Guyana renews condemnation of Venezuela’s aggression tactic
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Friday, December 20 – 20:30h-22:00h and Saturday, December 21 –05:30h-06:30h and 20:30h- 21:30h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Friday, December 20 – 08:00h09:30h and Saturday, December 21 – 08:45h-10:15h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery to light rain showers are expected during the day. Partly cloudy skies followed by thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.78 metre and 4.02 metres.
High Tide: 07:45h and 20:00h reaching maximum heights of 2.29 metres and 2.35 metres.
Low Tide: 13:32h reaching a minimum height of 0.95 metre.
Venezuela border controversy
Guyana renews condemnation of Venezuela’s aggression tactic at border – Foreign
Ministry to engage int’l partners, ICJ
Guyana has once again reached out to its international partners, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to renew its concerns over the bridge that Venezuela has built to connect the Spanish-speaking country to Ankoko Island along the Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Speaking at the Guyana Defence Force’s Christmas Luncheon at Base Camp Ayanganna on Thursday, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali reminded officers that in the face of threats to the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, diplomacy remains a key as-
Only earlier this month, Guyana submitted its final written reply to Venezuela’s counter-memorial, pointing out that the Spanishspeaking nation’s case is without merit and that ultimately, the court will confirm the 1899 award as valid and legally binding.
In the merits phase of the case, Guyana’s Memorial was submitted on April 8, 2023 and Venezuela’s Counter-Memorial was made one year later on April 8, 2024. Now with Guyana’s Reply filed on December 9 as set out by the ICJ, Venezuela will have the opportunity to respond with its Rejoinder, due on August 8, 2025.
Further, it was explained
pect of Guyana’s defence strategy.
“Today, I’ve asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to once again express in writing to the International Court of Justice, to our international partners and our neighbours that we do not take lightly and we condemn the bridge that they would’ve built on territory, or accessing territory, that is not theirs,” President Ali stated.
Earlier this year, tensions between the two South American neighbours were heightened after satellite images were shared showing that Venezuela’s National Armed Forces built a bridge to Ankoko Island in the Cuyuni River.
Ankoko Island is shared by the two countries, but Venezuela illegally took over the entire island and also established a military base there in 1966 after Guyana gained independence.
While the Guyana Government had explained back in May that the bridge was built on Venezuela’s half of the island, this development had renewed concerns over the Spanish-speaking nation’s claims to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region and a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) where in excess of 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels have been discovered over the past nine years.
This border controversy is currently before the ICJ, where Guyana is seeking a final and binding ruling on the 1899 Arbitral Award that determined the boundary between the two South American neighbours.
that the ICJ will in due time set a date for the oral hearings between Guyana and Venezuela to commence.
The Ministry also expressed confidence that an adequate case for Guyana has been made in its reply.
Despite this pending case at the World Court, however, the Nicolás Maduro-led Venezuelan regime has been stepping up its aggressive tactics, including a military build-up on Venezuela’s bor-
der with Guyana. This has been roundly condemned by the international community, and the ICJ had imposed orders on both Guyana and Venezuela not to escalate the matter further last December.
In fact, Venezuela’s aggression towards Guyana had led to the historic Caricom-brokered meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines, where Presidents Ali and Maduro signed the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace on December 14, 2023, which states, inter alia, that they would not threaten or use force against each another. But Venezuela’s actions over the past year have been labelled as a breach of the peace agreement.
Nevertheless, Guyana continues to receive support from regional and international partners, who have called for a peaceful resolution of the border controver-
sy between the two nations.
According to President Ali on Thursday, Guyana will continue to do what is right, that is, follow the international course of law and diplomacy.
“Our defence strategy is also built on partnership. It is built on partnership with our friends, and our allies. It is built on partnership with our neighbours. It is built on a partnership with our region. It’s built on partnership with your counterparts…”
“We’ll continue to engage our friends and allies. We’ll continue to build our resilience and we promise all of Guyana one thing – all of Guyana belongs to all of us and all of Guyana will and must be protected by all of us. And that is the resolve of you – the men and women in uniform,” the Guyanese Leader told the GDF officers. (G8)
The bridge connecting to Ankoko Island in the Cuyuni River
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, at Base Camp Ayanganna on Thursday
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International Human Solidarity Day
Today, December 20 is International Human Solidarity Day –a day proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly out of leaders’ awareness that in a globalised world of growing inequality, the strengthening of international solidarity and cooperation is indispensable for inclusive, sustainable development.
International Human Solidarity Day serves to remind us about the importance of solidarity for the achievement of internationallyagreed agreements, including programmes of action of international conferences and multilateral accords. Only the international community, guided by the spirit of human solidarity and a shared sense of justice and fairness, can ensure sustainable social and economic development for all.
As the United Nations quoted in its precis on International Human Solidarity Day: “By simply being born into this world, we are of one inheritance and one stock with every other human being. This oneness expresses itself in all the richness and diversity of the human family: in different races, cultures, languages and histories. And we are called to recognise the basic solidarity of the human family as the fundamental condition of our life together on this earth (Pope John Paul II, “Development and Solidarity: Two Keys to Peace”).
The concept of solidarity has defined the work of the United Nations since the birth of the organisation. The creation of the United Nations drew the peoples and nations of the world together to promote peace, human rights and social and economic development. The organisation was founded on the basic premise of unity and harmony among its Members expressed in the concept of collective security that relies on the solidarity of its Members to unite “to maintain international peace and security”. It is in the spirit of solidarity that the organisation relies on “cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character” as well (Charter of the United Nations).
Solidarity, as a central pillar of international cooperation, acquires new meaning in the face of globalisation and growing interdependence. In particular, a globalising world offers new opportunities to forge innovative alliances that can unleash the potential for broader and faster economic and social development. Among the more important aspects of solidarity at the international level are assistance, development aid and cooperation.
“For the global community aid represents a mechanism for expressing human solidarity and for extending opportunity. Whether motivated by human rights, religious values or wider ethical systems, aid’s role in eliminating mass poverty, hunger and avoidable child deaths is a moral imperative” (Human Development Report, 2005).
Since the concept of solidarity relates to the notion of cooperation, common rights and responsibilities as well as unity for the achievement of a common goal, it can be applied in many different spheres of human endeavour. Just as solidarity among workers unites them in their fight for better working conditions, it can also unite the global community in the fight against global threats, such as terrorism or the HIV/AIDS pandemic, or in underscoring its obligation to help the victims of natural and man-made disasters.
The successful campaign to ban landmines, for example, owed much of its success to the solidarity among all those who opposed the use of landmines, including Governments, civil society organisations and individuals. In the face of the global threat of the AIDS pandemic, the spirit of solidarity created conditions which made antiretroviral drugs cheaper and more available to the poor. In the immediate aftermath of the Indian tsunami, the international community undertook an immense relief effort that demonstrated how much can be achieved through global solidarity. It is also apparent that solidarity is increasingly indispensable in the fight against environmental degradation and poverty.
In the area of human rights, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights identifies an increased and sustained effort of international cooperation and solidarity as necessary for the achievement of substantial progress in human rights. Moreover, the international community has often affirmed its “human solidarity with victims of violations of international law, including violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, as well as with humanity at large” (Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/35). Resolutions on human rights underlined “the importance of mainstreaming the values of non-discrimination, equality, human dignity and human solidarity in the United Nations system” ((Commission on Human Rights resolution 2005/65).
Like former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said some years after humanity, for the first time, collectively set for itself a series of development goals for the new millennium: “In our interconnected world, the human family cannot enjoy security without development, cannot enjoy development without security, and cannot enjoy either without respect for human rights . . . to act on that understanding, we need a strong United Nations, and true solidarity among Governments and peoples working together to fulfil those goals.”
Guyana’s agricultural transformation
Dear Editor, Guyana’s agriculture sector has, since 2020, undergone remarkable transformation and growth, and has become a bedrock of the nation’s economic diversification strategy. With strategic investments, technological innovation, and climate-conscious practices, the country is positioning itself to be a regional leader in food production and agricultural sustainability.
We must recognize that agriculture remains a critical pillar of Guyana’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population, and contributing substantially to GDP. Government has, since 2020, implemented strategic plans to modernise the sector, enhance productivity, and boost exports. During the first half of the year 2024, the agriculture sector recorded a growth rate of 8.9%, demonstrating the efficacy of those initiatives.
Key drivers of this success include increased budgetary allocations, infrastructural development, and policy support to stimulate growth in rice, sugar, livestock, coconut, aquaculture, and other sectors. It must be noted that Government’s financial commitment to agriculture has grown significantly.
In 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture was allocated GY$97.6 billion, of which GY$28.9 billion was expended in the first half of the year alone. These funds have been directed to rehabilitating farmlands, upgrading drainage and irrigation systems, importing improved seed varieties, and employing research-driven technological integration.
Rice sector breaking records
Rice production has con-
sistently been one of Guyana’s greatest agricultural achievements. In 2022, Guyana produced 610,000 tonnes of rice, and that amount was increased to 653,000 tonnes in 2023. The momentum continued in 2024 with production surpassing 710,000 tonnes, a historic milestone for the sector.
Government has supported the rice industry with initiatives like provision of high-yielding seed varieties, subsidies for fertilizers, and improved irrigation infrastructure. Export markets have been expanded, and rice has contributed significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
Efforts are also underway to introduce value-added products such as ricebased snacks and beverages, which could further increase the industry’s profitability.
Sugar industry in resilient comeback
The sugar industry, once in decline, has shown signs of revival. In 2023, sugar production increased by nearly 60% following years of targeted intervention. Estates such as Rose Hall, Albion, and Blairmont have been revitalized, and over 2,000 hectares of land have been converted to sugarcane cultivation.
To improve efficiency and output, a GY$60 million sugar dryer was installed in 2024, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring consistent sugar quality for export. Despite challenges, the sector remains vital to Guyana’s cultural and economic identity, employing thousands of workers.
Coconut industry is a growing export opportunity
Guyana’s coconut in-
dustry is emerging as a significant contributor to the agricultural economy. Recognizing its potential, Government invested GY$60.7 million in the first half of 2024 to accelerate expansion.
Approximately 13,000 hybrid seed nuts were imported from Brazil to improve yields, while training programmes have been launched to educate farmers on best practices. Coconut oil and water exports have risen sharply, with markets in the Caribbean and North America expressing growing demand for Guyanese products.
Livestock modernising production
The livestock sector has grown steadily, recording an 11% increase in production in 2023. The introduction of the Embryo Transplant Programme in 2023 marked a turning point for the sector. Fifty successful transplants were conducted, and there are plans to scale-up this activity to 250 transplants by 2025.
Livestock farmers have also benefitted from subsidies for feed and veterinary services, as well as from training in modern husbandry techniques. The sector has been expanded to include goat and sheep farming for export, while beef production is being modernised to meet international sanitary standards.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture has emerged as a high-potential sector that is aligned with Guyana’s push for agricultural diversification. The establishment of shrimp and tilapia farms has contributed to a sharp rise in seafood
exports. Programmes promoting sustainable practices have helped ensure the ecological balance of coastal and inland fisheries while providing new income opportunities for rural communities.
Infrastructure development Drainage and irrigation infrastructure have been significantly upgraded to address the persistent threat of flooding.
New pump stations have been constructed in flood-prone regions such as Corentyne, while rehabilitation of canals and sluices has ensured year-round farming.
Additionally, climate-resilient farming techniques, including raised-bed farming and drought-resistant crops, are being promoted under the Government’s broader climate-smart agriculture initiative.
Climate-smart agriculture
Guyana is embracing climate-smart agriculture to boost productivity while mitigating environmental impacts. This approach aligns with the Caribbean’s regional goal of reducing the food import bill by 25% by 2025. Techniques such as agroforestry, rainwater harvesting, and integrated pest management are being implemented across the country.
In 2024, Government also launched a centralized “Situation Room,” which uses real-time data analytics to monitor agricultural activities and provide actionable insights to farmers. This innovation has enhanced decision-making and disaster preparedness within the sector.
Mr and Mrs Clause along with their helper all decked at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Thursday to greet passengers who arrived on Caribbean Airlines, JetBlue, American Airlines, InterCaribbean, and British Airways flights
Fight for survival
Dear Editor,
I have always found comfort in viewing the world through rose-tinted glasses, a perspective many dismiss as naive and delusional. For me, it is not merely ignoring pain and injustice, but daring to hope for resilience and change. Amidst injustice, war and corruption, I see delicate intricacies and untouched beauties flourishing in every corner, waiting to be noticed.
I often grapple with the paradox of privilege: why I, with opportunities, should be granted a voice, when countless others remain silenced. Coming from a wealthy family known for philanthropic endeavours, I was blessed, but yet acutely aware of the inequities surrounding us.
My family’s sacrifices are my foundation. My parents devoted their lives to ensuring my siblings and I had opportunities they could only have dreamed of. The sacrifices my parents endured remain etched in my heart. They trekked for miles on treacherous roads under the boiling sun, wearing flimsy rubber shoes with nothing but plastic bags as backpacks.
During political unrest, they queued for hours to purchase bread, knowing any misstep could lead to arrest. Returning home, they would bury what little they had to avoid losing it to authorities. These stories of resilience and determination are a stark reminder of their commitment to securing a better future.
I graduated with First Class Honours in Journalism from Edinburgh Napier University, where I developed an acute understanding of the power of storytelling. My work documenting the plight of the Wai-Wai Tribe in Guyana facing cultural extinction was a stark reminder of how easily communities are overlooked.
However, the most profound awakening of my purpose emerged from a deeply personal struggle: my niece’s diagnosis with Rett Syndrome.
Watching my niece struggle, I understood what it meant to fight for survival, to be heard and seen; and it led me to found Precious Angels Charity, a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness and securing funding for research.
Witnessing her fight ignited in me a passionate resolve to advocate for her and all other untouched potentials waiting to be noticed. It is a cliché ambition to want to change the world. Still, it has always resonated deeply with me to pursue a career in politics; and my journey starts here with a sincere be-
lief that Oxford University would arm me with the tools to create meaningful change.
This path may be long and arduous, and the goal almost impossible, but I step forward to take on the challenge.
Journalism allowed me to realise that while telling stories is crucial, I must create solutions that would bring lasting impact. Politics, to me, is not just about governance and diplomacy; it is about people — like women in refugee camps, who are voiceless and marginalized, whose potential remains untapped as they yearn for opportunities; or an Indigenous child who is marginalised in a modern world.
I am fortunate, yet this privilege haunts me. For every success I achieve, countless others like me — intelligent, hardworking, and full of potential — remain silenced by circumstances. People in war-torn countries who are fighting for fundamental human rights - as in Palestine or Afghanistan — they, too, deserve the chance to soar. They worry not about their education, but about survival. Their suffering remains unheard of and reduced to numbers, but behind every statistic is a story that deserves to be told.
Why, then, should my life be different? Why should I be the one to walk this path while others suffer? I do not know why my life differs from theirs, but I know I must use my life to make a difference.
These questions fuel my determination to reshape the world: to be a voice for the voiceless, an advocate for those without power, and a leader for those left behind.
I want to dissect the systems of governance that allow oppression to fester, such as the ongoing illegal occupations and genocides. For my proposed field of research, I will focus on Cumulative Civilian Harm in War. This area of study profoundly resonates with my passion for understanding the human cost of war, mainly how war disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, like children and women. The core research question is: How does cumulative harm from warfare affect civilian populations; and what are the long-term psychological impacts on children and women? I will combine qualitative interviews of civilians with quantitative analyses of casualty data from war zones to explore the measurable impact and lived experiences.
My ancestors endured unimaginable hardships in surviving centuries of colonisation and indentureship. They instilled an unbreakable spirit, determination
to rise above circumstances, and an insatiable desire to lead purposefully. My ambition to lead Guyana as the first Guyanese-born female president is not a desire for power, but a reflection of my unwavering belief in justice. I dream of guiding my country from corruption and division into a future of unity and prosperity, so that we can finally heal the wounds inflicted by slavery, indentureship, and political betrayal.
My education at Oxford, among the brightest minds in the world, will sharpen my understanding of International Relations, and develop the strategies I need to lead my country and contribute to global change.
After graduating from the prestigious Oxford University, I will soar and mount my talents, skills and achievements toward creating a future wherein women in the refugee camps and the people of my beloved Guyana can dream without limits, succeed without barriers, and live without fear. I will transcend, carrying with me the dreams of my family, my people, and those who deserve a voice in a more just and equitable world.
So, I wear my rose-tinted glasses proudly, because I will notice the delicate intricacies and profound beauties flourishing in every corner. I will tell their story, and I will fight for them. Oxford University is where I am meant to be.
Yours respectfully,
Hadiyyah Mohamed
Response to MP Vincent Henry’s misrepresentation of the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes (Amendment) Bill 2024
Dear Editor, I strongly reject the misleading claims made by Opposition Member of Parliament Vincent Henry regarding the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes (Amendment) Bill 2024, as well as the caption shared on December 18, 2024 by “Credible Sources,” an affiliate of the APNU+AFC Facebook page, which stated, “MP Vincent Henry warns Land Bill threatens Indigenous Rights, demands Select Committee review.”
It is clear that MP Henry and the Opposition used the debate as an opportunity to score cheap political points, deliberately distorting the content and intent of the Bill to mislead the public and create unnecessary fear.
The Bill focuses on improving the efficiency of land acquisition for public purposes, while maintaining full compliance with legal safeguards. It has no connection to Indigenous land rights, does not bypass the Amerindian Act of 2006, and poses no threat to the constitutional protections for our First Peoples.
MP Henry’s accusations that the Bill grants unchecked powers to the minister, or violates international commitments such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), are baseless and dishonest.
The Bill fully respects constitutional protections
and established legal procedures, including the requirement for free, prior, and informed consent, where applicable. Claims to the contrary are simply unfounded.
What is most disappointing is the Opposition’s hypocrisy in pretending to champion Indigenous rights now, when their track record in office was marked by neglect and broken promises to Indigenous communities. This attempt to politicise an unrelated bill is a disingenuous ploy to distract from their own failures.
Crop diversification
To reduce dependency on traditional crops, Government has introduced programmes that encourage farmers to diversify into high-value crops such as cassava, black-eye peas, and spices. These efforts are supported by international partnerships, such as technical assistance from Brazil and India to transfer knowledge and technology to Guyanese farmers.
Export growth and regional leadership
Guyana is strengthening its position as a food-exporting powerhouse in the Caribbean. Increased production of rice, sugar and coconuts has boosted exports to countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica.
Additionally, Guyana has taken a leadership role in CARICOM’s regional food security efforts that aim to supply surplus produce to neighbouring states.
While the agriculture
sector has seen tremendous progress, challenges remain. Climate change, fluctuating global commodity prices, and logistical constraints have posed hurdles. However, the Government’s proactive approach and the resilience of Guyanese farmers suggest that the sector is wellequipped to overcome these challenges.
It should be taken into consideration that, during the period 2020 to 2024, there has been a notable transformation of Guyana’s agriculture sector. From record-breaking rice production to revival of sugar estates and expansion of non-traditional crops, the sector has demonstrated resilience and growth.
This trajectory not only ensures food security for the nation, but also positions Guyana as a key player in regional and global agriculture markets. The Government is playing its part in ensuring the success of this sector.
Sincerely,
Marlon Cort
The PPP/C government has consistently supported the rights and development of Indigenous communities through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and land titling. This commitment remains strong as the PPP/C government continues to prioritize meaningful improvements for all Guyanese, particularly our Amerindian brothers and sisters. I urge MP Henry and the Opposition to stop spreading misinformation and using divisive tactics for political gain. The Guyanese people deserve honest and constructive debates in Parliament, not fearmongering and attempts to mislead.
Regards, Alister Charlie, MBA Member of Parliament (PPP/C)
Measuring angles
and
By Marian Swinger
Angles are measured in degrees. A straight line is 180o , so an angle will always be less than that. Angles that are less than 90o degrees are called acute angles. Angles that are more than 90o degrees are called obtuse angles. Angles that are exactly 90o degrees are called right angles, and are often indicated with a very small square at the point where the two lines meet.
Exercises: Identify the following angles as either acute, obtuse or right angles.
It never snows at Christmas in that dry and dusty land. Instead of freezing blizzards, there are palms and drifting sands, and years ago a stable and a most unusual star and three wise men who followed it, by camel, not by car, while, sleepy on the quiet hills, a shepherd gave a cry. He'd seen a crowd of angels in the silent starlit sky. In the stable, ox and ass stood very still and calm and gazed upon the baby, safe and snug in Mary's arms. And Joseph, lost in shadows, face lit by an oil lamp's glow stood wondering, that first Christmas Day, two thousand years ago
WORD SEARCH:
An angle is formed by the rays of two intersecting lines when the rays have the same vertex. An angle is named by both of its lines, with the vertex in the middle of its name.
Rays OA
OB intersect at Point O, a shared vertex to form angle AOB.
Pres Ali confirms Clifton Hicken as Top Cop
– Crime Chief, SOCU Head, 3 others appointed as his deputy
In what he describes as a process that meticulously followed the Constitution, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday confirmed Clifton Hicken as Commissioner of Police as well as appointed five new Deputy Commissioners.
The newly-minted Guyana Police Force (GPF) top hierarchy took their oath of office before the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces at the Office of the President.
According to President Ali, these appointments were made in accordance with the Constitution and demonstrate the Government’s confidence in these top officials within the Police Force.
“I have also fulfilled my constitutional requirement for the appointment of the Commissioner of Police, and every aspect of the appointment has been meticulously followed as prescribed by the Constitution… Clifton Hicken and all the deputies have shown great temperament over their careers. Their career speaks for itself. They worked in different regions of the country under different circumstances, tested under different occasions, but their strength not only lay in the hands of God or their faith, but in their love for the protection of the Constitution, and that is key,” Ali stated.
The substantive appointment of Hicken, who had been acting Police Commissioner since March 2022, comes on the heels of objections by the Opposition.
In fact, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton had filed court proceedings to challenge Hicken’s appointment but this was dismissed by acting Chief Justice Roxane George, who ruled that the President acted lawfully.
Hicken turned 55 years old on July 22, 2023. However, in a letter dated July 21, 2023, and based on
the recommendation of the Police Service Commission (PSC) in accordance with the Constitution, President Ali granted Hicken, “permission to continue to act in the office of Commissioner of Police and to perform those functions until a time to be determined.”
Meanwhile, the Head of State had written the Opposition Leader on September 4, 2024, for consultation on the appointment of Hicken as Commissioner of Police, and had requested a response by September 18, 2024.
It was reported that Norton replied on September 17, 2024, objecting to the appointment in a two-page response. The President then responded on October 2, 2024, answering all of the concerns raised by Norton.
However, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, during an October edition of his programme – “Issues in the News”, had explained that President Ali does not need the Opposition Leader’s
agreement for the appointment of the Commissioner of Police, or any Deputy Commissioner but meaningful consultation.
According to Nandlall, the Constitution does not require a face-to-face consultation and the President has satisfied all the requirements of the Constitution.
Deputy Commissioners
The new Deputy Commissioners of Police appointed by President Ali on Thursday are: Ravindradat Budhram, who currently heads the Force’s Administration Department; Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum; Errol Watts, who heads the Force’s Operation Department; Commander of A Division, Simon McBean, and Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) – the Force’s white-collar arm, Fizul Karimbaksh.
During Thursday’s swearing-in ceremony, to which the majority of the local media was not invited, the Head of State posited
that this was the first time in history that the hierarchy of the Police Force was so qualified – something which he says was in keeping with Guyana’s evolving economy and goals to make the GPF the premier law enforcement agency in the Region.
“The men and women who formed the leadership today, the Commissioners and Deputies, are very different, because they have different circumstances and different opportunities before them. We have some of the finest lawyers among them, some of the finest trainers before them, legal minds that make up the complement, and management strategists by academic qualification and experience. There has never been a time in the life and history of the Guyana Police Force when we had this level of academic quality in the Guyana Police Force. There was never a time in the history of the Force when we had the level of opportunity
and exposure to professional and academic improvement that we have now in the Guyana Police Force, and this must never be taken for granted,” he asserted.
President Ali further underscored the importance of these appointments and urged the officials to work together to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
“The importance of having a substantive Commissioner and Deputy is to allow and provide for the stability and clear leadership which boosts morale
among officers and generate consistent leadership. It also helped with the development of the team, the advancement of the team and building relationships… As a country, we face many different security threats, which is why the variation of skills must complement each other. We must leverage the different skill sets that exist into a collective mechanism to optimise performance and improve results. That is why you're a team. It must be seamless,” the Guyanese Leader stated. (G8)
President Dr Irfaan Ali with newly-appointed Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken and five Deputy Commissioners
Clifton Hicken taking his Oath of Office as he is confirmed Commissioner of Police
Berbice man gets 28 years for killing teen, attempting to murder shop owner
Lester Eion LaFleur, who had had to undergo psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he was fit to stand trial, was on Wednesday slapped with a 21-year jail sentence for the murder of 15-year-old Carlos Leung of Timmers’ Dam in Angoy’s Avenue, Mount Sinai, West Canje Berbice; and is to serve an additional sentence of 7 years and 4 months for trying to kill another person.
These incidents occurred on December 21, 2022 at Timmers’ Dam in Mount Sinai. La Fleur was 40 years old when he brutally murdered the 15-year-old Leung just outside of the teenager’s home. Convicted murderer Lester LaFleur making his way out of the courthouse on Wednesday. Inset is murdered teen Carlos Leung
or years and years, folks used to bet their bottom dollar we had oil. This wasn’t due to some geological folk wisdom, or from using some divining stick; they simply used the logic that if Venezuela next door was awash in oil - having produced it for over a hundred years – then it stood to reason that we had to have some also!! They swore rivers of oil were found underground, and in fact complained that those conniving Venezuelans were “draining our underground rivers”!! And, in fact, that was the reason they were claiming our Essequibo!! Well, oil was struck in 2016 by an Exxon/Hess/CNOOC consortium, and the consortium has been pumping ever since. While the oil ain’t exactly sloshing around in underground rivers, it’s in the interstices of sandstone or limestone deposits deep under the Atlantic.
With Lisa 1, the first strike found 295 feet of high-quality oil in sandstone reservoirs. To get to it from the drillship, the pipe had to go under 5719 feet of water, then drill through 12,106 feet of rock!! That’s over three and onequarter miles under the surface, baby!!
In the Stabroek Block - leased since 1999 - the conglomerate that had included Shell in the beginning but which walked away - has now struck some 30 fields. It estimates there are over ELEVEN BILLION BARRELS of the high-quality Brent Light oil - commanding a premium in the market. For instance, Venezuelan heavy crude goes for US$59/barrel while our light crude snagged US$72 yesterday!! After five years of pumping, Exxon has produced 500M barrels at now 650,000 bpd, taking it to 1.3M bpd by 2030 and then to 1.7M bpd.
No Guyanese needs be told that we got a piss-poor contract after AFC’s Raphael Trotman flew up to Houston and was wined and dined. So, we have two tendencies playing out in Guyana. Actually, there’s a third, but that’s a crackpot sect who insists we must leave the oil in the ground to help with global warming!! So, what if we’re left in grinding poverty? We gotta save the rich countries that created the said global warming!!
One tendency is to demand Exxon RENEGOTIATE the contract – which might be the MORAL thing to do, but ain’t the LEGAL one. There’s that “the sanctity of contracts” rule that advises you just don’t go around breaking contracts willy-nilly, since no one going forward is gonna sign a contract with you!!
The other tendency – deployed by the Govt and some Opposition elements - says we make the best of the bad deal that has delivered US$5.5 billion into our coffers!! Not exactly a small change, eh?? We start getting the real big bucks when Exxon finish with developing expenses. And we sign better contracts going forward!!
…land acquisition
We’ve been a colony, and then an independent country, for almost four hundred years. During that time, we had to make a living by whatever means necessary. So, we dug canals, laid down roads, and built all kinds of structures – houses and factories and offices etc. We call this “development”, and see it as a positive thing.
Change is life, and stagnation is death; but change is inevitably disruptive. Take the building of new bridges and roads: these are necessary for the transportation of goods and people in a developing economy, but in a settled country like ours, building some of the roads and bridges would mean moving some folks from lands and houses they and their ancestors might’ve bought and occupied for ages. So, democratic governments like ours have constitutional stipulations that demand persons moved must be adequately compensated.
Now, everyone gets emotionally attached to their house, but wouldn’t the average selling price in an area - the “market” price - include the sellers’ emotional disruption?
What’s the fuss?
…strike
Workers’ right to strike is their weapon in their struggle against exploitation by their employers. So, the GTU had called a strike for higher wages, and eventually the leaders accepted a deal.
So why was the GTU president suspended?
Police investigating alleged attempts by embattled ACP Brutus to leave Guyana via Lethem
Embattled Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Calvin Brutus who is facing over 200 fraud charges was intercepted on Monday at Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo).
A release issued by the Home Affairs Ministry on Thursday stated that on December 16, 2024, a vehicle bearing Brazilian registration number NUK 8E96 was intercepted by law enforcement officers on its approach to the Takutu Bridge, Lethem.
The release stated that the vehicle at the time was carrying a driver and one passenger who was attempting to depart Guyana without reporting to an immigration officer.
“Upon inspection, the passenger of the vehicle was identified as Mr. Calvin Brutus, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) (ag) who is currently on administrative leave. Mr. Brutus is currently under a court order prohibiting him from leaving the jurisdiction, as he faces criminal charges stemming from investigations into alleged financial crimes,” the release added.
However, following the interception, Brutus was informed by the police that he could not leave the country and as such, he subsequently returned to Ogle from Lethem on the same day.
“The Ministry assures the public that further investigations into this matter are underway, and appropriate responses will be taken in accordance with the law. The Ministry remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all individuals comply with appropriate legal and procedural requirements.”
In response to the missive, Brutus accused the Ministry of deliberately misleading the country, the Commander-In-Chief and the international community.
“At no point did I attempt to leave Guyana since the Magistrates’ Court ruled.
It should be noted that I, Calvin Brutus, Deputy Commissioner of Police (ag) have no business or interest in fleeing this country as I plan to remain and challenge every charge that was filed against me following a tainted investigation by SOCU,” the ACP stated in a release to the press late Thursday evening.
He added that while his matter remains in Court, there is no law or court order, preventing him from travelling around the country.
“The resources the state is using to trail me as they did in Lethem with a white pickup, should be the same resources and energy used to root out corruption for which I have seemingly become the poster boy ahead of elections.”
The ACP noted that he booked his ticket on Saturday, December 14, 2024, and travelled to Lethem to check on his father for the Christmas Season and he will be returning to Lethem soon.
“I wish to state that the security detail trailing me, while not requested, is very flattering. Even in Georgetown, I am afforded this luxury by a force that is always accused of not having vehicles to respond to reports from citizens. This luxury is further extended to me whenever I head out to purchase bread or take my son to school.”
He added that his travel to Lethem was done via plane and as such, anyone with a desire to leave Guyana unauthorized has many options through which they can leave given the country’s porous borders.
“Someone who wants to leave the country undetected doesn’t book a detectable flight, or go up to an Immigration checkpoint where the men and women working there know you by name, face and appearance. They are my colleagues. I challenge the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide the video or photographic evidence to support its claim of my attempting to flee
Guyana.”
Brutus, has been slapped with 231 charges that pertain to liability of officer and is on $16 million bail.
The charges have their genesis in the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU’s) investigation of Brutus, which began in July 2024. Initially linked to the Police Force’s Credit Union, the investigation quickly expanded following information provided by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
The Assistant Police Commissioner’s assets include $300 million in properties and $500 million across joint bank accounts with his wife, who has also been charged. As a result, most of these accounts have been frozen.
As part of the case, it has been revealed that Brutus received monetary gifts from two individuals. These gifts included US$10,000 as
a wedding present and $1 million as a Christmas gift in 2023.
When Brutus appeared in court in November, he was not allowed to plead to the indictments because they were laid as indictable matters. SOCU said that on January 11, 2024, Brutus allegedly instructed a Superintendent of Police to prepare and issue two cheques valued at $6.4 million and $7.4 million from the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Central Welfare Fund to purchase goods that were never supplied.
Further, on January 31, 2024, he instructed the GPF’s Finance Officer to submit 221 payment vouchers to him to procure goods from his wife’s business, but these vouchers were never returned.
Again, on November 16, 2023, the Finance Officer was instructed by the ACP to prepare a cheque to the tune
of $20 million to purchase police regulation shoes for the Quartermasters stores, but those were never supplied.
In addition, several other charges related to the purchase of lands were read to Brutus.
The car that was transporting Brutus in Lethem
ACP Calvin Brutus after his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court in November
Protest erupts over life sentence imposed on man convicted on felonious wounding charge
Days after 33-yearold Ganesh Dhanraj, also known as “Jango,” has had a life sentence imposed on him by Justice Navindra Singh, following his conviction for felonious wounding, protest erupted in front of the High Court on Thursday with his family members and friends calling for the sentence to be revisited.
Dhanraj has been convicted of the December 26, 2014 wounding of 20-yearold Clinton Babooram, which had left Babooram hospitalised, traumatised, and bedridden for weeks.
Initially charged with attempted murder, a jury found Dhanraj guilty of the lesser count of felonious wounding, and Justice
Singh began his sentencing with a base of 30 years’ incarceration for the crime.
The court imposed additional time for specific aggravating factors. Four years were added to the base because Dhanraj had attempted to mislead the court by providing a false defence, and another five years were added because of the senseless and cruel nature of the attack.
Dhanraj has thus been sentenced to 39 years’ imprisonment for the offence, in addition to which the judge has ordered that he should receive four strokes of the whip.
Recap
In an incident that took place outside a rum shop
near Babooram’s home in Montrose, ECD on December 26, 2014, Dhanraj had, with neither provocation nor warning, approached Babooram and stabbed him in the groin with a knife before making good his escape.
The injury inflicted on Babooram had been severe. A critical area containing major blood vessels had been targeted, and medical experts had testified that it could have resulted in death, had Babooram not received immediate treatment.
Protest
At the protest line before the High Court on Thursday, December 19, 2024, the tears of Dhanraj’s mother flowed profusely, and a family friend related that there
comes a time in everyone’s life when they make mistakes. People should be forgiven for their shortcomings, the friend advocated, insinuating that Dhanraj should be freed.
“How can justice be served with all these years in prison? We want justice for Jango! We want to preserve his life in prison! We all make mistakes in life, and I don’t think somebody should serve the rest of their life in prison! People who commit crimes, that thief, get five years or 10 years; but this guy does a wounding charge and gets life imprisonment!” the impassioned friend declared.
Another point raised by
the protestors was that no medical records or statements that would be crucial to the case were found.
“For an incident that happened 10 years ago; for a wounding charge, no medical records or statements were found from Jango! Everything disappeared! Come on, people! they can’t do anything! They can’t find the medical records, the statements! Everything disappeared! Yeah! That guy was trying to defend himself - eh? - and he got life in prison for doing that! So now you’ve got a lot of people who want to kill you,” another protester declared.
Self-defense was also a hot topic of the protesters on
the streets.
“You can’t defend yourself! When you defend yourself, you’re getting life in prison, man! When he tried to defend himself, he got life in prison, man! I tell you! Money talks! No justice for the poor! The man in there, the man’s strong! We don’t have money like all the threats that they make! They make sure they do it! Yeah! They spend threats before they spend money!” The protesters also claimed that Dhanraj continues to receive death threats.
“They say if he doesn’t go to jail, they’re going to kill him,” a relative stated. In this regard, the protestors are called for Jango to be protected even as they remain adamant that the sentence has been too harsh, and should be revisited by the court.
They have also made known their intention to file an appeal to quash the decision of Justice Singh.
Berbice man gets 28 years...
LaFleur pleaded guilty to murder when the indictment was read to him at the Berbice High Court. Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul ordered a probation report before sentencing.
In recounting the incident as it unfolded, the trial judge said the court took into account the brutal way in which the murder was carried out.
The teen was leaving home to get his hair styled to attend his school party. He was on his bridge with his bicycle when he was attacked.
Justice Ally-Seepaul related that LaFleur attacked him with a knife and stabbed him.
The teen’s mother had rushed to her son’s rescue but LaFleur held on to the teenager.
The trial Judge also related that LaFleur then held the teen down in a trench with water for about 20 to 25 minutes. The entire ordeal was video recorded by residents, the Judge said.
She noted that in imposing sentence, the court took into account the fact that the murder was committed on a child who was just
15, by an adult who was 40 at the time, that the victim was unarmed, a dangerous weapon – a knife was used in committing the murder, and that it was committed in the presence of his mother, and other family members.
The Judge said under the circumstances the sentence would be 36 years.
However, the mitigating factors were that the accused did not waste the court’s time and offered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity, he had psychiatric issues, he expressed remorse and begged for forgiveness; for that two years were deducted.
Then, the fact that he offered a guilty plea, according to law, a further one-third of the sentence was deducted.
Additionally, a further two years were deducted for the time already spent in prison awaiting trial. The sentence handed down was therefore 21 years.
Additionally, LaFleur received a 7-year 4-month sentence for the attempted murder of Carl Singh. Singh was stabbed twice in his back on the said day.
Justice Ally-Seepaul in
going through the facts noted that the two incidents were unrelated. However, she said Singh was at a shop along Timmers’ Dam making a purchase when LaFleur came up and asked him to purchase chicken for him and gave Singh $5000 but as Singh turned to go into the shop, he was stabbed by LaFleur.
However, the man was able to run away.
But LaFleur pursued him and stabbed him a second time. The accused later told the police that Singh troubled him and he stabbed him.
Singh who received two stab wounds to his back was hospitalised for a considerable period the Judge said and still suffers from those injuries. The Judge also pointed out that Singh said he could no longer do the work that he used to
Initially, the sentence would have been 9 years but after the deductions were made, the Judge imposed a 7-year and 4-month sentence. The sentences will run consecutively, meaning, the man will spend over 28 years in jail.
33-year-old Ganesh Dhanraj
Some of the protestors who were present
The sobbing mother
Amended Land Acquisition Bill ensures fairness, efficiency – PM Phillips
– Bill will ensure easier access to
loans
for small-, medium-scale enterprises
The Acquisition of Land for Public Purposes Bill introduces groundbreaking reforms to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency in acquiring land for public projects. Central to these changes is the introduction of advance compensation payments of up to 80 per cent for legitimate landowners, providing immediate financial relief while safeguarding public finances.
The Bill, passed on Wednesday evening during a sitting of the National Assembly, has been hailed by Prime Minister Brigadier (R’td) Mark Phillips as a push for national development. The Prime Minister emphasised that the legislation respects legitimate property rights and upholds global best practices. The inclusion of Section 24A establishes a framework for advance payments, addressing longstanding concerns about delays in compensation.
“The 80 per cent cap, as opposed to 100 per cent upfront payment, is a prudent safeguard. It protects public finances while ensuring landowners receive significant relief upfront,” Phillips explained.
He noted that final compensation would reflect accurate valuation, with adjustments made following thorough assessments. Advance payments would be issued only upon proof of ownership -- a measure designed to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure rightful owners are compensated. Additionally, the Bill includes protections for mortgaged properties, ensuring creditors’ interests are preserved.
“This Bill aligns Guyana with global best practices,
and demonstrates that our Government - and by extension Guyana - is committed to justice, efficiency, and the rule of law,” Prime Minister Phillips emphasised.
The Bill also introduces amendments to Chapter 62:05, with two primary objectives being to ensure prompt and adequate compensation for acquired lands, and to enable the state to take possession swiftly. Inclusion of the words “prompt” and “adequate” ensures fairness while preventing delays in public projects that are vital to economic and social progress.
“These changes are essential to accelerate the delivery of public services and infrastructure, respecting both the rights of citizens and the need for national development,” the PM added.
Moreover, addressing concerns surrounding land acquisition in areas such as Caneview and Mocha, the Prime Minister dismissed allegations of unfair treatment while highlighting cases where residents, despite lacking legal titles, were offered compensation and support to relocate.
“A caring government worked with these individuals for over a year…,” he said. “Visit the 20 Guyanese now living on titled lands in homes built from the compensation they received from the Government,” he stated while criticising the Opposition for spreading misinformation.
In supporting the Bill, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton highlighted the Bill’s historical context.
He said that despite legislation having been in existence since 1914, the Opposition portrays it as something new, and is mis-
leading the public.
Further, he said, the new Security Interests in Moveable Property Bill 2024 would allow small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to easily access loans.
This is a critical piece of legislation that represents the Government’s commitment to transforming the nation’s economic landscape by fostering financial inclusion and empowering SMEs, he concluded.
es administrative burdens, and ensures a coherent legal framework for secure transactions in the country.
It must be noted that if an asset is jointly owned, both owners must sign this agreement. The registration of the moveable property is managed through an electronic track register maintained by the registrar. According to this minister, the Security Interest in Moveable Property Bill 2024
During her presentation, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond said the Bill would resolve the hesitancy of small business owners being able to access loans due to the insufficiency of immovable properties.
“The Bill simplifies the process of using moveable assets as collateral for secured credit, making it more accessible to a wider range of businesses… These include tangible assets like equipment, inventory, crops, livestock and vehicles; as well as intangible assets like receivables, intellectual properties, and negotiable instruments,” she explained.
This new legislation creates more opportunities for financing, and ensures consistency, transparency, and legal certainty in credit markets by streamlining a secure transaction system, she said. It consolidates previous mechanisms for securing credit, such as bills of sale, finance leases, and pledges of goods, as all these mechanisms are contained in a single legal device called “security agreements.”
A security agreement is a consensual agreement that secures payment or performance of obligations. It eliminates redundancies, reduc-
would bring a safe change in the commercial industry.
“It will remove key constraints that have confronted thousands of Guyanese citizens and small business-
es. It opens up avenues of credit previously unavailable to them,” Minister Walrond noted.
Finance and Public Service Minister Dr Ashni Singh also contributed to the bill. Dr Singh noted that the bill would add to the series of legislation already put forward by the Government to support SMEs.
“This Security Interest in Moveable Property (Bill) 2024 is a most commendable and most welcome addition to our legal architecture and financial system, and I commend my colleague for bringing it to Parliament on behalf of our Government,” the senior minister noted.
According to him, Guyana’s bank deposits grew exponentially over the years because of the many financial initiatives that Government has implemented. He pointed out that between June 2022 and June 2024, commercial bank deposits grew by a staggering 7.9 per cent. This Bill has also received unanimous support of APNU+AFC Opposition Member of Parliament Khemraj Ramjattan. He has commended Government for the “well put together” bill, which he believes would assist upcoming entrepreneurs.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips
Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton
The swearing-in ceremony of Police Commissioner deputies at the Office of the President,
Chanderpaul
Commissioner Clifton Hicken and five of his Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown on Thursday
Amended Wills Act to ensure families’ wishes are expeditiously executed after death
The National Assembly has passed amendments to the Wills Act that are set to relieve families across the country, in that the Bill passed seeks to simplify the process of verifying a will, making it more convenient for the wishes of deceased persons to be carried out after their passing.
Amendments passed on Wednesday potentially speed up the process of executing a will through a streamlined probate process and reduced witness requirements. Probate is the legal process of proving a will is valid before the deceased person’s estate is administered according to instructions contained in the will.
Championing the Bill, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, pointed out that the current legislation has not undergone significant changes since its enactment in 1910. As per the Bill’s Explanatory Memorandum, the amendments allow one witness to swear an affidavit (a sworn statement) to confirm that
Police
the will had been signed correctly. The current legislation dictates that two witnesses are needed to sign a will, but this affidavit mentioned above can now be attached to the will to make it easier for the executor of the estate to submit the necessary documents for probate. This can reduce the time taken for the will to be legally recognised.
Outlining the formalities required for a will to be considered valid, the AG said there is need for the will to be in writing, and it must be executed by the testator (the person who created the will), who must have been of sound mind.
“The will must be signed by the testator or someone authorised by the testator… This mark must be situated
at the bottom of the will,” he said.
Minister Nandlall highlighted several tedious steps involved in the previous probate process, such as locating witnesses.
If one of the witnesses could not be found, the person taking the probate must demonstrate to the court that efforts had been made to locate that witness. And if unsuccessful, that person can apply to the court to advertise for the witness.
“You have to go through the elongated process of going to locate that witness at the time when you are making the application for the probate. This [amendment] gives you an opportunity to conveniently, and at the same time, execute that application and save everyone a lot of problems, and save the estate a lot of unnecessary expenses,” he said.
Essentially, the court would decide if one affidavit is enough to prove that the will was signed correctly, or if more evidence is needed.
Additionally, the minister is empowered to make
regulations for the implementation of the law, and set penalties for breaking those rules. The Bill makes it clear that penalties for breaches shall not exceed a fine of $1 million and imprisonment of five years.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand also spoke in support of the Bill. She said the amendment would help reduce family conflicts.
Just last month, the National Assembly approved amendments to the Deceased Persons Estate Administration Act to allow better access to monies left by deceased persons. These legislative interventions reduce the burdens placed on families during these challenging times, as well as simplify public processes to promote greater ease.
ranks in Regs 2, 10 recognised for hard work, service to nation
Some 200 ranks from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) have been recognized for the contributions, services and performances they have rendered to the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
At the Division Two Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, held earlier in the week at the P. Jaigobin Conference Hall on the Essequibo Coast, those who were awarded included Lance Corporal Lionel Daniels, who received the Region’s ‘Best Cop’ award
for 2024, and Corporal Brian McKoy, who received the runner-up ‘Best Cop’ award. They have each been presented with a trophy and cash incentive.
During this event, Region Two Vice Chairman Humace Oodit commended the ranks for their dedicated work and efforts at providing excellent service to the residents; and Divisional Commander Superintendent Shivbaran assured invitees and residents of the region that maximum effort would be made to ensure public safety during and after the holi-
day season.
Shivbaran also reaffirmed his commitment and that of his ranks to working with all stakeholders and institutions in the region to build and foster relationships that would aid in reducing crime and traffic accidents, and addressing social issues.
Guest speaker at this event, recently appointed Deputy Police Commissioner Wendell Blanhum, spoke of thepolicies and operational strategies of the GPF in all regions. These strategies, as outlined by Blanhum, in-
clude smart policing, training and developing human capacity and specialized skills, scholarships, regional and international training to enhance capabilities, use of command centres and technology to fight crime and control traffic, educating the general public, bridging gaps between stakeholders and communities, and ensuring professionalism and discipline among officers in all regions and departments.
At the Division #10 Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, held at the Watooka Guest House in Mackenzie, Linden, the highlight of those activities was the awards ceremony, wherein individuals were honoured for their outstanding work.
Inspector Barkoye has been named ‘Best Cop’ in recognition of his exempla-
ry service and commitment to the Division, and to the GPF by extension. He received a trophy, a certificate, and $150,000 as a cash incentive.
And as she proceeds on retirement leave this month, Woman Sergeant Sharon Hatton has been celebrated for her extraordinary 35 years and four months of dedicated service to the GPF.
Region 10 Commander, Superintendent Guy Nurse, in reflecting on the Division’s notable achievements in 2024 and emphasising the critical role of collaboration between law enforcement and the community, has said, “I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the Community Policing Groups and all our stakeholders. You have shown, time and time
again, that policing is not just about law enforcement; it is a collective effort that involves every member of society.”
Deputy Police Commissioner (Administration) Ravindradat Budhram, commending the ranks for their hard work and dedication, has urged them to pursue continuous educational upgrade and self-improvement.
Demonstrating his support for the division, Budhram, on behalf of the Guyana Police Force, generously donated $400,000 to the policing division, and shared motivational anecdotes, including stories of legendary musician Bob Marley and India’s former President Abdul Kalam, by which he captivated his audience with messages of resilience and excellence.
Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC
Education Minister Priya Manickchand
Police awardees from Regional Division #2
Police awardees from Regional Division #10
Over 365,500 citizens registered for $100K cash grant – VP Jagdeo confirms
…says distribution commenced in some regions
Over 365,500 citizens 18 years and older have already registered for the Government of Guyana’s $100,000 cash grant initiative, according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday.
The Vice President during his weekly press briefing revealed that in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), over 16,000 people have registered, with more than 90 per cent of cheques having already been distributed.
Similarly, Region One (Barima-Waini) has registered a comparable number of residents, with distribution currently underway.
Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) has seen the registration of over 6500 individuals, while the figure for Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) exceeded 12,000.
Distribution has begun in Region Eight, and the cheques for Region Seven are being processed. The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and the Bank of Guyana are collaborating with the Finance Ministry to help the Indigenous people cash their cheques.
However, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) has seen a total of 221,000 registrations, of which 156,000
have been verified. The verification process, the Vice President shared, is crucial for ensuring there are no duplications within the database.
“The distribution of the grant should hopefully commerce over the next few days and hopefully completed before the end of the year… once they are registered, [the team] still has to go and check the database to see there is no duplication.”
In addition, Jagdeo announced that approximately 50,000 public servants and
members of the Disciplined Services have been registered, with cheques printed and distribution set to begin imminently.
“This should hopefully commence over the next few days and be completed before the end of the year,” according to the Vice President.
The pensioners’ cash grants are being issued in collaboration with the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, which is responsible for the distribution of old age pension. So far, the Vice President said
44,000 pensioners were registered, with some 27,000 cheques already printed.
Registration and distribution of the $100,000 cash grant will commence in the other regions soon.
The VP said registration remains ongoing to capture the people who were missed in the initial registration process. “This will happen in all of the regions even after we complete the main registration, because not everyone would be able to get registered in the period in which we visit that region or community so there will be a mop-up activity,” he explained.
Only recently, the Government had been granted approval for more than $84 billion in supplementary funds for projects that included the highly-anticipated $100,000 one-off cash grant initiative. Of this amount, $30.5 billion is for the commencement of the $100,000 cash grant initiative.
The Government’s $100,000 cash grant initiative was announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali in October and every Guyanese citizen 18 years and older will receive the payout.
Technical teams with pre-programmed tablets are being dispatched to gath-
er persons’ data. The second stage is the verification of the registrants, followed by the cutting of cheques. A distribution schedule is then to be published, and these cheques are disbursed in the same locations where registration occurred.
To register, individuals must present their valid National Identification Cards (ID) or valid passports. Photocopies will not be accepted. These official documents are the only acceptable forms of identification used to confirm that the applicant is a Guyanese citizen aged 18 or older, mak-
ing them eligible to receive the cash grant.
During registration, a photo of the applicant will be taken to verify their physical presence and ensure that the person who collects the cash grant is the same individual who got registered.
Furthermore, a photo of the applicant’s ID or passport is taken to verify that the information on the document matches the person registering. These measures seek to prevent any attempts to defraud the system or manipulate the process. (G1)
Govt maintains Hicken’s confirmation as Top Cop in compliance with Constitution – as Norton calls appointment “unlawful”, hints at legal action
TRavindradat
According to the Head of State, “every aspect of the appointment[s] has been me-
ticulously followed as prescribed by the Constitution”.
But in a video statement on Thursday, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton said Hicken’s appointment was unlawful and indicated their intention to take legal action on this matter.
“The lawyers believe that 1) the fact that he is over the age of 55 means that he is not eligible to be confirmed. He could’ve continued acting – that’s not a question, but once you confirm him, you’re in violation of the law. And the second thing is that there is violation to the extent that [the President] didn’t consult… But we’re going to take the matter to the court and see where it goes,” Norton stated, adding that these legal proceedings would be filed next week.
However, the Government, via a statement in response to Norton’s remarks on Thursday, contends that the confirmation of Hicken was done in accordance with the constitutional provisions.
“For the public record, the Government maintains
most resolutely that Mr Clifton Hicken was lawfully appointed in accordance with the provisions of Article 211 of the Constitution of Guyana and in due compliance with the Constitution (Prescribed Matters) Act, Cap. 27:12. Further, the Leader of the Opposition was duly consulted in the manner required by the letter and spirit of the Constitution in relation to that appointment,” the missive detailed.
President Ali had writ-
ten Norton on September 4, 2024, for consultation on the appointment of Hicken as Commissioner of Police as well as the five Deputy Commissioners, and had requested a response by September 18, 2024.
Based on reports, Norton replied on September 17, 2024, objecting to the appointment in a two-page response. The President then responded on October 2, 2024, answering all of the concerns raised by Norton.
Moreover, Attorney General Anil Nandlall had previously explained that the President was only required to consult and did not need the agreement of the Opposition Leader to appoint a Top Cop.
On the other hand, Hicken’s appointment comes on the heels of his passing the GPF’s age of retirement, that is, 55 years. One day before Hicken turned 55 years old on July 22, 2023, the Head of State had extended his tenure in office in keeping with constitutional provisions.
A recipient of the $100,000 cash grant in Region One
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during his weekly press conference on Thursday
he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has defended the confirmation of Clifton Hicken as Commissioner of Police in the face of criticism
by the Opposition. On Thursday, President Dr Irfaan Ali swore in Hicken as substantive Police Commissioner as well as appointed five new Deputy Commissioners –
Budhram, Wendell Blanhum, Errol Watts, Simon McBean and Fizul Karimbaksh.
Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton
President Dr Irfaan Ali confirmed Clifton Hicken as Police Commissioner on Thursday
Security Interest in Movable Property Bill 2024
Bill is another legislation enacted by PPP/C to strengthen financial sector – Finance Minister
Finance and Public Service Minister, Dr Ashni Singh during his contribution to the debate on the Security Interest in Movable Property Bill 2024, which sets out the legal framework to pledge movable property as collateral, reiterated that the Bill represents the latest instalment in a long sequence of legislative and other interventions made by the Government to strengthen the financial sector.
“… an effort that we have been making over time in recognition of the very important and strong symbiotic relationship between economic growth on the one hand and financial sector development on the other,” Dr Singh added.
The Minister reminded the House that current and past People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Governments had been over time bringing to the Parliament and enacting modern financial sector legislation, all comprising critical elements of a comprehensive legal architecture, which would, in turn, establish a robust institutional architecture for a strong, stable and well-regulated financial system.
The various pieces of legislation in the finan-
cial sector form part of the Government’s broad agenda to build and strengthen the legal framework, and the Administration has remained committed to working with all stakeholders, including consumers and the Private Sector, in supporting business development in Guyana.
Amongst the pieces of financial legislation already brought to the House during previous sittings and later enacted and which Dr Singh highlighted were the Bank of Guyana legislation and its subsequent amendments, the Financial Institutions Act (1995) and subsequent amendments, the initial Money Laundering and Prevention Act, the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, the Money Transfer Agencies Act, the Credit Reporting Act, and the Compliance Commission Act.
The Finance Minister also described the Bill as the latest instalment in the series of legislation to strengthen the financial sector.
The banking and financial sector is an important sector the Government has been placing specific focus on to empower citizens to benefit from the massive eco-
nomic transformation taking place across the country. Access to financing is a main pillar for the establishment, growth and success of both small- and large-scale businesses, as well as the economic empowerment of individuals and households. Under the stewardship of the PPP/C Government, Guyana’s financial sector has shown significant improvements in recent years in key performance indicators, reflecting a strengthening economy and robust regulatory oversight.
Singh further highlight-
ed the rapid rate of growth recorded by the financial sector, detailing that commercial banks’ deposits surged, growing by 67.8 per cent at the end of June this year when compared with the position at the end of 2020, driven by rising incomes and improved confidence in the banking system. He also noted that from the end of 2020 to the end of June this year, total credit to the Private Sector grew by 57.8 per cent, fuelled by increased lending to economic sectors such as services, manufacturing, agriculture mining
and quarrying. Lending for real estate mortgage loans has also grown substantially (by 54.7 per cent) over the same period. At the same time, the ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) has declined from 10.8 per cent at the end of 2020 to 2.1 per cent at the end of June 2024, aided largely by a rebound in economic activities, post-pandemic and protracted elections and enhanced risk management practices. These trends highlight the country’s financial sector’s resilience and its pivotal role in supporting Guyana’s economic transformation.
Successfully piloting the Security Interest in Movable Property Bill 2024 through the House, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond explained that the piece of legislation was critical and would pave the way for creating a more modern, inclusive and efficient system for secure lending in Guyana. She added that it represented another milestone in the journey to transform Guyana’s economic landscape by fostering financial inclusion, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises and increasing access to credit.
Sheldon Smith, a 25-year-old resident of Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara, has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for the March 13, 2020 murder of 78-year-old businessman Tony Bishnauth, also called “England Bank”, of Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice.
Smith has also been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for armed robbery, and must serve an additional five years in prison for felonious wounding committed during that incident.
The prosecution’s case was that Bishnauth had been attacked and shot dead by one of three armed men at a snackette at Stelling Road in Rosignol while he had been celebrating his birthday with two of his friends. Those friends had also received gunshot injuries during that robbery.
The attackers had demanded that the businessman and his friends hand over the valuables they had had in their possession, and Bisnauth had thrown an empty plastic bottle at one of the bandits.
In a plea of mitigation before sentence was passed, Attorney at Law Suriya Sabsook told the court that even though Smith had been in company of others, he had been armed with a cutlass whereas the others had had guns, and his weapon did not cause the death of Bisnauth.
The Bill, which received support from both sides of the House, was subsequently approved.
Meanwhile, Dr Singh, yesterday, to further aid and improve access to credit, tabled in the National Assembly, the Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill 2024, which caters for the establishment of representative offices by foreign financial institutions. Representative offices of foreign banks bring international experience and technology and allow these institutions to showcase the products and services that can complement and enhance the domestic banking system.
These reforms demonstrate the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening the legal architecture and ensuring that all citizens participate in the new economy and benefits redound to all Guyanese.
“The Bill seeks to introduce a comprehensive modern and inclusive legal framework to govern security rights in movable assets. Its primary goal is to further modernise Guyana’s secure transaction system, addressing inefficiency and creating a unified, efficient, and technology-enabled structure aligned with international best practices,” Minister Walrond further explained.
WBD man gets 15 years for murder of Berbice businessman – additional 10 years for armed robbery, felonious wounding
Addressing the court before the imposition of his sentence, Smith said he was sorry for his actions, which resulted in the death of Bisnauth.
“I take full responsibility for my actions. I hold full responsibility for my past and my future…my life has changed,” he said.
He also related that he has learned to choose his company wisely.
He was consequently shot in the head, while his friend and neighbour Bobby Brijlall had sustained a wound to the right side of his abdomen, and his other friend, 23-year -old Mahendra Nagamootoo, had sustained gunshot injury on the arm, to his side, and to his lower back when the third masked man had opened fire on him as he attempted to flee the scene.
She asked the court to be lenient to her client, and noted that Smith has expressed remorse for his actions. Moreover, she assured that Smith is now a different person from the one who had committed the offences, and disclosed that Smith has enrolled for the GOAL Scholarship programme.
However, the prosecutor in this case, Attorney at law Cicelia Corbin, noting that two persons had also been injured during the robbery, and that, as a result of the injuries he had sustained, Mahindra Nagamootoo could not have worked for two years, asked the court to impose the maximum penalty on the convict.
She pointed out that Smith has pleaded guilty to murder and robbery, and reminded the court that such actions cannot be tolerated.
In her sentencing remarks made in the Berbice High Court on Wednesday,
December 18, 2024, Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul noted that Smith had been armed with a cutlass and his two accomplices had been armed with handguns. But while Bisnauth had died as a result of a gunshot wound, Smith had knowingly participated in the robbery which had led to Bisnauth’s death.
Noting Bisnauth’s age, she said the murder had had a devastating impact on his
family, and that his wife had referred to him as the main breadwinner of the family.
“It is not okay to be robbing people of their belongings and causing them to lose lives in the process,” she told Smith, who had previously been convicted of break and enter.
Justice Ally-Seepaul in handing down the sentence, pointed to the fact that, since being incarcerated, Smith has participated in several programmes for his upliftment, including anger management and information technology.
“The accused is a prime candidate for rehabilitation, having served five years as a remand prisoner,” the Judge said.
Considering the mitigating factors and the fact that Smith did not waste the court’s time, he was sentenced to 21 years for Bisnauth’s death, an additional five years for robbery-under-arms, and another 5 years for wounding that caused actual bodily harm.
Meanwhile, police have issued wanted bulletins for Medellin Orlanda Evans and Carlos Evans, who are wanted for questioning in connection with this murder.
Noting the nature and seriousness of the offence, particularly that Smith and his accomplices had planned to commit the robbery while fully knowing that the weapons they were carrying could cause death, the Judge reiterated that the incident took place on the man’s birthday, and at a time when he was unarmed. Additionally, when Smith was arrested, the stolen items were found in his possession.
Finance and Public Service Minister, Dr Ashni Singh
Sheldon Smith leaving the Berbice High Court on Wednesday
Murdered businessman Tony Bishnauth
Abandonment of Warrau migrants “AFC Hughes’s immigration policy excuse exposed as cover-up amid lack of political gains” – VP Jagdeo
The Alliance For Change’s (AFC’s) use of Guyana’s immigration policy as an “excuse” to abandon a busload of Warrau people in Georgetown has been called out by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday.
The group, comprising Venezuelan migrants, was taken under the wings of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, which provided them with food, hampers, Christmas toys and money; and, critically, made logistical arrangements for them to be transported back to Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), where they are said to have originated.
AFC had claimed that the group of people, who alleged they were invited to Georgetown by President Dr Irfaan Ali, were abandoned by the Government.
In defending the Head of State, the Vice President condemned Hughes for the comments made, noting that the party sought to politicise the issue and cover up its tracks.
“Typical of the AFC, because it doesn’t come from their heart; typical of the AFC, he took the warehouse and dropped them off at a ministry. He deposited them and disappeared, sped off.
That is the love that they had. They lost their love from the night before in a short period. In eight hours, they lost all their love for the warehouse. And they disappeared once again, Nigel Hughes”, the VP stated.
He added “This is typical of the AFC. Once he realized that there was nothing to be gained politically from it, he just dumped them again, like how they did their supporters in the 2015 to 2020 period. This time, the warehouse was the unsuspecting victims”.
Jagdeo reminded that it was the Opposition who allegedly smuggled immigrants to Guyana during its tenure in office.
“APNU’s immigration policy, what immigration policy they had? They brought, smuggled, 40,000 Haitians through Guyana”, he said.
“When Nigel Hughes’s party was in office, all of those who said they were the press conferences, they were there in Government.
40,000 Haitians were trafficked through Guyana and smuggled through Guyana. That was their immigration policy, with the complicity of the state officials,” Dr Jagdeo said.
It was reported that approximately 25 to 30 Warrau migrants, including children, were left outside of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry.
In an interview with this publication, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Alister Charlie revealed that, on Tuesday, AFC leader Nigel Hughes spoke with him regarding the migrants.
According to Charlie, the AFC leader had told him he “doesn’t have time” to deal with the migrants’ plight, and the group was subsequently dumped at the Amerindian Affairs Ministry on Tuesday afternoon.
“When I came, I was told Nigel Hughes was in at the Ministry. So, I met with him, and he asked me if I knew about the Warraus…he said he would like to speak with the PS (Permanent Secretary). I said PS is in a meeting. However, PS will be on his way. He (Hughes) told me he doesn’t have enough time on his hands to deal primarily with the Warraus that are in Georgetown. And he will be here at 13:00hrs. That was conveyed to PS.”
Charlie related that he had to leave the Ministry for a meeting, while the PS also had another meeting to attend.
“Through the PS, we assisted them. These are Venezuelan, not Guyanese Warraus. We offered them hampers, every single one of them. Disbursed money to assist them. We also made transportation arrangements and put logistics in place to have them get back to Region Two, Charity. We feted the kids with Christmas toys, we brought Christmas for them. They were well treated,” Charlie said at the time.
Govt maintains Hicken’s...
According to the Government’s statement, Norton is free to take whatever legal recourse he deems necessary. It went on to remind of the legal action filed by the Opposition Leader when Hicken was first appointed to act in the Office of the Commissioner of Police in 2022 on the ground that the President did not consult with him. That matter was eventually dismissed by the High Court and there was never an appeal.
“Needless to say, any legal challenge filed will be vigorously defended,” the missive from the Government stated.
It further pointed out that Norton’s criticism of Hicken’s confirmation as Top Cop was not a surprise since the senior Police Officer had been overlooked by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government
in the past.
Following the retirement of former acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine, Hicken was the most senior member within the Force, but he was “deliberately and capriciously sidelined” by the coalition regime, which appointed two GPF members both junior to Hicken, to act in the Office of the Commissioner of Police.
“To date, Mr Hicken remains the most senior member of the Guyana Police Force [GPF] and, no doubt, is duly qualified to have been appointed Commissioner of Police,” the PPP/C Administration maintains.
In fact, it highlighted the coalition Government’s track record of constitutional violations disqualifies the People’s National Congress (PNC), the main coalition partner, of any moral authority to lecture anyone
Canada to establish CAD$3M Caribbean Future Skills Fund – Guyanese among beneficiaries
Young people from Guyana and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States would benefit from high-quality education and training under a Canada-funded skills development fund.
On Thursday, Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, announced that country’s intention to contribute up to CAd$3 million to establish a Caribbean Future Skills Fund, to help build a workforce that can capitalize on technological innovation and contribute to inclusive and sustainable economies in the Caribbean.
According to a statement from Global Affairs Canada, the country’s diplomatic department, this initia-
would work with Caribbean Leaders, CARICOM institutions, Canadian and Caribbean technical and vocational institutions, and private sector partners to examine feasible options for the fund’s set-up and delivery. These activities would include support for labour market assessments and the establishment of pilot programmes.
“Canada stands with our Caribbean partners in building a resilient and sustainable future for all. The Caribbean Future Skills Fund will contribute to economic development while empowering communities to thrive. Together, we are investing in a brighter future for generations to come,” Prime Minister of Canada,
clusive high-quality education and training. This partnership reflects our shared vision for long-term, reliable economic growth and success,” the Guyanese Leader stated.
Also commenting on the initiative, current CARICOM Chair Dickon Mitchell, Grenadian Prime Minister, said, “Canada’s leadership to create a Caribbean Future Skills Fund is a significant step towards building a more resilient youth workforce. Together, we will empower the people of Grenada and youths from across the Caribbean with the skills needed for present and future employment, while addressing brain drain and greater opportunities for women, marginalized, and at-risk groups, especially young men.”
Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley added, “This partnership with Canada helps unlock the full potential of young people in Barbados. By supporting skills development and opportunities for jobs, this initiative will build a stronger and more inclusive economy in the Caribbean region.”
Over the years, Canada has supported technical and vocational education and training in the Caribbean including Guyana. Only in February 2024, Canada announced a CAD$9.5 million contribution to Guyana’s One Guyana Digital Skills
on constitutionality and the rule of law, in particular, as it relates to the appointment of the Commissioner of Police.
According to the Government, the last appointment the coalition made to the Top Cop office was made on July 31, 2020 – the last day of their demission of office and five months after they lost the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.
“Worse yet, the appointment was made not by the President, but by the Permanent Secretary of the then Ministry of Public Security. It is ironic that ‘no consultation’ is Mr Norton’s cry now, but when that appointment was made, the then Leader of the Opposition was not even informed, moreover consulted,” the PPP/C Administration argued in Thursday’s missive.
tive demonstrates Canada’s commitment to continue strengthening its partnership with CARICOM countries by focusing on tackling the region’s key development challenges through education, technical and vocational training.
“Canada supports the vision of CARICOM leaders, including President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana, Chair and Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, and Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, to create a regional fund that will empower youths from the Caribbean region with valuable skills and viable employment opportunities,” the missive detailed.
In the initial stages, the Canadian Government
Justin Trudeau, has said.
According to Minister Hussen, “The development of technical and vocational skills is essential for young people to become active participants in the workforce. Through this investment, we are helping to create sustainable employment opportunities for them, contributing to the Caribbean region’s economic growth, resilience, and prosperity.”
President Dr Irfaan Ali has also lauded this initiative by the Canadian Government, which he says would open up opportunities for Caribbean youths.
“Guyana welcomes news of Canada’s commitment to establish a fund that will unlock new opportunities for youths from the Caribbean and promote in-
Development Program to train young Guyanese for the digital economy.
Since 2019, Canada has supported the CAD$18.75 million Skills to Access the Green Economy project, which aims to create a skilled workforce for climate-related sectors in Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Saint Lucia.
Minister Hussen has travelled twice to the Caribbean in 2024, participating most recently at the 47th meeting of the CARICOM Heads of State and Government in Grenada in July 2024. He also hosted the 54th meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank Board of Governors in Ottawa in June 2024.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett and other Caribbean Leaders, including President Dr Irfaan Ali, at the first Canada-CARICOM Summit held in October 2023
President Dr Irfaan Ali with Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, during a visit to Guyana in February
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
Brazil Congress votes on fiscal package, changes could limit impact
Brazil's lower house and Senate were voting on Thursday evening on a Government package of three proposals aimed at cutting spending, although some of the included changes are expected to ultimately scale back their fiscal impact.
President Luiz
Inácio Lula da Silva's Administration has been racing to pass the package before Congress goes on holiday break next week.
By Thursday evening, the Senate had approved the first of the three proposals, which prohibits the granting or expansion of tax benefits if public accounts face a primary deficit.
That bill, which also imposes stricter controls on certain mechanisms that allow lawmakers to allocate
public funds, will now head to Lula's desk to be signed into law, having secured Congress' full approval.
The lower house approved the fiscal package's two other proposals with modifications, including a constitutional amendment, sending both to the Senate. Lawmakers' changes to the amendment included a measure to ensure public-sector salaries comply with constitutional limits.
Under the government's original proposal, payments exceeding those limits would be effectively halted once the amendment was approved, but the version passed says the prohibition would only take effect after the approval of subsequent legislation.
Another setback for Lula's administration was a change in a proposal of the
amendment related to public education funds, through which the Government aimed to save money by releasing a part of the Education Ministry's current budget. (Excerpt from Reuters)
El Salvador says it will keep buying
bitcoin despite IMF warning
El Salvador said on Thursday it would keep buying bitcoin, possibly at an accelerated pace, a day after the Government reached a financing agreement with the International Monetary Fund that had said it should limit its exposure to the cryptocurrency.
Stacy Herbert, El Salvador's national bitcoin office director, wrote on X that bitcoin would remain legal tender in the Central American country, and that the Government would keep adding to its strategic reserves.
On Wednesday, El Salvador struck a US$1.4 billion loan deal with the IMF, as part of which the
Government of President Nayib Bukele agreed that it would scale back its bitcoin policies. The deal specified that tax payments will only be made in the other official tender, the U.S. dollar.
IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said on Thursday that planned legal reforms in El Salvador would make acceptance of bitcoin by the private sector voluntary.
The Government's announcement that it would make more bitcoin purchases "might be just a way to counter any negative blowback" from a perceived diminished status of the cryptocurrency in El Salvador, said Eugene Epstein, head of trading and structured products for North America at Moneycorp in
New Jersey. "Given the size and likely the terms of the IMF deal, it was probably worth for (Bukele) to do that."
El Salvador owns 5968 coins, valued at US$594 million. Bitcoin has rallied in recent days after US Presidentelect Donald Trump reiterated plans for a strategic reserve for the cryptocurrency, similar to a strategic oil reserve.
In September 2021, El Salvador became the first country to make the cryptocurrency a legal tender, alongside the dollar. That caused friction with the IMF, which warned of financial and legal risks that it recently said "have not materialised".
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Probe launched into Fire Service response to blaze that killed MP
National Security
Minister Fitzgerald Hinds had until Thursday afternoon to set up a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths of Minister in the Ministry of Education Lisa MorrisJulian, her 25-year-old daughter Xianne and sixyear-old son Jesiah, after their Farfan Street, Arima home went up in flames on Monday.
Addressing the media at the unveiling of a plaque at West Park in Diego Martin on Wednesday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said the instruction was given by the National Security Council (NSC), which he leads, following conflicting
reports about the incident and a public dispute between the T&T Fire Service and Ministry of Public Utilities.
Dr Rowley said he met with a small delegation from the NSC and subsequently met with Hinds at midday to give the instructions.
“We need to know what happened. Why would a fire station on the corner of Farfan Street, why the fire tender got there at the time that we now know he got there? And I can tell you, we have been receiving conflicting information and as a result of that, today, the National Security Council directed the Minister of National Security to come up by tomorrow afternoon with an appropriate committee to
Cuba tourism struggles as blackouts and shortages deter visitors
As blackouts, food, fuel and labor shortages in Cuba grow more acute by the day, a trip to the Caribbean island has become a hard sell.
Cuban government statistics tell the story: Earlier this week, Tourism Minister Juan Carlos Garcia said Cuba saw 2.2 million international visitors this year, well short of its original goal of 3.2 million and less than half of pre-pandemic levels.
This year's decline stalled a fledgling recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, the government said, a negative trend that Cuban tourism expert Paolo Spadoni says may be hard to reverse.
"Unfortunately, Cuba is becoming every day more
unique for all the wrong reasons, and thus more unattractive as a tourist destination," said Spadoni, an economist at Augusta University in Georgia. "Prospects for 2025 are not encouraging".
Cuba has long appealed to tourists attracted by the mystique of a Communistrun island which, at least to visitors, appears frozen in time thanks to a plethora of 1950s autos and towns mostly free of the kind of commercial development seen elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Taxi driver David Sarzo, who drives a vintage US sedan in Havana, said he and his colleagues could not see "any light at the end of the tunnel because of the crisis ... which is leading tourism
agents to steer clients away from Cuba."
The ocean-front capital Havana is framed by the commanding El Morro castle and in the countryside, oxen still plough fields where tobacco is grown then rolled by hand.
But three nationwide blackouts in the last months of 2024 touched virtually every facet of island life, including tourism. While some large hotels have generators, lower budget lodging and rental homes often do not, forcing guests in the tropical climate to go without air conditioning.
Following the most recent collapse of the island's electrical grid, the tourism ministry sought to reassure prospective visitors. (Excerpt from Reuters)
LIAT20 begins service to Trinidad
investigate why there wasn’t a better response with a fire station on the corner.”
Saying he was “very concerned” about people “jumping on the bandwagon” to comment on how many fire stations the country should have and the number of fire tenders that should be assigned to each fire station in T&T, Rowley said those issues did not arise in this case.
He said while people have demanded more fire stations be placed on street corners, the one on the corner of Green Street, a block away from Farfan Street, failed to save Morris-Julian and her two children. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Antigua-based airline LIAT20 has begun scheduled service to Trinidad. LIAT20’s 5N-BUV, an Embraer ERJ145 operating as 5L365, touched down at Piarco International Airport on Thursday with 15 passengers on board from Antigua. It marks the start of a five-time weekly commercial service with the airline linking Port of Spain to Grenada, Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda. LIAT20 will add 1750 seats to the market weekly. According to Tourism
Minister Randall Mitchell, the Caribbean is T&T’s second largest source market with Caribbean arrivals accounting for 20 per cent of all arrivals.
Speaking with Guardian Media at Piarco International, he emphasised the Government’s goal to increase regional connectivity saying:
“It really is an important route, opening up this airlift, opening up the seat capacity, for persons to come here and of course, making the journey within the Caribbean all the more economical.”
Mitchell also dismissed concerns that LIAT20 would push local carrier Caribbean Airlines out of some routes.
“Competition is good,” he asserted. “The demand is there for both players to serve the market well and for them to do it profitably.”
The name LIAT20 may evoke memories of the now defunct LIAT1974, but it is an entirely different airline – a partnership between Air Peace and the Government of Antigua & Barbuda, which has a 30 per cent stake in the airline. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Brazil's Lower House Speaker Arthur Lira
Tourists walk in downtown Havana, Cuba, December 18, 2024 (Reuters/Alexandre Meneghini)
LIAT20 Chief Operating Officer, Kidus Melkamu; LIAT20 Chief Executive Officer, Hafsah Abdulsalam; Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan; and Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Senator Randall Mitchell, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark LIAT20’s inaugural flight from Antigua to Piarco International, on Thursday, December 19, 2024 [Brent Pinheiro photo]
Around the World
OOIL NEWS
Oil drops as dour economic outlook adds to oversupply concerns
il prices fell on Thursday after central bankers in the US and Europe signalled caution over further easing of monetary policy, fanning concerns that weak economic activity could dent demand for oil next year.
Brent crude futures fell by 51 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to settle at US$72.88 a barrel.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for January delivery fell 67 cents, or one per cent, to US$69.91 per barrel and expired on settlement. The more active WTI February contract fell 64 cents to settle at US$69.38 per barrel.
The Federal Reserve cut rates by a quarter percentage point as expected on Wednesday, but Chair Jerome Powell warned that stubborn inflation would make the US central bank more cautious about cutting rates next year.
The US dollar rose to a two-year high, making oil more expensive for buyers holding other currencies.
“A less accommodative Fed in 2025 than initially expected has markets adjusting their expectations,” Alex Hodes, analyst at commodities brokerage StoneX, said.
In the United Kingdom, Bank of England policymakers held interest rates steady on Thursday, while officials disagreed over how to respond to a slowing economy. Also on Thursday, the Bank of Japan kept ultra-low interest rates as US Presidentelect Donald Trump’s vows to impose tariffs cast a shadow over the country’s export-reliant economy.
Oil in surplus next year
Softening economic activity could deepen a slowdown in oil demand growth next year. Brent futures prices have shed more than five per cent so far this year, setting up a second consecutive annual loss, as a faltering Chinese economy weighed heavily on crude oil demand.
Energy transition measures have also hit demand sharply in China, the top oil importer. State-backed energy giant Sinopec on Thursday said it expects China’s petroleum consumption to peak in 2027 as fuel demand weakens.
The oil market is widely expected to be in a surplus next year, with JP Morgan analysts predicting that supply will outpace demand to the tune of 1.2 million barrels per day.
Oil supply could tighten next year if Trump, a Republican, delivers on campaign promises of cracking down on Iranian oil exports.
Democratic President Joe Biden’s Administration has also ramped up sanctions on Iranian entities, with three vessels involved in trading Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals sanctioned on Thursday.
Such actions, however, have had little effect on oil prices, JP Morgan analysts noted, adding that Trump is unlikely to prioritise policies that would push energy prices higher.
Brent crude prices are forecast to average around US$73 a barrel in 2025, according to a Reuters tally of 11 brokerages that have issued price targets.
Some support for the oil market came as US crude stocks declined by 934,000 barrels in the week to December 13. Still, that was smaller than the 1.6 million-barrel drawdown analysts had forecast in a Reuters poll. (Reuters)
Israel keeps up Gaza bombardment as ceasefire talks intensify
US and Arab mediators are working around the clock to hammer out a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, sources close to the talks said, while in the Gaza Strip medics said Israeli strikes had killed 44 Palestinians on Thursday.
The mediators, at talks in Egypt and Qatar, are trying to forge a deal to pause the 14-month-old war in the Hamas-ruled enclave that would include a release of hostages seized from Israel on October 7, 2023, along with Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Mediators had managed to narrow some gaps on previous sticking points, but differences remained, the sources said.
In Gaza, medics said at least 13 Palestinians were killed overnight in separate
Israeli airstrikes, including on two houses in Gaza City and a central camp.
Medics said an Israeli airstrike killed nine near Beach refugee camp in Gaza City, while another killed four others at a hous-
ing project near Beit Lahiya in the north. There was no Israeli comment.
Later on Thursday, airstrikes killed at least 15 Palestinians in two shelters housing displaced families in eastern Gaza City’s sub-
urb of Tuffah, medics said.
Another Israeli airstrike killed at least three people after targeting a residential house in the Sabra suburb of Gaza City, medics said, bringing Thursday’s death toll to 44.
The Israeli military said it struck Hamas militants operating in command and control complexes in areas that were previously used as the Al-Karama and Sha’ban Schools in Tuffah. It said Hamas used the complexes to plan and execute attacks against its forces.
A report published by Medecins San Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) on Thursday said there were clear signs of ethnic cleansing in Israel’s offensive as Palestinians were forcibly displaced and bombed. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Trump-backed spending deal
fails in House, shutdown approaches
ARepublican spending bill backed by President-elect Donald Trump failed in the US House of Representatives on Thursday, leaving Congress with no clear plan to avert a fast-approaching Government shutdown that could disrupt Christmas travel.
By a vote of 174-235, the House rejected the spending package, which was hastily assembled by Republican leaders after Trump and billionaire Elon Musk scuttled a prior bipartisan deal. Despite Trump’s support, 38 Republicans voted against the package along with all but three Democrats.
Government funding is due to expire at midnight today. If lawmakers fail to extend that deadline, the US Government will begin a partial shutdown that would interrupt funding for everything from border enforcement to national parks and cut off paycheques for more than two
Dozens of children killed in crush at Nigerian Christmas funfair
Thirty-five children have been killed in a crush at a Christmas funfair in the south-west Nigerian city of Ibadan, with six others hospitalised, the Police say.
The organisers had promised to give cash handouts and also food, but so many people turned up that there was a crush as they struggled to gain entry.
Residents said that over 5000 children had gathered at the venue and the crush occurred when the main organisers arrived to start
the event.
The sequence of events leading to the crush has not been disclosed.
The police say they have arrested eight people who were behind the event, including the main organiser, Naomi Silekunola, a wellknown figure in the city.
President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the parents who have lost their children, and ordered a thorough investigation.
The Oyo state government said victims had been taken to hospitals across
Ibadan for treatment after the crush at the Islamic High School in the city’s Bashorun district.
Authorities have urged parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children to check at the city’s hospitals.
Nigeria is grappling with its worst economic crisis in a generation, which explains why more than 10,000 people reportedly turned up for the event.
There have been several similar incidents this year.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
million federal workers. The US Transportation Security Administration warned that travellers during the busy holiday season could face long lines at airports.
The bill largely resembled the earlier version that Musk and Trump had blasted as a wasteful giveaway to Democrats. It would have extended government funding into March, when
Trump will be in the White House and Republicans will control both chambers of Congress, and provided US$100 billion in disaster relief and suspended the debt. Republicans dropped other elements that had been included in the original package, such as a pay raise for lawmakers and new rules for pharmacy benefit managers.
At Trump’s urging, the new version also would have suspended limits on the national debt for two years – a manoeuvre that would make it easier to pass the dramatic tax cuts he has promised and set the stage for the Federal Government’s US$36 trillion in debt to continue to climb. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Dominique Pelicot jailed for 20 years in landmark French mass rape trial
AFrench court found Dominique Pelicot guilty on Thursday of repeatedly drugging and raping his wife for almost a decade, and inviting dozens of strangers to rape her unconscious body in a case that has horrified the world.
All the Frenchman’s 50 co-defendants were also found guilty of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault, while their victim, Gisele Pelicot, sat in the packed courtroom to hear
the sentencing, having waived her right to anonymity.
Gisele, 72, has become a symbol of female courage and resilience during the three-month trial and crowds of supporters outside the courthouse in the southern city of Avignon cheered as she appeared after the verdicts had been read out.
“This trial was a very difficult ordeal,” she said in her first comments at the end of the sentencing, adding that
she did not regret her decision to let the case be heard in public.
“I now have confidence in our ability to collectively seize a future in which each woman and man can live in harmony with respect and mutual understanding. I thank you,” she said.
Dominique Pelicot, who was married to Gisele for 50 years, had pleaded guilty to the charges and a panel of five judges sentenced him to the maximum 20 years in jail, as requested by prosecutors.
The court found 46 of the other defendants guilty of rape, two guilty of attempted rape and two guilty of sexual assault, handing down sentences of between three and 15 years in jail, less than the fourto-18 years demanded by the prosecution.
Many of the accused had denied the charges, saying they thought it was a consensual sex game orchestrated by the couple and arguing that it was not rape if the husband approved.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli airstrike on a house amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City
(Reuters/Dawoud Abu Alkas photo)
Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, the victim of mass rape orchestrated by her then-husband Dominique Pelicot at their home in the southern French town of Mazan, reacts as she leaves after the verdict in the trial for Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-accused, at the courthouse in Avignon, France, December 19 (Reuters/Manon Cruz photo)
Dress for success and strut your stuff. Social events will lead to chance meetings and various opportunities to ponder. A chance to donate or support a cause or someone you care about will lead to unexpected rewards.
A change or proposal someone makes will take you by surprise. Before you jump at a potential opportunity, do your research. Stay calm and proceed with deliberation.
A positive attitude will prevent emotional friction. When in doubt, take a pass and do something you can easily handle. Sport a trendy new look and enjoy the festivities in your community.
A reserved attitude will pay off. Take your time and verify what you hear before you react. Engage in creative endeavors or spend more time with someone you love.
High energy will help you get things done, allowing you to move on to entertaining activities. Your enthusiasm will lead to opportunities and a chance to meet with someone who can alter your life.
Set guidelines, boundaries and a budget when dealing with people who don't reveal their intentions but are pressuring you to join forces. Be bold and move forward alone.
Social and networking events will allow you to meet interesting people and show off what you can offer. An opportunity to learn, travel or connect romantically looks promising.
Know your limits and your opponents. Think outside the box, and you'll devise a surefire way to outmaneuver someone trying to take advantage of you. Trust your instincts.
Take a long, hard look at what's important to you. It's time to turn the page and create and embrace opportunities that excite you. Attending a reunion will help you redefine your role and purpose.
Emotions and money won't mix. You can't buy love and shouldn't waste your time trying to please someone who doesn't reciprocate. Be open to trying something new.
Home improvements will make your life easier. Open your doors to friends and family, and you'll gain access to valuable information and an opportunity to get to know someone better.
Showing respect may win you favors, but truth and honesty will buy you dignity and support from those who count. Don't let uncertainty weigh heavy on your mind; take the high road.
GFF, MEYBA launch new national team kits
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in collaboration with global sportswear brand MEYBA, has unveiled new team kits, marking an exciting milestone in their fiveyear partnership announced in September.
The kits are designed to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Guyana while equipping the national teams with cutting-edge performance apparel as they gear up for a packed 2025 calendar featuring major campaigns for both male and female national teams.
The year kicks off with the CONCACAF U-17 Women’s and Men’s World Cup Qualifiers, then the U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers followed by the senior men’s participation in the CONCACAf Gold Cup Preliminaries, the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
and later on, their Nations League campaign. The senior women’s team will also take to the field for the Concacaf W Champions Cup Qualifiers.
The newly-unveiled kits feature designs inspired by Guyana’s rich cultural heritage, striking colours, and passion for football.
Jonathan Jones, MEYBA’s Head of Global Marketing, said: “It’s a proud day for MEYBA to release our first international kits with the Guyanese Football Federation. Guyana is a very special place, and we’re thrilled to be working with a federation that is as forward-thinking as the GFF. The kits are directly inspired by the essence, colours, and love for Guyana. We can’t wait to see them on the pitch as the Golden Jaguars prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifi-
Pacesetters
cation with MEYBA by their side!”
GFF President Wayne Forde also expressed his pride in the partnership and the unveiling of the new kits:
“This partnership with MEYBA represents an important step forward
upset Ravens with 5-point victory
The National Gymnasium was filled with basketball talent as the Stabroek Eagles and Wortmanville Pacesetters recorded victories on Wednesday in the Guyana Basketball League, organised by the Guyana Basketball Federation.
In the opening game, the Caimans were victims of an attacking Stabroek Eagles. The Eagles showed their dominance and becalmed the Caimans to their second defeat. The Eagles dominated from the jump ball, establishing a lead in the first quarter with the scoreline reading 23-17.
The Eagles maximised their lead in the second quarter by scoring 22 points, elevating their score to 55, while the Caimans were restricted to 10 points, bringing their total to 27. With the Caimans fail-
ing to score baskets, it seemed to be a practice session for the Eagles. They once again max imised their lead, scoring 19 points and elevating their score to 74, while the Caimans scored 12, for a total of 39 points on the scoreboard.
With a dominant fourth quarter, the Eagles showed their consistency and ability to attack the Caimans’ defence as they were the first team to reach triple digits, to secure a 49- point victory, 100-51. Closing off the night’s action, Wortmanville Pacesetters pulled off the miraculous upset of the night as they handed defending champions North Ruimveldt Ravens
their first defeat. The Pacesetters led from the quarter, setting the tempo for a score of 18-13.
The Pacesetters managed to continue to demonstrate their points-scoring heroics, managing to bucket 20 points while the Ravens were limited to 17 points with the overall score 38-31.
Calming the destructive attack of Shamaar Huntley, Dominic Vincente, and Nikkoloi Smith, the Pacesetters maintained their lead by attacking the bucket, scoring nine points while the Ravens scored 10, with the 47-41.
Despite the Ravens securing valuable points, it was a little too late as the
Wortmanville Pacesetters closed off the night with a fivepoint victory and the score reading 63-58.
Action will continue at the same venue on Saturday as the McDoom/ Prospect Kobras will look to go two-for-two as they battle East Coast Allstars and following will be UG Trojans looking to secure their first win against Plaisance Guardians, with the action starting at 19:00h (7 pm).
teams for
These new kits not only symbolise the pride and identity of our nation but also showcase our commitment to providing the best for our players and fans. We are excited to see our teams donning these jerseys as we continue our journey towards the Gold Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.”
Kit Details
Men’s Home Jersey:
The home kit showcases a bespoke Jacquard base with an all-over jungle sublimation pattern, representing the colours of Guyana’s national flag. Key features include omni move technology, a reflective GFF badge, tri-colour raglan sleeves, a V-neckline, and hidden design elements throughout.
Jersey:
a classic pinstripe design combined with geometric jacquard elements. A du al-colour reflective GFF badge and an exclusive MEYBA neckline blend retro aesthetics with modern performance.
About MEYBA
Founded in Barcelona, Spain, in 1981, MEYBA gained international recognition as the first branded kit supplier for FC Barcelona, famously worn by legends like Maradona and Johan Cruyff. Today, MEYBA continues to deliver high-performance sportswear to professional clubs and international federa-
Women’s Home and Away Kits:
The women’s kits feature bespoke designs inspired by the sights, sounds, and vibrant colours of Guyana, creating a unified identity for all GFF teams.
Football Federation kits are available exclusively at MEYBA.com starting Wednesday, December 18. The GFF is thrilled to continue its partnership with MEYBA, confident that these kits will not only enhance team performance but also reflect the pride and identity of the Guyanese people.
Guyanese shine in Suriname at Kares-powered Crossfit
Guyana’s Roley Chandler, Kellon Reid and Shanika Estwick snapped up podium positions over the last weekend when the Kares Caribbean Championship “December Classic” in partnership with local gym Rock Fitness was hosted in Paramaribo, Suriname.
With the support of local company Kares Group and Lotus Hardware, the first CrossFit licensed event in Suriname was hosted on December 14 and 15 at the Ring Sports Center, Paramaribo. International participation was witnessed with athletes from Guyana, Suriname, the Bahamas, French Guiana, United Kingdom, France, USA, Venezuela and Brazil converging in the Dutch nation for avid competition.
Eighty-two athletes flexed their muscles in varying categories, namely Intermediate Individuals, scaled males and scaled fe-
Podium finishes
Individuals 1st - Roley Chandler (Guyana) 2nd - Jaime Thompson (Bahamas) 3rd - Kellon Reid (Guyana)
Scaled Men
1st - Timotee Juge (French Guiana) 2nd - Dimitri Stomp (Suriname) 3rd - Kenneth Yau (Suriname)
Scaled Females
1st - Patiqua Cooper (Bahamas)
2nd - Amanda Rijsdijk (Suriname)
3rd - Shanika Estwick (Guyana)
males. There were over two days of competition starting on Saturday at an outdoor venue at Plantation Frederiksdorp with the first event – 1000m kayaking, followed by 2000m run and 5000m trail biking. Athletes completed one event on Saturday and five events on Sunday. It was the second Crossfit licensed event in the Caribbean, (first one in Trinidad, August 2024).
According to organisers, the event was a great success commencing at 09:00h and finishing promptly at 17:00h. They also noted that they are pleased with the enthusiasm and support from athletes and spectators (300).
As such, there are intentions to host the next Crossfit licensed event in another Caribbean country in April 2025. The vision for the competition is to move across borders regionally in the Caribbean and eventually expand globally in the USA, UK, Europe and beyond as a recognised Crossfit-licensed event in countries across the different continents.
Other sponsors for the tournament included Baitali Group, Gorilla Energy Drink, Jumex Juice, Bacardi, FIS Industrial Services, All Star, Paramaribo Bright, Plantage Frederiksdorp, Basic ne Water, Rude Boy and Ramcharan's slijterij.
A look at the new MEYBA kits for Guyana’s national football
the Guyana Football Federation.
Nikkoloi Smith carrying the ball for North Ruimveldt Ravens
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024
Mandhana, Ghosh star as India seal series in style
Ahigh-scoring entertainer that had more than 47,000 fans in anticipation of a thriller fizzled when West Indies' middle order imploded to give India the T20 International (T20I) series 2-1. The orchestrators of the win were Smriti Mandhana, who hit her third straight half-century, and Richa Ghosh, who exhibited incredible ball-striking to smash the joint-fastest T20I half-century.
India's 217 for 3, their highest-ever T20I total, came from a vastly different approach from two nights ago, where 160 seemed pedestrian in the face of dew.
When West Indies fought back to propel themselves to 123 for 4 on Thursday, need-
allow Henry too many opportunities to swing the new ball by getting to the pitch of it and lofting imperiously through the line. The consequence of that was
Mandhana raise her third straight half-century, off just 27 balls, to set the base. From 61 for 1 at the end of the powerplay, India waltzed their way to 99 for 1
ing 95 off 36, they had an outside chance. But Chinelle Henry's dismissal for a 16ball 43 led to a meltdown they couldn't recover from, with left-arm spinner Radha Yadav walking away with four wickets.
This was India's first bilateral T20I series win at
Henry dropping short, which was met with a ferocious Mandhana cut. It was one of those evenings where every single bowler erred in their lengths or in their planning against Mandhana. When they bowled short, she stayed leg side of the ball to open up the
at the 10-over mark.
Rodrigues builds
Amid the carnage from Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues was by no means a second fiddle. Having survived a close lbw shout on 6 in the sixth over while looking to nudge across the line,
Bist makes an impression, Richa finishes
With the platform set, India could've sent in Richa Ghosh at number four, but they chose to persist with Raghvi Bist, playing in just her second T20I. On her part, Raghvi made up for her inexperience with ex cellent game awareness, farming strike and allow ing Mandhana first until she fell for 77, later to tre stage. this while talising some sweet ly-timed strokes occa sionally, hitting two fours and a six in her unbeaten 22-ball 31.
On a night when it didn't seem like a batter could out muscle Mandhana, Ghosh arrived and immediate ly carted a six first ball fol lowed by a back-cut so late that she nearly played it off the keeper's gloves to bisect backward point and short third. Any relief West Indies may have had having dis missed Mandhana dissipat ed in a jiffy.
age, but for West Indies reprieving her in the 16th when Aaliyah Alleyne and Chinelle Henry nearly ran into each other near the wide long-on fence. Neither called for the ball that landed right between them.
On 154 for 3 in 16th over at that point, India blasted 63 more with Ghosh alone accounting for 44 of those. By the time she was out trying to clear long-off, Ghosh had hit three fours and five sixes in her 17-ball half-century, the joint-fastest in T20Is alongside Sophie Devine and Phoebe Litchfield. There was no area in the arc between point and square leg that Ghosh didn't pepper in front of the wicket.
In playing a blinder of the kind she exhibited on Thursday night, Ghosh proved why she's better off
Mandhana's reprieve off Qiana Joseph, running to her left to grab a skier at mid-off, cost them just 10 as she was out top-edging a slog to short fine in the fourth over to S Sajana. Renuka Singh's chance to Dottin at fine leg when she top-edged a sharp Saima Thakor short ball threatened to prove costlier. But she managed just 25, in which she exhibited traits that has made her a feared batter the world over. Dottin's dismissal hot on the heels of Hayley Matthews’ left West Indies at 69 for 3 in the ninth over. With the asking rate spiralling with every passing over, Henry, who had a T20I highest of 34 prior to this game, got stuck into Deepti Sharma, slamming her for two fours and a six in the 14th as she raced to 43 off 15 before getting a thick edge off a slog to Bist at short third. That was the last of hope for the West Indies gone right there, and with it the possibility of a series win.
That should've been the extent of Ghosh's dam
Qiana Joseph c Sadhu b Sajana 11
Deandra Dottin c Yadav b Sadhu 25
Shemaine Campbelle † c Mandhana b Sharma 17
Chinelle Henry c Raghvi Bist b Renuka Singh 43
Nerissa Crafton run out (Chetry/†Ghosh) 9
Aaliyah Alleyne b Yadav 6
Shabika Gajnabi c Sajana b Yadav 3
Zaida James c †Ghosh b Yadav 7
Afy Fletcher not out 5
Karishma Ramharack not out 3
Titas Sadhu, Renuka Singh
Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Uma Chetry, 0.6 ov), 2-99 (Jemimah Rodrigues, 10.1 ov), 3-143 (Smriti Mandhana, 14.4 ov), 4-213 (Richa Ghosh, 19.5 ov) • DRS
Bowling
Chinelle Henry
Deandra Dottin
Hayley Matthews
Karishma Ramharack
Aaliyah Alleyne
Afy Fletcher
West Indies Women
(T: 218 runs from 20 ovs)
- M - R - W
- 0 - 14 - 1
- 0 - 54 - 1
- 0 - 34 - 0
Hayley Matthews (c) c Sajana
b Yadav 22
Extras (b 1, w 5) 6
Total 20 Ov (RR: 7.85) 157/9
Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Qiana Joseph, 3.5 ov), 2-57 (Hayley Matthews, 7.1 ov), 3-62 (Deandra Dottin, 8.1 ov), 4-96 (Shemaine Campbelle, 11.1 ov), 5-129 (Chinelle Henry, 14.4 ov), 6-136 (Aaliyah Alleyne, 15.3 ov), 7-137 (Nerissa Crafton, 15.5 ov), 8-142 (Shabika Gajnabi, 17.2 ov), 9-147 (Zaida James, 17.6 ov) • DRS
Bowling O - M - R - W
Renuka Singh
Sajeevan Sajana
Saima Thakor
Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues laid the platform with a rapid stand
Chinelle Henry took the fight to India with 43 off 16
Radha Yadav struck with her first ball to remove Hayley Matthews
Deandra Dottin sparkled briefly for 25 off 17
CPL partners with GSIQ for media and sponsor evaluation
The Republic Bank
Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has announced a new partnership with GSIQ its official media and sponsor evaluation partner.
Known for its expertise in media monitoring and sponsorship intelligence, GSIQ will provide the CPL with cutting-edge data and analysis across all aspects of the league’s operations.
As part of its role, GSIQ will evaluate the total viewership for the recently-concluded 2024 CPL season and provide in-depth insights into the value delivered to the league’s commercial partners. The 2024 CPL, which ran from August 29 to October 6, saw the Saint Lucia Kings crowned champions after an action-packed tournament spanning multiple Caribbean locations, in-
cluding Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago.
CPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pete Russell expressed his excitement about the partnership, highlighting the importance of accurate data and insights to measure the league’s impact. “We are excited to be working with GSIQ, who are led by some of the best minds
in the insight and analysis space. Their world-leading tools will help us confirm the viewership and value delivered by CPL to all our stakeholders, giving us valuable feedback as we analyse the 2024 tournament and plan for 2025 and beyond.”
GSIQ co-founder Charlie Dundas emphasised the significance of the collaboration, calling the CPL a trailblazer in cricket. “We
set up GSIQ to help clients unlock the value of sponsorship. The Caribbean Premier League has proven to be a fantastic innovator in cricket since its inception in 2013, and we are thrilled to count them as one of our founding clients. Their faith in our services has been fundamental to our early progress, and we are excited to be their partner for data and insights in support of their
ongoing success.”
With GSIQ’s expertise, CPL aims to strengthen its position as one of the most dynamic and commercially successful T20 leagues in the world. The partnership is set to provide CPL with invaluable insights to enhance stakeholder engagement and ensure the tournament continues to thrive in the global cricketing landscape. (Sportsmax)
semi-finals on the line.
Before the day’s action began, five teams potentially had the opportunity to seal a spot in the final four, but in the end, defending champions Clarendon College, Annai Secondary and St Benedict’s College pulled
enough in their first two games to secure a spot in the last four. Annai Secondary, desperately
led the charge with a helmet trick in the 5th, 56th, 80th and 81st minutes. Adrian Cabral (7th, 66th) had a brace, Josh Glasgow (2nd) and Matthias John (76th) netted one goal each.
Dolphin Secondary’s goa keeper Brian Brower had
met in last year’s semifinals also. Brathwaite opined about his team’s outing on Wednesday, “Basically, they normally do it well throughout the tournaments they had before, even in the two previous games, but I think, it’s just lack of concentration for tonight’s game. Hope going forward they can correct that as well.”
“Most obviously, we’re here to win. So, we gotta go out with a high spirit, despite tonight’s loss. Nevertheless, I’m going to lift the spirit of the team and hope that they perform to their best from which we can get the results that we need,” the Chase’s Academic Foundation Coach further stated.
St Benedict’s Coach Randolph Boyce also dissected his team’s performance, noting that they will be taking it one game at a time.
consolation in the 19th minute.
Also at Queen’s College ground, DC Caesar Fox (Waramadong) Secondary exited the competition in style, defeating Suriname’s Henry Hassankhan Community School 10-5, in what can only be described as a goal fest.
Stephon George netted the first of his brace in the fifth minute to open the scoring and later made it a 2-0 affair in the 12th. Lot Granes tripled DC Caesar Fox’s lead in the 13th and then Kemron Thomas began his hattrick campaign. Thomas found the back of the net in the 36th, 56th and 90th minutes while Dominic Elliman (53rd, 86th) and Jim Carter (51st, 82nd) both found the back of the net twice.
For the Surinamese school, Quency Van Rhemen (37th, 50th) and Joshua Mohali (39th, 61st) both struck twice and Cylfano Misaine scored the fifth goal.
Later on, at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Tobago’s Speyside High fiercely challenged the defending champions with the intention of securing a positive result that could have paved their way to the semis, but the Clarendon squad managed to eke out a 2-1 win in the dying minutes of the Terron Williams had finally broken the ice between the two in the 74th minute, but Speyside’s Milz Johnson equalised in the 92nd. Just a minute later, Roshaun Sterling
would find the game-winner for Clarendon.
While reflecting on the tournament thus far, Clarendon Coach Kemar Foster appreciated the challenge his team met on Wednesday night and promised good football in today’s semis.
“The tournament is great. I like it, it’s an international tournament, it give our kids some great exposure to international level. The tournament is really high, if you watched the game was really tight today, I like it for the players,” Foster shared.
The Jamaican Coach went on to say this about today’s semis, “I wouldn’t say smooth sailing, football play on the day, you don’t know what can happen, but I can guarantee you we will come out and play, and play our best football.”
The final game of the group stage saw St Benedict’s College getting the better of Chase’s Academy, 3-0, in a hotly-contested encounter.
Both having their fair share of chances, Chase’s Academic Foundation held off their challengers and looked on their way to a draw that would see them topping their group. However, a Camron Burke strike in the 80th minute for St Benedict divided the two teams. That goal was followed up by an Adam Pierre double in the 83rd and 90th minutes resulting in the 3-0 loss for Chase.
Ruing the loss, Chase’s Coach Levi Brathwaite chalked it up to a lack of concentration, but expressed an intention to flip the script on Clarendon, who they
“Well, Chase really played a good game, offensively and defensively. The game was even balanced up until, as you said, the 70-something minute. We just tell them to keep focused, keep disciplined, keep doing what we doing ‘cause we saw some little areas that we could attack and we could penetrate and eventually it paid off for us,” the St Benedict’s Coach explained. Boyce added about avoiding Clarendon College in the semifinals again, “Definitely, but we take one game at a time. We have a semi-final against us, I think it’s Annai. They’re a good, little playing team, so we can’t look at the finals as yet, we’d have to deal with them on Friday. So, we just have to take it one game at a time until then.”
The KFC semi-finals are scheduled for today at MoE Ground, where St Benedict’s will take on Annai Secondary at 17:30h while Chase and Clarendon will clash at 19:30h for a spot in Sunday’s final. Meanwhile, Trophy Stall has been announced as another addition to the tournament’s long list of sponsors. The entity will be providing supporting trophies for the tournament’s runners-up and individual accolade.
“The Petra Organisation is happy for the support from Ramesh Sunich’s Trophy Stall. This tournament has provided a platform for our young footballers to compete with the best teams in the Caribbean and it can only bode well for them. As such, we are very thankful for this support,” the organisers said in a brief statement about the recent sponsorship.
The players of St Benedict’s College celebrate a late goal
Trophy Stall has recently hopped aboard the sponsorship train for the KFC Goodwill International Tournament
Horse Racing Bill tabled in National Assembly
The sport of horseracing will soon enjoy the benefit of legal regulation following the tabling of the Guyana Horseracing Authority Bill. The bill – which has been receiving the utmost attention from the Charles Ramson Jr led-Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport –was tabled in the National Assembly on Wednesday, a landmark event for the sport.
Earlier this year, the Sport Minister had announced the completion of the draft bill, which he had hoped to table in the first quarter.
“We have done, on the legislation alone, in terms of actual sessions with stakeholders, we’ve probably done maybe 14 meetings, where we went through, provision by provision, legislation in other countries, full comparative analysis, what will work for us; and it was a painstaking process,” Ramson Jr had shared on that occasion about the work that went into the horseracing bill.
Aimed at providing oversight for the horseracing community in Guyana, the bill is likely to regulate major stables, officials, jockeys, and handlers, as well as making provisions to address violations, expand the authority’s membership, introduce term limits and regulating the sport’s lucrative betting component.
Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr