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2 drivers seriously injured after head-on collision at Vreed-en-Hoop
Man fined for pelting woman with brick
9 civilians, 2 prison officers charged in 2024 for smuggling contraband into prisons
Police
Gas-to-Energy Project
75%
of current workforce are Guyanese – contractor …accommodation
As works progress on the highly anticipated Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project, General Manager (GM) of Lindsayca CH4 Guyana Inc (LNDCH4 Guyana) Humberto Lopez has disclosed that some 75 per cent of the current workforce are Guyanese.
This figure, according to Lopez, includes the sub-contracted workers.
The Joint Venture formed by United States (US)based companies, Lindsayca and CH4, was awarded the US$759 million contract in November 2022 to build the 300-megawatt (MW) Combined Cycle Power Plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) – key components of the GtE
Project.
area being built onsite to fast-track works
On Friday, a US$527 million loan agreement was signed between the Guyana Government and the US Export-Import (EXIM) Bank to finance the project. This signing was followed by a tour of the construction site.
During that site visit, Lopez explained to reporters that while they had to work 24-hours at the initial stage to get the required soil stability of the site, they are no longer working around the clock. That, he added, may resume later when they start the actual construction and installation works.
“Probably at some point we will get [back to working 24-hours] again,” he noted.
According to the GM, due to the chaos at the Demerara
Harbour Bridge during peak hours, workers are forced to travel from Georgetown very early to get to the site for the 06:00h start time and would end up having to stay there until 18:00h in order to beat the traffic. The 12-hour work shift coupled with the daily travel is taxing on the workers – something which Lopez said they are looking to fix.
“We’re now placing an accommodation camp [on site] to have 400 people living here because we need those people to be ready to work every day. So, once we finish that, you’ll see a huge amount of work being done here,” the LNDCH4 Guyana GM posited.
However, while there is currently a 75 per cent local workforce employed for
the project, Lopez went onto note that this number will be reduced as the works advance to the more technical aspects.
“In the 400, we will reduce [the local workforce] a
little bit because this job is really specialised in technical installation, so we will bring in the people who are already specialised on that,” he stated.
The GM further disclosed that those persons to come will include Project Management Teams (PMT) from the US as well as specialists from the Dominican Republic, where the company has recently completed a similar project.
Only last month, LNDCH4 Guyana noted that it recorded a year of “milestones and progress” in 2024, stating in a progress report posted to its social media page on December 27 last, that significant strides were made towards Guyana's energy security.
Among these key accomplishments with the GtE Project is the completion of the soil stabilisation works. Only in September, GtE Project Lead, Winston Brassington, had disclosed that more than 1.65 million cubic metres (m3) of sand along with over 160,000 m3 loam and 25,000 m3 crusher run were purchased for the soil stabilisation exercise on the 100-acre Wales project site.
Lopez told reporters on Friday that since the site was not up to the required specification when it was handed over to them, they had to take huge amounts of sands there to bring it up to the required conditions.
In fact, LNDCH4 Guyana has since filed a claim to be compensated for that additional work they had to do. According to the GM, this claim for the extra stabilisation work coupled with the first claim that was filed takes the total amount being sought by the company to some US$100 million.
In that first claim, the Guyana Government and the GtE contractor are at loggerheads over a US$50 million claim by the company and the timeline for the completion of the project. That matter is currently before a three-member Dispute Avoidance/Adjudication Board (DAAB) and a decision is likely by this month-end. Nevertheless, other works completed by the contractor last year include 140,000 metres of piles driven at the
site. Over 7,000 steel piles, some at 37.5 metres, are slated to be driven for this project. Earlier in December, LNDCH4 had reported that some 3,715 of these piles have been installed thus far.
Meanwhile, another major milestone this year was the arrival of two state-ofthe-art gas turbines from Sweden in October. These turbines, capable of generating 300 MW of electricity, are set to revolutionise Guyana’s energy landscape by providing cleaner power for decades to come.
Then only a few weeks ago, two state-of-the-art steam turbines and two oil tanks arrived in the country on December 21. These critical components of the GtE Project have been safely transported and will be stored at the warehouse, where they will remain until they are ready to be installed.
Back in July, LNDCH4Guyana successfully offloaded and transported seven essential transformers – devices that will step up the voltage for transmission and help to minimise energy loss, ensuring a stable power supply to homes and businesses in Guyana.
Also, during last year, the manufacturing of the Flare, the Heat Recovery System and the NGL Facility as well as the NGL Storage Tanks were completed. According to LNDCH4, these works were completed during 900,000-plus accident-free hours.
Initially, the GtE Project was scheduled to be completed by 2024 year-end but following setbacks in handing over some components including site preparation works, LNDCH4 was given an extension to this year to deliver the power plant. However, the contractor wants more than the three-month extension that the Government has granted along with the financial claim – both of which was rejected by the state hence the move to the dispute resolution process.
Government has already made it clear that if LNDCH4 does not deliver power by the end of April, then they will face liquidated damages. (G8)
Piles driven at the Gas-to-Energy Project site
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Monday, January 13 –03:45h-05:15h and Tuesday, January 14 – 03:45h-05:15h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Monday, January 13 –15:45h-17:15h and Tuesday, January 14 – 16:35h-18:05h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Sunshine is expected throughout the day, with light to thundery showers expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.92 metres.
High Tide: 16:13h reaching a maximum height of 2.58 metres.
Low Tide: 09:46h and 22:18h reaching minimum heights of 0.82 metre and 0.62 metre.
$700M water treatment plant commissioned at Caledonia
A$700 million water treatment plant was on Sunday commis-
have one in Diamond and in Region Three. Wherever we’re dumping fresh water,
sioned at Caledonia with the potential to service as much as 14,000 residents on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has plans to commission more such plants in various parts of the country.
During the commissioning ceremony, which saw President Dr Irfaan Ali, Minister of Housing and Water Colin Croal and Minister within that Ministry, Susan Rodrigues in attendance, it was revealed that the Government plans to construct another plant at Diamond, EBD, within the next two years, as well as another plant in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).
According to President Ali, the plan is to eventually transition the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) into a national water management entity, able to ensure sustainable and greater coverage in the provision of its fresh water service. In addition to the plants in Diamond and Region Three, the President also announced that work on the Hope Canal Water Treatment facility will soon start.
“One important project, I think, would commence shortly – that is, the Hope Canal Water Treatment facility. We’re hoping to
we’re dumping expensive assets and we have to convert that asset into value,” President Ali explained.
The Hope Canal, or Northern Relief Channel, which is located at Hope/
Dochfour, is a multi-component channel that allows excess water from
The Hope Canal has been instrumental in preventing massive flooding along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) during the unprecedented May-June floods. As far back as 2021, the Government had announced that similar infrastructure would be constructed in other regions to curb devastating floods. These include Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).
Recognising the pressing challenges posed by climate change and the growing demand for clean drinking water, especially along the coast, the current Administration initiated a feasibility study back in
the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) to be drained into the Atlantic Ocean via an eight-door sluice, so as to avoid overflowing and possible flooding.
2022 to assess the potential of utilising and treating the water captured at the Hope Canal facility as a sustainable source to serve the ECD corridor.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, GWI CEO Shaik Baksh and Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal as they inspect the plant
Scenes from the Caledonia water treatment plant
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
Trust as a social good
“Trust is a social good to be protected just as much as the air we breathe or the water we drink. When it is damaged, the community as a whole suffers; and when it is destroyed, societies falter and collapse,” according to the philosopher and ethicist Sissela Bok. Here in Guyana, few would deny the veracity of this statement – even without the PPP explicitly declaring to those who propose “shared governance” that there is the need for “increased trust” with the PNC. If we accept as a working definition that trust is a "belief in, and willingness to act on the basis of, the words, actions, and decisions of another" then we posit that not only is trust missing between the PPP and the PNC, but that there exists a palpable, strong almost volcanic distrust.
The difference is important. The benefits of trust in conflictual situations is universally accepted: trust between political opponents enhance cooperation, encourage them to share information and even work together to resolve problems. This suggests heaven to most Guyanese. Distrust, on the other hand, is not merely the absence of trust, which may suggest a possible neutral, non-committal attitude, but the presence of the confident expectation that another individual's motives, intentions, and behaviours are sinister and harmful to one's own interests.
Distrust, rather than merely the absence of trust, has severe consequences for us. In interdependent relationships, such as the one between the governing PPP and opposition PNC, this often entails a sense of fear and anticipation of discomfort or danger. Distrust naturally prompts us to take steps that reduce our vulnerability in an attempt to protect our interests. Accordingly, the distrust of others is likely to evoke a competitive (as opposed to cooperative) orientation that stimulates and exacerbates conflict. Hence the state of undeclared war that typifies the relationship between our two major parties and reduces their mildest engagement to the hurling of vitriol-laced barbs. We witness this in the PNC and WPA’s reaction to the PPP’s outreaches in African-Guyanese communities.
The origin of their distrust harks back to the later 1950s, when the PNC split the nationalist movement and the record since has not improved appreciably. This even though for years the PPP of Dr Jagan offered “critical support” to the PNC that routinely rigged elections. So, what is to be done? We have to begin reducing the distrust before we can ever begin to build trust. We concede right up front that this is not an easy task. Once in place, distrust forms a powerful frame on subsequent events in the relationship, such that even good-faith efforts by the offender to restore the relationship are met with scepticism and suspicion. The result is a "selffulfilling prophecy", where every move the other party makes is interpreted as additional evidence that justifies an initial decision to distrust it.
One key insight in this area of trust and distrust is the distinction between functional and dysfunctional distrust. Although distrust has generally been regarded as patently harmful, it should be acknowledged that there are potentially valuable benefits of some distrust. All of us have had experiences where we misjudged another as credible and trustworthy, only to be exploited. However, distrust can lead to adverse effects as well. As noted earlier, distrust is associated with a lack of cooperation, lower satisfaction and commitment, and possibly even retribution and actively hostile behaviour.
Distrust leads the parties to reduce their willingness to share information and engage in problem-solving in conflict situations, an approach that usually bypasses integrative, value-creating opportunities. Distrust can also cause conflicts to escalate to the point of intractability, as positions harden and the parties become increasingly reluctant to yield concessions. The negative emotions that emerge with distrust cause the trustor to vilify and demonise the other party – such as the WPA’s “apartheid state” and “slave catcher” claims. In this “election year”, let us give the “other side”, the benefit of the doubt to allow the growth of trust and a more harmonious Guyana.
Peace, progress and prosperity is all we ask
Dear Editor, Have you ever studied the true meaning of “The PPP” party, or did anyone take the time to go into detailed research of the party?
Well, I did, and I came up with some startling results. For starters, the name of the party speaks to the fact that it is a people's party, a grassroots movement that gained the momentum and attraction of all the people of this country. When people become the central focus of one party, a natural sequence of events would follow: people would gravitate to the party that addresses their concerns. Another fundamental fact is that the PPP is a progressive party. Every time that party held power, progressive results followed, and people are blessed with that prosperity. It then behooves us to know that popular support for that progressive movement would follow. This is the party that Dr Cheddi Bharrat Jagan built: a force for goodwill, a
party of prosperity, of and for the people of this great country; nothing can stop that momentum.
Now, Burnham, in his rabid quest for power, formed his own party, the PNC; and, from the get-go, he launched a scathing attack on the PPP, condemning its leader as that barefoot country boy who was racially divisive of the population, when the fact is that he was the one who sought to divide and rule by strategy.
Instead of laying out a plan that might supersede Dr Jagan's policies, he was busily engaged in castigating the man. Burnham called Cheddi all the names in the book. The negative remarks did not, in any way, stop the groundswell of support for the PPP; because, the more he berated Cheddi, the more the people stuck to him.
This was definitely the breaking point for Burnham. He had to resort to Plan B, violence! From that time onwards, he sustained a campaign
of violence that came in two forms: (a) Rigging, to stay in power; a signature statement of the party, and (b) Naked aggression. Before and after every rigged election, he would marshal his thugs on to the streets, threatening, burning, and looting the properties of persons whom they claimed to be supporters of the PPP. This intimidation went on for decades, wherein the population was held in fear of the wrath of "The Kabaka." That is the way we were.
Now, this sort of authoritarianism could not last, because onlookers were sure to ask searching questions to which the PNC had no answers. And thus, the era of enlightenment came to dawn on this nation, especially those in the Black Community, who crossed over to support the PPP/C.
The last local government elections gave the PNC a huge shakeup, when hardcore supporters of Burnham's party made that giant leap forward and
crossed over the racial and political divide. The shocker came later when more Blacks came forward. In fact, as we speak, other notable figures are already coming forward to lend support to the PPP party.
Now, the people, all peoples: Black, Indian, Amerindian, Douglas, Mixed, are all finding their way back to that party that has as its core the principles of peace, progress and prosperity for all of us.
Like as they have done in previous years, the PNC are at it again; that is, the name calling: "Soup drinker, House Slave, and Judas". While this might have intimidated the people in times past, persons wishing to join the PPP party are bolder now, as the situation have now changed.
Persons have long gone past the rhetoric, and are taking their place to move this country forward. “One Guyana” is our theme today.
Respectfully, Neil Adams
Traffic ranks from the Charity Police Station's Traffic Department recently interacted with teachers and students from the Charity Secondary School; Abrams Creek Primary and Nursery Schools and Better Success Primary School in the Regional Police Division #2 (Essequibo Coast), discussing a wide range of road safety and traffic-related topics (Guyana Police Force photos)
Stanleytown residents protest historical 1938 sluice's demolition
…call for cleanup of outfall before rebuild
Residents of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) have demanded that the contractor currently engaged in demolishing a sluice at 51 Stanleytown to build a new one, to be put on hold.
The residents voiced their concerns during a heated meeting on Sunday afternoon, which was facili-
tated by Mayor Wainwright McIntosh and included Regional Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain.
The Vice Chairman on Sunday claimed that the project was undertaken following complaints to President Dr Irfaan Ali by residents over the frequent flooding of sections of the town when there is continuous rainfall.
At Sunday’s meeting,
residents called on the Vice Chairman to show them the complaints.
One resident pointed out that there are concrete drains leading up to the sluice, and they are all silted.
“Even if they build a new sluice, we will have the same problem. Before we break this sluice, let us get a hymac and clean the outfall,” a resident said at the
meeting.
The residents are contending that the sluice is in perfect working order and if demolished, the new sluice will not be as sturdy and durable as the almost century old Dutch structure.
They have asked for the outfall to be riveted noting that decades ago it was like that.
The Vice Chairman agreed to have the commit-
Police find 2 illegal shotguns, ganja during raids
Acting on information received, a Regional Division #1, a police team proceeded to Tenapeu Backdam, North West District, early Sunday, where they conducted raid exercises and found two shotguns and 52 grams of marijuana.
At one exercise, they arrived at the camp of Randolph Duncan, around 01:00 h, where the ranks observed an unidentified male of African descent, dressed in pants but shirtless, on the top floor of a wooden camp.
According to reports, the man quickly stood from his hammock, walked to the camp's back corner, and tossed a long black object, suspected to be a firearm, into some nearby dry bushes.
This raised the ranks’ suspicions, prompting them to investigate.
They subsequently found the object, which was identified as a suspected black KELTEC KSG semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun. Upon examination, it contained four live 12-gauge cartridges.
Police questioned the male, who then identified himself as Darnel Lewis, a 24-year-old Venezuelan pork-knocker from Boodoo Scheme, Parika, EBE.
He was shown the firearm and questioned about his firearm licence status, to which he said he did not have one. He was informed of the offence committed, cautioned, and he responded that the gun is his but he does not have a licence.
The officers conducted further searches in and around the campgrounds but found
no additional illegal items. Lewis was arrested for the offence.
Later, at approximately 02:30 h, the team went to another nearby camp owned by Roy Goocharan, known as 'King', a 47-year-old gold miner from Friendship, EBD.
Upon arrival, they met Goocharan and his two workers, Joseph Williams, a 64-year-old pork knocker from Barima River, Region One, and Lawrence Wells, a 36-year-old pork-knocker from Red Hill, Barima River, Region One, North West District (NWD). They were informed of the reason for the police presence, and all complied with the search.
While searching the workers' camp in the presence of Williams and Wells, police discovered a black single-barrel 16-gauge shotgun without a serial number, which contained a 16-gauge cartridge, hidden under a mattress on a makeshift wooden bed belonging to Williams. The weapon was shown to him, and he was informed of the ranks' suspicions, to
which he replied, "No," when asked if he had a licensed firearm.
Further searches revealed eight 12-gauge cartridges in two cartridge boxes and a single suspected live .223 round found in a long boot belonging to Williams. Consequently, both he and Wells, the sole occupants, were arrested.
Simultaneously, Goocharan, after being informed of the ranks’ intention to conduct searches, complied to the search at his enclosed wooden sleeping quarters nearby.
During this search, Police discovered a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems sus-
pected to be cannabis. These items were enclosed in two transparent plastic bags, which were further placed inside a black plastic bag resting on a wooden shelf against the wall near the front door.
Goocharan was shown the suspected narcotics, cautioned, and he replied, "Officer, this is all I have."
He was arrested and taken into custody pending investigation. The suspected cannabis was weighed and amounted to 52 grams.
All individuals are currently in custody at the Port Kaituma Police Station, where they are assisting with the investigations.
2 drivers seriously injured after head-on collision at Vreed-en-Hoop
Police are investigating a vehicular accident that occurred around 22:35h on January 11 at New Road, Vreed-enHoop, West Bank Demerara (WBD), which resulted in a head-on collision.
The accident involved minibus #BZZ 6795, owned and driven by Troy Waterman, a 47-year-old resident of Vreed-en-Hoop, and motor van #GAC 9067,
owned and driven by Ronel Pakenram, a 32-yearold from Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBD). Reports state that the minibus was proceeding east along the northern side of New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, while the motor van was proceeding west along the southern side of the road.
As both vehicles were in the vicinity of a place de-
scribed as the 'cone shop', the driver of the minibus alleged that the driver of the van drove into his lane and collided head-on into his vehicle.
As a result of the collision, both drivers received injuries on their bodies, and both motor vehicles showed extensive damage.
The victims were taken out of their respective vehicles by public-spirited
persons and taken to West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) where they were seen and examined by a doctor on duty.
They were both admitted to the male surgical ward.
The minibus driver is suffering from a fractured left foot and injuries about his body, while the driver of the van sustained a fractured right foot and injuries about his body.
tee meet before a decision is taken on the way forward.
Meanwhile, at 32 Stanleytown where another sluice is located, the Vice Chairman pointed out that, the project will go ahead as planned.
“You know that for several years we have been having flooding in New Amsterdam, and when the President was in New Amsterdam a year back, residents raised their concerns about the flooding in New Amsterdam. As such the Minister of Agriculture was summoned and then he summoned his engineer… They did an assessment of the entire New Amsterdam to see what can be done to eliminate some of the flooding,” Hussain pointed out.
Subsequently, two pumps were installed within the township; one in the Tucburg area and that other at 32 Stanleytown.
Canals were also desilted by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).
The Vice Chairman addressing residents said, the
contract for the demolishing and rebuilding of the 32 Stanleytown sluice has already been awarded and work is expected to commence shortly.
Sections of the sluice at 32 Stanleytown have given way and the door is only two feet in width.
“These structures were built in 1938, and concrete has a lifespan of about 70 years. As such these structures actually out lived their usefulness. So we have to upgrade all of the structures in New Amsterdam. Shortly we will upgrade the sluice in Tucburg. This will help the residents of New Amsterdam. Because for too long we have been getting floods in the New Amsterdam area,” Hussain pointed out.
“At the end of the day, the Government will be blamed if we are not putting in these infrastructures… We will better the lives of all residents irrespective of if it is New Amsterdam, Port Mourant or anywhere else in the country.” (G4)
The sluice at 51 Stanleytown, NA
The guns and drugs that were found by Police
Page Foundation
◄ Tree Diagrams
A tree diagram can be used to show possible combinations of people, places, or things. It looks like a set of trees with branches.
Example:
At a school cookout, you can buy a ticket that allows you to choose one main item, and one side dish. The tree diagram shows the possible combinations.
To find out how many possible combinations there are, count the number of branches. In this example, there are nine branches.
How many possible combinations could there be if you could also order chips as a side?
Add chips as a branch on each item. Since there are 3 items, add 9 + 3 = 12.
Exercises: Interpret
1) How many different outcomes are there in the tree diagram? 2) Below is the tree diagram of the choices at the lunch you are going to attend. If you don’t like salad, how many different meal combinations can you select from?
Put leftover boxes to good use with this DIY book bin craft. All you have to do is cover the box with construction paper and clear packing tape. You can also add a book series logo or write your own design on the front for added personalisation. This craft is also a fun way to help kids stay organized and may even encourage more reading. (goodhouxsekeeping.com)
PPP/C Govt attracted over 3 times more FDI in 2 years than APNU/AFC's entire term – Pres Ali
…agri investments increased by 97% since 2020, other sectors’ investments skyrocketed
The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) that Guyana was able to attract in just two years (2021 to 2023) was more than three times the FDI that the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government was ever able to attract during its entire five years tenure in office.
This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali in a broadcast on Sunday.
According to the President, his Government since its return to office in 2020 has been able to bring back investor confidence in Guyana. And he cited the statistics to back it up, noting that when stacked against economic powerhouses in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Guyana compares favorably in its ability to at-
amounted to US$16.1 billion, more than three times the level reported under APNU/ AFC, for the entire period of 2015 to 2020,” the President
tract FDI.
“Foreign Direct Investment is what the outside world thinks of us. The attractiveness of a country as an investment destination. Between 2021 and 2023, FDI
said.
“Just between 2021 and 2023, Guyana reported the highest FDI inflows in the Caribbean, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Further, in 2023, there were inflows of US$7.1 billion.
A 64 per cent increase over 2022, positioning Guyana as the 6th largest inward FDI recipient country in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
According to the President, the only countries that were ahead of Guyana were Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Columbia. Other countries saw less or even no new FDI for 2023, with Trinidad even losing investments according to the report. And while investments in the oil and gas sector have dominated, with United States (US) based ExxonMobil set to invest US$55 billion in Guyana by 2027, there has been foreign investments in other sectors such as mining too.
“This is the substance of our governance. When we came to the people in 2020, we promised 50,000 jobs. I’m only looking here at the sustained jobs. In every single sector we’ve surpassed
the target of 50,000 jobs and we’ve been able to sustain 60,000 jobs,” President Ali said.
“I’m not even talking about the 10’s of thousands of additional jobs, that we are already training people for. That we’re investing in, through the tourism hospitality institute, the new nursing school, all of these schools add to the expansion of jobs in our economy.”
Private investments
During his broadcast, President Ali painted a picture of a private sector that stagnated and even regressed under the former APNU/AFC Government. For instance, he pointed out that tens of thousands of persons lost their jobs under the former Government, as Guyana’s private sector lost its productivity and its competitiveness went down, bankruptcy rates went up.
“Let us now look at pri-
vate sector investments by every sector. And let us look at the last four years. And you will see the diversification programme and policies of the Government, how it is taking effect. Let us look at agriculture for example. In the mid-2020, when we came into office, to mid-2024, private investment in agriculture went from $12.6 billion, to $24.6 billion, an increase of 97 per cent.”
“That is the investment we’re making in Drainage and Irrigation, farm to market access roads, the support for our farmers. The confidence that has been instilled back into the agriculture sector. Look at manufacturing. Private sector investment in manufacturing went from $15.1 billion to $22.3 billion, an increase of 47 per cent.”
All of these statistics are examples of significant growth in investments compared to mid-2020, when APNU/AFC was still very much in power. Other sectors that saw significantly more investments from 2020 to 2024 were construction ($10.6 billion to $20.4 billion), other services ($47.8 billion to $107.2 billion) and real estate mortgages ($88.7 billion to $140.2 billion).
“For the private sector to invest in each of these sectors, they have to have confidence in Government policies. They have to see sustainability. They have to see profitability. And as a result of these investments, tens of thousands of jobs in every sector have been created,” the President said. (G3)
Another example the President gave was of the mining sector, which severely regressed under APNU/ AFC and even saw an exodus of miners from the industry. However, from the PPP/C’s return to office mining went from $4.2 billion to $6.9 billion… an increase of 65 per cent.
$700M water treatment plant commissioned...
More treatment plants
GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh, in his presentation, explained that the water treatment plant at Caledonia, constructed by Sigma Engineers Limited from Bangladesh, has the current capacity to provide treated water to 12,000 persons from new Hope to Soesdyke, with the potential to serve 14,000 persons. And while the plant was designed to provide 6.3 mega litres (ML) of water per day, it is actually providing over 7 ML per day.
“And it will be expanded as the population grows, to provide over 8 mega litres of treated water. It really is a significant achievement by Sigma, because they’ve increased the capacity based on the design of the plant,” he further explained.
Baksh meanwhile also revealed that the agency is actually ahead of its target of 90 per cent treated water for the coastal population of Guyana by the close of 2025, since this target is likely to
be achieved by June. Baksh explained that the Caledonia plant is actually the first of seven large treatment plants which have been constructed, with six of these plants already completed and in testing.
Meanwhile, upgrades have been done at the water treatment plant at Eccles, including the digging of a new well. Meanwhile, upgrades to the plant at Coven Garden
were also done, while upgrades have also been completed at Grove. All three upgraded plants, according to the CEO, will be commissioned by this month end. In addition, over 30 kilometres of pipelines will be completed in the next two months.
And when it comes to the surface water treatment plant at Diamond, Baksh confirmed that the plan is to construct this facility within the next two years. He also revealed the financing sources that are being explored, including from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
“Plans are (already) on the way and we will have the Inter-American Development Bank and JICA very likely funding that new – very
large water treatment plant at Diamond,” the GWI Head said.
Back in November, plans to have the Japanese financing body fund the new treatment plant at Diamond was unveiled by Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal. At the time, he had explained that both JICA and IDB were collaborating with the Government on the project. Under the Coastal Water Treatment Programme (2021-2025), Government is aiming to achieve 90 per cent treated water coverage along the coastline by the end of this year. At the Ministry’s 2024 year-end press conference earlier this month, Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, disclosed that GWI is on track to achieving this goal. (G3)
President Dr Irfaan Ali
The oil and gas sector has dominated FDI in Guyana
Private investments in agriculture rose by almost 100%
Man fined for pelting woman with brick
A50-year-old carpenter and mason from East Ruimveldt, Front Road, Georgetown, was faced with a $50,000 fine or three months in prison for pelting a woman with a brick during a confrontation on January 9.
Eclife Caravan appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he was charged with unlawfully assaulting Daphnie Langevine, with the intent of causing her bodily harm.
Caravan pleaded guilty to the charge and admitted to the court saying, “Ma’am, she pelt me first, and I pelt she back.”
It was stated in court that Langevine and Caravan have known each other for years and Caravan would ‘usually do work’ for Langevine and her brother.
The incident occurred when Caravan entered the woman’s yard where his niece resides; an area he had been previously warned to stay away from.
According to Caravan, his niece had sent him to
the back of the yard, and as he entered, Langevine threw a brick at him.
He told the Magistrate that the brick hit him in the chest, and in retaliation, he used the same brick to pelt her, hitting her in the right eye.
When Magistrate Azore inquired about Langevine’s injury, she noted the severity of the swelling in her eye and remarked that it must have been “a hard pelt.”
Eclife responded, “I know, mommy, I know I pelt she hard, I know.”
Langevine told the court that Caravan had been verbally abusive and disrespectful toward her.
She said he had assaulted her two weeks prior, prompting her to report him to the police and request that they warn him to stay away from her yard.
Despite her previous efforts to avoid escalating the conflict, she said Caravan’s niece sent him into the yard on the day of the incident, leading to the confrontation.
Langevine admitted that she threw the brick
Fined: Eclife Caravan
first, stating, “I asked him, ‘What are you doing in my yard?’ and I threw the thing at him.”
She also expressed fear that Eclife might harm her further, saying she believed his presence in the yard was a personal attack and that she was scared he might break into her house or harm her in other ways.
Eclife apologised to
Langevine in court and said, “Yes, I know. I am sorry, I am sorry. I will buy a cream for she.”
Magistrate Azore, however, remarked that given the extent of the injury, “by now, she wouldn’t want the cream.”
In handing down the sentence, the Magistrate considered Langevine’s admission of provocation and the fact that Eclife had no prior offences.
She noted that while the injury was not life-threatening, it was severe and could leave a scar.
Eclipse was fined $50,000 or given the option of serving three months in prison.
Roots…
…in Chinese
Saturday, Jan 12 was “Chinese Arrival Day”. Even though it’s not a public holiday or anything like that, it absolutely deserves recognition since Chinese are one of our “Six Peoples” – and the country should acknowledge that publicly! As usual, your Eyewitness comments on these “Days” AFTER they’ve passed because he wants to see “fair play” – as we say in the countryside! Meaning he wants to see how and by whom the “day” is commemorated by going through the dailies.
Well, there was a play on the event at the Theatre Guild, which is geared for the GT in-crowd. But as far as your Eyewitness can see, any other observations were so low-key they dropped off the media’s radar. Was there that event by the Chinese Association at Windsor Forest on the West Coast of Demerara?? If not, why not?? Windsor Forest wasn’t the first plantation that Chinese were dispatched to after they arrived in 1853. And it also produced Guyana’s first president, Arthur Chung. He had a long and distinguished judicial career that epitomised the success of the Chinese as a group.
Like the Portuguese, the 13,000+ Chinese quickly quit the plantations after serving their indentureship and went into the retail trade in the villages and in the two towns –Georgetown and New Amsterdam. But they didn’t earn the wrath of the Creole Africans with whom they competed and might’ve helped displace. That’s quite intriguing, since there were at least two anti-Portuguese riots for those reasons. Why?? One can’t know for sure, but was it because they were generally Christians who’d been converted in China by missionaries?? Or was it that – unlike the Portuguese –they couldn’t be accused of getting easy credit giving them an unfair advantage. Could be… but for sure since there were very few women shipped in, they freely cohabited with and married local African Guyanese women. Almost every Guyanese Chinese family from the colonial period had African relatives. For instance, President Granger’s wife.
The Chinese didn’t only stand behind shop counters – they took to schooling pretty early and soon were quite prominent in the professions, the Civil Service and even politics. In the lexicon of the developed countries nowadays – in the age of immigrant angst –- they were a “model minority”!! However, starting with the ethnic riots of the sixties – even though they weren’t directly involved – they concluded that the business climate was irretrievably ruined. And most of them migrated – a lot to Toronto – where you can now find the best “Guyanese Chinese” food!!
Of recent, there’s been an influx of “new” Chinese immigrants. They seem determined to copy their indentured predecessors in dominating the retail business!!
This time, will there be a backlash??
…in India
This weekend’s Overseas Indian event in India reminded your Eyewitness of Prezzie’s presence at the 2022 version. He took every opportunity to make his links to India as explicit as possible. To the delight of his host on the Englishmedium platform – beamed to India’s elite – he regaled them with examples of his connections. His favourite Bollywood stars?? Kajol; Aishwarya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan!! Singers? His relatives vie when getting down to prove whether the better singer is Mukesh or Rafi!! Not to mention that his grandmother would regularly take in a “triple” – three 3-hour Indian movies viewed in succession!! Now that’s movie binging when folks didn’t even know the word “Binge”!!
But he didn’t just talk about pop culture, he emphasised the importance of the retention of culture by the Indian Indentured Labourers. He revealed that Indian visitors and their diplomatic representatives are astounded at that retention – even when some of those customs have been lost in India!!
Evidently, his father’s roots were traced to his village in India.
…in PNC
Aubrey Norton continues to be under fire from Opposition types for not being more confrontational with the PPP Government. Sadly, these folks see the PNC as only a “one-trick pony” who can only flex street muscles!!
Govt exploring “other possibilities” for US EXIM Bank financing – Singh …as financial institution seeks collaboration with local
Following the historic approval of the US$527 million loan for the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project, the Guyana Government is now exploring a number of potential ventures in order to tap into the remaining funding available at the United States (US) Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.
“At the governmental
separation plant, a 300 MW combined cycle gas turbine power plant and services related to the gas supply pipeline near Georgetown.
On Friday, Minister Singh and the US EXIM Bank President and Chair, Reta Jo Lewis, inked the loan agreement at the Wales construction site of the project, where the contractor, Lindsayca CH4
you – whether your business is large, medium or small. When you need American goods and service, EXIM is there to help you with that financing as well as [for] any foreign buyer who wants to purchase American goods and services, and export them to Guyana or throughout the region,” Chair Lewis posited.
Similarly, Minister
level, we have a number of other possibilities for future collaboration which are under discussion,” Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh recently told Guyana Times.
Back in July 2022, Guyana and the US EXIM Bank had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for financing of up to US$2 billion for projects in several sectors including infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, water treatment and sanitation, and agriculture. The MOU provides a framework within which financing can be provided by EXIM to advance developmental projects in Guyana while promoting the export of US made goods and services.
Consequently, in 2023, the Guyana Government applied for a loan from the US EXIM Bank to finance the GtE Project, which includes the construction of an Integrated Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant and a 300-megawatt (MW) combined cycle power plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD), utilising natural gas from the country’s offshore operations in the Stabroek Block.
On December 26, 2024, it was announced that US EXIM Bank’s Board of Directors approved US$527 million to Guyana’s Finance Ministry to support the highly anticipated GtE Project, which it said will strengthen the country’s energy security by doubling its installed electric capacity.
According to the bank, the financing from the loan transaction will aid the construction of a natural gas
Guyana Inc (LNDCH4 Guyana) – a US joint venture Texas-based Lindsayca and CH4 Systems, a Puerto Rican small business, has advanced works.
At the signing ceremony last week, US EXIM Bank President stated that this half of a billion-dollar energy deal is just the first of many deals to come between the financial institution and Guyana including its private sector.
“I have a message for the business leaders here in Guyana. We can be at US EXIM, a major resource for
Singh encouraged Guyanese businesses to take advantage of the roughly US$1.5 billion in financing that is available at the EXIM Bank.
“We want to see much more business done with EXIM. We want big, medium and small-sized projects… There is still another US$1.5 billion of potential business to be done with Guyana, and we’re looking forward to taking up all of that room… And I want to encourage of Guyana’s private sector to avail themselves of the various tools
SMEs
and instruments and products that are offered by EXIM to private sectors around the world to do business with American companies,” the Finance Minister stated during Friday’s signing.
Dr Singh subsequently pointed out that any Guyanese company that is buying goods from an American manufacturer or supplier, and/or service provider is a potential client of the EXIM Bank and should consider applying to the US financial institution for funding.
“A lot of people in the private sector might assume that EXIM does business with Governments and not with the private sector, so it’s important they are introduced to EXIM, that they know who are the key people working on the private sector transactions so they can speak directly to them and we encourage anybody in the private sector engage with EXIM directly,” the Minister related to this publication.
In fact, the US EXIM Bank chair and her team met with stakeholders from the Guyanese private sector on Saturday at the Marriott
Hotel in Georgetown.
Meeting local private sector
President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kester Hutson, told Guyana Times on Sunday that during the meeting, the EXIM Bank officials indicated their interest in doing more business within the region and is focusing on helping small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) that usually face difficulties in accessing financing.
“We were pleasantly surprised and anxious to know more about what their strategies are to cater for SMEs. So, they have assigned a
department that would be pretty much liaising with the local private sector and which will provide some guidance as to how we can be compliant and what are benefits. It was more of an introductory meeting –nothing in depth. Just [for us] to know that they are interested in working in the region and focusing on SMEs so it’s not just the enterprises and Government agencies,” Hutson stated. He further indicated that a strategic meeting scheduled to take place with the EXIM Bank team in the near future. (Vahnu Manikchand)
Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and US EXIM Bank Chair and President, Reta Jo Lewis
GCCI President Kester Hutson
AMR a challenge in health community – Health Minister
...says lack of investments from pharmaceutical companies fuelling crisis
As the global health community continues to battle the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony highlighted that a lack of research and investments from pharmaceutical companies has been a contributing factor to the growing health crisis.
The Health Minister made this highlight during the Health Ministry’s end of year press conference. According to the Minister, antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a challenge in the health community due to a lack of research and investments into new drugs.
“Pharmaceutical companies are not investing a lot of money in doing new antibiotics and even when they invest the money, if you're going to hold those antibiotics in reserve - meaning that you're not using them as the first line - then the chances of them making back the money that they've invested would take a longer time. So, for many of these companies, there is not a big incentive to invest in newer medications.”
On this point the Minister noted that microorganisms are becoming immune to existing medications. As it relates to Guyana, the Minister noted that some forms of AMR were recorded last year.
“And what we are finding is that the existing medication that we have, the pathogens that are circulating are
becoming resistant to the existing medication. In some cases you get good results, in other cases, when you're treating with that same antibiotic, you're not getting a good result because that patient might have had some resistant pathogen.”
The Health Minister added, “So, we are starting to see some of that here. And we'll be monitoring to see what types of resistance and so forth that we are finding out. Because this is such an important problem, because imagine if you can't, if none of our antibiotics are working, then all the achievements that we would have gotten from fighting infectious diseases with antibiotics, all of that can be eroded.”
In a bid to combat antimicrobial resistance, Dr
Anthony revealed that his Ministry has drafted its AMR strategy. According to the Minister, the strategy will have several components geared towards effectively addressing the growing issue.
“it's a multi-pronged strategy. So, in our institutions, what do we need to do to reduce the spread of infections in our hospital?
That programme is called an Antibiotics Chord Ship programme that we are introducing. We have a focal point responsible for AMR in the Ministry, and we are going to roll out this Antibiotics Chord Ship.”
One of the main aspects of the strategy, the Minister revealed, deals with the rolling out of enforcement measures.
Earlier it was reported that the Health Ministry would be cracking down on pharmacies who distribute antibiotics without prescriptions. In this regard Dr Anthony highlighted that consultations have already been held with the Guyana Pharmacist Association (GPA) to identify disciplinary measures for pharmacy owners who distribute antibiotics unprescribed.
“We have to do more enforcement, and I already spoke to the pharmacist’s association, so that when we start taking action; one of the likelihoods might be that we'll have to debar people if they are not prescribing properly or they're not adhering to the prescriptions.”
Additionally, the Minister noted that the agriculture sector is one of the main users of antibiotics, the Health Ministry will also have to incorporate research on antimicrobial resistance in animals into its plans.
“So, this thing is going to be a multi-pronged approach, but it might fascinate you to know, globally that the biggest users of antibiotics are not necessarily in human medicine. Some of the biggest users of antibiotics are actually in agriculture and so that there, with a comprehensive programme, it would mean that we have to address antibiotic use across the board. How it's being used, where it's being used what can be done, and how can we minimise the use so that we don't develop resistance.”
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs, such as antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals. This makes infections harder to treat, it increases the risk of spreading diseases, and leads to higher mortality rates.
The World Bank estimates that AMR could cost between US $1 trillion and US $3.4 trillion in GDP losses per year by 2030, with healthcare costs alone reaching US $1 trillion by 2050.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts AMR could cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050.
9 civilians, 2 prison officers charged in 2024 for smuggling contraband into prisons
The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) took steps to address the smuggling of contraband into its facilities in 2024, leading to the apprehension of nine civilians and the dismissal of two prison officers involved in similar offences.
The GPS said they have implemented a series of security measures throughout the year, including regular reviews of protocols, the enhancement of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance both inside and around the prison, and the deployment of drone technology. Increased searches of persons entering the facilities, along with physical searches of the estates, were also carried out as part of the strategy to prevent the infiltration of illegal items.
Common forms of contraband seized include narcotics, cellular phones, weapons, money, and alcohol. These items pose a significant threat to the safety of prisoners, staff, and the public. Contraband smuggling is considered a serious offence under Section 53 (1) of the Prison Act, carrying potential fines or imprisonment.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, commend-
ed the vigilance and dedication of the prison staff involved in foiling smuggling attempts throughout the year. He emphasised that both members of the public and prison officers who engage in contraband smuggling would face severe legal consequences. Elliot also reiterated the commitment of the prison service to combating corruption within its ranks, stressing that anyone found complicit in illegal activities would face disciplinary action. The continued effort to maintain security and integrity within Guyana’s prison system remains a top priority for the GPS as they address contraband smuggling into 2025. (G9)
As court awaits legal advice in fatal Sheriff Street truck accident Attorney says Police’s decision to lodge driver’s licence not lawful
DWebb, the 28-year-old truck driver charged with the fatal accident that claimed the life of Carlton
2024, appeared before Magistrate
The court heard that the case file had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.
Webb, who is repre-
sented by attorney George Thomas, remains on bail as the matter was adjourned until February 21.
During the proceedings, Thomas raised concerns over the police’s decision to retain Webb’s driver’s licence.
According to Thomas, Webb had been reporting to the Alberttown Police Station as required by the court when, in December, officers informed him that his licence needed to be lodged.
Thomas argued that such a measure is not lawful, unless specific channels are followed.
When questioned by Magistrate Azore, Webb explained that the police asked to see his licence during a visit and then kept it.
Magistrate Azore noted that after reviewing the case documents, she found no directive stating that Webb’s licence was to be lodged or seized.
Thomas further contended that while police officers may have the authority to seize passports in certain circumstances, other documents—such as driver’s licences—require proper au-
thorisation and procedural adherence.
He urged the court to instruct the prosecution to clarify the matter.
Magistrate Azore instructed the prosecution to investigate and present the necessary details at the next hearing, scheduled for February 21.
Webb remains on bail as the court awaits advice from the DPP on the way forward in the case.
The incident occurred on November 19, 2024, at the intersection of Sheriff and Dennis Streets in
Georgetown, resulting in the death of 42-year-old Smartt, an electrical contractor from Newtown Kitty.
It was reported that at about 6:50hrs, Webb’s motor lorry, GAH 5183, reportedly ran a stop sign while travelling at a high speed. This action brought him into the path of another lorry, GAH 8008 also moving at a fast pace along Sheriff Street.
The collision caused both lorries to lose control, with Webb’s vehicle veering off course and fatally striking Smartt, who was jogging in the area at the time. The
force of the impact trapped Smartt under the rear wheel of Webb’s lorry. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The out-of-control lorries then collided with six cars and caused significant damage, including one lorry crashing into a nearby building. At the time, neither driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol.
Despite claims by Webb’s defence that mechanical failure led to the tragedy, the prosecution maintains that excessive speed was a key contributing factor.
enzel
Smartt on Nov. 19,
Fabayo Azore on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot
The accident which claimed the life of Carlton Smartt
Denzel Webb Dead: Carlton Smartt
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony
Over 4000 migrant students enrolled in public education system – CEO
…says Ministry working to address language barrier challenges
As the Ministry of Education works to ensure all children living in Guyana have access to high quality education, the Education Ministry to date has enrolled over 4,000 migrant students into the public education system, with its Migrant Education Support Unit (MESU), which is a part of the Ministry of Education.
The students come from several communities across Guyana.
This was revealed by Chief Education Officer (CEO) Saddam Hussain last week during the Education Ministry’s End of Year press conference.
Hussain highlighted that the MESU works to integrate migrant students into the public school system.
“The Ministry of Education under the school support services has a unit called the migrant unit, we are one of the few Ministries in the Caribbean that actually has such a unit. We have in our database a little bit more than 4,000 migrant students registered,” he noted.
The CEO added that in a bid to make enrollment easy for migrant learners, key documents such as birth certificates are not required when registering a child into the public education system.
“We have continued to register students as long as they make themselves available to the school, or if we find these students within communities. We are one of the few countries as well who do not require any kind of documentation, so a migrant student does not have to get a birth certificate. They simply turn up to a school close to where they live and we enroll them into that school,” he explained.
When enrolled, the CEO disclosed, the students also have access to all benefits, such as free learning materials and cash grants.
However, Hussain disclosed that the language barrier has been a notable challenge when dealing with migrant learners.
In this regard, Hussain noted that the Ministry has rolled out several initiatives geared towards addressing this issue.
“What we have found is that there is a language issue, and so currently we have more than forty afterschool classes where these migrant students are being taught English as a second language; we also have a new curriculum that caters for migrant students… We have gone so far that our Deputy Chief of Exams, our Examination Unit also prepares the exam in Spanish for the migrant students, but there is a lot more to be done,” the CEO added.
Also present at the event was Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who
highlighted that despite these challenges, migrant students have been performing exceptionally well at National and Regional examinations.
“We have seen students from that migrant population topping at our National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), topping at CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate), topping at the University of
Guyana (UG), topping at the Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI), and so I like to see people, as human beings and particularly children. And that’s how we
treat them in the school system,” she declared.
Meanwhile, last year, the MESU extended its English as a Second Language (ESL) summer classes for migrant learners, for an additional
two weeks.
This initiative was aimed at learners in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Seven and Nine.
These classes are designed to enhance English language skills through fun and interactive activities.
Additionally, the MESU launched its first ever “ESL Adventure Camp,”
Moreover, as a mitigating response to eliminate the language barriers, the Ministry of Education introduced ESL training for teachers.
This training was done to equip teachers with the requisite skills to support migrant learners and to provide linguistic support to returning Guyanese, Venezuelan and indigenous children through ESL classes, to aid their integration into the local education system.
Govt to appoint Hemp Authority CEO by February – Mustapha
…says application for cultivation licences to follow
The Agriculture Ministry is currently looking to fill a critical position within the hemp regulatory framework, that being the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Industrial Hemp Regulatory Authority, in light of the recent configuration of the Board of Directors.
This was explained by Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, in an exclusive interview with this publication where he revealed that the Hemp Authority board was recently set up and confirmed that the board was indeed looking to appoint a CEO for the authority.
According to Mustapha, this is one of the initial steps before the authority can begin its work in earnest… a work he hopes can start by February month end, by which time this critical position should be filled.
“So, when the CEO is appointed, then you will get the complete body. Then they will put out advertisements for licences. In regions six and ten, those are the two regions. We’ve already given them
An example of hemp cultivation
the policy. By the end of January, they should have all the applications. And I’m hoping by the end of February, we can get everything to start work,” the Minister said.
The Industrial Hemp Regulatory Authority will be tasked with overseeing Guyana’s hemp industry, in keeping with the Industrial Hemp Bill 2022 that was passed back in August of that year.
While hemp does contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), advocates have
argued that this is in very low amounts, below 0.3 per cent, which is too low to be psychoactive. In Guyana, the THC level needs to be below 0.3 per cent for it to be considered legal.
A person shall now cultivate or manufacture hemp or hemp-related products; or conduct research or any other activity related to industrial hemp without a licence issued by the authority under the Act. In the case of a violation, a person is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000
or imprisonment for one year.
The framework states, “The Board shall consider the impact on public health, safety, security, commerce, and agriculture, and need for the orderly development of the sector, including exclusivity, when considering an application for the issuance of a licence under this Act.”
After the licence is granted, a person is not allowed to plant any seed or plant, or harvest any cannabis plant before a sample
of the seed or plant is analysed by an analyst to ascertain whether it confirms to the allowed THC concentration.
Hemp is a multibillion-dollar industry that can lend to the production of hundreds of items. Some uses for hemp include rope, textiles, clothing, shoes, food, and belts. Hemp is often confused with marijuana, but it is crucial to understand the distinction between the two. Both hemp and marijuana are varieties of the cannabis plant, which includes over 100 to 156 different strains. The two most recognised strains are hemp and marijuana.
Hemp presents significant economic opportunities for Guyana, with potential benefits spanning various sectors. With around 100,000 to 150,000 potential use cases and products, hemp can be a versatile addition to Guyana’s economy. As a matter of fact, Mustapha had previously disclosed that lands have already been identified in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) for small-scale farmers to cultivate one to two acres of industrial-type hemp. (G3)
Education Minister Priya Manickchand
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Saddam Hussain
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha
President Dr Irfaan Ali’s community outreach to Strathspey and Buxton, East Coast Demerara over the weekend (Office of the President photos)
New Mahdia courthouse edifice
eases
burdens – Senior Magistrate
…$220M facility to employ local staff – Chancellor
Astate-of-the-art Magistrate's Court was commissioned on Friday, delivering access to the process of justice for the residents of Madhia and surrounding areas in Region Eight.
The $220 million courthouse features amenities and living quarters for Magistrates and staff. The new court will expedite the resolution of civil, criminal and family disputes and help to resolve cases caught in a backlog.
The courthouse, a Department of Public Information (DPI) report stated, was constructed on more than three acres of land adjacent to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) headquarters in Mahdia. Prior to the new building, the court operated within the cramped confines of 6 feet by 4 feet office at the GPF quarters.
Crammed into the limited space, was a Magistrate,
defence counsel, prosecutor, and accused. Witnesses, families and other court observers were relegated to a shed outside the police station.
The new edifice has public waiting areas, audio/visual recording facilities, air conditioning, space for probation offices, a child-friendly room, a library and a resource centre.
“Prior to this new season, access to justice created some burden to persons. However, this edifice will help to ease that burden,” Senior Magistrate, Clive Nurse, expressed during the commissioning ceremony.
Magistrate Nurse will soon begin hearing cases at the new court.
“This means that access has become more convenient, less expensive and readily available in the footsteps of residents of Region Eight. This, no doubt, is one of the multitude of blessings that continually surround
us,” he is quoted in a DPI report as saying.
Chancellor of the Judiciary, (ag) Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, said staffing for the court will come from both Georgetown and Mahdia.
“We have already received approval from the public service Ministry to enlarge the court structure in this area and our principal personnel officer will return here to do the interviews and to have persons from this very town employed. Mahdia, this is yours and we will have staffing from right here,” she affirmed.
Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, SC, outlined the significance and historical importance of the new courthouse.
With the recent openings of the Port Kaituma and Mahaicony Magistrates’ Courts, and the imminent opening of several others,
Nandlall recognised the rapid pace of development initiatives across all regions of the country.
Nandlall highlighted several other ongoing projects that will expand the reach of justice, such as the construction of the $842.3 million Providence Magistrates’ Court, and the $489 million La Parfaite Harmonie Magistrates’ Court.
Additionally, works have already been completed on the $437 million Friendship Magistrate’s Court on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) and the $253 million Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court in Region One. The $178 million Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court is slated to be completed in February.
AG Nandlall also mentioned works taking place on the Timehri, Cove and John and Suddie Magistrate’s Courts.
These multiple courts under construction and re-
cently completed represent a more than $2.5 billion investment in strengthening the country’s legal infrastructure.
“The total figures for these few Magistrates’ courts…when you accumulate them and aggregate them, would have totalled the national budget of several of our Ministries combined not so long ago. What I have announced here is what lawyers, litigants and judges alike would have dreamt of,” the legal affairs Minister is quoted by DPI as saying.
The AG said the Government is committed to ensuring equal and ready access to justice for all citizens, regardless of their location.
“That is part and parcel of that bundle of rights that are guaranteed to every citizen of this country by the constitution as fundamental rights and freedoms,” AG Nandlall said.
In addition to the en-
hancement of the physical legal infrastructure, the Government is also working with the judiciary to improve the efficiency of the legal framework.
That is why technology is being incorporated into the judicial system so that it will soon be completely paperless.
“The entire Government, and the entire public sector of our country will move towards digitisation and electronic transactions. We will have to implement e-payments across the public sector and also in the judiciary so that users can [conduct] financial business with commercial ease and use the financial mechanisms that are in force in the modern world to effect these transactions,” the AG explained. The Diamond/Grove Magistrates’ Court on the EBD became the first in the country to begin using an electronic court case management system in December 2023.
199 households in Chenapau now enjoying reliable electricity
Some 199 households in Chenapau, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) will soon enjoy reliable access to electricity, as part of the Government’s hinterland electrification project.
Each household received a solar panel comprising a 160-watt solar system capable of powering two 9-watt LED lamps and a stand fan. The system can also charge porta-
ble electronic devices.
Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, led the distribution exercise on Friday, a Department of Public Information (DPI) report stated.
She acknowledged logistical challenges that had previously delayed the panel delivery to the village.
“You’re not the only village [that is receiving panels late] because the 30,000
was insufficient and the Government has ordered an additional 7,000 to complete the process,” she is quoted by DPI as saying.
The additional panels are specifically intended for remote and riverine communities. As of December 2023, a total of 26,398 panels were distributed to households.
Sukhai noted that the Government aims to complete the programme this year, allowing thousands of households to enjoy reliable electricity. This is in keeping with the Government’s 2020-2025 manifesto.
She also outlined key Government initiatives and efforts to expand access to secondary education in Region Eight.
Presently, three secondary schools are earmarked for construction in the region. The Minister was accompanied by Vice Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Toshao Sonia Latchman; Project Coordinator, Besham Ramsaywack;
Management Development Officer, Antonio George and a representative from the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).
According to the GEA,
upon completion of the distribution of 30,000 panels, a total of 4.8 megawatts (MW) of power will be produced across the administrative regions.
The Government was able to implement
The Guyana Energy Agency’s representative demonstrating how the system operates
Each household received a 160-watt system
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, SC
The Mahdia Magistrate’s Court (DPI photo)
Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice, Yonette CummingsEdwards
Police continue targeted operations for road safety
– 466 traffic offences detected – white and coloured lights campaign conducted
In a concerted effort to enhance road safety, traffic officers across all policing divisions conducted a comprehensive white and coloured lights campaign this past Friday and Saturday.
Since 2021, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has intensified its efforts to crack down on vehicles equipped with coloured lights across the country, resulting in several individuals being charged.
There has been a noticeable rise in the number of
vehicles fitted with coloured lights, which pose significant risks to other road users. These lights can be both blinding and distracting, increasing the likelihood of serious accidents.
The initiative, which focused on reducing violations and ensuring safer road conditions, led to the detection of 466 offences.
Among the violations were significant issues such as driving under the influence (DUI), speeding, and breaches of prescribed fitness regulations,
with particular attention to tinted motor vehicles, especially concerning front window tint.
Additionally, 14 motor vehicle fitness certificates were revoked during the campaign.
The authorities emphasised that the ongoing campaign is part of their broader efforts to maintain safe roadways and ensure compliance with traffic laws. These targeted operations are expected to continue in the coming weeks as part of a long-term strategy to reduce traffic-re-
Motorcyclist succumbs to injuries after crash
The bike that was involved in the accident
Mark Kendall Simon, a 32-year-old motorcyclist from Cottonfield, Essequibo Coast, has died after crashing into a utility pole on, January 8.
The incident occurred around 1:15h on Sunday, January 7, along the Land of Plenty Public Road, Essequibo Coast.
Simon was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed on his motorcycle, CP 115, when he lost control and collided with a utility pole.
As a result of the crash, Simon was thrown onto the roadway and sustained significant injuries, including head trauma, a fractured rib, and a fractured hip.
He was discovered in an unconscious state and was quickly transported to the Suddie Regional Hospital for medical treatment.
Despite receiving medical care, Simon’s condition worsened, and he succumbed to his injuries on January 8.
The motorcycle was impounded at the Anna Regina
Dead: Mark Kendall Simon
Police Station as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
lated incidents and protect the public.
In April 2019, the GPF issued a statement addressing this issue, citing Regulation 34 (1) (a) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02. The regulation mandates:
“Every motor vehicle, the width of which does not exceed seven feet, other than a two-wheeled motorcycle not having a sidecar attached thereto and an invalid carriage, on any road, during the hours of darkness shall carry two lamps, each showing to the front a white light visible from a reasonable distance.”
Also in 2022, amendments were made to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act as well as the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act to prevent drunk driving and carnage on the roadways.
specifically assigns responsibility to the licence holders to prohibit drunkenness on the licensed premises and to not sell, give or barter in-
in cases where a drunken person is attempting to drive.
Fines for breaches of these obligations by the li-
toxicating liquor to a drunken person.
The licence holder is also required not to sell liquor to a person knowing they are
Under the amended Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act, licence holders are mandated to impose obligations on drivers at their establishments and are required to play a more active role in the prevention of drinking and driving. Among other things, it
likely to leave the premises by driving, unless that person has identified a designated driver.
They are also required not to sell any person identified as a designated driver and to inform the nearest Police Station and request their immediate assistance
cence holder amount to $100,000 for the first offence, and $200,000 for a second offence.
In addition, as it relates to tinted vehicles, vehicles in Guyana are allowed to have tinted windows without a permit, provided the occupants are visible. Inspector Garvin Boyce, Traffic Officer for Regional Division 4A, clarified that tint is not illegal but must adhere to specific regulations, including a requirement for 65 per cent light penetration.
Tints are permitted on side windows but not on the front windshield, ensuring police officers can observe drivers. Overuse or misuse of tint, such as applying darker tints (e.g., 5 per cent), poses safety issues by reducing visibility.
The enforcement of tint regulations is guided by the Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, who has the authority to issue tint permits and set policies.
While there are calls for reconsideration due to the recent heatwave in Guyana, Boyce emphasised that changes to the law rest solely with the Minister.
Some of the vehicles that were stopped during the traffic exercises
Foulis gas explosion Hospitalised couple improving amid investigations
The East Coast Demerara (ECD) couple injured in the gas explosion at Foulis on January 5 is showing signs of recovery, though they remain hospitalised.
Fifty-five-year-old Basmattie Ganpat,55 and her common-law partner, 58-year-old Manu “Paul” Sukhu, sustained severe burns in the incident that destroyed their home.
According to their daughter, Sandyha Goolram, her parents are improving but remain emotionally and physically fragile.
“I went to visit them yesterday [Saturday] and they’re doing better than before, but my mother is still traumatised. She’s in shock and has been talking different things. However, the doctor said they are coming around but they just need to help themselves,” Goolram explained.
The family said they have not yet received definitive answers regarding the
cause of the explosion.
Massy (Guyana) Ltd., the supplier of the gas cylinder, initially reported that the bottle was intact during inspections; now new claims suggest the stove knob may have been left on.
However, the family contends that this was not mentioned during Massy’s visit to the site. Golram said technicians involved in the investigation reportedly said they could not determine the exact cause.
“We haven’t heard from them or the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) since the incident to know definitely what went wrong. But when the persons from Massy came, they said that the bottles and everything seem intact and they do not know what might have caused the explosion”, the woman said.
Amid growing public concern about the safety of gas cylinders, Massy Gas Products CEO, Augustus
Harris has sought to reassure customers that the cylinders are not to blame for the reported incidents.
Harris emphasised that none of the fires reported involved actual gas cylinder explosions. Instead, he attributed these incidents to other factors, such as faulty or substandard fittings and hoses.
“First thing I’d like to say is there have been no gas cylinder explosions. What we’ve seen are fires caused by other factors, not ruptured cylinders,” Harris
clarified in an interview with Guyana Times.
Harris explained that fires involving gas cylinders often stem from issues like inferior-quality regulators and hoses or stove knobs being left in the “on” position.
He also highlighted the rigorous safety standards employed by Massy to ensure the integrity of its products, including a com-
bination of manual and automated leak detection tests.
Each cylinder undergoes a requalification process, during which it is pressure-tested to confirm it is fit for service.
Harris maintained that Massy has been implementing these safety measures for over 30 years, which he said underscores the reliability of the company’s products.
Senior Production Manager Ryan Basdeo also detailed how regulators should be properly attached to gas cylinders to prevent leaks or other issues.
He emphasised the importance of checking for cracks in the rubber seal, ensuring the regulator is in the “off” position before attaching it, and using only Massy-approved fittings.
Harris noted that the company supplies approx-
imately 300,000 gas cylinders to households across Guyana, which he said explains why Massy is frequently mentioned in such incidents, given its market share.
The explosion at Foulis is one of several incidents involving Massy’s gas cylinders in recent months.
In August, a fire at a Herstelling grocery shop caused third-degree burns to the owner and destroyed the business. Similar incidents in Better Hope and Little Abary caused significant property damage and injuries.
While Massy has expressed sympathy for affected families and is actively campaigning for the use of proper regulators and fittings, residents remain concerned.
For the Ganpat family, the uncertainty surrounding the cause of the explosion and the trauma of losing their home has been overwhelming. The house was completely destroyed, leaving the family displaced and with nothing but questions about how to move forward.
Rastafarians opening up Caribbean cannabis farms to build a flourishing medical industry
On Golba Hill on the Caribbean Island of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), just below a cluster of colourfully decorated homes, there are rows and rows of premium marijuana plants. Gleaming like green gold in the Caribbean sun, they lead up to a crudely constructed hut where cannabis farmer Bobbis Matthews spends most of his time nurturing and protecting his precious field.
As he did his routine inspection, removing male plants that could diminish the potency of his crop, Matthews recalled a time, not too long ago, when the idea of a cannabis farm in a residential area was unthinkable.
Like many of SVG’s cannabis farmers, Matthews is a Rastafarian who spent years hiding illegal cannabis fields deep in the mountains and living in fear of US-backed
antinarcotics operations that would destroy millions of dollars’ worth of the plant.
“It was hard! At least three times a year, US helicopters would come and tear
down the crop. In those days, it felt like you couldn’t even say the word marijuana because just to say marijuana, you could get arrested,” Matthews said.
“We had a song called Helicopter. It was about the panic and franticness whenever you hear the sound of the helicopter,” added Matthew’s cousin Erasto
Robertson, a conservationist and fellow Rastafarian farmer.
“Back then, we had to develop a good relationship with the police. And some would protect us because the policeman sometimes was the son or the brother of the marijuana farmer. They were the same blood, so they were protecting their family and the wealth of their family,” Robertson said.
But the plant was much more than just a means of income, he added. The medical benefits that science is now discovering, he said, have always been common knowledge in Rastafarian communities, who see it as a sacred gift, not just for recreation and religious experiences but also as a treatment for pain, asthma, epilepsy and other ailments. In SVG, the government is backing their efforts to promote the benefits of marijuana and create a flourishing medicinal mar-
ijuana industry. In December 2018, the country offered amnesty to the traditional farmers, decriminalised the use of the plant and passed laws to establish a medical cannabis industry and an authority to oversee and regulate it. Today, farmers can get a free licence with a subsidised application fee of $100 (East Caribbean dollars; £28.95), and companies on the island producing marijuana products must buy 10% of their plants from traditional farmers. Additionally, people are allowed to have up to 56 grams of cannabis – though there are still limits on public use.
The historic change was made after consultations with the Rastafarian community and traditional farmers, said Dr Jerrol Thompson, CEO of the SVG Cannabis Authority.
Injured: Basmattie Ganpat and her common-law partner, 58-yearold Manu “Paul” Sukhu
The house that was destroyed by the explosion
The couple after they were burned
Cannabis farmers Erasto Robertson and Bobbis Matthews with their crop on Golba Hill on the Caribbean island of St Vincent and the Grenadines (Photograph: Demion McTair)
Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam meD, enDocrinology/ DiabeTes
Colic is when your otherwise healthy baby cries for three or more hours a day three or more times a week for at least three weeks. Symptoms usually appear during the first three to six weeks of a baby’s life, and it is estimated that one in 10
HEALTH TIPS
PROLONGED CRYING IN NEWBORNS – COLIC
oped by Dr. Morris Wessel after he conducted a study on infant fussiness. Today, many pediatricians believe that every infant goes through colic at some point, whether it’s over a period of several weeks or a few days.
POSSIBLE COLIC TRIGGERS
There is no one known cause of colic. Some doctors believe certain things may increase the risk of colic symptoms in your baby. These potential triggers include: Hunger
• Acid reflux (stomach acid flowing upward into the esophagus, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)
• Gas • Presence of cow’s milk proteins in breast milk
Some infant formulas
gling one moment, and upset the next.
They may start to kick their legs or draw their legs up, appearing as though they are trying to alleviate gas pain. Their belly may also seem swollen or firm while
infants experiences colic.
A baby’s constant crying can cause stress and anxiety, because nothing seems to alleviate it. It’s important to remember that colic is only a temporary health condition, which usually improves on
• Poor burping skills
• Overfeeding the baby
• Premature birth
• Smoking during pregnancy
Undeveloped nervous system
its own, and is not usually a sign of a serious medical condition.
Call or visit a doctor as soon as possible if colic symptoms are combined with other symptoms, such as high fever or bloody stools.
CAUSES OF COLIC
The cause of colic is unknown. The term was devel-
SYMPTOMS OF COLIC
A baby is likely having colic if they cry for at least three hours a day and more than three days per week. The crying generally begins at the same time of day. Babies tend to be more colicky in the evenings, as opposed to mornings and afternoons, and the symptoms can start suddenly. The baby might be gig-
they are crying.
TREATING COLIC
One proposed way to treat and prevent colic is to hold the child as often as possible. Holding your infant when they aren’t fussy may reduce the amount of crying later in the day. Placing the baby in a swing while you do chores may also help.
• Sometimes taking a drive or strolling around the neighbourhood could be soothing to your baby.
Playing calming music or singing to your child may also help. You can also put on soothing music or some gentle background noise.
A pacifier may be soothing as well.
Gas may be a trigger of colic in some babies, though this hasn’t been shown to be a proven cause. Softly rub your baby’s abdominal area, and gently move their legs to encourage intestinal flow.
• Over-the-counter gas-relief medications may also help with the recommendation of your child’s pediatrician. Holding the baby as upright as possible when you are feeding, or changing
bottles or bottle nipples, can help if you think your baby is swallowing too much air.
Make some adjustments if you suspect diet is a factor in the baby’s symptoms. If you use formula to feed the baby and you suspect your baby is sensitive to a particular protein in that formula, discuss this with a doctor. The baby’s fussiness may be related to that, rather than simply having colic.
Making some changes to your own diet if breastfeeding may help relieve symptoms of fussiness associated with feeding. Some breastfeeding mothers have found success by removing stimulants like caffeine and
chocolate from their diet. Avoiding those foods while breastfeeding may also help.
The intense crying might make it seem like the baby is going to be colicky forever, but infants usually outgrow colic by the time they are 3 or 4 months old, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. It’s important to stay attuned with the baby’s symptoms. If they go beyond the four-month mark, prolonged colicky symptoms may indicate a health problem.
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP
Colic is usually not cause for concern, however; but con-
Rastafarians
An infectious disease and immunology doctor, Thompson is a passionate proponent of the benefits of cannabis and believes SVG can share in a trade that is becoming more and more lucrative, with research forecasting that the legal cannabis industry will hit $58bn in sales in 2028.
But it’s a tough global market still wrestling with lingering stigma and legal bans, making international trade very difficult, Thompson said.
SVG and other Caribbean countries wanting to market cannabis would also have to compete with richer countries like Canada, which, according to statistics, saw an all-time high in sales of legal adult-use cannabis in 2023, reaching C$5.2bn(Canadian dollars).
And there are inherent challenges of vulnerability to natural disasters.
A major volcanic eruption in 2021 destroyed almost all the country’s agricultural produce, burying cannabis fields in ash.
“Six, eight inches of ash. This entire landscape was covered with that amount of ash,” Matthews said, pointing to the range of mountains that stretch toward the 4000-foot La Soufrière volcano.
“I lost my entire field. But not just me; every ganja farmer – every farmer for that matter, every toma-
sult a pediatrician immediately if the baby’s colic is combined with one or more of the following symptoms:
• Fever of over 100.4˚F (38˚C)
• Projectile vomiting
• Persistent diarrhoea
• Bloody stools
• Mucus in the stool pale skin
Decreased appetite
COPING WITH BABY’S COLIC
Being a parent to a newborn is hard work. Many parents who try to cope with colic in a reasonable fashion tend to get stressed in the process. Remember to take regular breaks as needed, so you don’t lose your cool when dealing with the baby’s colic. Ask a friend or family member to watch the baby for you while you take a quick trip to the store, walk around the block, or take a nap.
Place the baby in the crib or swing for a few minutes while taking a break, if you feel like you’re starting to lose your cool. Call for immediate help if you ever feel like you want to harm yourself or your baby.
Don’t be afraid of spoiling your child with constant cuddling. Babies need to be held, especially when they are going through colic.
opening up...
to farmer, every sweet potato farmer,” he added. And while still recovering from the eruption, the country bore the wrath of Hurricane Beryl, which caused total devastation on some of its 32 islands.
Farmers say they are struggling to match the income they used to get on the illegal market.
“Rastafarians across the region are very worried because they do not have the financial capacity to be able to uphold themselves in the industry,” the Saint Lucian chair of the public relations committee for Caribbean cannabis fair trade, Emanuel Alexander Ras Faii, said. The solution, he added, is to focus on local and regional markets.
“We need to make sure that we have national trade moving effectively in all islands and regional trade within the region before we think about difficult international markets. We cannot forget that we have a commitment in the region,” he said.
Thompson agrees that national and regional markets are important. One of his aims for a recent cannabis festival, which included regional trade experts, was to determine how inter-Caribbean trade could work.
“The Caribbean is poised to become the first intensive zone of medicinal cannabis legalisation in the world. Jamaica was the first
FROM PAGE 16
in 2015, followed by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2018. Since then, more islands have followed, including Antigua, Barbados, and Saint Kitts and Nevis,” Thompson said.
Other Caribbean countries, he added, have decriminalised or are looking to decriminalise for recreational and spiritual use and establish medical cannabis industries and regulatory authorities.
But there are still many hurdles. In addition to climate vulnerability, a lack of capital for investment and comparatively small populations could hamper the industry’s development. The solution, he said, was to focus on tourism and unique selling points, such as SVG’s rare andosol volcanic soil, which is ideal for producing a high-quality cannabis harvest.
“If you have a nation that has 60, 70, or 100 million people, you have a good internal market. But we don’t have a very large internal market, and so the visitors are an important source of sales.
“Our goal is that as we build the reputation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a high-quality producer nation with high-quality manufactured products, this will boost our regional and international exports and benefit the traditional cultivators,” he said. (The Guardian)
Jamaican teacher found dead with throat slashed
The body of a 59-yearold teacher was discovered with her throat slashed at a St Mary home Sunday morning.
Dead is Angella Hamilton, a teacher of Pear Tree Grove Primary and Infant School in the parish.
Dead: Angella Hamilton
Reports indicate that Hamilton was last seen on Friday leaving work around 4:30 pm. When calls to Hamilton’s cellular phone went unanswered, friends and family became concerned. A friend then visit- ed her home around 3:00 pm
on Saturday, and after receiving no response, entered the house where she saw the front door was open. It is reported that she then found Hamilton’s lifeless body lying on the floor with her throat slashed and a stabbed wound to her chest. The police were alerted, and the body was removed from the scene. A motive for the killing is not yet known, however, the St Mary Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) is investigating. (Jamaica Observer)
EU countries broaden sanctions against Venezuela
EPAHO helped Caribbean, Latin America mobilise $84M for pandemic preparedness in 2024
The Pan American Health Health Organization (PAHO) says last year it helped Caribbean and Latin American countries mobilise $84 million to enhance pandemic preparedness in the Americas.
The resource mobilisation occurred through the Pandemic Fund, a multilateral financing mechanism to enhance pandemic preparedness in the Americas, focusing on strengthening disease surveillance, improving laboratory systems, and building a more robust healthcare workforce.
PAHO described the initiative as part of its ongoing
support for the Region’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and its efforts to prepare for future health emergencies.
“While the region celebrates a shift away from COVID-19 as a global health emergency, PAHO remains committed to advocating for stronger regional resilience, securing sustainable financing, and supporting countries in strengthening their preparedness and response for future pandemics,” the organisation explained.
According to PAHO, while the Region celebrates a shift away from COVID-19 as a global health emergency, the organisation re-
mains committed to advocating for stronger regional resilience, securing sustainable financing, and supporting countries in strengthening their preparedness and response for future pandemics.
Experts have said that the COVID-19 pandemic was responsible for millions of deaths globally between 2020-2021.
Helping the Caribbean mobilise millions of dollars to enhance pandemic preparedness in the Americas was one of ten of the Region’s achievements in 2024 that PAHO highlighted in a year-end report. (St Lucia Times online)
President Nicolas Maduro and his government have always rejected sanctions by the United States and others, saying they are illegitimate measures that amount
uropean Union member states on Friday broadened their sanctions against Venezuela to include 15 additional members of the National Electoral Council of Venezuela, the judiciary, and the security forces. A total of 69 individuals in Venezuela are now targeted by EU sanctions, including an asset freeze and a ban on travel to the EU.
to an "economic war" designed to cripple Venezuela. Maduro and his allies have cheered what they say is the country's resilience despite the measures, though they have historically blamed some economic hardships and shortages on sanctions. (Reuters)
Jamaican authorities urge vigilance after 4 children die in two house fires
Following the deaths of three children in a fire Sunday morning, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) and the Ministry of Education and Youth are appealing to parents and guardians to be vigilant in safeguarding children and to implement fire safety measures at home.
The latest incident in Walkerswood, St Ann claimed the lives of a boy and two girls.
It came four days after five-year-old Kimberly Harrison perished in a Whitehall Avenue blaze in St Andrew. Following the incidents, CPFSA Chief Executive Officer Laurette Adams-Thomas issued an urgent appeal to parents and guardians while emphasising the importance of fire safe-
ty practices at home. “We implore you to be extra vigilant in the care of your children. Never leave them unsupervised or in situations where their safety may be at risk, especially at home. Always ensure that your children are in the care of responsible adults who can protect them and act quickly in emergencies,” she stressed.
Adams-Thomas added, “It is crucial that parents create and implement a home fire safety plan, and then rehearse it with their children. Everyone in the home, especially children, should understand what to do in case of a fire. Teach them to recognise the smell of smoke, to call for help, and to head for the nearest exit. Fires often spread rapidly and can overwhelm
even adults. By preparing ahead, we can help reduce the likelihood of these devastating events in future.”
Likewise, Minister of Education and Youth Dana Morris Dixon lamented, “The heart-breaking loss of these young lives is deeply distressing, and serves as a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities children face in cases of emergency.”
Morris-Dixon in an update said the CPFSA was already on the scene in St Ann and the Ministry of Education would also be moving into the children’s school on Monday to provide counselling “and emotional support to classmates, teachers, and other members of the school community as they grapple with this tragedy”. (Jamaica Observer)
Bahamian Govt to lose US$30M after 50% VAT cut on food – Halkitis
The government will lose an estimated US $30 million in revenue this fiscal year as a result of its decision to decrease the rate of value-added tax (VAT) by fifty per cent on all food sold in food stores, beginning in April, Minister of Economic Affairs Michael Halkitis said on Thursday.
He confirmed during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister that the decrease is not meant to be temporary.
“It’s permanent,” he
said.
Wednesday night, Prime Minister Philip Davis said beginning April 1, the rate of VAT will be cut in half from 10% to 5%.
“This new 5% rate will apply to all food in the food stores, including fresh fruits and vegetables, baby food, lunch snacks and frozen food,” Davis said in a national address.
“However, it will not apply to prepared food in the deli. This rate reduction will also apply to the impor-
tation of all items previously mentioned.”
Halkitis said the government can afford the concession, adding that government finances have stabilised.
“We’re saying that at this time, our economy has recovered, our finances have recovered, and we can give this concession to the people,” he said. This will be the second time the Davis administration reduced VAT. (The Nassau Guardian)
PM Mitchell envisions bright future for Grenada during official visit to China
On arriving in China, Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell was greeted warmly and given a guard of honour. A GIS announcement said that the visit marks 20 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations, a partnership based on mutual respect and cooperation.
Over the past 20 years, Grenada-China relations have grown in different spheres, according to Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who hopes for more growth in the next 20 years and beyond.
“In my view, there is only one China, and that speaks for itself,” Mitchell told Xinhua in St. George’s, Grenada’s capital, confirming Grenada’s one-China stance since diplomatic ties resumed.
He said consistent improvement in bilateral relations has helped both countries diplomatically, politically, economically, trade, investment, culturally, educationally, and people-to-people.
“The Belt and Road Initiative undoubtedly has played a critical part in enhancing the development of Grenada as well as deepening the cooperation between
Grenada and China,” he said.
The prime minister praised Chinese companies for their work on the Maurice Bishop International Airport Upgrade and Runway Paving Project, Grenada Low-Income Housing Project, and Grenada National Cricket Stadium Renovation Project.
He stressed the importance of educational exchanges, noting that many Grenadians studied in China on Chinese government scholarships. These students learnt Chinese and received insight into the Asian country’s rich culture and decades-long progress.
The prime minister also praised China’s Global Development, Security, and Civilisation Initiatives.
Each of them “demonstrates the fact that significant time and effort is put into addressing and looking at possible solutions and answers to the challenges that we all face at what are clearly difficult times,” said he.
He said Latin American and Caribbean nations may learn from China’s decades-long successes in sovereignty and poverty elimination.
Chinese leadership in aiding the Global South and contributing ideas, proposals, and solutions for smaller nations’ difficulties were highlighted.
“Many times as small islands we don’t always get the respect from large islands because they see us as small or insignificant,” he remarked. “We are treated with the same courtesies, the same level of respect and that we are listened to in the same manner as any larger country.” He said Grenada will engage with China on multilateral platforms based on peaceful coexistence, non-interference in internal affairs, and mutual tolerance for variety.
Mitchell expects the mutual visa exemption agreement will attract more Chinese tourists and investors to Grenada and allow more Grenadians to visit China to learn more.
He also saw promising collaborative potential in maritime research and development, biodiversity conservation, digitalisation, and disaster prevention, mitigation, and management. (St Vincent Times)
Firefighters at the scene of a fire in Walkerswood, St Ann which claimed the life of three children on Sunday, January 12, 2025
Hungary plans talk with allies to combat higher oil prices after new US sanctions on Russia
Los Angeles wildfires claim 14 lives as containment efforts struggle
Firefighters made slow progress in their battle to contain the inferno that has burned wide areas of Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood to the ground, but spreading flames and strong winds still threatened communities and officials warned on Sunday that a death toll of 14 people was likely to rise.
Hungary plans to hold talks with regional allies to counter the impact of higher oil prices resulting from a new round of US sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas sector, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Sunday.
U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration imposed its broadest package of sanctions so far targeting Russia’s oil and gas revenues on Friday to give Kyiv and Donald Trump’s incoming team leverage to reach a deal for peace in Ukraine.
Oil prices hit a three-month high after the sanctions news broke.
The US Treasury imposed sanctions on Russian companies Gazprom Neft (SIBN.MM), opens new tab and Surgutneftegas that explore, produce and sell oil and 183 vessels that have shipped Russian oil.
“This package of sanctions again raises severe challenges for central Europe,” Szijjarto said in a Facebook video.
He said lower crude oil supplies would lift demand for refined fuels such as petrol and diesel, raising the risk of what he called “very serious” price increases in the region. Hungary imports most of its crude oil via the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian crude through Belarus and Ukraine to Hungary and also Slovakia. Hungarian energy group MOL (MOLB.BU), opens new tab did not immediately respond to emailed questions. (Reuters)
Italy releases Iranian man wanted by US over drone attack in Jordan
Italy has released an Iranian citizen wanted by the US over a drone attack in Jordan that killed three Americans a year ago, after the Italian justice minister asked a court to revoke his arrest.
Mohammad Abedini has already returned to Iran, Iranian state TV said on Sunday afternoon.
He was scheduled to appear at a Milan court on Wednesday in connection with his bid for house arrest pending extradition to the US.
Abedini was arrested on a US warrant on 16 December, three days before Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was detained while on a reporting trip to Iran. Sala, who was believed to be held as a bargaining chip for Abedini’s release, returned home last week.
The US Department of
Justice has accused Abedini of supplying the drone technology to Iran that was used in a January 2024 attack on a US outpost in Jordan that killed three American troops.
An official note on the case released by the Italian justice ministry on Sunday said that under Italy-US extradition treaties, “only crimes that are punishable according to the laws of both sides can lead to extradition, a condition which, based on the state of documents, can’t be considered as existing”.
The ministry said that the potential charge against Abedini – criminal association for violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a US federal law – “did not correspond to any conduct recognised by Italian law as a crime”. (The Guardian)
Aircraft dropped water and fire retardant on steep hills to stem the eastward spread of the Palisades Fire and KTLA television reported that ground crews had managed to save a number of houses, although others were lost.
“LA County had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said.
Six simultaneous blazes have ripped across the second-largest U.S. city since Tuesday, killing at least 14 people as of Sunday morning. At least 16 others were believed missing.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he expected the death toll to rise.
Taliban‘‘do
Malala Yousafzai has urged Muslim leaders to challenge the Taliban government in Afghanistan and its repressive policies for girls and women.
“Simply put, the Taliban in Afghanistan do not see women as human beings,” she told an international summit hosted by Pakistan on girls education in Islamic countries.
Ms Yousafzai told Muslim leaders there was “nothing Islamic” about the Taliban’s policies which include preventing girls and women from accessing education and work.
The 27-year-old was evacuated from Pakistan at 15 after being shot in the head by a Pakistan Taliban gunman who targeted her
“I’ve got search and rescue teams out. We’ve got cadaver dogs out and there’s likely to be a lot more,” he told NBC’s “Meet the Press” program.
Newsom said the fires are likely to be the worst natural disaster in U.S. history “in terms of just the costs associated with it.”
Active duty military personnel are ready to support the firefighting effort, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said in
a series of Sunday television interviews, adding the agency has urged residents to begin filing for disaster relief.
“We have the funding to support this response, to support this recovery,” she told ABC’s “This Week” program.
The blazes have damaged or destroyed 12,000 structures, fire officials said. By Sunday, more than 100,000 people in Los Angeles County had been
ordered to evacuate, while another 87,000 faced evacuation warnings.
Flames have reduced whole neighborhoods to smoldering ruins, destroying the homes of the rich and famous and ordinary folk alike, and leaving an apocalyptic landscape. Over the past 24 hours, the Palisades Fire spread over an additional 1,000 acres (400 hectares), consuming more homes, officials reported. (Excerpted from Reuters)
not see women as human’’, says Malala
for speaking out about girls’ education.
Addressing the conference in Islamabad on Sunday, the Nobel Peace Prize winner said she was “overwhelmed and happy” to be back in her home country. She has only returned to Pakistan a handful of times since the 2012 attack, after making her first return in 2018.
On Sunday, she said the Taliban government had again created “a system of gender apartheid”.
The Taliban were “punishing women and girls who dare to break their obscure laws by beating them up, detaining them and harming them”, she said.
She added that the government “cloak their crimes in cultural and religious justification” but actually “go against everything our faith stands for”.
The Taliban government declined to respond to a BBC request for comment on the advocate’s remarks. They have previously said they respect women’s rights in accordance with their interpretation of Afghan culture and Islamic law. The Taliban government leaders were invited to the summit run by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Pakistan government and the Muslim World League, but did not attend. (Excerpted from BBC)
Somalia and Ethiopia agree to restore diplomatic ties after year-long rift
Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to restore diplomatic representation in their respective capitals, more than a year after Somalia severed ties over a sea access agreement landlocked Ethiopia signed with the separatist northern Somali region of Somaliland.
In a joint statement after an unexpected visit by Somalia’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, both countries com-
mitted to “restore and enhance bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals”.
Ethiopia’s state minister for foreign affairs, Mesganu Arga Moach, called the step a “big milestone forward in our bilateral and brotherly relations”.
The announcement is the latest indication that Ethiopia and Somalia have begun to turn a corner in their relations, after a controversial memoran-
dum Ethiopia signed with Somaliland at the start of 2023 that caused a bitter rift between the East African neighbours.
The memorandum reportedly involved Ethiopia securing access to a port along Somaliland’s coast in exchange for recognition of Somaliland’s independence from Somalia. Ethiopian officials have also said the deal included permission to build a naval facility along the Gulf of Aden coast. The memorandum provoked
a fierce response from Somalia, which accused its larger neighbour of attempting to “annex” its territory and threatened war against Ethiopia to stop it. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, claiming the borders of a former British protectorate in the region, but neither Mogadishu nor the international community recognise it. It has functioned autonomously for over three decades. (The Guardian)
Malala Yousafzai addressed a summit on girls’ education in Muslim communities in Pakistan
Pacific Palisades, January 12, 2025 (Reuters/David Ryder)
Take what you can get and run with it. Opportunity is your responsibility. Broaden your scope, interact with those with a grip on what lies ahead, and put your ego and emotions aside.
Stand up, be counted and make your presence felt. Use your intelligence, charisma and voice to persuade others regarding your way of thinking. Self-improvement will pay off.
Be open to what’s trending. The more options you have, the better you’ll do. Think big, but don’t make promises you can’t deliver. If you are all talk and no action, you’ll regret it.
Dress for success and make yourself seen and heard. Presentation is worth the effort. Don’t fall behind when keeping up means the difference between success and failure.
Work quietly behind the scenes and convince others to follow suit. Change will be incremental and will require some pressure to be implemented.
Get involved at the ground level and work your way up. Understanding what the people at the bottom need and want will help you gain the confidence of those who can make or break you.
You’ll hit barriers if you are aggressive. Be a good listener and base your words on what others want to hear. Those closest to you will be your greatest allies and critics; heed what they say.
Pay attention to how you feel and look. If you want to put your best foot forward, find out what’s important to those you want on your team and offer incentives.
Be careful what you wish for and who you discuss your secrets with. Hold your cards close to your chest and keep your assets safe from those trying to pry into your business.
A take-charge attitude will play in your favor. Be willing to listen and delegate responsibility. Confidence and sticking to a budget will pay off. Positive change is coming your way.
Concentrate on what matters to you. Use your imagination, offer suggestions and bring about change. Opportunity begins with you, so don’t let someone steal your spotlight.
Visualize what you want and formulate a plan that positions you to rise above any controversy or interference you encounter. Believe in yourself and pursue your dreams.
ARCHIE
Barcelona fight back for Super Cup title
Barcelona came from behind to beat Real Madrid in an incident-packed Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.
Kylian Mbappé gave Real Madrid the lead with a fantastic solo goal, running from the halfway line before slotting past Wojciech Szczesny.
Lamine Yamal levelled for Barcelona in the 22nd minute with an expert finish into the bottom corner from Robert Lewandowski's ball.
Hansi Flick's side then took command with three more goals before the break.
Poland striker Lewandowski put Barca ahead with a penalty after Gavi was fouled, before a bullet header from Raphinha three minutes later. The Brazilian winger then picked out Alex Balde to score a
fourth in the 10th minute of added time in the first half.
Barca grabbed their fifth goal three minutes after the restart with Raphinha's second of the game.
But they had goalkeeper Szczesny sent off for a foul on Mbappé outside the box in the 56th minute.
Brazil forward Rodrygo curled the resulting freekick past replacement keeper Inaki Pena – but there was no further comeback from Real as Barca claimed the trophy for a 15th time in their history.
It marked the second time in two Clasicos under Flick that Barcelona have hit plenty of goals against their rivals, winning 4-0 at the Bernabeu in La Liga back in October.
It was also his first trophy
– albeit a minor one – since a 2020-21 Bundesliga title success with Bayern Munich.
Who saw this one coming?
The result at King
Abdullah Sports City was slightly surprising considering Real Madrid were the team in better form.
Barca have only won one of their last seven La Liga
games and sit five points behind Real in the table – with Atletico Madrid top by one point.
Carlo Ancelotti's men, meanwhile, had won their
last five games in all competitions and were last beaten on December 4.
Szczesny was making his third appearance for Barcelona, having waited months for a chance after coming out of retirement to sign earlier this season. He had kept clean sheets in the first two games, but the straight red card, which could have potentially let Real back into the game, is now unlikely to do him any favours.
Former Leeds winger Raphinha's double takes him up to 19 goals for the season, with Lewandowski moving on to 26.
This was the third Clasico Super Cup in a row, with Barca winning 3-1 in 2023 and Real winning 4-1 last year. (BBC Sport)
India notched up a series win that never appeared to be in any doubt, but in batting out 50 overs for a second straight game in Rajkot, Ireland ticked off a few boxes as part of their preparations for the World Cup qualifiers.
India stormed to their highest-ever One-Day International (ODI) score, fuelled by Jemimah Rodrigues' maiden ODI century, and then saw Ireland's top order deny a young Indian pace attack. Christina Coulter Reilly brought up a maiden half-century in her fourth innings, while Laura Delany made a 36-ball 37 to frustrate India's spinners. Ireland eventually surpassed the 238 for 7 they made two days ago, to take away plenty of batting positives.
The crux of India's win lay in how their own set of youngsters, outside of Smriti Mandhana, batted and put up runs on the board. Pratika Rawal hit a third half-century in five innings, but would've been disappointed at missing out on a century for a second-game running.
After making 89 two days ago, Rawal exhibited outstanding offside stroke play against the seam bowlers in particular, during the course
2nd ODI, Ireland Women tour of India at Rajkot
Rodrigues' maiden international hundred seal series win for India
eries to raise their half-century stand, which Harleen raised with a superb, lofted hit over mid-off. Rodrigues did not want to be left too far behind as she hit Arlene Kelly for back-to-back fours, with overs 32-34 fetching India five boundaries. Harleen possibly played the shot of the day when she exhibited incredible control in whipping a full ball
a tad slower, off 62 deliveries, before she shifted gears sensationally in the last 10 overs. The purity of her strokeplay stood out, with her signature lofted hit by moving legside of the ball making repeated appearances.
Rodrigues took just 28 balls to move from a half-century to her maiden ODI ton, much to the applause of the
Priya Mishra, the legspinner, whom she swept into different arcs on the leg side.
Delany, who came in at number four, showed urgency from get-go, hitting her second ball through the covers for a boundary, and was equally formidable when Deepti Sharma tried to lull her in flight after an early reprieve when the offspinner put down a tough return catch on 7.
As it turned out, this passage – an 83-run fourth-wicket stand – was the only period wherein India felt challenged by Ireland's batters, even as the rest tried to get their eye in. Leah Paul, who struck a half-century in the previous game, made an unbeaten 22ball 27, to add the finishing touches as Ireland surpassed the 238 for 7 they made two days ago. (ESPNcricinfo)
of a 156-run opening stand with Mandhana. Rawal was out lbw for 67 off the very next ball after Mandhana mistimed a pull off Orla Prendergast at midwicket for 73.
India's urgency in the powerplay was not accompanied by blind slogging but pristine stroke play, even as Mandhana initially fiddled in what seemed like a role reversal from the series opener two days ago. That day, Mandhana charged off the blocks, playing her signature pulls, while Rawal buckled down.
This fusion helped the pair put together their third opening stand of 100 or more in five innings, with Mandhana quickly overtaking Rawal. There seemed a sense of inevitability to two impending centuries, but lapses in concentration led to a double-strike.
This brought Harleen Deol and Rodrigues together as the pair took a while to play their strokes on the face of some really slow bowling. Harleen struggled for momentum early on, pottering to 5 off 21 deliveries; Rodrigues was a tad more industrious at the other end, attempting to move around the crease and thwart the seamers by playing the pulls and paddles.
The pair took 75 deliv-
from fourth stump to bisect the gap between deep midwicket and long-on.
Ireland let themselves down when they missed running out Rodrigues for 34 in the 35th over when Prendergast missed a direct hit at the non-striker's end from mid-on. Rodrigues was let off a second time when keeper Coulter Reilly put down a tough chance off an attempted late cut off Canning.
Harleen got to her fifty off 58, and accelerated towards her second hundred in four ODIs, before falling for 89. Rodrigues got her half-century
entire team on the balcony, before she celebrated by mimicking playing a song on her guitar with her bat. India ended with 370 for 5, 102 of those coming in the last 10 as Ireland walked back relieved that their morning toil was over.
Ireland were slow off the blocks and never equally went for the target. But Coulter Reilly overcame two blows on her helmet, both times missing a bumper from Sayali Satghare. She overcame the early jitters to exhibit a sense of fearlessness against spin, particularly enterprising off
India Women (50 ovs maximum)
Smriti Mandhana (c) c Dempsey
b Prendergast 73
Pratika Rawal lbw b Dempsey 67
Harleen Deol c Delany
b Kelly 89
Jemimah Rodrigues b Kelly 102
Richa Ghosh † c Sargent
b Prendergast 10
Tejal Hasabnis not out 2
Sayali Satghare not out 2
Extras (lb 2, w 23) 25
Total 50 Ov (RR: 7.40) 370/5
Did not bat: Deepti Sharma, Titas
Sadhu, Saima Thakor, Priya Mishra
Fall of wickets: 1-156 (Smriti Mandhana, 18.6 ov), 2-156 (Pratika Rawal, 19.1 ov), 3-339 (Harleen Deol, 47.1 ov), 4-358 (Richa Ghosh, 48.4 ov), 5-368 (Jemimah Rodrigues, 49.3 ov) •
DRS
Bowling O-M-R-W
Orla Prendergast 8-0-75-2
Ava Canning 10-0-51-0
Arlene Kelly 10-0-82-2
Freya Sargent 9-0-77-0
Alana
Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid on their way to a Spanish Super Cup
Jemimah Rodrigues' century called for guitar-inspired celebrations
Christina Coulter Reilly scored her maiden ODI fifty
GFF announces new Head Coach, supporting staff for boys’ U17 team
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has appointed Marco Bonofiglio as the new Head Coach of the Junior Jaguars U17 Boys Team, a move bolstered by its partnership with Spanish club Racing Madrid. Bonofiglio, who has over 25 years of experience as a former professional player and coach, will lead the team as they prepare for the FIFA U17 Boys World Cup qualifiers in Costa Rica from February 7 to February 16, 2025.
Bonofiglio has an impressive coaching resume, including stints as Head Coach for ProStars FC and Pickering FC in League 1 Ontario. His recent achievements include mentoring players under Italy’s Serie C system and leading teams to championship victories in multiple tournaments such as the Ontario Provincial Cup. He is known for his tactical expertise and player development capabilities, making him a strategic choice for the Junior Jaguars.
The partnership with Racing Madrid also introduces two other technical experts
to the team. Ahjton Roberts, a Strength and Conditioning Coach, brings over a decade of experience working with elite athletes, including National and Olympic-level competitors.
As the founder of the 180° High Performance Program, Roberts specialises in injury prevention and sport-specific conditioning, offering tailored training programmes that integrate performance analytics. Additionally, Dr Steve Gennaro, an expert in sports science and performance analysis, joins the team. Gennaro, who has a PhD in
Youth Studies from McGill University, is an experienced educator and coach with a background in player development across North America and Europe. He is also a visiting scholar at the University of Bologna, focusing on soccer coaching research.
Racing Madrid has committed to covering the salaries of these professionals as part of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the GFF, signed in October 2023. Under the agreement, the GFF will manage the travel and local costs for the technical team during the
preparation camp in Guyana and throughout the competition in Costa Rica.
Racing Madrid President Steve Nijjar expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating: “Racing Madrid 1914 FC is excited to support the GFF in the spirit of our MoU.
“We are encouraged by the efforts we see the GFF making to prepare this team for the FIFA U17 World Cup qualifier, and we recognise the great potential in the players. We feel honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to the important work of President [Wayne] Forde and his Council. Our ultimate goal is to create a high-performance, exceedingly-professional environment that will expand the capacity of the local coaching staff in the best possible way. We look forward to expanding our ongoing cooperation with the GFF to other areas of football development.”
GFF President Forde echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of the collaboration: “We are delighted to welcome
Coach Marco Bonofiglio, Mr Ahjton Roberts, and Dr Steve Gennaro to Guyana. Their involvement goes beyond preparing the team for competition; it’s about fostering growth within our coaching framework and leaving a lasting legacy for youth football development in our country. Our local coaching staff has done an incredible job over the past three months preparing the team, and we are confident that this collaboration will bring immense value. The knowledge transfer and relationships formed during this partnership will create a ripple effect, benefiting our football programme for years to come.”
He added, “On behalf of the Guyana Football Federation, I extend our heartfelt thanks for the strong and fruitful partnership we have cultivated with Racing Madrid. Your unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental, and we deeply value the collaborative relationship that has grown since our partnership began in October 2023.
“We particularly appre-
West Indies tour match against Pakistan Shaheens ends in stalemate
West Indies XI and Pakistan Shaheens had to settle for a draw in their three-day tour match, as both teams delivered competitive performances, but ultimately cancelled each other out in the final push for a result in Islamabad on Sunday.
Resuming day three with a commanding 134-run lead, after the Shaheens declared their first innings at 212-9, the West Indies XI set the Shaheens a daunting target of 311 after they also declared their second innings at 177-5. The Shaheens responded with a solid batting effort, as they got to 128-2 by the close of play to ensure the match ended in a stalemate.
Alick Athanaze once again led West Indies XI from the front, adding a second half-century to his stellar 98 in the first innings. His composed knock of 58 from 84 balls featured seven fours and two sixes, as he
displayed some semblance of form heading into the more important two-match Test series against Pakistan.
Tevin Imlach also impressed with a fluent 57 off 65 balls, including nine boundaries to keep the momentum in the visitors’ favour.
Mikyle Louis (5); Joshua Da Silva (13); Keacy Carty (1); Kavem Hodge (36) and Amir Jangoo (zero) were the batsmen dismissed.
Mohammad Musa Khan, who grabbed 2-5, and Ali Raza, who chipped in with 2-32, spearheaded the Shaheens’ bowling attack.
Chasing 311 for victory, the Shaheens opted for a slightly-aggressive approach, anchored by opener Mohammad Huraira’s sparkling 80 off 80 balls, decorated with 12 fours and two sixes.
Umair Bin Yousaf sup-
ported with a patient 25 as the pair ensured no further wickets fell after
Jomel Warrican’s two early strikes. He ended with 2-23.
SCOREBOARD
West Indies 2nd Innings
Mikyle Louis lbw
b Muhammad Musa 5
Joshua Da Silva † run out (Omair Yousuf) 13
Keacy Carty c Ahmed Safi Abdullah
b Muhammad Musa 1
Kavem Hodge c Saad Khan
b Ali Raza 36
Alick Athanaze not out 58
Amir Jangoo c Rohail Nazir
b Ali Raza 0
Tevin Imlach not out 57
Extras (lb 6, nb 1) 7
Total 40 Ov (RR: 4.42) 177/5d
Did not bat: Jomel Warrican,
Anderson Phillip, Justin Greaves, Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Kemar Roach, Gudakesh Motie
Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Joshua Da Silva), 2-19 (Mikyle Louis), 3-73 (Keacy Carty), 4-73 (Kavem Hodge), 5-73 (Amir Jangoo)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Kashif Ali 5-1-19-0
Muhammad Musa 5-2-5-2
Ali Raza 8-0-32-2
Ahmed Safi Abdullah 8-0-41-0
Mohammad Rameez jnr 7-0-48-0 Saad Khan 7-0-26-0
Pakistan Shaheens 2nd Innings (T: 312 runs)
Muhammad Hurraira
b Warrican 80
Omair Yousuf c †Da Silva b Warrican 25 Saad Khan not out 19
Mohammad Suleman retired hurt 0 Rohail Nazir not out 1
Extras (b 3) 3
Total
ciate Racing Madrid’s commitment to assigning a Head Coach and Strength and Conditioning Coach to bolster our U17 Boys FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. Racing Madrid’s decision to cover their salaries, while the GFF manages their travel and local costs, exemplifies the strength of our partnership and our shared vision for football development.”
Meanwhile the GFF’s Technical Director, Bryan Joseph noted, “We look forward to welcoming Coach Marco Bonofiglio, Mr Ahjton Roberts and Dr Steve Gennaro as we embark on the final phase of preparation. Their expertise will significantly enhance our team’s chances of advancing and leave a lasting impact on youth football in Guyana.”
With the expertise of Bonofiglio, Roberts, and Gennaro, the Junior Jaguars are well-positioned to excel in the upcoming FIFA qualifiers, while also laying the groundwork for the long-term development of local football talent.
The GFF noted that it looked forward to continuing its collaboration with Racing Madrid to further enhance football development initiatives across Guyana.
(Sportsmax)
Ahjton Roberts
Dr Steve Gennaro
Scenes from the final day of the three-day practice match (PCB Media)
come out on top in practice match
Kemol Savory’s XI coasted to victory on Saturday night at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) after routing Chanderpaul’s XI cheaply in the second innings.
Chanderpaul’s XI resumed Day 3 of the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) practice match on 96-4, but Junior Sinclair spun some webs around his opponents to prevent Chanderpaul’s XI from putting on a solid lead.
Sinclair was backed up by the pace of Isai Thorne, who picked up another three wickets to rout Chanderpaul’s XI for 164.
Sachin Singh was the lone wall of defence for Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s side, hitting 50 from 124 deliveries. Rampersad Ramnauth improved on his overnight score of 16, to hit 27 from 68 balls while Ashraf Ali Budhoo contributed an unbeaten 23 from 42 balls.
A string of ducks in the lower order meant that Chanderpaul’s XI was not able to add much more to their total.
Sinclair finished with 4-10 from 4.4 overs while Thorne picked up 3-34 from 13 overs.
Savory’s XI, once again,
had a rocky start to their chase, but a 79-run partnership between Captain Kemol Savory and Richie Looknauth made all the difference.
Looknauth remained unbeaten on 44 from 46, missing out on a second, consecutive half-century, contributing 48 in 47 deliveries. Eventually, Savory’s XI got to 121-5 in 26 overs.
Joshua Jones was again among the wickets snaring 2-14 from 5 while Sylus Tyndal also picked up 2 wick-
ets for 33 runs in 5 overs bowled.
The Harpy Eagles hopefuls will compete in another practice match at the same venue this week, scheduled to bowl off on Wednesday, January 15 at 10:00h.
The Harpy Eagles, West Indies Championships defending champions, will begin their title defence at home at the Providence venue on Wednesday, January 29, taking on Barbados Pride in Round 1.
Georgetown vs the Rest set for Wednesday
The Georgetown vs the Rest Street Football Tournament is back for its highly-anticipated second edition, which aims to promote youth development, community engagement, and healthy competition.
Starting Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the tournament will bring together teams from across the country for a thrilling series of matches, culminating on January 31, 2025, at the Back Circle, East Ruimveldt Tarmac.
The Tournament will
Disability access to be improved at CASH with elevator
Keeping the disabled population in mind, an elevator will soon be installed at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown; Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr revealed on Saturday.
At the time of the revelation, the Sport Minister was fielding questions from sport media operatives during his year-end review – the particular question in focus: whether or not the recently-renovated Sports Hall will be outfitted for easy access to disabled persons, especially those who are wheelchair bound.
Highlighting that the facility already carries wheelchair ramps at the entrances, Ramson Jr went on to divulge plans on how access to the top floor and VIP boxes in the Sports Hall will be accommodated.
He explained, “If you go out to just the west of here, you’ll see there’s a space for
an elevator. So, we haven’t purchased that as yet, we’re going to do that, but the entire infrastructure – right now there’s just a wood flooring section, that’s just a temporary section, but below that you have another three feet in the ground that’s already prepared for when we purchase the elevator.”
The Sport Minister went on to reveal plans to execute similar projects at other sport facilities as he emphasised the need to not only stan-
dardise Guyana’s sport venues but to also make them accessible to all.
“In fact, we want all of our facilities now, it’s something that we’re looking to do, which is really to get the standardisation towards our facilities where they’re catering for wheelchair access,” Ramson Jr divulged.
Thus far, the Sports Hall has seen renovations in excess of $300 million with the installation of air conditioning, the revamping of the VIP
boxes and dressing rooms, addition of an anti-doping room, improved roofing and the complete overhaul of the building’s facade being the projects at the forefront.
In addition to the elevator revelation, the Sport Minister divulged plans to install bucket seats and provide extra seating by building stands to the southern end of the building as part of future projects at the Sports Hall before its renovation can be wholly completed.
see the participation of forty teams in groups of fourBack Circle “B”, Family, Stevedore Ballers, Make it Happen, Back Circle “A”, Sophia “B”, Adidas All Stars, Timehri Footsteppers,
young, gifted athletes and supporting the growth of grassroots initiatives is truly inspiring.
This incredible initiative, which promotes youth development, com-
Bent Street, Unstoppables, Broad Streat, Festival City, North East, Stabroek “B”, Lodge All Stars, Victoria Eagles, Stabreok “A”, Show Stoppers, LA Ballers, Genesis, Team Cruel, North Ruimveldt, Albouystown, Ballerz Empire, Gold is Money, Ztekk Ballers, California Square, and Red Force
California Square will ignite the action against Ztekk at 8 pm (20:00h) followed by Sophia B battling Timehri Footsteppers followed by Stabroek B taking on Victoria Eagles, Family v Stevedore Ballers, Back Circle B v “Make It Happen”, Talibans v Bagotstown Ballers, Bent Street v Broad Street, Back Circle A v Adidas All-stars. Back Circle Ballers expressed gratification for the Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken’s commitment to fostering unity through sports and working to build safer, more connected neighbourhoods.
His dedication to minimising idle time for
munity engagement, and healthy competition, would not be possible without Commissioner Hicken's unwavering sponsorship.
Glimpse
Junior Sinclair picked up four to finish off Chanderpaul’s XI
A packed matchday at the first annual Georgetown vs the Rest at the Back Circle Tarmac in 2023
