ICJ asked to block Venezuela’s unlawful elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region
March 6, 2020 protest Guyanese must never forget their bravery in safeguarding democracy – PPP GS …says persons still living with pellets in their bodies after being shot
Govt, US-based contractor agree to arbitration on US$50M dispute
VP Jagdeo debunks Nazar “Shell” Mohamed’s “gross representation” of US sanctions
…says
19-year-old mother in Berbice hitand-run accident succumbs
"We need to develop local skills, too many of which we currently import" – Benn
“May this Lenten season be a time of transformation” – President to Christian community …urges all Guyanese to
Guyana secures coveted PATWA Int’l Awards for 2025 Abandoned building in NA destroyed after 3rd fire in 3 months
Scenes from Dr Cheddi Jagan’s memorial wreath-laying ceremony in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) held Thursday evening (Photos from Essequibo on the Rise)
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 7 – no retraction and Saturday, March 8 –00:30h-02:00h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 7 –09:40h-11:10h and Saturday, March 8 – 11:25h-12:55h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Winds: North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.
High
Border controversy ICJ asked to block Venezuela’s unlawful elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region
Guyana is seeking to block attempts by Venezuela to hold elections in the Essequibo region – two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass, contending that this action by the Spanishspeaking nation “flagrantly violates” provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) back in December 2023.
In a statement on Thursday, the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry said it has filed in the Registry of the ICJ, a request for the indication of provisional measures in the border controversy case currently before the court concerning the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899, which determined the boundary between the South American neighbours.
According to the Ministry,
rently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby the Cooperative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control over that area…”
In Thursday’s correspondence to the ICJ, Guyana told the Court that Venezuela’s plans to hold elections in Essequibo flagrantly violates that 2023 order.
“Guyana’s current request seeks confirmation of this by the Court, as well as an explicit directive to refrain from any electoral activities within or affecting this territory or it population, which consist of Guyanese nationals,” the Foreign Ministry said.
Moreover, Guyana has further requested the World Court to convene hearings on its recent request as soon as possible, to enable such provisional measures, as might
this move was prompted by Venezuela’s announcement of its plans to hold elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region, which is an integral part of Guyana’s national territory, and which Venezuela purported to annex in violation of the World Court’s order of December 1, 2023 and fundamental norms of international law.
“Guyana informed the Court that the planned Venezuelan elections are scheduled to take place on 25 May 2025 and would inevitably be preceded by preparatory acts, including acts within Guyana’s Essequibo region, affecting the Guyanese population and Guyana’s sovereignty over its territory.
“Therefore, in order to preserve its rights, Guyana is requesting that the Court order Venezuela to refrain from any acts within or affecting its sovereign territory, including the Essequibo region,” the missive from Takuba Lodge stated.
This is the second time Guyana has had to write the ICJ over Venezuelan’s aggression even as the court is hearing the case to settle the decades-long border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.
Back in December 2023, Guyana had approached the World Court after Venezuela's threat to seize and annex Guyana's Essequibo region. In response, the ICJ had ordered Venezuela to refrain from any actions to disturb Guyana's administration and control of that territory pending the conclusion of the case.
In that December 1, 2023 ICJ Order, it was noted “… (1) Unanimously, pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that cur-
be indicated by the Court, to be issued before “serious and irremediable” prejudice to Guyana’s rights occurs.
Speaking about this new development, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday afternoon reiterated that Guyana would continue to pursue the legal settlement of the border controversy.
“Our positions are known. We will pursue this at the ICJ. [Venezuela’s plans for elections in Essequibo] it’s contrary to the provisional rulings of the ICJ… It’s not only a
breach of the ruling of the ICJ but the Argyle agreement,” Jagdeo stated.
Guyana and Venezuela had signed the Argyle Declaration on December 14, 2023 after the historic Caricom/CELAC/ Brazil-brokered meeting between Presidents Dr Irfaan Ali and Nicolás Maduro in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), signalling their commitment to Latin America and the Caribbean remaining a Zone of Peace.
Only on Wednesday, Principal Interlocutor in the Argyle Declaration, SVG Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves called for peace to be maintained, saying there should be no provocation.
This was after a Venezuelan naval vessel entered Guyana’s waters on March 1 and engaged several vessels conducting oil operations in the Stabroek Block offshore in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where nearly 11 billion barrels of oil-equivalent has been discovered since 2015 and where production activities are currently ongoing. In addition to the Essequibo, Venezuela is also laying claim to Guyana’s EEZ.
The Guyana Government has since activated a series of responses, including the de-
ployment of military resources offshore, engaging the international community and it has also sent a formal protest note to Venezuela. There have since been widespread condemnation of Venezuela’s incursion into Guyana’s maritime territory from several of Guyana’s allies, including the United States, as well as regional and international bodies such as the Organisation of American States (OAS), Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Commonwealth as well as from former Latin American leaders.
Weak position
According to the Vice President on Thursday, “We will continue [working] with all of our partners, we have strong support… Venezuela is in a weak position. And the infantile rant by several top officials in Venezuela by calling President Ali ‘Zelenskiy’ [of the Caribbean], I think, somehow, in their warped framework of analysis, they think if they were to do that, that somehow it may change the US’s longstanding support for Guyana on the border issue. It’s such a child-like, baby-like rant from some of their top officials.”
International Court of Justice
The Venezuelan naval vessel in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
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Global tourism stage
Once again, Destination Guyana has proven itself a worldclass leader in ecological tourism. The prestigious Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) has honoured the country with the esteemed title of 'Destination of the Year – Natural Attractions' for 2025. Additionally, Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond has been recognised as 'Tourism Minister of the Year – Ecological Tourism.' These accolades are a testament to the country’s growing reputation as a premier eco-tourism hotspot, and underscore the Government's commitment to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
This marks the second consecutive year that Guyana has been recognized by PATWA, a clear indication that our nation is making significant strides in the global tourism industry. The awards were presented at the 25th PATWA World Tourism & Aviation Leaders’ Summit and the PATWA International Travel Awards at ITB Berlin on March 5, 2025, placing Guyana on a prestigious global platform. These honours not only affirm our status as a top-tier eco-tourism destination, but also highlight the sustainable practices that make our tourism sector both unique and resilient.
Guyana’s unparalleled natural beauty is its greatest tourism asset. From the awe-inspiring Kaieteur Falls to the pristine rainforests, expansive savannahs, and exotic wildlife, our country offers visitors an experience unlike any other. But it is not just about the scenery — it is about how we protect it. Our Government, private sector, and indigenous communities have been working together to ensure that tourism development aligns with conservation efforts, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Walrond aptly captured this spirit when she stated, “Receiving these awards is certainly a proud moment. With breathtaking attractions like Kaieteur, our interior savannahs, untouched rainforests, and rare wildlife, we’re fortunate to have so much natural beauty to share. What sets us apart is our commitment to protecting our natural attractions. Through conservation and community-driven efforts, we ensure that every visit helps preserve our environment and supports local communities. We are proud to share our country with the world, and look forward to continuing to lead the way in responsible tourism.”
Her words reflect an approach to tourism that prioritizes not just economic growth, but also environmental protection and community wellbeing. By fostering eco-tourism, Guyana is proving that development and conservation can go hand in hand. The country’s model of engaging indigenous communities as stewards of tourism sites has been particularly effective. Many of Guyana’s most-sought-after experiences, such as the Rupununi Savannahs and the Iwokrama Rainforest, are managed through local partnerships, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are equitably distributed.
Recognition from PATWA serves as an international endorsement of these efforts. The association, known for promoting sustainable tourism, does not bestow such honours lightly. Winning these awards amid stiff global competition underscores that Guyana’s tourism policies are not only effective, but exemplary.
While these achievements are certainly worth celebrating, they also serve as motivation to build upon this momentum. There are still challenges to be addressed, including improving infrastructure, increasing accessibility to key tourist sites, and ensuring that policies continue to support the sustainable growth of the sector. These awards should serve as a catalyst for even greater investment in the tourism industry, including enhanced marketing efforts to attract a broader global audience.
The future of Guyana’s tourism industry looks promising. With continued commitment to sustainable tourism practices and strategic partnerships, the nation is well positioned to solidify its place as a leader in ecological tourism. The recognition from PATWA should serve as a rallying call for all stakeholders —Government agencies, private investors, local communities, and conservation groups — to double down on efforts to maintain and enhance the country's standing in the global tourism arena.
As Guyana basks in the glow of these prestigious accolades, the real triumph lies in the country’s unwavering commitment to preserving its natural heritage while welcoming the world to experience its wonders. By continuing on this path, Guyana would not only remain a top choice for eco-conscious travellers, but also serve as a model for how tourism can be a force for good.
The grave danger of electing leaders who are under international sanction
Dear Editor,
In recent years, the world has witnessed an alarming rise in the election of leaders who are under international sanction, particularly sanctions imposed by major powers like the United States.
This trend is not just a political issue, but is a profound danger that could further exacerbate already fragile conditions in many developing countries. Citizens must understand that electing such leaders has far-reaching consequences, which often result in the suffering of the ordinary people, while those in power remain insulated from the very sanctions that affect the masses.
One of the clearest examples of this is Venezuela. Under the leadership of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela has been subjected to numerous international sanctions, primarily by the United States. All those sanctions, aimed at pressuring his regime into changing its policies, have crippled that country’s economy and led to hyperinflation, mass poverty, food shortages, and a collapse in healthcare. Yet, despite the hardships faced by millions of Venezuelans, Maduro and his inner circle continue to live comfortably, insulated from the worst of the sanctions. The Maduro administration has been accused of hoarding wealth and power while ordinary Venezuelans
suffer from scarcity and unemployment, and have to contend with an overwhelmed health system. Even with the sanctions in place, Maduro has managed to maintain a tight grip on power, and has been accused of widespread corruption and manipulation of state resources.
Meanwhile, the Venezuelan people face escalating poverty, with most of the population living below the poverty line, and many being forced to flee the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
Other countries, such as North Korea and Iran, offer similar examples. In North Korea, Kim JongUn's regime remains in power despite stringent international sanctions imposed by the United Nations and other Western powers. The country is facing widespread food shortages, energy crises, and a lack of basic necessities, yet the ruling elites continue to live in luxury, enjoying privileges that the average citizen could never imagine.
Likewise, in Iran, the repressive government under leaders like Ayatollah Khamenei has weathered US sanctions for years, but the people continue to endure the brunt of the consequences, facing skyrocketing inflation and unemployment.
This stark contrast between the suffering of the general population and the comfort of those in power
is not only a moral issue, it’s a strategic one. The continued election of leaders who are under international sanction is a dangerous choice for the people. These sanctions are meant to target government and its officials, but, in practice, they rarely affect the elites, who have access to foreign currency, private accounts, and offshore assets. Meanwhile, the ordinary citizens are left to bear the economic burden, leading to widespread poverty and social instability.
It is crucial that citizens, in developing countries where political discontent and frustration are high, understand the devastating consequences of electing leaders who are already isolated on the international stage. While these leaders may make promises of national pride and sovereignty, they are often able only to maintain power by appealing to populist sentiments, often at the expense of their people’s well-being. The real cost is borne by the ordinary citizens, who suffer from rising prices, diminishing access to basic goods and services, and a diminishing standard of living.
As voters head to the polls, it is important to consider not only the promises and rhetoric of candidates, but also their international standing and the potential ramifications of electing a leader who is under sanction. Sanctions rarely impact the ruling elite direct-
ly; they are often insulated by corruption, foreign bank accounts, and international allies. But the average citizen suffers on a daily basis, facing shortages of food, medicine, and employment opportunities.
Voters must ask themselves: is it worth electing a leader who may offer promises of defiance and sovereignty at the expense of our wellbeing? Will we be able to endure the economic hardship, social instability, and international isolation that inevitably follows?
More importantly, we must demand transparency from our leaders, and hold them accountable for the impacts their leadership choices have on the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
While political ideologies and national pride may motivate the election of leaders under international sanction, it is vital to acknowledge the long-term damage that such leaders bring to their nations. The ordinary people of these countries, who are already struggling to make ends meet, are the ones who suffer the most.
Let us not be swept away by the promises of defiance that come with such leaders, but rather, let us choose leaders who have the wellbeing of the people in mind, and seek peaceful, constructive paths to national prosperity.
Sincerely, Raymon Abdul
On the occasion of the 28th death anniversary of Dr Cheddi Jagan, President Irfaan Ali, in reflecting on the life and work of the late president and founding member of the PPP, noted that Dr Jagan was a visionary with a firm belief that development and democracy are the foundation upon which Guyana must be built. Dr Jagan, he added, valued equality for all Guyanese and our sacrosanct national sovereignty
Implications for non-US entities with OFAC sanctions
Dear Editor,
On June 11, 2024, the U.S department of Treasury announced that the department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned members of one of Guyana’s wealthiest families, namely, the principals of the Mohamed’s Enterprise.
Almost nine (9) months later, one of the key principals of the sanctioned entity spoke out publicly for the first time about the impacts and challenges encountered, as a result of those sanctions. In this regard, the following inaccurate and misrepresented notions were proffered, consequentially, by the sanctioned entity:
a) That the Constitution protects him as a citizen of Guyana,
b) That the sanctioned entity is unfairly treated by the Government of Guyana,
c) That the sanctions does not prevent the sanctioned entity from engaging with local businesses or individuals, and
d) That the Government of Guyana has misrepresented how the sanctions work.
The aforementioned postulations put forward by the sanctioned entity are woefully inaccurate, and deviously misleading.
With respect to the Constitution of Guyana offering protection to citizens of Guyana, such constitutional protection is conferred upon citizens under the assumption that the citizens conduct themselves lawfully and operate within the framework of respect, compliance and adherence to the rule of law.
For example, as it relates to this specific situation in which the sanctioned entity has found themselves in, Article 141 of the Constitution of Guyana offers “Protection from depri-
vation of property”, which states that:
1. No property of any description shall be compulsorily taken possession of, and no interest in or right over property of any description shall be compulsorily acquired, except by or under the authority of a written law and where provision applying to that taking of possession or acquisition is made by a written law requiring prompt payment of adequate compensation”.
2. Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of the preceding paragraph-
a. To the extent that the law in question makes provision for the taking of possession or acquisition of any property-
i. In satisfaction of any tax, duty, rate, or other impost…
Additionally, Section 78 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act No.13 (2009) (AML/CFT Act) establishes a provision for “evidence of corresponding law”, which states that: “A document purporting to be issued by or on behalf of the Government of a country or territory and purporting to state the terms of a corresponding law in force in that country or territory shall be admitted in evidence, in proceedings under this Act, on its production by the prosecution without further proof, and such document shall be conclusive evidence that”-
a) it is issued by or on behalf of the government of that country or territory;
b) the terms of such law are as stated in the document;
c) any facts stated in the document to constitute an offence under such law do constitute such offence.
The foregoing citations from the Constitution of Guyana and the AML/CFT Act, respectively, plainly established that the Constitution of Guyana offers conditional protection to citizens provided that they are (i) law abiding, and (ii) in so far as the sanctioned entity is concerned, though by another country, the evidence thereof shall be treated as conclusive evidence in a local court under our domestic AML/CFT laws.
Against this background, it is a catastrophic misconception to believe that the OFAC sanctions would not negatively impact Non-U. S entities that engage in transactions or any sort of business dealings with a sanctioned entity. In fact, the subject matter OFAC statement in of itself asserted in unequivocal terms that: “financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds,
goods, or services from any such person”.
To this end, it must be noted that in law, “persons” refer to both individuals and entities. A government is also an entity. And further, “other persons” in the above referenced paragraph refers to other persons or entities other than US entities.
Therefore, if the Government of Guyana or the Government of any other country, individuals and other entities engage in doing business or any other activities with a sanctioned entity, those entities will be exposing themselves to the compliance risks therefrom, to wit, sanctions or enforcement action. This explains why the local commercial banks had no other choice but to sever ties with the sanctioned entity, failure of which would have negatively impacted their correspondent banking relationships with US banks. And in such circumstance, the country would have been exposed to detrimental economic consequences deriving from the risk of losing international correspondent banking relationships, which would have resulted in a complete cut off from international payment systems.
Sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin
Cheddi Jagan: through the eyes of youth
Dear Editor, March 6 marks 28 years since the passing of the Father of the Nation, former President Dr. Cheddi Jagan.
Dr. Jagan is my personal hero, his life and struggles serving as a guiding light in my own journey.
From being the son of estate workers to attending dental school in the United States, to travelling all the way to the halls of the United Nations to present his New Global Human Order, his is a story of sacrifice, struggle, and awe-inspiring triumph - all in the mission to serve humanity.
Around this very time a mere five years ago, the nation had been subjected to the first “spreadsheet” declaration by Mingo. I was seventeen years old then. Many of us waited with bated breath, wondering what was yet to come. At that
moment, I was reminded of Cheddi’s silent pledge at the gravesite of the Enmore Martyrs, and I made a vow to advocate for the principles of truth, justice, freedom, prosperity, and democracy for all.
Let us all commit ourselves to these principles. Whatever challenges lie ahead in the story of Guyana, let us be reminded of the perennial words of Comrade Cheddi, taken from 1961: “I have never made any secret of my views. I have been thrown out of office. I have been subjected to violence, indignity and jail. I am willing to face these things again, and gladly, in the fight to free my people and aid them. Here I stand. Here I will stand until I die."
Yours faithfully, Nikhil Sankar
FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2025
Page Foundation
1) Which of the numbers below has 12 as one of its factors?
(A) 26 (B) 36 (C) 46 (D) 56
2) 351 rounded to the nearest thousand is (A) 1000 (B) 400 (C) 0 (D) 300
3) Which of the diagrams below represents the product of the prime factors of 36?
4) (11 x 3) x 5 is the same as (A) 3+(11x5) (B) (11 X 3) + 5 (C) 11(5+3) (D) 3(11x)
5) The missing numbers in the sequence below are
21, 23, 25,--- ---31, 33 (A) 26 and 27 (B) 26 and 30 (C) 27 and 29 (D) 28 and 29
6) The sum of 0.71, 25.1 and 1.705 is (A) 2.7515 (B) 27.515 (C) 275.15 (D) 2751.5
7)
8a) Solve
i) 1/4 x 25/1 x 16/24 ii) 3.18 - 1.6 iii) 9/45 + 18/36 +4.01 – 12.8+ 3.70 (express to 3 decimal places)
b)
(i) What is the name given to ABCD?
(ii) What is the sum of the interior angles of ABCD?
(iii) How many lines of symmetry has ABCD? (iv) If AC =10 cm and BD =15 cm, what is the area of ABCD?
MyLeapsHeart Up
By William WordsWorth
My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky: So was it when my life began; So is it now I am a man; So be it when I shall grow old, Or let me die! The Child is father of the Man; And I could wish m`y days to be Bound each to each by natural piety.
VP Jagdeo debunks Nazar “Shell” Mohamed’s
“gross representation” of
US sanctions
…says Govt will not put Guyana at risk by doing business with Mohameds
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has strongly refuted claims made by local businessman Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and his associates regarding the United States sanctions imposed on them, warning against the spread of misinformation and political manipulation.
Addressing the matter head-on during his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo criticised Team Mohamed’s attempt to misrepresent the situation, stating, “you were sanctioned for massive corruption”.
The controversy was sparked after Nazar Mohamed, who was sanctioned by the US Government for alleged tax under-declaration, accused the Guyanese Government of unfair treatment.
Speaking on the Team Mohamed Facebook page recently, Nazar Mohamed stated that the sanctions targeted family, particularly his son Azruddin Mohamed and companies, including Mohamed’s Enterprise, Hadi’s World, and Team Mohamed’s Racing Team.
However, Jagdeo dismissed these arguments as
an attempt to downplay the severity of the sanctions, reiterating that the US Government has compiled substantial evidence of corruption.
“You were sanctioned for massive corruption…we didn’t impose the sanctions, the whole worry started with the sanctions, not the PPP taking actions against them.
“There's space for everyone in this country, even in the political environment. And people are free to run. But don't try to present false reasons. They're worried about the US sanctions. They're hoping to get out of it. And they believe going into politics, like others, would shield them from maybe what's coming. But we didn't start this. We didn't start, do the two-and-a-halfyears or three years’ probe into them before the sanctions came. It was the US Government, multi-agency US Government, involving several levels of the US Government,” the VP said.
Not a targeted attack
The Vice President went on to clarify that Government’s refusal to work with the Mohameds was not a targeted attack
but steps taken to protect Guyana’s integrity.
“We are never going to put the interest of a single individual particularly if you’re accused of doing something so illegal that you bring sanctions of the United States Government down on your own head, we must put the country at risk?... Just imagine our banks if they continue allowing the Mohameds to have an account to do business with them. They could be subjected to US sanctions. You know what that means, losing any connection with the American financial system and losing corresponding banking relations.”
Public sympathy Jagdeo also debunked suggestions that the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was involved in any assassination threats against Azruddin Mohamed, calling such claims a blatant attempt to garner public sympathy.
He urged Nazar Mohamed to publicly disclose any evidence he may have and report it to the police, and warned the public against falling for misinformation, reaffirming that Government would not be intimidated by individuals seeking to manipulate the political landscape to their advantage.
“So, the father said that he somewhere, he heard about some issue of that his son may be assassinated. This is like just to give him profile as though the PPP sees him as a threat, implying that it's the PPP, but he left it deliberately vague. So, he needs to go public… the father and say, who is trying to assassinate his son? He needs to put it, send it to the Police Force, go and make a record, a report now
so that there'd be a report as to who.
“I wish you would have a press conference like the one I'm having, so you could answer all the allegations and rebut me, basically. I wish that would happen,” he urged.
On Tuesday, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) decided not to renew cabotage permission for foreign-flagged ships linked to Hadi’s World, one of the companies operated by the Mohammeds, over the US sanctions.
MARAD explained that this decision, which effectively revoked previous permission granted to ships that provide services to the Mohameds’
businesses, was made owing to the Mohameds’ being sanctioned by the US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
In 2024, the OFAC had announced that it sanctioned members of one of Guyana’s wealthiest families, Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin; several of their companies, and a Guyanese Government official, Mae Thomas, for their roles in alleged public corruption in Guyana.
According to a statement from the OFAC, this is related to the evasion of taxes on gold exports, noting that between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10 thousand kilograms (kg) of gold
from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.
Subsequently, Nazar Mohamed resigned as a Councillor for the PPP/C on one of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) while Thomas resigned from her post of Permanent Secretary and also as a member of the Party.
As the Government awaits feedback from the US on the matter, Mohamed’s Enterprise cambio licence was suspended while all Government agencies have stopped conducting business with the Mohameds and their related companies.
Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Major gold-smuggling operations busted in Lethem
…SOCU seizes substantial quantity of gold, $26M
Acting on intelligence received, officers of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force on Wednesday intercepted an attempt to illegally smuggle gold from Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) across the border into Brazil.
In the process, SOCU officers have seized a substantial quantity of gold along with more than Gy$26 million in cash; and have detained two Brazilian nationals: Albina Filho Alves Vieira, a 42-year-old salesman of 55 Boa Vista, Brazil, and Erizangela Regia De Olivera, a 39-year-old Brazilian clothes vendor of Lot 3 Boa Vista, Brazil. These two suspects are currently assisting SOCU with investigations that are ongoing.
SOCU Head, Deputy Police Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, in explaining that this operation has effectively prevented the illegal transfer of gold across the border, has said,
“This interception underscores our unwavering dedication to tackling gold smuggling and protecting the nation’s economy. We will continue to pursue and dismantle illicit networks engaged in these activities.”
This latest enforcement action follows a similar operation that occurred in July last year at the Ramada Princess Hotel at Providence, East Bank
were being tracked.
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) had also announced that it would embark on a countrywide enforcement exercise to ensure all players in the gold market are operating in compliance with statutory requirements. Under Sections 6 and 8 of the Guyana Gold Board Act, persons who possess gold as a producer (miner) or a tributor are required to sell it to the Guyana Gold Board, or to an authorised buyer. An authorized buyer is any one of six gold dealers currently licensed by
Demerara, where authorities arrested three Chinese nationals in connection with an illegal gold-smuggling ring. That raid had led to the confiscation of over $50 million in cash, plus money-counting machines and an unlicensed firearm.
Comptroller of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Rohan Beekhoo, had
said at a seminar on Illicit Trade, organised by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) at the Marriott Hotel in September 2024, that even as law enforcement agencies were stepping up their efforts to clamp down on gold smuggling, new trends were emerging as criminals attempted to smuggle gold. He had said that those trends
Interlocutor…
…for Mad Maduro?
Dr Ralph Gonsalves is PM of St Vincent. They add on the “Grenadines” to expand their total area to 142 square miles!! Yup…and with almost 100,000 people, you can understand the fella insisting he’s a Marxist/ Socialist and is as such au fait with “world historical forces” and such - striving mightily to make himself relevant!! So, after Mad Maduro had his Navy ship invade our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and accost one of Exxon’s FPSOs from about 700 metres, Gonsalves has reminded all and sundry that he was the “INTERLOCUTOR” in the Argyle Agreement.
The dictionary informs your Eyewitness that an “interlocutor” is “one who takes part in dialogue or conversation; or a man in the middle of the line in a minstrel show who questions the end men and acts as leader”. Gonsalves is referring, of course, to the Dec 2023 meeting at his Argyle Airport, which he arranged between his pal and fellow socialist Mad Maduro and our Pres Ali. This was supposed to bring “peace” to the region, after the madman announced a referendum to annex Essequibo!!
The said madman promptly broke the agreement at least a dozen times before this latest outrage!! Amassing troops and warships at our border, announcing the formation of an Essequibo State and the imminent appointment of a governor etc…etc.
And after all of that, what does Ralphie Boy say now?? “This is not the first time since Argyle that matters have had to be mooted by us…You have to have peace. You have to avoid [escalation]; anybody in that kind of tense situation, anything could happen. Next thing you know, everything spirals out of control and there is a conflagration…”!!
the Gold Board, or any person/entity who is licensed by the GGMC to trade in gold. The Gold Board has offices in Georgetown, Port Kaituma and Bartica, and conducts periodic mobile transactions in other mining districts.
In keeping with Section 8 of the Guyana Gold Board Act, it is illegal for any person to sell any gold to a goldsmith or jeweller, or for a goldsmith or jeweller to purchase any gold from any person/entity other than the Guyana Gold Board.
Two US citizens and one Guyanese had been intercepted in June 2024 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri with US$560,000 worth of raw gold. They were subsequently charged with the offence of exporting gold without a licence, in contravention of Section 8 of the Guyana Gold Board Act, Chapter 66:01, and contrary to section 23 (a) of the said Act. They were also charged under Guyana’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML/CFT) law, and were placed on bail totalling $600,000.
Further, in sanctioning the Mohamed family and their associated businesses, the United States had alleged that some 10,000 kilograms of gold had been smuggled out of Guyana between 2019 and 2023.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury, which had announced sanctions against the Mohameds, has alleged that by under-declaring their gold and evading the payment of taxes on exports, the Mohameds had defrauded the Guyana Government of more than US$50 million in duty taxes.
Well, if he acknowledges that the Argyle Agreement has been broken several times, why doesn’t he say that in EACH AND EVERY instance it was Mad Maduro who did the breaking??
Maybe it’s not just the socialist brotherhood thingymaybe he’s singing for his Maduro-arranged PetroCaribe supper? When Mad Maduro broke the Barbados Agreement brokered by the international community for free and fair elections in Venezuela, why did he almost trip over his legs in rushing to congratulate the madman after he had flagrantly rigged the elections??
A Bromance? We’ve gotten several of our soldiers ambushed and shot by Maduro-backed syndicato bandits, and an invasion by a Venezuelan Navy ship, and Ralphie sings about “peace”?? What kinda “peace” is he talking about? The massive “piece” of Guyana Mad Maduro lusts over? The peace of the dead? Or peace at any price – which means us appeasing the madman at the new meeting Ralphie wants to arrange??
The peace that comes through appeasement does not create genuine peace; we know this from our own experience with Mad Maduro!! Bye, Ralphie!!
…to St James
Unlike Zelenskyy, the PM of New Zealand has figured out from which direction the wind’s blowing now that Trump’s in the White House. Their ambassador to Britain – at the Court of St James, thank you!! – ventured to say publicly that while Trump might’ve returned that bust of Churchill to the Oval Office, unlike the arch-imperialist - your Eyewitness’s word!! – Trump doesn’t know history!! If he did, he’d go along with Europeans’ hatred of Russia - three decades after the Soviet Empire collapsed and then burst asunder like a death star!!
The ambassador was immediately FIRED!!
Now, while some may smarmily snicker that NZ’s pandering to Trump, few have thought about the fact that it was Europe – started by Churchill in 1949 – that defined Russia as the enemy of the west. They had America’s Marshall Plan rebuild Germany to become part of the said west - after millions there were killed by the German army. Maybe Russia’s historic yearning to be part of the west is answered??
…for kids' freedom?
As that school was burning to the ground in Subryanville, a video crossed your Eyewitness’s feed showing kids giving enthusiastic high fives to each other!! Your Eyewitness understands their wanting a holiday – but high fives to a conflagration?? Ouch!!
Albina Filho Alves Vieira
Erizangela Regia De Olivera
“May this Lenten season be a time of transformation” – President to Christian community …urges
all Guyanese to embrace reflection, compassion
With the season of Lent again gracing the Guyanese population, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed that, during this 40-day period, it is important for citizens to engage in self-examination and in finding solace in prayer, as well as in living righteous and meaningful lives.
Just one day after the season began, the Head of State took to his social media page to relay this message to Guyanese citizens.
“Some persons voluntarily deny themselves earthly comforts, but Lent, we are told, is not merely about giving up something. It is about making space in
our hearts for God's grace. It is an opportunity to strengthen one's faith, to find solace in prayer, and to renew one's commitment to living lives of righteousness and compassion.”
The Head of State has saluted Christian brothers and sisters here in Guyana and in the diaspora, and has said that for Christians who observe the season of Lent, there is vast importance in utilising this time in reflection, repentance, and renewal.
He highlighted that this is a time for spiritual discipline marked by prayer, fasting and giving, inspired by a 40-day journey.
Inspired by Christ's
own time in the wilderness, Lent calls on believers to turn away from sin and draw closer to God.
“It is a time for self-examination, for deepening one's faith, and for embracing a spirit of humility and sacrifice, true acts of charity and kindness.”
The Head of State has expressed his wish that this season be transformational for those who observe Lent.
“May this Lenten season be a time of transformation for all who observe it. May it deepen the relationship with God and with each other. May it foster unity, forgiveness, and love among our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
He has urged that the teachings and lessons of Christ inspire Guyanese to be better, to act better, to do their little bit individually and collectively in embracing and building a humanity that is enriched by this period of Lent.
“Therefore, I wish all those who are observing Lent a meaningful and spiritually enriching season. May God's blessing be upon you now and always, and may God's blessing be upon us as a nation, be upon us Guyanese, all of us, and may it uplift us to be better citizens and contribute in a greater way to the prosperity of each other.”
President Dr Irfaan Ali
19-year-old mother in Berbice hit-and-run accident succumbs
Four days after being involved in an accident along the Line Path Public Road in Corentyne, Berbice -- wherein the life of her baby was snuffed out and her husband has been injured -- 19-year-old Kavita Bedsan succumbed to her injuries on Thursday morning at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).
She had been hospitalised in critical condition at the GPHC since the hitand-run accident occurred on Sunday night along the Line Path Public Road in Corentyne, Berbice. That accident had first resulted in the death of her nine-monthold baby, Ellie Surujnarine, who died en route to the hospital following the accident.
Bedsan’s relative Ganesh Gomanie had said arrangements were in place for her to undergo surgery on Wednesday evening, but based on her deteriorating condition, surgeons advised against it.
“The doctor said she had broken ankle, broken knee, broken hip; her spleen and other organs in her body were not there. This is how she died,” Gomanie revealed.
Bedsan’s husband, 17-year-old Tushan Surujnarine, was dis-
charged from the New Amsterdam Public Hospital on Thursday, but according to his mother Shanili Ramotar, he is still in pain.
“He says he is feeling pain on his body. To see him in this condition and tell him that his wife passed away this morning…it was heartbreaking. He was crying, and asked us to take him there, but we told him that we couldn’t take him, but we will take him home. He has not gotten over it on to now,” his mother told this publication on Thursday afternoon.
Police have said this father, with his wife and baby as pillion riders, was riding an electric bike when a mo-
torcar allegedly struck the bike. While the baby died on her way to the hospital following the accident, the man and his wife were both hospitalised in critical condition. The motorcar involved in the accident – a white Fielder wagon – has since been located, but the driver –identified as Avinesh Naidoo of Corriverton, Berbice – remains on the run.
Police have said the owner of the motorcar, Vidawattie Arjune of Crabwood Creek, was contacted, and she provided certain information to aid in the investigation. This relative is calling on the driver to surrender to the police.
“The driver of the car is still at large, but the police (are) trying their best, they are working. We are asking the family to turn this guy in so, we can bring him to justice.”
Tushan’s mother is also appealing to the driver of the car to come forward.
“Turn yourself in. After the accident, you should have come out and help them, but you escape and run away. We are asking you to come out and stop hiding,” she pleaded.
The hunt continues for the driver.
Abandoned building in NA destroyed after third fire in 3 months
Less than three months after firefighters had been called out twice on the same day to put out a fire destroying an abandoned building at Main and King Streets in New Amsterdam, that building was again on fire, but this time it has been completely destroyed.
This fire, said to be of
mentally ill man is suspected to be the person who had set fire to the building on two previous occasions. They are attempting to locate this individual, described as an African Guyanese male, but he has not been found.
Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald has said that when the first of two fire tenders arrived on
able to extinguish the blaze without much damage was done to the building. Police had discovered clothing and a few articles in the building, and had concluded that the building was being used by vagrants. Thursday’s fire razed the remaining part of the building.
“This is pretty much unusual…,” McDonald has
unknown origin, occurred at about 12:15h on Thursday, and the police have said the abandoned three-storey wooden -and-concrete building was owned by Nalico/ Nafico Insurance Company. During this fire, the Church View Hotel located nearby sustained partial damage, and three water tanks were destroyed.
Investigators have received information that a
scene, the building was observed to be fully engulfed. He noted that the nearby hotel was under threat from the fire raging at the old wooden building.
On December 22 last, members of the New Amsterdam Fire Service were twice summoned to put out a fire raging at this three-storey building, which had been unoccupied for at least 20 years. They were
said. “Persons went into the building and, for whatever reason, set the fire again to this old structure, and used some form of what we call an accelerant – something to push the fire – because it is unusual that when the crew arrived upon receiving that call, (they) observed that the building (was) fully engulfed in flames – red hot flames.”
Kavita Bedsan
“We’re not going to leave anybody by the
wayside” – VP assures Staffordshire GOAL students
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to students enrolled in the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Scholarship programme, assuring them that their education remains a top priority.
Addressing concerns over recent challenges with the Staffordshire University and ISDC partnership, Dr. Jagdeo declared, “We’re not going to leave anybody by the wayside .”
This assurance comes amid concerns raised about some challenges between Staffordshire University and ISDC, the United Kingdom-based educational facilitator responsible for
delivering various degree programmes to GOAL scholarship recipients.
A few days ago, GOAL Director, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, confirmed that efforts are in action to resolve the matter swiftly and ensure that students’ academic progress remains uninterrupted.
However, on Thursday, during his weekly press conference, the Vice President was questioned about rumours, mainly being spread by members of the ruling opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which alluded that money set aside for the GOAL programme has not been utilised for its intended purpose. Jagdeo has dismissed these claims and any notion
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
that the GOAL programme provides substandard education.
“I have great faith in his (Professor Jacob Opadeyi) ability to ensure that our
children - not just children, because you have some adults too - our people, they get a good quality education that’s not fake. He explained to us, and I think he put out a statement that there is some disagreement now between the university and the group, the contracting group,” he said.
“ISDC is accredited globally, if you go on their website. So, today he said he’s awaiting the completion of the meeting in London to know about the way forward. It’s not fake…But I want to assure the people, we’re not going to leave anybody by the wayside,” Jagdeo assured.
During a virtual town hall meeting on Monday, GOAL students were offi-
cially informed of the issue and assured that alternatives would be available should the dispute persist. Professor Opadeyi has requested two weeks to resolve the matter, and remains optimistic that a positive outcome would be reached soon.
According to the Vice President, Government’s support extends beyond resolving this particular issue. In fact, Government already has engagements with several universities, should students wish to switch programmes due to these developments.
“Nothing is fake. And he said also it’s either they sort out the difference there, which could be sorted out; but if they can’t sort it out, he has two oth-
er universities in the United Kingdom that will accept the grade that people got. They already accredited them for work already done,” he added.
Since assuming office in August 2020, Government has granted some 29,758 Guyanese citizens GOAL scholarships. Of that number, 5,980 individuals secured master’s degrees and PhDs.
In 2024, the Guyana Government approved almost 8000 Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships, representing the Administration’s continued efforts to ensure the country’s workforce and populace is better educated and skilled.
Remembering a national hero
Scenes from Dr Cheddi Jagan’s memorial wreath-laying ceremony in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) held Thursday evening (Photos from Essequibo on the Rise)
March
6, 2020 protest
Guyanese must never forget their bravery in safeguarding democracy – PPP GS
…says persons still living with pellets in their bodies after being shot
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has reflected on the courage and resilience of the Guyanese people in protecting the country’s democracy on March 6, 2020, emphasising the need to remember and learn from the past to prevent history from repeating itself.
Speaking on the significance of the day, Jagdeo remarked, “It is often said that we have an extraordinarily short memory in Guyana, but that is not true. Our people remember things for a long time, though we sometimes block out traumatic national events. And if you ask people today what happened on March 6, 2020, many will generally recall that there were issues surrounding the elections and that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) attempted to steal the elections. But the specific details tend to be forgotten.”
He underscored the importance of keeping these memories alive, stating that vigilance is crucial whenever freedoms are under threat.
Jagdeo reminded Guyanese that, just a few years ago, in 2020, their rights were severely endangered and the country could have taken a drastically ‘different path had APNU succeeded in its alleged attempt to rig the elections’.
He credited the Guyanese people and the international community for preventing APNU from prevailing, acknowledging the immense courage demon-
strated by citizens who took to the streets to defend their democratic rights.
“On March 6, 2020, we saw massive protests in Lusignan, Cotton Tree, and Bush Lot. Many young people came out because they had been following the election events and saw the blatant fraud taking place. APNU was trying to steal the elections through fraudulent declarations, and the people were not going to stand for it.”
Furthermore, the Vice President paid tribute to the young men and women who took to the streets in protest, only to be met with gunfire ordered by the then administration. Peaceful demonstrators exercising their democratic right to protest were also targeted with pellets, causing lifelong injuries.
Pellets
“I met with a group of people just months after taking office. Over 35 individuals had large amounts of pellets embedded in their bodies. One young woman had over 70 pellets lodged in different parts of her body. When we sought medical intervention, doctors said it was too dangerous to remove all of them. Today, many of these brave young Guyanese continue to live with pain as a stark reminder of that dark period and their heroism in standing up for what is right.”
Jagdeo stressed that these individuals fought not just for the People's Progressive Party (PPP) but
for the entire nation. “They fought to protect the future of this country, because when a nation loses its democracy, it also loses civil and human rights. We must never forget their sacrifices.”
He also honoured those who vigilantly guarded the ballot boxes and containers night after night, recognising the real fear that APNU might attempt to destroy evidence ahead of the recount. “We knew that a recount was necessary, and we feared APNU would erase any trace of the actual results. Families, including young children, stood guard, recognizing that this was a pivotal moment in our nation’s history.”
After a nearly smooth polling day on March 2, 2020, Guyana was embroiled in a prolonged electoral impasse for five months following blatant attempts by senior GECOM officials and the then People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government, which refused to concede defeat and demit office.
The ABCE diplomatic missions in Guyana at the time were vocal in their calls for democracy to prevail and for the will of the Guyanese people to be respected. In fact, even after a Caricom-led national recount confirmed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) electoral victory, the David Granger-led coalition regime continued with its delaying tactics by moving to the courts.
The Western diplomats had deemed the tabulation process for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) –Guyana’s largest voting district – as lacking transparency and credibility. This was after attempts were made by embattled Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, along with others, to inflate the votes in favour of the then coalition Administration.
As the electoral impasse continued months after the March 2020 polls, the ABCE diplomatic community continued mounting pressure on
In fact, the United States (US) had gone ahead to impose visa sanctions against several Government and electoral officials and their immediate family members for their role in undermining democracy in Guyana. The UK, Canada, as well as the EU, had also indicated that they were also considering following suit.
The heightened pressure from the West led to the APNU/AFC eventually conceding and allowed the Dr
Following those events, several senior GECOM officials and political activists have been charged and placed before the courts on a series of electoral fraud charges, including misconduct while holding public office, presenting falsified documentation, and planning to manipulate Guyana’s voters by presenting an inaccurate vote total.
Those charged include former Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; Deputy CEO Roxanne
Former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairperson Volda Lawrence and PNCR activist Carol Smith-Joseph are also before the court on election fraud-related charges. However, years after those charges were instituted in 2021, these cases continue to languish in the Magistrates’ Courts, marred by constant and prolonged delays.
the APNU/AFC to concede defeat, warning of Guyana facing isolation and consequences.
Irfaan Ali-led administration to finally take office on August 2, 2020.
Myers; former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and GECOM employees Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise BabbCummings and Michelle Miller.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Gas-to-Energy project
Govt, US-based contractor agree to arbitration on US$50M dispute
…VP says process could be lengthy, even as work resumes on site
The Guyana Government and the contractor for the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project, Lindsayca/CH4 (LNDCH4), have both agreed to go to full arbitration over financial claims and deadline extensions being sought by the contractor.
LNDCH4, a consortium of two United Statesbased companies, was awarded the US$759 million contract in November 2022 to build the 300-megawatt (MW) Combined Cycle Power Plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) – key components of the GtE Project.
However, due to the late handing over of other aspects that affected its work, the contractor filed financial claims to the tune of US$50 million, and sought a
six-month extension to the deadline over the delays –both of which were rejected by the Guyana Government, thus leading to a dispute resolution process that was activated.
Following submissions and hearings, the Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Board (DAAB) had given the two parties, in January, a 28day period to decide whether to pursue arbitration.
On Thursday, the Guyana Government said in a statement, “On February 27 – within that timeframe –each party served a Notice of Dissatisfaction on the other, thereby signalling its intention to initiate arbitration.”
It has been noted that the arbitration would be administered by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), with Washington,
D.C. having been selected as the venue. According to the Government, pursuant to the International Federation of Consulting Engineers’ (FIDICs’) DAAB procedures, all DAAB decisions in this matter are confidential.
Notwithstanding the disputes, both the Guyana Government and LNDCH4 recognise the strategic importance of the GtE project to the Guyanese economy, and works have since resumed onsite.
Speaking on the issue at his weekly press conference on Thursday afternoon, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo explained that this arbitration process could be lengthy.
“Both sides decided to go to arbitration…and so the timeline for arbitration can’t be determined by us, but it
may be an extended period. [But] they have resumed work now…So, there is resumption of work, and we’re happy about that whilst we arbitrating the differences,” Jagdeo stated.
The Vice President went on to explain that apart from the financial claim and deadline extension, there were some additional claims made by the contractor, including delays in the completion of the access road to the project site.
Moreover, asked about the deadline for completion of the GtE project, Jagdeo said, “It’s premature for me to say that; and whatever we say here could influence the arbitration, because remember, they had asked for additional time. If we start acknowledging their timeline, as Government, then we may very well be harming our own case in the arbitration. So, people have to understand the nuances of doing that. We don’t want to bolster their case.”
Previously, the Guyana Government had said the contractor is expected to start operating the power plant by April 2025. However, during the recently concluded Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo held in Georgetown last month, Project Lead Winston Brassington had stated during a presentation on the GtE initiative that “there are some delays.”
“[The integrated facility] is scheduled to be delivered in the second half of
this year, but we have seen a schedule that suggests it will take longer. Contractually, this year realistically, we are looking at some delays,” Brassington had stated.
Meanwhile, LNDCH4 have also filed a second US$50 million financial claim for compensation for additional works that had to be done to stabilise the soil at the project site. VP Jagdeo opted not to comment on this matter, explaining, “I can’t
stantially lower electricity generation costs, enabling Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) to reduce tariffs by up to 50 per cent. This reduction has significant implications for the Guyanese economy, fostering more competitive production costs and stimulating broader economic growth.
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has already completed construction of
provide more…We have to comply with an international process.”
As activities, including pile-driving, resume at the GtE project site at Wales, preparations for foundation work are also imminent. It has also been noted that construction of a cement batching plant is underway, steel for foundation work has been delivered to the site, and a man-camp is being established with more than 170 workers currently mobilised.
Upon completion, the project is expected to sub-
the gas pipeline, transmission lines and substations required for integration of the project are significantly advanced, and completion is anticipated by mid-year. According to Government’s missive on Thursday, “Despite the pending arbitration, both parties remain committed to expediting the power plant and natural gas liquids (NGL) plant, aiming to ensure the timely relocation of the gas and steam turbines, which are already in Guyana, to the Wales site.”
Piling works ongoing at the Gas-to-Energy Project site at Wales, West Bank Demerara
Prison authorities must be more culturallysensitive towards inmates – Benn
ome Affairs
HMinister Robeson Benn, reminding that the purpose of the prison system is to rehabilitate criminals, is calling on prison authorities to be more culturally-sensitive towards inmates.
In delivering an address at the opening ceremony of the Guyana Prison Service’s Senior Officers Conference on Thursday,
Minister Benn made an urgent call to better the welfare of the more than 1900 prisoners in penitentiaries across the country, and added that, for example, more thoughtfulness should be employed in preparing the diets of these inmates in that meals being provided must be diverse.
Prisoners in Guyana normally receive free meals three times a day: break-
fast, lunch and dinner; and can also purchase food from the prison shop.
Using as hypothesis the situation of a person from Aishalton, who is accustomed to eating farine and tasso, who suddenly finds himself/ herself in prison, Benn said that now and again, the prison system should pay for the family of that person to visit them.
Banks DIH launches 'Freshness is Domestic' campaign to promote local produce
Banks DIH Marketing Director Carlton Joao
Already serving as the cornerstone of sustainable development, economic vitality and community strength, beverage giant Banks DIH Limited is investing in a future that values people, the planet, and the prosperity of all of Guyana through its Freshness is Domestic campaign.
This new, innovative campaign, while focusing on the promotion of local content, focuses on using local talent, local produce, and prioritizing high-quality products that reflect the unique character of Guyana, thereby helping to preserve and celebrate Guyanese culture and heritage.
By highlighting the unique flavours and traditions of Guyana, this campaign aims to bring a taste of home to everyone with products like our very own I-CEE, Triskits biscuits, Rainforest Water, Tastee Snacks, Demico Chicken, D'Aguiar Wines, Banks Beer, GT Beer, Classic Beer, and other products.
At a press conference held recently to launch this campaign at the Banks DIH Thirst Park Head Office, Marketing Director Carlton Joao disclosed that these local products have a great impact on Guyana when he
said, “The consumption of locally-produced products leads to a significant positive impact on our economy in Guyana. Freshness is Domestic! Local manufacturing is a cornerstone of sustainable development, economic vitality, and community strength. By choosing to support local producers like Banks DIH Limited, we are investing in a future that values our people, our planet, and the prosperity of all of Guyana. This is an easy choice for us that benefits not only the present, but generations to come.”
It has also been highlighted in a recent Banks DIH press release that the best products are homegrown ones.
“At Banks DIH Limited, we believe that the finest products come from our own backyard. We ensure that our foods and beverages are not only fresh, but also of the highest quality, from production to consumption. This commitment to quality allows us to maintain strict quality control and deliver the best to our customers in the shortest time.”
It is important to support home-grown products, the company has emphasized, because it means local people are supporting local manufacturing industries.
“They should be able to get farine and tasso now and again, at least. You have to mix the diet so that they will have a connection with the community, themselves, and their families. Those are the things we have to look at to bring people up,” he said.
He also detailed that prisoners should get exposure to agricultural initiatives that are already progressing. He said these activities empower men in a positive way, showing that they are doing productive things with their time while they are incarcerated.
turn it all into useful activities, where they will earn money and immediately be able to help their families and get a job for themselves,” Benn detailed.
He declared that prisoners involved in these useful activities ongoing in the prison system would better respect themselves, be better able to integrate in society, and be able to support their families. Moreover, the longstanding issue of inmates leaving the prison system and ending up lying around on the pavements would be properly addressed.
oners, Benn declared that most of the prisoners are men, and this speaks to a bigger societal problem.
“The percentage of women in the prison is only 3%, remarkably so; and it speaks to the problem we have in our country with men: who we are and what we do. Men are the problem, and men we have to work on. You have the job to rehabilitate those 2,200 men who are in the prisons,” Benn charged the prison officers.
There have been several cases of prisoners being abused, and Minister Benn, in pointing this out, reiterated that this is strictly prohibited.
“I keep saying, ‘I don’t want men beaten in the prison! I don’t want men beaten in the prison’. It will only alter their self-respect and so on. We don’t recognize and respect ourselves if we do those things. Cruelty begets cruelty,” he admonished.
“We are dedicated to fostering the growth of local manufacturing industries. By investing in our production facilities and partnering with Guyanese suppliers, we create jobs for over 1,600 Guyanese across our national operations, and stimulate economic growth within our community. Supporting local manufacturing is not just a business, it’s a commitment to our nation’s prosperity,” the company has said.
Saying it believes Guyanese products are the best choice for every Guyanese, the company is encouraging consumers to choose locally-made products and foster a sense of pride and community.
“By supporting local businesses, we can all contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Guyana”, the company has said.
Banks DIH Limited is a leading food and beverage manufacturer in Guyana. Its principal operations include food and beverage production and restaurant operations. Automotive and financial services are also provided through its subsidiaries, Banks Automotive and Services Inc. and Citizen’s Bank Guyana Inc. respectively.
“And I hope the Commissioner of Police will give the Prison Service an order for (the purchase of) all the chickens I see coming out of the prison system now. and I hope eggs and so on will be coming out, which they could all sell. I think that it enlivens us when we see those things; when we see the men working, doing useful things and learning. Along with the Fresh Start Initiative, we will be able to
Emphasising that rehabilitation is a key component of the prison system, Benn asserted that the objective of incarcerating prisoners is to reform them, so that upon leaving the prison system, they are able contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Highlighting that a number of training programmes are ongoing within the various prisons with the aim of upskilling pris-
Officers found engaging in the act of abusing prisoners must be rehabilitated and/or removed from the Prison Service, Benn has declared.
“They ought to be rehabilitated or removed. Cruelty begets cruelty. When we look at our work, we have to pay careful attention to whether there’s a transformation in the types of crimes, in the persons committing the crimes, and then identify the best results and best approaches,” he cautioned.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn
Guyana secures coveted 2025 PATWA Int’l Awards
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced that Guyana has been awarded the coveted PATWA International Award for 2025 as ‘Destination of the Year: Natural Attractions’.
Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, has also been awarded the PATWA International Award for 2025 as ‘Tourism Minister
of the Year: Ecological Tourism’.
Guyana has, for the second year, secured awards from PATWA. In 2024, Guyana secured an award in the Destinations category for ‘Destination of the Year: Ecological Tourism”, and ‘Woman Tourism of the Year: South America’ for Excellence in Governance.
“Receiving these awards is certainly a proud
moment. With breathtaking attractions like Kaieteur, our interior savannahs, untouched rainforests and rare wildlife, we’re fortunate to have so much natural beauty to share. What sets us apart is our commitment to protecting our natural attractions. Through conservation and community-driven efforts, we ensure that every visit helps preserve our
$100,000 cash grant for newborns to be issued soon – Jagdeo
Government will soon commence distribution of cash grants allotted to newborn babies. All babies born from January 01, 2025 are eligible for this $100,000 cash grant. This is according to Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who, on Thursday, during his weekly press conference, noted, “We have the numbers. The President told me how much there are already, so they’re going to get it retroactively.”
Pointing out that he is unaware of the current mechanism to be implemented for the rollout of the money, Jagdeo has said he is advocating for it to be distributed by the Ministry of Finance.
“So, wherever the child is born, all you do is get the birth certificate and go in. And we will try to do it as quickly as possible, since people may need it in the first month to buy things for the baby,” he explained.
The Vice President has
said he would push for the process to be done in “real-time”, so the money is issued the day after the baby is born.
The Government of Guyana has allocated $1.3 billion annually to deliver a $100,000 one-off cash grant to each child born to a Guyanese mother. This measure was introduced in the 2025 National Budget.
Government is currently rolling out the $100,000 cash grant per adult citizen initiative.
The awards were given for Best Tourism Destinations – Recognizing cities and countries promoting responsible tourism, and Excellence in Governance – Recognizing government initiatives that drive tourism success
environment and supports local communities.
We are proud to share our country with the world, and look forward to continuing to lead the way in responsible tourism,” double recipient Minister Walrond, speaking on the 2025 wins, declared.
The 2025 awards were won at the 25th edi -
tion of the PATWA World Tourism & Aviation Leaders’ Summit, and the PATWA International Travel Awards at ITB, Berlin, on March 5, 2025. The PATWA International Travel Awards are among the most coveted awards in the travel industry. The awards recognise gov -
ernments, organisations, brands, ministers, and individuals who have excelled in the promotion of tourism. This includes airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, destinations, government bodies, tourism ministries, and other service providers related directly or indirectly with the trade.
‘We need to develop local skills, too many of which we currently import’ – Min Benn
Home Affairs
Minister Robeson Benn has expressed concern over the current situation in the country: labour being imported for jobs that could be filled by Guyanese, who are not upskilling themselves.
“We have to focus on being better Guyanese: better aware, better skilled, better educated. And I keep saying every day (that) we have to sign for people coming from overseas to do jobs which Guyanese can do,” Minister Benn bemoaned.
As he delivered remarks at the opening of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) Senior Officers’ Conference yesterday, Minister Benn said Guyanese ought to take up opportunities for training, so they can contribute to addressing the problem of labour shortage in the country.
“We have to develop the skills needed for national development, because when we have the skills necessary for national development, too much of which we import now, we would be in a better position…,” he expressed.
“We have to get those young men in apprenticeship and work on guidance; and we, men, have to give them better examples, so they don’t fall down to the bottom of the social structure,” he admonished.
Last year, the Local Content Secretariat (LCS) had said it would be working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to devise a more coordinated approach to the issuance of work permits for the oil and gas sector.
On this point, Minister Benn stressed the need for prisoners to be rehabilitated so they can contribute
meaningfully to the economy upon their release from the prison system.
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton, recently revealing that Government is developing its migrant labour policy to regulate the influx of skilled foreign workers into the country, has said the Ministry of Home Affairs frequently processes work permits for labour from Venezuela, Cuba and Haiti; and while migrant labour is not a new phenomenon in Guyana, the current scale of demand necessitates well-structured policies to manage its impact effectively.
Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab, had previously noted that capacity exists locally for Guyanese to fill roles in a number of areas, including logistics, accounting, human resources, and health and safety.
Caricom, Germany sign MOU for closer cooperation
Caricom and Germany have agreed to strengthen their traditionally friendly relations through closer cooperation in key areas over the next five years.
This commitment has been formalised on February 20 during the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom in Barbados, with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) be-
ing signed by Dr. Carla Barnett, SecretaryGeneral of the Caribbean Community, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Christophe Eick, Plenipotentiary Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to Caricom.
According to the Caricom news report, the MOU aims to bolster collaboration between Caricom and Germany in areas such as climate change, climate
finance, environmental conservation, renewable energy, energy security, agriculture and food security, transportation, and health.
This signals a renewed engagement that emphasises the importance of regular strategic dialogues to promote cooperation that fosters economic growth and development based on mutual respect, sovereignty, cultural diversity, and unique challenges.
Indigenous youths to benefit from ENGAGE Youth Project
Amerindian youths countrywide are set to benefit significantly from the Empowering the Next Generation Agency and Gender Equality (ENGAGE) youth project.
The transformative initiative was launched on Tuesday at the Whirlwind Village, located at the Sophia Exhibition Centre in Greater Georgetown, through a partnership between the Government of Guyana, the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), and Global Affairs Canada.
According to a Department of Public Communications (DPI) news report, this project would impact 6,484 individuals, including women and youths from communities in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine.
The ENGAGE youth initiative has a budget of $1.3 billion, and would be implemented over the next five years. It has been designed to provide indigenous youths with essential skills and opportunities, including gender equality training, community awareness programmes, life skills and empowerment workshops, vocational skills training, networking and capacity strengthening for key stakeholders.
During the launch, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai emphasised the initiative’s potential to foster growth and economic development in hinterland communities, and highlighted Government’s commitment to improving the
lives of indigenous youths through education and support programmes.
“From the day this Government stepped into office, the platform, the foundation, the opportunities, the window and the door (were) all flung open,” Minister Sukhai pointed out. “When the village develops, the country develops. When human capital is invested in and is successful, our country develops,” she added.
Project Director Vanessa Thompson, highlighting the four key objectives of the ENGAGE youth project, has said these are: to enhance the capacity of indigenous youths, particularly young women, to make informed decisions regarding their socio-cultural and economic development; to strengthen community support for youth participation in socio-cultural and economic development; to build the capacity of key stakeholders to implement gender and youth-sensi-
tive livelihood programmes; and to increase the capacity of stakeholders to support climate-resilient economic initiatives for indigenous youths, especially young women, the DPI has reported.
“This project has given me more than just skills; it has gifted me with a renewed sense of purpose. As a mother, I understand the importance of nurturing and guidance. As a community leader, I see the real impact of this project; it’s already making a difference through its gender equality and social inclusion training and life skills programme,” Patricia Smith, a mother and resident of Batavia in Region Seven, said as she testified of the benefits of the ENGAGE project.
La Niña fades; global heat keeps rising Regional Nursing Body focused on better health outcomes through quality management
The Regional Nursing Body (RNB) is on a trajectory to improve health outcomes for the people of the Caribbean community through harmonising standards, training, and assessment tools for nurses.
This has been the focus of four days of discussion undertaken by stakeholders in the nursing profession at the Caricom Secretariat’s Headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana.
Thirty-one (31) policy and clinical management professionals participated in the Fifty-Third Joint Meeting of the Executive and Education Committees and the Twenty-Second Meeting of the Practice Committee of the RNB under the chairmanship of Ms Nester Edwards, Chief Nursing Officer of the
Ministry of Health, Wellness and Religious Affairs of Grenada.
In her address to the meeting, Ms Helen Royer, Director of Human Development at the Caricom Secretariat, emphasized the unwavering commitment of stakeholders to advancing quality in nursing, and underscored the dedication that is evident in the nursing community.
Dr Serena BenderPelswijk, Deputy Programme Manager for Health Sector Development at the Caricom Secretariat, underscored the integral role of these discussions in developing and refining the tools and policies used to advance the nursing profession in the Region.
The RNB, as the advisory body on matters relat-
ed to the education, practice and regulation of nurses and midwives, plays a crucial role in improving nursing and its contribution to health care in the Region. It also provides advisory services to member states on request and as mandated by the conference of ministers responsible for health, ensuring that nursing standards are constantly evolving and improving.
The RNB identifies the need for basic, post-basic, and continuing nursing education programmes that align with current trends in nursing and health care in the Region. Among its other strategic objectives, it promotes developing, implementing and evaluating quality assurance programmes in nursing and health care.
The weak but significant La Niña weather event that began in December is likely to be brief, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has announced.
La Niña, a natural climate phenomenon, results in cooler Pacific Ocean temperatures and influences weather conditions worldwide. The latest forecasts from WMO indicate sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific are expected to return to normal.
A UN news report noted the agency as saying there is a 60 percent chance conditions would revert to what scientists call an ENSO-neutral temperature range during March-May 2025, increasing to 70 percent for April-June 2025. ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation)-neutral simply means the ocean is neither unusually warm (El Niño) nor unusually cool (La Niña).
Likewise, the probability of El Niño developing is very low during this period,
the agency has said.
According to WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, El Niño and La Niña associated forecasts are critical for early warnings and taking pre-emptive action.
“These forecasts translate into millions of dollars’ worth in economic savings for key sectors like agriculture, energy and transport, and have saved thousands of lives over the years by enabling disaster risk preparedness”.
La Niña, with its largescale cooling of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, changes wind, pressure, and rainfall. Typically, it brings climate impacts that are opposite to El Niño, especially in tropical regions. For instance, during El Niño, Australia often experiences drought, whereas La Niña can bring increased rainfall and flooding. In contrast, parts of South America may experience drought during La Niña, but conditions become wetter during El Niño.
The launching event was attended by several Government officials, including Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton and Local Government and Regional Development Minister Siona Parag.
Bringing the heat
Notably, these natural climate events are currently occurring alongside human-caused climate change, which is warming the planet and causing more extreme weather.
According to WMO, January 2025 was the warmest January on record, despite the cooler La Niña conditions.
The agency looks at ENSO, but also issues regular global seasonal climate updates (GSCU) that provide a more comprehensive climate outlook based on other key patterns, such as those in the Atlantic and Arctic. These updates also track sea temperatures, global and regional temperature, and rainfall changes.
With most maritime regions set to be warmer than normal, except in the eastern Pacific, WMO has forecasted above-average temperatures across nearly all land areas worldwide during the upcoming season.
Caricom SG (right) signing the MOU in the presence of H.E. Dr. Christophe Eick, Ambassador of Germany to Caricom
Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, speaking at the launch of the ENGAGE Youth programme (DPI photo)
Policy and clinical management professionals during a working session
Trump pauses most tariffs on Mexico for one month
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that Mexico will be exempt from tariffs on goods covered by the USMCA trade treaty until April 2.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said that “virtually all” of Mexico’s trade with the United States is included in the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, known as
USMCA, which will be exempt from US tariffs until next month.
“Practically all the trade we have with the United States is within the Mexico, United States, Canada Agreement. There is a part that has to do with rules of origin, but everything is practically within the trade agreement,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference Thursday.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also said Trump will likely announce a one-month delay on all Canadian tariffs later today. However, negotiations are ongoing with Canada, and it remains unclear whether a deal will ultimately be reached, a senior Canadian government source told CNN. (CNN)
Brazil warns Trump effect risks 'triple negative' for climate
Action to curb global warming is at risk from a "triple negative" effect triggered by the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House, Brazil said on Thursday, as it prepares to host U.N. climate talks later this year.
Trump has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, launched a trade war with Canada, China and Mexico, and upended U.S. policy on the war in Ukraine.
Brazil's Environment and Climate Change Minister Marina Silva told reporters in Delhi, speaking through a translator, the "increasingly complex geopolitical context", characterised by turmoil and trade tariffs, risked disrupting progress on curbing climate change.
"They may drain resources, and they also may hamper the environment of confidence and trust among parties. We have a triple negative effect because the less action we see, the less money we see, resulting
in less cooperation across countries," Silva said.
Brazil, which will host the COP30 annual United Nations global climate summit in November, has said that it will use its presidency to press for multilateralism and respect for science, in a rejoinder to Trump.
Since the disruption of Trump's prioritisation of the United States over helping to solve global problems and provide international finance, Silva said other countries may feel they have to redistribute finances to areas such as defence. She cast doubt on the
agreement reached at last year's COP summit to triple financing to poor nations to $300 billion annually by 2035, saying it "cannot be taken for granted".
Silva also said disputes over trade tariffs were "bad for everyone" and only had short-term political benefits.
"In the long term, they may lead to inflation, they may lead to a decrease in popularity ... People will not be supportive if their houses are burned by fires, if they have impact on their food security because of inflation," she said. (Reuters)
Even if US pauses tariffs, Trudeau says, Canada’s response will remain in place
Asked about the possibility of a fourweek tariff pause for treaty-complaint Canadian goods, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that all his country’s retaliatory measures would remain in place unless the United States completely rolls back its tariffs.
News of a pause “aligns with some of the conversations we have been having with administration officials,” Trudeau told reporters on Thursday. “But I am going to wait for an official agreement to talk about (a) Canadian response.”
“It’s promising, but I would highlight that it means the tariffs are still in place,” Trudeau contin-
ued. “And therefore, our response will remain in place.”
Canada implemented a 25% tariff on over 1,200 US goods this week and has threatened to levy tariffs on over 4,000 more by March 25 unless the US removes its taxes on Canadian goods.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC on Thursday morning that tariffs on treaty-compliant Canadian products will probably be paused. US President Donald Trump announced a pause on Mexican products later in the morning.
Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his province is implementing a 25% tariff on electricity exports to Minnesota,
B’dos crime data shows sharp spike in gun violence
Gun-related murders in Barbados soared by 161 per cent in 2024, with 34 firearm deaths recorded, according to the latest crime data from the Barbados Crime Observatory.
The report shows that all victims were male, with an average age of 30, while those accused of the crimes were younger, averaging 21.6 years old.
St Michael proved to be the bloodiest parish, recording the highest number of
gun-related deaths and accounting for 53 per cent of the total.
Within the parish, the communities of Black Rock, The Pine, and Sargeants Village were identified as hotspots.
The community of Gall Hill in Christ Church have also raised red flags, recording the highest number of fatal shootings in that parish.
A total of 207 firearm-related crimes were reported across the island, includ-
ing 169 major crimes and 76 shootings.
While overall major crimes fell by 1.6 per cent, firearm-related offences surged 129 per cent. Tuesdays and Saturdays were noted as the deadliest days, with 26 per cent of firearm murders occurring on those days. The murder rate climbed to 18.2 per 100,000 people, with 49 homicides recorded for the year, 27 of them in St. Michael. (Barbados Today)
Antigua police express concern over rising number of missing persons
The Police Administration in Antigua has expressed serious concern regarding the increased number of missing persons cases reported within a short time-frame.
In an official statement, law enforcement officials urged families to communicate their whereabouts, encouraging residents to "inform someone of their plans to leave home or be
away from home for an extended period."
The police also emphasized the importance of reporting missing persons to authorities promptly.
Keon Richards of Yorks is the most recent individual to be reported missing. He was last seen on February 26, at his workplace at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort.
Meanwhile, Authorities continue to investigate
several ongoing missing persons cases, including Bolans villager Orden "Passo" David, who was reported missing on January 25, and Donna-Marie Christian, who has not been seen since November 4. The police are also pursuing leads on additional unresolved missing persons cases. (Caribbean Loop News)
Panama president says Trump lied about Panama Canal's 'reclaiming'
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said on Wednesday morning that U.S. President Donald Trump was lying when he said that the North American leader's administration was "reclaiming" the Panama Canal.
Trump's comments to Congress came after a deal led by U.S. firm BlackRock was announced earlier Tuesday to buy most of the $22.8 billion ports business of Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison, which includes assets along the Panama Canal. (Reuters)
Michigan and New York next week.
“As of Monday, we’re putting a 25% tariff on the electricity to the 1.5 million homes and businesses in those three states,” Ford told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on Thursday.
“It really bothers me we have to do this,” he added.
Ford threatened on Monday to cut off Ontario energy exports to the United States “with a smile on my face” if US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods remained in place.
According to Canadian government numbers from 2023, Ontario exports more electricity to the US than any other province. (CNN)
J'can charged in US on concert ticket scam run from Kingston call centre
AJamaican man who is employed at a popular call centre in Kingston, Jamaica, has been charged in the United States relative to a sophisticated cybercrime scam involving the theft of over 900 tickets for high-value events, including those for US singer Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.
Tyrone Rose, a 20-yearold resident of Kingston, and his co-accused,
Shamara P Simmons, 31, of Jamaica, Queens in New York City, were among four individuals who allegedly exploited a loophole through an offshore third-party contractor for StubHub in Kingston, Jamaica.
StubHub is a website that allows users to buy and sell tickets for live events like concerts, theatre and sporting events.
The contractor was
named in a press release on Monday from Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, as being connected to a popular call centre in Kingston. However, due to the complaint being only an allegation at this point, the call centre will not be named at present Rose and another unidentified alleged accomplice worked at the company in Kingston, Katz stated. (Jamaica Loop News)
Brazil's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Marina Silva
Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino
Oil
OAround the World OIL NEWS
eases in choppy trading on U.S. tariffs, OPEC+ plans to raise output
il prices eased slightly in choppy trade on Thursday with Brent still below $70 under pressure from trade tariffs between the U.S., Canada, Mexico and China, and OPEC+ plans to raise output.
Those factors and a larger than expected build in U.S. crude inventories had sent Brent as low as $68.33 on Wednesday, its weakest since December 2021.
"The OPEC news of adding barrels next month, along with a Russian/Ukraine peace deal now looking more promising and a flip/ flop of tariffs is keeping crude in a volatile trade," said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial.
Prices had fallen after the U.S. enacted tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, including energy imports, at the same time major producers decided to raise output quotas for the first time since 2022.
Oil recovered and stabilised somewhat after the U.S. said it will make automakers exempt from the 25% tariffs.
A source familiar with the discussions said that U.S. President Donald Trump could eliminate the 10% tariff on Canadian energy imports, such as crude oil and gasoline, that comply with existing trade agreements.
Downside risks on demand will likely be greater than supply side risks at this point with the additional oil coming from OPEC, said Scott Shelton, energy analyst at TP ICAP.
"Spare capacity can offset supply losses, but there is no way to fix demand, which should flounder under the weight of sanctions and underperform," Shelton added.
The OPEC+ producer group, comprising the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, decided on Monday to increase output for the first time since 2022.
The retreat in prices after Monday's news was then exacerbated on Wednesday by a rise in U.S. crude inventories, said ANZ's Hynes. Crude stockpiles in the U.S., the world's biggest oil consumer, rose more than expected last week, buoyed by seasonal refinery maintenance, while gasoline and distillate inventories fell because of a hike in exports, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.
Tariffs also remain in effect on U.S. imports of Mexican crude, a smaller supply stream than Canadian crude but an important one for U.S. refineries on the Gulf Coast. (Excerpt from Reuters)
US, Ukrainian officials meeting next week in Saudi Arabia
American and Ukrainian officials are planning to meet next week in Saudi Arabia, a person familiar with the matter said.
The two sides are working to put the relationship back on solid footing following last week’s Oval Office blowup between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.
Since the debacle of a meeting, top US officials have been working to reright ties. National security adviser Mike Waltz said Wednesday that discussions were intensifying on a new round of talks.
“We are having good talks on location for the next round of negotiations, on delegations, on substance. So, just in the last
24 hours since the public statement from Zelensky, and then the subsequent conversations which I’m going to walk inside and continue, I think we’re going to see movement in very short order,” Waltz said.
In a social media post Tuesday, Zelensky said he was ready to come to the negotiating table, voiced
regret for how the Oval Office meeting devolved, expressed gratitude to Trump for providing weapons, and said he was ready to sign a minerals deal whenever was convenient for Trump.
Trump welcomed the message in his Tuesday speech to Congress. “I appreciate that he sent this letter,” he said. (CNN)
South Korean Air Force accidentally drops bombs on homes, injuring 15
At least 15 people have been injured after South Korean fighter jets accidentally dropped eight bombs on a civilian area, according to the air force fire agency.
Two KF-16 fighter jets were taking part in a joint firing drill with the US military when they dropped eight 500lb (225kg) Mk-82 bombs outside a firing range in Pocheon, the air force said.
Pictures from the scene showed a house with a hole blasted out of it, debris strewn around a church and a shop with shattered windows.
"There was a sudden loud roar of a fighter jet, then an explosion rang out," said 65-year-old resident Oh Moung-su.
Hamas threatens to kill hostages if Israeli attacks resume
– Trump earlier threatened Hamas, ordering them to release all hostages
Hamas is threatening to kill the remaining hostages if there is "any escalation" of attacks from Israel against Gaza, a Hamas military spokesman said in a statement Thursday.
This comes after President Donald Trump ordered Hamas to release all remaining hostages, dead or alive, or it is "over for you", in a post Wednesday on Truth Social.
Hamas accused Israel of "bullying, stalling, and reckless aggression."
"The enemy's leadership is trying to evade the agreement as the Prime Minister prioritizes political interests over the lives of his captives. The occupier continues to seek an American green light to escalate its aggression against our people," Abu Ubaida, the military spokesman for Al-Qassam Brigades, said in a record-
ed message Thursday.
"Israeli threats of war will bring them nothing but failure and will not lead to the release of their captives. We warn the families of Israeli captives that we still hold proof of life for those who remain alive. We are fully prepared for all possible scenarios. Any escalation of aggression against our people will result in the killing of enemy captives," he said.
Trump threatened Hamas on Wednesday, ordering it to release all remaining hostages, dead and alive, "immediately."
"I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don't do as I say," Trump threatened in a social media post.
"For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future
awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!" Trump wrote.
Trump’s threat came hours after the White House confirmed that US officials had broken with tradition to hold direct talks with Hamas.
The US has previously avoided direct contact with the group owing to Washington's longstanding position not to negotiate with terrorists – with Hamas having been designated as a terrorist group in the US since 1997.
In a press conference on Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said there had been "ongoing talks and discussions" between the US officials and Hamas. (Source: ABC News, Sky News)
"When I went to the scene, there were about four houses that were halved from the damage, people hurt. Dust and smoke rose into the sky, water gushed out of a pipe.
"People in a vehicle going to a construction site were injured – some of them couldn't even get out of the car. Another was outside the car covering his eye."
The air force apologised and said it will offer compensation to the victims.
It said it will establish a committee to investigate why the accident happened and to examine the scale of the damage.
Two of the 15 injured people were seriously hurt, the fire agency said.
The city of Pocheon sits around 40km (25 miles)
northeast of the capital Seoul and is close to the heavily militarised border with North Korea.
The accident was caused by a pilot entering the incorrect coordinates for a bombing site, an unidentified air force official told local reporters. The jets dropped four bombs each, all of which detonated.
Authorities would suspend live-fire exercises until there was a clear understanding of what went wrong, the official said.
Local residents have protested about the potential danger of the nearby training grounds for years, and the mayor urged the government and military to come up with measures to prevent any further civilian damage.
(Excerpt from SkyNews)
Russia wants "quick peace" in Ukraine – and London is at the "head of those resisting" it, says Russian Ambassador to the UK
In an interview on The World With Yalda Hakim, Russian ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, accused the UK, France and other European nations of not wanting to end the war in Ukraine.
"We are prepared to negotiate and to talk," he said. "We have our position. If we can strike a negotiated settlement... we need a very serious approach to that and a very serious agreement about all of that – and about security in Europe."
In his interview with Sky News’ Yalda Hakim, Mr Kelin said he was "not sur-
prised" the US has changed its position on Russia's fullscale invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022, claiming Mr Trump "knows the history of the conflict".
"He knows history and is very different from European leaders," he added.
The Russian ambassador said Moscow had told Washington it believed its territorial advances in Ukraine "should be recognised" as part of any peace deal.
"What we will need is a new Ukraine as a neutral, non-nuclear state," he said.
"The territorial situation should be recognised. These territories have been included in our constitution and we will continue to push that all forces of the Ukrainian government will leave these territories."
Asked if he thought the Americans would agree to give occupied Ukrainian land to Russia, he said: "I don't think we have discussed it seriously. [From] what I have read, the Americans actually understand the reality."
He branded the temporary ceasefire raised by Mr Zelenskyy "a crazy idea", and said: "We will never accept it and they perfectly are aware of that.
"We will only accept the final version, when we are going to sign it. Until then things are very shaky."
He added: "We're trying to find a resolution on the battlefield, until the US administration suggest something constructive." (Sky News)
Russian ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin
SUDOKU
Expand your circle of friends, knowledge and interests. Refuse to let trivial issues get you down or hold you back. Trust your instincts instead of following the crowd.
Physically fine-tune your surroundings to ensure you achieve the most. Running an efficient household can help you save time and money. It's time to replace worry and stress with practical solutions.
Putting things off will only worsen matters. Innovative ideas and following through with your plans will encourage better prospects. Participate in something worthwhile.
Emotions will spike and encourage you to make things happen. Look over your options and separate your ego and emotions to ensure you do what's best for you in the long term.
An open invitation to those you want to share ideas with will pay off. There is wisdom and glory in earning recognition. Accept the choices others make and go about your business.
Moderation is the key to longevity in all aspects of life. Trust your instincts and favor what you feel most comfortable doing. Wise choices come from understanding who you are and what works best for you.
Be direct, open and willing to compromise. Life choices require insight, a trial-and-error approach and taming the ego. If necessary, express and defend your position, focus on your goals and move forward alone.
Follow your gut, and use imagination and creativity to reach your goals. Networking will help you further your plans by gaining financial, physical or emotional support. Implement change.
Opportunity is apparent, but so are pretenses and expectations. Ask questions, research possibilities and refuse to let anyone push you in a direction that can be restrictive.
Dedicate yourself to wisely investing your time and money. Refuse to let anyone talk you into getting involved in a plan or project that benefits them more than you. Look, see and do.
Revisit how you want to spend your time, and rearrange your space to accommodate your plans. Turn your home into a place that makes you feel alive, safe and in control.
Stay focused on your goal and budget. Do the work yourself if it will save money and help you add to your skills and qualifications. Refuse to let outside influences stifle your desire and productivity.
Women’s Premier League...
Kerr, Matthews leave UP Warriorz on the brink of exit
Mumbai Indians (MI) mounted a fine comeback with the ball to set up a win that put them a step closer to making the play-offs for a third year in succession and pushed UP Warriorz (UPW) to the brink of exiting the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. Led by a five-wicket haul from Amelia Kerr, MI picked up 9 for 76 to restrict UPW to 150 for 9 and chased that down with six wickets and nine balls to spare. UPW were off to their best start in the competition thanks to Georgia Voll’s half-century in just her second WPL match. After being bowled for a duck on debut, she hit 55 off 33 balls to lay a strong platform. But UPW could not capitalise, going from 74 for 0 to 125 for 7. The MI spinners combined to pick up eight of the nine wickets UPW lost.
In reply, Hayley Matthews struck her second half-century of the season and was involved in a 92-run second-wicket partnership with Nat Sciver-Brunt that all but sealed the win. It was Matthews’ second fifty in as many games this season against UPW, her 46-ball 68 in Lucknow following
50-ball 59 in Bengaluru last week.
The win took MI up to second on the points table with eight points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of 0.267 after six outings. Their next game is against Gujarat Giants, who
ing out. The first ball of the match caught Harris by surprise. It reared up from a short-of-good length outside off and hit her high on the blade. That left Voll expecting the bouncer from Ismail, who slipped a few full ones
Chetry fell trying to hit out against spin. Deepti hit just the two fours in her 25-ball 27 as UPW scored just 61 in their last 10 overs.
Matthews, Sciver-Brunt get the job done
bowled the fastest ball recorded in women’s cricket history last year.
Sciver-Brunt is capable of swinging the ball around in the early 110 kilometres per hour. Going by the first WPL game at the Ekana Stadium, there was enough help for the fast bowlers with the new ball. Yet the MI fast-bowling duo bowled offcutters on a red-soil surface. Ismail tried to soften Voll up with a one-two trick early on, but quickly switched to taking pace off. SciverBrunt’s cutters proved tough to get away too, initially.
A refreshing start, ft Harris and Voll UPW opted for a third opening pair in their seventh game at WPL 2025, with former Brisbane Heat team-mates Grace Harris and Voll strid-
she hit three fours in the five balls she faced after getting off the mark.
Voll was the aggressor, but it was Harris who end ed the powerplay with backto-back fours off left-arm spinner Parunika Sisodia, whom MI had brought in for Jintimani Kalita. And so UPW ended the powerplay on 50 without loss. It was the best start for UPW this sea son. Voll took just 29 balls to bring up a fine half-century.
The familiar batting collapse
Voll greeted Kerr with three fours and then hit one more off Matthews in the next over. A misjudgement by Ismail at long-on saw Harris hit her only six. But a bouncer from Matthews, one she often uses to sur prise the batters, got the better of Harris, who steerpulled it to short fine leg.
Kiran Navgire, at number three, went for an ungain ly hack, charging at Kerr, to fall for a second-ball duck. Sciver-Brunt delivered the killer blow when Voll went for the scoop and missed.
From there, UPW strug gled to get momentum, with only Deepti Sharma holding one end up. All of Vrinda Dinesh, Chinelle Henry, Shweta Sehrawat and Uma
151-run
the order – Yastika Bhatia had tallied 38 runs in six innings before Thursday. So they pushed Kerr up to open with Matthews and the move did not pay dividends. After hitting a couple of fours, Kerr mis-swatted a back-of-a-length ball from Henry to mid-on.
Matthews and SciverBrunt then joined forces and sped up the run scoring with dew also coming to their aid. Deepti was seen using the towel to wipe the ball inside the powerplay. Kranti Goud began well and extracted enough swing, much like Henry did, resulting in Matthews playing and missing a few. But a 16-run Gouher Sultana over set MI on their way.
friendly words to say, only for Matthews to walk down the track to a short ball and send it sailing into the deep midwicket stands and grin in response.
MI lost three reasonably quick wickets at the doorstep of victory, but Bhatia, in at number six, hit a couple of fours off the offspin of Voll and Deepti to seal the deal. And so two games into their “home leg” in Lucknow, UPW have two comprehen-
The duel between Caribbean mates Henry and Matthews was one of the high lights of the phase: Henry get ting one to rear up at her West Indies Captain and having a few
19.3 ov), 9-150 (Sophie Ecclestone, 19.6 ov)
Pace off from MI
target was -
Sanskriti Gupta
Matthews started the chase with plenty of boundaries
Amelia Kerr claimed her first five-for at the WPL
Hayley Matthews bowled four tidy overs for figures of 2 for 25
Guyanese Coaches/athletes in India for scholarships
Agroup of talented Guyanese athletes and Coaches have departed for India on a prestigious sports scholarship, marking the fulfilment of a promise made by Culture, Youth, and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr.
According to Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, the milestone underscores the Government of Guyana’s commitment to sports development and international collaboration through the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Ministry of Sport.
The delegation consisted of both players and coaches representing the disciplines of table tennis, cricket, badminton, swimming, and basketball.
Among those making the journey are table tennis players Nigel Bryan and Kristian Sahadeo, Cricket Coach
Everest Masters complete successful tour of Costa Rica
Everest Masters cricket team were guests of Costa Rica Cricket Federation where they engaged in matches against Veterans Cricket (VC) USA and Los Rocco’s Costa Rica (LR CR) for the coveted Richard Illingworth Trophy.
The three-match series was played over the Mashramani weekend, with the Guyanese side enjoying their celebrations after hard work.
In the opening encounter against VC USA, Everest Masters won the toss and took first strike on the matting wicket. The Guyanese struggled to 110 all out from 24.4 of their allotted 25 overs, with former Demerara Cricket Club player Troy Dudnauth hitting the top score of 43. Dudnauth was supported by Anil Beharry and Raja Pooran with 15 runs each and former West Indies youth player Hemraj Garbarran and Vick Mahabeer with 13 runs each. Bowling for VC USA, Shamshul Huda took 4 for 13 off 4.4 overs, Jwalant Vakil, 2 for 9 and Sunny Singh, 2 for 25. In reply, VC USA found the bowling tough and were bundled out for a paltry 53 in 21 overs, with Amit Patio and Jwalant Vakil scoring 15 and 13 re-
spectively. Pooran took 4 for 3, Mahabeer 2 for 7 and seamer Ucil Armstrong 2 for 9. Skipper Rajesh Singh and Rohan Sarjoo supported with a wicket apiece with their off-spin bowling. Everest Masters won by 57 runs while Pooran was voted as Player of the Match. In their second match of the tour, Everest Masters took on the home side LR CR. Everest Masters again opted to bat. They fared much better, posting a challenging 146 for 6 off their allotment of 20 overs. The consistent Garbarran topscored with 43 with support from Pooran and Dudnauth with 40 not out and 24, respectively.
Bowling for LR CR, Pillai Sudesh, Sham Murari, Fahad Mirza, and Deepak Rai took one wicket each. The hosts took on the run chase but ended on 139 for 9 off 20 overs, losing by just seven runs. Rai scored 28 and Mirza 16 while Mahabeer, Imitaz Sadik and Armstrong took two wickets apiece. Beharry and Singh supported with one apiece. For the second consecutive match, Pooran won the Player-of-the-Match award. In their final match, it was a repeat clash against LR CR.
This time, the home team won the toss and took first strike. They scored 149 for 9 off 20 overs, with Rai and Fahad Badri scoring 53 each. With the ball, Armstrong took 3 for 24, Mahabeer, 2 for 29 and Sadik, 1 for 31 for Everest Masters, who made a valiant attempt in the chase, but fell short by four runs. Dudnauth made 58 not out and Garbarran 27, retired. Bowling for LR CR, Sudesh and Rai took one wicket apiece. Rai was deservingly named Player of the Match. Everest Masters won the tournament by virtue of winning more matches than the other two teams. The presentation of the winning trophy was done by Mrs Illingworth. Everest Masters presented plaques to the teams and Sam Arthur, the head of the local Federation in recognising their kind hospitality. The plaques were specially done by Trophy Stall.
Costa Rica, the Central American nation, became an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2002. They have hosted several teams such as Panama, Cayman Islands and New Zealand and have toured Nicaragua and Panama.
Ninvalle expressed immense satisfaction in seeing this initiative come to life, adding, “This is a promise fulfilled, one that we have worked tirelessly to ensure.
It is our hope that every athlete and coach takes full advantage of the knowledge and training they will receive in India.”
He emphasised that this group was just the beginning,
stating, “This is the first of many scholarships that will be awarded by the Government of Guyana through the NSC and the Ministry of Sport. We are committed to creating more opportunities for our athletes to train at an elite level and bring back valuable skills to help develop sports in Guyana.”
He noted that the initiative aligned with the Government’s broader vision of sports development, talent nurturing, and international partnerships.
The athletes and coaches will engage in intensive training programmes at the JAIN University in Bangalore, gaining exposure to worldclass facilities and coaching techniques.
Upon their return, they are expected to contribute significantly to the local sporting landscape, raising the level of competition and mentoring the next generation of Guyanese athletes.
2025 PAHF Jr Challenge… Girls’ hockey team gets muchneeded Private Sector boost
The Guyana Under-21 girls’ hockey team received solid support from members of the Private Sector in their efforts to raise funds to participate in the Junior Pan Am qualifiers in Barbados this month. In addition to support from the Ministry of Sport and Guyana Olympic Association, the team secured their major sponsorship from Sabor, the local breakfast and lunch cafe that offers local and Caribbean cuisine with a Latin flair. Sabor had been a sponsor of the team back in 2023, which was the last time that Guyana participated in junior international hockey.
Among the other corporate sponsors are C&V Shipping, which is a wellknown shipping agency that facilitates cargo in and out of Guyana; Kestrel, which is the agent for the Chinese behemoth Cosco line along with other vessels; Moo Milk, which has taken the local market by storm and is distributed by Acado; King
Ocean Line, one of the major lines plying the USAto-Guyana route and John Fernandes Ltd, a long-standing supporter of sports in Guyana.
Guyana Hockey Board
President Philip Fernandes expressed great appreciation for these sponsors coming on board and underlined the fact that without sponsors, very little could be achieved in amateur sports. Fernandes went on to state that he was present in a meeting with President Ali who commented on the role of the Private Sector in sport and encouraged administrators to explore these avenues more. This encouraged the Guyana Hockey Board to reach out and Fernandes was very complimentary of the willingness of these brands to support the girls’ hockey team.
“There are not a lot of opportunities, especially for young female athletes, in sport and it is particularly heartening that companies
can recognise this and offer the much-needed support that is necessary.”
The team travel to Barbados this week and will face Guatemala in their opening match on Saturday morning at 10:00h.
Darien Best, Badminton
Coach Frank Waddell, swimmer Paul Junior Mahaica, and
Swimming Coach Shanice Mahaica. Basketball Coach Warren
Everest Masters on their historic tour of Costa Rica
Guyana’s national U21 girls’ team during a training session
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle took a photo opportunity with the Guyanese Coaches/athletes prior to their departure Wilson is also in India.
West Indies Championship… Alimohamed, Smith put GHE in firm control
Guyana Harpy Eagles’ twin towers of pace Ronaldo Alimohamed and Nial Smith ripped through the Jamaica Scorpions lineup in a single session on Thursday to put the visitors in the driver’s
went past the five-wicket mark for the second time in his First-Class career, claiming 6-17 from 11.5 overs while Smith snared
4-21 from 13 overs to rout Jamaica for 44 runs in 25.5 overs.
The extras were the topscore for Jamaica, as 10 no balls, alongside a handful of byes and wides pushed that number to 17. Meanwhile, for the batters, Javelle Glenn accumulated the most runs – 5 off 12 deliveries.
Additionally, Brandon King, Odean Smith, and
Tamarie Redwood all contributed four runs to the total. That meant Guyana would head into the second innings with a 295-run lead.
Earlier in the day, the Harpy Eagles managed to accumulate a first innings total of 339 from 109.2 overs.
Kemol Savory and Gudakesh Motie resumed the second day’s play at
3rd Republic Bank “Five for Fun” tournament launched
Seventy-five primary school cricket teams, featuring both boys and girls, hailing from Guyana’s three counties will soon spring into action as they compete for top honours in the third Republic Bank “Five for Fun” cricket tournament.
A collaborative effort of the financial institution; Cricket West Indies (CWI); the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Ministries of Education and Culture, Youth and Sport, this year’s tournament was officially launched at the Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown on Thursday morning.
There, Republic Bank Guyana Commercial Manager Harry Dass Ghaness shared the company’s passion for the tournament, describing it as a positive tool to improve young lives.
“Today, Republic Bank stands proudly behind this powerful idea, using the power of sports to positively shape young lives. Sport instils crucial values and life skills in our nation’s youth, such as discipline, teamwork and a healthy lifestyle. That is why we are so passionate about initiatives like the “Five for Fun” programme. We firmly believe that investing in our youth is investing in the future of our nation. This programme, which is part of our Power to Make A Difference social investment initiative under the power to learn and power to succeed pillars, continues to make a positive impact on our youth,” Ghaness expressed.
Speaking to the merits of the tournament too was CWI Director and GCB Secretary
Ronald Williams, who also took the time to praise Republic Bank’s diverse sponsorship of the sport.
Williams remarked, “Many sponsors are pretty much piggybacking on established cricket. So, they go after the highly favoured and most popular T20 cricket, the CPL. Of course, we know Republic Bank is a sponsor of CPL, but Republic Bank did even better than that, they went down to the grassroot level and created this Five for Fun concept.”
“Now, the term Five for Fun is neither accidental nor incidental, it goes to where cricket should be developed from, at age 12 and under, to inculcate in our youngsters, a passion and understanding for the game, which some may feel is more than just a game. It’s a part of our West Indian upbringing, a part of our culture, a part of our development, a part of our national welfare,” the CWI Director further said.
Highlighting the Education Ministry’s five-priority programme [where involvement in a sport, music,
260-5, with Savory going on to fall just two runs short of a half-century – 48 off 85 balls. Motie, on the other hand, added a brisk 27 from 29 balls before heading back to the dugout. There was not much else the tailenders could do and the visitors were bowled out in the first session on Day 2.
Smith claimed a five-wicket haul – 5-68 from
22.2 overs – while Captain Marquino Mindley picked up 2-36 from 23 overs.
Instead of enforcing the follow-on, Guyana opted to bat again, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Matthew Nandu heading out to the crease. Nandu did little to trouble the scoreboard, getting to seven before becoming a victim of Brad Barnes, but Chanderpaul
“A lot is expected of me”
Hackett intent on making the
and Captain Tevin Imlach teamed up to get the tournament’s defending champions to close of play without any slip-ups.
With 68-1 on the board at close of play, Guyana will head into Day 3, today with a 363-run lead.
Chanderpaul is unbeaten on 37 from 104 balls while Imlach is also not out on 19 from 61 deliveries.
volunteerism, cultivation of a skill and fluency in a foreign language is encouraged]
, Deputy Chief Education Officer (DCEO) Dr Ritesh Tularam divulged that the Five for Fun initiative helps the Ministry execute this mandate.
“The five-priority areas, as I’ve mentioned, are carefully networked into this whole initiative of Five for Fun cricket and over the years, as I would’ve said, the Ministry of Education fully endorsed and supported this initiative and we will continue to work closely with our partners in education to ensure that we foster and strengthen our partnerships and collaboration so that we could realise our national vision for the Ministry of Education and by extension, what is the national vision set out by the Government of Guyana,” Dr Tularam noted.
The primary school teams will first compete in their individual counties –Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice – after which the top teams from each county will come up against each other in the national final.
most of ‘new challenge’
at Police FC
– Story and Photos by Jemima Holmes
There will be a new staple in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Football Club’s midfield when the seventh edition of the Elite League begins this weekend.
Ryan “Boom Boom” Hackett made a bold move from the soldiers’ camp at the Guyana Defence Force FC to the Police, which sent shockwaves around the local football fraternity. Now, as the midfielder prepares for the Elite League with his new squad, he has chalked up the move to his search for a new challenge.
“I feel that it was a good team I come from, we win everything in them couple years I was there, so I feel that it would be good for a new challenge and I feel that Police is the team for that new challenge,” Hackett told Guyana Times Sport during a training session.
As the Golden Jaguars player spoke exclusively with this publication, he shared what he hoped to bring to the Police team and how fitting in has been thus far.
He envisioned for his time at Police FC, “Nothing different, just the basic. Just communicating, look to assist in many goals that I could assist and play a good role in this Police team to help them going forward, at least to win the League.
“It’s easy because the guys them accept me as a player, not only as a player, as a family, as a friend, as a brother. So, it’s easy to come around and just enjoy the training and we getting along very well,” “Boom Boom” further explained.
Quizzed about not only his transfer but the busy January window in general, Hackett noted that he was not too concerned with how the other teams were stacked, expressing confidence in having a good season with his new home.
“What I could say is it’s going to be a good League, it’s a good team, good signings. So, I 100 per cent just aim to bring it home with
Police too. I’m just looking to train hard with the players, execute what we coach tell we and look to bring it home not only for us, but for Police FC and the entire Police Force,” the midfielder shared.
“My basic is not looking at what the other teams sign, my focus is to come here and get the guys them to up the standard to play against these good teams ‘cause once we up to standard and be focused and prepare, I know we could win it. That’s what we training for, to go and do it as a team and as players so much is expected of in this league.”
As “Boom Boom” envisions a championship- win-
ning season for the lawmen, he admitted that a lot is expected of him when he dons the blue uniform.
Hackett expressed, “I could tell you it means a lot, because a lot is expected from me. A lot is invested for me to come here so, it would mean a lot for me to just go out there, not only play for myself, just play for the Club and look to bring it home once again, because a lot depending on me, not only from players, big staff, my family. So, it would be a great new challenge for I come Police and win it and add another title to my story.” The Elite League is set to kick off this Sunday, March 9.
Ryan “Boom Boom” Hackett’s shift to Police FC has been one of the most-talked-about moves this pre-season
Despite being plagued by overstepping, Nial Smith picked up four wickets
Kemol Savory fell 2 short of a half- century
Republic Bank Guyana Commercial Manager Harry Dass Ghaness
CWI Director and GCB Secretary Ronald Williams
