Desperation or ‘unity’ – Jagdeo questions Opposition's credibility
Register your child early
– Education Minister urges parents of nursery entry children …as Ministry prepares to distribute cash grants in September
The Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, recently made a call for parents to register their toddlers for placement in the public education system, as well as to receive the Ministry’s ‘Because We Care Cash Grant’, in a timely manner.
The Education Minister, in a recent social media post, noted that children who are 3 years of age on or before June 30,2025 will be eligible for nursery school placement in the new academic year.
“If your child is going to be three (3) years on or before June 30th this year, your child is going to be eligible for entry into nursery school in September. You have to apply to get into a nursery school; go either to the nursery school or to your regional education de-
partment, get the application form, or you can get it from us online,” she noted.
The Minister also urged parents to register their child/children early, to ensure that they receive the Government’s ‘Because We Care Cash Grant’ in a timely manner, and without any hiccups.
“The other important reason for getting registered is, we use those registers to determine who will get the ‘Because We Care Cash Grant’, and you have to be registered by March 28 of this year (2025), which is two months away, before you can get the cash grant in September.”
However, the Education Minster noted that persons who miss the deadline will still receive their cash grants.
“If you don’t get registered by March 28, which is
when we stop collecting the registers for the purpose of the cash grant, you will still be registered for entry into nursery school but it may hamper when you receive your cash grant and that has been a problem that we have been encountering over the years,” she said.
Regarding the application process, the Minister stated that parents should present documents such as birth certificates and immunisation cards.
However, if these documents are not available, the Minister explained that students will still be able to en-
ter a nursery school in the new academic year.
“If you have none of those documents, we still let you into the school, I know they’re kids without birth certificates for different reasons; you can’t find the immunisation card, still go and try to get registered; we won’t stop any registration because of the absence of documents, but if you have the documents take them
along with you,” she stated.
The ‘Because We Care Cash’ Grant has increased from $40,000 per child in 2024 to $50,000 per child in 2025, benefiting students from nursery to secondary.
Along with the $5,000 School Voucher Grant, each child will now receive a total of $55,000.
This is expected to benefit some 205,000 children in total.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Monday, January 20 –21:00h-22:30h and Tuesday, January 21 – 21:45h-23:15h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Monday, January 20 –08:10h-09:40h and Tuesday, January 21 – 08:55h-10:25h.
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, interrupted by light to thundery showers in the mid-morning hours. Clear skies followed by thundery to light showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: Easterly to North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.81 metres.
High Tide: 08:34h and 20:56h reaching maximum heights of 2.37 metres and 2.33 metres.
Low Tide: 14:29h reaching a minimum height of 0.85 metre.
Over 1200 remigrant applications approved in 4 years
The Guyana Government has approved more than 1,000 applications from overseas-based Guyanese under the Re-migrant Scheme initiative.
This programme targets persons in the Guyanese Diaspora, providing certain incentives for them to return and contribute to the development of their homeland.
Since assuming office in August 2020, the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government has placed emphasis on involving the diaspora community in national development. Consequently, Government resuscitated the Diaspora Unit and re-established stakeholder engagement to improve the services provided to the diaspora.
“This saw us having heightened engagements with our diaspora, and increased interest in remigrating as members of our diaspora look to avail themselves of the exciting economic opportunities in our country. [And] as a result, we’ve processed over 1,200 remigrant applications over the last four years,” Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh disclosed on Friday evening during his presentation of the $1.382 trillion 2025 Budget in the National Assembly.
With the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s efforts to improve the re-migrant scheme and regularly disseminating information to the Diaspora population, there were over 400 re-migrant applications approved in 2023. This represented a 9.8 per cent increase over 2022.
In fact, the number of people who applied for re-migrant status in 2023 was 68 per cent higher than the figure for 2019. Further, over 15,000 passports were renewed for the Diaspora with over 2,000 second-generation Guyanese registering for the first time for their Guyanese passport – a clear signal of a heightened level of interest and engagement.
Meanwhile, over the years, there have been several high-level engagements with the Guyanese diaspora across the world including the hosting of a virtual diaspora conference in 2021, webinars on remigration and investment in 2023 and job fairs in New York, Trinidad and Suriname last year to harness the skills of members of the diaspora.
During his address to the Virtual Diaspora Conference in May 2021, President Ali had charged the Diaspora to use their influence, finances and expertise to help develop the country and the lives of their fellow Guyanese.
“As we navigate into the future, we would like the hands of the Diaspora to be a key element in the new Guyana that will bring with it great opportunities, great prosperity. The unification and coming together of the Guyanese people is paramount to the prosperity we will achieve,” the Guyanese Leader had told the
more than 500 overseas-based Guyanese who participated in the virtual conference.
Only back in September 2024, President Ali had a series of engagements with the Guyanese-American community in New York where he had outlined his Administration’s
Miami, Florida
He has also met with the Guyanese Diaspora in several countries across the Caribbean as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), India and even in the Middle East. The President had indicated his intention
investments in new areas.
In fact, during a May 2023 visit to Qatar, the Head of State lobbied the small Guyanese Diaspora there to participate in their homeland’s transformation.
“We are at a very critical stage of the development of our country and every single Guyanese, whether you are in Qatar or any other part of the world, we want you to be an active participant in this transformation,” President Ali had stated at the Guyana Embassy in Doha. With a majority of the Guyanese Diaspora based in the United States (US) and Canada, the Guyana Government has also embarked on extending certain local services to those communities. As a result, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) conducted outreaches in New York and Toronto
vision of Guyana’s development and also updated them on the progress of major infrastructural works. Then last December, he also engaged overseas-based Guyanese in
to tap into the massive talent pool and expertise that exists within the Guyanese Diaspora with the intention of filling the labour gaps in the country as well as attracting
to address issues that overseas-based Guyanese have with their contributions thus tackling the massive backlog of cases at the institution. (G8)
File photo: President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the Guyanese Diaspora in Miami back in December 2024
File photo: President Dr Irfaan Ali with members of the Diaspora at King’s County Hospital, Clarkeson Avenue, Brooklyn in April 2024
Editor: Tusika Martin
News Hotline: 231-8063Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761
Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707
Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown
Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
A BRICS currency
There have been persistent discussions about a new BRICS currency. This should be of interest to us since as an oil producer, we will have large currency reserves going forward. Below is an appraisal adapted from a NASDAQ writer.
“The BRICS nations have a slew of reasons for wanting to set up a new currency. Recent global financial challenges and aggressive US foreign policies have prompted the BRICS countries to explore the possibility. They want to better serve their own economic interests while reducing global dependence on the US dollar and the euro.
When will a BRICS currency be released? There's no definitive launch date as of yet, but the countries' leaders have discussed the possibility at length. During the BRICS Summit, held in mid-2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the BRICS countries plan to issue a "new global reserve currency" and are ready to work openly with all fair trade partners.
In April 2023, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva showed support for a BRICS currency, commenting, “Why can’t an institution like the BRICS bank have a currency to finance trade relations between Brazil and China, between Brazil and all the other BRICS countries? Who decided that the dollar was the (trade) currency after the end of gold parity?”
In the lead-up to the 2023 BRICS Summit last August, there was speculation that an announcement of such a currency could be on the table. This proved to be wishful thinking, however. "The development of anything alternative is more a medium- to long-term ambition. There is no suggestion right now to create a BRICS currency," Leslie Maasdorp, CFO of the New Development Bank, said at the time. The bank represents the BRICS bloc.
At the 2023 BRICS Summit, six countries were invited to become BRICS members: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. All but Argentina officially joined the alliance in January 2024. At the 2024 BRICS Summit,13 nations signed on as BRICS partner countries (not yet full-fledged members): Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Vietnam and Uzbekistan.
In recent years, the US has placed numerous sanctions on Russia and Iran. The two countries are working together to bring about a BRICS currency that would negate the economic impacts of such restrictions, according to Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalal, speaking at a press conference during the Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum in May 2024.
Some experts believe that a BRICS currency is a flawed idea, as it would unite countries with very different economies. There are also concerns that non-Chinese members might increase their dependence on China's yuan instead. That said, Russia demanded in October 2023 that India pay for oil in yuan as Russia was struggling to use its excess supply of rupees. However, India refused to use anything other than the US dollar or rupees to pay.
A new currency could have several benefits for the BRICS countries, including more efficient cross-border transactions and increased financial inclusion. By leveraging blockchain technology, digital currencies and smart contracts, the currency could revolutionise the global financial system. Thanks to seamless cross-border payments, it could also promote trade and economic integration among the BRICS nations and beyond.
A new BRICS currency would also: Strengthen economic integration within the BRICS countries; Reduce the influence of the US on the global stage; Weaken the standing of the US dollar as a global reserve currency; Encourage other countries to form alliances to develop regional currencies; Mitigate risks associated with global volatility due to unilateral measures and the diminution of dollar dependence and weaken the power of US sanctions, leading to a further decline in the dollar's value.
Last December, Trump posted a direct threat to BRICS nations : “We require a commitment from these countries that they will neither create a new BRICS currency nor back any other currency to replace the mighty US dollar or they will face 100% tariffs and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US economy.”
Guyana should take note.
Elaboration of Proposed Adjustments to Personal Income Tax Threshold and Rates in 2025
Since presenting Budget 2025 on Friday afternoon, I have been in receipt of several requests to explain in further detail the adjustments that our Government is proposing to the provisions regarding the rates of personal income tax.
It is worthwhile to recall that the APNU/AFC had introduced in 2017 two rates of income tax, 28 percent and 40 percent. At the time, they also set the threshold at $60,000 monthly (or 1/3 of the salary whichever is greater). As a result, at that time:
• The first $60,000 of the monthly salary (or 1/3 of the salary if that is greater)
would be taxed at zero percent;
• The next $120,000 of the monthly salary (twice the amount of the threshold) would be taxed at 28 percent; and
• The remainder of the monthly salary above that would be taxed at 40 percent.
Our Government’s intention is now to make the following adjustments in 2025 to the threshold and rates of personal income tax payable:
•Increase the threshold to $130,000 monthly; and
• Lower the tax rates of 28 percent and 40 percent, to 25 percent and 35, respectively.
As a result of these proposed changes:
•The first $130,000 of the monthly salary (or 1/3 of the salary if that is greater) will now be taxed at zero percent;
•The next $260,000 of the monthly salary (twice the amount of the threshold) would now be taxed at 25 percent; and
•The remainder above that would now be taxed at 35 percent.
Additionally, of course, the allowance of $10,000 per child monthly, and the allowances of up to $50,000 monthly for overtime and up to $50,000 monthly for income earned from a second job, will also be taxed at zero
percent. The Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 2025 that were tabled already incorporate the above adjustments, even though this full elaboration was not provided in the Budget Speech. These changes will be reflected in proposed amendments to the Income Tax Act to give legal effect from Year of Income 2025.
Hon Dr Ashni
K Singh,
MP Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service
Economists on PM Rowley’s legacy: decline, deficits, debt and downgrades
By Raphael John-lall
Adecade after Dr Keith Rowley was sworn in as Prime Minister in 2015, T&T’s economy is 17.6 per cent smaller than it was and the country is in a weaker state.
In early January, Prime Minister Rowley announced that he will be not be contesting elections again and will be retiring from politics.
Several economists spoke to the Sunday Business Guardian after they were asked to examine economic data and give an assessment of Rowley’s legacy in managing T&T’s economy over the last ten years.
Using the academic “A” to “F” grading system, the economists were also asked to rate the handling of the economy
over the past nine years and four months that Rowley was prime minister. He received a poor grade from two of the three economists who chose to give it.
Colm Imbert was Minister of Finance from September 2015, when the People’s National Movement was re-elected to office.
University of the West Indies (UWI) economist, Dr Vaalmikki Arjoon, who examined economic data during the last nine plus years of the Rowley administration, said real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell from $187.5 billion in 2015 to an estimated $154.5 billion in 2024, because of lower levels of energy production.
“This decline is evident in fiscal underperformance, heightened debt, rising pover-
ty and inequality, diminished investor confidence, and deepening economic uncertainty.
Indeed, much of this decline can be attributed to reduced energy production—an industry accounting for roughly 30 to 40 per cent of our GDP, together with effects of lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and the global trade slowdown during the pandemic,” he said.
Arjoon added that although the economy has shown modest growth in this post-pandemic period, averaging 1.41 per cent annually since 2022, T&T has yet to catch up with pre-pandemic performance levels. Using International Monetary Fund (IMF) data, T&T’s 2024 GDP still lags 6.14 per cent behind 2019 levels, Arjoon said.
“Growth was also hin-
dered by increased taxes to compensate for the loss in energy revenues, like raising the corporate tax from 25 per cent to 30 per cent, and other numerous obstacles to business competitiveness, such as port clearance delays, difficulties obtaining licenses and permits, limited access to forex, and crime—all of which deter business operations, expansion and new investments.” He then looked at investment flows into T&T over the past few years and said for instance, foreign investors have been withdrawing investment from T&T’s economy, with total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) net inflows from 2015 to 2023 amounting to negative US$3.18 billion.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo shares a photo with students who attended Parliament on Friday for the reading of Budget 2025, which was presented by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh (Office of the Vice President photo)
Trump’s increased drilling & implication for Guyana
Dear Editor,
Donald Trump will be sworn in on January 20 for a second time as President of America. Congrats to the 47th President who also served as 45th. Guyana is relatively insignificant and low priority in the foreign policy interests of USA, but Guyana’s huge reserves of oil will attract the attention of Washington. Trump plans to open up USA to drilling. Trump’s Drill, Baby, Drill campaign pledge will have implications for Guyana.
The term ‘drill, baby, drill’, referring to increasing oil exploration and production in USA which inevitably will impact price (downwards) for a barrel of oil. In Guyana, with oil prices likely to nosedive in a couple of years when more oil enters the market, impacting revenues, the government should encourage Exxon and other oil companies to carry out the Trumpian man-
tra and rapidly increase production as soon as practicable. American companies and Guyana will benefit tremendously from increased production with enormous revenues at least in the short term. Price per barrel may drop, but with increased production, more revenues will be earned. If Guyana does not up production, other countries (USA, Russia, Saudi Arabia, etc.) will and capture the market and Guyana will lose opportunity for revenues critical for development. Also with countries turning to wind and solar power and more turning to hydro power, demand for oil will fall in the next few years, significantly triggering lower prices that will have longer term implications for revenues for Guyana.
With stubborn inflation, wars and conflicts around the world, political issues in an election year, uncertainty at the border with
Venezuela and President Trump’s expected foreign policy, it is a no brainer that Guyana must be encouraged to ramp up production taking advantage of continuing demand for oil. Government must encourage Exxon to up production beyond what is already planned. This will lure other potential oil investors. Investment creates high paying jobs and fill the coffers with money for various projects. Increased oil production will also lead to more revenues by way of royalties, profit sharing, taxes, etc., for Guyana.
But Guyana faces challenges in increasing production. There has been conflict between or among advocates who give primacy to one over the others — the environment, business, oil drilling, and those in opposition to extracting the oil from under the ocean floor. Those who champion the latter are not realistic and are insignificant in numbers; they are
not reading the global analysis on oil, and in any event will not succeed at stopping or even reducing oil production. The country is going full steam ahead with oil production and progress will not be stopped. The oil industry will continue unabated till the fossil runs out.
Most Guyanese, including businesses, are supportive of “drill, baby, drill”, while also supportive of policies to protect the environment of harmful effects tied to oil production. Producing more oil does not mean abandoning goals of clean air, clean coast, clean water and protecting flora and fauna. Oil producers can do both, and technology today has led to cleaner production of oil and gas by Exxon and other companies; and there are no recent adverse reports in Guyana that they are not. With better technology, oil production is becoming more efficient and less risky. As the lone energy
producer in Guyana, Exxon, as per several reports, has been taking maximum care to minimize and eliminate pollutants escaping into the environment. Exxon must be applauded and encouraged to taking maximum measures to protect the environment during its operations and for working with local businesses in its operations. Government must not discourage, but encourage and work with all the oil companies to behave responsibly towards the environment and the country in terms of corporate welfare and training, hiring, local content contracts, etc.
It is commonly known that Guyanese businesses and the public at large are major beneficiaries of the oil industry. Exxon announced multi-billions paid annually to businesses for local content tied to the oil industry. There must be negotiations for more local content and training for more young-
sters. Government must avoid measures that will lead to reduced production of oil in Guyana as such policy doesn’t do the country any good. The last thing Guyana wants now is to push companies out to countries that offer better investment climate. Undemocratic countries with authoritarian leaders who don’t care about rights and the environment will gladly accept oil companies to drill. Other countries are not enforcing rules on the environment, but Guyana tries. Guyana must not alienate oil companies to drive away investors. More production means more revenues and availability of funds for a boom in infrastructure building and construction. Trump’s Drill, baby, drill applied in Guyana ultimately will translate into a better standard of living.
Yours sincerely, Vishnu
Bisram
Could biometrics appease the PNC?
Dear Editor,
The recent platform shout from The PNC and its other fringe elements is “Biometrics,” they want GECOM to immediately grant them their request in the next election, but would this demand in any way appease them? The answer is a resound, biometrics will not, neither would any system that is free and fair allay their fears, for the simple reason that they do not want a system that bears them up as losers in an election.
No system that is legitimate and aboveboard would placate them. What is crystal clear is that they would
like an unprepared GECOM to hurriedly rush into a biometric system, which would have been illegal, conduct an election that they in the end would cry out that they were robbed. The PNC did it in the 1997 Election and would certainly do it again if the opportunity accommodates it.
In the 1997 Election, the PPP/C won by a landslide, yet they refused to accept the result, hence another call for a recount. The votes were counted thrice which saw the same result - if I may add the PPP/C got 941 more votes in the final count - yet they were not satisfied. The next
move was to mount that infamous election petition case led by one of their party supporters Esther Pereira, they claim that it was an illegal system that yielded those results hence the election should be declared null and void.
The judge who heard that petition was Justice Claudette Singh, Madam Justice held a meticulous adjudication of the matter, finally granting judgement that the election was indeed illegal for the simple reason stated, it was held under an illegal system, a system that The PNC crafted, one that was foisted upon Mrs. Jagan
to accept, therefore fresh elections had to be called soonest. Fresh elections were held which revealed similar results, The PNC then rushed to their supporters who were already violently positioned in the streets, with the false claims that they were robbed, I guarantee you that this would be the very same strategy they will use if the election body accedes to their demand.
The GECOM Chairman has ruled that biometrics cannot be entertained at such short notice in this election, so their confusion strategy have been thwarted. They have immediately
countered that in a mounted smear campaign that the election would have already been rigged in favour of the PPP/C. This comes as no surprise, because that ploy was tried before, but here’s the problem for them and I have listed these below.
The election would be held in a free, fair and transparent way, where each living, eligible person can and will vote.
There will be, I repeat, will be certified observers who would oversee the election each step of the way.
Election results would be read from the legal, foolproof method of SOP’s and not
from a falsified spreadsheet as Mingo and Lowenfield did.
Election results would be given in an efficient and timely manner soon after the close of polls.
The winner would be publicly announced and the president sworn in soon after. There would be no violence.
This is what an election is all about a clean, fair transparent system that will produce results that reflects the wishes of The People.
Respectfully, Neil Adams
Economists on PM Rowley’s legacy: decline, deficits...
Arjoon then highlighted data in T&T’s important energy sector.
In the last nine years, the energy sector saw significant declines in output, with natural gas, LNG, and crude oil production falling by about 35 per cent, 45 per cent, and 36 per cent, respectively—largely due to maturing reservoirs and a slower-than-anticipated pace of new field development.
Fiscal performance
Arjoon then examined the fiscal data over the last ten years.
He said naturally, the decline in economic growth reduced revenue collection, leading to a nine-year cumulative deficit of $69 billion and pushing the Exchequer Account—the primary account for government spending (Consolidated Fund)— into an overdraft exceeding $47.76 billion in 2023, an increase of $14.4 billion since 2015.
“He explained that the
deficit was largely shaped by energy revenue volatility. Energy revenues, plunged from $18.66 billion in 2015 to $6.64 billion in 2016, remaining low during the pandemic, then surging to $29 billion in 2022 amid post-pandemic demand and the Russia–Ukraine conflict, only to soften again in 2024 as prices eased.”
He said such deficit required T&T to borrow to meet its budget obligations, bringing the debt burden to $143 billion, which is $66.5 billion higher than 2015.
“Our external debt currently stands at US$5.5 billion, 147 per cent higher than 2015. Indeed, our persistent deficits and growing debt levels resulted in multiple downgrades by the credit rating agencies in the last decade. Moody’s downgraded us three times (from Baa2 to Ba2), while S&P downgraded us four times (from A to BBB–), reflecting heightened concerns by the credit rating agencies about our economic resilience, fis-
cal sustainability, and capacity to manage structural challenges effectively.”
He also said that Moody’s rating places T&T in the speculative grade rating, indicating higher perceived challenges to service the country’s debt during economic downturns or adverse market conditions, while T&T is currently in the lowest notch of investment grade S&P.
However, he qualified this by saying that one reason why T&T’s ratings have not fallen further is the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF), increased from US $5.7 billion in 2015 to over US $6 billion in 2024.
Forex
Arjoon then analysed one of the biggest complaints of the business community in T&T, which is a lack of foreign exchange to do business locally and internationally.
T&T’s foreign reserves declined over the last decade which has led to the grim
situation that exists today.
“Our forex challenges largely stem from a sharp decline in earnings tied to reduced energy exports and lower tax revenues. Although the Central Bank of T&T (CBTT) injects US$100 to $150 million into the banking system every month, demand still far outstrips supply.
“Consequently, our foreign reserves dropped from US$9.9 billion at end of 2015 to US$5.6 billion in 2024, partly propped up by external borrowing and withdrawals from the HSF. If we net out external debt, barely US$100 million remains—less than a week of import cover!”
He then said that overall, T&T’s current account stayed in surplus for much of the last decade, though not as robustly as before 2015. Exceptions include 2022, where surpluses rose to US$5.2 billion thanks to high energy prices, albeit with weaker production, but is estimated to have dropped
70 per cent by 2024 as energy prices tempered with lowered consumption in China and increased supply from non-OPEC+ countries.
Poor grade
Two other economists gave the PNM a poor grade for his management of the economy over the past nine plus years.
Economist Dr Indera Sagewan told the Business Guardian that Rowley’s economic legacy is one of mismanagement.
When asked to grade Rowley’s performance in the economy from “A” to “F”, she gave him a grade “D.”
“There has been poor economic management.
The economy has improved its import trading capacity while diminishing its export tradeable sectors. The result? Forex crisis, lack of sustainable job opportunities, brain drain. Add the inability to reduce crime and we have a recipe for socio-economic decay,” she said in a brief statement.
Economist Dr Anthony Gonzales said he would give Rowley a “D” grade for the way he handled the economy over the last decade.
“Real GDP has declined since 2015. Energy prices did not rise as high as they did between 2010 to 2014. Oil and gas production also continued to fall. Since 2015, T&T has not developed new productive industries, especially for exports. Except for some growth in beverage exports, both goods and services exports have not grown to take care of the fall in energy exports.
“Non-energy export diversification still remains a big challenge as the economy is today even more dependent on oil and gas exports. Non-energy domestic production has grown a bit but that consumes a fair amount of our foreign reserves which have fallen considerably since 2015. So, the economy is not in a better shape today as compared to 2015,” said Gonzales.
(T&T Guardian)
Prime and Composite Numbers
A prime number is a whole number that cannot be divided exactly by other whole numbers except itself and 1. That is the same as saying prime numbers cannot be made by multiplying other whole numbers.
Example: 5 is a prime number.
We cannot multiply other whole numbers like 2, 3 or 4 together to make 5.
5 can only be divided by 5 or 1 without leaving a remainder.
Example: 6 is a composite number
6 can be made by 2×3 so it is not a prime number, it is a composite number
6 can be divided exactly by 2, or by 3:
Example: 7 is a prime number.
We cannot multiply other whole numbers like 2, 3 or 4 together to make 7. 7 cannot be divided up exactly:
When a number can be divided up exactly it is a composite number
When a number cannot be divided up exactly it is a prime number
So 6 is composite, but 7 is prime
Exercises:
1). List the prime numbers between 1 and 100.
I understand that the hippo on land is an animal lacking in grace. He body is stout and he lumbers about and he looks like he's quite out of place. But the hippo will gloat when he jumps in to float and you see just his eyes and his nose. He bobs with such ease like a cloud on the breeze. It's where he belongs, I suppose. (classroompoems.com)
GuySuCo managers ordered to cease “boss boy attitudes”, build worker morale – Mustapha
...warns he will be doing surprise visits to estates, managers will be closely watched
With an ambitious target of 101,000 tonnes of sugar set for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) this year, estate Managers have been warned to cease their “boss boy attitudes” and work closely with the workers in order to boost morale.
During his appearance on a budget focus show, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, spoke of the challenges that have faced the sugar sector, but also his optimism for its turn around.
He noted that already, 40 per cent of GuySuCo’s cultivation processes are being done by machinery.
“We know for a fact that sugar had contracted 21 per cent last year. We are hoping to have a rebound of sugar this year. The target set is 101,000 tonnes. I am very optimistic and will be working very closely with GuySuCo. You heard that the president read the riot act to GuySuCo,” he stated.
“We did a number of changes in the management structure. And we are hoping with the kind of work that was done over the last few months, almost 40 per cent of GuySuCo’s cultivation have been mechanised already. They are now purchasing new harvesters, new loaders. So that those things can take in the slacks that were created by the labour shortage,” Mustapha explained.
Mustapha also noted that he has met with
GuySuCo’s management on a number of occasions and they are aware of what is expected from them.
For instance, Mustapha explained, GuySuCo Managers have been told of the need to boost workers morale, rather than pulling rank on workers.
The Minister also warned that he himself will be making unannounced, impromptu visits to various sugar estates throughout the year, to ensure Managers are carrying out their duties as expected.
“So, $13.3 billion has been allocated to GuySuCo, to bring back GuySuCo to the point we want it to go. We want GuySuCo to reduce the cost of production and we want GuySuCo to produce effectively, and
maximum production must come out of GuySuCo. I’m hoping that that can help us,” he disclosed.
“And I know there are still problems there. Only this morning, some workers were texting me and I instructed GuySuCo that they must work very closely with the workers, so they can build their morale. We must not have this kind of ‘boss boy’ attitude on the estates. I told them this already. I myself will be visiting some of the estates and see what is going on, without announcing I’m going in there,” he added.
GuySuCo was allocated $13.3 billion out of the total $104.6 billion that was allocated for agriculture in the 2025 budget.
In his budget presenta-
tion, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, had revealed that sugar production is estimated to have declined by 21.8 per cent in 2024, with GuySuCo producing 47,103 tonnes.
The Minister had attributed the poor performance of the sector to El Niño, and a shortage of labour, which affected the industry year-round.
This year, a further 3,000 acres will be converted to further support GuySuCo’s mechanisation programme.
Under the former APNU/AFC (A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change) Government, the sugar sector was marred by severe economic mismanagement, including the closure of several GuySuCo sugar estates, which resulted in more than 7,000 job losses, and devastation to tens of thousands of households reliant on the sugar industry.
Between 2020 and 2024, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Government invested $45 billion to revitalise the sec-
tor and make it a vital component of the country’s developmental plans.
With a focus on strengthening internal cooperation, the Government hopes to bring the sugar industry back to its former glory, contributing once again to the nation’s development and economic growth.
Between 2020 and 2024, the Government invested a whopping $45 billion in the sugar industry, to revitalise the sector and make it a vital component of the country’s developmental plans.
The focus has been on modernising operations, including the mechanisation of estates, with almost 40 per cent of the estates now automated. Additionally, efforts have been made to recapitalise the industry by replacing broken infrastructure and systems to improve efficiency.
During an interview late last year, President Dr Irfaan Ali had made it clear that “heads will roll” if the first and second crop targets for GuySuCo are not met in 2025.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during a previous visit to a sugar estate
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha
OPR investigates fatal Mahaicony shooting incident
The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) have launched an investigation into a fatal shooting incident that unfolded in Airy Hall, Mahaicony, on Wednesday.
The incident, which resulted in the deaths of Roger Erwin Pierre, also known as ‘Pants,’ and 68-year-old Frederick Williams, is under thorough review to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic events.
The investigation comes after a series of violent events that began earlier that day.
At approximately 09:30h, Pierre, a labourer from Lot 11 Airy Hall Middle Walk, Mahaicony, was involved in an altercation with 63-year-old Laldat Tooknauth.
According to reports, Pierre, who was known to be struggling with drug addiction and mental health issues, stabbed Tooknauth, leaving him critically injured.
Tooknauth was immediately transported to Mahaicony Hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
(GPHC) due to his critical condition.
Pierre had fled the scene after the attack, and police in the Mahaicony area quickly received information about his whereabouts.
By 10:30h, authorities were alerted that Pierre was at Novar School Dam, brandishing a knife and causing a disturbance. A team of police officers responded promptly to the location, where they encountered Pierre on Dundee Public Road.
Efforts to disarm Pierre were met with significant resistance. Despite being shot in his left foot, Pierre
continued to disregard police orders, walking along the public road with the weapon still in hand.
As he reached Airy Hall, bystanders attempted to intervene, pleading for him to surrender peacefully.
However, Pierre’s aggression escalated when he began throwing glass bottles at both the officers and local residents.
He then concealed the knife in his waistband and armed himself with a steel rod from a nearby construction site.
Pierre’s violent actions reached a climax when he attacked 69-year-old
Lambert Nunes, wounding him in the left hand.
At this point, Pierre continued to flee, pursued by both police officers and local residents who sought to subdue him.
Frederick Williams, a 68-year-old resident of Airy Hall, joined the group of men attempting to restrain Pierre, tackling him to the ground.
In the ensuing struggle, Pierre was able to seize the knife once again and fatally attacked Williams, repeatedly stabbing him in the head and other parts of his body.
This prompted the two police officers to fire multiple shots at Pierre, eventually rendering him motionless.
Both Pierre and Williams were rushed to Mahaicony Hospital, but Williams succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. Pierre was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Preliminary examinations revealed that both men had sustained gunshot wounds, while Williams suffered multiple stab wounds.
The area was canvassed for CCTV footage, and statements from witnesses are being gathered, as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Goldsmith robbed of $7M in jewellery at Peters Hall
Police are investigating an alleged armed robbery committed on a 54-year-old goldsmith of Clarke Street, Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
The robbery occurred at the victim’s goldsmith shop around 17:00h on Saturday.
Reports indicate that the victim was working in the shop on a 12-karat gold chain and pendant, along with a 12-karat gold band, totalling 700 pennyweights and valued at $7 million to deliver to a customer later that evening.
The shop, which is attached to the northern side of his home, also features a glass sliding door that was slightly open at the time of the incident.
While he was working, two men, both armed with handguns, entered the shop and pointed the weapons at him.
One of the suspects tied the victim’s hands and feet with zip ties and placed him under a table, while the other took the jewellery.
The men then fled the scene in a white motor vehicle, the number of which remains unknown.
Police have since processed and photographed the scene and while several residents in the area have been questioned, no arrests have been made at this time, as investigations continue.
Just a few months ago, 18-year-old Parmanand Pertab, also known as "Mikey," was fatally chopped at the Port Mourant Market in Berbice, after he and an
accomplice robbed a goldsmith.
During the robbery, the bandits armed with a cutlass and a gun injured the jeweller’s employee and fired at market goers when they raised the alarm.
Despite the gunfire, the crowd managed to disarm Pertab, recover the stolen jewellery, and hand it over to the police.
Pertab was fatally injured during that confrontation, and all the stolen items were accounted for.
When will…
…PNC change?
It’s said in the good book, “What has been will be again; what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” While your Eyewitness can’t vouch for the veracity of THAT statement for ALL things, he can say with certainty that what’s playing out with Opposition politics is nothing but the same ole, same ole!! Meaning when the PNC (then called PPP-Burnham) couldn’t win the 1957 elections – which was in essence a referendum on who should be leader of the PPP, Burnham or Jagan –they insisted the SYSTEM should be changed so they would win!!
They went at it again in 1961 – using the broom as their symbol to illustrate how they’d “sweep” the PPP out of office. They failed. But this time they had Imperial friends who also wanted the PPP out. So lo and behold, the electoral system was changed for the 1964 elections and PRESTO –the PPP was kicked out!! But not before our infamous Black Friday – in which the not-so-goodly Opposition elements torched the business district in Georgetown. Simply to show the world that “things na regulah” with the politics in Guyana and change was needed!!
So, here we are– after 28 years of rigged elections that kept the PNC illegally in power; 23 years of the PPP cleaning up the political, social, economic and everything else train wreck they’d made; 5 years of the PNC return but messing up so badly they promptly lost again – and we’re back to square one!! Meaning that the PNC – and their enabling sidekicks – are insisting again the political system be changed!! To what?? What a silly question!! To one in which they’ll have all power of course!!
But Dear Reader, you might be muttering (hopefully UNDER your breath so folks don’t think you’re “running off”!) “But the Opposition says they want “power sharing”!!” Poor naïve you, Dear Reader!! Didn’t that same Opposition explain the armed forces are their “kith and kin” – and they expect said kith and kin to support them when they launch protests?? And even though they don’t mention it, aren’t the Civil Service of the same ilk?? Why else the PNC constantly pushes mo’ money for them?? They’ll have the power baby!!
So, what are we to expect?? First, there’s gonna be a big to-do about “coalition” politics. Their demand for “biometrics” and “clean voters’ lists” before they run in the upcoming elections is just a code for putting “shared governance” on the table. They’ll then bring out their “constituency” protesting in the streets, which will segue into racial violence to justify the “change for inclusion” they’re demanding!!
There’s nothing new under the sun!!
…sugar rebound?
So, our sugar factories have started belching out their 19th century, soot-laden smoke, fortified by the Government putting their money where their mouth is!! Your Eyewitness saw a report talking about new mechanisation initiatives to both replace the labourers who ain’t showing up no mo to even “cut and drop” cane – and to reduce the cost of production. Not just to be competitive – but to actually NOT lose money every time we sell even a single pound!!
Let’s face some reality. Has management considered that mechanisation might NOT deliver the savings it’s done in other jurisdictions? Guyana ain’t like Cuba or Brazil or for that matter , any other sugar-producing country. WE’RE UNDER SEA LEVEL – without even the rising seas – and this means that our method of draining the sugar lands will continue keeping the fields water-logged.
And when we introduce “mechanisation”, we’re talking about not just the Bell Loaders that pick up the cane after they’re cut – but humongous HEAVY “mechanical harvesters” – which is gonna compact our water-logged soils.
Which lowers yields!!
…Cricket recover
Clive Lloyd was knighted for his contribution to take WI Cricket to world dominance. So your Eyewitness really feels for the man when he was confronted with the indignity of a “two-tier” cricket ranking that has WI in the lower tier!!
Roger Erwin Pierre, also known as “Pants”, throwing sand at the Police
Gas cylinder explosion turns deadly
...as Foulis woman succumbs to injuries 2 weeks later
Basmattie Ganpat, 55, who suffered severe burns in a gas explosion at her Foulis,
body, had been fighting for her life for two weeks.
Her common-law partner, 58-year-old Manu Sukhu, who was also injured in the explosion, suffered burns to 68 per cent of his body and remains hospitalised but reportedly showing signs of recovery.
In an interview with Ganpat’s daughter Sandyha Goolram on Sunday, she said that her mother’s condition began deteriorating on Friday.
East Coast Demerara (ECD) home on January 4, passed away Sunday morning at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Ganpat, who sustained burns to 80 per cent of her
“She passed away around ten minutes to seven on Sunday morning. We had two weeks running to the hospital, now we have to bury her. Our family trying. Now we don’t have any mother or father. Our father passed away about five years ago and we are so young…we just have to stay strong”, she explained.
“When I went yesterday [Saturday] she was not responding. She was just breathing and she was sleeping all the time. The nurses kept waking her up, but she would not respond. On Friday my aunt went and she was not looking good. I prayed and asked God if he had to take her so she wouldn’t have to go through all that she was going through, then he should take her, because she started pulling out all the tubes and everything they had helping to feed her…,” she added.
The tragic incident occurred at their Lot 194 Fifth Street home, where the explosion, which allegedly involved a Massy Ltd. gas cylinder, left the couple severely injured and
the home completely destroyed. The family had re-
cently completed renovations on the house.
Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing.
Initial reports suggest the possibility of a stove knob being left on, but technicians involved in the investigation have yet to confirm the exact cause.
Massy Gas Products, the supplier of the cylinder, has denied that the explosion was due to a fault with the cylinder itself. The company pointed to possible issues with fittings or regulators as contributing factors.
Massy has maintained that its cylinders undergo rigorous testing to ensure their safety.
Despite these assurances, public concerns over gas-cylinder safety continue to grow, as this incident is one of several reported in recent months.
Ganpat’s family now faces another devastating tragedy of burying their loved one.
Dead: Basmattie Ganpat
The house that was destroyed by the explosion
Basmattie Ganpat after the explosion
Govt allocates $600M to Small Business Development Fund
– business incubators, industrial estates among planned initiatives for 2025
With the aim of supporting small businesses, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has set aside $600 million for the Small Business Development Fund, an increase in its allocation to the fund compared to last year.
The Small Business Development Fund received an allocation of $450 million in 2024. A perusal of the 2025 budget estimates show that this provision has increased to $600 million this year, a 33.3 per cent increase.
In his presentation of the 2025 budget, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni
Singh had lauded the important role small businesses play in enhancing the lives of citizens.
He had also spoken of the various forms of assistance the PPP/C Government has provided to small businesses throughout last year, as well as the further assistance they can look forward to in 2025.
For instance, he explained that the Belvedere and Lethem industrial estates on the Corentyne and in Region Nine respectively, have already been completed. These will provide 101 plots for small businesses operating in light, medium and processing industries.
Additionally, further works have started by the
Government to build similar industrial estates in Regions Two, Three, Four and 10, with $3 billion being budgeted in the 2025 budget to continue these works.
Moving forward, it was explained that the Government will be designing and expanding the Guyana Shop to showcase products under the ‘Made in Guyana’ brand.
It was explained that 12 Guyana Shop spaces will be added to create 93 such spaces at shops across the country.
“In 2025, one additional agro-processing facility will be completed. In addition to the agribusiness hub at La Bonne Intention, another will be established at Bartica, while an additional 1,242 farmers and agro-processors are expected to benefit from related training. To ensure these and other initiatives continue, $527.4 million was expended in 2024 and a further $800 million is budgeted for 2025,” Dr Singh also said.
Apart from the preceding initiatives to create opportunities for entrepreneurship, the Finance Minister also announced that in 2025, they will be actively pursuing the establishment of business incubators and comprehensive training and mentorship programmes to foster entre-
preneurship.
“To date, over 10,000 small business owners have been trained, of which over 2,400 received training in areas like financial management, business plan writing, and marketing fundamentals. In 2025, we plan to train an additional 3,000 entrepreneurs in key sectors,” the Finance Minister said.
The Government’s work also included improving access to credit and grants by providing startup grants and implementing a collateral guarantee programme, as well as establishing
funds to stimulate innovation and new businesses.
“Since August 2020, we have provided a total of 132 loans, including 21 disability loans, and over 4,000 grants of which 43 were green tech grants. In 2024, we disbursed 46 loans,” the Finance Minister explained.
The Government was also able to implement the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, which saw several schools sensitised and resulted in over 50 business plans being submitted to date.
Additionally, a Small Business Bureau
Marketplace Portal was established to connect buyers and sellers. He revealed that as much as 192 small businesses are now online.
“In 2024, another agro-processing facility at Crabwood Creek was completed bringing the total to 15 across the country over the past four years, benefitting over 150 agro-processors. In addition, one packaging facility and nine solar drying facilities were constructed and operationalised while 190 farmers and agro-processors were trained,” the Minister disclosed.
Man killed by brother in Victoria
Akeem Prince, 34, of Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was allegedly murdered by his brother, Kareem Prince, 28, early Sunday morning, police said.
The brothers, who were living together, reportedly had an argument between 4:00h and 6:30h, at their home.
While details regarding the incident are still unclear, it was reported that during the altercation, Kareem is alleged to have struck Akeem in the head with a machete, resulting in his death.
Following the incident, Kareem was arrested and is currently in police custody. Authorities are investi-
gating the circumstances surrounding the incident. This follows a similar incident earlier in the year in West Coast Berbice (WCB), when, on New Year’s Day, Kiran Bacchus, 41, was fatally injured during a physical confrontation with his younger brother at their home in Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree.
Firearm found, 2 men in custody for Tucville shooting incident
Two men are in police custody following a shooting incident in Tucville, Georgetown, Saturday night.
It was reported that police officers on mobile patrol received information around 23:00h and responded to an area between Perry and Saman Streets, where they heard two loud explosions that sounded like gunshots.
Upon investigating, officers observed three males running east along the street.
The ranks pursued the suspects and apprehended one individual, identified as 31-year-old Darwin Bennons, known as ‘Dirty’ a vendor from Meadowbrook Housing Scheme.
Bennons was found holding a Sig Sauer 9mm pis-
tol in his right hand. Police seized the firearm and discovered that the magazine
did not contain any ammunition. When questioned, Bennons revealed that he did not possess a firearm licence.
He was arrested and cautioned for the offence.
Police continued their search in the area and arrested a second man, 18-yearold Ronald Gilbert, a labourer from Meadowbrook, who was also taken into custody.
Further searches at the men’s homes revealed no illegal items.
The firearm was taken to the East La Penitence Police Station, where it was dusted for fingerprints, though no prints were found.
The weapon was subsequently marked, sealed in an evidence bag, and sent to
Ballistics for analysis. Both Bennons and Gilbert remain in custody, assisting police with the ongoing investigation.
Arrested: Darwin Bennons Arrested: Ronald Gilbert
The firearm that was found in Darwin Bennons’ possession
Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh
$37M Esau and Jacob Health Centre commissioned
The Health Ministry on Saturday commissioned a new state-of-the-art health centre at Esau and Jacob village, Region 5 (MahaicaBerbice).
The new facility represents a total investment of $37 million into the community.
The new health centre will offer a wide range of services, including maternal and child health care, family planning, general outpatient services, chronic disease management, school health programmes, pharmacy services, and home visits, ensuring comprehensive health support for all residents.
Spearheading the commissioning ceremony was Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, who noted that the construction of the new healthcare facility reaffirms the Government’s commitment towards ensuring that underserved areas have access to all health services.
“One of the things that we’ve been trying to do in the Ministry of Health, is to ensure that the underserved areas in our country... that we are able to not
just build health facilities, but to bring the services to the community.”
“For a long time, what
centralise health care, the Minister noted that the Mahaicony hospital is now equipped to do surgeries,
we have been doing, we have been going across along the river, we’ve been going to Mora Point, and that’s where most of the people in Mahaicony Creek had to go to get service and that by itself was not adequate and we therefore decided that this is going to be an important addition where people can come and get care. And that’s why we have put this facility here,”
The Health Minster added.
Moreover, as part of the Ministry’s efforts to de -
eliminating the need for persons to travel outside of the region to undergo these procedures. He noted too that last year, some 200 planned surgeries were executed at the facility.
“We also recognise that while it is a hospital, there was no surgery that was being done. So everybody from this region, when you had to get a surgery, you had to go outside of the region to do so… we have started to do surgeries at the Mahaicony Hospital because under this
section of the interior Government, we have been able to build surgical theatres and we are now performing surgeries at the hospital. Last year, for example, we were able to do more than 200 and something planned surgeries at that hospital. So, you don’t have to go and travel out of the region to be able to do that,” he disclosed.
Additionally, with the construction of the new $6 billion Regional Hospital at Bath Settlement, the Minister noted that health care in the region will be significantly improved with residents now having ac-
cess to their own accident and emergency unit.
“When we operationalise that hospital, there would be even more improvements in the regional infrastructure, health infrastructure. So, when that hospital becomes operational, what you will have there is a 24 hours accident and emergency. So, anybody that gets an accident now, you ain’t got to rush to go to New Amsterdam or rush to go to Georgetown. You would have your own accident and emergency at that new hospital and it would be properly staffed.”
In addition to this unit the hospital will be equipped with a 24/7 operating laboratory as well as an X-ray facility. The new facility will serve more than 30,000 residents of Region Five.
Importantly, the health facility would be classified a level four hospital, eradicating the necessity for persons to be referred to hospitals in Georgetown or New Amsterdam.
The health facility is being constructed by China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation, Sinopharm.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony
The $37M Esau and Jacob Health Centre
A
2022 oil blocks' auction: 4 companies submit final documents
– Natural Resources Minister assures licences to be issued in 2025
Over a year after Guyana’s first auction of its oil blocks, it has been confirmed by the Ministry of Natural Resources that four of the companies who took part in the auction, have made final submission of critical documents required to move the process forward –with the Ministry aiming to issue exploration licences sometime during this year.
During the Ministry of Natural Resources endof -year press conference, Permanent Secretary Joslyn McKenzie provided an update on the 2022 oil block auction.
McKenzie revealed that at least four companies have made final submission of documents needed to move the process forward.
“On the auction very quickly, indeed the companies that have indicated acceptance of the PSA, they’ve been asked to make the final submission of some of the documents, including financial statements,” he explained.
“And also, a number of other legal and regulatory documents in keeping with the PAA of 2023. Those submissions have been made for four of the companies. And we’re in the final stages of that review,” McKenzie added.
The Permanent Secretary noted that since they are dealing with a number of consortiums, reviews have to be done for every one of the companies involved.
However, he assured that there are no challenges with the companies, relative to their submissions.
Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat acknowledged the time it has taken to resolve the auction.
However, he noted why this time was necessary, since the Government is honing the terms for the model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for future agreements.
“I want to personally apologise, because I agree with you. We should have concluded at least some of the agreements with regards to the bid round. It has taken a long time. But what we wanted, I think Vice President did mention it. We wanted a PSA that applies to all the bidders,” the Minister said.
“We could have concluded this process and done a PSA for Exxon, one for Total, one for the International Group, we could have concluded long before if we had done that. But that wasn’t what we wanted. We wanted to have a PSA that was accepted by all the bidders and a PSA that any future bidders would have to work with. And I think that is what took the time.”
Meanwhile, in response to questions from this publication, Minister Bharrat did confirm, following the press conference, that exploration licences for these companies will be issued no later than 2025.
It had been revealed last year that four of the six successful bidders in the auction have already accepted the terms of the agreement.
According to a list released by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Total
Energies EP Guyana BV, in consortium with Qatar Energy International E&P LLC and Petronas E&P Overseas Ventures SDN BHD (Malaysia) – which bid for block S4 – have already accepted the PSA.
It had also been announced that Delcorp Inc. Guyana, comprising Watad Energy and Communications Limited, and Arabian Drilling Company of Saudi Arabia, which bid for block D1; and Ghana-based Cybele Energy Limited, which bid for block S7, had also accepted their PSA, which is in the final stages of review.
International Group Investment Inc of Nigeria, which bid for blocks S5 and S10, had also accepted the PSAs for both blocks, and according to the Natural Resources Ministry, they were being processed.
However, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNRE) had explained that Stabroek Block partners, ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd, Hess Guyana Lt & CNOOC, which bid for block S8, were reviewing the PSA. The MNRE had also said it was awaiting a response from local women-led company Sispro Inc, which bid for blocks D2 and S3.
The 2016 oil contract for the Stabroek Block, signed between the ExxonMobilled co-venturers and thethen APNU/AFC Coalition Government for production in the oil-rich Stabroek Block, had been heavily criticised for low royalty, lack of ring-fencing provisions, and cost oil claims that saw Guyana losing bil -
lions, among other issues. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration in 2023 introduced a series of stringent terms and conditions for new oil deals that the
country would sign.
These include increase of the royalty from a mere two per cent to now a 10 per cent fixed rate; the imposition of a 10 per cent corporate tax, and the lowering
of the cost recovery ceiling to 65 per cent from the previous 75 per cent, while maintaining the retention of the 50-50 profit-sharing after cost recovery.
35,000 senior citizens to benefit from water subsidies
Government has proposed a $298.1 million for water subsidies for more than 35,000 seniors. This reflects an increase of some 2,000 more persons benefitting in 2025, compared to the 33,000 beneficiaries in 2024. According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) news report, this comes from the $42.8 billion that has been
budgeted in 2025 to ensure senior citizens enjoy their golden years in comfort.
In addition to the water subsidies, another basic need is being provided in the
(DPI photo)
form of electricity subsidies for 29,000 senior citizens nationwide.
Another $800 million is being expended for the construction of an elderly care facility in Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), to provide comprehensive care services.
These interventions were highlighted last Friday during the 2025 budget presentation by the Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh in the National Assembly. Also included in the budget this year was an increase in old-age pension to $41,000. According to the DPI, this signals a fulfilment of a commitment outlined in the People’s Progressive Party/Civics’ (PPP/C) 20202025 Manifesto plan.
The oil blocks that were part of the last auction
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh
Scenes from the Guyana Police Force community outreaches: Over the past week, the Guyana Police Force has continued its community outreaches to foster trust and build relationships with communities. Among the most recent were outreaches at Mango Landing, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); Zeelandia Estate, Wakenaam Island, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini) and Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) (GPF photos)
Additional 26 acres of artificial island set to transform Guyana’s supply chain capabilities
…as VEHSI seeks out investments for project
As part of an ambi-
tious project to bolster Guyana’s supply chain and logistics capabilities, Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc (VEHSI) Director, Nicholas DeygooBoyer, revealed that the company is now working to develop an additional 26 acres of artificial island to support this goal.
The Director made this highlight during a recent episode of the Energy Perspectives Podcast.
Deygoo-Boyer noted that the recently completed US$300 million Vreed-enHoop Shorebase, represents only one part of plans to revolutionise Guyana’s logistics and supply chain capabilities.
He revealed that the construction method used to create the 44-acre artificial island, also allows for an additional 26 acres of island to be constructed.
“When you consider the 44-acre island that was being purpose-built for ExxonMobil. In reality, the methods we'd use for construction actually allowed us to have what we anticipated to be around a 70-acre island. So, we're now working out how do we, and what do we do with the additional areas that have been created and how do we, you know, deploy those areas.”
The director noted that stakeholders within the consortium had acquired the
land used for the Vreeden-Hoop Shorebase project along with some additional areas to execute an even bigger transformative project.
The director noted that the end goal is to construct a revolutionary facility that will be called the Port of Vreed-en-Hoop.
“...and under the Port of Vreed-en-Hoop project, VEHSI we see as just a sub-project; and I've always touted whenever I've spoken publicly about this, that we see the next phase of this as being investments that can really impact the average Guyanese citizen,” he disclosed.
Emphasising on how this project will benefit Guyanese citizens and the country as a whole, the di-
rector explained that the project will allow Exxon to move more of its operations onto Guyana shores whilst also allowing for additional berths outside of the oil and gas sector.
“VEHSI, you know, is assisting Exxon and bringing more of Exxon's value chain onto Guyana Shores because a lot of the work being done on this base was done elsewhere in areas such as Trinidad and Tobago or Houston before, but that is an indirect benefit.”
The director added. “The more direct benefit is when we can expand or add additional berths that are not servicing the oil and gas industry but that are servicing the normal commercial shipping which would then
have a direct impact on the average person. So for us we are recovering from investing and building VEHSI but figuring out how do we take the next steps to get a berth that can actually, you know, make an impact on the average Guyanese citizen.”
Last December, with all three phases of the US$300 million VEHSI being completed, VEHSI Director Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer had revealed that they are looking to officially hand over the facility to ExxonMobil in January of 2025.
It was also explained that the shore base will support petroleum operations, including offshore sub-sea equipment installation for capital projects, the storage and preservation of emergency response equipment such as capping stacks, and the fabrication of critical equipment like Pipeline End Termination (PLETS) and Flowline End Termination (FLETS) in Guyana.
In April 2022, ExxonMobil Guyana and VEHSI signed a 20-year agreement for shore base services to be provided at the port of Vreed-enHoop facility to support the United States (US) oil giant’s operations offshore Guyana. The sod was subsequently turned in June on the US$300 million facility.
VEHSI is a joint venture between a fully-owned Guyanese consortium –NRG Holdings Incorporated, and Jan De Nul Group, the Belgium-based company undertaking the project that specialises in offshore, marine, civil, environment, and project development.
The consortium includes, among others, Boyer of National Hardware Guyana Limited, and Andron Alphonso of ZRN Investments Inc.
Located in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), the Vreed-enHoop facility occupies some
40 acres of coastal land.
Phase One of the project saw the deepening, widening, and dredging of the access channel, as well as land reclamation. It also included work on an offshore terminal, dry dock facility, and fabrication yard spanning 65 hectares. Meanwhile, Phase Two involved deepening the dredging of the access canal and expanding reclamation. The mega-port will centralise multiple shipping and logistic services in one location. In November 2023, the Shore Base received its first commercial ship, the MV Virtuous Striker. Additionally, with a cargo of over 26,900 tonnes, it was one of the largest payloads to ever be offloaded. The docking and offloading of the vessel marked a major milestone for the facility. At 190m long, this vessel was the longest to ever enter the Demerara River at the time.
36 traffic violations detected during ‘White Night’ Campaign
Atotal of 36 traffic offences were recorded in Regional Division 10 (Upper DemeraraUpper Berbice) during a “White Night” campaign held Saturday.
The initiative, led by traffic ranks, aimed to address a variety of violations and improve overall service
tification marks. Several drivers were found violating safety regulations, such as failing to wear helmets, not wearing seat belts, and operating unfit vehicles.
Other offences included driving without a valid driver’s licence, breaching provisional licence conditions, and driving vehicles
delivery using body pack cameras to document offenders.
The campaign uncovered a range of violations, including unlicensed and uninsured vehicles, uncertified motor vehicles, and vehicles with no front iden-
with tinted windows or inadequate lighting.
In addition to issuing fines, some offenders were given warnings in an effort to raise awareness about road safety, and to reduce preventable accidents.
The enforcement of
these laws is part of a broader effort to improve road safety and ensure that drivers and their vehicles meet the necessary standards. Authorities hope that these campaigns will encourage better compliance and contribute to safer driving conditions in the region.
On Friday, during his
national budget presentation, Dr Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, highlighted significant allocations aimed at strengthening national security in 2025.
The Government is investing in advanced technology for traffic management and crime prevention,
as well as improving mobility for law enforcement with a $2 billion fund for new vehicles.
A total of $108.7 billion has been set aside to enhance public safety, with a focus on modernising the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Dr Singh announced an allocation of $34.4 billion for the GPF to address
past deficiencies, including inadequate equipment, limited vehicles, and the expansion of police infrastructure.
This comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure a safer environment for all citizens, underscoring the importance of continued investment in public safety initiatives
VEHSI Director Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer
Some of the vehicles that were stopped during the exercise
Desperation or ‘unity’ – Jagdeo questions Opposition's credibility
With General and Regional Elections approaching, many members of the opposition are clamoring in a fit of desperation to regain relevance once again, in time for E-Day. These sentiments were expressed by Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.
Speaking at his recent party press conference on Thursday at Freedom House, Robb Street, the Vice President questioned the believability of some of the tactics of the opposition.
Most recently, as Jagdeo pointed out, there seems to be a sudden projection of unity among the party factions; factions which were birthed during the recent internal elections of the
main opposition party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R).
“To believe today that the party is united, [especially when] it’s the same racist you have gone back to… the racist who has converted the PNC into a racist organisation; you have to [have done] this out of desperation… how can you now tell the people of the country to vote for a racist?” he questioned.
Jagdeo, a Department of Public Information (DPI) report stated, made reference to specific examples where opposition members have publicly displayed disunity and are now trying to portray a different narrative to the public.
“Roysdale Forde is on record as saying that Norton is racist and the People’s National Congress, under Norton, will be a rac-
ist organisation. He said he withdrew from the race for the leadership of the party, claiming corruption in the [process] and also that it was rigged,” Jagdeo reminded the DPI report noted.
The thing that made
this example unique, Dr Jagdeo pointed out, is the fact that usually, antagonistic views of the opposition are expressed by either lower-level party members or outsiders, but this time, the accusations came from a senior member.
“This is not like somebody who was critical of them. He was an insider. It’s not like [it] was somebody on the other side, because sometimes people criticise each other… this was an insider,” VP Jagdeo stated.
The other contender
Jagdeo further reminded that another former contender for the party leadership had come forward in support for a fellow party member who had accused the opposition leader of attempted rape.
This egregious accusation drew national attention and created even further division among the opposition members.
Jagdeo used this example to highlight how hypocritical it would be for the once contender and champion of the rights for fellow party members to now
Pensioner receives new home from Men on
Seventy-eight-year-old pensioner and former Guyana National Service member Berenda Bowman and her husband John Bowman are the latest recipients of a new home, compliments of the Men on Mission (MOM).
The elated couple received the keys to their new two-bedroom South Ruimveldt, Georgetown abode in a simple ceremony on Saturday.
Bowman told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that previously, they lived in a
cramped wooden makeshift home. However, given the multiple health issues both husband and wife faced,
this arrangement was extremely uncomfortable.
A concerned neighbour suggested that they
come out in support of the opposition leader.
“So if you believe that one of your fellow female activists said that he (Norton) attempted to rape her, and you called for an impartial investigation and nothing happened, then you’re gonna have a hard time selling his leadership,” Jagdeo is quoted as saying in the DPI report.
The vice president also noted that the issues among the members of the party are too major to just skim over in an attempt to fool the voters.
“When they talk about this so-called ‘unity’ and ‘there is no major problem.’ There is a major problem now because this is on record and how could you credibly say that you support all of this,” the VP questioned.
Mission
seek help from the MOM, and according to Bowman, this was the catalyst for a life-changing intervention.
“She said that they assist people, but I didn’t really know how to ask them for help. She said she’d write to them to see if I could get through, and I was so happy when they called because I couldn’t afford to do this myself,” Bowman divulged.
Her husband John Bowman was equally overwhelmed and relieved at this compassionate gesture by the MOM.
“This initiative is very helpful to those who are not in a position to build their own home or rebuild a new home. I hope that this initiative will continue as long as the PPP/C (People's Progressive Party/Civic) remains in Government,” he said.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister
with Responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy oversaw the joyous occasion.
He said that unwavering support for vulnerable groups is a cornerstone of the PPP/C Government’s philosophy.
“Government is about working for people and ensuring that the welfare of the people is taken care of and in such a way that exemplifies and put on display compassion, love, empathy, [and] sympathy,” he said.
This compassion and love are further highlighted against the backdrop of the recently announced $1.138 trillion national budget, which includes an increase in the old-age pension from $36,000 to $41,000 per month.
This measure will benefit over 76,000 pensioners and place an additional $4.5 billion of disposable
income in their hands.
“This represents the commitment we made when we campaigned across this country that we would double old age pension. And we said it in such a way that we ensure that we did not let people down and we stick to our promise,” Minister McCoy reminded. He said that the Men on Mission, which was conceptualised by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali in 2022 was meant to represent the character of this Government. The initiative aims to provide a platform for the nation’s men to bring about positive change in society. Through a range of community projects, including cleanups, youth mentorship programmes and health outreaches, the MOM supports those in need while equipping young men with the skills needed to become role models.
PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo
The new home handed over to Berenda Bowman and her husband
Berenda Bowman
Interactions are essential for discussing development – PM tells Sarah Johanna residents
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips recently participated in a community outreach in Sarah Johanna, East Bank of Demerara (EBD).
The Prime Minister highlighted that the visit reflects the Government's unwavering commitment to engaging with residents
across Guyana. He stressed that these interactions are essential for “discussing development” that enhance the lives and livelihoods of all Guyanese, in keeping with the Government’s One Guyana agenda.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Phillips listened to residents as they raised concerns on
issues including drainage and irrigation, road and infrastructure rehabilitation, housing and water, and overall community upliftment. He assured attendees that, in the coming weeks, various Government officials will visit the area to address the matters highlighted and work towards sustain-
able solutions.
The Prime Minister was joined by the Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy; and the Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues.
Caricom celebrates posthumous pardon of Marcus Garvey
The Caribbean Community (Caricom) expresses its profound gratitude for the posthumous pardon granted by the Biden administration to Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, a distinguished civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist leader, and National Hero of Jamaica.
This was the sentiments expressed by Chair of Caricom and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley.
“This long-awaited exoneration is a testament to the unwavering advocacy of Caricom leaders, both individually and collectively, along with countless members of the diaspora, for the rectification of the unjust
conviction of an ardent advocate for the rights and liberties of individuals of African descent,” Mottley said in a statement on Sunday.
Caricom, she added, extends its heartfelt congratulations to his son, Julius Garvey, and other members of his family, as well as to the Government and People of Jamaica, “and all
who honour the remarkable legacy of this extraordinary son of our region. His life and work continue to inspire and influence both within and beyond the Caribbean.”
Also on Sunday, the Jamaica Observer, reported that Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness has welcomed the decision by the United States (US) to grant posthumous clemency to Jamaica’s first National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey.
Holness thanked outgoing US President Joe Biden, the Jamaican diaspora, and advocates worldwide for their efforts in achieving this outcome. He emphasised the significance of this clemency, which follows Jamaica’s 2018 legislation absolving National Heroes and freedom fighters of wrongful convictions.
“As Prime Minister, I consider this clemency a first step toward the to-
tal exoneration and expungement of this historical injustice. In 2018, our Administration passed The National Heroes and Other Freedom Fighters (Absolution from Criminal Liability in Respect of Specified Acts) Act, clearing the records of Jamaica’s National Heroes and freedom fighters who were wrongfully accused and convicted during their struggle for our freedom. This legislative action reflects Jamaica’s unwavering commitment to preserving the honour and legacy of those who fought for justice and equality” stated Holness in the Jamaica Observer article.
He has urged Jamaicans to recommit to Garvey’s vision of unity, progress, and empowerment, declaring January 19, 2025, a proud and historic day for the nation.
On January 19, his last day in office, US President Joe Biden has granted five pardons, including one to Trinidad-born immigrant-rights activist Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir and another posthumously to Jamaican political activist Marcus Mosiah Garvey, who died in 1940.
Chair of Caricom, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley
Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness
Political activist Marcus Garvey (right)
Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Fam meD, enDocrinology/ DiabeTes
Postpartum depression can occur after giv-
ing birth. It involves a persistent low mood as well as other depression symptoms. Having postpartum depression does not mean that a person does not love
work or at home
• Difficulty sleeping Feeling overwhelmed
Feeling unattractive
Feeling the need to be a perfect parent but feeling unable to achieve this
• Not having any free time
• Having breastfeeding difficulties
Having a substance use disorder
Having a baby with special needs
Having had an unwanted pregnancy
• Being younger than 20
• Having a lack of support from family and friends
• Having had complications during delivery
• The need for the infant to spend time in the hospital
HEALTH TIPS
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
bouts of crying
• Feeling unable to make decisions
• Withdrawing from friends and family
Having no interest in the baby, or feeling as if they are another person’s responsibility
Some people experience postpartum psychosis, a severe mental health problem that needs immediate medical attention. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, mania, paranoia, and confusion. Others experience baby blues. This is different from postpartum depression. It affects many new parents and usually disappears after 3 – 5 days.
A healthcare provider can help a person understand the cause of a low mood after childbirth, and they can provide effective treatments and self-care strategies, if
their baby. It is a mental health condition, and treatment can resolve it. Anyone with symptoms should see a doctor immediately.
Postpartum depression affects 1 in 9 new mothers, the Office on Women’s Health report. Symptoms may arise within 1 month or 1 year of delivery. They include a persistently low mood that lasts for at least 2 weeks. Also, according to an older study, 10% of new fathers experience similar depression, the highest rates of which occur within 3 to 6 months after childbirth.
Postpartum depression is different from the “baby blues” that many new parents experience.
CAUSES
Doctors do not know exactly what causes postpartum depression, but it can affect anyone. Genetic factors may play a role, and environmental factors may also contribute. The following may increase the risk of developing postpartum depression:
Past trauma
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Previous diagnosis or family history of depression or bipolar disorder
• Physical and emotional stress of delivery and childcare
Added stress at
• Experiencing preterm birth
• Having a baby with a low birth weight
STILLBIRTH AND PREGNANCY LOSS
There are an estimated 2 million stillbirths every year, one in every 16 seconds, after 20 weeks of pregnancy. This may increase the risk of postpartum depression. Experts report that 14.8% of people who experience pregnancy loss have postpartum depression, compared with 8.3% of those with regular deliveries.
SYMPTOMS
Postpartum depression can affect people differently, but below are some common signs and symptoms:
• Low or sad mood
Anxiety and irritability
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Feeling guilty, worthless, hopeless, or helpless
• Pain, such as a headache or stomachache
• Lack of appetite Difficulty thinking or focusing
• Low motivation and a lack of interest in activities
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Feeling unable to care for the baby
Frequent or long
necessary.
Postpartum depression can cause people to think about harming their child or themselves, including thoughts of suicide. If anyone has these thoughts, they or someone else should seek immediate help.
DIAGNOSIS
If symptoms of depression last 2 weeks or longer within 1 year of giving birth, a person should receive medical attention. This is also crucial for anyone who is having trouble caring for themselves or their baby. The doctor would ask questions about symptoms and medical histories. The doctor may also request blood tests to rule out other causes of depression.
TREATMENT
Treatment for postpartum depression is essential for the well-being of the parent and their newborn. The sooner a person receives it, the sooner they are likely to recover. Treatment is effective in most cases. Once the issue has been identified, the doctor usually prescribes a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
Tips for helping to support recovery include:
• Acknowledging the problem
• Being open about any feelings
Getting help from
friends and family
Joining a support group. Support groups can reduce the feelings of isolation and provide tools and helpful strategies.
Medications
These may be antidepressants, which can help manage symptoms and improve the mood. They may take 6 to 8 weeks to work, however. If psychosis occurs, antipsychotic medications can help.
All medications can have adverse effects, and it is important to work with a doctor closely to find a treatment plan that works.
There is also a small risk that some medications can enter breast milk. The doctor would work with the person to find one what is likely to be safe and effective.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Cognitive behavioural therapy, sometimes called CBT, may help resolve moderate postpartum depression. Its aim is to find new ways to approach and interpret situations, and to develop more positive ways of thinking.
Interpersonal therapy may also be a good option. Its goal is to improve communication skills and help develop social networks. This can help a person manage challenges that may otherwise lead to depression.
Treating severe postpartum depression
If symptoms are severe and other strategies are not effective, it may help to spend time in the hospital. In some cases, a doctor may recommend electroconvulsive therapy.
THERAPIES
ALTERNATIVE
Some people may use the following therapies to help relieve postpartum depression:
Bright light therapy
• Acupuncture Massage
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation
There is limited evidence that any of this works, however. Check with a doctor first. Anyone interested in acupuncture should be sure to find a qualified practitioner.
SELF-CARE TIPS
During and after pregnancy, a person can take some steps to help prevent or manage postpartum depression. Strategies include:
• Having a healthful diet, and getting regular exercise
• Keeping all medical appointments, and following up about health concerns
Eating small meals regularly to maintain blood sugar levels
Getting at least 7–8 hours of sleep each night
Planning during pregnancy to reduce stress after delivery
• Speaking openly to loved ones about feelings and concerns
• Keeping in touch with friends and family, especially if parenting alone
Asking a healthcare professional about local selfhelp groups
Asking others for help with practical and emotional challenges
Resting, rather than doing housework, when the baby sleeps
• Avoiding major changes, such as moving house, soon after delivery
• Seeking help for housing, social, and other issues that arise
Learning more tips for coping with postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is a common and potentially serious mental health condition. Without treatment, the symptoms can worsen, making it harder for the person to care for the baby and themselves. Anyone who experiences a low mood for at least 2 weeks in the first year after delivery should seek medical care. Treatment can help significantly.
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2025
06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time
06:30 Cartoons
07:00 Week-in-Review (RB)
07:30 Cartoons
08:00 Stop Suffering
08:30 Stay Woke
09:00 Food Network
10:00 HGTV
11:00 Paternity Court
11:30 Divorce Court
12:00 News Break
12:05 Indian Movie - Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001)
15:00 Indian Soaps
16:00 My Adventures with Superman S1 E6
16:30 When Calls the Heart
17:00 The Young & The Restless
18:00 Aljazeera
19:00 The Evening News
20:00 Unsolved Mysteries
21:00 9-1-1 S3 E1
22:00 Ozark S4 E6
23:00 Queen of the South S5 E6
00:00 Sign off
One in 8 children internally displaced in Haiti – UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says the humanitarian crisis in Haiti has reached a critical point, with one in eight children now internally displaced due to escalating violence fueled by armed groups who continue to control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
UNICEF pointed to the latest data that reveals that over 500,000 children have been forced from their homes, representing a 48 per cent increase since last September.
It said in total, more than one million Haitians are internally displaced, half of whom are children urgently requiring humanitarian aid.
“It is a horrific time to be a child in Haiti, with violence upending lives and forcing more children and families from their homes,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
“Children desperately need safety, protection and access to essential services.
We cannot look away,” she added. Russell said decades of political instability, poverty and inequality have enabled the rise of armed groups, stating that the impact on children has been devastating.
UNICEF pointed to reports that indicate a 70 per cent surge in child recruitment by gangs over the past year, with minors making up as much as 50 per cent of their ranks. (Excerpted from CMC)
Biden pardons Marcus Garvey posthumously
Late civil rights lead-
er Marcus Garvey was among five people pardoned by US President Joe Biden on Sunday. The outgoing president also commuted the sentences of two, the White House said in a statement.
Garvey, Jamaica’s first National Hero who died in 1940, was convicted of mail fraud in 1923 and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, a sentence that was commuted by US President Calvin Coolidge in 1927. The Jamaican is credited as the first man to organise a mass movement among African-Americans. He was also the founder of the Black Star Line shipping company and the pan-African organisation Universal Negro Improvement Association.
Democratic lawmakers have lobbied Presidents for decades for a full pardon for Garvey, arguing that the charges against him were politically motivated.
According to Reuters, the other people pardoned include Darryl Chambers, a gun violence prevention advocate who was convicted of a non-violent drug offence, immigration advocate Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir, who was convicted of a non-violent offence in 2001.
The news agency reported that Biden also pardoned Don Leonard Scott, who was convicted of a non-violent drug of-
fence in 1994 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Scott was elected to the Virginia state legislature in 2019 and became its first Black speaker last year, the White House said. Kemba Smith Pradia, a criminal justice advocate who was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offence in 1994, also was pardoned, reported Reuters. (Jamaica Observer)
Statue of Spanish conqueror Pizarro returns to Peru amid controversy
An imposing bronze statue of Francisco Pizarro, Peru’s Spanish conqueror, has been returned to a spot near its former location in Lima’s main square, 22 years after it was removed, in an apparent attempt to rehabilitate the conquistador’s controversial legacy.
Weighing 7 tonnes and standing 5 metres tall, the Italian Renaissance-inspired sculpture of Pizarro astride a horse with his sword drawn was re-inaugurated on Saturday as part of celebrations marking the 490th anniversary of the Peruvian capital city’s foundation.
The main square was closed off to the public and guarded by police as the statue covered in a white cloth was unveiled by Lima’s far-right mayor Rafael López Aliaga and the regional president of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso.
The Spanish politician from the conservative People’s party (PP) had been invited to the Peruvian capital to mark the city’s anniversary. The symbolic vindication of Pizarro, the conquistador who led 167 Spaniards to defeat the Inca Empire, has provoked mixed reactions in a country still
T&T ex-TSTT workers awarded $5M: Court condemns 2018 retrenchment
The Industrial Court has strongly criticised majority state-owned telecommunications provider Telecommunications Services of T&T (TSTT) for its handling of the retrenchment of 500 workers, including former Communications Workers’ Union (CWU) secretary-general Clyde Elder, in 2018.
Delivering a judgment on Friday, four Industrial Court judges from the court’s Essential Services Division (ESD) upheld four trade disputes brought by CWU. They ordered $10,000 in compensation for each of the workers except Elder as they directed the company to immediately rescind his retrenchment.
The company was also ordered to pay Elder $100,000 in exemplary damages and the salary and retirement benefits he would have received had he not been wrongly
retrenched along with the workers. This amounts to atotal of over $5 million.
The cases stemmed from a retrenchment exercise conducted by the company in late 2018. The company claimed that it took action because of major drops in revenue due to the decline of its traditional business and the rise of broadband internet. It claimed that it properly consulted with the union, and the workers were paid their lawful benefits under the Retrenchment and Severance Benefits Act.
The union noted that the retrenchment came after TSTT acquired Massy Communications Ltd and rebranded it Amplia Communications Ltd. It claimed that the company did not enter into meaningful discussions before taking the action and the dismissals were harsh and oppressive. It also claimed
that the company breached the “last in, first out” (LIFO) provisions of two collective agreements as it sent senior staff and retained junior staff who held similar positions.
Industrial Court judges Lawrence Achong, Michelle Austin, Andrew Stroude, and Vincent Cabrera did not question TSTT’s decision to retrench but found fault in the manner it was conducted.
Cabrera, who wrote the judgment, said, “Even though the objectives of the employer may be legitimate and necessary, the employer should not shirk its responsibility to be fair and to be guided by the legislation, the articles of the collective agreement, and by the principles of good industrial relations.
Company gets until March 10 to make payments. (Excerpted from T&T Guardian)
Colombian drug gang violence kills 60 persons
The death toll from attacks by a rebel group in Colombia's Catatumbo region has risen to 60, the country's human rights office has said.
Rival factions have been vying for control of the cocaine trade in the regionwhich sits near the border with Venezuela - for years.
The Ombudsman's Office said the latest violence involved the National Liberation Army (ELN)the largest armed group still active in Colombia - and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), which signed a peace treaty with the state in 2016.
The attacks broke an uneasy truce between the guerrilla groups, which had been in peace negotiations with the government.
The Ombudsman's Office, a government agency that oversees the protection of citizens' human and civil rights, previously reported that 40 had died in the violence.
It said that many people, including community leaders and their families, were facing a "special risk" of being kidnapped or killed at the hands of the ELN. It noted that 20 people had recently been kidnapped, half of whom were women.
The office said that among those killed were seven peace treaty signatories and Carmelo Guerrero, the leader of the Association for Peasant Unity in Catatumbo (Asuncat), a local advocacy group.
Asuncat wrote on social media on Friday that Roger Quintero and Freiman
Velasquez, members of its board of directors, had not been seen since the previous day, and that it suspected armed groups had taken them.
"In some communities in the region, food shortages are beginning to be reported, affecting local communities," the Ombudsman's Office wrote in a statement on Saturday, adding that thousands of people are believed to have been displaced by the violence.
"Elderly people, children, adolescents, pregnant women and people with disabilities are suffering the consequences of these events."
"Catatumbo is once again stained with blood," the Association of Mothers of Catatumbo for Peace wrote on Friday. (BBC)
Migrants set fire to camp during midnight Police raid in north Mexico
Mdeeply divided along racial and class lines. Pizarro notoriously captured the Inca emperor Atahualpa in 1532 and held him to ransom until the room in which he was held was filled with gold and silver. He then had him executed the following year. (Excerpted from The Guardian)
igrants trying to avoid arrest set fire to blankets and mattresses at a camp in the northern Mexican city of Chihuahua during a raid by government forces to clear the site in the early hours of Saturday.
The enforcement action near the U.S. border come just ahead of the inauguration on Monday of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has accused Mexico's government of not doing enough to curb migra-
tion to the U.S. and threatened sweeping tariffs. About 250 Mexican officials, including National Guard military police in anti-riot gear, surrounded the encampment at around midnight, according to a Reuters witness.
Migrants began setting fire to mattresses and blankets in protest, the witness said, and tried to slip out of the site carrying babies and belongings.
No deaths or injuries were reported in the blaze, which was extinguished in under an hour.
Mexico's migration agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A migration official, who was not authorized to speak to reporters, told Reuters that the goal of the operation was to bring the migrants to Mexico's southern border, where they would be told to return to their home countries. It was not clear how many people were detained. (Reuters)
Late civil rights leader Marcus Garvey
Authorities reinstall a statue of Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro in Lima, Peru, on Saturday (Photograph: Alessandro Cinque/ Reuters)
Gaza ceasefire begins with release of 3 Israeli hostages and 90 Palestinian prisoners
Israel and Hamas have begun a long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza with the release of three Israeli female hostages in exchange for 90 Palestinians held in Israeli jails, in the first tentative steps to end 15 months of brutal war that has claimed almost 47,000 Palestinian lives in the coastal strip.
As the fighting ceased, hundreds of aid trucks queued to enter Gaza to deliver supplies to its 2.3 million residents, 90% of whom have been displaced by the conflict, many multiple times.
The halt in the fighting and the exchange of hostages for prisoners, while representing the first key hurdle in the complex ceasefire deal, was delayed for several hours amid a dispute between Israel and Hamas that underlined continuing concerns over the fragility of the agreement.
During the delay at least 13 Palestinians were reported killed during a blitz of continuing Israeli strikes.
The ceasefire came into force a day before the inauguration of the incoming US
president, Donald Trump, who had demanded an end to the fighting in Gaza as Hamas released the women to the Red Cross in a crowded square in central Gaza City – including the joint UK-Israeli citizen Emily Damari.
Damari was released with Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, who were all violently abducted on 7 October 2023 during Hamas’s surprise assault on southern Israeli communities bordering Gaza.
In images shared by her family after her release,
Damari, who lost two fingers after being shot during her abduction, is seen smiling as she hugs her mother and talks to family members by phone.
As the Israeli hostages were released, Red Cross officials were working in Israel’s Ofer prison to process the release of Palestinian prisoners.
In Gaza, thousands of Palestinians burst into the streets as the ceasefire began as others set off on foot even before it officially took hold to visit homes from which they had been displaced. (The Guardian)
TikTok restores service in US after Trump pledge
TikTok is resuming services to its 170 million users in US after President-elect Donald Trump said he would issue an executive order to give the app a reprieve when he takes office on Monday.
On Saturday evening, the Chinese-owned app stopped working for American users, after a law banning it on national security grounds came into effect.
But after Trump promised on Sunday to delay the im-
plementation of the law and allow more time for a deal to be made, TikTok said that it was in the process of “restoring service”.
It thanked the incoming president for “providing the necessary clarity and assurance” and said the company would work with Trump “on a long-term solution that keeps TikTok in the United States”.
Posting on Truth Social, a social media platform he owns, Trump said on Sunday: “I’m asking companies not to
let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security.”
TikTok’s parent company, Bytedance, previously ignored a law requiring it to sell its US operations to avoid a ban. The law was upheld by Supreme Court on Friday and went into effect on Sunday. (Excerpted from BBC)
Fire at India’s Maha Kumbh Mela festival contained, no one injured
Alarge fire broke out at a Hindu religious festival, the Maha Kumbh Mela, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, but the blaze was quickly brought under control and no injuries were reported, officials said.
The fire spread to at least 10 tents being used to host the Mela before emergency teams managed to contain it, District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mander told reporters.
“At 4.30 p.m. today, we received information about a fire ... Fire brigade, police teams and organising teams rushed to the spot,” he said, adding that the situation at the event was now normal.
The six-week-long Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher festival, began in India last Monday, and is touted as the
Around the World
4 Moroccan truck drivers disappear on Burkina-Niger border
Four Moroccan truck drivers went missing on Saturday as they crossed the restive border area between Burkina Faso and Niger, according to a source from the Moroccan embassy in Burkina Faso and a Moroccan transport union.
Three trucks, one carrying a spare driver, disappeared as they drove without an escort from Dori in Burkina Faso to Tera in Niger, an area known for Jihadist threats, the diplomatic source said.
Junta-led Burkina Faso and Niger are battling
Champagne
Islamist militant groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, whose insurgencies have destabilised Sahel states in West Africa over the past decade.
The Moroccan diplomatic source said the embassy was working together with Burkina Faso authorities to find the drivers.
Authorities in Burkina Faso have been organising security convoys to escort trucks in the border area to protect against militant attacks, the source said. The trucks set off after waiting for a week without getting an escort, Echarki El
Hachmi, Secretary General of Morocco’s transporters’ union, told Reuters. The trucks, loaded with infrastructure equipment, departed weeks ago from Casablanca heading to Niger, he said. El Hachmi urged more protection in areas of high risk as the number of Moroccan trucks crossing the Sahel continues to rise.
Earlier this month, a convoy of Moroccan trucks was attacked on the Malian border with Mauritania, although there were no casualties, El Hachmi said. (Reuters)
makers say sales losing fizz
amid global gloom and changing habits
Changing habits and the gloomy state of the world are taking the fizz out of French champagne sales, the producers’ association has said, with shipments down nearly 10% last year.
Consumers in crucial markets such as the US and home country France cut down on the luxury beverage, as economic and political anxiety dampened the party mood.
“Champagne is a real barometer of the state of mind of consumers,” said Maxime Toubart, the president of the Syndicat Général des Vignerons, the growers’ trade union, and co-president of the Comité Champagne (Champagne Committee), the joint trade
association.
“It is not time to celebrate given inflation, conflicts across the world, economic uncertainties and political wait-and-see in some of the largest champagne markets, such as France and the United States.”
More affordable alternatives including prosecco, English sparkling wine and crémant are increasingly replacing champagne among consumers, with demand for the premium French bubbly down to the lowest levels in more than two decades. Cut-price tipples have become more competitive in terms of quality in recent years.
Growing evidence suggests gen Z and millennials in key markets such as the
US are turning their backs on alcohol, often in favour of indulgences such as mocktails and marijuana, just as baby boomers retire and spend less on wine. Last July, French champagne producers ordered a cut in the number of grapes harvested after sales fell more than 15% in the first half of 2024. Full-year shipments were down 9.2% from 2023 at 271.4m bottles, according to the Comité Champagne.
There was a post-pandemic boom in demand for champagne in 2022 when shipments reached 326m bottles but it has since been on a downward slide. About 299m bottles shipped in 2023, a decline of more than 8%. (The Guardian)
South Korean impeached President’s detention extended
Acourt in Seoul has extended the time South Korea’s impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol will be detained over his botched attempt to impose martial law in the country last month.
Citing concerns Yoon could destroy evidence if released, on Sunday a judge issued a warrant allowing investigators to keep the suspended president in custody for up to 20 days.
The 64-year-old was arrested on Wednesday after a weeks-long standoff between investigators and his presidential security team.
Supporters of the president broke into the court after his detention was extended, reportedly smashing windows and doors in an incident condemned by Yoon and the country’s acting president.
at around 03:00 local time (18:00 GMT on Saturday).
The suspended president is being investigated by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) on charges of insurrection over a failed martial law order on 3 December that plunged the country into turmoil.
spent in custody following his arrest - to bring the president to trial.
After his detention was extended, Yoon’s lawyer, Yun Gap-geun, told the Yonhap News Agency that the president would refuse to be questioned by the CIO.
world’s largest gathering of humanity.
More than 400 million people are expected to arrive in the city of Prayagraj over the
course of six weeks to take a dip at the confluence of three sacred rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical, invisible Saraswati. (Reuters)
The warrant - and Yoon’s subsequent refusal to comply with investigators - is the latest development in a saga that has left South Korea reeling from a political crisis.
The warrant was issued
He has been impeached by parliament and suspended - but will only be removed from office if a constitutional court upholds the impeachment.
Investigators now have 20 days - including the four days Yoon has already
Pro-Yoon supporters rallied outside the court house in the lead up to the decision, with many entering the building after judges issued the extension.
Journalists at the scene reported seeing dozens of people arrested by police following the incident. (BBC)
Internally-displaced Palestinians walk along a road on their way to Rafah (Photograph: Mohammed Saber/EPA)
Supporters of Yoon Suk Yeol attempted to block the car taking him to the court
Police officers and volunteers salvage belongings of the devotees after a fire erupts in makeshift tents during the ongoing “Maha Kumbh Mela”, or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, India, January 19, 2025 (Reuters/Stringer Purchase Licensing Rights)
Stay out of sight to avoid letting anyone dump their responsibilities on you. You’ll get further if you put anger aside while clarifying your position. Work on something that matters to you.
Keep your plans to yourself until you have every detail mapped out. Leave yourself some budgetary wiggle room. Control your emotions when dealing with sensitive situations.
Lower the tone and maintain the peace. You’ll find it much easier to get things done if you keep your schedule manageable. Don’t overextend yourself. Eliminate unnecessary things.
Emotions will lead to trouble. Be observant but wary. It’s up to you to choose what’s best and to put your energy where it benefits you most. Trust your judgment and pursue your goals.
Taking on a losing battle will set you back. Choose the path that offers positive change. Refuse to let your personal and professional lives interfere with each other. Take care of your responsibilities.
Making a choice will be difficult. Get the lowdown, verify information and retreat from anything unrealistic. It’s up to you to embrace or reject change. Indulgent behavior will not solve anything.
Run a tight ship. Be open to suggestions, but don’t let anyone take advantage of you. A simple plan capably executed will help you exceed your expectations and avoid interference.
Participate in networking events, reunions and educational pursuits. An activity that gets you moving will encourage a healthy lifestyle and enthusiasm to excel.
Emotional conflicts will stand between you and what you can accomplish. Rethink your strategy and consider what’s essential before you begin your day. Stick to the straight and narrow.
Take a moment to analyze what others say and how they respond before participating in a conversation. A desired change can also be detrimental if your timing is off. Let your intuition guide you.
Change your surroundings and let your imagination step in and take the lead. Stop procrastinating and put your plans in motion. All talk and no action will lead to criticism and selfdoubt.
Refrain from complicating your life or letting others interfere with your goals or plans. Set standards and boundaries to ensure you live up to your expectations. Say no to temptation and anger.
ARCHIE
ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup…
Bowlers take centre stage as India and Sri Lanka start with massive wins
…West Indies, Malaysia
suffer
Defending champions India started their Under-19 Women's World Cup campaign with a bang, routing West Indies for just 44 before scripting a nine-wicket win. This came just hours after Sri Lanka had skittled Malaysia for 23 earlier on Sunday.
In the second game of the day, India's bowlers cashed in on their decision to bowl first by troubling West Indies with swing and spin. Fast bowler VJ Joshitha handed them a double blow when she trapped Samara Ramnath in front and on the next ball had Naijanni Cumberbatch
caught at slip to a superb diving catch from Sanika Chalke. When left-arm spinners Aayushi Shukla and Parunika Sisodia struck in con secutive overs to remove Jahzara Claxton and Brianna Harricharan re spectively for ducks, West Indies were 17 for 4 af ter 5.1 overs. Three runouts in as many overs add ed to their woes, and 39 for 7 soon became 44 all out as Shukla and Sisodia wrapped things up. Sisodia finished with 3 for 7 while Joshitha and Shukla picked up two each.
heavy losses
India lost only Gongadi Trisha, for 4, in the modest chase as G Kamalini and Chalke finished things off in 4.2 overs.
Hosts Malaysia were shot out for just 23 in their maiden Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup appearance by Sri Lanka, who completed a 139-run win in the first of the two games on Sunday, in Kuala Lumpur.
Put in to bat, Sri Lanka rode on quick knocks from opener Sanjana Kavindi (30 off 13) and number
even as wickets fell at the other end, including two in the 17th over. Cameos from Hiruni Hansika (28 off 21) and Shashini Gimhani (13 off 7) powered them to 162.
In reply, Malaysia lasted 14.1 overs as left-arm spinner Chamodi Praboda struck twice in the second over to reduce the hosts to 2 for 3. Manudi Nanayakkara and Limansa Thilakarathna took two wickets each as no Malaysia batter reached double-figures and six were dismissed for ducks. Praboda finished with figures of 4-25-3 . (ESPNcricinfo)
SCOREBOARD
Sri Lanka Women Under-19s (20 ovs maximum)
Sanjana Kavindi
c & b Marsya Qistina Binti 30
Sumudu Nisansala † c Suabika Manivannan
b Nur Dania Syuhada 7
Dahami Sanethma
b Suabika Manivannan
55 52
Manudi Nanayakkara (c) b Nur Isma
Dania Binti 14 16
SCOREBOARD
West Indies Women Under-19s (20 ovs maximum)
Asabi Callender run out (Prasad/Yadav) 12
Samara Ramnath (c) lbw
b Joshitha 3
Naijanni Cumberbatch c Chalke
b Joshitha 0
Jahzara Claxton c Ahire
b Aayushi Shukla 0
Brianna Harricharan lbw
b Sisodia 0
Kenika Cassar
b Sisodia 15
Abigail Bryce run out
(Aayushi Shukla/†Kamalini) 1
Amiah Gilbert run out (Mithila) 1
Amrita Ramtahal not out 4
Kristen Sutherland †
b Aayushi Shukla 0
Selena Ross
c & b Sisodia 0
Extras (b 1, lb 1, w 6) 8
Total 13.2 Ov (RR: 3.30) 44
Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Samara
Ramnath, 3.5 ov), 2-10 (Naijanni Cumberbatch, 3.6 ov), 3-12 (Jahzara Claxton, 4.3 ov), 4-17 (Brianna Harricharan, 5.1 ov), 5-26 (Asabi Callender, 7.3 ov), 6-31 (Abigail
Bryce, 8.5 ov), 7-39 (Amiah Gilbert, 9.6 ov), 8-42 (Kenika Cassar, 11.6 ov), 9-43 (Kristen Sutherland, 12.3 ov), 10-44 (Selena Ross, 13.2 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Shabnam Shakil 2-0-5-0
VJ Joshitha 2-0-5-2
Aayushi Shukla 4-1-6-2
Parunika Sisodia 2.2-0-7-3
Mithila Vinod 1-0-3-0
Sonam Yadav 2-0-16-0
India Women Under-19s (T: 45 runs from 20 ovs)
Gongadi Trisha
c & b Claxton 4
G Kamalini † not out 16
Sanika Chalke not out 18
Extras (b 4, w 5) 9
Total 4.2 Ov (RR: 10.84) 47/1
Did not bat: Bhavika Ahire, Mithila Vinod, Niki Prasad (c), Parunika Sisodia, VJ Joshitha, Shabnam Shakil, Sonam Yadav, Aayushi Shukla
Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Gongadi Trisha, 0.2 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Jahzara Claxton 2-0-18-1
Selena Ross 2-0-17-0
Kenika Cassar 0.2-0-8-0
Hiruni Hansika st †Nur Aliya Binti Hairun b Siti Nazwah 28 21
Rashmika Sewwandi c Nuriman
Hidayah b Siti Nazwah 0 2 Shashini Gimhani not out 13 7
Limansa Thilakarathna not out 2 1 Extras (b 4, nb 1, w 8) 13
Total 20 Ov (RR: 8.10) 162/6
Did not bat: Aseni Thalagune, Pramudi Methsara, Chamodi Praboda
Fall of wickets: 1-40 (Sanjana Kavindi, 3.1 ov), 2-48 (Sumudu Nisansala, 4.5 ov), 3-88 (Manudi Nanayakkara, 9.6 ov), 4-137 (Hiruni Hansika, 16.4 ov), 5-137 (Rashmika Sewwandi, 16.6 ov), 6-160 (Dahami Sanethma, 19.5 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Suabika Manivannan 4-0-33-1
Nur Dania Syuhada 4-0-36-1
Marsya Qistina Binti Abdullah 4-0-31-1
Siti Nazwah 4-0-31-2
Nur Isma Dania Binti Mohd Daniel 3- 0-23-1
Nur Izzatul Syafiqa 1-0-4-0
The Indian dugout celebrates after the winning runs were hit
G Kamalini runs out Abigail Bryce
Dahami Sanethma top-scored for Sri Lanka with 55
VJ Joshitha was named the Player of the Match for her 2 for 5
1st Test, Multan, West Indies tour of Pakistan
Sajid, Noman, Abrar share
Well, how do you sum that up? A madcap two sessions of cricket on the third day saw 17 wickets fall. Pakistan lost seven for 48, with Jomel Warrican registering the third-best figures for a visiting bowler in Pakistan. And yet, with half an hour to go for tea, Pakistan's spinners had wrapped up a 127run victory, skittling West Indies out for 123 in 36.3 overs to go 1-0 up in the series. Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed were the chief architects, taking nine of West Indies' 10 wickets as the visitors' challenge appeared to melt away along with the solidity of the playing strip.
West Indies had about 15 overs to face before lunch, and Pakistan just about made victory safe in this time. The visitors began with positive intent, hav ing realised that poking and prodding would get them no where. It saw them through the first four overs, but as Sajid said, the strategy was to attack with the ball and defend with the field. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite employed the slog sweep to good effect, so Pakistan had a fielder at deep midwicket, and it was him that the opener
look like a huge threat.
But the momentum shifted once more when Shan Masood turned to Abrar Ahmed. The slightly different challenge his legspin poses saw a beauty to dismiss Imlach, the ball drifting in and ripping away to take his outside edge. He would also break the next partnership, thanks to some variable bounce and a splendid diving catch at first slip from Salman Agha, before Agha took the regulation catch the following ball to send Gudakesh Motie on his way.
By now, West Indies' resistance had been completely broken. Athanaze missed a straight one from Sajid to leave Pakistan one away, and Abrar put a bow on proceedings as the shot West Indies played often to try to cope on this surface – the high-risk reverse sweep –carried onto the stumps.
Rizwan the following over, and on a pitch where grip and turn became ever more variable, Pakistan's
picked out to give Pakistan their first breakthrough. With prodigious turnaround, especially to the right-hander off the footmarks, the stumps were always in play, and it helped Sajid clean up Mikyle Louis and Kavem Hodge to reduce West Indies to 37 for 4. Noman Ali, who had surprisingly not opened the bowling from the other end, came into the attack and picked up a wicket on the stroke of lunch when Justin Greaves missed a sweep laden with risk in front of middle stump.
There was plenty of West Indian resistance in the first hour after lunch, most notably from Alick Athanaze, whose half-century – West Indies' only such contribution all Test – just about kept them alive. Alongside Tevin Imlach first and then Kevin Sinclair, Athanaze worked to give the Pakistan spinners as little as possible. They ditched the belligerent shot-making, and for the first time all Test, Sajid and Noman briefly didn't
The omens for this kind of day were there. It began with Pakistan's best player of spin, Saud Shakeel, falling off the first delivery when he clipped one into short midwicket's hands. Warrican followed it up with the wicket of
before making it seven
batters were finding it hard work.
Kamran Ghulam had hung around until then, but some extra turn from Warrican drew his outside edge to give Warrican his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket. West Indies began to burrow into the tail as Warrican grew in confidence. He varied his pace to trap Noman in front of the stumps as he tried a reverse sweep,
SCOREBOARD
Pakistan 2nd Innings
Shan Masood (c) run out
(Hodge/Warrican) 52
Muhammad Hurraira lbw
b Warrican 29
Babar Azam lbw
b Warrican 5
Kamran Ghulam c †Imlach
b Warrican 27
Saud Shakeel c Greaves
b Warrican 2
Mohammad Rizwan † c Hodge
b Warrican 2
Salman Agha c Louis
b Motie 14
Noman Ali lbw
b Warrican 9
Sajid Khan c Brathwaite
b Warrican 5
Khurram Shahzad run out (Warrican) 0
Abrar Ahmed not out 0
Extras (b 11, nb 1) 12
Total 46.4 Ov (RR: 3.36) 157
Fall of wickets: 1-67 (Muhammad Hurraira, 15.4 ov), 2-89 (Babar Azam, 19.2 ov), 3-106 (Shan Masood, 27.2 ov), 4-109 (Saud Shakeel, 31.1 ov), 5-113 (Mohammad Rizwan, 33.3 ov), 6-132 (Kamran Ghulam, 37.6 ov), 7-142 (Noman Ali, 41.4 ov), 8-150 (Sajid Khan, 43.6 ov), 9-154 (Khurram Shahzad, 44.5 ov), 10157 (Salman Agha, 46.4 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Gudakesh Motie 11.4-0-48-1
Jayden Seales 10-0-37-0
Kevin Sinclair 5-1-16-0
Jomel Warrican 18-3-32-7
Kavem Hodge 2-0-13-0
West Indies 2nd Innings (T: 251 runs)
Kraigg Brathwaite (c) c Khurram
Shahzad b Sajid Khan 12
Mikyle Louis
b Sajid Khan 13
Keacy Carty c †Mohammad Rizwan
b Sajid Khan 6
Kavem Hodge
b Sajid Khan 0
Alick Athanaze lbw
b Sajid Khan 55
Justin Greaves lbw
b Noman Ali 9
Tevin Imlach † c †Mohammad Rizwan b Abrar Ahmed 14
Kevin Sinclair c Agha Salman
b Abrar Ahmed 10
Gudakesh Motie c Agha Salman
b Abrar Ahmed 0
Jomel Warrican
b Abrar Ahmed 0
Jayden Seales not out 0
Extras (b 1, lb 3) 4
Total 36.3 Ov (RR: 3.36) 123
Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 4.2 ov), 2-26 (Keacy Carty, 6.2 ov), 3-32 (Kavem Hodge, 10.5 ov), 4-37 (Mikyle Louis, 12.5 ov), 5-54 (Justin Greaves, 15.2 ov), 6-95 (Tevin Imlach, 24.3 ov), 7-123 (Kevin Sinclair, 34.5 ov), 8-123 (Gudakesh Motie, 34.6 ov), 9-123 (Alick Athanaze, 35.4 ov), 10-123 (Jomel Warrican, 36.3 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Sajid
when Sajid miscued a slog and got an edge to backward point.
The ninth wicket did not register directly in Warrican's account, but it may as well have. Agha prodded one to him on the off side and hared off for a single, but Warrican picked up cleanly and hit the stumps direct, catching Khurram Shahzad well out of his crease. The innings wrapped up when Agha tried to go over the top against Motie, only to find long-off, and Pakistan were all out for 157. On a surface like this, and with the spinners Pakistan have, though, it was still, by some distance, more than enough.
(ESPNcricinfo)
Sajid Khan was the Player of the Match for his nine wickets in the Test
Saud Shakeel fell on the first ball of the third day
Alick Athanaze compiled a fine half-century on a tough Multan surface
Abrar Ahmed celebrates after taking the wicket
Eagles and Guardians record 10+-point wins
– as Untouchables bag win
Kwakwani Untouchables, Stabroek Eagles, and Plaisance Guardians on Sunday found themselves in the winners’ circle at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall as the Guyana Basketball Federation’s One Guyana Premier Basketball League continued.
After two previous losses, the Plaisance Guardians battled the Kings in the opening fixture. The Guardians came out to fight in the first quarter and established an early three-point lead, 1714.
With both teams' offence shining, the spectators got
a look at spectacular buckets, but the Guardians once again got ahead of their opponents, scoring 16 points to the Kings’ 7 as the scoreboard showed 31-21 second-quarter tally.
Coming in from the half with a 10-point deficit, the Kings managed to outscore the Guardians by one point 14-13, but it was not enough to overturn the Guardians’ lead with the score at 44-35.
The Plaisance side then scored 16 points in the final quarter to bag a 14-point victory over the Kings, who were limited to 15 points, with the Guardians maximising their chances of rising from the group stage.
The second match of the night saw an undefeated Kwakwani Untouchables face the Black Mambas. From the very first quarter, spectators witnessed amazing dunks in an exhilarating basketball display. At the end of the first quarter, the teams were separated by one point, 15-14 in favour of the Untouchables.
Again, at the end of the second quarter, the teams were separated by one point, but this time in favour of the Mambas as the side swished 16 points while the Untouchables scored 15 for a 31-30 scoreline.
The Untouchables with their fast style of play
Mbappé scores twice as Real Madrid hit Las Palmas for 4
Fturned their one-point deficit in the third quarter into a three-point lead as they pocketed 24 points and limited their opponents to 20 points for a 54-50 margin.
A series of unanswered buckets in the fourth quarter led to Kwakwani Untouchables handing the Mambas an eight-point de-
feat 70-78, as they scored 24 points to the Mambas’ 19.
With 20 points was Kadeem Dover as he was the driving force behind Kwakwani Untouchables' offensive attack followed by Captain Domair Gladstone with 15 points while for the other team, Captain
Brandon Bento led with 17 points followed by Omar Vincente with 12 points.
The undefeated Stabroek Eagles closed the day’s proceedings as they dominated the GDF in 16-point victory that showcased their ability to counter to the basket and restrict their opponents’ offence.
Djokovic sets up blockbuster match with Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic set up a mouth-watering Australian Open quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz with a convincing victory over Jiri Lehecka.
He referred to the actions of Channel 9 newsreader Tony Jones, who shouted "Novak, he's overrated; Novak's a has-been; Novak, kick him out" towards Djokovic fans while live on camera on Friday.
Murray – before complaining about noise from the stands while he was trying to serve.
Las Palmas' half-time substitute Benito Ramirez was then sent off after a video assistant review of his studs-up lunge into the midriff of Vazquez up-
abio Silva's closerange effort gave the visitors a surprise lead, but Kylian Mbappé levelled from the penalty spot after Sandro Ramirez fouled Rodrygo. Brahim Diaz slotted home from Lucas Vazquez's cutback in the 57th minute as Real's dominance continued after the interval.
The result means Real are top of the table, two points clear of Atletico Madrid, who lost against Leganes on Saturday.
Real had three goals ruled out for offside, including what would have been a hat-trick goal for Mbappé while England midfielder Jude Bellingham missed a
Djokovic continued his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title with a 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) win against the Czech 24th seed.
He will face Alcaraz in the last eight after the Spaniard progressed when British number one Jack Draper retired with a hip injury earlier on Sunday.
"A couple days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster Channel 9 here in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me," Djokovic said.
But the seventh seed used the crowd to his advantage in the tie-break, conducting them after hitting a sublime backhand pass and cupping his ear after a deft volley brought up two match points.
"When you are feeling adversity the last couple matches, I think I handled it well," Djokovic told Eurosport.
"And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel 9.
Attention now turns to Wednesday when Real host Red Bull Salzburg in the (BBC
Alcaraz has beaten Djokovic in the past two Wimbledon finals, but the Serb got the better of the 21-year-old to win gold at the Paris Olympics last summer – Djokovic's self-proclaimed "biggest sporting achievement".
Djokovic was booed by the crowd as Lehecka threatened to force a fourth set, and the 11-time Australian Open champion was quick to leave Rod Laver Arena after his victory.
"Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your support and I will see you in the next round," the 37-year-old said.
Speaking in a news conference afterwards, Djokovic clarified his reasons for swerving the usual on-court interview with four-time major winner Jim Courier.
"So since they're official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9. I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public.
"It was a very awkward situation for me."
During his third-round win over Tomas Machac, Djokovic appeared exhausted at times and needed a medical timeout.
He looked fresher against Machac's compatriot, taking control of the opening two sets and stopping Lehecka from earning a break point for more than an hour and 40 minutes.
When Lehecka broke back at the start of the third, an agitated Djokovic shouted towards his team – which includes his former rival Andy
"Only people who have been there at the highest level understand what you have to deal with. There is a lot on the plate and you have to weather the storm when you are feeling challenged."
Elsewhere, second seed Alexander Zverev overcame a mid-match blip to move into the last eight with a 6-1 2-6 6-3 6-2 victory over France's Ugo Humbert.
Zverev, a runner-up at last year's Roland Garros and the 2020 US Open, has now reached the quarter-final of a Grand Slam on 14 occasions, but he has yet to lift a maiden major trophy. The German will face American 12th seed Tommy Paul, who needed just 87 minutes to wrap up a confident 6-1 6-1 6-1 win against Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. (BBC
Sport)
Novak Djokovic has reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open for a 15th time
Stabroek Eagles Zion Gray(Red) look to contain the attack of GDF
Kylian Mbappé had a third goal ruled out for offside
