engaging US Govt to ensure favourable trade agreement – VP ...says lobbyists may be needed to represent C’bean region
America Street money changer robbed at gunpoint of over $700,000 in cash, gold
2 Venezuelans granted $50,000 bail in unlawful wounding case
At Tuesday’s thanksgiving service commemorating the 58th anniversary of the Women’s Army Corps, Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, shared a proud moment with two of the first-day enlistees–(left) Staff Sergeant (Retired) Claudette Croft (1967–1988) and (right) Sergeant (Retired) Claudette Thorne (1967–2003)
Guyana engaging US Govt to ensure favourable trade agreement – VP
...says
lobbyists may be needed to represent C’bean region
The Guyana Government will continue to engage its United States (US) counterpart to ensure that trade relations remain favourable, not just between the two countries but the wider Caribbean region.
This commitment was given by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo amid plans by the US Government to impose tariffs on imports from several countries including Canada, Mexico and China.
In light of this potential tightening of global trade, Jagdeo told reporters at his press conference on Thursday last that the Government is paying attention to the issue, which could see the potential tightening of global trade.
“Clearly, we have to remain engaged with the US Government in ensuring that there is, for the Caribbean countries particularly, a favourable environment for our trade with the US. You know, we’ve had some special treatment with the US for a long time and we hope that those don’t get eroded,” the Vice President stated.
He added that the recent engagement between President Dr Irfaan Ali and newly appointed US
Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, was crucial in ensuring that the Donald Trumpled US Administration understand very early on that the Caribbean cannot distort global trade since the regional trade figures are below some de minimis level.
On January 27, President Ali had a telephone conversation with the new US Secretary of State. The Guyanese leader said he reiterated Guyana’s support for the extended partnership with the US in energy, security, democracy, and regional prosperity.
In a brief statement, the State Department Spokespersons, Tammy Bruce, said during their call, Secretary of State Rubio and President Ali addressed the crisis of illegal migration and agreed to jointly address
this regional imperative and challenge.
The Secretary also affirmed the US’s steadfast support of Guyana’s territorial integrity in the face of threats from the Nicolás Maduro-led regime in Venezuela.
Nevertheless, on Thursday, VP Jagdeo told reporters at his press conference that the tightening of global trade can have negative effects and maybe through diversion of trade, positive effects for some places.
He explained that if some markets are closed off, the US in this case, and there is an oversupply of production from the tariffed countries, then prices can come down for the other markets across the globe.
However, the Vice President pointed out that that Guyana will have to rely on its exports for prosperity.
Jagdeo noted that US, because of its huge purchasing power, could drive their prosperity and economic growth from internal demand. Even China, he added, at the beginning could not have done this but has since reoriented and has bolstered domestic demand – something which they were able to do given
the scale of its population.
“Small countries cannot do that. They rely heavily on export markets for their products to enhance prosperity. That is why we have to keep our rates competitive – our agriculture, our manufacturing, a whole range of activities – that they are done competitively, that our exchange rate policy doesn’t affect their global competitiveness,” he stated.
The Vice President went onto highlight the importance of having a sympathetic environment for products out of the Global South.
“That is why we’ve always supported special and differential treatment for countries coming from the Global South. Should that change and the tariff regime changes globally for the small countries, I don’t think President Trump has said that he wants that done but should that change, it could adversely affect many countries.”
“So, it’s up to us to ensure that the US Administration – President Trump’s Administration, don’t allow the issues that they have with Canada and Mexico, which are large global trading partners to affect us. And it requires probably lobbyists not just for Guyana but
also for the [Caribbean] region to engage with the new US Administration to ensure that those complexities are in their thinking when they announce trade policies,” Jagdeo asserted.
While the US Government has gone ahead with its implementation of a 10 per cent tariff on imports from China, there has been a 30-day delay on the 25 per cent tariff to be imposed on imports from Canada and Mexico. This latter move has brought some level of relief but this was short-lived as
President Trump threatens to hit more countries with similar tariffs.
Based on a BBC report, President Trump said on Friday that he was planning “reciprocal tariffs” on other nations in the coming days as he aims to reshape the US' global trade relationships.
The President, the article stated, did not say which countries could be targeted but suggested it would be a broad effort that may also help solve US budget problems.
(File Photo) President Dr Irfaan Ali with Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Monday, February 10 –03:30h-05:00h and Tuesday, February 11 – 03:45h-05:15h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Monday, February 10 –14:50h-16:20h and Tuesday, February 11 – 15:35h-17:05h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Light to thundery showers are expected throughout the day and at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres.
High Tide: 15:24h reaching a maximum height of 2.42 metres.
Low Tide: 08:57 and 21:29h reaching minimum heights of 0.97 metre and 0.76 metre.
Guyana to harness int’l technology, expertise to partner with locals for downstream opportunities
With natural gas expected to be piped onshore when the highly-anticipated Gas-toEnergy (GtE) Project comes on stream later this year, Guyana will be looking to tap into international technology and expertise to support the local private sector to take advantage of the downstream opportunities that will become available.
The US$759 million GtE Project will see the construction of a 300-megawatt (MW) Combined Cycle Power Plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility built at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD), to utilise the rich gas resources that
the market. And we have to work on a culture of working together, building consortiums, building, you know,
will be brought onshore from the Stabroek Block, where oil production activities are ongoing.
Works to build the power plant and NGL facility are ongoing, and the contractor, Lindsayca CH4 Guyana Inc. – a United States (US) based consortium of Lindsayca and CH4 – is expected to deliver power in a few months’ time; when this happens, Guyanese will see the cost of electricity slashed by half and benefit from reliable power supply.
On the other hand, the NGL facility will open up opportunities for downstream activities in the country. The downstream industry refines and converts oil and gas into finished products such as cooking gas – something that Guyana has set its eyes on.
During a recent appearance on the Energy Perspectives programme, President Dr Irfaan Ali spoke about the opportunities for investments in the downstream sector once the gas becomes available. He said the local private sector needs to work together to pool their resources so that they can benefit from this new industry.
“In the downstream, I think there are some opportunities here, first, for our local private sector. We want to ensure that we can leverage to the maximum, local capital, local private sector [and] local individuals. So, we want to work on a strategy that maximises local capital, that brings together all the local capital in
corporations [and] raising capital,” the Head of State posited.
However, President Ali explained that Guyana will also have to turn to its regional and international partners, harnessing their technology and expertise to develop its downstream industry.
“[We have to] maximise regional liquidity. So, we have first local [and] then regional, creating that partnership. And then to the international investors with the experience expertise and technology, looking at their experience, technology and expertise to partner with our local private sector to maximise the benefit that will be coming upstream and downstream,” he stated.
According to the Guyanese Leader, when the GtE Project comes on stream, in addition to cheaper power, Guyanese will also benefit from significantly lowered prices of cooking gas. This, he pointed out, will save the country millions of US dollars on imports.
Moreover, it will also earn the country revenue since the Government plans to export the excess gas that will come onshore.
“We'll have enough excess to either go back into the [Caribbean] region or go to Northern Brazil, where
there's high demand. So, creating new markets, new exports and a new stream of foreign currency earning.”
“So that's just one example. Then we are of the view that we will have just enough gas remaining on the first Project for a small fertiliser plant that could satisfy national demand. So that is an input cost now. We'll save all of that US dollars from import. That's the input cost now that would go to agriculture to reduce [costs]… If you can subsidise or bring down the cost as a result of this or fertiliser for the farmers, then we are incentivising agriculture production, and that is linked to our vision of becoming the bread basket of the region and a major player in the food industry,” President Ali stated.
The Guyana Government already anticipates that the GtE Project would earn the country as much as US$500 million in savings when electricity prices are slashed by half and from the sale of the rich excess gas.
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had previously explained the addition of 300MW of power into the national grid would see savings to the tune of US$250 million per year.
“That is simply because we’ll reduce electricity prices from 22 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 11 cents per kWh. So, US$250 million per year in savings to the people of Guyana,” he stated at a December 19, 2024 press conference.
President Dr Irfaan Ali on the Energy Perspective programme with host Kiana Wilburg
USAID is in the news as President Donald Trump has selected the agency as the first to be in the sights of the newly-created Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk. As he stated, DOGE will be engaged immediately in finding ways to fire federal workers, cut programmes and slash federal regulations to ensure the US gets the “bang for its bucks” on programmes that Make America Great Again.
The US Agency for International Development’s acronym -- USAID – was not serendipitous but was deliberately chosen to telescope the US’s strategy towards the rest of the world as the immediate post-war Marshall and other aid plans had ended. President John F Kennedy created USAID using an executive order in 1961, and Congress passed the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998, codifying USAID as an independent agency within the penumbra of the State Department. In announcing his plans to create USAID, President Kennedy argued to Congress that a modern, unified aid agency was essential to advance America’s moral, economic and strategic considerations in a world where totalitarianism and instability were profound threats.
Not much has changed since then in terms of the goals of USAID, even as its fortunes rose and fell during the intervening sixty-odd years with the passage of new presidents and new administrators who interpreted “America’s moral, economic and strategic considerations” in an ever-evolving world. In the sixties, with the Vietnam War escalating after troops were sent in 1965 to hold back the communist Vietcongs, almost 6000 USAID workers were deployed to presumably show that the US was not only concerned with “rolling back communism” but also providing an alternative to communist utopia.
The twin goals of “American security” and “local development” were always in tension and have bestowed a mixed legacy, both domestically and internationally. For instance, even as its efforts to increase vaccination in Pakistan were positive, they were dulled by the role some of its employees played in tracking down Osama bin Laden. Similarly, under the rubric of increasing democratic participation in Eastern Europe, USAID financed many of the groups that engineered regime changes which favoured the West.
For us in Guyana, we know from the declassified files that it was the CIA that destabilized and eventually effectively removed the PPP Government between 1962 and 1964. But we can appreciate the role of USAID to maintain the PNC in office from the June 21, 1968 memo 434. “Memorandum From Secretary of Agriculture Freeman and Administrator of the Agency for International Development Gaud to President Johnson. SUBJECT PL-480 Program with Guyana.
“We recommend that you authorize us to negotiate a PL 480 sales agreement with Guyana to provide approximately 1,500 tons of edible vegetable oil, 2,000 tons of wheat/ wheat flour, 100 tons of tobacco and 3,000 tons of potatoes for which the current export market value (including applicable ocean transportation costs) is approximately $1.0 million. The proposed terms are payment in dollars of 5 percent on delivery and the balance in approximately equal instalments over 20 years; interest will be 2 percent per annum during a two-year grace period and 2.5 percent thereafter. The Departments of State and Treasury concur in this recommendation.
Need for Program: The Guyana (Burnham) Government has undertaken with help from the USAID and the British and Canadian Governments an ambitious economic development program over the past three years. We have given particular priority to assisting this government in its effort to demonstrate what a democratic government can achieve following the years of difficulties under the rule of communist-oriented Cheddi Jagan. The Burnham government is making a special effort to accelerate its development projects, particularly for agriculture, but local currency costs for development have placed a substantial strain on the Burnham government’s budget.
This agreement would assist the Burnham Government to sustain its record of economic achievement and progress, which is important at this time since national elections will be held in Guyana prior to March 31, 1969, with Jagan again opposing Burnham.”
How Putin, Xi and now Trump are ushering in a new imperial age
By Eric Storm
Over the past few weeks the new US President, Donald Trump, has repeatedly claimed that the United States should “take back” the Panama Canal and that it should assume control of Greenland – one way or another. He has talked of Canada becoming America’s 51st state and now he even wants to “take over” the Gaza Strip to convert it into a “Riviera” on the eastern Mediterranean.
It’s as if the US President believes that his country should be an empire. In this Trump seems to be emulating China’s Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin of Russia, leaders he has said he admires and who have themselves shown some clear imperial tendencies in recent years.
Under Putin, Russia has supported secessionist regions, such as Transnistria and Abkhazia; fought wars in Georgia and Ukraine, and actively interfered in the affairs of Syria and assorted African countries. In 2022, Russia even launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, claiming that Ukraine was historically inseparable from Russia, but that hostile Western influences were trying to destroy that unity.
China, meanwhile, has militarised a number of small uninhabited islands in the South China Sea. It has built 27 installations on disputed islands in the Spratly and Paracel island group that are also claimed by other countries, including Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines and Malaysia. This has prompted a flurry of development, as
other countries in the region have raced to establish their own footholds in the disputed, but very resource-rich, region.
Beijing also maintains its claim over Taiwan, which it says is an inalienable part of China which it wants to “come home”.
Most people assumed that the age of empires had been relegated to the dustbin of history. But this is by no means a straightforward proposition. Until relatively recently, the rise and fall of empires had dominated much of recorded history. Nationstates only appeared at the end of the 18th century. And as those states rose to prominence, many too displayed imperial inclinations.
So the US, fresh from throwing off the yoke of the British empire, wasted little time in expanding its borders westward, acquiring – whether by conquest or purchase –large swathes of new territory in what effectively turned a small group of east coast states into a continental empire.
Meanwhile, other newly-minted nation-states such as Italy and Germany also aspired to acquire overseas empires and involved themselves, with varying success, building what turned out to be relatively short-lived colonial empires in Africa and elsewhere.
Most traditional dynastic empires, meanwhile, began to adopt various aspects of the nation-state model, such as conscription, legal equality and political participation. The decades following the second world war are often seen by historians as a period of decolonisation by traditional imperial powers
such as Britain and France. But the transition from empire to nation-states was far from smooth. Most imperial governments hoped to transform their empires into more egalitarian commonwealths, while retaining a degree of influence.
This they did with varying degrees of success and often under extreme duress, as with France in Algeria and Vietnam, or under great economic pressure, such as with Britain and India. The real age of the nation-state didn’t begin until the 1960s.
Today, the world consists of about 200 independent countries, the overwhelming majority nation-states. Nonetheless, one could argue that empires – or at least imperial tendencies – have never totally disappeared. France, for instance, frequently interfered in many of its former colonies in Africa. However, these military interventions were not meant to permanently occupy new territories.
Today, imperial tendencies seem to resurface around the world. The past, however, tends not to repeat itself. Massive wars of conquest or attempts to create new overseas empires are unlikely in the immediate future. Most imperial expansions are currently sought close to home. What is striking is that Putin, Xi and Trump all use fierce nationalist rhetoric to justify their imperialist designs. Putin, as we have seen, claims the indivisibility of Ukraine and Russia and blames “Nazis” for trying to turn Russia’s sister state towards the West. He used it as a justification for invading Ukraine in February 2022.
Xi, in turn, often maintains that Communist China has finally overcome the century of humiliation, in which the country was the plaything of foreign powers. They both seem to yearn for past imperial greatness. The Russian Federation aims to undo the dissolution of the Soviet Union, communist China looks back to the Qing empire. Interestingly, under its increasingly authoritarian leader Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, Turkey – another regional power with imperial inclinations – similarly finds inspiration in the Ottoman Empire. The US case seems to be more complex, but in fact is very similar. Thus, Trump argues that the Panama Canal, which has long been administered by the US, was foolishly returned to Panama by Jimmy Carter and claims that it is now controlled by China. He will, he says, return it to the US.
Trump also refers to America’s “Manifest Destiny”, the 19th-century belief that American settlers were destined to expand to the Pacific coast. These days his aspirations are northwards rather than to the west. The President also wants to plant the US flag on Mars, taking his imperial dreams into outer space. If the US joins China and Russia in violating recognised borders, the international, rights-based order could be in danger. The signs are not very positive. Taking steps to illegally annex territories could blow up the entire international edifice. (Courtesy of The Conversation) Eric Storm is Senior Lecturer in General History, Leiden University
Vehicles travel on the Canadian side of the yellow line (left), marking the international border in Stanstead, Quebec, while others travel on the American side (right) in Beebe Plain, Vermont (Reuters)
World Pulses Day 2025
Ambassador highlights importance of Guyana’s agriculture drive
World Pulses Day has become an important day for spreading awareness and mobilize small farmers as Guyana seek to reduce food import and to become an exporter within and outside of CARICOM.
While Guyana continues to import small amounts of pulses such as channa, dhall, black-eye, green, red and black beans, under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and the Ministry of Agriculture, Guyana started production of red and black beans and black-eye since 2023.
With the President’s personal input, about 1,000 acres of land were put under production for red and black beans and blackeye in Bara Cara, Mara, Moleson Creek, Tacama and Kimbia. In 2024, this was increased to 2,000 acres.
For some of these products, Guyana should soon become self-sufficient and should become an exporter before 2030.
With this diversification of crops, Guyana’s food security should be considerably enhanced. In addition, Guyana’s food import bill should also be reduced. While these are ambitious goals, note that just a few years ago, Guyana imported about $US30M of soya and corn for the stockfeed industry.
In 2024, more than 12,000 acres of land were
under soya and corn cultivation, reducing the country’s import of these critical items and now Guyana is poised to become an exporter within the Region by 2027.
February 10th annually is celebrated as World Pulses Day. Guyana joins the global family in celebrating World Pulses Day.
As Guyana continues to lead the ambitious CARICOM 25 X 25 Food Security Program, pulses have become an important component of the list of agriculture products produced by our farmers. Guyana, therefore, has a significant interest in World Pulses Day 2025.
Recognizing the potential of pulses to further achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and building on the success of the International Year of Pulses (IYP) in 2016 implemented by FAO, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated February 10th annually as World Pulses Day
(WPD).
World Pulses Day provides an opportunity to raise public awareness about pulses and the fundamental role pulses play in the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
The theme for World Pulses Day 2025 is “Pulses: Bringing Diversity to Agrifood-System”.
Pulses are the edible seeds of leguminous plants cultivated for both food and animal feed (stockfeed).
Beans, chickpeas and pigeon-peas, black-eye peas, peanuts and channa are the most well-known and commonly consumed types of pulses, but there are several more varieties from around the world, all with great benefits for food security, nutrition, health, climate change, and biodiversity.
Pulses include crops like lentils, red beans, black-eye peas, kidney beans, channa. These tiny, multi-coloured seeds have been one of nature’s nutritious foods since time began.
The Mission reminds people of some of the benefits from pulses:
1. Pulses are naturally low in fat and contain no cholesterol, which can contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
2. Pulses are low in so-
dium – or salt – which is a contributor to hypertension and can be avoided by consuming foods with lower sodium levels such as pulses.
3. They are a great source of plant-based protein, with, for example, 100 grams of dry lentils containing a remarkable 25 grams of protein.
4. Pulses are a good source of iron. Iron deficiency is considered one of the most prevalent forms of malnutrition and is one of the most common types of anaemia.
5. Pulses are high in potassium, which supports heart health and plays an important role for digestive and muscular functions.
6. Pulses are high fibre foods, necessary for supporting digestive health and helping to reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
7. Pulses are nutrient-dense food. For example, they are an excellent source of folate – a
Guyana to harness int’l technology...
Jagdeo further explained that with this saving, it would take Guyana approximately eight years to repay for the entire GtE Project, which is pegged at almost US$2 billion including the cost of the US$1 billion pipelines installed by US oil major and Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil, that will be used to bring the gas onshore.
However, the VP added that the liquids that will come when Guyana cleans the excess gas for products such as cooking gas or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) can be sold and this will further bolster the country’s earnings from the GtE Project.
“The liquids alone that we will get from the Project, if we sell it at current market price in Guyana, the same amount of liquid will
raise another US$250 million per year…. So, it’s a massive [earning]. We will see about US$250 to US$500 million per year in benefits from that because we now have free electricity [and liquids to sell]. That’s a huge sum of money,” the VP stressed.
At least 50 million standard cubic feet of gas (mmscf) are expected to be piped from the Liza Field in the Stabroek Block to the GtE Project site at Wales.
In the Stabroek Block, some 17 trillion cubic feet of gas have already been found with the Pluma and Haimara wells being proven gas fields.
However, the 250 kilometres (km) of 12-inch pipelines that were already laid by Exxon to bring the gas onshore will only use 40 per cent of the pipeline’s ca-
pacity to gas up the Wales Project, bringing 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of dry gas onshore.
But with the pipelines having the capacity to push as much as 120 mmscfd of gas, Government is now moving ahead with Phase Two of the GtE Project that will utilise the remaining 60 per cent capacity of the pipeline and will see an additional 75 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of rich gas brought onshore.
Invitations are currently out for proposals to design, construct, and operate a 250 MW combined-cycle power plant, to deliver 2,100 gigawatt/ hours (GWh) of electricity per annum, and sold to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. It also caters for the design, construction
FROM PAGE 3
and operation of another NGL facility to produce approximately 6,000 barrels per day (bpd) of NGL products such as propane, butane, and C5+gasolene.
Additionally, Phase Two also includes the transfer at no cost of excess “lean gas” estimated at 30 mmcfd, for utilisation in downstream industries, e.g. fertiliser production, to be located at Wales.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has been adamant about utilising the country’s gas resources to advance national development.
US energy firm, Fulcrum LNG Inc., has been selected to work in a tripartite arrangement with the Guyana Government and ExxonMobil to develop another potential gas Project.
B-vitamin naturally present in many foods – that is essential to the nervous system function and especially important during pregnancy to prevent foetal defects.
8. Pulses can be stored for a long time and, therefore, can help to increase the diversity of diets, especially in developing countries.
9. Pulses are low glycaemic index foods. They help to stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making them suitable for people with diabetes and ideal for weight management.
10. Pulses are naturally gluten-free. This makes them an ideal option for coeliacs.
In addition, pulses help to diversify the agri-food
system in a country. Its cultivation provides an additional opportunity for small farmers to improve livelihood and generate wealth. At the same time, increased production also provides an important raw material for stockfeed production.
The Guyana Mission congratulates the Government of Guyana and the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture in adding pulse to the diversified list of agriculture products for Guyana.
Ambassador Leslie Ramsammy, Ambassador to Switzerland Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Geneva
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025
06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time
06:30 Cartoons
07:00 Week-in-Review (RB)
07:30 Cartoons
08:00 Stop Suffering
08:30 HGTV
10:00 Food Network
12:00 News Break
12:05 Indian Movie - Asoka (2001)
15:00 When Calls the Heart
15:30 My Adventures with Superman S2 E5
16:00 Indian Soaps
17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Aljazeera
19:00 The Evening News
20:00 Stand-up Comedy
20:30 Valentine Giveaways with Anthony Persaud
21:00 9-1-1 S3 E4
22:00 Ozark S4 E9
23:00 Queen of the South S5 E9
00:00 Sign off
Page Foundation
(1) Study the picture below and then answer the question.
The total mass of 4 identical watermelons is shown on the scale above. Calculate the mass of one watermelon in grams.
(2) (a)
Study the triangle below and then answer the questions.
(i)What is the size of angle x?
(ii) What is the size of angle y?
(iii) Name the type of triangle shown above.
(b)
(i) Complete the diagram below to show a symmetrical shape. XY is the line of symmetry.
(ii) On the completed symmetrical diagram, draw in another line of symmetry.
(3) In the diagram below, the figure in the circle is equal to the product or sum of the numbers in the boxes. Complete the diagram by filling in the missing numbers in the boxes.
(a) (i)
(ii)
(b) At his birthday party, Sammy shared of his birthday cake among the children and among the adults. He kept the remainder for his teacher.
(i) What fraction of the cake was shared to the children and adults altogether?
(ii) What fraction did he keep for his teacher?
(4) The pie chart below shows the favourite meals of a class of 72 children.
(a) Which meal is the least favourite?
(b) Which meal is the most popular?
(c) How many children like fried rice?
(d) If 27 children preferred chowmein, how many children liked both vegetables and cook up?
(e) Express the number of children who preferred fried rice as a fraction of the total number of children in the class. Write your answer in its lowest term.
By Emily Dickinson
We never know how high we are Till we are called to rise; And then, if we are true to plan, Our statures touch the skies— The Heroism we recite Would be a daily thing, Did not ourselves the Cubits warp For fear to be a King—
WORD
Tougher penalties for false declarations as Govt seeks to digitise immigration services
– working with US to install world-class scanners by year end
With efforts underway to digitise immigration services at the various ports of entry across the country, the Guyana Government will be strengthening laws to increase the penalties for false declarations.
This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali during a recent appearance on the Energy Perspective programme.
According to the Head of State, technology plays a crucial role in Guyana’s developmental trajectory. He noted that the country is now playing catch up to the rest of the world, and therefore needs to invest heavily in its technological infrastructure.
One such area that investments are being made in is the digitisation of the country’s immigration services.
Currently, the Guyana Government is working with its United States (US) counterpart to install “world-class scanners” at all established port facilities across the country, beginning with the main port of entry – the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri.
President Ali noted that with these scanners expected to be installed before the end of the year, Government will have to work on amending the laws to have stiffer penalties for false declarations.
“So, let us say you're coming into Guyana – and this will happen before the end of the year – you will fill up your immigration form, your custom form, digitally. No hassle. You come in [and] every bag must go through the scan-
ner… [And] we have to amend the law [so that] if there is a false declaration that is made electronically because everything now is stored and everything there can be audited electronically, and if there's a false declaration, then it must have a very high fine that follows that. And this is for everything coming in and going out,” he stated.
Under Guyana’s customs law, the current penalty for false declarations is a fine of $25,000 together with imprisonment for three years.
Back in May 2021, more than $400 million worth of screening equipment with built-in state-of-the-art technologies were installed at the CJIA. Those scanners will help detect threats to civil aviation quickly and aid law enforcement in its fight against narco-trafficking at the main port of entry.
The new machines have automatic detection capabilities, and will allow the screener to manipulate and further examine anomalies detected in passenger luggage.
Two of the new screening
equipment were deployed at the Passenger In-transit and Staff Screening Points.
The machines included a CTX 5800 Checked Luggage Scanner. The CTX 5800 explosive detection system (EDS), which is TSA-certified, quickly identifies threats in checked baggage.
There were also two Smiths HI-SCAN 6040-2is Hand Luggage Scanner, two Rapiscan 620 Dual View Hand Luggage Scanner and one IONSCAN 600 Portable Explosive & Narcotics Trace Detector along with other security equipment such as a L3 Pro Vision Scanner ProVision ATD and Closed-Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV).
According to President Ali, “If we want to be competitive globally, it's very clear that we can't do so in a straight-line manner. We have to invest and use technology to the best. Yes, there will be, you know, kinks along the way, but we have to manage that. So, we have to apply the best technology and work backwards and bring the population along.”
“And as we migrate more of our services to the digital platform, we're going to take away human biases from the system. Because if there's a formula that calculates your duties and there's a digital trail, then there's no human bias there,” he asserted.
Back in October, several electronic gates (e-Gates) were installed at the CJIA to streamline the processing of incoming and outgoing passengers.
CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Ghir, pre-
viously explained that the eGates will help manage the increase in flights and streamline the processing of over 100,000 evening passengers annually.
“We anticipate this process will be 25 to 30 per cent faster than the current system, allowing us to process more passengers,” Ghir had told the Department of Public Information (DPI) last October.
The eGates will allow up to six passengers to be processed simultaneously under the supervision of a single officer.
Travellers opting for selfcheck-in will have their passports and identities verified using biometric data, such as photographs. Once verified, passengers will pass through a physical gate and proceed to customs.
One major advantage of the system is its ability to use
existing data, speeding up departure processing for passengers returning within a short period.
For added security, the eGates are integrated with the Global Resilient Critical Communication (GRCC) database, which works with INTERPOL to screen flagged individuals.
If a passenger’s identity fails to be verified, the gate will remain closed, and the system will alert immigration officers.
In addition to the eGates, an online Embarkation/ Disembarkation (ED) form will be introduced to further reduce processing times. Travellers can complete the form before arrival, and kiosks with staff support will be available for those unfamiliar with the process.
These upgrades are part of the Government’s initiative to create a paperless organ-
isation, and enhance CJIA’s position as a regional and international travel hub. It falls under the new automated border control system that is being implemented.
The airport staff including immigration officers had to undergo rigorous training to prepare for the implementation of the new border control management system.
However, President Ali said there needs to be more sensitisation and awareness about these new systems for the travelling public.
“They're now going through the testing phase for the electronic gates and filling up the immigration form in an electronic way. During the testing phase, the challenge is one, there needs to be more education on the programme because a lot of older persons from the diaspora, especially, come in and that requires more support for them. So, there has to be a customer-oriented style of immigration to back that digitisation and technology process to help these persons.”
“[But this we also want at all the ports because safety and security and confidence in our ports and security system is key and critical for investment confidence, and also for the confidence of persons in the diaspora coming back home. The systems must work, and this is very important for me. We want to build systems that work, systems that are modern, systems that add to accountability and transparency, and systems that enable us to drive the economy forward,” the Guyanese Leader noted.
Linden Town Week not approved by Town Council’s administration …says APNU Councillors unilaterally moved forward with launch, disregarding administration's concerns
The Administration of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) has withdrawn itself from the planning of the usually highly anticipated Linden Town Week.
The launch of the event was highlighted during this month’s statutory meeting where, based on a recommendation from the Social Committee it was agreed that Linden Town Week 2025 should be launched in February; however, no specific date was discussed or finalised during the meeting.
However, Town Clerk,
Lennox Gasper, told the council that the administration of the Linden Municipality will disassociate itself from the launching and planning of Linden Town Week 2025, as the decision to proceed was made without the administration’s involvement or approval.
“On the three Town Week recommendations, I would just like to express the administration’s position coming out of our first admin meeting, that only after admin officers who would have worked on the town week would have
been given their honorariums for the work that they would have done. They will have no part to play in the Linden Town Week 2025,” Gasper said during the meeting last week.
Moreover, in a statement on Sunday, the LM&TC Administration solidified their position to disassociate themselves from the event, noting that despite their demand, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Councillors of the LM&TC have unilaterally moved forward with the launch, disregarding the concerns of the administration and the rights of affected workers.
This mirrors the situation in 2024, when similar actions led to non-payment of workers, including municipal staff.
“We acknowledge the significance of Town Week to both the people and the economy of Linden. However, we strongly condemn divisive politics that undermine transparen-
cy, fairness, and collaboration. We, therefore, urge the public to reject any attempts to politicise this
event and instead support a more inclusive and cooperative approach to celebrating our town’s 55th
anniversary,” the council’s administration said.
“The public is hereby notified that the Administration of the Linden Municipality does not endorse or approve the hosting of Linden Town Week 2025 under these circumstances,” it added.
Initialised on April 28, 1966 as ‘Linden Town Day’, the initiative was an effort to celebrate the town’s anniversary, showcase historical landmarks and local talents.
The event later evolved into Linden Town Week. It became one of the main activities to highlight the culture and beauty of the region.
Extended to one week of events in 2006 by Kashif and Shanghai, who were the managers of the event at the time, Linden Town Week over the past two decades has been known to be a major event, which has mainly focused on party celebrations.
The e-gates installed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)
President Dr Irfaan Ali
America Street money changer robbed at gunpoint of over $700,000 in cash, gold
A51-year-old money changer and vendor was robbed at gunpoint on Friday evening, losing over $700,000 in cash and valuables to two armed bandits on Avenue of the Republic and America Street, Georgetown.
The suspects, both unidentifiable men of African descent wearing face masks, executed the robbery around 6:20h. One of the assailants was armed with a handgun.
According to police reports, the victim was in the process of packing clothing into his minibus on the western side of Avenue of the Republic, when one of the bandits approached him from the north.
The suspect allegedly pulled a black handgun from the front of his pants, pointed it at the money changer, then ordered him not to move.
Changes… …with a DOGE Guyana?
If it’s one thing the world agrees on with Donald Trump it’s that his move to put tech billionaire Elon Musk in charge of improving the efficiency of the federal Government will bend a lot of folks out of shape. Yet, there isn’t a person in the world who wouldn’t concede that Governments bureaucracies are inefficient. Not just the American Government but ALL governments – including ours. Who among us hasn’t visited a Government office and had to cool their heels while the Government employees yak away on the phone about what a shitty day they’re having. Never mind they’re contributing to the shitty day of the person in front of them!!
Prison
The suspect then grabbed a gold chain worth $300,000 from the victim’s neck.
The bandit then proceeded to push his hand into the victim’s pants pocket and remove a total of $440,000 in Guyanese currency and US$200 in cash.
officer granted $400,000 bail for ganja trafficking
A30-year-old prison officer was granted bail in the sum of $400,000 after being charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Andrew Stevens, of Lot 40 Durban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court last week, where he was accused of having 498.95 grams of cannabis in his possession for trafficking on February 1, 2025.
During the hearing, Stevens was represented by attorney Gordon Gilhuys, who requested reasonable bail, emphasising that his client had no previous convictions and had already spent 48 hours in police custody. He further noted that the narcotics were allegedly discovered while Stevens was in custody for another matter.
The prosecution, however, strongly objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the charge and the prevalence of drug-related offences. The prosecutor stated that the cannabis was found in Stevens’ bedroom during a search conducted
After the robbery, the gunman ran across the street and jumped onto a motorcycle, where his accomplice was waiting on the eastern side of Avenue of the Republic. The two suspects then sped off south along Avenue of the Republic toward Hadfield Street.
scene shortly after the robbery. They questioned several individuals in the area. Detectives are currently reviewing surveillance footage and gathering additional evidence as the investigation continues.
The police were called, and they arrived at the
No arrests have been made so far.
Painter granted $200,000 bail in marijuana trafficking case
Charged: Quacy Lawrence Gonzales
by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The search, according to the prosecution, was part of an ongoing investigation into computer-related fraud.
Additionally, the prosecutor informed the court that when questioned about the drugs, Stevens allegedly admitted ownership, stating, “Is me thing I buy from Suriname.”
Magistrate McGusty then inquired whether Stevens was in custody for another offence and if he lived alone.
The prosecutor confirmed that Stevens was being held for a separate matter and that he resided with his girlfriend, mother-in-law, and child. Both women reportedly gave statements denying any knowledge or involvement with the drugs.
After considering the arguments, Magistrate McGusty granted Stevens bail in the sum of $400,000. As a condition of his bail, he is required to report to the CID on the last Friday of every month.
Stevens is expected to return to court on February 26, 2025, as the case progresses.
Quacy Lawrence Gonzales, a 48-yearold painter from Lot 14, Republic Drive, Beterverwagting (BV), East Coast Demerara (ECD), was granted bail in the sum of $200,000 on Friday after appearing in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty.
Gonzales, who was charged with possession of 371 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, was previously remanded to prison. However, during his most recent court appearance, he was represented by attorney Domnick Bess, who argued for bail, stating that his client had no prior convictions and was not a flight risk.
The prosecution objected to bail, maintaining that the narcotics were found in Gonzales’ possession.
Magistrate McGusty then inquired whether the substance had been tested, to which the prosecution admitted that it had not.
After considering the arguments, the Magistrate granted Gonzales bail at $200,000 under the condition that he
report to the Brickdam Police Station on the first Friday of every month.
His next court date is set for February 28, 2025.
The charge against Gonzales stems from a January 21, 2025 incident on Water Street, Georgetown. According to the prosecution, law enforcement officers, acting on intelligence about drug trafficking in the area, spotted Gonzales allegedly fleeing while carrying a bag.
Officers pursued and apprehended him, reportedly discovering marijuana inside the bag. Gonzales however, denied ownership of the bag and its contents, claiming he was merely in the market when he saw people running and instinctively followed suit. He stated that when police approached him, they found the bag on the ground and wrongly assumed it was his.
Initially unrepresented in court, Gonzales was remanded after the prosecution opposed bail, citing the serious nature of the offence. However, with legal representation, he was able to secure his release as the case progresses.
And that’s a personalised example. You can extend the concept to every office; every department; every ministry and indeed ever government!! So if you think about it, no one should have any problem when the Head of Government establishes a “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), right?! We ALL want Governments to become efficient, don’t we?? After all, if they’re not, then it’s OUR hard-earned tax dollars that pay their salaries going to waste!! Point of the matter is EVERY ADMINISTRATION before Trump had attempted – unsuccessfully! – to cut out waste from the bureaucracies’ budgets – including USAID. But only this one has created this much ruckus. Why?? Well, merely because Musk hasn’t followed the old way of “reorganizing” and “streamlining” by conducting yet another study that’ll take months – if not years – to compile. By which time the new bosses have settled into the old routines of being buried by paperwork they struggle to get out from under!! Musk, on the other hand, is following the most basic rule of effective management – institute changes you’d conceived IMMEDIATELY!! Don’t get sucked into the morass. And the complaints that kids fresh out of college are reviewing employees?? Well, that ensures the reviews are being done without preconceived biases – just according to pre-arranged criteria!! So, if of USAID’s 9000 employees – only 294 are gonna be retained, so be it. This doesn’t mean that USAID needs only 294 employees – just that the number’s gonna be defined by the new programmes that’ll now be crafted to further America’s goals.
Now here in old Mudland, your Eyewitness believes that we should institute our version of DOGE immediately!! Just look at what happened to that $100,000 cash grant programme intended for every adult Guyanese citizen. It was a disaster…and ended up pi55ing off folks rather than pleasing them!! Imagine these “qualified” government workers couldn’t work out effective systems to distribute checks!! And trust your Eyewitness, we’ll end up with the same chaos with any initiative launched by ANY government ministry.
Let’s have our DOGE established with its sheriff working pronto!! Hee-haw!!
…on PM methodology?
With all the back-and-forthing as elections approach, your Eyewitness gotta really take heed of his grandma’s caution to “pick sense from nonsense”!! Problem is, there’s so much nonsense being spouted, it takes a while to spot the sense!! Take the claim that came out of the blue that the PPP’s then candidate-to-be Irfaan Ali had whispered into the ear of a businessman that he – the businessman -was gonna be his PM pick for the 2020 elections.
Now this came in the midst of all kinds of accusations on land sales from Essequibo to Berbice to folks from Richmond Hill, NY to New Providence!! And so when the PPP’s GS (and VP) explained this was never the way his party went about selecting folks for high positions – your Eyewitness wondered why he even gave the allegation a thought!!
Like them or hate them, the PPP has certain inflexible traditions. A couple being that they follow their Manifesto and select candidates by their Ex-Co!! Yes, comrade!!
…in DEI criteria here?
With Trump removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) criteria from governmental programmes, even when USAID returns there’s no more diversity re race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, religion, disability, etc.
America Street, Georgetown
Andrew Stevens
Deadly fire claims lives of husband and wife in Hydronie
Atragic fire ear-
ly Sunday morning claimed the lives of 57-year-old Hansraj Narine, a bus driver, and his wife, 52-year-old Haywattie Bahudur, a teacher, at their home in Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).
The fire, which broke out around 1:45h on Sunday, completely destroyed the couple’s home, a one-flat concrete structure located at Lot 1A Hydronie.
The house, which faced north and was surrounded by a fenced yard, was engulfed in flames before firefighters arrived on the scene.
According to reports, a 911 call was made by an unknown caller, reporting the fire at the couple’s residence.
A police team from Regional Division #3 (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara) responded and arrived at the scene around 2:00h. Upon arrival, the officers found the house completely engulfed in flames.
Firefighters from the Leonora Fire Station, led by Sub-Officer Fraser, respond-
ed with Fire Tenders #84 and #81.
Despite their swift efforts, by the time they
reached the scene, the entire structure had already been gutted.
The preliminary investi-
2 Venezuelans granted $50,000 bail in unlawful wounding case
– placed on a bond to keep the peace
Two Venezuelan nationals, Nahomi Leon and Yhorceichye Maribi Diaz Banilla, were granted bail in the sum of $50,000 each, after appearing before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
The women were jointly charged with unlawfully wounding Nancy Leon during an altercation on January 31, 2025, at North Road, Georgetown.
When the charge was read to the Spanish-speaking women, Nahomi initially pleaded guilty, while Banilla pleaded not guilty to the charge.
When Magistrate McGusty asked Nahomi to explain what happened, she recounted that the incident took place around 9:30 PM as she was leaving a disco.
She stated that Nancy approached her and asked, “Are you fake?” to which she responded, “Yes.” Nancy then allegedly told her, “If you are fake, let’s fight.”
Leon claimed that Nancy advanced toward her aggressively, so she pushed her and punched her multiple times. She further alleged that Nancy threw a bottle at her, and in retaliation, she picked up the same bottle and used it to cut Nancy.
After hearing Leon’s account, Magistrate McGusty recorded a not-guilty plea based on her explanation.
The prosecution did not object to bail but pointed out that the defendants and the complainant reside at the same address, which could
create further conflict. Considering this, Magistrate McGusty ordered Leon and Banilla to stay away from Nancy and placed them on a bond to keep the peace.
Bail was granted at $50,000 each, and both women were instructed to have no contact with the complainant as the case proceeds. The matter is expected to return to court on March 7.
gations by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) have concluded that the fire was caused by a slack electrical connection, which resulted in arcing and sparking that ignited combustible materials.
Firefighters and investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the deadly blaze.
The bodies of the deceased were found in the northern section of the house, along with a dog that
perished in the fire.
Undertakers were called to the scene, and the bodies were transported to Ezekiel Funeral Home for further processing.
The police have assured that investigations are ongoing and are working diligently to determine the cause of this tragic event.
The loss of the couple has left their community in mourning, and officials have expressed their condolences
to the grieving family.
The GFS, along with law enforcement agencies, continues to emphasise the importance of fire safety and prevention, urging the public to take all necessary precautions to safeguard their homes.
Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn and Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham, extended their condolence to the family and community mourning their loss.
Dead: Haywattie Bahudur and Hansraj Narine
Yhorceichye Maribi Diaz Banilla and Nahomi Leon
The house that was destroyed by fire
Woman shot with arrow by son-in-law
Police are investigat-
ing a disturbing incident in which a woman was shot with an arrow by her son-in-law, during a heated confrontation in the North West District, Region One (Barima Waini).
The victim, identified as 52-year-old Edith Gouveia, a pork-knocker from Five Star Landing, was attacked around 21:00h on Friday, by 28-year-old Romel Thomas, known locally as ‘Soldier’.
According to police reports, Thomas arrived at Gouveia’s camp in a drunken state, which led to an argument. The confrontation escalated, prompting Gouveia to chase him away from the camp.
In response, Thomas became enraged, armed himself with a bow and arrow, and returned to the camp moments later.
Without warning, Thomas allegedly aimed the bow and shot an arrow into the left side of Gouveia’s back.
The force of the attack caused the victim to fall to the ground, and Thomas quickly fled the scene in a canoe, escaping down the river.
Gouveia was immediate-
ly rushed to the Baramita Cottage Hospital for emergency treatment.
Due to the severity of her injury, she was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for an ultrasound and to have the arrow removed.
Gouveia is reported to be in stable condition following the procedure.
Police are actively pursuing the suspect, Romel Thomas, who remains at
large. Investigators have said that they are following leads and gathering information to locate him.
At this stage, the motive for the attack remains unclear, though authorities believe the incident stemmed from the earlier dispute between Thomas and his mother-in-law.
As investigations continue, the police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
‘‘I know who murdered my uncle’’ – West Berbice woman alleges foul play in Boxing Day incident
AWest Berbice, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) woman is seeking answers for her uncle’s death on Old Year’s Day.
Junior Forbes Phillips, a 51-year-old man of Rosignol, West Bank Berbice (WBB), Region Five passed away at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) on December 31, 2024, after receiving injuries to his head and leg on December 26.
According to his niece, Graceland Phillips, on Boxing Night he was gambling on the streets, playing a card game with a man from the village. He won $75,000 that night, and then left on his electric bike for Ithica.
“When he was finished winning the money he counted it and said he was going to the Boxing Night dance at Ithica. Maybe they
heard when he said he was going to Ithica and, like, they went by the plantain walk where they get a track to go into Shieldstown; like they waited there…”, she alleged.
Philips said it was shortly after 22:00h that night they received a message indicating that her uncle was hit off of his bike.
She said that a cousin related seeing four persons pulling his uncle, and when he enquired, he was told that the uncle had crashed into a horse on the road.
The nephew took the injured man to the Fort Wellington Hospital, and he was subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital and then to GPHC for further treatment.
Philips said she visited her uncle the following day at GPHC.
“You could see like they lash his foot and break it, and he had a collar around his neck. All he was doing is pointing to his head… I visited him for three days straight,” the niece recalled.
However, on January 31, the injured man passed away.
The grieving niece said up to then no report was made to the police. However, after his passing the police were informed.
“When we see Junior body, you could see naturally where they lashed him in his head. You can see
the dent… The only thing is that you can’t pick up is the mark because he is dark but you can see the impression on his face where they lashed him and dent in his face," she claimed.
The woman said one of her uncle’s legs appeared to have been broken in two places.
Philips also expressed disbelief at statements that her uncle crashed into a horse since, she noted, the electronic bike her uncle was riding at the time was not damaged.
“The man that Junior was gambling with, as soon as he hear that Junior died, he disappeared. Is not that man alone killed Junior. I am begging that if they can get that man, then they will be able to get the rest of them,” she alleged.
Meanwhile, police say that it is still an active investigation, and they are waiting for relatives of the dead man to provide statements to the police.
A source close to the investigation told this publication that the niece has been asked to provide the police with a statement based on information she has, but she is yet to come forward.
The source said too that the police have only been able to obtain statements from the person who took Phillips to the hospital, and from the relative who witnessed the post mortem.
Man granted $500,000 bail on gun, robbery charges
Andra Stewart, who was previously denied bail on charges of armed robbery and discharging a firearm, was granted bail on Friday when he returned to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty.
Stewart’s attorney, Ronald Bostwick, renewed his application for bail, arguing that his client had no prior convictions, and was not a flight risk.
After reviewing the matter, Magistrate McGusty granted Stewart bail in the sum of $200,000 for the charge of discharging a firearm and $300,000 for the charge of robbery under arms.
Stewart is required to return to court on February 14, 2025.
Stewart, a resident of Lot 54 Fifth Street, Alberttown, was initially remanded after being charged with two offences.
It was alleged that on December 26, 2024, while in the company of another and armed with a gun, he robbed Sue Fa, a Chinese national, of $3,000,000 at Lot 48 Regent and Alexander Streets.
Stewart pleaded not guilty to this charge.
Additionally, he was charged with discharging a firearm with intent to disfigure, after allegedly shooting Zhao Peiming, a labourer employed by the victim, during the robbery.
Stewart also pleaded not guilty to this charge.
At his first court appearance, the prosecution ob-
Charged: Andra Stewart
jected to bail, arguing that Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage implicated Stewart in the crime, and emphasised the serious nature of the offence, the large sum of money stolen, and the prevalence of such crimes during the holiday season.
The court was also informed that Stewart allegedly fired a gunshot that struck Zhao in the right thigh when the worker attempted to intervene.
One of the suspects then discharged a round before they both fled the scene on the motorcycle, heading east.
Stewart had previously told the court that he was beaten while in custody, had a bag placed over his head, and was denied medical attention.
Despite these claims, bail was initially refused, and the case was adjourned.
With Friday’s ruling, Stewart has been granted pretrial liberty under the condition of his bail as he awaits his next court appearance on February 14.
The police had reported that two suspects arrived at the location on a motorcycle, one armed with a gun. They allegedly entered the store, opened the cashier’s drawer, and took cash before Zhao confronted them.
Deceased: Junior Forbes Phillips
Injured: Edith Gouveia
Number portability in effect from today
– PUC announces subscribers can now switch service provider while retaining existing phone number
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced that number portability service is now available to all Guyanese with effect from today, Monday, February 10, 2025.
Number portability is a service that allows telecommunications subscribers to switch their service provider while retaining their existing phone numbers. The telecommunications service providers currently offering number portability service are One Communications (Guyana) Inc., U-Mobile (Cellular) Inc. (Digicel) and E-Networks Inc.
(ENet).
This service will be available for both mobile and fixed line customers.
Subscribers who wish to port their number to a new service provider are required to visit that service provider’s retail store to complete the relevant form associated with the service they intend to port. A valid form of identification is required for this process, and for post-paid customers, a copy of your last bill.
For mobile customers, the PUC advises that subscribers ensure that their device is not locked to any other network, and that the device’s software is up
to date and is compatible with the new network.
Customers are urged to clear any outstanding balances on their account, as this could hinder the porting process.
Upon completion of the request for porting, mobile customers will be asked to text PORT to a 5-digit number – 07678 and follow the relevant instructions.
When the number is ported, customers will be updated via SMS, and will then be required to uplift and install the new SIM card into their mobile device to activate the service.
This process will take approximately one business day.
For the fixed line (landline) customers, the PUC also advised that they ensure that all outstanding balances are cleared.
Upon completing the request for porting, a prompt via SMS or email will be received which will indicate the IVR number 8997678 (899-PORT) and a PIN code.
From any other fixed line phone or mobile device, call the IVR number (899-7678) and follow the instructions.
Customers will be updated via SMS or email once the porting process has been completed.
However, the service will only be activated after
the installation of the new service.
It must be noted that your existing service will not be disconnected until the new service has been installed.
This process is expected to take approximately five business days.
According to the press release, the PUC extends its gratitude to the Guyanese consumers for their patience and understanding over the past years as the Number Portability Working Group (NPWG) worked diligently to achieve this milestone.
We will continue to collaborate with the service providers to ensure that
the regulated services are delivered effectively while protecting the interest of all consumers, the release added.
For further information on the porting process and for answers to frequently asked questions, customers may visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.org.gy and its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pucgy. Alternatively, customers may contact the Commission during business hours at telephone numbers 226-7042/ 2272182/336-6077 and via WhatsApp at 623-3222/ 624-6000 for further details.
WAC in march celebrating 58 years of service
Commanding Officer of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), Lieutenant Colonel Natasha Stanford-Francis, mustered and led the members of the Corps in a command march, on Saturday, February, 8.
The event served as a display of military discipline and pride, as Lt Col Stanford-Francis guided her troops with determination and distinction, underscoring the importance of this tradition in reinforc-
ing discipline, camaraderie, and the Corps’ enduring legacy.
According to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on its social media page, the command march was the third in a series of events celebrating the Corps’ illustrious history, honouring the women who have served and continue to serve with distinction.
The troops showcased their unwavering resilience and impeccable military
bearing—true hallmarks of their ability to stand proudly alongside their male counterparts in dedicated service to the nation, the post noted.
The march commenced at the Eccles/Haags Bosch roundabout (Heroes Highway), East Bank Demerara (EBD), and ended at Base Camp Ayanganna.
The female officers and ranks were lauded for their exemplary display of morale, and after receiving
the salute, Lt Col StanfordFrancis commended her troops for their unwavering commitment.
She emphasised the vital role that women continue to play in the advancement of the Corps and the wider GDF.
The WAC remains a bea-
con of strength, perseverance, and excellence within the GDF.
As the Corps celebrates 58 years of service, this march not only paid homage to its rich history but also reinforced its commitment to fostering leadership, professionalism, and national service.
The event highlighted the vital contributions of women in a predominantly male environment, demonstrating their ability to work alongside their counterparts with skill, dedication, and resolve, the post concluded.
Lindeners continue to benefit from housing drive
Home ownership just got closer to reality as the process for Agreements of Sale and Certificates of Title for residential lots in Fitzhope/ Conception (Amelia's Ward, Phase 4) got underway last Friday, as part of day one activities of the ministry of Housing and Water housing outreach in Linden.
Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal emphasized this as a crucial step towards home ownership, enabling access to mortgages.
He also acknowledged past challenges, including illegal land occupation, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing the 4,000-applicant backlog in the region.
Minister Rodrigues echoed the government's dedication to fulfilling all outstanding applications, aiming to surpass 25,000 processed applications this year.
cades will receive land titles.
The second day of the housing outreach in Linden, Region 10 saw the distribution of approximately 150 Certificates of Title to landowners in Fitz Hope.
Additionally, persons will have the opportunity to process and uplift their Agreements of Sale and sign up for Certificates of Title. The processing of documents will target specifically allottees in the Fitz Hope/ Conception, (Amelia's Ward Phase 4) scheme.
In the coming weeks, the Ministry will focus on increasing occupancy rates in schemes across the country.
Processing ownership
Region Ten can look forward to significant developments across all sectors, including addressing squatting.
More than 400 allocations have been made in Amelia’s
She highlighted the ongoing land acquisition efforts, and how the recently passed budget will fuel continued housing initiatives.
Ward, Phase 4, catering to all income brackets.
Lot identification is ongoing, and significant infrastructure investments have already been made, with $127.5 million invested in road construction and pavement in 2024, and more earmarked in the 2025 budget.
Moreover, Residents of Block 42 in Lower Kara Kara, Linden, are currently pleased with the ongoing regularization process, as approximately 240 households have been inventoried.
Just two months ago, the Hon. Susan Rodrigues, Minister within the Ministry,
met with the residents to provide updates on the plans for the area.
In the coming week, an additional 100 households are expected to be documented as part of the regularization process.
Once this process is completed, residents who have been living in the area for de-
documents and making land accessible, are essential steps in helping families achieve their dream of home ownership.
This initiative will also support the Ministry in reaching its ambitious goal of allocating 25,000 housing units by 2025.
Police engage Berbice youth through fun sports outreach
Commander of Regional Police Division #6, Senior Superintendent
The main objective of this initiative was to connect with the youths and
form to promote teamwork, physical fitness, and positive interaction between the police and the youths in
Shivpersaud Bacchus, led a youth engagement session on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Liverpool Community Centre Ground,
prepare them for the upcoming Regional Division No.6 Youth Football Competition.
According to the police, the engagement was a plat-
During the youth engagement, Commander Bacchus actively participated in various sporting ac-
tivities, including football, cricket, and basketball, fostering an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie.
His hands-on approach created an engaging environment, strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the young members of the community.
Taking the opportunity to impart valuable life lessons, Commander Bacchus delivered an inspiring message on the importance of
education, discipline, and respect.
He urged the youths to remain focused on their academics, take advantage of every opportunity, and strive for personal excellence.
His words emphasised the balance between sports and academics, both of which are essential for a brighter and more successful future.
To further support their
development, Commander Bacchus presented the youths with several pieces of sporting gear, reinforcing the Force’s commitment to their growth and well-being. The gear was donated as part of a follow-up from Deputy Commissioner -Administration, Mr Ravindradat Budhram's commitment to the youths for their development of various sporting disciplines.
Berbice.
Berbice.
Govt invests in livestock sector, small farmers to propel local growth
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) highlighted the Government’s efforts to continue supporting locals and propel growth in the livestock sector by 7.5 per cent in 2025.
A grand $1.7 billion budget was designated to bring this goal to fruition and further build on the tremendous accomplishments achieved in 2024.
Upon assuming office in 2020, the Government embarked on a comprehensive plan to radically transform the sector and reverse the
CARICOM remains
damage left after years of neglect by the previous administration.
During their tenure, the former Government left acres of cattle pastureland to overgrow, neglected farmers’ needs, and failed to acquire sufficient resources and research among numerous other detrimental actions.
a key advocate for Haiti – ASG Elizabeth Solomon
The Caribbean Community (Caricom) continues to play a significant role in supporting Haiti, including advocating with the international community for increased funding for security and humanitarian relief in Haiti, Assistant SecretaryGeneral (ASG) for Foreign and Community Relations within the Caricom Secretariat, Ms Elizabeth Solomon has said.
According to a Caricom news release, in an interview ahead of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom to be held from 19-21 February in Bridgetown, Barbados, ASG Solomon underscored the importance of the meeting to discuss, among other
important issues, Caricom’s continued support to Haiti.
While noting that the situation in the Frenchspeaking Member State remains challenging, she said that there has been progress since the establishment of the Transitional Government.
“Positive things have happened since the Transitional Government was put in place. Yes, there continues to be many challenges, there is no denying that… but there is forward movement, and Caricom is going to discuss how best to continue to support,” ASG Solomon stated.
The establishment of a Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) has been a key milestone in Caricom’s assistance in forging Haitian-led solutions to the complex crises in Haiti. On 11 March 2024 in Jamaica, the Community convened a High-Level Meeting on Haiti which resulted in a collective commitment from stakeholders for a peaceful transition of power, continuity of governance, an action plan for near-term security, and a path to free and fair elections.
The Outcome Declaration articulated the outlines of a nine-member Transitional Presidential
Council (TPC) agreed upon by Haitian stakeholders, which would include seven voting members and two non-voting members, representing political parties, the business sector, civil society, and the inter-faith sector.
On 12 April 2024, the TPC was established by decree and sworn in on 25 April 2024 to serve until an elected president is inaugurated on 7 February 2026.
In January 2025, Haiti’s Transitional Council President, H.E. Leslie Voltaire, announced on French television network, TV5 Monde, that general elections will take place on 15 November 2025, to facilitate the transition by 7 February 2026 to an elected Government in accordance with the constitution.
ASG Solomon noted that despite ongoing challenges, election preparations have commenced.
“Caricom continues to support the people of Haiti, particularly through the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) and all that the Good Offices of the Secretariat can offer. The EPG continues to meet and speak with all the stakeholders, who continue to ask for the EPG to remain involved,” ASG Solomon stated.
However, the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has implemented scores of transformational strategic initiatives to revitalise the sector and open the door to economic prosperity for farmers nationwide.
According to the DPI, a particularly commendable undertaking was the Broiler Breeder Project which boasted unprecedented achievements in 2024.
For the first time, Guyana produced 167,000 hatching eggs, providing resources to 5,566 farmers.
Minister Mustapha explained the vitality of this project saying “this project targets self-sufficiency of
Broiler hatching eggs to address uncertainty in supply with the recent avian influenza outbreak.”
He further emphasised how an allocated $85 million in Budget 2025 will propel this project’s advancement.
“In 2025, the broiler breeding facility will be further expanded with the procurement and installation of additional incubators and there will be established poultry zones for improved biosecurity and economies of scale,” he said.
The Government’s focus extended beyond implementing grand investments and reached to assisting smallscale farmers.
Guyana has received
1,000 sheep and increased lamb stocks by
through the
Through this Government intervention, numerous farmers in every region witnessed their yields expanding and, in some cases, doubling.
Farmers like 64-year-old Jacob Sheperd, and single parent Yvonne Morris, were able to develop their flock and improve their breeding.
The Government ensures investments in the livestock sector by providing assistance and resources to Guyanese farmers, which help bolster their agricultural activities, the report also noted.
Kumaka area households receive water tanks in 2nd distribution
Regional Chairman at Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region No. 1 Barima Waini, Brentnol Ashley, on Wednesday, February 5, along with Mr Trevi Leung, Mayor of Mabaruma, handed over water tanks to 15 households within the Kumaka area.
During the simple handing over ceremony, Regional Chairman reiterated Government’s commitment to safeguarding the livelihood of its people, by ensuring that basic necessities are available in every village, regardless of location.
Also present were
Deputy Mayor, Leanne
and Lloyd Cameron MTC Councillor.
According to a social media post by the BarimaWaini RDC, this was the second phase of distribution. The first was carried out in 2024.
Persaud, Councillor Sharon Santiago, MTC (Mabaruma Town Council),
Regional representatives at the handing-over ceremony in Kumaka
phase
715 lambs
Barbados Black Belly Sheep Project.
ASG Elizabeth Solomon
Corn and Soya fields
Black Belly Sheep
East La Penitence now curry beef cook-out champs
– as Police Deputy Superintendent hosts community event
On Saturday, February 8, 2025, the Agricola Community Centre Ground came alive with the rich aromas of spice and camaraderie, as Deputy Superintendent J. Sullivan, Officer in-charge of #2 Sub-Division, hosted a Curry Beef Cook-Out.
The event was complemented with youth activities and clothing distribution, which created much enthusiasm and interest within the community.
According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the event was well-attended, and highlighted the importance of community bonding, teamwork and generosity among residents.
The cook-out featured spirited competition among teams from Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, and East La Penitence, each bringing
their unique culinary flair to the table.
The curried beef was
prepared with passion and skill, resulting in a delectable feast for everyone.
Over 200 benefit from MoH Health Fair on World Cancer Day 2025
More than 200 individuals took advantage of free healthcare services at a health fair organised by the Ministry of Health in observance of World Cancer Day 2025.
The February 4 event, held at the Square of the Revolution, provided a range of essential health screenings and services aimed at early detection, prevention, and overall well-being.
Accord to the health ministry, attendees were able to access VIA Screening & Pap Smears, HIV Testing, HPV Vaccination, Breast Examinations, Random Blood Sugar (RBS) & Blood Pressure (BP) Testing, Contraceptive Implants, and a Blood Donation Drive, among other critical healthcare services.
The initiative was part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote public health awareness and encourage early intervention in the fight against cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
The excitement reached its peak as East La Penitence emerged as the champion of the competition, earning accolades and bragging rights, while solidifying their culinary prowess in front of their community.
As the day unfolded, children from the youth groups enjoyed a host of activities and delights as their laughter filled the air.
They were treated to ample food and drinks, creating a fun-filled environment that fostered friendships and lasting memories.
Another significant aspect of the day was the clothing distribution, generously provided by Mr Peter Assing and his dedicated team.
Many residents benefited from this act of kindness, receiving much-needed clothing that would help those in need within the community. The initiative showcased the spirit of giving and support that defines Agricola, emphasising the importance of looking out for one another.
The event was further uplifted by the presence of
Pastor Jean Roberts, who offered a heartfelt message of unity and service.
At the day’s end, Miss Sullivan expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Cadet Officer Grandison and Station Sergeants, whose continuous support made the event a resounding success.
"This gathering exemplifies the power of collaboration and community spirit, I am extremely grateful for everyone’s contributions," she remarked, highlighting the teamwork that made the event possible.
Dr Shanique Greaves, Coordinator for Cancer Services delivering remarks at the Health Fair
Agriculture Ministry focusing on developing Local Authority communities
– as Minister hands over 4 mini-excavators to 4 NDCs
The Ministry of Agriculture is not only focusing on the development and expansion of agricultural areas but also the well-being of all citizens.
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, made this disclosure on Saturday as he handed over four mini-excavators to four Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
The Ministry, Mustapha said, is also attending to the wellbeing of communities.
Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Madanlall Ramraj, speaking at the handing-over ceremony at the MahaicaMahaicony-Abary (MMA) Onverwagt Compound, noted that the Ministry has adopted a new approach, focusing on community engagement and improving residents' lives
“Who would have thought that out of agricul-
ture we would have been looking at homestead and residential areas where people are living in order to better their conditions? This is all about Improving people’s livelihood,” the Director General said.
Meanwhile, the BathWoodly Park, BlairmontGuilderland, UnionNaartighid and Rosignol-Zee Lust NDCs will be responsible for the work schedule of the machines, while the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will be responsible for providing fuel and paying the operators.
Mustapha, speaking at Saturday’s handing over ceremony, explained that the four NDCs were the last in that region to receive such equipment.
“Whether it is rain or sun, when you have the dry weather the Ministry of Agriculture through the NDIA plays an important role and in this region
through the MMA (Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary). So when there is no water, we have to get water for irrigation and when there is a lot of water we have to get proper drainage. Right now we are trying to create a comprehensive drainage system for the
country,” the Minister disclosed.
He said the drainage system needs to be modernised.
Making mention of a new pump which was recently installed at Trafalgar, in Region Five, Mustapha said infrastructural devel-
opment in drainage and irrigation in Region Five is being replicated across the country.
“One of the problems over the years has been drainage and in the agriculture area, irrigation; so drainage and irrigation and in the hous-
ing area drainage. We have to ensure that we put a system in place and modernise it, make it work so that we can alienate the problem that people have been suffering from over the years.”
The four machines
Mustapha emphasised must be of benefit to the communities in which they are given to.
“Your Region is the first region that all ten NDCs will have a piece of machinery like this to de-silt internal drains. You have ten NDCs in this Region and with this four the region now has ten mini-machines to do work. So, we have completed Region Five. We are working in Region Four to do the East Coast and East Bank and also in Region Six. So, before the end of the year all of the Local Government bodies across the country will have a piece of machinery,” the Agriculture Ministry explained.
Work advances at Onderneeming solar farm
Work is advancing rapidly on the mega solar farm at Onderneeming, Region Two, with the contractor aiming to complete the project ahead of schedule.
The initiative, which falls under the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic (GUYSOL) programme, will bring real benefits to the people of Region Two, powering homes, businesses, and communities for years to come.
According to a Department
of Public Information (DPI) report, already, substantial civil works have been completed, which include site clearing and levelling.
Providing an update on the project during a site visit on Saturday, Programme Coordinator Amir Dillawar said that construction of the project’s internal roads is almost complete.
The 15-acre project site, initially lightly forested, underwent two months of clearing before construction could
begin.
Currently, the team is progressing with the pile driving phase, which entails hammering large, sturdy columns into the ground to provide a strong foundation for the structures that will be built on top.
“In terms of the piles, they have to drive 3,000-plus piles. To date, they have driven almost 1,000. So, it is an activity that requires around-theclock work. We’re driving in excess of 100 piles a day. And we’ve already started to in-
stall the mounting structure for this site. All equipment, solar panels, et cetera, have already been shipped and delivered in Guyana for installation in this location,” Dillawar said.
He reminded that the portion under construction at Onderneeming will generate 5-megawatts (MW) of power and will be connected with a smaller plant that is to be built in Charity, to achieve a total of 8-MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) power in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region, the report noted.
“The other site in Charity is 3 megawatts of solar with battery systems to be installed there. So, this is the largest farm in Essequibo, and it is the most advanced in terms of work at this point in time,” he added.
According to Dillawar, the project is ahead of schedule, and while it is slated for completion in December this year, he expects that by mid-year it may be completed.
“They are pushing very hard to finish ahead of the
schedule. [There may be delays] but it is definite that it will be done by the contractual time,” he assured.
Head of the Executive Management Committee of the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) Kesh Nandlall explained that the peak demand in the Essequibo region is about 10-MW, so this initiative will be a massive addition to the generation capabilities in the region.
“We are also adding additional generation as we go along. We have procured three additional generators, 1.6MW each. They will be here in about three to six months,” he said.
This will also be complemented with the procurement of two additional Caterpillar generator sets, boasting 1.5 MW of generation capacity each. These will arrive within the next two weeks, according to Nandlall.
“The programme also has other areas that are focused on training. We will train 50 women in solar PV installation and maintenance, and
this training will be a paid apprenticeship programme. We are also going to train an additional 20 individuals in the area of renewable energy management and technology,” he explained.
In fact, the project has already provided employment to several women from the community.
One such employee, Denise Tull, a mother of four said that she is now exposed to a new area of work that offers additional practice.
“I am proud to be a part of this project. For my family it is an extra income, and it feels good waking up every morning knowing that I get to go to work, because I was unemployed for a very long time,” she told the media.
The project is a major milestone in Guyana’s journey towards a greener future. It forms part of the Government’s ambitious Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which aims to harness the power of nature while protecting Guyana’s forests.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha speaks with persons at the presentation of the mini-excavators Saturday February 8
Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Fam meD, enDocrinology/ DiabeTes
Abnormal vaginal bleed-
ing between periods is also called intermen-
one are the two hormones that regulate your cycle. Women may have spotting if they get out of balance. The following can all affect your hormone balance:
Dysfunctional ovaries
Thyroid gland problems
Starting or stopping birth control pills
As well, some women spot during ovulation because of hormonal changes. When starting any type of hormonal contraceptive, abnormal bleeding is common during the first three months. These contraceptives include:
• Birth control pills
HEALTH TIPS
ABNORMAL VAGINAL BLEEDING
Both a miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy can cause bleeding. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. Spotting during pregnancy may not mean a miscarriage. However, if any vaginal bleeding is experienced while pregnant, contact a doctor immediately.
3. Uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that are formed in the uterus. They aren’t uncommon in women who’ve given birth.
4. Infection
Vaginal bleeding between
strual bleeding, spotting, and metrorrhagia. When bleeding occurs between normal periods, there are many possi-
• Intrauterine device
• Contraceptive patch
• Contraceptive implant or injection
ble causes. While some causes may be easy to treat, others can indicate a serious underlying condition. Whether spotting is noticed or bleeding becomes heavier between periods, it’s important to see a doctor for testing, diagnosis, and treatment options.
CAUSES OF VAGINAL BLEEDING BETWEEN PERIODS
Bleeding between periods isn’t a normal part of the menstrual cycle. The average cycle lasts from 21 to 35 days. Normal vaginal bleeding, also known as a period, can happen for a few days to as long as a week. Any bleeding outside of this is considered abnormal, and can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:
1. Hormonal imbalance
Estrogen and progester-
2. Pregnancy complications
Complications during pregnancy can cause spotting.
periods may indicate an infection of your reproductive organs. Infection can cause inflammation and bleeding. Causes include:
• Sexually transmitted infection
• Vaginal douching
• Intercourse
• Pelvic inflammatory disease, which is marked by inflammation of the reproductive organs, can lead to scarring
5. Cancer
Less commonly, cancer of any of these organs can cause bleeding: cervix, vagina, uterus, ovaries
6. Rare causes
Other possible causes of vaginal bleeding are rare and
include:
Insertion of an object into the vagina
Extreme stress
Diabetes
Thyroid disorders
Significant weight gain or loss
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP
Consult a doctor any time you have abnormal vaginal bleeding. The cause of the bleeding could be serious, and should be determined. See a doctor right away if pregnant and have vaginal bleeding. If having other serious symptoms in addition to bleeding, you may need emergency medical attention. These include pain, fatigue, dizziness, and fever.
DIAGNOSIS
It’s helpful to keep a record of your cycle. Take note of when your periods begin and end, the heaviness and duration of your flow, and when and how much you bleed between periods. Your doctor would want to know about
any other symptoms that you’ve experienced and any medications you’re taking.
A doctor would also likely give you a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. Diagnostic tests can help a doctor find the cause of the bleeding. The doctor may draw blood to check hormone levels. You may need to have cultures taken or tissue removed from your cervix or the lining of your uterus for testing, which is called a biopsy. The doctor may also want to perform an ultrasound.
TREATMENT
There is no specific treatment for vaginal bleeding between periods. Treatment would vary based on what’s causing your abnormal vaginal bleeding.
CONSEQUENCES OF IGNORING VAGINAL BLEEDING BETWEEN PERIODS
In some cases, this kind of abnormal bleeding would resolve on its own. However, for some women, the underly-
ing cause requires treatment. Ignoring the problem and failing to see a doctor could lead to a worsening of the problem. If the cause of the bleeding is an infection, cancer, or another serious disorder, the consequences could be life-threatening.
PREVENTING VAGINAL BLEEDING BETWEEN PERIODS You may not be able to prevent bleeding between periods depending on the cause. However, in some cases, preventive measures can help. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and a normal weight, because being overweight can lead to abnormal periods.
If taking birth control pills, do so as directed, in order to avoid a hormonal imbalance. Exercise moderately to maintain health and reduce stress.
To manage pain, use ibuprofen naproxen, which can help reduce bleeding. Avoid taking aspirin, which may increase the risk of bleeding.
Regional
Polls close in Ecuador election, where incumbent Noboa may triumph
Polls have closed in Ecuador, where President Daniel Noboa looks likely to win Sunday’s presidential election, as voters rally behind his promises to fight crime, despite criticism that he has not done enough and chances that the vote could move to a run-off.
Noboa, first elected in 2023 to finish out his predecessor’s term, says his deployment of the military on the streets and within prisons, among other measures, has reduced violent deaths by 15 per cent, drastically curtailed prison violence and facilitated the capture of major gang leaders.
His 15 opponents have said that more needs to be done to fight the drug trade-related crime that has rocked Ecuador in recent years, but some of their proffered solutions would require tricky legislative approval or constitutional changes. Noboa says he is already implementing other policy ideas, like increased security at borders and ports.
Noboa, the 37-year-old heir to a business fortune, has said that he intends to win outright on Sunday. Two
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has asked his cabinet members to resign ahead of a reshuffle, he said on Sunday,
after the Environment Minister said she resigned in protest of a Cabinet appointment.
“There will be some changes in the cabinet to achieve a greater compliance with the programme mandated by the people,” Petro said in a post on social media. He did not provide further details.
The move came after Environment Minister Susana Muhamad on Sunday said she had informed the President of her resignation, citing opposition to Petro ap-
major pre-election polls indicated he could, either by getting more than 50 per cent of the vote or by winning at least 40 per cent while being 10 points ahead of his nearest rival.
One exit poll by strategy firm Diego Tello Estrategas and released by television station Teleamazonas just after polls closed on Sunday showed Noboa in the lead, with 50.12 per cent, and Gonzalez second with 42.21 per cent. The margin of error was 2.98 per cent.
Other pre-election surveys suggest he will not
win outright on Sunday but would triumph in an April run-off against leftist Luisa Gonzalez, whom he also faced in 2023.
Both candidates have urged their voters to watch counts at polling stations to prevent any fraud. Gonzalez doubled down on Sunday on her critique of Diana Atamaint, head of the national electoral council, saying she has allowed Noboa to ignore campaigning rules.
Atamaint said on Sunday that every vote will be respected. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Bahamas shark attack leaves 2 American tourists injured
Police are investigating a reported shark attack that left two American female tourists injured in the waters off Bimini Bay on Friday evening.
Following the attack, the victims were quickly transported to a local medical clinic for immediate treatment.
Due to the severity of their injuries, both tourists were subsequently air-
The incident occurred around 18:30h on February 7, when both women were swimming in waters near the popular tourist destination.
lifted to New Providence for advanced medical care. According to authorities, one of the victims has sustained serious injuries.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force in Bimini has launched an investigation into the incident. (Caribbean Loop News)
Caricom Chair awarded Zayed Award for climate leadership
Barbados Prime Minister and Caricom Chair Mia Amor Mottley has been honoured with the 2025 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, recognising her global leadership in climate action and policy reform.
The award, presented on February 4, is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates.
The award committee highlighted Mottley’s significant contributions to climate advocacy, particularly noting her launch of the Bridgetown Initiative in 2022. This groundbreaking proposal calls for fundamental reforms to global finan-
cial systems to address climate inequality and support vulnerable nations.
Under Mottley’s leadership, Barbados has set ambitious environmental goals, including a commitment to transition to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030. Her administration has prioritised investments in solar, wind, and other clean energy sources to reduce the Caribbean nation’s dependence on fossil fuels.
She has also pioneered innovative financial solutions, such as debt-for-climate swaps, which allow countries to redirect national debt payments toward climate resilience projects.
In her acceptance speech, Mottley emphasised the im-
portance of long-term vision and intergenerational responsibility. “It is our duty to hold on, it is our duty to press on, it is our duty to take the long, deep breaths,” she stated. “But it is our responsibility always to recognise that we must make history trend in the right direction; not for us who have lived life, and a lot of it already, but for the young ones who now must have that opportunity to appreciate the dignity of life.”
The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity celebrates individuals and organisations who make outstanding contributions to human progress and peaceful coexistence. (Caribbean Loop News)
Colombian President Petro reshuffles Cabinet after Environment Minister resigns Protesters denounce Trump immigration policies outside his Florida golf club
Ahandful of demonstrators gathered outside Trump International Golf Club on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump’s immigration policies while the commander-in-chief spent leisure time at the club.
Carrying signs and Mexican, Guatemalan and US flags and chanting “Immigrants Make America Great,” the small group of people shouted loudly and was visible as Trump, who spent several hours at the club, exited in his motorcade and drove by on Saturday afternoon.
Their chant was a reference to the president’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan.
pointee Armando Benedetti joining the cabinet. Muhamad said she will stay in her role as President of the United Nations COP16 on biodiversity, a summit that brought together 200 nations in October last year. She added that she discussed her disapproval of Benedetti during a recent meeting of ministers. She said that he faced allegations of violence against women and influence peddling. Benedetti last week said false stories were being told about him. (Reuters)
One sign in Spanish said “the American Dream is also ours.”
Trump, a Republican who has been in office just shy of three weeks, won the presidency in large part on the back of a promise to crack down on illegal immigration.
He has implemented that promise with speed, starting on the day he was inaugurated, by tasking the US
military to help with border security, issuing a broad ban on asylum and seeking to restrict citizenship for children born on US soil.
Protesters and supporters frequently gather outside venues where Trump is staying to show their disdain or their enthusiasm for his policies. (Reuters)
"We left pieces of our life behind" – Indigenous group flees drowning island
“If the island sinks, I will sink with it,” Delfino Davies says, his smile not fading for a second.
“Before, you could hear children shouting… music everywhere, neighbours arguing,” he says, “but now all the sounds have gone”.
His community, living on the tiny low-lying island of Gardi Sugdub, is the first in Panama to be relocated because of climate change.
The government has said they face “imminent risk” from rising sea levels, which scientists say are likely to render the island uninhabitable by 2050.
The Guna have lived on Gardi Sugdub since the 19th
Century, and even longer on other islands in this archipelago off Panama’s northern coast. They fled from the mainland to escape Spanish conquistadors and, later, epidemics and conflict with other indigenous groups.
The Guna currently inhabit more than 40 other islands. Steve Paton, a scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, says it is “almost a certainty” that most, if not all, of the islands will be submerged before the end of the century.
As climate change causes the Earth to heat up, sea levels are rising as glaciers and ice sheets melt and seawater expands as it warms.
The island is just 400m long and 150m wide. Some residents see overcrowding as the more pressing problem. But others, like Magdalena Martínez, fear the rising sea:
“Every year, we saw the tides were higher,” she says. “We couldn’t cook on our stoves and it was always flooded… so we said ‘we have to get out of here’.” Magdalena was among those who clambered into motor boats and wooden canoes last June, bound for new homes.
“I brought just my clothes and some kitchen utensils,” she says. “You feel like you are leaving pieces of your life on the island.”(Excerpt from BBC)
A person votes on the day of the presidential and parliamentary election, in Manglaralto, Ecuador, February 9, 2025 (Reuters/ Santiago Arcos photo)
Colombian President Gustavo Petro
Pushback begins against Trump’s oil agenda
President Donald Trump declared a national energy emergency as soon as he took office. The declaration had the goal of facilitating growth in energy supply or, as Trump likes to call it “Drill, baby, drill.” Yet this time, Baby doesn’t feel much like drilling. And it’s saying this loud and clear.
The oil and gas industry celebrated Trump’s victory in the November elections. After four years with a not-so-friendly federal government, a pro-oil White House was certainly a welcome change. But then Trump said he wanted more oil and gas to flow along the pipelines. And producers said the same that the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) tends to say when called upon to boost production: only if the price is right!
The price, right now, is not right.
This tends to get ignored by a lot of industry observers who trade oil. The thinking goes that if Trump is in the White House, then the oil and gas industry players have the biggest ally in the country, which means they can do whatever they want and pump as much crude as they want. This is actually correct.
Yet these players see no benefit in pumping more crude at the moment.
West Texas Intermediate has been trading around US$70 this week after posting two weeks of declines following a strong start to the year with Trump’s inauguration and expectations of “maximum pressure” on Iran. Shortly after, the “Drill baby, drill” assumption began to unravel. Drillers signalled they had no intention of stepping up work to boost production. In fact, the latest data about 2024 recently showed that growth in US oil production had slowed down significantly to 300,000 bpd last year.
In the year prior, the growth rate was three times that.
It’s all about the price, of course. It’s always about the price. This goes for OPEC and US shale drillers alike. “What you are seeing is a huge amount of positivity,” the President of Liberty Energy told the New York Times in late January, commenting on Trump’s entry into office. “But it’s too early to say that that’s going to translate into a change in actual activity levels here in North America,” Ron Gusek told the NYT.
The NYT story said that oil and gas executives were in zero rush to drill just because the President had asked them to. A recent story in the Wall Street Journal said the same thing, citing unnamed industry sources. Essentially, everyone is quoting the energy industry as saying it will not drill more. Axios also recently cited estimates by the Energy Information Administration that expected production across most regions to decline over the next two years, with only the Permian seeing significant growth and coming to account for over half of the US total.
This puts Trump in a bind because he aims for more than one thing with his calls for lower oil prices. First, of course, there is retail fuel prices, overall inflation, and eventually, interest rates. Trump understandably wants all of these to fall. Yet his other stated goal is to boost global crude oil supply and tank prices as a way of pressuring Russia to sit at the negotiations table about Ukraine. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)
Trump says US is making progress with Russia, declines to discuss talks with Putin
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he believed the United States was making progress in its talks to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, but declined to provide details about any communications he had had with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump indicated that the two men had been in contact; that would mark the first officially-acknowledged conversation between Putin and a US President since early 2022.
Asked whether he had had his conversation with Putin since he became President on
Trump wants US to own Gaza; Egypt to host emergency Arab summit
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he is committed to buying and owning Gaza, but could allow sections of the war-ravaged land to be rebuilt by other States in the Middle East.
“I'm committed to buying and owning Gaza. As far as us rebuilding it, we may give it to other States in the Middle East to build sections of it, other people may do it, through our auspices. But we’re committed to owning it, taking it, and making sure that Hamas doesn’t move back.”
Trump made his remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to New Orleans to attend the National Football League Super Bowl championship.
"There’s nothing to move back into. The place is a demolition site. The remainder will be demolished. Everything’s demolished,” he said.
Trump also said he was open to the possibility of allowing some Palestinian refugees into the United
States, but would consider such requests on a case-bycase basis.
Ezzat El Rashq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, condemned Trump's latest remarks on buying and owning Gaza, the group said in a statement.
"Gaza is not a property to be sold and bought. It is an integral part of our occupied Palestinian land," and Palestinians will foil displacement plans, Rashq added.
Trump has spoken of permanently displacing Palestinians who live in Gaza and would create a "Riviera of the Middle East".
Trump last week floated the idea of the United States taking over Gaza and engaging in a massive rebuilding effort.
His statement was vague on the future of Palestinians who had endured over a year of bombardment by Israel in response to an October 2023 attack by Hamas.
It was unclear under what authority the United States would take claim of Gaza. Trump's announcement drew immediate rebukes from several nations.
Meanwhile, Egypt will host an emergency Arab summit on February 27 to discuss what it described as "serious" developments for Palestinians, according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Sunday. The summit comes amid regional and global condemnation of US President Trump's suggestion. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Israel troops withdraw from corridor that split Gaza in 2
Israeli troops have withdrawn from the Netzarim Corridor – a military zone cutting off the north of the Gaza Strip from the south.
Hundreds of Palestinians in cars and on carts laden with mattresses and other goods began returning to northern Gaza following the pull-out –- often to scenes of utter destruction.
The Israeli withdrawal is in line with the IsraelHamas ceasefire agreement of January 19 under which 16 Israeli hostages and 566 Palestinian prisoners have so
far been freed.
By the end of the first stage of the ceasefire in three weeks' time, 33 hostages and 1900 prisoners are expected to have been freed. Israel says eight of the 33 are dead.
Hamas seized 251 hostages and killed about 1200 persons when it attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering the Gaza war.
At least 48,189 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive, according to Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry. About two-thirds of Gaza's buildings have been
Chief of violence-hit Indian state of Manipur resigns
TJanuary 20 or before, Trump said: “I’ve had it. Let’s just say I’ve had it...And I expect to have many more conversations. We have to get that war ended.”
“If we are talking, I don’t want to tell you about the conversations,” Trump said. “I do believe we’re making progress. We want to stop the UkraineRussia war.”
The President said the United States was in touch with Russia and Ukraine. "We're talking to both sides," he said.
Trump has promised to end the war but not set out yet in public how he would do so.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
he chief minister of India's northeastern state of Manipur resigned on Sunday, bowing to pressure to quit amid ongoing ethnic clashes that have cost at least 250 lives since they broke out nearly two years ago.
N Biren Singh, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), submitted his resignation to the state's governor in the capital city of Imphal, a day ahead of a scheduled legislative assembly session.
Local reports said the Opposition Congress party was expected to move a no-confidence motion against Singh.
The governor accepted Singh's resignation and asked
him to continue until alternate arrangements are made, according to a statement.
Singh’s resignation follows intense sectarian clashes between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities over economic benefits and job quotas. The conflict has killed at least 250 persons and displaced 60,000, with sporadic violence continuing.
Kuki groups have long accused Singh of his bias towards the Meitei community, and have demanded his removal since the conflict began.
Singh, a Meitei leader, has also been under increasing pressure from his own allies to step down. BJP lawmakers have periodically sought his resignation over his handling of the crisis. (Excerpt from Reuters)
damaged or destroyed by Israel's attacks, the United Nations says.
On Sunday, crowds of Palestinians were seen traversing the Netzarim Corridor – mostly moving north to see what had happened to their abandoned homes.
"What we saw was a catastrophe, horrific destruction. The [Israeli] occupation destroyed all the homes, shops, farms, mosques, uni-
versities and the courthouse," Osama Abu Kamil, a resident of al-Maghraqa just north of Netzarim, told the AFP news agency.
About 700,000 residents of northern Gaza fled to southern areas at the start of the war, when the Israeli military issued mass evacuation orders before launching a ground invasion of the Palestinian territory.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
Bodies of migrants found in Libya mass grave, authorities say
The bodies of at least 28 migrants have been recovered from a mass grave in a desert in south-east Libya, the country's attorney general said.
The grave was discovered north of Kufra, just days after another mass grave with 19 bodies was found on a farm in the same city.
Officials found the latest grave following a raid on a human trafficking site, where authorities freed 76 migrants who had been detained and tortured, the office of the attorney general posted on Facebook.
One Libyan and two foreigners have been arrested, it added.
"There was a gang whose members deliberately deprived illegal migrants
of their freedom, tortured them and subjected them to cruel, humiliating and inhumane treatment," the statement said.
Images shared online – which the BBC has not independently verified –show Police and volunteers digging in the sand before placing corpses in black bags.
The search in Kufra –more than 1700 kilometres (1056 miles) from Libya's capital Tripoli – is continuing.
The attorney general says the bodies recovered have been taken for autopsy, with investigators suspecting links to smuggling networks. Authorities are documenting the testimonies of survivors. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shakes hands with US President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019 (Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via Reuters file photo)
Go over every detail and change whatever is necessary. Take care of matters personally and be secretive regarding your choices. Emotional spending will set you back.
Concentrate on what matters most to you and clear a path forward. Getting personal papers in order will ease your mind. It’s up to you to create opportunities.
Approach every issue openly and honestly. Decisiveness will help you gain trust, and proof that you know what you are doing and saying is accurate will seal the deal. Put your emotions on the shelf and do your best.
Think before you act. Emotions will surface quickly and require restraint if you want to avoid trouble. Avoid hasty decisions and unnecessary changes. Pay attention to your health and emotional well-being.
Pay attention to detail; research, learn and be creative with the information you gather. Attend a reunion or function that will bring back memories or prompt you to revisit a pastime that brings you joy.
Experience is golden. A change will spark your imagination and encourage you. Heading to a destination you’ve never been to and participating in something that intrigues you will encourage new friendships.
Refuse to let someone’s angst or emotional madness affect your plans. Look at the big picture; consider how others react and socialize with those who share your sentiments.
Let your creativity take over your life. Get together with people who spark your imagination and encourage you to pursue your dreams. Travel and physical endeavors will help put things in perspective.
Stick to what and who you know and trust. Refuse to fold under pressure just to keep the peace. Find common ground and incentives to ensure that equality prevails.
Emotional manipulation is apparent. Look for solutions instead of getting bogged down in what-ifs. Refuse to jeopardize your health or risk damaging a meaningful relationship.
When one door closes, another opens. Refrain from laboring over what’s ending when embracing new beginnings will optimize your chance to advance. Talk less and do more.
Stick close to home. Venturing out will lead to tempting offers. Choose to concentrate on health, diet and exercise, not on indulgent behavior. Refuse to let an emotional situation take control.
2nd ODI, Cuttack, England tour of India...
India seal series as Rohit roars back into form with 32nd ODI ton
Rohit Sharma silenced the doubters and showed his readiness to lead India into the Champions Trophy, as he powered through to his 32nd One-Day International (ODI) century to set his side up for an unassailable 2-0 series lead in the second ODI against England at Cuttack.
With India set a stiff but far from daunting 305 to win, after a piecemeal England performance featuring seven double-figure scores but nothing more imposing than Joe Root’s 69 from 72 balls, Rohit demonstrated the blend of power and endurance that the black-soil conditions required, as he broke the back of the chase with 119 from 90 balls, including 12 fours and seven sixes.
He reached his landmark in 76 balls with the last of those sixes, a glorious lofted drive over wide long-off off Adil Rashid, and had he not scuffed a Liam Livingstone full toss to midwicket with 85 runs still needed, the margin of victory could have been crushing. Instead, India injected a few late jitters into their chase, losing three wickets in five overs after Shreyas Iyer was needlessly run out for 44, and it required Axar Patel’s calm 41 not out from 43 balls to guard against embarrassment.
Realistically though, England had been chasing shadows long before Ravindra Jadeja, their chief tormenter with the ball, had driven the winning boundary with 33 balls to spare. Those shadows had been literal ones at one stage, when a floodlight failure in the seventh over caused a tedious 40-minute delay.
Despite his welldocumented struggles in Australia this winter, and notwithstanding his unconvincing two from seven balls in Nagpur on Thursday, Rohit has played too few ODIs of late to be considered out of form in the format. This was
only his fifth 50-over innings since the World Cup final in November 2023, where his haul of 597 runs at 54.27 had been instrumental in his team’s march to the final. Since then, he had added two more fifties in three innings in Sri Lanka in August. Even with his 38th birthday looming in April, and with 11,000 career ODI runs beckoning in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, he’s looking good for a few more yet.
As in Nagpur, Rohit’s first seven balls were the least convincing of his innings, although this time they weren’t also his last seven. His first boundary was a streaky four through deep third off Gus Atkinson, but when he found his range one ball later, it was as if a switch had been flicked in his game-brain. Out came a sublime pick-up off the pads which flew over deep midwicket for six – arguably the best shot he had played all winter –and suddenly his timing was attuned to the surface. Saqib Mahmood, who had troubled him in a tight first over, was blazed for two more sixes in overs three and five, over extra cover and long-off, and the chase was on.
trump card, was unable to stem the tide. Rohit clubbed him for two more fours in his first over, to march through to a 30-ball fifty, before Shubman Gill – hitherto the silent partner – showed he wasn’t about to waste his solid start with a wondrous slog-sweep for his solitary six.
Another pull for four from Gill brought up the hundred partnership in the 14th over, and one over later, he had his own fifty – from 45 balls – and the 21st time in 49 ODI innings that he had got there, at an average that briefly nudged above 60. England’s lack of variety was exposed when Atkinson - still smarting from his brutal treatment in the opening T20 International (T20I) –returned to the attack to be hoisted for two more pulled boundaries by Rohit, including a rank half-tracker that was
India seal series as Rohit roars back into form with 32nd ODI ton
was rewarded when England’s review showed a feathered edge. Having been recalled to the XI in place of India’s rising star, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kohli’s failure was as acute as Rohit’s success, although he might argue – rather like his captain – that it wasn’t that many ODIs ago that he was Player of the Tournament for his 765 runs at the 2023 World Cup.
As for England, their problems are rather more significant. Not unlike their lowwattage batting displays at the World Cup, this was another performance that promised far more than it delivered. After winning the toss, they were given another flying start by Ben Duckett and Phil Salt, whose opening stand of 81 in 65 balls was their third fiftyplus partnership in consecutive matches on this tour. And while Root and Jos Buttler were easing through the gears in a fourthwicket stand of 51, England had had designs on a 330-plus total. Instead, both set batters fell in the space of four overs to trigger another dramatic collapse: England lost their last seven wickets for 85, including three run-outs, as they were dismissed for 304 with one ball left unused. India’s spinners, inevitably, were the catalysts, in particular Jadeja, who proved too wily for some one-dimensional shot selection as he returned the outstanding
Rohit had eased along to 29 off 18 when the floodlight failure kicked in, and the frustration could have been all the more acute when Mark Wood entered the attack after the resumption and struck him on the knee-roll with his third ball. However, England’s review was deemed by ball-tracking to have only been clipping leg, and Rohit’s response was to slam his front foot to the pitch of his next ball, and lift Wood clean over long-off for his fourth six in eight overs – as many as England managed in their entire innings.
Rashid, so often
England’s
superb yorker that plucked out the off stump at 141 kilometres per hour (kph). The momentary silence around Cuttack, however, was almost immediately replaced by a roar of acclaim, as Virat Kohli –back in the team after his knee niggle in Nagpur – walked out with the stage set at 136 for 1. It would not prove to be a lengthy stay. One smartlydriven four off Atkinson got the crowd purring, but Kohli had faced just eight deliveries when Rashid turned a legbreak past another forceful drive, and Phil Salt’s excellent take
Foremost among these was Overton, whom England seem convinced can be their deathovers answer to Andre Russell. His inclusion at number seven was confirmed after Jacob Bethell had been ruled out with a worrying hamstring injury, but his innings of 6 from 10 balls was further evidence that, in spinfriendly conditions, his long-
levered approach is doomed to failure.
Livingstone at least got the memo with a powerful late knock of 41 from 32 balls, including two big sixes off Harshit Rana, as did Rashid, who struck three fours in a row off Mohammed Shami in reaching 14 from 5 balls, only to run himself out just when his eye was in.
Worryingly for England, though, India had plenty of chances to close the innings out for even fewer runs. They missed two clear chances in the deep, including the most casually awful drop from Axar at deep third when Salt had made just six from 12 balls, while Rohit was left wincing at the big
screen when Root was shown to have been plumb lbw to Axar for 16, with India having chosen not to review.
Harry Brook, whose technique against spin has been under particular scrutiny on this trip, made 31, but might have been removed for a five-ball duck had umpire Chris Brown upheld an lbw appeal from his nemesis, Varun Chakravarthy, that ball-tracking suggested would clip leg. At the age of 33, Varun earned his ODI debut on the strength of 14 wickets at 9.85 in the T20Is. He needed just 11 deliveries to make his mark, ending Salt’s stay to trigger a familiar middle-overs squeeze that India would not ultimately relinquish.(ESPNcricinfo)
India (T: 305 runs from 50 ovs) Rohit Sharma (c)
Brook c Shubman Gill
Harshit Rana 31
Buttler (c)c Shubman Gill
Pandya 34
Livingstone run out (Iyer/†Rahul) 41
Overton c Shubman Gill b Jadeja 6 Gus Atkinson c Kohli b Mohammed Shami 3 Adil Rashid run out (Jadeja/ Harshit Rana/†Rahul) 14 Mark Wood run out (†Rahul) 0 Saqib Mahmood not out 0 Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w12) 15
hole out, but Powell dropped him running to his right from long-on.
Dan Lawrence then holed out at deep cover off Haider, having contributed just 10 runs to a 41-run stand for the third wicket.
Capitals slowed things down and it only got better for them when Holden holed out to longon off Raza.
Curran, Azam finish strong for Capitals
But Curran and Azam then
hammed 67 off 29 balls for the fifth wicket to take Vipers to a strong total. Azam made an instant impact, clipping his first ball fine down the leg side for a boundary before clearing long-off in the same over.
McCoy returned to bowl the 18th over and Curran welcomed him with boundaries on either side of point off the first two balls and then nudged him past fine leg for another boundary two balls later.
Kuggeleijn, who had been expensive on the night, bowled
the penultimate over and Curran greeted him with a 117-metre six over midwicket. Curran brought up a 28-ball fifty next ball before picking up another boundary off a top edge.
Kuggeleijn also dropped Azam off the last ball of the over to finish with figures of 0 for 40 from three overs. Azam hit another boundary to punish that mistake, but in the end, his innings won’t be what he will likely remember about this final.
Harshit Rana celebrates a wicket
Rohit Sharma brought up his hundred off just 76 balls
VAR system to be introduced in St Kitts and Nevis football
The St Kitts and Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) Referee Department has announced the launch of several new initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of refereeing and match officiating in domestic football.
These initiatives were recently outlined by the Head of the SKNFA Referee Department, Graeme Browne, at a press conference held at the NBGC Technical Centre.
In his address, Browne emphasised that the SKNFA is committed to addressing concerns voiced by local clubs regarding officiating standards. He confirmed that the Association was actively working to ensure that refereeing continued to evolve and improve to meet
international standards. A key development in this initiative is the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system to further support decision-making on the field.
“For the first time in the history of St Kitts and Nevis we have a FIFA-certified video match official in the person of Mr Tristley Bassue. This comes at a great time for us, because as you know, the clubs that are very important to this league have been complaining that they need VAR in our leagues and the (SKNFA) President gave the clearance and we had our initial meeting last year which gave us the approval to continue and proceed,” Browne said.
“So with Mr Bassue being a certified video match
official, then we can move to the next step of getting a VAR system implemented in St Kitts and Nevis in the very near future.”
Browne spoke of other initiatives designed to improve the professionalism of officiating. “We had some series of meetings in the offseason which was very short for us and we’ve pledged our commitment to be more professional in our servicing of the games here in St Kitts and Nevis. Our leagues have started, our training have started; we are in Warner Park every day with our fitness instructors are going through rigorous training, because this year we intend to up our standard in officiating here in St Kitts and Nevis,” he continued.
“As a federation, we are focused on improving the quality of refereeing and providing our officials with the tools they need to make accurate and fair decisions during matches,” Browne
Powell, Raza power Capitals to maiden ILT20 title in thrilling chase
Rovman Powell made the most of a second life gifted to him by Azam Khan to power Dubai Capitals to their maiden the International League T20 (ILT20) title as they beat Desert Vipers in the thrilling final.
Capitals conceded 189, when they were in a position to restrict Vipers to a lower total and were then 31 for 3 after five overs in the chase. That could have been 46 for 4, but a wicketkeeping error from Azam was punished in full by Powell, who hammered 63 off
Obed McCoy struck with his first delivery
38, to help Capitals pull off a four-wicket win. Shai Hope and Sikandar Raza also played key roles in the stiff chase as Capitals registered their fourth win against Vipers in the season. Half-centuries from Max Holden and Sam Curran took Vipers to a competitive total, with Azam also chipping in with an impactful cameo of 27 off 13. But it wasn’t enough in the end.
Powell’s second life the turning point
That proved to be the turning point in the game as Powell, who was on 2 off 6 at the time, switched gears to wrestle momentum away from the Vipers. He hit Sowter for a six before crashing 15 of the 16 runs Curran conceded off the next over, with two fours and a six.
Hope picked up the pace as well, hitting Sowter for a six as the next two overs fetched Capitals 21 runs.
stated. “We have heard the concerns of the clubs, and we are taking concrete steps to enhance the overall officiating experience for both players and spectators.” (Sportsmax)
Even as Curran accounted for Hope, Powell kept going, while Dasun Shanaka joined in with an impactful cameo of 21 off 10.
Raza applies finishing touches
With 38 still needed off 19 deliveries, the job was far from done, but Raza ensured Capitals went over the line.
Raza and Powell picked up a boundary each off the 18th over, before Sowter finally had his man when Powell was caught at backward point.
Holden, who cracked two boundaries off McCoy in the first five balls he faced, injected Vipers with early momentum, racing to 22 off 13 when Gurbaz miscued McCoy to mid-off in the fifth over.
Holden holds Vipers together Holden continued to at-
tack, picking three boundaries off Kuggeleijn to take Vipers to 53 for 2 at the end of the powerplay. He brought up a 32-ball half-century in the eighth over with a boundary driven back over Raza’s head. Another attempted straight drive off the next ball almost saw him
SCOREBOARD
Desert Vipers (20 ovs maximum)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz c Billings
b McCoy 5 Alex Hales c Haider Ali
b McCoy 5
Max Holden c Kuggeleijn
Dubai Capitals (T: 190 runs from 20 ovs)
Shai Hope † c Lawrence
b Curran 43
David Warner
However, Raza hit three fours off four balls in the next over to leave Capitals with just nine needed off the
Raza finished the game in style, hitting Khuzaima Tanveer for a six and four off the first two balls of the last over to seal a win without any more drama.
McCoy gives Capitals the perfect start Capitals got off to a great start after winning the toss as Obed McCoy removed the dangerous Alex Hales with his first ball. Hales chipped him to midwicket, where Haider Ali took a good catch diving forward.
Capitals could have had Rahmanullah Gurbaz back in the hut in the next over, but Scott Kuggeleijn dropped him at deep point off Farhan Khan.
b Sikandar Raza 76
Dan Lawrence c Sikandar Raza
b Haider Ali 10
Sam Curran (c) not out 62 Azam Khan † run out (Billings/†Hope) 27
Extras (lb 2, w 2) 4
Total20 Ov(RR: 9.45) 189/5
Did not bat: Ali Naseer, Khuzaima Tanveer, David Payne, Nathan Sowter, Mohammad Amir
Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Alex Hales, 1.1 ov), 2-34 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 4.2 ov), 3-75 (Dan Lawrence, 9.2 ov), 4-122 (Max Holden, 15.1 ov), 5-189 (Azam Khan, 19.6 ov) • DRS
SKNFA now has a FIFA-certified video match official
Sam Curran blitzed 62 off 33
CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
Sikandar Raza celebrates Dubai Capitals’ title win
Allicock, Amsterdam named in GBA training squad for 2025 Caribbean Boxing Championships
The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has officially announced the national training squad to represent Guyana at the 2025 Caribbean Boxing Championships, with the country’s top pugilists vying for selection.
This year’s tournament will be staged in St Lucia from February 27 to March 3, marking the return of the prestigious event for the first time since 2019.
The Caribbean Boxing Championships has long been the Region’s premier amateur boxing event, showcasing the finest talents from across the Caribbean.
Guyana, a powerhouse in regional boxing, last won the overall championship title in 2018 when the tournament was hosted on home soil.
The last edition of the tournament, held in Trinidad and Tobago in 2019, saw Guyana put on a strong performance, and with the event making a long-awaited return, the national team are determined to reclaim their position at the top.
Leading the charge for Guyana is Olympian Keevin Allicock, a dominant force in
Caribbean boxing who won gold at the championships in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
The dynamic featherweight boxer is eager to continue his unbeaten streak and cement his legacy as one of the Region’s best.
Also among the contenders is Desmond Amsterdam, the accomplished middleweight, who picked up a bronze medal at the 2022 South American Games.
His international experience and resilience make him a strong asset to
Royals contain Panthers to record 44-point victory
...as Flames upset Kobras with 7-point victory
Spectators witnessed nail-biting victories on Saturday as the Guyana Basketball Federation One Guyana Premier Basketball League continued at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall as Region 10 sides Victory Valley Royals and Flames accumulated wins.
The opening match of the night saw the undefeated Victory Valley Royals looking to extend their unbeaten streak battling Panthers looking to bounce back after a previous loss as the Royals did not waste time from the first quarter as they established an early 28-5 lead.
Momentum went the way of the Royals as they held a firm grip on the lead, converting 13 points compared to the contained Panthers, who only managed to convert three points with the scoreline reading 28-8.
Bucketing 26 points in the third quarter were the Victory Valley Royals as they led the way while the Panthers could only muster eight points, with the scoreline reading 54-16.
Victory Valley Royals went on to record a 44-point victory, 77-33, maximising their chances of advancing
to the play-offs while the Panthers will be required to win the remainder of their games if they look to advance.
The Mc Doom/Prospect Kobras looked to get back to their winning ways as they battled the Flames, who were also looking to continue their winning ways in the closing match of the night. The first quarter saw the Flames coming out in front, with the score 17-7.
The Flames, despite the cold atmosphere managed to go into the half with a 32-18 lead, mustering a total of 15 points in the second quarter while restricting the Kobras to 11 points. Coming back from the halftime break, the Kobras played with determination and outscored their opponents 15 points to 9 points, but it was not enough as the overall scoreline was still in favour of the Flames – 41-33.
Despite being outscored once again in the fourth quarter, the Flames headed back to Linden all smiles as they held on to a seven-point lead with the scoreboard reading 57-50.
The tournament kicked off with 27 teams in the Harpy Eagle and Jaguar
Conferences, with a projected 56 to 63 games. Teams from the Jaguar and Harpy Eagle Conferences play the teams within their conferences twice, with the top four teams qualifying for the play-offs.
The number one-ranked team will play the number four-ranked team, and the number two team will play the third-ranked team. Winners of the playoff games will then advance to their Conference Finals, where they will play the best two of three games to determine who advance to the National Finals.
The tournament-winning team will receive $1 million along with trophies, while the runners-up will receive $500,000 plus trophies.
Guyana’s campaign in St Lucia.
Joining Allicock and Amsterdam in training are a talented group of boxers: Leon Albert, Septon Barton, Quince Boyce, Clifton Graham, Travis Inveraray, Shaquain James, Dwayne July, Colin Lewis, Orlando Norton, Emma Noel Pompey, Ronaldo Sutton, Zidan Wray, Joel Williamson, and Abiola Jackman.
Additionally, Keyon Britton, Lennox Lawrence, Ken Harvey, and Tofina Barker have also been asked to report for training.
The preparation and selection process will be overseen by an experienced coaching panel, including Cuban coach Francisco Roldan and national coach Lennox Daniels, along with Clifton Moore and Jeff Roberts.
GBA President Steve Ninvalle expressed his en-
thusiasm for the return of the tournament and the strength of the squad in training, adding, “We are thrilled to see the Caribbean Boxing Championships return after a long hiatus.”
“This tournament has always been a crucial platform for our boxers to showcase their talent on the regional stage. I am confident that the best possible team will be selected, and we are focused on reclaiming our title as the Caribbean’s best,” Ninvalle said.
With a history of success at the championships and a squad filled with both experienced champions and rising stars, Guyana’s boxing contingent is poised to make a significant impact in St Lucia.
The coming weeks of intense preparation will determine the final team that will fly the Golden Arrowhead with pride in St Lucia.
Mashramani Street Football Championships…
North East beat Back Circle B to claim semi-final berth
Defending champions Stabroek Ballers continued their courageous title defence in the Mashramani Street Football Championships Saturday night at the National Park with a gritty and dramatic victory against the formidable Bent Street.
Experienced campaigner Sese Norville missed the first of three penalty kicks for Bent Street in a game that ended 2-2 after regular and extra time, as Stabroek Ballers delivered a perfect performance from the penalty spot to win 3-2 and ensure their place in the semi-finals set for this Saturday at the same venue.
“It is probably the first penalty kick I missed in my entire career,” Norville said after the game. Bevo Marks put Bent Street up early in the game with a second-minute strike before Gerry Burnette responded five minutes later to equalise.
Shemar Welch gave Stabroek Ballers the lead in the 32nd minute, but Adrian Aaron responded for Bent Street three minutes later to equalise. Regular and extra-time could not produce a winner in the exciting encounter that drew loud gasps and cheers from onlookers who showed up to support their teams.
To continue the high drama at the renowned facility in Georgetown, Lennox Cort dismantled Back Circle B’s defence twice to put his team, North East on his back and get them to their first major final-four berth in some time.
Cort scored in the sixth and 30th minutes to deliver a 2-0 win for North East,
who clearly showed up with their supporters to ensure enough encouragement in a game they entered as underdogs given the recent performances of Back Circle B in street football.
North East will play the defending champs Stabroek Ballers this Saturday night at the National Park for a place in the final, which will also be held Saturday night. The other semi-final will feature Taliban against Goal is Money as both teams established their superiority in the quarter-finals.
Taliban delivered a 3-0 drubbing of West Demerarabased Showstoppers. Carl Griffith scored in the third and 18th minutes while Omar Jones found the net in the 30th minute for Taliban.
Goal is Money also booked their semi-final berth with a comfortable 2-0 win against Ztekk. Jaleel Hamilton scored in the 10th minute while Tyler Murray found the net in the 17th minute to put Goal is Money through to the final four.
The winner of the tournament will pocket $500,000, second place $300,000, third place $200,000 and fourth place $100,000. Trophies will be given to teams placing first to third while the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament gets $50,000 and a trophy. In the Plate Play-offs, Albouystown beat Broad Street 2-1, with Akeem Griffith finishing a penalty in the fourth minute and Ezekiel Telford scoring in the 18th minute for Albouystown. DeAndre Linton scored for Broad Street in the 12th minute. Festival City then edged Laing Avenue on penalty kicks after a nil-all stalemate. Festival City and Albouystown advanced to this Saturday’s Plate Playoffs that will also feature the four losing quarterfinalists. The top three finishers in the Plate Playoffs will split a total purse of $100,000 while each will be rewarded with a case of Magnum Tonic Wine.
