…saysinitiativean
Govt. unveils payout for pensioners who miss out on NIS
…packagesrangefrom$260,000–$650,000 $317M worth of cocaine seized in Imbotero
Guyanese left in dark for hours
Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram has criticised government's handout of grants to pensioners who they said have not met the required number of contributions to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), saying that some of the people have contributed more than what is on the record. He also knocked the timing of the announcement of the handout, which he said can only be interpreted as an “undisguised attempt to bamboozle voters, using
pensioners' rightful entitlements as political currency for the upcoming elections.”
President Irfaan Ali said on Thursday that the payout couldbegintodayaftersome $10billionwastransferredto the NIS According to PresidentAli,seniorcitizens whohavemadebetween500 to 749 contributions will receive as follows: 500 to 549 NIS Contributions –
One-Off Payment of
$260,000; 550 to 599 NIS
Contributions – One-Off Paymentof$390,000;600to 699 NIS Contributions –
One-Off Payment of
$520,000and700to749NIS
Contributions – One-Off Payment of $650,000 PresidentAli said that some 25,000 pensioners nationwidewillbenefitfrom thegrant.
However, in a letter to thisnewspaperanalysingthe payout, Ram said that for workers who have between 500-549 contributions
r e c o r d e d b y N I S (representing approximately 10-11 years of labour at 50 contributions per year), the government offers $260,000 “This sounds substantial until one realises itamountstojust$84.80per day when spread across the average 8 4-year pension term (from age 60 to the average pensioner's age of 68.4years).”
He noted too: “Those with 550-599 contributions receive $390,000 ($127.20 daily for the rest of their expected lives)- those with 600-699 contributions receive $520,000 ($169.60 daily for the rest of their expected lives) those with 700-749 contributions receive $650,000 ($212.00 daily for the rest of their expectedlives).”
Pittance for years of service Ram said the pensioners who will benefit from the grantswouldhavededicated
Pensioners will soon receive a one-off payout from the government
over a decade to formal employment, dutifully
m a k i n g t h e i r N I S contributions,andnowbeing “awarded what can only be described as a pittance in return.” He noted that many ofthemhavecontributedfar more than what appears in their official records, “victims of an inefficient system that has repeatedly failed to document workers' contributionsproperly.”
Ram, who is also an attorney-at-law, said this administrative failure represents “28 years of abysmaloversight-24years under PPP administrations and 4 years under the Coalition Government.” He added, “For nearly three decades, succ
governments have allowed the NIS to deteriorate, ignoring
responsibility to ensure proper record-keeping of workers'contributionswhile expecting these workers to fundthesystem.”
He said what makes this situation particularly galling is its presentation and timing. “The government's announcement features the President's image more prominently than the actual awards,suggestingthatthese meagre sums should be received as generous gifts rather than the rightful entitlements they represent. Although these payments were announced several months ago, the timing of their implementation now, with such prominent political imagery, can only be interpreted as an
undisguised attempt to bamboozle voters, using pensioners' rightful entitlements as political currency for the upcoming elections ”Adding further insulttoinjury,Ramsaidthe paltrypaymentsarefinanced froma$10billionallocation in the 2025 Budget. “This substantial sum represents about 40% of the total amount paid to all 40,327 fullpensionersbytheNISin 2022. Rather than using these funds to improve the lives of all pensioners
meaningfully, the government has chosen to
distribute them as politically-timed handouts, creating the illusion of g e n e r o s i t y w h i l e shortchanging those who have contributed to our nation's development.” Ram said, “Rather than taking responsibility for successive governments' collective failure to provide proper oversight and implement necessary reforms, the current administration now presents these derisory paymentsassomegiftwhen theyrepresentatinyfraction of what w
rightfully owed after
Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram (right) handing over his August 17, 2024 contributions to Julia Clarke and Shariff Zainul in April.
decades of governmental incompetence.”
Last year August, Ram decided to give two pensioners who have been deniedoldagepensionfrom the NIS a monthly pension. The recipients, 68-year-old JuliaClarkeand73-year-old Shariff Zainul, have been r e c e i v i n g R a m ' s contributions, which are equivalenttoanNISoldage
pension,onamonthlybasis. “WhatIhavedecidedtodois that I will give both of them an NIS pension indefinitely until the NIS starts paying them, if NIS don't start paying them, then I will continue to pay them,” Ram saidatasimplehandingover ceremony held at his office on Waterloo Street, Georgetown back in April lastyear
24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
The Guyana Government may find it convenient to push that the local economy is diversified, that oil has its role, but that there are other solid contributors. The fact must still be faced that Guyana's economy has its powerful dependency on King Oil, regardless of what the governmentsells.
Remove oil from the equation, and many of the limitations of past years that handicapped past governments return. The recent announcement by the US of a range of steep tariffs has sent oil and other sensitive commodities into a swoon. Oil, on which so much hinges, is down, with other commodities falling to four-year lows. Goldhasnotbeensparedinthedowndraft,eventhoughitis thetraditionalsafeharbourwhenotherpricesfall. Noneof this is healthy for the Guyana economy, or for Guyanese expectations.
It all depends on how long the tariffs last and stay at their punishing levels. Also, it depends on how other countries, reeling from the impact of US-imposed tariffs, respond. China has been quick to bare its teeth with tariffs ofitsownslappedonallUSgoods. WhiletheUSexcluded energy from its tariffs, the Chinese showed their anger and impatience with such finesse and clapped back with their own 34% retaliatorytariff on all US products. To manifest the sweep of its determination, China put some restrictions onexportstotheUSofsomecrucialrareearthminerals. It is baffling that the US would think that heavy tariffs could beimposedonChina,andthatitwouldsitbackandtwiddle its thumbs. Two can participate in a trade war, one which could drag in many countries, becoming of global proportions.
While China is in a strong position to react in the manner that it did, Guyana has no such luxury, no such willingness. In many respects, Guyana is held hostage to the whims of the US. The PPPC Government has seen to that, been happy to surrender, so as to secure the ambitions of its leaders. With oil falling, and should it continue to do so and remain so for an extended period, ordinary Guyanese are the ones who will feel the pain of economic constriction. They received less than they should have, while oil prices were high, billions were withdrawn from their Natural Resources Fund, and billions more were borrowed. The government cabal of insiders and favoured who made money are well cushioned to weather the promised storms. Ordinary Guyanese, however, are not insulated from the hammering that is now stirring, waiting todescendontheirheads.
The longer that always volatile oil prices tremble, the more Guyanese will feel the brunt of hard times that we hopearenotcoming,orwillbeminimal. OncetheUSdigs in its heels for the long haul with tariffs, then sharper retaliations from other countries could become the norm. The outlook for oil in such uncertain circumstances would gofromshakinesstogrimness. Guyanesewillbecaughtin a trap, from which there is nowhere to run. From prices to prospects, the blows will rain and be felt. Atariff is a tax, and though this country should be favoured with some special considerations (exemptions), the bite will be deep. When local exporters operate at a competitive disadvantage,theyearnless,hireless,andbuyless. Thetax intake for the government should also be less, all things beingequal.Lowerincomefromoilandlesstaxescollected are of huge significance. Less money would be available, orthatcouldbefreedup,toprovideneededrelief. Thecash grants, of which so much noise has been made, would be lessthanbefore,withthelikelihoodofnothappeningatall. Because oil is now such a big component in Guyana's economy, when it wobbles, there is the clear danger of citizens tumbling. This is in an environment where anywhere one out of three, or probably as many as one out of every two, Guyanese are struggling to keep their noses above water Daily conditions have been that rough for themduringanoilbonanza. Nowthatoilsignalsretreating, theroughtimesofstrugglingGuyanesejustgotrougher
Dear Editor, I am writing concerning the announcement of a "oneoffcashgrant"bytheNISfor persons who have attained pensionable age but with between 500 and 749 contributions, one short of the number for a lifetime pension. The "award" was postedontheFacebookpage of Dr Ashni Singh, a Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, including the National Insurance Scheme. These awards reveal the government's startling insensitivity and callousness toward our nation's retired workers.
For workers who have b e t w e e n 5 0 0 - 5 4 9 contributions recorded by N I S ( r e p r e s e n t i n g approximately 10-11 years of labour at 50 contributions per year), the government offers$260,000.Thissounds substantial until one realizes it amounts to just $84.80 per day when spread across the average 8 4-year pension term (from age 60 to the average pensioner's age of 68.4 years). Continuing with
these derisory awards, we notethefollowing:
- Those with 550-599
contributions receive
$390,000 ($127.20 daily for the rest of their expected lives)
- Those with 600-699
contributions receive
$520,000 ($169.60 daily for the rest of their expected lives)
- Those with 700-749
contributions receive
$650,000 ($212.00 daily for the rest of their expected lives)
These individuals dedicated over a decade to formal employment, dutifully making their NIS contributions, “awarded” what can only be described as a pittance in return. Many have contributed far more than what appears in their officialrecords,victimsofan inefficient system that has repeatedly failed to d o c u m e n t w o r k e r s ' contributions properly This administrative failure represents 28 years of abysmal oversight - 24 years under PPP administrations and 4 years under the
Coalition Government. For nearly three decades, successive governments have allowed the NIS to deteriorate, ignoring actuarial recommendations, n e g l e c t i n g t h e i r responsibility to ensure proper record-keeping of workers' contributions while expecting these workers to fundthesystem.
What makes this situation particularly galling is its presentation and timing The government's announcement features the President's image more prominently than the actual awards,suggestingthatthese meagre sums should be received as generous gifts rather than the rightful entitlements they represent. Although these payments were announced several months ago, the timing of their implementation now, with such prominent political imagery, can only be interpreted as an undisguised attempt to bamboozle voters, using pensioners' rightful entitlements as political currency for the upcoming elections.
Adding further insult to injury, these paltrypayments are financed from a $10 billion allocation in the 2025 Budget.Thissubstantialsum represents about 40% of the total amount paid to all 40,327fullpensionersbythe NIS in 2022. Rather than using these funds to improve the lives of all pensioners
m e a n i n g f u l l y, t h e government has chosen to distribute them as politically timed handouts, creating the illusion of generosity while shortchanging those who have contributed to our nation'sdevelopment. Rather than taking responsibility for successive governments' collective failure to provide proper oversight and implement necessary reforms, the current administration now presents these derisory payments as some gift when they represent a tiny fraction of what workers are rightfullyowedafterdecades o f g o v e r n m e n t a l incompetence.
Yours faithfully, Christopher Ram
Dear Editor, The PPP is steadily losing support daily, is imploding, and is in fear and panic They are in this position because of their incompetence, corruption, divisiveness, and desire to dominate and control every aspect of the lives of Guyanese.
Unfortunately, poverty continues to persist amidst oil wealth and therefore the Guyanese people are not benefiting and are fighting back both passively and actively IurgeallGuyanese toholdthelineofbattleaswe link our arms in unity Let us remain steadfast in our
conviction to remove the PPPfromoffice.
Let us not forget the tactics the PPP has used in the past. They incited fear among our people to divide and rule They bribed, corrupted and compromised many They have recruited persons who are in conflict with the law that they can control.Theyusedthepolice to intimidate and stoke unrest and ethnic insecurity, and animosity among the Guyanese people. We must be conscious of these facts and reject the PPP We remember the dark days of the death squads under the PPPwatch,whereover1,400
lives were tragically lost.We remember the rampant shootings of protesters, the era of vigilante justice, and the false post-mortem reports to cover up the truth. They are playing this same dangerousgameatpresent.
Today, we see worrying signs once again The hounding of even those who supported them but dared to challengethem;thisisaclear signalthatnooneissafewith thePPPinpower
This is only the beginning of the PPP's desperateattemptstoclingto power as we march towards the 2025 elections, when we will finally rid our countryof PPP i n c o m p e t e n c e , corruption and divisiveness. We must not allow the PPP TODIVIDEANDRULE.
The PPP has recognised that the people of Guyana b e c a m e a w a r e t h a t community policing groups wereusedasarmsofthePPP regime. The people have rejected the community policingapproach. There is a new approach to the PPParming itself. It is through the establishment of security services aligned with the PPP and armed by thePPP Letmebeveryclear, the days of community policinggroups,oncetools (Continue on page 9)
The appropriate response to irrefutable evidence of tax fraud is prosecution, not public persecution
Dear Editor, Reports in the media indicate that the Attorney General has asserted that the law grants the GRA "postaudit" powers of reassessingtaxes. If indeed such powers exist under the law, there should be little trouble in clearly identifying and enumerating them Vague references to legal authority
are not convincing unless clearly spelt out as being rootedinstatute,notinferred or assumed.The GRA has also reportedly claimed it possesses "irrefutable" evidence of understated values.
If that is the case, there can be little justification for engaging in dramatic displays such as seizing v e h i c l e s w i t h o u t simultaneously pursuing charges for tax evasion. The appropriate response to irrefutable evidence of tax fraud is prosecution, not publicpersecution. But then again, prosecution would demand that the burden of proof be shifted to the GRA to establish fraud. The move to seize property when the matter is sub judice-
including whether the reassessment is fictitious, arbitrary or capricioussmacks of intimidation. It gives the appearance that the seizurewasdesignedmoreto createapublicspectaclethan to advance a lawful case. If the evidence is indeed as conclusive as claimed, then let the court decide
Sincerely, Rupnauth Hardyal
Dear Editor,
Road accidents in Guyana have become a serious public safety concern, claiming numerous lives each year. The sight of wrecked vehicles along highways and grieving families mourning their l o v e d o n e s h a s , unfortunately, become too common According to recent reports from the Guyana Police Force, road fatalities have increased significantly, with most accidents linked to reckless drivingbehaviours.
Among the primary causes are inexperienced drivers, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and speeding. This article explores these major factors contributing to road accidents and their devastatingconsequences.
1 Inexperienced
Oneoftheleadingcauses of accidents in Guyana is the influx of inexperienced drivers on the roads. Many new drivers, particularly young ones, lack the necessary skills and judgment required for safe driving. Some obtain their licences without proper training, either through bribery or inadequate driving tests, making them unprepared for real-world roadchallenges. The problem is further compounded by the lack of strict driving school regulations. While Guyana has a licencing system, enforcement of practical driving tests remains weak, allowing unqualified individuals to operate vehicles. As a result, these drivers make critical
Dear Editor,
Yesterday, President Irfaan Ali visited Linden to meet with the grieving families of Ronaldo Peters and Keon Fogenay, two young men whose lives were taken by an excessive and unjustified use of force by theGuyanaPoliceForce.
I, along with all
Lindeners, strongly condemntheactionsofthose officers and demand swift
J U S T I C E f r o m a n independent investigation and reform in the Guyana PoliceForce.
Iattendedthatmeetingas the people's Parliamentary representativewithonegoal: toseeksolutionstoendthese senseless killings and stand with the families in their pain, people I know personally
At the start of the meeting, the President shook my hand among many others present.
Whenitcomestomatters of the State, being respectful and courteous to the Head of State is a no-brainer decision for me; it will always come naturally without isms and skisms.
This is expected as a matterofbasiccourtesyrules and maxims we learn at an earlyage.
Deviation from such basic norms should be saved for cases of collective national rebellion for just
mistakes—failing to check blind spots, misjudging distances, or panicking in h i g h - p r e s s u r e situations—leading to fatal crashes.
In one tragic incident in Berbice last year, a 19-yearold driver lost control of his car while attempting to overtake a truck. The car skidded off the road and slammed into a utility pole, killing two passengers instantly Investigationslater
revealed that he had only obtained his license a few weeks prior and lacked experience driving at high speeds.
2.
Drunk driving remains a leading factor in road fatalities in Guyana. Despite awareness campaigns and strict DUI laws, many drivers continue to operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs. Alcohol impairs a d r i v e r ' s j u d g m e n t , coordination, and reaction time, making them more prone to reckless behavior such as speeding, tailgating, or failing to obey traffic signals.
We e k e n d n i g h t s , particularly after parties and socialevents,seeasharprise in DUI-related accidents
Bars and nightclubs in Georgetown and other urban centers serve alcohol freely,
and many patrons drive home intoxicated Police roadblocks often catch impaired drivers, but many slip through undetected. A particularly horrifying case occurred on the East Bank Highway when a drunk drivercrashedintoaminibus carryingschoolchildren.The impact killed four students and left several others critically injured. The driver wasfoundtobenearlythree (Continue on page 6)
Unrest in Linden, political opportunism, and the need for police reforms and national vigilance
Dear Editor,
politicsofdivision.
cause, which does not currently exist in our country
Strangely, again, my latest act of basic decency has, yet again, led to attacks from a few usual suspects, calling me the names we are nowsofamiliarwith.
Had I not exercised common courtesy by shaking the President's hand, the media would have focused on me instead of the real issues, the violence, the affected families, the fatherless children, the heartbroken mothers and the injustice carried out against these young men whose life was taken unjustly
S o , I a s k e v e r y G u y a n e s e , w h e n politicians/leaders are consumed by hate, selfinterest, pettiness, and racism, who truly suffers? Whoreallybenefits?
I have dedicated my life to the people of Region 10 as theirAPNUParliamentarian, beyondtheRHETORIC.
I fight for justice, not personalgain.Ifwecontinue down this path of division, destruction, disunity, and injustice, where does it lead us?Whowins?
Guyana and its people, first! Forward ever, backwardnever!
Yours respectfully, H o n . J e r m a i n e Figueira, MP
The recent killing of a young, apparently unarmed man in Linden by someone alleged to be a police officer, followed by the tragic death of a protester during public unrest, has shaken the conscience of our nation. These are not isolated incidents; they reflect systemic failures that must beurgentlyaddressed.
We stand with the grieving families and the Linden community in their demand for justice The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) fully supports the independent investigation now underway, aided by the Regional Security Services. There must be no delay, no c o v e r - u p , a n d n o compromise on the truth. Justice must be done and seentobedone.
Yet,inourcallforjustice, we must also call out those who would sow chaos under theguiseofleadership.
What unfolded in Linden was not simply a protest; it was provocation. Instead of easing tensions and guiding citizens toward calm and s o l u t i o n s , n a t i o n a l executivesofthePNCRwho hold political control over local governance in Linden descended into the town not to console but to incite, racebait,andstokethedangerous
Amongthemostreckless actors was Regional Vice Chairman Mark Goring, whose visible leadership of the protests quickly gave way to agitation and outright incitement While the Regional Democratic Council issued a very r e s p o n s i b l e a n d commendable statement when the protests began, Mr Goring's actions on the ground contributed directly to the escalation that led to the destruction of public and private property and infrastructure, exacerbated by the poisonous narratives of the party's executives among the angry people. Thisisnotleadership;itisan abuse of public office and trust, a betrayal of the communityhewaselectedto serve and where the executives have political locusstandi.
When the President of Guyana came to meet with grieving families, Mayor Sharma Solomon took it a step further, attempting to disrupt the meeting, antagonize and manipulate the families, and livestream his obnoxious political posturing. Overheard in his Facebook live stream were instructions to reject the President's outreach and criticism of his own party
colleagueswhowereopento t h e g o v e r n m e n t ' s interventions, including the call for an independent inquiry The mayor went as far as challenging the President directly about the sincerity of his presence in a most disrespectful manner and calling out a State media manager of the very community, in tones and narratives that could potentially create public endangerment for the woman.
What we witnessed from these opposition leaders was not solidarity with the people; it was desperation for relevance, political fuel at any cost, and a blatant attempt to resurrect a revolutionary profile on the part of Solomon, on the backs of grief-stricken citizens. It was a dangerous, cynical ploy to drag Linden andGuyanabackwards.
Let us be clear: The opposition has once again demonstrated a willingness to exploit tragedy and incite instability ahead of the 2025 elections.Thisisapagefrom anoldplaybook,onethathas repeatedly undermined Guyana's progress and the credibilityofthePNCR.
Concerning the security situation that unfolded during the protest, the Liberty and Justice Party
calls for urgent reforms of the Guyana Police Force, with specific emphasis on professional conduct during protest management Legally mandated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must be reviewed, reformed, and rigorously enforced. The role of the police is to uphold law and order while protecting civil liberties, not to escalate tensions or act outside their mandate There must be accountabilityonallsides.
To the people of Linden and all Guyanese: remain vigilant. Reject the politics of provocation and division. We have come a long way as anation.
Do not let our collective grief be manipulated for votes; do not let selfish politicians undermine our u n i t y f o r n a r r o w, c o u n t e r p r o d u c t i v e outcomes!
As the 2025 elections approach, do not let socalled leaders lead you to chaos. Choose leaders who build, not those who burn bridges, incite civil unrest, and violence in pursuit of power Choose liberty Choose justice Choose peace Choose Guyana!
Sincerely, Lenox R. O. Shuman, Leader –Liberty and Justice Party
Dear Editor, I attended the 100th birthday celebration last Saturday, for one of our gentle great giants, Eusi Kwayana,atBuxton.Itwasa grand occasion. So as not to disturb the pleasant environment, I refrained from commenting on some half-truths by some of my friends, intended to show a
DearEditor, Tyrese used to "deh pun stupidness' (News Room April 9) was the comment of one relative to the death of fifteen-year-old Tyrese Adams, killed when he and his accomplices tried to executearobbery
What an account to sum up a young life, tantamount to a wasted life. From the
statement, it was recognised that young Tyrese was bent on going astray, but the account does not state what steps weretakentostraighten him out what firm hand sought to take control of this young life? It seems there were no interventions even though it was recognised he 'dehpunstupidness'
Maybe it was felt the
close bond and enduring friendship between Cheddi JaganandEusiKwayana. For brevity, I cite two examples - In the late 50s60s, concerned about the maginot lines and hostility, particularly along the East Coast of Deme
stupidness he was on would not end this tragically Alas, it did. And now comes the l a m e n
n s a b o u t stupidness, and 'duhs how life d
go' Sad statements. Sure, there are consequences for actions, but things have to be encouraged.
Restin
peace.
Shamshun Mohamed
ra, Kwayana proposed a partition along racial lines as a solution. Those who lived
through that period would know that some of us were sympathetic to Kwayana's proposal, but felt we should not give up on making Guyana a wholesome place
with a space for every ethnic andreligiousgroup.
Oneotherexampleisthat at the 1957 General Elections,forthepivotal (Continue on page 24)
From page 5 times over the legal alcohol limit.
The government has takenstepstocurbthisissue, including breathalyzer tests and increased penalties for DUI offenses However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and many offenders escape with minor consequences Stricter monitoring and harsher penalties are necessary to deterrecklessbehaviour
3. Speeding: The Need forSpeedKills
Excessive speed is another major contributor to accidents in Guyana. Many drivers, especially young men, view speeding as a thrill, often underestimating the dangers involved. The combination of high speeds a n d p o o r r o a d conditions such as potholes, sharp turns, and inadequatelighting—creates adeadlymix.
On highways like the Soesdyke-Linden Highway
and the West Coast Demerara Road, speedingrelated accidents occur frequently Drivers overtake recklessly, swerve between lanes, and fail to slow down in high-traffic areas, leading todevastatingcollisions.
One of the deadliest accidents in recent memory involved a speeding minibus that lost control near Mahaica, flipping multiple timesbeforecrashingintoan oncoming truck Twelve passengers, including a pregnant woman, lost their lives in what was described as one of the worst road tragedies in the country's history Witnesses reported that the driver had been racing another vehicle moments before the crash. Despitespeedlimitsbeingin place, enforcement is weak. Manydriversignorewarning signs, and traffic officers are often absent in areas known for reckless driving. Public transportation drivers, including minibus operators, are among the worst offenders, as they race to completemoretripsandearn higherfares.
The Impact: Lives Lost, FamiliesShattered Every accident has a ripple effect beyond the fatalities and injuries, families are left grieving, children grow up without parents, and communities suffer economic losses. The emotional and financial toll is immense, with hospital bills, funeral expenses, and loss of income burdening a l r e a d y s t r u g g l i n g h o u s e h o l d s T h e psychological trauma of survivors is another overlooked consequence Many who survive accidents suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
anxiety, or permanent disabilities that alter their qualityoflife.
Solutions &
Recommendations: The Road to Safety
To combat these rising roadaccidents,Guyanamust take a multi-faceted approach:
1. Stricter Licensing and Training – Driving schools should be held to higher standards, and road tests should be more rigorous. Corruption in the licencing system must be addressed to prevent unqualified drivers from getting behind the wheel.
2. Stronger DUI Laws –Finesandpenaltiesfordrunk driving should be increased, and more frequent police roadblocks should be set up, especially during weekends andholidays.
3. Speed Regulation and TrafficEnforcement–Speed cameras, radar guns, and more traffic officers should be deployed on highways to catch and penalize speeding drivers.
4 Public Awareness Campaigns – Educating the public, particularly young drivers, on the dangers of reckless driving through socialmedia,TVcampaigns, and school programs can makeadifference.
5. Improved Road Infrastructure – Fixing potholes, adding better road signs, and improving street lighting can help reduce accidents caused by poor roadconditions.
Conclusion
Road accidents in Guyana are a preventable crisis. If drivers exercise more caution, authorities enforce traffic laws strictly, and communities push for safer road practices, the number of accidents can be significantly reduced. The loss of lives on our roads s h o u l d n o t b e t h e norm—every life lost is one toomany
It's time for drivers to take responsibility, for law enforcement to act decisively, and for the government to implement lasting changes. Only then can we create safer roads for everyone.
Sincerely, Rondel A. Hercules. BSc. MSc. .
“Lethal encounters with agents of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in murky circumstances have cast a pall of distrust and leave much dishonour on members of the GPF, including the professional and disciplined ones. One lethal development in Linden involving a man allegedly unarmed is the last situation that the management of the GPF would wish for, which is what is dragged under the microscope, and sends them rushing for answers. The GPF's fatal shooting within 24 hours of a protestor over that first killing is too much to absorb, too much to tolerate. Two separate police killings in less than 24 hours, how does anyone justify these actions?” – GHK Lall April 9, 2025.
The Noble Sam Croft drillship that operates in Guyana's Exclusive Economic Zone
In 2024, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), theoperatorofGuyana'soilrich Stabroek Block drilled eight exploration and appraisal wells successfully,
which encountered hydrocarbons.
This was revealed by HessCorporationinits2024 Annual Report, recently published. An exploration wellreferstoadeeptesthole that is drilled by petroleum companiestolocatereserves of recoverable oil and gas. On the other hand, an appraisal well is a well drilled to gather additional
information about a hydrocarbon discovery or
reservoir
To this end, the Report states,“In2024,theoperator drilled a total of eight successful exploration and apprai
d hydrocarbons...”
In addition to the successfulwells,theAnnual Report said the operator
e
unsuccessful exploration wellforwhichthewellcosts wereexpensed.”
Meanw
e, Hess indicated that in 2025, ExxonMobil plans to utilize five drillships to continue to perform e
, appraisal, and development activities. H
Corporation holds 30 percent interest in the Stabroek Block, while CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest and Exxon 45 percent.
The 6.6 million acres blockisoperatedbyEMGL, with 46 discoveries announced to date. During thepresentationofthisyear's Budget, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh informed that five new discoveries weremadein2024.
D
announcement of new discoveries and ongoing appraisal activity by ExxonMobilintheStabroek
Block, government maintains that the country's reserves have not significantly grown since 2022 Following the last resource update in April 2022,theMinistryofNatural
Resources in August 2024 said the country's reserves grew by a mere 600 million barrels,from11Bbarrels. It was the subject Minister, Vickram Bharrat who told reporters at a press conference,“Ithinkwehave moved to 11.6B now, 11.6B barrels equivalent offshore in the Stabroek Block now and that by itself is a significantfind.”
Meanwhile, in a s u b s e q u e n t p r e s s engagement, President of EMGL, Alistair Routledge said the company's estimate was lower than the 11.6B f i g u r e s h a r e d b y government. This newspaper had asked him to share the number of new discoveries that were appraised for the companytoarriveatthenew resource estimate of 11.6 billionbarrels.
Tothisend,heexplained, “The government released a number of 11 6B oil
equivalent barrels, ExxonMobil's estimate is lowerthanthatnumber…our number remains a little under 11 billion oil
equivalent barrels ”
Furthermore, he noted that the company is obligated to make such reports to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, making the point that Exxon was not keepingthefiguresaway
M e a n w h i l e , i n explaining the variation between Exxon's figures compared to the reserves announced by government, Routledge noted that the state conducts independent studies, although it is supplied with data by the company
“ T h e y a l s o d o independent studies (and) verifications with other consultantsandtheworkthat they do themselves and the GGMC and Ministry of Natural Resources so it's quite normal to have a slightlydifferentviewofthe number,”hereasoned.
Hidingreserves Notably, former Head of the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), Dr VincentAdams had said ExxonMobil, could be 'hiding Guyanas true oil reserves, as this would reducethesumthatcouldbe deductedbythecompanyfor decommissioningactivities.
Decommissioning refers to the cleanup and restorati
he environment following the end of the life of an oil project. It involves the safe plugging of wells and removal of equipment used during the operations, including the Floating Production Storage and Offloading(FPSO)vessel.
Dr Adams, a Petroleum andEnvironmentalEngineer hintedthatthecompanymay be deliberately keeping the nation in the dark on its real oil reserves as this would affect the monies it can deduct and hold in its a c c o u n t f o r decommissioning.
He explained, “If you read the contract and this might be tied to something else because remember the issue that was raised about the money being withdrawn for decommissioning that goes into Exxon's Bank Account?Theamountthatis being withdrawn is calculated and here is how that amount is being calculated: it's being calculated by dividing the (decommissioning) budget you divide that number by the reserves and then you multiply it by the amount that has been produced.”
Consequently, the former head of the EPA noted, “Right now, they are dividing by 11B barrels, if youdivideitbylet'ssay18B barrels…you are reducing it by almost half as to what they can withdraw for decommissioningsoisthere asuspicionthatistiedtoit?” Government has however denied hiding the reserves, explaining that higher reserves would be good for the company and couldincreasestocksforthe Americanoilmajor.
In recent weeks, the U n i t e d States under the assertive tones of the Trump administration—has floated the possibility of punitive measures aimed squarely at vessels built or operated by Chineseentities.Andthough such pronouncements often roll out from Washington with the usual fanfare, this particularstormisextremely troublingtotheCaribbean.
The proposal, in its bluntest expression, would saddle Chinese-made ships calling at American ports with levies that may stretch up to $1.5 million per visit. For vessels operated by Chinese firms even if flying flags of other nations—an additional $1 millionmaybetackedon.
That these numbers are astronomical is one thing; that they are conceived in a world where shipping margins are as thin is another.
M o s t t r o u b l i n g , however, is how this tempest—engineered under the dubious banner of “ A m e r i c a n competitiveness”—adds yet another squall to a region already saddled with a 10% exporttarifftotheUS(inthe caseofGuyana,itis38%)..
The Caribbean relies heavily on maritime trade. Much of our goods arrive in containers stacked high They do so using ships that transit US ports. This threat of high levies on Chinesebuilt or operated vessels will
cause serious harm to Caribbean economies. For Guyana, the situation is no better since we do considerable trade with China, estimated at some US$1.4Bin2024.
One might expect, in the face of such disruptions, that governments would rally to consult with stakeholders, convene emergency sessions, or at the very least, pick up the phone and call someone in the shipping business.
Yet in Guyana, there has been a worrying silence. No serious engagement with the p r i v a t e s e c t o r N o consultationswithexporters, trade unions, or even the l o c a l c h a m b e r s o f commerce. The policy void has become a kind of echo chamber one where the absence of response reverberates louder than any official pronouncement. It is a silence that does not suit thegravityofthemoment. If the United States insists on this maritime levy—if it is not mere sabrerattling,buttheforetellingof an actual order—then the Caribbean must do what it has always done when faced with an unkind storm: trim the sails and find another current.
That current may well lie further south, where the Chinesearedevelopingwhat could be a lifeline. The Port ofChancayinPeru,financed and largely constructed under Chinese auspices, promisestobeamajorhubin
the trans-Pacific shipping world With deep-water berths,modernfacilities,and a location outside the U.S. naval and commercial sphere, Chancay offers what the Caribbean so sorely needs: an alternative gateway
It is time for CARICOM to parley with Beijing to work out arrangements to facilitate direct shipments fromChinatotheCaribbean, possibly using Chancay as a staging port. Such a move would not only shorten the physical distance between goods and people, but also soften the financial blow of America'sproposedlevies.
Yes, logistics would be challenging Infrastructure in many of our ports is inadequate. But necessity is themotherofinvention.And history shows that when pressed, Caribbean nations can be inventive. What is needed now is not another declaration or press release, butaction.
In taking action, the Caribbean must also dismiss the notion that the United States is a friend. Friends do not impose pain on each other Friendship, like trade, must be grounded in mutual respect, not economic coercion.
To levy million-dollar charges on foreign-built vessels that are vital to our survival is to extend a punishment not to China alone,buttotheCaribbean.
TheCaribbeanislooking downthebarrelofagun.The
Everybody want dem voice heard. And dat is a good thing. Democracy wukking. But some people, when dem decide to write a letter to de editor, dem does tek de long road,detourthroughMahaica,stopbyUncle Roy for plantain chips, and still don't reach depoint.
De editor seh, “Keep it under 500 words.” But some people does see that as a challenge. Not to stay under—but to see if they could use 499 words before even mentioningthetopic.
Takeforexamplethisrecentgem:
“Dear Editor, Permit me space in your esteemedandhighlyregardedpublicationto offerafewthoughtsonamatterthatIbelieve strikes at the very heart of our beloved nation's democratic ethos, namely, the conduct of minibus drivers, especially as it pertains to their indiscriminate stopping along our nation's roadways, particularly during peak hours, which invariably contributes to the already burgeoning problem of traffic congestion, a matter that hasplaguedthiscountryfordecadeswithout respite or remedy, despite the best efforts—however ill-conceived or poorly executed—of successive administrations. I recall quite vividly, some twenty-five years
price of shipping—already swollen by pandemic aftershocks, fuel price volatility and container shortages is poised to climb again. If costs rise too far, if shipments become erratic or delayed, it will be the consumer in the Caribbeanwhofeelsitfirst.
And still, Guyana waits. It awaits its sleeping beauty to awaken. By now, it was expectedthatsomeoneinthe corridors of power might have gathered exporters and
industrialistsandasksimply, “What now?” For a country sitting on billions in oil revenue, it seems absurd to be blindsided by tariffs and shipping costs—absurd, and yetentirelypossibleinanera where silence has replaced strategy
There is no grandeur in being unprepared. Guyana and the Caribbean, a region of fragile economies, must prepare for the gathering storm.IfAmericatightensits ports, then we must open
new ones elsewhere If tariffsarethenewweaponof choice, then we must reduce our dependence onAmerica. Itisassimpleasthat.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
From page 4 of oppression, are over We will not allow them to resurface in any form, even under the guise of security services.
I call on all Guyanese, especially the poor and vulnerable, to remain vigilant and to protect your families. Do not be lured by the bribery of this corrupt, incompetent and divisive government that is only
interested in enriching themselves, their families, their friends and favourites. Letusmakethechange.
We promise you a government that will PUT THEPEOPLEFIRST
There is no limit to what the PPP might attempt in their desperation to regain the support they have lost overthepastfour-plusyears.
We must be vigilant, focused and united in our
resolve to rid Guyana of the PPP government. Together, wewillpersevere. Together,wewillreclaim Guyana for its people and ensure that oil money benefits the people of Guyana.
Remember, if Guyana is togrow,thePPPmustgo!
Sincerely, L e a d e r o f t h e Opposition, Aubrey Norton
ago, traversing the East Coast Demerara roadway,wheneventhen…
[Editor's note: letter continues for another 786 words, includes childhood trauma, a quote from Gandhi, and ends with a plea for divine intervention.] Now, here's whatthesamelettercould'velookedlike:
“Dear Editor, Minibus drivers need to stopblockingtrafficeveryfiveminutes. Theybehavelikeeverylamppostisabus stop. Can we enforce the law already?
—Name“
You see de difference? One letter is a PhD thesis; de other one is a public service announcement. Same message. Less drama. Lessink.Moresanity
Demeditorstired.Depoortypesettergot carpal tunnel. De readers fall asleep on paragraph four, wake up in paragraph nine andstilldon'tknowwhatdetopicis.
Next time you want to write de editor, remember:brevityisnotasin.
Is a blessing. Unless yuh aim is to bore people into submission, then by all means—add an epigraph, a poem, and a flashbackto1973.
Dem boys seh, keep it short… and to de point!
Talk half. Leff half.
“Your lives are going to lookverydifferentinfiveto 10 years under this leadership, and under this vision, as it continues, and wejustwanttobeapartner.”
No! It was Pres.Ali carrying on, as is his wont. Wrong again, not Vice President Jagdeo selling Guyanese sand and telling them that it issnowcone.
It was the man from America, Marco Rubio, Secretary of State When an official who is number four on the US presidential succession totem pole speaks in that fulsome manner about Guyana and what Guyanese have, all should listen. I do. Then I go deeper I call it as I see him and hear him. I see and sense the not-so-invisible hand of my fellow Americansdeeplyimmersed in Guyana's politics, elections.
I picked up five powerful components in that quote of Mr Rubio
There were two others that he was as smooth as a crocodile'sbacktoleaveout, which warned me to watch him even more closely One by one, here are my interpretations of the five elements in that first sentence extract above “Under this leadership” is a not-so-nuanced endorsement of the PPP, ofAli, and Barry Who else can it be? Is there any other? Did he get to make an assessment of any other in the Guyanese leadershipcadre? I know not and I think not Second, “under this vision” sounds rather ripe and has much to do with the surrender of Sanctity Ali and Better Contract Management Bharrat to the visions of Exxon. Exxon is as American as apple pie, Marco Rubio is just as American as Don Trump, andGuyana'sAliandJagdeo arenowmoreAmericanthan Iam. Icallthataconfluence ofvisions. Itistheextended
genius of A=B=C=D. The only ones left out of those visions are people like me and the rest of the Guyanese people.
But Marco Rubio did not make it to the grade of Secretary of State by being a charlatan or a weakling HegavehimselfaPlanB.
For there was that essential third ingredient in his delivery: “Your lives are going to look very different infiveto10years….”Ilabel that as how careful politicians hedge their bets. Translation: the message to the PPP leadership is: behave yourself by being good to Exxon (and America) for the next five years, and 10 could be the happeningthing.
A promise wrapped in somemenace,whichislaced into interpretation number four, now coming up. For the fourth, there was that bit about “as it continues…”
From Rubio to Ali and Jagdeo, that last one was a
song about playing along and everybody- America, Exxon, and the PPP- will get along just fine. Do these guys that go high up choose their words like a jeweler, or what?
Fifth and last, there wasthisgem:“Wejustwant to be a partner ” Unsaid but left to no misinterpretation was just as long as it is understood and accepted by the subservient PPP
Government of Ali and Jagdeo about who is the dominant partner, who is the supreme commander of Guyana.
Thiscountryisinforit, only it doesn't know how deep,asyet
The two pieces that Mr Rubio was sensible enough to leave out after “this leadership and under this vision” were two beauties. One is a beauty queen, the other is on the trashy side. Rubio glowed with “this leadership and…this vision” but deftly sidestepped the
ant's nest of 'this government.'
Even for ultra-placid people like Guyanese, that would have been a step too far, one that descends into darkness
In the same vein, Mr Trump's high-ranking messenger was smart enough to shy away from saying 'and that is why Guyanese should vote PPP' laterthisyear
Taking his stream of words with deep meanings, he said vote for the PPP (five years) while giving himself cover against outragedobjections.
For one, about US meddling in the domestic affairs of this house of horrors, going by the title of Guyana, and next, taking a deep dive into its dark and bitteranddreadfulpolitics.
As a practitioner of the language of kings and conmen alike, with some honest people thrown in to balancethescales,Imusttip
my hat to US Secretary of StateRubio.
He covered a lot of terri
was politically tinged and tainted, without saying anything that anyone could find offensive The only exception would be a characterlikeme.
He managed not to get his feet wet, or too dirty in Guyana's nasty, stink and duttypolitics Me,Iremind him of that old American adage: there is no free lunch. Hence, he gets no free pass from this quiet nook in Guyana.
Recall my position from earlier: I smell the not-soinvisible hand of America in Guyana's politics It's over, baby (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the o p i n i o n s o f t h i s newspaper )
A 54-year-old contractor succumbed to his injuries on Thursday morning after he wasinvolvedinanaccidentat Heroes Highway, East Bank Demerara(EBD).
The dead man has been identified as Newton Bobb. Bobb reportedly died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) while receivingmedicaltreatment.
This publication reported that on Tuesday between 8:30h and 8:55h, the vehicle
Bobbwasdrivingwasforced intoalightpolebyaspeeding truck. Reports indicate that the truck driver was moving at a fast rate and lost control whiletryingtoavoidhittinga line of parked trucks on the road. While swerving to avoid the parked trucks, the truck collided with Bobb's vehicle, which was traveling in another lane. As a result, the vehicle was forcefully pushed into a nearby light pole.
Forty-four-year-old Kevon Denny of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was released on bail, when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates'Courtoncharges ofallegedlyassaultinghisexlover and possession of unlicensedfirearm.
Denny appeared before ActingChiefMagistrateFaith McGusty who read the charges. The officer was not required to plea. It is alleged that on April 16, 2024 at
Jamoon Drive, West Rumiveldt Housing Scheme
Georgetown, Denny assaulted Christine Baird Additionally, on the same date at the said address, the officer had in his possession, anunlicensed38pistolgun.
The defence was led by Attorney-at-law Leslie Sobers, who told the court that his client and the victim
wereinarelationshipanddue to him no longer having interest in her, the charges appeared. He noted that the victim has his clients' belongingsandwhenhewent to uplift them, she refused to giveittohim.
Attorney Sobers assured the court that Denny is not a flight risk and requested that his client be released on selfbail.
Attorney-at-law Casside Nurserepresentingthevictim said that Baird does not have Denny's belongings, noting that he left nothing behind whenheleft.Theprosecution objected to self-bail MagistrateMcGustyreleased Dennyon$15,000bailforthe assault charge and $75,000 for the possession of unlicensed firearm charge
The matter was adjourned untilMay9,2025.
The Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development (LCICD) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic and untimely passingofRonaldoPeters,a young man whose death has stirred justified grief and concern across the Linden communityandbeyond.
“The Chamber extends its heartfelt condolences to thefamilyandlovedonesof Mr Peters.Werecognisethe deep pain, frustration, and calls for justice that have emerged in the wake of this incident, and we fully support demands for a full, transparent, and impartial investigationbytherelevant authorities,” the Chamber saidinapressrelease.
According to the Chamber, while it stands in
solidaritywiththoseseeking accountability, it is appealing for calm, peace, and lawful conduct. “The ongoing roadblock at Four Corner, Wismar, while an expression of genuine anguish, is causing significant disruption to the livesofresidents,emergency services, and the local economy.”
These actions, though emotionally driven, risk doingunintendedharmtothe very community members they aim to represent, the Chamber said “LCICD urges all protestors and concerned citizens to channeltheirvoicesthrough peaceful and constructive avenues. We reaffirm our commitment to facilitating dialogue, community
coordination, and advocacy effortsthatreflectourshared desire for justice — without compromising public safety
orsocialstability.”
In the words of Mr LyndonYounge,Presidentof theChamber:“Letushonour
Ronaldo's memory not with division, but with unity, purpose, and resilience Justice must be pursued — but peace must be preserved ” The Chamber saiditremainscommittedto working with civic leaders, law enforcement, and the wider community to ensure that Linden remains a safe, just,andunitedtownforall.
PeterswasshotbyPolice Sergeant, Kendall, who is attached to the Wismar PoliceStation.Hewastaken to the MacKenzie Public Hospital, where he died while receiving treatment.
Police, in an initial statement, said Peters was wanted for questioning in relation to a report of an alleged rape of child under 16 years, which occurred sometime between 1st December 2024 and 31st January2025.
Police had said that Peters was seen on Monday at Shabba Bar in One Mile, Wismar, Linden, and as a result, Sergeant Kendall and a party of ranks went to that location.
The Sergeant was armed with a 9mm service pistol, and another rank was armed with a .38 service revolver These ranks were fully dressed in uniform, police said. Upon seeing the ranks, Peters,itisalleged,beganto run and attempted to jump a nearby fence, police reported.Itisfurtheralleged by the Sergeant that he managed to pull Peters off thefenceand,intheprocess of subduing him, his service pistol,whichwasinhisright hand, went off and Peters washit.Hewasimmediately escorted to the Mackenzie Public Hospital. However, he succumbed while receivingtreatment.
Peters' body was examined, and one circular woundwasseenonhislower right abdomen. The body was taken to the Pensioners Mortuary, awaiting postmortem examination Investigations are ongoing.
The Sergeant is presently under close arrest and has beenescortedtoTSU,while the Police Office for Professional Responsibility has commenced an investigation.
The shooting of the man resulted in protest action on Tuesday Residents, disputing the police's claim of an accidental shooting supported by surveillance footage, deemed it murder TheangeroverPeters'death quickly escalated, and duringastandoffwithpolice and residents, another man, 32-year-oldKeonFogenay,a father of four, was shot and killed by police. Residents blocked roads with burning tyres,leadingtoclasheswith police who used rubber pelletsandteargas.
Some protestors alleged live rounds were fired, killing Fogenay, who, accordingtohisbrother,was merely passing through and not participating in the protest.Fogenaydiedfroma head wound, further inflaming tensions and leading to protestors attacking and forcing police toretreat.
Linden Mayor, Sharma Solomon, condemned the killings,callingPeters'death murder and criticizing the police's escalation of the situation.
He also pointed out the controversial history of the officer involved The Guyana Police Force stated they fired rounds to control the protestors who were burning tyres and retaliated against thrown missiles, acknowledging a protestor's death from their fire and announcing the arrest of ranksandaninvestigationby the Office of Professional Responsibility President IrfaanAliconfirmedthatthe Regional Security System (RSS) would lead an independent investigation and urged calm, a sentiment echoed by visiting businessmen and opposition members.
Guyanese across Demerara and Berbice were left in darkness for hours, following a massive power outage sparked by the malfunctioning of a battery at one of GPL's key substations at Kingston, Georgetown.
The disruption, which began around 05:47 am, drew sharp criticisms from citizens who took to social mediatoventtheiroutrageat theGuyanaPowerandLight Inc.(GPL).
Many questioned the continued instability of the electricity grid and pointed out recent investments in powerships “Still facing blackouts even with two powerships and 'excess capacity'? Guyana Power & LightInc.saysthesystemis improved, but power cuts and damaging fluctuations continue,” one social media userposted.
Anothersaid,“Guyanese deserve better, consistent electricityisnotaluxury,it's a right ” Another user expressed disbelief at the scale of the outage, stating: “Only last week GPL gave out422millionUSdollarsin contracts, now there's massive blackout, although millions are paid for two powerships This is
(expletive).”
One affected Kitty resident, 28-year-old Clive, saidhelostfivehoursofpaid online work due to the outage.“Ataround5:47a.m, while doing some online work for a company that is depending on me, blackout came. The light came on back in 20 minutes. Around 7:10 a.m, it came off again and did not come on back until12:55p.m,”hesaid.
Presidentaddress
The blackout also affected access to an important national address by President IrfaanAli, who announced a $10 billion initiative to help citizens who have fallen behind on their National Insurance Scheme(NIS)contributions. With Wi-Fi and electricity down in many areas, numerous citizens were unabletoviewthebroadcast, which started around 9:49 a m Ironically, GPL streamed the announcement from their Facebook page. Subsequently, at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo did not hold back when asked about the blackout. “Well, I was very upsetwiththembecausethey havepowerintheirsystem… they told me that they had a problem at the Kingston substation and some issues with the battery there,” Jagdeosaid.
A57-year-oldtruckerlost hislifeonMarch8,2025after he was pinned under the left side front wheel of a 6x6 loggingtruck.
The dead man has been identified as Rohan Persaud. Reports are that the accident occurred at 07:00h at Kamechara Creek, Lower Pomeroon.
According to a police report, the accident involved anunregisteredloggingtruck owned by Barakat Timbers Concession Ltd and was driven by the now deceased. Accompanying him was 47year-oldDeonarineWarren. Investigations revealed that the two men were on their way to the 'backdam' when the incident occurred.
Headded,“Ithasnothing todowiththeavailabilityof power…buttheydeveloped a problem in the system today.”
GPL later issued a press releaseconfirmingthecause of the outage. GPL said, “With the addition of the s e c o n d p o w e r s h i p generating 60 MWs, GPL's t r a n s m i s s i o n a n d distribution system has remained relatively stable, aside from a few minor network issues.” According tothecompany,afaultatthe Kingston Power Plant led to acascadingshutdownacross the Demerara-Berbice
Interconnected System (DBIS).Thefaultwastraced to a failure in the Direct PowerControlSystemonthe Busbar, which affected multiplefeeders,generators, and a key transformer The utility company noted that restoration efforts began at theGardenofEdenlocation, a n d r e p l a c e m e n t components are now being secured. “An investigation found damaged components at the Kingston Plant, and immediate efforts are being made to secure and install replacements Further investigation and analyses are being carried out. Our
A screengrab of GPL live streaming President Irfaan Ali's announcement on Thursday morning
company remains cognizant of the inconveniences associated with unplanned service interruptions and
assiduously to prevent these occurrences,” the agency said.
He added that while the truck rolled back, he jumped outandhelatersawthetruck stoppedinaslush.
He went to check on Persaud and saw him pinned under the truck. He tried to render assistance but was unsuccessful.
Deonarine then went in search for help, when he came across a few workers along the trail on a tractor who assisted in extracting Persaud'sbody
Thebodywastakentothe Charity Cottage Hospital where it was pronounced dead on arrival. Meanwhile, Deonarine was treated at the hospital and transferred to Suddie Hospital for further medicalattention.
Deonarine stated that he was in the front passenger's seat when the truck brakes failed while climbing a hill and the truck began to roll backward atafastrate.
ongoing.
The government will commence one-off payments to senior citizens whohaveattainedtheageof 60 on or before December 31, 2024, but did not meet the minimum requirement for the National Insurance Scheme(NIS)pension.
President Dr Mohamed
Irfaan Ali made the announcement during a live broadcast at State House Thursday morning, the
Department of Public Information (DPI) said in a release. He said the payout couldevenbegintodayafter some $10 billion is transferred to the NIS
Senior citizens who have made between 500 to 749 contributions will receive as follows:
· 500 to 549 NIS
Contributions – One-Off
Paymentof$260,000
· 550 to 599 NIS
Contributions – One-Off
Paymentof$390,000
· 600 to 699 NIS
Contributions – One-Off Paymentof$520,000
· 700 to 749 NIS
Contributions – One-Off Paymentof$650,000
Withthisinjection,more than $10 billion in disposable income will be
placed into the pockets of some 25,000 pensioners nationwide, the President said.Thepresidentisurging eligible pensioners who are not on the NIS database to swiftlyregisteratthevarious NISbranchestobenefitfrom thisprogramme.
According to the DPI, over the years, numerous senior citizens have complained to the governmentofbeingrobbed of their NIS pension after their employers either failed to make deductions or remit those to the scheme. This barred them from receiving their rightful benefits after turning 60 In Guyana, insured people who have turned 60 are eligible to receiveaNISpension.
An NIS-insured individual must have made or received credit for a m i n i m u m o f 7 5 0 contributions to be eligible. “In our outreaches and in talking to pensioners across
– $650,000
the country, there are those who contributed to NIS and mayhavehad555,600[and] 650 contributions and beyond,” the president noted. He added, “This was not only burdensome on the NIS system, but also, we committed to helping people.Wewanttofindways in which we can make it easier for our citizens, especiallytheelderly.”
President Ali reminded that this additional initiative complements the increased pension from $20,500 in 2020 to $41,000 in 2025.
This investment has benefitted over 76,000 pensioners and has resulted inatotaloldagepensionfee of $37 billion “Our unwavering commitment to you, the people of this country, is that we will continue to implement such measures that improve the lives of every single Guyanese, and make no mistake of it. We will
continuetodosothroughour next term of office,” the president stated. Pensioners havealsobenefittedfromthe national$100,000cashgrant being provided to Guyanese 18yearsandabove.Theyare also set to access improved healthcare,withsixregional hospitals to come onstream later this year He said, “I wish to reiterate that my government remains fully committed to ensuring that theseniorcitizensofGuyana who have given their best years in service to our country can retire with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
TheMissGuyanaCulture
Queen Pageant has officiallyannouncedthe eightfinalistswhowillcompetefor the2025title.
The contestants, representing various regions across Guyana, collectivelyshowcasethecountry's rich cultural diversity and multiethnicheritage.
The Miss Guyana Culture Queen2025contestantsare:
● Leah Alves, 22, from Turkeyen
● Shadiamond Assanah, 21, fromMelanie
● Nikeesha Baksh, 21, from Paradise,EastCoastDemerara
● Akeisha Dalton, 23, from LandofCanaan
● Destiny Etienne, 25, from Linden
● Kelis Johnson, 21, from Linden
● Donelle Harvey, 25, from Tuschen
● Arinna Williams, 20, from Kwebana(Moruca)
"This year's contestants truly embody Guyana's status as the Caribbean's melting pot," said RandyMadray,franchiseholderfor the Miss Guyana Culture Queen Pageant.
"From our indigenous comm
settlements, from mining towns to agricultural areas, these young womenrepresentthefullspectrum ofournation'sculturaltapestry."
The selection of contestants fromdiversegeographicandethnic backgrounds underscores the pageant's commitment to comprehensiverepresentation.
The inclusion of a contestant fromtheindigenouscommunityof Kwebana in Region One brings vital representation of Guyana's Amerindian heritage, while contestants from coastal regions, East-Indian Descent, the mining town of Linden, and various other communities ensure a balanced representation of the country's population.
The eight finalists will participate in their official sashing ceremony during "Brunch in Paradise," an exclusive fashion
show hosted by Randy Madray at Scotty's SmokeHouse on May 4th, 2025.
Following the sashing, the contestants will undergo comprehensive training in preparationforthefinalcoronation eventscheduledforJuly
The 2025 contestants follow in the footsteps of two consecutive Miss Caribbean Culture Queen winners from Guyana. Shemina Peroune made history in 2023 as the first Guyanese to claim the regional title, followed by ShequanaHoldersecuringback-tobackvictoriesin2024.
The newly announced contestants will compete for the opportunitytorepresentGuyanaat
In an innovative move unprecedented among Guyanese artists, Road March champion Omaiah Hall recently hosted a karaokecompetitioncenteredaround her hit song "Breakway" at SoHo.
The Tuesday night event drew an ex
na
y
arge crowd, significantly surpassing the venue's typicalweeknightattendance.
Hall,whose"Breakway"recently claimedthecovetedRoadMarchtitle after placing third in the Soca Monarch competition, designed the event as both a celebration of her successandagestureofappreciation toherdedicatedsupporters.
"This initiative was a visionary oneasnoGuyaneseartistwouldhave (Continuedonpage24)
the 2025 Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant in St. Kitts, with hopes of achieving an unprecedented third consecutive internationalwin.
Since taking over the Miss GuyanaCultureQueenfranchisein 2019, Randy Madray has transformed the pageant into a significant platform for cultural celebration and international recognition.
The pageant focuses on developing young women as cultural ambassadors while highlighting Guyana's diverse heritageontheregionalstage.
You can follow the journey of these delegates on Miss Guyana CultureQueenFacebookpage.
Guyana's gaming scene is about to experience its biggest event of the year as Game Fest returns for its second edition on April 12, 2025, at the MarriottHotel's second floor With promises of bigger prizes, enhanced competitions,andanoverall upgraded experience, Game Fest 2025 aims to cement itself as a cornerstone of Guyana's emerging esports community
"I got the idea for GameFestafterseeingallthe amazing gaming festivals and esports tournaments happening in other countries," explains Trevon Gomes, founder of Game Fest.“
As a gamer, I felt like Guyana was really missing outonsomethinglikethat."
What began as a passion project in 2024 has quickly evolved into Guyana's premiergamingevent.
TheinauguralGameFest last year marked the beginning of what Gomes hopes will become an institution in Guyana's digital entertainment landscape.
"It's been a journey with a lot of ups and downs, but
we've kept pushing forward," Gomes reflects.
"Since then, we've grown a lot and are focused on bringing top-notch esports tournaments and a fun, exciting festival experience every year "For Gomes, Game Fest addresses a crucial need in Guyana's developing gaming culture.
"I think Guyana needs this because our gaming community has been growing but doesn't really have a proper platform," he says.
"GameFestgivesgamers aspacetocompete,connect, and be recognized. It also opens doors for local talent
andhelpsputGuyanaonthe mapwhenitcomestoesports andgamingculture."
Building on lessons learned from the first event, Game Fest 2025 introduces severalsignificantupgrades. "Thisyear,we'reintroducing an esports-themed stage, more activities, bigger prizes, and an overall upgraded experience," Gomes shares.Perhaps the most notable change is the i n t r o d u c t i o n o f a qualificationsystem.
“One of the biggest changes is the introduction o f p r e l i m i n a r y rounds—players now have to qualify in advance to
W h i l e s e r i o u s competitorshadtoregisterin advance, casual attendees won'tbeleftout.
compete at our main event, whichwe'recallingthe'Day of Champions ' It really raises the level of c o m p e t i t i o n a n d excitement "Game Fest 2025 will feature tournaments across multiple popular titles, including FC 25,MortalKombat1,Callof Duty:Mobile,andthenewly releasedCallofDuty:Black Ops6.
“During the festival itself, we'll also be hosting mini tournaments that anyone attending can jump into,sothere'ssomethingfor bothseriouscompetitorsand casualgamers,"saysGomes. The prize pool has significantly increased for this year's event, with substantial cash rewards for tournamentwinners:
(Continued on page 22)
The renowned Slingerz Family Entertainment is set to celebrate its 24th anniversary in grand style this EasterMonday,April21st,2025,at LeonoraStadiumonGuyana'sWest Side. The celebration will feature live performances from Jamaican dancehallstarsMalieDonn,Likkle Vybz, Likkle Addi, and Chronic Law
In an exclusive interview with Kaieteur Entertainment, Kevin Balgobin,Co-FounderofSlingerz Family, revealed that the upcoming event marks the return of their anniversary celebration afterseveralyearsofhiatus.
"For a long time our anniversaryfellduringRamadan. Then when it didn't, COVID cameanditisnowreturningafter all these years So we're definitely going to go all out for our fans to give them the best celebration ever," Balgobin explained.
The selection of artists for this milestone event was carefully curated to catertoSlingerz'sdiversefanbase."Wehad people, our fans from different demographics requesting these specific artists, the ladies for Mallie Donn. The younger fans for Kartel's sons Likkle Addi and Likkle Vybz, and the fans from the streets were asking for Chronic. So for our anniversary celebration we just wanted to ensure that we catered for all our fan base," saidBalgobin.
Overitsimpressive24-yearrun,Slingerz Family has brought numerous international acts to Guyana, including Shenseea, Movado, Popcaan, TeeJay, and Masicka, among other Caribbean artists The entertainment powerhouse has established itself as a cornerstone of Guyana's entertainmentlandscape.
"Slingerz is the entertainment industry," Balgobin stated confidently "We've been raisingthebarforentertainmentinGuyana, capturing international attention and have peoplecomingfromallovertheworld."
Whiletheeventcouldhavebeenheldin Georgetown, Balgobin emphasized the significance of hosting it on the West Side. "We wanna bring people over to this side because we want people to see the development of Guyana, we want them to
s ee that the West Side can facilitate these kinds of large events and it's the hometown ofSlingerzsoit'sonlyrightthatwecelebrate here."
The anniversary show will also shine a spotlight on local talent, particularly the Slingerz DJs who have contributed to the company's success over the years. "This celebration really is for the Slingerz Family Sound System. And so for this show in particular we wanna ensure that the DJs get toshowcasetheirtalentandhardworkover theyears,"Balgobinexplained.
AllfourJamaicanartistshaveexpressed excitement about performing in Guyana, with Balgobin noting, "They have been seeingthebuzzonsocialmediaandhowthe Guyanese people are going crazy to see them."
Inadditiontotheperformances,fanscan look forward to giveaways throughout the nightasSlingerzshowsappreciationforthe loyal support that has sustained them for nearly a quarter century Musical entertainment will be provided by Slingerz Family Guyana's #1 Sound, Bobby Kush, Jerome,andRickyPlatinumfromtheUSA. Theeventpromisestobeafittingcelebration for one of Guyana's most enduring and influentialentertainmentcompanies.
Policeseizedmorethan211 kilograms of cocaine on Tuesday during an intelligence led operation in the Imbotero areaoftheBarimaRiver,North WestDistrict.
Thepolicesaidthattheraid was, “led by a senior gazetted rank along with other members of the GPF. The raid was conducted at the residence and fuel storage bond of Anthony Hosea Beria, also known as Anthony Hosea Yispen. The exercise resulted in 11 cellular phones and three hand held r
narcoticswerediscoveredatthe locationanditisallegedthatthe suspect fled the location with a firearmbeforetheraid.
Investigations carried out subsequentlyledtothearrestof four individuals, and each directed police to separate locationsalongImboteroCreek, where several bags containing the suspected narcotics were recovered. Police said that a fisherman led ranks to one salt bag containing 20 parcels of a creamish, rock-like substance suspected to be cocaine, weighing 23 5 kilograms A
third man led the ranks to two salt bags containing 40 parcels, weighing 47 kilograms. Ranks were also directed to three salt bags containing 60 parcels, weighing 70 6 kilograms and another three salt bags with 60 parcels, also weighing 70 6 kilograms.
The men who led ranks to the drugs were each cautioned and placed into custody. The total weight of the suspected cocaine totaled approximately 456 7 pounds, which has as estimated street value of GYD 317.55 million. Further efforts
of the law enforcement officers led to the arrest of the primary suspect, Yispen, who is currently in police custody aidingwithinvestigations.
ApolicemanwasbustedonThursdaywithover70pounds ofmarijuanainthetrunkofamotorcarhewasdriving.
Accordingtoastatementfromthepolice,“Investigations areongoinginrelationtoalargequantityofsuspected cannabisfoundduringanintelligence-ledoperationconducted Thursdaymorning(April10,2025)alongtheLindenSoesdykeHighway.”
Themotorcarwasinterceptedbyranksoftheforcenear Hauraruniandthevehiclewassaidtobetravellingwestalong thesoutherlysideofthehighway Thedriverwasidentifiedas ShermanFerguson,a31-year-oldmemberoftheGuyana PoliceForce.
Asearchofthevehiclerevealedthreelargetransparent plasticbagsthatcontainedalargequantityofleaves,seedsand stemssuspectedtobecannabis.Fergusonwascautionedand subsequentlyarrested.Thenarcoticswereweighedinhis presenceandcameupto34.6kg,whichisequivalenttoover 70pounds.Heiscurrentlyincustody,andinvestigationsare ongoing.
Following his public
announcement that government will pay the exam fees for up to eight
Caribbean Secondary
Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects for every student across the country, President Irfaan Ali said on Thursdaythatthesameoffer isextendedtostudentsatthe
Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE)level.
The President said this during a live broadcast aired atStateHouse,Georgetown.
Noting that throughout this term of office his government will be implementingawidearrayof similar measures and projects aimed at improving livelihoods, the Head-ofState related yesterday “I will ensure that no child is compelled to limit the number of CXC subjects they write on account of the financial circumstances of
their parents and this initiative goes beyond CSEC,itwillalsoincludethe
CAPE students and they too will benefit from this initiative.”
This publication had reported that this initiative will benefit students at both public and private schools.
Elaborating on the
President's announcement during his weekly press conference on Thursday, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeosaidthedecisionwas made after they received reports that the subvention that the government was providing for exam fees was not reaching the rightful beneficiaries.
“Some people have been coming to us saying that the subvention…every year we used to spend about $260 million to assist people to pay for CSEC and CAPE if theycouldn'tafforditbutwe were not pleased with the way it's being applied because sometimes people don'tknowtheycanapplyfor thisandoftenitdoesn'tgetto the intended beneficiaries because it is determined
Facebook)
through a capricious process by teachers and others,” he explained.
Notingthatthisinitiative will cost around $600 million, the VP related that this will remove a huge burden from parents moving forward.
“In the next term in office, you will see much more of this, not just the increase of the $50,000 per child per year grant but the process of removing the burden from parents to fund education for their children ateverylevel.
So, this would help to ensure that people can keep moreoftheincomethatthey have and use it for other purposes because the government will ensure that we progressively fund e d u c a t i o n a n d t h e educational needs of our people from the treasury directly,”headded.
It was also reported that thepaymentoftheexamfees will commence from this year
Having issued a tender for the construction of its new headquarters building, the Regional Democratic Council(RDC)ofRegion10 hasreceivedatotalof18bids from contractors interested inexecutingtheproject.
A c c o r d i n g t o information provided by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, the bidders have bid between $180 million and $247 millionfortheprojectwhich i
$234,989,034.
Those competing for the contract are as follow:
$222,143,534; Picture
$180,960,615; Ramlochan Construction & Trucking Inc.; Ash Civil Engineering Works -$190,723,785;Anil
Resources-$231,791,000;A Nazier&SonContracting&
Runnings Investment Inc.$234,892,927 50; Modern Construction & Trucking Services-$199,394,475;JK E
$233,399,439; Gryphon
E
$232,770,405;R&MMining Investment Project Inc$232,279,163; Sovereignty
Investments Construction Services (SICS Builders)$214,670,956 05; Ele's Trading & Hardware$224,937,542; Supreme
Contracting Company$247,279,988; and Naran C
$216,483,708.
This publication had reported that this project comes some four years after the RDC has been making proposalsforfundsfromthe government to complete its newheadquartersbuildingin Linden.
Notably, while this project is estimated to cost $235 million, the Regional Chairman,DeronAdamshad informed this publication that a project like this cost some $680 m
on to execute.
The Regional Chairman had told this newspaper (Continuedonpage20)
A protest organized against the Office of the C
s Ramson SC, will continue today on East S
, Georgetown.
Today's exercise marks the third consecutive week since citizens have been taking to the streets to demonstrate against the Commissioner's failure to fulfi
his duties in accordance with the Access toInformationAct(2011).
The picket will be held from 12 noon outside the Commissioner's office on East Street, between Middle andQuaminaStreets.
In a statement to the media, Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram, who organised the activity, explained that he and other
informationfromtheOffice.
He said those requests were nevermetdueto“ridiculous
Ramson'sdemandthathebe addressed as Justice with S C O R following his name.
“playing games” with applicants, dismissing their requests with his personal interpretation of the Access toInformationAct.
Protestorsarguedthatthe Act is not achieving its objective, although the Office receives some $40 millioneachyear
Questionshavealsobeen raised about the operations of the Office and the lack of transparencysurroundingits activities since a single
annualreport,asrequiredby theAct, has not been tabled in the NationalAssembly to date.The protest by Ram d e m a n d s t h e t r u e operationalisationoftheAct, followed by a review and amendment more than a decadeafteritspassage.
“The idea is to hold this
picketforfourweeksoutside t
Information at 340 East Street, Georgetown, and if thereis no positiveresponse fromthegovernment,totake it to the Office of the President, as it has portfolio responsibility,”Ramstated.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday issued wanted bulletins for three men, who are accused of murdering Chandradeo Kumar Singh, during an armed robbery at Hill Street, AlbouystownonMarch31,2025.
SinghdiedonApril1,2025duringa surgery,afterhewasgunneddown.The three wanted men have been identified as Ryan Goodluck, 31, whose last known address is Lot 928 Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Tyrese Mullin,21,whoselastknownaddressis Lot 25 Hill Street, Albouystown and Damion Bobb, 22, whose last known address is Bareroot, Bachelors' Adventure, East Coast Demerara (ECD).Policeareurgingthatifanyone knows the whereabout of the wanted men,contactthemorthenearestpolice station.
PolicesaidthatSinghwhoresidedat Lot 26 Hill Street, Albouystown was shot before being relieved of his gold chains and an undisclosed amount of cash.Atthescene, Kaieteur News learnt that bandits took his wallet which contained$40,000.
The incident reportedly occurred around 10:30hrs, while Singh, along with ReyazAli and Mark Soodoo, was playing cards in front of a shop located next to the alleyway which leads to his
home. Police reported that two males wearingsurgicalmasksandarmedwith hand guns approached them on a blue and black Lindy motorcycle from the northerndirectiononHillStreet.
One eyewitness recalled that she wasattheshopwithababyinherarms when the gunmen pulled up. “Them comefromSussexStreetside”shesaid while recounting that all of a sudden, a gunshot rang out. “I just freeze. People hadtocomeholdme”,sheadded.Police said the suspects dismounted the bike and pointed their firearms at Singh beforefiringashotintheair
Singh then got up and ran through the alley leading to his home, but the banditschasedhimandbeganshooting.
“The man run and go in the yard and dem run behind he and dem shoot behind he back”, eyewitnesses said as they recalled that he collapsed before makingithome.
“Ifyouseeblood”,theyrelayed.
PolicesaidthatSinghwasshottwice inbothofhisthighsabovehisknees.
Thebanditsthenreportedlyrelieved him of his valuables, the gold chains from around his neck and a wallet that wasstashedinhiscrotch.
After they fled the scene, eyewitnesses and neighbours rushed to assisthim.
A cell-phone recorded video has surfacedofneighboursfetchinghimout of the alleyway and placing him in the back of a Toyota Spacio car His lower body was covered in blood as he was transportedtothehospital.
Singh's relatives said they were not around at the time of the shooting, but went to the hospital upon receiving the news.
When they arrived, doctors told them that Singh did not survive the emergencysurgery
“I went and saw him, he went for a surgery and dem seh he didn't make it through the surgery”, a female relative toldKaieteurNewsonTuesday Investigationsareongoing.
Frompage19
previously that “The RDC has registered serious concern through its Clerk of Council with respect to the
headquarters, since this building had been estimated to cost $680 million as outlined in our 2025 budget requestsandhadbeenvalued at over $600 million when originally proposed in 2018.”
“This is marginalisation at best and discriminatory at worst, so we hold out the hopethatthisisanoversight that would be remedied by the Ministry of Finance clarifying if additional financing would be made available to address the sum requested,”Adamsadded.
Currently, various departments of the Regional Administrationareoperating from various locations in Linden.It was reported that
atic C
m
uncil Headquarterswillbelocated at Speightland, Mackenzie, and the decision for a new building emerged from the lack of space to properly accommodate the staff, all the departments that fall within the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the deplorable state of thebuilding.
Regarding this project, thispublicationreportedthat at a Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meetinglastyearFebruary,it was disclosed that after a contractforthebuildingwas initiated in 2017, the project was later terminated in 2021.Itwasexplainedduring PACthatinDecember2017, the region awarded a contractvalued$256million to Chungs Global for the construction of the Regional Administration building The project was given 24
months completion time which should have seen the project being completed in December 2019 However, the project was delayed and given a temporary cease order in March 2018. The project recommenced in January2019.
The former REO, Orrin Gordonexplainedduringthe meetingthatwhenhetookup thepositionofREO,nowork wasstartedbyMarch2018.
An engineer from the RDC, Gavin Clarke had clarified at the meeting that when they had ordered the temporary cease work order in 2018, a recommencement order was given to the contractor for the project to berestarted.
ThisoccurredonJanuary 31,2019.Havingbeengiven a new commencement date, Clarke said the revised completion date was set for January 18, 2021 Clarke went on to state that with January 31, 2021 being the revised completion date, the letter of termination was issued to the contractor in April2021.
He explained that in A p r i l 2 0 2 1 , u p o n examination of the works, only12percentoftheworks weredone.
The current Regional Executive Officer (REO), Dwight John, in his explanation at the time said th
terminated due to poor
completedatthetime. It was reported too that after the termination of the contract in 2021, no other contract was awarded to completethebuilding.
JohntoldthePACthathe made proposals for funds to be set aside to complete the building in the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 budgets but the government did not approvetheproposals.
Trinidad Express-Trinidad and Tobago will likely be heading towards a predicted economic “guava season”.
This is the sentiment of former minister in the MinistryofFinanceMariano Browne and energy consultantAnthony Paul, who both appeared on the Movement for Social Justice's (MSJ) Tuesday Talk forum, where they reacted to the US revocation of the special Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) licences which would have allowed the country to process gas from the Dragon and Cocuina-Manakingasfields.
Both men called the development unsurprising, given US policy direction in recent times, and suggested more focus be placed on internal revenue generation, in light of declining oil and gas production and deficit spending.
“What the reality of t o d a y i s , a n d t h e Government has made it very clear, that we are going to have a bit of difficulty Thatisputtingitnicely
itself and it shows up as a fiscalproblem.
“The real issue is how do we grow the economy in a sustainablefashion,sowedo not depend only on the energy sector, or primarily on the energy sector for the generation of foreign exchange,”hesaid.
Government should be realistic and take the future intothecountry'sownhands.
Although he said the gas ontheVenezuelansideofthe border was a significant asset that should play a significant role in the local economy, he said the impact ofthosedealswasnotasthey weremessagedtobe.
He said the deal's collapse may have an implication on the April 28 general election Citing budget deficits, he added, “Moving forward, whoever comes into government is going to face a very difficult time. The reality is we have been running deficits for 17 years, at least 16 of those 17 years....
“The bottom line is from a fiscal position, Trinidad
“There is going to be a guava season between 2025 and 2027 when Manatee is supposedtocomeonstream, but even if Manatee comes onstream... it has to have continuous e f f o r t t o g e n e r a t e hydrocarbon resources,” Brownesaid.
and Tobago's maintainable fiscal expenditure has fallen into the $55 billion category...that is significant, itisdifficult,andthefactthat we are maintaining fairly largeborrowing.”
As a result, he said the country could not continue todependonitshydrocarbon resources alone. He said the country would have to become more efficient and q u e s t i o n e d i t s diversification efforts over theyears.
“What do we diversify into? Have we done enough ofthat?
Those are the difficult existential questions that the country faces It reflects
Paul said during the forum that the country was likely headed to short-term economic hardship, even if the Dragon gas deal had remained afloat, as there wouldn't have been any production from the affected fieldsinthenexttwoyears.
“In any case, we were alwaysgoingtobeinaguava season for the next two years...the investment that was going on was in preparation for production, but what it would have meant in the interim was confidence in the economy that there will be gas coming,”hesaid.
“Given the recent example of the US government's policy decision towards Venezuela, it was always on the cards that this was the card that wouldfallnext,”hesaid.
P a u l s a i d t h e
“What it brought immediately would have been some confidence that the economy had something to keep it afloat and growing potentially, but the reality is those were not as big and impactive as they were messagedtobe,”hesaid.
On a potential route forward, Paul said the country could place more focus on getting more natural gas out of its own reservoirs.
Hesaidhebelievedthere were significant resources available that could be converted to reserves if enough focused effort had been undertaken to develop them.
However, he said a lot of those resources were in acreages that belongs to multinationalcorporations.
“One of the major
multinationals who previously had a very rich portfolio globally and may not be interested in what may be called smaller fields f r o m t h e i r g l o b a l perspective but from Trinidad and Tobago's perspective is quite significant they have not been explored, they have not even been mapped properly to get exploration andthinggoing
“Two things happened thatcausedthemultinational to abandon those—one was thecostofdrilling.
It went through the roof and it more than doubled the estimated cost because of some technical difficulties and that made the sense that going after those prospects wasuneconomic.
“The second part of it is that the multinational has shifted its business in Trinidad from an oil business to a gas business, and its global portfolio is going to a cleaner energy mix.
“I would hope that investors and multinationals would reflect on this oil and gas business in Trinidad and Tobago,”hesaid.
Press man to operate offset printing machine in Campbellville. Call: 621-5140. Employment on cruise Boat! Jobs for manager, receptionist, clerk, restaurant helpers, housekeeper, cook & assistants. Call: 757-8231.
Wanted! Workers for packaging pasta and chowmein.
$4,600 /day: $5,400/ night. Workers paid weekly. Call: 611-7839 (GTT)/ 637-0983 (digi).
GLC Transport hiring : Dump Truck Mechanic & Drivers & Part-time parts Sale Position at Farm EBD. Tele : 652-9744 / 752-7511
Cook & Cleaner, must know to cook English & Indian dishes, preferably from Land Of Cannan. Contact: 624-1473 / 223-9888.
Farm workers wanted for Highway location preferable from Interior. Contact : 655-0471 / 673- 7652.
Excavator Operator & Cook to work in the interior. Call : 695-6401.
One Unregistered Nissan X-Trail 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.
Leyland DAF truck for sale. Contact: 676-6165 / 693-9843
Suriname Tours- Easter weekend tour to Suriname. WhatsApp/ Call: 639-2663 / 673-2348 for more info.
Overnight boat cruise to Bartica Regatta. All inclusive of room & food on board. Call to book: 7578231.
4 bedrooms, 3 baths, self contained master house. Fully furnished. Call : 6504000 for more information.
WBD, New 2/3 bedroom fully furnished apartments, minutes away from the bridge, includes Gym & Pool. Call: 650-4000.
2 bedroom apartment at C Field Sophia. Couples only, $65,000 per month. Call: 6403861.
One (1) painter needed. Call: 615-9132 or 645-8443.
One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2. Call: 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@yahoo.com
Kitchen assistant needed. For more info Call: 676-5534 / 618-3696.
Female cleaner for office in Eccles. Call: 645-8443.
Males & Females to work at a wash bay in Campbellville, 8am-5pm. Shift available 10am-7pm. Call: 604-1980/ 669-4676.
Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hring Sales Representatives. Tel# 226-2621.
Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hring Factory Workers. Tel# 226-2621.
Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hring Jr. Accountant. Tel# 226-2621.
Vacancy exists for bodywork men & Arc welder. Call: 7169989.
One skilled Driver to make purchases in G/Town. Contact: 701-4000.
Desk staff, Receptionist, Supervisor, Room Attendant @ 233 South Road Lacytown. Call: 225-0198.
Vacancy for Elderly Caregiver @ Republic Park. Please Call or WhatsApp: 656-1875/ 233-5160/6096952.
One Female clerk$170,000. 5 days a week. Tele : 671-5700.
One male office assistant. $35,000 weekly plus motorcycle allowance, must have a motorcycle. Tele : 6175700.
One receptionist $40,000 weekly, 5 days of work. Tele : 617-5700.
Two female nurses$200,000 monthly.Tele : 617-5700.
One driver, must have atleast eight years of driving experience, $260,000 monthly.Tele : 617-5700. One experience cook, $180,000 monthly & one domestic $150,000, 5 days a week. Tele : 617-5700. One handyman / Gardener, $190,000 monthly.Tele : 617-5700.
SERVICES
Need a grocery shopper, ship chandler or visa application preparer: USA, Canada, UK ETA. 626-7040.
House plan drawing, Estimates, Grubbing of land and Sand filling K.Lakeram Building Contractor. Call 216-0671 / 692-8464 or Whatsapp 622-0267.
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 well equipped mobile food truck. Facilities for cooking, washing, freezing, music & lighting, etc. Call: 227-1813.
Two experienced farmers to work on a farm, $260,000 Tele : 617-5700.
Security officers $5,000 per day for Georgetown / west side, age 20-60 years old. Contact : 685-4398.
Vacancy for Sewing machine operator, 1 Surger & 1 cleaner for garment factory. Call : 672-5175.
Cashier, $33,000 weekly, 6 days per week. Contact : 617-2822. Located in Vreen en hoop(Supermarket).
Pastry Maker, Roti Cook & Cashies, send applications to Roti Hut, 18 North Road Bourda. Call 227-4949 ext 1137 / 656-7686.
Truck driver needed @ Ganshyam Mahase & Mahase Lumber Supply, 35 or older, Must speak Spanish & English with Valid license. Call : 617-9656 / 6176665.
Roadside Heroes Highway Land for Sale, Garden of Eden 3.8 or 6 acres. Contact : 621-1139 / 712-4020
Space for business/ Bond 7000,488 SQ , 4 unit apartment @ US 2300. Contact : 722-8237
A 30-year-old man lost his life after he allegedly drowned on Wednesday morning at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice.
The dead man has been identified as Bedore Totaram. The alleged drowning occured between 06:00h and 7:30h.
Relatives disclosed that Totaram suffered from epilepsy. Police confirmed that the body was recovered from the Side Line Dam Canal, Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice. “The body was then examined for marks of vio-
lence, but none was seen,” police reported. The body was then taken to the Skeldon
Public Hospital, where it was pronounced dead by a doctor.
An 18-year-old man was fined on Thursday, when he appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on charges of dangerous driving and driving without a licence.
He was arraigned before Senior Magistrate, Sunil Scarce. Eon Williams of Coldingen East Coast Demerara (ECD), was advised by his attorney to plead not guilty to dangerous driving charge and guilty to the unlicensed driving charge. However, Williams pleaded guilty to both charges.
The prosecution told the court that on March 27, 2025 along the Buxton Pubic Road at approximately 08:00hrs, the defendant was riding motorcycle bearing registration
number CN 809 proceeding east. While along the said public road, Williams was overtaking several vehicles, when he collided with pedestrian Gregory Browne who was crossing the road north to south after being given the permission from vehicles that were on both sides of the road. As a result of the collision, Browne and Williams fell onto the surface of the road and they both suffered injuries about their bodies.
An investigation was conducted and the defendant was not a holder of a valid driver’s licence, he was then made aware of the offence and was later charged. Williams’ attorney pleaded with the court for him to not be jailed,
citing his client’s age, and that he would have sustained injuries as well and learnt his lesson for being an unlicensed driver.
Browne told the court that he sustained injuries about his body. He added that he approached the defendant’s father seeking compensation, however due to an unpleasant encounter, he will be suing the teenager in the High Court for the injuries he sustained as well as medical bills which he is left to face. Williams was fined $25,000 for the unlicensed driving and was fined $50,000 for dangerous driving charge. The magistrate added that failure to pay the fine will result in five weeks imprisonment.
From page 16
Regular attendees can also look forward to various giveaways, including Zoon Online Shopping vouchers, a PlayStation 5, a VR headset, and exclusive Game Fest merchandise.
Game Fest isn’t limited to tournaments. The event will also feature technology showcases, with Gomes highlighting “Virtual Reality gaming and Sim Racing experiences” among the attractions. These tech demonstrations represent partnerships with companies eager to display their latest gear to Guyana’s growing tech enthusiast community.
Last year’s event already helped spotlight local gaming talent, with winners like Dearon Canterbury (FC), Jadan Roberts and Corey Rambarran (Call of Duty), and
Christopher Ramcharran (Mortal Kombat) establishing themselves as names to watch in Guyana’s competitive gaming scene. All previous champions have qualified for this year’s “Day of Champions,” setting the stage for exciting rematches and new rivalries.
With an expected attendance of 500-700 people at the Marriott Hotel venue, Game Fest 2025 is scaled to provide an intimate yet vibrant festival atmosphere. The event welcomes gamers of all ages, though minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
While this year’s event doesn’t feature international gaming celebrities or professional players, Gomes indicates this is a direction for future growth. Similarly, while current partnerships are pri-
marily local, the Game Fest team is working toward establishing relationships with international gaming companies.
“Our long-term goal is to continuously improve the quality of the events we host and provide local competitors with the opportunity to compete on an international stage,” Gomes explains. “We also hope to expand GameFest to other locations in the Caribbean and beyond as the event grows.”
Whether you’re a competitive gamer looking to prove your skills, a tech enthusiast interested in the latest innovations, or simply someone looking for a fun, engaging event, Game Fest 2025 promises something for everyone as it continues to level up Guyana’s gaming culture.
Two fishermen were reported missing after theirboatwasfounddrifting atseanearTainBeachalong theCorentyneCoast,Region Six.
Theincidenthassparked concerns from the families ofthemissingmen,whoare pleading for more urgency from law enforcement in locating them. The missing individuals have been identified as 17-year-old Vishaul Parmanand of Lot 23 Cotton Tree, Old Road, WestCoastBerbice,and32year-old Daniel Inshanali, also known as “Fine Man,” of Lot 27 “D” Edward Village,WestCoastBerbice.
According to police reports, Vishaul’s father, Mohindranauth Parmanand, also known as “Mohin”, stated that around 11:00 hrs onMonday,hehadtravelled
to Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, where he purchased a new boat and engine.Hisson,Vishaul,had requested to use the boat afterinstallingtheengine.
“Bothmenthenfilledup
the boat and departed CrabwoodCreek,headingto Rosignol, West Coast Berbice by sea,” the father told police. However, when the boat failed to arrive by 17:00 hrs the same day, the father attempted to contact his son but received no response.
On Tuesday, around 10:00 hrs, Mohindranauth receivedinformationthatthe boat was seen drifting near Tain Koker, Corentyne. The engine was still mounted, but the two men were not seen.“Policewerecalledand responded Checks were made along the shoreline, butthetwoindividualswere not located Due to the incomingtide,officerscould not make it to the drifting boat, which continued to move away from the beach. Efforts to recover the boat are still being made,” police stated.
Authorities also confirmedthatneitherofthe missing men possessed a captain’s licence
Meanwhile, the wife of Daniel Inshanali, Rebecca
Inshanali, expressed frustrationwiththeresponse from police. Speaking to KaieteurNewsonThursday, she said: “The whole family looking,thepolicenotreally involved,theydidn’tcallwe back.Weneedmoresupport — it would be better — but we not getting the support thatweneed.”
She disclosed that Inshanali has been a fisherman for nearly 14 years and would try his best tofinanciallysupporthistwo children. “He does always
bring down boats and he’s a gooddriver Heknowswhat exactlyheisdoing.It’svery strange that he is not here,” sheadded.
Fighting back tears, she continued: “I don’t know whattosay I hope he is alive. I have hopestill.Hedoestryhebest to make it work for the children, but I am very worried.”Effortsweremade to contact Mohindranauth Parmanand and around 18:45 hrs responded, stating that he was at sea with
Remanded: Deryck Garraway
Three men appeared
before the Vigilance Magistrates’ Court on Monday to face multiple charges of robbery under arms.
One of the accused was sentenced to prison, while the other two were remanded.
The men have been identified as 30-year-old Carlton Bourne, a construction worker of Lot
15 Norton Street, Georgetown; 27-year-old Devindra Mooteram, a driver of Lot 1 East La
Remanded: Devindra Mooteram
Penitence; and 20-year-old Deryck Garraway of Lot 15 Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Accordingtoreports,the trio was involved in several armed robberies. They were accused of robbing Paul Rambhajan, a businessman of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and Prakash Kooblall, a cashier ofMonRepos,ECD.During that incident, they allegedly stole $150,000 in cash and twocellularphonesvaluedat $250,000 and $60,000. The robbery took place at Good
Hope,ECD.
The men were also charged with robbing Daquan Philedelipa of a 9MM pistol along with ten matchingliveroundsduring an incident that occurred on February 23, 2025, at Melanie Damishana, East CoastDemerara.
Their crime spree allegedly continued when they robbed Akean Hiles, a GNBS Inspector, of $100,000cashonMarch26, 2025.Onthesameday,they also reportedly robbed Li Hux Xi, a Chinese national,
sentenced to eight years in prison
of $700,000 in cash and $40,000 worth of cellular phonecards.
Thechargeswerereadto the accused by Magistrate Sunil Scarce Bourne pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison. He remains on remand for the February 23 robbery involving the firearm. Meanwhile, Mooteram and Garrawaypleadednotguilty andwereremandedtoprison until their next court appearance, scheduled for April28,2025.
of the missing men,
police,activelyparticipating inthesearchforthemissing men.
KaieteurNewscontacted Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who confirmed that the commander in charge of the operation reported to him that police beganlookingforthemenon Wednesday, a day after they wentmissing.
The commander told Blanhum, “Sir, upon receipt of the report yesterday (Wednesday),ranksdidgoto the seashore with the
relatives of the missing persons in an attempt to retrieve the boat. However, theywereunabletogettothe vessel because the tide had takenitout.Thegeneralarea was also searched at that time,” he said Blanhum added that officers from Berbice accompanied relatives on a search from Albion to Rose Hall earlier Thursday morning and that the Coast Guard was preparing to conduct further searches. Investigations are ongoing
AFP– TheUNsaysabout 100,000 people fled Rafah after the Israeli military issued an evacuation order lastmonth
Israel's defence minister has said it will expand its socalled "security zones" in Gaza to include the southern cityofRafah
During a visit to the area, Israel Katz said the military was leaving Gaza "smaller" and "more isolated" to
pressure Hamas into releasingthehostagesitisstill holding
The military has already seized land running along the entirety of the Palestinian territory's borders, which it has characterised as a buffer zonetopreventattacks
The expansion to cover Rafah and its surrounding areas - which make up almost one fifth of Gazacomes after the military ordered civilians to evacuate
and established a new corridor separating them fromnearbyKhanYounis.
Two-thirds of Gaza has been designated as "no-go" zones or placed under evacuationorderssinceIsrael resumed its offensive against Hamas on 18 March following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire, accordingtotheUN I t s a y s 3 9 0 , 0 0 0 Palestinians–almostafifthof the 2 1 million populationhave been displaced once again, with no safe place to go The UN is also warning that supplies of food, medicine and fuel have run out because Israel blocked deliveries of humanitarian aidtoGazasince2March.
https://wwwbbc co uk/n ews/articles/c62ggy7vgq3o
TheIsraelDefenseForces (IDF) launched a ground offensive in Rafah - home to about 280,000 people before
the war - last May, leaving largepartsofthecityinruins
I t a l s o s e i z e d a strategically important strip of land running along the nearby border with Egypt, known as the "Philadelphi Corridor", which it said was necessarytopreventweapons being smuggled into Gaza andHamasrearming
During the ceasefire that began in January, about 100,000 residents returned to
The UN says about 100,000 people fled Rafah after the Israeli military issued an evacuation order last month
what was left of their homes in the city after troops pulled backtoborderareas
On31March,almosttwo weeks after the resumption of the war, the IDF issued a new sweeping evacuation order that the UN said covered97%ofRafahandits surrounding governorate, spanning 64 sq km (25 sq miles).
Displaced people were told to head to tent camps in
the coastal al-Mawasi area, which the IDF previously designatedasa"humanitarian zone" The Rafah area was reported to be almost completely empty when Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu announced three days later that troops were "seizing the MoragCorridor"-areference to a former Jewish settlement located between Rafah and KhanYounis
He said it would be "the second Philadelphi" and would increase pressure on Hamas to hand over the remaining59hostages,24of whom are believed to be alive.
On Wednesday, Defence Minister Israel Katz visited troops deployed in the new corridor with senior Israeli commandersandjournalists
“The IDF is eliminating terrorists, locating and t h w a r t i n g
dismemberingtheGazaStrip, even in places like the Morag corridor, where we have not operated to date," he said in a video later released by his office
“The population of Gaza is being evacuated from the fighting zones, and many areas are being seized and addedtothesecurityzonesof the State of Israel, leaving Gazasmallerandisolated "
BBC--Donald Trump is going to "make America's showers great again" by easingrulesrestrictingwater flow,theWhiteHousesays.
The US president is ordering the energy secretary to rescind a change introduced by Barack Obama that restricted multinozzle showers from discharging over 2.5 gallons ofwaterperminuteoverall. This served "a radical green agenda that made life worse for Americans", the White House said, as Trump criticised the "ridiculous" amount of time he says it takes to wet his hair in the shower C o n s u m e r a n d
conservation groups have previously argued that changing the rules is
Frompage15 ever done this before," Hall explained "Ilovekaraoke,soI saidwhynot I also wanted to give back to my supporters who would have learned the song at heart and were supporting me throughout the competition season.”
wasteful and unnecessary
According to the Appliance
Standards Awareness Project, which shared a factsheet in 2024, efficiency standards in the US set more than three decades ago "reduce water waste... save consumers money on their water and energy bills and h e l p p r o t e c t t h e environment".
Undera1992energylaw, showerheads in the US are not allowed to produce more than 2.5 gallons (9.5l) of waterperminute.
At the end of Trump's firstterm,in2020,hemoved to allow each nozzle to produce up to 2.5 gallons a minute.
But when Joe Biden succeeded him as president, hestoppedthat.
T h e c u r r e n t administration has dubbed their efforts a "war on water pressure", sayingAmericans "pay for their own water and shouldbefreetochoosetheir showerheadswithoutfederal meddling".
turned a basic household item into a bureaucratic nightmare.
" N o l o n g e r w i l l showerheads be weak and worthless."
The order says the change will come into effect 30 days after the energy secretary publishes a notice rescindingthedefinition.
Participants quickly discovered the technical complexity of "Breakway," with many commenting on the song's difficulty to perform.
"The consensus across the participants is that the song is areally difficult one," noted one attendee, adding that this realization "brought even greater respect to Omaiah for having the ability to deliver such a difficultsong ” Hall expressed surprise at the substantial turnout, stating, "The support was tremendous I did not expect
After a competitive evening of performances, Scipio emerged as the first-place winner, taking home US$300, a photoshoot from Michael Bonds Photography, two tickets to General Stinging Nettles, a pedicure package from Everything Nails 592, and makeup services from Artistry by Amber Teanna secured second place, while Sophia rounded out the winners in third position, with both receiving impressive prize packages including accommodations, eventtickets,andspecialized services.
somanypeopletocomeoutto theevent"
Looking ahead, the artist intends to continue this format with future releases, viewing it as an effective method to engage fans while promotinghermusic.
Hall indicated that these events create "a way for her to create a space to see and feel the support she receives from her fans" while simultaneously encouraging listeners to familiarize themselveswithherlyrics.
Thisinnovativeapproach to fan engagement represents yet another achievement for Hall following her recent Road March victory, further cementing her growing reputation in Guyana's music scene
Obama introduced a redefinition, as part of an Energy Conservation Program, that meant for showers with multiple nozzles, the restriction applied overall rather than to eachnozzle.
Trump now wants to r e t u r n t o t h e "straightforward meaning" of 'showerhead' from the 1992law
According to the White Housefactsheet:"TheOrder frees Americans from excessive regulations that
From page 6
C e n t r a l D e m e r a r a Constituency, Sydney King (Eusi Kawayana) decided to contest on his own. At that time, Eusi was the most popular figure in that area, which included the villages contiguous to Buxton Further, the PPP was split into two factions, PPP Burnhamite (PPP/B) and PPPJaganite(PPP/J).
Recall also that the divisive and destructive slogan'ApanJaat'hasspread like wildfire. In order to give Sydney King (Eusi
While signing the order in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump said it was "ridiculous" he has to stand under the water for 15 minutes for his "beautiful" hair to get wet - echoing remarks he made during 2020.
At that time, he also complained about water not coming out of shower heads, saying his hair "has to be perfect".
Kawayana) an easy victory, the PPP Burnhamite faction, at a Meeting that I am aware of, decided not to field a Candidate On the other hand, the PPP Jaganite brought in a little-known political figure, Balram Singh Rai. The abovenamed factors gave Rai, not as popular as Sydney King, victory
The results were Balram Singh Rai Jaganite - 7,125 votes, Sydney King - 6,285 votes, and Charles Alexander Mc Kenzie - 904 votes. The above represents
howtheoldfolkswillsaythe 'true facts,' to set the record straightandputourhistoryin thecorrectperspective. Onlythetruth,thewhole truth,cansetusfree.
As and aside, I hope that the Organising Committee has started to work on the proposal I made that we should build a monument at an agreed location in Buxton to remember and honour our brother, the Sage of Buxton, EusiKwayana. Regards, Hamilton Green, Elder
Friday April 11, 2025
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
When faced with ten entrees onthemenu,itmightbehard for you to choose just one. Feelfreetoordertwoormore, Ta u r u s D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down.Atthesametime.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.
CANCER(June21–July22)
If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra. T
e opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb.
18)Mixyourrealitywithabit of fantasy today, Aquarius. Allowyourfeettocomeoffthe ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dreamasbigasyour mindallows. T
committee of Guyana Table Tennis Association named andfinalizedtheselectionof Guyana’s National junior boys and girls team for the 2025CaribbeanYouthTable Tennis Championships scheduled for the 19th to 26th April in Bridgetown, Barbados.
The championships will also be used as the qualification event to select thetopfourmaleandfemale 19 years and under teams from the Caribbean region, to participate in the Panam Youth Games scheduled for August 2025 Asuncion Paraguay
The Caribbean Youth championships engage playersbetweentherangeof 15 to 19 years of age Guyana’s quest for medal and qualification success will be lead in the boys 19 years and under division by National Junior Boys Champion and Caribbean Boys Bronze medalist and teams Silver medalist Jonanthan Van Lange, he willbeablysupportedbythe talented Colin Wong the Caribbean Boys Team’s silver medalist and cadet silver medalist, Krystian Sahadeo, Caribbean Boys team silver medalist, who is currently in India pursuing training scholarship and the talentedMalachiMoore.
On the distaff side, the team will be led by national junior girls champion and multiple Caribbean championships medalist the talented Jasmine Billingy, she will be supported by former Caribbean girls under13 champion and Cadet team silver medalist Samara Sukhai along with the talented Akira Watson and Angel Robinson IGG Team champions. The Girls team named are truly 15 years and under players but willbesteppinguptoplayin theGirls19yearsandunder team events and then in the
girls 15 years and under singles and doubles, given that the qualification event for the Panam Games is for players19yearsandunder
The team has been training in preparation for these championships under thetutelageofcoachLinden Johnson and Godfrey
Frompage35 Kenneth Williams to Tiwari and his company for their continued partnership and support of this huge communityevent.
Regatta 2025 is being held under the theme, “Dat
Munroe and doing some workindividuallywithother coaches, their preparation has also been boosted with support from National table tennis ace Shemar Britton whotooksometimetowork with the team members while on his study vacation break.
Archrivals Rose HallTownPepsi
AandtheAlbion CommunityCentrefacedoff last Friday at the Area H Ground in the Guyana Cricket Board Under21 tournament. The match was delayedbyhalfhourafterthe non-appearance of Berbice umpiresbutwasstartedafter both teams agreed to play with each team providing oneumpire. The match was played without any major incident. Albion won the toss and
elected to field. Rose Hall Town Pepsi A batted on the pitch which was full of moisture due to overnight
showers They were immediately set back when Simon Gaffoor was trapped LBWfor naught by left arm spinner Kumar Deopersaud. They were eventually bowled out for 100 in 28.5
overs with National
Under17 batsman Romesh Bharat21,JeremySandia26 and Jonathan Rampersaud 18. Sandia and Rampersaud added 30 for the 4th wicket
before Rampersaud was unfortunate to be run out whenhewaswellset.
Off spinner Afraz
Budhoo bowled well to claim5for18,legspinnerF Baksh took 2 for 13 and off spinnerLeonCecil1for35.
Needing to score 101 from 50 overs Albion lost opener Tameshwar Mangal LBW to off-spinner Jonathan Rampersaud for naught in the first over The
impressiveAriAfrizalKadir wasthencaughtatmid-onby RomeshBharatoffMatthew Pottaya for 10 and then Berbice Under19 player Damion Cecil was bowled by former national player Jeremey Sandia for 9 to leaveAlbion 16 for 3 in the fifthover The elegant Afraz Budhoo and Leon Cecil added 16 for the fourth wicket before Rampersaud
trapped him LBW for 9 to leaveAlbionreelingat34for 4.
They were eventually bowled out for a meagre 63 in 21.4 overs as the Rose Hall Town Pepsi trio of national junior spinners applied pressure from both ends.
Rampersaud took 5 for 26from9.4overs,Pottaya2 for19off6oversandSandia 1for9from6overs.
Windies Women aim for fierce fightback against Ireland to keep qualifying hopes alive
SportsMax - After a stinging opening-day defeat to underdogs Scotland, the West Indies Women find themselvesalreadyteetering on the edge in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, and head coach Shane Deitz is sounding the rallyingcry Deitz did not sugarcoat the performance in Wednesday’s 11-run loss in Lahore.
Despite a heroic allround effort from captain Hayley Matthews, who almost single-handedly draggedhersidetothebrink of victory with four wickets andanunbeatencentury,the restoftheteamfailedtorise totheoccasion.
“It was a pretty poor effort overall,” Deitz admitted bluntly in a postmatch interview with CWI media.
“Scotland wanted it more; they took it to us, and we just didn’t respond Whetheritwascomplacency or not backing ourselves, we’vegottofigureitoutfast because it wasn’t good enough.
This can’t happen again,”hedeclared.
However,theWestIndies
will have an opportunity to get their qualifying campaignbackoncourseina showdown against Ireland onThursdaystartingat11:30 pmJamaicatime.
In fact, it is one of four fixtures that have now transformed into must-wins fortheCaribbeansideasthe qualification path narrows sharply
F o r D e i t z , t h e circumstances are not unfamiliar, as he draws inspiration from previous WestIndiestournamentruns where adversity sparked theirbestcricket.
“We’ve done it before in the T20 World Cup; after losing our first game, we came back really hard. So maybe the pressure will cause us to play better because every game from now is a grand final. No tomorrow We have to leave everything out there,” Deitz noted.
That fighting spirit was certainly embodied by Matthews, who was simply phenomenal.
After bowling her full quota of overs and bagging 4-56tohelplimitScotlandto 244, the Windies skipper returned to craft a majestic
114notoutinaninningsthat, quite literally, required pain managementanddefiance.
Matthews had to retire hurt on 95, with her team in trouble, before bravely returning to the crease with thegameslippingaway
“Sheisagreatleader,and she just shows what can be donewhenyoupushyourself and you’ve got that will to win no matter what, and that’s what she did. So the lesson is for all of us that we’vegottogetinthereand do a bit more and take more personal responsibility and trytowinthegame.
ThatiswhatHayleydoes every time. She’s a legend,” the Australian said in admiration of the skipper’s grit.
Still, Deitz is not just calling for a fight, but he is demandingaccountabilityas Ireland, like the other teams tocome,isnopushover
“Ireland is a good team, so that’s going to be a great contest. So we’ve got to leave everything out on the field, not hold back in any way Andthatwilldefinitely be the chat we’ll have, and we’re going to come out, come out real hard next game,”heended.
Footballfansonthe East Coast and West Coast of Demerara are in for a treat today,Fridayandtomorrow, Saturday when action in the East Demerara Football
Association / DJ 7 Entertainment, President’s Cup football competition
continueswithfivematches. Tonight, April 11 at the Plasiance Ground, which is one of the grounds refurbished and lighted up by the Government of Guyana under the Ground Enhancement Project, will host a double header from 19:00hrs.
Twin fifties from Raymond Perez and runs-machine Kevlon Anderson carried the Guyana Harpy Eagles to a safe place with a small lead of 29 following a competitive second day at the Queen’s Park Oval versus theT&TRedForce.
Guyana with Keemo Paul (18*) and Kevin Sinclair (21*), will resume on 269-5 withasmallleadof29headingintothethird day
OpenerPerezsetthefoundationwithhis top knock of 82 featuring 11 fours, while Anderson continued his amazing run-spree, anchoringthemiddlewith51(7x4).
Middle-order batsmen, captain Tevin Imlach (33) and Kemol Savory (32), three fours apiece during their innings, before departing, which brought the pair of overnightall-rounderstogether
Both Paul and Sinclair looked comfortable before play ended, as the pair almost evenly shared seven fours between them, carrying the Eagles to a safe checkpointbytheendofplay
Left-armspinnerKharyPierrebagged361fortheRedForce,whosomehowseemed to struggle with the conditions in their backyard, as the veteran pacer Shannon Gabriel(1-61)andspinnerBryanCharles(143),hadtoughspells.
The Red Force earlier found themselves all out for 240, thanks to overnight batsman JydGooliewhoscored58.
Gooliefailedtodomoreondaytwowhen play resumed, while opener Cephas Cooper set the pace with 50 on the first day, with skipperJoshuaDaSilva(25)andPierre(38), theothercontributors.
Nial Smith bagged 4-49 while, Keemo Paul (3-45) and Ronaldo Alimohamed (242), capped off a successful bowling exhibition from Guyana’s three-pronged
AiryHallStarswillopen actionagainstthehometeam inamatchthatisexpectedto set the tone for the night. This would be followed by the main attraction of the evening when Buxton Stars match
s with BV Triumph United for a place inthequarterfinals.
Tomorrow, Saturday, the East Coast President’s Cup train will be moving to the WestSidewheretheUitvlugt ground will be the center of attraction.
Three matches would be contested with the feature match being an East Coast / West Demerara showdown betweenhometeamUitvlugt Warriors and Melanie, kickingoffat20:00hrs.
Another potentially exciting battle will be
pace attack, who will surely be keen on pushingtheenvelopewiththeball,duringthe secondbowlinginnings.
Action continues today from 10:00h (CR)
between
st’s Buxton United and theWest Bank based Pouderoyen from18:00hrs.
The opening match of theSaturdaynightfevercard will kickm off at 16:30hrs the number one team from the Georgetown Football Association, Pele, take on Beavers.
The organisers are expressing gratitude to all the sponsors who have contributed towards making the tournament a reality They are the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, OfficeofthePrimeMinister, Ansa McAl Trading, Star Rental,Jacob’sJewellry,Shi Oil, Legal entertainment, Extreme Euphoria Sports Bar & Lounge, TOGO, and Jerrick’sFuneralHome.
The semi-finals are slated for the Golden Grove GroundonApril16withthe final set for the Plasiance Groundthreedayslater
Scenes from Wednesday
The courts at the
National Racquet Centre (NRC) were once again buzzing with intensity on Wednesday as DayThree of Moo’s National Junior Squash Championships got underway
With competition heating up across all divisions, several standout performances stole the spotlight.
Among the players
making waves were Ethan Bulkan, Emily Fung-a-Fat, Justin Ten Pow, Kaylee Lowe, Demetri Lowe, and Louis Da Silva, who all recorded commanding victories in their respective categories.
In the Boys’ Under-13 division, Namishraj Singh faced a tough challenge against Benjamin Phang, fallinginstraightgames(110,11-3,11-1).
- Thrilling action unfolds on Day Three
Rafael Braithwaite also cameupshort,losingaclose contest11-5,11-9,11-8.
The Girls’ Under-15 category delivered some of the most exciting action of theday
Emily Fung-a-Fat cruised to a 3-0 win over Mandica Munroe, while Tiana Gomes battled through a five-game thriller against Tehani Munroe to win3-2.
Fantastic Louis
Zoey McDonald followedupwithadominant 3-0 victory over Munroe, handingherasecondlossof theevening.
In the Boys’ U15 division,topseedJustinTen Pow made light work of KristenVaipree,winning111, 11-2, 11-1. Kaiden Alli mounted a strong comeback against Matthew Daby after dropping the first game, rallyingtotakethenextthree
(2-11, 11-5, 11-0, 11-6)
Second seed Ethan Bulkan delivered a solid 3-0 win overJacobMcDonald,while third seed Egan Bulkan continuedhisfineformwith acomposed11-4,11-3,11-1 winagainstJibrilAli.
IntheGirls’U17bracket, Kaylee Lowe proved unstoppable with a clinical 3-0winoverMaliaMaikoo.
The Boys’ U19 division featured two highly
anticipated matchups
Demetri Lowe swept Nandishraj Singh in straight games,whileLouisDaSilva pulled off an impressive upset over ShilohAsregado, dominating 11-1, 11-4, and 11-4. The action continued yesterday with even more thrilling encounters Stay tuned for detailed coverage in the next edition of this publication.
Indies left-hander dominating T20 cricket whilestrikingsixesatwill? You’d be forgiven for thinking we’ve been here before.
But Nicholas Pooran, the 29-year-oldTrinidadian stroke-maker,iscarvingout a legacy all his own—one that might soon rival, and perhaps even surpass, the legendary exploits of Chris Gayle.
According to data from the BBC, Pooran has seemingly mastered the art of T20 batting, combining ferocious power with an u n u s u a l l e v e l o f consistency
Since the start of 2023, no one in the world has scoredmoreT20runs—738 more,infact—thanPooran. He averages 42 31 and strikes at an astonishing
162.49.
Inthehigh-riskworldof T20s, batters are typically dominant in either average or strike-rate Pooran is doingboth.
A n d w h e n t h e timeframeiscondensed,the numbers get even more absurd.
Overhislast10innings, Pooran is averaging 57.7 with a strike-rate of 199. In thattime,hehasclearedthe ropes 211 times nearly twice as many sixes as his closest competitor, South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen, whohas124.
Pooran’sblisteringform in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) has further solidified his elite status.
Hisscoresof70,75,44,12, and an unbeaten 87 have himaveraging4.8sixesper m a t c h t h i s season—breaking Gayle’s
long-standing record of 3.9 sixes per game during his peakin2012.
“I don’t plan to hit sixes,” Pooran said earlier this season. “I just try my besttogetingoodpositions andifit’sthere,justtimethe ballnicely.”
That simplicity belies the sheer dominance of his technique and shot selection
He’s regarded as one of the world’s best hitters ofspin,particularlyinthe IPL where he has amassed 448 runs at an average of 89 6 and a strike-rate of 184 4 against slow bowlers over the past two seasons for the Lucknow Super Giants.
But he’s just as destructive against pace His strike-rate is 173 5 against left-arm quicks
and 163 5 against rightarm pacers According to CricViz,Pooranstrikesat over 200 against every line of pace bowling at the death except yorkers, where his strikerate still clocks in at a formidable166.
“His mindset is absolutely second to none and he is fully committed. There are no half-hearted swings,” said former England all-rounder Samit Patel, who has played alongside Pooran at both TrinbagoKnightRidersand MIEmirates.
“Theamountoftraining hedoestotryandhitsixesis phenomenal If the ball lands in a certain area, he’s trainedsoitisnaturaltohim [tohitsixes].”
Evenhischoiceofshots has data-busting numbers. Since 2023, Pooran scores
at 344.7 runs per 100 balls when playing the slog sweep, 266.7 on the hook shot, and 234 7 when pulling.
The Lucknow Super Giants and the West Indies have both taken to using Pooran at number three, giving him access to all three phases of the innings powerplay, middleovers,anddeath.
It’s a tactical move that has paid massive dividends
CricViz’s ‘batting impact’ model reveals that Pooran is the only player in the world averaging an impact score above four in all three phases of a T20 inningssince2023.
Thatlevelofall-round threat is nearly unheard of Of course, every
batter has a weakness Pooran averages 31 5 and strikes at 108 6 against left-armwrist-spin
He’s also slightly vulnerable to bouncers just outside off stump. But if bowlers stray too wide, he averages 55.5. Bowl too straight, and that number jumps to 126
“Because he hits 360 degrees he is very difficult to bowl at,” said Patel.
“From a spinner’s point of view, we try to make him cut the ball. If he hits fours it’sOK.Whenhehitssixes, weknowheisdangerous.” Dangerous? Perhaps. But for now, Nicholas Pooran is something more he’s rewriting the rules of modern-day T20 batting. And he’s just getting started.
Thestageissetand the adrenaline is building as the GuyanaFootballFederation (GFF) Elite League Season VII returns to the premier football facility, the National Training Centre in Providence for another thrilling weekend of doubleheaders.
After a dramatic set of fixtures last week, fans can expect nothing less than intensity and ambition as teams chase their first win, defend their unbeaten records, and continue their climb toward a share of the $4.5 million cash pot. With $2 million up for grabs for the champions and substantial rewards for the top four finishers, every pointcounts.
It was a nightmare weekend for defending championsGuyanaDefence Force(GDF)FC,sufferinga second defeat of the season inashockresultagainstDen Amstel FC. With the game
level1-1athalftime,a60thminute strike from Jamal Robinson proved to be the difference, sealing a statement win for Den Amstel.
Fruta Conquerors FC, meanwhile, cruised past MainstayGoldstarFCwitha confident 3-1 victory, while Western Tigers FC edged SantosFCthankstoaclutch 59th-minute goal by Tyric McAllister SlingerzFCalso continued their impressive form, staying undefeated with a win over Guyana PoliceForce(GPF)FC.
Tomorrow (Saturday) at 6:30 PM Mainstay Goldstar FCwilltackleMonedderlust FC. Both teams are hungry for a win. With pressure mounting and points needed, this clash promises grit and determination from theopeningwhistle.
Ann’s Grove and GPF willbattleunderthelightsin afixturethatcouldgoeither way GPF will be eager to bounce back after last
week’s loss, but Ann’s Grove is more than capable ofcausinganupset.
Sunday fixtures: Den
Amstel enters with momentumafterlastweek’s upsetwin,butSantosFChas been in fine form recently and will be aiming to derail that streak.With both teams alreadyonthewincolumnin Season VII, expect a hightempocontest.
To cap off the weekend, Slingerz FC, the only team stillundefeated,willlookto make it four wins in a row
But Western Tigers, buoyed by their narrow victory last week,willcomepreparedto challengetheleagueleaders and make a statement of theirown.
With high stakes and fierce competition, this weekend’sactionissettobe unmissable Feel the adrenaline Witness the action.BeapartoftheElite League family, where competition meets opportunity
Unblemished Slingerz FC to tackle a strong Western Tigers unit this Sunday at NTC. unit
Bl u e W a t e r
Shipping has
once again joined forces with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)yesterdaytobringthe much-anticipated 2025
National Under-15 Secondary School Football Championship to life Building on the momentum of last year’s landmark event,thisyear’stournament is set to kick off on May 3, promising to be even bigger andbetter
This year’s edition signalsamajorleapforward in the development of girls’ footballinGuyana,witha52 percent increase in team participation.
In 2024, the tournament featured 54 secondary school teams. This year, the number is to increase to an impressive 91 schools with 66 schools already c o n f i r m e d t h e i r participation, underlining the rising interest and investment in the girls’ game. The championship, an extension of the global Football for Schools (G4F) initiative, is designed to bridgethecompetitivegapat the youth level, especially forgirlsbyfosteringschoolbased football. While local clubs continue to grapple with infrastructural challengesthathinderyouth development, the GFF has taken strategic steps to addressthoseissuesthrough initiativeslikethisone.
Blue Water Shipping’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Development, Richard DeNobrega speaking during yesterday’s launch.
will span multiple venues acrossthecountry,including several regions outside Georgetown.
H o w e v e r , t h e quarterfinals through to the finals will be hosted in the capital (venues to be determined), ensuring broader public access and visibility Meanwhile, in a landmarkmove,threeteams from the Mabaruma district will also be making their debut, representing a significant step in national inclusivity
We are super happy, super excited, and super committed to this initiative once again,” DeNobrega said. “We look forward to more fun, more goals, and more talent being added to the national girls’ football pool.”
Theimpactoflastyear’s tournamentwasevident,asit directly contributed to the selection of Guyana’s national U-15 team, which went on to deliver a commendable performance at the CONCACAF U-15 Championship.
Speaking at the official launch, GFF President Wayne Forde emphasized the Federation’s dedication to football’s grassroots development. “This is quite an investment, having to provide logistics for both Hinterland and Coastal teams, but the investment is i n d i c a t i v e o f o u r commitment to the growth and development of the sport,”Fordestated.
Forde also lauded the Ministry of Education, led by Minister Priya Manickchand, for its crucial
support in making the tournament a reality He extended special thanks to BlueWaterShipping,whose continued partnership has been instrumental in the tournament’ssuccess.
The 2025 tournament
Blue Water Shipping’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Development, Richard DeNobrega, spoke passionately at the launch, calling the young athletes “future champions and futureinternationalstars.”
“The value that this competitionbringsisexactly what Blue Water Shipping standsfor
Asanticipationbuildsfor the M
emain optimistic that the 2025 edition will not only elevate the standard of school football but also provide a
generationoffemalefootball starsinGuyana.
By:ColinCroft–Former Guyana, Lancashire CCC & WIInternationalCricketer
CricketWest Indies very recently voiced a superb promise, that, for the 50th Anniversary of the West Indies cricket team winning the inaugural ICC CWC World Cup in 1975 - known thenasthePrudentialWorld Cup 1975, for tournament
sponsor Prudential Insurance Company - that a special celebration, and honor, will be forthcoming, for the surviving WI squad members who participated so very brilliantly, and won, thatveryfirsttournament.
What an excellent initiative! TheWIcricketers whowonCWC1975should always be celebrated. That commemoration will take place during WI vAustralia 1st Test Match, at the KensingtonOval,Barbados, 25–29June2025;thefirstof three Tests, scheduled for Barbados, Grenada and Jamaica.Extremelyexciting times are ahead for West Indiescricket!
During ICC CWC 2007, held in the Caribbean, West Indies Cricket Board, predecessor of CWI, did make a valiant effort by inviting all surviving WI playersfromCWC1975and CWC 1979 to Jamaica. I still remember my pleasure at meeting then Prime
Minister of Jamaica, Madame Portia SimpsonMiller, one of my favorite Caribbean political leaders ever,duringthefirstgameof ICCCWC2007;WestIndies vPakistan;atSabinaPark. This 50th anniversary of the CWC 1975 win is special. Therefore unique 50th Anniversary WI Blazers and Caps should be made, regardless of tariffs, and presented to all surviving WI CWC 1975 players only, with healthy financialrewardsadded. No player made any money playingforWIinCWC1975 or CWC 1979. Anything worth doing must indeed be donewell!
W E S T I N D I E S CRICKET WORLD CUP
1975SQUAD
The WI squad for CWC 1975 were: Clive Lloyd (Captain - Guyana), Roy Fredericks (Guyana), Gordon Greenidge (Barbados), Rohan Kanhai (Guyana), Vivian Richards
(Antigua & Barbuda, Leeward Islands), Alvin Kallicharran (Guyana), Maurice Foster (Jamaica), Collis King (Barbados), Deryck Murray (Trinidad & Tobago), Andy Roberts (Antigua & Barbuda, Leeward Islands), Bernard Julien (Trinidad & Tobago), VanburnHolder(Barbados), Lancelot Gibbs (Guyana) a n d K e i t h B o y c e (Barbados). The Manager wasoneofthe“ThreeW’s”, those classicalWI batters of the 1950s and 1960s, Clyde Walcott(Barbados). Roy Fredericks, Keith BoyceandClydeWalcottare deceased, so twelve players from that WI CWC 1975 squad are still with us, even if some are less mobile, due toagingissues.
WICRICKETHISTORY INCWC1975
If you know your WI cricket history, you should rememberAndyRoberts(24 no) and Deryck Murray (61 no), the last pair, bravely battling Pakistan in their crucial preliminary game. Roberts and Murray put on 64, undefeated; WI winning withtwoballstospare.
Every Caribbean person stopped to listen to that spine-tingling climax, admirably described by Peter West, John Arlott, Richie Benaud, Jim Laker, Dennis Compton, Ted Dexter,Tony Cozier, Joseph “Reds” Perreira, Freddy Truman, Brian Johnston, TonyLewisandChristopher Martin-Jenkins, on BBC’s WorldServiceRadio.
I spent all of 1975 studying navigation at the Caribbean Fisheries Training & Development Institute, Chaguaramas, Trinidad&Tobago. Forthat WI v PAK game, all classes ceased!
You might even remember Keith Boyce (8–1–22– 3), Andy Roberts (12–5–16-2),BernardJulien
(12–3-20–4) and Vanburn Holder (1.2–0–2– 1), WI’s faster bowlers, destroying Sri Lanka for a paltry 86 (37.2overs),atOldTrafford, home of Lancashire County CricketClub.
You must recall Clive Lloyd and Rohan Kanhai, batting with superlative intelligence, in the Final, v Australia, as WI recovered from50–3,topostawinning 291–8 (60 overs); Kanhai a patient 55, Lloyd a magnificent “Man of the Match”102. Thepairputon 149forthe4thwicket.
Some of us still remember the massive motorcades, in Georgetown and in Kingston, and cities in-between, featuring the 1975 Cricket World Cup winningsquadmembers.
FURTHER CONSIDERATIONSFOR CWI’SCELEBRATIONS
IdonotknowwhatCWI has planned for the festivitiesinJunebuttheWI cricketers who won CWC 1975 deserve all accolades that can be bestowed on them.
However, from experiences as a Facility Manager and Airline / Airport Coordinator, CWI could even make additional inclusions for this special situation.
Noteworthily, of the WI playersfromthatCWC1975 magical success, sevenClive Lloyd (Captain), Deryck Murray, Viv Richards, Andy Roberts, Gordon Greenidge, Alvin KallicharranandCollisKing - also played when WI won the2ndstanzaatCWC1979.
WI CWC 1979 seven squad additions were Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Desmond Haynes, ColinCroft,FaoudBacchus, HillaryGomesandMalcolm Marshall(deceased).
CWI should also invite all living CWC 1979 winners too; all additional six; to the celebrations plannedfortheheroesofthe inaugural WI success in CWC 1975. Note this None of those additional six players, from CWC 1979, shouldbeissuedwithblazers or caps since this specific occasionistoonlycelebrate 50 years since WI won inauguralCWC1975. 2029 willsoonbeheretoo.
Joseph“Reds”Perreirais the only Caribbean
Sir Clive Lloyd and Other Surviving Former WI Players Honoured at ICC CWC
WI Captain Clive Lloyd displays CWC 1975 Trophy & MoM Award, presented by HRH Duke of Edinborough, after Final at Lords.
broadcaster now alive who worked at CWC 1975. He tooshouldbeinvited. Do not get me wrong here. ThisisnotaboutColin Croft. Even if I were not a CWC 1979 winner, I would makethatsuggestion. Ilove Barbados.
If I needed an independent trip there, I couldtakeanyflight,onany day, with the airline of my verylastemployment,(2016
- 2023), the presently bestrated USA-based airline For the celebrations for the CWC 1975 players, though, we all should be officially invited, with accompanying entitlementsoffered. OfCWC1975andCWC 1979WIplayers,onlyfourMichael Holding, Colin Croft, Faoud Bacchus and “Larry” Gomes - need additional importation to Barbados; no tariffs; for the
ceremonies. JoelGarnerand DesmondHayneslivethere. Only time will tell if the present CWI has similar myopia, vindictiveness and small-mindedness as its predecessors. I sincerely hope that the entire Caribbean fully celebrate with the West Indiesplayerswhomadethat “first time” feeling possible by winning CWC 1975! Enjoy! Cheers!
The BK Group of companies is once again supporting the annual Bartica Easter Regatta in a tangible way Recently, Group CEO, Mr. Kyle Tiwari handed over their contribution to Ms. Shondel Gilkes, pointing out that it wastheirwayofmaintaining and supporting an institution.
”WehereatBKGroupof
companies have a very rich tradition of supporting this event that has become more than a staple, it’s a tradition and institution which is looked forward to on a yearlybasis.Wearepleased to continue support of this event, and we look forward to another exciting year of competitioninandoutofthe water.”
Tiwarifurtherstatedthat
it’s an activity that the community of Bartica and even small business persons outside of the community looksforwardtomakesome extra cash, which underscores the importance oftheevent.
Ms. Gilkes in response, expressed the gratitude of the Bartica Easter Regatta CommitteeanditsChairman (Continuedonpage29)
