“Gratefully guilty…just send me to jail” – woman who stomped pensioner in chest tells magistrate
City Hall moving ahead with property revaluation despite Govt’s non-support
Guyanese woman found strangled to death in Queens, NY TrumpZelenskyy news conference cancelled after heated clash
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Saturday, March 1, 2025 –04:45h-06:15h and Sunday, March 2 – 06:15h-07:45h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Saturday, March 1, 2025 –05:05h-06:35h and Sunday, March 2 – 05:40h-07:10h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
2 Guyanese artistes to get “opportunity of a lifetime” with Vybz Kartel collaboration
– auditions to be held in Guyana before Badderation concert in May
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly between 3.13 metres and 4.92 metres.
High Tide: 17:52h reaching a maximum height of 2.92 metres.
Low Tide: 11:25h and 23:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.30 metre and 0.34 metre.
amaican Dancehall sensation Vybz Kartel has announced that he will be returning to Guyana to seek out local artistes to collaborate with on upcoming projects – an initiative that President Dr Irfaan Ali has described as an “opportunity of a lifetime.”
On Friday, President Ali facilitated an engagement session between Guyanese artistes and Vybz Kartel at State House. Kartel, formally known as Adidja Palmer, is in Georgetown to promote the launch of his STR8 VYBZ Rum. He is also slated to headline a major concert in Guyana in May.
During the interaction, Kartel announced plans to collaborate with a male and female Guyanese artiste.
President noted. According to the president, Kartel’s life, trials, challenges, victories, and failures are an important showcase of how to overcome one’s situation and come out on top. He recognised the positive work that the Jamaican artiste has been doing over the past year following his release from prison in July 2024, after 13 years.
“Vybz… has been doing a lot of work on promoting positive living, mental health; supporting community plans and showing that the masculinity in men does not have to be strength and power but can be love, can be sharing, can be the softer side that is critical,” Ali noted.
“Me and the President had a reasoning earlier and we ah go do a showcase. So, Vybz Kartel will be coming back to Guyana before the [May] show, and we ah go do a showcase with just the artistes here, and two things are gonna come out of that – two collaborations. One with me and a man, and one with me and a woman. So, dat we ah deal with. We ah spread the love right across – not just [in] Jamaica, not just Miami, no! We here in Georgetown and we doing it big,” Kartel revealed to loud cheers from the gathering of local artistes at State House.
This collaboration will not just be on a song but also a music video, Kartel explained.
In fact, President Ali committed Government’s full support for this venture, stating that technical support will be provided for the creation of this music video, as well as the promotion of it.
On this note, the Head of State charged Guyanese artistes to begin preparations for the upcoming auction, in this once in a lifetime opportunity.
“Guys, you have to get to work now, get serious because we’ll have the audition here. You’ll have your opportunity of a lifetime to share the stage with Vybz, with all the international spotlight on you – but you have to get serious and sharpen up,” the
Meanwhile, during his interaction with the Guyanese artistes, Vybz Kartel spoke about how music can help change certain social scourges such as bullying in schools and masculine toxicity.
“A lot of young men feel the need to push toxicity and mistake that with masculinity… You don’t have to be on the corner, smoking a big splif thinking that is manhood or that is manliness. You have to understand, you have one life and you have to use it wisely, because many of us get a second chance like Vybz Kartel.”
“So, moving forward now, we ah promote positivity, we ah promote love, we ah promote respect and we ah promote communication. Talk to one another; everything don’t have to end in a fist fight or a gun fight or a knife fight… Believe that you can be a man without having to take up a gun, take up a knife [or] shoot someone. And in everything, never leave God out of it,” the renowned artiste stated.
Vybz Kartel also addressed a number of issues raised and gave advice to young artistes on how to not only promote their music but also use it to drive change, especially among the youths.
“Music definitely can do
a lot,” he said in response to a question about school bullying. He urged students to not be bystanders but take in action. “It needs a community, a group effort, so be aware kids. If you see bullying in schools do something about it [but] don’t get involve and be a bigger bully. Break it up or get a teacher [or] get someone in authority to come in and solve the situation,” he advised.
Meanwhile, at Friday’s launch of his STR8 VYBZ Rum in Guyana, Vybz Kartel promises “high-quality, high-energy” performance on May 2024 when he returns to Georgetown for the Badderation Concert that is being hosted by Hits & Jams Entertainment at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). Similarly, Kartel promises that his STR8 VYBZ Rum, which is being distributed in Guyana by A.S Bryden & Sons (Guyana) Inc., is high-quality. In fact, it was noted that dozens of bottles have already been sold out in Guyana.
President Dr Irfaan Ali facilitated an engagement between Jamaican artiste Vybz Kartel and Guyanese artistes on Friday at State House
Vybz Kartel at the launch of his STR8 VYBZ Rum in Guyana on Friday
In a significant move to decentralisze governance and enhance community response mechanisms, the Government has embarked on an initiative to equip Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) with vital tools and machinery.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag recently highlighted the administration’s commitment to empowering these local bodies, ensuring they have both financial and infrastructural resources to address pressing community concerns.
During a handing-over ceremony on the East Bank of Demerara, six NDCs received mini-excavators, an investment totalling approximately $96 million. The beneficiary councils included Eccles/Ramsburg, Mocha/Arcadia, Little Diamond/ Herstelling, Soesdyke/Hui’s Te/Coverden, and Hauraruni/ Yarrowkabra. Parag emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Government’s broader strategy to make NDCs the first level of response in tackling local challenges such as drainage and irrigation.
President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo have been instrumental in driving this vision forward, advocating for strengthened local governance structures that allow communities to respond swiftly to their own needs. To further this goal, the Government has tasked the Agriculture Minister with ensuring that each NDCs across Guyana receives their own mini-excavator. Additionally, in 2025, the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry will roll out an initiative to provide compactor garbage trucks to each NDC nationwide.
This strategic move not only eases the burden on central Government, but also enables a more efficient localised response to infrastructural and environmental issues. For years, poor drainage systems have exacerbated flooding and sanitation concerns across the country, often leaving communities reliant on slow centralised interventions. By equipping NDCs with their own machinery, the Government is fostering self-reliance and ensuring timely interventions that directly benefit residents.
However, the success of this initiative depends heavily on the responsible and transparent management of these resources. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has rightfully underscored the need for accountability, cautioning against the misuse of Government-provided machinery for personal gain. Too often, public resources meant for communal development are misappropriated, depriving citizens of the intended benefits. It is imperative that NDCs implement strict oversight mechanisms to ensure these excavators and other equipment are used solely for community enhancement.
Beyond individual NDCs, the Government is investing significantly in nationwide drainage infrastructure.
One of the most transformative initiatives in this regard is the establishment of high-level drainage discharge systems, or "Hope-like" canals, in Regions Three, Five, and Six. Valued at approximately $23 billion, these canals would significantly improve water management, benefitting 214,000 acres of land in Region Five, 188,000 acres in Region Six, and 28,000 acres in Region Three. Such large-scale infrastructural developments would not only mitigate the impacts of flooding, but would also bolster agricultural productivity and economic resilience.
These investments reflect a Government that is not only responsive to community concerns, but is also proactive in its approach to long-term infrastructural development. Strengthening local governance through adequately equipped NDCs is a commendable step towards sustainable development. However, with increased autonomy comes the responsibility of diligent management. The Government must ensure that accountability frameworks are in place to prevent resource mismanagement and corruption at the local level.
Additionally, community engagement would be critical in ensuring the success of these initiatives. Residents must be vigilant in holding their NDCs accountable, reporting any irregularities and actively participating in decision-making processes. Local governance thrives on transparency, and a well-informed citizenry is essential in maintaining the integrity of these projects.
As Guyana continues to expand its infrastructural landscape, the focus on localised governance and community-driven responses must remain a priority.
What about us (Guyanese)?
Dear Editor,
I start by disclosing that here, in Washington, I read our four newspapers daily to try to stay in touch with my Guyana.
Perhaps because I’m detached from Guyana, I take what’s written and reported in them too seriously. Perhaps, too, out of my training as an engineer, I am too alert to potential or real areas and modes of failing under the load.
Five road deaths in 24 hours and 3 drownings the day after constitute a huge rate of loss to our nation, and it rings a cautionary bell. Seems to me to be a call for us to make things calmer without slowing, as we get on with our living, our rapid growth and development, in a more pleasing and pleasant manner. Seems to me to be a call to lower our levels of anxiety, frustration, anger and worry; a call to put aside much that is just riling us up; a call for us to be more courteous and kinder to each other, and about giving a break to each other.
It is for such reasons that I felt a need to tell how disturbed I was on reading the Editorial in Kaieteur News of Tuesday, 25th February, 2025: “What about us” -- hammering again the misconceived, poisonous allegations of us being cheated and robbed blind by EXXON, HESS and CNOOC.
Oh, if the Editor could only recognize how much such articles are contributing to the generation of great anger, frustration and unmet expectations in our society; which are so evident in many of the reports of domestic and other violence, crimes, traffic accidents, drownings and so on.
We need to change that tune. We need to be celebrating, to be joyful and happy with the discovery and rapid development of the oil that
was formed off our shores a billion years or more ago.
Can I dare to say that we could be thankful to EXXON, HESS and CNOOC, as well as SHELL, TOTAL, HOME OIL CGX and CGX-ON SHORE, and all the others who came before; who, over many preceding decades, would not have found anything economic and would have left empty-handed?
What about us (Guyanese)? Well, we, each of us, have now much better conditions to get going. We, each of us, must get going in doing something to improve our future now. We should be turning ourselves (at least in spirit) into little EXXONs, little HESSes and little CNOOCs.
Yes, without thinking, we can easily feel extorted and cheated with all that talk about the Exxon consortium receiving billions while we are receiving tens of millions, conveniently forgetting that they are paying down billions for each FPSO.
From many sides have I seen and lived many of these questions, and I would sayas my mother used to tell me - that until you know, it is the easiest thing to begrudge others and count their money, without knowing how hard they might have worked and what they might have had to do to acquire and accumulate what they have.
Before we feel extorted and cheated, let us learn how EXXON, HESS and CNOOC in particular, and the whole oil and gas industry in general, got to where they are today: how the industry was born, grew, evolved and developed. These days we can easily go to Google.
I do not think Mr Hess would object to me repeating here the story he readily tells about how his father got going. The third son, graduating
from secondary school as the great crash of the late 1920s deepened, he could not follow his elder brothers to college, he had to go to work. So, on the first day of his first job, he was delivering bags of heating coal on his back to various homes in New York. He turned that beginning into a great start, learning the heating and energy business from the ground up. To keep our own Guyanese end up, I refer similarly to our great Edward Beharry about a few years later, starting off making and selling sweets on the trains then running along our East Coast railway. When we look, we will find small beginnings at the start of many big things around us.
Along my 81 years of age, I have learnt that once we start by truly and knowledgeably putting ourselves in the other guys/gals’ shoes, it is more natural and easier to make friends rather than enemies, and to find win-win relationships.
I put it that any of us who are not yet on that road can become good friends with EXXON, HESS and CNOOC. Even though I might well be gone by the time we build our nation and make ourselves rich and prosperous, I encourage us all, everyone, to so endeavour. I know it is challenging, but we can do it; for it is the direction in which individuals, groups, societies, nations, all human kind, have been treading.
I continue to be thankful to the late Bobby Moore, for opening my eyes in his lively presentation over the late 1950s and early 1960s of that annual GCE “O” Level course “Modern Britain”, to the challenges as well as the sure rewards of great pride to be had in developing and modernizing our country. No doubt, his presentations affected many of my generation in our different
ways: Walter Rodney, Tommy Payne, Winston McGowan and Rupert Roopnaraine.
For me, the story of the UK in the lead of Europe from about 1500, transiting from the traditions of farming with animals to the nuclear bombs at the end of World War II –that very turbulent, pioneering, stormy ride through the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions and the accompanying economic, social and political revolutions, anyone at times leading and at other times following; and all interacting at all times -- is a process we have to get through ourselves.
Perhaps it might have been because, in the early 1950s, I had been helping in our three acres of rice field: chasing the bulls, helping to move sheaves of paddy cut with grass knives (sickles) while seeing tractors and combines appearing in other fields, that I sensed and longed for us to get on to, and along the road of, development; to rapidly catch up with the developed countries, hurrying ourselves in decades through a comparable series of evolving stages of growth which the developed countries took themselves through in centuries. What about us (Guyanese)? We want to be developed rapidly: let us make good friends (not enemies unnecessarily) of Exxon, HESS and CNOOC; they already know lots that we need to learn, much of it beyond oil. Let us give it a try. I learnt a lot (much of it beyond bauxite and alumina) from the people of ALCAN/DEMBA.
Sincerely, Samuel A A Hinds Former Prime Minister and Former President Ambassador to the USA and OAS
President Irfaan Ali and Jamaican Superstar Vybz Kartel cooking chicken curry at State House on Friday (Office of the President photo)
Sexual harassment complaint against Norton PNCR General Secretary ‘unaware’ of findings of probe amid Vanessa Kissoon’s resignation
General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Sherwyn Benjamin on Friday bafflingly claimed that he has no knowledge of what came out of the investigation by the party women, elders and youth arms into allegations by longtime member party member, Vanessa Kissoon, of allegations of sexual harassment.
Benjamin made revelations on Friday, during the PNCR’s weekly virtual press conference, where questions were raised by journalists about Kissoon’s resignation
which was announced earlier this week. According to reports, Kissoon cited personal reasons as the driving force behind her resignation. In June 2024, Kissoon had alleged that she was sexually harassed by Leader of the PNCR, Aubrey Norton.
Benjamin was appointed as the party’s General Secretary in July, 2024 but claims that he was not there when the investigation ensued.
“You're asking me to veer into uncharted waters. As you are aware I was not holding this role that I am now pri-
or to then. But I can certainly research, ask a question and get back to you on that,” was Benjamin’s response to queries on the investigation into Kissoon’s claims.
Reports of Kissoon’s allegations were first made public on social media by a PNCR supporter, Kissoon said that she had not given the person permission to publicise the incident. However, when Norton called on Kissoon to clear the air on the allegations, she later released her own statement standing by the allegations.
According to Kissoon’s account, the incident occurred
during an occasion when she was travelling in Norton’s vehicle and she was threatened during which he showed her his firearm. In response to the allegations, Norton denied the allegations and said that he had never travelled alone with Kissoon.
Following the allegations, the PNCR’s National Congress of Women (NCW), Council of Elders and the Guyana Youth and Student Movement, had pledged to do a thorough investigation of the situation.
However, what became of the investigation was never made public.
Ramsammy does not refute any of the propositions of my presentation
Dear Editor,
On February 20, I attended, and presented at, the 49th Universal Periodic Review pre-session on Guyana. That session, which was held in Geneva, provided an opportunity for civil society organizations to report on the Government`s implementation of the recommendations on Human Rights that were made at the end of the previous session, four years ago. The opportunity was also provided for issues which arose during the reporting period to be raised. I, as Chairperson of IDPADA-G, attended that forum.
On February 26, 2025 Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who is Guyana`s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, in his Guyana Times column- Ruminations- proffered that my presentation was “Baldfaced (sic), Reprehensible, Ugly lies”. Ironically, the title of his column is tantamount to confessing his state of being. “Rumination is a form of perserverative cognition that … results in emotional distress.”
While accusing me of “lies”, Ramsammy failed to
address, directly, my propositions, sought to create his own context, and barefacedly misrepresented what I presented. He engaged in a baseless and propagandistic defense of the PPP/C record on Human Rights. For example, in my presentation, I referred to promotions in the Police Force during and immediately after the tenure of Paul Slowe as Chairman of the Police Service Commission. Ramsammy misleadingly referred to the recent promotions that post-dated my presentations and to wit that of the Army rather than the Police Force. That notwithstanding, the essence of my contention prevails. In his fulminations he correctly stated that the Police Force is dominated by African Guyanese but failed to acknowledge the recent disproportionate promotion of Indian Guyanese in the higher ranks of the Force. Of 8 promotions to Assistant Commissioner 4 are Indo-Guyanese, and of 14 promotions to Senior Superintendent 8 are discernible Indo-Guyanese, in a Force in which according him “AfroGuyanese dominate”. That African Guyanese
dominate the Public Sector is historical. That the hierarchy is now disproportionately, and in some instances, absolutely dominated by Indo-Guyanese is a function of the Government`s covert and discriminatory policy as contended by Slowe and Brutus, both of whom were given directives to show favour to Indians without reference to merit. That was my contention in Geneva. It cannot be refuted by Ramsammy or any of his ilk. This covert policy is indicative of what`s occurring across the Public Sector.
In relation to the granting of contracts, nothing has changed with regards to the inequitable distribution of the spoils. Of course, there are many more small black contractors, no less small Indian contractors, and an oligarchy of big Indian contractors who still dominate. They either sub-contract to the small blacks for the want of capacity, although capacity is the basis on which they are awarded the contracts. In other instances the small contractors, due to meagre resources, are forced to hire equipment from the oligarchs who in-turn get the hog of the contract sum
leaving many African subcontractors with a pittance. This argument about African Guyanese benefitting is but a façade. The images on bill boards and in media; coverage of events across the country, of the distribution of resources – land titles, contracts; selections to boards and commissions, the selection of the historic sites protected and those ignored – all depict the stark and inequities/iniquities in society and cannot be refuted merely by vitriol. Hence, the contention that the society is “a kin” to Apartheid. Ramsammy repeatedly accuses me of referring to Guyana as being an Apartheid state. While there are those who with some justification do so, I did not. Ramsammy either lacks what it takes to understand what is meant by “a kin” or finds it advantageous to misrepresent my statement and in doing so is as “baldfaced (sic) and reprehensible” as is his assertion about me.
With regard to the Mocha issue, there is no case more blatant. At the time of the demolition, the Government justified its action on the basis that the land was required for the construction of the road.
A call for a new officer
Dear Editor,
I am writing to bring public attention to a pressing issue within the Guyana Police Force’s Sports Department — an issue that has caused frustration, demotivation, and a severe decline in the development of police sports.
The current retired officer in charge, who is now serving on contract as the Sports Development Officer, was appointed with the mandate to develop and improve sports within the Force, but instead of progress, the department has faced setbacks, mismanagement, and blatant disregard for the wellbeing of those involved.
Since his appointment, the Sports Department has
been on a downward spiral. Rather than fostering an environment of discipline, growth, and encouragement, the officer’s leadership has been marked by intimidation, unfair treatment, and unprofessional conduct.
Many of the ranks under his supervision have reported being subjected to verbal abuse, including being greeted with indecent language instead of the basic courtesy of a “Good morning.”
Such behaviour is unacceptable, especially in a professional setting where respect and discipline should be at the forefront.
Beyond his disrespectful attitude, his decision-making has been inconsistent and
discriminatory. Several Rural Constables (RCs) who have dedicated themselves to serving in sports have been unfairly treated.
The leadership of the Sports Department should be in the hands of someone who understands the needs of the athletes, respects their efforts, and is committed to the true development of police sports. There are many capable officers within the Force who can take on this role and do a significantly better job. Instead, under the current officer’s watch, morale has plummeted, unfair treatment has become the norm, and the intended purpose of the department has been lost.
This is a call for change.
The members of the Force who are passionate about sports deserve a leader who values discipline, respect, and fairness — qualities that are currently lacking in the present administration. If the Guyana Police Force truly wants to see sports flourish, then it is time to replace the current Sports Officer with someone who is actually part of the Force, and who possesses the leadership skills necessary to restore integrity and progress to the department.
It is time for a new officer.
Sincerely,
Concerned Rural Constables/Athletes group
The lands were never in the path of the road. The road has since been completed without the use of the affected lands. In addition, other lands adjacent to the new roadway have been allocated to others. Suffice to say that Ramsammy tries to spin a new tale about the atrocity. Although, it is the current President who encouraged those people to establish themselves on those lands when he was responsible for the Ministry of Housing. It is the current President who told “me”, in person, that ‘the construction of the road would result in the escalation of the value of the properties adjacent to the proposed road’. A benefit to the residents according to him. He also stated that at a community meeting. No contention that some persons accepted compensation can negate the savage, vile and unjustified acts of demolition of property and disruption of people`s livelihood. The
current post trial offer of alternate lands epitomizes hypocrisy and the politicization of the people`s plight. The Government was written to pleading for an engagement before the court action was filed. The affected persons were not afforded the courtesy of a response. Ramsammy’s diatribe does not refute any of the propositions of my presentation, and it fails in its attempt to obfuscate the poor and untenable Human Rights record of the Government. Notably, he stays clear of my submission on issues such as the disregard for inclusivity as provided for in our constitution and the urgent issues surrounding the right to vote and the use of biometrics as a means of protecting that right and ensuring a free and fair election process.
Yours sincerely, Vincent Alexander
05:00 Ramadan Day 1 - Quran Recitation 06:00 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Stop Suffering 09:00 Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992) 10:30 Movie - Peter Pan (2003) 12:30 Indian Movie - Major (2022) 14:50 Indian Movie - Daawat-e-Ishq (2014) 17:00 Payless Power Hour 18:00 Evangelistic Hour 18:30 Pastor Alvin Teaching 19:00 The Evening News
20:00 Movie - Bob Marley: One Love 22:00 Movie - Monkey Man (2024) 00:00 Sign off
PNCR General Secretary Sherwyn Benjamin Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton
Caricom condemns Venezuela’s Essequibo election plans, attack on GDF soldiers
Leaders within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have condemned plans by Venezuela to hold elections in the Essequibo Region, which is more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass, urging the Spanishspeaking nation not to intrude on Guyana’s sovereign territory.
This call was made in a communique issued on Friday, following the 48th Caricom Heads of Government Conference in Barbados last week, where Member States received an update on developments in the ongoing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.
In the missive, regional leaders expressed grave concern over statements coming out of Venezuela, particularly as it relates to their intention to conduct elections in the Essequibo region of Guyana on April 27, 2025 for a “Governor” and “Legislative Council” of the so-called “Guayana Esequiba State,” which Venezuela illegally purported to “annex” last year.
“Heads of Government underscored that the convening of any such elections in Guyana’s territory would be
contrary to general principles of international law, the United Nations (UN) Charter, the 1 December 2023, Order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the agreements reached in the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela. They urged Venezuela not to attempt to carry out elections, or to intrude in any other way, in Guyana’s sovereign territory,” the communique detailed.
The Caricom leaders also condemned the February 17, 2025, attack perpetrated by an armed group of men from Venezuela on members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) while they were carrying out their lawful business along the Guyana/ Venezuela border.
Current Chair of Caricom, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, has already condemned this recent attack, which has left six Guyanese soldiers injured. After the 15-member regional bloc wrapped up the three-day conference, PM Mottley was questioned at a February 21 press conference in Barbados about Caricom’s position on the attack.
“A statement will go out condemning the shootings as well as continuing to express solidarity with Guyana,” the Caricom Chair had stated.
On Monday, February 17, a heavily-armed group of suspected sindicato operatives from the Venezuelan territory opened fire on a GDF vessel, injuring six troops – all with gunshot wounds.
Second Lieutenant Ansel Murray, Sergeant Kevon Davis, Corporals Andrew Fraser, Kevin Henry, Lance Corporal Travis Yorrick, and Private Ezron Samuel were injured during the attack.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, had summoned Venezuela’s Ambassador to register Guyana’s outrage and demand redress. He also made it clear that Guyana is fully prepared to exercise its rights under international law to hold Venezuela accountable for the attack.
As investigation into the attack continues, Guyana has received reports that at least one member of the sindicato gang has died.
Caricom’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty comes
2 suspected dead in fiery accident on Essequibo Coast
on the heels of President Ali stating that the country’s case has been robustly presented before the ICJ and that it has also “successfully enjoyed widespread support for the respect for our sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
President Ali, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, outlined that efforts to defend Guyana's territorial integrity have been paramount. He pointed to the selfless acts of the men and women in uniform, who have consistently demonstrated their sacrifices, their strength of character and their commitment to national duty and to the people of Guyana.
These traits, he added, were recently on display when several soldiers of the GDF came under attack by suspected sindicato operatives near the border with Venezuela.
President Ali’s statement comes amidst Venezuela’s claims of more than twothirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region and a portion of its EEZ (Exclusive economic zone), where an excess of 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels have been discovered over the past nearly 10 years.
Guyana had moved to the World Court, seeking a final and binding ruling of the 1899 Arbitral Award that determined the boundary between the two South American
neighbours.
In Friday’s Caricom communique, the Heads of Government welcomed Venezuela’s submission of its counter-memorial on April 8, 2024, on the merits of the case regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award that had determined the boundary between then British Guiana and Venezuela, and the subsequent submission of the Reply by Guyana on December 9, 2024.
The regional leaders encouraged Venezuela to sub-
mit its Rejoinder, the final written pleading in the case, on August 8, 2025, in compliance with the Court’s scheduling order.
“They reiterated and underscored their unequivocal and unwavering support for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana and for the judicial process before the Court as the means for resolving the controversy peacefully, finally and in accordance with international law,” the Caricom missive added.
Unidentified man dies after being struck by lorry
An unidentified man was killed early Friday morning, after he was struck by a lorry while attempting to cross the Bagotstown Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The fatal accident occurred around 11:11h and resulted in severe injuries that led to his death.
The pedestrian, believed to be of Indian descent, was crossing from east to west when he stepped into the path of a southbound motor lorry (GNN 9248) driven by 59-year-old Wayne McBean, a resident of Kaneville, EBD.
According to police reports, the vehicle, owned by
Toolsie Persaud Limited, was unable to stop in time, leading to a tragic collision that crushed both of the man’s legs.
McBean, with the assistance of public-spirited citizens, placed the injured pedestrian in a private pickup and transported him to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.
Despite being conscious upon arrival, he was pronounced dead by doctors shortly after.
The body has since been taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting identification and a post-mortem examination.
Investigators have since taken a statement from an eyewitness, and McBean has been served with a Notice of Intended Prosecution.
Police are working to confirm the identity of the deceased, and locate his relatives, as inquiries continue.
Regional Leaders, led by Caricom Chair, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, at the February 21, 2025 press conference in Barbados
The GDF soldiers injured after the attack
Unidentified man at the scene, who later died at the hospital
“Gratefully guilty…just send me to jail” – woman who stomped pensioner in chest tells magistrate
…sentenced to 9 months in prison
In a courtroom showdown that left jaws on the floor, 23-year-old Shania Melville put on a display as she faced a charge of assault causing bodily harm against a 76-year-old pensioner. In court on Friday, she showed a lack of remorse, her bizarre courtroom antics, and her shocking words: “I don’t have to explain anything to you. You do what you have to do, and I will do what I have to do.”
Melville appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday, where she was accused of stomping on the chest of Joseph Canterbury in an attack at Stabroek Market, Georgetown on Wednesday.
When Magistrate McGusty began reading the charge, Melville begun her disruption, constantly interrupting and questioning the Magistrate. When she was asked to plea to the charge, she responded “gratefully guilty.” She immediately tried to walk out of the prisoner’s dock but was stopped by the Magistrate.
Magistrate McGusty gave her a chance to explain herself. Instead of remorse, Melville scoffed, “For my ac-
tion?... I don’t have no time for you, I don’t have time for this, just send me to jail! My Worship me ain’t get time for you! You do what you have to do, and I will so what I have to do”
As the Prosecutor detailed Melville’s disturbing pattern of violent behaviour, including assaulting a police officer in a previous case, Melville laughed out loud.
“How, you know I did that. I was assaulted by a police officer!” she blurted out, grinning as though the courtroom was a stage for her personal comedy show.
When Canterbury himself took the stand to recount his ordeal, he described how he was walking in Stabroek Market, when Melville shoved him into a corner at the crowded market, sending him crashing to the ground.
When he protested saying “Like y’all f***ing people don’t have manners”, she turned back, glared at him, and with zero hesitation, stomped on his chest once while he was still laying on the ground. The pensioner further stated that it was witnesses on scene who intervened before she could do more harm.
As Canterbury spoke,
Melville bent over and pointed her clothed backside in his direction.
Gasps rippled through the courtroom. A few people covered their mouths in shock. Others exchanged wide-eyed glances, as if questioning whether this was really happening.
Magistrate McGusty asked
Staying the course…
…on Venezuela
Just when your Eyewitness was beginning to wonder whether Trump was losing the plot on Venezuela, up he comes to deliver a SLIDER – think baseball, dear reader, not cricket!! – to Mad Maduro!! He just cancelled the licence Sleepy Joe had given to Chevron to pump and ship Venezuelan oil!! Now, the cash from Chevron’s 250,000 barrels per day – a quarter of Venezuela’s production - was pretty must keeping Venezuela out of the economic ICU!! And Mad Maduro was smirking all the way to the bank about his “booming” economy. This move’s gonna hit him right where he keeps the family jewels – in more ways than one!!
For a while there, some of Trump’s moves seemed to suggest he might’ve been softening up on Mad Maduro –what with having to get the madman’s okay to take back 600,000-plus “undocumented” Venezuelan workers in America!! He’d sent his special envoy to Miraflores Palace to meet the madman face-to-face; which pleased the latter greatly, since he insisted that meant he now had “relations” with the US and Trump!! He released some alleged mercenaries who’d been sent to take him out, and they were welcomed back in the States, while he accepted the first of the shipment of deportees.
Melville if she had anything to say, she told Magistrate McGusty that she knows what she did was wrong, but she “did it for a reason.” When pressed further, she snapped, “I’m not repeating anything.”
Melville then tried to blame a “urinal issue” for her actions, claiming that Canterbury had bumped into her, aggravating her condition. And then, in an utterly bizarre twist, she claimed that kicking him actually made her feel better.
Magistrate McGusty reminded her of the importance of respect, both for the court and for elderly persons. While the charge carried an 18-month prison sentence, the Magistrate sentenced the 23-year-old to nine months in prison. She said she hoped Melville would receive anger management counselling while behind bars.
As officers led Melville away, she still showed no remorse. Instead, she smirked, as if prison was just another stop on her wild, unapologetic journey.
In April 2024, Melville faced charges of assaulting two police officers and engaging in threatening behaviour at Stabroek Market.
The accused had appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where she pleaded not guilty to all charges. The incidents reportedly took place on April 15 along the Stabroek Back Road. Melville was accused of attacking Lance Corporal Elizabeth Daniels with the intent to cause harm and assaulting another officer at the market on the same day. Additionally, she allegedly used threatening language toward Daniels.
Following her court appearance, Melville was granted bail in the amount of $80,000. Her next hearing was scheduled for April 29, 2024. The outcome of the case remains unknown.
But now we see that Trump was just using the old “carrot and stick” approach – and pulling the Chevron licence is just about the biggest stick around!! Sleepy Joe had also given permission to several European oil majors to pump and ship oil, plus for India’s Reliance to haul 2 million barrels per month. We’ll have to see whether these are gonna be pulled, in order to further tighten the noose around Mad Maduro’s neck. Finally, there’s the permission for TT to exploit Venezuela’s Dragon Gas Field - which also fattens their coffers - and it’s quite possible that this might be pulled also!! Too bad for the Trinis, though.
But what’s this all about?? Trump has, at long last, dropped the pretence of America intervening in other countries to save “democracy” or “the free world” or whatever, and has announced openly that it’s all about what’s good for America. So, just as Trump told Zelenskyy and the rest of Europe: that his interest in helping Ukraine’s all about getting his hands on Ukraine’s rare earths to the tune of US$500 billion!! - his interest in Venezuela is all about getting America’s hands on the 300 billion boe under Venezuelan soil!!
All the talk about Mad Maduro not keeping his word on free and fair elections last July is just that – talk!! Of course, when Mad Maduro’s removed, it’ll be good to have him replaced with folks like Maria Machado, who’ll play the game!!
And that’s how the (global) cookie crumbles, baby!!
…on infrastructural development
Some folks might be taken aback that the World Bank just gave us a US$156M loan for roads and transportation improvement -- but on highly concessionary terms as a “low income country”. So how does this jive with us being the “fastest growing economy in the world”?? Well, what has one got to do with the other?? When Singapore was becoming a developed nation, it fought tooth and nail to retain the “low income” tag in order to keep on getting lowinterest loans. What matters most in the development game is getting money as cheaply as possible! Let folks call you what they want – you’ll come out ahead in the end.
But the loan’s also an endorsement of Government’s development strategy. They pointed out the critical nature of roads in the development cycle – which ain’t no “chicken and egg” mystery. Folks ain’t gonna build, say factories, if there aren’t roads to transport raw materials to them, and to later ship out the finished goods!!
…on faith
We’ve just finished the Hindu observance of Shivratri, and are now in the Muslim month of Ramadan, with the Christian Ash Wednesday and Lent – which presages Easter - coming up, along with another Hindu festival of Ramadan. We’s holy!!
Sentenced: Shaniah Melville being escorted by a policewoman after her court appearance
City Hall moving ahead with property revaluation despite Govt’s non-support
Despite Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent declaration that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government will not support any moves by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) to reevaluate properties in the city with the aim of collecting more rates and taxes, Mayor and City Councillor Alfred Mentore has expressed determination to move ahead and provided reasons and clarification as to why he called for the revaluation.
The Mayor made this call on Friday during a recent press conference.
Only on Thursday, General Secretary of the PPP/C, Vice President Jagdeo’s weekly press conference, he expressed that the PPP/C would likely not want to do a revaluation of properties in Georgetown, as this would result in high-
er taxes for residents.
However, Mayor Alfred Mentore stated that the request for the revaluation is aimed at addressing compliance issues.
“At no time have our intentions ever been to increase rates and taxes on anyone throughout the length and breadth of this city, because if you increase the rates on those persons,
you'll be increasing it on the 55 per cent who are actually paying,” he said.
On that note, he added that many of the properties require proper solutions to resolve these issues. He claimed that many of these properties, including five, six, and 10-story buildings, are still paying the same taxes as when they first acquired the properties.
“Our intention, since that period until now, was to look at how we will be able to address the 45 per cent who are not paying. We need to find a range of measures to incentivise them to pay, put them to the test, and find solutions to ensure compliance,” he added.
“We have markets, we have other infrastructure work to do, but 45 per cent of the people have not been honouring their obligations. These are the people we want to focus on. We can't
have 55 per cent of the citizens and homeowners honouring their responsibilities, including pensioners, who represent a significant portion of the public.”
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has declared that the (PPP/C) Government will not support any moves by the (GM&CC) to reevaluate
properties in the city with the aim of collecting more rates and taxes.
At the GM&CC statutory meeting on Tuesday, Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore had disclosed plans to request a meeting between Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and City Hall’s Valuation Division, to discuss the revaluation of properties in Georgetown, in a bid to earn more revenues for the cash-strapped City
Council.
He pointed out that if City Hall is bent on earning revenues, then it should go after the billions owed by some quarters, including the more than $6 billion in outstanding taxes for the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Congress Place Headquarters. The leading Opposition party’s holding company, Maiwak, reportedly owes the city $6.7 billion in taxes.
Business Chamber renews calls for urgent improvements in financial sector …backs
VP’s call to modernise banking sector
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Friday called for the Central Bank to take necessary steps and procedures to address existing gaps in the country’s financial sector as it relates to the demands of the economy and business landscape and the ability, or lack thereof, of the banking sector to deliver the level and quality of services needed.
The Chamber’s statement is the latest in longstanding calls for financial sector improvements, which continue to lag as the rest of the economy grows rapidly.
The business support organisation underscored that “The country’s financial sector is in dire need of modernisation and [the GCCI] urges financial institutions to streamline updated systems that cater to the evolving needs of Guyana’s growing economy.”
The Chamber expressed support of the sentiments expressed by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on the current state of the financial sector and the need to “drag it out of the stone ages.”
“The challenges being experienced by the business community that is heavily reliant on the financial sector includes delays as a result of the paper-based and bureaucratic systems, as well as challenges in access to finance—which includes access to capital as well as access to foreign exchange,” the chamber said.
Given the current landscape, the Chamber said that it is imperative that the Bank of Guyana take measures to address the situation. The Chamber also called on the local banks to examine the needs of the country and implement mechanisms to provide improved services.
“Guyana’s development and improvements to the ease of doing business can-
not be treated apathetically and must be regarded in a conscientious manner, especially given the interlinked nature of the financial sector and the country’s economic development,” the chamber said.
In 2023, the GCCI began meeting with the Finance Ministry, the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, and the Guyana Association of Bankers Inc to begin discussions on the banking challenges. Since then, towards making tangible improvements in the legislative framework of the financial sector the Government has laid and passed the Security Interests in Movable Property Bill, and the Financial Institutions Amendment Bill of 2024. The Security Interest in Movable Property Bill was passed with bipartisan support in the National Assembly in December. The bill has been described by the GCCI as “a game-changer” to the financial sector in Guyana.
The Act allows businesses to leverage moveable assets—ranging from vehicles, equipment, and inventory to crops, livestock, and even intellectual property—as collateral to access credit. The GCCI has described this as a much-needed boost for enterprises that have often struggled to secure financing under the traditional collateral models.
Meanwhile, the Financial Institutions Amendment Bill of 2024, allows foreign financial institutions to establish representative offices in Guyana.
Mayor of Georgetown Alfred Mentore
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Father, son feared drowned after boat capsizes in Berbice River
Afather and son are feared drowned after the boat in which they and others were returning from an iguana hunting trip capsized in the Berbice River on Friday afternoon.
The incident occurred in the vicinity of Everton, East Bank Berbice (EBB), Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), at about 15:30h.
Those feared drowned
are 63-year-old Rajindra Singh and his 24-year-old son, Detesh Singh, both of Number Three Settlement, Blairmont, West Bank Berbice (WBB), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
The crew of five had comprised the captain, Sirjoo Persaud, called 'Popo', 48, Mahatma Dhanraj 37, Rajindra and Detesh Singh, and Mark (no age or sur-
name given).
According to the police, the captain and Dhanraj went to the Blairmont Police Station and reported that they, along with Rajindra Singh, Detesh Singh, and Mark, left the Number Four Blairmont sluice, at about 8:30h on Friday in a 15 feet wooden boat, which was powered by a 15hp outboard engine, and captained by Persaud, with the intention of hunting iguanas in the Berbice River area.
While hunting, they were consuming alcohol (red wine). Persaud told investigators that around 13:30h, while returning home in the vicinity of Everton in the Berbice River, a heavy wave hit the boat, causing water to enter.
Persaud told investigators that this caused one of the Singh’s to jump overboard. Thereafter, the boat capsized, and everyone went overboard.
Persaud, Dhanraj and Mark manage to swim to Region No. 5 foreshore, but the father and son were not seen and are now considered missing.
Police, along with members of the Coast Guard conducted a search in the men-
tioned area but were only able to recover the boat, which is currently at the
Coast Guard base.
Sirjoon Persaud and Mahatma Dhanraj remain in police custody at Blairmont Police Station assisting the police with the investigation, which is ongoing.
The boat recovered after the incident near Everton, Berbice River
Missing: 63-year-old Rajindra Singh
Missing: 24-year-old Detesh Singh
Guyanese woman found strangled to death in Queens, NY
…landscaper arrested
A64-year-old breast cancer survivor was found murdered with an electrical cord wrapped around her neck on her own front steps in Queens Thursday — and the suspect, a landscaper more than 20 years her junior, was caught hours later with blooddrenched hands, cops and sources said.
Juliet Kashidas-Singh, 64, who a neighbor described as a “sickly,” was discovered on the bloody stoop outside her home on 103rd Avenue near 105th Street in Ozone Park. She and her accused killer — Francisco Sevilla, 40 — had worked in construction together and were fighting over $300 that the victim apparently owed him, sources said.
An electrical cord had been wrapped around her neck, according to law enforcement sources. Sevilla was arrested hours
later, at around 01:00h Friday — when he was found walking around with blood on his hands, sources said.
He was charged with first-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon, cops said.
But Sevilla told investigators he was “under the influence” and doesn’t remember anything, the sources said. Sevilla is a Mexican national who has been in the US for two years, sources said. It’s not known if he entered the country legally. The front of the victim’s home — an otherwise tranquil space with a tidy garden — was marred with blood stains on the steps, a half-eaten apple, a man’s wallet and a towel strewn on the ground Friday morning.
A 73-year-old neighbor named Dave, who has lived down the block from the victim for more than 30 years,
said Singh owned a landscaping business with her previous husband.
After the pair separated or divorced, another man started coming around more often.
“I don’t think she knew how to drive. I think she hired this person to work with her and to drive her around,” Dave said. “I don’t know if they became friendly after that. … The guy has been [around] for two or three years now.”
Next-door neighbor Navid Persaud, 44, who also works in construction, said he came home from work to find an ambulance and police cars outside.
“I didn’t know what was going on,” said Persaud, who moved in three years ago.
“When I came up my steps, I looked over, and I saw her lying in front of her door. I said, ‘Oh, s–t, she’s dead. Her body was not moving. Her feet were facing the door, and her head
was on the steps. She was laying on her back. Her clothes were pulled up. I couldn’t see her face.”
The visibly upset neighbor said he was “shocked” at the deadly violence.
“She was a nice lady,” he said of Singh. “Something like this happened to my neighbor, a good person. This is crazy,
man. Who is gonna do something like that to her?
“It has to be someone she knew. She didn’t open her door to strangers.”
Persaud recalled that a younger landscaping worker was often in his neighbor’s company.
“She didn’t drive so it was just him taking her in and out … to doctor’s appointments,” he said. “I’ve never spoken to him.”
He described his slain neighbor as “sickly” and recalled that she had a home health aide who came to help her.
Another neighbor, a 24-year-old woman who did not want to be identified, said that Singh had suffered from breast cancer but appeared to be in remission, “but she also used to tell me that she was not feeling well.”
Singh, originally from Guyana, had a son who lived in Georgia, she said.
“I always see her with a man. He looks Hispanic to me, and younger than her,” Persaud said. “It seems he does landscaping. I see him coming out with his tools. He drives a truck and two cars. He doesn’t really use the truck. It’s always parked outside the house.”
(NY Post)
Juliet Kashidas-Singh, 64, was found outside her Ozone Park, Queens, home with an electrical cord wrapped around her neck, cops and sources said.
EBB main access road among projects to benefit from US$156M World Bank loan
– funding to improve road infrastructure, safety in Guyana
The World Bank has approved some US$156 million to support the rehabilitation road infrastructure across Guyana, focusing on resilience, as well as prioritising road safety and inclusivity.
Under the US$156 million Integrated Transport Corridors Project, focus will be placed on enhancing Guyana’s transport network in selected regions, and ensuring it is better equipped to withstand natural hazards, and provide safer, more reliable mobility for people.
Among the areas set to benefit from this World Bank funding is the East Bank Berbice (EBB) Main Access Road in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
This was disclosed by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, who visited the area on Friday.
During his visit, Edghill inspected ongoing works at the Mara section of the EBB only access road, which stretches for some 20 miles. He noted that four contracts were awarded for these road upgrades at Mara, each covering 750 metres, or a half of a mile.
Two of these projects have been completed, while work continues on the remaining sections. With the overall expenditure on these projects nearing $400 million, the Public Works Minister explained that one segment, spanning 750 metres has been prepared for paving, while an-
other 1.5 kilometres (km) is currently being developed. Additionally, another km of road is being levelled in preparation for paving.
According to Edghill, the World Bank funding will allow the entire EBB access road to be rehabilitated into a resilient infrastructure that will last for at least 25 years.
“Which means that the sections that were done, we will just have to put in pavements, road safety signs and improving the road shoulders. The other sections will be totally rehabilitated,” he said.
The funding from the World Bank is expected to be available in the next two weeks, and it is expected that the EBB Road Project should be completed before the end of this year.
“Some of my technical people are joining with others in Trinidad, they have a training workshop because some of these international institutions, when they are providing financing, they want to ensure that the technical people have the capacity and everything,” Minister Edghill pointed out.
The Public Works Minister subsequently explained to Guyana Times that while the rehabilitation of the EBB Road is one of main projects to be funded by this World Bank programme, Government is currently finalising other initiatives that will also
benefit.
“That is being programmed and finalised. The World Bank had a mission down here. We’ve had several visits [and] they looked at all of the things that we’re proposing. Final designs and naming of projects are to be done...and that is going to be finalised soon,” Edghill indicated to this newspaper on Friday.
The World Bank had announced via a statement on Thursday, that its Board of Executive Directors approved the US$156 million project to support Guyana in upgrading and rehabilitating the country’s road infrastructure.
The financial institution recognised that Guyana’s road infrastructure faces several challenges, particularly in the coastal regions, where roads are highly vulnerable to extreme weather
events.
It noted that over 60 per cent of the road network consists of smaller roads, many of which sit on low-lying coastal plains, making them highly exposed to the impacts of rising sea levels, increased rainfall intensity, and more frequent extreme weather events like storms and flooding.
It said the most recent flooding event in 2021 caused over $100 million in damage to the agriculture and transport sectors.
According to the bank, poor road conditions hinder access to essential services like healthcare and education, disrupt economic activities, and isolate communities.
“The project will focus on upgrading and rehabilitating key road corridors in selected regions of Guyana, with a particular emphasis
on improving resilience to natural hazards. It will implement critical infrastructure improvements such as enhancing drainage systems, stabilising slopes, and raising embankments to prevent erosion to safeguard vital transport links that support agriculture, tourism, trade, and access to essential services like healthcare and education,” the missive detailed.
Road safety
The World Bank went on to express concerns over the road safety situation in Guyana, citing a road mortality rate of 15 deaths per 100,000 population. As a result, the US$156 million Integrated Transport Corridors Project will also prioritise road safety and inclusivity.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill (left) speaking with Regional Vice-Chairman Zamal Hussain (centre) and Public Works Engineer Chandardeo Ghansham as he inspects a section of the Upper East Bank Berbice Road
Govt preparing NDCs to serve as “first level of response” in communities – Min Parag
– six mini-excavators donated to EBD NDCs
In a bid to remove some of the strain on Central Government, and to improve community response, Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Sonia Parag, recently disclosed that the Government will undertake several initiatives that will equip Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) with the necessary tools and equipment needed to address community issues such as drainage and irrigation.
The Minister made this highlight on Friday, during a handing over ceremony which saw NDCs on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) equipped with their own mini excava-
tors. The NDCs that benefited from today's handover were Eccles/ Ramsburg, Mocha/ Arcadia, Little Diamond/ Herstelling, Soesdyke/Hui’s Te/Coverden, and Hauraruni/ Yarrowkabra.
The six excavators represent an investment of approximately $96 million.
During the handing over ceremony Minister Parag said, “His Excellency and the Vice-President had tasked us with ensuring that the NDCs this year is equipped not only financially but they would have the necessary equipment to be able to function better in their capacities.”
She added, “We want-
ed the first level of response in the communities to come from the local democratic organs.”
The Agriculture Ministry had been tasked to ensure all NDCs across Guyana are equipped with their own mini excavator.
To further support the Government’s goal of making NDCs the “first level of response”, Minister Parag highlighted that this year, the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry will procure compactor garbage trucks for each NDC.
“Later on, the Ministry of Local Government, in 2025, will roll out an initiative
“Too Cute” remanded on multiple armed robbery charges
A22-year-old unemployed resident of Guyhoc Park, Georgetown known by the alias “Too Cute,” was remanded to prison after appearing before Chief (ag) Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.
Yohance Yarris faced four separate charges of armed robbery, spanning several months, with stolen items amounting to over $3 million. Despite his attorney’s plea for bail, arguing that he required medical attention due to prior gunshot wounds, the Magistrate denied his application.
When Yarris stood before Magistrate McGusty, the prosecution outlined the details of the charges against him, highlighting the severity of the alleged crimes. The first charge alleges that on September 26, 2024, at Shopping Lane, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Yarris, in the company of another, robbed David Granham of jewelry valued at $1.1 million. The second charge, which occurred on February 19, 2025, at East Ruimveldt Front Road, claims that Yarris, armed with a gun, robbed Adrian Ally of an iPhone 14 Pro Max valued $200,000.
The third charge relates to a January 8, 2025, robbery at Cane View, South Ruimveldt, where he allegedly used a firearm to rob Candice Stewart of a Samsung phone, perfume, and cash totaling $160,000. The fourth charge from the same date accuses him of robbing Shane Stewart in the company of another person, stealing an iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, an Acer laptop, a haversack, and a bottle of whiskey valued over $600,000.
As the prosecution presented the case, they informed the court that Yarris had been evading police since
September 2024. They further revealed that after his arrest, additional reports had surfaced, linking him to similar crimes. The prosecutor, objecting to bail, stressed that Yarris posed a significant flight risk and that his continued release could compromise ongoing investigations.
Yarris’s defence attorney attempted to counter these claims, stating that he had no prior convictions and was not a flight risk. She also emphasised his medical condition, revealing that he had been shot in the chest and pinky finger by police officers in Rasville, Georgetown. The defence argued that Yarris remained in need of medical attention. She further asked the court to consider reasonable bail.
However, the prosecution refuted these claims, stating that the injuries were a direct result of Yarris resisting arrest.
According to a police report, officers had been searching for Yarris since September, and when they finally located him in Rasville, he attempted to resist arrest, and fired shots at police officers, who returned fire, striking him in the
chest before he collapsed and was taken into custody
Magistrate McGusty questioned whether Yarris had any ongoing cases before the courts. And the prosecution confirmed that Yarris had a pending matter in Berbice and was well known to law enforcement due to a history of similar offences.
Yarris was remanded to prison and ordered to return to court on April 4. In June 2023, he was charged with robbery before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus. That charge stemmed from an incident on June 13, 2023, when Yarris and an accomplice attacked Deleon Lowe on Mandela Avenue. The court heard that Lowe was riding his bicycle when Yarris and another man intercepted him, demanding his valuables. Yarris allegedly choked Lowe while his accomplice struck him in the head with a wooden bar, causing him to fall. Yarris was arrested shortly after, denied bail, and remanded to prison. The court heard on Friday, that while out on bail Yarris committed the series of robberies.
which is from the President himself: the rolling out of compactor garbage trucks for each NDC across the country,” she announced.
Moreover, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, urged members of the NDCs to ensure that the equipment is being used to enhance the community.
He noted that too often, machinery procured by the Government for community use are being utilised otherwise.
“We want these excavators to be used for the benefit of the community, cause many times we give out these things and when Ministers or the president goes into the community, we are get-
ting serious complaints that these things are used for personal use, they are used for friends and family – we can’t do that.”
At a previous handing over ceremony, Mustapha had emphasised the importance of these machines in advancing the comprehensive drainage systems being developed nationwide. He noted that the initiative is part of the Government’s broader efforts to modernise and strengthen the country’s drainage infrastructure, ensuring better resilience against flooding. Moreover, the Government plans to inject another $73.2 billion to complete several pump stations and advance other crit-
ical drainage and irrigation canals and structures this year. Guyanese will witness massive drainage works advancing in areas like Adams Creek, Region Two; Canefield, Region Six; Good Hope, and Mabaruma.
Since returning to office, the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government was able to commission new pump stations at Adventure, Region Six; Andrews and Cozier, Region Two and Greenwich Park, Region Three. The Government also procured and distributed 100 tractor-driven pumps and new machinery to ensure preventive maintenance across the region.
Chief Valuation Officer charged for assisting in false declaration
The Chief Valuation Officer at the Finance Ministry, was charged on Wednesday with aiding in the submission of a false declaration. The charge was brought against him by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Julian Barrington, 54, of Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where the charge was formally read to him. He pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution alleged that on or around February 19, 2024, at Lot 237 Camp Street, Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Barrington assisted in the preparation of a fraudulent Certificate of Value for a property located at Lot 129, Area “L,” Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The document falsely claimed that the property had been developed, topsoil excavated, sand-filled, and leveled, when in reality, no such work had been done.
The charge falls under Section 111(1)(b)(i) of the Income Tax Act, Chapter 81:01. Initially, Magistrate McGusty set bail at $40,000.
Charged: Julian Barrington
However, Barrington’s attorney argued that his client should be granted self-bail, emphasising his senior role within the Government and asserting that he was not a flight risk.
The attorney assured the court that Barrington had no
intention of interfering with the ongoing case and would address the matter at the appropriate time. With no objections from the prosecution, Magistrate McGusty granted the request for self-bail. Barrington is set to return to court on March 26.
Remanded: Yohance Yarris being escorted by a Policeman
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Local Govt and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag during the handing over ceremony
Regional farmers to be educated on better water management practices
In alignment with the region’s food security goals, emphasis has been placed on the importance of Caribbean farmers being educated and trained to improve the sustainability of their farms by utilising modern water management practices.
On Friday, the CARICOM Secretariat in collaboration with the Caribbean Water and Waste Water Association (CWWA) hosted a webinar under the theme – ‘Exploring Sustainable Water Management Practices in the Caribbean – An Agriculture and Food Security Perspective’.
The Food for Lunch Webinar series is one of the activities organised by the CARICOM Secretariat as part of the Region’s food se-
curity initiative. It focuses on sustainable agriculture and food and nutrition security in CARICOM, and features young ‘agri-preneurs’, the private sector, experts, and policymakers.
During a panel discussion, representative Denecia West, from the Agriculture Alliance of the Caribbean (AAC), highlighted that in some areas, farmers are often faced with significant challenges due to a lack of potable water systems. She highlighted that these individuals often depend on the Government to develop water infrastructure within these areas.
However, she explained that these water challenges can be mitigated by educating farmers on ways in which they can manage their own water systems.
“Some persons find it cost prohibitive to set up the infrastructure. So, there's a heavy reliance on Government to help persons to help themselves when it comes to access to water. More can be done to educate persons in the Caribbean about how to manage their own water systems. More can be done to help them to access financing so they mitigate these issues with water challenges in the Caribbean,” she said.
Most farmers in the region utilise a method known as "Rainwater farming" which refers to the practice of rainwater harvesting, where residents capture and store rainwater from roofs and other surfaces to use for irrigation in agriculture; primarily on is-
lands where water scarcity is a concern, particularly during dry seasons. This method has been used in the Caribbean for centuries and is considered a key strategy for water security in the region.
However, in light of climate change, stakeholders in the agriculture sector and Government officials are being compelled to improve water infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of climate shocks.
Also weighing in on the issue of water infrastructure in the Caribbean was Deputy Dean and Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Food and Agriculture, University of the West Indies (UWI) Dr Ronald Roopnarine.
He highlighted that the layout of the agriculture sector across member states is one of the major factors affecting investments towards improving the region’s water infrastructure.
“We don't necessarily have established agricultural districts. If you had something like that, it would be much easier for Governments, and the state itself, to put the infrastructure in place to get water to those specific areas. However, as it stands, you have patches of agricultural districts all over and that kind of makes it very difficult for infrastructural development to be put in place to sup-
port this,” Dr Roopnarine explained.
Recognising this issue is Hydrologist at the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) Angela Franklin, who highlighted that the Guyana Government has made significant strides towards strengthening water management in the country.
She noted that the country has developed agriculture zones in some areas, which is supported by advanced water management systems.
“I'll give a positive example of Guyana: we have a cluster of lands used specifically for agriculture so it's not spread out; yes we do have agriculture all over, but in this particular area it's predominantly agriculture, and we actually have conservancies, dammed areas that were designed specifically for flood management as well as for providing irrigation waters for our agricultural areas,” she outlined.
Guyana has several water conservancies that provide water for agriculture, including the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), Mahaica Mahaicony Abary, Boerasirie, and Tapakuma. The conservancies are located in the “backlands” or upper stream catchment areas, and comprise of water-retaining embankments and structures. The reservoirs are located in several regions: Tapakuma Conservancy (Essequibo Coast, Region 2), Boerasirie (West Demerara, Region 3), East Demerara (Region 4), and the MMA (Region 5). Tapakuma provides irrigation to approximately 120 square kilometres (km²) Boerasirie to 360 km², East Demerara to 345 km², and MMA to 175 km².
Health Ministry to upgrade all labs electronically
– plans to also address antimicrobial resistance
After recognising that the Health Ministry needs an integrated system to share information, not only on paper but also electronically, the Ministry has decided that very shortly, possibly within the next year or so, they will have an electronic setup where all labs will be fully integrated to share information.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony made this announcement on Thursday as the Health Ministry launched its Multi-Hazard Emergency Management Plan for stakeholders.
These plans aim to ensure that whenever an issue arises, the Ministry can respond appropriately.
While the focus has been on developing many plans, the Ministry has also started looking at ways to improve its capacity to respond, along with its partners.
According to the Minister, this is a grand move by the Ministry.
“One of the things we recognise is that we need to have an integrated system where we can share information. So, we have been doing that in a paper-based way, and
what we will do very shortly, maybe within the next year or so, is have an electronic setup where all our labs will be fully integrated electronically so that information can be shared. When we collect samples at one site, and it’s processed, that information can be securely shared with the hospital or the lab that sent us the sample.”
Meanwhile, he shared his perspective on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), stating that plans already set out, need to be put into motion regarding this area.
The Health Ministry has
EBB main access road...
FROM PAGE 17
made significant progress, but there is now a need to upgrade the existing systems, which is seen as a natural next step. The goal is to develop practical approaches to respond more effectively to emerging issues.
A key focus explained by the Minister is the ability to detect potential problems, as there may be issues that have not yet been identified.
The World Bank added, “This includes the safety assessment of the entire primary road network and road safety audits for selected roads, followed by the installation of road safety engineering solutions like crash barriers and traffic calming measures, and the creation of dedicated lanes for non-motorised transport, such as pedestrians and cyclists.”
In addition, mobility plans, tailored to the needs of women and other vulnerable groups, will feature in the project as well as road asset management systems; creating safer transportation options.
“Guyana’s rapid economic expansion places increasing pressure on infrastructure, while the growing risks from natural hazards, such as flooding and storms, fur-
It further stated that special attention will also be given to high-risk locations like schools, hospitals, and markets.
ther challenge the country's systems. This project will help Guyana’s road network keep pace with its growth by making it safer and more resilient,” World Bank Group Resident Representative for Guyana, Diletta Doretti, said.
The project is funded through the World Bank’s International Development Association, the arm of the World Bank that helps the world’s low-income countries.
“Just last year, with the assistance of PAHO (Pan American Health Organisation), we were able to establish a laboratory. We’ve also created another plan to address antimicrobial resistance, identifying what we can do as a country and which sectors can be involved, and how they can be involved. We need to put that plan into action,” he noted.
According to Anthony, a deep sense of monitoring is required with these plans.
“We also need to monitor. We need to see what’s happening, because we’ve been seeing some patients with microbial resistance, and we need to figure out how we can respond to these patients.”
One area where they have seen this, and where they had a few patients, is in the area of tuberculosis.
The Minister explained
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony
that the medications used to treat patients require a long treatment period.
“People have to take the meds for months. Some people, after taking medication for nine months, might feel fed up and may not want to take it anymore. But these things can lead to resistance, and we’ve seen that with some of our patients. These are things we have to monitor. So, we have another plan with our AMR, where we are working on that, and we want to bring all of these things together so we can respond appropriately.”
He also added that expanding and working on spe-
cific projects will give a better understanding of disease dynamics in the country, and what can be done to eradicate or control them.
However, once a more robust system is in place, it is expected that more issues will be detected, and when that happens, an appropriate response will be required.
Vigilance is essential, and as systems are developed, continuous upgrades are necessary to ensure they are functioning in the best interests of the population, ultimately leading to a more robust healthcare framework.
The panellists who spearheaded the webinar
Around the World OIL NEWS
Oil on track for first monthly drop since November on tariffs, Iraq exports
OTrump-Zelenskyy news conference cancelled after heated meeting
After a heated Oval Office exchange between
President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the White House on Friday said an afternoon news conference had been canceled, and Zelensky left early.
He did not speak to the media before departing in his motorcade.
il prices fell more than 1% on Friday and were headed for their first monthly drop since November, as markets braced for Washington's new tariffs and Iraq's decision to resume oil exports from the Kurdistan region.
Uncertainty surrounding OPEC's production resumption plans in April and ongoing talks to end the war in Ukraine also weighed on investor sentiment.
The more active May Brent crude futures fell 82 cents, or 1.11%, to $72.75 a barrel by 11:57 EST (1657 GMT). U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were at $69.73 a barrel, down 62 cents, or 0.88%.
Front-month Brent, which expires on Friday, traded at $73.16, down 88 cents, or 1.19%.
Both benchmarks are on track to post their first monthly decline in three months.
Baghdad is set to announce the resumption of oil exports from the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, according to an Iraqi oil ministry statement.
Iraq will export 185,000 barrels per day through state oil marketer SOMO, and that quantity will gradually increase, the ministry said.
Despite the expected announcement, eight international oil firms operating in the Kurdistan region said they would not be resuming exports on Friday as there was no clarity on commercial agreements and guarantees of payment for past and future exports.
A delay could break prices out of the current range in which they have been trading, said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price Futures Group.
"Currently, oil prices are fluctuating within a trading range, but a delay will give prices an upside breakout," Flynn wrote in a research note. "Generally, the seasonality of oil, gasoline, and diesel becomes bullish around Easter anyway."
A tariff war could slow global growth, spark inflation and, in turn, suppress crude demand.
Still, oil prices climbed more than 2% on Thursday as supply concerns resurfaced after Trump revoked a licence granted to U.S. oil major Chevron to operate in Venezuela. (Excerpt from Reuters)
U.S. health agencies join WHO's flu meeting despite Trump's plan to pull out
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration took part in a World Health Organization meeting to discuss flu vaccine composition, an official at the UN agency said on Friday.
President Donald Trump started the 12-month withdrawal process for the U.S. to leave the WHO on his first day in office in January and has since also overseen a dismantling of U.S. foreign aid that has hit health programs worldwide.
"We hope that the pause in the work that we're doing with the U.S. is temporary and we hope that we will be able to resume that in full force in the coming weeks," said Maria Van Kerkhove, Director of Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention at WHO.
"There's information that's coming out from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture on the animal side, so I want to be very clear that the U.S. is still contributing," Kerkhove said.
The comments came on the sidelines of an event where the WHO announced its recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccines for 2025-2026 in the Northern Hemisphere.
The global health body has recommended that vaccines include updated H3N2 strains, mirroring the composition advised for the Southern Hemisphere.
It also recommended that zoonotic vaccines include two additional strains of bird flu viruses, partly in response to a human case detected last year in Australia.
It had been reported earlier however, that the U.S. hasn't sent essential seasonal flu data to WHO ahead of the key vaccine meeting. (Excerpt from CBC News)
A CBS report states that a White House official said the Ukrainians left the Oval Office to head to a "separated room," while the U.S. team stayed in the Oval Office. While the Ukrainians were waiting in the other room, national security adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio told them to leave.
The official said Zelenskyy was trying to smooth things over and asked for a reset, but Mr. Trump and other administration officials were offended by Zelenskyy's behavior.
Trump said on social media that Zelensky can come back “when he is ready for peace.”
The meeting had earlier devolved into a shouting match, with the US president berating Ukraine’s leader, saying “make a deal or we’re out,” and Vice
President JD Vance questioning whether Zelensky had demonstrated enough gratitude for US support during the three-year war.
A rare earth minerals deal between the US and Ukraine was not signed after the blowup between Trump and Zelensky, a person familiar with the matter says.
An adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin reacted to video of the heated Oval Office exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump with only one word.
“Historic,” Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy to Putin, wrote on X.
Dmitriev is the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and he attended the recent discussions between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia.
Analyst Olga Tokariuk, an academy associate at the Ukraine Forum of British think tank Chatham House, said the Trump-Zelensky exchange was "total bully tactics by the US president".
In a statement to TV2, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said the White House clash was “serious and disheartening".
"President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has strong support in Ukraine, broad support in Europe, and he has led his people through a
very demanding and brutal time, under attack from Russia. That Trump accuses Zelenskiy of gambling with World War III is deeply unreasonable and a statement I distance myself from. Norway stands with Ukraine in their struggle for freedom. We hope that the Trump administration also understands the importance of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine."
Republicans were split on Trump and Vance clash with Zelenskiy, as some congressional Republicans rallied to the defense of Trump and Vance, arguing on social media that they had defended America’s interests in the exchange with Zelenskiy.
Not all Republicans responded with accolades.
"Some want to whitewash the truth, but we cannot ignore the truth. Russia is at fault for this war,” Representative Don Bacon, a retired U.S. Air Force general from Nebraska, said in a tweet containing an exchange between Zelenskiy and Vance.
Zelenskiy’s appearance at the Hudson Institute in Washington was also cancelled. (Sources: CNN, Reuters, CBS News)
Trump to order English as official US language
Donald Trump will sign an executive order on Friday making English the official language of the United States, according to White House officials, and scrapping requirements that federal agencies provide language services to non-English speakers.
The US has never had an official language in the nearly 250 years since the country was founded.
The order is intended to improve government efficiency and promote na -
tional unity, according to White House officials.
Nearly 68 million of the country's 340 million residents speak a language other than English, according to the US Census Bureau, which includes more than 160 Native American languages.
Friday's executive order will roll back a policy from 2000 signed by former President Bill Clinton requiring that government agencies and federal funding recipients "ensure that their programs and activi -
ties normally provided in English are accessible to LEP (low-English proficiency) persons".
Agencies will be allowed to still provide that language access to non-English speakers, according to White House officials.
During his presidential campaign last year, Trump included non-English languages in his statements calling for stricter immigration policies.
When the US was founded, most residents spoke English and those
writing the country's constitution did not feel it was necessary to enshrine it as the official language and also did not want to alienate fellow new citizens who spoke German or other languages, according to most scholars.
There are more than 30 US states which have designated English as the official language, while Alaska and Hawaii have also bestowed official status on several native languages.
(Source: BBC News)
UWI Cave Hill students call for action on urgent issues
Students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) at Cave Hill, Barbados, staged a protest on Thursday, raising serious questions about the treatment of the Guild of Students and the management of its funds.
And though talks were held between UWI management and the guild later in the day, guild president Tyson Holder declined to comment on the outcome.
The student guild executive claims that attempts to address their concerns through formal channels have been met with admin-
istrative delays and a lack of transparency, leaving them with no choice but to take action.
But before the demonstration began, students were met with heavy security and a visible police presence. The protesters had not obtained permission to stage their demonstration and were asked to explain the purpose of their gathering.
“When we reached the administration building, security and members of the police service stopped us, asking why we were there,” Holder recounted. “I outlined our grievances, and
eventually, the deputy principal came outside to engage us.”
Following a discussion, Holder returned to the group of more than 20 students and informed them that the executive had been invited for further talks with management, including Deputy Principal Professor Winston Moore.
Moore did not comment on the matter when approached by reporters.
At the heart of the protest is students’ claim that the university administration is systematically undermining the autonomy of the
Guild of Students, closing the guild’s financial account, and transferring its funds to the Office of Student Services and Development for oversight.
During the protest, Chairman of the Sir Keith Hunte Hall, Alens Plante also highlighted a number of grievances he urged authorities to address.
Plante described the protest as a necessary step in holding the administration accountable and made clear that the movement for change must start immediately. (Excerpt from Barbados Today)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance exchanged words during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on Friday
Put more oomph in each step and make things happen. Make your own opportunities; it’s up to you to get things done. A passionate attitude will bring the results you desire.
Stay close to what makes you feel at home and comfortable in your skin, and it will help you make better choices. Be clear regarding your needs; continue until the outcome is satisfactory.
Backing up is the quickest way to resolve issues standing in your way. Assess your situation, the people you are dealing with and what it will take to realign yourself in a beneficial direction.
Think before you act. Look at every angle and set boundaries to avoid letting your emotions lead you down the wrong path. Be the one to map out the best route.
Reach out to people heading in a similar direction. Get involved in worthy causes that make you feel good and bring you in contact with people who recognize your worth and appreciate your skills.
Look at the big picture, then narrow your scop and be realistic regarding your wants and needs. A change will do you good, but how you go about it will determine your success.
Explore things that interest you, and you’ll meet valuable people. Attending a conference or reunion or taking up a hobby will lead to interesting encounters that could make you rethink what you want to pursue.
Clear your head, let go of the past and welcome what comes your way. Walk away from bullies and imbalanced situations, and head in a direction that offers you the freedom to explore.
Take your time, look at every angle and watch out for anyone trying to manipulate you. Pay attention to detail, your physical and emotional well-being and what will help you realize your dreams.
Your insight will direct you down a fortuitous path. Consider the possibilities and lay out a plan that encourages positive change regarding how you earn your living or handle your cash.
Spend time fixing up your space. Convenience and comfort will make achieving what you set out to do easier. Put your energy where it will bring the highest rewards for the least expense.
Take the plunge and believe in yourself, and doors will open. Discuss your plans and follow through wholeheartedly. Let go of the past and become the master of your destiny.
ARCHIE
Australia seal semi-final spot after rain spoils Head’s party
Befitting the latest chapter in this budding rivalry, there were wicked swings of momentum while a hobbled Australia batter at the crease evoked the wildest match in the short history between these teams. But, in a great shame, Lahore’s inclement weather cut short a highstakes contest that felt like it still had several twists ahead. Australia had been well placed at 109 for 1 after 12.5 overs. They were chasing 274 before a downpour hit the ground. Rain eventually stopped, but parts of the field were soaked, and the match had to be abandoned. The teams shared the points, and that was enough for Australia to progress through to the semi-finals, after their second consecutive match was negated by rain.
But Afghanistan saw their hopes of progression being washed away, as only an unlikely hefty defeat of South Africa by England could keep their tournament alive.
Chasing a tricky total under lights, Matthew Short came to the crease limping, after sustaining a quad injury in the field. Unable to run, he was clearly laboured, and one wondered why he was even out there.
Perhaps his one-legged presence was to spook Afghanistan and revive memories of Glenn Maxwell’s astonishing double-century at the 2023 World Cup - the last ODI between the teams.
It wasn’t quite Maxwelllike, but Short’s stand-and-deliver innings did help Australia get off to a flier, as he put on 44 inside five overs with Travis Head.
But they were aided by sloppy Afghanistan fielding, with Head being dropped on 6 by Rashid Khan at mid-on, after miscuing a pull off quick Fazalhaq Farooqi. He then
smashed a six off the next ball to rub salt in the wound.
When on 19, Short was given a reprieve by substitute Nangialai Kharoti at deep square leg, as Afghanistan were getting flashbacks of Mumbai. But Short could not capitalize, and fell off his next delivery, when he hit Azmatullah Omarzai towards mid-on, and Gulbadin Naib took a good catch before showing off his muscles in celebration.
Head quickly regained the ascendency for Australia, and pounced on wayward bowling from Farooqi to reach his half-century off 34 balls. Stand-in skipper Steven Smith donned the cap once Afghanistan’s spinners entered the attack, but Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad did not threaten. Rashid had yet to bowl by the time rain spoiled the party in the 13th over, with Head on 59 off 40 and Smith unbeaten on 19.
Rain ended what had been a topsy-turvy match, with Afghanistan’s innings of 273 from 50 overs being a rollercoaster. They started well, with #3 batter Sediqullah Atal dominating the first half of the innings with 85 off 95 balls, before Omarzai blazed 67 off 63 to power Afghanistan in the back end. But their total could have been greater, had not several rash dismissals derail momentum at crucial junctures.
Australia’s performance with the ball was also a mishmash. Once again, life without the big three quicks of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood proved tough, and 37 extras was Australia’s joint fifth-most-conceded in ODI cricket.
With heavy rain lashing Lahore ahead of the game, there had been fears that the match might be com-
pletely rained out, much like Australia’s clash with South Africa earlier in the week.
But the weather cleared in the nick of time, and Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi did not hesitate to bat first on what was expected to be a flat surface. However, the ball moved around considerably on a pitch that had spent plenty of time under the covers in the lead-up.
Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson retained his spot in the Australia team ahead of seam-bowling allrounder Sean Abbott, despite being overlooked in the death overs against England. Having long drawn comparisons with Starc, Johnson made his mentor beam when he unfurled a deadly inswinging yorker that went through the defence of Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the opening over.
Johnson, who isn’t a noted exponent of the full-pitch delivery -- back-of-a-length bowling being more his prowess -- was wayward after his initial breakthrough, and a flustered Smith could not contain his annoyance as the extras leaked.
All eyes were on Ibrahim Zadran after his record-breaking Champions Trophy knock of 177 against England. He and Atal were in survival mode early, as the ball flew past the bat on numerous occasions, but they held firm in a 67-run partnership to see off the new-ball threat.
After all that fight, Zadran didn’t kick on, and he fell tamely on 22 when he whacked a short and wide delivery off legspinner Adam Zampa straight to backward point. Maxwell supported Zampa well, and picked up Rahmat Shah after a sharp catch by Josh Inglis behind the stumps, as Afghanistan slumped to 91 for 3.
Unperturbed by the predicament, Atal decided to force the issue against the spinners, and he targetted deep midwicket to good effect as he smashed a six to reach his half-century in style off 64 balls. On a roll, Atal successfully collared Zampa out of the attack, and luck was on his side when, on 74, a big lbw shout from seamer Nathan Ellis was turned down. Believing that the ball had been pitched outside leg stump, Australia did not review, but replays confirmed otherwise.
Australia were not made to pay after Smith made his latest successful bowling change by reverting back to Johnson, who ended Atal’s bid for a second ODI century when he hit straight to cover.
With Atal’s free-flowing innings dashed, Afghanistan went through a lull in the
middle overs, the culprit being Shahidi, who dawdled to 20 off 48 before miscuing a sweep off Zampa to square leg. His strike rate of 40.81 was the third lowest by an Afghan batter in ODIs in this decade (minimum of 40 balls faced).
So far in this tournament, Australia have banked on batting depth, but they’ve had part-time spinners step up. Against England it was Marnus Labuschagne’s legspin, while Short stepped up here to concede just 21 runs from seven extremely handy overs.
Afghanistan spiralled, and lost Nabi to a comical run-out, as they slid to 199 for 7 and seemed to be falling well short of a competitive score. Omarzai, however, took over by farming the strike, and his power-hitting saw five mighty blows sail over the rope, three off Ellis,
Did not bat: Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis †, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
Fall of wickets: 1-44
(Matthew Short, 4.3 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Azmatullah Omarzai 5-0-43-1
Fazalhaq Farooqi 3-0-32-0
Mohammad Nabi 3-0-13-0
Noor Ahmad 1.5-0-13-0
who is normally so proficient at the death.
An unusual incident late in the innings could have blown up, when Noor drifted from his crease believing the over was done, only for Inglis to take the bails off after the throw came in from the deep. Inglis appealed for a run-out, but Smith nipped in the bud a potential controversial moment by telling the umpires not to consider the appeal.
The moment proved a non-event to foreshadow what was ahead later in the night. (ESPNCricinfo)
Rain stopped play in the 13th over of Australia’s chase
Adam Zampa was instrumental in Australia wresting control back from Afghanistan
Women’s Super50 Cup… Guyana crush Leeward Islands by 122 runs
Dominant bowling performances from Ashmini Munisar, Cherry-Ann Fraser and Plaffiana Millington earned Guyana’s Senior Women’s Cricket Team a commanding 122-run victory on Friday. It was their second victory in the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup for the 2025 tourney.
Taking on their Leeward Islands counterparts at the Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts in the third round of the competition, the Guyanese ladies were sent in to bat after the Leeward Islands had won the toss.
An unbeaten captain’s knock of 77 off 97 balls from Shemaine Campbelle, in an innings that encompassed 5 fours and one six, was just what the doctor ordered for the Guyanese ladies when the opening partnership failed to make a mark.
Although Realeanna Grimmond contributed 30 off 49 balls, the Guyanese la-
dies continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. And though Ashmini Munisar hit 30 off 54 for a valuable 67-run partnership with her captain, and despite the team employing their best efforts, Guyana could not avoid being bowled out for 178 in 43.5 overs.
Kimberly Anthony spearheaded the Leeward Islands’ efforts by claiming 3-20 from 55 overs, while her teammates Sainavi Kambalapalli and Davronique Maynard each took two wickets.
The Leeward Islands were never able to find their footing in the chase. The opening bowling spell between Plaffiana Millington and Cherry-Ann Fraser devastated their top order, and Ashmini Munisar later wreaked havoc on the lower order by reaping a 4-wicket haul. Their best effort was the lone double-digit score of 13, which came from Captain Amanda Edwards. The next best score was 8, coming from Jahzara Claxton.
While Munisar ended with figures of 4-12 from 6.1 overs, Fraser, with 3-18 from 8 overs, and Millington, with 3-25 from 10 overs, both took three wickets to rout the Leeward Islands for 56 runs
10th Janet Jagan Memorial Windball Cricket Tournament underway
Hundreds of school-age athletes flocked the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue on Thursday to witness the 10th edition of the Cheddi and Janet Jagan Memorial windball cricket tournament being officially launched.
The tournament promises expansion and more competitiveness this year.
Unlike in previous editions, when only schools from Regions 3 and 4 competed, this year’s tournament would see representation from schools across all administrative regions, except Regions 1, 8, and 9.
Organizers have cited logistical challenges as the reason for the absence of children from the tournament, but have assured that provision would be made for their participation in future.
Expansion of this tournament has been made possible through significant support from the National Sports Commission (NSC), which has helped to broaden the scope of the event.
Tournament organiser Allister Munroe has confirmed that competition would commence on Monday at the National Gymnasium, and it would be for schools in Georgetown.
The tournament’s schedule is aligned with significant dates in the Jagans’ legacy. Matches are set for March 6 at Port Mourant, and the final match is scheduled for March 28. Boys’ teams would compete in the Cheddi Jagan Division, while the talents of female participants would be showcased in the Janet Jagan Division.
Last year’s edition was an exciting competition that culminated in an exciting final. Annandale Secondary of Region 4 emerged victorious in the boys’ category, while Leonora Secondary of Region 3 were the victors in the girls’ division.
Speaking at the launch, Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, hailed the tournament as an example of what can be achieved through teamwork and Government support.
“This is a really fascinating event we’re having. It shows how much we can achieve when we work as a team. It shows how much determination, it shows how much tenacity, has been put into this (tournament)… but with our teamwork, led by the Honourable Minister Charles Ramson Jr, we have been seeing, inclemently, the rise of sports in Guyana,”
Ninvalle said. According to Ninvalle, “Last year, we did not have the involvement of as many schools and as many regions as we have this year, and it shows Government’s commitment too, because we have promised that we would’ve had a gymnasium, we promised that we would’ve had multipurpose facilities just like the gymnasium, and that is what we’re having…it says that we can replicate what we’re having in Georgetown in other regions. This is a microcosm of how Government is working.”
The Director of Sport further pointed out, “We want to make sure that we can touch every Guyanese, and everyone can be a part of the development. Infrastructural work as it relates to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission is something that is priority, and if you look at the budget for this year, which has moved to 8 billion dollars, it tells you a lot of what is going on regarding infrastructure.”
Ninvalle also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the tournament’s namesake, Janet Jagan. Describing her as a “stalwart, a legend, and a strong woman,” he encouraged young participants to study her life and draw inspiration from her resilience.
“She stood tall, she stood strong. That is empowerment for you youngsters,” he remarked. “There were many hurdles she overcame, and there will be hurdles you will have to overcome. Take a page from her book and push forward.”
Windball, a fast-paced variation of cricket, is widely played in Guyana, often serving as a gateway for young athletes to transition into traditional cricket.
SCOREBOARD
Guyana Women
Mandy Mangru c R Liburd
b K Anthony 1
Sheneta Grimmond run out (A Edwards) Q 3
Realeanna Grimmond c S Hector
b S Kambalapalli 30
Shemaine Campbelle C WK not out 77
Shabika Gajnabi c D Maynard
b S Kambalapalli 10
Cherry-Ann Fraser c †R Boyce
b R Liburd 1
Ashmini Munisar lbw D Maynard 30
Kaysia Schultz c A Edwards
b D Maynard 0 Nyia Latchman c S Hector
b A Edwards 0
Plaffiana Millington b K Anthony 12
Trisha Hardat
b K Anthony 0
Extras b: 0, lb: 1, wd: 9, nb: 4, p: 0 14
scored in 24.1 overs.
Elsewhere, Barbados’ Women kept their slate clean when they defeated Jamaica by 54 runs, while Trinidad and Tobago got the better of the Windward Islands by 9 wickets.
The Women’s Regional Super50 Cup continues on Monday, March 3, when Guyana takes on Windward Islands Women at the Conaree Sports Club from 10:00hrs.
Total 43.5 ov, RR: 4.06 178 all out Fall of wickets: 1-3 (M Mangru, 1.4 ov), 2-36 (SS Grimmond, 10.4 ov), 3-45 (RMAU Grimmond, 12.3 ov), 4-66 (S Gajnabi, 16.4 ov), 5-75 (CS Fraser, 19.2 ov), 6-142 (A Munisar, 36.4 ov), 7-142 (KC Schultz, 36.6 ov), 8-143 (N Latchman, 37.5 ov), 9-178 (PO Millington, 43.3 ov), 10-178 (T Hardat, 43.5 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W
Slingerz just need to prove themselves -- Curtez Kellman
- Story and photos by Jemima Holmes
Anew day has dawned for the Slingerz Football Club. A few new faces are now in the lineup and, more importantly, new leadership is at the helm. While some may find change daunting, this is not the case for one particular Slingerz ‘old head’.
Curtez Kellman, who has welcomed the changes at the club ahead of Elite League Season 7, spoke exclusively with Guyana Times Sport in making some disclosures.
Kellman discussed the club’s ongoing preparation after several major signings, and has described the leadership of Jamal Shabazz as just what the team needed.
“I think we’re doing well thus far. I think the group has shown tremendous understanding going forward. On the conditioning side of things, I think the team is coping very well. Obviously, the coach is taking it bit by bit, so that we can reach a fitness standard. We’re doing pretty well,” Kellman, who also plays for the Golden Jaguars, has shared.
“With the gaffer being here too, this is what we needed. You know, on the tactical side of things, he’s implementing a lot in the team so far,” he added.
By now, the January transfer window for shopping to be done by Slingerz has been widely discussed, but the Golden Jaguars defender only sees the moves as finding the missing pieces of the Slingerz team’s puzzle.
“It’s the missing piece of the puzzle that we needed.
And yes, we got Kelsey; he’s been doing well so far. It’s been easy for him. Within the session, it shows that he adapts really quick, and that love for him within the team has been shown as well,” Kellman explained.
“For the other players coming in, it will be the same. They just have to come early, get their feet wet, so that we could go in and be a force to reckon with this league,” Kellman advised.
Discussing what the team needs to work on to clinch the coveted Elite League title, Kellman highlighted the values Shabazz instilled as a key component for their success. “I think it’s the understanding of players,” he highlighted as a key component that was absent last season.
“With Coach Shabazz being here, he has instilled in players that this is no mediocre programme. He came to do a job, and his job is to lead us to the championship. And I think as of right now, majori ty of the players, if not the whole team, has bought in to his information that he’s giving; and it’s only a matter of time for us to go and execute what he has taught us on the pitch,” Kellman con tinued.
Although Kellman is of the opinion that his team is one of the strongest, if not the strongest, in the Elite League this season, he expressed the conviction that they still need to go out and prove themselves.
“I think like most fans, or the people who are football lovers or supporters, will know that on paper we are the strongest team within the country; but we need to go out and prove it that we are,” Kellman has said.
“I think with the players that are coming in and the players that we have right now, (we) have a fair understanding of what the coach wants on the pitch. And now, like I mentioned in my previous comment, it’s how we go out on the pitch and execute; and I think our chances are Kellman detailed.
Illustrating with a laugh, he detailed, “It’s like on the gambling app 1:20 against the other teams. I’m pretty much confident with this league going forward, and at the end of the League, I see Slingerz being crowned Champions.”
The Elite League kicks off on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Shemaine Campbelle hit an unbeaten 77
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle addressing the students during the opening ceremony
Curtez Kellman believes his team just need to go out and prove themselves
