Guyana Times - Friday, February 7, 2025

Nigel Hughes secured 75 acres of State land from APNU/AFC after NCM, 2020 elections

…AFC leader denies State acquisition, claims was transferred from previous leaseholder

Over 11lbs of ganja seized in 2 Police raids Over 2000 Police ranks, 762 detectives to be trained ahead of 2025 elections GT city workers to benefit from 8% retroactive wage, salary increase in 2025 Private contractor must fix wages of underpaid

GAWU GPSU yet to submit financial statements; subvention not released

DoJ complaint over US property Ex-CH&PA Head assures legitimacy of funds – Jagdeo

…rejects call for witch-hunting

Former Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves, who resigned earlier this week amid allegations of corruption and collusion, has assured Government that the sources of funding for his properties are legitimate.

This was revealed by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during a press conference on Thursday.

“Sherwyn Greaves will have to answer and give credible answers for the acquisition for any of his properties… We asked Sherwyn Greaves when this issue surfaced…and he assured us that the sources of his funding are legitimate and every transaction he’s done is legal,” Jagdeo said during his press conference on Thursday.

In recent days, the operations of the CH&PA within the Housing and Water Ministry came under the spotlight amid mounting concerns over controversial land sales in Guyana and

high-value property acquisitions in New York.

In fact, a complaint was filed against Greaves at the United States Department of Justice (DoJ). The complainant –owner of Church’s Chicken in Guyana, Terrence Campbell – asked the DoJ to launch an investigation into Greaves’ alleged purchase of a US$770,000 New York home last year.

Campbell alleged that the sale was facilitated by a close relative of convicted real-estate businessman Edul “Ed” Ahmad.

The Department of Justice was asked to investigate the seeming “quid pro quo” for favours to be granted in Guyana, in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), in which Ahmad recently purchased prime real estate in Guyana at allegedly reduced prices from the CH&PA.

One such purchase had to do with the sale of 30 acres of land at Ogle, East Coast Demerara – near ExxonMobil’s headquarters

– to a company owned by Ahmad.

The Housing Ministry has since explained that the transaction is above board, and that the $30 million per acre price tag was standard and had been in place for years, even under the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

Jagdeo has since made it clear that if Greaves and Ahmad broke the law, “they must face the consequences. That’s our position… And so, we will have to examine [the allegations], but right now, we’re not going to witch-hunt people on the basis of conjecture.”

Moreover, the Vice President lashed out at the ongoing vilification and attacks that forced the former CH&PA Head to step down.

“[Greaves] offered to resign because he said [he] can’t handle this vilification anymore… They ran him down, vilify him… They running him down and his family for weeks and then expressed surprise when he

has resigned,” he posited.

In a statement confirming his resignation, Greaves noted that his decision “is a deeply personal one made after consulting with my family. It stems from various posts on social media directed at me personally”.

Greaves also noted that “my resignation is purely a personal choice and in no way an admission of guilt. Everything I have achieved has been through hard work and can be fully justified.”

No preferential treatment

Meanwhile, Jagdeo went on to defend the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government's land policy track record, noting that there is no room for preferential treatment in the distribution of land for developmental purposes.

“I saw a story about Ed Ahmad and how he is a friend of Jagdeo, friend of the PPP, etc. So, that’s a red herring. But was there any preferential treatment of this individual because

of connections to the PPP? The answer is absolutely not and cannot be proven,” the Vice President declared.

According to Jagdeo, he was not aware of the land agreement with Ahmad. Questioned about the criminal background of the businessman, the VP pointed out that he did not know if this was something that the CH&PA took into consideration before conducting the transaction.

In the same breath, however, Jagdeo argued that there are a lot of convicted people in Guyana who continue to benefit from public projects. He went on to voice his dismay at the constant vilification of persons who are perceived to be associated with the PPP/C.

“I see all the time this vilification of people that they’re PPP… PPP supporters are eligible for support as anyone else… [But] if you are perceived to be close to the PPP and you do any criminality, you will face the consequences,” he stressed.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, February 7 –00:30h-02:00h and Saturday, February 8 – 01:30h-03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, February 7 –11:40h-13:10h and Saturday, February 8 – 12:55h-14:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

to thundery showers are expected throughout the day and at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius. Winds:

Nigel Hughes secured 75 acres of State land from APNU/AFC after NCM, 2020 elections – Jagdeo

…AFC leader denies State acquisition, claims was transferred from previous leaseholder

lliance For Change (AFC) Leader Nigel Hughes had received 75 acres of land during the period when the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration was in caretaker mode and after the March 2020 elections while the coalition hung onto power for five months.

Recently, Hughes had raised concerns about land deals by the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government and called for all transactions regarding the sale of State lands be halted until after the upcoming 2025 elections that are slated for later this year.

However, during his weekly press conference on Thursday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo called out Hughes for his “duplicity”, reminding that he benefited from large tracts of land. These lands, he explained, were given out at a time when the APNU/AFC coalition had fallen to a NoConfidence Motion (NCM) and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) had ruled that the Government was in caretaker mode and also during the post-2020 elections period. He also noted that the PPP Government was a legitimate administration. “We’re not in a caretaker mode.

We’re a government vested with full powers,” he told the media.

The Vice President disclosed that these lands inproved on October 19, 2019 and two other parcels, also 25 acres each, in March of

the following year – mere days after the 2020 polls. The 2020 General and Regional Elections were held on March 2, but the coalition did not surrender power until August 2 – five months later.

“Nigel Hughes, on 24th October 2019 got 25 acres of leased land – prime lands… So, the elections came and APNU lost the elections, and then on the 19th of March after the elections, Nigel Hughes got another 25 acres of land contiguous to the [first 25 acres]… And then again on 19th March, he got another 25 acres of land.”

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

AFC Leader Nigel Hughes

Editor: Tusika Martin

News Hotline: 231-8063Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761

Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

GOAL's expanding access to higher education

In a momentous step towards broadening educational opportunities, the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) has announced a major expansion through strategic partnerships with internationally recognized institutions. With the inclusion of Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Ireland and the New Guyana School (NGS) in collaboration with Ubicua Technology, Guyanese students now have access to a wider range of academic and professional development programs. These partnerships mark a milestone in Guyana’s commitment to providing tuition-free, highquality education to its citizens, and ensuring that students across all ten administrative regions benefit from internationally accredited qualifications.

Since its inception, GOAL has played a transformative role in bridging the gap between Guyanese students and global educational opportunities. By offering a broad spectrum of professional certificate, diploma, bachelor's, and master’s programs, the academy has positioned itself as a leader in accessible higher education. The latest expansion builds on this foundation, introducing courses in crucial and emerging fields such as Applied Fire Safety Management, Biopharmaceutical Processing, Bridge Engineering, Healthcare Analytics, and Precision Agriculture, among others. These programs not only enhance individual career prospects, but are also aligned with national development goals by equipping the workforce with the skills needed to drive economic growth and innovation.

GOAL’s collaboration with ATU and NGS is part of a larger initiative that includes partnerships with ten new academic institutions in 2025. The additional partners — Universidad Católica De Murcia in Spain, Western State University in California, QualiTest Inc Medical Laboratory in Guyana, West Africa South America Alliance Inc., Accountancy Training Centre Inc., MJM Accounting and Management Institute, Cacique Inc., and ARKA JAIN University in India — further expand the academy’s reach and diversity of offerings. This strategic network of institutions underscores GOAL’s commitment to fostering a robust, globally competitive education system in Guyana.

One of the most commendable aspects of this expansion is its emphasis on accessibility. Through these partnerships, GOAL ensures that students from all backgrounds, regardless of geographic location or financial constraints, can pursue higher education without the burden of tuition fees. This initiative is particularly significant for rural and hinterland communities, where access to quality education has historically been limited. By leveraging online learning platforms and international collaborations, GOAL effectively removes traditional barriers to education, allowing more Guyanese to acquire world-class credentials from the comfort of their homes.

Moreover, the diverse range of courses offered through these new partnerships reflects an acute awareness of both global and local workforce demands. The inclusion of programs such as Road and Transport Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Real Estate Development & Valuation, and Drinking Water Treatment Operations indicates a strategic effort to cultivate expertise in sectors that are crucial for national infrastructure and development. Meanwhile, specialized programs like Professional Skills for High-Performance Sport and Electronic and Computer Engineering cater to emerging industries and technological advancements, ensuring that Guyanese professionals remain competitive in an evolving job market.

As Guyana undergoes rapid economic transformation, particularly with the growth of the oil and gas industry, the need for a highly skilled workforce has never been more pressing. GOAL’s commitment to fostering educational excellence through international partnerships positions the country as a hub for professional development and lifelong learning. The program’s continuous expansion signifies a proactive approach to human capital development — one that prioritizes both immediate workforce needs and long-term national progress.

For prospective students eager to take advantage of these opportunities, the application portal for the 2025 intake is now open. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit www.goal. edu.gy to explore program options and review eligibility criteria. With access to courses from 27 local and international universities, Guyanese students have an unprecedented opportunity to advance their education and careers without financial burden.

By removing barriers to higher learning and creating pathways for career advancement, these partnerships empower Guyanese citizens to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development. As more students enroll in these world-class programs, the impact of GOAL’s initiatives would be felt not just at an individual level, but across industries, strengthening the nation’s economy and global standing.

President Trump, tariffs, deportation, & free press

Dear Editor,

An editorial in another media (Feb 5) posits that the American President Trump is using tariff against trading partners to cloak a desire ostensibly to restrict free speech that is critical of him. Several examples of pressure on media houses have been cited to bolster the argument. The editorial concluded that Trump’s descent into authoritarianism has begun.

Guyanese-Americans I engaged disagree with both conclusions. In fact, they are supportive of President Trump’s activist policies. It is noted that some halfGuyanese-Americans, largely but not exclusively IndoGuyanese, voted for Trump, and proudly so. Also, while in Guyana last week, several Guyanese I engaged supported Trump’s immigration policies, including that of deporting undocumented Guyanese and green card residents who had committed crimes.

Guyanese-Americans voted for Trump largely because of the immigration issue – of having to foot the bill of millions of illegal immigrants who crossed the southern border over the last few years. Those undocumented persons made unreasonable demands for hospitality, and were given four- or five-star treatment, while ‘legal’ Guyanese and other Americans had to work very

hard to foot their own bills.

Some of those undocumented migrants committed crimes, including against Guyanese. Guyanese complained that when they and other illegals came to USA as undocumented during the 1960s thru 1990s, and even later, they worked very hard and built their lives. No government agency helped them. They violated immigration laws, but did not commit crimes to hurt others. They felt it was wrong for Democratic state and city governments to aid the undocumented.

The Democrats’ policy on immigration, among other issues, led to their defeat and Trump’s victory in the 2024 elections. In a visit to Little Guyana and Little Trinidad over the weekend, I found the places abandoned. The undocumented have not reported for duty in stores, restaurants, on construction sites and elsewhere over the last two weeks, fearful of being picked up by ICE.

Guyanese-Americans don’t like or support some of President Trump’s Executive Orders, but they back him on such issues as ramping up deportation of undocumented immigrants, tariffs, pulling back on foreign aid, and dismantling aspects of diversity, among other orders. They are not wholly supportive of tariffs against Mexico and

Canada, but have no problem with tariffs against China. They feel trading deficits with China should be reduced.

Unfortunately, many of them don’t understand the effect of tariffs – raising the price of imports on which the tariff is imposed. Guyanese, like all Americans, don’t wish to pay more for goods, especially foods from Mexico and Canada. They have no problem with the President’s tariff, but want cheaper imports; which is a contradiction.

USA gets a lot of its winter foods from Mexico. Canada also has a lot of green houses that produce food that is exported to USA. Trump has stayed for a month the imposition of tariffs on Mexico and Canada, and it is likely to be stayed permanently after trade negotiations.

On freedom of expression, it is almost impossible to silence the American media and public voice. There is a long tradition of free press in the USA, supported by both Republicans and Democrats. They would not bow to authoritarianism.

Unlike Guyanese, Americans fearlessly express their views on governance and politicians. They are not afraid of politicians, and are known to vote out corrupt politicians. Unlike Guyana, America has truly independent branches of Government

that hold the Executive branch accountable. There is a balance of power among the three branches. The American Supreme Court, though under the control of a super majority of Republicanappointed Judges, has been known to protect free speech. That powerful court would not yield its power to the Executive, or support the rise of authoritarianism.

At any rate, Guyanese do not view Trump as authoritarian. In fact, they are very impressed with how Trump uses presidential power. No president has used power the way he has thus far used it. Over the last two weeks, he has reshaped how the Chief Executive exercises power. Trump will remain powerful during the remainder of his tenure, but Americans will not lose their rights. Trump is not looking to restrict rights or deport people who lawfully reside in the USA; he has support to deport criminals. America may be returning to what political scientists once called the ‘imperial presidency’, or having a very powerful president but not an authoritarian ruler. America has checks and balances against abuse of power by any politician. And they hold the corrupt accountable, unlike in Guyana.

Sincerely, Vishnu Bisram

Police ranks visited and conducted a lecture at the Malali Nursery and Primary schools, Demerara River, Region Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice). They discussed with the students, how to properly use a speed boat; wear reflective clothing at night; lighting on a speed boat, horn to alert other commuters; bullying; identifying what is a good touch and a bad touch; dangers of playing with matches or lighters, and being respectful and obedient to their teachers and parents (GPF photos)

Lelon Saul’s push for biometric voting premature, lacks conclusive evidence

Dear Editor,

Please permit me space in your newspaper to respond to Mr. Lelon Saul's letter in the publication dated Tuesday, February 4, 2025, wherein he advocated for legislative reforms to facilitate the use of biometric technology in elections.

I wish to address some misconceptions and unfounded claims made by Mr. Saul, particularly his push to replace physical ballots, which I believe remain the more secure method for ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.

His assertion that biometrics would enhance the efficiency and security of the electoral process lacks conclusive evidence. While biometric technology may have a place in modernising systems, its introduction would not automatically resolve issues such as voter fraud, inefficiencies,

and security breaches commonly associated with elections worldwide.

In my opinion, physical ballots are a better safeguard against the concerns Mr. Saul raised.

It is important to remind Mr. Saul that, just four years ago, during the failed attempts by his party, the APNU/AFC, to manipulate the 2020 General and Regional Elections, it was the use of physical ballots that helped thwart those efforts. Had biometrics been in use during that election, the coalition might have succeeded in its attempts to manipulate the votes. The physical counting of ballots at polling places and the generating of statements of poll subsequently exposed the inflated numbers that Mr. Clairmont Mingo was calling out. If the voting had been electronic, the GECOM staff who attempt-

Trump's executive orders mirror those issued by Caricom nations (Part 1)

Dear Editor,

With its meteoric rise, Guyana has become "the most beloved country" to all of its Caribbean neighbours. This is evident in the drastic change in the way our peoples are being treated in those countries. It marks a 180-degree turnaround from previous years, when we were met with the most hostile attitudes from the leadership and residents of those Caricom countries.

But before I discuss the sudden change in the fortunes of the Guyanese people, let me take us down memory lane. Just a few short years ago, Guyanese were seen as refugees; a bunch of repulsive fugitives who were turning up at other Caricom ports. I here make use of the creole term to say we were a group of "Deh bad people" who were seeking asylum anywhere. Yes! Anywhere possible, other than Guyana. Those were horrible times. Those were the worst of times. Those were the times when persons were ashamed to be called Guyanese because that word inevitably resulted in ridicule and bad treatment. We were the rejects of the Caribbean!

Certain Caricom territories can be called out for dishonourable mention where the ill-treatment of our peoples is concerned, and I name a few: St Lucia, Antigua, Trinidad & Tobago, The Bahamas, and Barbados. Whichever of those countries you name, the Guyanese experience there had been very bad. The last-named country was the most notorious of them all. Barbados had the most inhumane policies

against nationals from my country.

Every Guyanese who has travelled to that island could attest to the hostile encounters they had had with Bajan Immigration. Everyone can attest to the rows of red chairs that had greeted them, and to the nationality of the persons who frequented that special area. That was the way we had been treated.

Many Caribbean nations are now speaking out against President Trump’s executive orders, and are accusing him of being a narcissist and an inhumane person, yet they fail to remember that those same draconian measures were meted out to their very own right here in the Caribbean.

With every executive order Trump makes that speaks to deportation of non-nationals, Caribbean governments must face the reality that those were the same draconian measures they had instituted against Guyanese in their countries. They cannot run away from the sure fact that Trump's measures are a direct reflection of their own policies when Guyanese were fleeing poverty from their homeland.

The turnaround came at the advent of oil; now every Caricom nation speaks of us in endearing terms such as: Guyanese are our brothers and sisters. They now know that Guyana is a "Sister Caricom Country."

In my next missive, I shall reveal to you the root causes for their prior actions.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

ed to manipulate the numbers from a “back room” could have done so undetected, potentially even from a remote location.

The integrity of the 2020 elections was upheld through the painstaking recount of physical ballots, a critical step that ensured the validity of the votes. The physical ballots provided clear evidence of the actual results, and prevented manipulation of digital systems that might have gone unnoticed had biometric methods been employed.

If similar attempts had been made with biometric data, the results could have lacked transparency, and tampering might have been harder to uncover.

Regarding the issue of voter queues, Mr. Saul's claim that long lines are primarily the result of outdated voting systems is misguided. In reality, long lines typically occur during the early morning rush, when voters are eager to cast their ballots. By noon, the queues are generally diminished. Simplifying this problem by suggesting that biometrics would resolve the issue overlooks the fact that queues are often a reflection of human behaviour, not systemic inefficiency.

Additionally, Mr Saul’s assertion that biometrics would significantly reduce delays or improve voter turnout does not take into account the complexities and potential complications associated with implementing such tech-

nology. Biometric systems require substantial infrastructure, including the collection and storage of sensitive data, which introduces new risks concerning data privacy and security. Without a clear understanding of how this system would be monitored and safeguarded against misuse, it is premature to claim that it would enhance electoral processes.

There are also concerns ongoing regarding the vulnerability of electronic systems to hacking, malfunction, or human error. In contrast, the security of physical ballots has been tried, tested and trusted for decades, even amidst significant challenges.

While modernisation is important, the integrity of the electoral process should not be sacrificed for the sake of convenience or perceived efficiency. Physical ballots remain the most secure, reliable, and transparent means of ensuring that every vote is accurately counted, and that the will of the people is accurately reflected.

Taking into account the factors outlined above, one now has to wonder why the Opposition seem to be the only ones pushing to have physical ballots replaced with biometrics, given their attempts to manipulate the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Sincerely,

Eddy Layne Director of Public Information

Agencies failed the public in suspected cooking gas cylinders

Dear Editor, The editorial 'Gas cylinders lacuna', published on Feb 4, 2025, has been quite revealing. Recent incidents allegedly of fire and explosion around gas cylinders are a matter of grave concern.

Here, a letter writer who inquired about codified standards and enforcement by the respective agencies has been met with less than satisfactory responses from two agencies. The first agency had no standard, and passed the buck to the second agency. The second agency has developed a standard for storage, handling, and transportation of portable LPG containers, but does not monitor implementation of the requirements of the developed standard, nor does it assume "responsibility to enforce” the stan-

Chase your dreams in the good times

Dear Editor, I am more concerned about what Budget 2025 brings to the table for the youths of our country.

Today I write to encourage youths all across Guyana to chase their dreams, and from what I have gathered, there are many opportunities available that our elders wish they had had free of cost, whether they have had vocational or academic training.

Recently, while ‘catching up’ with a longtime friend -- we used to travel to school back in the day –she told me she got trained to be a patient care assistant. She had not done very well in secondary school, and had been working at a store in Georgetown. After discovering her passion for healthcare, she came across an ad on the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page that had expression of interest for a patient care assistant. She expressed how much her hope has been renewed. Subsequently, she applied, was successful, completed the programme, and is now employed full time at GPHC. Her passion has been fulfilled. She now earns, and is able to support her family better. In life, sometimes one may encounter all sorts of hurdles and bad experiences, but

the agenda is to “never give up hope”.

Recently on television, I heard Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony mention that Gy$575 million is being allocated to support training for this year. These are good opportunities that young people can take advantage of to empower themselves and play a part in the healthcare sector.

The Board of Industrial Training also offers more than 20 technical vocational programmes that can make you a specialist in technical fields. Let’s not forget GOAL – A fully online programme that can afford you the opportunity to work and study at the same time.

It is good to see how our country has evolved into a First World way of education delivery. I urge you to take advantage of these opportunities and make hay while the sun shines. All of it is free of cost and is easily accessible. In that way, you can earn and support your family and your communities.

I believe that development starts with you as a person. Only then would you be able to make an everlasting impact in society.

Regards, Jeremy Glasgow

dard. What sheer absurdity! What pure balderdash!

It is indeed perplexing that these two agencies -one with no standard, and the other with no responsibility to enforce its own standards (no enforcement has strands of similarity to UN and ICC rulings) -are now part of efforts to review the recent spate of 'suspected cooking gas cylinder-related explosions'.

The pertinent query raised by the letter writer: as to the state's responsibility and liability, are relevant, and must be considered in any investigation. State agencies have responsixbility for public safety and welfare. It can be discerned that these agencies failed the public miserably, with dire consequences.

Sincerely,

Shamshun Mohamed

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025

06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time 06:30 Cartoons

07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 HGTV

09:00 Stop Suffering 10:00 Food Network 12:00 News Break

12:05 Movie - The Garfield Movie (2024) 14:00 Wheel of Fortune

14:30 Spongebob Squarepants

15:00 When Calls the Heart

15:30 My Adventures with Superman S2 E4 16:00 Indian Soaps

17:00 The Young & The Restless

18:00 Aljazeera

19:00 The Evening News

20:00 Stop Suffering

20:30 Stand-up Comedy

23:00 Yellowstone S5 E7

00:00 Sign off

Page Foundation

Calculate the size of angles x and y for the triangle below

(a) x = _________________ degrees

(b) y = ________________ degrees

(c) Tick the box next to the name of the triangle above.

Right angle triangle Isosceles triangle

Equilateral triangle Scalene triangle

(d) How many lines of symmetry does an equilateral triangle have?

(2) The shape below represents a fence around a garden.

(a) What is the value of Y?

(b) Calculate the perimeter of the shape.

(c) If 1 metre of fence wire costs $500, how much will it cost to fence the entire garden?

(a) Complete the figure to show that it is symmetrical.

(b) Determine the area of the completed shape in square units.

The tally chart below shows the number of animals on my street.

(a)

(i) Complete the table by filling in the missing values. (ii) What is the total number of animals seen on the street?

(b) Which animal on the street is twice as many as cats?

(c)

(i) Which of the animals is seen the least?

(ii) How many more pigeons must be seen on the street to equal the number of dogs?

When I was sick and lay a-bed, I had two pillows at my head, And all my toys beside me lay To keep me happy all the day. And sometimes for an hour or so I watched my leaden soldiers go, With different uniforms and drills, Among the bed-clothes, through the hills; And sometimes sent my ships in fleets All up and down among the sheets; Or brought my trees and houses out, And planted cities all about.

I was the giant great and still That sits upon the pillow-hill, And sees before him, dale and plain, The pleasant land of counterpane.

WORD SEARCH:

By RoBeRt Louis stevenson

(3) The diagram below shows a line of symmetry ST within an incomplete shape.

March 2025 completion on track for $11B Diamond-to-Buzz Bee Dam Road

Work is progressing steadily on the highly-anticipated four-lane highway stretching from Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam, East Bank Demerara, the official deadline for completion of which has been set at March 24, 2025.

President Dr Irfaan Ali inspected the ongoing construction on Thursday as efforts are ramped up to complete the third phase of Government’s massive road expansion initiative.

The contractor has said the project is already 61 per cent completed; drainage works are approximately 80 per cent completed, while road works on both the northern and southern carriageways are 36 percent completed. To meet the deadline, night works have commenced.

The Head of State, warning the contractor against non-compliance with the stipulated deadline and contractual specifications, has said, “We've got to make sure that by March 31st… the Buzz Bee Dam section is complete, because there's no extension here. We have to get this completed, and

you can’t have the contractors going to the Land of Canaan; they can’t be breaking up that access.”

The Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam four-lane highway is a key infrastructural project aimed at easing traffic congestion along the East Bank corridor. Contracts worth nearly $11 billion have been signed for the development, which includes 4.6 kilometres of asphaltic concrete roads.

The project is divided into five lots, with different

contractors being responsible for each lot. This initiative forms part of a broader road expansion plan spearheaded by the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led Government. The first phase of this effort was the $2.6 billion Mandelato-Eccles Road, which commenced in April 2021 and was commissioned in April 2022.

The second phase extended the four-lane road beyond Eccles to Great Diamond at a cost of $13.3 billion. Twelve contractors

were involved in that section. This section, recently commissioned as ‘Heroes Highway’ in honour of five Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officers who perished in a helicopter crash, now provides a vital link between Eccles and Great Diamond.

Connectivity

The new Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam project would further enhance connectivity, particularly for commuters travelling to and from the Cheddi Jagan International

Airport (CJIA) and the West Demerara corridor. It also complements the Indiafunded bypass road project which aims to connect the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara through a new highway running through the backlands.

The Indian Government had previously allocated a US$50 million Line of Credit (LoC) for the bypass road, initially planned to run from Ogle, East Coast Demerara to Diamond, EBD. However, under the previous adminis-

tration, the project was stagnated for several years.

Upon assuming office in August 2020, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government redesigned the initiative into three phases: Ogle to Haags Bosch (Eccles), Eccles to Diamond, and Diamond to Timehri, with the first phase covered under the Indian LoC. In Budget 2025, an allocation of $197 million has been set aside in retention payments for contracts that are part of the project. (G1)

Private contractor must fix wages of underpaid Packaging Plant workers – GAWU

The Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) is calling on Rion Peters, the contractor hired by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to oversee the operation of the Demerara Gold Packaging Plant at Blairmont, WBB, to accept his responsibility to have the issue of the workers’ wage increase addressed urgently.

Workers of the Packaging Plant are currently on strike, demanding a salary hike and claiming

they are being paid below the National Minimum Wage. These 16 female workers took strike action on Sunday, demanding that they be paid at least the National Minimum Wage as stipulated in the law.

They are currently being paid at a rate of $330 per hour, and are receiving $2,640 per day, whereas the Minimum Wages Order stipulates that they be paid at least $347 per hour, or $2,776 per day.

While these workers are not officially represent-

ed by a union, GAWU has shown interest in ensuring they are treated fairly. In a statement issued on Thursday, GAWU has said that, based on what it understands, the private contractor has declined to take responsibility for adjusting the workers’ pay rates. And further, GAWU has said these workers are indeed being paid below the minimum wage.

“We believe that contractors must understand their obligations as employers, especially regard-

ing compliance with relevant labour laws,” GAWU has said, and added that it is the private contractor who must fix this situation, as failing to meet the minimum wage standards could result in serious legal implications, including fines and potential imprisonment for non-compliance.

Peters told this publication he is paying his workers based on a rate set by the sugar company, but GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer Paul Cheong told this publication that this

private contractor is the one responsible for the welfare of those employees.

Packaging Plant workers have also had issues in regard to the contributions deducted from their wages not being paid into the National Insurance Scheme; however, contractor Rion Peters has since committed to addressing those concerns.

On this matter, GAWU has said that if the workers’ claims are accurate, significant concerns about their access to social security ben-

efits and entitlements are being raised; and it wholeheartedly supports the workers in their pursuit of fair compensation and dignified working conditions. GAWU is, as such, contending that the issue must be addressed constructively, rather than be deflected.

Moreover, GAWU is urging the relevant authorities to consider the workers' concerns and take appropriate action to ensure compliance with the law and support for these workers’ rights.

President Dr Irfaan Ali inspecting construction ongoing on Thursday

Paved section of road

Over 11lbs of ganja seized in 2 police raids

Aseries of police operations in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) have resulted in multiple arrests and seizures of narcotics.

A police cordon-andsearch operation conducted at a Sheet Anchor residence in East Canje, Berbice on Wednesday uncovered three parcels hidden under a bed in one of the bedrooms, and each of the parcels contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The residence belonged to a 43-year-old unemployed woman, but when police began questioning the six persons who were at the home, Eon Clarke admitted ownership of the narcotics.

He and the other persons, including two teenagers, were arrested and taken to the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam along with the suspected narcotics. At the station, the substance was weighed in their presence and the weight was determined at 5.1kg (11 pounds).

Police say they had been seeking to apprehend Clarke in connection with an armed robbery that allegedly took place on January 31 at Belvedere, Corentyne, in which Ravindra Somai, known as ‘Buxton,’ was the victim.

In a separate operation

that took place on Wednesday between 15:15h and 16:00h, a team of police ranks led by a detective inspector conducted a cordon-and-search exercise at the home of a self-employed man at Savannah Park in New Amsterdam, Berbice. And while no illegal items were found within the home, searches in an empty lot opposite the home led to the discovery of a bulky black plastic bag that contained multiple Ziplock packets filled with suspected cannabis. When weighed, the suspected narcotic amounted to 486 grams.

An investigation has been launched.

Options…

…on Venezuela

If it’s one thing your Eyewitness knows you know, Dear Reader, it is that he’s a realist in politics – domestic AND foreign. So, when he considers the options available on Venezuela, he’s gonna be putting aside any rose-tinted glasses that might be lying around!! Now, since we’re a pipsqueak little country in the big picture, before we talk about OUR options, we better consider those of the elephant in our neck of the woods – the USA with its new maximum leader at its helm – Donald “the Don” Trump!! What he does will determine the limits of what’s possible for us.

Before this turn at the rodeo, the Don had already teed off on Mad Maduro during his first go, between 2016 and 2020. The strategy then was to stress the madman’s mockery of democracy - which was touted as America’s standard for legitimacy to rule – to unleash economic sanctions externally and back the Opposition internally. The sanctions helped destroy Venezuela’s economy further, but announcing that Mad Maduro had lost the 2018 elections and recognizing Juan Guaidó as president didn’t do a damn thing -except enrich Guaido, who now lives the life of Riley in Florida!!

Between those activities, there were the several failed attempts to take out Mad Maduro using mercenaries!!

Now, while on this go-around the Don’s announced Opposition candidate Gonzalez as the winner of last July’s elections - and now the “rightful” President - the fact that one of his first actions was to send his representative to bargain for the release of six accused American mercenaries means that he implicitly RECOGNIZES Mad Maduro as the de facto president of Venezuela!! And was willing to deal with him!! In your Eyewitness’s not-so-humble opinion, the Don ain’t gonna be backing no parallel Venezuelan Government again!! It costs too much, and Mad Maduro had checkmated the only institution capable of removing him – his armed forces. He’s bribed the leadership by giving them sinecures to run corporations and even sections of the oil sector!!

On the sanctions front, Sleepy Joe Biden had reinstated Chevron’s licence, and it now produces ONE QUARTER of Venezuela’s oil production – which it ships to the US!! Trump had promised cheap oil, and he ain’t gonna be rescinding that licence!! In fact, your Eyewitness sees him offering new licences to other American oil companies to muscle out the Chinese and Russians from the oil sector!! In other words, he’ll work to control Mad Maduro economically – even as the latter accepts the 600,000 Venezuelan illegals in the States!!

And that doesn’t leave much heavy lifting for us, does it?? The US ain’t gonna allow Mad Maduro to threaten Exxon’s gold mine here!!

…on the good life

Your Eyewitness thinks the $2B allocated for the Botanical Gardens and Zoo (BG&Z) is quite significant. Not merely because of what it means for the BG&Z per se, but because of what it says about us: that we can spend that much on something that ain’t gonna be putting food into our mouths. It means we’re beginning to think of how we can live the good life with art, sea walls, parks and zoos etc! Man doesn’t live by roti alone; his soul needs to benefit from contemplating the universe and all we live among. He bets that the Opposition won’t be kvetching that we can’t eat zoos!!

The BG&Z had already gotten an injection of resources from that American firm Schlumberger, which supports the oil sector. The $2 billion would fund an even more ambitious plan: that’ll bring together and display the flora and fauna of our dear Mudland is such a manner that won’t only knock the socks off our visitors, but highlight to the world the role we’re playing on the conservation front.

Bringing in money!!

…on police corruption

We just learnt that Asst Police Commissioner Brutus has been dismissed for matters that have transfixed the Guyanese public over the past few months for the sheer chutzpah of the man. Eight hundred million in bank accounts?? Beats that CH&PA fella!!

The ganja that was found at Savannah Park in New Amsterdam, Berbice

The narcotics that were found at the house in Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje, Berbice

Truck crashes into car, utility pole, house at Lusignan

Police have launched an investigation into a serious accident that occurred on the Lusignan Public Road, East Coast Demerara on Thursday at about 10:45h.

That accident involved motor lorry GHH 5392, driven by 28-year-old Atash Singh of No 71 Village, Corentyne Berbice and motorcar PYY 6812, owned and driven by 31-year-old

Jameela Kelvin of Norton Street in Wortmanville, Georgetown.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Singh was proceeding east along the northern carriageway of

the Lusignan Public Road at a high rate of speed when he reportedly lost control of the lorry, and it collided with a Guyana Power and Light (GPL) utility pole situated at the centre of the roadway before crashing into Kelvin’s motor car, which was travelling west along the southern carriageway of that road.

Reeling from that impact, the lorry then barrelled into a foundational post of a house situated along the roadside, causing additional damage.

Emergency services were summoned to the scene, and both drivers were transported to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they were administered further medical attention.

Better management needed at NA Hospital – Region 6 Chair

– as more people utilising services than before

The New Amsterdam Hospital needs to be better managed. This is according to Region Six Chairman David Armogan, who made this comment on Thursday when the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) met to discuss issues affecting the region.

The Region Six Health Committee has recommended transferring certain parttime Government workers in order to address several issues affecting the operation of the New Amsterdam Hospital. Armogan has, however, pointed out that doing so would only be transferring the problem to another department.

Expressing his opinion that what is needed is proper supervision at the medical facility, Armagon declared,

“If you do not supervise

them properly, they would be doing all sorts of things.”

Councillor Colin Moore, who was at the meeting, said many patients who go to the New Amsterdam Hospital leave without being attended to because of the lengthy pe-

riod they are forced to wait.

“Not just the long waiting, but the quality of service that you are not getting at the New Amsterdam Hospital,” he noted.

Suggesting that maintenance of the washroom facilities should be tendered to private contractors, Moore also said,

“Clearly, the management of that hospital is not working in the best interest of the people.”

Acknowledging that citizens of Region Six deserve better,

Moore agreed that better management is needed at the New Amsterdam Hospital, and cited instances when dangerous animals were found in the building.

Informing the RDC that wild animals are invading the institution, Moore declared,

“I know that in Region Six we do not have a zoo, but it does not mean that we must turn New Amsterdam Hospital into a zoo. Pregnant mothers at New Amsterdam Hospital battling with

‘manakoo’ [Opossums, also called ‘Kumbie’ in Guyana] and rats in all sizes. I am not even talking about the stray cats in New Amsterdam Hospital, snakes and alligators in the hospital. You can have the infrastructure, but if you do not put proper management at the facility, it is a waste of time.”

Pointing out that there was only one case in which

an alligator was found at the institution, Armogan declared, “The security guards need to pay attention too! At the end of it all, it comes down to management; but, at the same time, the statistics are showing that more people are utilising the services of the New Amsterdam Hospital than used to be (the case) before.”

Dr Bob Ramnauth, CEO of the New Amsterdam Hospital

Colin Moore addressing the Region Six RDC

Region Six Chairman David Armogan

Govt to update almost 40-yr-old Public Service Rules

– information technology and Cybersecurity among updates

It has been 38 years since Guyana last updated its Public Service Rules with its 1987 edition, but efforts are now underway to revise them.

This has been revealed by Public Service Minister Dr. Ashni Singh during Consideration of the 2025 Budget Estimates and Expenditure in the Committee of Supply on Wednesday night.

Public Service Rules are guidelines and policies that define the relationship between Government and public servants. According to the minister, work has already begun on an early draft of the updated Public Service Rules.

“So there is in existence what I would perhaps call an early draft of new Public Service Rules. I am advised

that this early draft is currently with the Ministry of Legal Affairs for their review. Needless to say, that draft would also have to be the subject of consultation with the union, and we’re not at the point where we’ve had those consultations,” the minister stated.

Further, he noted that the ministry has been actively working on the revision, and the draft would be refined to a standard that is suitable for stakeholder review.

“But clearly this is something that we would like to move forward. You can be assured that we will certainly endeavour to work with our colleagues at the Ministry of Legal Affairs to get it to a point where we can then share it with other stake-

holders, in particular the GPSU, and then take it from there,” the minister has said.

Underscoring that other aspects of public service operations would be updated, and all changes are expected to be completed by the end of 2025, Dr Singh said, “And there are other areas as well that we are considering, including things like information technology and Cybersecurity, etc. So, the short answer, Mr. Speaker, is we have essentially concluded work on the Public Service Employee Handbook. Work is ongoing on a number of other areas, and we anticipate making significant progress by the end of 2025.”

Minister of Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh

GPSU yet to submit financial statements; subvention not released

...Govt remains open to discussions to resolve issue – Finance Minister

Questioned by the Opposition on whether the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) would receive its annual $2 million subvention — funds that often return to the Consolidated Fund — Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance & Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, highlighted that the GPSU had not submitted audited financial statements, resulting in the funds not being disbursed.

However, noting that Government remains open to discussing the issue with a view to having it resolved, Dr Singh said, “Historically,

we have been asking for audited financial statements to be submitted by not only the GPSU, but also by other entities for whom a subvention has been budgeted. In this instance, I am advised that the GPSU did not submit their audited financial statements, which resulted in us not releasing the subvention.”

He added, “I am perfectly happy to have a conversation with the GPSU on what the parties can do to perhaps remedy that situation and ensure they receive the resources we have budgeted for them.”

Highlighting the Ministry’s ongoing engage-

ment with the GPSU, the minister emphasized that a productive working relationship had obtained over the past year.

“Let me first of all say that we’ve actually had an excellent engagement with the GPSU during the course of the past year. I think we have had an excellent engagement with the GPSU; which has led to the conclusion of negotiations, as Honourable Members would be aware, and the signing of a multi-year agreement with the GPSU.”

He added, “For the first time in as far as I can remember. And I want to place on record the Government’s

appreciation for the effort that went into this on both sides: on the part of the Government team, including the Permanent

Secretary and staff of the ministry; and on the part of the GPSU’s leadership as well.”

Over 2000 Police ranks, 762 detectives to be trained ahead of 2025 elections

Government has announced plans to train 2,039 police officers and 762 detectives in 2025, ahead of the upcoming General and Regional

Elections. With a substantial budget of $250 million allocated to human resource development within the Guyana Police Force (GPF),

Government aims to bolster the crime-fighting capabilities of the GPF and enhance law enforcement efficiency.

Emphasising that the initiative focuses on equipping officers with critical security skills to effectively combat crime, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has said that training would include specialized areas such as criminal investigations, intelligence gathering, and community policing, thereby ensuring that officers are well-prepared to handle evolving security challenges.

Noting that this move is a vital component geared at maintaining peace and order as the 2025 General and Regional Elections approach, Benn has said, “The type and quality and footprint related to the training, and the facilities which we now have upgraded, are much better, so the quality and delivery in terms of number per training cohort is more efficient now… It’s an election year, so that for that very reason the type of training may be significantly different. So, the amount…is a proportion here similar to last year, but with different

focus,”Minister Benn told the Committee of Supply on Wednesday as the Estimates of Expenditure for Financial Year 2025 were being considered.

In addition to training efforts, the Government has earmarked $6.7 billion in capital expenditure for infrastructure improvements within the Force. Benn noted that this investment would fund construction, reconstruction and renovation of police stations nationwide and procure state-of-the-art equipment to modernise po-

licing efforts.

As the country continues to develop, the minister explained, strengthening the Police Force remains a top priority in fostering a secure and stable environment for all citizens.

“We expect that (if) there will be more effort, there will be less crime. That we speak in the Ministry of increasing the peace in Guyana…There are attempts at making trend analyses based on the amount of effort, the amount of resources, which are being put into policing and the work of the Human Services, Ministry of Education and other places to bring these numbers down,” he added.

The (GPF) has already commenced preparatory works in anticipation of the 2025 General and Regional Elections. In fact, the Commissioners of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) have recently paid a courtesy call on Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken at his offices at Eve Leary to discuss areas of mutual cooperation.

During that meeting, Shaikh Moeen-ul Hack, Chairman of the ERC, expressed gratitude to the

Guyana Police Force (GPF) for providing training to ERC staff on the Cybercrime Act and on CID Induction Training for the ERC’s Investigative Unit. In response, Commissioner Hicken reaffirmed the GPF’s commitment to providing additional training support to the ERC, and welcomed the opportunity for GPF officers to benefit from ERC-led training in areas such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

The ERC and GPF have already collaborated on several cases related to violations of the Racial Hostility Act and the Cybercrime Act, some of which are ongoing. With the country entering the elections season, both sides recognize the importance of enhanced collaboration. To strengthen this partnership, they intend to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to streamline the handling of cases forwarded by the ERC.

The ERC and GPF have reaffirmed their shared commitment to upholding the rule of law by fostering ethnic harmony, security and good relations across Guyana. (G1)

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and his staff in the National Assembly

Report minibus overpricing, loud music, touts directly to police – Traffic Chief to commuters – as individuals

Commuters across Guyana have recently been experiencing a surge in minibus fares, with drivers charging passengers more than the standard rates. But instead of officially reporting these incidents, many affected commuters have taken to social media to voice their frustrations.

In response to this development, Senior Police Superintendent Mahendra Singh, Guyana’s Traffic Chief, is urging the public to cease relying solely on social media and instead report these issues directly to the police at the nearest police station.

In appealing to the public during a recent interview, Singh emphasized that law enforcement officials can do only so much without formal complaints being in their possession.

“If individuals choose to express their concerns on social media rather than reporting directly to the police, it hinders our ability to respond effectively. While we continue to provide traffic education, without formal reports, we have no way of identifying the specific locations, drivers, or buses involved,” he advised.

Also highlighting the recurring issue of loud music being played by minibus operators, the Traffic Chief noted that when people complain on social media instead of informing law enforcement, offenders often evade

use social media to air their frustrations instead

the consequences of their actions by lowering the volume before police arrive.

“There are frequent complaints about excessive noise from public transportation. However, when officers respond to these reports, the situation has often changed by the time they arrive. In many cases, the music is either turned off completely or played at an acceptable level, making enforcement difficult. If individuals report these issues in real-time to the police, rather than posting about them online, we would have a better chance of catching constant offenders,” he explained.

Further, he emphasized that without official complaints from the public, the police have no solid basis on which to enforce compliance with the law. However, with

proper reports, authorities can take necessary action against non-compliant minibus drivers.

“To take action, we require verifiable evidence. When officers identify a breach of regulations, we follow a structured process. This includes seizing equipment and prosecuting offenders where necessary. However, if cases are only discussed on social media, we are unable to investigate properly or present substantial evidence in court,” Singh stressed.

Highlighting the legal requirements for enforcement, particularly in cases brought before the court, the Traffic Chief said, “Legal proceedings require proper documentation and evidence. Social media posts, while useful in raising aware-

ness, do not constitute formal complaints. We encourage the public to engage with law enforcement through the appropriate channels (in order) to ensure that their concerns are addressed effectively.”

Lamenting that many individuals experience these issues but are often reluctant to report them, the Traffic Chief declared, “We frequently observe that individuals affected by these infractions choose not to formally report them. However, the appropriate course of action is to visit the nearest police station and file an official complaint. Additionally, it is important to note that the last amendment to the fare structure was approved years ago, and operators are expected to adhere to these regulations.”

Addressing the issue of touts harassing commuters, the Traffic Chief emphasized that this is another area in which the lack of reporting has hampered police intervention.

“We continue to receive

reports of individuals being harassed by touts, or being overcharged for transportation. However, the police can only act when provided with concrete information and first-hand accounts from affected individuals. Without this, enforcement efforts are limited,” he explained.

The Guyana Police force

had revealed that during the second week of January 2025, there would be a clampdown on minibus touts. The Traffic Department had relayed that efforts would be intensified to address the issue of minibus touts operating at various minibus parks to solicit passengers for buses.

Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh

GT city workers to benefit from 8% retroactive wage, salary increase in 2025

– as GM&CC, GLGOU ink labour agreement

Georgetown municipal employees are set to receive long-overdue salary increases , after a groundbreaking wage agreement between the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and the Guyana Local Government Officers Union (GLGOU) was finalised.

The move ensures an immediate boost in compensation for a large number of city workers, marking a victory for organised labour and municipal employees alike.

Under the terms of the newly signed Memorandum of Agreement, city employees would benefit from a 10 percent retroactive wage and salary increase for 2024; payment of which is

due by March 31, 2025. And an 8 percent retroactive wage and salary increase for 2025 would take effect from January of this year; payment of which is due by July 31, 2025.

This agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine in the boardroom of the Ministry of Labour on Thursday. Among those present at the signing were Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore, Town Clerk Candace Nelson, and GLGOU President Kimberly Porter.

This wage increase follows persistent demands by the GLGOU, which had earlier pressed for an ur-

gent meeting with the Town Clerk to resolve the issue of salary adjustment, and had warned that failure to address the matter would result in industrial action being taken by all workers under the GLGOU bargaining unit.

In a strongly worded letter, the union had criticized the prolonged delay in negotiations for the multi-year salary package covering 2023 to 2025, and had called it “unacceptable and disrespectful” to its members.

At various statutory meetings, Town Clerk Candace Nelson had acknowledged the longstanding nature of the issue, and had hinted that an amicable resolution was impending.

The new wage structure is expected to bring much-needed relief to city workers, who have long advocated for fair compensation. The agreement also

underscores the role of collective bargaining in securing better wages and working conditions for employees.

As the city moves forward with this wage ad-

justment, municipal workers would now be looking towards implementation of the agreement and timely payment of the agreed sums.

More universities, more scholarships for Guyanese, as GOAL expands

Guyanese students would now have greater access to more universities because the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) has been expanded through new partnerships with international institutions.

GOAL is now partnering with Atlantic Technological University (ATU) of Ireland and the New Guyana School (NGS), in collaboration with Ubicua Technology, Guyana, as its newest academic collaborators.

These new partnerships further expand tuition-free scholarship op-

portunities for Guyanese students in 2025, and offer a diverse range of professional certification in terms of diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s programmes in fields such as Applied Fire Safety Management, Biopharmaceutical Processing, Bioprocess Engineering, Bridge Engineering, Drinking Water Treatment Operations, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Geotechnical and Structural Engineering, Healthcare Analytics, Mechanical and Electrical Quantity Surveying, Professional Skills for

High-Performance Sport, Quantity Surveying, Real Estate Development & Valuation, Road and Transport Engineering,

Road Engineering and Design, Road Maintenance Engineering and Management, Road Safety Audit and Engineering,

Precision Agriculture, and Construction Technology.

In a release issued on Thursday, GOAL has said that, through these collaborations, its commitment to accessible and flexible higher education is reinforced, and Guyanese from all ten administrative regions can now be assured of obtaining internationally recognized qualifications.

ATU and NGS are among ten new academic partners joining GOAL in 2025. The others are: Universidad Católica De Murcia, Spain; Western State University, California, USA; QualiTest Inc Medical Laboratory,

Guyana; West Africa South America Alliance Inc., Guyana; Accountancy Training Centre Inc, Guyana; MJM Accounting and Management Institute, Guyana; Cacique Inc, Guyana; and ARKA JAIN University, India. The application portal is now open for the 2025 intake, and interested citizens are encouraged to visit www.goal.edu.gy to explore program options and review eligibility criteria from a total of 27 local and international universities.

The deadline for submitting applications is February 28, at 23:59h.

Officers at the signing on Thursday (Photo: Ministry of Labour)

$100K cash grant distribution schedules to be released in a week

Schedules regarding the distribution of the $100,000 one-off cash grant for Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and Ten would be published within a week’s time.

Finance Secretary Sukrishnalall Pasha has told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the ministry is currently preparing these schedules and simultaneously working on completing the verification process for

persons who have already registered.

This effort has seen tremendous results, especially against the backdrop of the relatively small team undertaking this initiative. In fact, within one month, the ministry has been able to verify over 240,000 persons.

“We registered about 271,000 since the beginning of the year, and verified 242,000. Last year, about 390,000 persons were registered and ver-

ified. We also substantially completed distribution in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine,” Pasha said as he emphasised the magnitude of

Nigel Hughes secured 75...

“So, 75 acres of land… 25 [acres] before the elections, but after the CCJ had ruled that we go into a caretaker mode and 50 acres after the elections,” Jagdeo told reporters on Thursday.

Based on the documents that were shared with media, these lands are located on the left bank of the Essequibo River and below the mouth of the Groete Creek.

The provincial leases were granted by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC). According to the documents, they were purportedly being leased for “agricultural purposes” at an annual rent for G$800 per acre.

“Imagine, just [three] days ago, he said we must pause –a legitimate government not a government in caretaker mode – must pause on giving out land and he secured for himself 75 acres of land after the CCJ had ruled and after the [2020] elections… We’re not in a caretaker mode. We’re a government vested with full powers until the elections and he wants us to pause on any transactions this year, because this is an elections year,” the Vice President countered.

He went on to highlight other instances whereby Hughes, a prominent lawyer by profession, represented clients to purchase State lands at low costs. “Nigel Hughes was central to those negotiations,” the VP asserted.

For instance, Jagdeo noted that just before the 2020 elections but after the NCM, a client of Hughes – a Trinidadian

company – had secured 25 acres of land at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), from the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) at $26 million per acre. At the time, other lands in the area were being sold at $30 million per acre.

Additionally, the Vice President revealed that the same Trinidadian company had also secured another 10 acres of land at $10 million per acre at Earl’s Court, La Bonne Intention (LBI) on the ECD.

“They represented that they were going to build a 72-apartment luxury building in exchange for the low price they got of $10 million per acre. This land was vested in them just before the [2020] elections… Nigel Hughes was not just the lawyer for the company… He was an officer of the company. He became a director of that company and he then became Company Secretary to the company that secured…”

“So, he as an officer of the company represented that they will build this luxury apartment building at Earl’s Court within four years. They were vested with the land –they had the land, [but] nothing has been built as yet and there are penalties under that agreement,” the VP stated.

Efforts by Guyana Times to contact Hughes for a response to the revelations by VP Jagdeo were futile. Several calls to his phone on Thursday evening went unanswered.

However, while Hughes

this achievement.

Pasha’s disclosure comes on the heels of assurances made by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, that all Guyanese will receive the cash

grant, and that Government is determined to ensure that the process is as smooth and efficient as possible.

Now that Government’s $1.138 trillion budget has been passed, Dr Jagdeo said, the necessary funds are available to resume distribution of the grant.

“[Before], even if the cheques were cut, you could not deliver them or get them cashed, because the resources were not available,” he explained to reporters at the weekly Freedom House press conference.

monumental project, he gave recognition to the hard work of the staff at the Ministry of Finance and said, “It takes time. It has to be done diligently, and people will get their money. We’re not going to be rushed to do it.”

Last week, the Committee of Supply approved the allocation of over $40 billion to support the cash-grant distribution. Of this amount, $30 billion will be disseminated to the 300,000 additional citizens aged 18 and older.

Some 121,000 Guyanese have already received their grants. FROM PAGE 3

did not respond to Guyana Times, he posted on his social media page that he never acquired the lands from the State but rather from a previous leaseholder.

He said that in relation to the lease at Groete Creek, in January 2016 he purchased 50 acres of land from Simon Munroe for the sum of $2 million and made an application at the GLSC for the land to be transferred. He claimed that since the grant of the provisional lease in March 2020, the GLSC has persistently refused to issue a final lease and has refused to accept the payment of rent. He said that the same is the status of a lease he attempted to acquire with another person.

Underscoring that this is a

Better management needed...

Speaking to the RDC, Chief Executive Officer of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Dr Bob Ramnauth, pointed out that the institution is unique in that it was constructed with a canal passing through the compound, and that is where reptiles enter the facility.

He also noted that a playground is situated next to the hospital, and when balls are hit into the hospital compound, players coming to retrieve them would remove sections of the facility’s fence, thereby creating another avenue through which animals enter the institution’s com-

pound.

“In addition to that, the number of patients that we are seeing at the New Amsterdam Hospital has almost tripled, and the same facility is handling that. We have increased the number of doctors from within the 30s to almost 70 now. We have increased the number of nurses by over 200, but the demand at the institution is what is consuming our resources,” the CEO divulged.

Declaring that several new services have been added to those being offered at the New Amsterdam Hospital, the CEO said, “Now we have

over 60 cancer patients who would have had to travel to Georgetown for treatment. We would have trained cancer nurses, gotten special medication, and we are now helping those cancer patients from Region Six to access that treatment here, as opposed to having to travel every two or three weeks to Georgetown.” Further, Dr Ramnauth explained that with a new hospital being built at Number 75 Village, Corentyne and another at Bath Settle ment in Region Five, the burden on the New Amsterdam Hospital would eventually be significantly reduced.

PPP does not need State funds to campaign – Jagdeo

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo has made it clear that the ruling party does not need to use the State’s money to fund its campaign for the upcoming General and Regional Elections, slated for later this year.

“We will not spend Government money to campaign,” he told reporters during his press conference on Thursday at the PPP’s Freedom House headquarters on Robb Street in Georgetown.

According to the General Secretary, the PPP has already started procuring election-related materials that will be paid for by the Party.

“These [would be] all funded from money that we will raise. We don’t need to use State funds,” he declared.

Jagdeo, who is also the Vice President in the current PPP/Civic Government,

was at the time responding to comments made by Opposition Member of Parliament Volda Lawrence, during the recent 2025 Budget debate in the National Assembly.

Lawrence, a former Minister under the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Administration, had claimed that Budget 2025 was filled with slush funds for the PPP’s election campaign.

Jagdeo said it was “unbelievable” that Lawrence would made such a statement when her party had lavishly used the State’s resources during the 2020 campaign trail.

Leading up to the March 2, 2020 elections, the APNU/ AFC regime was in caretaker mode after falling to a NoConfidence Motion (NCM) in December 2018.

In fact, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in

upholding the successful passage of the motion, ruled that the Government should be in a caretaker mode until elections were held.

But even after elections were held in March 2020 –which the coalition lost – it did not give up office until

Panama denies US claims over free canal passage

Panama has denied making changes to allow US Government vessels to transit the Panama Canal for free, following White House claims it had agreed to such a move.

The State Department said in a statement on X that its Government vessels "can now transit the Panama Canal without charge fees, saving the US Government millions of dollars a year".

Responding to the comments, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said it was "empowered to set tolls and other fees for transiting the canal," adding that it had "not made any adjustments to them".

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced his desire to retake control of the waterway, which is key to global trade.

The 82-kilometre (51mile) Panama Canal cuts across the Central American nation and is the main link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has been on a visit to Latin American countries this week, demanded that Panama make "immediate changes" to what he calls the "influence and control" of China over the canal.

America's top diplomat said Panama had to act or the US would take necessary measures to protect its rights under a treaty between the two countries.

During a visit to the country, Rubio met Panama's President José

Up to 14,000 ships use the canal each year to avoid a lengthy and costly trip around the tip of South America

Raúl Mulino, as well as the canal's administrator, Ricaurte Vásquez Morales.

The ACP said after his visit that it had conveyed its intention to work with the US navy to optimise transit priority for its vessels through the canal.

This commitment for dialogue with Washington remained, it said in a separate statement on Wednesday.

US vessels make up a significant proportion of traffic in the canal. In 2024, 52 per cent of transits through the waterway had ports of origin or destination in the United States, according to the canal's authorities.

Up to 14,000 ships use the canal each year to avoid a lengthy and costly trip around the tip of South America.

In his inaugural speech, President Trump said he planned to "take back" the canal, alleging that China was operating it and Panama had "broken" a promise to remain neutral.

The plan was strong-

ly rejected by Mulino, who said the key trade route "is and will remain" in the country's hands.

He also rejected Trump's allegations about China's influence, saying there is "no presence of any nation in the world that interferes with our administration".

Trump recently reiterated his claim. Despite saying earlier this week he was "not happy" with the situation, he acknowledged that Panama had "agreed to certain things". Mulino has said his country will not continue its membership in China's infrastructure-building programme, the Belt and Road Initiative.

The US built the canal in the early 20th Century, but, after years of protest, President Jimmy Carter signed a treaty with Panama in 1977 to gradually hand back control of the waterway, which Trump has branded "a big mistake". (Excerpt from BBC News)

five months later on August 2.

“Between the No Confidence Motion, when we didn’t have a Parliament meeting thereafter… to August 2 of 2020, APNU spent $419.5 billion without Parliament approval. In the whole elections, they paid for everything because there was no oversight… Their 2020 campaign was funded [by State resources]. Billions of dollars they handed out everywhere… They did it without parliamentary approval,” Jagdeo stated.

On the contrary, he said the PPP/C, a legitimate government in office, “…now has a [functioning] Parliament. We have oversight, we have everything.”

Over the years, there have been calls, especially by various foreign Election Observer Missions (EOM), for a review of Guyana’s archaic campaign financing laws.

Laws about campaign finance in Guyana are outlined in the Representation of the People Act (RoPA).

The provision sets a limit on expenses at US$250 per candidate.

In fact, the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections had found in a 2023 report that “there is a lack of transparency and accountability regarding political parties and campaign financing.

Political parties have historically raised funds with-

out any limitations regarding the source or amount of donation, and with very little obligation to disclose election expenses. There is a strong need for such legislation, as there is a perception that persons and/or corporations who give large donations stand to gain political favours.”

Meanwhile, Lawrence had claimed that monies were set aside under several Government agencies, such as the Education and Local Government Ministries, for the PPP/C’s elections campaign.

In response, however, Jagdeo explained that the increases in budgetary allocations to these Ministries were to fund critical programmes such as interventions for Mathematics and literacy, as well as the One Guyana Digital School – a brainchild of President Dr Irfaan Ali.

“If we’re promising world-class education, we have to get it done. But Volda Lawrence thinks it’s a slush fund,” he asserted. Moreover, Jagdeo went on to note that the $300 million increase in the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry is for the establishment of new landfill sites across the country.

“You can’t let these things go unanswered,” the PPP General Secretary declared about the Opposition’s untrue utterances.

US seizes Venezuelan Govt plane in Dominican Republic

US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio on Thursday oversaw the seizure of a Venezuelan Government plane in the Dominican Republic.

US authorities had "determined that there is a basis to file a civil forfeiture action to recover the aircraft, based on violations of US sanctions, export controls, and money laundering", the State Department said in a statement.

It is the second Venezuelan plane that the United States has seized in the Dominican Republic in recent months.

On Thursday, Rubio – on the last stop of his Latin American tour this week – watched as a US Department of Homeland Security official affixed a warrant to the plane, formally seizing it. The plane had been undergoing maintenance at a Santo Domingo airport.

The State Department said high-ranking members of the Government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had used the Dassault Falcon 200

aircraft for travel to Greece, Turkey, Russia, Nicaragua and Cuba.

During his time as a US Senator, Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, advocated harsh sanctions on the Government of Maduro, an ally of the communist-run Cuban Government. Rubio has said this week that the US does not recognise Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate leader.

Last month, U.S.

and

Americans who had been detained in Venezuela. He was also pushing Venezuela to accept its nationals that the US wants to deport. The Venezuelan Government did not respond to a Reuters request for comment about the plane seizure. (Excerpt from Reuters)

President Donald Trump's envoy Richard Grenell met with Maduro for talks

left Caracas with six

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio listening to Edwin F Lopez, the attaché for DHS Homeland Security Investigations, next to the Venezuelan Government airplane that Rubio announced is being seized by the US during a news conference at La Isabela International Airport in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, February 6, 2025 (Mark Schiefelbein/Pool via Reuters photo)

OOIL NEWS

Oil settles down after Trump repeats pledge to boost US supply

Around the World Trump says Israel would hand over Gaza after fighting is over, no US troops needed

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday Israel would hand over Gaza to the United States after fighting was over and the enclave's population was already resettled elsewhere, which he said meant no US troops would be needed on the ground.

A day after worldwide condemnation of Trump's announcement that he aimed to take over and develop the Gaza Strip into the "Riviera of the Middle East", Israel ordered its army to prepare to allow the "voluntary departure" of Gaza Palestinians. Trump, who had previously declined to rule out

il prices settled lower on Thursday after US President Donald Trump repeated a pledge to raise US oil production, unnerving traders a day after the country reported a much bigger-than-anticipated jump in crude stockpiles.

Brent crude futures fell 32 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to settle at US$74.29 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 42 cents, or 0.6 per cent, to US$70.61.

On Thursday, Trump repeated a pledge to boost US production, already the highest in the world, in a bid to lower oil prices and ease consumer inflation.

Oil prices gave up early gains after Trump's comments. Still, analysts have questioned whether US oil producers will be willing to pump more barrels in the current market.

"There is no indication of accelerating US drilling activity," UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said, noting he was surprised by the market reaction to Trump's comments.

Oil prices were also under pressure from swelling US crude inventories. Benchmarks fell two per cent on Wednesday after US Government data showed domestic crude stockpiles rose by 8.7 million barrels last week, well above analysts' expectations of a two-million-barrel increase.

Macquarie analysts said they expect another large build in US crude stocks this week.

Trade set to remain volatile

Trading was volatile. Prices started the session higher after Saudi Arabia's State oil company sharply raised prices for buyers in Asia. Prices also drew support from new US sanctions against individuals and entities for facilitating shipments of Iranian oil to China.

"The notice is out – if you're a refiner or shipper moving Iranian oil, any part of it, you're at risk of getting whacked by the Treasury," Flynn said.

In the near-term, oil markets are expected to remain choppy, with global trade pressured by Trump's rapidlychanging decisions on tariffs and sanctions.

On Monday, Trump suspended his threat of steep tariffs on Mexico and Canada, but new duties on Chinese imports came into effect from Tuesday.

Trump reimposed a 'maximum pressure' campaign against Iran, yet also said he was open to a deal with Tehran.

"The only certainty is that comments from President Trump will continue to drive volatility in the oil market," UBS's Staunovo said.

Global benchmark Brent crude has tumbled over eight per cent since Trump took office on January 20, while WTI has dropped over seven per cent. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Key safety system off in Army helicopter that collided with American Airlines jet, senator says

Akey safety system was turned off on the US Army helicopter that collided with an American Airlines regional jet last week near Washington's Reagan Airport, killing 67.

Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz told reporters the Black Hawk helicopter had turned off its automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), which is permitted for military aircraft.

"This was a training mission, so there was no

compelling national security reason for ADS-B to be turned off," Cruz said after a briefing from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration. In the deadliest US air disaster in more than 20 years, the aircraft collided last week, with both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River. The helicopter was flying about 100 feet (30.5 m) over the maximum allowed for that route, the NTSB said earlier. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Halt in US aid cripples global efforts to relieve hunger

The Trump Administration’s effort to slash and reshape American foreign aid is crippling the intricate global system that aims to prevent and respond to famine.

Struggling to manage hunger crises sweeping the developing world even before US President Donald Trump returned to the White House, the international famine monitoring and relief system has suffered multiple blows from a sudden cessation of US foreign aid.

The spending freeze, which Trump ordered upon taking office January 20, is supposed to last 90 days while his administration reviews all foreign-aid programmes. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio has said

an exception allows emergency food assistance to continue.

But much of that emergency aid is at least temporarily halted as humanitarian organisations seek clarity about what relief programmes are allowed to continue. Compounding the problem is Trump’s move this week to shut the US Government’s top relief provider, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

About 500,000 metric tons of food worth $340 million is in limbo, in transit or storage, as humanitarian organisations wait for U. State Department approval to distribute it, said Marcia Wong, a former senior USAID official who has been briefed on the situation. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump sanctions International Criminal Court, calls it 'illegitimate'

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order sanctioning the International Criminal Court, accusing it of "illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel".

The measure places financial and visa restrictions on individuals and their families who assist in ICC investigations of American citizens or allies.

Trump signed the measure as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting Washington.

Last November, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza, which Israel denies. The ICC

also issued a warrant for a Hamas commander.

A White House fact sheet circulated earlier on Thursday accused the Hague-based ICC of creating a "shameful moral equivalency" between Hamas and Israel by issuing the warrants at the same time.

Trump's executive order said the ICC's recent actions "set a dangerous precedent" that endangered Americans by exposing them to "harassment, abuse and possible arrest".

The US is not a member of the ICC and has repeatedly rejected any jurisdiction by the body over American officials or citizens. (Excerpt from Reuters)

deploying US troops to the small coastal territory, clarified his idea in comments on his Truth Social web platform.

"The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting," he said. Palestinians "would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region." He added: "No soldiers by the U.S. would be needed!"

Earlier, amid a tide of support in Israel for what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Trump's "remarkable" proposal, Defence Minister Israel Katz said he had ordered the army to prepare a plan to allow Gaza residents who wished to leave to exit the enclave voluntarily.

"I welcome President Trump's bold plan. Gaza residents should be allowed the freedom to leave and emi-

grate, as is the norm around the world," Katz said on X. He said his plan would include exit options via land crossings, as well as special arrangements for departure by sea and air. Trump, a real-estate-developer-turned-politician, sparked anger around the Middle East with his unexpected announcement on Tuesday, just as Israel and Hamas were expected to begin talks in Doha on the second stage of a ceasefire deal for Gaza, intended to open the way for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, a further release of hostages and an end to a nearly 16-month-old war.

Regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia rebuffed the proposal outright and Jordan's King Abdullah, who will meet Trump at the White House next week, said on Wednesday he rejected any attempts to annex land and displace Palestinians. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Only 294 USAID staff out of over 10,000 globally to be kept – sources

President Donald Trump's Administration plans to keep fewer than 300 staff at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) out of the agency's worldwide total of more than 10,000, four sources told Reuters on Thursday.

Washington's primary humanitarian aid agency has been a target of a Government reorganisation programme spearheaded by businessman Elon Musk, a close Trump ally, since the Republican President took office on January 20.

The four sources familiar with the plan said only 294 staff at the agency would be allowed to keep their jobs, including only 12 in the Africa bureau and eight in the Asia bureau.

"That's outrageous," said J Brian Atwood, who served

as head of USAID for more than six years, adding the mass termination of personnel would effectively kill an agency that has helped keep tens of millions of people around the world from dying.

"A lot of people will not survive," said Atwood, now a senior fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute.

The US Department of State did not respond to a request for comment.

The Administration's goal is to merge USAID with the State Department led by Rubio, who Trump has made acting USAID administrator. However, it is not clear that he can merge the agencies unless Congress votes to do so, since USAID was created and is funded by laws that remain in place. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)

Palestinian children carry pots as they queue to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen, amid shortages in food supplies, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip December 14, 2023 (Reuters/Saleh Salem)

More action, less talk. How you deal with concerns will impact and influence those you encounter. Laboring over something you cannot change won’t get you where you want to go.

You may crave change, but first consider why you feel this way and what’s involved. Review your finances and think about how to lower your overhead. Helping others or a cause is honorable if it’s within your budget.

Concentrate on helping yourself before focusing on helping others. Make gaining stability a priority, and you will be in a better position to make a difference. A change will do you good.

Combine energy, integrity and determination, and you’ll rise above anyone who gets in your way. Embrace what resonates with you most, and don’t hesitate to go directly to the source. Stand up.

Plant your feet firmly on the ground regardless of the temptation you face. It’s better to do what’s right and avoid backlash than to take a risk that can cost you. Learn from your mistakes.

A plan that frees up time looks promising, but first, build a safety net before you begin. Resist taking on too much prematurely. Set yourself up for success, not failure.

Remain calm, view the situation and summarize what it will take to navigate your way forward. Build a circle that supports your long-term goals, and you will gain momentum while gathering positive input to attract success.

You’ll have choices to make. Set priorities to ensure you reach your target. Take care of responsibilities before you indulge in socializing or creative endeavors. Your efforts will pay off.

Keep the momentum flowing. Don’t let what others do put a strain on your plans. Follow your instincts and do whatever promises peace of mind and happiness.

Put your heart and soul into meaningful relationships, getting ahead and making your life sustainable. Change what doesn’t feel right and say no to temptation and those trying to manipulate you.

Formulate a plan and stick to it. Your determination and courage will help you recognize that you have the power and positive attitude to get things done. You’ve got this.

Observation is necessary to sidestep drama. Focus on something that pleases you or makes you feel good about yourself. Social events will allow you to charm people.

1st ODI, Nagpur, England tour of India...

Gill, Shreyas and Axar provide the firepower as India go 1-0 up

Gill, Shreyas, and Axar provide the firepower as India go 1-0 up

It was both untidy and emphatic. India made light work of their 249 target, passing it with 68 deliveries to spare in Nagpur. That they only won this first OneDay International (ODI) by four wickets was down to an unnecessarily-messy finish. One that spoke more to their disorder at how simple this was than any rallying from England’s part. After a 4-1 hammering in the T20I series, Brendon McCullum’s first ODI as Head Coach ended in a similar shellacking. It was a mix of old and new that combined to give those in light blue a 1-0 lead in this three-match series. Ravindra Jadeja’s 3 for 26 was supplemented by Harshit Rana’s 3 for 53 on his maiden ODI appearance to roll England for 248 with 14 deliveries to spare. Jos Buttler’s 52 and Jacob Bethell’s 51 were the only scores of note after Phil Salt’s emphatic start of 43 from 26 had been wasted.

With Virat Kohli ruled out with a right knee injury sustained on Wednesday evening, Shubman Gill stepped up to ice the chase with 87, helped initially by Shreyas Iyer’s 59 and Axar Patel’s outstanding 52, in stands of 94 and 108, respectively.

The former came at a vital juncture, as Jofra Archer nicked off Yashasvi Jaiswal on ODI debut and Saqib Mahmood – in for the rest-

ed Mark Wood – had skipper Rohit Sharma caught at mid-on in the space of six deliveries. From 19 for 2, India did not look back.

Iyer’s fifty off 30 deliveries set an emphatic tone, dealing with anything and everything short, pulling and then ramping Archer for consecutive sixes at the end of the seventh over. Four of his nine fours were carved off Brydon Carse, who opted for length deliveries more on the off side once it became apparent Iyer was relishing the chance to heave to leg.

Axar’s introduction up the order proved a masterstroke; the left-hander playing with the kind of freedom that allowed Gill to calmly go about his business. Gill’s one alarm came when given out lbw on 38 to Liam Livingstone, but even that was corrected imme-

diately as DRS showed a clear inside edge. The Vice Captain’s 14th fifty was his first against England.

The pair combined expertly in the 29th over against Carse, taking 17 from it with two boundaries each – the best of them a ramp from Axar over the keeper. It was then that this chase officially became a canter, with just 48 needed from the last 21 overs. Axar raised his bat for fifty for the first time on home soil, driving his 46th ball, from Carse, on the up and through the fielder at midoff.

That he was not able to see things through – bowled by a slow leg spinning delivery by Adil Rashid – was a disappointment to Gill at the non-striker’s end. On 81 at the time, with 28 remaining, thoughts then turned to the 25-year-old’s century, which seemed to bring about indecision, first with KL Rahul’s dismissal – a tame caught and bowled to Rashid – and then his own, as he failed to strike Mahmood over Buttler at midon.

Jadeja’s edge off Mahmood through wicketkeeper Salt for the winning runs characterised the anxiety brought on by that unnecessary cascade of three wickets for just four runs. But it also highlighted England’s shortcomings with the bat, brought about by their own three-wicket col-

lapse at the top of the order in the space of eight deliveries.

Salt had driven an opening stand of 75 with Ben Duckett, leaving India flapping in the field. The brutality of Salt’s acceleration after a watchful start was contained in Rana’s third over for 26 courtesy of three sixes – a top-edge, a slog sweep off a slower ball and a heave over midwicket to finish the over.

But a miscommunication on a third run brought about his demise, the first domino to fall as 75 for 0 became 77 for 3. A cut to deep point was chased down by Iyer, who threw to the striker’s end to find Salt comfortably short of his ground, having been sent back by Duckett.

and Axar achieved.

But the English duo’s partnership was capped at 59 when Buttler, nine deliveries after bringing up his 38th fifty-plus ODI score from 58 balls, clipped an Axar long-hop around the corner to Hardik Pandya at short fine leg.

Unlike India’s middle order, England’s fell apart, even as Bethell held his nerve through to a second ODI fifty from 62 balls. His maturity and reading of the situation was a lesson to more experienced heads around him. Those lower down owed it to him to stick around, but the return of pace ended up seeing off Livingstone (caught behind for Rana’s third) and Carse (bowled for Mohammed Shami’s first). Once Bethell was given out on review after Jadeja had struck his back pad on the sweep, only a few lusty strikes from Archer (21 not out) gave England what looked a respectable total at the halfway stage. India, though, showed it no respect whatsoever. (ESPNcricinfo)

Back came Rana with a bang, with two wickets in the following over. Duckett mistimed a pull shot that required a spectacular catch from Jaiswal, running back from midwicket before a well-judged dive.

Harry Brook was then taken well down the leg side by Rahul, who had beaten Rishabh Pant to wicketkeeping duties, after a rising length delivery caught the bottom glove. Joe Root came to the middle for his first ODI innings since the

2023 World Cup, the ideal

Harshit Rana on ODI debut picked up three wickets

Jacob Bethell struck in his second over

Shreyas Iyer came out all guns blazing in India’s chase of 249

Axar Patel and Shubman Gill put on 108 runs together

Mash Street Football Championships… North East, Bent Street win big to progress

The action intensified in the Mash Street Football Championships at the Mocha Community Ground when the competition headed into the Round of 16 on night three.

There, North East, Bent Street and Stabroek Ballers pulled off convincing victories while the likes of Back Circle B had to fight tooth and nail to advance to the next round.

The first match of the night saw Gold is Money needling Bragging Rights with a fifth-minute strike off the boots of Shamar Koulen.

There was a one-goal difference between Showstoppers and Albouystown in the following game, which saw the former enjoying the 2-1 victory. Stephen Jupiter netted a brace for the winners in the 13th and 34th minutes while Wayne Sampson had Albouystown’s lone reply in the 20th.

Next, North East drubbed Timehri Footsteppers 4-0. Eissi Crawford opened the scoring for North East in just the second minute of the game while Lennox Cort made it a 2-0 affair by the seventh. A late brace from Shawn Grosvenor in the 21st and 22nd minutes sealed the 4-0 win for North East. A team effort from Stabroek Ballers saw them getting past Team Cruel 3-0. Brandon Solomon found the back of the net first in the 17th minute while goals off the boots of Mark Jhalu and Dwayne James in the 20th and 22nd minutes accounted for their 3. Bent Street were the next team to secure their spot in the quarter-finals, thumping Westside Ballers 5-1. Westside Ballers were the first to pierce the net through Keron Campbell in the sixth minute. The reply was almost instantaneous from

Powerlifting to kick off year with Novices/Juniors on February 16

The platform for emerging strongmen and women in the powerlifting arena will be locked and loaded come Sunday, February 16, 2025, when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) commences its 2025 season. Novices and Junior lifters will take centre stage as they seek to commence successful careers in the sport.

St Stanislaus College Auditorium is the venue that will see the athletes showcasing their strength in the three lifts affiliated with the sport –squat, bench press and deadlift. This will be the first of four competitions that the Federation hosts, yearly. The Federation will be seek-

Bent Street as Bevney Marks equalised in the ninth minute.

An own goal in the 15th minute going Bent Street’s way broke the tie while Adrian Aaron found the back of the net in the 20th minute to extend their lead. Randy Roberts later netted in the 24th and 25th minutes to complete their 5.

A nail-biting clash between Ztekk and Festival City was up next. Ztekk’s Kevin Baptiste got things going with a goal in the seventh minute while Mario Eastman levelled the score for Festival City in the 18th. Ian Daniels then netted a brace for Ztekk in the 27th and 28th minutes, but Mark Wronge would pull one back for Festival City in the 30th. Though Festival City attempted the comeback, time was not on their side, resulting in the 3-2 win for Ztekk.

The penultimate encounter of the night was a thriller as the winner of the Back Circle B-Broad Street clash had to be decided by kicks from the penalty spot.

Martin King (1st, 5th) and

Jermaine Beckles (20th, 35th) led the charge for Back Circle with two goals each while a hat-trick off the boots of Akeem Sam (16th, 29th, 32nd) and a solitary strike from Joshua Daniels in the ninth minute levelled Broad Street on four goals at the end of regulation time. However, Back Circle B would prevail on penalty kicks, 2-1.

Taliban were the last side to seal their progression to the next round, edging Laing Avenue 2-1. While David George opened the scoring in the sixth minute for Laing Avenue’s lone goal, Sonny Logan (23rd) and Nicholas McArthur (29th) scored one goal each to hand Taliban the win.

The Mash Street Football Championships will move to Georgetown for the quarter-finals where the teams will look to ignite the National Park Tarmac.

The teams are competing for a $500,000 grand prize while second, third and fourth place will have to settle for $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

Diversity Investments donates to Cricket Gear Initiative

Diversity Investments Inc of Lot 36 Happy Acres, East Coast Demerara (ECD), is the latest donor to support the joint initiative of Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA to provide cricket gear to youngsters. The fast-growing company has donated cash, which the project will use to purchase cricket gear requested but not in stock.

ing to ensure that the sport enjoys another successful year with a total of five international competitions also on the Federation’s radar. These are the World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships (June 8-15 in Germany); World Classic and Equipped Sub-Junior and Junior Powerlifting Championships (August 29-September 7 in Costa Rica); South American Bench Press and Powerlifting Championships – FESUPO (September 20-27 in Brazil); World Classic and Equipped Masters Powerlifting Championships (October 12-19 in South Africa) and the World Equipped Open Powerlifting Championships (October 10-16 in Romania).

At a simple but significant ceremony held recently, Safraz Haniff, son of Diversity Investments Inc Chief Executive Officer and owner Raymond Haniff, presented the cash. He stated that his father, a former veteran cricketer and administrator of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and a former senior staff of GuySuCo, has been following the progress of this venture and observed that many of the current West Indies and Guyana players benefited, hence his contribution. Beharry expressed gratitude for the assistance as they strive to make every community a better place for all. The Project is pleased to be part of the development of young cricketers in Guyana. Their aim is to keep them off the streets and get them actively involved in sports, cricket in

particular.

Total items received/purchased so far: $560,000 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, one set of stumps, two trophies, 32 pairs of cricket shoes, 37 pairs of batting pads, 46 cricket bats, 40 pairs of batting gloves, 28 thigh pads, three pairs of wicketkeeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, 13 gear bags, 13 bat rubbers, six helmets, one fibre-glass bat, one floppy hat, 14 boxes and four of white cricket balls, 13 boxes of red cricket balls, one bat cone and 28 footballs. In addition to the above, gear to the value of over $600,000 was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former national wicketkeeper/batsman. All cash collected is being used to purchase cricket gear requested and not available at the time. Under the initiative, the items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skill, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify same. Progressive and well-managed cricket clubs with a youth programme also benefit.

Back Circle B battled it out with kicks from the penalty mark

CCC make inroads against GHE on Day 2

Jordan destabilised GHE’s top order with two early wickets

It was another tough day on Thursday for the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) bowlers, who again struggled to take wickets as they headed into Day 2 of their second-round West Indies Championship clash with Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC).

First-Class century – 102.

To add insult to injury, CCC were equally ferocious with the ball in hand as the hosts Harpy Eagles made an absolute mess of the chase, being six down for just 166 runs. However, a bright spark in the day was Captain Tevin Imlach’s individual resistance with a half-century.

CCC resumed Day 2 on 279-6 with Corbin and Akeem Jordan at the crease. Jordan fell for 16 from 28 to Shamar Joseph’s pace while Corbin did most of the work upgrading his overnight score of 62 to a sparkling century. The right-handed batsman hit 11 fours and one six to get to his second

As Corbin got to the milestone in 204 balls, dispatching Joseph to the boundary, the batsman injured his shoulder and was forced to retire hurt. Avinash Mahabirsingh gave the host bowlers more to scratch their heads about, hitting a brisk 33 off 52 balls. While Mahabirsingh remained unbeaten, Veerasammy Permaul had Ojay Shields caught in the slips to end the CCC innings on 375 from 114.5 overs. While Ronaldo Alimohamed picked up 3-56 from 24 overs, Joseph snared 3-115 from 26 overs.

Permaul also grabbed 3 wickets for 87 runs from 37.5 overs.

Now hunting down 375 before they could add a lead of their own, the Harpy Eagles lost wickets on a consistent basis as their captain, Tevin Imlach fought to hold up one end of the crease.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul was the first to go for just four runs while Matthew Nandu departed for 11.

Raymond Perez and Kevlon Anderson both looked comfortable at the crease until a controversial lbw decision forced Anderson to walk back to the dugout for a runa-ball 19.

Perez followed soon after, edging Mahabirsingh’s bowling to forward short leg for a simple catch. Similarly, the likes of Kemol Savory and Kevin Sinclair were unable to settle in at the crease, departing for 12 and 19 runs respectively; diving the hosts, the tournament’s defending champions, further into trouble.

At 116-6, Imlach who had been a spectator to the wickets at the other end, alongside Richie Looknauth, dug deep to eke out a 50-run partnership that took the Harpy Eagles safely to close of play. Under immense pressure, Imlach brought up his half-century in 76 balls and went on to end the day unbeaten on 58 from 95

“Chances are high” – Pellew ahead

Today, Guyana’s National Under-17 Boys’ football team will begin their journey to the FIFA 2025 U17 World Cup with a tough assignment, facing off against old rivals

Trinidad and Tobago.

The team were encamped for a number of weeks under the watchful eyes of new Head Coach Marco Bonofiglio before jetting off to Costa Rica earlier this week.

Prior to their departure, Guyana Times Sport was able to catch up with Captaincy hopeful Kemron Pellew, who described the camp as exciting while also discussing their gelling with the internationally-based players.

“The camp has been exciting. We’ve been productive, doing whatever the Coaches want us to do, you know,” Pellew related to this publication.

He added about his internationally-based coun-

terparts coming into the camp, “It’s been great. They came in with positive atti-

tudes. Since they came in, we just wanted to be friendly and everything went well

balls.

On the other end, Looknauth ended the day unbeaten on 21 off 45 balls.

Shields was the most outstanding of the CCC bowlers, snaring 3-42 from

10 overs. Jordan picked up 2-33 from 12.1 overs while Mahabirsingh ended with 1-39 from 11 overs.

The Regional Four-Day action will continue at 10:00h today for Day 3.

Richards, 77.6 ov), 6-278 (A Mansingh, 88.2 ov), 7-316 (A Jordan, 97.5 ov), 8-318 (AR Bailey, 99.4 ov), 9-364 (KAM Corbin, 109.5 ov), 10-375 (O Shields, 114.5 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W Shamar Joseph 26-1-115-3

Ronaldo Alimohamed 24-6-56-3 Veerasammy Permaul 37.5-8-87-3

after that.”

The defender went on to welcome the team’s new Head Coach, noting that they have adapted well.

Pellew explained, “First of all, the new Coach is great. He brought something new to us, things that we’ve never done before. So, that’s been good for us. The team has adapted very well to the new coach and it’s just been great so far.”

When quizzed about Guyana’s chances of coming out on top of the group, Pellew was super confident in his counterparts’ abilities.

“I’m very confident in my team, our chances are very high right now. Based on the players that we have, we’re very good right now,

we’re in form and I think our chances are very high,” the classy defender said.

Guyana are in Group B of the CONCACAF Qualifiers alongside hosts Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, British Virgin Islands, and Saint Maarten. They will take on the twin-island republic first at 21:00h tonight.

After Trinidad, Guyana will take on Saint Maarten on Tuesday, February 11; hosts Costa Roca on Thursday, February 13 and British Virgin Islands on Sunday, February 16.

The CONCACAF Qualifiers consist of eight groups. Each group winner will seal a spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup scheduled for Qatar in November 2025.

The Junior Jaguars will head into battle against Trinidad and Tobago today

Junior Jaguars defender Kemron Pellew

It was a tough day out for the Guyana Harpy Eagles

Akeem

Kevlon Anderson was the victim of a controversial lbw decision

Kyle Corbin was unable to celebrate his century, having suffered an injury