The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Saturday, February 22 –23:30h-01:00h and Saturday, February 22 – no retraction.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Saturday, February 22 – 09:55h-11:25h and 21:00h-02:00h (Saturday) and Saturday, February 22 – 11:40h-13:10h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Light to thundery showers are expected throughout the day and at night, interrupted by sunshine in the early-morning and afternoon hours. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly between 3.58 metres and 5.36 metres.
High Tide: 10:03h and 22:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.17 metres and 2.02 metres.
Low Tide: 16:16h reaching a minimum height of 1.07 metres.
$277.9 million Mabaruma
Magistrate’s Court commissioned
– marks new era in Region One justice system
The Mabaruma
Magistrate’s Court in Region One (BarimaWaini) a $277.9 million investment in Guyana’s justice system, was officially commissioned on Friday, representing a major step toward expanding access to justice in Region One.
The state-of-the-art facility, constructed by Builders Hardware and General Supplies, with architectural and engineering oversight from E and A Consultants Inc, is set to revolutionise legal proceedings in the region, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming travel to other courts.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Prime Minister (acting President) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who officially handed over the court
The Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court is outfitted with modern, smart courtrooms, featuring internet connectivity, security cameras, and digital evidence recording. It is also equipped to facilitate virtual court hearings, allowing attorneys to represent clients
to the judiciary, as well as Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, and Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag.) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards. Also present were Chief Justice Roxane George, Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, Mayor of Mabaruma Trevor Leung, and other members of the judiciary and Government.
Justice CummingsEdwards, delivering the keynote address, described the opening of the court as a landmark achievement in the modernisation of Guyana’s judiciary. She underscored that this facility is a testament to the Government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that justice is accessible to every citizen, regardless of geographical location.
Previously, court hearings in Mabaruma were conducted in a police station compound, where Magistrates, lawyers, and members of the public endured cramped spaces, harsh weather conditions, and inadequate facilities.
This new court ensures that residents of Mabaruma and surrounding communities– such as White Water, Tobago, Waramuri, and others – can now have their legal matters addressed in a proper judicial setting.
remotely from Georgetown, Lethem, Bartica, or any other location.
Defendants housed at Mazaruni, Lusignan, or Timehri prisons can attend hearings virtually, reducing
travel time, security risks, and state expenditures on prisoner transport.
The building also includes conference rooms for legal discussions and stakeholder meetings, designated office spaces for probation and welfare services, and rooms for survivors’ advo-
ficers struggled to secure accommodations.
Justice CummingsEdwards noted that in the past, Magistrates often had to reschedule hearings because guest houses and hotels in the area were fully booked. With the new facility, this issue is resolved, allowing for more frequent sittings and faster case resolutions.
The court also prioritises accessibility and inclusivity, featuring wheelchair ramps and an elevator system, ensuring that differently-abled individuals can easily navigate the facility. It includes a child-friendly waiting area, equipped with books and toys, allowing parents to attend court proceedings without the burden of managing young children.
This is particularly ben-
cates.
For the first time, Mabaruma’s court will provide on-site residential quarters for Magistrates and staff, eliminating past challenges where judicial of-
eficial for those seeking domestic violence protection orders, maintenance payments, or other legal services.
Prime Minister (acting President) Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips
Scenes at the Mabaruma Court launch
Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards
At the final day of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo made a powerful statement: “There is no restriction on the amount of money we will spend on educating our people.” This declaration resonates deeply, as it speaks to a crucial element of Guyana’s development —investing in education to upskill and empower the population.
In a candid exchange with students at the student forum on Friday, Dr Jagdeo addressed questions on a variety of topics, from educational initiatives to environmental concerns, further reinforcing the Government’s dual focus on human capital and sustainable growth. He offered a clear vision of a future wherein Guyanese are not only beneficiaries of the country’s growing energy sector, but are also active participants that are equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in it.
Dr Jagdeo’s emphasis on education is timely. As Guyana stands on the cusp of an economic boom, driven largely by its burgeoning oil and gas sector, the need for an educated and skilled workforce is paramount. The Vice President highlighted a number of Government-led initiatives aimed at ensuring that members of the workforce are not only adequately prepared, but are also continuously supported throughout their educational journey.
The Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme is one such initiative that stands as a beacon of opportunity. With over 20,000 scholarships on offer, GOAL has the potential to transform the lives of many young Guyanese, opening doors to higher education and specialised training. This programme is part of a broader push to make education accessible to all, breaking down barriers that once limited opportunities for young people across the nation.
In addition to GOAL, the Government has rolled out programmes such as the Get Ready for Opportunities to Work (GROW) and various training initiatives through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). These are designed to directly address the demand for skilled workers in sectors critical to Guyana’s development, particularly in the energy industry. Whether it’s through technical training or university-level scholarship, these programmes are designed to equip students with the necessary skills to take advantage of the job opportunities emerging in the country.
It’s clear that Government views education as a strategic investment in the nation’s future. As Dr. Jagdeo pointed out, the amount of money allocated for education is limitless, signalling the Government’s recognition of the transformative power of knowledge. This bold approach to funding education is commendable, particularly as it seeks to ensure that the benefits of the country’s economic growth are felt by all Guyanese, not just those in urban centres or already in highdemand industries.
Equally important, however, is the government’s ongoing effort to improve the public education system. The Vice President informed students about the substantial investments being made to improve every public school in the country. This focus on infrastructure, alongside the Government’s commitment to upskilling the workforce, underscores the broader vision of building a society in which education is not just a pathway to employment, but a foundation for long-term, sustainable development.
Beyond the immediate realm of education and employment, Dr. Jagdeo also addressed the Government’s environmental policies, which are increasingly crucial as Guyana grows in economic power. With the expansion of the oil and gas sector, questions surrounding the environmental impact of this rapid growth are inevitable. Dr. Jagdeo’s remarks point to the Government’s dedication to good environmental management, acknowledging the need to balance economic development with ecological sustainability. This commitment to the environment is vital, not only for future generations, but also in ensuring that the growth of Guyana remains responsible and resilient.
Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s remarks at the student forum exemplify the advanced approach to nation-building. By continuing to allocate substantial resources towards education, Government is not just preparing the workforce of today, but is also ensuring that the next generation is equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow - human potential that should be celebrated and supported by all sectors of society.
In anticipation of electoral defeat, opposition leaders turn to political babble
Dear Editor
Anticipating electoral defeat in the upcoming peoples’ choice of a tried-and-true representative government, opposition leaders – accompanied by their infantry of copycat politicians – find themselves stumbling over one another in comical, lustful scramble for the acquisition of political power.
Bent on manufacturing discontents, they reinvent and repackage decaying modes of incitements, with hopes that such would galvanize support, and hasten distrust for the government, President Ali, Vice President Jagdeo, or even ethnic sectors of the Guyanese population that support the PPP/C.
Altogether, their ludicrous spouting of inane issues to promote hate, vilify the government, or besmirch PPP/C supporters, can be summed up in two simple words, “political babble.”
Let’s take for example some statements by David Hinds, an openly racist ideologue. Hinds, in his rabid-like salivation for relevance, profusely accused Afro-Guyanese who support President Ali as being “Lick Bottom Africans,” “Lick BT Africans,” “Lick Bamzie Africans,” “House Slaves”
and “Sellouts.”
Such denigration of a conscientious sector of AfroGuyanese makes one think of the rants from an erratic pubescent lad. As co-leader of the WPA, Hinds’ characterization of a portion of AfroGuyanese must be haunting to the “Spirit” of Dr. Walter Rodney – a pre-eminent historian, and stalwart architect of the WPA, assassinated at age 38, on June 13, 1980.
Dr. Rodney – whom I knew well, and shared many hours of face-to-face exchanges – believed and advocated for a Guyanese unity currently exemplified by the PPP/C government.
A few years before his assassination, Rodney opined that, “…there is a general awareness that is growing in the roots of both … African and Indian communities, that surely the time must come when the African and Indian people will organize around their interests as producers in the Guyanese society, as distinct from pursuing this myth of racial superiority or racial subjugation.”
Hinds may find it redeeming to heed Rodney’s remarks while acknowledging Guyanese increasing support for the government’s policies, and actions, in the production and formalization of a One
Guyanese Unity. Like Hinds, there is Aubrey Norton, leader of the PNC. Among his babblings –which include racism and violence –Norton declared that the PNC takes pride in the banning of food items, a policy instituted by Burnham in the 1970’s.
Anyone who experienced this period of deprivation would remember the slogans that accompanied the shortage of foodstuffs; slogans such as ‘Lining For Soap and Butter’ (LFSB), ‘Looking For Something to Ban’ (LFSB)utilizing the abbreviations for Burham’s full name, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.
Many would also remember License For Scarcity and Black-marketing (LFSB), an apt portrayal of the thriving Black Market economy from the 1970’s onwards. And when deprivation worsened, the slogan, Looking For Somebody Better (LFSB) became commonplace.
In addition to the deprivations resulting from the banning of foodstuffs, many would also remember Burnham’s “take over” policies which utilized GUY, the first three letters of Guyana to denote nationalization of industries, the two most prominent being GUYBAU (Guyana Bauxite), and GUYSUCO
(Guyana Sugar Corporation).
And, given the country’s economic decline, people began to coin such terms as GUYROB to denote increase incidences of “choke-and-rob”; GUYTHIEF to denote increases in burglary and larceny, and GUYQUACK to denote shortage of doctors and the use of nurses to shoulder some of the duties of physicians. Does Norton really consider such deprivations and ridicule, accomplishments?
Recently, an overused political babble is the oppositions’ incessant clamour for the utilization of biometrics in the upcoming elections.
Although several writers offered reasoned comments on the complexities of biometrics, opposition leaders simply chose to ignore such. Clearly expressed, biometrics refer to the unique biological characteristics such as fingerprints, iris scans, facial characteristics commonly used to identify an individual.
Although in operation for immigration, security checks and authentication in many countries, Guyanese opposition-forces hue and cry for biometrics in voters’ identification, makes mockery of the complex requisites essential in establishing such a system nationwide.
President Dr Irfaan Ali has met with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, on the sidelines of the just concluded Caricom Heads of Government meeting. Their discussions have reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to working with the Government of Guyana to develop further collaborations, including scholarships for Guyanese students. The newly-appointed CEO of the Saudi Development Fund is thus expected to visit Guyana to explore investment opportunities
Neither Hinds nor Ogunseye has any place in politics in Guyana
Dear Editor,
This is not the first time that I am commenting on race relations in Guyana. I did so as long ago as in 1994, some 31 years ago, in a series published by Kampta Karran on “Offerings Race and Ethnic Studies in Guyana”; then in 2015, when the Granger government held a Roundtable on what they called “Social Cohesion for Lasting Unity and Peace”; then again, almost five years ago, on a national conversation on Challenges to and Recommendations for Ethnic Harmony, a video conference hosted by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on 14th and 15th December, 2020.
I made the point then, and I am making it again,
that “I speak for myself as a Guyanese, not as a spokesperson for any ethnic group”.
I am prompted to speak once more as a result of the ugly racial remarks made recently by Dr. David Hinds, the not surprising support from Takuma Ogunseye, and the very surprising support from Lelon Saul.
On each of the previous occasions, I have pointed out that “if any party which we democratically elect and the party in opposition intend to achieve ethnic harmony and rid our country of entrenched racism, they must both accept the ugly reality that we remain a dangerously divided nation, and must both determine to reach across the divide”.
Ravi Dev, in last
Sunday’s Stabroek News, has made the same point, observing that the racist declarations of Hinds and company “represent a stubborn refusal to practise realistic democratic multiethnic politics in our new demographic dispensation”, and that “neither the PPP nor any party dominated by a single ethnic group, such as the PNC, can now garner the 50%+1 demanded by democratic elections to govern the country”.
In simple language, any political party hoping to win an election in today’s Guyana must represent the interests of every Guyanese, regardless of ethnic origin, class, or creed.
The People’s Progressive Party, led by Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has done just that.
A time when ghosts did vote in Guyana
Dear Editor, Contrary to popular belief, the term “ghost elections” or “ghosts voting in an election” was not made by the PNC. This was a terminology used by Dr. Cheddi Jagan when he was called upon to give an evaluation of elections held under the PNC in Guyana.
The situation was so disgustingly demonic that Dr. Jagan summed it up as “ghost elections”; and with good reason: because there was firm evidence to prove Dr Jagan right.
Every election was held under a cloud of doubt and suspicion. In the first place, there were no foreign observers to verify the process, and the local so-called observers were all "Yes men" of the PNC Regime, who gave approval to their rigged elections.
Then there was the grand theft of overseas votes, with over 96% of the ballots cast going to the PNC. One classic and most hilarious case was the overseas votes coming from St. Lucia, a tiny island in the Caribbean. Those votes, when tallied, were more than the population of that country. Now, where did those people/votes come from? This is the question we all have to address.
In the British case, the addressees were open fields
where no one lived, old train stations and, of course, cemeteries.
On the local scene, persons who died before an election was called also had the grand opportunity to vote. The preferred method was this: at the close of polls, the PNC polling agents would bully the PPP observers out, then vote on the ballot papers for the PNC Party.
Numerous eyewitness accounts exist of disgraceful rigging practices carried out in all areas where the PNC held a majority. The party brag and boast about their prowess in implementing those methods of rigging, Hamilton Green and Norton both having confirmed that the use of dead voters was a method employed by that regime.
The PNC have been caught in the act of rigging, and in their embarrassment, they have in turn mounted a campaign to smear the PPP/C: accusing them of carrying out acts of fraud at election time. Their false pretence has gotten the better of them as they go on these propaganda blitzes. Anyone familiar with the PNC knows fully well that their attempts to attach rigging to the PPP/C is a means of convenience, so crafted to mask their own sordid record of the very same thing.
But that will not gain traction in a civilized Guyana.
In closing, there was a period in our history when a "valid vote" was made under the name of a deceased person. This strategy was designed and executed by the PNC. However, I am happy to announce that the despicable system cannot be carried out any more.
Yours sincerely, Neil Adams
Every single Guyanese has, since 2020, been benefitting from the development programmes launched by each budget of this government; devoid of any consideration of ethnic origin, social class, or religion, reaching across the entire country.
President Irfaan Ali, for instance, has made a point of visiting, mixing, and communing in almost every village, town and city, with every Guyanese from end to end of our country in his quest to demonstrate what he means by “One Guyana”, and the extended hand of welcome has been offered to him without exception.
Lelon Saul, employing innuendo and euphemisms,
naming no political party but making it pellucid as to which he refers, upholds and justifies Hinds’s naked racism, saying that Hinds’s use of the term “Lick Bottom” is “an act of love…urging African Guyanese to hold power accountable even when it resides in familiar hands”. Whose power?
Accountable for what? His meaning is, however, clear and equally dangerous in that it embraces a racist agenda aimed at dividing a multiracial country for political purpose.
Hinds and Ogunseye have long ago disqualified themselves from asking the people of Guyana to vote for them or any political party
to which they attach themselves. They were both part of the Granger government, condemned by the entire democratic world and every Guyanese committed to democracy for having tried to steal the 2020 elections. They were both complicit, two years ago, in appealing to our security forces to attempt to remove an elected government from office. They both pursue an ugly, contemptible, racist and divisive agenda in the name of falsely representing the interest of Guyanese of African descent. Neither has any place in the politics of our country.
Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento
In anticipation of electoral...
These include, but are not limited to: (i) the acquisition of costly proven technologies – both hardware and software – (ii) trained technicians, (iii) time consuming national data collection, (iv) verification and authentication of biometric data collected, (v) security measures to safeguard from hacking, and protecting one’s biometric data, (vi) integrated biometric infrastructures and data systems for accurate results across polling centres, (vii) technical competences, both in hardware and software, to keep the systems’ operations reliable, (viii) backup systems in case of failures, (ix) competent unit operators since
data quality and verification can be time consuming resulting delays in authentication, (x) on site competent biometric readers to guard against false positive results, (xi) regular systems updates to ensure the inclusion of all eligible citizens, etc.
Absent from the list of prerequisites is the need for bellicose political propagandists with limited knowledge of existing biometric technologies. Finally, one should not overlook that among oppositions’ political babbles is the constant advocation for alliances against the PPP/C. Alliances such as PNC+, APNU+, AFC+,
WPA+, Newer Parties+; all of which tend to reflect attributes of secular polygamous marriages, a dying system where brides, grooms and in-laws regularly squabble for recognition, status, and power.
Overall, it appears that in anticipation of electoral defeat, opposition leaders turn to political babble to sow seeds of distrust in the validity of the voting results, incite resistance, and stir up instability.
Yours sincerely, Narayan Persaud, PhD Professor Emeritus
Page Foundation
1) In which of the numbers below does 6 have a place value of hundreds?
(A) 164 530 (B) 435 602 (C) 456 320 (D) 543 260
2) Which of the number below has 6 as one of its factors?
(A) 26 (B) 36 (C) 46 (D) 56
3) 6512 rounded to the nearest thousand is (A) 6000 (B) 6500 (C) 6510 (D) 7000
4) Which of the fractions represents the first shaded diagram?
(A) 1/2
(B) 3/5
(C) 8/32 (D)3/6
5) The fraction 8/7 is best described as (A) an improper fraction (B) a proper fraction (C) a mixed number (D) a whole number
6) Which of the diagrams below shows all the correct lines of symmetry on a square
7) When 18/20 is changed to a percentage, the result is (A) 18% (B) 20% (C) 80% (D) 90%
8) What is the size of two angles in the triangle? (A) 45° (B) 60° (C) 90° (D) 120°
By James mcDonalD
My name is not McGallimagoo, Although some would have you think. All day long they call me this, And I really think it stinks.
McGallimagoo come here to me Mcgllimagoo sit down. McGallimagoo is such a funny name, But it always makes me frown.
So if you see me on the street, Please don’t call me this. Refer to me by my proper name, Which is Mr. Hullibajiss.
Govt mulls opening up investment opportunities in oil and gas for citizens – VP
– says safeguards must be implemented to ensure citizens gain, not lose, money
TVice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo noted that the aggregate deposits in the local banking system has grown significantly over the years. He 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, has issued bonds that citizens can invest in, with a view of financing an offshore oil project. Citizens can purchase a percentage of this bond.
This can lead to them gaining significant earnings in much the same way as stocks are purchased on the stock market.
he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is mulling opening up investment opportunities for Guyanese in the oil and gas sector, cognisant of the fact that there is very little in the way of interest earnings for persons who are saving money in the traditional banking system.
$277.9
During a youth segment of the Guyana Energy and Supply Chain conference,
During Friday’s session, Jagdeo lauded Suriname’s initiative and noted the possibility of Guyana itself going this route.
“Suriname can’t borrow
million Mabaruma...
Justice CummingsEdwards officially introduced Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse as the presiding Magistrate for the Mabaruma Court, noting that while he would oversee most cases, other Magistrates would periodically visit to assist with dispensing justice.
Prime Minister Phillips, in his address, highlighted that the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration has prioritised legal accessibility across the country, investing billions of dollars annually to ensure a competent, fair, and efficient justice system.
Phillips noted that this principle of equal access is also reflected in the Government’s broader development efforts, including investments in healthcare, education, energy, and digital infrastructure. He pointed out that between 2020 and 2024, the Government had invested $7.9 billion in renewable energy, expanding solar and hydropower access across Guyana.
He also commended the judiciary for embracing technology-driven legal solutions,
FROM PAGE 3
stating that virtual hearings have significantly reduced operational costs and allowed prisoners to appear before the court remotely, saving millions of dollars in transportation expenses.
Phillips closed by extending his heartfelt congratulations to the judiciary on the completion of the project, describing the new court as a “beacon of justice, fairness, and equality” for the people of Region One. He urged residents to embrace and up-
hold the values the court represents, ensuring that justice remains accessible, impartial, and efficient for generations to come.
As the gathering dispersed, there was a palpable sense of optimism in Mabaruma. For the first time, the people of Region One now have a fully equipped judicial facility, built to the highest standards, ensuring that justice is no longer a privilege of the coastal regions but a fundamental right for all Guyanese.
directly – the Government – so Staatsolie is raising the money for the equity. I anticipate in the future, we’ll have to start creating these structures for people who are saving more money now. Wages and salaries in the public sector, since we got into office, have gone up by about US$500 million, per year,” he stated.
“So, if you look at the aggregate deposits in the banking system, it has grown significantly. People are not getting a great interest rate here. So, we have to create more vehicles, with guaranteed opportunities, for people to invest in,” Jagdeo explained.
According to the VP, these opportunities can include future Government issued bonds by the Government of Guyana. While he noted that the Government does not have to go this route in order to raise equity, it is nevertheless a good initiative for
the people of Guyana to benefit directly from, to generate wealth.
That being said, there is also a responsibility to ensure that Guyanese money is not at risk.
According to Jagdeo, “even if they have equity, you have to make sure there is a guaranteed return on the equity. Or else people can lose money.”
Suriname's Staatsolie is seeking to secure an unprecedented US$1.5 billion in bank financing this year to ensure it can participate in the country's Gran Morgu energy project. The project, led by TotalEnergies, is Suriname's first major offshore project.
The country has discovered reserves that may allow it to compete with neighbouring Guyana as a prominent offshore crudeand gas-producing country once it sees the first oil in 2028. The oil and gas devel-
opment is expected to cost about US$12.2 billion in real terms. Staatsolie's share in Gran Morgu would require US$2.4 billion. Guyana’s Stabroek block is held by United States (US) oil company ExxonMobil and its other joint venture partners including Hess and CNOOC. The Liza Phase one and two, as well as the Payara development, where Exxon is the operator, are currently the only oil developments producing oil.
While the oil blocks are overwhelmingly held by private companies, there has been talks of the Government of Guyana collaborating with other countries to develop future blocks. For instance, there is a 20 per cent portion of the Stabroek block that the Government, back in 2023, had said would be used for Government-toGovernment collaboration once it is relinquished by ExxonMobil.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
The Stabroek Block
Checking up…
I…on the Founder-Leader
n October 2020, smarting after their loss – even after they tried a “Burnham thing” - the PNC commemorated the 63rd anniversary of their party. Meaning it was formed in 1957, when Burnham’s PPP-B lost the general elections to Jagan’s “PPP-J”. So, imagine your Eyewitness’s surprise when he noticed the PNC celebrating the 70th anniversary of the event last week. The five years since had been transmuted into 7 years?? Where did those two years come from?? Was it once again a case of applying the new math that was rejected by the CCJ? Or was it a case of time being relative, according to Einstein, and expands if you’re moving very, very, very slowly?? And God knows, the PNC has been almost comatose since 2020!!
Anyhow, it was soon explained that in the decades since 1957, everyone – including Burnham – had got it wrong!!
When he took his defeated PPP-faction and hitched up with the Coloured/Mixed UDP party, along with Sydney King, and launched the Peoples National Congress, it wasn’t REALLY the REAL launch!! That blessed event occurred - according to the present lot leading the party - when Burnham made his “leader or nothing” demand in 1955!! They divined – by the oblations they’ve been decanting copiously at Seven Ponds? – that Burnham had formed his party in his mind!! Could it be they’ve unearthed declassified documents that he’d already been “approached” by the Brits and he was now their “instrument”??
Anyhow, the PNC and their acolytes have segued smartly from commemorating that new 1955 launching date into celebrating the man’s birthday. That, at least, hasn’t become a moveable feast!! Burnham would’ve been 102 on Thursday Feb 20!!
Imagine that!! When he first saw the light in Kitty, he was a country boy, since Kitty was then a village and seen as the sticks!! His father was the headmaster of the local primary school, so he grew up in the genteel poverty of the rural middle class.
He was a bright kid, and first attended Central High School, then Queen’s, where he performed exceptionally well at jumping through the hoops the colonial state had established to winnow the chaff from the wheat. He never really was able to slough off the affectations of superiority augmented by Queen’s and these were further reinforced when he won a Guyana Scholarship that sent him to England in 1946 to study Law.
He returned so qualified, but now affected a Churchillian British accent after a mere four years spent there – with all the studied pauses and put downs of the arch-Imperialistfor the rest of his life!!
Your Eyewitness is surprised that, for all the adulation, none of his followers have affected his accent!! Isn’t imitation the best form of flattery?
…on IDEA
The ERC’s meeting with the “International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA). Your Eyewitness couldn’t help but jump!! With all the revelations about USAID and its agenda after Trump froze its funding, he’s sorta paranoid nowadays about what’s really going down when these international bodies come into town.
IDEA – which has “a mandate to support sustainable democracy worldwide” – is supported by USAID. As to who gave IDEA its “mandate” is germane, innit??
Here’re some folks from western countries who decided on their lonesome that their “way of life” gotta be the standard for all other countries – whether they like it or not. IDEA’s also supported by the George Soros “Open Society Foundations”, which doled out some US$1.7B in 2023 alone!! He’s a true believer in Liberal values – the ones Trump and Musk are now exposing for their hypocrisy!! –and he puts his money where his mouth is!!
So, exactly what would IDEA be advising the ERC to do?? Allow ethnic abuse as “free speech”??
…on Fort Knox
Ever since the US started storing its gold at Ford Knox, it’s been a synonym for secure and well-protected. It’s supposed to have 147.3 million troy ounces of gold. Trump wanna see if it’s all there!!
Afreximbank to set up US$1B oil service financing facility in Guyana
– calls for robust local content policies
In a significant announcement at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo (GECSCE), President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Prof. Benedict Oramah, declared the multilateral bank's intention to establish a $1 billion oil service financing facility in Guyana.
This initiative aims to enhance local participation in the country’s fast growing oil industry, in alignment with the Government's local content policies.
The Bank will deploy the US$1 billion facility directly to qualifying corporate clients or through a factoring line via local banks, enabling them to fi -
nance invoices from local contractors.
President Oramah highlighted the transformative potential of Guyana’s estimated 12 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, and emphasising the transformative power in proactive resource management, he advised Guyana to aggressively harness and build capital from its oil resources.
"Given the level of oil production in Guyana and its offshore location, I estimate that the oil service sector would amount to 5 to 8 billion US (United States) dollars annually. But where will it go? Most of it would be paid to oil service companies abroad if Guyana does nothing to avoid that.
A 50 per cent retention in
Guyana would increase Guyana's GDP by 29 per cent to 47 per cent,” he said.
As such, he called for robust local content policies that would enable Guyanese entrepreneurs to become significant players in the oil value chain.
Based on Afreximbank’s rich history of supporting commodity-dependent economies, Prof Oramah shared insights to complement the ongoing efforts of the Guyanese Government. He acknowledged the inherent risks associated with dependency on a single commodity, and laid stress on the importance of diversification.
“The commodity market is prone to volatility and cyclicality; hence, the reliance on crude revenues as a pri -
mary source of Government funding could expose the
national economy to volatile commodity markets," he cautioned.
As such, he advised the Government to secure longterm off-take contracts with oil service companies, which will enhance market access and price stability.
In the spirit of deepening Afri-Caribbean partnership, President Oramah remarked that skilled oil service companies from Ghana, Egypt, and South Africa, are "ready and willing to support Guyanese... And of course, Afreximbank is there to underwrite the marriage.”
“These measures are necessary if Guyana and other new entrants in the Caribbean and Africa are to avoid the painful "Dutch Disease. We make these suggestions based on the three long decades of financing oil and gas activities across Africa. We have witnessed oil-dependent economies transform for better or worse through these periods. In all these, the difference reflected the policy choices the leaders made,” he added.
Afreximbank is a PanAfrican multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade.
For over 30 years, the
Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa.
A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA.
Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA.
At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank's total assets and contingencies stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion.
Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB).
President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank, Prof Benedict Oramah, and His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali
era in home improvement in Guyana says CEO One-Stop-Shop for homebuilders; Floor It Guyana launches OPPEIN Showroom
…new
Tfore everything we sell here comes with a warranty,” The CEO stated.
Also present at the event was Chairman of ActionINVEST Caribbean, and the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, Dr Vishnu Doerga.
Doerga lauded stakeholders at Floor It Guyana for their investment towards improving local services.
national partnerships, highlighting that this is crucial in the country’s service development.
need partners, we need to be able to work together so that everyone can bring their strength to the table,” he stated.
he homebuilding process for Guyanese home owners has just gotten one step easier with Floor It Guyana, in collaboration with Chinese furniture manufacturing company OPPEIN Homes, launching their state-of-the-art showroom.
lighted his organisation’s commitment towards bringing the best services and solutions to the Guyanese population.
According to the CEO, the new OPPEIN showroom will serve as a one stop shop for Guyanese, by offering some of
The launch took place on Friday at Floor It’s Oronoque and Forshaw Sts, Queenstown, Georgetown location, and gave customers a first-time view of some of the most modern and unique home interior designs and solutions available on the market.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the showroom was Floor It Guyana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andre Cummings who high-
the best home improvement solutions available in the country. This, he noted, will be coupled with excellent customer service, ensuring that each client leaves satisfied.
“This opening of this showroom is not just the opening of a showroom. It’s the beginning of a new era in Guyana with home improvement solutions… So, ladies and gentlemen, this opening I just showed you here, it’s a promise that you can depend on us for professionalism, a
promise that you can depend on us for clear communications throughout the process and a promise that after sales service will be like none be-
“On behalf of ActionINVEST Caribbean and the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce, we’d really like to congratulate you again, encouraging you to continue seeking these partnerships, continue identifying the needs in the market, and continuing to wow us with what is coming now,” Doerga said.
On this point he further went on to commend the organisation for forging inter-
“They’re also doing that via partnerships and international partnerships. It’s good that the partnerships started internally with the people in the forestry sector. But as a country that is going through such rapid development, it’s hard to do it on our own; we
OPPEIN is a top custom kitchen cabinets manufacturer from China, founded in 1994. The company has become the largest cabinetry manufacturer in Asia, and top brand all over the world.
From left to right: CEO of Floor It Guyana, Andre Cummings; Shaunell Cummings, Susan Rodrigues, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, and Chairman of ActionINVEST Caribbean Inc, Dr Vishnu Doerga
Judiciary of Guyana unveils first-ever flag
The Judiciary of Guyana has achieved a historic milestone with the launch of its first official flag, a symbol of justice, fairness, and judicial independence.
This significant moment took place at the newly commissioned Maburuma Magistrate’s Court, reinforcing the judiciary’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law across the nation.
The flag, which will now be flown at all judicial institutions, carries deep meaning through its design and elements. It features horizontal red, cream and black bars, with the image of Lady Justice prominently displayed.
Court, and the Magistrates’ Courts. Beyond its colours, the flag incorporates several powerful symbols that reinforce its judicial significance.
Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mrs Sueanna Lovell, described the importance of the flag by stating, “The flag of the Judiciary of Guyana comprises horizontal red, cream and black bars, and features the image of Lady Justice. It serves as a profound symbol of the court’s mission to uphold the rule of law, and vision to encourage and maintain public trust and confidence through an independent, effective and accountable judicial system.”
termination of the judiciary to uphold justice. Cream symbolizes fairness, transparency, impartiality, and access to justice. Black signifies the solemnity and authority of the court as an independent arm of the Government.”
Elaborating on the significance of each colour, she said, “Red portrays the zeal and de-
The three colours, she explained, also represent the three levels of the judiciary: the Appellate Court, the High
Lovell emphasized, “Each element of the flag: the colours, Lady Justice, the gavel, the books, and the words, embodies the principles and aspirations of the judiciary. Lady Justice stands at the centre, depicted in a traditional pose with her eyes covered, a sword in one hand, and scales in the other. The blindfold signifies impartiality, indicating that justice should be administered without bias. The sword represents the authority of the court to enforce the law. It is a symbol of the mandate of the judiciary to deliver justice decisively, effectively, and in a timely manner,” she explained.
She further detailed the role of the scales, stating, “The
scales are a universal symbol of balance and equity, reflecting the aim to weigh the merits of each case fairly in order to do justice.”
The gavel, another crucial element of the flag, represents the power of the court, while the books signify the learning that must be applied in the adjudication of cases. The flag also features outer and in-
ner chords, symbolizing the strength and unity of purpose among judicial officers and staff in fulfilling their mission.
Lovell described the flag as “a powerful representation of the court’s commitment and dedication to justice and equality, as expressed in Latin on the flag.”
The flag being hoisted on Friday
The flag that was unveiled on Friday
Local content app launched to better connect Guyanese to oil and gas opportunities
– local suppliers, job-seekers to be alerted as soon as opportunities available
ALocal Content App, meant to enable Guyanese to be better connected to available opportunities in the oil and gas sector, was on Friday launched on the final day of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo.
During the final day of the energy conference and expo at the Marriott hotel, the much-vaunted Local Content App was launched by the Ministry of Natural Resources. At the launch, head of the Local Content Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab, explained the benefits that the app, ‘Local Content Gy’, would bring.
“This launch marks a significant milestone in the Government’s commitment to enhancing and promoting local participation in the oil and gas industry. This simple yet effective digital tool intends to improve accessibility, transparency and efficiency of the industry’s procurement process,” he said.
He further clarified that a Local Content Certificate is not necessary to see the available opportunities on the app. Pertab noted that all that is required is to download the app. Additionally, he noted that there is also a job opportunity side to the app.
“Users would benefit from live notification, as posted from the respective sectors and sub-sectors. And you don’t need to have a local content certificate to see the types of local content opportunities on the app.”
“You simply download the app and you can see the opportunities as companies post them. And not only that, but those of you interested in joining the industry, we have something for job opportuni-
ties,” Pertab also explained. Meanwhile, app developer Roger Gajraj explained that the app can be downloaded from either the app store for iPhone users or the Google Play store for android.
He also gave some further details on what the app brings, including the fact that it instantly alerts owners of companies when a Request for Information (RFI) is sent out by an oil and gas company, seeking local suppliers.
“Local companies receive targeted alerts of relevant opportunities of their supply category. Companies and contractors can make queries and start discussions, between themselves, from within the Act. So, these targeted alerts are important, because you have multiple vendors who operate within a particular area,” he outlined.
“And when contractors send out these RFI’s, they can go to the particular companies that are interested in that category of supply. Individuals are also informed of job opportunities. Right now, there are over 40 opportunities on the app, with more being added daily,” he further explained.
Since the passage of the Local Content Act in 2021, the Government has reported that more than1,000 companies are on the local content register.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Government had committed to reviewing the Local Content Act and expanding the 40 service areas set aside for locals.
During his end of year press conference, President Dr Irfaan Ali had spoken about the ongoing review. Asked if he was satisfied with the im-
pact the Local Content Act has had on Guyana, the President expressed satisfaction with the results so far while also looking forward to future improvements.
There are 40 areas in which oil companies have to seek services from local providers, to varying degrees. For instance, 100 per cent of immigration support, work permit and visa application, customs and ground transportation, as well as insurance have to be sought from local service pro-
viders by the oil companies.
Meanwhile, other targets include 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.
In November 2024, it was reported that 1032 companies were registered with the Local Content Secretariat, meaning they are in possession of
a Local Content Certificate to confirm they are a Guyanese company and are eligible to supply oil and gas operations.
During last month’s presentation of the budget, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had revealed that the Local Content Register has now grown to over 1,100 companies. Additionally, US$743 million was spent in 2024 on local services, employment and capacity development… all of which the secretariat facilitated.
Guyana High Commissioner to India presents credentials to President of India in New Delhi
His Excellency Mr Dharamkumar Seeraj, High Commissioner of Guyana to India, presents credentials to the Honourable President of India in New Delhi His Excellency Dharamkumar Seeraj, High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of India, on Thursday, February 20, 2025, presented his credentials to the Honourable President of India, Smt. Drupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.
President Murmu accepted the Letters of Commission and, in her remarks, highlighted that India and Guyana are connected by virtue of history and the strong bonds of culture, traditions, and shared values. Honourable Smt. Murmu ji also conveyed her Government’s intention to further strengthen relations between Guyana and India along the lines expressed by Prime Minister
Shri Narendra Modi in his recent visit to Guyana. The President extended best wishes to His Excellency High Commissioner Dharamkumar Seeraj for a successful tenure. High Commissioner Seeraj, in his remarks, spoke of Guyana and India’s strong and dynamic relationship, bound together by shared heritage, values, and people-to-people ties, which continues to grow considerably, particularly in recent years with multiple and reciprocal High-level visits. On this, he referenced the visits of the First Lady of Guyana and the Minister of Health, who are currently on official duties in India.
His Excellency also noted the significant cooperation between Guyana and India in areas of agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, defence, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and climate action. He thanked the Government and people of India for the out-
standing contributions that India has made to the advancement of Guyana’s development. In closing, High Commissioner Seeraj expressed that it is his distinct honour and privilege to represent the Government and people of Guyana in India and committed to executing the duties of his office towards strengthening and expanding relations for the mutual benefit of both countries.
High Commissioner Seeraj is Guyana’s eight High Commissioner to India since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1966.
Guyana’s High Commissioner to India, Dharamkumar Seeraj, on Thursday presented his credentials to the President of India, Smt. Drupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi
Head of the Local Content Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab
Getting proof of dead or illegal voters on the OLE insurmountable – Opposition MP
General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Sherwyn Benjamin, on Friday, declared that it would be an “insurmountable difficulty” for the party to be able to procure evidence of dead voters being on the Official List of Electors (OLE).
Mr Benjamin made the remarks during his party’s weekly virtual press conference, where he responded to remarks made by Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandalall, who had questioned the PNCR’s lack of submission of objections during the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) recent Claims and Objections exercise in January.
During GECOM’s first Claims and Objections exercise for the year, only nine objections were received during the period from January 2 –22, of which, none were filed by any of the opposition parties.
This raised eyebrows, given the opposition’s sustained position that the voters list
contains dead and illegal voters.
On Friday, Benjamin admitted that given that the party would have to produce evidence to back any objections they made, the task was too insurmountable.
“The burden of proof however, requires the objector to provide documentary evidence of the death or fraud. How then does Mr Nandalall expect the death certificates of Guyanese who have died locally, and especially those over-
seas to be easily obtained or at all. He is not aware, he is not unaware of this insurmountable difficulty,” Benjamin explained.
Benjamin added that, notwithstanding the lack of evidence, it was in the party’s better interest to instead focus on their call for biometrics, and continue to simply advocate for a clean voters list.
“Our case for biometrics and a clean voters list is far more substantial,” Benjamin reasoned.
As Guyana gets ready for elections in 2025, the opposition has heightened their calls for the scrapping of the OLE and the National Register of Registrants (NRR) from which GECOM extracts the OLE.
This is notwithstanding GECOM having made it categorically clear that constitutional reform would be needed before GECOM could act on any such suggestions.
In 2019, Chief Justice Roxane George ruled that names cannot be removed from the NRR except in the case of death.
Judiciary of Guyana unveils...
FROM PAGE 16
MOH, ProsthetiKa enhance prosthetic services with oneweek training programme
The Ministry of Health’s Rehabilitation and Disability Services, in collaboration with the ProsthetiKa Corporation, successfully hosted a oneweek practical training programme for prosthetists, technicians, and therapists at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre in Georgetown.
This initiative is part of an ongoing partnership between the Ministry and Prosthetika, which has supported training efforts over the past five years to improve prosthetic services in Guyana.
The latest session focused on cutting-edge prosthetic technologies, enabling specialists to create lighter, better fitting, and more efficient prosthetic devices that enhance patient mobility and comfort.
In a Ministry of Health press release, the Ministry noted that a total of 16 individuals benefited from new prosthetic devices, including both upper and lower-limb prostheses.
Dr Ariana Mangar underscored the importance of training staff in the latest technology.
She emphasized that it embodies the values of courage, fairness, authority and balance, while reflecting the core ideals of independence, competence, equality, respect, service, and accountability.
“Lady Justice is adorned in the colours of the national flag of our beautiful country Guyana,” Lovell noted.
The unveiling of this flag is more than a ceremo -
A striking feature of the design is that Lady Justice is adorned in the colours of Guyana’s national flag, reinforcing the deep connection between the judiciary and the nation.
nial gesture; it is a defining moment in the country’s judicial history. As it flies over courthouses across Guyana, the judiciary believes it would stand as a daily reminder of its unwavering commitment to upholding justice with fairness, authority, and dedication to the people it serves.
A key highlight of the programme, the release added, was the successful development of a myoelectric arm, a highly functional prosthetic device that significantly improves movement. This state-of-the-art prosthesis was successfully fitted for a patient, Mr Ramchitath, marking a significant step forward in local prosthetic capabilities.
In a brief interview,
"Over the last five years, ProsthetiKa has helped us train our staff in the latest technologies for prosthesis development. This allows us to make prostheses lighter, better fitting, and more efficient—ensuring that patients receive the best possible fit when they get their prosthesis,” she said.
Meanwhile, 48-year-old Ayeni Olutunde, a father of two and a member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) expressed his gratitude for the Government’s support in providing prosthetics.
"As you can see, I’m an amputee, and I came to get some adjustments done on my prosthesis. I feel really good knowing that there’s
a way for people like me to regain mobility. This programme is a great initiative, there’s always room for improvement but in time, things will only get better,” the GDF officer said.
“The fact that someone can receive a prosthesis and be rehabilitated to live independently again is a huge step forward,” he added.
The training also fostered greater collaboration between prosthetic and orthotic personnel at the centre, further strengthening national capacity in rehabilitation services. By equipping local professionals with the latest skills and knowledge, the Ministry of Health continues to advance its mission of providing high-quality prosthetic solutions to individuals with limb loss.
A beneficiary at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre actively participating in therapy sessions with the ProsthetiKa team
PNCR General Secretary, Sherwyn Benjamin
100MW of solar power will be integrated into grid this year – Jagdeo
– assures hydro, solar will play key roles in Guyana’s future energy mix
Providing assuranc-
es that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government will be making solar and hydropower important parts of Guyana’s energy mix, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has revealed that for this year, the Government is targeting the addition of 100 Megawatts (MW) of solar power.
The Vice President was at the time addressing youths during a segment of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo (GECSCE) at the Marriott Hotel on Friday. During the session, he was asked about Guyana’s renewable energy policy.
“Right now, we’re working at getting the Gas to Energy (GtE) Project going.
When that project is completed, we will cut electricity prices by 50 per cent. It is a transitional fuel, because right now we’re generating all of our power from diesel
and bunker C.” he disclosed.
“So even with that facility, we’ll cut our emissions by 45 per cent. And if you read the LCDS (Low Carbon Development Strategy), you
Teacher injured after armed robbery
– robbed of $250,000 cash
Police are investigating an alleged Robbery
Under Arms, committed on Shawn Thomas, a 53-year-old teacher of Turkeyen, which occurred at about 04:55hrs on Thursday.
Thomas was robbed of $250,000 by an identifiable male armed with a handgun. Investigations revealed that the victim and his wife – a 28-year-old teacher – were in their yard at Turkeyen, which is fenced
with concrete, constructing a costume for Mashramani.
At the time, he had the cash in a black side bag, which was hung on his door. It was reported that the suspect jumped his northern fence, armed with a handgun, approached Thomas, and told him to hand over money.
The victim, fearing for his life, told the suspect that the money was in his bag. The suspect removed the bag with the money and as the suspect was about to
leave, the victim raised an alarm, whereby the suspect discharged a round, hitting the victim on his right upper thigh.
The suspect then jumped the fence and escaped on foot with the cash.
The victim's wife took him to a private city hospital, where he is presently seeking medical attention. His condition is considered stable.
Several persons were questioned, as investigations continue.
GDF rank allegedly robbed of his motorcycle at gunpoint
Police are investigating an alleged armed robbery, committed on Terrie McCalmon, a 21-yearold Private of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and resident of Sophia.
McCalmon was robbed of a red and white XR motorcycle with Trade Plate (MR 2) valued at $495,000, which occurred at about 20:30hrs Thursday. The suspect is
reportedly an identifiable male, who was armed with a handgun.
Enquiries disclosed that the victim was standing in front of his yard cleaning his motorcycle when he was approached by the perpetrator who came from a western direction of a street.
The perpetrator pointed the gun at the victim and demanded that he hand over
his motorcycle.
The victim became fearful for his life and he ran into his yard leaving the motorcycle, with the key in the ignition. The perpetrator then mounted the victim’s motorcycle, rode away in an eastern direction and made good of his escape.
Investigations are in progress.
will see we have an energy mix for the future. It includes gas, so we’ll build the gas facility, it includes hydropower and it includes solar,” the VP added.
Jagdeo assured that this year, about 100 MW of solar will be added to the grid. He noted that already, 35 MW have been added through a programme funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
However, Jagdeo also noted the hurdles that come with seeking to integrate renewable energy in a way that will have it replace existing baseload energy sources.
“Renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, they’re not baseload. They’re just energy. So what happens is if the sun doesn’t shine for a particular period, you don’t (have power) unless you have batteries. You’re at the mercy of the elements. Same thing with wind. It could slow down and then you have to have fossil fuel kick in.”
“I don’t think integration is a major hurdle now. But simply, there’s this mis-
taken view you can use it to supplant baseload, and until batteries become cheap enough to allow solar energy to come in as baseload constant, and becomes ₵5 or ₵6 per kilowatt hour (kWh), then you can’t displace energy produced from the gas,” Jagdeo explained.
Only on Thursday, it had been announced by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips during the expo that as part of Guyana’s transition to renewable energy, a 450-kilowatt (kW) wind turbine farm will be developed at Leguan to meet the Essequibo River island’s growing power demand in a sustainable manner.
He disclosed that several utility-scale solar power projects, amounting to some 34.5 MW of solar capacity, are being developed in communities along the coastland. Among those areas is the island of Leguan in the Essequibo River, which will not only benefit from a mini solar grid this year but also a wind farm.
“The Leguan 0.6-megawatt solar farm, to be com-
missioned in 2025, will generate approximately 800 megawatt hours of renewable energy annually, and be complemented by a 450-kilowatt wind turbine farm, ensuring 70 per cent of the island’s power demand is met sustainably,” PM Phillips noted.
The development of this 450 kW peak wind farm at Leguan was announced by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh during his 2025 Budget presentation in January, as one of the renewable energy initiatives to be undertaken this year as part of plans to diversify the country’s energy sources. The wind farm at Leguan is expected to generate approximately 620 MWh annually, he had said.
Back in May 2024, Head of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma, had told a meeting of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Economic Services that Government was actively studying the wind potential in the country, to decide on possible investments in this source of renewable energy.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Use your energy wisely. An active and well-planned agenda will help you avoid frustration. Look for opportunities to spend time with someone you want to know better.
Timing is everything. Refrain from letting anyone dictate how or where you utilize your energy. Trying to cram too much into one day will lead to uncertainty.
You are best to document what transpires. Someone will try to rewrite history if you offer an assessment that needs to be more precise. Offering something efficient and within budget will help you gain acceptance.
Focus on what's essential and learn to say no to those taking advantage of your kindness and generosity. It's OK to help others, but help yourself first. Say no to drama and yes to using your energy to thrive.
Generosity is honorable, but before offering your time, money or expertise, consider if someone's exploiting you. How you communicate your expectations will make a difference.
Emotions will be scattered, causing problems with relationships and domestic matters. Push drama aside and deal with the real issues. Set boundaries and say no to tempting nuances.
Apply pressure when necessary, but do so in a manner that appeals to the people you want to be involved in your plans. Taking short trips and getting together with old friends will help turn any negatives you face into positives.
Don't drag your feet when you can accomplish so much. Get out, network, socialize and charm your way into the hearts of those you want to be around. You will discover plenty through conversation.
Stop, look, listen and evaluate situations before you agree to something ambiguous. Refuse to let your emotions step in and lead you astray. Choose your words to reflect an honest appraisal.
Live up to your promises and have no regrets. Following a path that encourages prudence and worthwhile achievements will make you feel good about life, what you contribute and your prospects.
Be the one to lead the way. Set a good example and be clear about your expectations. Use your skills, knowledge and insight to your benefit and to convince others to stand by you.
Channel emotional energy into your daily routine. Engage in physical activity that lets you blow off steam and directs positive vibes into your life. Decline any offer that doesn't suit your budget.
ICC Champions Trophy ODI World Cup tournament 2025…
SOUTH AFRICA DEMOLISH AFGHANISTAN BY 107 RUNS
– As Rickelton’s maiden ODI ton, middle order set up big win
Ryan Rickelton is showing the value of runs under the belt. He came into the Champions Trophy on the back of a solid SA20 in which he was the fourth-highest scorer; and before that, he smoked 259 in the New Year’s Test against Pakistan. It was time for him to leave his mark on the 50over format on Friday, and he scored his maiden ODI century in his seventh game as South Africa began their Champions Trophy with a solid 107-run win over Afghanistan.
Batting first on a Karachi surface that had a nice layer of grass, South Africa rode on Rickelton’s 103 by a steady following of fifties from Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram to rack up 315 for 6.
Rickelton’s innings was largely flawless. He never looked rushed; not when Tony de Zorzi fell early or when Bavuma took his time to get going. Rickelton struck boundaries whenever he got a chance, and when he didn’t, he quietly rotated the strike. He started with a lovely punch past mid-off with third ball, before going back-to-back against Fazalhaq Farooqi in the fifth over, once with a fierce pull
through midwicket and then with a cut past point.
De Zorzi also struck two fours, but fell to a rather nonchalant delivery from Mohammad Nabi early on, when he flopped it straight to mid-on.
Bavuma’s first 19 balls yielded only seven runs, before he got a couple of fours away to get into the groove. Rickelton, meanwhile, struck Azmatullah Omarzai for two delightful fours to raise his fifty off just 48 balls.
South Africa ticked along to 83 for 1 after 15 overs, but an important passage of play was about to come: South Africa batters versus Afghanistan spinners, and that was when Rickelton really showed his wares. He had faced a lot of Rashid Khan in the SA20 nets as they were part of the victorious MI Cape Town side, and that experience
Bavuma got to his second fifty away from home as he continued his rich form.
He had a solid 129run stand for the second wicket with Rickelton, fore holing to deep midet and havNabi pocksecond et. By then had moved into his 90s, and had hardly bro-
Afghanistan hardly helped themselves in the field, too. There were several misfields, a run-out chance was fluffed, and Noor Ahmad particularly was off-colour. He was either too short, or too full, and he often tried to dart the ball in and lost his
Rickelton soon be-
came the first South Africa batter to register a century on Champions Trophy debut with a push to long-off.
Afghanistan got a lucky break when Rickelton was run-out in bizarre fashion. He bunted a length ball back to Rashid, and the bowler fired a flat throw to the wicketkeeper. Out of his crease, Rickelton was caught offguard just a touch, and as he put in the dive, his bat bounced just short of the crease. That meant even though his bat was over the line, it was in the air when Rahmanullah Gurbaz whipped off the bails.
There was no respite for
Ngidi’s short-of-a-length ball got the better of Gurbaz, and he sent a top-edge to short fine leg.
Sediqullah Atal, the #3 batter, struggled big time; and when Ibrahim Zadran finally broke the shackles by hammering Rabada over wide long-on, it obviously did not please the bowler, who returned with a 148.3kph thunderbolt that sent Zadran’s middle stump flying.
South Africa’s pace bowlers concentrated on that hard length, and according to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, 33 of the balls bowled by South Africa in the first 15 overs were either short, or short-of-a-good length.
Atal’s difficult innings, wherein he was beaten ten times and played 14 false shots in the 32 balls he faced, ended with a run-out. Soon after, Hashmatullah Shahidi fell to a stunning catch by Bavuma at mid-on, and Afghanistan had stumbled to 51 for 4 after 15 overs.
Rahmat Shah, their only bright spot, was the only batter who showed some fight, as he cruised to fifty off 62 balls. However, with none of the batters hanging around, Afghanistan were always struggling. The Karachi crowd, which had come in numbers to support Afghanistan, found their voice when Rashid
Mohammad Nabi gave Afghanistan their first breakthrough
three fours and a six in his cameo of 18 off 13 balls. But apart from that, there was little for the crowd to cheer.
Rahamat scored a sprightly 90 off 92 balls before edging Rabada to Rickelton for 90. He was the last batter to fall; and with the second-highest score being 18, it meant that Afghanistan were never really in the game. In the end, South Africa registered their first ODI win after six attempts.
South Africa (50 ovs maximum)
Ryan Rickelton † run out (Rashid Khan/†Rahmanullah Gurbaz) 103
Tony de Zorzi c Azmatullah Omarzai
b Mohammad Nabi 11
Temba Bavuma (c) c Sediqullah Atal
b Mohammad Nabi 58
Rassie van der Dussen c Hashmatullah Shahidi
b Noor Ahmad 52
Aiden Markram not out 52
David Miller c Rahmat Shah
b Fazalhaq Farooqi 14
Marco Jansen
b Azmatullah Omarzai 0 Wiaan Mulder not out 12
Extras (w 13) 13
Total 50 Ov (RR: 6.30) 315/6
Did not bat: Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Tony de Zorzi, 5.1 ov), 2-157 (Temba Bavuma, 28.5 ov), 3-201 (Ryan Rickelton, 35.3 ov), 4-248 (Rassie van der Dussen, 42.4 ov), 5-298 (David Miller, 47.6 ov), 6-299 (Marco Jansen, 48.2 ov) •
DRS
Bowling O-M-R-W
Fazalhaq Farooqi 8-0-59-1
Azmatullah Omarzai 6-0-39-1
Mohammad Nabi 10-0-51-2
Rashid Khan 10-0-59-0
Gulbadin Naib 7-0-42-0
Noor Ahmad 9-0-65-1 Afghanistan (T: 316 runs from 50 ovs) Rahmanullah Gurbaz †c Maharaj
Kagiso Rabada took three wickets, while Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder each took two, as Afghanistan were bundled out for 208 in 43.3 overs. (Adapted from ESPNcricinfo)
b Ngidi 10 Ibrahim Zadran
b Rabada 17
Sediqullah Atal run out (Jansen) 16 Rahmat Shah c †Rickelton
b Rabada 90 Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) c Bavuma
b Mulder 0 Azmatullah Omarzai c †Rickelton b Rabada 18
Mohammad Nabi c Rabada
b Jansen 8 Gulbadin Naib c Bavuma b Ngidi 13
Rashid Khan c Markram b Maharaj 18 Noor
Kagiso Rabada had a few words for Ibrahim Zadran after dismissing him
Ryan Rickelton celebrating his maiden ODI ton
Rassie van derDussen scored 52
SITTU Barbados Open Chess Championships 2025…
Guyana’s rising chess stars to do battle in Barbados
National Junior Chess Champion Ricardo
Narine has been selected by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) to compete in the SITTU Barbados Open Chess Championships 2025, being held during the period February 20-24, in the Grand Salle of the Tom Adams Financial Centre in Bridgetown, St. Michael,
Barbados.
Narine, who has an ELO rating of 1714 and is competing in the Group B category of the tournament, is a twotime National Junior Chess Champion who has consistently proven his skill and resilience over the chess board in winning many rapid competitions over the years.
The GCF is confident he
would acquit himself well and earn ELO rating points.
Joining him are the Under-16 National Chess Champion, Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber, and the irrepressible Alex UbaldoSingh, who both have taken up the challenge of playing in the competition to earn valuable experience and rating points.
ANSA McAL Pre-Mash Golf
Extravaganza
on this weekend
The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will be hosting the ANSA McAL PreMash Golf Tournament today: Saturday, February 22, 2025. This annual celebration is perfectly timed to precede Guyana’s Mashramani festivities, and expectations are that the day would be filled with spirited competition, camaraderie, and exceptional experiences both on and off the greens.
Word emanating from this East Coast Demerarabased golf club is that, regardless of whether any participant is a seasoned golfer or one exploring the sport for the first time, this tournament would be offering an inclusive and engaging environment.
The Medal Play format being employed in this tournament spans 18 holes, ensuring a challenging yet enjoyable experience for participants across all skill levels.
Managing Director of ANSA McAL, Troy Cadogan, has said, “ANSA McAL has been sponsoring this tour-
nament for the last ten years, and we will continue to do so. We’ve been sponsoring it under the various company brands, this year we are sponsoring under our Glenmorangie Whiskey Brand, which is distributed by ANSA McAL Trading Limited. Known for its exquisite range of whiskies, Glenmorangie offers a sensory journey from the delicate notes of the Original 12 Years Old to the rich complexities of the 18 Years Old Infinita.
“Participants and guests will have the exclusive opportunity to savour these distinguished spirits, adding a touch of sophistication to the day’s festivities.”
The tournament has a range of prestigious awards, among which are:Best Net in Each Flight: Recognizing top performers across different skill categories.
Overall Best Gross Score: Honouring the player with the lowest total score.
Nearest to the Pin: A
Pitamber, who has an ELO rating of 1779, will join Narine in campaigning in Group B, where they both would be facing off against players with FIDE ratings of between 1700 and 2099.
As the youngest member of the trio, Ubaldo-Singh, who will be celebrating his 13th birthday over the action-packed weekend, will be fearlessly campaigning in Group C (1400-1699) to prove that age is just a number for strategic brilliance. He has an ELO rating of 1462.
While Narine and Pitamber have already felt the heat of international competition, Ubaldo-Singh will be making his debut on the global stage.
These talented players are challenging their opponents in one of the most heavily competitive chess tournaments, and a pool of US$5000 in cash prizes is up for grabs in each category.
The GCF is confident these young, avid chess players would emerge as better players from the experience to be gained in playing in this tournament.
International Masters League cricket tournament 2025…
Gayle set to take India by storm
Chris Gayle has expressed his excitement as he prepares for his comeback on the international cricket stage. The 45-year-old self-proclaimed Universe Boss and undisputed king of T20 cricket has announced his comeback on Thursday as he prepares for the International Masters
cluding the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara and Kumar Sangakkara; so that’s great for the fans, some who might never have seen them play before.”
Lara will lead the West Indies team, Tendulkar will lead the India team, and Sangakkara will lead the Sri Lanka team. The other teams in the tournament are Australia, South Gayle, a two-time
test of precision on Hole #4.
Longest Drive: Showcasing a player’s power on Hole #5.
The tournament is being viewed as more than a competition; it’s a celebration of sport, community, and culture. As such, the LGC is ready to warmly welcome all to partake in this exceptional event, whether as players or spectators; and to have them immerse themselves in the dynamic atmosphere that defines the Lusignan Golf Club.
Persons desirous of participating in this extravaganza are invited to contact the Lusignan Golf Club on telephone# 220-5660. Registration closed promptly at 1:00PM on Friday, February 21, 2025.
Players are asked to assemble at their designated tee boxes by 12:30hrs today, tournament day. The official start will be signalled by a horn or siren.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for approximately 17:30hrs, following the conclusion of play.
this Twenty20 extravaganza which runs from February 22 to March 16, with matches to be played at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai, the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara, and the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
Gayle has said: “I’m here in India, and already you can feel the excitement around. We have some of the greatest players of all time participating, and this is going to be a fantastic tournament, I promise you.”
The Jamaica and West Indies legend added: “We have…such big names, in-
itive event. Gayle’s second T20 World Cup win came
“I love what I’m seeing so far, and what I’m hearing; you thing for granted. This is going to be a very competitive tournament and everyone is coming to play to win. I’m happy to hear Tino Best say he’s looking to bowl with great pace, and that’s very good for us as a team. We also have the likes of Fidel Edwards to share the new ball with Tino as well. Those guys are still fit…those guys are still in good shape, so it’s actually good from our team point of view”, Gayle has said.
FULL WI SQUAD: Brian Lara (captain), Chris Gayle, Dwayne Smith, Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin, Chadwick Walton, Ashley Nurse, Narsingh
Deonarine, Sulieman Benn, Fidel Edwards, Ravi Rampaul, Tino Best, Jerome Taylor, Kirk Edwards, William Perkins.
Ricardo Narine is one of three players competing in a chess tournament in Barbados this weekend
The winners from the 2024 edition will be looking to book a spot on the podium in 2025
Flashback! Mike Mangal and Carlos Adams were the 2024 standout performers
Chris Gayle is set to compete in the Master’s League
Junior Lady Jags open qualifier campaign with draw
…5 players miss out due to ineligibility
Guyana’s national women’s under-20 team the Junior Lady Jags opened their campaign in the CONCACAF Women’s U20 Qualifiers with a nilall draw against Belize in a match played on Friday morning at the Antigua and Barbuda Technical Center.
The result came on the heels of a revelation that Guyana would miss out on the services of 5 players because of their ineligibility.
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) shared in a statement, “Players born outside of Guyana are eligible to represent the nation once it is demonstrated to the relevant authorities that either a parent or grandparent was born in Guyana. FIFA regulations permit this eligibility, provided the player presents a valid passportissued by the country of birth of their parent or grandparent - to the designated Match
Commissioner on the day of the game.”
The process to obtain these passports is complex and requires coordinated efforts from multiple parties. In previous years, authorities did not require players to be physically present for passport issuance, which significantly reduced logistical and financial burdens on the GFF. “However, within the last 24 hours, we have been informed of a policy change that now mandates in-person appearances.
“For the past two decades, a designated technical official from the travel contingent would remain in Guyana to collect any passports subject to delays. Such delays can occur due to the vetting of source documents, late call-ups, the identification of exceptional talent, or the standard processing time for applications. It is important to note that se-
curing passports for diaspora players is an inherently demanding task for the national team management, a challenge further compounded when managing four national teams simultaneously.
“Currently, five players in the U-20 Women’s squad have been affected by this situation, and do not have their Guyana passport. The Guyana Football Federation remains committed to resolving this matter, and is actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders to find a solution.”
The Junior Lady Jags will nevertheless continue their campaign in the qualifiers on Sunday, February 23rd, as they take on hosts Antigua and Barbuda.
Guyana is in group A of the qualifiers, alongside Antigua and Barbuda, Belize and Haiti. Only the group winner would qualify for the CONCACAF championships.
Bristol to manage team, as Guyana hopes to conquer Caribbean Boxing Championships
With just six days remaining until the return of the Caribbean Boxing Championships, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has appointed Seon Bristol as manager of the national team set to compete in St. Lucia from February 27 to March 3. Bristol, GBA Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, is also nephew of former Commonwealth middleweight champion Kenny Bristol.
Returning after a fouryear hiatus, the Caribbean Boxing Championships remain the region’s premier amateur boxing showcase. With a rich history of success, Guyana last captured
the overall championship title in 2018 on home soil, delivered a strong performance in Trinidad and Tobago the following year, and is now determined to reclaim its dominance.
Spearheading Guyana’s squad is Olympian and three-time Caribbean champion Keevin Allicock (57kg), who remains unbeaten in the tournament. He is joined by Sharquain James (67kg), Travis Inverary (71kg), Emanuel Pompey (92kg) and Aluko Bess (86kg).
Heavyweight standouts Abiola Jackman (80+kg) and Zidnan Wray (91kg) are also part of the list of boxers heading to St Lucia, along with South American
Welcome eager to bolster GDF FC’s defence for Elite League
Astar on the youth football stage not too long ago, Shakem Welcome is just getting comfortable in the more professional spaces of Guyana’s football.
Games bronze medallist Desmond Amsterdam (75kg).
Guyana’s rising stars will also be in action, with Junior division fighters Ken Harvey (57-60kg), Keyon Britton (48-50kg), and Lennox Lawrence (54-57kg) looking to make their mark.
Youth prospects, including Tofina Barker (54kg) and Simeon Haymer (63-66kg), will also be aiming to shine on the regional stage. The squad will be guided by an experienced coaching team, including National Coach Lennox Daniels, acclaimed Cuban trainer Francisco Roldan, Clifton Moore, and Jeff Roberts.
The eighteen-year-old has recently completed a move from Slingerz Football Club to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC, and is keen on making a mark at his new club. His transfer has been long in the making, and according to him, the transition has been seamless.
“It’s been since transitioning from Slingerz to GDF. More like senior players, like Calo [Colin Nelson] and them, have been influencing me in bettering my game. Recently getting invited to the National Camp as well, it’s helped me to improve a lot; and this season, just looking forward to improving myself and helping GDF win a next championship,” Welcome told Guyana Times Sport in an exclusive conversation.
When it comes to ad-
justing to the senior setup, the teenager has not had much trouble, given his early exposure. He explained, “Adjusting was, to me, easy; because football is my life. The school [Chase’s Academic Foundation] was preparing me to come into the Elite League, and it wasn’t nothing hard to transition into this type of football, because I was playing this intense football in Slingerz all the time. So, coming into GDF, it’s nothing different.”
Asked what he hopes to offer the Elite League defending champions in this new season, he responded that ‘conceding less goals’ is at the top of his list.
“Coming to this GDF team, Shakem Welcome is going to bring solidarity to
the back line; you know, to help concede less goals this season, to help improve the defence, and just focus on a next championship,” the defender explained.
Welcome has said that, judging by preparation, he is confident the GDF team would have another good season, and would end up with a championship win. A confident Welcome related, “We’re a very confident bunch. I think the team chemistry is very good, you know. We’ve been training every day, putting in the work. Pre-season training has been hard, and I think hard work pays off; so, I think this season is going to be a good season.” The Elite League 2025 is scheduled to get underway on Sunday, March 9.
Shakem Welcome in action during a GDF FC training session
Three-time Caribbean Champion Keevin Allicock will lead Guyana’s team
