Coretta McDonald’s political ties hindered GTU’s negotiations, created division within union – executives
…as GTU President, 2nd VP ask High Court to remove General Secretary
The President and Second Vice President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) have approached the Demerara High Court with a Fixed Date Application (FDA), challenging their suspension and calling for the removal of General Secretary Coretta Mc Donald. Dr Mark Lyte and Julian Cambridge, the applicants, contend that their suspension was unlawful and procedurally flawed. Additionally, they argue that Mc Donald’s dual roles as General Secretary and an elected member of the National Assembly compromises the union’s integrity and effectiveness. Mc Donald, a representative of the A Partnership for
National Unity – Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC), is at the centre of the escalating controversy. The applicants allege that her continued tenure introduces political bias into the union’s dealings with the Government, adversely affecting negotiations and creating challenges in representing public sector teachers.
The applicants are seeking a court declaration that Mc Donald is not lawfully entitled to hold her position as General Secretary— or any other elected GTU position—while serving as a Member of Parliament. They assert that this violates Rule 3 of the GTU Constitution, which prohibits MPs from holding office in the union except for the Immediate Past President.
Flaws in suspension Dr Lyte and Cambridge stated that their suspension was executed without adherence to due process. They recall that during a December 17, 2024, meeting of the GTU General Council, a motion was introduced to suspend them with immediate effect, pending an investigation. The motion was reportedly approved by a majority vote.
However, the applicants claim they received no prior notice of the motion, were not informed of the allegations against them, and were denied an opportunity to respond. They assert that the motion stemmed from allegations that they acted unilaterally in reaching an agreement with the Government to end industrial action last year. The two executives deny this, arguing that their actions were based on decisions approved by the GTU General Council.
Following their suspension, the applicants allege that letters signed by Mc
Donald were sent to various agencies—including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labour, Education International, and the Caribbean Union of Teachers—informing them of the decision. They further claim that their offices were padlocked by GTU officers, barring them from fulfilling their elected roles.
Improper
Lyte and Cambridge argued that the General Council was improperly constituted at the time of their suspension because Mc Donald, as an elected Member of Parliament since 2020, is not eligible to hold office in the GTU under the union’s constitution. They believe her continued tenure exacerbates internal tensions and weakens the union’s ability to negotiate effectively with the State.
The applicants are urging the court to expedite the hearing of their case, citing the urgent need to resume their duties and prepare for the upcoming GTU elections in April 2025. They note that the suspension can only be appealed at the union’s triennial conference, coinciding with the elections, further complicat-
ing matters.
Dr Lyte and Cambridge emphasised that more than a month has passed since their suspension without any investigation being initiated. They maintain that their suspension is preventing them from fulfilling responsibilities as union leaders.
The FDA names Mc Donald as the principal respondent, along with other GTU representatives, including Mariska Williams, Meon Crawford, Joseph Decunah, and Elecia Barker. The applicants are represented by attorney Kamal Ramkarran.
GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald
GTU President Mark Lyte
GTU Second Vice President Julian Cambridge
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Saturday, January 25 –01:30h-03:00h and Sunday, January 26 – 02:30h-04:00h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Saturday, January 25 –13:25h-14:55h and Sunday, January 26 – 14:10h-15:40h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery to light showers are expected throughout the day and at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.79 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 12:13h and 23:49h reaching a maximum height of 2.17 metres.
Low Tide: 18:26h reaching a minimum height of 1.03 metres.
Budget 2025 is all about providing ‘cradle to grave’ care for Guyanese – Rodrigues –
escribing the 2025 budget as one that takes care of Guyanese from “cradle to grave”, a term synonymous with the oil and gas sector for how oil wells are managed, Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Susan Rodrigues, was one of the Government Members of Parliament who threw their support behind the budget.
The first day of the budget debates saw both sides of the aisle speaking up for and against the budget. In her presentation, Rodrigues highlighted that, to the unbiased observer, the budget is one that emphasizes taking care of the citizens, including the $100,000 per newborn baby bonus.
In one of the most novel measures ever rolled out in Guyana, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, in his budget presentation, announced a one-off $100,000 cash grant for every baby newly born in Guyana to a Guyanese mother.
This puts Guyana in the company of other countries like Singapore, Finland and France, which have implemented what is known as a ‘baby bonus’ that sees varying forms of cash incentives being provided to parents of newborns.
According to Rodrigues, the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) government took from the people, rather than gave to them.
“This administration, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government, has policies that will take care of people from the cradle to the grave. Cradle-to-grave care! From the time you are born, every Guyanese mother will be given $100,000, compliments of the Government of Guyana,” Rodrigues declared.
“From the time the APNU/AFC started, they put VAT on medical supplies. Under their leadership, it became more expensive to access medical care in this country. Putting VAT on supplies and medication! From the time the children start school, they will receive the Because we Care grant. They will go to school and get text books. They will get meals at their schools. All of that provided by our government’s policies,” she added.
Also highlighting the
transformational effect the budget will have on Guyana was Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, who noted that the 2025 budget is one meant to empower the people.
“This budget places a particular emphasis on enhancing Guyana’s infrastructural capacity, with monumental investments in energy, transportation and the other sectors…with respect to the Government’s recognition that modern infrastructure (is) integral to the improvement of living standards across our country,” McCoy said.
McCoy also referred to the mismanagement of the former government, which left the economy in a sordid condition. According to the Minister, the people can judge for themselves how much better off Guyana is now under the PPPC Administration.
“The lacklustre governance of the APNU/AFC manifested into catastrophic job losses in every sector of the country, affecting the livelihood of over 30,000 Guyanese workers. There was a further
tragic impact on 70,000 family members. Today, Guyanese see the progress that is not marred by empty rhetoric, but is grounded in real, impactful action and progress that includes every single Guyanese,” he said.
Government Member of Parliament Sanjeev Datadin also highlighted the fact that, almost five years after its return to office, the PPP/C government has demonstrated its commitment to keeping its promises.
“That is what keeping your promise looks like! That is what caring about the people of Guyana looks like! Don’t say you’re going to have a policy to benefit them and for which they would be able to develop their companies and earn revenue and you don’t actually do it!” Datadin said.
In addition to the $100,000 payout for every newborn, budget 2025 raises pensions from $36,000 per month to $41,000 per month. According to Finance Minister Dr Singh in his budget presentation, this measure would place an additional $4.5 billion of disposable income in the hands of over 76,000 oldage pensioners.
This latest increase means that pension has been doubled since 2020. In 2021, all old-age pensioners were given $25,000 monthly; in 2022 that sum was increased to $28,000, and in 2023 that sum was further increased to $33,000.
The Finance Minister has also announced that public assistance would be increased from $19,000 to $22,000 as of January 1, 2025. He pointed out that the previous APNU/AFC administration had made a promise to double public assistance, but they never did.
Last year, the PPP/C Government had set aside $5 billion for cost-of-living measures aimed at easing the burden of rising costs on citizens. This year, the Government would be setting aside $9 billion.
Another measure that was announced is a $10,000 universal healthcare voucher for every citizen, which will be distributed to every person to finance basic health tests. According to the Finance Minister, this would cost the Government an estimated $5 billion and target potentially 500,000 persons.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy
Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Susan Rodrigues
Government MP Sanjeev Datadin
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Cultivating road safety awareness from an early age
Road safety education is an essential foundation for nurturing responsible citizens, reducing accidents, and building safer communities. On Wednesday, a commendable effort by the Mahdia Police Station Traffic Department, in collaboration with the Guyana Road Safety Council, demonstrated the importance of instilling road safety principles in children. Stop signs, safety vests, fliers, and LED traffic wands were distributed to Mahdia Primary School, Mahdia Secondary School, and Mahdia School of Excellence. This timely gesture emphasised the value of proactive education and safety initiatives.
Teaching road safety at an early age equips children with the knowledge and habits to navigate roads responsibly. Children are among the most vulnerable groups in traffic environments, as their understanding of traffic dynamics often lags behind their curiosity and energy. By introducing key concepts such as using pedestrian crossings, understanding traffic signals, and wearing reflective gear, children gain the skills to protect themselves and influence the behaviour of those around them.
Initiatives like the one in Mahdia not only empower students, but also reinforce the responsibility of adults — teachers, parents, and community members — to prioritise and model road safety.
The items donated, such as LED traffic wands and safety vests, go beyond theoretical education to providing tools for practical handson learning. When children see these measures in action, they internalise safety as a natural and necessary part of everyday life.
Educational institutions play a key role in shaping young minds. By incorporating road safety into school activities and curricula, educators can create a culture of awareness and responsibility. The appreciation expressed by the headmistresses, teachers and students of Mahdia schools highlights how such resources are valued and immediately impactful. These tools would likely enhance road safety clubs, reinforce pedestrian practices, and even simulate real-world traffic scenarios in schoolyards.
The presence of law enforcement officers and road safety advocates in schools also establishes a sense of collaboration between communities and authorities. Students learn that traffic laws are not mere restrictions, but are critical safeguards designed to protect lives.
The Mahdia initiative is part of a broader plan by the Guyana Police Force's Traffic Department and the Guyana Road Safety Council to engage schools across the country. This national outreach reflects the growing recognition that road safety education must be an ongoing effort. Guyana, like many developing nations, faces challenges with road infrastructure, enforcement, and traffic behaviour. Addressing these issues requires more than reactive measures; it demands a proactive, education-first approach.
By targeting children, these efforts create a ripple effect. Young learners share lessons with parents and siblings, extending awareness beyond the classroom. Over time, this grassroots strategy could lead to significant cultural shifts, fostering safer communities where road accidents and fatalities are significantly reduced.
The long-term benefits of early road safety education cannot be overstated. Children taught to value safety grow into adults who respect traffic laws, drive responsibly, and advocate for better infrastructure and enforcement. They also become the next generation of policymakers, educators, and enforcers, continuing the cycle of awareness and improvement.
However, sustained success depends on continuous investment, evaluation, and community involvement. Beyond distributing materials, programmes should include interactive workshops, road safety campaigns, and partnerships with private and public sectors to enhance infrastructure around schools.
As road safety becomes an integral part of education, it is crucial for stakeholders at all levels to contribute. Parents should reinforce lessons at home, ensuring children practise what they learn. Schools should allocate dedicated time and resources for safety activities. Authorities must maintain visible ongoing collaboration with communities to keep the message alive.
The initiative at Mahdia schools demonstrates how simple practical actions can lead to transformative results. The appreciation expressed by educators and students reflects the immediate impact of these efforts, but the true measure of success would be seen in years to come — on safer roads, in responsible drivers, and in the lives saved by teaching children the importance of road safety.
Education is the foundation of any meaningful change, and when it comes to road safety, starting early is key.
Jordan and Opposition disqualify themselves in any poverty alleviation discourse
Dear Editor,
Winston Jordan tried desperately to sound like an expert as he commented on Budget 2025. Unfortunately, Jordan, who has the reputation among Guyanese as the worst Minister of Finance ever in Guyana and in CARICOM, was clueless in offering any sensible critique for Budget 2025.
Given their history in budget debates, and given that they rely on people like Jordan for their talking points, it is a given that the Opposition MPs will offer clueless, even ludicrous, analyses of Budget 2025.
Generally, the Guyanese public has little to no confidence in the Opposition offering even a modicum of reasonable analysis for Budget 2025.
A previously published commentary responded to, and dismissed, Jordan’s criticism of Minister Ashni Singh’s declaration that Budget 2025 is the “biggest budget ever”.
For his other criticisms of Budget 2025, Jordan assumed the role of an expert on poverty reduction. He slammed Minister Ashni Singh and President Irfaan Ali’s PPP Government for a “disaster” budget, which he claimed did not address poverty alleviation in Guyana.
According to him, cash transfers like the one-off $100,000 cash grant for every adult Guyanese, the $100,000
cash grant for every newborn baby, the $50,000 per child in school Because We Care cash grant, the $10,000 health voucher for every Guyanese citizen, and other safety net programmes do nothing to reduce poverty. In terms of the physical infrastructure, Jordan and the opposition’s dismissal is that people cannot eat roads, bridges, schools and hospitals, etc.
We challenge Jordan and the Opposition to list which of the physical infrastructure or the safety net measures in Budget 2025 must be eliminated.
Winston Jordan presented five national budgets: Budgets 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, yet this poverty reduction expert failed to address poverty alleviation in any of those budgets. Any responsible government, whether in a developed country or developing country, would ensure that poverty reduction is a central focus of the national budget.
Of course, Jordan missed one critical point – poverty alleviation cannot occur in a non-economic growth environment. Guyana has grown significantly since 2020. In 2024, growth was almost 44%, and is expected to be at more than 10% in 2025, with non-oil growth of more than 13%.
Between 2015 and 2020 (Jordan’s tenure), Guyana
GDP was almost stagnant, moving from US$4.3B to just US$5.17B. Between 2020 and 2024, GDP catapulted from US$5.17B to about US$23B.
Since 2021, Guyana has maintained the title of the fastest growing economy in the world. This growth has benefitted from local investments which have grown by 60% in that period. Growth in agriculture, mining, service and manufacturing is growth that supports employment. The statistics prove the point: more than 60,000 jobs have been created so far, surpassing the promise of 50,000 new jobs.
On reflection, since he is an expert on poverty reduction, maybe Jordan can explain how the loss of jobs through initiatives in the budgets that he spearheaded was poverty alleviation. Let him explain why closing four sugar estates, with more than 7,000 people out of jobs, with sudden impoverishment of almost 40,000 people, was poverty alleviation.
Let him explain why the workers who lost jobs had to fight in court to get their severance, and how this did not contribute to poverty for more than 40,000 people.
Maybe he could tell us what initiatives were in place in budgets between 2015 and 2020 to support those families.
He must tell us how
terminating the contract for more than 2,000 young Amerindians contributed to poverty alleviation between 2015 and 2020. Maybe he can explain how ending bauxite production in Kwakwani by chasing away RUSAL was poverty alleviation. In fact, almost 40,000 people lost jobs between 2015 and 2020, and the poverty reduction expert played a pivotal role in this horrendous record.
He said nothing when his party leader, the then president, was asked about jobs for young people. His president told the young people that they must not only look to Government to create jobs, they can create their own employment, such as selling dog food and plantain chips. Was it poverty alleviation that motivated him to present Budget 2015, which provided for 5% pay increase for public servants, and zero for sugar workers after promising them 20% pay increase? Was it poverty alleviation giving the president, ministers and MPs 50 to 100% pay increase?
After promising to increase the tax threshold from $50,000/month to $100,000/ month within 100 days, they then took 5 budgets and almost 2,000 days to reach just $65,000/month. Was this poverty alleviation?
Ranks of the Mahdia Police Station Traffic Department, along with Delita John, a member of the Guyana Road Safety Council, distributed road safety equipment to teachers and students of the Mahdia Primary School, Mahdia Secondary School, and Mahdia School of Excellence (Primary and Secondary) (GPF photos)
Opposition MP's fundamental misunderstanding of tourism sector, disregard for average Guyanese
Dear Editor, I wish to address the extremely insensitive, shallow, and distasteful remarks made by the Shadow Minister of Finance, Hon. Juretha Fernandes, during the budget debates, which have since been widely circulated on social media.
The MP’s narrow and myopic perspective reflects a glaring lack of understanding of the immense value and multifaceted benefits of the hospitality sector. Even more troubling, she either remains oblivious or intentionally disingenuous in suggesting that Guyanese cannot afford to stay in local hotels. To compound matters, her remarks belittled the hardworking ordinary Guyanese citizens her party often claims to champion.
A simple effort at research would have revealed to the MP that the hospitality sec-
tor is incredibly diverse, encompassing a range of careers ranging from housekeeping to accounting, marketing, and management. Guyana’s hospitality industry is no exception. Every hotel built locally creates employment opportunities for Guyanese across these varied fields. The evidence is undeniable:
● At the Pegasus Hotel, all 19 department heads are Guyanese, with the sole exception of the General Manager. This hotel employs 215 individuals, all of whom are Guyanese.
● At the Aiden Hotel, 9 out of 10 managerial roles are held by Guyanese, including the Deputy Manager, Housekeeping Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, Accountant Team, Sous Chef, and Captains. An impressive 92% of the hotel’s workforce is Guyanese.
● Princess Hotel has
three expats among 250 staff, which is a low percentage of 1.2%.
● At the Georgetown Marriott Hotel, there are 0.85% of foreigners (3/354).
MP Fernandes not only dismisses these contributions, but also blatantly devalues the honest labour of housekeeping staff — dedicated Guyanese who work hard, support their families, and uplift their lives through dignified employment. These are the individuals who uphold the quality and reputation of our tourism sector, ensuring visitors enjoy their experience and contribute to our economy. If not Guyanese, whom does she propose should fill these roles? Is housekeeping not honourable work?
Her comments reek of elitism, and echo the outdated, visionless policies of the PNC under its founder Forbes
Jordan and Opposition...
Jordon read five national budgets with increases in more than 200 taxes; with introduction of VAT for education, water, electricity, data, health products, etc.; with increases in drainage and irrigation and agriculture land lease rates. Were these poverty reduction programmes?
They had promised elimination of UG fees within 100 days of assuming government. After five budgets and almost 2,000 days, UG fees, far from elimination, were increased.
Maybe he can explain to the Guyanese people why taking away $10,000 per school child from families across Guyana was not helping to create more poverty in Guyana.
With his abysmal poverty alleviation track-record, he should be the last person critiquing a budget on the basis of poverty alleviation. Unfortunately, his clueless analysis would echo throughout Budget 2025 debate from the Opposition members, because as clueless as he is, his party MPs will be even more clueless and equally comical.
Every national budget, no matter the country, is an annual work plan that includes measures and strategies targetting poverty reduction. Within the annual national budget, initiatives to create jobs; improve availability and access to education at all levels, including vocational training; improve availability and access to quality healthcare; provision of water, sanitation and housing are critical elements of an antipoverty strategy.
There must be initiatives to empower girls and women, improve childhood nutrition, support environmental protection, sensible salary and wages’ increases and taxation relief measures, and a robust safety net programme. These and other initiatives are imperatives for a serious effort
to combat poverty in any country.
Minister Ashni Singh’s Budget 2025 was crafted carefully to empower people and families, addressing all critical elements listed above, demonstrating that the Irfaan Aliled PPP government has a serious and sensible approach to poverty reduction. The robust safety net programme includes the one-off cash grants of $100,000 per adult over 18 years old, the $100,000 cash grant for every newborn baby, the $50,000 per school child Because We care program, the $10,000 per citizen health voucher, subsidies for water and electricity bills for pensioners.
Initiatives such as elimination of university fees, vocational training fees, the bridge tolls, robust salary and wage increases for public servants and for those in public corporations such as sugar workers, increases in old age pension and public assistance, and the 50% reduction of electricity rates by 4th quarter of 2025, the employment of more than 2,000 Amerindian youths as CSOs, and the part-time employment programme for more than 15,000 persons contribute significantly to improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.
There are other measures besides those itemised above that support livelihood and reduce poverty. These include the maintenance of zero % excise tax on petroleum products, saving the population more than $90B in 2025, the freight cost adjustment at a cost of $6B, and an allocation of $9B for cost-of-living support in 2025.
Investments in small businesses, and support for the private sector, the entitlements of Amerindian Villages to carbon credit funds to use in the development of their communities, including in promotion
of small enterprises, are genuine efforts at poverty reduction and empowerment of families and communities. There are thousands of small contractors and small businesses now operating in Guyana which are directly supported by the budget. Dotting every community now are small individual and family businesses such as small-scale packaging, restaurants, salons, barbershops, etc.
The huge, aggressive public sector infrastructure projects are creating jobs in addition to making transportation and services easier. The construction of roads and highways, bridges, streets and canals, hospitals and schools, houses in the multiple housing schemes create jobs, one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty for families.
The clueless Opposition has been in a frenzy, screaming that people cannot eat roads, bridges, pump stations, schools and hospitals, etc. Yet they are the same people who would cry crocodile tears if investments are not made in the upgrade, expansion and maintenance of Guyana’s physical and service infrastructure.
Investments in health ($144B), education ($175B), housing and water ($129B), sanitation and solid waste ($13.2B), human services ($58.5B), etc. are critical elements that support the robust antipoverty drive of the Irfaan Ali government.
Budget 2025 is a carefully crafted budget to ensure Guyana’s incredible growth continues; that we achieve economic diversification; we create jobs and provide a social sector development that empowers all. It is crafted to ensure all people are empowered, that people are able to flourish, and to ensure Guyana rapidly reduce and eliminate poverty.
Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy
Burnham, who infamously dismissed tourism as a viable sector, claiming it would “create a nation of waiters.”
Additionally, the MP seems unwilling or unable to grasp the reality of the new and transformative Guyana, where citizens are enjoying a significantly improved quality of life. Occupancy records from local hotels tell the real story: many guests are in fact Guyanese travelling from various regions or celebrating special occasions. Perhaps
her reasoning remains stuck in the past, in an era when Guyanese could not afford basic luxuries —a result of the failed socialist policies of her predecessors.
Today, however, salaries are improving, cost-of-living measures are being implemented, and Guyanese are in a stronger financial position. We are travelling more, exploring premium dining options, and embracing the best of our local tourism offerings.
Her statement was not
only unfortunate, but emblematic of the lack of understanding, empathy and vision exhibited by those in her party who claim to aspire to leadership. Such comments reflect a troubling disconnect from the progress and aspirations of the very people they hope to represent.
Sincerely, Oneidge Walrond, MP Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce
GMSA welcomes provisions in 2025 National Budget
Dear Editor, The Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) is pleased to acknowledge the new measures introduced in the 2025 National Budget, which promise to bring substantial benefits to employees and businesses alike. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to addressing key concerns within the manufacturing and services sectors. The manufacturing sector saw an expansion of 13.5% in 2024, driven primarily by ‘other manufacturing’. This growth signifies a strategic shift from reliance on traditional manufacturing sectors such as rice and sugar towards a broader manufacturing base such as non-metallic and fabricated metal products, beverages and processed food.
The services sector, which remains a critical pillar of Guyana's GDP, also experienced notable growth, expanding by 7.4% in 2024. The GMSA recognises that the services sector plays a vital role in providing essential support to the manufacturing industry and driving overall economic growth.
Key Highlights from Budget 2025:
Several key initiatives announced in Budget 2025 are poised to significantly benefit the private sector.
A. Labour, People, and Quality of Life:
• Income Tax Adjustments: The increase in the income tax threshold to $130,000 per month and the reduction in personal income tax rates from 28% to 25% and 40% to 35% are expected to provide much-needed financial relief to the working population, making more disposable income available. Tax Relief on Overtime Income: The introduction of a non-taxable allowance for the first $50,000 earned from overtime work and second jobs, will incentivize the earnings of workers who work additional hours and jobs. This will be beneficial to local manufacturers, alleviating labour shortages and meeting the growing de-
mand in both the manufacturing and services industries.
The GMSA advocated for these measures for some time, and we are pleased to see our recommendations implemented.
• Free University and Technical & Vocational Education: With Guyana’s expanding labour market, the government's commitment to offering free university education and technical training aligns with the GMSA’s vision of ensuring a skilled and educated workforce. The GMSA also advocates for greater emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) fields, which include disciplines crucial for the country’s long-term development.
B. Energy Interventions: Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project: The development of an additional power plant under the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project aims to provide additional and affordable power supply for businesses and consumers. This will catalyse the full potential of the manufacturing sector by providing more affordable and reliable energy for production. Removal of VAT on Backup Generators: The removal of VAT on backup generators will offer immediate relief to small businesses struggling with the challenges of the current electricity distribution.
C. Agro-Processing:
The GMSA advocated for several measures aimed at supporting agro-processing, which were included in Budget 2025: Removal of VAT on Agricultural Machinery: This will reduce costs for the agro-processing sector, encouraging investment in modern machinery that will improve efficiency and productivity. Removal of VAT on Automated Poultry Pens and Veterinary Supplies: This measure will enhance the capacity of the poultry industry
by improving efficiency and addressing ongoing challenges in livestock health, thereby boosting local production and reducing dependency on imports.
GMSA's Vision for Continued Growth
The GMSA is committed to collaborating with the government on policies that will positively impact the manufacturing sector. The association is hopeful that further initiatives will be considered to drive continued growth:
• Expansion of the Zero-Rated List: The GMSA proposes expanding the zero-rated supplies to include more competitive locally made products, such as chowmein and vermicelli, which will stimulate local consumption and support domestic manufacturers.
Corporate Tax Adjustment: The GMSA urges the government to consider adjustments to corporate tax rates to further enhance the competitiveness of Guyanese businesses.
SME Support for Market Development: The establishment of a dedicated budget for SMEs in market development and exhibition will help local businesses access international markets and grow their reach. As the country’s population continues to grow, driven by an influx of foreign nationals, local consumption has increased significantly due to the rising demand from a diverse population. This trend is encouraging for businesses, as it signals demand and new opportunities for growth, fostering a favourable environment for business expansion and profitability.
The GMSA remains committed to collaborating with the government to ensure that policies continue to support the manufacturing and services sectors and that Guyana’s private sector remains competitive, resilient, and poised for success in the years to come.
Sincerely, Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA)
Page Foundation
1) The fraction is the same as
3) Which of the following shapes has all its interior angles equal?
Question 5 refers to the diagram below.
5) If AB is the line of symmetry, how many rectangles must be added to make the shape symmetrical?
Question 7 refers to the following diagram which shows a right-angle triangle.
7) What is the sum of angles r and s?
2) Which of the following fractions is equivalent to ?
By Laura ELizaBEth richards
4) Which of the following solids is correctly matched to its properties?
Question 6 refers to the nets of two solids.
6) Which of the following solids are represented by the nets above?
Question 8 refers to the picture below.
8) Which unit of measurement would most likely be used to show the mass of the items?
Once there was an elephant, Who tried to use the telephant— No! No! I mean an elephone Who tried to use the telephone— (Dear me! I am not certain quite That even now I’ve got it right.) Howe’er it was, he got his trunk Entangled in the telephunk; The more he tried to get it free, The louder buzzed the telephee— (I fear I’d better drop the song Of elephop and telephong!)
WORD
Amid fiery debates Opposition MP finds merit in Budget 2025
– supports "progress, peace, prosperity and commitment" – another MP draws ire for downplaying hospitality workers
Budget 2025 was naturally supported by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Members of Parliament. But in a surprise twist, the budget also drew support from Opposition Parliamentarian Geeta Chandan-Edmond, who praised aspects of the budget like the One Guyana Digital initiative and funding for the security sector, but also made recommendations of her own.
During day one of the 2025 Budget debate, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, took a principled stand on the budget and made it clear she and her colleagues are not here to obstruct progress.
Chandan-Edmond, a former Magistrate and People’s National Congress/Reform (PNCR) General Secretary who is one of the opposition’s point persons on security, hailed aspects of the budget she recognised as transformational in nature.
“No budget is perfect Mr Speaker, and this one is no exception. It is our duty as legislators not to settle for good enough, but to demand more. More equity, more inclusion, and more action.
The Opposition’s role here is not to obstruct progress but it is to push for better outcomes.”
“Criticism is not opposition for its own sake, it is a call to address gaps, correct missteps and to ensure that Government serves all people, regardless of their religion, class or creed,” Chandan-Edmond said.
The MP made it clear she supports measures in the budget that promote progress, peace, prosperity and commitment.
Measures like the One Guyana Digital initiative attracted praise from the MP, who nevertheless urged a critical analysis of the project.
“I lend my full support to the positive budgetary measures of this budget. Let us make this a moment where we rise above the fray, put the interest of our people first and demonstrate that we are worthy of the trust
that they have placed in us. I support progress, peace prosperity, and commitment. I also support ambitions, liberty and inspirations,” she added. When it comes to the security sector, the MP acknowledged the Guyana
Allocation of about $250 million annually for training should underscore a prioritisation of modern policing and capacity building. Training, however, must encompass specialised areas to address the multi-faceted challenges faced by law enforcement,” Chandan-
Police Force’s (GPF) commitment to training, as well as the PPP/C Government’s commitment to modernising the police force.
“The Guyana Police Force has demonstrated some commitment to improving law enforcement capabilities, professionalism and road safety, through extensive training, programmes and resource acquisition. There has been significant budget allocation for training, in this area.”
Edmond said.
Hospitality workers
Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Susan Rodrigues, came out swinging against opposition Alliance For Change (AFC) MP Juretha Fernandes’ previous presentation.
In Fernandes’ presentation, she was unimpressed with the thousands of jobs being created, including in the hospitality sector, going
on to downplay jobs such as those in local hotels.
“To tackle the high and increasing cost of living, budget 2025 is now proposing that every citizen work longer hours or get an extra job to cover your expenses in oil rich Guyana. In addition, this administration proudly claims that their idea of job creation is creating way for the building of hotels,” Fernandes said.
“To work in 2025, Mr Speaker, with the largest GDP per capita, the PPPC’s bright idea of job creation is for its citizens to wash hotel sheets or mop hotel floors. And further, Mr Speaker, their idea of job creation is for our citizens to work in a country and work in hotels that they cannot afford to stay in. This is the reality of the PPP Administration.”
However, her words did not go over well with the Government speakers that came afterwards, with Rodrigues lambasting the opposition MP, while laud-
ing the work done by workers in the hospitality industry.
“I come from a working-class family. A grandmother who scrubbed floors and cleaned people’s houses for a living. A grandmother who worked in the kitchens… and I listened to my colleague on the other side of the house disparage those who work in honest jobs. Every job has dignity. This is the mindset I want people listening at home to see. This is the mindset of the people who make up the members of the opposition,” the Minister said.
In a statement afterwards, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond also castigated Fernandes for dismissing the contributions of hotel workers. She also cited the fact every hotel in Guyana has a majority of local staff, from junior positions to the most senior ones.
“At the Pegasus Hotel, all 19 department heads
are Guyanese, with the sole exception of the General Manager. This hotel employs 215 individuals, all of whom are Guyanese. At the Aiden Hotel, 9 out of 10 managerial roles are held by Guyanese, including the Deputy Manager, Housekeeping Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, Accountant Team, Sous Chef, and Captains. An impressive 92 per cent of the hotel’s workforce is Guyanese.”
“Princess Hotel has three expats among 250 staff, which is a low percentage of 1.2 per cent. At the Georgetown Marriott Hotel, there are 0.85 per cent of foreigners (3/354). MP Fernandes not only dismisses these contributions but also blatantly devalues the honest labour of housekeeping staff—dedicated Guyanese who work hard, support their families, and uplift their lives through dignified employment,” Walrond countered.
AFC MP Juretha Fernandes
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond
PNCR MP, Geeta Chandan-Edmond
Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues
DSL handyman spared theft trial
...“Everyone makes mistakes, and I hope he doesn’t make the same one again” – VC
A21-year-old handyman at Distribution Services Limited (DSL) Cash and Carry in Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was spared a trial and possible sentence on a theft charge, when the virtual complainant (VC) declined to proceed with the matter.
Isaiah Barrington, of 602 D Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, appeared before acting Chief Magistrate, Faith McGusty, at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, accused of stealing an iPhone 13, valued at $285,000, from his colleague, Onesha Greaves, on January 20.
Barrington pleaded not guilty to the charge of theft
when presented in court.
The prosecution objected to bail, citing that Barrington had admitted to stealing the phone and expressed remorse for his actions.
Greaves, the VC, confirmed in court that the police had recovered the phone.
She explained that Barrington had denied taking the phone multiple times, even though he was caught on camera picking it up.
After interrogation by police, he eventually confessed and handed the device over to investigators.
When asked by the Magistrate whether she wanted to proceed with the
matter, Greaves declined, stating she only wanted her phone back.
“I know he’s young, and I hope he learns from this. Everyone makes mistakes, and I hope he doesn’t make the same one again,” she said.
Barrington was visibly happy by the VC’s decision to discontinue the case, and expressed gratitude for her leniency.
He also apologised to her, vowing never to repeat his mistake.
“I am sorry for stealing your phone, and it will never happen again,” he declared.
Chief Magistrate McGusty questioned Barrington about his actions and the consequences of his behaviour.
“If you have sticky fingers, no one will want to employ you,” she remarked.
She advised him that the charge could negatively affect his future job prospects, and emphasised that even though the matter was being discontinued, it would remain a permanent mark on his work record.
Acknowledging his youth and potential for growth, the Magistrate also advised Barrington to steer clear of trouble moving forward, and urged him to “keep your hands to yourself” and avoid any further misconduct.
Following the proceedings, Barrington was freed.
Spending…
…and Govts
The way the Opposition are going on in their Budget presentations, it’s clear they suffer from a fundamental misapprehension about what the budget of a country is all about: they seem to believe it’s the same as the budget of a household. Simplistically, for instance, they carp about the Government not giving more money to poor people to spend, just because we’re getting oil money nowadays. Now, in and of itself, that sounds fair; but governments have wider responsibilities beyond and above our poor.
Take the nonsense that one leader of a political party spouted: that “people can’t eat bridges and roads” – because the Government is spending massive sums on infrastructure. But a government that invests on infrastructure is following Lao Tsu’s maxim that, “If you give a hungry man a fish, you feed him for a day, but if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime”!! This means that when a government invests in infrastructure, it’s facilitating the ease of setting up businesses in remote places. In this way, they make it possible for people in those areas – like in Reg 9, when the highway to Lethem is completed - to get jobs and live their lives in dignity, and not depend on handouts. Another complaint is, “Why doesn’t the Government spend what it’s bringing in, but is borrowing both domestically and internationally to fund projects?”. Well, for the domestic borrowing, unlike a family, the Government can just print money through its Central Bank to intermediate the loans the local banks make to businesses and individuals to execute, say, Government contracts to build roads. Governments print all the money circulating in a country, and they can’t go broke!! Families don’t own their own banks, unfortunately, so THEY can go broke!!
Now, the Opposition can retort that with Govts printing money, inflation can get out of hand, like during the Burnham days. But that’s where the Government’s prudence comes in – to print just enough money to facilitate the growth of the economy, so that “too much money ain’t chasing too few goods”, which is the very essence of inflation!! So, for instance, if the Govt just pumps money into every citizen’s pocket without engendering more production, we’ll soon be like Venezuela, where it takes a wheelbarrow of money to buy a loaf of bread!! For foreign borrowing, govt’s gotta ensure our exports would generate foreign reserves.
The Opposition also complain about the Government facilitating businesses, and complaining as if the Prodigal Son was being fattened at the expense of the stay-home one. But Government’s gotta look at the future, and if they don’t facilitate businesses that’ll outlast the oil-production timeframe (30 years?) then we’ll just be repeating TT’s mistake!!
So, no…governments aren’t households!!
…on AI
Trump announced he’ll be backing US$500 billion investments in infrastructure to facilitate AI development. Of course, they have one eye (both?) on the Chinese, who are mounting challenges far from just the manufacturing of consumer goods to keep the shelves of Walmart stocked!! Now, while the Chinese have already shown that they’re moving up into very technical areas, their recent announcement of a new AI model – Deepseek – has thrown the Yanks for a loop.
Benchmarks now confirm that Deepseek is not only as good as OpenAI’s o1, but is only 3% of the price!! Boom!! You can also use its Open Source for “free” - which you can’t do with o1. There’s no overstating how profoundly this changes the whole game. And not only in regard to AI, it’s also a massive indictment of the US’ present attempt to stop China’s technological development - without which Deepseek may not have been possible.
As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. We’ll what the tariffs do!!
…on Gaza
Because of the uninterrupted flow of aid and arms to Israel, we can be sure that they ain’t serious about the Gaza Ceasefire. Your Eyewitness doesn’t know why anyone thought it would be different under Trump.
Isaiah Barrington
US oil-drilling plans
Guyana must adapt, examine all variables, plan carefully – VP
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has dismissed concerns about United States (US) President Donald Trump’s plans to increase oil drill-
ing in the US, stating that Guyana will now have to tailor its policy to these changes in the global market
Speaking at his weekly press conference, Jagdeo
emphasised that the oil market’s future is anything but predictable, and countries dependent on oil revenue, like Guyana, must remain vigilant as they plan for the future.
With the US ramping up its oil output, experts are warning of a potential glut, which could have significant consequences for oil prices worldwide.
“That is why you have to be cautious. There is that possibility that prices could come down. But also, the converse of it is that that will go towards increasing supply, which forces or puts a downward pressure on oil prices… You have to take account of all these variables when you plan future expenditure,” the Vice President said.
On the flip side, Jagdeo discussed the implications of the US’s exit from the Paris Climate Agreement and the cessation of renewable energy projects under President Trump’s administration.
With Trump halting the development of wind and solar energy projects, the demand for fossil fuels, including oil, could increase.
This move, he noted, could counterbalance the potential oversupply, as it would drive investments toward fossil fuel-related sectors, keeping the demand for oil relatively steady.
“President Trump is exit-
ing the Paris Agreement and also stopping the renewable energy projects in the US. He said windmill projects and all of the others. So if the supply would have been enhanced by renewable energy coming on stream, that they’re not going to come on stream any longer. So that would tend to increase the demand for fossil fuel-related sort of investment on demand. So it
could balance out there. No, no, as an oil-producing country, it’s not a concern.”
“It is something that the policy makers have to analyse. When you think about your policies here in Guyana, your budgetary policies and everything else for that matter. So we are very much aware of what he has said. So hence the need for more fossil fuel-related investments,” he added.
File photo: The Shell Oil Company’s drilling rig Polar Pioneer is shown in Port Angeles, Washington May 12, 2015 (Reuters/Jason Redmon)
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Unattended gas stove may have led to Kitty inferno – GFS
According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the Thursday fire in Kitty, Georgetown, which has left three families homeless after destroying two homes, was supposedly caused by a lit six- burner gas stove being left unattended.
One of the homes razed during the late-afternoon blaze belonged to local sports journalist, Rawle Welch, whose wife sustained first degree burns.
Welch was not at home at the time of the fire but his 62-year-old wife, who was home at the time the fire started, sustained first degree burns to her right hand and right foot.
The fire is reported to have started at around 15:30h on Thursday at the lot 62 William Street, Kitty, Georgetown home of Welch, and quickly spread to the neighboring house, severely damaging the lot 64 William Street, Kitty property of Julius Browne.
The inferno has since left
15 persons from three separate families with no place to call home.
The Fire Service said
that after receiving the first call at about 15:35h, a team of eight firefighters arrived on the scene several min-
utes later.
The GFS crew deployed two jets to extinguish the fire but unfortunately the initial building where the fire started, was completely destroyed.
More tragedy followed when the fire moved on to destroy the first floor of the neighbouring building and severely damaged its ground floor.
The 62-year-old received medical attention from the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) at the scene, and was subsequently transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for further treatment
The GFS is appealing to the general public to ensure that all gas cylinders are turned off when not in use, and to desist from leaving gas stoves unattended when in use.
Flames engulfing the Kitty home on Thursday
Guyana’s carbon credits secure spotlight in global aviation sustainability
…as IATA looking to acquire Eligible Emission Units to offset carbon emissions
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirmed on January 23 that it will organise regular events in 2025 to facilitate the acquisition of Eligible Emission Units (EEUs) under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
The decision follows the success of the first event, held between October and November 2024, where 11 airlines purchased carbon credits at a price of $21.70 per ton. CORSIA is a global initiative adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to help the aviation industry meet its climate goals.
The scheme requires international airlines to offset carbon emissions exceeding 2019 levels by purchasing carbon credits or imple-
menting measures to reduce their environmental footprint. Divided into phases, CORSIA aims to ensure that the growth of air traffic does not increase global greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the sector.
Initial success and future goals
The inaugural event included the participation of 32 airlines, 11 of which purchased EEUs financed by the Government of Guyana and linked to the jurisdictional REDD+ ART Trees programme. These carbon credits, valid for Phase 1 of CORSIA (2024-2026), must be retired by January 31, 2028, to comply with emission offset commitments.
According to reports from our associated outlet Aeroin, IATA organ-
ised this event in collaboration with the Aviation Carbon Exchange (ACE) and with the support of the Government of Guyana, as well as the companies Mercuria and Xpansiv. The goal is to establish a robust market for high-quality carbon credits, enabling airlines to achieve their emission reduction targets efficiently and responsibly.
Marlon Jacobs, a popular party promoter known as ‘Freedom Boss’, and his partner Leah Jones, on Friday were awarded $6.9 million in their high-profile social media defamation case against Allison Hunte, also known as Aunty Allo.
Madam Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul delivered the ruling in favour of Jacobs and Jones, after a trial that centred on defamatory statements made by Hunte during a Facebook Live broadcast.
Justice Ally-Seepaul ruled that the statements were defamatory and caused significant reputational harm to both plaintiffs.
The court then ordered that Hunte is permanently restrained from making any further defamatory state-
Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President of Guyana, highlighted that the fair price paid for the credits represents significant recogni-
tion of the value of natural ecosystems for sustainable development. Meanwhile, Barbaros Kubatoğlu, CFO of Pegasus Airlines, praised the transparent acquisition process, describing it as ideal for increasing confidence in the carbon market.
John Melby, CEO of Xpansiv, emphasised the positive evolution of collaboration with IATA since 2020, expressing enthusiasm about the growing interest of airlines in participating in these events. (www.aviacionline.com)
ments about Jacobs and Jones on social media or any other platform.
Additionally, $3 million was awarded in damages to Jacobs and $3 million to Jones.
Hunte was also ordered to pay legal costs, with $500,000 awarded to Jacobs and $400,000 to Jones.
All costs and damages are to be paid by March 10, 2025, with interest accruing
on the awarded sums until fully paid.
The case was argued by attorneys Renea Marcus, Cassidé Nurse, and Eusi Anderson, with Malachi Griffith serving as lead paralegal.
Speaking on behalf of the plaintiffs, the legal team expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, emphasising the importance of restor-
ing the reputations of their clients, and holding individuals accountable for baseless and harmful accusations.
Jacobs and Jones had reportedly filed the matter in November 2023, each seeking $5 million in separate suits for defamation, but Hunte was reportedly only served in February 2024, when she arrived in Guyana.
Marlon Jacobs
Allison Hunte
President Dr Irfaan Ali met with residents of Campbellville, Georgetown and has assured then that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will collaborate with the community to address drainage issues. He was at the time engaged in a walkabout on Seaforth Street and Campbell Avenue when he announced plans for a comprehensive drainage programme and the removal of derelict vehicles, with local labour to be employed. Additionally, the community will benefit from improved street lighting through the National Street Lighting Programme. The President was joined by Ministers Juan Edghill, Charles Ramson, and Deodat Indar (Office of the President photos)
UAE, Singapore, India now among Guyana’s top export destinations – Todd …says
much work done to remove market access barriers to trade
While Guyana’s trade with the ABC countries and the European Union (EU) has grown exponentially, so too has its trade with non-traditional markets, as it was revealed Friday in the National Assembly that the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore and India are now among Guyana’s top export destinations.
During day one of the 2025 budget debates, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, revealed the statistics on Guyana’s trade with other countries outside of the region.
He highlighted that trade with the United States (US) has expanded by US$6.2 billion. So too has trade with other countries in the popularly known ABCE block.
“Trade without our major extra-regional partners increased significantly. Exports to the United States and Canada expanded by US$6.2 billion and US$385 million, respectively. The growth of our exports to the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union has also been exponential, increasing by US$747 million and US$2.2 billion during the period,” he disclosed.
Todd also hailed the work done to remove market access barriers from both intra and extra regional markets. This has helped Guyana to secure non-traditional markets, with some of them such as India and the UAE, now considered top export markets for Guyana.
“This trend is reflected in our extra regional, which has risen by US$2.8 billion since 2020. Additionally, Mr Speaker, exports to non-tra-
ditional markets have increased substantially. The UAE, Singapore and India are now ranked among Guyana’s top export destinations,” the Foreign Minister said.
Guyana’s ties with India have grown particularly strong in the last few years, culminating in a visit from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.
On the national front, Guyana has benefitted enormously from India’s expertise with human capital training through scholarships, military exchange programmes, concessional loans and grants, it’s first international Stadium, investments from the Indian Export Import (EXIM) Bank, cultural exchanges, support in the medical field, among others.
India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer and importer, as well the one of the biggest oil refiners, has also been looking to Guyana to diversify its crude sources. This is with Guyana importing nearly 85 per cent to 90 per cent of its crude oil.
India had already bought some US$149 million of
Guyana’s crude between 2021 and 2022 and had been seeking a multi-year deal.
As a result, the Cabinet in New Delhi, back in January 2024, had approved the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Guyana. As a result of this MOU, India is expected to partner with Guyana in critical areas in the oil and gas sector, including refining crude oil.
Guyana has also enjoyed strengthened ties with UAE and Singapore. In the case of the former, President Dr Irfaan Ali has had bilateral meetings with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed.
There was as much as US$826 million in bilateral trade of non-oil goods between the UAE and Guyana in 2022, as the two partners also agreed to strengthen their bilateral relationship in a number of areas.
President Ali had led bilateral discussions with the UAE Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and his delegation at State House in 2023. And in 2021, President Ali and Minister of State for
International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy inked an MOU to advance technical assistance and cooperation.
Meanwhile, President Ali has met with senior leaders in Singapore and the two countries have agreed to strengthen their collaboration on a number of issues.
For instance, it was announced in October 2024 that Guyana and Singapore had committed to deepening their cooperation, with President Ali discussing sustainable urban development models with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
The two leaders focused on four key areas that highlight the shared priorities and leadership of both nations in economic development and global sustainability – Carbon Markets, Low Carbon Development, Biodiversity and Private Sector Development.
President Ali and Prime Minister Wong further explored opportunities for cooperation on low-carbon development, a major theme of Guyana’s engagement at the
Irfaan Ali with Indian PM Narendra Singh Modi
2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
And in July 2024, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had disclosed that the Government was looking to tap into the compliance market based in Singapore to sell Guyana’s certified carbon credits to international airlines.
Guyana and Singapore are already collaborating in the oil and gas sector, with Guyana’s Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels being manufactured in the Southeastern Asian country and involving many Singaporean companies in the supply chain.
Bartica man dies in fiery crash on 8-Mile trail
A horrific accident that occurred early Friday morning, has claimed the life of a driver, and left several others injured, after a vehicle burst into flames following a head-on collision along the Eight Mile Trail (Teperu), Bartica.
Dead is 45-year-old Faizal Husman, known as
“Junior”, of Four Miles, Potaro Road, Bartica.
The incident, which took place at approximately 6:45h, involved a motor pickup GJJ 4867, driven by Husman, and a motor lorry, GXX 6658, driven by 32-year-old Aubrey Ralph Gaskin of Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
The lorry also had two passengers, Venish Sunnchan of Little Diamond and Shamar Henry of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).
According to police reports, the lorry was travelling along the northern side of the trail at a fast rate when the pickup, heading in the opposite direction and carrying barrels filled with fuel in its tray, lost control and collided head-on with the lorry.
The impact left the driver of the pickup pinned inside his vehicle, which subsequently caught fire.
Public-spirited citizens
quickly rescued the lorry driver and his passengers from their vehicle, then transported them to the Bartica Regional Hospital for treatment.
However, despite efforts by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) to extinguish the blaze, Faizal Husman succumbed to his injuries, with his burnt body retrieved from the wreckage. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, where medical staff treated the occupants of the lorry for their injuries.
Sunnchan sustained a fractured right foot and was treated and discharged, while Gaskin suffered an abrasion to his right foot and was also discharged. However, Henry remains admitted for observation.
The lorry driver is currently in police custody, assisting with investigations as investigations are ongoing.
Dead: Faizal Usman, known as “Junior”
The burned vehicles that were left on the trail after the accident (Photo credit: EAP News Bartica Newsletter)
President Dr
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd
Govt expends $2B for traffic lights
– aims to address persistent traffic challenges
Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill announced Thursday that Government allocated $2 billion to procure traffic lights, with the aim of addressing the country’s persistent traffic challenges.
During the handover of traffic equipment at the Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, Minister Edghill explained that several areas and roadways in Guyana lack traffic lights, often requiring police officers to manage and direct traffic.
In situations where no officers are present, significant traffic congestion typically occurs; at most intersections, vehicular accidents are common, he related.
“This $2 billion investment is separate from the funding allocated to ongoing projects. It ensures that we have additional traffic management systems in place,” he explained.
He noted that the traffic lights have already been procured and will soon be installed.
“I am pleased to share that we have budgeted $2 billion in 2025 for the procurement of additional traffic lights to address traffic management needs across the country. You will see a massive roll out of traffic lights based on agreements
with traffic officers, identifying areas where they are most needed, particularly for safety in Georgetown,” Minister Edghill announced.
According to Minister Edghill, this initiative came to fruition after a thorough review by the Cabinet, which focused on traffic management.
“Management of traffic on our highways and major intersections underwent a strong review. As the Minister responsible for transportation, I have presented a paper to Cabinet for the development of policy guidelines that will be made known to the public,” Edghill disclosed.
The Minister also divulged that to further strengthen this initiative, President Ali has established a task force, led by the Prime Minister, with traffic officers from various divisions being part of the team.
He also acknowledged the high rate of vehicular accidents, including incidents where vehicles have damaged traffic lights.
“We’ve had bad experiences where speeding drivers have collided with traffic lights. The Attorney General (AG) has addressed the issue of damage to public property, and people will now be held accountable for
such damages… People will have to start paying.”
The Minister further revealed key locations where these new traffic lights will be installed.
“Heroes Highway: traffic lights will be installed at major intersections to ensure proper control. Traffic lights will also be implemented along the stretch from Diamond to Land of Canaan, which is now in the design phase, and from Land of Canaan to the Soesdyke Highway. Projects currently underway, such as the Good Success to Timehri area, also require traffic lights and signage. Other areas, such as Ogle, Eccles, and the four-lane road being constructed with support from the Indian Exim Bank, will also benefit from these improvements.”
BV man remanded on ganja trafficking charge
Quincy Lawrence Gonzales, a 48-yearold painter from Lot 14, Republic Drive, Beterverwagting (BV), East Coast Demerara (ECD) was remanded to prison on Wednesday after appearing in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, before Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty.
Gonzales was charged with possession of 371 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.
The charge stems from an incident that occurred on Water Street, Georgetown, on January 21, 2025.
According to the prosecution, law enforcement had received information about an individual trafficking a large quantity of marijuana in the Water Street area.
Officers, acting on this intelligence, went to the area and saw Gonzales apparently running away from them while carrying a bag.
They allegedly gave chase, apprehended him, and discovered that the bag contained marijuana.
In his defence, Gonzales told the court that he was in the market buying goods when he noticed people running and decided to run as well.
He explained that when the police approached him, they found a bag on the
ground, which they mistakenly believed was his.
Gonzales denied owning the marijuana or the bag, stating he had not been carrying it at the time of his arrest.
The prosecution opposed bail, citing the serious nature of the offence and the large amount of marijuana found.
They contended that Gonzales was seen with the bag in his possession, and their evidence indicated he was involved in the trafficking operation.
Magistrate McGusty questioned Gonzales about
whether he had any prior issues with any of the officers involved in his arrest, to which he responded negatively.
When asked why he thought someone would want to frame him, Gonzales replied, “Somebody might have to take the blame.”
Gonzales, who was unrepresented in court, was remanded to prison after Magistrate Mc Gusty denied bail.
He is scheduled to return to court on February 7, 2025, for a report and further statements regarding the matter.
As part of this effort, the Minister also highlighted the importance of road safety education, starting with schoolchildren, saying that
he believes road safety education and road safety officers need to be revitalised once again in schools.
06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time 06:30 Cartoons
07:00 Evening News (RB)
He added that he was “particularly concerned about areas like SheriffMandela Avenue, where traffic can become chaotic.”
“Additionally, businesses requiring large parking areas, like supermarkets, must plan appropriately,” he remarked.
Amid these developments, Edghill expressed optimism, emphasising that brighter days are ahead, though much work remains, and reiterated the need for nationwide implementation of traffic lights and related infrastructure.
“This is a good initiative, but it must be complemented by proper signage, traffic lights, and compatibility across regions. Traffic officers will be working on these improvements nationwide,” he declared.
08:00 Stop Suffering
09:00 Movie - Gracie and Pedro: Pets to the Rescue (2024)
10:30 Indian Movie - Fighter (2024)
13:30 Movie - Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans (2024)
15:00 Movie - You Gotta Believe (2024)
17:00 Payless Power Hour
18:00 Evangelistic Hour
18:30 Pastor Alvin Teaching
19:00 Indian Movie - Jawan (2023)
22:00 Movie - Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
00:00 Sign off
Charged: Quincy Lawrence Gonzales
JANUARY 25, 2025
Health Ministry announces accreditation of National Public Health Reference Laboratory as National Influenza Centre
The Ministry of Health on Friday announced that the National Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL) has officially received accreditation from the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) as a National Influenza Centre (NIC), and has become a member of the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS).
According to a news release from the Health Ministry, the accreditation is a prestigious and a milestone achievement in strengthening the country’s capacity to monitor, detect, and respond to influenza and other viral threats.
As part of GISRS, the NPHRL will play an inte-
Mental
gral role in the global surveillance network that monitors the evolution of
influenza viruses worldwide. This ensures that public
health responses are timely, evidence-based, and effective in mitigating the
risks posed by these viruses.
The Health Ministry noted that the WHO GISRS continuously tracks influenza activity around the world, conducts risk assessments, and provides recommendations for appropriate public health responses.
Inclusion in GISRS will enable collaboration with international health authorities, ensuring that Guyana is better equipped to respond to emerging viral threats and contribute to global health security.
By joining this network, the NPHRL will contribute to a global effort aimed at improving preparedness, enhancing disease surveillance, and informing the development of vaccines and antiviral treatments.
This accreditation underscores the expertise and commitment of the NPHRL laboratory in safeguarding public health, the Health Ministry declared.
As part of its responsibilities, the NPHRL will support regional and international efforts to monitor influenza strains, share critical data, and ensure the country remains aligned with the best practices in viral surveillance and outbreak management.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the health and safety of the population through robust surveillance systems, advanced laboratory testing, and continued collaboration with global health organisations.
Health and Well-Being teacher training held in Georgetown
The International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE), on Thursday concluded training for teachers on Mental Health and Well-being at
the Ministry’s National Centre for Educational Development (NCERD).
In a press release, the IDRF noted that the 3-day workshop, programmed under the Safeguarding the Human Dignity and Rights of Populations At-
Risk (SPAR) Project, and funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), was facilitated by Dr Richard Khan, Psy. D., Associate Director/ Director of Training at Pace University in New York.
More than 70 teachers, guidance counsellors, wel-
fare officers and other administrators from various regions across the country was gathered to address the critical need for mental health awareness and support in schools.
Head of Cooperation for the Canadian High Commission in Guyana, Adam Loyer, in his remarks, highlighted that this was Canada’s flagship mental health project, not just in Guyana, but in the Region as a whole.
He added that teachers play a vital role in promoting and supporting the mental health of their students and are often the first adults to notice signs of mental health issues.
Loyer noted that teachers and school administrators have an enormous impact on the lives of students, so taking proactive measures to support their mental health should be an utmost priority.
Elyas Burney, Director of Programmes and Social Impact at IDRF, underscored the importance of supporting teachers as they navigate these challenges.
“It is truly inspiring to see over 70 teachers from across seven regions come together in Georgetown to learn and develop strategies for supporting students facing challenges related to mental illness. By fostering a commitment to enhancing the mental health
and well-being of Guyanese students, this programme aims to ensure that fewer young people will suffer in silence,” he said.
Senior Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, Mrs Gaitri Singh-Henry, highlighted how the training complements the Ministry’s ongoing work in promoting student welfare.
fosters a sense of unity and provides participants with access to a broader network of resources and expertise that may not be present in their home regions.
The training emphasised fostering safe and inclusive classroom environments, identifying early warning signs of mental health issues by age groups, and promoting em-
This initiative strengthens our efforts to support both teachers and students as we address mental health challenges in schools. By equipping educators with these critical skills, we are laying the foundation for healthier, more resilient school communities,” she pointed out.
According to the IDRF, a unique aspect of this training is the opportunity for teachers from outlying areas to access training in a centralised location which
pathy and open communication within schools.
Participants engaged in activities specifically designed to address unique challenges, such as disparities in mental health resources across regions, societal stigma, and the impact of socioeconomic factors.
Additionally, teachers explored self-care practices to maintain their own well-being, while supporting their students.
The National Public Health Reference Laboratory (DPI photo)
GRA staff, cop guilty of computer-related forgery
Machel Montano in Chutney Soca Monarch semis
Soca superstar Machel Montano has entered the Chutney Soca Monarch and qualified for the semifinals of the event.
Southex announced this in a statement.
The semifinals will take place on February 8 at La Tropical, Rig Compound, La Romaine.
Montano, the current Calypso Monarch, has ten Road March and seven Soca Monarch titles.
On January 22 he released a collaboration with DJ Private Ryan and chutney superstar Drupatee (Ramgoonai), who sings the hook in chutney.
Former GRA staff, Reguel Jack and police officer, Winston Small, were on Friday found guilty of Computer-related Forgery, in contravention of the Cybercrime Act.
The duo was sentenced by Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.
The Magistrate sentenced Small to 6 months imprisonment, while Jack was fined $100,000, to be paid in two weeks, or face 6 months imprisonment.
The prosecution stated that a Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) investigation revealed that in October 2021, Small arranged with Shaquan Caesar, a minibus conductor, who was working with Antoney Jacobs, the
bus driver, that he could get a driver’s licence for him for $83,000.
According to the police, Small later told Caesar that he could use Jacobs’ licence and that he could get someone from Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to change the photograph.
As such, the conductor reportedly obtained a photograph of the bus driver’s licence and the two went to a clerk at the Maraj Building and stated that Caesar was Jacobs and had lost his licence and ID card and requested an affidavit to take to GRA to process his driver’s licence.
After obtaining the affidavit, Small then took Caesar to GRA with the affidavit, where Jack, then a GRA lodgement clerk, took Caesar’s
photograph via the Licence Revenue Processing system (LRPS) and processed a driver’s licence for him in the name of Antoney Salaman Jacobs, with Jacob’s driver’s licence details.
Magistrate Singh found that the elements of the offence of Computer related Forgery were properly established, and both Small and Jack were found guilty.
Small was represented by Attorney-at-Law Clyde Forde, while Jack was represented by Attorney -at -Law, Ronald Daniels.
The prosecution comprised Attorney-at-Law and Prosecutor, David Braithwaite, Prosecutor Aaron Daniels, and Prosecutor Neville Jeffers from SOCU.
Caribbean Airlines plane loses nose wheel on Barbados-Tobago flight; all passengers safe
Minutes after landing at the ANR Robinson International Airport on Wednesday evening, the crew of BW213 was notified of something surprising— one of the aircraft’s two nose wheels was missing.
The ATR 72-600, registered as 9Y-TTA, had just operated the Barbados to Tobago sector and was scheduled to operate a final sector between Tobago and Trinidad when the discovery was made. The aircraft was withdrawn from service for repair and passengers accommodated on another flight.
Guardian Media understands the crew was unaware of the issue until they landed in Tobago and did not declare an emergency. It is yet to be determined when the aircraft lost the wheel.
Reached for comment, Caribbean Airlines Corporate Communications Executive Manager Dionne Ligoure would only confirm:
“There was a mechanical issue with a nose wheel on January 22. There was no impact on the schedule and the aircraft was immediately repaired.”
9Y-TTA re-entered com-
A Caribbean Airlines ATR 72-600 departing the British Virgin
mercial service on Thursday, operating as BW432 with service to Grenada.
A wheel falling off an aircraft is a rare occurrence but can happen during the critical phases of flight—landing or take-off—while the landing gears are deployed. Last year, in two separate incidents, two United Airlines jets lost a wheel during takeoff. No injuries were reported but in one instance, several cars on the ground were damaged.
Guardian Media understands that though the ATR
72-600 can land safely with one nose wheel, its landing gears are not equipped with a sensor to indicate to pilots whether or not a wheel is missing. The aircraft only has a brake temperature sensor which triggers a warning in the cockpit if the brakes for the main landing gear cross a certain temperature.
The ATR 72-600’s nose wheels are used for steering/directional control. The cause of the incident is yet to be determined. (T&T Guardian)
This is not the first time the pair has collaborated. In 2012, they created the smash hit Indian Gyal, which they performed at that year’s Chutney Soca Monarch final.
This year’s track, Pepper Vine, also features zess dance sensation Lady Lava and is a fusion of soca, chutney and zess.
Montano did not play an active role in Carnival 2024, as he was still at university.
Also returning to the chutney stage are past ninetime winner Rikki Jai and Neval Chatelal, who have been absent from competition for a few years. Other notable returns are Chris Garcia, Veekash Sahadeo and Hemlatha “Hurricane” Dindial.
Thirty-four artistes will compete in the semifinal for only nine spots in the finals. Current titleholder Rick Ramoutar will defend his crown as well as last year’s Queen of Chutney, Rawytee Ramroop. She, unlike Ramoutar, is required to qualify through the semifinal round.
On January 13, Montano, along with a group of talented musicians, made history
as he became the first soca artiste to perform at NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. The 20-minute concert was uploaded to YouTube, which has over ten million subscribers and nearly 3,000 videos.
He opened the show, in front of a live audience, with his 2007 hit One More Time, before moving on to the rest of his set. (T&T Newsday)
Machel Montano in his element during the filming of his NPR Tiny Desk concert in Washington, DC (Photo by Anil Mathi, courtesy of Monk Music)
The two accused (GPF photo)
Islands [Image by BRENT PINHEIRO]
Regional US military aircraft deport 80 migrants to Guatemala
US military C-17 aircraft began flying detained migrants out of the country on Friday, following orders from President Donald Trump, as the Pentagon prepared to send more troops to the southern border, including from the Army's elite 82nd Airborne division.
Two U.S. military aircraft, each carrying about 80 migrants, flew from the U.S. to Guatemala, a U.S. official told Reuters.
"Guatemala and the United States are committed to putting an end to illegal migration and strengthening
border security. Starting with two flights today," the State Department said. In the past, US military aircraft have been used to relocate individuals from one country to another, like during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
This was the first time in recent memory that U.S. military aircraft were being used to fly migrants out of the US, one official said.
Trump in his first day in office declared illegal immigration a national emergency, tasking the U.S. military with aiding border security, issuing a broad ban on asylum, and
taking steps to restrict citizenship for children born on American soil.
His Jan. 20 executive order instructed the Pentagon to send as many troops as necessary to obtain "complete operational control of the southern border of the United States."
"Deportation flights have begun," White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said on a post on X.
The Pentagon has said that the U.S. military would provide flights for the deportations of more than 5,000 immigrants held by U.S. authorities in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California. (Reuters)
Belize removes Queen Elizabeth’s image from banknotes as ‘step in decolonisation’
Belize has taken a “significant step” toward removing the remnants of colonialism by replacing the image of the late Queen Elizabeth on its dollar bills with those of national heroes.
Unveiling the new design of the bank notes late on Thursday, the governor of Belize’s central bank, Kareem Michael, said that along with improved security and anti-counterfeit features, the “new family of notes also allows us to recognize and celebrate our heritage and the rich history of Belize”.
The new notes will go
shooting of gang boss
Jamaican city gripped by violence after police
Schools and businesses in a Jamaican city have been closed and taxis and buses stopped running after the police shooting of a powerful gang boss prompted a violent backlash.
Gunfire echoed throughout Spanish Town on Thursday and at least one business was burned hours after police shot dead Othneil “Thickman” Lobban, whom they described as a top leader of the One Order gang.
Four people were arrested for blockading roads and a curfew was imposed with immediate effect, restricting people from leaving their homes until late on Friday.
“Last night we had a few incidents where roads were blocked. There was an attempt to burn a few premises, but we were quick on location to put some control in the area,” said Christopher Phillips, the acting assistant commissioner of police for the area including Spanish Town.
“We have things under control, we are not going to allow the kind of disorder that we have seen over Spanish Town,” he said.
Police and soldiers patrolled the streets of Spanish Town on Thursday, though
they remained largely empty as schools, businesses and government agencies closed as a precaution.
Bus and taxi companies withdrew their services from the affected areas.
Police noted that as they pursued Lobban, residents in one community organized a protest, blocked roads and damaged several official vehicles.
The pursuit comes after the government ordered a crackdown on gangs following recent mass shootings.
On Tuesday, police declared a state of public emergency in four areas around Spanish Town, following a “significant increase in vio-
lent criminal activities within these areas”.
Footage filmed the same day and shared on social media showed police officers firing warning shots as a crowd of locals jeered and threw stones and bottles at them.
The One Order gang is based in Spanish Town and has been operating for more than two decades, according to a report from the UN Refugee Agency.
Local media have reported that the gang is accused of extortion, murder and drug dealing, and that its fierce rivalry with the Klansman gang has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. (The Guardian)
into circulation in June. Instead of the queen’s image, the new 100-, 20- and five-dollar bills will feature George Cadle Price, who was the first prime minister of the Central American country and is consid-
ered the father of independence from British rule.
Fifty-, 10- and two-dollar bills will bear the likeness of Philip Goldson, a founding member of the country’s major political parties, the People’s United party and the United Democratic party, who is celebrated as a champion of national pride. Belize’s prime minister, Johnny Briceño, said the new images “exemplify our national heroes who symbolize our resistance”. (Excerpt from The Guardian)
Jamaican murder convicts walk free due to 20-year retrial delay
Two fishermen whose convictions and sentences for the 2004 murders of three children in a fire-bombing incident in Portmore, St Catherine, were set aside by the Appeal Court in 2012 and a retrial ordered, walked free on Thursday after a Supreme Court judge ordered a “permanent stay” of the indictment charging them with the killings.
Supreme Court Judge Justice Leighton Pusey ruled that the 20-year delay in settling the matter is “unwarranted” and a third trial now would be unfair.
Emphasising that the permanent stay “is not an acquittal”, Justice Pusey said, while “the offences for which the accused are charged is serious, and there is a prevalence of these types of offences in Jamaica, and the evidence against the applicants was sufficient to set up a prima facie case against them [the Court had] to find that the delay has severely threatened the applicants in that a
fair trial could not be guaranteed”.
“This is especially so, considering the cumulative effect of the following factors — unavailability of prosecution witnesses, unavailability of original witnesses which may have supported the defence, the unavailability of the alibi witnesses for the applicants, the unavailability of the transcript from the first trial and the lack of information regarding when the transcript will become available, the psychological impact the delay in the trial has had on the applicants, and the period of time between the alleged offence and the likely time within which this trial would be completed which has already exceeded 20 years,” Justice Pusey said, in handing down the decision in the Home Circuit Division of the Supreme Court, downtown Kingston.
The two men — Rohan McCarthy and Ricardo Britton — had been found guilty before a judge of the
Home Circuit Court in 2010 for the murders of five-yearold twins Tyrique and Tyrone Henry and three-year-old Moesha Lee. They were sentenced to life imprisonment with eligibility for parole after 14 years. However, they mounted an appeal.
The Appeal Court, in ordering a retrial, said “in all the circumstances, the interests of justice demanded a new trial” and recommended that the retrial take place before the end of the Michaelmas Term in 2012. The retrial did not proceed until 2014 and resulted in a hung jury.
A third trial was set for November 2023 but that did not get off the ground as attorneys Keith Bishop and Lloyd McFarlane made an application before the court for a permanent stay of the matter, citing issues surrounding the availability of witnesses and the availability of the transcript of the original trial which has not been located, among other things. (Jamaica Observer)
Deportation flights
Belize’s $100 bill design showing George Cadle Price (Photograph: Government of Belize press office)
Queen Elizabeth II’s image on Belizean bank notes will be replaced with George Cadle Price’s (Photograph: Aurore Shirley/Alamy)
New Jamaican military and police units in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in September 2024 (Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images)
Oil prices settle pennies higher, down for
Military chief killed as M23 rebels close in on Goma in eastern DRC
Tweek as Trump touts energy policy
Oil prices settled slightly higher on Friday but posted a weekly decline, ending four straight weeks of gains, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping plans to boost domestic production while demanding that OPEC move to lower crude prices.
Brent crude futures settled up 21 cents, or 0.27%, to $78.50 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) settled up 4 cents, or 0.05%, to $74.66. Brent has lost 2.8% this week while WTI was down 4.1%.
Trump on Friday reiterated his call for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to cut oil prices to hurt oil-rich Russia's finances and help bring an end to the war in Ukraine.
"One way to stop it quickly is for OPEC to stop making so much money and drop the price of oil ... that war will stop right away," Trump said as he landed in North Carolina to view storm damage. The threat of harsh U.S. sanctions on Russia and Iran, which are key oil producers, could undermine Trump's goal of lowering energy costs, StoneX analyst Alex Hodes said in a note on Friday.
"Trump knows this and has leaned on OPEC to cover the void that these will create," Hodes said.
On Thursday, Trump told the World Economic Forum he would demand that OPEC and its de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, bring down crude prices. OPEC+, which includes Russia, has yet to react, with delegates from the group pointing to a plan already in place to start raising oil output from April.
"I don't really expect OPEC will change policy unless there is a change in fundamentals," UBS commodities analyst Giovanni Staunovo said. "Markets will be relatively muted until we get more clarity on sanctions policy and tariffs." (Reuters)
Hamas names next Israeli hostages set to be released
Hamas has named four hostages to be released on Saturday under the Gaza ceasefire deal.
It says they are soldiers Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag. They will be freed in exchange for 180 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
It will be the second such exchange since the ceasefire came into effect last Sunday.
Three hostages and 90 prisoners were released in the first swap.
The ceasefire halted the war which began when Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023. About 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken back to Gaza as hostages. More than 47,200 Palestinians, the majority civilians, have been killed in Israel's offensive, Gaza's
Hamas-run health ministry says.
It was originally thought that a female Israeli civilian, Arbel Yehud, would be included in the list of those to be released on Saturday.
It is unclear why her name is not on the list, though Israeli media reported that Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a separate group, is holding her.
Hamas is expected to provide information about the remaining 26 hostages due to be released over the next five weeks.
This includes the Bibas family - two parents and two children, one of whom, Kfir, was 10 months old when taken captive and is the youngest hostage. It is unclear if this information will include the names or just the number of living or dead hostages. (BBC)
he military governor of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has died from injuries sustained during the army’s fight against the M23 rebel group as it advances towards the city of Goma.
Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, who led the province since 2023, died after being shot near the frontline on Thursday, government and UN sources told various news agencies.
The circumstances around his death remain unclear, but Cirimwami, who led army operations in the province, was visiting troops in Kasangezi, around eight miles from Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu province.
More than 178,000 people have been displaced in the past two weeks alone as the M23 gained swathes of territory in eastern DRC. On Friday it was clashing with
bombs being heard going off in Goma’s outskirts and hundreds of wounded civilians brought in to the main hospital from the area of the fighting on Thursday.
Thousands of displaced people reached the outskirts of Goma as they fled the rebel advance.
Congolese helicopter gunships swooped low over the plains to fire volleys of rockets, and troops trucked towards the frontline to halt the rebels. Trucks loaded with soldiers and pulling cannon passed by, followed by a spluttering Soviet tank.
the army outside Goma. The UK, US and France urged citizens to leave the city, warning the situation could deteriorate rapidly.
Late on Friday, the United Nations mission in Democratic Republic of Congo (Monusco) said that its peacekeepers were engaged in “intense” fighting against M23 forces.
Earlier this month, the rebels captured the towns of Minova, Katale and Masisi.
On Tuesday, they took control of Minova, a vital trade hub for Goma about 30 miles from the city. Two days later, they captured Sake, a town about 15 miles from Goma.
The advance has caused panic in eastern DRC, with
Many Sake residents fled the M23 advance. Thousands of people escaped the fighting by boat on Wednesday, making their way north across Lake Kivu and spilling out of packed wooden boats in Goma, some with bundles of their belongings on their heads. (Excerpted from the Guardian)
Ontario Premier Doug Ford to call snap election to fight Trump tariff threat
The Ontario premier, Doug Ford, has said an early election is needed in the Canadian province in order to fend off an income “attack” from Donald Trump as a trade war looms between the close allies.
But opposition parties criticized the move, calling it a “distraction” from an ongoing criminal investigation into the government’s handling of a controversial multibillion-dollar land swap.
Ford, 60, ended months of speculation on Friday, telling reporters that he planned to meet province’s lieutenant governor early next week to dissolve his government and call an election which will take place on 27 February.
He is seeking a third con-
secutive majority government for his right-of-center Progressive Conservatives. Ford previously won substantial electoral victories in 2022 and 2018 and said he wants to win “the largest mandate in Ontario’s history” in the February vote.
Ontario, the country’s most populous province and its C$1.1tn economy is home to the manufacturing heartland. Experts believe Ontario would be badly hit if the new US president goes ahead with a threat to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports on 1 February.
“The attack is coming against our families, our businesses, our communities, and with a strong mandate, we will be able to fight with Donald Trump,” Ford
told reporters on Friday. He also decried a “lack of leadership at the federal level”, adding: “we don’t know who is going to be the next prime minister” following Justin Trudeau’s resignation earlier this month.
Ford has emerged as one of the strongest voices against the expected tar-
iffs and in recent weeks has been a frequent guest on US television shows. He has also floated the prospect of cutting off power supplies to the US and banning US alcohol products if necessary, staking out a position starkly different from other conservative premiers in the country. (The Guardian)
European cocaine kingpin has high-level protection in Sierra Leone – sources
One of Europe's most wanted fugitives, convicted cocaine smuggler Jos Leijdekkers, has found refuge and high-level protection in Sierra Leone, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the matter as well as photos and video footage seen by Reuters.
The images and accounts shed fresh light on the role of the West African nation, which international law enforcement officials say is a transshipment point for large volumes of Latin American cocaine headed to Europe.
Leijdekkers, who is Dutch,
was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison on June 25 by a Rotterdam court for smuggling more than 7 tonnes of cocaine. Dutch police have said he was believed to be living in Turkey until recently.
A spokesperson for the Dutch prosecutors' office told Reuters on Friday in response to questions about his whereabouts that he has been living in Sierra Leone for at least six months. Two of the sources with knowledge of the situation said Leijdekkers had been in Sierra Leone since at least early 2023.
"It is the highest priori-
ty of police and prosecutors to get him to the Netherlands to serve his sentence. We are doing everything we can in that regard," Dutch prosecutors' office spokesman Wim de Bruin said, declining further comment.
Reuters was not able to reach Leijdekkers. The Dutch judges who convicted him noted in their court ruling that he did not mandate an attorney to put forward a defense on his behalf in court. Guy Weski, the lawyer who last represented Leijdekkers in the Netherlands did not immediately respond to a request
for comment. Videos and photos of a church mass in Sierra Leone on Jan. 1, 2025 show Leijdekkers, 33, sitting two rows behind Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio, next to a woman.
Reuters identified Leijdekkers by using five different facial recognition tools to compare the man at the church, as seen in a video and images on Facebook and in another video on YouTube, with photos of Leijdekkers released by Europol in 2022. The tools all determined they were a match, ranging between 8298% confidence. (Reuters)
People on Wednesday fleeing the violence between the Rwanda-
backed M23 rebels and DRC armed forces (Photograph: Marie
Jeanne Munyerenkana/EPA)
Ontario Premier Doug Ford
Learn as much as possible before accepting a challenge or letting someone dictate your actions. Anger will mount if you stick your nose in someone else’s business. Focus on expanding your awareness.
Refuse to let stubbornness hold you back. A change will be beneficial, so don’t fight against what’s good for you. Put your energy, thoughts and skills to work for you, and you’ll be happy with the results.
Refuse to let stubbornness hold you back. A change will be beneficial, so don’t fight against what’s good for you. Put your energy, thoughts and skills to work for you, and you’ll be happy with the results.
Scouring job postings will give you a better idea of what’s available and how to set yourself up to get what you want. Don’t hesitate to make an offer or send out your resume. Control your emotions and utilize your skills.
Rethink your relationships with others; consider who is draining you and who builds you up. Surrounding yourself with positive energy will affect how you look and feel. Lend a helping hand.
Monitor what’s happening around you. A relationship problem will grow if you don’t address issues head-on. Once you know where you stand, it will be easier to adjust your life accordingly. Do what’s best for you.
Expand your awareness and participate in events requiring mental and physical strength. Put your pent-up energy to work for you. Steer clear of anyone looking for a fight. Choose progress over discord.
Think, plan and make your dream a reality. Call on experts and prepare for success. Networking, engaging in social activities and testing your skills and strengths will pay off.
Pay attention, take notes and gather facts and verify information. Try to find common ground with someone. Getting along with neighbors and those you reside with will be mandatory if you want to enjoy your day.
You are overdue for a change. Challenge yourself; sign up for an activity that gets your blood flowing and your mind racing. Take on a task that requires your undivided attention, ingenuity and skill.
You can improve your living space without going into debt. Consider what will make your life easier and lower stress. Self-improvement will motivate you to help others. Incorporate something you enjoy into your daily routine.
Think before you speak or act. Emotions will surface, and situations will escalate quickly. Find an outlet for excess energy; blowing off steam will help you put things in perspective.
ARCHIE
Bounty/Antonio’s Grill tournament to ignite National Stadium tomorrow
Flashback! A look at last year’s Bounty/ Antonio’s Grill outdoor tournament
The Bounty/Antonio’s Grill One Day tournament is considered the flagship event of outdoor hockey in Guyana, and traditionally marks the start of the
new hockey season.
This year, the exciting season opener takes place on January 25 at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and a day filled with competitive matches and community festivities would be featured.
Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) President Philip Fernandes noted, “Bounty Farm Ltd and Antonio’s Grill have been dedicated sponsors for this tournament for several years, and the board is very grateful for their continued interest in supporting the sport.”
The One Day season opener would highlight both male and female teams from prominent hockey clubs in Guyana. The competition would use a seven-a-side format, a shortened version of the game which promises to deliver fast-paced and thrilling action. Two games would be played simultaneously on opposite fields, enhancing the excitement of players and spectators. The tournament would commence at 9:00h and continue into the evening, concluding in the grand finale for both male and female teams.
In addition to the club teams, the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) recently held a three-day trial for U21 boys and girls. From these trials, twenty-seven boys and twenty-three girls have been selected to continue training until the final teams are chosen. According to Mr. Fernandes, the U21 boys will compete as two teams in the season opener in order to sharpen their skills, compete against former and current senior national players, and help selectors narrow down the roster.
The U21 boys are scheduled to compete in the
Qualifiers for the Junior Pan American Challenge, which would be taking place from March 9-16, 2025 in Barbados. Meanwhile, the U21 girls would be preparing for the Qualifiers for the CAC Games, scheduled for May 4-11, 2025 in Mexico. The day promises to be a vibrant celebration for the hockey community, with family, friends and spectators gathering to enjoy scintillating matches. As is customary every year, the GHB would also host its first fundraiser of the year, featuring a BBQ sale at the event.
Rutherford, Matthews named in ODI teams of the year
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday commenced announcements as part of the ICC Awards 2024 by revealing the first three ICC Teams of the Year - The ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year, and the ICC Men’s and Women’s ODI Teams of the Year.
On the first of five days of announcements, the standout XIs in both formats were revealed, selected by an independent panel of prominent cricket media – the ICC Voting Academy – on the basis of statistics and overall achievements in international cricket during the calendar year.
Announcements in the ICC Awards 2024 will continue on Saturday (today) with Men’s and Women’s T20I teams being revealed alongside the outstanding individual Men’s and Women’s T20I Cricketers of the Year.
Winners in 12 individual categories would be revealed each day until Tuesday, culminating in the most coveted and icon ic prizes – the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year, and the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.
Winners in individual categories are de termined by both the ICC Voting Academy and global fans, who registered over 1.5 mil lion votes at icc-cricket.com during a twelve-day voting period.
ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year:
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Ind)
2. Ben Duckett (Eng)
3. Kane Williamson (NZ)
4. Joe Root (Eng)
5. Harry Brook (Eng)
6. Kamindu Mendis (SL)
7. Jamie Smith (Eng) (wk)
8. Ravindra Jadeja (Ind)
9. Pat Cummins (Aus) (c)
10. Matt Henry (NZ)
11. Jasprit Bumrah (Ind)
Australia’s Pat Cummins captains the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year for the second successive year, earning his place thanks to another memorable stint in which he guided his side to the ICC World Test Championship Final, overseeing victories against Pakistan, New Zealand and India, and picking up 37 wickets in his nine Tests at an average of 24.02.
India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal takes a spot atop the order after scoring 1,478 runs during the year at 54.74, which included double-cen turies in back-to-back Tests against England in February and a sublime 161 against Australia in Perth.
who scored over a thousand Test runs in the year (1,149).
Century-makers litter the middle order, comprised of New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, English duo Joe Root and Harry Brook, and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis. Williamson notched 1,013 runs in 2024 at an average of almost 60, while Brook’s 1,100 calendar runs were headlined by a record knock of 317 in victory over Pakistan in October. Mendis enjoyed a breakthrough year, hitting five centuries and becoming the fastest to 1,000 Test runs in 75 years, while the evergreen Root scored more Test runs (1,556) and recorded more centuries (6) than anyone else.
Jamie Smith earns a spot as the designated wicketkeeper in the Test
6. Ash Gardner (Aus)
7. Annabel Sutherland (Aus)
8. Amy Jones (Eng) (wk)
9. Deepti Sharma (Ind)
10. Sophie Ecclestone (Eng)
11. Kate Cross (Eng)
South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt leads the line for the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year, and does so as opener following another momentous year with the bat, where she ended the year as the second highest runscorer in the format with 697 at an average of 87.12, which included a national record 184 not out against Sri Lanka in April. Wolvaardt’s run tally is bettered only by her opening partner, India’s Smriti Mandhana, who flourished with 747 runs and four centuries in the calendar year
top wicket-taker (24), number one ranked bowler Sophie Ecclestone of England, who claimed 21 wickets at 12.71, and her compatriot Kate Cross – the seamer amassing 19 wickets at an average of 18.00, which featured the best bowling figures in the year, six for 30 against Ireland in September.
Men’s ODI Team of the Year:
1. Saim Ayub (Pak)
2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afg)
3. Pathum Nissanka (SL)
4. Kusal Mendis (SL) (wk)
5. Charith Asalanka (SL) (c)
6. Sherfane Rutherford (WI)
7. Azmatullah Omarzai (Afg)
8. Wanindu Hasaranga (SL)
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pak)
10. Haris Rauf (Pak)
His opening partner is Ben Duckett, one of four Englishmen who appear, and another
India’s Deepti Sharma, 2024’s
Asia dominates the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year. Pakistan youngster Saim Ayub follows his nomination for the ICC Emerging Men’s Player of the Year with an opening spot in the ODI XI. The 22-year-old amassed 515 runs in his nine outings, and notably struck one century against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz joins him as opener, with three centuries of his own among 531 runs during the year.
Charith Asalanka is nominated captain, and he forms the middle order alongside teammates Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. The trio ended the year as the top three highest ODI run-scorers for the year, with Kusal topping the charts with 742 runs in a consistent year of competition.
All-rounders Sherfane Rutherford and Azmatullah Omarzai feature on the shortlist for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, and earn their spot in the Team of the Year thanks to stellar contributions with bat and ball. Rutherford averaged over 106 with 425 runs during the year, while Azmatullah’s 417 runs were backed up by 17 wickets.
AM Ghazanfar began the year with impressive performances for Afghanistan in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 in South Africa. An impressive entrance into senior cricket has seen the 18-year-old take 21 wickets in ODIs and earn a spot as a spin option alongside leading wicket-taker for the year, Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga (26 Pace comes in the form of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, who took 15 and 13 wickets respectively during the year, and starred as Pakistan recorded landmark wins against Australia and South Africa at the latter end of the year. (ICC)
5. Marizanne Kapp (SA)
Windies Women’s Captain Hayley Matthews was named in the ODI Team of the Year
Junior Lady Jags touch down in DR for CONCACAF Qualifiers
Guyana’s national Under-17 team, commonly referred to as the Junior Lady Jags, have arrived safely in the Dominican Republic, and are ready to compete in the CONCACAF U-17 Women’s Qualifiers, a statement from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has revealed.
The team is set to face Cuba, Panama, and the Turks and Caicos Islands in what promises to be a thrilling and competitive group stage.
This campaign would determine their participation in the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, set to be held in Qatar in November.
The National U17 team reads:
Goalkeepers:
Jasmine Solomon-Ross, Sara Ernest and Thashanna Singh Defenders: Whitney King, Jaida Tucker, Anaya Joseph, Avril Pasvolsky, Aliyah John and
Ella Yhip Midfielders: Shonna Bisnauth, Naomi Benjamin, Arianna Chin, Sydney Glean, Ellie Biffin, Ayah Stewart, Kimora Edwards, Martha Chance and Allia Henry
Forwards: Alexandria Charles, Veronica Chatta and Devi Sookdeo.
The team is being led by Head Coach Dellon Williams. Director of Women’s Programmes, Paul Beresford,
has expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and determination. He shared, “We are looking forward to participating in the upcoming U-17 Qualifiers. We are in a very strong group, with the likes of Cuba, Panama and the Turks and Caicos. However, we believe we have put one of our best U-17 teams together, and are going to give everything to represent Guyana and make Guyanese around the world proud.”
The Junior Lady Jags
will open their campaign on January 27 against Cuba, followed by matches against Panama on January 29 and the Turks and Caicos Islands on January 31, all at the Estadio Felix Sanchez, Dominican Republic. As the team gears up for these challenges, the GFF has made a call for all Guyanese to rally behind the Junior Lady Jags, who are determined to showcase their talent and bring pride to the nation.
West Indies Tour of Pakistan 2025: Test 2 of 2…
West Indies face another trial by spin
It is not difficult to know what’s coming this Test match. It is an easy one to analyse and a straightforward one to predict. West Indies will have prepared studiously for the challenge Pakistan will pose, and Pakistan themselves have made no secret they would double down on the nature of the surfaces they prepare.
The wicket might begin to break up when the captains head out for the toss. Winner of the toss would bat first, and spin bowling would feature right from the start.
Forewarned is not necessarily forearmed. The challenge Pakistan pose with these surfaces that crackle in the winter heat is much easier to understand than to do anything about. Outcome of the game hinges on West Indies’ execution; any mistakes they made in terms of understanding what kind of pitch this is would have been ironed out.
Kraigg Brathwaite threw the gauntlet down to his team at the end of the first Test, while encouraging them with the reminder they were ahead in the game at a few key stages, and there was significant room for improvement to offer them belief.
West Indies’ own spinners showed they could go toe to toe with Pakistan’s, and Jomel Warrican registered better figures than any of his Pakistani counterparts. In Kemar Roach, they possess the best fast bowler on either side, on the few occasions that one would be required. They even worked out how to make the sweep and reverse-sweep productive, if not necessari-
-as Pakistan eye clean sweep
ly risk-free. And they found runs with the lower order, an inveterate Achilles’ heel of Pakistan’s bowling, no matter the conditions.
Aaqib Javed made an impassioned defence of the pitches Pakistan have begun preparing at home, but he knows he has not won everyone over yet. Concerns about what it means for the country’s Test batting and fast bowling linger, and the only thing - the main thing, in his view - his style has got going for it is simple: it wins Pakistan Test matches.
Pakistan are aware they must continue getting these wins, because the moment results turn, that spring-loaded criticism is waiting to be unleashed.
In the spotlight - Shan Masood and Alick Athanaze
Pakistan cricket brings with it short attention spans, and Shan Masood knows he
would not have much of it for the next nine months. He has now been captain for just under the full WTC cycle, and this is Pakistan’s last Test in a disappointing year-and-a-half of Test cricket.
Reports about his position
uate at some point. However, this game represents a chance to finish off strongly and continue making his case. With the bat, there are possible signs of a patch of form, with a hundred and a fifty in his last three innings; and while
as Test captain being vulnerable have surfaced more than once, and with a new cycle beginning at the end of the year, Pakistan would likely re-eval-
he has not been viewed as the reason for an upturn in Test results, victory here would mean he finishes the cycle off with four wins in his last six
Tests. Alick Athanaze came into this series with runs against Bangladesh, and appears to have enjoyed batting in Pakistan more than most of his team-mates. He scored 99 and 58* in the three-day game before the series in Islamabad, and was responsible for nearly half of his side’s runs in the fourth innings in Multan, becoming the only visiting batter to score a half-century.
Praise for the Dominican’s technique has come from exalted quarters, with Brian Lara and Ian Bishop among his admirers, and if the visitors top six are to rise to the challenge their captain laid out for them, Athanaze is expected to have a significant role.
Pakistan (likely XI):
1 Shan Masood (capt) 2 Muhammad Hurraira 3 Babar Azam 4 Kamran Ghulam 5 Saud Shakeel 6 Mohammad Rizwan (wk) 7 Salman Agha
8 Noman Ali 9 Sajid Khan 10 Abrar Ahmed 11 Khurram Shahzad
West Indies have yet to name a starting line-up. Jayden Seales misses out with a slight niggle in his leg. Kemar Roach is available again alongside Amir Jangoo.
West Indies: 1 Kraigg
Brathwaite (capt) 2 Mikyle
Louis 3 Keacy Carty 4 Alick
Athanaze 5 Kavem Hodge
6 Justin Greaves 7 Tevin
Imlach/Amir Jangoo (wk)
8 Gudakesh Motie 9 Kevin Sinclair 10 Jomel Warrican 11 Kemar Roach
Pitch and conditions
The pitch has been prepared in the same way as the one that was prepared for the first Test. Weather conditions have not changed in the week since, and it remains cold and dry. Any deviation from what happened in the first Test would be a surprise.
The National U17 Girls’ team and staff after their touchdown in the Dominican Republic
West Indies would be looking to avoid a series sweep
Sajid Khan took nine wickets in the first Test
Alick Athanaze compiled a fine fourth-innings half-century on a tough Multan surface
Elite League Season 7 kicks off on March 9
The seventh edition of Guyana’s Premier Football league, the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Elite League, is set to commence on Sunday, March 9, the Federation confirmed through a missive on Friday.
Billed for kickoff at the GFF’s National Training Centre (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the inspiring theme of this year’s League is “Stronger Together”.
According to the Federation, this season embodies a renewed commitment to unity and progress, highlighting the unwavering collaboration between clubs, players, sponsors and fans. Together, they share a bold vision to raise the league’s standards, enhance professionalism, and drive greater competitiveness while ensuring an exciting and dynamic season ahead.
Season 6 delivered unforgettable moments and fierce battles, with Guyana Defence Force FC emerging as champions, finishing with an impressive 50 points. They were followed closely by Slingerz FC with
46 points, while Guyana Police Force FC secured third place with 34 points, proving their resilience and determination.
Unlike last season, however, only one new team would feature in this year’s competition - Lake Mainstay Goldstar FC, who claimed their spot in the
league with a stellar performance in the recently concluded Elite League Qualifier tournament.
While Mahaica Determinators had a second chance to advance, they were unable to get past 9th place finisher in season 6: Ann’s Grove United, who have retained their spot in
Ready Mix Concrete to power National U14 Chess Championships
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) will be hosting its second tournament of the year this weekend: the Ready Mix Concrete-sponsored National Under-14 Rapid Chess Championships.
These championships will be hosted at the School of the Nations building in New Market Street, Georgetown, and a massive showdown is anticipated on Sunday, January 26th, 2025.
These championships are an annual competition that attracts students from various schools, who eagerly compete for the coveted U14 Championship chess title.
The seven-round competition will be played in two categories: the Open and Girls sections, and more than
sixty children are expected to participate. The tournament will be played in the Swiss format with a time control of 20 minutes plus 5-second increments after the first move.
Last Sunday, the National U12 competition witnessed the largest turnout ever, and it is expected that with the recent surge in chess activities within schools, these championships would be an even bigger event, as several strong contenders would be making their move for the title in both categories.
In the Open competition, Nicholas Zhang, Alek Ubaldo-Singh, reigning U12 Champion Abel Fernandez, and Yan Wen Chen are among those who will be vying for the National U14 Championship title; while reigning U12 Girls Champion
Kataleya Sam, Chelsea Harrison, Rebha Lachman, Emma John, and Anya DeGroot are all vying for the U14 Girl’s crown. 2024 U14 champions Sachin Pitamber and Aditi Joshi will not be competing, at they have both aged out of this particular tournament.
The GCF is extending its heartfelt gratitude to Ready Mix Concrete for their kind support of youth chess in Guyana, and wishes all the participants best wishes for a successful tournament.
The GCF is also expressing sincere gratitude to Management of School of the Nations for the generous provision of the school’s facilities for GCF’s activities. This ongoing support from the School of the Nations is deeply appreciated.
enhanced development opportunities as each Elite League club is now required to participate in key youth and women’s competitions, including one U17 girls’ competition, U17 boys’ competition, and the Women’s Division 1 League. These tournaments are mandatory under the Concacaf Club Licensing regulations, which stipulate that clubs must field both a youth boys’ and a youth girls’ team to secure a CONCACF Club licence, which is an essential requirement for participation in regional and international tournaments.
operational excellence and strategic growth; club management, providing guidance on effective administration and leadership; and finance and bookkeeping, equipping clubs with the necessary financial skills to maintain sustainability and transparency.
Through these initiatives, the GFF aims to further professionalise the league, empowering clubs with the knowledge and tools needed to seize greater opportunities on the regional and international stage.
the competition. According to football’s governing body in Guyana, Season 7 would introduce
Additionally, the GFF would host a series of comprehensive workshops to support clubs in achieving full compliance with Concacaf Club Licensing regulations. These workshops would cover essential areas such as governance: ensuring clubs establish transparent structures and accountability frameworks; best practices, focusing on
Georgetown vs The Rest…
With an updated roster promising more matches this season, top-tier talent, and a shared commitment to growth, Season 7 of the Elite League is poised to deliver thrilling football action and unforgettable moments.
The GFF has extended its best wishes to all participating clubs, and is encouraging fans to support their teams as they compete for glory.
Van Rossum anticipates growth in fan base as excitement builds in knockout stages
The second Georgetown vs the Rest Football Tournament is officially in the knockout stages, which got underway on Friday at the Back Circle Tarmac. Back Circle Manager Anthony Van Rossum is anticipating an increase in the fan base.
Teams advancing to the knockout rounds were Back Circle ‘A’ and ‘B’, Albouystown, Spaniards, Festival City, Gold is Money, Showstoppers, Sophia ‘B’, Taliban, Stabroek Ballers, North East, Ztekk, Stabroek ‘A’, Family, Team Cruel, and Bent Street.
In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, Van Rossum touched on the increased level of excitement the tournament offers to fans going into the Round of 16. He said, “The year-round running was very smooth, but now we’re going into the Round of 16, which is in the knockout (stage), we’re expecting, you know, a wider scope of fans coming out and support; because, you know, the excitement is real, because now’s the time of plenty shootouts. These things are happening, so fans can expect a lot more football and a lot more excitement in the Round of 16 opening to the semifinals and finals, as we conclude on Friday, the 31st, right here in Back Circle at East Ruimveldt.”
Expounding on the tournament’s impact on the community, and indicating that organisers hope to stage it annually, Van Rossum said, “This tournament has been very productive, and I would
say very effective in the community; because a lot of people, we’re getting a lot of tournaments. The vendors are only getting to bring out the product and have it sell, and everybody getting to benefit from the tournament.
“We’re hoping to make this tournament an annual thing. This is the second year, and we want to make it an annual event, so that everybody can benefit from it.”
Expressing gratitude to Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken for continued support for the tournament and for support in the Back Circle Community, Van Rossum declared, “Okay, for the commissioner, he’s been very helpful towards this tournament and anything that regards the Back Circle community. And so you can go to the commissioner and have him support it (whatever project is being undertaken).
“He gave full support!
I do need some sponsorship and so on, and taking care of all the prizes and trophies and so on. So, (on behalf of) the members of Back Circle Ballers, I just want to say (to him) ‘Thank you!’ for his continuous support, and we will continue to work on it together; Police Force (and us), to make our country safe and our community safe.”
This tournament, which ends on January 31, has seen participation of forty teams in groups of four: Back Circle “B”, Family, Stevedore Ballers, Make it Happen, Back Circle “A”, Sophia “B”, Adidas All Stars, Timehri Foot-steppers, Bent Street, Unstoppables, Broad Street, Festival City, North East, Stabroek “B”, Lodge All Stars, Victoria Eagles, Stabroek “A”, Show Stoppers, LA Ballers, Genesis, Team Cruel, North Ruimveldt, Albouystown, Ballerz Empire, Gold is Money, Ztekk Ballers, California Square, and Red Force. (Omar McKenzie)
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC would be looking to defend their title this year
A glimpse of what to expect at the National U14 Chess Championships this Sunday
Fans flocking the Back Circle Tarmac to witness action in the group stage
