Kaieteur News

President Irfaan Ali says,

screengrab of the Venezuelan military patrol vessel that invaded Guyana’s EEZ on Saturday

President Irfaan Ali (right) and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton discuss Venezuela’s incursion on Saturday.

Guyana will not allow Venezuela to threaten

sovereignt y, territorial integrit y

…garners international support against Venezuelan incursion at Stabroek Block – Pres. Ali

G u y a n a o n S a t u r d a y made it clear that it will not a l l o w Ve n e z u e l a n o r i t s president Nicholas Maduro to threaten its sovereignty or territorial integrity amid an incursion of the country's S

e d offshore.

An armed Venezuelan patrol ship, Guaiquerí (PO 1

o n S t o

Offloading (FPSO) vessel, Liza Prosperity, President Irfaan Ali said during a live statement from State House.

“The (Venezuelan) patrol Vessel transmitted a radio message declaring what it

m e d “ d i s p u t e d international waters” before continuing its course in a s o u t h We s t e r l y d i

c t i o n t o w a

d s o t h e r F P S O s , ” President Ali said while making it clear that all of

Guyana's assets and the FPSO are lawfully operating

w i t h i n G u y a n a ' s o w n Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“Let me be unequivocal, G u y a n a ' s M a r i t i m e boundaries are recognised under international [law] and this incursion is a matter of grave concern,” President Ali added.

The Stabroek Block is being operated by U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil Guyana and its partners and contains approximately 11.6B barrels of oil.

President Ali made it clear that his government is addressing the situation with seriousness and has already s u m m o n e d Ve n e z u e l a ' s A m b a s s a d o r t o G u y a n a , Carlos Perez, to protest this latest act of aggression. A formal protest will also be m a d e i n C a r a c a s b y Guyana's Embassy there.

G u y a n a h a s a l s o informed its partners, the United States (U.S.), the U n i t e d K i n g d o m ( U K ) , France, Regional Security S y s t e m ( R S S ) , a n d t h e

C a r i b b e a n C o m m u n i t y (CARICOM), and they have a l l r e s p o n d e d p o s i t i v e l y, assured President Ali.

“And we continue to work with other neighbours, Brazil, at the military level and at the level of the State,” the president stated.

President Ali made it clear that Guyana is firmly committed to the rule of international law, to peaceful resolution of controversies, a n d t o t h e p o w e r o f diplomacy

A screengrab of the Venezuelan military patrol vessel that invaded Guyana's EEZ on Saturday

“But, make no mistake of it: fortified by the strong voices and resolute support of our international partners, G u y a n a w i l l n o t a l l o w Maduro and Venezuela to t h r e a t e n o r v i o l a t e o u r sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he stated.

The head-of-state said Guyana appreciates “greatly the international solidarity and unwavering support that have been extended to us by our international partners on this matter.”

“We will remain in close contact with our partners in p r o t e c t i n g G u

President Ali said.

Meanwhile, he said that the Chair of CARICOM, Mia Amor Motley, is being actively engaged along with S t V i n c e n t a n d t h e

Grenadine's Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves who served in part as the intermediary for the signing of the Argyle Agreement.

“I have already spoken to the Leader of the Opposition (Aubrey Norton) and briefed h

a l circumstances. Later today, as we have greater details, the Leader of the Opposition and I will be meeting so that he can be fully briefed and updated on this matter,” Ali said.

Guyana also plans to

Court of Justice (ICJ) of the

Secretary General of United N a

h e Organisation of American States (OAS) member states.

GDF deploys assets

Meanwhile, Guyana has since deployed air assets in

Venezuelan incursion in the S

Defence Force (GDF) Coast G

deployed, and the National Defence Board has been meeting periodically on the matter.In a statement, the (Continued on page 03)

Interventions to tackle declining global rice prices to be unveiled soon

Th e G o v e r n m e n t o f G u y a n a o n T h u r s d a y s a i d

t h a t i t i s p a y i n g c l o s e attention to world market prices for rice given the expectation that prices will decline by approximately 10 per cent.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told reporters at his weekly press conference that several interventions will be made soon and noted that rice can be used as a valueadded product.

“We have already started counting the numbers to see what could be done for this crop. So very soon, the rice farmers and the rice millers are going to hear from us on

that matter We have to find more markets, because our production is expanding. We have to find more markets that are better remunerated, you know, higher prices,” Jagdeo said. He explained that the world market prices for rice h a v e c o m e d o w n a n d therefore there needs to be t h e p r o m o t i o n o f m o r e domestic usage, as well as the industrialization of the sector

“ R i g h t n o w , w e ' r e working in the Government on some arrangement, and hopefully we'd be able to get the prices back up. We've been talking to the millers, and we will come with some

Guyana will not allow...

From page 2 GDF said it has observed the presence of the Venezuelan

within our maritime domain a n

commitment to upholding t h e s o v

r e i g n t y a n d t e r r i t o r i a l i n t e g r i t y o f Guyana.”

Further, the GDF said its security protocol remains in place as “we continue to coordinate, mobilize and deploy the relevant resources to ensure a measured and a p p r o p r i a t e r e s p o n s e t o d e v e l o p m e n t s i n o u r waters.”

“ T h e G D F , i n

c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h o u r partners, continues to assess the security implications of t h i s d e v e l o p m e n t a n d

r e m a i n s p r o a c t i v e i n maintaining the stability of our maritime space,” the

s t a t e m e n t s a i d a s G D F a s s u r e d t h a t G u y a n a ' s

s e c u r i t y a n d w e l l - b e i n g “ r e m a i n o u r u t m o s t priority”.

“ W e r e a f f i r m o u r dedication to the defence of Guyana's air, land and sea domain,” the Force said.

Venezuela's latest act of aggression comes just days

a f t e r t h e D o n a l d Tr u m p administration cancelled a Biden-era licence that had a l l o w e d U S

n y Chevron to sell hydrocarbon products from its operations in Venezuela. Guyana and Venezuela are presently before the ICJ in a territorial controversy o v e r t h e m i n e

Essequibo, an area that is

, Venezuela has called for the immediate convening of the A

A

mechanism for a path of peaceful settlement of the c

despite its call for peace, Ve n e z

falsely and illegally claim

Essequibo.

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

initiative, which we will unveil shortly,” the Vice President said.

- Jagdeo

$430.9M has been allocated to the rice sector outside of fertiliser support in the 2025 budget. Minister of Finance

'strong expansion' of an estimated 9

with 653,706 metric tonnes a year prior

The sector's performance was widely attributed “to

tonnes per hectare in 2024 from 6.3 metric tonnes per hectare in 2023, with some producing regions having yields averaging above 7 metric tonnes per hectare.”

The minister said that,

“In 2025, investments will expand storage capacity at No. 56 Seed Facility and extend precision agriculture

improve efficiency in crop management.

B

performance last year, it is expected that the sector will continue on its' upward path,

n additional 12.4% this year

The industry's target for

tonnes, and this is supported by “a ramp up in acreage

d focus on deploying new and more productive varieties, and enhancing research and development,” he said.

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur News

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: DR . GLENN LALL - TEL : 624-6456

Editor-In- Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Debt

The words are worth repeating: “All of you are in business, you know that you don’t build a business, you don’t build a country, you don’t build household wealth, by saying ‘I am not going to borrow a single dollar.” They were from Dr Ashni Singh, Minister with Responsibility for Finance, as delivered at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo. In trying to justify Guyana’s bingeing on debt, Singh went to the extreme, made it look that he jumped overboard fully clothed. “Not going to borrow a single dollar” is an instance of going overboard, of employing exaggerated language in an effort to minimize concerns about oil rich Guyana, as led by his PPPC Government, borrowing billions. Because of Guyana’s proven oil reserves, and increasing oil production levels, lenders line up to lend Guyana what it wants. There is guaranteed money to be made here.

We hear Minister Singh and still have a few concerns. The debt to GDP ratio is not that unhealthy at 24.3%. But it was the government itself that has sounded more than one warning about a projected fall in oil prices. When oil prices fall, it is unwise to compare to a deteriorating stock market, such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average. When oil prices fall, they keep going down, and stay down for a long time. The national economies of oil producing countries that were flying high stand as witnesses to the wreckage caused by slumping oil prices. Unlike other commodities, when oil prices fall, the tendency is to infect other sectors and products, drag down almost everything.

Since the government itself has noted projections of oversupply and underperforming oil markets, it would be wise to keep a vigilant eye on current debt load (ratio notwithstanding) with intentions of decreasing it. Further, it would be wiser to slow down on new borrowings. At this point in Guyana’s development trajectory, too much is being attempted in too crowded a space, with too little to police what has been started. Why, therefore, take on more debt for more projects, when the expert capacity in hand is so meager in numbers, so lacking in the level of skills and experience? It is senseless to plunge into more debt to get more things done, when existing ones cannot be managed as they should be. For every dollar borrowed, Guyana’s prime objective should be to extract the fullest value from it. The record is sketchy to unconvincing relative to this call for full value.

We at this publication take another position. Billions of American dollars have been withdrawn from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) since the PPPC Government has taken back the reins of power To withdraw such huge sums, and then to rush ahead and add more billions to the national debt must qualify as government and leadership recklessness taken to an alarming level. The NRF shouldn’t be seen or used as a petty cashbox, but this is how it has been handled by the government, in which Minister Singh is a key presence. Debt has its uses, but debt has been abused by the government, with ordinary Guyanese not fully knowing the trap that the PPPC Government has laid for them. Oil prices decline, and the billions in foreign debt become a yoke around the necks of citizens. If when so much money is flowing into Guyana’s coffers, Guyanese backs are bent from struggling to live, then their already hard existence is sure to become intolerable, when the cashflows slow down. The government says that diversification of the economy will help to weather any storm. We think that the government is fooling itself. Being the compassionate government that it claims to be, a better effort should be made to stop fooling citizens. There is some diversification in the local economy, but some of those sectors feed on oil operations and oil production going at breakneck speeds. In other words, whatever the direction of oil demand and oil prices, that is the degree of supporting energy from the diversified businesses that the government likes to emphasize.

When there is economic slowdown, diversification’s positives diminish. The debt load gets unmanageable. Minister Singh knows this, but pretends ignorance.

Public confirmation required from the Minister of Natural Resources on tax payments for ExxonMobil and its partners

DEAR EDITOR,

concerns regarding the tax practices associated with the oil extraction operations of ExxonMobil and its partners

China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) – in Guyana, as specified in the 2016 Petroleum Agreement, better known as the 2016

Agreement (PSA).

Our first letter (Kaieteur News, February 16, 2025)

Revenue Authority (GRA) to claim Foreign Tax Credits (

U S Internal Revenue Service,

U.S. Treasury of billions of dollars in tax revenue, while our second letter (Kaieteur News, February 23, 2025) s

Commissioner-General Mr Godfrey Statia on whether the GRA has received tax payments from the Minister of Natural Resources.

Despite the gravity of

provided to date. We are now asking for a direct statement from the Minister of Natural Resources to confirm that he has p

s

mandated by the 2016 PSA.

Article 15.4 of the 2016 PSA states that the Minister

these

payments to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and Article 15 5 mandates that corresponding tax certificates be issued.

obtaining such certificates, amounting to approximately

USD 2.8 billion for 2020 to 2023.

H

record exists to confirm that

actually been made, leaving

questions about Guyana’s fiscal transparency To clarify these matters, OGGN formally requests

Bharrat, Minister of Natural Resources, publicly confirm

evidence of the following:

1. That the Minister of Natural Resources has paid the required corporate (Continued on page 06)

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

Representation at the 4th session of the UNCHR - Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

DEAR EDITOR,

The Fourth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent will be held during 14th – 17th A

i o n s C

i s s i o n (ERC) proposes to send a delegation. African Cultural

which the Indigenous People Representative to the ERC, M r A s h t o n S i m o n i s identified as the ERC’s torch bearer It must be noted that in 2024, the ERC’s Delegation to the Third session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent was led

by an Indo-Guyanese, Mr. Neaz Subhan. Mr. Subhan is the Indian Representative on the ERC. The choice of representative in 2024 raised many questions that this y e a r ’s c h o i c e h a s a l s o elicited.

Mr Editor, we would like to point out that at the 2 3 r d S e s

Indigenous Issues in 2024, the ERC sent a delegation of s i x ( 6 ) I n d i g e n o u s Guyanese. No individual of A

C

delegation. In other words, at that Session, the ERC’s Delegation consisted only of Indigenous Guyanese.

The ERC’s choice of

(

P

F

u m o n Indigenous Issues versus the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent begs the following questions:

· Are the Africans who w e r e b o r n i n G u y a n a children of a lesser God?

W h

other ethnic communities lead a delegation to such an i

African Peoples?

· When considering the aims and objectives of the first and now the second decade of People of African Descent, why must our story of progress or non-progress b e f i l t e r e d t h r o u g h i n d i v i d u a

ethnicities?

· Why is the ERC, the constitutional body tasked

elimination of all forms of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity’ and providing ‘for equality of opportunity between persons of different

African Guyanese?

We insist that this insidious practice must cease We

opportunity to report on our issues, bargain and plan for our community, celebrate our victories and mourn our losses” in this and all future delegations representing

(Continued on page 06)

Ghetto youths or Guyana’s sons and daughters?

DEAR EDITOR,

A f t e r s e e i n g t h e P r e s i d e n t s i t t i n g w i t h dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel at State House, I decided to listen to some of his music

a n d w a t c h h i s v i d e o s S o m e t h i n g w h i c h m a n y youngsters in Guyana will also do.

It is not every day that y o u s e e t h e P r e s i d e n t h e l p i n g t o p r o m o t e t h e music industry with a highp r o f i l e a r t i s t e f r o m t h e Region, but to my surprise the content of the videos was

v e r y d i ff e r e n t f r o m t h e i m a g e I h a d o f o u r president’s administration. It left me wandering if the current administration was into the fast life of crime, wild women and drugs.

As a previous reggae radio show host in New York and a previous head of its P a n A f r i c a n m u s i c department I have met and p r o m o t e d n u m e r o u s t o p artistes over my years at the radio station. This goes as far back as to when Jay-Z was unsigned, so the music scene isn’t something new to me.

However, where I see a

c o n t r a d i c t i o n i s i n t h e messages of Kartel’s songs and the social improvement initiatives of the current

a d m i n i s t r a t i o n I f t h e President is serious about reducing the consumption of

alcohol and drugs in our society, then it is important t h a t t h e O f f i c e o f t h e P r e s i d e n t p r o m o t e s t h a t message to our country’s children.

Vybz has some positive tunes, but we must also c a u t i o n o u r y o u n g e r generation against damaging their lungs and their liver. We must also caution the impressionable young girls i n o u r s o c i e t y a g a i n s t thinking that their bodies are for sexual exploitation. The

r e g g a e m u s i c s c e n e i n

J a m a i c a i s s t r o n g l y influenced by the realities in the ghettos of the island and that reality is very different f r o m t h e r e a l i t y i n t h e communities in Guyana. As attractive as the music and its illusion of fast living may be, o u r y o u n g e r g e n e r a t i o n s m u s t b e g i v e n m o r e examples that promote a self-empowering lifestyle

that is healthy and uplifting.

Vybz Kartel has been through a lot over the years, from a murder conviction to a serious health problem. His way of life is uniquely his and he is trying to bring more positivity in his message to G u y a n a . T h i s i s applaudable.

The children of Guyana

s h o

bullying message above the other messages in his music

many examples of music

successful while using their music to promote a more positive vibe and lifestyle. This is what our country’s children should seek out and embrace. After all, we are uniquely Guyanese and so are our experiences.

“Onward, upward may

Say no to scatological polemics

DEAR EDITOR,

We are enmeshed in another round of polemics, this time albeit expressed in highly scatological terms that putatively seek to push political action towards the arc of “justice” in Guyana. There is nothing wrong, and in fact everything right, about this (save for the scatology) since this might h e l p m a k e t h e o u t c o m e “variable sum”, rather than “ z e r o s u m ” W h e n t h e political philosopher John Rawls declared: “Justice is the first virtue of social institutions as truth is of every system of thought” it was because justice goes to t h e c o n t e n t o f p o l i t i c a l action. Justice is paramount. However, what is disputed in Guyana is the nature of the vehicles in this push for “justice” and the modus operandi of the players.

we ever go Day by day in strength and beauty grow, Till at length we each of us may show, W h a t G u y a n a ’s s o n s and daughters can be”.

Stay positive.

Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee

Chairman

T h e C o o p e r a

e Republicans of Guyana

But what about the need for “truth” in the system of thought that is deployed to struggle for justice in social institutions? The ideology? Today, liberalism, which had s w e p t t h e f i e l d a s o u r ideology of choice by “all the sides” after our socialist experiments, appears to be in utter disarray as illustrated by US President Trump’s “might is right” orientation.

However, I believe that

liberalism’s stance on “truth and reason” in the variant d u b b e d “ d e l i b e r a t i v e liberalism” still offers us a practical approach towards a viable democratic process that can deliver “justice” in our social institutions.

A s i n s c i e n c e , deliberative liberalism holds that truth is to be found t h r o u g h r e a s o n b u t t h e “truth” unearthed is never held as if it is the “TRUTH”. I t i s a l w a y s h e l d p r o v i s i o n a l l y, w i t h t h e acceptance that it may be overturned based on some new evidence. The outcomes of deliberative liberalism are indeterminate and are based o n emp ir ical p r actice I recommend this approach to those who will enter the o n g o i n g

justice in the distribution of

c reasons” should be proffered in such deliberations; never assertions rising solely on f a

d obviously place burdens on

reason for its “degree of burdensomeness” caused by

r a r i n e s s e t c I f scatology, for instance, is an (Continued on page 06)

Guyana’s aquaculture and inland fisheries production hit 1.79M kg in 2024

G u y a n a ’s a q u a c u l t u r e and inland fisheries sector recorded a production of 1 , 7 9 1 , 0 0 0 k i l o g r a m s i n 2024, and with a target of 2,551,000 kilograms set for 2025. This is according to the 2025 Budget document.

T h e F i s h e r i e s Programme, which aims to m a n a g e , r e g u l a t e , a n d promote the sustainable use

o f G u y

,

e d several strategies, including

h a r v e s t i n g a n d m a r k e t diversification. The budget document also projects an increase in marine fisheries production,

from 49,513 metric tonnes (MT) in 2024 to 50,270 MT in 2025.

N o t a b l y , f i s h e r i e s exports are also expected to r i s e , w i t h v o l u m e s increasing from 8,297 MT to 1 0 , 1 2 2 M T a n d v a l u e s growing from $7.8 billion to $9.9 billion.

Other indicators show an increase in the number of

f i n g e r l i n g s s o l d , f r o m 25,236 in 2024 to 31,212 in 2025, and more farmers t r a i n e d i n a q u a c u l t u r e practices, rising from 179 to 185.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h e

F i s h e r i e s D e p a r t m e n t anticipates processing 7,500 licences in 2025, up from 5,397 in 2024.

It was explained that the

Say no to scatological polemics...

From page 05

a s p e c t o f s o m e g r o u p ’s identity as has been asserted, then this should be withheld from the public realm since it does not further rational discourse. When VP Vance p o i n t e d l y r e s p o n d e d t o “President Zelensky” , he was implicitly chiding the latter for breaking protocol

i n t h e O v a l O f f i c e b y addressing him as “JD”.

M o v i n g t o t h e substantive content of the

a s s e r t i o n s b e h i n d t h e

s c a t o l o g y, t h e r e i s t h e contention, for instance, that t h e P P P d i s c r i m i n a t e s against African Guyanese in its development program.

T h a t s u c h d a t a i s a v a i l a b l e i s s h o w n b y v a r i o u s a s s e r t i o n s ; m o s t recently by James Bond and earlier on housing by PM Phillips. But the Opposition must also present credible data to back up their claims

a n d n o t s i m p l y m a k e i n c e n d i a r y s t a t e m e n t s punctuated by scatological miasma.

One hurdle that must be overcome is the insistence by some of those individuals f r o m c o m p e t i n g g r o u p s c a n n o t s p e a k t o “ t h e i r ” ethnic concerns. We have thankfully gone past the old d o g m a o f n o t e v e n mentioning such concerns. It is contended that the major parties – the PPP and PNCthat define themselves as

There is nothing wrong about this in a democracy: w e h a v e s u g g e s t e d governments issue “Ethnic Impact Statements” on the various projects, which are backed by data.

“ m u l t i - e t h n i c ” a r e dominated by one or the other major ethnic group (PPP – Indian Guyanese; PNC African Guyanese) and cannot speak authentically for the “other” even though t h e y h a v e m e m b e r s o r officers from that group. There is the concern of “tokenism” and “window

dressing” that ostensibly

b r o u g h t d o w n t h e

s c a t o l o g i c a l f i r e a n d brimstone from one quarter

Presently, such concerns should be expected, sans s c a t o l o g y, a n d w e h a v e suggested that each party

accept the institution of “ethnic caucuses” to address t h e m A s i n t h e U S

D e m o c r a t i c p a r t y, t h e s e

e t h n i c c a u c u s e s m e e t separately and the present to the party executive their

s u g g e s t i o n s o n i s s u e s affecting their ethnic group.

We w i l l h a v e t o b e prepared to deliberate with each other in every for available forum: Newspapers letters pages, com

l meetings, call-in talk shows, books etc

But we have to respect each other as citizens and a b j u r e t h e s t e r i l i t y o f polemics especially those laced with scatology Where has that ever produced a new idea? As an aside from my experience in Parliament, I w o u l d p r o p o s e Parliamentary Committees rather than the Procrustean floor of Parliament be used more frequently for settling our political differences.

Sincerely, Ravi Dev

programme aims to promote s u s t a i n a b l e p r o d u c t i o n patterns in aquaculture and i n l a n d f i s h e r i e s w h i l e ensuring the conservation and sustainable utilization of marine resources.

According to reports, some $104.6 billion was a l l o c a t e d i n t h e 2 0 2 5

N a t i o n a l B u d g e t f o r

agriculture sector

The sum of $1.3 billion is b u d g e t e d f o r t h e development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector The government hopes to add 80 brackish water shrimp ponds this year These are to be constructed in Region Six. There are also plans to have fish cages installed.

Representation at the 4th...

From page 05 the ERC at the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.

Yours Truly Elton McRae

Representative - African Cultural and Development Association

Mark Britton

Representative – House of Nyabingh

Esther Gittens

R e p r e s e n t a t i v eAmbessa Foundation Dr Rudi R Guyan Representative - Forum of The Temples of African Spirituality

Vincent Alexander R e p r e s e n t a t i v e –

International D ecade for

People of African Descent Assembly -Guyana

Public confirmation required from the Minister of Natural...

From page 04

income taxes on behalf of ExxonMobil and its partners for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, as stipulated in Article 15.4 of the 2016

P r o d u c t i o n S h a r i n g Agreement;

2. That these taxes have been paid, and from which fund or government budget allocation were these taxes drawn; and

3 T h a t t h e G u y a n a Revenue Agency issued tax c e r t i f i c a t e s f o r t h e s e payments, and to whom were the tax certificates issued, and on what dates. Furthermore,

4. What is the total sum of tax payments made from G

partners’ obligations?

, Articles 13 and 146(1), to clear and factual answers

accountability by publicly addressing these concerns.

Sincerely,

Andre Brandli

Alfred Bhulai

Janette Bulkan Kenrick Hunte Darshand Khusial Joe Persaud

5 W h e n d i d t h e s e p a y m e n t s u n d e r g o i n d e p e n d e n t a u d i t a n d verification, and where is the p u b l i c d o c u m e n t a t i o n confirming audit? Tr a n s p a r e n c y i n t h e management of Guyana’s n a t u r a

BLUNT BLUNT

T he Old Game

T hey come smiling. T hey come promising. T hey come with one hand shaking, the other stealing.

Divide. Distract. Deplete. T hat is the scr ipt. T hat is the scheme.

First, they plant seeds of division. Stir up old wounds. Fan new f lames. Brother against brother Neighbour against neighbour. Leaders against the people Keep us f ighting while they keep digging.

Next, they sow inter nal conf lict beyond our borders. Talk of threats. Talk of invasions. Keep us looking outward while they plunder inward. T hey sell us slingshots while they hoard the cannons.

Meanwhile, our wealth vanishes. Our r iches disappear. Oil, gold, bauxite-all gone. Packed up. Shipped out. Prof its of fshore. Pennies f or us.

T his is not new. Histor y has taught us. Yet, we refuse to lear n. We play the f ool; we f all in love with being f ools. Wake up, Guyana! Stop dancing to their tune Stop chasing their shadows. Eyes on the pr ize, or lose it in a blink.

T his is our land. T his is our wealth. T his is our f ight. Let’s not lose it to the same old tr ick.

A test of sovereignt y

The United States,

world’s affairs, has once again slipped into its favorite past

small nations. This time, the target is Cuba’s medical missions, a program born of

r t h e fragile healthcare systems of developing countries.

For decades, Cuba has dispatched doctors, nurses, and medical personnel to

humanitarianism. Yet, under the heavy-handed decree of Wa s h i n g

lifelines are now deemed unacceptable.

The United States, under the pretenses of combating h u m a n t r a f f i c k i n g , i s threatening travel sanctions against government officials of nations that accept Cuba’s medical assistance. The true target of this coercion is Venezuela, which has long b e e n v i l i f i e d i n Washington’s playbook, but

the collateral damage is wide-ranging, and Guyana now finds itself caught in the c r o s s h a i r s T h e q u e s t i o n remains: will our leaders cower, or will they summon

t h e r e s o l v e t h a t h i s t o r y demands of them?

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, the man who rarely shies away from political theatrics, twisted and turned

when confronted with a question on this issue, at his

l a s t p r e s s c o n f e r e n c e Instead of issuing a clear and forceful rebuttal, he resorted

t o d i p l o m a t i c e v a s i o n , m u m b l i n g a b o u t CARICOM’s intent to seek an audience with the Trump a d m i n i s t r a t i o n W h i l e a

r e g i o n a l a p p r o a c h i s a pragmatic course of action, it is no substitute for national conviction.

To rely on CARICOM’s c o l l e c t i v e v o i c e i s a convenient a shield behind which leaders often hide when they fear speaking truth to power The issue at hand is a direct affront to Guyana’s sovereignty And our leader leaders should have the courage to state clearly their rejection of the threats.

T h e h i s t o r y b e t w e e n Guyana and Cuba is not one of fleeting convenience but of principled alliance. It was

G u y a n a , a l o n g s i d e

B a r b a d o s , J a m a i c a , a n d Trinidad and Tobago, that b r o k e t h e c h a i n

n

n d recognized Cuba in 1972. In doing so, the country stood defiantly against the dictates of the United States. That decision was not without cost. The infamous 1976 bombing of Cubana Flight 455, in which eleven Guyanese citizens perished, was a stark reminder of the consequences of defying i m p e r i a l i n t e r e s t s Ye t , despite the threats, despite the violence, Guyana did not waver It stood firm with Cuba then, and it must do so now

To yield to the United States’ demands would be a b e t r a y a l o f h i s t o r i c a l proportions.

It would dishonor the legacy of those who resisted coercion and sought to carve out an independent path for Guyana in the global arena. It would be a declaration that, after all these years, we remain little more than a p a w n i n t h e p o n d o f powerful nations.

The practical necessity

of Cuba’s medical missions c

. Guyana’s healthcare system is not in a position to turn a w a y t h e a s s

professionals.

T h e g o v e r n m e n t h a s announced ambitious plans to construct twelve n

hospitals, an initiative that is laudable but hollow if not accompanied by a parallel strategy to staff them with qualified personnel. Where will these doctors and nurses c o

Guyanese medical students to Western universities? Is it ready to absorb the financial burden of recruiting foreign professionals at exorbitant salaries? The reality is stark: Cuba has provided what no other country has, and to sever that lifeline at the behest of Washington would be an act of self-inflicted harm.

The United States’ moral outrage over Cuban medical m i s s

hypocrisy This is the same g o v e r n

perpetuated a six-decadelong economic embargo on Cuba, an act of collective punishment that has crippled an entire nation. It is the

routinely turns a blind eye to human rights abuses when committed by its allies but

geopolitical interests.

The same nation that l

democracy and sovereignty while orchestrating coups and economic strangulation

partnership under the guise

DEM BOYS SEH

Guyana is not a chessboard!

D e m b o y s s e h U n c l e S a m a n ’ Venezuela start a big fight over oil. Uncle Sam tell Chevron, “No more oil from Venezuela!” Venezuela vex an’ seh, “Oh yeah? Watch dis!”

But instead of squaring off directly, Venezuela tun ‘round an’ pick on lil Guyana. Yesterday, dem send one of dem big-boy navy boat fuh trespass in we waters, right near de FPSO. It nah accident. It nah lost. It was a message.

Venezuela telling Uncle Sam: “Just how you could bruk up business in we backyard, we could bruk up yuh business in Guyana!” Tit-for-tat. Except, de “tat” was in we Exclusive Economic Zone, not in Washington, not in Texas—right here, in we backyard.

Guyana is a sovereign nation, not a

of moral righteousness.

Jagdeo and the Guyanese g o v e r n m e n t m u s t understand that sovereignty is not merely a slogan—it is a p r i n c i p l e t h a t d e m a n d s action. To be sovereign is to decide, free from external coercion, what is in the best interest of the nation and its people. It is to recognize that allegiance is not owed to a distant superpower but to the citizens who depend on the p o l i c

G

o r g e t o w n , n o t Washington. If the price of standing with Cuba is the i m p o s i t i o n o f t r a v e l

san

officials, so be it.

The inability to dine in New York or shop in Miami is a trivial sacrifice when m e a s u r e d a g a i n s t t h e fundamental right to selfdetermination.

Should the United States

Diplomatic relations, after all, are a two-way street. If Wa s h i n g t o n c h o o s e s t o punish Guyanese officials for engaging in sovereign decision-making, then the p r e s e n c e o f A m e r i c

Georgetown must be reevaluated.

A nation cannot claim to respect its partners while s

g their policies under the threat of sanction.

T

Guyana cannot afford to tiptoe around this issue with diplomatic niceties.

The government must

rejecting the United States’

principle at stake is far

administration—it is about the legacy of Guyana as a

nation that refuses to be bullied into submission.

History is watching. The ghosts of Cubana Flight 455 are watching.

The people who depend o n C

watching. And in the end, the question that will be asked is not whether Guyana sought shelter in CARICOM but whether it had the courage to stand, alone, if necessary, in defense of its sovereignty The answer, if we are to honor our past and secure o

resounding yes.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the

opinions of this newspaper.)

chessboard fuh big-power games. But every time two big boys get in a quarrel, is we who feel de pressure. One side deh threatening, one side pretending fuh help, but all dem really care ‘bout is de oil.

Dem boys seh de same way you don’t slap de neighbor pickney because yuh vex wid he father, you don’t use Guyana as a pawn in y’all big oil quarrel. If Venezuela get problem wid Uncle Sam, then deal wid Uncle Sam straight. But no! Dem prefer intimidate Guyana, de smallest one in de whole bacchanal.

Dem boys seh is high time we stop getting squeeze in these big-man fights. Because every time Uncle Sam sneeze, Venezuela does start cough, and Guyana does end up wid a flu! Talk half! Leff half!

The Trump Factor

It’s time that I talk about

Trump: the one genuine

A m e r i c a n s u p e r h e r o , President Donald J. Trump. For those licking their lips in

a n t i c i p a t i o n o f T r u m p

t r a s h i n g , f u h g e d d a b o u d i t

Not happening today, must disappoint.

T r u m p a n d G u y a n a , meaning, Trump and the PPP Government. Government

l e a d e r s a r e t a k i n g a calculated gamble with Mr Trump. Though it could backfire badly, I like the odds, am putting my money with the PPP in this instance.

T h e g o v e r n m e n t o f A l i , Jagdeo, and Nandlall could

e r a s e s o m e o f i t s p a s t blotches, end up looking as g o o d a s a n A m e r i c a n hundred-dollar bill, and just as reliable. I call it the Trump Factor Drs. Ali, Jagdeo, and

Nandlall, Guyana’s three

musketeers of law and order, as interpreted by them, have shown their hands early We are for the Donald. We love New York’s finest son. A full-page ad in the Stabroek News, then a billboard, paid fulsome homage to DJT The American is heroic, he is democratic, he is majestic, and he is capitalistic. Any kind.

Any way Every day

W h e n I f i r s t s a w t h a t obsequious tribute to Master Donald, I cringed, with skin crawling. As an American, I also must recognize the new US president, but groveling h a s i t s w i l l i n g s u b j e c t s Even a tough character like t h e D o n a l d w o u l d b e appalled.

H i s i d e a o f M a k i n g

A m e r i c a G r e a t A g a i n doesn’t need any crawling on

the belly from the PPP Government. Things are a l r e a d y i n h a n d , w i l l continue to be, with interests magnified, PPP hero worship or no worship.

Nonetheless, I find no fault with the Ali-JagdeoNandlall triumvirate putting their cards on the table early The PPP stumps for Trump. The PPP jumps for Trump. The PPP slumps for Trump. For contrast, I recall and reintroduce to my fellow

Guyanese a prince of a fellow from colonial India. He was the Gaekwar of Baroda, who in 1911 refused to pay obeisance to visiting British monarchs, turned his back on them, and was insolent enough to laugh while leaving If only Messrs. Ali, Jagdeo, and all l o c a l p o l s w e r e o f t h a t stoutness, I could hail them.

I n c i d e n t a l l y , i t i s t h e

American way: checkback and see what the Patriots did to England’s King George III during their Revolutionary War

Personally speaking, all this belly dancing by the PPP Government is to signal to the new Americans that there a r e g r e a t p a r t n e r s h e r e American interests are safe and as sound as Fort Knox. Untouchable! The preferred local word is sanctity Then, American businesses are welcomed here and have carte blanche to operate how they please. Just like they have done under different Republican Administrations. From the money side, I s t e p o v e r t o t h e q u a l i t y, regulatory side of things.

T h e h o p e , u n a d v e r t i s e d prayer of the Ali-JagdeoNandlall trio has several stanzas. No more stopping, please, of PPP ministers at American ports of entry May thy will be, Big D, of no more questioning of PPP public servants, PPP friends, and PPP partners at JFK, or by the US Dept of Justice. Let there be a cessation of all this hard talk about scoping o u t , b l a c k l i s t i n g , a n d sanctioning Guyanese with long and deep links to the Guyana Government and the

ruling party Corruption in G u y a n a m e a n s n o t h i n g Guyana is for America, to hell with China, and the PPP is for Trump all the way up to their elbows.

Those who wish to ask where those elbows are and how far up, are redirected to Freedom House, Office of the President, and the lair of the Vice President. Those highest places in Guyana’s h

rationales.

Whatever has to be done to stay in power will be done. If it means that the PPP Government has to crawl the whole length of Washington, DC’s Pennsylvania Avenue, on hands and knees, it is a small price to pay to retain o

: a s A m e r i c a g o e s , s o g o e s Guyana. Its politics, that is. It is why I think that this mating game between the PPP and Mr Trump (yessir!) has all the hallmarks of a lasting romance. From the PPP’s point of view, the new motto is: we rump with Trump. Like the song said: back-tob a c k , b e l l y - t o - b e l l y … . There is no better leader than Trump who has a keen eye for that kind of business. It is the perfect storm.

The people in charge here are into fancy business, while Mr Trump is into e v e r y k i n d o f b u s i n e s s Being a dealmaker has been one of his best leadership attributes. Other people call that the art of negotiation. N e w Yo r k e r s a n d Wa

description encountered to date for that kind of business: an offer that can’t be refused. N o q u e s

s k e d , n o reasons given. Just do it, baby

In all of this wooing of a n d k o w

d T

, P P P Government leaders have a huge head start over the PNC and AFC.

The PPP put its money (the people’s money, really) where its mouth is: a fullpage ad and a big, bright billboard. The PNC and AFC sent a congratulatory letter through the Post Office to the US Embassy They are not taking any chances with email. Not with intrusive Israeli technology at the disposal of the government.

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

opinions of this newspaper.)

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Mr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

MONDAY – FEBRUARY 24, 2025

The healthcare voucher programme

The Ministry of Health

h a s c o m e o u t s w i n g i n g against a satirical piece in

this paper regarding the government’s much touted

u n i v e r s a l h e a l t h c a r e programme.

The universal healthcare voucher programme offers G$10,000 per person for diagnostic tests at private

healthcare f

cilities Our position is, this may sound benevolent on the surface, but the reality is far more sinister. Public hospitals and clinics already provide these tests for free.

W h y , t h e n , i s t h e g o v e r n m e n t f u n n e l i n g

m o n e y i n t o p r i v a t e facilities? The answer is clear: this is a calculated move to subsidise private healthcare providers under the pretense of helping the g e n e r a l p o p u l a t i o n T h e scheme will channel G$5

billion of taxpayers’ money into private hands—funds that could and should have been used to improve the public healthcare system.

TUESDAY – FEBRUARY 25, 2025

Tax giveaways to Exxon: A deliberate betrayal “In a development that would be almost comical were it not so devastatingly

c o s t l y t o G u y a n a , T h e Bahamas is now poised to collect taxes on income earned by EXXON from Guyana’s oil wealth.

W h i l e t h e B a h

m a s boldly asserts its rights under t h e O E C D f r a m

w

, G u y a n a ’ s g

r n m e n t remains locked in what can only be described as an u

ExxonMobil – providing tax receipts for unpaid taxes, r

terms, and refusing to sign on

revenue.

To describe this as fiscal negligence is too kind. It c o n s

u t e s a d e l i b e r a t e betrayal of national interests that transforms Guyana’s oil blessing into a case study of corporate colonialism in the 21st century.” - Chris Ram

THURSDAY –FEBRUARY 27, 2025

Politicians and renegotiation

While the government and opposition spar with the

ExxonMobil, this paper has not blinked nor muzzled itself.

T h e C o a l i t i o n APNU+AFC was listless and voiceless on the contract that it executed, and today it sidesteps where it really stands with renegotiation.

The mere mention of the w o r d ( r e n e g o t i a t i o n ) h a s caused it to shift from foot to

“We stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it may take” - UK PM tells Ukraine

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shake hands during a bilateral meeting at 10 Downing Street ahead of a summit of European leaders, March 1, 2025 in London, Britain. Peter Nicholls/Pool via REUTERS

LONDON, March 1 (Reuters) - British

M

d

President Volodymyr Zelensky with a warm embrace on Saturday after the Ukrainian leader flew to London for talks following his clash at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump.

In an extraordinary Oval Office meeting on Friday, Trump threatened to withdraw support for Ukraine, three years after Russia invaded its smaller neighbour

foot, while promising what it would do if elected to run the country Like the way that the opposition is today, so is t h e P P P / C G o v e r n m e n t

Both President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo don’t want t o h e a r t h e w o r d renegotiation uttered in their presence. The president resembles a deer in the h e a d l i g h t s , w h e n renegotiation comes up, and the vice president swings from limb to limb, as though he is doing his best imitation of some forest creature at home in the trees.

E x x o n M o b i l c o l l e c t s most of the oil cash and boasts of Guyana being the biggest jewel in its crown.

On the other hand, Guyana’s main political parties and their leading spokespeople lose control of their bowels

when renegotiation is called for, needed by the citizens of this country

FRIDAY – FEBRUARY 28, 2025

Borrowing and dereliction

The Guyana government said that borrowing or taking loans to run this country is a must. A nation borrows not because borrowing is an existential prerequisite, but because its government has failed to derive sufficient revenue from its existing assets. A person who earns enough to cover his expenses does not take on debt unless his financial management is inept.

Likewise, a country need not sink itself in the morass

failed to properly steward its resources. Consider, then, the absurdity of borrowing in a land where oil revenues ought to flood the treasury with a bounty sufficient to

infrastructural ambition.

If the state is engaged in perpetual borrowing while

itself to be fleeced by an unfavourable oil agreement, the problem is not revenue insufficiency but rather a

financial prudence.

refusing to renegotiate an oil deal or to ring-fence its oil blocks, it does not suffer from an absence of wealth but from a dereliction of duty

“I hope you heard some of that cheering in the street. That is the people of the United Kingdom coming out to demonstrate how much they support you and our absolute determination to stand with you,” Starmer told him.

Starmer told Zelensky he had “full backing across the United Kingdom.”

“We stand with you and Ukraine for as long as it may take,” Starmer said. Other Continued on page 14

In London, a crowd cheered as Zelensky arrived for talks with Starmer at his Downing Street office before a summit of European leaders that the Ukrainian president will attend on Sunday to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine.

Zelensky says Trump’s backing is ‘crucial’ after US president berated him at White House

C N N U k r a i n e ’ s

P r e s i d e n t V o l o d y m y r

Zelensky says US support is “crucial” a day after cutting short a visit to Washington

D C f o l l o w i n g a n

e x t r a o r d i n a r y p u b l i c a r g u m e n t w i t h D o n a l d Trump.

A meeting intended to discuss a natural resources deal imploded, with Trump and Vice President JD Vance berating the Ukrainian leader in front of reporters in the Oval Office. At one point, w h e n Z e l e n s k y t r i e d t o

r e s p o n d , a n a n g r y Tr u m p accused him of “gambling with World War III.”

A Europe already rattled

b y Tr u m p ’s o v e r t u r e s t o Russia’s President Vladimir Putin quickly rallied around Zelensky, with the European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, saying in a statement that it’s “clear that the free world needs a new leader.”

On Saturday, Zelensky appeared conciliatory when he posted on social media after arriving in London to m e e t U K P r i m e M i n i s t e r

Keir Starmer

“It’s crucial for us to have President Trump’s support,” Zelensky said in a series of p o s t s o n X o n S a t u r d a y morning. “He wants to end the war, but no one wants peace more than we do.”

Z e l e n s k y i n v a d e s Tr u m p ’s ‘ d i s i n f o r m a t i o n space’ — and it could really hurt Ukraine

Zelensky emphasized his gratitude for the US’ backing of Ukraine in the three years s i n c

R

count

y I n F r iday’s fiery exchange, Vance questioned whether the Ukrainian leader had been thankful enough for US support.

“We are very grateful to the United States for all the s u p p o r t I ’ m t h a n k f u l t o

President Trump, Congress for their bipartisan support, a n d A m e

especially during these three years of full-scale invasion,”

Zelensky reiterated in his posts on social media.

T h e U k r a i n i a n l e a d e r s t r e s s e d t h a t , d e s p

Friday’s clash, Ukraine and t h e U S “ r e m a i n s t r a t e g i c partners. But we need to be honest and direct with each other to truly understand our shared goals.”

He said that Ukraine is ready to sign the minerals

a g r e e m e n t t h a t h e h a d traveled to the US to hammer out, but noted that “it’s not e n o u g h , ” h i g h l i g h t i n g t h e

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

g u a r a n t e e s h e ’ s b e e n seeking.

“We need more than just t h a t A c e a s e f i r e w i t h o u t

s e c u r i t y g u a r a n t e e s i s

d a n g e r o u s f o r U k r a i n e We ’ v e b e e n f i g h t i n g f o r three years, and Ukrainian people need to know that A m e r i c a i s o n o u r s i d e , ” Zelensky said.

S t a r m e r t o l d Z e l e n s k y

Saturday that Ukraine has the UK’s “full backing” as t h e y m e t a t t h e B r i t i s h leader ’s official residence in

L o n d o n T h e t w o l e a d e r s

s i g n e d a n a g r e e m e n t t o

accelerate $2.8 billion worth of loans to Ukraine – to be paid off by frozen sovereign Russian assets.

Zelensky also announced t h a t K i n g C h a r l e s h a d

a c c e p t e d a n i n v i t a t i o n t o meet on Sunday

Z e l e n s k y ’ s U K t r i p comes ahead of a summit of European leaders on Sunday, which was announced amid

g r o w i n g c o n c e r n t h a t t h e Trump administration’s push to work with Russia could e x c l u d e U k r a i n e f r o m deciding its own fate.

Just last week, Trump wrongly accused Ukraine of starting the war with Russia a n d c a l l e d Z e l e n s k y a “dictator.” The week before, he said that Ukraine “may be R u s s i a n s o

w b e c o m e t h e m i n e r a l s agreement.

Russian officials reacted w i t h g l e e t

Zelensky had “finally got

proper slap down in the Oval Office.”

Meanwhile, a flurry of Western countries took to X to show their staunch support for Kyiv

A joint statement by the

Union, said that Zelensky’s “dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people.”

NATO chief Mark Rutte

interview with BBC News,

restore his relationship with the American president and

A

leadership team.”

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky

At least 37 people killed and 39 wounded as two buses collide in Bolivia

Aljazeera - At least 37 people have been killed and dozens more injured in a crash involving two buses in the western Potosi region of Bolivia, police and local authorities have said.

The accident happened on Saturday at 7am local time (11:00 GMT) on the route between the cities of Uyuni and Colchani, when one of the vehicles swerved into the oncoming lane.

Uyuni is the gateway to the Salar de Uyuni, a major tourist attraction and the world’s largest salt flat at more than 10,000sq km (3,900sq miles).

“As a result of this fatal accident we have 39 people injured in four hospitals in the town of Uyuni, and 37 people have lost their lives,” a spokesperson for the Departmental Police Command of Potosi told reporters.

Police personnel are working to identify people who were killed and those who were injured and hospitalised, the spokesperson added. One of the buses was heading to Oruro, where one of the most important carnival celebrations in Latin America is currently taking place.

Police officers removed survivors from the steel wreckage, according to images shot by Radio Uyuni, which showed several bodies covered in blankets strewn across the high Andean flatlands.

A police spokesperson said one of the two drivers, who both survived the crash, was spotted by passengers consuming alcohol.

Bolivia’s mountainous, under-maintained and littlesupervised roadways are some of the deadliest in the world, killing an average of 1,400 people every year

The crash happened on the route between the cities of Uyuni and Colchani, when one of the vehicles swer ved into the oncoming lane.

People inspect the wreckage of a bus involved in the collision [Bolivian Police/AFP]

Pedal cyclist killed in LindenSoesdyke Highway accident

A pedal cyclist identified as 32-year-old Keron DeFreitas lost his life on Friday evening after a collision with a truck in the Hill Foot area, Linden Soesdyke Highway

The accident occurred at about 18:45h.

Police in a statement on Saturday said that the accident involved a truck bearing registration number GAD 5947 that was driven by 67-year-old Ovid Spencer

“Enquiries disclosed that the lorry was proceeding west along the southern drive lane of Hill Foot Road, whilst the pedal cyclist was proceeding in the same direction on the western side of the road, in front of the

lorry,” police said.

As the truck was overtaking the pedal cyclist, the front left portion of the truck hit DeFreitas, resulting in him falling onto the roadway from the impact. Subsequently, the front wheel of the truck rolled over the man and his bicycle.

T

public-spirited citizens and rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Center, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Spencer is currently in police custody assisting with investigations and a Notice of Intended Prosecution was served.

“We stand with you and Ukraine for as...

From page 11

European leaders also issued messages of support for Zelensky and Ukraine after his meeting with Trump, highlighting differences between traditional allies the United States and Europe over the war since Trump returned to office. Starmer spoke to both Trump and Zelensky on Friday, and French President Emmanuel Macron also visited Trump in Washington this week.

Zelensky is also due to meet King Charles on Sunday. Britain’s Sun newspaper said the meeting would take place at the monarch’s Sandringham estate in eastern England.

“I’m very happy that His Majesty the

King accepted my meeting tomorrow,” Zelensky told Starmer at the start of their meeting. Britain has been a vocal backer of U

expressed his support for Zelensky, speaking of the “determination and strength” of the

unprovoked attack from Russia.

During Starmer ’s visit to the White House, he presented Trump with a written invitation from the king for a state visit, which would make the U.S. president the first elected political leader in modern times to be hosted for two state visits by a British monarch.

Father and son feared dead after boat capsizes in Berbice River

A father and son are feared drowned after their boat capsized in the Berbice River on Friday afternoon.

The missing men have been identified as 63-year-old Rajindra Singh and his 24-yearold son, Detesh Singh of Number Three Settlement, Blairmont.

According to reports, the Singhs were part of a crew returning from a hunting trip when their wooden boat overturned near Everton, East Bank Berbice.

While the other men were able to swim to shore, Rajindra and Detesh could not be located.

Feared dead: Rajindra Singh

Feared dead: Detesh Singh

Malawi temporarily bans all mineral exports to revamp rules

temporary ban the exports of all minerals to allow the country's Ministry of Mining to streamline procedures.

The ministry wants to enhance “regulatory frameworks that benefit both the industry and the country's economic growth,” it said in a notice in the Daily Times newspaper

Malawi is one of the world's poorest nations and relies mainly on agriculture, with tobacco its biggest source of foreign exchange. Rio Tinto Group-backed Sovereign Metals Ltd. is developing the Kasiya asset in the west of the country which – if built – will produce graphite as a co-product of rutile.

Malawi, Zambia. Stock image.

Dancehall sensation (Centre) Vybz Kartel is pictured with staff of AS Bryden and Sons, the official distributors

Vbyz Kartel Str8 Vybz rum

Vybz Kartel ...says it personifies his music

launches Str8 Vybz Rum

Vybz Kartel launches Str8 Vybz Rum

in Guyana

Guyana

is fruit to the core 'Forde's Fruitcicle'

Owner of Forde's Fruiticicle, Zoe Grenville-Forde

Forde's Fruiticicle offers a wide variety of fruit juices, fruiticle and shakes

The glowingly beautiful Alisha Mckenzie is a purpose driven young woman who wants to live life to its fullest while ser ving God. Alisha is a sur vey technician, mining engineering, a model, a youth leader and teacher This beauty recently took up the discipline of arc welding. She plans to continue to follow her heart and show the youths around her, they can do ever ything they put their minds to. Her favourite quote is "...Our greatest glor y is not in never falling, but in rising ever y time we fall."

Alisha Mckenzie Alisha

The OAS Needs a Leader, Not a Battleground

BY SIR RONALD SANDERS

The campaign for the position

o f S e c r e t a r y G e n e r a l o f t h e Organization of American States ( O A S ) h a s b e e n t a i n t e d b y m i s i n f o r m a t i o n a n d p o l i t i c a l distortion, particularly on social media.

A misleading narrative has

e m e rg e d , f a l s e l y f r a m i n g t h e election as a geopolitical battle between the United States and C h i n a f o r c o n t r o l o f t h e Organization.

T h i s p o r t r a y a l i s e n t i r e l y detached from reality and distracts from the fundamental issue at hand: the selection of the most capable c a n d i d a t e t o l e a d t h e O A S Secretariat.

The two official candidates are

R u b é n R a m í r e

,

h e F o r e i g n Minister of Paraguay, and Albert Ramdin, the Foreign Minister of Suriname.

Ramírez has openly associated himself with the United States, i m p l y i n g i t s s u p p o r t f o r h i s

c a n d i d a c y, a l t h o u g h t h e U S g o v e r n m e n t h a s e n d o r s e d n o candidate and made no statement concerning its preference.

Social media campaigns have reinforced the perception, of an ideological battle, highlighting Paraguay’s lack of diplomatic ties with China.

Conversely, the same sources claim that Ramdin, who has the unified support of all 14 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states in the OAS, is aligned with China and would serve as its proxy within the Organization.

This assertion is absurd and ignores the fundamental structure and system by which the OAS is governed.

Adding further complexity to t h e r a c e , A r n a l d o A n d r é , t h e

Foreign Minister of Costa Rica, has entered the contest as an unofficial candidate. André has recently published a manifesto in Spanish, o u t l i n i n g h i s v i s i o n f o r t h e Organization.

The government of Costa Rica has the right to propose André’s candidacy up to the day of the election on March 10, but he is unlikely to garner much support. He offered himself as a candidate without campaigning among the m e m b e r s t a t e s o r s u b j e c t i n g himself to questioning from the OAS members and civil society – a process in which both Ramírez and Ramdin engaged.

H i s c h a n c e s w e r e a l s o compromised by an outrageous slur from his President, who falsely claimed that Venezuela’s President h a d ‘ b o u g h t t h e v o t e s ’ o f CARICOM countries at the OAS.

In any event, the OAS is a multilateral institution in which the United States, as a full member state, exercises direct influence in decision-making processes. China, by contrast, is an Observer state, a t t e n d i n g o n l y o p e n p u b l i c meetings and having no vote or decision-making power

The suggestion that the OAS could be “taken over” by China through the election of a Secretary General is not only false but also

d

system of governance.

T

Secretary General has independent policymaking authority In reality,

Council.

General can lawfully act or speak on behalf of the Organization without the express mandate of member states.

T

March 10 is not about geopolitical rivalries; it is about selecting a

effectively execute the will of the

broader review of its support for international organizations.

T h i s r e v i e w, e x p e c t e d t o conclude by April 30, leaves uncertainty over the current work of the OAS - 215 members of the workforce and 67 programs are d i r e c t l y a f f e c t e d , w i t h m a n y projects halted.

Compounding this issue, three months ago, when the current Budget of the OAS was adopted, many member states had refused to i n c r e a s e t h e i r a s s e s s e d contributions, opting instead for further budget cuts and asset sales, f u r t h e r w e a k e n i n g t h e Organization’s ability to function effectively

BY SIR RONALD SANDER S

political manoeuvring.

enough.

The next Secretary General must navigate one of the most s

Organization’s history

T

m e s a

a precarious moment for the OAS, which has suffered from chronic underfunding.

For years, the Organization has relied on “specific” funds from non-member states such as Spain and members of the European U

from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Without these funds, crucial programs in security, strengthening d e m o c r a c y , h u m a n r i g h t s protection, counterterrorism, antinarcotics efforts, and transnational c r i m e p r e v e n t i o n w o u l d h a v e collapsed long ago.

The financial crisis has been exacerbated by the recent decision of the U.S. government to suspend “specific” funding as part of a

Given this dire reality, the next Secretary General must possess more than diplomatic credentials; he (there is no female candidate) must have a firm grasp of the Organization’s operational needs, f i n a n c i a l c o n s t r a i n t s , a n d institutional challenges.

He must also be prepared to lead with resilience, innovation, and a clear vision for revitalizing the OAS at a time of diminishing resources.

C A R I C O M h a s c a r e f u l l y a s s e s s e d t h e c a n d i d a t e s a n d concluded that Albert Ramdin is the best-suited choice.

His decade of experience as Assistant Secretary General of the OAS uniquely positions him above all other contenders.

H e p o s s e s s e s a n i n t i m a t e u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e Organization’s inner workings, its challenges, and the responsibilities of the role.

His candidacy represents the k i n d o f l e a d e r s h i p t h e O A S urgently requires; one focused on

At its core, this election is a test of the OAS’s commitment to its own integrity and purpose.

Will member states choose a S e c r e t a r y G e n e r a l b a s e d o n competence, experience, and

administrative leadership?

Or will they allow external

judgment?

The answer will shape not only the future of the OAS but also its c r e d i

p a l multilateral body of the Americas.

The stakes are too high for anything less than a leader chosen for his merit, vision, and ability to enhance the OAS’s relevance to each of its member states – and all of them.

The future of the Organization depends on it.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and p r e v i o u s commentaries:www sirronaldsand ers.com)

GNBS IN FOCUS:

ENSURING T YRE SAFET Y – GNBS DEVELOPS STANDARDS FOR EFFECTIVE USE, STORAGE AND MONITORING

As we prepare to

observe World

C o n s u m e r

Rights Day on March 15, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) reaffirms its commitment to consumer protection by emphasising

t h e i m p o

i

quality

Tyres play a critical role

f o r m a n c e However, their reliability

d e p e n d s o n e f f e c t i v e monitoring, proper usage, and appropriate storage.

For over twenty years, the GNBS, as the national standards body has played a vital role in safeguarding consumers by ensuring that only high-quality, safe, and durable tyres are available on the local market.

T h r o u g h r i g o r o u s monitoring and inspection,

t h e G N B S e n f o r c e s

standards that promote the longevity and safety of tyres used in Guyana.

Tyres that fail to meet the required specifications can pose serious risks, including blowouts, poor traction, and vehicle instability, all of which contribute to road accidents.

T o m i t i g a t e t h e s e dangers, the GNBS inspects tyres at ports of entry and r e t a i l o u t l e t

compliance with the national standards.

Further, importers and dealers of both new and used tyres are required to register with the GNBS annually to i m p o r t a n d s e

h e commodity

market.

The standards enforced by the GNBS to ensure the quality and safety of tyres

a r e G Y S 6 7 : 2 0 1 7 –

Requirements for Pneumatic Passenger Car Tyres, GYS

194:2024 – Specification for P

Vehicles and GCP 4:1997 –Code of Practice for the S

Tubes and Flaps.

Effective monitoring of tyre quality begins at the importation stage

The GNBS assesses tyres to verify compliance

inclusive of Manufacturing D

structural defects including

Bead Area.

Consumers play a key

quality through proper use and maintenance.

The GNBS encourages vehicle owners to adopt best practices, including Regular Inflation Checks, Wheels

Tyre Rotation. Even when not in use, tyres require proper storage to maintain their integrity

T h e G N B S a d v i s e s businesses and consumers to Store Tyres in a Cool, Dry Place, Keep Tyres Away from Chemicals and Oils and

A

tyres unsafe for use.

I n k e e p i n g w i t h t h e theme of World Consumer R i g h t s D a y , “ A J u s t Transition to #Sustainable

# L i f e s t y l e s ” , t h e G N B S reminds consumers that they have the right to safe and reliable products. This includes purchasing

t q u a l i t y

s t a n d a r d s a n d r e c e i v i n g accurate information about t h e i r l i f e s p a n a n d performance.

C o n s u m e r s a r e

encouraged to verify the authenticity and quality of tyres before purchase, report substandard products to the G N B S a n d f o l l o w b e s t p r a c t i c e s f o r t y r e maintenance and usage. As part of its consumer

p r o t e c t i o n m a n d a t e , t h e GNBS continues to enforce tyre standards while raising a w a r e n e s s a b o u t t h e importance of quality and safety

B y w o r k i n g w i t

ensures that the market is supplied with tyres that meet t h e r e q u i s

y benchmarks. The GNBS is encouraging tyre dealers and importers to ensure that the commodity complies with t

f t h e Standards to minimise the rejection of new and used tyres imported into Guyana for resale.

S

acquire copies of the various Standards from the GNBS w

appropriately advise their suppliers.

C

GNBS permits issued to tyre dealers at their sale outlets. The permit to sell indicates that the retailer is not only

commodity, but the tyres are

GNBS.

This World Consumer Rights Day,remember that safe tyres mean safer roads with fewer accidents, and g

confidence.

For further information, kindly contact GNBS on

0064/65/66 or 219-0069 or

(GNBS).

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

SUNDAY

Taxes collected by Bahamas on Guyana’s oil will soon outweigh our total earnings – Chris Ram …As Gov’t remains locked in “unholy alliance” with ExxonMobil As the Gov

alliance” with American oil

from tax payments that will soon outweigh the country’s t o t a l p r o

earnings from the sector

T h i s i s a c c o r d i n g t o

prominent Attorney-at-Law,

C h r i s t o p h e r R a m I n h i s m o s t r e c e n t c o l u m n published by the Stabroek News, the lawyer weighed into the recent revelation that ExxonMobil is paying taxes to the Bahamas and none to Guyana where it generates massive profits.

R a m a r g u e s t h a t t h i s development would almost be comical were it not so d e v a s t a t i n g l y c o s t l y t o Guyana. To put the situation into context for readers, the columnist explained, “The B a h a m a s , a c o u n t r y w i t h only sand, sea and shells, will soon generate more tax revenue from Guyana’s oil

i n d u s t r y t h a n G u y a n a itself!!”

H e p o i n t e d o u t t h a t

Guyana’s government has

r e f u s e d t o e x e r c i s e i t s sovereign right and power to t a x a l l i n c o m e e a r n e d i n Guyana. This is so as the 2 0 1 6 P r o d u c t i o n S h a r i n g

A g r e e m e n t ( P S A ) w i t h Exxon and partners waives the payment of corporate and other tax payments to the country

In the meantime, Ram in his explosive piece noted,

“The Bahamas’ initiative-

t a k i n g a d o p t i o n o f t h e

O E C D ’ s P i l l a r T w o

f r a m e w o r k e x p o s e s Guyana’s fiscal negligence

a n d i t s l e a d e r s ’ s p i n e l e s s subservience to ExxonMobil and multinational interests. The framework ensures that m u l t i n a t i o n a l e n t e r p r i s e s pay a minimum tax of 15%.” About two weeks ago, Kaieteur News reported that

t h e B a h a m a s e n a c t e d t h e

Domestic

( D M T T ) i n l i n e w i t h t h e

Organisation for Economic C o o p e r a t i o n a n d D e v e l o p m e n t ’s ( O E C D )

Pillar Two Framework. The objectives of the OECD’s framework are to implement a global minimum tax at an effective rate of 15% on the i n c o m e a r i s i n g f r o m multinational entities in each jurisdiction in which they operate.

W i t h t h e n e w t a x arrangements in place by the B a h a m a s , E x x o n i s t h e r e required to pay a corporate tax of 15% to the country since EMGL, formerly Esso Exploration and Protection Guyana Limited (EEPL) is a company registered in the Bahamas with ExxonMobil Global Holding Investment B.V being the 100 percent owner of that company

R a m b e l i e v e s t h a t Guyana’s refusal to adopt the OECD framework reveals an uncomfortable truth that the G u y a n a g o v e r n m e n t h a s actively given up billions in r e v e n u e r a t h e r t h a n e v e n suggesting that ExxonMobil and its partners HESS and CNOOC should pay taxes on i t s h e f t y p r o f i t s f r o m Guyana.

He said, “No one should b e f o o l e d t h a t G u y a n a ’s

refusal to join the OECD framework is an oversight -it

i s a m a n i f e s t a t i o n o f t h e

c o u n t r y ’ s l e a d e r s h i p

k o w t o w i n g t o E x x o n a n d HESS over the interest of their own people. They know that if they sign on, they must commit self-styled heresy by charging tax on Exxon.”

The lawyer argued that this is not government’s only show of loyalty to Exxon as they have also refused to

u t i l i s e t h e r e n e g o t i a t i o n clause in the 2016 Petroleum

Agreement, to seek better fiscal terms. Ram noted that i t s r e f u s a l i n t h i s r e g a r d “stands as a glaring example o f f i s c a l s u r r e n d e r, w i t h

Guyana not only waiving its right to collect taxes but also reimbursing ExxonMobil for i t s t a x o b l i g a t i o n s a n d providing receipts for taxes

E X X O N a n d H E S S , t h e y never actually paid.” T h e C h a r t e r e d Accountant estimates that

Guyana has already given up about US$3B in taxes which

t h e o i l c o m p a n i e s s h o u l d have paid since 2020. “To put this in perspective, The B a

t h r o

x measures, applied across its entire economy Given the vast scale of ExxonMobil’s operations in Guyana, our potential revenue under the

times over,” he explained.

Ram concluded that this is not about legal constraints

, but a government that “has

ExxonMobil from taxation r

financial future of its own people.”

M o r e o v e

To

s

fiscal negligence is too kind.

I

betrayal of national interests that transforms Guyana’s oil blessing into a case study of corporate colonialism in the 21st century.”

Govt. ignores concerns, reappoints Director, members of Environmental Assessment Board for 3rd consecutive year

D

G

Also reinstated to serve for a third consecutive year are Board members Mr Joslyn

McKenzie and Dr Garvin Cummings.Local events

According to a Gazetted Order, dated February 10, 2025, Cabinet considered a Memorandum presented by M

A f f a i r s a n d G o v e r n a n c e , Gail Teixeira and approved the appointment of the Board of Directors for a period of one year, with effect from February 6, 2025 to February 5, 2026.

Dr Sharma is the Chief E x e c u t i v e O f f i c e r o f t h e

G u y a n a E n e r g y A g e n c y (GEA), while McKenzie is Permanent Secretary of the M i n i s t r y o f N a t u r a l

Resources. Dr. Cummings on the other hand is the Chief H y d r o m e t e o r o l o g i c a l Officer.Local events

The EAB is a mandatory b o d y , r e q u i r e d b y t h e E n v i r o n m e n t a l P r o t e c t i o n Act in Section 18. It tasks the members of this board with t h e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y o f conducting hearings into all appeals made by the public, r e g a r d i n g E n v i r o n m e n t a l Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). It also says the Board may recommend whether an EIA should be r e j e c t e d , a m e n d e d , o r accepted, whether a Permit s h o u l d b e i s s u e d b y t h e

E n v i r o n m e n t a l P r o t e c t i o n

A g e n c y ( E PA ) a n d w h a t terms and conditions should be included in the Permit.

In summary, this Board p l a y s a c r i t i c a l r o l e i n approving projects that may i m p a c t t h e e n v i r o n m e n t

G o v e r n m e n t p r o j e c t s a r e also subjected to the scrutiny of this process.

P r e v i o u s l y , e n v i r o n m e n t a l a c t i v i s t s p r o t e s t e d a g a i n s t t h e appointment of Dr Sharma and McKenzie to the EAB, c i t i n g c o n f l i c t o f i n t e r e s t issues with their respective jobs.

O n e a c t i v i s t , S i m o n e M a n g a l - J o l y h a d e v e n brought her concerns to the P r e s i d e n t I r f a a n A l i ’ s attention in a letter dated March 10, 2023.

G i v e n t h e i n d i v i d u a l functions of the appointed members in their respective state-owned entities, she told t h e H e a d o f S t a t e , “ I t i s

d i s a p p o i n t i n g t h a t r a t h e r than address the issues of c o n f l i c t s o f i n t e r e s t w i t h government duties, you have doubled down and appointed a board with two of three

m e m b e r s h a v i n g d i r e c t c o n f l i c t s o f i n t e r e s t w i t h their government duties.”

including fossil fuel-based projects. He was previously Chairman and Director of the G u y a n a P o w e r a n d L i g h t Inc. (GPL); meanwhile, Mr M c K

M

development.

She was keen to note that while these individuals are

government duties result in a glaring lack of separation of powers and present a high

interest in matters that come before the EAB.

These concerns led to a Court case being filed back in 2023 by rights activist, D

due to an error in the claim. Kaieteur News understands that Radik’s Lawyers were p r e p a

claim.

This newspaper reported

objections to the case which

agreed with the contention that the case could

instead of the EAB. Lawyer f

Gossai argued that the claim

Judicial Review cases can only be brought against the decisions of public bodies or

Darshan Ramdhani made

identical submission to the Court. The attorneys reasoned

U p T a x

She went further to note that this decision is in fact a step backwards as the Board now lacks in its entirety any members with expertise in e n v i r o n m e n t a l p r o t e c t i o n , coupled with the fact that it is b u i l t w i t h g o v e r n m e n t representatives. She reasoned that since the advent of oil production i n G u y a n a , m o s t o f t h e matters brought before the EAB have had to do with projects directly related to areas within Dr Sharma’s a n d M r M c K e n z i e ’ s remit.Local events

Mangal-Joly highlighted that Dr Sharma is charged w i t h o v e r s e e i n g t h e development of all types of energy projects in Guyana,

MONDAY

‘The world has rarely seen a place like Guyana for deep water projects’- ExxonM VP …says epic underdog tale of country’s oil & gas development now beginning

By:

ExxonMobil has been Continued on page 23

Davina Bagot

Chartered Accountant and prominent Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram

(From left) Chairman of the EAB, Dr. Mahendar Sharma with EAB members, Dr. Garvin Cummings and Joslyn McKenzie

From page 22 able to shift the norms in the oil and gas industry with the w o r l d - c l a s s a s s e t s t h e company discovered off the shores of Guyana in May 2015.

W i t h t h e o i l g i a n t jumping from discovery to production in less than five years, the company believes the world has rarely seen a place like Guyana for deep water developments.

This was explained by Hunter Farris, Senior Vice

P r e s i d e n t , D e e p Wa t e r ,

E x x o n M o b i l d u r i n g t h e f o u r t h i n s t a l l m e n t o f t h e Guyana Energy Conference

a n d S u p p l y C h a i n E x p o , h o s t e d a t t h e G u y a n a Marriott, between February 18 and 21.

T h i s y e a r ’s p r e m i e r e energy conference was held under the theme ‘Connecting t h e D o t s : I n t e g r a t i n g t h e F u t u r e ’ F a r r i s d u

c o n f e r e n c e d e l e g a t e s t h a t t h a n k s t o t h e c o l l e c t i v e efforts of business partners,

industry leaders and local contractors, we now witness w h a t i s r i g h t l y b e i n g described as “one of the most incredible success stories, the world has ever seen.” “ W h a t y o u ’ r e w i t n e s s i n g , w h i c h w e ’ r e living out in real time is the

e p i c u n d e r d o g t a l e o f

G u y a n a ’ s o i l a n d g a s development, development that has only just begun to transform this country and its

e c o n o m y a n d t o b e n e f i t Guyana citizens in ways big a n d s m a l l , ” t h e V i c e President said.

He was keen to note that i n p r a c t i c a l l y n o t i m e , G u y a n a ’s o i l d i s c o v e r i e s have catapulted the nation into the ranks of the world’s oil superpowers. According to him, “By the standards of o u r i n d u s t r y , w h i c h u n d e r t a k e s a n d e x e c u t e s projects with multi-decade timelines, this has happened

p r a c t i c a l l y

overnight traditionally it w o u l d t a k e a d e c a d e o r longer to produce the first b a r r e l s o f o i l f r o m a s i g n i f i c a n t d e e p w a t e r discovery, especially in a new country, but thanks to the dedication and focus of Guyana’s stakeholders, as well as skills and expertise of

E x x o n M o b i l ’s s c i e n t i s t s , e n g i n e e r s a n d b u s i n e s s partners, we accelerated the process achieving first, oil

s a f e l y a n d r e s p o n s i b l y i n December of 2019.”

Farris pointed out that this was less than five years

f r o m d i s c o v e r y t o c o m m e r c i a l p r o d u c t i o nunheard of in the industry

H e d e s c r i b e d t h e o i l discoveries in Guyana as not just significant but “worldclass” as he highlighted the company’s achievement of c o n t i n u o u s l y g r o w i n g production year over year

“ W e ’ v e g o n e f r o m discovery to over 650, 000 barrels a day in just 10 years, a p l a c e f o r d e e p w a t e r projects the world has rarely s e e n We ’ r e i m m e n s e l y proud of what we’ve been able to do, and there’s much more we can and will do,” the official committed.

T h e c o m p a n y a i m s t o increase production to 1 3 million barrels per day by 2 0 2 7 , w h i c h m e a n s t h a t approximately 500 million b a r r e l s o f o i l w i l l b e produced on an annual basis.

F a r r i s s a i d t h i s w i l l i n c r e a s e e a r n i n g s f o r t h e c o u n t r y, n o t j u s t t h r o u g h profit and oil payments, but through the hiring of locals to provide key goods and services.

He explained that since oil production commenced i n 2 0 1 9 , t h e c o u n t r y ’ s

N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e F u n d ( N R F ) h a s r e c e i v e d

US$6.2B in revenue. “That includes US$2.6 billion last y e a r a l o n e I ’ l l n o t e t h i s

a n n u a l p a y m e n t i s s e t t o

nearly quadruple to more than US$10 billion per year, by the end of this decade, as p r o d u c t i o n c o n t i n u e s t o grow,” Farris noted.

H e a d d e d t h a t t h e s e “ e x t r a o r d i n a r y s u m s ” a r e

s u r e t o b e n e f i t e v e r y Guyanese in the years ahead.

Businessman guns down wife

A drunken businessman shot his wife 12 times during a “ h e a t e d a r g u m e n t ” o n Saturday night at their home i

Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

D e a d i s 2 7 - y e a r - o l d

Kenesha Vaughn. She died while receiving treatment at the Diamond Hospital. Her Husband, Marlan DaSilva, 32 is in police custody, for her killing. He was the one who called the police after s h o o t i n g t h e w o m a n Investigators said that at the time of his arrest, DaSilva’s alcohol level in his body was 8 3 % “ N o t

% ” , police stated before adding t h

revealed, he was drinking at a p o p u l a r d r i n k i n g establishment on Main Street G e o rg e t o w n , p r i o r t o t h e shooting.

His wife, according to p o l i c e h a d c a l l e d h i m t o come home and it reportedly annoyed DaSilva. He arrived home around 20:00hrs. and met Vaughn in the kitchen, police said. They got into a h e a t

n t o

v i o l e n c e w h e n D a S i l v a slapped Vaughn.

A l l e g a t i o n s a r e b e i n g made that she then ran for a knife and returned. As she allegedly approached him, DaSilva pulled out his gun and began shooting her She

fell to the ground wounded a n d h e c a l l e d p o l i c e i m m e d i a t e l y a f t e r. R a n k s

s h o w e d - u p

p t l y a n d rushed her to the hospital w h e r e u n f o r t u n a t e l y s h e p a s s e d a w a y . “ P o l i c e examined the body at the

D i a m o n d H o s p i t a l a n d twelve injuries (entry and exit) suspected to be gunshot wounds, were discovered on h e r b o d y, ” p o l i c e s a i d

D e t e c t i v e s p r o c e s s e d t h e crime scene and found four 9MM shell casings and three p r o j e c t i l e s ( f i r e d b u l l e t s ) Investigations continue.

Tuesday

Five dead in road accidents - one drunken victim stood in the middle of the road after wife took away his car keys

Five men lost their lives tragically between Sunday night and Monday morning after they were involved in t h r e e s e p a r a t e a c c i d e n t s a l o n g t h e r o a d w a y s i n Corentyne Berbice and at Wallers Delight Public Road, W e s t C o a s t D e m e r a r a (WCD).

The dead persons have been identified as: 64-yearold Dennis Gilkes, 40-yearold Abdool Sharaf Rahim, 1 8 - y e a r - o l d K e i s h a n R a m n a u t h , 2 2 - y e a r - o l d Adrian Inshan and 21-yearo l d A m e e r S u b h a n , a s u p e r v i s o r o f Q u e e n s w a y Security Services.

Police reported that the f i r s t t r a g e d y o c c u r r e d o n S u n d a y a t Wi l l i a m s b u r g

P u b l i c R o a d , C o r e n t y n e , Berbice at about 19:30h that claimed the life of Gilkes. It is reported that the accident involved motor lorry # GTT 6824, driven by 22-year-old Nicholas Yadram and Gilkes, who was a pedestrian at the time of the accident.

Investigations revealed that Yadram was proceeding

hands in the air “The area w a s d a r k a n d t h e d r i v e r alleged that due to the close distance, the right side front of the car collided with the pedestrian causing him to be flung into the air and end up o n t h e w i n d s c r e e n , t h e n rolled off the

ended up on the roadway,” police reported.

T h e r e

, h e w a s picked up by an ambulance a n d t r a n s p o r t e d t o We s t Demerara Regional Hospital where he was examined by a doctor who pronounced him dead on arrival. The body w

w e s t a l o n g Wi l l i a m s b u r g Public Road at a normal rate of speed. The lorry driver told police that two motor cars were ahead of him, and w h e n t h e c a r i n f r o n t

attempted to overtake the

leading vehicle, he saw a pedestrian in the center of his lane, approximately ten feet away, walking west. Yadram said he applied brakes to avoid a collision, but despite his effort, the front portion of the motor t r u c k c o l l i d e d G i l k e s Thereafter, as a result of the collision, the pedestrian fell onto the road surface where he received injuries about his body He was then picked up b y Ya d r a m , a l o n g w i t h public-spirited citizens in an unconscious condition and placed into the said motor lorry and conveyed to the P o r t M o u r a n t P u b l i c

H o s p i t a l w h e r e h e w a s pronounced dead on arrival

b y a d o c t o r H i s b o d y i s presently lying at Ramoo’s Funeral Home awaiting post

m o r t e m e x a m i n a t i o n A

b r e a t h a l y z e r t e s t w a s conducted on the driver of t h e m o t o r l o r r y, w h i c h

r e c o r d e d 5 8 a n d 5 5

m i c r o g r a m s , r e s p e c t i v e l y He is in custody

T h e s e c o n d a c c i d e n t

o c c u r r e d o n t h e Wa l l e r s

D e l i g h t P u b l i c R o a d , a t about 00:10h on Monday,

which claimed the life of Rahim, who was a pedestrian at the time of the accident. It

i s r e p o r t e d t h a t a c c i d e n t i n v o l v e d m o t o r c a r P V V 2663, driven by 43-year-old

A s h l e y R a y m o n d a n d Rahim Rahim’s 32-yearold wife, Sonia Ramlochan told investigators that he was trying to get his car keys

f r o m h e r b u t s h e r e f u s e d because he was under the i n f l u e n c e o f a l c o h o l A s

s u c h , h e t h e n b e c a m e annoyed with her and walked across the road from south to north, and stood in the path o f t h e v e h i c l e l i f t i n g h i s

Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Berbice around 00:15h on Monday that claimed the life of three young men. Police

involved motor cycle # CN 6641 driven by Ramnauth, with pillion rider Inshan, and motorcycle # CP 3158 driven by Subhan.

I

that Ramnauth was traveling south in the eastern lane

western lane. Following the collision, both drivers and pillion rider were thrown off

their bodies.

They were then picked up by public-spirited citizens in an unconscious condition

Public Hospital, where they were all seen and examined by a doctor, who pronounced Subhan and Ramnauth dead on arrival.

The pillion rider, Inshan

and was

However, he succumbed to his injuries, while receiving

investigations continue.

25 helicopter trips required weekly for preparatory work on 7th oil project - Exxon says in EIA T

production activities on its

development in the Stabroek

Limited (EMGL) said

will require 20 to 25 round trip

Continued on page 24

Shot dead at home, Kenesha Vaughn.

In custody for shooting his wife dead, Marlan DaSilva.

Senior Vice President, Deep Water, ExxonMobil, Hunter Farris delivering his presentation at the Guyana Energy Conference

From page 23 flights per week from the p r o j e c t s

Trinidadian shorebases. The developer outlined t

A g e n c y ( E PA

n t l y According to the 4232-page

M

the use of onshore facilities and laydown areas, such as shorebases, to store project

fluid and pipe joints; and for

p r e - f a b r i c a t i o n a n d

a s s e m b l y o f P r o j e c t equipment.

T h e E I A e x p l a i n s , “Currently, EMGL plans to u s e e x i s t i n g G u y a n a

shorebases to support the

P r o j e c t A d d i t i o n a l s h o r e b a s e f a c i l i t i e s o r regional waste management services may be used in the future. All onshore support facilities used by the Project a r e o r w i l l b e o w n e d / o p e r a t e d b y t h i r d parties.”

company explained that the project is expected to add 120,000 to 180,000 barrels

of oil per day production

c a p a c i t y P r o d u c t i o n i s expected to begin in 2029

s u b j e c t t o t h e n e c e s s a r y

r e g u l a t o r y a p p r o v a l s a n d operate for at least 20 years.

E x x o n s a i d H a m m e r h e a d

r e s o u r c e b y d r i l l i n g a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1 4 t

Subsea Umbilicals, Risers, a n d F l o w l i n e s ( S U R F ) equipment; using an FPSO to process, store, and offload t

installing an approximately 1 3

pipeline from the FPSO to a tie-in on the Gas to Energy Pipeline.

Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), 26-yearold Labourer, Vishal Narine of Lot 1 Land of Canaan, EBD, and Deon Baird also k n o w n a s D e o n E d w a r d s who drowned at Lake Main Mainstay, Essequibo Coast, Region Two.

Two of the victims were i m b i b i n g b e f o r e t h e y drowned. One of them Vishal Narine reportedly jumped into the Demerara River on M o n d a y a f t e r h i s s i s t e r refused to give him money to buy more rum.

Police said that Narine drowned around 16:50 hrs. in the vicinity of Land of Canaan, EBD. “…enquiries disclosed that Vishal Narine a n d a n i d

were imbibing alcohol from about 07:30 hrs on the said

d e v e l o p m e n t d r i l l i n g (assuming three drill ships

are supporting the project c o n c u r r e n t l y ) , s u p p o r t v e s s e l s c o u l d a v e r a g e approximately 10 to 15 trips p e r w e e k t o o r f r o m shorebases.

D u r i n g i n s t a l l a t i o n , i t

n o t e d t h a t s u p p o r t a n d

T o t h i s e n d , E x x o n p o i n t e d o u t t h a t i t w i l l require trips to or from a G u y a n a s h o r e b a s e - o r a s required to or from Trinidad and Tobago shorebases- for t h e d e v e l o p m e n t a n d operation of the Project. It e s t i m a t e d t h a t d u r i n g

s u p p o r t v e s s e l s c o u l d average approximately three to five trips per week to or from shorebases.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , E x x o n informed the EPA, “Aviation

support is expected to be about 20 to 25 round-trip

f l i g h t s p e r w e e k d u r i n g drilling and installation and an estimated five to seven round-trip flights per week

d u r i n g p r o d u c t i o n o p e r a t i o n s a n d c o n t i n u e d

i n s t a l l a t i o n v e s s e l s c o u l d average approximately three to five trips per week to or from shorebases, while in the p r o d u c t i o n o p e r a t i o n s ,

d e v e l o p m e n t d r i l l i n g activities.”

I t s a i d t h e l o g i s t i c a l support will be optimized and shared among the Liza P h a s e 1 , L i z a P h a s e 2 ,

P a y a r a , Ye l l o w t a i l , U a r u , Whiptail, and Hammerhead

D e v e l o p m e n t P r o j e c t s , a s

w e l l a s f o r e x p l o r a t i o n

d r i l l i n g H a m m e r h e a d i s located in the south-central

p o r t i o n o f t h e S t a b r o e k

Block, approximately 160 km from Georgetown. In the Project Summary submitted by Exxon to the EPA, the

WEDNESDAY

3 DROWNED during outings …one drunken victim jumped overboard after sister refused to give him money to buy rum

A l c o h o l h a s b e e n responsible for at least two of three drownings within the l a s t 2 4 h o u r s T h e t h r e e victims have been identified as: 44-year-old housewife, Seeta Ghannie of Lot 65,

around 15:00hrs. he got into an argument with his father, brother and sister because

alcohol.

going to the river (Demerara River). His sister identified

attempted to stop him but he did not listen to her

relatives living close by to Continued on page 40

50-ton trucks traversing Guyana’s roads

Heavy-duty trucks ranging from 50-70tons are being imported and allowed to traverse the streets of Georgetown daily

The trucks, which ply mainly the Lethem-Georgetown route have caused severe damage to the road infrastructures over time. Most of the roads here were built to accommodate lighter vehicles, but have had to contend with these heavy-duty machines. Government has been spending

infrastructure.

Vishal Narine drowned after jumping into the Demerara River,

Dead: Deon Baird

CONSUMER CONCERNS:

THE LE REPENTIR

CEMETERY AND ITS REHABILITATION

PAT DIAL

T h e L e R e p e n t i r Cemetery falls within the r e s p o n s i b i l i t y o f t h e Georgetown City Council.

Just about half a century ago, i t w a s f a m o u s a s t h e

C a r i b b e a n ’ s l a r g e s t cemetery and its most wellkept.

The cemetery occupies an entire plantation unlike any other and it was a gift from a French immigrant, Pierre Louis DeSaffon. The story of DeSaffon is a tragic one.

He was a wealthy well born Frenchman who killed his brother in a duel and was so overcome with grief and remorse that he decided to banish himself from the civilized life of Europe to the British colony of Demerara, which, with the French penal colony of Cayenne were considered to be the most primitive territories of the Americas.

DeSaffon was a natural businessman and in a short time became a wealthy man and was fully accepted into the small white community, even being admitted into the F r e e m a s o n ’ s L o d g e

A m o n g h i s a c q u i s i t i o n s were three plantations which

w e r e g i v e n n a m e s reminiscent of his tragedy –L e R e s s o u v e n i r ( R e m e m b r a n c e ) ; L a Penitance (Penitence); and Le Repentir (Repentance). Saffon Street in Georgetown

c o m m e m o r a t e s h i m H e gifted Le Repentir to the people of Guyana to be used as a cemetery

The parts of the Le

R e p e n t i r p l a n t a t i o n adjoining Georgetown were i m m e d i a t e l y d e v e l o p e d The land bounded by Sussex

S t r e e t o n t h e s o u t h , S t Stephen’s Street on the west and Princes Street on the

n o r t h w a s c l e a n e d o f vegetation, drained and laid

o u t i n t o b e d s t o accommodate the graves and two red burnt clay roads

w e r e b u i l t c o n n e c t i n g Sussex street and Louisa

Row/ Princes Street with Broad Street leading to the east to west cemetery road which led to the “backdam” or undeveloped area. Along both sides of the roads were planted with flowering trees

and along the roadsides running into the backdam area were planted with Royal Palms. The perimeter trench

a r o u n d t h e c e m e t e r y provided both security and drainage. Later, coconut palms were planted in the cemetery along the sides of the perimeter trench and these provided the Town Council with an income from the sale of the coconuts.

The section of the road leading from Louisa Row to the junction of the east to west road was particularly striking: The Sexton’s office was housed in a neat cottage and along both sides of the road were planted with a variety of flowers including marigolds, bachelor buttons, lilies, hibiscuses and queen of flowers.

At the meeting point of the two roads was a Masonic monument with the square and compasses.

The burial areas were allotted to the Catholics, Muslims and Hindus with the largest area being “the General Ground” and a small area was unofficially given to the Chinese nationals who occasionally did Buddhist /Confucianist burials.

The vast majority of the Chinese Community was C h r i s t i a n s a n d h a d n o connection with this area w h i c h i n t i m e w a s reabsorbed into the General Ground.

A number of rangers were employed to keep the cemetery under surveillance and were responsible for its general security and they closed the gates exactly at 6 p.m.

Until the end of the 1950’s, the cemetery was well kept and efficiently managed. Until the 1950’s the franchise for electing T o w n C o u n c i l o r s w a s

restricted to property owners

prominent lawyers and other

s Similarly, the employees of the Council came from the s

c c e s s

c a t e d middle class, and it was regarded as prestigious to be working at the Town Hall. With such a team, the City w

integrity and created the Cemetery for which Guyana was proud. Then in the 1 9 6

s democratized. A different level of persons were elected as Councillors who were far less educated and financially independent and they set a b o u t c h a n g i n g t h e employees of the Council who turned out to be less able than their predecessors.

The management of the City collapsed, corruption could not be controlled and all the services of the City i n c l u d i n g L e R e p e n t i r C e m e t e r y c e a s e d functioning or functioned at a very low level. To save the day, the Central Government found itself being forced to undertake essential services such as road repair and garbage disposal.

V i c e P r e s i d e n t D r Jagdeo, at one of his recent press conferences, disclosed to the journalists that his Government was committed to the rehabilitation of the Cemetery and had already started with construction of a 4-lane road across it.

We do not know what Government’s plans are but t h e G u y a n a C o n s u m e r s Association would like to m a k e t h e f o l l o w i n g suggestions: Drainage- the perimeter trench should be cleaned and deepened and its outlet to the larger canal leading to the river koker be cleared; the cross drains b e t w e e n t h e b e d s b e straigthened and deepened. Roads - the main roads

crossing the cemetery from east to west and north to s o u t h b e w i d e n e d a n d asphalted and the pathways b e t w e e n t h e b e d s b e strengthened with stones; all gates and bridges leading to t h e c e m e t e r y b e strengthened. At the juncture of the two main roads, as was done in the past, the Masonic m o n u m e n t s h o u l d b e reerected but specifically to honour DeSaffon’s memory Vegetation - all trees and other vegetation be removed from the beds and the tombs which had been broken be repaired; grass be regularly weeded and be permitted to be burnt in small piles when dried.

Aesthetics - Flowering trees such as flamboyants of two or three colours, golden showers, cannon balls and other flowering trees and royal palms be planted on either side of the main roads a n d f l o w e r s s u c h a s marigolds be cultivated in the vicinity of the sexton’s o

tombs if relatives would wish to do so.

Tomb architecture - the f e w M u s l i m m a q b a r a s (

Mediterranean style tomb with several vaults found in the Old Roman Catholic ground and the 18th century style graves found in the older parts of the General Ground as well as the Hindu s y m b o l s

Swastikas found on some graves should be preserved. The ornate grill fences, some with esoteric symbolisms, which date from the 19th

during the collapse of the Management and can never be replaced but the basic information on the stolen marble plaques could be

b l e plaques should embed them in the ornamental concrete

Medic and Sexton office on call - to assist mourners if they need assistance.

The records held at the Sexton’s office should be copied and preserved and the systems used by the Sexton’s office be modernized and the

generated be preserved.

The National Archives need to establish a close contact with the Sexton’s Office. Security - Until

the1960’s, the Cemetery was a very safe and even pleasant place.

T

growing invasion of thieves

attack mourners and persons passing through and rob and

, mourners have to visit with their own security

A detachment of Police or City Constabulary should be deployed to patrol the Cemetery and should be properly equipped. They should be able to arrest or warn suspicious characters.

Zendaya to join cast of Shrek 5

USA Today—Zendaya is heading to the swamp in a land far, far away

The Emmy winner has joined the Shrek franchise as Felicia, the daughter of the titular ogre (voiced by Mike Myers) and his wife Fiona

( C ameron D iaz) , in the

u p c o m i n g f i f t h m o v i e ,

U n i v e r s a l P i c t u r e s announced Thursday Eddie Murphy also returns as the voice of Donkey for Shrek 5, which arrives in theaters Dec. 23, 2026.

S h r e k 5 o f f i c i a l l y

a n n o u n c e d w i t h M i k e Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz returning “Ew, dad!” quips the teenage ogre at the sight of a topless photo of Shrek in the teaser

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g e t t h e l a t e s t t r a i l e r s , celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.

P l o t d e t a i l s r e m a i n hidden under Shrek’s mosscovered swamp, but the upcoming animated feature hails from directors Walt Dohrn and Conrad Vernon,

b o t h f r a n c h i s e v e t e r a n s Dohrn worked on the second and third Shrek films as a writer and artist, and also voiced Rumpelstiltskin in

the fourth film Vernon directed Shrek 2 and also voiced various characters in the franchise, including the Gingerbread Man.

T h e f i r s t f i l m f r o m directors Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson released in

2 0 0 1 a n d f o l l o w e d t h e

SAINt JHN launches Develop Home Initiative to give back to homeland

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

titular ogre whose life of b l i s s f u l s o l i t u d e i s interrupted by an invasion of fairy tale creatures, who were recently banished from the kingdom by the evil Lord Farquaad (voiced by John Lithgow).

Shrek cuts a deal with Farquaad, agreeing to set out to rescue Princess Fiona to b e F a r q u a a d ’s b r i d e i n exchange for a creature-free swamp.

Will Smith says Zendaya is ‘being approached’ for possible Hancock sequel

T h e C h r i s t m a s - t i m e

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

S h r e k 5 c o i n c i d e s w i t h t h e

2 5 t h a n n i v e r s a r y o f t h e h i t

D r e a m Wo r k s f r a n c h i s e , w h i c h h a s c o l l e c t i v e l y

g r o s s e d $ 2 9 b i l l i o n w o r l d w i d e a n d s p a w n e d

s e v e r a l a t t r a c t i o n s a s

w e l l a s a n a w a r d - w i n n i n g

B r o a d w a y m u s i c a l t h a t

e a r n e d e i g h t To n y Aw a r d n o m i n a t i o n s a n d o n e w i n , f o r b e s t c o s t u m e d e s i g n Z e n d a y a i s k n o w n f o r h e r w o r k i n J o n Wa t t s ’

S p i d e r- M a n f r a n c h i s e a n d

E u p h o r i a , t h e h i t H B O

d r a m a t h a t e a r n e d h e r t w o

E m m y s R e c e n t p r o j e c t s i n c l u d e D e n i s

Vi l l e n e u v e ’s b l o c k b u s t e r

D u n e f r a n c h i s e a n d L u c a

G u a d a g n i n o ’s c e l e b r a t e d s p o r t s r o m a n c e

C h a l l e n g e r s N e x t u p , t h e

i n - d e m a n d s t a r w i l l a p p e a r i n C h r i s t o p h e r

N o l a n ’s s t a r- s t u d d e d T h e

O d y s s e y a n d A 2 4 ’s T h e

D r a m a , a r o m a n c e d r a m e d y a l s o s e t t o s t a r R o b e r t P a t t i n s o n

n u e s t o h e l p transform the lives of Guyanese.

With support from oil giant ExxonMobil Guyana and Creative Titans GY, the Develop Home Initiative marks a

significant milestone in t h e a r t i s t ’s o n g o i n g mission to uplift the c o m m u n i t i e s t h a t played a pivotal role in s

and career.

He said the initiative

p

w

r Guyanese citizens by focusing on areas such

d

cation, health, and social welfare.

“But I need to do m o r e l o n g s t o r y short, I need to do more. I got to be here more, I

got to spend more time, I g o t t o l e n d m o r e energy, I have to lend my expertise, I have to h a v e m o r e

c o n v e r s a t i o n s , ” h e noted. The GuyaneseAmerican rapper and singer returned to his h o m e l a n d o v e r t h e weekend to participate in the country’s annual p r e - i n d e p e n d e n c e festival, Mashramani.

T h e 3 8 - y e a r - o l d Brooklyn, New York (Continued on page 29)

Singe /songwriter SAINt JHN at the launch at the Develop Home Initiative

SAINt JHN launches Develop Home Initiative...

From page 27 performer, who is best known for his hit track

“ R o s e s ” , t o l d h i s o v e r 858,000 fans on Instagram that he has not been to the festival for several years.

“ H O M M M E E E E E E I could cry right now I haven’t been to Mash in soooooooo long. I missed it so much!!! I miss my people, one people, one nation, one destiny!

Mom you would’ve had a T I M M E E E E ! ! ! I a i n ’ t ducking no backball,” he said. S a i n t J H N p a r a d e d t h r o u g h t h e s t r e e t s o f Georgetown, engaging with fans and dancing to the beat of Soca and Calypso music In one interaction with a fan, th

York born performer, whose name is Carlos St John P h i l l i p s , d e s c r i b e d h i s experience on the road as unforgettable

The 38-year-old, who is on his North American tour for his recently released

SEASON” is taking some down time to relax with family

Elevating Guyana's Teaching Profession

As we continue our deep dive

i n t o G u y a n a ' s

C o m p r e h e n s i v e N a t i o n a l

D e v e l o p m e n t P l a n ,

H

n Capital & Innovation pillar, it's time to focus on a critical

future: Teacher Quality

In this piece, we'll explore how Guyana can d e v e l o p w o

l d - c l a s s educators, leverage modern t e a c h i n g

q u e s a n d technology, and reward top talent to ensure our children r e c

education possible.

Why Top-Quality Training Matters

I n a n e r a w h e r e knowledge evolves quickly, we need teachers who can keep pace.

A teacher isn't just a person w

from a textbook; a world-

students, sparks curiosity,

learning styles.

management strategies to

methods, a well-structured teacher education program l

excellence. T

funds that can be directed t

Guyana's teacher training framework.

This includes sending teacher-trainers abroad for

i d e

pedagogical research By updating our curricula and ensuring that best practices are seamlessly woven in, we'll create a new generation

challenge.

Elevating CPCE into an Internationally Accredited Institution

A centerpiece of this

Education (CPCE). We can upgrade CPCE into a four-

accredited university where

bachelor's degree. This extended program would ensure our educators receive the most advanced

o c a

programs, and leveraging o n l i n e p l a t f o r m s t h a

management.

By offering bachelor's programs that align with global standards, CPCE can produce teachers who are ready to excel.

This step will raise the profile of our teaching force, g

benchmarks for excellence.

Collaborating with the University of Guyana

While CPCE transforms into a four-year institution, the University of Guyana (UG) remains a vital partner in preparing and advancing our teaching workforce. UG c a n c o n t i n u e t o o f

post-graduate programs in education, creating multiple pathways for aspiring and current teachers to deepen their expertise.

Whether it's a master's p

o g r a m f o c u s i n g o n innovative pedagogy or a research-focused doctorate

i n e d u c a t i o n , U G c a n complement CPCE's efforts b y p r o v i d i n g a d v a n c e d studies that elevate the entire profession.

c

B

CPCE and UG such as joint r

ared faculty, and cross-institution

w o r k s h o p s , G u y a n a c a n

b u i l d a c o h e s i v e a n d c o m p r e h e n s i v e t e a c h e r development pipeline that benefits educators at every stage of their careers.

Practical Mentorship and Classroom Experience

Even the best theorybased training means little if teachers don't have firsthand classroom experience under the guidance of seasoned mentors.

A proven approach is to pair trainee teachers with experienced educators who offer practical insights, from structuring lesson plans to addressing diverse student needs.

This real-time feedback loop helps new teachers fine-tune their craft more quickly and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

With CPCE's proposed four- year structure, each student-teacher would spend a t l e a s t o n e y e a r i n a classroom setting, receiving direct mentorship.

This “apprenticeship” model ensures they graduate with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills required for success.

Embracing Research and Lifelong Learning

What sets exceptional t e a c h e r s a

t i s t h e i r commitment to never stop learning.

Encouraging educators

local community challenges, or technology integration,

conversation. These metrics might include student test scores, attendance rates, and effective use of technology

B

K P I

introducing 360 assessments

u n d e d evaluation, where feedback from peers, supervisors, and p

a comprehensive view of each teacher's effectiveness. W

d correctly, 360 assessments can highlight strengths and reveal areas where teachers

mindset of curiosity and discovery from the start.

T h i s a c a d e m i c r i g o r shouldn't end once a teacher g r a d u a t e s C o n t i n u i n g education allows them to stay updated on emerging tools and techniques, from creative classroom activities to new artificial intelligence applications.

W h e n t e a c h e r s s e e research as an essential part of their professional lives, they model the very spirit of e x p l o r a t i o n w e h o p e t o inspire in every Guyanese child.

Rewarding Excellence with Competitive Salaries

Any conversation about b u i l d i n g a w o r l d - c l a s s teaching force must address compensation.

If we want to attract and retain top talent, teaching

m u s t b e f i n a n c i a l l y

a p p e a l i n g B y s e t t i n g teacher salaries to be among the highest in CARICOM, we send a clear message: Guyana values its educators, a n d w e e x p e c t t o p - t i e r results in return.

Generous salaries will also act as a magnet for skilled teachers from across the region, helping us fill c r i t i c a l s u b j e c t - a r e a shortages. Combined with s t r u c

u r e d c a r e

p r o g r e s s i o n , w h e r e educators can move into h i g h e r r o l e s b a

n performance and additional certifications, we can create a virtuous cycle that elevates the entire profession.

development. It also builds

,

s everyone's input matters in defining quality education.

Looking Ahead

By investing in high-

transforming CPCE into

culture of mentorship and

modern technology, Guyana is poised to cultivate

stand among the best in the world. Combine this with c

c e metrics, and open feedback channels, and we'll have a teaching profession that not only serves our children but also fuels national progress. Guyana's future depends on our ability to nurture the

making

teachers the pride of our nation.

Got thoughts, questions, or ideas you'd like to share? I'd

National Ramadan village opens on Woolford Avenue

Scenes from the opening of the National Ramadan

R a m a d a n i s t h e n i n t h month of the Islamic calendar, o b s e r v e d b y M u s l i m s worldwide as a period of fasting, reflection, prayer and community

T h e f a s t i n g d u r i n g Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, lasting from one sighting of the crescent moon to another.

I t o f f e r

a u n i q u e opportunity for Guyanese to a

n , offering a space for families to engage and connect. Several aspects of the religious holiday

can be observed at the National Ramadan village on Woolford Avenue.

President Irfaan Ali said that the Ramadan village is important because it brings together Guyanese from all walks of life in a safe, familyoriented space that promotes unity.

The Guyanese leader again lauded the country's diverse mak

d

it is honourable to live in a country that embraces the different cultures in such a unique way

“We as a people and as a

(Continued on page 35)

President Irfaan Ali addresses attendees at the National Ramadan village

village

National

Ramadan village opens on Woolford Avenue

Angie Stone, Grammy-nominated R&B artist, dead at 63

CNN — Angie Stone, a soul and R&B singer behind hits like “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” and “Wish I D i d n ’t M i s s Yo u , ” d i e d

r longtime publicist, Yvonne Forbes, told CNN. Stone was 63.

A f t e r p e r f o r m i n g i n Mobile, Alabama on Friday, Stone was with nine people traveling to Atlanta, Georgia

in a Sprinter van when the accident occurred, according to her representative. Details on others injured in the c o l l i s i o n w e r e n o t immediately available.

“Angie Stone’s voice and spirit will live on forever in t h e h e a r t s o f t h o s e s h e touched,” a statement from h

r s p

m a n r e a d “Details regarding memorial services will be announced by the family in due course.”

Born in Columbia, South C a r o l i n a , S t o

entertainment began in the late ’70s as a member of The S e q u e n c e , a p i

i n g female rap group behind the hit “Funk You Up.” She later moved on to neo-soul and R&B music as a solo artist w i t h

n c

n g “Black Diamond” in 1999 and “Mahogany Soul” in 2001.

In a 2020 interview with “The Breakfast Club,” Stone talked about her early career aspirations and ability to succeed in several musical genres before it became more common for artists to build crossover appeal.

“I was self-taught. I was hungry, I was thirsty, I was ambitious,” Stone said. “It’s having that bug that say, ‘I’m a rubber band. You can

(Continued on page 38)

Angie Stone

Angie Stone, Gr ammy-nominated R&B ar tist, dead at 63... tist,

From page 36

stretch me but I won’t pop. I’m going to always do me.’”

She was nominated for her first Grammy for a track off “Mahogany Soul” titled “More Than a Woman” in the best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocal

category In 2004, her track “U-Haul” – off her third solo album “Stone Love” – was nominated for best female R&B vocal p

nce

Her final Grammy nod came in 2007 for her song “Baby,” off her fourth solo album “The Art of Love & War.”

Stone was also an actress with just over 40 screen credits She appeared in notable titles including the TV shows “Girlfriends,” for which she sang the theme s

Brandy Norwood, and films l

“Scary Movie V” and “Ride Along.” She had one project in post-production, a film titled “Abused.” Just weeks ago, Stone reflected on her career and t h e w o r k s h e w a s s t i l l planning on creating in a post on social media.

“I’ve been in the game for 50 years My first solo album is 25 years old I’ve put in a lot of work over the years,” Stone wrote on Instagram “God gave me this gift and I have shared it with the world Even at this point I am asking my creator what is next because I

have so much more to give ”

Angie Stone is survived b y h e r s o n , M i c h a e l

D’Angelo Archer II, whom she shared with fellow singer D’Angelo Michael, also known by his stage name Swayvo Twain, is also a recording artist.

Interesting Creatures...Amazonian royal f lycatcher

The Amazonian royal

flycatcher is a medium-sized passerine bird native to the A m a z o n b a s i n i n S o u t h America. It inhabits humid lowland forests near streams, where it lives quietly and primarily unnoticed.

D u r i n g c o u r t s h i p , however, it flashes its large, colorful fan-like crest in hopes of attracting a mate. Find out everything there is to know about this unique bird, including where it lives, what it eats, and how it looks.

The Amazonian royal

flycatcher lives in at least

n i n e c o u n t r i e s i n S o u t h America, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador,

F r e n c h G u i a n a , G u y a n a ,

P e r u , S u r i n a m e , a n d Venezuela.

They inhabit the Amazon

b a s i n i n h u m i d l o w l a n d

e v e r g r e e n a n d s e c o n dgrowth forests. During the breeding season, they stay in moist forests near a water source. Look for these birds in the mid-canopies along

s t r e a m s a n d s e a s o n a l l y flooded forests. They can be hard to spot because they don’t show their crests too often and are relatively quiet, p r e f e r r i n g t o l i v e inconspicuously You will most often find them alone, perched silently in trees, where they attentively search for food.

The females most likely build the nest themselves in a moist forest area near the

water It is long and narrow and hangs from branches or v i n e s o v e r w a t e r. T h i s location makes it difficult for predators to reach.

The Amazonian royal

flycatcher is a medium-sized passerine bird, measuring 5.9 inches long and weighing 0.34 to 0.49 ounces, with an unknown wingspan. It has a long, broad bill, skinny neck, long wings, and tails. Adults are a dull brown on their

upper parts with reddishbrown tails and a dark buffy yellow bellow with a white throat. Their most notable feature is their fan-shaped crest, which folds down when unused. The male has a blue, black, and red-colored crest, while the females have black, blue, and yelloworange.

You can see these birds alone or in pairs, and they c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h s l o w, plaintive whistles. But they a r e r e l a t i v e l y q u i e t a n d inconspicuous most of the time. These birds prefer to stay solitary, feeding under the forest understory alone.

A d u l t A m a z o n i a n flycatchers can become prey to large carnivorous birds like eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls. Their nest can also fall victim to snakes and bigger birds. While their colorful crest is primarily used for courtship. Research suggests it may also startle or momentarily deter avian and mammalian predators.

The Amazonian royal flycatcher

From page 24 help her stop him. One of his cousins, Daveraj Singh ran

b e h i n d h i m b u t N a r i n e jumped into the river before he (Singh) could get close enough to him.

S i n g h e v e n p l u n g e d

b e h i n d h i m a n d t r i e d t o rescue a struggling Narine

b u t t h e c u r r e n t w a s t o o strong.

Narine was swept away and went under the water He was not seen again.

M e a n w h i l e , S e e t a

G h a n n i e m e t h e r d e m i s e during a family outing on Monday at Azeeza Akousa

C r e e k , M a d e w i n i , Soesdyke-Linden Highway

P o l i c e s a i d t h a t h e r

d r o w n i n g r e p o r t e d l y t o o k place around 17:30 hrs.

Reports are that around 17:00 hrs., Ghannie and her husband, Vijay were in the w a t e r a l o n g w i t h o t h e r relatives when he left and went to take a drink.

“A few minutes later he saw his relatives exit the

water but did not see his wife,” police said.

P o l i c e a d d e d , “ H e immediately raised an alarm

and began making checks but could not locate her”.

Some 15 minutes later Ghannie’s motionless body was found submerged in the creek. She was immediately

r u s h e d t o t h e D i a m o n d Diagnostic Centre where she w a s p r o n o u n c e d d e a d o n arrival.

The third victim, Deon Baird was found dead around 11:00hrs on Tuesday His remains were found floating

a t L a k e M a i n S t a y , E s s e q u i b o C o a s t , R e g i o n

Tw o I n v e s t i g a t i o n s l a t e r revealed that he was last seen drinking Guiness by himself at a bar at the Lake Main Stay Resort before later taking off his clothes and jumping into the lake for a swim. He never resurfaced.

‘Borrowing is a Must’ –Guyana Finance Minister Tells Energy Conference …says government is doing so responsibly

Borrowing money is key t o a c o u n t r y ’s e c o n o m i c

g r o w t h , G u y a n a ’s S e n i o r Minister in the Office of the P r e s i d e n t w i t h Responsibility for Finance, D r A s h n i S i n g h t o l d

a t t e n d e e s a t t h e r e c e n t l y

c o n c l u d e d E n e r g y Conference in Guyana.

M i n i s t e r S i n g h e m p h a s i z e d t h a t t h e government is engaging in borrowing responsibly while

m a i n t a i n i n g f i s c a l

sustainability The minister a l s o p o i n t e d o u t t h a t t h e country’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF) holds enough m o n e y t o c l e a r G u y a n a ’s external debt.

“ A l l o f y o u a r e i n business, you know that you don’t build a business, you don’t build a country, you don’t build household wealth by saying, ‘I’m not going to borrow a single dollar,’” the minister stated. He continued, “I don’t think there’s anybody in the room here who has ever built anything without borrowing. I don’t believe any of us. There are very few of us who w i l l b u y o u r f i r s t h o m e without borrowing, or even our first car There are very few of us who will build a business without borrowing, and there’s certainly scarcely a country that I can think of that has not contracted debt.

B u t w e m u s t d o s o i n a sustainable manner.”

H i g h l i g h t i n g G u y a n a ’s f i s c a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t y, t h e minister referenced data on the country’s debt-to-GDP r a t i o , w h i c h h e s a i d h a d significantly improved over the years.

“You have in Guyana, a n d y o u h a v e i n t h i s government led by President Irfaan Ali, a country and a government that has a long track record of responsible economic management,” he stated.

Dr Singh outlined that Guyana’s debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 24.3% at the end of 2024, making it the second l o w e s t i n t h e W e s t e r n Hemisphere “Long before o i l w a s d i s c o v e r e d , Guyana’s debt-to-GDP ratio was already brought down to 3 8 7 % To d a y, G u y a n a ’s debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 24.3%, the second lowest in t h e e n t i r e W e s t e r n Hemisphere,” he said. Providing a breakdown

o f t h e c o u n t r y ’s e x t e r n a l debt, the minister pointed out that at the end of 2024, the

Conference 2025, President Irfaan Ali called on officers to support the work of the People’s Progressive Party

government beyond 2025

His remarks come even as the country is gearing up for g e n e r a l a n d r e g i o n a l elections slated to be held later this year

external debt stood at just over US$2.2 billion. “At the end of 2024, our external d e b t i s j u s t o v e r U S $ 2 billion. In 1992, our external debt was more than US$2 billion, but if you looked at the size of our economy, our economy today is more than 4 0 t i m e s t h e s i z e o f o u r economy in 1992,” Dr Singh stated.

To this end, he noted that Guyana’s NRF had amassed a substantial balance by the end of 2024.

“At the end of 2024, we had saved in our Natural R e s o u r c e F u n d , p a r k

safely and being managed

What does that mean? What

that means, essentially, is that we have enough money in the Natural Resource Fund

t o p a y o f f o u r c o u n t r y ’s entire external debt and still have more than half a billion US dollars left,” the senior minister said.

While highlighting the g o v e r

reiterated that Guyana is on a s u s t a i n a b l e e c o n o m i c trajectory

Even though the minister m a d e t h e p o i n t o f t h e availability of funds in the NRF, it should be noted that

withdraw US$2.5 billion to support its US$6 6 billion budget for 2025. At the end of 2024, Guyana’s overall d

US$5.9 billion.

THURSDAY

“Support the work of the Govt. beyond 2025” …”we deserve your support” - Pres. Ali tells Police officers

At the opening ceremony o f t h e A n n u a l P o l i c e

His direct message to the police officers to support the w o r k o f t h e g o v e r n m e n t contrasts sharply with how he spoke to officers of the Guyana Defence Force last week. During his address at t h e G D F o f f i c e r s ’

c o n f e r e n c e , t h e P r e s i d e n t told officers and other ranks t h a t t h e i r d u t y i s t o t h e nation, its security and the p r e s e r v a t i o n o f l a w a n d order, not to any political i n t e r e s t s H e u n d e r s c o r e d that 2025 is an election year and the GDF “stands ready to fulfill its constitutional duty

t o s u p p o r t c i v i l i a n l a w enforcement in maintaining p e a c e a n d o r d e r a n d

i m p o r t a n t l y, i n s u s t a i n i n g

democracy forever in this

c o u n t r y E l e c t i o n s a r e a

fundamental pillar of our

d e m o c r a c y, a n d w e m u s t

e n s u r e t h a t t h e p r o c e s s unfolds the environment free from intimidation, violence or disruption.” President Ali s a i d t h o u g h u n r e s t o r anything that is contrary to t h e r u l e o f l a w i s n o t

a n t i c i p a t e d , h e u rg e d t h e military to be vigilant against a n y a t t e m p t a t u n s e t t l i n g internal order “Therefore, the GDF will be on standby a n d p r e p a r e d t o a c t i f necessary, so as to uphold s t a b i l i t y a n d p r o t e c t t h e d e m o c r a t i c s t a n c e , ” t h e president said.

He made it clear that they “are not asking anyone to take a partisan stand. We ask every day for the members of the Joint Services to take a p r o f e s s i o n a l a n d n a t i o n a l stand. Every member of the Force has a right to vote according to the dictates of their conscience, and as long as I’m commander-in-chief, the right will be respected. The professionalism of the m i l i t a r y w i l l b e a l w a y s upheld.” “Our duty is to the nation, to its security and the p r e s e r v a t i o n o f l a w a n d order, not to any political i n t e r e s t s G u y a n a ’ s democracy depends on free, fair and peaceful elections, and we will ensure that no f o r c e i n t e r n a l o r e x t e r n a l d i s r u p t s t h e w i l l o f t h e people.”

H o w e v e r , d u r i n g h i s address to the police officers

yesterday, President Ali put e m p h a s i s o n w h a t h i s administration has done for t h e G u y a n a P o l i c e F o r c e ( G P F ) o v e r t h e p a s t f i v e years. He also outlined key a r e a s f o r p o l i c e d e v e l o p m e n t , i n c l u d i n g a c c o u n t a b i l i t y, r e l i a b i l i t y, o p e r a b i l i t y, a n d f i n a n c i a l r e f o r m s P r e s i d e n t A l i stressed the importance of f i n a n c i a l r e f o r m s i n s t r e n g t h e n i n g t h e P o l i c e F o r c e ’s a b i l i t y t o t a c k l e financial crimes. To this end, he said, “As I work with your s u p p o r t a n d y o u r h e l p i n continuing the work of the government beyond 2025, an important part of our work will be financial reforms, the f i n a n c i a l s e c t o r r e f o r m s , r e f o r m i n g t h e f i n a n c i a l system to better help us to fight financial crimes.”

Addressing the issue of p r o f e s s i o n a l g r o w t h , A l i h i g h l i g h t e d t h e government’s investment in education and training for p o l i c e o f f i c e r s , e n a b l i n g t h e m t o a t t a i n h i g h e r q u a l i f i c a t i o n s “ We h a v e never had this number of police officers at every level, w i t h d i p l o m a s , d e g r e e s , masters, and even PhD, and you should applaud yourself for that. But never forget that this was not accidental. This w a s b e c a u s e o f t h e

g o v e r n m e n t i n v e s t i n g i n

m a k i n g e d u c a t i o n

o p p o r t u n i t i e s m o r e accessible to you, and you m u s t a p p l a u d t h a t , ” h e stated.

F u r t h e r , h e a l s o reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing benefits for law e n f o r c e m e n t o f f i c e r s , including home ownership and career incentives. “And I ’ m n o t s h y t o s a y t h i s , because it’s a reality Those of you who know me know that I’m not shy to say, I’m n o t s h y t o a s k f o r y o u r s u p p o r t , b e c a u s e i n m y humble opinion, we deserve it, and in my humble opinion, you deserve our support. You d e s e r v e t h e l o v e o f a n y government. Because what y o u d o , w h a t t h e v a s t majority of you do, is show u n c o n d i t i o n a l l o v e a n d sacrifice for this country’s people every day,” Ali stated. M o r e o v e r , h e a c k n o w l e d g e d c o n c e r n s over promotion structures within the Force, promising to explore ways to ensure o ff i c e r s r e c e i v e a d e q u a t e retirement benefits. In fact, President Ali said, “One of the things that bothers me is the structure. You may have a c o n s t a b l e t h a t w i l l b e a

constable for 25 years. Will r e t i r e a s c o n s t a b l e , s o m e may say that maybe they didn’t make the mark for promotion, but I would say that when you examine the s t r u c t u r e , t h e s t r u c t u r e required a certain balance at every level, whilst the salary and the benefit will increase. I c a n t e l l y o u t h a t I ’ m thinking about how we can ensure that we incentivize that service, that even if a constable stays in the service for 25 years, that he must know that when he retires, his benefits can be calculated above those 25 years.

‘If you bribe a cop, you’re part of the problem’ - Pres. Ali tells police conference

Amid reports of rampant c o r r u p t i o n w i t h i n t h e Guyana Police Force with a l l e g a t i o n s t h a t s e n i o r officers are in the pockets of bug businessmen, President Irfaan Ali told a conference o n We d n e s d a y t h a t i f a person engages in the bribing of an officer, they too are part of the problem. H e w a s a t t h e t i m e speaking on the integrity of the Force and its function to u p h o l d t h e l a w A r e c e n t r e p o r t b y T r a n s p a r e n c y International stated that the state of Guyana had been

environmental crimes The body also stated that Guyana has lost ground in the fight ag

from 40 points last year to 39 this year, ranking it 92 out of 1

and

transparency and law enforcement

the body stated in its report.

Back in March 2024, the

(UNHRC)

Continued on page 42

Guyana’s Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh

From page 40

n a t i o n ’ s i n s t i t u t i o n a l

f r a m e w o r k t o c o m b a t

c o r r u p t i o n T h e r e p o r t

a c k n o w l e d g e d G u y a n a ’s

a d o p t i o n o f l a w s a n d

r e g u l a t i o n s t o t a c k l e

c o r r u p t i o n , i n c l u d i n g t h e establishment of a Special

O r g a n i z e d C r i m e U n i t ( S O C U ) w i t h i n t h e Guyana Police Force (GPF).

H o w e v e r , i t h i g h l i g h t s lingering concerns regarding

t h e e f f e c t i v e n e s s o f t h e institutional setup to prevent

a n d p r o s e c u t e c o r r u p t i o n , particularly within the police force and among high-level p u b l i c o f f i c i a l s S p e c i f i c

c o n c e r n s o u t l i n e d i n t h e

r e p o r t i n c l u d e i n s t a n c e s where the Commissioner of Information failed to address

p u b l i c r e q u e s t s a n d t h e delayed enforcement of the

Protected Disclosures and Witness Protection Act. Meanwhile, in his to the police officers’ conference

P resident Ali s aid that in

b u i l d i n g o u t t h e P o l i c e Force, there must be shared

a c c o u n t a b i l i t y a n d partnership He explained:

“ s h a r e d a c c o u n t a b i l i t y i s where every single citizen

must understand that they have a role in building a

s t r o n g P o l i c e F o r c e , i n

b u i l d i n g a p r o f e s s i o n a l Police Force, in building a responsible Police Force, in building a Police Force with high integrity, every single citizen, every single citizen must play a role. If you try to bribe an officer, you are part of the problem. If you try to bribe a traffic officer, you are part of the problem.”

In this regard, he said it

should be understood that educating the public about their responsibility in crime fighting and their decency as a l a w - a b i d i n g c i t i z e n i s important.

The Guyanese leader told the police officers that if they

a r e r e s p o n d i n g t o 5 0 0 complaints related to noise nuisance, the ranks of the Force will not be able to respond to serious crimes, t h u s r e n d e r i n g t h e m ineffective. However, there a r e l a w s g o v e r n i n g t h e country that citizens must r e s p e c t , a d h e r e t o , a n d h o n o u r “ S h a r e d accountability is about our i n d i v i d u a l a n d c o l l e c t i v e responsibility in building a s t r o n g e r s o c i e t y, a s a f e r society, a better society, and all of us must understand that w e h a v e a s h a r e d responsibility in this regard,”

President underscored He said to actualise this shared

r e s p o n s i b i l i t y, i t m u s t b e e n s u r e d “ t h a t t h e environment that fosters the culture of impunity, where wrongdoing is normalised and justice appears elusive is disbanded because that is what rocks the foundational pillars of justice, security and freedom.” He said it is a p r e v a l e n t i s s u e a f f e c t i n g many societies and countries b o t h r e g i o n a l l y a n d internationally and it must be addressed.

FRIDAY

Concerns grow as US threatens visa sanctions over Cuban doctors …Jagdeo says Caricom seeking meeting with Trump for him to soften approach

T h e G o v e r n m e n t o f Guyana said that it will be working through Caricom to g e t t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s t o soften its plans to sanction countries that benefit from Cuba’s medical programme.

T h e U n i t e d S t a t e s o n

T u e s d a y e x p a n d e d v i s a r e s t r i c t i o n s o v e r C u b a ’s dispatch of doctors overseas, a programme Havana sees as a source of influence and revenue but which has long f a c e d a c c u s a t i o n s o f e x p l o i t a t i o n S e c r e t a r y o f State Marco Rubio, a CubanAmerican and vociferous foe o f t h e c o m m u n i s t government in Havana, said the United States will now a l s o b a r v i s a s t o f o r e i g n g o v e r n m e n t o ff i c i a l s w h o assist the programme. Cuba has been sending scores of doctors here over a number of years and also hundreds of Guyanese doctors and other professional have benefitted from scholarships to study in that country

On Tuesday Rubio said that the United States was immediately imposing visa

r e s t r i c t i o n s u n d e r t h e expanded policy on several

d e p r i v e d o f f u n d a m e n t a l freedoms as they live under d r a c o n i a n r u l e s o v e r s e a s Since returning to office last m o n t h , P r e s i d e n t D o n a l d Trump has swiftly sought to ramp up pressure on Cuba. He reversed a decision by his p r e d e c e s s o r J o e B i d e n t o take Cuba off a list of state sponsors of terrorism. The Biden administration agreed to lift the designation, which h a s s e v e r e e f f e c t s o n i n v e s t m e n t , i n r e t u r n f o r Cuba’s release of political prisoners.

p e o p l e f r o

C u

a ’s a l l y V e n e z u e l a a n d t h a t immediate family members of sanctioned officials would a l s o b e a f f e c t e d “ C u b a continues to profit from the forced labor of its workers and the regime’s abusive and coercive labor practices are w e l l d o c u m e n t e d , ” R u b i o said. “Cuba’s labor export programs, which include the medical missions, enrich the Cuban regime, and in the c a s e o f C u b a ’s o

Meanwhile, addressing the issue at his weekly news c o n f e r e n c e o n T h u r s d a y

V i c e P r e s i d e n t B h a r r a t Jagdeo said Guyana will be a

p a r t o f t h e C A R I C O M

m i s s i o n t o e n g a g e t h e

D o n a l d T r u m p ’ s administration on the threats to impose visa sanctions on the leaders and their families

o f c o u n t r i e s w h o a r e beneficiaries of the Cuban labour export programme, i n c l u d i n g t h e m e d i c a l missions. He was asked to c o m m e n t s p e c i f i c a l l y o n whether Guyana will stop

r home country,” he said in a statement.

Cuba, which frequently h i g h l i g h t s i t s u n i v e r s a l health care system, has sent d o c t o r s a r o u n d t h e w o r l d

s i n c e t h e 1 9 6 0 s a s i t promotes itself in developing nations. The programme has become a major source of

n e e d e d c a s h , p a r t i c u l a r l y

a f t e r t h e S o v i e t U n i o n ’s collapse deprived Cuba of a major benefactor

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said that Rubio’s decision was “based o n l i e s ” a n d w i l l “ a ff e c t health services for millions of people in Cuba and around t h e w o r l d ” “ O n c e a g a i n , Marco Rubio is placing his p e r s o n a l i n t e r e s t s a b o v e those of the United States,” he wrote on social media platform X.

A c c o r d i n g t o C u b a n official figures, Cuba sent 2 2 , 6 3 2 m e d i c a l professionals to 57 countries in 2023, with Cuba earning $6.3 billion in 2018 and $3.9 billion in 2020, in part in the form of oil from Venezuela.

C r i t i c s c h a r a c t e r i z e t h e program as forced labor, and t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s u n d e r former president George W Bush launched a program to e n c o u r a g e C u b a n d o c t o r s overseas to defect. Human Rights Watch has said that

t h e C u b a n d o c t o r s a r e

t a k i n g m e m b e r s o f t h e Cuban Medical Brigade in light of these threats by the United States Jagdeo told t h e m e d i a t h a t t h e

g o v e r n m e n t h a s c a r e f u l l y examined the statement that w a s r e l e a s e d b y t h e U S

c o n c e r n i n g t h e C u b a n Medical Brigade in countries and the potential sanctions against the said countries for collaborating with Cuba. He reasoned, “Now you know that this, the Cuban presence, a medical presence in the Caribbean, has been there for a very, very long time and has transcended several US administrations. The Cuban medical presence in the region has had some positive impact on health

c a r e d e l i v e r y a c r o s s t h e region. This issue is not just about Guyana. This is about the entire Caribbean.”

Jagdeo highlighted that at CARICOM’s last Heads of G o v e r n m e n t m e e t i n g , a n a g r

w a s m a

e n g a g e t h e T r u m p a d m i n i s t r a t i o n o n m a n y issues, as they felt that he should see the region not

through the eyes of a third party but directly get the views of the leaders of the region.

A c c o r d i n g t o J a g d e o Secretary of State, Rubio has been in contact with several l e a d e r s i n C A R I C O M , P r e s i d e n t I r f a a n A l i included, so it is anticipated given the impact it would h

threatened visa sanctions is one of the many issues on which CARICOM’s leaders will have to jointly approach a n d a d d

e s s t h e U S government on, Jagdeo said. “Still, there are several other issues, so Guyana will be p

done with, I guess, at the

leaders directly with either the State Department or the White House. We hope that we’d be able to do so, but not just on the Cuban Medical Brigade…on trade, matters o n e i g h t , m a t t e r s o n deportees,” he said. Further, Continued on page 42

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

From page 41

the Guyanese government has made it clear and Jagdeo believes that this is the view

o f o t h e r c o u n t r i e s i n t h e region as well that they will accept without any condition their nationals. T

country Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony had said that some 200 Cuban doctors and nurses were expected to arrive in the country early last year Back in 2022 at an event to celebrate the 50th

and Cuba President had said:

“When we think about our

nurses that benefited from training in Cuba; when we think about our engineering system; when we think about

came to support our health sector; when we think about

itself had limited resources, it tells us about a people who are committed to the cause of humanity, a people who are committed to the upliftment of humanity, a people who are committed to ensuring

making the world a better place.”

President Ali said then

sanctions on the Mohameds on allegations of tax evasion and PPP, executive member, Mae Thomas for allegedly m

government contracts to the Mohameds. A

Jagdeo was asked to share the extent of his worry about

that Cuba has always been a f a i t h f u l f r i e n d t o t h e C a r i b b e a n C o m m u n i t y (Caricom) and continues to b e a t o p d e s t i n a t i o n f o r leaders in the LAC Region to s e e k m e d i c a l t r e a t m e n t

“This tells you something about the character of the people themselves [and their] interest in humanity Cuba has shown us that if we put humanity at the centre of what we do, we can achieve great things,” President Ali

s t a t e d . N e v e r t h e l e s s , t h e

Head of State contended that G u y a n a w i l l c o n t i n u e t o maintain its strong, solid,

r e s p e c t f u l a n d d i g n i f i e d relationship with Cuba.

Jagdeo plays down potential threat to PPP by Mohamed at upcoming elections - says he cannot comment on every social media activist who gives out a few things

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, has played down any p o t e n t i a l t h r e a t f r o m

b u s i n e s s m a n , A z r u d d i n Mohamed if he enters the elections race, saying that he cannot take the time out to c o m m e n t o n e v e r y s o c i a l media activist that hands out a few things to people.

M o h a m e d h a s b e e n drawing large crowds during visits to communities across the country And recently he caused quite a stir when he rolled into Corentyne to visit a large group of fishermen and other citizens. Mohamed has also made several visits to the hinterland- building h o m e s f o r i n d i g e n o u s residents, setting up small b u s i n e s s e s f o r s o m e a n d providing other gifts. He has also drawn strong appeal in recent stops in communities

such as Albouystown and Vi c t o r i a w h e r e s c o r e s o f young people swarmed him.

However, Moham

from Guyanese every time Mr Mohamed goes out in public and if he decides to contest the 2025 General and Regional elections.

He told the media that he is the leader of a political p

Guyana, and his party has gotten to where it is because o

citizens and the groundwork

We transform the lives of many

… because of that, we have won several elections. We’re the only multi ethnic party in the country, and you can see evidence of that. For me to c o m m e n t p o l i t i c a l l y o n individuals and what they are doing would be premature,” Jagdeo said.

The VP stressed that he comments on the political opponents of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and other parties even though some of them may very well b e a l l i e s o f t h e P P P H o w e v e r, a s t h e G e n e r a l S e c r e t a r y o f t h e p a r t y currently in government, he cannot be commenting “on every social media activist if they go to a community or any charity that hands out a few things to people.”

“ I m a d e i t c l e a r t h a t s h o u l d p e

political intention, then that at that point in time, it’s fair game for me to express a view on that party or that person, like when Glen Lall

form a political party I dealt with him slightly differently He has not formed the party

s contesting the elections,” he explained.

Jagdeo went on to say the

Kaieteur News publisher

comment on individuals who are yet to formally launch their political party As intent is one thing but formally Continued on page 43

Komal Singh appointed Chairman of the Shipping Association of Guyana

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

From page 42

e s t a b l i s h i n g i s a n o t h e r. However, if these persons are critical of the PPP then this is an entirely different situation. He noted that if any criticism of his party made by this individual can be presented to him, he would share his view on that. “But beyond that…I think it’s premature. The time will come or may come when I’d have to do that, and I’m ready to do that…in fact (I am), eager to do that, about all of our opponents, not just this gentleman, should he decide to go that route. But

r i g h t n o w , i t ’ s , i t ’ s

p r e m a t u r e , ” t h e V i c e President said.

SATURDAY

Komal Singh elected Chairman of Shipping Association of Guyana …committed to improving shipping efficiency

B u s i n e s s m a n K o m a l Singh was recently elected

t h e C h a i r m a n o f t h e

S h i p p i n g A s s o c i a t i o n o f Guyana (SAG) to serve the organization this year Singh replaces Philip Fernandes as the Chairman.

e x e c

v e s a r e V i c e Chairman Alan Newark, and m a n a g e m e n t c o m m i t t e e

members, Glenis Hodge, Gidel Thomside, Jennifer

P r a s h a d , N a l i n i J a m u n a , C h a n d r a d a t C h i

Persaud, and Prittipaul Singh (Jr).

The election was done at the SAG’s Annual General Meeting. In his inaugural address, Chairman Singh outlined k e y p r i o r i t i e s f o r t h e association, emphasizing the urgent need to dredge the Demerara River ch

n g t h e crucial role of maritime trade i n G u y a n a ’ s e c o n o m i c expansion, Singh committed to working closely with the Government of Guyana to ensure that the channel is deepened to accommodate l

y a n

g economic growth.

Additionally, SAG has commenced preparations to host the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) Annual Conference in 2026.

“This prestigious event is expected to attract over 400 delegates from across the globe, positioning Guyana as a h u b f o

discussions. The conference will provide a platform for key stakeholders to engage in critical discussions on the future of shipping, logistics, and trade in the Caribbean,” a s t a t e m e n t f r o m t h e Association said.

The SAG said that it is committed to advocating for a d v a n c e m e n t s i n t h e maritime industry, fostering

regional collaboration, and s

shipping and logistics sector

Exxon has recovered US$33.9B from Guyana’s oil – Jagdeo tells Reuters T

US$33.9 billion by the end of January from Guyana’s oil. T

Reuters by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. E

operator of the Stabroek

B

partners, Hess and CNOOC, h o l d 3 0 % a n d 2 5 % respectively

O i l w a s

o v e r e d offshore Guyana in 2015 and b y D e c e m b e

2 0 1 9 o i l production commenced in the Stabroek Block.

In accordance with the 2016 Production Sharing

Agreement that was signed by the previous APNU+AFC government with Exxon, the oil companies are allowed to recover 75% of the revenues generated from the Stabroek Block.

That 75% is considered cost oil. The remaining 25% is considered profit oil, this is s h a r e d 5 0 / 5 0 b e t w e e n G u y a n a a n d t h e o i l c o m p a n i e s , e q u a t i n g t o 12.5% of the operation’s profits.

“The figure explained by the Vice President includes the consortium’s spending to explore more than 30 wells at t h e b l o c k , a n d t h e development of six oil and gas projects approved by the g o v e r n m e n t , ” R e u t e r s ’ Kemol King reported.

ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC have committed nearly US$55 billion to develop six governmentapproved projects within the Stabroek Block.

Notably, the Stabroek Block PSA lacks a ringfencing provision. For those unfamiliar, ‘Ring-fencing’ s i m p l y m e a n s t h a t e a c h

project would pay for itself, thereby allowing for greater profits to be split when development is paid off. Due to the lack of a ringfencing provision, bills from future developing projects continue to be added to the list of expenses for Exxon to recover

The first three projects –Liza Phase 1, Liza Phase 2 and Payara are averaging more than 650,000 barrels of o i l p e r d a y ( b p d ) i n p r o d u c t i o n T h e

ExxonMobil-led consortium has plans in place to grow production capacity to more than 1.3 million bpd by the end of 2027, when they anticipate h

ving all six projects up and running offshore. This will include the addition of the Yellowtail which will come on stream later this year, Uaru and Whiptail.

Exxon has already made

Authorisation for a seventh p

Hammerhead and an eight project Longtail. H

announced as Exxon’s ninth c

drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 197 feet (60 meters) of high-

well was safely drilled to 13,862 feet (4,225 meters) depth in 3,773 feet (1,150 meters) of water The project will target between 120-180 thousand barrels per day (kbd). Exxon is aiming to c

d u c t i o n activities by 2029, following the requisite approvals.

T h e d a i l y p

capacity being targeted for H

compared to the last three projects sanctioned, which each target over 200 kbd.

The eight project seeks to develop the gas resources at the Longtail site. This project carries substantial liquids and condensate, aiming to produce about 250 kbd.

Magical Paintbrush

Hannah loved to draw more than anything in the w

, sketching castles, animals, and dreamlike landscapes in her notebook. But one rainy afternoon, as she played in her grandmother's attic, she discovered something that would change everything.

Tucked away in an old

w o o d e n c h e s t w a s a paintbrush, covered in dust. It had a golden handle that shimmered under the dim attic light, and soft bristles that felt smooth between her fingers.

C u r i o u s , H a n n a h

g r a b b e d t h e b r u s h a n d a scrap of paper She dipped it in a tiny paint pot she found nearby and painted a bright red apple. The moment she finished the last stroke, the a p p l e l i f t e d

n g a n d glowing—and dropped onto the floor with a soft thud!

H a n n a h g a s p e d S h e reached down, picked up the apple, and took a small bite. It was real! Juicy, sweet, and delicious.

Excited, she painted a small butterfly The moment her brush left the paper, the butterfly flapped its delicate wings and fluttered around her “This is amazing!” she whispered, her heart racing.

J u s t t h e n , h e r g r a n d m o t h e r w a l k e d i n “Oh, you found t h a t old t h i n g , ” s h e s a i d w i t h a

c h u c k l e “ T h a t ' s a v e r y

s p e c i a l p a i n t b r u s h , Hannah.”

“ S p e c i a l ? ” H a n n a h asked, wide-eyed.

“ Ye s , ” G r a n d m a s a i d , s i t t i n g b e s i d e h e r

“Whatever you paint comes to life! But remember, the magic only lasts until the sun sets Then everything disappears.”

Hannah's mind swirled with possibilities. She had to try it out!

A D a y o f M a g i c a l Help…

T h e n e x t m o r n i n g , Hannah rushed outside with her paintbrush. She wanted t o h e l p p e o p l e i n h e r neighbourhood.

First, she met her friend Noah, who was searching for his lost kitten, Whiskers. Hannah quickly painted a talking dog. The fluffy pup wagged its tail and sniffed the air

“I smell a tiny kitten under that bush!” the dog barked.

Noah ran over and, sure e n o u g h , t h e r e w a s

W h i s k e r s ! “ T h a n k y o u ,

H a n n a h ! ” N o a h c h e e r e d , hugging his kitten.

N e x t , a t t h e p a r k , Hannah noticed a b

I love to go to school

by Uncle Roy

There was a time I was not so sure If school was the place for me, But now I know, apart from home, There is nowhere I'd rather be.

The many friends I meet each day, All help to make me happy; We talk and play and have so much fun, On leaving each day I feel sorry

Our teachers are so kind and keen, As they help to make me learn; I know I have to work some more To do my best in turn.

I feel so good about going to school, I know I will pass the test; When the time comes when I have to leave, It will help me to become my best.

St. Patrick's Day Kids Craft:

L eprechaun Treat Cups

Supplies Needed for Leprechaun Hat Treat Cups:

* Green Paper Cups

* Black, Light Green, and Dark Green Craft Foam (Cardstock or Heavy Construction Paper)

* Gold Glitter Paper

* Cutting Machine (optional) or Scissors

* Glue or Tape

* Treat Mix – we used Gold Caramel

n slide. Kids were sad because they couldn't play on it. She dipped her brush into blue

p a i n t a n d d r e w a g i a n t rainbow bridge Instantly, the rainbow shimmered into place, connecting the top of the slide to the ground. The children cheered as they slid

d o w n t h e c o l o r f u l a r c , laughing with joy

H a n n a h b e a m e d

H e l p i n g o t h e r s f e l t wonderful!

B u t h e r b i g g e s t

challenge came later that afternoon.

At school, she saw her classmate Mia being bullied by two older kids. Hannah didn't like to see anyone

f e e l i n g s c a r e d , s o s h e q u i c k l y p a i n t e

shimmering green scales

The dragon puffed out a

l i t t l e h a r m l e s s c l o u d o f

s m o k e , a n d t h e b u l l i e s shrieked and ran away

Mia smiled. “That was a m a z i n g ! T h a n k y o u , Hannah!”

Hannah felt proud. She was using her magic for good!

Trouble Begins…

Just when she thought her day couldn't get any b e t t e r , s o m e t h i n g unexpected happened.

As she walked home, Hannah thought it would be fun to paint a silly little monkey She carefully drew a furry, playful creature with big brown eyes and a curly tail.As soon as the monkey came to life, it snatched the paintbrush from her hands and bolted down the street!

“Hey! Come back here!”

Hannah shouted, running after it.

The monkey was fast. It leaped onto fences, dashed past fruit stands, and even swung from a streetlamp With every leap, it used the b r u s h t o p a i n t

slip and stumble.

Hannah's friends, Noah and Mia, joined the chase. “We have to stop it before (Continued on page 45)

* C

scissors or a craft knife (2 of each).

Black bands, glitter squares, green circles, lime green clovers.

* Use your adhesive of choice to add the

Popcorn

Be Passionate about Fulfilling your Dreams

Just as you would see it wise to plan any trip you would be going on, it is necessary to determine the things that would give your life meaning and try to keep on course to bring them to fruition.

M o r e o v e r, w h e n y o u make yourself excited about pursuing these goals, then you will find that it would take less effort to keep you on track towards them.

Most teenagers do not take the trouble to look

ahead and determine what t h e y n e e d t o d o t o b e successful, both on a longterm and short-term basis. As a result, they go through life drifting along, and most times not only waste energy and time in activities not b e n e f i c i a l , b u t e n

m o v i n g i n

w r o n g direction and doing things that could get them into trouble. Take some time and assess your special skills and talents, what you really need from life, and determine the

Magical Paintbrush

From last Sunday Editions “Hey! Come back here!”

Hannah shouted, running after it.The monkey was fast. It leaped onto fences, dashed past fruit stands, and even swung from a streetlamp. With every leap, it used the

b r u s h t o p a i n t

b a n a n a s d o z e n s o f them—causing people to slip

a n d s t u m b l e H a n n a h ' s

f r i e n d s , N o a h a n d M i a , joined the chase. “We have to stop it before sunset!” Noah panted.

“If we don't,” Mia added, “the monkey might become permanent, and we'll never get the paintbrush back!”

Thinking fast, Hannah grabbed a piece of chalk from her school bag. She sketched a giant net on the sidewalk, hoping her natural drawing skills would help.

“ I t ' s n o t m a g i c , b u t maybe it will work!” she s a i d W h e n t h e m o n k e y turned the corner, Hannah and her friends pounced! With the chalk-drawn net as their guide, they threw a real net over the monkey

“ G o t c h a ! ” H a n n a h cheered as she snatched the

brush from its little hands. T h e s u n w a s j u s t beginning to set, and as the last rays disappeared, the monkey and all the bananas it had painted vanished into thin air.Phew!

A Lesson Learned…

That night, as Hannah cleaned the paintbrush, she

paintbrush was powerful, but

exciting, but it wasn't what made her special. She had used her own creativity to help her friends and solve problems The

thinking.From that day on, Hannah decided she would only use the paintbrush for special occasions. Most of the time, she would rely on

solving skills.As she placed the magical paintbrush in a safe box, she smiled. She didn't need magic to make the

wonderful—she just needed herself The end!

Snub Square

Slitherlinks

Fill in some of the dotted line segments to form a meandering path that forms a single loop. The path does not cross itself, branch, or touch itself at corners. The numbers indicate how many line segments surround each cell.

Empty cells may be surrounded by any number of line segments. There is one unique solution, and you should be able to find it without guessing. You may find it helpful to mark segments that cannot be filled in. Need some solving help? Visit krazydad.com/slitherlink

goals you want to achieve, both for the short time ahead, and for the long term. You will find that when you do this, even when you are not

achieve your goals, your subconscious mind will be always keeping you on the path to your dreams. Furthermore, when you try to pursue these dreams

with passion, you will be m o r e e f f e c t i v e i n y o u r efforts to achieving them. If you keep this always in mind, you will find that your inner self will be automatically inspired and always urging you to move in the right direction so as to achieve the goals you have set as the purpose of your life. You will also realise that the enthusiasm that you will be generating in moving passionately will provide the greatest help in maintaining a lively spirit. No matter what you get enthusiastic about, as long as you become engrossed in it earnestly, it will become a mission in your life and provide the stimulation to your body, mind and spirit for their continued development.

Magical Paintbrush

From page 44 sunset!” Noah panted.“If we don't,” Mia added, “the monkey might become permanent, and we'll never get the paintbrush back!”Thinking fast, Hannah grabbed a piece of chalk from her school bag. She sketched a giant net on the sidewalk, hoping her natural drawing skills would help.

“It's not magic, but maybe it will work!” she said.When the monkey turned the corner, Hannah and her friends pounced! With the chalk-drawn net as their guide, they threw a real net over the monkey.“Gotcha!” Hannah cheered as she snatched the brush from its little hands.The sun was just beginning to set, and as the last rays disappeared, the monkey and all the bananas it had painted vanished into thin air

Phew!

A Lesson Learned…

That night, as Hannah cleaned the paintbrush, she thought about everything that had happened. The paintbrush was powerful, but she realized something important—magic was exciting, but it wasn't what made her special.She had used her own creativity to help her friends and solve problems. The chalk net had worked because of her quick thinking.From that day on, Hannah decided she would only use the paintbrush for special occasions. Most of the time, she would rely on her own imagination, kindness, and problem-solving skills.As she placed the magical paintbrush in a safe box, she smiled. She didn't need magic to make the world a little more wonderful—she just needed herself

The end!

You are the driver of your destiny, Passenger of none, In control and looking forward To things that must be done.

You are the captain of your ship, Destination you must control, Plans to help you get there, And the passion to bring you home.

You are the pilot of your airplane; Fly as high as you want. The flight is what you make it, So follow your preconceived plan.

Hopes and dreams are yours to decide, Motivation to help on the way A journey you are passionate about, Moving forward each day.

Direction is always forward; Backwards only to learn. Discover your authentic self, And work for your goals to earn.

Enhance each quality given. Develop talents with which you were blessed, Transform your heart into one of gold, And try always to do your best.

For every earnest start there is a finish. Do not give up as you move day by day; Keep moving passionately to fulfil your dreams, And success will certainly come your way. done.

Making passion the driving force towards achieving your dreams will give you the best chance of fulfilling them.

Solutions to last week’s

Clover Maze INKIES

Vybz K artel launches Sr8 Vybz Rum in Guyana ...says

“They bring the quality, me bring the Vybz" , Jamaica Dancehall star, Adidja Palmer popularly known by his stage name, Vybz Kartel said as he officially launched the Str8 Vybz Rum in Guyana at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, on Friday

Str8 Vybz rum is a brand of different blends of rums named after four of the artiste's hits songs, Ramping Shop, Fever, Electric and unstoppable.

The Str8 Vybz rum is produced in Trinidad by Angostura and the Company has partnered with the Dancehall star to market the rum.

At the launch, Kartel spoke of its good quality and said that together with the Vybz Kartel Stardom it will be able to sell itself.

"They personify the songs", Kartel said before adding, 'because the fever 63% (alcohol percentage) it’s hot trust me".

electric, they are both dark rims smooth to d taste, nice especially for the ladies...and then you have the ramping Shop which is the enhanced rum...Now ladies don't drink this if Yuh don't have a husband at home".

Apart from the taste, Kartel said that the labeling is also unique.

"If you notice I signed the autographs that you see on the bottle myself, that is the original Vybz Kartel signature." He pointed out while adding, " look at the side of the bottle you will see the lyrics to each song on it so we just label it or do no hurry come thing and seh a Vybz Kartel drink this, the product is there, the quality is there"

manager Teejay for playing a key-role in bringing Str8 Vybz rum into existence.

He said it was Teejay's vision. Teejay

it personifies his music

according to Kartel, flew to the factory in Trinidad after Angostura had approached him and his team with a business proposal to create the rum.

"He call me back, a few days later and he was like dada this it. We ready and I was like ok everything is set", Kartel recalled.

S

containers of the rum have been sold in Jamaica within the first two days.

management and staff. After his remarks, the artiste officially launched the rum in Guyana with a ceremonial ribbon

performance.

Those present at the media launch got a chance to sample the different blends of rum.

There was also an after party for special guests at 8pm.

Kartel is set to return in May to headline, Hits and Jams Baderation Concert.

‘Remove your vessel from Guyana’s water’

…as US threatens “consequences” for further provocation – CARICOM tells Venezuela

T h e C a r i b b e a n

C o m m u n i t y ( C A R I C O M ) has issued a stern warning to Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro regime to urgently remove

i t s m i l i t a r y v e s s e l t h a t invaded Guyana's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), on Saturday morning.

T h e U n i t e d S t a t e s government also issued a strong statement threatening

c o n s e q u e n c e s s h o u l d

Ve n e z u e l a c o n t i n u e i t s provocation.

A r o u n d 0 7 : 0 0 h , a

Venezuelan armed vessel entered Guyana's waters and

a p p r o a c h e d E x x o n M o b i l

G u y a n a ' s F l o a t i n g

P r o d u c t i o n S t o r a g e a n d Offloading (FPSO) platform

– Prosperity – which is operating in Guyana's oilrich Stabroek Block. The Venezuelan vessel radioed the FPSO platform stating that it was operating in what

i t t e r m e d “ d i s p u t e d international waters” before

c o n t i n u i n g i t s c o u r s e t o w a r d s o t h e r F P S O s operating in the oil block.

President Irfaan Ali, in a statement, underscored that w h i l e G u y a n a i s f i r m l y committed to the rule of international law, to peaceful resolution of controversies, a n d t o t h e p o w e r o f diplomacy, “Guyana will not allow Maduro and Venezuela to threaten or violate our sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

C A R I C O M d e m a n d s i m m e d i a t e r e m o v a l o f Venezuelan vessel

“ C A R I C O M c a l l s o n Venezuela to order the urgent removal of the vessel from Guyana's waters and further, to refrain from engaging with the FPSO platforms, as h a s b e e n r e p o r t e d , ” t h e

r e g i o n a l b o d y s t a t e d o n Saturday evening.

CARICOM reiterated its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana. The body reminded that such acts o f a g g r e s s i o n a n d provocation are contrary to international law and the 2023 Argyle Declaration,

w h i c h G u y a n a a n d Venezuela are bound by, to a v o i d u n n e c e s s a r y confrontational actions.

L a b e l i n g Ve n e z u e l a ' s

a c t i o n a s p r o v o c a t i o n , CARICOM further stated

t h a t s u c h a m o v e r u n s c o u n t

t o t h e a g r e e d commitment of CARICOM and the Community of Latin

American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to ensure that the Caribbean region remains a Zone of Peace.

CARICOM outlined that it is critical that there be a peaceful resolution of the border controversy as is expected under the case that i s p e n d i n g b e f o r e t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o u r t o f Justice (ICJ).

“What is required now, more than ever, is patience, calm and non-provocation, o n b o t h s i d e s A s w a s contemplated in the Argyle Declaration, a resolution of this controversy, remains entirely possible without any a c t s o f p r o v o c a t i o n o r a g g r e s s i o n , ” C A R I C O M said.

U S i s s u e s s t r o n g warning to Venezuela

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on S a t u r d a y , w a r n e d t h e Maduro regime.

T h e U S s a i d t h a t Venezuelan naval vessels threatening the FPSO unit is unacceptable and a clear

v i o l a t i o n o f G u y a n a ' s i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y - r e c o g n i z e d maritime territory

“ F u r t h e r p r o v o c a t i o n will result in consequences for the Maduro regime. The United States reaffirms its s u p p o r t f o r G u y a n a ' s territorial integrity and the 1899 arbitral award,” it was stated.

Statement from the OAS

G e n e r a l S e c r e t a r i a t o n Venezuelan threats

T h e O r g a n i z a t i o n o f A m e r i c a n S t a t e s ( O A S ) unequivocally condemned the recent actions of the Venezuelan naval vessels threatening ExxonMobil's FPSO

General Secretariat Luis Almagro stated, “Such acts of intimidation constitute a c l e a r v i o l a t i o n o f international law, undermine r e g i o n a l s t a b i l i t y, a n d threaten the principles of p e a c e f u l c o e x i s t e n c e between nations.”

Additionally, the OAS called on the international c o m m u n i t y t o r e m a i n vigilant, warning that “Any attempt to use coercion or force to alter established borders is unacceptable and contrary to the fundamental p r i n c i p l e s o f t h e O A S

Charter and international law in general.”

Liberty and Democracy Group rejects Venezuelan incursion

T h e L i b e r t y a n d

Democracy Group in their

s t a t e m e n t r e j e c t e d t h e incursion of a Venezuelan m i l i t a r y v e s s e l i n t o t h e waters of the Essequibo.

T h e s t a t e m e n t n o t e d , “This act constitutes an unacceptable violation of Guyanese sovereignty and a challenge to international law that must be firmly condemned.”

Highlighting President Ali's response, the group

s a i d , “ T h e P r e s i d e n t o f G u y a n a , I r f a a n A l i , h a s

c l e a r l y u n d e r s c o r e d t h e gravity of this situation and reaffirmed his commitment to defending his country's territorial integrity.”

T h e s t a t e m e n t a l s o accused the Maduro regime

o f a t t e m p t i n g t o s e i z e Guyana's energy wealth. It was stated, “The Liberty and Democracy Group calls on the international community

t o u p h o l d G u y a n a ' s sovereignty, ensuring that it is not usurped by Nicolás

M a d u r o ' s d i c t a t o r s h i p , which seeks to seize the energy wealth of a growing nation with the potential to

become a global model for development.”

P a r a g u a y c o n d e m n s Venezuela's actions

In a translated post on X, P a r a g u a y ' s g o v e r n m e n t c o n d e m n e d Ve n e z u e l a ' s incursion and reaffirmed its support for Guyana. The statement read, “Paraguay condemns the invasion of Guyana's maritime territory by the naval forces of the Maduro regime and ratifies its support for the people and government of Guyana in the r e s p e c t o f i t s t e r r i t o r i a l integrity.”

A F C c o n d e m n s

Venezuela's barefaced show of force

The Alliance For Change (AFC) has also condemned Ve n e z u e l a ' s “ b a r e f a c e d show of force.” The AFC in a statement said, “There is absolutely no doubt that the area where the Liza offshore well, and the supporting vessels and infrastructure lie, are well within Guyana's t e r r i t o r i a l w a t e r s a n d Exclusive Economic Zone.”

The party further stated, “Just a few short days ago, our soldiers were ambushed, and today, the navy patrol boat was used to intimidate

and threaten those on the Liza Prosperity This lawless and reckless behaviour must be called out for what it is. It will be confronted.”

G C C I c o n

Venezuela's provocation

C o m m

(GCCI) strongly condemned Venezuela's incursion into Guyana's EEZ labeling it a direct threat to the country's sovereignty

country's sovereign territory must be rejected and such acts of aggression must not be allowed to continue with

stated. N

G C C

reaffirmed its support for the G

declaring, “The Essequibo region belongs to Guyana, and the Chamber affirms that it is Guyana's right to occupy its 83,000 square miles and EEZ.”

P S C C

Venezuela's incursion, calls

(Continued on page 52)

CARICOM Chair, Mia Mottley

United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio

OAS Secretary General, Luis Almagro

Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes

Third victim in fiery Essequibo accident dies

A third victim in Friday night's fiery crash along the E s s e q u i b o C o a s t , R e g i o n Two has succumbed to his injuries.

K a i e t e u r N e w s h a d initially reported that the a c c i d e n t t o o k p l a c e a t

D a r t m o u t h E s s e q u i b o

H o w e v e r , p o l i c e i n a statement on Saturday said that the tragedy ocurred at Perth.

T h e d e a d l y c r a s h involved two motorcycles and a car, police said. The d e a d v i c t i m s h a v e b e e n identified as motorcyclist, Leon Marks, 62, of Lot 214 Hoppie Street Dartmouth his pillion rider, Reion Alphonso a 28-year-old from Lot 660 Charity Extension Scheme, Essequibo Coast and 18-yearo l d D a v e n a n d B e r n a r d , a n o t h e r m o t o r c y c l i s t o f O n d e r n e e m i n g , E s s e q u i b o Coast.

Marks and Bernard died on the spot while Alphonso d i e d w h i l e r e c e i v i n g treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Suddie Public Hospital.

The driver of the car, a 69year-old farmer, is in police c u s t o d y a s s i s t i n g w i t h investigations.

The farmer reportedly told police that he was driving

north when a motorcycle with bright lights travelling in the opposite direction affected his visibility of the road.

He alleged that due to the impact on his vision he slowed down his car but another motorcycle traveling behind his car overtook him but collided head on with the bright light motorcycle.

“A loud impact and an explosion occurred with both m o t o r c y c l e s , w h i c h w e r e then engulfed in flames,” police said.

The pillion

er was flung onto the windshield of the car before landing on the r o a d w h i l e t h e t w o motorcyclists fell on the road.

B e r n a r d , o n e o f t h e motorcyclists, fell near his bike and was severely burnt on the upper part of his body

“Leon Marks, the other motorcyclist, was picked up in an unconscious state and conveyed to the Oscar Joseph Hospital at Charity where he w

arrival.

R

taken to the Oscar Joseph H

Public Hospital's ICU where he later died.

Govt. seeking information on modern and non-traditional methods to construct Kamarang Hospital

The government through the Ministry of Health is c u r r e n t l y r e q u e s t i n g information to determine nontraditional and modern methods for the construction of a hospital at Kamarang Village in Region 7, a remote area accessible mainly by air

According to the document issued by the ministry, the Guyana Government has received a loan f r o m t h e I n t e r - A m e r i c a n Development Bank (IDB) via the H e a l t h C

S

n g i n Guyana Programme, and it intends to apply part of the money towards financing the 'Design and Build' of a Hospital at Kamarang.

The document stated that the

nontraditional and modern methods for the construction of a hospital in

remote areas that are accessible mainly by air Consideration should b e g i v e n t o t h e l o g

materials recommended such as pre- fabricated panels, frames, steel structures, sand, cement, aggregate, timber and other building materials necessary into Kamarang, Region No. 7 as well as the required construction methodologies.”

It should be noted that this notice is not a short-listing or prequalification exercise for the project.

Further, the ministry said that interested contractors shall provide

they have the required experience

Contractors must have completed similar works within the last eight years, show evidence of at least two previously completed projects in

remote, mountainous regions, and

capabilities in managing limited transportation access.

Also, contractors are asked to submit a comprehensive, detailed

the ministry added. Interested eligible contractors are asked to submit information on or before March 17, 2025 via kamarang.hcns@gmail.com

Kaieteur News understands that

methodology (maximum of 20

construction in remote areas.

“Documentation demonstrating experience and capabilities through case studies of past sımılar works,”

scans, testing, ultrasound among others.

Guyana secured in 2022 under this programme will be used to improve

access, quality, and efficiency of health services by improving health outcomes associated with low and high complexity procedures. This will be done by expanding the capacity of strategic hospitals,

the Kamarang Hospital is expected to provide services of a level four hospital.

forms parts of the government's

healthcare to the citizens, is set to offer services such as X—rays, CT

‘Remove your vessel...

From page 49 statement, issued on Saturday n i g h t , G u y a n a ' s P r i v a t e Sector Commission (PSC)

s t r o n g l y c o n d e m n s Venezuela's incursion and u n d e r s c o r e d t h a t t h i s u n w a r r a n t e d a g g r e s s i o n directly violates Guyana's sovereignty and international law, which threatens regional peace and stability

“ T h e P S C s t a n d s i n

and maritime security I n i t s s t a t e m e n t , t h e

S h i p p i n g A s

m n

d Venezuela's incursion into Guyanese waters.

The association noted that such action poses a direct threat to the security and stability of vital maritime activities, including oil and gas operations.

“This incident is a grave

s o l i d a r i t y w i t h t h e Government and people of Guyana and fully supports the measures taken to engage international partners,” the body said.Further, the PSC expressed its gratitude to the international community for standing firmly with Guyana and for their commitment to upholding international law and regional security

They underscored that maintaining this area as a zone of peace, in accordance to the Argyle Agreement, r e m a i n s o f u t m o s t i m p o r t a n c e t o e n s u r i n g s t a b i l i t y a n d e c o n o m i c prosperity for all.

PSC further noted, “We r e m a i n r e s o l u t e i n o u r advocacy for peace, stability, and the rule of law, and we urge all stakeholders to work

t o w a r d s a d i p l o m

Guyana's sovereignty and i n t e r n a t i o n a l l e g a l frameworks.”

S h i p p i n g A s s o c i a t i o n calls for peaceful resolution

concern to the maritime and s h i p p i n

operations of vessels within G

y recognized territorial The protection of maritime routes

actions jeopardizing these must be strongly opposed,” it was underscored.

F

Association urged Venezuela

sovereignty and adhere to peaceful dispute resolution

tactics that threaten regional stability “We stand in full support of all efforts to ensure

operations within Guyana's

nations to remain vigilant in safeguarding the security of

activities,” it was stated.

Single mother among 500 families who received house lots at Onderneeming

D P I - A s i n g l e m o t h e r , Shawnella Johnson was among the 500 families who received a house l

S

n ,

Region Two, taking them one step closer to becoming homeowners.

The lots allocated fall under the low, moderate and middle-income categories.

All the allottees will have access to their lots this year at the housing area.

The activity was led by Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal at the regional housing office on

g i n a , Essequibo Coast.

Johnson, who applied for a house lot about four years ago, was beyond elated when she received the call for the lot a few days ago.

She said, “I was pretty excited about it. I am a single mother of two so it’s a great achievement for me to own my own house lot.

The young mother who resides with her mother added that she plans to start constructing her house

as soon as possible.

After waiting for his land for a number of years, Karran Kanhai can now move ahead with building a home for his kid.

A delighted Kanhai said, “They called me [for the house lot] and right now, I feel glad. I don’t really have anywhere to go. I am renting a house.”

A f t e r r e c e i v i n g t h e i r l o t s , siblings Samue

Indira Doliveria said that this is a proud moment for them.

Samuel expressed, “I have three children. I am glad for the land since I can now move out and start building my own house.”

Indira, who had always wanted a house of her own, said, “I was living with my in-laws. I always wanted to own [a piece of] land for myself. In the future, I plan to get married and so on. So, I would like to be a proud house owner.”

“A few days ago this week I received the call and I was very excited. I didn’t realise I would’ve gotten through so quickly…From since a young age, I always wanted

looked forward to,” Soamandaugh stated.

Minister Croal underscored that close to $250 billion has been invested in the housing sector within the last four and half years.

The government has exhausted $1.9 billion to develop two housing areas in Region Two.

The ministry has expended

Onderneeming housing area to date.

Since 2020, $1.2 billion has been invested at Buxton St Joseph or Charity housing area.

“[On Thursday], we received the approval for the no objection for a portion in Onderneeming at Tracks A and B that will see an injection of another $1.45 billion, which will bring into fruition $3.3 billion investment on the housing programme,” he disclosed.

S

distributed to Essequibo families so far

Today’s house-lot distribution will aid in the reduction of the region’s backlog.

The ministry has been engaging the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission and Guyana Sugar Corporation to acquire more lands to fulfil its manifesto’s promises of distributing 50,000-lot in 2025.

Since 2020, over 41,000 house

country, with plans to allocate approximately 25,000 lots by July

This ambitious approach will see the ministry surpassing its manifesto’s promises by at least 14,000 lots.

House lot recipient, Shawnella Johnson

is fr uit t o t he core 'Forde's Fruitcicle'

By Allyiah Allicock

“I encourage entrepreneurs. It might look a little tough but stay with it. It is worth fighting for; stay committed because greatness is coming, and somebody is relying on your product for their livelihood.”

Same of the chopped vegetables that are available for order The wide variety of fruit juices, fruiticle and shakes Forde's Fruiticicle has to offer.

Owner of Forde's Fruiticicle, Zoe Grenville-Forde

WANTED VACANCY

Wanted Driver Diamond/ Grove E.B.D with Larry license. Contact: 677-6620

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

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

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

One Nissan Double cab pickup, fully off road setup ; -5 Million Negotiable. Call: 626-8919 / 661-3030.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, crash, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.

Prime business area at Affiance, Essequibo Coast for rent bottom flat- Office 600 sq ft, industrial 1400 sq ft. Call: 670-2554.

Roadside Heroes Highway Land for Sale, Garden of Eden 3.8 or 6 acres, 65 Mil per acre Neg. Contact : 6211139 / 712-4020

62.3 Acres of land for sale

10.183 acres Location Lowwood Demerara River Region 4. Contact : 6642164 / 672-0100.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Aracari Hotel renovated rooms ,A/C, TV, Restaurant, bar, pool, gym Stay 7 nights, 1 Free! Call: 264-2946.

ENTERTAINMENT

Family fun Aracari Resort! crystal clear pool, safe kids & adult sections, music & food. W.B.D. Call : 264-29469

General Domestic, Cook , iron, clean house ECT. Apply Keyfood Mc Doom village next to the post office. 3day work.

Vacancy exists for porter, driver, cashier Apply 16 Vlissengen Rd, Kitty Email: humanresource.survival@ gmail.com

One night Watchman needed. Call: 731-2125.

Receptionist and Administrative assistant. Email- CV To Sheneezanazim.sabmining @gmail.com / Call : 608-2444 / 632-1293.

Pump Attendant (6am-2pm & 2pm-10pm).Mobil Providence E.B.D, Call: 265-7306. Email:Mobilramsburg@ gmai.com

Female cleaner in Houston / Agricola 80-95 k / Month. Call : 702-0746 / 619-4204.

Maid for East Bank area call 615-9132

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence Call 615-9132 or 645-8443.

Male cleaner for Eccles call 615-9132 or 645-8443.

Male cleaner for yard in East Bank area, two (2) days a week, call 619-9132.

One excavator operator to work in the interior. Call : 6605010.

Enthusiastic, customer- focused sales rep for Georgetown , able-bodied sales driven. $90k / Month + benefits . Whatsapp : 6886868

Maid needed , live in optional- Mon - Fri & Carpenter needed. Call : 688-1352.

EDUCATION

Supercharge your child/ loved ones reading and writing skills using the highly effective hooked on phonics program. 7 years & older. Call 650-8925.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Lot 138 being a portion of block 5, Part of plantation Vryheid's Lust , Location on the East Coast Of Demerara. Call : 616-7306.

‘Forde’s Fruitcicle’ is fruit to the core...

From page 55 Fruiticicle offers a unique frozen fruit snack made with real locally produced fruits.

“So our flagship is the Forde’s Fruiticicle in its regular form, that is the fruit in their awesomeness, so people say icicle but we had done so much work on it that we have called it and branded it a fruitcicle because it is real fruit, no artificial flavour, no artificial colour, no artificial preservatives, some as common as cherry to as uncommon as awara, gooseberry whatever you consider uncommon or exotic.”

She continued, “The focus is local fruits and so that is what we do, and then we introduced moving from there we introduce a creamy form, the creamy fruiticile these are the fruits beautifully intertwined with milk so our big seller is the creamy banana and then we have a whole other variety of flavours. Then overtime we introduced juices and shakes that hit a different market, and in a similar way, hit the spot in people’s stomachs.”

Complementing these fruits, the woman said the blend also include a variety of vegetables such as ginger, carrots, and pumpkin.

According to Forde, whatever customers envision they would make it on demand once it is available at the time. The business also offers chopped vegetables, “so from the package to the pot”, Forde stated.

Having started off since 2014, the entrepreneur said that support for her business has been good and growing over the years.

There are customers’ feedback as well as family support in having the order ready. Expressing how extremely grateful she is for the support; Forde mentioned that from time to time there has been challenges she faced.

Recalling some of these, importantly she said one has to do will balancing her family and the business.

She said being a mother has been the most important job of it all hence making the decision to give up her job

has given her time to care for her kids.

The time also allows her to balance between family time and the business.

Other challenges she said are accessing equipment to make the products, while another has to do with sourcing fruits which sometimes do not sell on the market since they are not in season.

Having expanded the line of fruits to choose from, Forde said now there is never a case where she is out of Fruiticicle, shakes or juices.

While facing these many challenges, Forde said her light is never dimmed since she puts all her trust in God who paves the way forward.

With her products already neatly packaged, you should be aware that the fruiticicle is being sold at Andrew’s Supermarket on Robb Street, while the juices are available at the New Guyana School.

Already winning the taste buds of the public, the proud

owner said her goal is to see Forde’s Fruiticile grow further and for it to become a house whole name in Guyana.

She is of the view that young entrepreneurs play a big role in society, since entrepreneurship creates more job opportunities for others, and it helps the economy to grow.

It is in this light, Forde said, “I encourage entrepreneurs, it might look a little tough but stay with it. It is worth fighting for, stay committed because greatness is coming and somebody is relying on your product for their livelihood.”

Asked what she thinks can be done to boost small businesses, she said for there to be more support and importantly support from relatives. “Building any business is not a solo matter, it is about family and it is about a support network,” she disclosed. For those interested in placing an order from ‘Forde’s Fruiticicle’ you can do so via the number (592) 645-7997, or via their Facebook of Tik Tok pages.

Simple DIY hair glue removal

W h e t h e r y o u ’ r e a craftsman who had a very bad day at work or a child who had a very fun day at school, getting glue stuck in your hair eventually loses its w h i m s y a n d b e c o m e s a problem. Even before you try to remove it, glue can cause scalp pain and damage hair just as it dries and hardens on your head.

As a result, removing glue from hair is necessary

You may be wondering, however, what the best way to go about removing the glue is.

There are commercial products available, such as bond removers, which are designed for this specific purpose, but those options are both expensive, harsh to the point of being caustic,

a n d t y p i c a l l y a i m e d a t individuals who are living in

a w a k i n g n i g h t m a r e i n v o l v i n g b o t c h e d h a i r extensions who are willing to try anything.

Try out these less caustic m e t h o d s f i r s t T h e y ’ r e cheaper, safer, and much gentler, which is something you’ll likely welcome if you’re currently reading this

with a sticky scalp. If the glue situation is bad, you may want to go into a salon to get professional recommendations and help to remove the glue. If the glue is at the bottom of your h a i r, y o u m a y w a n t t o consider just cutting it away if none of these methods work. Think of it as a fun

r e a s o n t o g i v e a n e w hairstyle a chance. Don’t simply start to rip away the glue, as this can be painful and damage your hair

1 S h a m p o o a n d

Conditioner

The safest and easiest

way to remove glue from y o u r h a i r i s b y u s i n g shampoo and conditioner

These are both already in y o u r b a t h r o o m , m a k i n g them an easy and costeffective first method of glue removal to try

To do so, take a bath or shower and apply a generous amount of shampoo to your hair Use more than you usually would, and make sure to really rub it in.

U n l i k e y o u r u s u a l shower routine where you’re likely quite vigorous and quick with frothing up your shampoo and conditioner, be patient and gentle, especially

if you’re an adult trying to shampoo glue off of a child.

I f t h e g l u e i s e v e n slightly solidified, scrubbing too hard can be painful and damage the scalp. Aim for t h o r o u g h n e s s , n o t quickness, when it comes to lathering up.

Let the shampoo sit on the hair for a bit before rinsing it off. This will give the shampoo time to do its job for the day and loosen the glue instead of just cleaning your hair

After the shampoo has sat for a bit, rinse down the shampoo with water and remove the excess water

from your hair You can now apply conditioner to your hair and leave it on for five minutes. Again, give it time to soak in so that it will do more against the glue.

You should now rinse your hair with water When your hair is dry, comb it, and determine if there is still glue in your hair If you are still f i n d i n g g l u e , r e p e a t t h e process until all the glue is gone, or try one of the other g l u e r e m o v a l m e t h o d s mentioned below

2 Conditioner and a Comb

You can easily remove dried glue on your hair by applying a small amount of conditioner on the area that c o n t a i n s t h e g l u e a n d combing it down with a narrow-toothed comb.

Gently comb from the scalp to the hair ends. As you begin to make headway and free some strands, use a clip to separate these combed sections to prevent them from getting re-stuck on any glue that’s still present.

Be patient. If you go too fast, you could rip your hair and make it quite a painful process to get the glue out.

Wi t h m o s t o f t h e g l u e removal options, going slow is your best bet to thoroughly remove the glue without h u r t i n g y o u r s e l

process.

3. Rubbing Alcohol

You can also soften the glue on your hair with mild rubbing alcohol. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the affected area and allow the alcohol to sink into the glue for five to ten minutes, depending on how thick, dried, and matted it has become.

As the alcohol loosens

n

massage the affected spot with your finger until it is f

toothed comb to remove the glue. Comb out as much glue as you can, and then switch to a narrow-toothed comb to remove the stubborn pieces.

Alcohol works to break down bonding chemicals found in hair glue, making it a great option to remove glue from extensions.

If you plan on using rubbing alcohol, look for one t h a t i s 9 9 % i s o p r o p y l alcohol. That may be a little

(Continued on page 58)

Hamas rejects Israel’s ‘formulation’ to extend phase one of Gaza ceasefire

Uncer taint y in Gaza as Palestinian group says no ongoing talks for second phase of truce even as first phase expires on Saturday.

Aljazeera - As the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza draws to a close, negotiations on the next stage, aimed at securing a permanent truce, have so far been inconclusive.

H a m a s o n S a t u r d a y

r e j e c t e d I s r a e l ’ s “formulation” of extending

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

c e a s e f i r e i n s t e a d o f proceeding to the second phase as originally planned, calling it unacceptable.

H a m a s s p o k e s p e r s o n H a z e m Q a s s e m t o l d A l Araby TV that no talks were being held for a second ceasefire phase even as the first phase is due to expire on Saturday Qassem said Israel bears the responsibility for not s

negotiations, accusing it of

m Gaza while retaining the possibility of resuming the war His comments come a day after Hamas urged Israel to move onto the second phase and confirmed its “full c o m m i t m e n t t o implementing all the terms of the agreement in all its stages and details”.

m e a n t t o n e g o t i a t e a comprehensive end to the fighting in Gaza, including the return of all remaining captives and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory

A c c o r d i n g

I s r a e l , t h e r e a r e 5 9 c a p

v e s remaining in Gaza, 24 of whom are still believed to be alive.

O n T h u r s d a y, I s r a e l i

A man strings up Ramadan flags in Gaza City as the first phase of an Israel-Hamas ceasefire expires on March 1, 2025 [Omar al-Qattaa/AFP]

O ff i c i a l s f r o m I s r a e l joined mediators from Qatar and the United States in C a i r o o n T h u r s d

y f o

“ i n t e n s i v e d i s c u s s i o n s ” , Egypt’s state information

s e r v i c e s a i d o n F

i d a y However, those negotiations apparently bore no fruit. Talks over the second phase of the ceasefire are

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters: “We said we are ready to extend the framework [of phase one] in return for the release of more hostages. If it is possible, we’ll do that.”

‘No going back’

S a m i a l - A r i a n , a professor at Istanbul Zaim University, said it was not clear what will happen next.

“The American envoy Steve Witkoff has indicated he wants to explore the idea

of extending phase one, w h i c h i s t h e I s r a e l i position,” he told Al Jazeera. “So that’s bad news for any negotiations because Hamas won’t agree to this.”

M e a n w h i l e , humanitarian organisations have repeatedly said the ceasefire must continue if they are to provide muchneeded aid to Palestinians in the coastal enclave, which has been devastated during 15 months of war

“The impact of safe and s u s t a i n e d h u m a n i t a r i a n access is evident,” the World Food Programme said in a post on X. “The ceasefire must hold. There can be no going back.”

U n i t e d N a t i o n s

Secretary-General Antonio

Guterres on Friday said the coming days are “critical” for the talks on the second phase of the ceasefire.

“ T h e c e a s e f i r e a n d hostage release deal must hold. The coming days are critical. The parties must spare no effort to avoid a breakdown of this deal,”

Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters in New York.

F e a r o f f i g h t i n g resuming

Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu

A z z o u m , r e p o r t i n g f r o m

Gaza, said there may be “a surge” in military activity “as there’s no obligations any more to sustain the ceasefire”.

“That’s been left up in the air as the mediators try to c o n t a i n t h i s c r i s i s a n d prevent a return to fighting that will bring nothing but further devastation to the

people of Gaza,” he added.

While the ceasefire has

Government Media Office (GMO) has reported more than 350 violations by Israel, i

obstruction of aid since the ceasefire began.

According to the GMO, the Israeli army has killed

strikes as well as shootings since the ceasefire came into effect.

The GMO has previously reported delays in allowing displaced families to return to areas in northern Gaza as well as shortfalls in the agreed levels of aid allowed into the enclave.

Simple DIY hair glue removal...

From page 57

harsh for some people, but should be effective. Look for something with 70% alcohol, do not use straight alcohol.

After you apply the rubbing alcohol to the area, use a fine tooth comb. Slowly use it to get the glue out. Do not apply rubbing alcohol to your whole head at once. Instead, work on one section at a time. The glue should slide right out of your hair when you use the comb.

Instead of pouring the rubbing alcohol right onto your head, do what you did with the acetone and instead dunk a cotton swab in the rubbing alcohol and then apply it to your skin. This will help to loosen it.

You could also try to spray a fine mist of the rubbing alcohol around the portions of your hair with glue to make it slightly moist. Let the alcohol sit on your hair for about five minutes before combing it through with a fine-toothed comb.

4. Will Vaseline Work to Remove Glue from Hair? Vaseline is a safe method to remove hair glue as well, and a cheap one too. It does not have any bad effects on people like some other methods of glue removals will. It is, however, not always as effective as some of the previously mentioned methods of glue removal. Vaseline can also stick on your scalp so it may not be too pleasant.

To use Vaseline to remove glue, apply it to the necessary areas. You should let it sit for a while before brushing your hair out gently and slowly with a comb. After you have finished doing this, take a shower, using both shampoo and conditioner

Be gentle and thorough when you wash your hair to get out any remaining bits of glue, and the vaseline, without hurting yourself in the process.

Can Olive Oil Remove Hair Glue?

Many different types of oil, including olive oil, can be used to remove hair glue. Oils are actually a great starting point in many instances because they are not caustic and are easy on your hair and skin. Despite feeling a little sticky at first, they do not have bad side effects. You should douse your scalp with the oil.

After you have done so, wrap it with a towel or some plastic to leave the oil in and permeating your scalp. After around 20 minutes, you can take off the towel or plastic. It is now time to thoroughly wash your hair You should use both soap and shampoo. To be extra sure you have gotten rid of all the glue, take a comb and gently brush through your hair to make sure all the glue bits have been removed.

You may want to wash your hair a second time to ensure all the glue has been removed.

Suriname expects Final Investment Decision

for Block 52 next year

Suriname is expecting a Final Investment Decision (FID) for Block 52 by 2026,

M a n a g i n g D i r e c t o r o f

Staatsolie (Suriname’s oil company) Annand Jagesar disclosed at the recently concluded Guyana Energy

C o n f e r e n c e a n d S u p p l y Chain Expo.

Jagesar told attendees

t h a t h e d o e s n o t t h i n k

Suriname’s reservoir is as clean as Guyana’s so the process will take longer given that Suriname has to

c o m b i n e t w o d i f f e r e n t receptors to obtain desired results.

“So, it’s a nice project. I

(PETRONAS)

We have already progressed 10% in the project, locked in like, I think, almost US$7B. So that risk is also mitigated, and soon we’ll be locking in a final big contract, and then it will be around US$10B, which will take all the risk of the project. So yeah, right on your tail, sir,” he said.

The Staatsolie official noted too that Suriname’s gas production would not be able to surpass Guyana’s but w i l l b e f o l l o w i n g c l o s e behind.

In Block 52 gas was discovered, appraised and tested. “The flow tested well, and it was about expectation, which is non-associated gas,

and if everything goes well, we will have FID there in 2 0 2 6 , ” h e t o l d t h e conference.

D

Surinamese government are ongoing and according to Jagesar “we are very open” on the way forward. The contractor has a 10-year tax holiday

“So otherwise, you can calculate for the government that you have a lot of money, but if it doesn’t work for the contractor, you don’t have a project. So that’s a fantasy number that the government would get,” Jagesar said.

He further explained that Staatsolie and PETRONAS

- Staatsolie Head

are working to bring this new project to fruition, and the company is very happy to have the contractor on board, since PETRONAS is seen as a world champion in the d e p l e t i o n o f s m a l l g a s reservoirs, having done so in o t h e r c o u n t r i e s s u c h a s Malaysia and Indonesia.

“So that’s very exciting. They also discovered oil. It’s a little bit gassy, so they have to explore some more to get to the volumes, and they have planned to drill two wells in the middle of this year,” he added.

O n O c t o b e r 6 , 2 0 2 4 Kaieteur News reported that S u r i n a m e ’s o i l a n d g a s i n d u s t r y h i t a n h i s t o r i c milestone with the Final Investment Decision (FID) made to develop the Gran Morgu field in Block 58.

S u r i n a m e s e P r e s i d e n t Chandrikapersad Santokhi s a i d , “ S u r i n a m e a n d i t s p e o p l e w e l c o m e a n d a p p r e c i a t e t h e f i n a l

investment decision of Total E n e r g i e s a n d A P A Corporation regarding Block 5 8 w i t h S t a a t s o l i e We consider this a historic and milestone occasion, creating significant opportunities and r e v e n u e p r o s p e c t s f o r

S u r i n a m e , a s w e l l a s a t t r a c t i n g i n v e s t o r s worldwide.”

H e n o t e d t h a t t h e

d e c i s i o n w i l l b o o s t t h e

c o u n t r y ’ s d o m e s t i c capabilities and investments and have a major impact on

local content opportunities.

P r e s i d e n t S a n t o k h i underscored the country’s commitment to a strong and loyal partnership.

Notably, he said too that Suriname expects that the o f f s h o r e o i l a n d g a s development will take off in c o m p l i a n c e w i t h

environmental regulations and standards.

At that time, Jagesar said, “What seemed like a distant dream is becoming reality

This will be the largest

i n v e s t m e n t e v e r i n o u r

c o u n t r y ;

Suriname will receive the largest share of the ‘take’.”

He noted that Staatsolie will

supervise this.

He added, “This new opportunity comes with a shared obligation to ensure that Suriname will benefit optimally from the incomes from offshore oil. These will have to be put in use for the long-term prosperity of all Surinamese.”

He underscored that this can be achieved through

, z e r o c o r

p t i o n a n d t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t a n d strengthening of institutions t h a t g u a r a n t e e t h a t t h e i n c o m e b e n e f i t s t h e development of the entire Surinamese society

Managing Director of Surinamese oil company Staatsolie Annand Jagesar

Henry, Latiff, Ramzan among

Berbice were crowned champs of the 2025 Guyana

C r i c k e t B o a r d ( G C B )

U n d e r- 1 5 I n t e r- C o u n t y, after defeating a spirited

D e m e r a r a t e a m d u r i n g Friday’s final at the LBI Ground.

In a match where rain

i n t e r v e n e d s l i g h t l y ,

Demerara’s score of 166-7 from 45 overs failed to

p r e v e n t a l o s s a s t h e Berbicians romped to 173-7 inside 42 overs.

B r a n d o n H e n r y l e d Demerara’s batting with a defiant 34 not out, finding help from Lomar Seecharran ( 3 1 ) , I n - f o r m S h a h i d Ramzan (30) and Khush Seegobin (26).

L e d b y R i c h a r d Ramdeholl (2-37), Man-of-

the-match Arif Bacchus (116) and Rafael McKenzie (130), Berbice did well to contain a talented Demerara batting side.

Bacchus timed the chase

w i t h 3 3 w h i l e A r i f Marimutoo hit 32, along with Nathaniel Ramsammy (29) and Ramdeholl who returned to score a vital 25, which saw them to victory

and the title.

D e s p i t e g o o d r e t u r n s from Akeem Persaud (2-11) , R e y a z L a t i f ( 2 - 3 1 ) a n d Makai Dowlin (1-8), the young Demerara side failed to keep their opponents from capturing the chip.

Following the end of tournament, awards for the Most runs went to a few of Guyana’s top youth players and future stars, including b u t n o t l i m i t e d t o Demerara’s skipper Henry who finished with 92 runs. He was followed by his t e a m m a t e , R a m z a n w h o racked up 91 runs.

Sunday March 02, 2025

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19)

Today you will have all the energy you need to deal with long-term family problems. Indeed, you'll probably clash with some of your relatives. But this situation won't cause any serious issues.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)

You enjoy caring for others and you intervene regularly in their lives to guide them. Ironically, today you're the one who needs advice. You'll probably need to get away from it all in order to get a clear view of your own life.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

W e a l l h a v e t o m a k e compromises in order to live in contemporary society. You may have strong beliefs, but it's difficult to combine your ideals and a social life.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

You've always felt the need to free yourself from society You need to feel independent at any cost. You may need to f a c e c e r t a i n r e l a t i o n s h i p problems at this time.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22)

You may feel annoyed about the attitude of some of your group of friends. Unlike these people, you're very openminded and you can deal with s i t u a t i o n s a s t h e y a r i s e Indeed, you have a natural

ability to adapt to every situation.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

To d a y, Vi r g o , y o u ' l l b e submerged under a lot of emotions. In a way, you'll be revisiting your childhood

You may be very edgy This is a good disposition in which to analyze your life.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)

Yo u r e a l l y k n o w h o w t o seduce, Libra. There is a spark inside of you that spreads naturally to those around you. You have a big reservoir of sensitivity and emotion that could grow today

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)

You're a very active person, S c o r p i o , b u t t o d a y y o u ' l l probably be disappointed. If you ask those around you to help with your activities, they most likely won't understand your needs.

SAGIT (Nov 22–Dec. 21)

Nothing much is happening today, yet you seem worried and tense. You'll have to use this day to your advantage. Think about your life. You'll also think about the needs of your relatives in the years.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19)

You often need to thrive on personal emotions. Today will be no exception to the rule. For instance, you could try to c a p t i v a t e t h e a t t e n t i o n o f people you admire.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You shouldn't try to fight the feelings that run through you today Don't even try to r a t i o n a l i z e t h e m T h e s e feelings are probably related to emotions dating back to your c h i l d h o o d Yo u s h o u l d n ' t avoid or analyze them.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

You'll be lost in your thoughts today, analyzing your life and relationships. You'll be asking yourself if your existence is meeting your standards. You will ponder what to expect from the future and from the people around you.

TMike’s Pharmacy I

Competition got underway yesterday at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac.

Now in its second year,

representing their respective Bible

Ancient County batsman Bacchus ended with 89 runs f o l l o w e d c l o s e l y b y Essequibian Justin Dowlin (87 runs).

I n t h e M o s t w i c k e t s category, Latiff of Demerara bagged a tournament total of 9 wickets, tying with Joshua Thomas of Berbice who also copped 9 scalps with another A n c i e n t C o u n t y p l a y e r Ramdeholl occupying the 3rd spot with 8 wickets.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e tournament will serve as a m e a s u r i n g s t i c k f o r t h e National Junior Selection Panel, who will be tasked with drafting and putting together the best possible squad ahead of the 2025 CWI Rising Stars Regional U15 Championships which bowls off in April.

B B C S p o r t - A goalkeeper holding the ball for more than eight seconds will be punished with a corner for the opposition from this summer

T h e n e w l a w w a s unanimously approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) at its annual general meeting in N o r t h e r n I r e l a n d o n Saturday, and will be in place at Fifa’s Club World Cup, which takes place in the USA from 15 June to 13 July Under the current law

keepers should be punished if they hold the ball for more than six seconds, with the opposition being awarded an indirect free-kick.

But the CEO of the F o o t b a l l A s s o c i a t i o n o f Wales (FAW) Noel Mooney said implementation of the s i x - s e c o n d r u l e h a d “dissolved over time” and it is hoped that the new law will lead to a reduction in time wasting.

Already trialled in over 400 games in three different competitions, including the

Premier League 2, referees w i l l a l s o w a r n t h e goalkeepers with a fivesecond countdown before they are penalised.

Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom said: “We had the test and the test was very successful. The referees didn’t have to signal for a corner [often].”

The IFAB also voted to continue offside trials in which the attacker will be ruled onside if his torso is level with the second to last defender

SportsMax - Barbados continued their perfect start to this season’s CG United Women’s Super50 Cup with a 54-run win over Jamaica in round three at the Conaree Sports Club on Friday

Barbados posted 199-6 from their 50 overs after winning the toss and batting first.

Asabi Callender led the way with a 100-ball 54 including seven fours while Kyshona Knight backed up her half century in round two with 48* off 57 balls.

Naijanni Cumberbatch

a l s o h a d a m e a n i n g f u l contribution with 39 off 58 balls.

O f f - s p i n n e r Va n e s s a Watts took 2-32 from 10 o v e r s f o r t h e d e f e n d i n g champions.

J

Stafanie Taylor, returning to the side after missing round two with a slight niggle, made 31 off 57

g

Barbados’ perfect record

through three rounds C a p t a i n R a s h a d a Williams top scored with

4 8 o f f 8 6 b a l l s w h i l e

balls K e i l a E l l i o t t w a s excellent with her leg-spin, taking 4-27 from her 10

overs while We

A r c h e r y G u y a n a i s p r o u d t o a n n o u n c e t h a t Lucas Chung will represent Guyana at the 2nd Qualifier for the Junior Pan American Games, scheduled to take p l a c e i n B u e n o s A i r e s , Argentina, from March 19 to 23, 2025.

Competing in the highly competitive Recurve U21 Men’s category, Lucas will have the opportunity to showcase his talent on an international stage, vying for a coveted spot at the Junior Pan American Games

2 0 2 5 i n A s c u n c i o n , Paraguay this August.

This milestone is not only a testament to Lucas’s dedication and skill but also a significant achievement f o r G u y a n a ’ s a r c h e r y programme. The Junior Pan American Games qualifiers

a t t r a c t t h e b e s t y o u n g

archers from across the

A m e r i c a s , o f f e r i n g a platform to compete at an

Asabi

e l i t e l e v e l a n d g a i n invaluable experience.

A strong performance in Buenos Aires could position Lucas among the top young

a r c h e r s i n t h e r e g i o n , enhancing his prospects for f u t u r e i n t e r n a t i o n a l championships, including the Pan American Games and, ultimately, Olympiclevel competition.

The Board of Directors wishes to acknowledge the u n w a v e r i n g s u p p o r t o f Godfrey Munroe, President

a n d t h e E x e c u t i v e Committee of the Guyana

O l y m p i c A s s o c i a t i o n t o enable his participation in this prestigious event.

Their commitment to fostering young sporting talent and ensuring that athletes like Lucas have

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

o p p o r t u n i t i e s i s t r u l y commendable. Their efforts

c o n t i n u e t o l a y t h e foundation for Guyana’s

p r e s e n c e o n t h e g l o b a l sporting stage.

Lucas’s journey to this qualifier has been one of p e r s e v e r a n c e , r i g o r o u s training, and passion for the sport. He will be competing against some of the best y o u n g a r c h e r s i n t h e h e m i s p h e

development of archery in Guyana.

supporters and the Nation to rally behind him.

His dedication and drive

Guyanese sports, and we look forward to seeing him give his best performance on the international stage.”

Ph i l R e i t m a , t h e

r e i g n i n g 2 0 2 4

N a t i o n a l L o n g

Drive Champion, has made a significant contribution to junior golf development by

d o n a t i n g m u c h - n e e d e d equipment to the Nexgen Golf Academy

The donation, made on Saturday, aims to support young players in honing their skills and growing their passion for the sport.

R

equipment would be well-

exceptional work being done by Mr Hussain and the Guyana Golf Association to expand the sport nationwide.

A

“

A s i n g l e - d i g i

National Long Drive Champion Phil Reitma donates junior golf equipment to Nexgen Golf Academy Duplantis breaks pole vault world record for 11th time

BBC Sport - Armand Duplantis improved his own m e n ’s p o l e v a u l t w o r l d record to 6.27m at the All S t a r P e r c h e e v e n t i n Clermont-Ferrand, France.

I t i s t h e 11 t h t i m e

O l y m p i c a n d w o r l d c h a m p i o n D u p l a n t i s h a s broken the world record in his career

The Swedish 25-yearold secured victory at the event with a clearance over 6.02m before he attempted to improve his record mark, s e t i n A u g u s t , b y o n e centimetre.

Duplantis did so with his first attempt, five years after breaking the record for the first time with a height of 6.17m in February 2020.

He improved the world r e c o r d t o 6 2 5 m w h e n winning a second successive Olympic title at the Paris 2024 Games last summer and then went a centimetre higher in late August in Poland - the third occasion he improved his mark in 2024.

Duplantis’ first world record, which he achieved aged 20, beat a mark set by France’s Renaud Lavillenie that had stood for nearly six years.

He has continued to

progress the record in onecentimetre increments ever since, while securing 10 major international titles in the process.

I n P a r i s , D u p l a n t i s became the first man to retain the Olympic pole vault title since American Bob Richards in 1952 and 1956, while in 2025 he will have the opportunity to complete hat-tricks of gold medals at both the indoor a n d o u t d o o r w o r l d championships.

Caudery clinches World Indoor Tour Gold title

Britain’s Molly Caudery claimed the overall World Indoor Tour Gold title with victory at the final meeting of the series in Madrid.

Reigning world indoor p o l e v a u l t c h a m p i o n C a u d e r y, 2 4 , c l e a r e d a season’s best 4.85m as she took maximum points and beat Slovenia’s Tina Sutej to the title.

Sutej, who had led the standings going into the final, was the only other athlete to clear 4.70m but she had no response to Caudery’s first-time vault over 4.75m.

I t m e a n t E n g l a n d ’ s Caudery, who added to her win in Karlsruhe and second

p l a c e i n L

e v i n , accumulated 27 points with h e r b e s t t h r e

performances - three points ahead of Sutej.

However, Caudery later announced she would skip

which start on Thursday in A

Netherlands, to focus on defending her global title in Nanjing, China from 21-23 March.

“My team and I have made the tough decision not to compete in Apeldoorn, choosing instead to fully f o c u s o n t h e W o r l d Championships,” she posted on Instagram., external

“I’m managing a small calf injury and after careful consideration, we believe this is the best way to ensure I can be 100% healthy for Worlds.”

One of those due to be in action in Apeldoorn, fellow Briton Bianca Williams, ran a personal best of 7 16 seconds in the women’s 60m to place second on the night in Madrid.

That performance came one week after Williams lowered her best to 7.19 secs when winning the British indoor title for the first time.

Phil Reitma, the reigning 2024 National Long Drive Champion, recently made a significant contribution to golf.

Guyana seeks glor y at Caribbean Boxing Championship in St Lucia

With the final day of the

2 0 2 5 C a r i b b e a n B o x i n g

C h a m p i o n s h i p b i l l e d f o r tomorrow, Monday in St Lucia, Team Guyana will be aiming to rewrite history, a boxing legacy first created by legendary coach Cliff

A n d e r s o n T o d a y , a formidable 18-member team

i s c u r r e n t l y i n C a s t r i e s ,

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

c a m p a i g n f o r 2 0 2 5 Caribbean title.

As the nation pins its

hopes on reclaiming the

4

talente

contingent ever, is set to make history and honour

t h e e n d u r i n g l e g a c y established by the late-great Cliff Anderson.

A c c o r d i n g t o

S t a t i s t i c i a n C h a r w a y n e

W a l k e r , G u y a n a f i r s t

c a p t u r e d t h e C a r i b b e a n

A m a t e u r B o x i n g

C h a m p i o n s h i p t i t l e i n 1988, a moment that would

go down in history as a proud achievement under

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

e s t e e m e d C o a c h C l i f f

Anderson T h a t i l l u s t r i o u s y e a r,

G u y a n a s h o w c a s e d i t s

b o x i n g p r o w e s s a t t h e

National Sports Hall, now known as the Cliff Anderson

S p o r t s H a l l ( C A S H ) , securing five gold medals, one silver, and four bronze

medals. Among the standout

David, who was voted Best Boxer, leading the team to victory after successfully defending their title from 1987.

H

f r e s i l i e n c e r e m a i n s s t r o n g i n t h e n a t i o n , a s e v i d e n c e d b y the ongoing

- A quest to continue the Cliff

c h a m p i o n s h i p a n d t h e formidable team roster

H e a d l i n i n g t h e

c u r r e n t s q u a d a r e

s t a n d o u t s s u c h a s

O l y m p i a n K e e v i n A l l i c o c k , C o l l i n L e w i s , A b i o l a J a c k m a n , A l e s h a

J a c k m a n , Te r r o z Wi n t z , T r a v i s I n v e r a r y , a n d

D e s m o n d A m s t e r d a m

W i t h t h e i r s k i l l s a n d

d e t e r m i n a t i o n , t h e s e

b o x e r s a r e n o t j u s t

c o m p e t i n g f o r m e d a l s

b u t a r e i g n i t i n g t h e

d r e a m s o f a n a t i o n e a g e r

t o r e c l a i m i t s f o r m e r

g l o r y.

B e y o n d A n d e r s o n , Guyana’s boxing history is rich with inspiring figures. Carl Crawford, a celebrated

name from the 1959 Pan American Games, became the first boxer from Guyana to be voted Sportsman of the Year

A d d i t i o n a l l y , t h e influence of Albouystown, a community renowned for p r o d u c i n g w o r l d - c l a s s

b o x e r s , a d d s d e p t h t o G u y a n a ’s s t o r i e d b o x i n g tradition, with legends like Te r r e n c e “ Ti g e r ” G r e e n shining brightly in the 1962 Bar b a d o s t o u r T h e s u p p o r t f o r b o x i n g i

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

With

Guyana is

chapter in this legacy, one where the

proudly rises to the top once again.

Singh re-elected unopposed as President of the Guyana Cricket Board

Gu y a n a C r i c k e t

B o a r d ( G C B )

p r e s i d e n t

Bissoondyal Singh was re-

e l e c t e d t o h

y

Annua

G

al Meeting (AGM) at the LBI Cricket Facility on Saturday

According to a release, the meeting which was held for four hours saw Singh

b e i n g r e - e l e c t e d t o h i s position unopposed, with a number of changes being made to the executive body

F i r s t Vi c e - p r e s i d e n t position will see Deleep

S i n g h t a k i n g o v e r f r o m

R a b i n d r a n a u t h S a y w a c k , who previously held the position when the GCB held its elections roughly four years ago.

Berbice Cricket Board

( B C B ) p r e s i d e n t C e c i l

Beharry will hold the post of Second V-P, a role held by former BCB boss, Hilbert F o s t e r w h i l e D r. B r i a n Sukhai was named Treasurer

i n p l a c e o f P r i t t i p a u l Jaigobin, who held the post previously

Other changes to the e x e c u t i v e b o d

Devdeerth Anandjit being

being appointed Marketing Manager

Long-serving executive Claude Raphael, the board’s PRO for a number of years, w

n d Zaleena Anderson replaced the previous duo of Elroy

S t e p h e n e y a n d A n d r e w Forsythe.

The Auditor body for the GCB going forward will be PKF Barcellos Narine and Co. which replaces Jack Alli Sons & Co.

A statement following the AGM, stated “Mr Singh got into office in 2021, it was challenging because of no financial resources and a collapsed cricket structure with no inter-county to the extent it was difficult to find a Demerara Senior women’s team.”

I t c o n t i n u e d , “ T h e r e were no Guyanese in the Senior Male West Indies team and only two in the Senior Women’s team. We now have 5 male white ball and 3 players in the red ball team while 5 players in the Senior female West Indies teams.”

“ I n t e r - c o u n t y tournaments were a thing of the past. However, from then to now we have managed to reintroduce inter-county at all levels including under-13 and a national inter-club U23 t

back-to-back West Indies Championship along with the Female U19 regional title

both on and off the field of play, it ended.

F

body reads:

Singh Second VP-Dr. Cecil

England’s Champions

Trophy ends in sorry defeat

BBC Sport - England’s dismal Champions Trophy campaign ended with a sorry

s e v e n - w i c k e t d e f e a t b y South Africa in Karachi.

A l r e a d y o u t o f t h e tournament after two losses from two, England were unable to lift themselves

after captain Jos Buttler announced his impending resignation a day earlier

T h e i r b a t t i n g w o e s

d e e p e n e d a s t h e y w e r e bowled out for 179 in 38.2 overs, with Joe Root’s 37 the highest score amid a flurry of horrid dismissals Buttler made 21 in his final outing as skipper

That effectively sealed

E n g l a n d ’ s s e v e n t h

c o n s e c u t i v e o n e - d a y international defeat by the halfway stage and South Africa took just 29.1 overs to complete their chase.

Jofra Archer took two early wickets but Rassie van der Dussen hit an unbeaten 72 and Heinrich Klaasen 64 from 56 balls as the pursuit became a procession.

The Proteas progress as group winners to the semi-

finals, where they will play the loser of Sunday’s match

between India and New Zealand.

E n g l a n d i m m e d i a t e l y head home after a torrid start to 2025. They have not been on a worse losing run for 24 years and their record in 2025

r e a d s 1 0 d e f e a t s i n 11 matches across one-day and T20 matches.

This is also the first time they have failed to win a match in the group stage of a

Heinrich Klaasen was in fine hitting form. (Associated Press)

global event.

There is, at least, a break

o f a l m o s t t h r e e m o n t h s before their next fixture - a Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge which begins on 22 May to mark the start

o f t h e m e n

h o m e international summer

Scores: South Africa 181 for 3 (Van der Dussen 72*, Klaasen 64, Archer 2-55) beat England 179 (Root 37, Archer 25, Mulder 3-25, J a n s e n 3 - 3 9 ) b y s e v e n wickets.

Treasurer - Vicky Bharosay

Shaun Massiah Marketing Manager - Ravindranauth

Seeraj Trustees- Mirenda

The new look GCB executive body.

Sports

2025 GCB U15 inter-county finals...

Berbice hoisted the 2025 GCB U15 inter-county title after a tremendous showing in this year ’s competition.

All-round Berbice clinch title by

3 wickets - Henry,

Latiff, Ramzan among tournament

Marco Jansen’s early strikes never allowed England to come back. (ICC/Getty Images)

England’s Champions Trophy ends in sorry defeat

Singh re-elected unopposed as President of the Guyana Cricket Board

Archer Lucas Chung will compete in the upcoming Pan Am games.

Lucas Chung to Compete in 2nd Qualifier for the Junior Pan American Games in Buenos Aires Guyana seeks glor y at Caribbean Boxing Championship in St Lucia

- A quest to continue the Cliff Anderson legacy continue