Kaieteur News

Trump slaps 38% tariffs on goods from Guyana

United States President, D o n a l d Tr u m p o n Wednesday imposed a 38% rate of tariffs goods from Guyana as he unveiled a sweeping new trade policy, which targeted some of that country's biggest trading partners.

The rate imposed on Guyana is the highest for Latin American and Caribbean countries and comes just days after President Irfaan Ali vowed tostandbyWashingtonamid threats to impose tariffs on Chinese-built vessels during anewsconferencelastweek with US Secretary of State, MarcoRubio.

AccordingtotheUSnew tariffs policy Brazil, Bahamas, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, Barbados, Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada,StVincenthaveall been charged 10% tariff. Trinidad and Tobago has been slapped with 12% and Venezuela 29%. In reacting to the move by the US, the Government of Guyana in a tersestatementsaidthatithas taken note of the reciprocal tariffs announced by the US Government

“Our government is closelyengagedwithourUS partners to better understand the issue and have it addressed as appropriate,” thestatementconcluded.

Trump and the White House shared a series of charts on social media detailing the tariff rates they say other countries impose on the U.S.Those purported rates include the countries' “CurrencyManipulationand TradeBarriers.”

Under the currency manipulation and trade barriers the US measured Guyana's rate at 76% and in anadjacentcolumnitshows the new U.S. tariff rates on this country, which is put at 76%.According to a CNBC article those rates are, in most cases, roughly half of w h a t t h e T r u m p administration claims each country has “charged” the U.S.

The reciprocal rates are notnecessarilytheonlyU.S. tariffs these countries will

...says this country charging US 76% tariffs in currency manipulation, trade barriers

face.CNBCsaid.TheWhite House told CNBC's Eamon Javers on Wednesday that the new reciprocal rate on China will be added to existingtariffstotaling20%, meaning the true tariff rate on Beijing is 54%. Trump said his plan will set a 10% baseline tariff across the board.Butashischartsmake clear,manycountriesareset to face significantly higher rates. “We will charge them approximately half of what they are and have been charging us,” Trump said in an announcement in the Rose Garden at the White House. “So, the tariffs will be not a full reciprocal,” he said. But that halved figure includes “the combined rate of all their tariffs, nonmonetary barriers and other forms of cheating,” he said.

Greatfriend

Meanwhile, just last week while acknowledging the looming economic impacts stemming from Trump's proposed tariffs on Chinese-built ships, Ali vowed to stand by the U.S., “a great friend” of Guyana. At a press conference following talks with Rubio, held at State House in Georgetown, both officials were asked whether their discussions focused on the impacts the tariffs could have on the Caribbean Responding first, Secretary Rubio contended that the U S aims to reduce dependency on Chinese shipbuilding.

H e , h o w e v e r , acknowledged the potential economic consequences for Guyanaandtheregion.

“The goal the President hasindoingsoisweneedto

Chart

haveanabilitytobuildships in this world that don't just comefromChina.Ithinkit's just dangerous that one country in the world is buildingalltheships.

Iassureyouthatwedon't want a war But I mean, they're not going to build ships for us if we get in trouble,right?So,weneedto have alternatives to Chinese and we're trying to create a market and then demand for alternatives to Chinese ship construction, ” Rubio

explained.Secretary Rubio admitted that he could not make any guarantees about exemptions or policy changes, as trade matters do not fall under his portfolio. However, he assured that he would relay the region's concerns to U S trade officials.

“So, I can't make a commitment to those exempt, because that's not something we have with the partner State. What I can committoisthatIwillmost

certainlyraisethisissueasa recurring issue in multiple places, that it would have a real detrimental effect on economic development

Maybe in 10 years, it won't be an issue because there's been some diversification, maybeinfive,butrightnow, it would be problematic. That message I'll take back to Washington and to my colleagues that are handling the trade portfolio, and we'll see how the President decides to proceed. But rest assured, we will take that message back,” Rubio stated.Forhispart,President Ali took comfort in Rubio's statement that he will relate Guyana and the region's concern.

He said, “But Secretary Rubiois,ashesaid,willtake this back and to see whether there can be any special initiative for the region, given our specific circumstances.”

To this end,Ali made it clear that Guyana has a responsibility to its friends.

“TheU.S.isagreatfriendof ours. The U.S. has made it veryclearthattheyareready to stand by us in our development, in our economic expansion, in our

security and in our defence. And I will say very boldly that such friends must have some different and preferential treatment, because a friend who will defend me when I need a friendtodefendme,mustbe a friend that enjoys some specialplaceinourheartand in our country, that will be the case,” he said. President Ali had also recently voiced his concerns over the impacts Trump's tariffs would have on the region. Ali said that Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobagowouldneedtoassess the implications for tankers and other vessels transporting oil and gas

“That, of course, can have effects on the cost of goods coming into the region, the costoftransportcominginto the region… this is a policy that was alluded to, so there are some discussions that will have to occur so all of thesethingsarekeyregional issuesthatwearediscussing together,”Alistated. He said that while the p o l i c y i s n o t y e t implemented, “we have to have early conversations to mitigate or minimize the impact.”

US Secretary Marco Rubio and President Irfaan Ali

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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

All are involved

It is our duty and that of every Guyanese to keep beating the renegotiation oil drum loudly Renegotiation of the deformed and monstrous 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (oil contract) is the patriotic duty of every Guyanese to keep the fires burning for renegotiation of thisnationalbarbarism.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo must make good on his promise during the 2020 elections campaign and renegotiate the 2016 ExxonMobil oil contract. In fact, every Guyanese of honesty and principle should not want this oil contract to remain in force as it is and push their leaders to renegotiate it. Renegotiation is more than about thePPP/CGovernmentorthePNCRandAFCOpposition combined. Renegotiation is about what is good, what is best for all Guyanese. Whenever Guyanese allow themselves to be tricked into the trap of viewing ExxonMobil's2016oilcontractasaPPP/CorPNCRissue alone,thenalltheydoisengageinthemostshamefulform ofcowardlyself-defeat.

TheExxonMobilself-enriching2016oilcontractmust be renegotiated, regardless of the sacrifices that must be made. It is either that Guyanese gear their minds to that demand that is called for, or they resign themselves to another 40 years of slavery In the narrowest view, this generationandthenexttwo(atleast)areforcedtolivelike donkeys and horses under the saddle of companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron. If the latter succeeds in winning its Hess Corporation buyout battles, it will be the newest ruthless exploiter arriving here to grab its own pound of flesh from our oil. Men like Michael Wirth and Alistair Routledge, and DarrenWoods will ride Guyanese totheirdeaths.

Economic starvation caused by this contract leads to the death of the spirit. They will throw some oil oats (charity money on local projects) to keep naive Guyanese quiet, even buy out a few greedy Guyanese to their side to peddletheirdeceptions,putanicesheentotheircorporate ravages.

OnlyrenegotiationoftheExxonMobiloilcontractcan bewhatisfairandrightfortheGuyanesepeople. Nothing but the renegotiation of this company monstrosity could sufficetocureGuyanaofwhathasnowrisentothelevelof a national disease. Renegotiation! Renegotiation! Renegotiation is what should be in the hearts and on the lips of every Guyanese who fully appreciates the wealth thattheyhave,andwhatistheirrightfulduefromit. There must be no more pussyfooting around this issue, or seeing eye to eye with leaders who are fearful of mentioning the word renegotiation. They are for renegotiation of the contract with mind and body, or they are not fit to be holding any office in this country If President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo cannot make up their minds about renegotiation, then Guyanese must help them to do so. If OppositionLeadersNortonandRamjattanaretootimidor hesitant to back renegotiation, all Guyanese must lean on themandpushtheminthatdirection.

The trade unions have their role to play in renegotiation,andthishasneithergovernment-backednor opposition-backed unions. All of them have a stake in renegotiation. If they genuinely want more for their members, then a full and fair renegotiation of the oil contract is a must, years past addressing. The religious organisationshavearesponsibilitytotheirflocks,manyof whom are struggling to make ends meet, to lend their voices to the cry for renegotiation. What could be a more righteous cause than renegotiation, so that the poor can feedthemselves,andthesickcanlookaftertheirailments? Though other segments in local civil society have been silent, taking a careful seat out of sight, they also have a part in the fight for renegotiation. This is a national fight that demands a national commitment from all Guyanese. Guyanesedoso,andtheystandachancetoupturnthevile ExxonMobil oil contract. They shrink from doing so, and theycondemnthemselvestomultigenerationalslavery

Under current legislation, a rapist can settle a rape case out of court by paying the victim

Dear Editor, Guyana has a pervasive rape culture that will never changeunlessthelawsdo.

U n d e r c u r r e n t legislation, a perpetrator can settle a rape case out of court bypayingthevictim,leaving thejusticesystempowerless. This legal loophole not only denies justice to survivors but also normalizes sexual violence.

I am fighting to change this law and, with it, the

culture that enables rape in ourcountry Rape remains one of the most common crimes in Guyana, yet inadequate criminalization, weak legal e n f o r c e m e n t , a n d widespread victim-blaming create barriers to justice. Many cases never reach court, and even fewer result in convictions, allowing most perpetrators to go unpunished. Survivors are left without protection or the

support services they desperatelyneed.

While Guyana has introduced progressive rape law

frameworks and judicial procedures continue to shie

accountability

Lenient sentencing fails to reflect the gravity of the crime, sending a dangerous message that rape is not taken seriously This fosters impunity, discourages

victims from coming forward, and erodes public trustinthejusticesystem. If we are serious about ending sexual violence, we must demand stronger laws, stricter enforcement, and an end to legal loopholes that allow perpetrators to walk free.

Guyana cannot afford to be a country where rape is negotiable.

Sincerely

Anthony Pantlitz

Aubrey Norton and Nigel Hughes have Gotta to be Hungry to Win the Upcoming Elections

Dear Editor,

L e s B r o w n , t h e

international motivational s

speeches, titled 'You've GottabeHungry'.

As I observe Mr Aubrey NortonandMr NigelHughes and the debate around the presidential candidate for the Coalition, I am reminded of Les Brown's speeches, and I don't think that they are hungry enough to win these upcoming elections You gotta get hungry Aubrey Norton, you have gotta be

hungry Nigel Hughes to win theupcomingelections.

The PPP/C was so hungry to get back into office that they were innovativeandcreative.That they could not wait for the full five years from 20152020, so they brought the No-confidence motion against the APNU/AFC governmentin2018,literally toppling the government They were so hungry to get back into power that since that No-confidence motion, they made governance

difficult for the Coalition government until they left officein2020.

You think they stopped there? No, they were so hungry to get back into government that they strategised,andguesswhat? They are back in government.

They are so hungry to stay in government that they are doing everything under the sun to win the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

Mr Aubrey Norton, you

have got to be so hungry to win these upcoming elections, Mr Nigel Hughes, you have got to be so hungry to win the next elections that you are willing to give it all that you have got and to be creative and innovative in putting together a leadership team for the Coalition to contest and win the next elections.

You've gotta be hungry towingentlemen!!!

Sincerely, Citizen

Audreyanna Thomas

Trump's contemptuous treatment of migrants, mirrors those of Caribbean nations

Dear Editor,

In a previous article, I wrote about the ill-treatment that was meted out to Guyanese fleeing hard times in their own country I highlighted the fact us fleeing our homeland was a direct result of the crass corruption and autocratic rule of Burnham and his cabal But running away from Guyana did not solve the problem either, because we were met with a hostile immigration at all Caribbean Ports.

The recipient Caribbean countries who were not welcoming, nor in the least tolerant of the immigrant Guyanesecrowd.

So, in our discourse today, I will highlight a few of these disgraceful occurrences.TheBarbadians come in for dishonourable mention, there was this Seventh Day Adventist lady in Christchurch who would readily employ Guyanese, herreasonfordoingsoisthat Guyaneseworkergivesafair day's work which in turn ensured that her business

flourished.

The Bajan police chose theopportunetimetomakea raid on the Sabbath when the sisters and brothers were in church.

The result saw the Guyanese crowd hiding in gutters, smelling the dank earth beneath them, this was the ignominy we suffered as Guyanese fleeing our homeland.

Yours truly, returning to Barbados after my father's funeral was met by a hostile immigrationofficerwhotold me"Yourlaststopshouldnot be Barbados, your last stop should be Georgetown Guyana.”

Note well, I was a legal immigrant teacher, working in Barbados who was made t o e n d u r e t h a t embarrassment.

I was only allowed in when I made that call to the vice principal of my school, who had to come and identify me and pilot me into thecountry

Guyanese could not send remittances back home to Guyana, because Barbados

had no Western Union, or MoneyGram, and even if they did, persons were prohibited from sending money to Guyana The asinine reason given, was that to wire money to Guyana meant a depletion of the Barbadian foreign reserves;whatanexcuse!

You are quite familiar with the Guyanese lady who became pregnant for her Bajan boyfriend and travelledtoBarbadostohave the baby born there, you know how that pregnant woman was humiliated and sentbacktoGuyana.

This disgraceful event took place soon after Granger treated the Barbadian Prime Minister Freundel Stuart most

lavishly here at his inauguration. What a fitting way to reward Guyanese hospitality?

There are so many more s u c h e p i s o d e s , t o o numerous to mention, but I shall end the Bajan dishonour, with the way they treated contract workers from Guyana

Barbados recruited from our country to cut canes in Barbados,theBajanworkers not willing to do the job for them The Guyanese canecutters worked conscientiously, although theyweregrosslyunderpaid. When it was time to leave and go back to their homeland, the canecutters were stopped and illegally searched at the airport, the reason, they were illegally taking out Bajan money out ofthecountry.

Tears came to my eyes when I saw how my fellow countrymen were treated, to gain their release, those guys had to forcefully purchase, goods that they did not need, at the airport in order to secure a release to go home. This is the way we were; this isthelowanddegradingway Guyanese were treated here inTheCaribbean.

Our next discourse takes us to other CARICOM countries who carried out similar humiliating measuresagainstGuyanese. Respectfully submitted

NeilAdams

Those

who are carrying out the bidding of their political masters themselves have serious levels of corruption and abuse hanging over their heads

Dear Editor,

T h e c o n t i n u o u s persecution of professional African Guyanese persists under the PPP/C. Since their rise to office, many families of professionals who served

under the Coalition Government have been subjected to brutal repression by various arms of the state, particularly the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The irony is that those who are carrying out the bidding of their political masters themselves have serious levels of corruption and abuse hanging over their heads.

The new, unfounded, politically motivated charges brought against former Minister Winston Jordan are unconscionable and without merit. They will eventually end up like the previous charges brought against him, which were dismissed.

Let me juxtapose this matter with what was found in the special investigation of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) on the 'Sparendaam Housing Project,' conducted by Ram and McRae on October 20, 2016. Editor, in paragraphs five and six of the Executive Summary of the report, the following is stated in the absence of a Vesting Order: “On March 9, 2010, a Cabinet decision marked SECRETpurportedtovestin the CHPA 'the new development project at Plantation Sparendaam,' which, to the best of our k n o w l e d g e a n d understanding, does not constitute vesting of the land.

It appears, however, that the Housing Ministry, of which Mr Irfaan Ali was Minister,andtheRegistrarof Lands, Ms. Juliet Sattaur, took the Cabinet decision as key and proceeded to facilitate and issue Certificates of Title to variouspersons.”

A d d i t i o n a l l y, a t paragraph six, it is reported: “While Cabinet made the decision on March 9, 2010, to vest the land at Sparendaam in the CHPA, Dr Anand Goolsarran, former Auditor General, statedinsection4.5.13ofhis

reportontheinvestigationof NICIL that, 'I have also reviewed the vesting orders covering the period 2007 to 2014 and I have found no evidence of the Sparendaam land being vested in NICIL and subsequently to CHPA.' This confirms our own inquiries.”

Now that I have laid the foundation, I will remind Guyanese that Mr IrfaanAli was NEVER charged in relation to the 'vesting order' (which was never issued by thethenMinisterofFinance, Dr Singh), but rather for nineteen (19) charges of fraud for allegedly defrauding the state of over $174M between 2011 and 2015, allegedly conspiring with others to greatly undersell 19 plots of state

Demerara-Mahaica.

This included the sale of house lots to six Cabinet members then-President Bharrat Jagdeo, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon, and Ministers Priya Manickchand, Dr Jennifer Westford, Robert Persaud, and Clement Rohee along with other persons with connections to thegovernment. Therefore, what I cannot understand is the constant and persistent persecution of Mr. Winston Jordan, for which he has already been cleared by a competent court in Guyana. With the many revelations involving Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo and his friend Su making deals, SOCU has yet to go after him The latest case involving Mr Sherwin Greaves, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Central Housing and PlanningAuthority (CHPA), who resigned because of alleged corrupt practices involvinglands.

Did SOCU go after him? No! He walked free through resignation.

With all the trumped-up charges brought against my former colleagues in government and ordinary Guyanese, they have all attended and continued to subject themselves to attending court, while the likes of Dr Ashni Singh and Mr WinstonBrassingtonleft Guyana and returned after August 2020, holding senior positions in office, and had their cases dismissed by the DPP

Editor, it is crystal clear that the rule of law is not appliedfairlyandjustly

The moment one is criticalofthePPP/C,theygo after them. The constitution is clear when it comes to the right of free speech in this country

In conclusion, I publicly denounce the PPP/C's vindictiveness against Mr Winston Jordan, who is merely educating and exposing the wrongs of the government on matters of nationalinterest.

Rather than fighting against Mr Jordan, let the public know what measures your government has in place to deal with Maduro and all other external forces to protect our nation

Further, I say to Mr. Jordan: Do not allow this current episodetosilenceyou.

= Continue your weekly activism through education and enlightenment, as recorded in the Book of Hosea 4:6: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”

Guyanesearehungryfor v i t a l a n d c r i t i c a l information, and you have stood through all adversities insharingit.

Through this, our people have become informed, and theirmindsliberated.

Yours truly,

Look at the positives from the toll removal

Dear Editor, Recently, President Irfaan Ali's government made the important decision to lift tolls on select bridge crossings.

While public discourse has largely focused on the potential revenue loss from eliminating toll collection, it's essential to highlight the positive impacts this decision will have on Guyanese households and small businesses. Removing tolls directly reduces costs for families and lowers operational expenses for small businesses, such as minibuses.

This is particularly significant in the context of rising inflation, as it alleviates the financial burden on consumers. By eliminating tolls, the government is effectively putting more income back into the hands of Guyanese families, thereby increasing d i s p o s a b l e i n c o m e , especially for lower and middle-income households, who are often most affected by economic challenges With additional funds from toll removal, families can choose to either spend more or save, offering a critical economicboost.

Traditionally, tolls have funded infrastructure projects, but the government has identified alternative funding sources, such as the Natural Resources Fund, to sustain these initiatives. By diversifying funding, the government can continue essential infrastructure investment without relying solelyontollrevenue.

To illustrate the economic implications of lifting tolls, consider the Berbice River Bridge, where the toll is approximately 1,000 GY (around $5 USD) for cars and between 2,000 GY to 3,000 GY (about $10 to $15 USD) for larger vehicles. Removing this toll could result in savings of

approximately 2,000 GYper monthforhouseholds.

Thesesavingscanreduce transportation costs significantly, encouraging further investments by small businesses in various sectors.

Moreover, abolishing tolls can contribute to addressing the ongoing issue o f i n f l a t i o n T h e InternationalMonetaryFund has recently projected that inflation in Guyana could reacharound4percentbythe end of 2025. By lowering transportation costs, the government can help stabilize prices across sectors, particularly those reliant on bridge crossings for the movement of goods and services. Reduced tolls can lead to decreased operational costs for businesses, which may in turnresultinlowerpricesfor consumers.

This policy decision u n d e r s c o r e s t h e government's commitment to enhancing the quality of lifeforitscitizensbymaking daily commutes more affordable and promoting

increased economic activity andmobility

Additionally, it reflects a broader commitment to inclusive economic policies that prioritize the well-being of the population over mere revenuegeneration.

In the long term, by investing in sustainable infrastructure improvements andredirectingfundingfrom tolls to more stable revenue sources—such as tourism, agriculture, or enhanced p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t systems the government can more effectively tackle immediate and future economicchallenges.

W h i l e t h e f i s c a l implications of lifting tolls are significant, the potential benefits to Guyanese households and the overall impact on inflation should notbeunderestimated.

This policy represents a crucial step toward fostering a more equitable and r e s i l i e n t e c o n o m i c environmentinGuyana.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tilokie Arnold Depoo Economist

I no longer wish to be associated with the PNCR

Dear Editor,

I have been a PNCR activist and supporter for a numberofyears.

I havereachedtheendof thatroad.

Istatedintherecentpast that should my party, the PNCR not decide on a consensus presidential candidate and contest the 2025 general elections as

part of a coalition, I will disassociate myself from publiclyidentifyingwithit.I therefore wish to state that from today, I no longer wish to identify with or support thePNCR.

Endofstatement!

Sincerely

Norman Browne Social and Political Activist

Govt. will not pay contractors for sloppy work – Edghill warns

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghil has warned that the government will be withholding pay from contractors who produce poorlyconstructedroads.

Addressing contractors at a poorlyconstructedsectionofaroad in Wisroc, Linden on Tuesday, the Minister said, “poorly done work will not be paid for While contractors have been given timelines and deadlines, we (government) will not accept poorqualitywork.”

In a press statement from the Ministry, it was noted that while 95 per cent of the projects have been completed to a high standard, the Ministryhasalwaysbeenproactive in identifying and addressing the five per cent of projects where issuesoccasionallyarise.

Additionally, the Minister stated that contractors who allow poor work to be done will not be

afforded a second opportunity “Nobody who does poor quality work should come back and ask for another contract Everybody is gettingopportunities[and]wehave to deliver high-quality work,” Edghill asserted. Moreover, during a live Facebook video, the Minister stressed that contractors will face dire consequences if they produce poor work. He explained that all concrete roads must meet pounds per square inch absolute (PSIA) of 4500, and these roads undergo testing by government labs before fullpaymentsaremade.ThePublic Works Minister made it clear that engineerswhoapprovelow-quality workwillfaceconsequences,asthe Ministry is committed to ensuring compliance, value for money, and

the delivery of proper government services to the people.

The Minister also highlighted concerns raisedbyresidentsduringa recent engagement, where someroadshadbecometoo high, and access to yards hadnotbeenrestored.

“In the contract, restoring people's access is a part of that and contractors who don't restore people's access, we will take it from your contractsumandwegiveit to somebody else to get it fix because we are not doing these roads so that people can make money, wearedoingtheseroadsso thebeneficiaries,whichare the people, benefit from,” Edghillsaid

Revamped immigration policy can assist Guyana

in attracting essential skills from diaspora

In t e r n a t i o n a l

Economist, Terence Yhip, has called on Guyana to develop a comprehensive immigration policyaspartofitsstrategyto attracttheneededskillsinthe diaspora

In a recently released research piece examining Guyana's labour shortage, Yhip underscored the need for Guyana's policymakers to explore ways that they can attract foreign investors as well as skills from diaspora groups

According to the economist, who is Guyanese bybirth,thegovernmentmust develop a long-term growth anddevelopmentplan,which

isaprerequisiteformanaging imbalances between the demand for and the supply of occupationalskills

“ A r e v a m p e d immigrationpolicyshouldbe an integral part of the development plan Guyana needs to subsume the diaspora initiative under a Ministry of Manpower and Immigration.

The diaspora can contribute to the narrowing ofGuyana'sskillsdeficit,but the emphasis ought to be the 'seine' of immigration that will 'catch' talent in large numbers with a range of skills and know-how,” he explained

The economist suggested

that policymakers should startfromalong-termplanof atleast10years

He suggested too, that they can identify recent imbalances and make a longrange demand-supply forecastservingasaplanning tool

He emphasised, “With this structured approach, ratherthananadhoc,reactive d i a s p o r a p o l i c y , policymakers would have a betterlineofsight — like the greater visibility afforded by an elevated driving position in an SUV — of labour market developments to adoptcorrectivemeasures.”

According to Yhip, the Labour Ministry will have a

staff of highly technical and professional people, doing the labour market analysis and forecasting, providing vital inputs into manpower and immigration policy, such as training, how many immigrants to let into the country, and which types of specificskillsareindemand

The economist opined, “Through this structured approach, Guyana would be better equipped to provide social services, housing, healthcare,andsoon

TheMinistrywouldhave the advantages of solid expertise, accountability and transparency for the recruitment and hiring process ” “This Ministry

Investigation launched into alleged illegal birth certificates

The Guyana Police Force has initiated an investigation regarding allegations that a Guyanese nationalwasinpossessionof several fraudulent birth certificates, allegedly issued by a clerk at a regional office.

According to police in a statement, the investigation hasfocusedona24-year-old Guyanese national who is considered a suspect "During an interview, the suspect told police that he had obtained his own birth certificate through the late registration process at the regional office," the police statement said. "However, he later devised a scheme where he falsely promised four individuals birth certificates for a fee of $20,000 each After collecting a total of $80,000, it became clear that he was unable to provide the birth certificates, especially when the victims threatened to r e p o r t h i m t o t h e authorities " The suspect thenofferedtoreimbursethe money he had fraudulently obtainedfromthevictims.

Following this, a search was conducted at his residence, where several documents, including birth certificates belonging to his immediate family members, werefound.

These certificates were subsequently verified and confirmedtobelegitimate.

Further inquiries were made with a staff member from the regional office responsible for processing birthcertificateapplications. The staff member confirmed that the suspect had applied for his own birth certificate

through legal means and denied any involvement in issuing illegal certificates to him. The police continued their investigation, but no evidence was found to implicate the clerk in any wrongdoing.Effortstoreach theindividualswhohadbeen defrauded by the suspect also proved unsuccessful. Additionally, “ The GPF noted that several politically exposed individuals with ulterior motives had misrepresented the facts surrounding the case. Hence therelease.”

wouldneedtoworkinconcert with critical Ministries like H e a l t h , E d u c a t i o n , Transportation, and Home Affairs to provide highquality services and conditions to attract and retain foreign talent,” he added.

Yhip emphasised that with the right bureaucratic and governance structures, Guyana should be able to tap the Guyanese diaspora for knowledge transfer and investment

“ T h e r e m u s t b e coordinated efforts by all critical Ministries to ensure high levels of services for Guyana to be seen as an attractive place to live and work The diaspora can promote direct investment and create businesses, but the continuing racial division amongstGuyaneseofAfrican and Indian descent breeds political patronage, corruption, and encourages capital flight. These are not the conditions for economic

transformation, ” the economist suggested

Despitea25percentincrease i n b u s i n e s s i n t h e Manufacturing and Services Industry,lastyeartherewasa reported massive skill and labour shortage in Guyana that hindered the growth of industries and limited the country's overall economic potential.

As such, President of the Guyana Manufacturing and

S

n (GMSA), Ramsay Ali, in his annual report, emphasised efforts to remedy the challenge He noted that

M S A m

w i t h representatives of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill School of Business and Management to discuss training needs in the manufacturing sector.” “We agreed that research is first needed to identify the specific skills and knowledge gaps within industries By conducting this research, targeted training programmes will be

e necessary skills to fill the labour shortage,” the GMSA Presidentstated

dditionally, the businessman posited that collaboration with the University of the West Indies will ensure that the training programmes are of high quality and align with international standards After the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the University of the West Indies Cave Hill School and GMSA, solidifying our commitment to addressing thesegaps

Minister of Public Works

Juan Edghill during the site visit at Wismar, Linden

International Economist, Terence Yhip

Exxon’s Chinese partners eye Hess

30%

shares in Stabroek Block

…promises to maximise benefits for investors if arbitration case goes in their favour

China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), a partner in the prolific Stabroek Block, has stated that if the company is successful at the upcoming arbitration asserting its right over American oil company Hess' stake in Guyana's goldenoilfield,thecompany will look at ways to maximise benefits for its investors.

American oil giant Chevron is pursuing a US$53 billion merger with Hess. This takeover would giveChevronaccesstoHess' mostvaluableasset–a30% stakeintheStabroekBlock–an oil block estimated to hold 11.6 billion barrels of oil. However, American oil giant ExxonMobil, the operator of the block, and CNOOCfiledforarbitration attheInternationalChamber of Commerce in Paris, arguingthattheyhavearight of first refusal over Hess' stake. Despite this, Hess expressed confidence that themergerwouldproceedas planned.

ExxonMobil Guyana holds a 45% interest, while Hess Guyana holds 30% interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited with25%interest.

On March 27, CNOOC had their 2024 Annual

Briefing. During this event, the company was asked about the upcoming arbitration.

According to the translated version of the pressconference,XuYugao, a CNOOC official, stated that the arbitration is proceeding according to the SECprocedures.

“In July 2024, the three arbitrators were appointed, andthetribunalhasbeenset up, and the pre-meeting before the tribunal was also

The Stabroek Block

arbitration, we will evaluate thebestcourseofactionthat maximises value for the companyandourinvestors.”

held, and the relevant evidence and the documents werealsoproducedaswell,” Yugao stated.He noted that by the timeline in May the tribunal will be called and noted that CNOOC remains confidentinitscase.

Tothisend,heexplained that if the case goes in favor of CNOOC and Exxon in theirclaimtotherighttofirst refusal over Hess Stabroek Block shares, the company will look at avenues to exercise their rights,

dependingonbenefitstothe companyandshareholders

“Wewillkeepthemarket updated and disclose the relevant information when it's the appropriate time. Of course,it'sdependingonthe results of the arbitration first,” he added. Upstream Online quotes Yugao as stating, “We remain confidentinourpositionand willtakethenecessarysteps toprotectourcompany'sand shareholders' interests If we are successful in

Notably, Exxon has also shared a similar position, with the oil giant's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darren Woods saying, “We have a right… why would wegivethataway?”

Since production commenced in December 2019, Exxon is now producing 660,000 barrels per day (bpd) from three developments:LizaPhase1, LizaPhase2andPayara.

The oil companies have embarked on an aggressive drilling campaign in the Stabroek Block with three m o r e a p p r o v e d developments to come onstream: Yellowtail, Uaru

and Whiptail projects. This year, Exxon's largest deepwater project to date in Guyana, Yellowtail, will commenceoilproduction.

Notably, Exxon has already made applications for approval for a seventh and eighth development, namely Hammerhead and Longtail.

The fight over Guyana's Stabroek Block resources comesatatimewhentheoil companies benefit from a lopsided oil deal signed by the APNU+AFC Coalition administrationbackin2016. Thisdealextendsfavourable terms to the oil companies, providing tax waivers, allows 75% cost recovery from revenues generated from the block and a mere 2%royaltytoGuyana.

NewCommonwealthSGpledgestoadvancevaluesoforganisation

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, former Ghanaian Minister for ForeignAffairs and Regional Integration, assumedofficeasSecretaryG e n e r a l o f t h e CommonwealthonTuesday, pledging to advance the v a l u e s o f t h e Commonwealth Charter at a time of growing global tensions and shifting alliances.

Botchwey succeeds Patricia Scotland, whose nine-year term ended in March She is the first Africanwoman–thesecond African overall – to lead the association of 56 countries, whichmakeupathirdofthe world'spopulationandmore than a quarter of the United Nationsmembership.

Speaking at the

C o m m o n w e a l t h Secretariat's headquarters in Londonon1April2025,the

Secretary-General acknowledged the scale of the challenges confronting the world. She said: “The worldwewokeuptotodayis unlike any we have seen in our lifetimes The consequences of lower economic growth, increased defence expenditures, and a frayed multilateralism will affect our pockets directly, increase unemployment and poverty, reduce social protection and weaken our resiliencetoshocks.

“The value of our Commonwealth stands in boldrelief,inatimelikethis. For over 75 years, the Commonwealth has been a unique and powerful force forgood.Nowwemustseize the moment to realise the transformation our societies seek.”

The Secretary-General highlighted the power of

Commonwealth unity in uncertain times “The challenges we face are real and serious,” she said, “but together we are more than equaltothem.”

D r a w i n g o n

Commonwealth values, Secretary-General Shirley

B o t c h w e y a d d e d : “Sustainedbythevaluesthat bind us - democracy, good governance, peace, human

rights,andequalopportunity - we will build a future in which dignity, opportunity, and prosperity are within reachforall.”

ACommonwealth builtonalltalents

The Secretary-General outlined three strategic priorities for her leadership, calling them the foundation for a “Commonwealth built on all talents”. Firstly, she

pledgedtoequipwomenand youngpeoplewiththeskills, tools and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Secondly, the Secretary-General vowed to revitalise trade, investment and connectivity across the Commonwealth, describingitasapathwayto industrial development, productivity and inclusive growth No country, she stressed, should be left behind,regardlessofitssize orincomelevel.

Thirdly, calling climate change “the greatest challenge of our time,” she pledgedtomobilisestronger action and advocate for reforms of the international financial system to help small and other vulnerable Commonwealth states accessthesupporttheyneed.

The Secretary-General also committed to accelerating

modernisation by delivering

partnerships to meet the needsofallitspeople.

Reflecting on her own historicjourney,shesaid:“It is a great honour to be the firstAfricanwomantoserve as Secretary-General No ma

e in the Commonwealth you come from, this path is open to you.”

The Secretary-General concludedheraddresswitha message of shared resolve, adding:“Let'smoveforward with purpose, with courage, and with an unshakable c o m m i t m e n t t o a Commonwealth that truly thrives together.” Born in Accra, Shirley Botchwey was appointed by leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoaon25October2024.

NewSecretary-General, Shirley Botchwey

A legal official at CNOOC, Xu Yugao

A coalition of shared disgrace

The APNU and the AFC deserve each other They deserve to be shackled together in a coalition of failure, an alliance destined to remain on the losing side ofhistory.

They are the unrepentant architects of one of the most ignoblechaptersinGuyana's democratic history, a coalition that sought to hold an entire nation hostage in broaddaylight,attemptingto steal an election with an audacity that stunned even themostcynicalobserversof political corruption That these actions took place in the midst of a national pandemic, when citizens needed leadership and stability more than ever, shows the power-hungry nature of these political relics who should never again be entrusted with publicoffice.

One might expect, in the aftermath of such an assault on democracy, that the APNU and AFC would a c k n o w l e d g e t h e i r wrongdoing, if not in words then at least in conduct. But no—these are parties still wedded to the discredited narratives that made them globalpariahs.

It is no small feat for a government to earn the wrath of the United States in

the form of travel

sanctions sanctions specifically tied to their attempttosubvertthewillof the people. Never before in Guyana's history had such measures been imposed becauseofelectoralconduct.

Andyetevenindisgrace, theAPNUandAFCrefuseto reckon with their misdeeds. They continue to traffic in the same falsehoods that led

to their downfall, oblivious to the fact that no electorate withashredofdignitywould restore such an outfit to power. Butletusassume,forthe sake of argument, that the APNU and AFC could somehow erase the memory of 2020 from the public consciousness. Would they still be worthy of political trust?

The answer remains an emphatic no. The working class the backbone of Guyana—was treated with utter contempt under their governance While their cronies were rewarded with plush appointments, the ordinary citizen, particularly those in the sugar belt, faced massdismissals.

T h e A P N U + A F C government, in its infinite wisdom, thought it prudent to decimate an entire industry, leaving thousands unemployed with no viable alternatives A major investor walked from the bauxite sector leading to the loss of jobs, and private investmentwasstagnant.

Theworkingclasshasno reason to extend mercy to these parties. Their policies were never meant for the common man; they were for the well-connected, the friends of the elite, the beneficiaries of backroom deals, including land deals. The fact that the PPP is no better does not absolve the APNU+AFCforitsbetrayal.

Evenwithinthecoalition itself, greed and mistrust led to its implosion The collapse of the APNU+AFC government between 2015 and 2020 was as much an indictment of their incompetence as it was of

Dem Boys Seh...

their insatiable desire for power How is it that in the middle of a coalition government, the APNU and the AFC contested local government elections in 2018 on separate tickets? It shows the cracks in the coalition.

Thecoalitionwasnevera partnership it was a h o s t a g e s i t u a t i o n Whichever party held the presidency wielded absolute power, sidelining the other party at will. TheAFC, once a promising third force, was reduced to an obedient lapdog, barely able to whimper as APNU dictated the terms. Their demise was inevitable, not because of external forces, but because their arrangement was always untenable The lesson should have been learned: when political parties unite out of desperation rather than principle, their fate is sealed fromthebeginning.

And yet, here we are again, with the APNU and AFC deluding themselves into thinking they have a fighting chance in 2025.The truthis,whethertheycontest separately or together, they are engaged in a losing battle. The election is not about whether APNU+AFC can win; it is about whether they can salvage whatever remainsoftheircredibility

Their supporters saw howtheydistributedlandsto their backers in a last-ditch effort to loot the State. They saw how the coalition's recklessness plunged the nation into turmoil when leadership was most needed. They saw how, even in opposition, the APNU and AFC have been incapable of

Monkey does know which limb fuh jump pon!

Demboysalways hear de old people seh, “Monkey does know which limb fuh jump pon.” But dem never know how true it is 'til now! De PPPC boys dem got a PhD in monkey business, because dem know exactly which limb fuhjumpponandwhichone fuh stay quiet like church mouse.

When AZMO land in dem PPPC strongholds, de place tun war zone. Dem let loose de dogs of disruption, hollering, ridiculing, insulting, and making bare commotion. If dem had de chance, dem mighta even pelt one or two plantain at he.Descenelooklikeoneof dem protest rally loud,

dramatic, and full of bacchanal. All because de man come fuh talk to people!

But check wah happen

when he step into

Opposition territory When AZMO reach in Edinburgh and Kwakwani, de same PPPC stay quiet like if dem throat stitch up. No big bad protests No wild noise Dem boys seh de PPPC got one special map—one side mark “Raise Hell Here,” anddeothersidemark“Stay FarandActInnocent.” And if yuh think is just a coincidence, check out Manchester Dem had lil mumbling and grumbling, but de big bad protest energy suddenly disappear Wah happen to all de

introspectionorremorse. What, then, is the purpose of their continued political existence? If they cannot win and they cannot govern, what justification remains for their presence?

If they had any concern for the nation beyond their own ambitions, they would step aside and allow space for new political entrants, for individuals and groups untainted by the disgrace of

loudmouth warriors from before? Monkey does know which limb fuh jump pon, and de PPPC boys know wherefuhgetvexandwhere fuhplaydeafanddumb.

Dem boys seh ifAZMO really want peace, all he gotta do is visit de right places.

De PPPC only like fight where dem think dem in charge. But when dem step in opposition ground, dem does suddenly remember howfuhbehave.

One thing certain—de PPPC got more strategies than a chess grandmaster But Guyanese watching, and dem know de game. Monkey business can't fool everybodyalldetime! Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

2020.Butthatwouldrequire humility, a trait neither APNU nor AFC has ever demonstrated. The APNU andAFC deserve each other, just as Guyana deserves better. Their coalition is not one of strength but of shared disgrace. Their future is not in governance but in the footnotes of history, where they should remain as a reminder of what happens when politicians mistake power for purpose and arroganceforwisdom.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

H@RD TRUTHS

Bettercontractmanagement,infoflows

F r a n k l y , I a m disappointed at the people in the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) Being the bright, ethical people that they are, they ought to know better than to seek clarity and transparency from the PPPGovernment.

Onanything. And,when it comes to the oversight of oil, it is the worst thing that one could ask of such illustriousexamplesoftruth,

t r a n s p a r e n c y, a n d trustworthiness, as those in thePPPGovernment.

There is President Ali, SeniorVicePresidentJagdeo, and Junior Vice President Texeira What is there about this oil that drives Guyanese t o s u c h i n t e n s i t y ?

Information, information, information! Have these people at OGGN never heard about better contract m a

d

transparency? Whetherthey do or not, that is the reality For Guyanese chasing after information, here is the PPP Government's version of both. The latest instance is rd from 3 Vice President, Gail Texeira In response to OGGN'spushfortaxreceipts related to Exxon, the honourable one sent them packing to the Deeds and Commercial Registries Want tax info, take a trip

from New York, brave the traffic in Georgetown, and goodluck. TheOGGNfolks may take offence, but I call that responsive government, responsible leadership, and transparent practice. For their information, the public servants at the two registries are waiting. I caution that getting tax details from eitherofthetwocouldbethe sameordealasliftingapiece of paper about the oil and gold sectors from the Guyana Revenue Authority andtheGuyanaGeologyand MinesCommission.

The government is in a pickle about sharing tax receipt documents with OGGN, but the whole of Guyana can be privy to the tax details of Dr Terrence Campbell. A bit of glaring consistency, reasonable people would say I detect a n i n d e s c r i b a b l e , unmentionable smell

Before the vaunted PPP veteran, there was His Majesty and Excellency, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who was asked about Exxon Guyana financials.

“If you want to have that,whydon'tyousubmitin writing to Exxon, ask them...” Ifthereisonething to be said about Guyana, let it be said to be a town of unbelievable hospitality It isfreedomofinformationby another means, and nothing redacted. One of Dr. Jagdeo'sfavoritemovesisto send the media on wild goose chases. Check with Minister Vickram Bharat (gold contracts). Check with the GRA (audits and sundries). Check with PM MarkPhillips(Walesgas-toenergy project docs). This must be a free and open society

Going further back, just

before the beginning of this PPPreign, there was Contestant Ali When Candidate Ali was on the elections trail, and was attacked by some malarial strain, he committed to “review and renegotiate” everything under Guyana's skies. The 2016 Exxon contract was at the top of his pile of contract papers

president and those other names mentioned will all havestarringroles.

After his swearing in, the newly minted President Ali was made to see the light, andconvertedtothereligion of Exxon: sanctity of contract.' Sanctity is now his one-word, all-purpose answer to all things oil.

Seek to extract any information from him about oil and he becomes more c

mannequin. Additionally, he has developed a marked disposition against dealing with Guyanese face-to-face on the troubling issues bedeviling his government. The president prefers the safetyandcomfortsofsocial media. Sanctity of contract is the stuck position of Excellency Ali For someone who was so beside himself over Guyana getting a raw deal, it is strange that today he has zero interest in communicating with Exxon for a better deal for Guyana. For those who wanted information, that was the dead end (“no interest”) encountered. It is Dr. Ali's idea about better contract management, and clear information flows. It is his version of transparency Guyanese are free to put their confidence in a leader of such caliber I gave myself an exemption. One of these days when the spirit moves me, I plan to write a book about all of this. The

A country, that is a beginner in the oil world, has leaders who have been made into mincemeat by a lightmiddleweight like Alistair Routledge Becauseofbeing in that state, they can't help the people they supposedly serve, are themselves helpless. The American transformed them into puppets, messenger boys, and what is now a certain Venezuelan's favourite slurstooge By way of clarification,Icouldhavelet Mr Routledge have it straight on the noggin, but the discipline of the Lenten season is in effect. I settled for light-middleweight and notlight-flyweight. Inallthis,itisfascinating to observe local political luminaries, such as Ali, Jagdeo, and now Ms Texeira got their tongues all twisted out of joint and their spirits agitated over routine requests for information aboutGuyana'soil. Noneof them are known to have a speech impediment, or a problem with the sauce. Yet a simple request for Exxon tax receipts stirred so much anxiety (and slurred speech) in the PPP Government Still, I believe that OGGN's sages will have the last laugh. They are on record. The PPP Government is on record also: For dodging. For hiding. For being under thesheetswithExxon.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper )

Video captures cop, civilian in daylight brawl

Acivilian and a member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were caught on camera fighting during a confrontation in front of the New Building Society Ltd., Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown.

The incident reportedly occurred between 12:30h and 13:00h on Tuesday According to a video posted by Guyana Uncut on Facebook, a heated argument was captured between the civilian and a police officer In the video, the officer is seen arguing aggressively while standing closetothecivilian.

The civilian raised his hand as a warning to the officer However,theofficer pushed his hand away The civilian then appeared to strike the officer in the face withhishand,promptingthe rank to retaliate. The rank was seen delivering several punchestothecivilianwhile three other officers attempted to separate them. A different angle from another video showed that, despite the efforts of the three ranks to break up the fight,theofficercontinuedto rain several punches on the civilian.

Duringaninterviewwith

Screenshot showing three police ranks attempting to part the fight

Motheronbailfor woundingcharge

A 37-year-old mother of two was placed on $25,000 bailonWednesdaywhenshe appeared at Georgetown Magistrates'Courttoanswer to an unlawful wounding charge.

The defendant is identified as Carlott Jarad of Lot 95 James Street, Albouystown. Jarad pleaded notguiltytothechargewhich was read to her by Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty

Theaccusedwascharged for unlawfully wounding CloudetteDickonMarch17, 2025 at Hadfield Street, Georgetown. Dick sustained apuncturetoherlefthand.

Magistrate McGusty placed Jarad on bail, after which she pleaded to be granted self-bail since she does not have the money to postbail.

Kaieteur News, the civilian, who works as a security guard, explained that when he arrived at NBS, he found there were no available parking spaces. As a result, heturnedonhishazardlights while waiting for his colleague, an accountant, to come out of the bank. A police van then approached him and a police officer came out of the vehicle and reportedly knocked on his carwindow

“I wasn't out of my car whenthepolicerankswould have pulled up in the van, nexttomydriver'ssidedoor, and he would have hammered, or been banging on my window as though he

owned or name was on the registration of my vehicle,” theciviliansaid.

Headded,“Thatdoneput me in a different mood, so I didn't wind down my window They proceeded to drive up in front of my vehicleandhesteppedoutof thepassenger'sseatandtook theclampfrombehindofthe truckandproceededtowalk uptomycar.”

The man recounted that aftertherankreturnedtothe vehicle with the clamp, he toldtherank,“Don'tyousee me inside my car?” He claimed that the rank began arguing with him. As such, hewounduphiswindowand steppedoutofthevehicle.

While outside his vehicle, the civilian and the rank erupted into an argument, drawing attention tothemselves.

The civilian explained that he realised the situation was escalating as the rank reportedly became more agitated In response, he warned the officer, cautioning him, “Bai, if you know what's good for you, it'sbestyouleavemealone.”

He continued, “He start goingonandweexchanging wordsandhestartedspitting whilehewasspeakingallup in my ears and all up in my face, so I proceeded to push himoffandIbackpeddled.”

“After the back peddle,

he come rushing me and the police …, the inspector and soforthpulledupatthesame time and they rush me and snatched me, so when they snatch on to me now, he proceeded to rush me and start firing a set of wild pushes at me,” the man told Kaieteur News Thereafter, thecivilianexplainedthathe was taken to the Brickdam PoliceStation,wherehewas placed on $20,000 bail. He wasreportedlychargedwith obstruction and assault of a policeofficer

Kaieteur News reached out to the police to ascertain whether the rank is being investigated. However, all attemptswerefutile.

Carlott Jarad at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court posting bail

“Housing call me and I wentandpayformy

mykids,”Jaradpleaded. T

s adjournedtoApril16,2025.

Police yet to arrest boat captain caught on camera stealing prawns from Pritipaul Singh Investment Inc.

A boat captain and his crew are yet to be arrested after they were caught on camera two weeks ago, stealing almost a ton (1500lbs) of prawns from Pritipaul Singh Investment Inc.(PSI).

The company has terminated its contract with theboatcaptainidentifiedas Nolan Paton after he admitted in a signed statement to selling out significant portions of the company's production from atrawlerhewasinchargeof. PSI, in a statement, said thatthetheftwasdiscovered on March 14 last, when Paton and his crew returned fromsea.

The PSI trawler reportedly left for sea on March 6 to harvest seabob

shrimpoffshoreGuyana.

“During this trip, the captain also collected prawns and fish, commonly referred to as bycatch”, the company said while adding thatuponthevessel'sreturn, its officials, as per standard procedure,reviewedfootage from security cameras onboard The company's CEO, Pritipaul Singh, said camera review is always done before the captain and hiscrewarepaid.

Itwasduringthatreview from Paton's vessel that the company discovered that he hasbeenstealingfromPSI.

“Video footage confirms that the products were moved from the vessel's icebox through the wheelhousetothebowofthe vessel”,thecompanystated.

Vagrant sentenced to two years for simple larceny

A47-year-oldvagrant wassentencedtotwoyears' imprisonmentforsimple larceny

EonPaulappearedbefore Acting Chief Magistrate F a i t h M c G u s t y a t Georgetown Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to the charge.Paul is accused of committing the offence on March 26, 2025, at Hogg Street, Albouystown, Georgetown. He stole two Toyota Harrier mirrors, valuing$141,360,belonging toCarolineHicks.

He told the court that he stole the mirror because he needed money to look after his birth certificate and identification to obtain his $100,000 cash grant. He assured the court that the larcenywashisfirstoffence. Paul said he saw the two mirrorsontheparkedvehicle and stole them. He later noticed that they were markedanddecidedtothrow themawayinanearbybin.

“I throw it in the bin causeonceit'smarked,it'sno good,”hesaid.

Hicks was absent; however, her husband was presentandstatedthatonthe day in question, he parked the car on Independence Boulevard around 7:00 hrs and went to his home to prepare for work He returned around 9:00 hrs to take the car to the wash bay when he noticed the mirror wings were open Upon checking, he saw that both mirrors were missing. He

The company learnt too that the stolen products are being sold to individuals who resell them along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), specifically LBI and Montrose.

PritipaulInvestmentInc. hadreportedthemattertothe Providence Police Station butnoarresthasbeenmade.

“ I n s t e a d , t h e company's official was advised to report the matter in the district where the incident occurred,” the company stated before calling on police and the relevant authorities to swiftlyprosecutethematter.

“The company is now

calling on the relevant authorities, including the police, coast guard, Agriculture Ministry, and other senior officials, to intervene and prosecute these perpetrators based on the video evidence provided,” the company said.

Singh noted that boat captainsandtheircrewhave no reason to steal from the company because they get paid per production (per pound).

Apartfromgoodpay,the company also covers fuel costs and food for each captainandcrew.

He said sometimes the

company would run a loss, barely making enough moneytocovercosts,justto ensure workers are paid in full. This reportedly is not the first time employees havestolenfromPSI.

The company noted that in addition to low catches, stealing is causing an extra strainonitsbusiness.

“These challenges have forced competitors, such as Noble House, to exit the seafood business,” PSI said before iterating, “We hope that the relevant authorities will assist in apprehending these individuals and preventing similar incidents fromrecurring”.

Stunt-riding biker dies after colliding with car

A25-year-oldmantragicallylosthis life on Tuesday night after the motorcycle, which he was riding collidedwithacar

Eon Paul

said he reached out to a businessman in the area and requested video footage, which showed a man with Paul's description removing themirrorsforthevehicle. M e a n w h

e , t h e prosecution told the court that in 2010, Paul was grantedbailforbreakingand entering, and in 2018 was remandedforsimplelarceny

sentenced Paul to two years inprison.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Amelia's Ward Public Road and Toucan Drive, Linden, while themotorcyclistwasdoingstunts.Dead isJoshuaRoss,whoresidedinIndustrial Area, Linden. The accident reportedly occurred at 20:00h The incident involved motorcar #PXX 4611 owned and driven by Juliet Alexander, a 69year-oldpensioner,andmotorcycle#CN 6284ownedanddrivenby Ross.

Investigations revealed that the car was traveling north on the western lane ofToucanDrive,whilethemotorcyclist washeadingeastonthenorthernlaneof Amelia's Ward Public Road at a high speed,ridinginazig-zagmotion.Police also said that the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet, and the motorcycle hadnoworkinglights.

“As the car and motorcycle approached the intersection, the car stopped and then attempted to cross the public road when the motorcycle collided with the front left side of the car,” police said in the statement. As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist

was flung several feet from the point of impact and landed on the northern parapetwherehereceivedinjuriesonhis body

Themotorcyclistwaspickedupinan unconscious condition by publicspirited citizens and transported to the LindenHospitalComplexwherehewas examined by a doctor, who pronounced him dead on arrival. The body of the deceased was later transported to the Linden Senior Citizens Association Funeral Home's Mortuary for storage andawaitingpost-mortemexamination.

T h e c a r a n d

motorcycle were lodgedtobeexamined by a licensing and certifying officer Alexander was placed in custody assisting w i t h t h e investigations.

Meanwhile, a friend of Ross described him to be a, “funny and energetic person to be around.” Hewasalsodescribed to be the, “life of a class.”

Truck driver arrested for dumping waste in Greenfield

Housing Area

A40-year-old truck driver was arrested bypoliceonWednesday,afterhewascaught on video dumping waste in the Greenfield HousingArea,EastBankDemerara(EBD). According to police, Jermaine Barrington, a resident of Section 'B' Block 'X' Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD is expectedtobecharged. His arrest follows multiple complaints fromresidentsofGreenfieldHousingArea, a police report stated. Barrington has reportedly been in the habit of dumping wastematerialalongtheparapetsinthearea withoutimpunity

The location in Green Field Area, where the suspect would dump waste materials

Jermaine Barrington

Joshua Ross

The motorcycle that was invovled In the accident

Linden Mayor slams ongoing works on Linden-Soesdyke Highway

Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon has heavily criticised the ongoing rehabilitation of the LindenSoesdyke Highway, calling out the Ministry of Public Works for failing to provide adequate information about theproject'sprogress.

Solomon took umbrage atthePublicWorksMinister foronlyvisitingLindenafter the town council had raised

concerns about the infrastructural works in a public notice a day prior During a live Facebook

broadcast, Solomon addressed the deplorable state of the highway during the rehabilitation process, which he lamented, is creating challenges for road users.

Solomon took to his Facebook live while Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill was on site.

“In that statement that wentout,wehadaknee-jerk reaction. Now we see the Minister taking to the highway This highway was bad for the past two to three weeks It was terrible, terrible, and to that extent, we have asked for attention and it is only when this council placed something in the public yesterday (Monday), now we got the Minister,”Solomonstated.

Solomon questioned the methods used by the contractors for the rehabilitation work. "I have never seen the LindenSoesdykeHighwaylikethis. I have been traveling that highwayfor42years.Itwas always done one lane at a

time. If there is something different in engineering or contractor-wise,it'sonlyfair to let the people of Linden knowwhatishappening.We arenotunawareofhowthese highways are fixed and built," Solomon explained. "Youdon'thavetodonosub base. The sub base is there. They are not digging to put down laterite; they are digging to put down bricks. Sothenexplaintothepublic why you have to dig up almost seven miles of the roadandleaveitlikethatfor almost four weeks. What sense does that make?" he questioned.

The mayor voiced frustration that voices in the community are not being heard “Apparently, bad works in this country can be criticised by only the Vice President and those in the upper lounge, and I guess you have to be Secretary of State now to condemn, not just criticise, but pure condemn bad infrastructure. The community has been doingthat,andwehavebeen trying to refrain the community from acting withoutinformation.”

As such, Solomon urged the Ministry to ensure that safety measures, such as roadlightsandreflectors,are putinplace.“You'redriving onthehighway,andthedust makes it impossible for you to see ten feet ahead of you sometimes. You move from one section of the highway, which has been dug up, to a transitioning area with no signsontheroad,”Solomon stated.

Meanwhile, Minister

Businessman turns self in for removing motorcycle from police station

A 3 7 - y e a r - o l d businessman who was wanted by police for removingamotorcyclefrom the Amelia's Ward Police Outpost on March 19, 2025 hasturnedhimselfin.

Facebook Tuesday evening, acknowledging the issues r

, including dust pollution, potholes, and vehicle damage. He stated that he h

contractors and consultants t

inconveniences.

“We have gone through everything and we want to ensurethatallthemitigating effortsareinplacetoensure

(Continuedonpage16)

Sherwin Benjamin presented himself to the MackenziePoliceStationon Wednesday Police reported that the motorcycle was recoveredonthesamedayof the incident. “The vehicle thatwasusedtotransportthe motorcycle out of the compound was impounded bypoliceafteritwasfoundin possession of another individual who claimed he borroweditfromtheowner,” policesaidinitsreport.

Sherwin Benjamin

National Environmental Speech Competition, SHOUT, returns in time for World Environment Day 2025

Recover Guyana has announced the 2025 edition ofSHOUT,dubbedSHOUT 3.0,settotakeplaceonJune 5, 2025, which is World EnvironmentDay

The competition empowers secondary school students across all ten administrative regions of Guyanatotakeanactiverole i n e n v i r o n m e n t a l sustainabilitythroughpublic speaking, research, and advocacy It is supported by ExxonMobilGuyanaandthe MinistryofEducation,

Now in its third year, SHOUT 3.0, implemented by the registered NGO RecoverGuyana,hasgrown into a nationally recognized platform that inspires youth to take action and drive sustainable change across Guyana.

Thecompetition,opento Grade9-10students,seeksto raise awareness on pressing environmental issues while encouraging students to come up with innovative solutions to help safeguard their schools and communities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the National Library of Guyana, Founder and President of Recover, Dr. Dave Lalltoo said, “SHOUT 3.0 is more than just a competition—it's a movement empowering young voices to become the next generation of environmentalleaders.

By equipping students

withknowledge,confidence, and a platform to advocate forchange,weareshapinga more sustainable future for Guyana, one speech at a time.”

SHOUT 3.0 fosters leadership, innovation and environmental stewardship, offering students a platform to turn their ideas into meaningful projects that transform their schools and communities This year's competitionoffersover$4M incashandprizes,including a $1 M cash grant, to implement a proposed E n v i r o n m e n t a l Enhancement Project at the winninghighschool.

Notable awards, including the ExxonMobil

Guyana's County Winner Green Innovation Awards, Best Speaker Award, Most Influential Speech Award, Green Award, and Environmental Impact Award, will reward outstanding achievements. Since its inception in 2023, SHOUT has seen incredible success. The first winner, Vasanna Persaud of Queen's College, launched a Water P u r i f i c a t i o n a n d

Sustainability Project at her school to combat plastic bottle waste, saving 30,000 plastic bottles from landfills in2024.

That project has become a sustainable model that Recover Guyana continues to implement in schools

acrossGuyana.

In 2024, Gabriella Arjune, also a student of Queen's College, emerged victorious and implemented the Queen's College HydroponicKitchenGarden System. This innovative project introduced

sustainable farming techniques that reduce the environmental footprint of traditional agriculture while providing fresh, nutrientdense produce for school meals With continued support from ExxonMobil Guyana, the competition takes a proactive step in support of Guyana's environmental protection andsustainableliving.

Lasawhna Prescott,

showcase their knowledge a n d p a s s i o n f o r environmental protection

s

Community Relations Advisor, said, “Working with SHOUT is a great e

M

w h y

bil Guyana partnerswithNGOstodirect our community investment. I'veexperiencedthepassion, enthusiasm and focus of the SHOUT team to nurture u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f environmental issues and empower young individuals to become advocates promoting environmental consciousness among their peers.”

This year's SHOUT will unfold over four exciting phases, beginning with a o n e - m i n u t e

ng applicantstheopportunityto

UG opens new US$4.5M World Bank-funded College of Medical Sciences building

President Irfaan Ali alongsideothergovernment, health and education

officials on Tuesday officially commissioned the newUS$4.5millionCollege

of Medical Sciences buildingattheUniversityof Guyana(UG).

The project, which was undertaken by the Ministry ofEducation,wasfundedby the World Bank and the Government of Guyana and executed by contractor Shandong Hi-Speed Dejian GroupCo.Limited.

Set to accommodate some 200 students, the modern facility is equipped with a lecture theatre and

several laboratories (biometric touchless labs) such as skills laboratory, an

anatomy laboratory, biochemistry laboratory, histopathology laboratory,

hematology laboratory, research laboratory, power plant, and a water treatment plant, among other amenities.

The project is part of the Ministry'seffortstoenhance theeducationsector,andwill prepare more persons to be medically trained before entering the healthcare system.

President Ali said the conceptualisation of the project dates back to 2013. After several setbacks and engagements, he said his governmentispleasedtosee itcometofruition.

The President said the government's investment in such a state-of-the-art facility is to prepare and producestudentstoworkata world-class level in every field. Having invested some $13billionintheUniversity

of Guyana this year, and making it a tuition-free institution,thePresidentsaid Guyana and its people will be positioned as leaders in theglobalnetwork.

“The medical college must be able to produce high-qualitypapers;mustbe able to be a part of an international network in which we can position ourselves as a leader. So, these investments are not just another piece of investment,weareinvesting inthebestbecausethereisa vision behind it, there is a strategy behind it,” he declared during his feature address.

The Head-of-State has continuously relayed his government's vision of providing a world-class healthcaresystemforall.As such, the administration is

On June 5, 30 qualifying schools will advance to the remaining three phases, where they will deliver speechestosecuretheirspot amongthetopthreefinalists. I n a d d i t i o n t o ExxonMobil Guyana, the official title sponsor, the event is also supported by Nand Persaud Group, the Premium Green Sponsor; Flawless Dental GY, Camex RestaurantsInc.,Scotiabank Guyana, and Guyoil as EcoGreen Sponsors Other sponsors include One Communications (ONE Fibre Sponsor), SEVA Marketing Inc , Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel, Anthony Indar Productions, M Pro Media, Engage Media, Guyana Premier Consultancy, ELEVATE, Pixel Perfect Productions, Guyana Learning Channel, and Guyana Tourism Authority. This competition fosters a sense of responsibility, enabling students to take ownershipoftheirfutureand become proactive stewards oftheenvironment.SHOUT 3.0isopentoGrade9and10 students from all secondary schools across Guyana. To register for the competition or learn more about participation, students are invited to visit Recover Guyana's website: https://www.recoverguyana. org/shout-2025

The new US$6.9M College of Medical Sciences situated at the University of Guyana. (Photo courtesy, Ministry of Education)

investing in building human capacityandinvestinginthe cutting-edge equipment, technology and modern facilities to provide these world-classservices.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, during his remarks, noted that the medical school, which started in 1985, was faced withalotofconstraintsover the years; one being a space

to properly accommodate students.With limited space available,itsawonlyasmall number of persons entering theschool.

Hesaidthenewbuilding is important for the country and the continuation of medical education. “I am extremely happy that we have made such progress with the College of Medicine, and the students will no longer have to be nomadic,buttheywillhavea place where they can call theirownhome.”

With six new hospitals e x p e c t e d t o b e commissioned this year and new technology and equipment being acquired, the Minister said more medical professionals will be needed to man these (Continuedonpage16)

Recover Guyana, in partnership with ExxonMobil Guyana and its partners launched SHOUT 3.0, a national youth environmental speech competition to empower secondary school students across all ten administrative regions of Guyana to take an active role in environmental sustainability

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Ashambolicbunch

The scramble to put together the APNU+AFC Coalition is proof of how shambolic they have been both as a government and now in opposition. The coalition was never a partnership—it was a hostage situation.

Whichever party held the presidency wielded absolute power, sidelining the other party at will. The AFC, once a promising third force, was reduced to an obedient lapdog, barely able to whimper as APNU dictated the terms.

Their demise was inevitable, not because of external forces, but because their arrangement was always untenable.

The lesson should have been learned: when political parties unite out of desperation rather than principle, their fate is sealed from the beginning.

WANTED VACANCY

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

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

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

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

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

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GCAA probes runway incursion in CJIA

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) confirmed on Wednesday that a runway incursion incident occurred on the main runway on the evening of March 31 at approximately 23:14hrs.

Preliminary information indicates a Roraima Airways aircraft was turning off the main runway, then appeared to have changed its direction,

resulting in both the Roraima Airways aircraft and the Caribbean Airlines aircraft being on the runway at the same time.

In a press release, CJIA said it is working closely with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident. The airport is

providing its full support and cooperation to the GCAA, which is leading the investigation, the release added. “The safety of all passengers and aircraft is CJIA’s top priority. We are committed to ensuring a comprehensive review of this incident to determine the cause and implement any necessary corrective actions,” the release added.

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

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

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

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

One Counter Staff between 18-25 years, One person to bake & make roti and puri from 6:30 - 8:30. Call: 501-4769.

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

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

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

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

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manufacturing and repairs of machinery spares. Call: 227-1813.

Linden Mayor slams ongoing works...

From page 13 that we minimise the inconvenience, because whenever there is development, where there is major works, people suffer some inconvenience, but we also have the responsibility to address the dissatisfaction that exists and it is out of that spirit that we traverse there since early this morning and address those concerns,” Edghill said.

The Minister also noted that traffic management efforts were being improved to ensure greater safety along the highway. He identified speeding as a major concern. “The speeding is too much,” Edghill stated, adding that the best solution for road users

during the rehabilitation process is to leave home earlier.

“The immediate measure to bring resolution is that people have to start leaving home earlier so that the speeding on the highway is reduced.”

He said the speed limit will be reduced on sections of the highway currently under construction. He also provided an estimated timeline for the completion of the project, stating that it would take 18 months to two years.

“It’s not something that is going to be done in a couple of months; it’s a long carriageway with roundabouts to be built. But what we are doing right now is that within six months, we will have about

12 kilometres of road that is dug up, paved out, with drains installed. Six months from now, you’ll see significant sections of the highway completed,” Edghill assured.

In August 2024, the government signed a US$161 million contract with Trinidadian firm Namalco Construction Services, in a joint venture with Guyamerica Construction Inc. (Guyana), for the reconstruction of the LindenSoesdyke Highway. The project is expected to accommodate the increasing tonnage traversing the highway daily and will see the installation of 2,900 streetlights, reflective road markings, and lay-bys for trucks.

UG opens new US$4.5M World Bank-funded...

From page 14 facilities. Meanwhile, UG’s Vice Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohammed-Martin expressed gratitude for the completion of the modern building. She said the project is the culmination of decades of long-standing needs fulfilled, and it is a privilege to see it to fruition.

Dr. Mohamed-Martin said that with more modern classrooms and laboratories, the new edifice will allow the college to take in about 40 per cent more students.

“So, this single structure brings together in perfect synergy, all the hopes, dreams and aspirations of 1000s across time, space and

disciplines. Our purpose is fueled by sacrifice and promise; our dreams were too powerful to be denied. The work of the school and the university is too impactful and critical to be unsupported. Those who enter these doors as hopefuls leave accomplished and burnished,” she expressed.

To those currently enrolled in the programme, the Vice Chancellor added, “Remember how fortunate you are, not only for these gifts, but also the state of our beautiful country which is now paying your fees. We hope that you’ll remember and pay it back for one well cared patient at a time.”

Further, to those who are coming to the school, she announced that the university will be opening the application process at midnight on April 2nd.

Speaking also was Director of Human Development for Latin America and the Caribbean of the World Bank, Dr. Jaime Saavedra, who said that the facility symbolises the government’s relentless commitment to advancing health and education. “We’re not merely integrating the stateof-the-art facility, we are integrating a vibrant hub of learning, discovery and innovation that is integral to building human capital in Guyana,” he mentioned.

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

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

Small Farmers mini Tractor, complete plows - coutock plows. Cantact : 624-0646. Machinery tools, materials for

Govt. unveils national TVET Policy geared at enhancing workforce readiness

Ai m e d a t

e n h a n c i n g w o r k f o r c e readiness and economic growth, the Ministry of Education on Wednesday launched for the first time a national Technical and Vocational Education and Training(TVET)Policy

The policy is geared at equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge needed for e m p l o y m e n t

opportunities The national policy which was launched at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre is a collaboration between the Guyana Government through the Education Ministry and the World Bank who supported the developmentofthepolicy The policy will span for a period of 10 years (20252035).

Speaking about the p o l i c y a n d i t s conceptualisation, Deputy Chief Education Officer responsible for Technical and Vocational Education, Dr Ritesh Tularam stated that presently Guyana’s labour force structure remains largely oriented towards the tradition

sectors, where the majority of the working population is employed in one of the two sectors agriculture, forestry and fishing

With sectors like

c o n s t r u c t i o n , manufacturing, public administration and services

growingrapidly,hesaidthat the government understands that it is important to invest in technical and vocational skilldevelopmentatalllevel to prepare a competent competitive labour force with the requisite skills, k n o w l e d g e a n d competencies to meet the ever changing and future skills needs of Guyanese rapidly emerging locally as well as the Caribbean regions.

“The Government of Guyana by extension the Ministry of Education developmental agenda places technical and vocational education and training equally among its top priorities and seeks to ensure that TVET is delivered holistically and that TVET supply meet the labour mark demands based onthis,”henoted.

According to the Deputy CEO, as part of the development of the Guyana National TVET Policy, a comprehensive reviewoftheTVETsector

in the country was conducted between January and February of 2024 with the view of g e t

e present status ofthissector toinformthedevelopmentof thepolicy

He explained that the review also discussed with key stakeholders the challenges and barriers to skills development of the country which needs to be

addressed to be able to meet the present and future skills demands of theGuyaneseeconomy

Providing a brief context about the policy, Dr Tularam said the document was developed taken into consideration technical and vocational skills development issues emanating from global, regional and country levels This is to ensure that the policy meets the requirement oftheCANTA (Caribbean Association for NationalTrainingAgencies) quality assurance framework and enhances

skills mobility for TVET graduates in Guyana and beyond.

The national policy which was formulated to improvetheemployability oftheunemployedyouths, the working population, the productivity of

enterprises and the inclusiveness of the economic growth, consist of five major objectives and ways in which these canbeachieved

Of these five major objectives,thepolicysaysto ensure improvement in governance, coordination and management of the

TVET sector in Guyana; redefine the architecture of TVET funding to improve efficiencyinTVETdelivery; ensure improvement in the training conditions in the institutions to enhance qualitytrainingdelivery and employment prospect of TVET graduates; ensure the smooth transition of TVET graduates from training into wage or self-employment; and increase enrollment and ensure equity in TVET delivery to meet the present andfutureskillsneedsofthe Guyanese labour market, he detailed.

Meanwhile, Minister

of Education Priya

Manickchand in her addresssaidasthecountry is at a place where a new Guyana is being built infrastructurally, they now have to determine what kind of citizen is needed and more so what kind of skills they must have to cope in the new Guyana.Withalotoflabour force needed at government level alone such as

electricians, the minister noted that the policy was developed to give guidance

e s e employmentdemands.

Noting the importance of equipping Guyanese w

ch

nd vocational skills, Manickchand explained, “We have entire academic papers and research that suggest that the tradition

academic degrees, the four years degrees are no longer as marketable or usefulasaskilledearnedand sothattheencouragementis that the country should invest more than usual and more proportionately in TVETeducation.”

She continued, “And so we have all these questions arising and, in that atmosphere, we found ou

g documentandwhilethisis a 10-year policy, I expect before that there is going to be review of this and there may be amendments with either deletions or additions but this is our guiding policy for TVET inGuyana ”

This national policy will not only benefit the Education Ministry, but any agency involved in training young people such as the Ministries of Labour, and Human Services, CPCE and the University of Guyana Speaking also was Director of Human Development for Latin A m e r i c a a n d t h e Caribbean of the World Bank, Dr Jaime Saavedra who said during his address that, “This policy is a fundamental reform that will modernize vocational education, bridge the skills gap, and aligned the workforce of the country with a rapidly and uncertain evolving needsoftheeconomy.”

Jagdeo’s attack on NGOs based on invented rationale of ‘hate for the PPP’ - GHRA

Th e G u y a n a Human Rights

Association (GHRA) has pushed back againstPeople’sProgressive PartyGeneralSecretaryand Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent comments suggesting that NonG o v e r n m e n t a l Organizations (NGOs), includingtheGHRA,should not receive government funding for being haters of the administration and not supportingprogress.

This publication had reported that Jagdeo, while addressingpartyfaithfulata PPP rally, said that the PPP government will only support NGOs that promote progress but not those that

oppose the ruling party Jagdeo had suggested that certain NGOs, including GHRA, harboured animositytowardstheruling PPP, labeling them “haters ofthePPP.”

In a statement, GHRA clarified that it has never sought or received financial support from any government,pastorpresent.

“Jagdeo’s recent call, excluding the GHRA and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from financial support from the Government, is false, since theGHRAhasneversought orreceivedfundingfromthe Guyana or any other Government, under this or any other ruling party,”

GHRA stated. The GHRA also criticised what it describedasthePPP’slongstanding desire to control organisationsacrossvarious sectors.

The association argued that the government’s preference for welfarebased NGOs over advocacy groups is an attempt to marginalise those that push for policy changes

“The VP’s attack on NGOs is based on an invented rationale of ‘hate forthePPP’,”itwasnoted

The organisation contended that NGOs engaging in policy advocacy are viewed as an irritant because they

c h a l l e n g e t h e government’s approach to governance, particularly on matters of economic andsocialpolicy

GHRA further accused the administration of prioritising financial rewards over long-term policysolutions.

“In keeping with its obsession with money, the ruling party acts as if every issue, legal or illegal, local or national, personal or organisational, is deemed resolvable by sporadic injections of cash grants ratherthanbyseekingpolicy solutions better aligned to a more sustainable and dignified society,” the releasestated.

The Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Education launched a national Technical and Vocational Education and Training ) . (Photocourtesy:PriyaManickchand/Facebook

DeadlystrikesinGazaasIsraelexpandsoffensivetoseize'largeareas'

(BBC NEWS) Deadly Israeli air strikes have been reported in Gaza, as Israel's defence minister said its military would expand its offensive and seize large areas of the Palestinian territory - incorporating them into what he described as"securityzones".

Israel Katz said the expandedoperationaimedto "destroyandcleartheareaof terrorists and terrorist infrastructure", and would

require a large-scale evacuationofPalestinians.

Later, at least 19 Palestinians, including nine children, were killed in a strike on a UN clinic sheltering displaced families in the northern town of Jabalia, the nearby Indonesianhospitalsaid.

The Israeli military said ittargeted"Hamasterrorists" hiding there Overnight strikes across Gaza killed at least 20 more people, according to local hospitals. The Civil Defence said its first responders recovered the bodies of 12 people, including children and women, from a home in the southernKhanYounisarea.

Rida al-Jabbour said a

neighbour and her threemonth-oldbabywereamong the dead. "From the moment the strike occurred we have notbeenabletositorsleepor anything," she told Reuters newsagency

The Israeli military said it was looking into the reports.

The Civil Defence said the strike in Jabalia later on Wednesday hit two rooms in a clinic run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees(Unrwa)whichwas beingusedasashelter Video verified by the BBC showed dozens of people and ambulances rushing to the building. Smoke was seen billowingfromawingwhere two floors appeared to have collapsed.

The Israeli military said in a statement that it targeted Hamas operatives who were "hiding inside a commandand-control centre that was being used for co-ordinating terrorist activity and served asacentralmeetingpoint".

"Prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of aerial surveillance and additional intelligence,"

itadded.Aspokeswomanfor Unrwa told the Associated Pressthatoneoftheagency's buildings had been hit, but thatshehadnofurtherdetails on casualties or what the buildingwasbeingusedas.

There were also reports of extensive Israeli air strikesandshellingalongthe Egypt border overnight and there is a growing sense that a new major Israeli ground offensive is looming in Gaza. Israeli Army Radio said on Wednesday that Israeli tanks and ground forces had begun to advance into central and eastern parts of the southernmost city of Rafah.

This week, Israel's military ordered an estimated 140,000 people in Rafah to leave their homes and issued new evacuation orders for parts of northern Gaza Israel has already significantly expanded a buffer zone around the edge of Gaza over the course of thewar,andseizedcontrolof a corridor of land cutting through its centre. Israel launched its renewed Gaza offensive on 18 March, blaming Hamas for rejecting a new US proposal to extend

the ceasefire and free the 59 hostages still held captive in Gaza Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of violating the original deal they had agreed to in January The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel, which represents many hostages' relatives, said they were "horrified to wake up" to the news of the expanded militaryoperation.

The group urged the Israeli government to prioritise securing the release of all hostages still held in Gaza In his

statement announcing plans to seize more territory, Katz also urged Gazans to act to remove Hamas and free remaining Israeli hostages, withoutsuggestinghowthey shoulddoso.

The humanitarian situation across Gaza has dramatically worsened in recent weeks, with Israel refusing to allow aid into the Gaza Strip since 2 Marchthe longest aid blockage since the war began. Last month the UN announced it was reducing its operations in Gaza, one day after eight

Palestinian medics, six Civil Defence first responders and a UN staff member were killed by Israeli forces in southernGaza.

The Israeli military launched a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to an unprecedented crossborder attack on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. More than 50,399 people have been killed in Gaza during theensuingwar,accordingto the Hamas-run health ministry

Tesla sales plunge after Elon Musk backlash

(BBC NEWS) Tesla sales have plummeted to their lowest level in three yearsafterabacklashagainst itsbossElonMusk.

The electric car maker delivered almost 337,000 electric vehicles in the first three months of 2025, a 13% dropfromayearago.

Tesla shares tumbled in early trading on Wednesday after the release of the unexpectedly low sales numbers. The cars face increasing competition from Chinese firm BYD, but experts believe Musk's controversial role in the Trump administration has had an effect too. The firm has blamed the sales drop on the transition to a new version of its most popular car However some analysts have pointed the finger at Musk himself "These numbers suck," early Tesla investor Ross Gerber of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth a n d I n v e s t m e n t Management wrote on X. "The brand is broken and may not be fixable", added Mr Gerber, who was once a Musk supporter but has recently called for the board

to remove the billionaire as CEO.

'Tesla takedown'

There have been protests and boycotts around the world prompted by Musk's outspoken and controversial political involvement. He has been heading up President Donald Trump's Department of Government E ff i c i e n c y ( D O G E ) initiative to cut federal spending and slash the government workforce. On Wednesday, Politico reported thatTrump had told his inner circle Musk would be stepping back from the administrationinthecoming weeks. Shortly after the report was published, Tesla's share price turned positive. The White House shot down the reportas"garbage".Because he is considered a special government employee, Musk by law can only serve 1 3 0 d a y s i n t h e administration this year, which would put his departurecloser to June.The Tesla boss is the world's richest man and contributed more than a quarter of a billion dollars to helpTrump

get elected in November In recent weeks, he poured millions into a Wisconsin

Republican attorney general Brad Schimel who was s

Tuesday The backlash against Mr Musk has included "Tesla Takedown" protests at Tesla dealerships acrosstheUSandinEurope. Tesla vehicles have also been vandalised, and Trump has said his administration would charge people who defaceTeslaswith"domestic

businesses, including Tesla, has been called into question.

Inanrecentinterview,he admitted he was running his enterprises "with great difficulty,"adding:"Frankly, I can't believe I'm here doing this.” Tesla shares have lost more than a quarter of their value since the beginning of this year, as of 13:51 EDT (18:51 BST) on Wednesday. "We are not going to look at these numbers with rose coloredglasses...theywerea

disaster on every metric," Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said in a note onWednesday "The more political [Musk] gets with DOGE the more the brand suffers, there is no debate."

Tesla did not respond to the BBC's request for comment, but said in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission that the numbers released on Wednesday "represent only two measures" of the company's performance and "shouldnotbereliedonasan indicator of quarterly financialresults."

Those results will be made public onApril 22 in a full earnings report for the quarter

They will "depend on a variety of factors, including average selling price, cost of sales, foreign exchange movements and others", Teslasaid.

It also noted that it had temporarily suspended production of its Model Y sport utility vehicles in January

Following the release of Wednesday's report, Randi Weingarten, president of

American Federation of Teachers, one of the most powerful labour unions in the US, wrote to dozens of public pension funds about the state of Tesla, saying the company's latest sales numberswere"shapingupto beabysmal".Sheurgedthem to take close looks at their Tesla holdings and at what their money managers are doing to "safeguard retirementassets".

"These declines seem in part to be driven by Musk spending his time pursuing political activities, some of which appear to be in conflict with Tesla's brand and business interests, rather than managing Tesla," Weingarten wrote The comptroller for New York City has already announced he is seeking to sue Tesla on behalf of the city's massive pension systems, saying on Tuesday they had lost more than $300m in three months from the company's plummeting stock price "Elon Musk is so distracted that he's driving Tesla off a financial cliff, " said Comptroller Brad Lander in astatement.

Twelve people were reportedly killed in an overnight strike on a house in the southern Khan Younis area

Tesla's Boss Elon Musk

Trump slaps 10% tariff on all imports

…higher rates for some countries

WASHINGTON, April 2 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he would imposea10%baselinetariff onallimportstotheU.S.and higher duties on dozens of other countries, including some of the United States' biggest trading partners, deepeningatradewarthathe kickedoffonhisreturntothe WhiteHouse.

The sweeping duties would erect new barriers around the world's largest

consumer economy, reversing decades of trade liberalization that have shaped the global order

Trading partners are expected to respond with countermeasures of their own that could lead to dramatically higher prices foreverythingfrombicycles towine.

U.S. stock futures sank after the announcement, following weeks of volatile

trading as investors speculated about how the incomingtariffsmightaffect

the global economy, inflation and corporate earnings. U.S. stocks have erased nearly $5 trillion of valuesinceFebruary

"It's our declaration of independence," Trump said at an event in the White HouseRoseGarden.

Chinese imports will be hit with a 34% tariff, according to Trump, on top of the 20% levy that he previously imposed on that country Close U.S. allies were not spared, including the European Union, which facesa20%tariff.

AWhite House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the higher penalties will take effect on April 9 and will apply to about60countriesinall.The baseline 10% tariff will take effect on Saturday, the official said The "reciprocal" tariffs, Trump said, were a response to duties and other non-tariff barriers put on U.S. goods. "Inmanycases,thefriendis worsethanthefoeintermsof trade,"Trumpsaid.

Canada and Mexico, the two largest U S trading partners, already face 25% tariffs on many goods and will not face additional levies from Wednesday's announcement The reciprocal tariffs do not apply to certain goods, in

, semiconductors, lumber,

gold, energy and "certain minerals that are not available in the United States,"accordingtoaWhite Housefactsheet.

Following his remarks, Trump signed an order to closeatradeloopholeusedto ship low-value packagesthosevaluedat$800orlessduty-free from China, knownas"deminimis."The order covers goods from China and Hong Kong and will take effect on May 2, according to the White House Chinese chemical makers are the top suppliers of raw materials purchased by Mexico's cartels to produce the deadly drug, U.S. anti-narcotics officials say A Reuters investigation last year showed how traffickers often route these chemicals through the United States by exploiting the de minimis rule. China has repeatedly denied culpability

Trump is also planning other tariffs targeting s

potentially critical minerals, theofficialsaid.

Trump's barrage of penalties ha

ed financial markets and businesses that have relied ontradingarrangementsthat have been in place since the middle of the last century Earlier in the day, the administration said a separatesetoftariffsonauto impo

s that Trump announced last week will take effect starting on Thursday Trumphasalready imposed 20% duties on all importsfromChinaand25% dutiesonsteelandaluminum and extended them to nearly $150 billion worth of downstream products. His advisers say the tariffs will return strategically vital manufacturing capabilities totheUnitedStates.

Outsideeconomistshave warned that tariffs could slow the global economy, raise the risk of recession, and increase living costs for the average U.S. family by thousands of dollars

Businesseshavecomplained that Trump's barrage of threats has made it difficult to plan their operations

Tariffconcernshavealready slowed manufacturing activity across the globe, while also spurring sales of autos and other imported products as consumers rush to make purchases before pricesrise.

Govt. to target speeding drivers, persons without seatbelts in first phase of automated ticketing system

The automated speed ticketingsystemthatisexpected tobelaunchedonApril7,2025, will focus on two 'ticketable' offences: speeding and driving withoutaseatbelt.

This update was shared by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC,duringhisweeklyprogram, Issues in the News. The system is part of the government's broader efforts to enhance road safety and curb speeding incidentsnationwide.

Radar speed sign along the East Coast Main access road

Nandlall explained that when the system is activated, the two targeted offences will be speeding and driving without a seatbelt. “The image will be captured on a camera and the speed recorded.Thatimageandspeedwillbe sent to a database where it will be examined,”hesaid.

Once the data is confirmed, indicating that a particular speed limit has been exceeded or a seatbelt violation has occurred, an electronic ticketwillbeautomaticallyissued.The ticketwillthenbesenttotheregistered owner of the vehicle via WhatsApp, email, registered post, or can also be manuallyserved.

Nandlall pointed out that once the offenceticketisissuedandapenaltyis

imposed,ifthedriverpleadsguilty,the finecanbepaidelectronicallythrough MMG. “That ticket will indicate the offence allegedly committed and the penalty for that particular offence. It'll invitepersonswhowishtopleadguilty to pay that fine either at a specified courtoratanidentifiedpaymentcentre. Forexample,MMGhasbeenidentified asapaymentplatform.”

However, if anyone wishes to challenge the ticket, Nandlall clarified that they would need to appear in a magistrates' court, with the relevant courtdetailsincludedontheticket.

N

considerableefforthasbeenputintothe ticketing system to ensure accuracy in datacollection.“Alotofworkhasbeen putintothisplatformtoensurethatthe

system accords with the law, to ensure that process is extended, to ensure that the data is accurately produced, to ensure that the equipment used are properly tested and calibrated so that it'll produceaccuratedata.Itis a system that has been thoroughlyscrutinisedand it'll unfold shortly,” Nandlallstated.

Itwasreportedthatthe new system, which is powered by advanced speed cameras and radar speed signs connected to cloud-basedinfrastructure,isdesigned todetectandissueticketsforspeeding violations. This initiative is part of the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) Project, a joint effort between the Guyana Police Force and the National DataManagementAuthority(NDMA). As part of the SRIS project, new radar speed signs and speed cameras have been installed across Guyana to monitor vehicular speeds and traffic patterns. The data gathered from this systemwillnotonlybeusedtoenforce traffic laws but will also help authorities develop effective strategies for reducing speeding and improving overallroadsafety

A bar chart showing US trade deficits and surpluses

CWI host women’s academy high-performance skills camp

SportsMax - Cricket West Indies (CWI) recently launched a dedicated Women’s Academy HighPerformance Skills Camp, which brought together the region’s most promising female cricket talent at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

The recently-concluded

Academy and franchise-

contracted players work alongside an experienced coaching team led by West IndiesSeniorWomen’sHead CoachShaneDeitz.

The camp officially opened with a ceremony at Coolidge Cricket Ground, where Leon Kuma Rodney, Chair of CWI’s Women’s Cricket Transformation Committee, addressed attendees alongside Enoch Lewis, Chair of CWI’s

Cricket Development and Performance Committee; Dwain Gill, Cricket West Indies High-Performance Manager; and Women’s HeadCoachShaneDeitz.

The initiative brought together twelve CWI

A

players and three franchisecontractedplayers:Earnisha Fontaine (Dominica), Nerissa Crafton (St. Lucia), and Sheneta Grimmond

(Guyana) Additionally, eightCWIPathwayCoaches from across the region will participate in the camp, along with Sam Kirnon, a coach from Dominica, who was specially nominated by the Windward Islands Cricket Board to attend. Ryan Austin, West Indies senior Women’s assistant coach, has also lent his expertise to support the technical development of both players and pathway coaches.

Thursday April 03, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

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

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

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

GEMINI(May21–June20)

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

CANCER(June21–July22)

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

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

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

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

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

23–Oct.22)

A n u n e x p e c t e d communication may come today from s

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

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

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

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

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

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

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

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

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

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

goal of enhancing the developmental pathway that willbenefitwomen’scricket acrosstheregionforyearsto come. The camp concluded with competitive internal matches, which allowed players to apply their training in match situations while giving coaches the opportunity to assess their progress CWI Coaches: ShaneDeitz,RyanAustin

CWI Pathway Coaches: Ulrick Batson, Tremayne Smartt, Milton Thomas,

CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe hailed the initiative “This Women’s Academy High-Performance Camp focuses on alignment It represents a crucial investment in the future of WestIndiescricketbyuniting ourmostpromisingtalentand regional coaches with the Women’s head coach, establishing a cohesive approach to player developmentthatalignswith the senior team brand,” he said

“The technical skills these young women will develop here are important, buttheabilityofourregional coaches to support our women players in their territories is equally valuable. Our vision is to build a sustainable pathway that consistently produces world-class cricketers capable of competing at the highest level, and initiatives like this are fundamental to that strategy,” Bascombe added.

The training schedule focusedonseveralkeyareas, divided between specialist batting, bowling, and fielding sessions Players engaged in scenario-based trainingtoimprovedecisionmaking under pressure, gameawareness,andtactical play There were also strength and conditioning sessions designed to improve fitness and prevent injuries. The camp aimed to develop technical cricket abilitiesaswellasthemental resilience and tactical understanding needed to succeed at higher levels of competition.

Pathway coaches were exposed to progressive training methodologies as they provided targeted skill developmentfortheplayers. It was a collaborative environment where coaches and players engaged in mentorship and knowledgesharing, with the common

PercyDaniel,PernelWatley, Merissa Aguilleira, Cleton Burnett,DaltonPolius Invited Players: Asabi Callender, Jahzara Claxton, Nerissa Crafton, Earnisha

Harricharan, Shawnisha Hector, Trishan Holder, Djenaba Joseph, Nyia

Ramnath, Shunelle Sawh, Steffie Soogrim, Kate Wilmott

LIBRA(Sept.

Tagore Memorial Secondary School benefits from cricket gear, courtesy of the Bheer family of

The Tagore Memorial Secondary School was the recipient of two complete cricketkits.Itwassponsored bySohanBheerandsiblings and was done in memory of the late Ernest and Kala Bheer Atasimpleceremony

held recently at the No.63 based school, Rajiv Misir presented the gear on behalf of the family, to Basdeo

School teacher Basdeo Seenauth (left), Rajiv Misir, right, in the presence of Board Chairman Charlie Amar and students at the presentation.

Seenauth, Physical Education Department teacher The request for the donation was done by chairman of the school’s board,CharlieAmar Seenauth was high in praisefortheBheer’sfamily andpromisedthatgoodcare willbetakenofthegearand

will be fully utilized. He addedthatovertheyears,the school has excelled in educationandsports,cricket inparticular Misir indicated that the USA based family is happy and feel privileged to give back to the school and more so, in memory of their

parents. Derek Kallicharran andproject“Cricketgearfor young and promising cricketers in Guyana” played their part in organizing the event Kallicharran is a former West Indies ‘B’ allrounder, right arm leg spinner and right-handedbatsman.

DCB Under19 Inter-Association

Cricket Tournament 2025 begins

The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) has announced the launch of the highly anticipated Under19 Inter-Association Cricket Tournament for 2025. This exciting competitionwillrunfromApril5toApril11, 2025,andwillshowcasethecricketingtalent ofplayersacrosstheDemerararegion.

The tournament will feature competitive matches played across premier venues including LBI,Transport, Farm, and MetenMeer-Zorggrounds.Fiveteamsrepresenting theEastCoast,Georgetown,EastBank,West Demerara, and Upper Demerara Cricket Associations will vie for top honors in what promisestobeathrillingdisplayofcricket.

ParticipatingTeamsandSquads: Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA): Russel Anderson (c) ,Elizah Bowen(vc),RuscoAnderson,TristonPeters, Errol Alder, Jamel Courtman, Rohit Ramnauth, Marvin Ford, Andy Ramgoola, RaphaelTappin,JayshawnClark,ColisChu, RandyJason,TyrickHenry East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA) Deonarine Dindial (c) Sayyad Lakeram (vc) Altaf Rahim, Vamol Lall, Dravid Manohar, Jovind Ducan, Roupie Rajaram, Josiah Lim, Farhan Housain, Yeshua Huston, Solomon Cameroon, Joshua Budram, Vinesh Kalpoo, Dilshan Latchman Georgetown Cricket Association(GCA)JonathanVanlange(c)Dave Mohabir (vc) Jayden Dowlin, Riyad Latif, Shiloh Adams, Ryan Latif, Shamar Apple, Emmanuel Lewis, Wavell Allen, John Persaud, Renaldo Grenville, Dhanesh Persaud, Ravaldo Pereira, Feyaad Leakraj, Romeo Deonarain, Shane Prince. Reserves:

Kaylon Callender, Trilok Nanan, Jonathan Mentore,StephonSankar,BijanEmbleton. East Coast Cricket Association (ECCA) NicholasShiopersad(c)VickashWilkinson(vc) SureshSugrim,NeeranBani,ArunGainda,Saif Ragbeer, Marcel Nandu, Tyriq Walters, Alex Datterdeen,MuneshOutar,NityanandMathura, MoinPersaud,LakeramSukdeo,JoshBehari West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) Sachin Balgobin(c) Parmeshwar Ram(vc) Christopher Persaud, Patricce Fraser, Navendra Sankar, Udesh Seetaram, Arvin Suknanand,TashantArgyle,JoshuaKishundial, Murali Seodat, Chetram Shivpersaud, Kelvin Raymond, Davindra Khan, Shankar Ramesh, Joshua Isaac Williams Reserves: Ryidwan Mahase,ShazadAlly,AndelAustin FixturesandVenues: April 5, 2025: Georgetown vs East Bank (Transport), West Demerara vs East Coast (LBI),UpperDemerara(Bye) April6,2025: EastBankvsEastCoast(LBI),WestDemerara vs Upper Demerara (Transport), Georgetown (Bye) April8,2025:GeorgetownvsEastCoast (LBI), Upper Demerara vs East Bank (Farm), West Demerara (Bye) April 9, 2025: Georgetown vs Upper Demerara (LBI), West Demerara vs East Bank (Meten-Meer-Zorg), EastCoast(Bye) April11,2025:Georgetown vs West Demerara (Meten-Meer-Zorg), East Coast vs Upper Demerara (LBI), East Bank (Bye). The Demerara Cricket Board invites all cricket enthusiasts to come out and supportthefuturestarsofGuyana’scricketas theybattleforsupremacy Thistournamentis anexcellentopportunitytowitnessthefuture starsofcricketinaction.

Peter’sHall,Herstelling‘A’advanceto EBDCADivisionII40-Oversemis

Udevsyave Balgobin fifty propelled Ruimveldt SC into semis.

TheEastBankDemerara Cricket Association (EBDCA) premier Second Division 40-Over Cricket Championship, sponsored by D&R Construction and Machinery Rental, concluded its quarterfinal stage last w

ekend Ruimveldt, Herstelling ‘A’, EBDCA U23, and Peter’s Hall Sports Club secured their spots in the semifinals, setting the stage for an excitingpenultimateround. QuarterfinalRecap

Thequarterfinalmatches were contested across the Farm, Queen’s College, and Canal#2grounds.Thebattle forsemifinalberthsbeganat the Farm ground, where Sandpipers Sports Club faced off against Ruimveldt Sports Club on Saturday, March 29 Ruimveldt delivered a dominant performance, securing an 88-runvictory

Powell bids emotional farewell as T20 Captain following CWI decision to hand reins to Shai Hope

SportsMax - Rovman

Powell has responded with grace and gratitude after being replaced as captain of the West Indies T20

International team, following a Cricket West Indies(CWI)announcement on Monday naming Shai Hope as the new leader heading into the 2026 ICC T20WorldCup.

The 31-year-old

Jamaican all-rounder, currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking CWI, his teammates, and fans across the Caribbean for their support during his two-year stintatthehelm.

“WestIndiescricketisof great importance to not just myself,butthepeopleofthe Caribbean Leading West Indies was an honour and something I will forever be proudof,”Powellwrote.

“I would like to thank CWI for the opportunity to lead over the last two years.

To the players, a SPECIAL thank you for the support fromtheveryfirstdaytothe last day as your captain. During the duration of my captaincy, we have made

incredible strides, moving from9thto3rdintheworld, something we can be tremendouslyproudof.

“To the MAROON FANSandallloversofWest Indies cricket, my family and I thank you all for the supportd’.”

Powell led the regional sidein37matches,securing 19 victories — a win tally second only to Daren Sammy’s28asT20Icaptain.

Under Powell’s leadership, the team showed significant improvement in rankings andperformances,regaining prideinaformatwhereWest Indiesoncedominated.

At Monday’s press conference, Head Coach Daren Sammy revealed that discussionswithPowellhad takenplaceinadvanceofthe announcement and praised the player’s professionalism in handling the transition.

“Rovman was quite professional about the conversation,” Sammy shared. “Like I said, it’s discussions we’ve had with Rovman before about the captaincy and the direction andhowwewanttogoabout doingthings.”

He added: “We’re quite professional and we

Batting first, Ruimveldt posted a formidable total of 254 all out. Udesyave Balgobin anchored the inningswithasolid68,while Daney Narayan contributed apatient46.ForSandpipers, Junior Phillip (3-49) and Abilash Dookie (2-44) were among the wickets but proved expensive In

response, Sandpipers struggled despite a spirited 61fromIfranAli,eventually foldingfor166,withRickey Sargeant starring with the ball,claiming3-14.

Over at the Queen’s College ground, Herstelling ‘A’inflicted a crushing 243run defeat on Silverbullet Sports Club. Opting to bat first,Herstelling‘A’amassed 322 all out, thanks to

explosive half-centuries from Arshad Azim (82) and Mahendra Dhanpaul (80). Azimpepperedthefieldwith 10foursandtwosixes,while Dhanpaul’s knock featured seven boundaries and five maximums In reply, Silverbulletcrumbledtojust 79 all out, with Ershad Ali wreaking havoc, taking 621, while Rickie Looknauth chippedinwith2-18.

At Canal #2, EBDCA U23 edged past North Soesdyke Sports Club in a low-scoring contest. North Soesdyke managed only 90 all out, but EBDCA U23 facedsomeresistancebefore reaching 91-7, guided by Deonarine Dindial (36) and JoashCharles(31).

Peter’s Hall Sports Club

sealedthelastsemifinalspot with a 59-run victory over Herstelling ‘B’ at the Farm ground.Battingfirst,Peter’s Hallposted109allout,with Narendra Persaud (34) and Yorendra (14) making valuable contributions Defending a modest total, Shane Persaud and Ryan Seecharran produced a sensational bowling display, each claiming five-wicket hauls. Persaud finished with 5-17, while Seecharran took 5-12, bundling out Herstelling‘B’forjust50. With the semifinal matchups now set for this weekend, the competition intensifies as the remaining teams vie for a spot in the final of this thrilling tournament.

communicate well, and it was my job to make sure I informed him. I didn’t want him waking up probably in Indiatothenewsofhimnot being the T20 captain anymore He said he understood where we were going, where we were coming from and the decisionsthatweremade.”

Sammy lauded Powell’s contributions but explained the rationale behind the leadership change as part of long-termplanningaheadof the2026T20WorldCup,set forIndiaandSriLanka.

“WhatRovmanhasdone for us, it’s quite commendable However, whenyouthinkofalignment and some of the things that we’vespokenaboutinterms ofleadership,Ithinkthisisa move in the right direction with a World Cup probablyabout14monthsor 42gamesaway—togivethe incoming leader enough time to earn his skills in leadership.”While Powell’s tenure has come to an end, the legacy of his leadership andhiscontinuedvalueasa playerremainintact,asWest Indiescricketturnsthepage with one eye firmly on globalgloryin2026.

Rotary Club of New Amsterdam Childhood Obesity Prevention

Inter Secondary School Tapeball Cricket competition continues

Wh e n t h e

competition

continued therewereactionattheRose Hall Community Centre in East Canje and the Berbice HighSchoolGrounds.

There were wins for Berbice Educational institute and Vryman’s Erven in the 10 overs a side competition.

Berbice Educational Institute made light work of Tutorial academy in their encounter at the BHS ground. Batting first BEI soared to 149-3 in their allotment of overs. Leading their charged was Luke Amsterdam with a cracking unbeaten tournament high 81 with 7x4, 6x6. He got support from Leonard De Jonge 21, Ryan Mc Pherson 18 and Amish Hemraj 15. Three bowlers took one wicketeachforTASS.

In reply Tutorial ended on 118-5 with M Park unbeaten on 42 with Ojay Levin 18 and Junior Felix 17.

Bowling for BEI

Amsterdam returned to snare 2 wickets while two otherbowlerspickedupone apiece.BEIwonby31runs. In a game at the RHC ground.Vryman’sErvengot the better of Canje Secondary by 5 wickets. TakingfirststrikeCSSwere held to 67-3 with Renny Ishmile 25, Guatam Danraj 16andKelstonKisten15. In reply, VESS reached 68-5withA.Samuels18and JavalFerera16beingthetop scorers.

The competition, which is sponsored and organized by the RCNA, involves secondary schools in the New Amsterdam/ Canje district with six schools participating.

It is being played using the theme “Exercise, eat healthy, stay healthy” and caters to students in Grades 7-9.

The schools taking part are New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School (NAMS), Tutorial

AcademySecondarySchool

( TA S S ) , B e r b i c e Educational Institute (BEI), BerbiceHighSchool(BHS), Vryman’s Erven Secondary School (VESS) and Canje SecondarySchool(CSS.)

Thecompetitionisbeing played on a round-robin basis.Withtheschoolsbeing dividedintotwogroups.The top two of one group will emergetoplaythetoptwoof theothergroup.

Each school team must playtwofemalesandoneof the females is required to bowlatleastoneover Incentives are available for the top teams and outstanding individual players.

The competition is continuing with the semifinals and finals set for Friday

The RCNAcoordinating committee is made up of President Keine Read, Raffick Kassim, Tajpaul Adjodhea, Waynewright McIntoshandNolanFrance. (SamuelWhyte)

GCB U17 50-Over tournament Final Round...

Demerara beat Berbice by 6 wickets after Apple half-century blitz

Demerara knocked off arch rivals Berbice by 6 wickets to hoist the title in this year’s competition, whileEssequibosecureda5wicket victory as the third and final round of the GCB U17 50-Over Inter-county tournament concluded yesterday.

Table-leaders Demerara, who entered the match with 5.8points,beatBerbicewho wereinsecondplacetrailing closelywith5.4pointstoseal an unbeaten run with 3 cool wins. They won a low scoring affair at the LBI Ground, after keeping Berbice to 124 in the 28th over, leaving Romario Ramdehol (43) and Devin Lallbeharry (33) as the only two batters to offer some resistance. Ace spinner and match MVP, Dave Mohabir led with 4-10, while Parmeshwar Ram followed up another good game with figures of 3-24, which was enoughtoputDemeraraina winningposition.

Star all-rounder Shamar Apple then punched 61 off 59 with nine fours and 2 sixes with some minor help from skipper Emmanuel Lewis (17), Marcel Nandu (14) and opener Lomar Seecharran(12).

Fast-bowler Micah Amsterdam (2-29) and legspinner Feaz Baksh (2-49) failedtostopApple’sassault

Shamar Apple scored a match-winning fifty for Demerara.

which took Demerara home withoutanyheadaches.

Essequibo hand Select XI5-wicketdefeatthanksto Lovellunbeatenfifty

In the second match played over at the Transport Sports Club Ground, opener Richard Ramdehol (49) missedoutonahalf-century as the Select XI were restricted to 181 all out in 43.5 overs. Shane Prince (24), Nathaniel Ramsammy (17) and Captain Thierry Henry(15)toiledtohelpput a respectable score on the board, following Essequibo leg-spinnerNavindraSankar bagging4-47.

The right-arm leg-break duoof,all-rounderBhomesh Lall (2-13) and Shazim Mohamed (2-20) had good spells as they supported Sankar Essequibo in reply cruised to 185-5 after 47.1

overs Lall returned to stroke four boundaries in his 29, while Usain Fredricks hit a 16-ball 20 with a pair of fours and a six before their departures.

Opener Jathniel Nurse grinded for his 40 off 114 balls with just two fours, as he and Man-of-the-match Nicholas Lovell, consumed the lion’s share of the runs neededduringthechase.

Lovell ended on 55 not outoff94ballsfacedwithsix fours under his belt, as he saw the Cinderella County boys home with help from DarwinJosephwhohitasix andafourinhis16.

Aspirited bowling effort from Gibran Yacoob which yielded 3-32 from 10 overs along with a wicket apiece from Ramdehol and Prince, sealed a trying effort from theSelectXI.

2025 CWI Regional 4-Day Championships Round 6… GHE vs. LIH Day 1 Hurricanes knock Eagles off course despite Anderson gritty 77*

Acollective

b o w l i n g exhibition from the Leewards Islands Hurricanes, backed by a dashing fifty from opener MikyleLouis,dampenedthe efforts of the Guyana Harpy Eagles’ Kevlon Anderson who scored an unbeaten 77, following a tough opening dayforthechampsatWarner Park,St.KittsandNevis.

Four-day cricket resumed as crunch stages got underway yesterday across the region, with

Eagle

batsman Anderson standing tall amidst a dismal card as his 77 not out off 96 balls (10x4 1x6), was thefocalpointof the Champs first innings battingouting.

Guyana were bowled out for 193 in 44 overs, during the afternoon session of the first

innings The Hurricanes, as expected, flexed their international experience with their wealth of former and current West Indiesplayers.

The experienced core of off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall (3-25), pacer Oshane Thomas (2-48), leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr (2-26) and allrounder Justin Greaves (2-30) did a fantastic job in keeping the highscoring Eagles under 200 runs.

Only all-rounders K e e m o P a u l w h o smacked six fours in his 31 off 24 and Ronaldo Alimohamed, who scored 31 with five fours and a six, kept the Eagles flying after a series of failures from their premier batsmen.

- Leewards 1st inns. (143-4, Louis 76) trail Eagles by 50-runs

Hurricanes skipper Rahkeem Cornwall led a comprehensive bowling outing assault yesterday.

The misfiring’s of openers, Raymond Perez (10) and Matthew Nandu (10) along with key middleorder batters in; ViceCaptain Kemol Savory (4) and skipper Tevin Imlach (5), put Guyana on the backfootduringthefirstday.

West Dem’, Parika Salem among winners in Jagan’s Memorial

Thomas, a key figure in the West Indies limited overs setup, provided the venom needed during his spell, while the slower bowlers in Cornwall and Walsh, used their experience and guile to manipulate the Eagles, with equal support from the Test player Greaves, who removed the big wicket of Savory. Leewards at stumpswere143-3intheir

1st innings, 50 runs behind thanks to a brisk knock of 76 off 67 balls from Test opener Mikyle Louis Louis set the tone with seven fours and three maximums before his untimelydeparture.

Kadeeem Henry (22) got into double figures, while the highly-rated Jewel Andrew raced to 16 off 14 with three fours, as much will rest on the shoulders of overnight batsman, Keacy Carty (20*) when he resumes today

Day 2’s session will continuefrom10:00htoday

Other Round 6 Day games:

CCC (1st innings 238) vs.WIA(37-1) Windwards Volcanoes (1st innings 186 all out) Barbados Pride (1st innings 94-5)

(CliftonRoss)

Windball Competition Region 3 leg

Parika Salem supporters celebrate after the boys advance. (ASTP)

The Region Three leg of the Janet and Cheddi Jagan Memorial Windball Cricket Competition continued at the Parika Salem Community Ground with several boys’ and girls’fixtures.

Intheopeningmatch,ZeeburgSecondary secured a dominant 10-wicket victory over LeonoraSecondaryinalow-scoringcontest. Battingfirst,Leonoramanaged31-4intheir allotted overs In response, Zeeburg’s openerschaseddownthetargetcomfortably withoutlosingawicket.

In another encounter, West Demerara Secondary suffered an eight-wicket defeat after posting 40-2 Vreed-en-Hoop Secondaryracedtothetarget,losingjusttwo wicketsalongtheway

Meanwhile, Parika Salem Secondary defeated De Willem Secondary by nine wickets. De Willem set a target of 43 runs, whichParikaSalemchaseddownwithease, reaching47-1withballstospare.

Over in the boys’ competition, Parika Salem Secondary, West Demerara Secondary, and Stewartville Secondary all registeredvictories.ParikaSalemkickedoff theircampaignwithaneight-wicketwinover Zeeburg Secondary West Demerara, led by Jeremiah Garnett’s match-winning 21 runs, secured a 10-wicket victory over Vreed-enHoopafterposting33-3.

While in the final game, Leonora Secondary posted 36-7, with Devon Harry (3-3)andMuneshwarHenry(2-5)leadingan impressive bowling effort to restrict them to under 40 runs In reply, Stewartville Secondary’sElishaRamdatplayedabrilliant innings,scoring31runstoguidehisteamto victory Stewartville finished on 40 without loss.

The tournament is organised by Sports Officer A. Munroe and is supported by the MinistryofCulture,YouthandSports,along withtheNationalSportsCommission.

Leewards opener Mikyle Louis counter-punched with a brisk first innings half-century.

Crisis-man KevlonAnderson carried the Harpy Eagles for yet another game.

Hurricanes knock Eagles off course despite

Anderson gritty 77*

- Leewards 1st inns. (143-4, Louis 76) trail Eagles by 50-runs

CWI host women’s academy high-performance skills camp

Powell has responded with grace and gratitude after being replaced as captain of the West Indies T20 International team.

CWI women’s players will get their chance at higher level training as did their male counterparts. (CWI) Powell bids emotional farewell as T20 Captain following CWI decision to hand

Rovman

(CWI)