Guyana Times - Monday, March 24, 2025

Free to cross Demerara, Berbice, Wismar bridges from August 1 – Pres Ali

Citizens Bank to implement additional security measures as scammers target Visa cards

Parika man fined, jailed in absentia for ATM fraud

Lawyer dies in early-morning Sheriff Street accident Nigerian national remanded for forged immigration documents

Suspect arrested after ‘‘explosion’’ heard in Werk-en-Rust

President Dr Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Prime Minister Mark Phillips pay their respects to the late Dr Cheddi Jagan and Mrs Janet Jagan, at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant in Berbice, March 23, 2025

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 24 –00:30h-02:00h and Tuesday, March 25 – 01:30h-03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 24 –12:15h-13:45h and Tuesday, March 25 – 13:20h-14:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

Sunny conditions are expected during the day. Clear to partly cloudy skies followed by light rain showers are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.13 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 12:26h reaching a maximum height of 2.12 metres.

Low Tide: 18:44h reaching a minimum height of 1.02 metres.

Huge gathering at the observance of life, work of the late Dr Jagan

Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, Berbice, hosted a huge gathering of Government officials, their families, friends and supporters of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan, as the annual observance to remember and honour his life and work, took place on Sunday, March 23 this year.

Throughout March 2025, a series of activities will be held to mark what would have been his 107th birthday.

Against the backdrop of this annual memorial event, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) leadership delivered a resounding message of confidence

and unity as they look ahead to the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

The event also featured tributes from the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

Life and times

Born on March 22, 1918, Dr Jagan founded the PPP and was a pioneering figure in Guyanese politics.

He passed away on March 6, 1997.

Dr Jagan was born on March 22, 1918 on a sugar plantation in Port Mourant, Berbice, the son of indentured sugar workers. His parents had arrived in the then British Guiana as young infants with their mothers from the district of Basti in Uttar Pradesh, India. Both of his grandmothers came as indentured immigrants in 1901 and were “bound” by five-year contracts to different sugar plantations in the county of Berbice.

Jagan attended primary school and two years of secondary school in his area. At the age of fifteen his father decided to send him to Queen’s College, a Government secondary school in the capital city of Georgetown, about one hundred miles away. There he boarded with three families.

In Georgetown, Cheddi found life very different from life at home where poverty had been intense and he often had to stay home from school to work in the rice fields and to cut and fetch canes. He also helped his mother keep a kitchen garden and to sell produce from it.

His mother allowed him to keep a part of the proceeds for his share of the work. Cheddi Jagan wrote that he learnt the elements of finance from his mother and acquired any of his leadership qualities from his father, who was bold and flamboyant.

Dr Jagan left for the United States (US) in September 1936 with two friends and returned to British Guiana in October 1943. He lived in Washington D.C for two years and attended Howard University, taking a pre-dental course,

worked two summers in New York and spent the last five years in Chicago, Illinois at Northwestern University.

On August 5, 1943 he married Janet Rosenberg, whom he had met only six months before, at a simple

In 1947, the first elections since World

were held. Janet and

ran as independent labour candidates—Janet contested in Georgetown, while Cheddi campaigned on the East Coast of Demerara.

ceremony at the Chicago City Hall without the consent of parents on both sides. Their only wedding photo was taken in a 25-cent photo booth that shot automatic photos.

In October 1943, he returned home. His wife Janet, arrived in British Guiana just before Christmas of 1943.

Janet lost to John

a businessman and Catholic, who leveraged the rising fear of anti-communism, a tactic increasingly used by the plantocracy. However, Cheddi was declared the winner in his constituency. By 1950, the PPP was established.

War II (WWII)

Cheddi Jagan

Fernandes,

Editor: Tusika Martin

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An Opposition’s responsibilities

Our major Opposition party, the People’s National Congress (PNC), is clearly undergoing a meltdown.

The insight of former Harvard professor and Canadian politician Michael Ignatieff, gleaned from his two tenures on the practice of politics in Canadian democracy – especially from the perspective of an opposition leader – is apropos.

“Opposition for opposition’s sake is the modus operandi of most parties out of power, but it is precisely the political “game playing” that active and attentive voters so despise, wishing politicians would support or oppose measures on merit alone. Realistically, legislators rarely decide measures on merit alone, and Opposition politicians generally oppose government measures whatever their merits.

The Opposition’s duty indeed is to oppose and, through criticism and amendment, to make legislation serve the public interest. Government measures are put to the test of adversarial justification in committee and in the chamber itself. The opposition is called “loyal,” to remind the public that, for all the venom of parliamentary debate, opposition is integral to the proper functioning of a democratic system. Indeed, it is in opposition that you are supposed to learn how to govern. In a functioning democracy, all parties in opposition properly deserve to be treated as a government in waiting, though the government in office and the media rarely do. In a free society, one would expect Government and Opposition to compete on equal terms. In reality, the media accord the Government a platform the opposition can only envy.

One of the defining features of a proper democracy is that it must “normalise” and “naturalise” disagreement, for it is through structured disagreement that democracy arrives at its rough-and-ready version of the public interest. Adversarial justification is democracy’s chosen method for establishing the public good. If so, opponents are supposed to accept each other’s basic loyalty and legitimacy.

Democracy is, or ought to be, a politics of adversaries, never a politics of enemies. An adversary today is a potential ally tomorrow. An enemy can never become an ally. An enemy is to be destroyed. The politics of compromise is impossible unless the Opposition enjoys the status of loyal and legitimate adversary.

Democracy, being a system of structured antagonism, must find ways to contain the emotions that antagonism inevitably arouses. The representative function demands restraint in the face of the temptation to think of politics in the metaphors of war, as a battle in which no holds are barred.

When adversaries grapple for power, it is only too easy to treat each other as enemies. A democratic politician has to keep asking himself whether, in his attack on an opponent, he has crossed the line that separates legitimate public criticism from mendacious advantage seeking. In the heat of the moment, the line can be hard to discern, let alone respect. Winning at all costs becomes a self-sufficient justification. Where democracy has gone under, as in Weimar Germany, the politics of adversaries was replaced by a politics of enemies, and politics soon spilled out of the legislature into the streets, where violence soon settled all questions.

Democracy has proved its resilience but at a cost. Public disenchantment with excessive partisanship is nearly universal in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For a considerable portion of the active democratic public, “politics” itself has acquired a bad name. The word has degenerated into a term of abuse for any form of spiteful, dogmatic, rhetorical game playing, whose essential purpose is to obscure rather than reveal the essential public issues at hand.

Nevertheless, democracy itself does offer a remedy for excessive partisanship. Electorates relish combat and they like fighters, but they frequently punish those who hit below the belt, and by sanctioning bad behaviour at the polls, voters help ensure that democratic combat remains a contest between adversaries, not enemies. Indeed, we should add this to our original list of essential conditions of democratic health. Democratic representation works when institutions control corruption, when debate is sufficiently truthful to allow democracy to address society’s real problems, when a culture of public service survives, and finally when democratic opponents treat each other as adversaries, not as enemies.”

Britain is turning into a battleground for the world’s problems

By IsaBel OakeshOtt

Shortly before Rishi Sunak called his snap election, there was a shocking outbreak of violence in Sheffield. As panicking politicians left Parliament for their constituencies, a pitched battle between Eritreans brandishing brickbats and metal rods attracted next to no attention.

This was no minor skirmish, but a street fight involving some 200 yobs of African origin who chose to mark “Eritrean Independence Day” by thrashing each other. Apparently, some were pro-Government supporters while others supported exiled Opposition leaders. None of it has anything whatsoever to do with Sheffield – but here they were in Yorkshire, smashing things up and hospitalising each other. What a disgrace!

Almost a year on, Police are still trying to trace 22 men in connection with this riot on May 25th last year. Last week, they issued an appeal for help. A further 18 alleged participants have already been charged

with offences including violent disorder; possession of offensive weapons and wounding. Here’s hoping detectives quickly find the missing men, because in just a few weeks’ time, the same “community” may very well come to blows again.

Behold what happens when countries like our own import vast numbers of people from war-torn regions and do not attach clear expectations of behaviour to the right to remain. So big and emboldened are certain groups of foreign nationals becoming that they now feel free to take to our streets to play out the bitter religious, political and tribal differences they supposedly wanted to leave behind.

Other countries facing similar problems, including some of our European allies, go so far as to ban the flying of foreign flags on their shores to ensure immigrants know exactly where they are. In the United Kingdom, it seems anything goes. A fetishisation of “tolerance” and misguided fear of upsetting minorities has created a dangerously per-

missive attitude towards appalling behaviour by those who accept our hospitality and claim to want to make Britain their home.

As Sheffield shows, this approach can only end in tears.

Police have not released details of the asylum and immigration status of the 22 wanted men. It seems a very safe bet that a significant number are new or relatively recent arrivals, who have been heavily supported by the British taxpayer. Self-evidently they have now done what so many asylum seekers are able to do in a system that does not forcibly detain every illegal arrival: slipped further into the criminal underworld.

If they are ever apprehended and found guilty, will they be deported? Not a chance! As the Telegraph regularly reports, the combination of our rabidly leftwing Judiciary and the European Convention on Human Rights makes it nigh-on impossible to get rid of even the most hardened foreign criminals.

As hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world continue to pour into Britain, with

particular ethnicities aggressively dominating certain areas, clashes between those who still feel far more Eritrean; Pakistani or Palestinian than they ever will feel British seem likely to become an ever more-regular occurrence. Already, the politics of Pakistan and Gaza poison too many elections. If what remains of our national identity is not to evaporate entirely, this must cease.

In a few weeks, Eritrean Independence Day will come round again. In anticipation of more trouble, some countries have already banned any public “celebrations.”

A British government that truly puts this country first would go further, and make it crystal clear that foreign nationals who bring overseas political battles to our streets in any manner that breaks the law will be deported forthwith. They should have no right to appeal. People who feel so passionately about politics in their countries of origin that they are prepared to resort to fisticuffs and worse would obviously be better off back home.

(Telegraph UK)

Horse-riding adventures take you across the untamed and endless horizons of South Central Rupununi (Saddle Mountain Ranch photo)

Taking care of our departed

Dear Editor, For some time now I was contemplating writing on this subject, that is, the proper way we need to adopt here in Guyana when taking care of our loved ones who have departed. It is a somewhat morbid subject that many shy away from, however, I am talking about the provision of a well-organised and proper resting place for the dead.

In the first place, cemeteries and burial grounds are fast becoming overcrowded, not because there is no room to bury the dead, but from a lack of an organised system to do so. This makes burial grounds the most underutilised places in our country. A case in point is The Le Repentir Cemetery which many claim to be filled with graves, but is this so? The answer is: far from it; there are

very many places to bury the dead in Le Repentir, the only problem is, most of the spaces available there have been underutilised.

In this regard, I would advocate that the municipality maximise space, four bodies should be accommodated in a single burial space. This is not an unusual recommendation, since that is the burial requirement in sister CARICOM State St Lucia, in

this country, there is the utilisation of six (6) persons per burial spot.

I propose four persons per one space, seeing Guyana's water table is very close to the surface area, four persons per plot would have adequately taken care of this. Headstones bearing the names of those interred there should be erected. I think this plan would go a far way in easing the wanton waste of

burial spaces.

Now, for those who would like a preferred arrangement outside of that which I've highlighted above, this is also acceptable. For those who would like a demarcated area for their families and close relatives, they should enter into a paid arrangement for a stipulated area, not exceeding a certain square foot.

And this burial plan goes for all NDC's and Village

Councils where proper utilisation of land space must be put in place for a repose of our departed loved ones. I have shared this article with the Minister of Home Affairs which, if adapted to our situation here, would go a far way in maximising space, and the taking care of burials and cemeteries.

Yours sincerely, Neil Adams

Clarifying remarks made at the Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Community Meeting at Haslington, ECD

In the wake of recent discussions and inquiries from the media concerning my statements made during the community engagement at Haslington on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), I take this opportunity to expound upon and provide absolute clarity regarding the Government of Guyana’s position on undocumented workers in our evolving labour market.

Let there be no ambiguity: Guyana is a sovereign nation underpinned by the rule of law, and the laws governing immigration and employment are neither arbitrary nor negotiable, because they are fundamental to the equitable and structured advancement of our society.

It is through the observance of these laws that we maintain fairness in employ-

ment, foster economic stability, and safeguard the rights and dignity of both workers and employers. The employment of undocumented individuals, therefore, is not simply a legal infraction, as it represents a deviation from the principles of accountability, justice, and due process that form the bedrock of our national development agenda.

While I fully acknowledge the prevailing challenges that businesses encounter in recruiting a stable and proficient workforce, and while I recognise that certain sectors are experiencing acute labour shortages, it must be stated in the strongest possible terms that the circumvention of established legal processes cannot and must not be regarded as a viable solution.

To operate outside of the

regulatory framework is to erode the very structures designed to uphold fairness and security in the workplace, to create an uneven competitive landscape in which compliance becomes a disadvantage, and to diminish the integrity of our labour market at a time when we must, as a nation, be strengthening it.

The rapid transformation of Guyana’s economy, particularly in high-growth sectors such as oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and services, has catalysed an unprecedented demand for skilled labour.

This surge in opportunity, while undeniably promising, has simultaneously exposed existing gaps in our workforce—gaps which are not indicative of a lack of willingness among Guyanese to work, nor of an absence of

industriousness, but rather of the reality that industrial progression necessitates parallel advancements in education and vocational training. If we are to sustain our momentum as a nation, then we must not merely acknowledge this disparity, we must actively address it, through robust, structured, and expansive human capital development initiatives.

It is precisely for this reason that since returning to office in 2020, the Government has committed itself to a comprehensive strategy aimed at empowering our workforce through education and skills development. We have expanded access to technical and vocational training, introduced the GOAL scholarship programme to provide thousands with opportunities for higher education,

World Meteorological Day 2025: Closing the Early Warning Gap Together

As the Caribbean continues to experience the growing impacts of climate change, the need for robust, people-centred early warning systems has never been more urgent. On this World Meteorological Day 2025, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) joins the global community in reaffirming our commitment to closing the early warning gap together, ensuring that no one is left behind in the face of weather, climate, geological, and marine-related hazards.

CIMH has long been at the forefront of strengthening Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) in the region. Through initiatives such as the Building Regional Climate Capacity in the Caribbean (BRCCC) programme, the Strengthening Disaster and Climate Resilience (SDCR) project, both funded by USAID, the Climate Risk and

Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Caribbean project, and the CREWS 2.0 project—both launched in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) programme funded through the ACP-EU— the CIMH is enhancing the operational capacity of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and National Disaster Risk Management Offices (NDRMOs) By integrating weather, climate, geological and marine information into decision-making, improving warning dissemination, and fostering community engagement, this initiative is building resilience from the ground up. Advancing partnerships with organisations such as the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the European Union (EU) have further strengthened CIMH’s ability as well as the ability

of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services across the Caribbean to provide timely, accurate, and actionable weather, climate, geological and marine information. Through projects such as the Strengthening Institutional Capacity for a Resilient Caribbean Coastal and Marine Environment, impact-based forecasting and marine monitoring across the Caribbean are expanding to better predict extreme weather events that threaten lives, infrastructure, and key economic sectors such as fisheries and tourism.

Inclusivity remains a priority in our efforts. Ensuring that vulnerable communities, women, children, and persons with disabilities receive timely and accessible warnings is essential for building an equitable and prepared society. Additionally, by investing in training and capacity-building, the CIMH is equipping the next gen -

eration of meteorologists, hydrologists, geographic information systems specialists, and climate scientists with the skills to lead the region toward a more resilient future.

As the global community commemorates World Meteorological Day 2025, the CIMH calls on all stakeholders, Governments, businesses, and communities, to work together to close the early warning gap. Through continued innovation, collaboration, and investment in early warning systems, every person in the Caribbean can have access to the information they need to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to weather, climate, geological and marine related hazards.

Together, all of us can contribute to strengthening the region’s resilience to protect lives, livelihoods, and socio-economic development.

Happy World Meteorological Day 2025!

and removed tuition fees for Government-run technical institutions and the University of Guyana (UG). These efforts are neither symbolic nor incidental, because they represent a deliberate, strategic investment in the capacity of our people to meet the evolving demands of our modern economy.

I also wish to acknowledge that my recent remarks may have been interpreted in ways that were unintended, and if they have caused unease or concern among any community, then I must take this opportunity to unequivocally apologise, as it was never my intent.

Looking ahead, we will continue our data-driven approach to diagnosing workforce imbalances, identifying strategic interventions, and ensuring that our policies are grounded in empiri-

cal evidence rather than conjecture. We will approach this issue not as a debate to be won, but as a challenge to be solved together, with clarity of purpose, with unwavering adherence to the law, and with an unshakable belief in the potential of the Guyanese people. Our Government’s priority remains the structured and lawful development of our labour force, ensuring that every citizen has access to meaningful, sustainable, and legal employment that is supported by the vision and an unrelenting commitment to the prosperity of all our people.

Media Statement March 22, 2025

By Hon Joseph Hamilton Minister of Labour

Page Foundation

1. Which of the numbers below is a factor of 12?

(A) 8

(B) 6

(C) 24

(D) 16

2. (2 X 7) - 4 = (A) 14

(B) 10

(C) 18 (D) 5

3. Which of the following fractions has the same value as 0.5?

(A) 7/14

(B) 5/9

(C) 12/18

(D) 10/21

6. 7.84 X 100 = (A) 0.784 (B) 784 (C) 78.4 (D) 7.84

7. Of the pupils in Grade Six, 60% of them passed a Mathematics test. What percentage of the pupils failed the test?

(A) 20%

(B) 30% (C) 40% (D) 60%

8.

4. What type of angle is represented in the diagram above?

(A) Right

(B) Reflex

(C) Obtuse

(D) Straight

5. The mass of a cricket ball is equal to thrice the mass of a tennis ball. If the tennis ball has a mass of 100 g, what is the mass of the cricket ball?

(A) 60 g

(B) 180 g

(C) 240 g

(D) 300 g

(a) Find the value of Angle x

(b) Find the value of Angle r

(c) Find the value of the angle next to r

(d) What kind of figure is EtGF

By Christina

Mix a pancake, Stir a pancake, Pop it in the pan; Fry the pancake, toss the pancake— Catch it if you can.

PPP/C’s 2nd term will focus on creating investment opportunities for Guyanese – VP ...says

Govt will underwrite investments to ensure returns

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic’s (PPP/C) second term in office will see a greater focus on creating investment opportunities for all Guyanese. This is according to Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo who has assured that in the coming years ordinary Guyanese will be able to invest their personal savings and gain a return.

During his press conference last week, the VP spoke about the PPP/C Government’s efforts to open up access to financing for the average Guyanese, which includes reducing the cost of financing… such as in 2023 when the Government brokered the reduction of inter-

est rates on loans to poultry farmers from 8 per cent to 5 per cent.

"We want to make sure people have access to the banking system, and the cost of financing comes down. Through reform like digital banking, and a whole range of new measures and instruments, we’ve improved access.”

“We’ve made it clear, we want to underwrite as a Government, future investment opportunities for every Guyanese, whether you’re big or small,” the VP further explained during the press conference.

With current personal savings interest rates at local banks averaging under one per cent, the VP point-

ed out that that Guyanese investing their savings in Government backed investments will be a more lucrative choice.

“So that you have options, if you have $10,000 or $100,000 or $5 million of savings, that you have investment opportunities that will yield you a bigger return than the deposit rate in the banking sector,” the Vice President said.

“And a guaranteed return, by taking Government opportunities that are lucrative and underwriting them, putting them in a fashion through bonds or shares so Guyanese can invest in these. Those are the things we want to focus on in the new term,” Jagdeo added.

Recognising that access to finance remains a hurdle for many businesses in Guyana, the PPP/C Government had announced last year that it will soon be bringing legislation to the National Assembly to address this issue.

When the United Kingdom (UK) had fielded a trade mission to Guyana last year, prospective investors got a chance to hear from and pose questions to Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh on Guyana’s investment climate, during a ceremony to welcome the delegation at the Marriott Hotel in November.

One such question was posed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FT Farfan Limited, Andrew Crooks, whose company is a supplier of JCB equipment. He questioned why accessing financing from banks for construction equipment is so hard in Guyana and whether this is likely to change.

The Finance Minister had acknowledged that access to financing is an issue, one that is compounded by what he called a primitive traditional financial sector.

According to Singh, more flexibility is needed from the financial sector, to look beyond land as potential collateral. He noted that financial receivables, contracts and invoices should also be ac-

cepted by the banking sector.

According to Singh, the reality is that banks will not lend to persons unless they have a credible business plan and a sound track record. Dr Singh had assured that efforts are underway to introduce legislation that will enable easier access to financing, including options for using movable collateral such as inventories and goods.

The private sector has been vocal about the need for access to finance to be addressed, at one point calling out continued bureaucracy at commercial banks hindering access to financing. The PPP/C has also consistently urged the banking industry to be more proactive.

As a matter of fact, one of the strategies the Government had pursued to address access to finance,

which has been a long-standing challenge in Guyana for entrepreneurs had included efforts to attract a large, international bank to Guyana’s shores.

Meanwhile in February, during a youth segment of the Guyana Energy and Supply Chain Conference, Jagdeo had noted that the aggregate deposits in the local banking system have grown significantly over the years. He had also reflected on ways in which the citizens of Guyana can be allowed to invest their own money in the oil and gas sector. Over in Suriname, the state-owned oil company, Staatsolie, had also issued bonds that citizens can invest in, with a view of financing an offshore oil project. Citizens can thus purchase a per centage of this bond.

Citizens Bank to implement additional security measures as scammers target Visa cards

In light of several Citizens Bank users being targeted by scammers—which subsequently led to being unable to use their Visa Debit Cards at ATMs, the banking institution during a recent statement, revealed that it will be moving to implement additional security measures to ensure customer safety.

While the bank's systems have not been compromised, Visa Cards can sometimes become targets of international external attacks – currently Citizens Bank cards are being heavily targeted.

“Our monitoring systems have been recognising many of these attack attempts and have automatically blocked cards when we detect failed attempts to conduct unauthorised transactions…Our monitoring systems have also been recognising unusual transactions from suspicious vendors, and cards have been blocked to prevent further unauthorised transactions,” the banking institution disclosed.

However, due to the scale

of the attempts, the bank’s protective steps have resulted in many customers suddenly finding that they cannot use their cards, even to do an ATM withdrawal because the systems have protected the card, even though the bank has not yet been able to advise customers of the block.

The banking institution highlighted that this is not affecting all cards, but a significant number of cases have occurred.

As such, Citizens Bank has been working closely

with Visa to implement additional security measures aimed at reducing these incidents and better protecting customer cards. They have also been working assiduously to provide safety replacement cards for customers who have been affected by these attacks.

Meanwhile, while these measures are being worked on, the Bank advised customers to take the following proactive steps:

1. Ensure that you pay attention to your Citizens Alerts: All customers should

be signed up to receive real-time notifications for every transaction on your account.

2. Use Online Banking to Monitor Your Account and block your card instantly if you notice anything that you did not initiate.

Additionally, If you notice any unauthorised transactions: Immediately block your card via Online Banking or by contacting our Customer Service team using the email addresses cardservices@citizensbankgy.com or info@citizensbankgy.com Visit your nearest branch to report the incident and complete the required forms. A team will investigate swiftly and assist you with resolution, including card replacement and refunds where applicable.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

The Liza Destiny FPSO

Parika man fined, jailed in absentia for ATM fraud

AParika resident who was caught with illegal bank cards at an ATM in Georgetown has been sentenced in absentia to two years in prison and fined $800,000.

Tulsie Ramprashad, 28, was arrested on October 28, 2023, at the Citizens Bank ATM outlet located at OMG on Sheriff Street and Campbell Avenue, Georgetown. At the time of his arrest, he was found with four blank cards that contained magnetic strips—items considered illegal under Section 8(2) (a) of the Cyber Crime Act 16/2008.

Following his arrest, Ramprashad was charged on November 1, 2023, with possession of illegal devices. He appeared before Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court, where he pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison. On January 1, 2024, he was granted bail in the sum of

$300,000, and the case was transferred to Magistrate Court 6 for trial. However, when the case was called at Court 6 on Friday, Ramprashad did not appear. Magistrate Orinthia Schmidt subsequently found him guilty of the charge, and he was

sentenced to two years of imprisonment in absentia, and ordered to pay a fine of $800,000.

Ramprashad’s arrest was linked to an ongoing investigation into ATM fraud schemes targeting commercial banks in Georgetown. He was

among a group of individuals suspected of attempting to use fraudulent devices to manipulate ATMs.

On November 3, 2023, Ramprashad and another man, 37-year-old Bhojnarayan Gopaul of Coldingen, East Coast Demerara (ECD) were remanded to prison after being charged with conspiracy to commit a felony. The prosecution alleged that they were part of a gang involved in ATM fraud, with a suspected mastermind still at large.

Before their arrest, the men had been under police surveillance following reports of suspicious activities at ATMs across the city.

Detectives observed Ramprashad, Gopaul, and a woman, Akashmati Ramnaraine, moving between multiple ATM locations. Surveillance footage showed Ramprashad exiting a black Toyota Fielder Wagon at both the Citizens Bank ATM at Giftland Mall and the ATM at OMG Restaurant, spending approximately 40 to 45 seconds inside before returning to the vehicle.

After their final stop at the OMG ATM, police intercepted the vehicle and conducted a search, uncovering a Bank of America Visa Debit Card, a New York State Medicaid Recipient Card, and two blank cards.

Authorities have not confirmed whether further charges will be brought against others involved in the scheme.

Coming…

…of the Plenipotentiary

Following up on his ruminations from yesterday, your Eyewitness thinks we gotta further dissect Wednesday’s upcoming visit by Marco Rubio. He’s the US Secretary of State – and as such, the plenipotentiary of the most powerful state on planet earth!! His remit is to advise his President on all matters foreign so when he’s abroad and one has his ear – as Pres Ali will in a one-onone – then it’s almost like speaking to Trump himself. So as everyone now appreciates after the affaire Zelenskyy –in relating to Trump you better understand his personality; Pres Ali now has to factor in plenipotentiary Rubio’s personality!!

So if Trump’s a white, narcissistic ex-reality show host billionaire, who’s Rubio?? Well, for one he once (in 2016) ran against Trump in the Republican primaries, and mocked him for his lack of foreign policy knowledge – not to mention his “small hands”!! At a rally during the primaries, Rubio noted that Trump was always calling him “Little Marco” and then pointed out: "Have you seen his hands? And you know what they say about men with small hands – " The crowd erupted raucously as Rubio paused to let the well-known sexual inadequacy innuendo sink in – then concluded - " -- You can't trust them"!! A week later, Trump defended his honour (?) at one of the debates: "Look at those hands (holding them up to the audience) "Are they small hands? And he (Rubio) referred to my hands – if they are small, something else must be small. I guarantee you there is no problem. I guarantee you."

Anyhow, Rubio is the story of a Cuban immigrant family starting from nothing to producing the second most powerful man in the US Cabinet – after the VP. He’s shaped by the Miami-Cuban immigrant community that fled Castro’s communist experiment – and has taken a hardline stance against dictators in general, and Latin American ones in particular. As such – as your Eyewitness has been stressing – on the Cuban Medical Brigades that Trump claims are trafficked and enriching the Cuban state, we should simply show that it ain’t so HERE!! Let some of the medics meet Rubio and explain they’re now immigrants like him, moving up the ladder!!

But more critical for us is that Rubio’s taken the most extreme US position against the dictator Mad Maduro. In 2019, after addressing Mad Maduro’s dictatorship, he posted a series of photos of slain and imprisoned dictators to social media. One featured a bloody image of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who was executed by rebels in 2011.

We suggest that in Rubio we have a Trump rep who’s most sympathetic, to ending Maduro’s tyranny and his need to exploit the Border Controversy!!

…home??

In the last few days, the US reached an agreement with Mad Maduro’s Government for Venezuelan deportations to resume into Venezuela. Details are sparse but the madman has insisted he’d “welcome” these deportees to their “homeland” – and didn’t want them brought back shackled in US military planes. So does this mean he’ll be chartering commercial jets to bring home the deportees??

In the meantime, the Trump Government has exponentially augmented ICE’s personnel to round up persons to be deported by pulling government workers from all sorts of jobs. Never mind that those functions will lag! Starting with the 500,000 that had been let in on a Biden programme – there’s more than 10 million more to go!! Now while Maduro has relented, we better find out what was the pro quid quo he extracted from the Yanks.

With dictators like Mad Maduro – who’s been around the block– then some! – we gotta assume he got a pound of flesh. Rubio gotta be asked if it’s to be extracted from us!!

…Gaza round number

Israeli forces have killed at least 130 Palestinians in the last 48 hours. The death toll since 7 October 2023 is now 49,747, – including 634 killed since Israel broke the ceasefire on 18 March. Going for a round 50,000?

Jailed in absentia, Tulsie Ramprashad

Nigerian national remanded for forged immigration documents

– faces possible deportation

ANigerian national accused of using fraudulent immigration documents in an attempt to extend his stay in Guyana was remanded to prison on Friday, after appearing before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Thirty-one-year-old

Arinze Reginald Odunze was charged with Uttering a Forged Document and Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, after he allegedly pre-

sented a forged Ministry of Home Affairs Work Permit/ Extension of Stay Letter at the Central Immigration and Passport Office. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, but the Magistrate denied bail, citing his illegal status in the country.

Odunze was arrested on March 19 at the Central Immigration and Passport Office on Camp Street, Georgetown after he presented a Ministry of Home Affairs Work Permit/Extension of

Stay Letter to a constable, along with his Nigerian passport, seeking an extension. Upon verification, the document was found to be fraudulent. Immigration officials immediately reported the matter, leading to his arrest and subsequent charges.

According to immigration records, Odunze arrived in Guyana on November 25, 2024, on Copa Airlines Flight CM190. Upon arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), he presented

his Nigerian passport along with what appeared to be a Ministry of Home Affairs Employment Visa on Arrival Letter to a Sergeant. He was granted entry and landed for three months, a period which expired on February 24, 2025. However, authorities later discovered that the initial document he used to gain entry was also forged.

During today’s court proceedings, Odunze was represented by an attorney who argued that his client was un-

aware that the documents he used were not authentic. The lawyer stated that Odunze, who has been working in Guyana as a security officer for the past four months and residing at 29 Industry Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), had been under the impression that his paperwork was legitimate.

According to the defence, his employer was responsible for handling his documentation, and Odunze only realised there was an issue when he attempted to renew his stay. The attorney requested reasonable bail with reporting conditions, emphasising that Odunze was not a criminal but had unknowingly been misled.

The prosecution, however, objected to bail, arguing that Odunze was in the country illegally, having already overstayed his permitted time. They also noted that he was facing additional charges at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court, though they did not disclose the specifics. Prosecutors further stated that there was an ongoing process to seek his deportation.

Magistrate Singh refused bail, explaining that she could not grant release to someone who was illegally in the country. She stated that if the prosecution was pursuing deportation, they should proceed with the necessary application, rather than having him on bail.

As a result, Odunze was remanded to prison until his next court appearance on April 11. His possible deportation is expected to be determined in the coming weeks.

Remanded: Arinze Reginald Odunze

Free to cross Demerara, Berbice, Wismar bridges from August 1 – Pres Ali

In keeping with the Government’s plans to eliminate bridge tolls, President Irfaan Ali has announced that effective from August 1, 2025, it will be tollfree to cross the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the Berbice Bridge and the MackenzieWismar Bridge in Linden.

The Head of State was at the time speaking at the annual observance to celebrate the life of Dr Cheddi Jagan at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant in Region Six on Sunday.

“Last year we said that we are going to make the crossing at the Wismar, Demerara and Berbice bridges free of cost. We’re going to remove the toll. I want to say to you today, as we celebrate the remarkable legacy of Dr Jagan, that with effect from August 1, the crossing at Demerara, Berbice and Wismar is free of cost,” the Head of State declared to loud applause.

In August last year, the President had first announced the Government’s plans to make the bridges toll-free in order to lessen the burden on citizens. However, at the time, the intention was to make the bridges toll-free until the new Demerara River Bridge was completed.

In explaining the move, the President had said last year that the Government is looking to ease the burden on citizens while also enhancing the transportation network and improving competitiveness through the efficient movement of goods and services across the country.

The current Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the East and West Banks of Demerara, facilitating the daily movement of thousands of vehicles, people, and cargo. However, the bridge has long outlived its lifespan and is slated to be replaced by a new bridge.

The US$260 million new Demerara River Bridge, being constructed by China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), will be a fixed 2.65-kilometre (km), four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River. The width of the driving surface will be about 23.6 metres, with a bicycle lane included. The 50-metre fixed-high span will cater to the free, uninterrupted flow of vessels. The administration plans to have it completed this year.

The Berbice River Bridge, a critical link between Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), was constructed between 2006 and 2008 through a public-private partnership at a cost of approximately $8.2 billion.

Quality of life

President Ali also used the opportunity to detail to Region Six residents how their lives have improved in a sustainable way since the People’s Progressive Party/

Civic (PPP/C) returned to office.

According to the President, these improvements are tangible and run the gamut from more disposable income being put in their pockets, to improved access to health and education.

In one example, he revealed the contrasting investments in education made by the PPP/C Government in Region Six, versus that made by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)

Government. “Between 2015 and 2019, less than 20 per cent text-book-availability was in the education system. Today, we have almost 90 per cent

text-book-availability in the school system. These are things you don’t see in a structure, but you see it in the results of our children,” the President reminded.

President Dr Irfaan Ali at Babu Jaan

Youths have an important role to play in safeguarding democracy – PM

...says now is not the time for youths to stay in the background

“You have an important role to play. We will facilitate activities and opportunities for youth empowerment. The youths must take their positions in leadership, in development. And in the struggle to defend democracy in Guyana. Very important. So, youths, don’t stay in the background” – Prime Minister Mark Phillips

The necessity of youths getting involved in the safeguarding of democracy, was on Sunday highlighted by Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, who during the annual observance to celebrate the life of Dr Cheddi Jagan, at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant in Region Six, urged them to step up and take their rightful place.

According to the Prime Minister, as the time creeps closer to the 2025 General

and Regional Elections, the “destructive forces” looking to get into power by any means were out and about, sharing divisive messages and threatening Guyana’s democracy. As such, there was a need for all hands on deck.

“The destructive forces are at it again. With many destructive actions as we lead up to election. So, we have to remain firm and focused, in terms of our defence of democracy in Guyana and our youths, and I’m happy they’re so many of you here. You have an important role to play. We will facilitate activities and opportunities for youth empowerment,” the Prime Minister noted.

PM Mark Phillips pays his respects at the Babu Jaan observance event

Strong, inclusive, visionary PPP will win next elections – GS Jagdeo

Highlighting the party’s inclusive, visionary and resilient nature, General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has declared that his party is poised to be victorious at the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

“The PPP is strong, it’s united and it will win the next elections,” he stated on Sunday at the commemoration of the 28th Death Anniversary of former President and father of the nation, Dr Cheddi Jagan, at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

According to Jagdeo, who is also the Vice President in current PPP/C Administration, this is a pivotal year for the future of the country. With elec-

tions slated for later this year, he told citizens that their decisions would either take the country backward, or toward a “glorious future of prosperity, unity and progress.”

The PPP/C General Secretary pointed out that

elections are not won by speeches or promises but fulfilment of those commitments to the Guyanese – something which his party has always demonstrated.

He noted that over the past four years, the PPP/C, led by President Dr Irfaan Ali has not only fulfilled most of the promises made in its 2020 Manifesto but has even surpassed those commitments and also undertook new ones. These efforts, he noted, will continue into the new term after the party wins the upcoming polls.

“Every group of Guyanese, regardless of their race, have seen the PPP/C stand by its word; that our word is our bond and when we make these promises… [for] the next term, you best believe

that they would be delivered… Just imagine the next term in office, how glorious that will be; how inclusive it will be. This is what you can expect of us in the next term in office.”

“We work for the future of the country because we’re embracing everyone and we’re inclusive. That’s why elections in the future are gonna be won by the PPP, it’s a no-brainer. The [opposition] can come up with anything… They can put anybody [as presidential candidates]…Anybody else we could beat, except God, that they put,” he stated.

Cash grant initiatives

In demonstration of this confidence of victory at the 2025 elections, the Vice President assured Guyanese that the PPP/C Government will roll out more cash grant initiatives after the party wins the upcoming polls.

He noted that, “…The most pressing question on the minds of the people [is] will there be cash grants after [we] win the next elections and the answer is yes!”

The PPP/C Administration has introduced several cash grant initiatives since its return to office in 2020 – a move that was recently lauded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Among the recent cash payouts to Guyanese are the $100,000 per adult citizen cash grant and the $100,000 per newborn cash grant Nevertheless, Jagdeo

went on to note that unlike the PPP, the current People’s National Congress Reform/A Partnership for National Unity (PNCR/APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) Opposition parties are weak, with no track record to defend.

Opposition failures

He recalled that the Coalition’s last term in office was marred with failed promises as the then regime unleashed undue hardships unto the Guyanese people. It culminated, he added, with their blatant attempts to thwart the 2020 elections.

According to Jagdeo, despite those, the opposition seems unrepentant and continues to display its “useless” and “archaic” rhetoric of divisiveness and racism – something which he says Dr Jagan has always fought against.

“Today, I’m extremely proud as General Secretary of this party. We always fought to dispel rumours that this is a racist party but that served them well in the past. In Opposition, we said we change the nature of this party. We’re strong in the Indo-Guyanese communities, we’re going strong in the Amerindian communities because of the work we’ve done and we will make a dedicated effort to go stronger in the Afro-Guyanese communities.”

“These [the opposition] are amateurs. They’re not ready for the big league, they don’t talk about people. It’s their ego. They don’t care any-

thing about ordinary people… They’ve not moved away from this archaic, this outdated, this useless mentality of trying to steal people’s votes and not work for it. We’ve worked for people’s vote – this party –by fulfilling our promises, by taking care of the children, by taking care of the elderly, by creating jobs. But for them, it is bully people, you call them names or alternatively, you steal their votes, that’s how they campaign,” Jagdeo posited.

An instruction from Cheddi Jagan Led by President Ali, who will be returning for another stint in office, the PPP will continue to work for the betterment of Guyanese, the General Secretary assured. He stated that his party is ready to take on any challenger and defend its track record over the last four and a half years against the lofty and wild promises of the opposition at the upcoming elections.

According to Jagdeo, no other political party can hold their own against the ruling PPP/C that stands for enduring principles, national unity and progress.

“We have a vision for the future that’s clearly outlined. No other party has a vision of the future… They don’t have a single plan for anything in any sector. You talk to Irfaan Ali or any Ministers, we can outline all of our plans today, here, now!”

The PPP/C General Secretary added, “We are a resilient, strong party and we’ve grown in breadth and depth. We’ve grown in support… This is not a Hindu party, it’s not a Muslim party, it’s not a Christian party. It’s a party of Hindus, Muslims and Christians, and everyone else. It’s not an Indian party, African party, Amerindian [or] Mixed People party. It’s a party of everyone, all of them together. And that’s an instruction from Cheddi Jagan who we’re celebrating here. That’s what he fought for all of his life.”

Youths have an important...

While Phillips acknowledged the great strides that have been made towards greater inclusion of youth in national affairs, he stressed the importance of more youths getting involved. According to him, now was not the time for youths to remain in the background.

“The youths must take their positions in leadership, in development and in the struggle to defend democracy in Guyana. Very important. So, youths, don’t stay in the background. You can continue your education. Benefit from all the free opportunities. But you have an active role in defending democracy in Guyana, in keeping with the legacy of Dr Jagan.”

“Today in Guyana, women, indigenous people, youths, all play an active role in politics, at all levels. The local,

regional and national levels. And this is one thing Dr Jagan would be proud of, that our General Secretary ensured this happened and happened in a real sense, for all Guyana to participate in the development of Guyana. Citizen participation is important, as we pursue and deepen this dem-

ocratic path,” Phillips added. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has consistently emphasised that the party remains steadfast in its commitment to empower young people, ensuring that they have access to opportunities for economic independence and leadership.

Some of the younger members of the audience at the observance

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

A section of the massive gathering at Sunday’s celebration of the life of Dr Cheddi Jagan at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant in Berbice

Critchlow Labour College fire caused by overheated,

outdated

One day after a devastating fire swept through the decades old Critchlow Labour College, investigations have

Suspect

revealed what started the devastating fire. According to a social media post made by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS)

on Sunday, the fire was supposedly caused by the overheating of outdated electrical panels, which sparked and ignited nearby combus-

arrested after ‘‘explosion’’ heard in Werk-en-Rust

Amale suspect was arrested early Sunday morning after a loud explosion was heard in the Werk-en-Rust area of Georgetown, prompting a swift response from the police.

At approximately 01:30h on Sunday, it was reported that a cadet officer, accompanied by a team from the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) was conducting mobile patrols in three police vehicles in the vicinity of Leopold and Cross Streets.

The patrol team was startled by a loud sound that resembled a gunshot. Upon investigation, the officers spotted an identifiable male, of African descent, dressed in long blue jeans and a coloured hoodie, running in a southern direction while holding what appeared to be a firearm.

The suspect fled into a nearby fenced yard, but police gave chase and quickly apprehended him.

Upon searching the suspect, officers discovered a 9MM Beretta pistol concealed in his waist, along with a magazine containing

ten (10) rounds of matching 9mm ammunition.

When asked if he was the holder of a valid firearm licence, the suspect responded with a simple “no.” He was informed of the offence and cautioned, though he chose to remain silent thereafter.

The suspect, who refused to provide his name or any personal details, was arrested and escorted to the Ruimveldt Police Station. At the station, crime scene investigators dusted the firearm for fingerprints.

The suspect was then transported to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, where further investigation took place, including a gunpowder residue test. He remains in police custody as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.

Vendor granted $50,000 bail

A28-year-old vendor was granted bail in the sum of $50,000, after he was charged with unlawful wounding when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Samuel Edwards, of 551 ‘D’ Field, Sophia, Georgetown, stood before Magistrate Annette Singh to answer to the charge, which alleges that he wounded Gavin Joseph on March 2, 2025, at Hadfield Street, Georgetown. Edwards pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

During the proceed-

ings, Magistrate Singh inquired about the injuries sustained by Joseph. In re-

electrical panels

tible materials.

The property, which is owned by the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC), at the time housed the Critchlow Labour College, University of Excellence, Management and Business, and the Angela Apple White Hercules canteen.

The devastating fire had engulfed the Critchlow Labour College on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, on Saturday morning, de-

stroying approximately 80 per cent of the building. Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who was on the scene, confirmed the extent of the damage, and speaking to reporters, Benn revealed that authorities were informed of the fire sometime before their arrival and upon reaching the location, they found the structure extensively damaged.

He confirmed that the fire service was quick to re-

Prison officer on

spond but faced a difficult situation due to the extent of the flames.

The Critchlow Labour College was established in 1967 and has been a long-standing educational institution in Guyana, providing training and development opportunities to hundreds of students annually. The destruction of the building will have a significant impact on those who rely on its facilities.

$100,000

bail for smuggling narcotics into Lusignan Prison

Deondray Clarke, a 25-year-old prison officer from Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was placed on $100,000 bail after being charged with attempting to smuggle narcotics into Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

sponse, Joseph informed the court that he had suffered a stab wound approximately six inches deep on his side. Additionally, he stated that he had sustained multiple injuries to his hands, including lacerations and swelling, and required stitches. Despite the details of the injuries, the prosecution did not object to bail. After considering the circumstances, Magistrate Singh granted Edwards bail in the sum of $50,000. The matter has been adjourned to April 25, 2025, for further proceedings.

Clarke was arrested on Wednesday, by ranks from the Vigilance Police Station. He faces charges of Introducing Narcotics into a Prison Facility, contrary to Section 7(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10. The charge stems from an incident on the same day at Lusignan Prison, where Clarke was allegedly found in possession of 28.4 grams of cannabis.

Clarke appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at Vigilance Magistrate’s Court #1, where the charge was read to him. He plead -

ed not guilty and was granted bail. The matter was adjourned to April 24, 2025, for a report.

This incident comes amid heightened efforts by the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) to combat the smuggling of contraband into the nation’s prisons.

Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot, issued a stern warning to both members of the public and prison officers involved in such illegal activities, that they will face the full force of the law. In recent years, there have been multiple attempts to smuggle drugs, mobile phones, and other contraband into various correctional facilities.

These attempts have been ongoing, despite increased monitoring and surveillance measures implemented at all prison locations.

Elliot emphasised that while efforts are underway to improve physical structures and technological systems in prisons, the primary focus remains on human vigilance. He warned that any officer or individual found collaborating to smuggle illegal items into prisons would be held accountable.

This arrest serves as part of the ongoing crackdown on prison corruption, and authorities have made it clear that there will be no leniency for officers caught breaking the law.

Samuel Edwards

Deondray Clarke

The man who was arrested by Police

“Do The Right Thing” campaign expands into the Guyana Prison Service

The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) is adopting a renewed focus on ethics, accountability, and rehabilitation through the ‘Do The Right Thing’ campaign—an initiative initially launched to promote road safety but later expanded to various sectors of public service.

Now, corrections officers and inmates alike are being encouraged to uphold discipline and integrity as part of their daily routines.

Speaking on the televised programme “Prisons in Focus”, Rae-Dawn Corbin, Head of the Strategic Management Department at the GPS, explained how the initiative has taken root within the prison system.

“In the prison service, as the mantra has evolved, it’s

doing the right thing in everything you do,” she stated.

“It has evolved to doing the right thing on a day-to-day basis… ensuring you adhere to your SOPs [Standard

Operating Procedures], ensuring that you are doing your best, ensuring that the rules of the service are absolutely upheld.”

The “Do The Right

Thing” campaign was officially expanded on Republic Day (February 23, 2025), reinforcing a nationwide message of personal responsibility and ethical decision-making. Within the GPS, this means officers are held to higher professional standards, while inmates are encouraged to adopt positive behaviours that support their rehabilitation.

“Similarly for the inmates, do the right thing and you will reap the rewards,” Corbin added, emphasising the role of discipline and good behaviour in the correctional environment.

This initiative aligns with the broader transformation of the GPS, which was a key focus of the recent Senior Officers Conference.

The event, themed “Changing Culture and Mindsets for Corrections,” brought together local, regional, and international experts to discuss the modernisation of prison management and the importance of rehabilitation over punishment.

As part of this shift, programmes such as the Fresh Start Initiative have been introduced, providing inmates with training in carpentry, tailoring, masonry, and anger management to reduce recidivism and support reintegration into society.

Officials believe the “Do The Right Thing” campaign will complement these efforts by fostering a culture of responsibility and reform, both among officers and those in custody. The initiative is also a reflection of the Government’s commitment to improving the correctional system. With ongoing training programmes for prison staff, increased educational opportunities, and stronger regional collaborations, the GPS is positioning itself as a model for correctional reform in the Caribbean.

As the “Do The Right Thing” campaign continues to take hold within the prison system, officials are optimistic about its impact. By reinforcing integrity among officers and accountability among inmates, the GPS is working toward a safer, more rehabilitative environment, one where discipline and second chances go hand in hand.

Guyana, Brazil strengthen agri, cross-border trade collaboration

Discussions between Guyana, the Agriculture Department of Roraima, Brazil, and Sebrae (Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service) last Thursday, further deepened collaboration efforts between Guyana and Brazil, particularly in the agricultural sector and cross-border trade.

This is according to Rubeina Khan Nickram, Public Relations/Education Director of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), who noted that the meetings focused on identifying actionable opportunities for bilateral trade, leveraging Brazil’s strengths in agribusiness and Guyana’s growing economic potential.

Dr Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), played a central role in urging Brazilian business leaders to seize the opportunities presented by Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy. Dr Ramsaroop further emphasised that the time for Brazilian businesses to engage with Guyana is now— not just as trade partners, but as investors, collaborators, and industry pioneers.

He highlighted Guyana’s openness to Brazilian expertise and capital across sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing, energy, infrastructure, and technology.

His message reinforced that business-to-business (B2B) relationships are critical to unlocking the full potential of bilateral trade, particularly as Guyana positions itself as a regional hub for innovation and sustainable development.

Agricultural trade opportunities, logistics and infrastructure, and strategic im-

portance were key focus areas of discussions, the RCCI noted.

and Boa Vista, including faster customs clearance and reduced bureaucratic hurdles.

Completion of the Georgetown to Lethem Road and potential rail links were reiterated as critical for boosting trade volumes.

These talks, the RCCI highlighted, align with broader efforts to transform Guyana into a hub for larger agricultural production and regional trade, by addressing logistical bottlenecks and fostering technical cooperation.

ed to attend and explore partnerships, the RCCI revealed. It added that this phase of discussions underscores a pragmatic shift from dialogue to actionable projects, with Sebrae and Roraima’s agricultural authorities playing pivotal roles in bridging gaps between policy and implementation.

Brazil’s Roraima State agriculture department highlighted “exportable goods” such as soybeans, beef, poultry, dairy products, agricultural machinery, and processed foods, as Guyana expressed interest in accessing Brazilian agricultural inputs (e.g., fertilisers, seeds) and technology, to boost its own farming sector.

Both sides stressed the need for improved cargo transit routes between Lethem

The upcoming Roraima Agriculture Fair in November will serve as a platform to showcase these synergies, with Guyanese businesses invit-

The two day meeting, RCCI stated, concluded with fruitful discussions, as the forum facilitated direct engagement between Guyanese officials, entrepreneurs and Brazilian private-sector leaders, enabling discussions on joint ventures, supply chain integration, and market access. The Guyanese delegation also included Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud; Senior Director of GOInvest, John Edghill; Mayor of Lethem, John Macedo; Rodger King, Guyana Brazil Consulate; President of the Regional Chamber of RCCI, Orlando Wong; PR/Education Director, Rubeina Khan Nickram; and other officials from GO-Invest and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delegation held further meetings with Brazilian state officials, including discussions at the Governor’s Palace in Boa Vista, Roraima, and in Manaus, Amazonas State.

Rae-Dawn Corbin, Head of the Strategic Management Department at the GPS

Guyana and Brazil delegations in discussions during one of the meetings

CEO of GO-Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop speaking at a meeting. Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud sits at right

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Family meDicine, enDocrinology, DiabeTes

Feet can take a person from point A to point B, but they are subject to aches, pains, and smells along the way. While most people will experience a case of smelly feet from time to time, some people live in fear of taking their shoes off.

The medical term for smelly feet is “bromodosis”. The good news is that many treatments are available to reduce the incidence of the condition.

According to the Institute for Preventive Foot Health, an estimated 16 per cent of people aged 21 and older have reported a problem with foot odour.

Bacteria and moisture are the underlying causes of most cases of smelly feet.

• Smelly feet are not usually a medical concern, but they can affect a person’s relationships and cause self-consciousness.

• Bacteria naturally live on people’s feet.

• When the bacteria rid themselves of wastes from breaking down oils and dead skin cells, bad smells

can result.

PREVENTION TIPS

People can take steps to reduce the incidence of smelly feet, such as wearing certain footwear, practising good foot hygiene, trying home remedies, and, if necessary, consulting a doctor for stronger treatments.

• Wearing socks

Wearing socks can help address smelly feet and reduce the incidence of sweaty feet. Socks, especially those made from sweat-wicking materials, can absorb sweat and reduce odours. Socks are also easy to change, and doing so may reduce the odours that may otherwise linger inside a person’s shoes.

• Certain shoes Wearing shoes that have

HEALTH TIPS

SMELLY FEET – BROMODOSIS

not breathable and promote foot sweating.

• Alternating shoes and socks

People should allow shoes time to fully dry out between wears to help cut down on particularly smelly feet. Wearing one pair of shoes one day and a different pair the next day can give the shoes enough time to dry.

A person may also wish to keep an extra pair of socks on hand to change into during the day. This can help reduce sweating and smell.

• Replacing insoles

People can also replace their shoe insoles with odour-reducing or antibacterial insoles.

Another option is to purchase an antibacterial or disinfecting spray to use on the

some breathability can help reduce the incidence of sweating and moisture.

People can look for shoes that have mesh panels, which allow for breathability.

Shoes made from plastic, such as “jellies”, are almost guaranteed to contribute to smelly feet because they are

insoles. However, this option is not usually as effective as allowing the insoles of the shoes to dry out fully. A range of insoles is available for purchase online.

• Exfoliating the feet

People can use a scrub

or a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells that bacteria like to feed on.

A person who has especially smelly feet may wish to use a pumice stone 2–3 times each week to avoid buildup. Pumice stones are available for purchase online.

People should also wash their feet every day with antibacterial soap, paying close attention to the areas between the toes.

• Salt soak Soaks are potentially useful as part of an exfoliating routine or on their own.

A person can prepare a bowl or tub of warm water and dissolve 1/2 cup of Epsom salts in it. Soak the feet for 10–20 minutes, and then dry the feet thoroughly.

People may also use additional ingredients such as a Listerine foot soak.

• Vinegar soak

Another type of soak is a vinegar soak. A person can add 2 parts warm water and 1 part vinegar (apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are both suitable) to a tub

and soak the feet for 15–20 minutes.

However, a person should not use a vinegar soak if they have any cuts, sores, or scratches, as the vinegar may irritate open areas of skin.

• Antiperspirant

Another remedy a person can use is antiperspirant on the feet. Although traditionally used for the underarms, antiperspirant might also reduce the incidence of excessive sweating on the feet.

• Iontophoresis

One treatment option for a person with smelly feet is a process called iontophoresis. This approach involves delivering a mild electric current to the skin through water for 15–40 minutes, depending on the device, to reduce the incidence of sweating feet.

• Botox

Another option a person may use in some instances is the injection of botulinum toxin, or Botox. A professional will inject this medication into the feet via a means

known as plantar injections.

However, these injections can be especially painful and may not be the most effective option. The results usually last 3–4 months, and a person will require subsequent treatments.

People may also use Botox to address excessive underarm sweating.

If a person suddenly experiences a new onset of smelly feet, they should inspect their feet for signs of sores or cuts that could be infected. They can put a mirror on the floor and examine the bottom of the feet to look for any abnormalities.

A person should see a doctor if they see signs of wounds on their feet. Redness, red streaks, and swelling may be signs of infection. A person should consult a medical professional to address this immediately, especially if they have diabetes, as they may experience complications.

If a person does not have any signs of wounds, overthe-counter and at-home measures should reduce the incidence of smelly feet. A person should not suffer or feel self-conscious as a result of their smelly feet, and they should seek medical advice. Most people may experience smelly feet from time to time due to the shoes they wear. But others may have trouble finding a remedy for smelly feet and, in some cases, may experience excessive sweating. However, many home remedies can reduce the incidence of the condition, including exfoliation, soaks, and antiperspirants. A medical professional can also administer treatments, such as Botox, to help reduce foot odour.

Lawyer dies in early-morning Sheriff Street accident

Aa motor car, #PWW 9839, owned by Ludonna Naar and driven by 34-year-old Viola Mittelholzer from South Road, Lacytown. The other vehicle involved was a motorcycle, #CP 4679, operated by Johnson.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the car was travelling north on Sheriff Street in the eastern drive lane. As the car approached the intersection of Sheriff and Dadanawa Streets, Mittelholzer attempted to make a turn east onto Dadanawa Street. In the process, Johnson, who was travelling south on Sheriff Street at a high speed, collided head-on with the car. At the time of the crash, Johnson was not wearing a helmet.

In response to the incident, a Notice of Intended Prosecution was issued to Mittelholzer, the driver of the car, and she remains in police custody, assisting with the investigation. Eyewitnesses were interviewed, and measurements were taken at the scene. Both the car and motorcycle were examined by a Licensing and Certifying Officer.

A breathalyser test was conducted on Mittelholzer, and the results indicated readings of 0.16 and 0.10 micrograms of alcohol in her breath. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision continues.

The body of the deceased is currently at the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Mortuary as the investigation progresses.

7 homeless after Corentyne fire – 2 houses razed at Rose Hall

fatal accident early Sunday morning on Sheriff Street, Georgetown, has claimed the life of a young lawyer, and groom-to-be. The incident occurred at approximately 03:11h, at the intersection of Sheriff and Dadanawa Streets, Georgetown. Dead is -year-old Akilo Johnson from South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Guyana Times was informed that Johnson was preparing to tie the knot in about three weeks.

The force of the collision flung Johnson some distance from the motorcycle, and he landed on the road, sustaining severe injuries. He was quickly assisted by public-spirited citizens who rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Accident and Emergency Unit. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Johnson was pronounced dead on arrival.

Seven persons are now homeless after a fire of unknown origin flattened two houses at Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Sunday.

The accident involved

Fisherman hacked to death at Dundee, Mahaicony

A30-year-old fisherman who has been identified as Parmand Singh known as “Ravin”, was tragically murdered on Saturday afternoon in Dundee, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. The suspect, identified as a known individual, has since been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to family members, Singh left his home earlier in the day, only to become the victim of an unprovoked attack.

It was reported that family members were informed of the tragedy when they received a call around 17:00hrs, hours after Singh had left their home. Distraught, they rushed to the scene.

Eyewitnesses reported that Singh was at the Dundee Canal Bridge when he was approached by a man named “Adesh Latchman”, who requested a cigarette. It was reported that after giving the suspect the cigarette, without warning, he reportedly attacked Singh with a chopper, delivering a fatal blow to the back of his neck.

As a result of the blow, Sing collapsed and was left for dead by the suspect. Police investigators were called to the scene, and Singh was reportedly picked up, placed at the back of their patrol vehicle, and transported to the Mahaicony Public Hospital,

but succumbed to his injuries before reaching medical care.

Family members further revealed that though Singh and the suspect are known to each other, they had no old grievances and on the day of the incident they had no arguments. They’ve expressed their shock and grief over the brutal loss and are calling for justice.

Meanwhile, the suspect, Latchman, remains in police custody as authorities continue their investigation into the fatal attack.

As of press time on Sunday, police have not issued a statement on the murder.

Among the victims are a pastor, who was delivering a sermon to the congregation at the time, and a US citizen.

The fire at Fourth Street, Reef, Rose Hall Town started at the pastor’s home, Divisional Fire Officer Clive

At the time no one was at home.

Pastor Jerry Alexander, of Fyrish Family of God Church who lived there with his wife, daughter and granddaughter, said he was at church when he got the message that his home was on fire.

The 68-year-old said that when he arrived at the scene, his house and the neighbour’s were both engulfed, and fire fighters were battling the blaze at his Lot 294 residence.

He said he lost everything and gave an estimate of $20 million in losses.

“So far, we are just trusting God, because we serving a mighty God; a God who hears and answers prayers; a God who supplies our needs according to the richest of his glory. So, we’re trusting in him,” he said.

He and his wife had occupied the house for more than 40 years.

"It’s hard, devastating.

But God will come through for us. It’s better you lose material things than life. Thank God and that what he said in his word, in everything give thanks. We thanking him for life,” he said.

The flames spread to the neighbouring house, which is owned by an overseas-based Guyanese Joseph Woodee, 72.

At the time, he was watching television; shortly before midday, he detected the smell of smoke and heard neighbours sounding a fire alert.

Despite his arthritis, he made it out of the house and to the stairs before being assist-

by

and when

the

Before he could get things together he went to his landlord who was on the stairs, struggling to get downstairs. Yeosuff said he assisted Woodee to safety, but by the time he was finished, the fire had spread to his home and he, too, could not save anything.

Dead: Akilo Johnson

The car that was involved in the accident

Dead: Parmand Singh

The area where the murder occurred

McDonald confirmed.

ed

the downstairs’ tenant. That tenant, Astaf Yeosuff, a security guard who lived on the lower flat with his wife, said he was asleep when he started to smell smoke,

he looked outside he saw

neighbour’s house on fire.

Joseph Woodee Pastor Jerry Alexander

Venezuela: Chevron lobbies for extension as Trump weighs new sanctions scenario

The Donald Trump administration is considering granting Chevron more time to cease its activities in Venezuela, following lobbying efforts by the US oil giant to secure an extension.

In recent days, company CEO Mike Wirth met with several members of Trump’s cabinet before taking part in a larger gathering of oil executives with the president himself. He reportedly argued for an extension of the existing license. According to Bloomberg, the administration will grant the corporation additional time to close its Venezuela activities.

Wirth has repeatedly defended Chevron’s presence in Venezuela but vowed to comply with US Treasury directives.

The White House and Treasury Department have not officially commented, while a Chevron spokesperson only disclosed that firm

executives “meet regularly” with US officials to “engage constructively on issues” related to the company’s activities.

In early March, Washington issued General License 41A (GL41A), giving Chevron until April 3 to wind down operations in the Venezuelan oil sector as an escalation of economic pressure against the Caribbean nation.

A Reuters source floated a scenario of a new sanctions policy after the two-month period that would see the US oil giant, and possibly other US corporations, operating in the country while the Treasury Department would target other foreign actors that deal with Venezuela’s oil sector.

The Wall Street Journal was the first to reveal the Chevron lobbying efforts to secure more time before closing its operations in Venezuela. The WSJ’s original report claimed that

the Trump administration is “weighing a plan to impose tariffs or other financial penalties” against countries that buy crude from Venezuela.

However, any decision to revert Chevron’s withdrawal or allow further firms into Venezuela, is bound to encounter fierce opposition from foreign policy hardliners such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. In a phone call with Wirth, Rubio reportedly insisted on Chevron’s pull-out by the April deadline.

Chevron holds minority stakes in four joint projects with Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA that currently produce around 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) combined, roughly a quarter of the South American nation’s total output. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Global)

BVI reports 66 cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

The ministry of health and social development has announced that the numbers of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in the Virgin Islands has risen to 66, and is encouraging the community to take proactive measures to stop its spread.

Acting chief medical officer, Dr Ronald Georges confirmed that there is a rise in confirmed cases of the disease that is primarily affecting children across early childhood learning centres

and pre-primary schools.

“To mitigate spread, the Public Health Unit has implemented several key interventions such as enhanced surveillance, an increase in health inspections, public awareness and support for daycares and schools,” Dr Georges said.

The chief medical officer is imploring the public to take the outbreak seriously and parents to follow their physician’s advice and keep infected children at home for the recommended time (7-10 days).

Daycares are also asked to strictly enforce sick policies by not allowing symptomatic children to attend and ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection of shared spaces and toys.

“Parents and caregivers are urged to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread by adhering to the guidance offered by public health,” Dr Georges advised. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Global)

Canadian PM Carney calls snap election, says Trump wants to break Canada

New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday called a snap election for April 28, saying he needed a strong mandate to deal with the threat posed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who "wants to break us so America can own us."

The comments showed the extent to which relations between the U.S. and Canada, two long-time allies and major trading partners, have deteriorated since Trump imposed tariffs on Canada and threatened to annex it as the 51st state.

Although the next election was not due until October 20, Carney is hoping to capitalize on a remarkable recovery by his Liberal party in the polls

since January, when Trump began threatening Canada and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation.

Upon being sworn in as prime minister on March 14, Carney had said he could work with and respected Trump. On Sunday, however, he took a more combative approach.

"We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump's unjustified trade actions and his threats to our sovereignty," Carney told reporters after the Governor General – the personal representative of King Charles, Canada's head of state – approved his request for an election.

"Our response must be to build a strong economy

Around the World Trump pushes for Ukraine ceasefire by Easter

The US is working towards an Easter ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine despite another night of intense drone strikes that have killed civilians in Kyiv.

The White House wants to secure a truce by Easter Sunday, which falls on April 20 in both the Western and Orthodox churches, officials told Bloomberg. US officials will meet separately with Russian and Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia this week for talks on a partial truce.

Ukrainian officials will meet US mediators on Monday in what is thought to be the first set of parallel negotiations since the early weeks of the war in 2022.

But the Kremlin on Sunday warned that progress on a deal would be unlikely as it was “only the beginning” of what were expected to be “difficult” negotiations.

While American officials may be aiming for Easter, they admit that timeline may slip given the large gaps between the two sides’ positions.

Keith Kellogg, Mr Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, has described the Riyadh effort as “shuttle diplomacy” between hotel rooms.

Gitanas Nauseda, the Lithuanian president, said on Friday that Russia was “imitating negotiations, talking about a possible peace and possible ceasefire, but they are not even ready to keep the ceasefire as promised not to attack, not to strike critical infrastructure”. (Excerpt from Telegraph.UK)

Pope Francis discharged, waves from balcony in 1st public appearance in 5 weeks

The Pope waved from a hospital balcony in Rome in his first public appearance for five weeks after suffering from severe pneumonia.

Before leaving Gemelli Hospital in the front passenger seat of a white Fiat 500 sedan, the 88-yearold pontiff appeared in a wheelchair shortly after midday to greet and bless around 3,000 pilgrims and well-wishers gathered below.

As he lifted his hands in a blessing, some members

of the crowd shouted “We love you!” and “We’re here for you!”.

Looking tired and frail, the Pope, who was hospitalised on Feb 14, offered his thanks to the crowd and singled out a woman holding a bouquet of yellow flowers, waving to her before giving everyone a thumbs-up sign and being wheeled back inside his suite.

Ending the longest hospitalisation of his 12-year papacy, the Pope thanked medical staff before he drove back towards the

Vatican. He also made a last-minute visit with his motorcade at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in central Rome.

The Pope was last seen returning to Casa Santa Marta, his residence inside the Vatican, wearing nasal tubes for supplementary oxygen in the front seat of the Fiat. He is expected to continue his medical treatment, rest and convalescence at the Vatican for at least two months. (Excerpt from Telegraph UK)

South African ambassador expelled by Trump receives hero’s welcome at home

The South African ambassador who was expelled from the United States in a row with US President Donald Trump’s administration has arrived home to a raucous welcome and struck a defiant tone over the decision.

and a more secure Canada. President Trump claims that Canada isn't a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen."

Carney, a former twotime central banker with no previous political or election campaign experience, captured the Liberal leadership two weeks ago by persuading party members he was the best person to tackle Trump. Now he has five weeks to win over Canadians. Polls suggest the Liberals, who have been in power since 2015 and badly trailed the official opposition Conservatives at the start of the year, are now slightly ahead of their rivals. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Crowds at Cape Town International Airport surrounded Ebrahim Rasool and his wife Rosieda on Sunday as they emerged in the arrivals terminal in their hometown. They needed a police escort to help them navigate their way through the building.

“A declaration of persona non grata is meant to humiliate you,” Rasool told supporters as he addressed them with a megaphone. “But when you return to crowds like this, and with warmth … like this, then I will wear my persona non grata as a badge of dignity.”

“It was not our choice to come home, but we come home with no regrets.”

Rasool also said it was important for South Africa to fix its relationship with the US after Trump punished the country and accused it of taking an anti-American stance even before the decision to expel Rasool.

Trump issued an executive order last month cutting all funding to South Africa, alleging its government is supporting the Palestinian group Hamas and Iran, and pursuing anti-white policies at home.

“We don’t come here to say we are anti-American,” Rasool said to the crowd. “We are not here to call on you to throw away our interests with the United States.” They were the ex-ambas-

sador’s first public comments since the Trump administration declared him persona non grata over a week ago, removed his diplomatic immunities and privileges, and gave him until Friday to leave the country. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who issued the declaration on X, said Rasool was a “race-baiting politician” who hates the US and Trump. It is highly unusual for the US to expel a foreign ambassador. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

South Africa's expelled ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool addresses supporters upon his arrival at the Cape Town International Airport

Trust your instincts, change what isn't working for you and set a high standard for others. Engage in what makes you feel content and secure. Turn your home into your comfort zone.

Take the initiative. A change will point you in a new direction. Put your energy and skills into getting ahead and reaping the rewards you deserve.

An optimistic attitude is terrific; however, weigh the pros and cons before you take a leap of faith. Don't ignore any uncertainty or go overboard with your plans. It's better to be safe than sorry.

You'll have the energy to finish what you start. Enlist the best of the best to help you reach your target. You stand to gain recognition that will lead to unexpected rewards.

Deal with relationship issues head-on and avoid misunderstandings that can compromise your position. Manufacture your success instead of waiting for it to happen.

Make adjustments to your environment or become active in a group that shares your beliefs. Your contributions will lead to an opportunity you cannot resist.

Whether you want to improve your physical, emotional or financial well-being, taking the first step will be necessary. On your mark, get set, go!

Know what and who you are up against, and play to win. Engage in hands-on learning and don't rely on secondhand information. Participate in positive change and forward thinking.

Refuse to let anyone stand in your way. Bypass negativity, and take the path that accommodates your desires. Concentrate on what matters most, and you won't be disappointed.

Look closely at who is involved in whatever you participate in before signing up. Take a leadership position if it allows you to control situations and outcomes that impact your life.

Put pressure where needed most and move forward with a plan. Refuse to let uncertainty set in or cost you time and money. Set up a workspace conducive to doing your best and achieving the most.

Jettison what is no longer of value. Simplify your life and rethink what's meaningful to you. Redesigning how you move forward will be an adventure. Live life your way, and you'll have no regrets.

ARCHIE

Indian Premier League 2025...

Noor, Ravindra, Gaikwad get CSK off to winning start

Chennai Super King’s bowling acquisitions during the off-season paid immediate dividends as their four new bowlers took nine wickets between them to restrict Mumbai Indians to 155 for 9, a total that they ultimately chased down with ease, but not without a hiccup against debutant left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur, who is yet to represent his state side in senior cricket.

However, it was the other left-arm wristspinner, younger than Puthur but a veteran by comparison, who made the telling impact. Noor Ahmad registered his best Indian Premier League (IPL) figures and the best figures for a CSK spinner against MI, 4 for 18, to capitalise on the inroads made by Khaleel Ahmed, whose CSK debut was not too shabby either: wickets of the openers and analysis of 4-029-3.

CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad made the chase look like a walk in the park with 53 off 26, bringing the

requirement down to a run a ball in the ninth over, but this is when they started losing wickets to Puthur, struggling to impart power into his slow wristspin. Three of them holed out in the deep, but Rachin Ravindra anchored the chase with 65 off 45 to see them home.

Khaleel rocks MI early Khaleel is a dichotomous IPL bowler. He is worse than the average fast bowler during afternoon games, and better than the average fast bowler in night games. The only explanation for it is that there is a small window for movement with the new ball under lights, and he is a different beast when the ball moves. It showed in how he denied the openers a big hit with the little bit of movement that was available. The eventual dismissals looked soft – Rohit Sharma caught at forward square leg and Ryan Rickleton bowled off an inside edge – but they were the results of the pressure created by Khaleel himself.

To make it better for CSK, their returning homeboy R Ashwin took a wicket in his first over. There is not much mystery to the Ashwin who has returned to CSK after more than a decade, but his length was immaculate, making it a risk every time the batters wanted to attack him. He ended up with figures of 4-0-31-1, the wicket being that of Will Jacks inside the powerplay.

Noor undoes Tilak and Suryakumar Down at 36 for 3 in 4.4 overs, MI needed something special from their two best batters, stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. The latter hit right back by taking two fours off Ashwin and then hitting two sixes off Ravindra Jadeja, against whom Suryakumar does not enjoy a good match-up.

Noor then applied the handbrake with some elan. He was so difficult to pick even MS Dhoni was beaten by a mile when he turned one past Varma’s outside edge. That seed of doubt cast, he went back to what he does more often, turn the ball the other way at high speed. Suryakumar was beaten on the outside edge and stumped in a flash by Dhoni.

Debutant Robin Minz could not get going and tried a desperate shot only to be caught at long-off. Tilak was beaten both in the air and off the pitch: caught on the crease, he had no time to adjust to the ball that turned back in and trapped him lbw. Noor came back at the death to bowl Naman Dhir around his legs.

Nathan Ellis took care of one of the former CSK players, Mitchell Santner, but the other, Deepak Chahar gave MI something to bowl at with a cameo of 28 off 15.

Gaikwad, No. 3, runs away with the chase CSK made a surprise move of promoting Rahul Tripathi ahead of Gaikwad, but it did not last long as Chahar carried on from where he had left off with the bat, taking a wicket in his first over against CSK with a well-directed short ball.

Gaikwad, though, batted like a dream, taking down Trent Boult and both former colleagues, Chahar and Santner. S Raju, who is supposed to be a good death bowler, made an indifferent start with the new ball, and CSK ran away to 62 in the

powerplay. The field spread, but Gaikwad kept going, hitting Jacks for a beautiful inside-out six against the turn, suggesting an easy pitch to bat on.

Puthur halts CSK

With just 82 needed off the last 13 overs, CSK would have wanted to register a big net-run-rate bonus, which is

perhaps why they kept trying to hit Puthur’s slow leftarm wristspin for sixes. More than anything it was his slow pace and the slight slowness of the pitch that kept resulting in catches on the fence. Still, Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, and Deepak Hooda is not a bad debut haul at all. By now, it was almost like the home crowd was willing MI to take wickets so that they could get a glimpse of Dhoni with the bat. When Jacks bowled Sam Curran for 4 off 9, it drew a big cheer, but the sight of Jadeja quelled the excitement.

Ravindra sees CSK home

The steepest the task got was 31 off the last four overs, but this is when MI gave CSK some pace to work with, and Jadeja immediately hit Boult for a four. Ravindra was the only batter to hit boundaries off Puthur: three sixes, all thanks to momentum generated by his use of feet to charge at the bowler. A run-out in the 19th over gave the Chepauk crowd what they wanted, they even got a six to seal the game, but off the bat of Ravindra as Dhoni stayed unbeaten on 0 off 2. (ESPNcricinfo)

(Trent Boult, 18.6 ov) • DRS Bowling O-M-R-W Khaleel Ahmed 4-0-29-3 Sam Curran 1-0-13-0 Nathan Ellis 4-0-38-1 Ravichandran Ashwin 4-0-31-1

Ruturaj Gaikwad smacked 53 off 26

Gaikwad celebrates his half-century

Noor Ahmad bagged four wickets on CSK debut

Indian Premier League 2025...

Kishan’s 106* ensures SRH ease to win with 286

In Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) took batting to dizzying heights. With Ishan Kishan’s addition to an already power-packed lineup, everyone wondered if they might be the first team to hit 300 in the IPL. In their opening fixture of IPL 2025, they seriously threatened to get there, thanks to Kishan’s 45-ball hundred on franchise debut and Travishek’s opening salvo. They eventual -

off 47 balls, his first IPL ton. After Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma had helped SRH take 94 in the first six overs, the fifth-highest powerplay total, Kishan launched from there.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) made a decent fist of the chase, with Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel matching the intent and power of SRH’s batters with half-centuries. Late blows from Shimron Hetmyer, the only overseas batter in

ly fell 14 short of 300, and just two short of breaking the IPL record they had set last season, but it was another emphatic statement of their high intent and power.

Kishan is an upgrade over their previous number three Rahul Tripathi. He seamlessly slotted into SRH’s line-up, clattering an unbeaten 106

RR’s squad, contributed to a match aggregate of 528, the second highest in the IPL, but such a mammoth target was always going to be unchaseable.

Travishek at it again

An easy-paced flat Hyderabad pitch and wayward bowling from RR’s attack were the perfect ingredients for an -

other Travishek special. After playing out two dots from Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abhishek started the mayhem when he whipped him past mid-on and flayed him over extra-cover for fours off the next two balls.

Maheesh Theekshana, who was picked ahead of Wanindu Hasaranga, his Sri Lanka senior, had an inauspicious start, bowling a front-foot no-ball and an off-side wide before Head crashed him for a four and six.

The unfettered assault forced RR into doing death bowling from the powerplay onwards. When Theekshana dug one into the track and hid it away from the reach of Abhishek in his fourth over, he drew a mis-hit to point to cut the opening partnership short at 45 off 19 balls.

Kishan announces himself in Hyderabad Six of the first 13 balls Kishan had faced went to the boundary or cleared it. That sequence had ‘SRH’ written all over it.

Like Head, Kishan often stayed leg-side of the ball and looked to launch it into orbit. Theekshana’s mystery spin, Jofra Archer’s pace, Tushar Deshpande’s change-ups –nothing fazed him.

Archer had a nightmarish return to the IPL, coming away with 4-0-76-0, the most expensive spell ever in the league. Head had clubbed him for four fours and a six in his first over, which cost 23, and his evening only got worse.

Deshpande, however, had a better day, striking in his first over back from injury to have Head hole out for 67 off 31 balls.

Kishan then took charge of the innings and brought up his fifty off 25 balls. He got to the landmark by manufacturing swinging room and carting Archer over extra-cover for six. Kishan then surged to his hundred off 47 balls and announced him -

self at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. He walked back to the dugout, raising his bat to every corner of his new home.

RR join six-fest

RR had a shaky start, losing Yashasvi Jaiswal and their Captain Riyan Parag in the first two overs of their chase. Simarjeet Singh’s hit-the-deck hustle had accounted for

both batters. Then, when Mohammed Shami got rid of Nitish Rana for 11 off eight balls, RR were 50 for 3 in the fifth over.

Samson, who was recuperating from a finger injury and came in as their Impact Player, dovetailed beautifully with Jurel in a 111-run stand off 59 balls.

Samson showed no apparent signs of discomfort when he launched four sixes, including a hooked hit

Sunrisers Hyderabad (20 ovs maximum)

Abhishek Sharma c Jaiswal

b Theekshana 24

Travis Head c Hetmyer

b Deshpande 67

Ishan Kishan not out 106

Nitish Kumar Reddy c Jaiswal

b Theekshana 30

Heinrich Klaasen † c Parag

b Sandeep Sharma 34

Aniket Verma c Archer

b Deshpande 7

Abhinav Manohar c Parag

b Deshpande 0

Pat Cummins (c) not out 0

Extras (b 4, lb 1, nb 3, w 10) 18

Total 20 Ov (RR: 14.30) 286/6

Did not bat: Simarjeet Singh, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Shami

Fall of wickets: 1-45 (Abhishek Sharma, 3.1 ov), 2-130 (Travis Head, 9.3 ov), 3-202 (Nitish Kumar Reddy, 14.2 ov), 4-258 (Heinrich Klaasen, 18.2 ov), 5-279 (Aniket Verma, 19.2 ov), 6-279 (Abhinav Manohar, 19.3 ov) • DRS

Bowling O-M-R-W

Fazalhaq Farooqi 3-0-49-0

Maheesh Theekshana 4-0-52-2

Jofra Archer 4-0-76-0

Sandeep Sharma 4-0-51-1

Nitish Rana 1-0-9-0

Tushar Deshpande 4-0-44-3

Rajasthan Royals (T: 287 runs from 20 ovs)

Yashasvi Jaiswal c Manohar

b Simarjeet Singh 1

Sanju Samson c †Klaasen b Patel 66

Riyan Parag (c) c Cummins b Simarjeet Singh 4

Nitish Rana c Cummins

b Mohammed Shami 11

Dhruv Jurel †c Ishan Kishan

b Zampa 70

Shimron Hetmyer c Manohar

b Patel 42

Shubham Dubey not out 34

Jofra Archer not out 1

Extras (b 4, nb 2, w 7) 13

Total 20 Ov (RR: 12.10) 242/6

Did not bat: Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma

Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 1.3 ov), 2-24 (Riyan Parag, 1.5 ov), 3-50 (Nitish Rana, 4.1 ov), 4-161 (Sanju Samson, 13.6 ov), 5-161 (Dhruv Jurel, 14.2 ov), 6-241 (Shimron Hetmyer, 19.5 ov) • DRS

Bowling O-M-R-W

Mohammed Shami 3-0-33-1

Simarjeet Singh 3-0-46-2

Pat Cummins 4-0-60-0

Abhishek

off Shami, which had kickstarted his innings. As for Jurel, he was more brutal on the seamers and kept hitting over the top. By bowling the spinners and Pat Cummins through the middle overs, SRH managed to backload Harshal Patel’s overs. Harshal bested Samson with a slower bouncer in the 14th, and in the next over Adam Zampa, SRH’s Impact Player, had Jurel caught at long-on for 70 off 35 balls. SRH wrapped up an Net-Run-Rate (NRR)-boosting win and put their rivals on notice. (ESPNcricinfo)

Simarjeet Singh struck twice in his first over

Ishan Kishan slammed his first IPL hundred

Travis Head blazed

Sanju Samson scored a half-century coming on as an impact sub

Dhruv Jurel started the season with a half-century

DCC & ACS crowned joint Kings of Sixes Champion

The Malteenoes Sports Club hosted their Kings of Sixes competition on March 22, 2025, at the Malteenoes Sports Club Ground in Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

Twelve teams took part in a day filled with excitement, joy, heated battles, and heart-breaking defeats. The participating teams were Police A; Malteenoes B; Ace Warriors; GDF Force Xi; Demerara Cricket Club (DCC); V&V All Stars; Champs XI; American Cricket Society (ACS); Malteenoes A; Premier Insurance; GDF Defenders and Police B.

Each game was six overs per innings during the three rounds and finals of the event. Each match permitted a team to have seven players.

In game number one, Police A came up against Malteenoes B (MSC B), and the Police team emerged vic-

torious as they won the game by eight wickets. MSC B batted first and made a total of 74-3 of 6 overs. Daniel Ross top-scored with 29 off 13 balls. Police A comfortably chased down the total with two overs to spare mainly due to an excellent innings by Quentin Sampson, the standout performer. He made a blistering 62 off 17 balls (seven sixes and fours fours).

The next encounter saw Malteenoes A (MSC A) take on Ace Warriors. Winning the toss was MSC A, and they elected to bowl first. Ace Warriors opener Jonte Thomas top-scored for the batting side by getting a quick-fire 26 off 12 balls, which included three sixes.

Murtland Ward also contributed 17 from 12 balls, and at the end of the innings, Ace Warriors had scored a total of 77 for 4 in 6 overs. Adrian Hinds had figures of 2 for 5 in his solitary over. MSC A

defeated Ace Warriors handily thanks to a scorching innings from Jeremiah Scott (35 from nine balls, including five sixes) and Damian

Milo U18 Tournament… Chase, Santa Rosa, Bartica start Round 2 with a bang

It was an exciting start to Round Two of the Milo Under-18 School Football Tournament on Saturday as goals galore were witnessed across two venues in Georgetown.

Bartica Secondary started the day’s proceedings with a 4-2 victory over Carmel Secondary at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Glazer Lylen opened the scoring for Bartica in the 10th minute while Arvel Smith made it a 2-0 affair in the 13th and later extended their lead to three in the 18th minute.

Marcus Layne pulled two back for Carmel in the 23rd and 55th minutes, but a 60th-minute strike from Bartica’s Reizer Reid put any thought of a comeback out of Carmel’s mind.

Then, defending champions Chase’s Academic Foundation decimated West Demerara Secondary 11-0.

Isaiah Ifill led the charge for Chase with a helmettrick in the 10th, 14th, 37th and 45th minutes while Bryan Wharton netted a hattrick in the 25th, 30th and 40th minutes. Mark Glasgow had a brace in the 33rd and 61st minutes alongside one goal each off the boots of Emmanuel Campbell (55th) and Jashan Haynes (59th) for the massive win.

Santa Rosa Secondary later thumped New Central High 4-1 at the same venue. Daren Williams opened the scoring early in the fourth minute. However, New Central equalised through Trevor Gordon.

Enrique Williams put Santa Rosa back in the lead

A look at the Milo U18 action on Saturday

in the 22nd minute while Rupee Norton and Randy Chappelle extended their team’s advantage in the 55th and 65th minutes respectively.

Over at Queen’s College Ground on Thomas Lands, Three Miles Secondary edged Hope Secondary 3-2. Amare Caesar struck first for Three Miles in the eighth minute, Meshack Williamson in the 39th and Travis Benjamin in the 50th. Demario Webb produced a brace for Hope in the 43rd and 64th minutes, but it was not enough in the end.

The lone drawn result on Saturday came when South Ruimveldt and New

Amsterdam Secondary locked horns. Devonte Gaime found the back of the net for South in the seventh minute, but Teon Williams levelled the score for New Amsterdam in the 21st minute.

The curtains came down on Saturday’s action with a clash between Charlestown and Brickdam Secondary Schools. The former enjoyed a comfortable victory with contributions from Omari Cassius (38th) and Dequan Cox (56th) for a 2-0 win.

The Milo Under-18 School Football Tournament will continue next weekend with more group stage action.

Vantull (29 from 13 balls).

In another encounter, GDF Force XI took on DCC. GDF Force XI opted to bowl first and were greeted by some wonderful strokeplay as DCC achieved a total of 82 for 3 in six overs. Christopher Barnwell led the way with a brisk innings of 34 from 16 balls. Joshua Persaud also contributed 26 from 11. In reply, GDF Force XI fell well short of the total in the end, getting 63 for 5 in 6 overs. Jeremiah Hoenkirk top-scored with 23 from 8.

The following match featured V&V All Stars against Champs XI. V&V All Stars, who batted first, scored a fantastic 80 for 2 in their six overs. In only 17 balls, Ricardo Adams top-scored with 30. In being bowled out for 26, the Champs XI proved not to be a threat.

The fifth game of the first round pitted ACS against Premier Insurance. Premier Insurance batted first and finished their six overs with a respectable total of 59 for 5. Devon Lord and Ronaldo Alimohamed scored the most runs (17). Keon Lake took two wickets for 13 runs while bowling effectively. With one over remaining, ACS Captain Raymond Perez led the charge with an undefeated 41 off 15 balls.

Police B faced up against GDF Defenders in the last game of the preliminary round. GDF made 58 for 5 from their 6 overs when they batted first. Shamar Angel scored 30 runs off 16 balls, the highest score. Police B responded by being bowled out for 37 after putting on a lacklustre batting display.

With the start of Round two, games were contested in four-over-per-side games. When facing DCC, the V&V All Stars chose to bowl first. Jonathan Van Lange took 16 off 5 balls and Barnwell took 24 off 9 balls, helping DCC reach 61 for 4 in their 4 overs. The V&V All Stars lost the match by 4 runs, as Anthon Lim’s 23 from 10 balls was insufficient.

In the next match, MSC A batted first and made 58 for 2 off their 4 overs. Vantull top-

scored with 33 from 16 balls. In reply, Police A could only get 50 for 4 in their 4 overs. In the final second round game, GDF Defenders batted first and made 48 for 3 in their 4 overs, with Leon Andrews top-scoring with 34 from 15 balls (4 sixes). Akeem Dewar would send the GDF team out of the competition with an action-packed innings of 32 from 6, chasing down the score in 2.3 overs.

Tied results for DCC, MSC A, and ACS, the three teams still in the competition, resulted in DCC winning and receiving a direct bye to the final. In order to go to the final, ACS later competed against MSC A. In a three-over contest, ACS batted first and posted 63-1. Captain Perez (27) and

Dewar (25) basically batted MSC A out of the game. In reply, MSC A could only get 58 in their 3 overs. Vantull once again top-scored with 30. The final pitted DCC against ACS in a 2-over match. ACS, who batted first, amassed a respectable 33 for 1 in their two overs. In their run chase, DCC scored 12 runs off Nial Smith’s opening over. Captain Perez got the ball and faced Barnwell, who needed 22 runs off the final over. Barnwell went on to hit three sixes in a row. Barnwell needed two runs from the final delivery, but he only managed a single; therefore, the score was tied. The two teams divided the reward money and both were crowned champions.

Demerara Cricket Club and American Cricket Society were the tournament’s joint champions

Raymond Perez receives his Most Valuable Player accolade

Damian Vantull in action at the Kings of Sixes

Unstoppable Briton John wins

Cheddi Jagan Memorial again

A look at the winners’ circle after Sunday’s road race

Briton John of United

We Stand Cycle Club

took 43 minutes off the clock to win the Berbice leg of the Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycle Road Race on Sunday.

John completed the event in a time of two hours, 32 minutes and 37 seconds (2:32:37). This compares with 3:15:10 in 2024, and 3:03:35 in 2023, when he was the first to cross the finish line.

The race pedalled off

from outside the People’s Progressive Party’s office in New Amsterdam and headed up the Corentyne turning back at Number 63 Village before finishing at Port Mourant.

John, who was not part of the initial group that broke away from the peloton, used the momentum gained from the downward slope of the Canje Bridge to get himself with the three leaders.

The quartet kept the lead for most of the pedal-

ling against the wind, but as the riders were approaching the turnback point, John, Jamal John and Christopher Griffith made it a trio in the lead.

However, Phillip Clark who was carrying the peloton some eight minutes behind broke away from them and pedalled his way to catch the Johns, forcing Briton to come off of his seat as the two riders sprinted to the finish line.

Clark was second with Jamal John third ahead of

Griffith, Sequn Sandy, and Alexander Leung in that order.

For the juniors, Leung was the winner ahead of Alex Newton and Sidwell Sandy.

The open veteran category was won by Clark followed by Husband and Robin Persaud while Junior Niles reigned as the over-50 champion. He won ahead of Talim Shaw and Ian Jackson.

For the juveniles, Chris Hector was the winner with Dickwan Rutherford in sec-

ond place.

Thirty-three riders started the race.

Before the riders were sent off, People’s Progressive Party Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha spoke of the significance of the event, noting that it was not just a sporting competition but a tribute to Dr Cheddi Jagan, a leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of freedom and democracy.

“So, as you pedal off today to Tagore and return

to Babu John, every turn of your wheel, every pedal of your cycle is a turn of the wheel and the pedal to progress… So as you ride today, I know you will strive to be the winner, winning the race is important but everyone who participated in today’s race are winners, because you are riding to remember the greatest son of the soil, Dr Cheddi Berret Jagan,” the senior party official said. (Andrew Carmichael)

Briton John receiving the winning trophy and prize from Zulfikar Mustapha