o d u c e n e w standards for cooking gas products.
The move to introduce the new standards come in r e s p o n s e
i n c r e a s i n g concerns over gas cylinderrelate
p
osions which have resulted in two deaths recently
The GNBS in response to questions posed by Kaieteur News said the applicable standards are being reviewed by stakeholders.
“ T h e n e e d f o r n e w
s t a n d a r d s t o b e
a d o p t e d / d e v e l o p e d w a s discussed and proposed,” the agency stated.
GNBS outlined that there
are three existing standards currently under review: GYS 264: 2021, which pertains to
the specification for the
s t o r a g e , h a n d l i n g , a n d transportation of Liquefied P
G a s ( L P G ) cylinders; GYS 453: 2021, w h i c h f o c u s
compressed gas cylinders; and GYS 523: 2018, related to low pressure regulators used with LPG.
Additionally, GNBS said that apart from reviewing the
which focus on cylinders and regulators, “There are plans to introduce standards to
m p s which are auxiliary items that facilitate the connection from the cylinder to stove.”
The company explained that the revision process for t h e s e
e s t a b
s h i n g a Te c h n i c a l Committee to consult with s t a k e h o l d e r s , i n c l u d i n g
interested parties that will f
documents.
A meeting was held amongst the stakeholders on February 13, 2025 and the next meeting is set for March 6,2025.
Meanwhile, when asked about the initial findings into the incidents, GNBS said, “This matter is currently under review by the InterA g e n c y g r o u p a n d t h e findings will be disclosed upon completion.”
To date, the inter-agency groups have received five complaints related to gas bottle explosions.
T
s i g n i f i c a n t
t o property and loss of life due to the gas bottle explosions. As a result of the incidents, in January the EPA and other g o v e r n m e n t a g e n c i e s
c o n d u c t e d i n v e s t i g a t i o n s and a three-day- audit into M a s s y G
explosions.
Massy Gas Products has c o n s i s t e n t l y d e n i e d a n y wrongdoing, stating that the company is not at fault for the incidents.
In February, the EPA said that further investigations will continue into the matter a t b o t h t h e r e t a i l a n d consumer levels.
In a statement to the media, the EPA said that it will continue to work with stakeholders to determine t h e m a i n c a u s e s o f t h e explosions.
“As part of the most recent meeting, the group examined interim reports from the respective agencies a n d a g r e e d t o c o n d u c t f u r t h e r d e t a
investigations at the retailer a n
, including matters related to transportation, storage, and use of the cylinders,” the statement said.
The EPA said that each explosion will be treated individually to determine its c a u s
t i v e measures will be put in place.
The next phase of the
spearheaded by the GNBS
and CCAC, with support from the GFS, EPA, GEA, and OSH Department.
The agencies are also s h a
recommendations to prepare a comprehensive action plan t h a t w i l l o u t l i n e s a f e t y
vendors, and consumers.
The initial findings from the investigations into the gas explosions are yet to be released.
10th Cheddi and Janet Jagan Memorial Windball goes countr y-wide
The 10th edition of the Cheddi and
Tournament was officially launched yesterday at the
except Regions 1, 8, and 9.
O
d logistical challenges as the r
provisions would be made for their future participation. The expansion was made possible through significant
promising an expanded and more competitive event this year Unlike previous editions where only schools from Regions 3 and 4 competed, this year ’s tournament will
support from the National Sports Commission (NSC), which has helped broaden the scope of the event.
A
confirmed that competition will commence on Monday at the National Gymnasium for schools in Georgetown. T
Jagans’ legacy, with matches set for March 6 at Port M o r a n
n d t h e f i n a l scheduled for March 28.
B o y s ’ t e a m s w i l l compete in the Cheddi Jagan Division, while the Janet J a
female participants.
Last year ’s edition saw
t i o n , culminating in an exciting f i n a l w h e r e R e g i o n 4 ’s
A n n a n d a l e S e c o n d a r y emerged victorious in the boys’ category, while Region 3’s Leonora Secondary took home the title in the girls’ division.
Friday February 28, 2025
ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)
Some unexpected but very welcome visitors could arrive
today, Aries They might bring some people you don't know but should connect with right away Expect interesting n e w s , f a s c i n a t i n g information,.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)
Taurus, who's that intriguing
n e w p e r s o n i n y o u r neighborhood? What is it about this new neighbor that makes it impossible for you to stop wondering about them? Quit obsessing.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20)
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 welcome break.
CANCER (June 21–July 22)
I f y o u ' r e i n t h e a r t s o r
s c i e n c e s , C a n c e r, s u d d e n inspiration could cause you to start or continue a project that means a lot to you.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)
M e d i t a t i o n , d r e a m s , o r visions could bring amazing insights your way, Leo. You might find them too bizarre to believe, at least at first, but f o l l o w - u p r e s e a r c h c o u l d reveal that what you've come up with is quite credible.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)
You're an adventurous soul, Virgo. Are you thinking about a little mischief today? Are you going to propose that you and a friend or perhaps your partner skip town for a day and forget about work,
(Sept. 23–Oct. 22)
connected with your career, Libra. This is good news, but it may be so off the wall that you could walk around in a daze for a while trying to make sense of it all.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)
An unexpected chance to fly to a faraway place, perhaps at someone else's expense, could come to you today, Scorpio. A g
, perhaps one connected with education.
SAGIT (Nov 22–Dec. 21)
Some bizarre and rather silly dreams might come to you tonight, Sagittarius. They may be the sort that is so crazy that you actually wake up laughing. Don't dismiss them. Silly or not, these dreams are trying to tell you something.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)
If you're single, you could feel a very powerful attraction to someone unusual and perhaps a little wacky If you're already in a relationship.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Have you been looking for a new job, Aquarius? If so, you might hear of an opportunity from an unexpected source, perhaps at a social gathering, if possible.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)
If you're single, Pisces, love may come to you completely out of the blue today The p e r s o n c o u l d b e s t a n d i n g behind you in line at the store or sitting nearby you
lot of what is going on regarding infrastructure.”
Ninvalle also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the tournament’s namesake, Janet Jagan, describing her as a “stalwart, a legend, and a s t r o n g w o m a n ” H e e n c o u r a g e d y o u n g participants to study her life and draw inspiration from her resilience.
“She stood tall, she stood s t r o n g T h
youngsters,” he remarked.
“There were many hurdles she overcame, and there will be hurdles you will have to overcome. Take a page from her book and push forward.” Windball, a fast-paced variation of cricket, is a w i d e l y p l a y e d s p o r t i n Guyana, often serving as a gateway for young athletes to transition into traditional cricket.
Speaking at the launch,
D i r e c t o r o f S p o r t S t e v e
N i n v a l l e h a i l e d t h e tournament as an example of w h a t c a n b e a c h i e v e d
t h r o u g h t e a m w o r k a n d government support.
“ T h i s i s a r e a l l y
f a s c i n a t i n g e v e n t w e ’ r e having. It shows how much we can achieve when we work as a team. It shows how m u c h d e t e r m i n a t i o n , i t shows how much tenacity h a s b e e n p u t i n t o t h i s (tournament)…but with our t e a m w o r k , l e d b y t h e H o n o u r a b l e M i n i s t e r Charles Ramson Jr, we have been seeing inclemently, the rise of sports in Guyana,” Ninvalle said.
According to Ninvalle, “Last year, we did not have the involvement of as many schools and as many regions as we have this year, and it s h o w s G o v e r n m e n t ’ s commitment too, because we have promised that we would’ve had a gymnasium, w e p r o m i s e d t h a t w e would’ve had multipurpose f a c i l i t i e s j u s t l i k e t h e gymnasium and that is what we’re having…it says that we can replicate what we’re having in Georgetown, in other regions This is a m i c r o c o s m o f h o s e Government is working.”
The Director of Sport further pointed out, “We want to make sure that we can touch every Guyanese and everyone can be a part of t h e D e v e l o p m e n t Infrastructural work as it relates to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and t h e N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission, is something that is priority and if you look at the budget for this year, which has moved to 8 billion dollars, it tells you a
B i l l i n g y t u r n e d i n commendable performances
t o w i n t h e i r r e s p e c t i v e categories when the Guyana
C o m m i t t e e o f S e r v i c e s
( G C O S ) h e l d i t s
Mashramani table tennis tournament on Monday at t h e G e o rg e t o w n C r i c k e t Club, Bourda.
Wong won the boys U18
t i t l e a h e a d o f M a l a c h i
M o o r e , w h i l e K r i s t i a n Sahadeo and M. Barran were tied in third place. Wong was also dominant in the Men’s open, winning gold in that category Moore again took the runner up spot and Sahadeo claimed third place.
Billingy took gold in the girls U18 category, while Samara Sukhai won the silver with A. Robinson and A. Watson both placed third.
B i l l i n g y w o n t h e Wo m e n ’s o p e n d i v i s i o n ; Sukhai placed second while
and
w e r e j o i n t t h i r d p l a c e winners.
C Williams won the over65 title, with S. Jones and Muniram (only name given) placed second and third respectively Williams also took gold in the over55 category, while S. Abrams placed second with S. Jones and Muniram taking third place.
Donald Duff won the odd hand title ahead of Christopher Franklin, Colin Wong and Malachi Moore in that order
F o l l o w i n g t h e presentation ceremony, the o r g a n i s e r s p r e s e n t e d a cricket bat to Captain of Fisherman Masters Zameer H a s s a n a s a t o k e n o f a p p r e c i a t i o n T h e tournament was sponsored b y S t a r P a r t y R e n t a l s , Payless Variety Store and Roy’s Pharmacy
Colin Wong and Jasmine
S. Damon
C. Williams
Colin Wong
Jasmine Billingy
West
Indies Masters move to two wins from two
in International Masters League T20 with tense eight-run victory over England Masters
West Indies Masters moved to two wins from as many games. (International Masters League T20)
S p o r t s M a x - We s t Indies Masters moved to two wins from as many games with an eight-run victory over the England masters in
I n t e r n a t i o n a l M a s t e r s League T20 action at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai on Thursday
T h e We s t I n d i e s p o s
1 7 9 - 6 f r o m
s
r D w a y n e S m i t h
c o n t r i b u t e d a 2 5 - b a l l 3 5 i n c l u d i n g f o u r f o u r s a n d t w o s i x e s
Narsingh Deonarine also played well for his 35* off 23 balls while Ashley Nurse hit two fours and as many sixes
to make 29 off just 13 balls batting at number seven.
Left-arm spinner Monty
Panesar was excellent with the ball with 3-14 from his f o u r o v e r s w h i l e C h r i s
Schofield took 2-21 from his four overs of leg-spin.
S u l i e m a n B e n n t h e n starred with two wickets for just 11 runs from his four overs to help restrict the England Masters to 171-8 from their 20 overs.
Phil Mustard made 35 off 19 balls at the top of the order while Chris Schofield contributed 32 from 26 at the back end.
C h r i s Tr e m l e t t ( 2 6 * ) and Stuart Meaker (24) also tried their best to help England over the line but they fell just short in the end.
Pacers Ravi Rampaul and Jerome Taylor also took t w o w i c k e t s , e a c h , i n support of Benn
Guyana’s
boxing
contingent lands...
page
Barbados hold early two-point
lead after second round of
because we didn’t have a large contingent,” Ninvalle told the boxers, “But this time around, we know that you will bring back the title to Guyana.” The nation last won the overall championship title on home soil in
CG United
Women’s
SportsMax - Barbados Women have an early two-point lead over the Windward Islands Women after Wednesday’s second round of the 2025 CG United Women’s Super50 Cup in St. Kitts.
Vi
Guyana, who also have a win and a loss, are fifth with seven points while the Leeward Islands are sixth with two points and have yet to record a win.
Today’s third round will see Jamaica t a k i n g o n B a
t h e Leewards facing Guyana at Warner Park and Trinidad & Tobago facing the Windwards at St. Paul’s Sports Complex.
Super50 Cup
Barbados Women have an early two-point lead.
For mer Guyana youth player Adrian Sukhwa slams 136 in Trinidad and Toba go
F o r m e r G u y a n a y o u t h
c r i c k e t e r A d r i a n S u k h w a slammed a brilliant 136 for C o s m o s C r i c k e t C l u b against MYO recently in the 2025 South Zonal Cricket Council Senior League twoday tournament.
T h e r i g h t - h a n d e d Sukhwa clobbered 9 sixes and six fours to help his team tally up a huge 324 all out.
Sukhwa, the Berbcian, continued to ply his trade in Trinidad and Tobago for a
number of years. He also played in Canada and USA over the years and recently represented Berbice at the G u y a n a C r i c k e t B o a r d s e n i o r I n t e r
competition. According, to Sukhwa, his team Cosmos only got f
M Y O T h
y competition will be put on hold for now and the players will start focus on the T20 format.
JOA president Samuda backs IOC’s provisional recognition of World Boxing
S
Olympic Association (JOA) P
Samuda expressed his full support for the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to grant provisional recognition to World Boxing
Movement.
The IOC had suspended t
Association (IBA) in 2019 following prolonged issues c
, financial mismanagement,
bouts. After the emergence of Wo
alternative governing body, the IOC officially expelled the IBA from the Olympic movement in 2023.
T
made by the IOC’s executive b
meeting on Wednesday, to
Wo r l d B o x i n g , m a r k s a s i g n i f i c a n t s h i f t i n t h e governance of the sport at the world level.
S a m u d a , a s t a u n c h a d v o c a t e f o r g o o d g o v e r n a n c e a n d b e s t p r a c t i c e s i n s p o r t s administration, lauded the I O C ’s d e c i s i o n , a s h e
pointed to its importance not just for boxing but for global s p o r t s g o v e r n a n c e a s a whole.
“The IOC’s decision to p r o v i s i o n a l l y r e c o g n i z e
W o r l d B o x i n g a s t h e
I n t e r n a t i o n a l F e d e r a t i o n signals that the bout is now over and the last bell has tolled for the IBA. The WB belt and title now rest with Wo r l d B o x i n g , ” S a m u d a said.
He noted that the ruling provides closure to a longstanding dispute that had been marred by governance i s s u e s a n d a c c u s a t i o n s against the IBA.
“ T h e I O C ’s d e c i s i o n brings an end to the matter, which unfortunately was coloured with accusations a n d c o u n t e r a c c u s a t i o n s G o v e r n a n c e a n d b e s t
practices informed the IOC’s t r e a t m e n t o f i s s u e s a n d ultimately its decision, and t h a t i s p e r f e c t l y u n d e r s t a n d a b l e , ” S a m u d a told SportsMax.Tv
W o r l d B o x i n g ’ s recognition was granted as it has met key sports and governance criteria set out
b y t h e I O C , i n c l u d i n g
r e p r e s e n t a t i o n b y 7 8 national federations across five continents.
Additionally, the IOC was encouraged by World Boxing’s aff iliation with 62% of the boxers and 58% of the boxing medallists at the upcoming Paris 2024 O l y m p i c s a n d t h e implementation of stringent sports integrity measures. Furthermore, the IOC noted
t h a t Wo r l d B o x i n g h a s
According to Samuda, this decision not only sets a critical precedent for the s p o r t i n g w o r l d b u t a l s o reinforces the importance of a c c o u n t a b i l i t y a n d a d h e r
standards.
“The decision is not only instructive for the sport of b o x i n g b u t i s a t i m e l y reminder to well-thinking stakeholders of sport that infractions will not escape the third eye,” he reasoned.
“I support the decision
perspective but also, and more importantly, because it establishes a non-negotiable p
t diplomacy successfully at work,” Samuda declared.
On that note, Samuda commended World Boxing for its proactive and strategic approach in being aligned with Olympic principles.
“ A s p r o t o c o l s a n d standards were clearly laid down by the IOC, it was left up to the wise to see and follow them. World Boxing m a d e a
n t choice,” he ended.
e s t a b l i s h e d g o v e r n a n c e frameworks such as a Code of Ethics, a Conflict of Interest Policy, and an AntiCorruption Policy, among others.
Guyana’s boxing contingent lands in St. Lucia for Carib bean Boxing Championship
Guyana’s boxing team
h a s t o u c h e d d o w n i n
C a s t r i e s , S t L u c i a l a s t
e v e n i n g , r e a d y t o t r a d e
l e a t h e r i n t h e h i g h l y anticipated 2025 Caribbean Boxing Championship. The tournament, which runs until March 3, marks the return of
t h e p r e s t i g i o u s r e g i o n a l
e v e n t a f t e r a f o u r - y e a r hiatus.
T h e G u y a n a B o x i n g Association (GBA) sent off the largest contingent in the country’s history, a squad of 1 6 e l i t e a n d e m e r g i n g pugilists, with high hopes of r e c l a i m i n g r e g i o n a l dominance.
Before their departure, the team gathered at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis
G y m , w h e r e t h e y w e r e
e n c o u r a g e d b y G B A
President Steve Ninvalle.
“I want you to go out there and do your best; leave
everything in the ring, ”
Ninvalle told the boxers.
“ We w a n t t o w i n , b u t r e m e m b e r, w h a t e v e r t h e judges decide, that’s what we have to accept. But I believe in each of you, and I know you will go out there and make us all proud.”
At the helm of Guyana’s squad is Olympian Keevin Allicock (57kg), a threetime gold medallist in the 2 0 1 7 , 2 0 1 8 , a n d 2 0 1 9 Caribbean Championships. Allicock remains undefeated in this regional showdown and is determined to extend his dominance in St. Lucia.
Backing him is a starstudded line-up, including seasoned warriors like Colin L e w i s ( 6 7 k g ) , T r a v i s Inverary (71kg), Emanuel Pompey (92kg), and Aluko Bess (86kg).
T h e J a c k m a n s i s t e r s , Alesha and Abiola Jackman, along with Zidnan Wray (91+kg) add firepower to the
s q u a d , e n s u r
brings a formidable presence a
classes.
Middleweight standout
D e s m o n d A m s t e r d a m (75kg), a silver medallist at t h e 2 0 2 3 E l i t e Championship, is another
key puncher in Guyana’s pursuit of regional glory. He will be joined by Ronalo
S u t t o n ( 5 1 k g ) , J o e l Williamson (63.5kg), and Leon Albert (60kg), each aiming to showcase the highlevel skills honed on home soil The Junior division
rising stars Ken Harvey (57-60kg), Keyon
all of whom are looking to gain invaluable experience in their young c
Youth division is stacked
(54kg), Simeon
(63-
Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) President Christopher Samuda
Adrian Sukhwa
Desmond Amsterdam (L) and Collin Lewis
The Jackman sisters, Alesha and Abiola
Pakistan-Bangladesh washed out at Champions Trophy
BBC Sport - Pakistan’s game against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
The umpires called the match off at 10:30 GMT, 90 minutes after the scheduled start time.
It is the second match in Rawalpindi to fall victim to the weather following the abandonment of Australia’s meeting with South Africa o Tuesday. Both Pakistan and B a n g l a d e s h h a d a l r e a d y been eliminated from the tournament having lost their opening two matches.
H o s t s P a k i s t a n , t h e reigning champions, lost to New Zealand by 60 runs and India by six wickets and finish bottom of Group A
with one point. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will finish third following a
defeat to New Zealand. W
Friday’s Champions Trophy
Friday, with the match due to start at 09:00 GMT.
Both sides are looking to book their spot in the semifinals. Australia sit second in Group B, with a five-wicket win against England to go alongside their washed-out clash with South Africa
A f g h a n i s t a n , m e a n w h i l e , bounced back from a 107run defeat against South Africa with an eight-run win over England to keep their tournament alive.
Edition 11 of the Milo
S c h o o l s ’ U 1 8 F o o t b a l l tournament was officially launched yesterday and will make its annual return in a week.
A total of 24 Secondary School teams will compete in the Massy Distribution-
s p o n s o r e d t o u r n a m e n t , which carries a winner ’s purse of $300,000.
This year ’s competition
h a s p a r t i c i p a n t s f r o m Regions 1 - 7, 9 and 10, who will enter a playoff stage, prior to the commencement on March 8.
M a s s y D i s t r i b u t i o n
Chief Executive Officer, Troy Beharry, in sharing why the company continues to support the Nestle-Milo powered tournament, noted
t h a t t h e y a r e h a p p y t o provide youths with such opportunities.
“Our communities are the heart of our business and as such, we recognize the need for sports in our schools today and are committed to supporting events such as these that target schools
across all regions,” Beharry shared.
“Over the past 10 years, this tournament has become
youths look forward to this
tournament actually serves
bigger things in football and I know many of our national talents would’ve come out of this tournament. Hence, this
youths look forward to and
we are happy to bring that to them again this year.”
M e a n w h i l e , P e t r a Organisation Co- Director, Troy Mendonca, said, “For me, it’s a household name w i t h i n t h e c o m m u n i t i e s , within the schools. Actually, I d w e l l w i t h i n c l o s e proximity to schools every day and ever since this tournament started, it has been a household name These boys look forward for this competition ad so, we at Petra, we are very happy to be standing here again today to deliver the 11th version of the tournament.”
“It will be run on a round- robin, knockout basis and so, the 24 teams will be divided into 6 groups of four where each team in the group will play each other,” he added.
T h e t e a m s w i l l b e competing for the $300,000 grand prize while second to fourth place will pocket $200, 000, $100,000 and $75,000 respectively; all going towards a project of the schools’ choice.
From page 34 helpless Savannah Madden in goal.
Just four minutes later, Tiffany Cameron made it 30. Wilson’s powerful free kick from about 25 yards struck the crossbar, and as the Peruvian defence failed
t o c l e a r t h e r e b o u n d , Jazmine Ferguson played the ball back into the danger a r e a f o r C a m e r o n , w h o sidestepped Madden and fired home for her eighth international goal.
P e r u ’ s f i r s t r e a l breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Ruiz dribbled past Wilson and rifled a shot past Brooks, who was left rooted to the spot.
The South Americans had a golden chance to cut the deficit even further just b e f o r e h a l f t i m e w h e n Ferguson was penalized for handling the ball inside the area.
However, Brooks came up big again, diving to her l e f t t o d e n y G e r a l d i n e Cisneros from the penalty spot, as Jamaica remained 31 up at break.
Jamaica sought to put the game to bed early in the second half, and in the 49th
minute, substitute Shaneil Buckley fired a left-footed effort that was brilliantly kept out by Madden.
P
A
the hosts, the Reggae Girlz held firm to cap off a successful series in style. With this win, Jamaica extends their impressive run of form, setting
GCB
U15 Inter-County 50-Over tournament
Berbice maintains winning ways, as Essequibo edges Demerara in thriller - Action continues today
Essequibo and Berbice were the latest to secure wins when the GCB U15 50-Over i n t e r - c o u n t y t o u r n a m e n t continued recently at the LBI and Lusignan Grounds, respectively
D e s p i t e p o s t i n g a formidable 187-7 from 50 overs Demerara failed to stop their 2-wicket defeat from the Cinderella-County boys.
Shahid Ramzan led the city boys batting with a solid 51 at the LBI Ground, with some of their premier batters in Lomar Seecharran (31), Makai Dowlin (19) , Joshua B o l l e r s ( 1 5 ) K h u s h Seegobin (13) and skipper
B r a n d o n H e n r y ( 1 2 * ) , getting into double figures.
Es s equibo leg-s pinner
Bhomesh Lall snared 3-44 with support coming from the likes of Timothy Burton (2-27) , Makayah Holmes ( 1 - 2 1 ) a n d S h a z i m Mohamed (1-28).
The Cinderella County XI then pulled off a grand heist, ending on 188-8 in
46.4 overs after a brilliant innings of 41* from Usain Fredericks 41. Captain Jathneil Nurse chipped in with 25, while Justin Dowlin (24), Ravid Fredericks (17) and Eshwar Tilak (12*) helped push their team over the finish line. It was a spirited bowling effort from the Demerara
foursome of spinner Shahid Ramzan who led with 3-27, along with Bollers (1-21), all-rounder Prosper Jacobus (1-24) and Henry (1-24), who toiled for their scalps. M e a n w h i l e a t t h e Lusignan Ground, Berbice scraped to 116 all out inside 38 overs but still managed to pull off a 19-run win.
Batting was led by Arif Bacchus who scored 20, 16 a
Nathaniel Ramsammy who had 13. Pacer Jasani Craig clipped 4-22 while left-arm s
claimed 4-37 in an excellent b
Select XI.
Sadly, the chase never amounted to much as the Select XI were knocked over for 97 all out from 41.4 overs. Efforts from Balraj N a r i n e ( 4 4 ) a n d J u n i a Dindyal (20) failed to get the Select team close, after offspinners Arif Bacchus (4-9) and Ricardo Ramdeholl (35) strangled the opposition batsmen, with seamer Rafael McKenzie 3-27 sealing off a brilliant bowling out by Berbice.
M e a n w h i l e , B e r b i c e plays Demerara at LBI while Select XI will face off against Essequibo, at the Lusignan Ground as part of today’s third round.
Reggae Girlz complete sweep over Peru in thrilling 3-2 victory
SportsMax - Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz wrapped up
their two-match friendly series against Peru with a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Estadio Miguel Grau on Wednesday
Though the Jamaicans, who won Sunday’s opening
contest 2-0, were again largely in control, they faced t h e i r s h a r e o f a n x i o u s m o m e n t s , i n c l u d i n g surviving a penalty scare, but ultimately proved too
s t r o n g f o r t h e i r S o u t h American counterparts.
Naya Cardoza (sixth), Reanna Blades (19th), and Tiffany Cameron (23rd) got Jamaica’s goals, while Birka Ruiz (35th) and substitute Alondra Vilchez (54th) got Peru’s goals.
The result marks the R e g g a e G i r l z ’ s f
c o n s e c u t
i c t o r y , following their dominant performances against South Africa late last year
J a m a i c a w a s t e d l i t
l e time asserting themselves in the contest as they broke the deadlock just six minutes in
weighted corner kick for her first international goal. The early lead could ha
minutes later when Peru’s Pierina Núñez unleashed a powerful right-footed effort
from just outside the box. However, goalkeeper Liya Brooks produced a stunning save, tipping the shot onto the crossbar A chaotic goalmouth
s
Brooks and her defenders held firm.
u
e , R
Dina Asher-Smith and Jacious Sears Among Latest Challengers for Grand Slam Track Kingston Opener
Dina Asher-Smith and Jacious Sears
S p o r t s M a x - T h e
anticipation for the Grand Slam Track series debut in Kingston from April 4-6 continues to build as British sprint star Dina Asher-Smith a n d A m e r i c a n s p e e d s t e r Jacious Sears have been confirmed among the latest Challengers set to compete.
Asher-Smith, a threetime Olympic medalist and s i x - t i m e W o r l d Championship medallist, is set to line up in the Women’s Long Sprints category The British sprinter, who boasts a personal best of 21.88 in the 200m and 52.31 in the 400m, will bring her experience and elite pedigree to what promises to be a thrilling matchup.
Joining her is Jacious Sears, the rising American sprinter, who will feature in the Women’s Short Sprints c a t e g o r y S e a r s h a s demonstrated her talent with a blistering 100m personal best of 10.77 and a 200m best of 22.45. Her inclusion in the lineup adds another layer of intrigue to the competition.
The Grand Slam Track format introduces a unique competition structure where four Challengers will face off against four contracted R
compete for the full prize money
P
Challengers for the Kingston S
athletes Malik James-King, Hansle Parchment, Shiann Salmon, Danielle Williams, Alana Reid, and Orlando Bennett, all of whom will be
talent on home soil.
Other newly announced Challengers include Kenyan 800m Olympic champion and World silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who will compete in the Men’s Short Distance event, and
Bryce Hoppel, also set to
S
Distance category
With an exciting mix of elite sprinters and middledistance stars, the Grand Slam Track Kingston opener is shaping up to be
unmissable event. Fans
n a B
d
s d o u b l e d Jamaica’s lead, as she too r
t e r e d h e r m a i d e n international goal. Blades latched onto a pass from Kayla McKenna, bypassed a defender, and unleashed a l e f t - f o o t e d s h o t t h a t deflected wickedly past the (Continued on page 33)
Emmanuel Wanyonyi
Match MVP, all-rounder Shahid Ramzan continues his form in this year ’s U15 tournament.
Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz wrapped up their two-match friendly series against Peru with a hard-fought 3-2 victory.
New-look ‘Nationals’ set for March 11 – 13
- Onl y tr ack and field events on the car ds
Th e i n a u g u r a l N a t i o n a l
S e c o n d a r y
Schools Track and Field
C h a m p i o n s h i p s w e r e
o f f i c i a l l y l a u n c h e d o n Wednesday at the National
R e s o u r c e D e v e l o p m e n t (NCERD) in Kingston.
The newly restructured event aims to showcase the c o u n t r y ’s t o p s e c o n d a r y s c h o o l a t h l e t e s w h i l e reinforcing the Ministry of Education’s commitment to y o u t h d e v e l o p m e n t a n d sports excellence.
Scheduled to take place at the National Track and Field Centre, March 11 - 13, t h e c h a m p i o n s h i p s w i l l focus exclusively on track
a n d f i e l d
e v i o u s e d i
d s w i m m i n g a n d cycling. To ensure a wellorganized and competitive
e v e n t , a d e d i c a t e d management committee has b e e n e s t a b l i s h e d , compris ing repres entatives
Inaugural National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships officially gets on the way March 11 – 13.
platform for growth and preparation ahead of future competitions.
He said that by aligning t h e i r d e
Service and the Police Force.
D r R i t e s h T u l a r a m , Deputy Education Officer (Technical), explained the rationale behind shifting the event from November to March to provide young a t h l e t e s w i t h a p r o p e r
i m t o enhance their potential to excel at higher levels.
He further pointed out t h a t t h e r e s t r u c t u r i n g intention is to also produce well-rounded athletes better
Everest Masters end Costa Rica tour with defeat
Raja Pooran receiving his player-of-the-match trophy
Costa Rica with a five-run loss to the hosts on Sunday They recorded two wins from three matches after suffering a defeat in the penultimate game to Costa Rica before beat an USA touring side in the opening match.
In the final fixture, Costa Rica X1 only made 146-6 at the expiration of the 20-
replied with 139-5 from 20overs.
Former Guyana youth player Hemraj Garberran led the way with 43, while he got good support from another e
Raja Pooran with 40 not out and 24 from Troy Dudnauth.
with a sensational bowling performance by taking 4 wickets for 7 runs from his maximum four overs, was
tournament having snapped up two player-of-the-match awards.
Armstrong and Lookeshwar Mahabeer, picked up two wickets apiece in their third game as well.
prepared for regional and international competitions.
In previous years, Dr Tu l a r a m a d d e d , a t h l e t e s c o m p e t i n g i n N o v e m b e r often missed out on key opportunities to participate i n m a j o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l events.
B y a d j u s t i n g t h e schedule and competition
format, Dr Tularam stated that they’re bridging that gap, ensuring they have a stronger advantage heading into competitions like the CARIFTA Games.
A key change in this year ’s event is that the Ministry of Education will now directly oversee the c h a m p i o n s h i p ’ s
from the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU).
personnel who have been instrumental in past editions
crucial role in its execution.
beverage sponsor
This year ’s competition
and the prestige of securing victories for their respective school districts.
complete, the national stage is set for Guyana’s best secondary school athletes to compete for supremacy on the track and in the field.
