The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times –05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery to light showers are expected throughout the day and at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.79 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 12:13h and 23:49h reaching a maximum height of 2.17 metres.
Low Tide: 18:26h reaching a minimum height of 1.03 metres.
New US$300M Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base will help position Guyana as transport hub – Pres Ali
– Consortium says PPP/C Govt’s vision was pivotal in making project a reality
The US$300 million
Vreed-en-Hoop shore base, a product of collaboration between local and foreign investors with support from the Government, was officially opened on Saturday.
And according to President Dr Irfaan Ali, this is a major step towards Guyana’s overall ambitions to become a regional transportation hub.
The President was the keynote speaker at the opening of what is Guyana’s second shore base, after the Guyana Shore Base Incorporated (GYSBI) opened its doors a few years back.
This time around, the Vreed-en-Hoop shore base is the product of a joint venture between NRG Holdings Inc, a 100 per cent Guyanese-owned consortium, and Jan De Nul, an international maritime infrastructure company.
The importance of partnerships was emphasised by the President, particularly on a national scale.
“Many Guyanese sit and complain, about other nationalities that soaked up the opportunities in the region. They were able to do so because their countries were positioned in the particular time in history to allow them to do so. And they took advantage of the country’s positioning. This is that one additional asset that allows us to build one of the best marine industries and marine sectors in the region.”
“They invested in distribution chains; they moved from sole trading to corporations. They built consortiums. And they established themselves firmly throughout the region. Because they never saw their market confined by the boundaries of the country. What are we doing? How are we going to leverage?”
Not just a shore base
According to President Ali, this project will play a critical role in position-
ing Guyana to become a transport and logistics hub that will bring more opportunities for Guyana. And he noted that harnessing these opportunities will re-
“This is not just about a shore base today. I’d be very disappointed if you looked at this and said, oh this is a shore base. This is that one additional asset that allows us to build one
quire critical thinkers, innovators, risk taking and partnerships.
State said.
“This is that one additional asset that positions us to build a transport and logistics hub and link that is key and critical and brings new opportunities. This is a means to an end and not the end by itself,”
President Ali also said, going on to draw the audience’s attention to the impact of policy making and investment in infrastructure, to national development.
According to the President, Guyana has much going for it right now, including the fact that the country will soon have one of the cheapest energy rates in the region, as well as other advantages. He noted that Guyana must harness these various advantages to increase its competitiveness.
of the best marine industries and marine sectors in the region,” the Head of
President Dr Irfaan Ali
A section of the gathering. In the photo, from left, are Businessmen Eddie Boyer, Alfro Alphonso and Ronaldo Alphonso of NRG Holdings
ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge (centre) with members of VEHSI
As our politicians debate Government’s $1.382 trillion 2025 Budget, presented under the theme, “A Secure, Prosperous, and Sustainable Guyana”, we may paraphrase Marx’s aphorism: Countries make their histories, but not conditions of their making”.
One of these conditions is “globalisation”, which started its present literal iteration after Columbus stumbled across the Americas, and Europe realized the world was not flat, but was in fact a globe. We were there when the plantations of the Dutch, and then the English, were created through slave labour to supply agricultural products for Europe. As our lands in the “new world” became populated, “free trade” replaced the mercantilist policies of the imperial powers, and became driven by comparative advantages in production of goods and services.
There was an ebb-and-flow between protectionism and free trade over the years, but, in the late 20th century, free trade accelerated to unbelievable levels during the communication and transportation revolutions. The world truly became a village, as each country attempted to move up the value chain in its productive capacity so as to deliver improved standards of living to its citizens. In Guyana, however, the PNC regime, after independence, embarked on what turned out to be a detour and frolic as far as following that path of development. Rather than diversifying outside the plantation economy in a strategic fashion, by identifying products it could export at an advantage and earn foreign exchange to purchase those items it did not produce, it chose an autarkic strategy that was bound to fail because of our extremely small and underdeveloped markets. Burnham’s policies, compared to Lee Kwan Yew’s for Singapore, which became independent around the same time as we did, is an object lesson in the importance of strategic decisions in the development of former colonies.
In the latter part of the 20th century, the Far Eastern Tigers replicated Singapore’s success, and demonstrated that the export-driven strategy was transferable. Presently, we have also taken the lead within the region for food security, and made a commitment to reduce Caricom’s US$6 billion food bill by 25% by 2025 this year. Now, while this is a good strategic choice in one area where we do have a comparative advantage – land/agriculture – by coupling it with new crops like soya and corn, and by rearing cattle, this, although necessary, is not sufficient to take full advantage of globalisation and move up the development scale. For that to occur, we must, at each stage, use the technology that we have mastered and move to a higher level. By focusing only on agriculture, we would inevitably reach a point of diminishing returns and stagnated horizons. As such, our burgeoning oil industry offers us a platform for moving us strategically into a higher quantum level of development.
Take, for instance, the gas-to-shore project, on which the Government has embarked and which has been severely criticized by some elements putatively on “environmental” grounds. This initiative offers Guyanese the opportunity to develop manufacturing skills and expertise to an intermediate level – such as manufacturing urea from Natural Gas, which has been tried and trusted for a hundred years, so there is not much risk involved. Within a few years – before our oil has run out -- we should be controlling a bulging Natural Resource Fund (NRF) that could facilitate us moving to a higher level of production and continue onwards and upwards on a virtuous cycle. That globalisation stumbled because of supply-chain issues precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and then the Ukraine War exposed its downside, is evident. However, the World Economic Forum, which has just been concluded at Davos, is resolved to continue its inexorable march; and not even President Trump, who is trumping a “Make America Great Again” mantra, would be able to buck globalisation and cause it to retreat into a new isolationism. We have no choice but to exploit the opportunities presented in the evolving dispensation by making strategic decisions on what we would produce going forward.
Regulating online hate speech to avoid harm is not censorship
By Volker Türk (UniTed naTions HigH Commissioner for HUman rigHTs)
Meta’s announcement that it is overhauling its policies on content moderation and fact-checking should alarm everyone who is concerned about freedom of expression. While these moves purport to protect free speech, they strike against it for many people and communities.
Meta announced it is recalibrating its automated content moderation to limit only so-called high-severity violations, such as those relating to terrorism. Taken together with policies adopted by other companies, including Telegram and X (formerly known as Twitter), this is likely to lead to far more abusive and hate-filled content on several of the world’s largest social media platforms.
Some of this content would target marginalised communities, including LGBTIQ+ people, refugees, migrants, and minorities of all kinds. In doing so, it would drive away those communities from these platforms: limiting their visibility, isolating them further, and reducing their freedom of expression. More broadly, these changes would cause harm far beyond specific people and groups.
Freedom of expression requires not only that people should be able to express their views, but should also be able to seek and receive ideas and information.
Poorly regulated social media platforms curtail this freedom in several ways. By silencing some people and communities, they restrict the range of information available to everyone. And by allowing the proliferation of lies and disinformation, they poison the information environment. They blur the line between fact and fiction, fracturing societies and eroding much-needed public space for open debate based on facts and basic common understanding.
The substantially increased volume of unmoderated content and hate speech that would result from these changes would be harmful at all times; but it could have particularly devastating consequences during conflicts, crises, and election campaigns; affecting hundreds of millions of people, regardless of whether they are users of these platforms. I have just returned from Syria, where I witnessed the toxicity of vengeful disinformation, which leads to violence.
Indeed, in 2018, Facebook itself recognized that it had not done enough to prevent its platform from being used to foment division and incite violence against the Rohingya in Myanmar. It acknowledged that it could, and should, do better. There are other similar examples. Election campaigns across the world have also shown that a lack of rights-based governance of social media environments can fray social cohesion and distort democratic deci-
sion-making. Over the past few years, in election campaigns from Brazil to Kenya to Moldova to Romania, there have been reports of disinformation and hateful content spreading on social media platforms. In such circumstances, it is crucial for companies to undertake human rights due diligence, and for States to ensure that debate spaces online and off remain free and open to all.
Content moderation is not easy, and can be contentious. My Office has sounded the alarm in cases of over- enforcement; for example, when States have used blunt laws and policies to silence dissenting voices and suppress unwelcome material in the public domain. And to cite one example, several civil society organisations recently documented the suppression of material on Palestinian rights across social media platforms.
But carefully regulating online hate speech and moderating content to avoid real harm is not censorship; it is an essential plank of information integrity in the Digital Age, and it is the responsibility of social media platforms.
The international community already has a framework to guide us through these issues: international human rights law. This agreed body of norms and standards is aimed precisely at protecting all freedoms for everyone, while preventing incitement to hatred and violence. It is universal, it is dynamic, and it can adapt to emerging issues.
Human rights are not up for debate or redefinition. Our freedom of expression was hard won, through years of protests against censorship and oppression; and we must be vigilant in safeguarding it. That means addressing head-on incitement to hatred and violence when it breaches the law; and protecting everyone’s right to access information, so that people can seek and receive ideas from a full range of diverse sources.
The lessons of recent years are clear: platforms that are blind to violence and that ignore the threats faced by journalists and human rights defenders would inevitably fall short and undermine free speech. Effective content governance must prioritise transparency and accountability, and provide for the ability to challenge content moderation decisions. It needs to consider context, nuance of local language, and who is controlling the content and its distribution. In short, it should take into account the broader information environment.
Effective governance of online content can emerge only from open, ongoing and well-informed debates across society. My Office would continue to call and work for accountability in the digital space, in line with human rights law. Human rights must serve as our guiding compass to safeguard public discourse, build trust, and protect the dignity of all. (Namibia Economist)
Chinese dragons performing at the 2025 Chinese Spring Festival at the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown (Chinese Embassy Photo)
Paper balloting remains the safest and only transparent means of voting
Dear Editor,
The PNC and its acolytes are trying desperately to make a case for themselves, knowing fully well what will take place in the upcoming election.
It is a two-pronged attack:
(a) To foment a situation of confusion, thus creating uncertainty in the electoral system so that the next general election can be considered null and void. They have done it before in the 1997 Elections, and if giv-
en the opportunity will do it again.
And plan (b): Create a situation for a possible recount in the event that the results are close.
In either scenario, their sinister plot to derail a smooth election, come November, will be defeated.
In the first case presented, that is, voting only by ID Card, [it] was a PNC proposal, put forward by that party. They claim that it would eliminate multiple voting and fraud from the system.
In the interest of peace, because the PNC Thugs were already in the streets, the PPP/C acceded to their demands and rushed that motion through parliament.
The 1997 Election saw them losing by a landslide, which brought about further irritation; they became so infuriated by the results that they hit the streets with a vengeance, committing every horrible act there is.
When this did not work, the next step for them, was
to take the matter to court to declare a system they’ve created null and void.
The point I am making, is that they want a system that would suddenly propel them into office, by any means necessary, one will say.
That is not going to happen.
Any party that holds office in this country, must do so under the authority of the people who elect them; one man one vote, there would be no win by a technicality.
A party’s claim to victory must go through a rigid legitimate process, that is one that is free of all encumbrances. There is no other way.
The present animated call by the PNC-led Opposition for a biometric system, is a ploy to disenfranchise voters, and one that would create confusion which the PNC would like to revel in, just the same manner like the 1997 Election.
We are fully aware of
their clandestine move and would not allow it to take root here. We want a smooth and unadulterated process next election, and that is what we are aiming for.
Paper balloting remains the safest and most transparent form of voting in any electoral system.
We are not about changing into any other form at the present moment.
Sincerely,
Neil Adams
New US$300M Vreed-en-Hoop Shore...
The President also pointed out that his Government’s emphasis on infrastructure, through successive budgets, is critical to ensuring that Guyana can optimise its natural resources and growing oil economy.
He gave the example of the new Demerara River Bridge currently being built, noting that if such investments are not made, then projects like the Vreed-enHoop shore base would not reach their full potential.
President Ali also acknowledged the workers who made the shore base a reality, noting that they are not only gathered to celebrate the investment, but also the more than 400 men and women who helped to
build the facility, as well as the 200 employees who will work there in the initial phase.
The President said the facility will also help Guyana to retain its technical expertise.
Bold vision
The consortium of investors in the Vreed-enHoop shore base includes Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer and Eddie Boyer of National Hardware Guyana Limited; and Andron Alphonso of ZRN Investments Inc. NRG hold a majority stake of 85 per cent in VEHSI, while the remaining 15 per cent is owned by Jan De Nul – the
company that constructed the facility.
In his address at the commissioning, Alphonso revealed that they were able to overcome obstacles meant to break their spirit. He hailed his partners, noting that it is not easy to find true believers in the overall vision.
Alphonso also noted that had it not been for President Dr Irfaan Ali and his clarion call on the private sector to form partnerships, as well as the financial and technical support of ExxonMobil and Jan De Nul, this project would not have come to fruition.
Meanwhile, ExxonMobil
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2025
06:00 (Sign on) Jewanram Gospel Hour
07:00 Cartoons
08:00 Shekinah Ministry
08:30 Cartoons
09:30 Morning Melodies with Anthony Persaud
10:30 Indian Movie - Maidaan (2024)
13:30 Indian Movie - Srikanth (2024)
15:45 Indian Movie - Kandasamys: The Baby (2023)
17:30 The Healing Touch
18:00 Maths is Fun
18:30 Week-in-Review
19:00 Supergirl S2 E15
20:00 Arrow S7 E13
21:00 Riverdale S7 E13
22:00 Movie - Damsel (2024)
00:00 Sign off
Guyana President Alistair Routledge explained that they received 20 different proposals for a shore base, but after a competitive process, it was the one submitted by NRG and Jan De Nul for the Vreed en Hoop shore base that was the one that stood out the most.
He also noted that this is only the beginning of
Exxon’s investments in the shore base.
“This is the beginning of a 20-year contract. Our industry is one that invests over decades, it’s one that requires long-term investment… We look forward to supporting further investments for the expansion of this port,” Routledge said.
The over 50 acres com-
missioned on Saturday will serve as a worldclass Subsea Umbilicals, Flowlines, and Riser (SURF) shore base for ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL). It will provide essential services related to the oil and gas sub-sea infrastructure such as equipment storage, inspections, repairs and fabrication.
CONSIDERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH KEEPING YOUR NEWLY ACQUIRED/ADOPTED CANINE OUTDOORS OR INDOORS
In previous columns, I discussed acquiring a pet and the issues you must confront before you make the decision to welcome the arrival of the new family member into your forever home.
Assuming that you have now made the decision to adopt a dog, you must now determine whether the pet dog will live mostly outdoors or indoors.
There are some pertinent considerations that have to be factored into the discussion:
OUTDOORS
During your “indoors versus outdoors’ deliberations, please remember
that the cute, furry ball of fun will develop into puberty and maturity (within months). Female dogs can breed as early as seven months of age. You will have to accommodate the change in size, especially if you have brought home a breed which you know will grow into a large animal.
2. If you have spent a lot of money to purchase a puppy, then you have to safeguard the animal against human and animal predators. Yes, a $100,000 pup can easily be lifted out of the yard by a passing thief. Also, a vicious antisocial dog might simply enter your yard and maul the pup.
3. Can the pet puppy
or adult dog withstand the stressors of the outdoors?
A Toy Breed “lap dog” (so called because it finds itself in one’s lap) really would find it difficult to exist outdoors (the availability of a protective kennel notwithstanding).
4. Do you have enough space in the yard for a kennel? I have been noticing that houses built in Guyana, particularly Georgetown, in recent times occupy the almost entire ground area with narrow concrete apron to the fence; in other words no earth surface. This is a most unsuitable environment for a dog kennel and for a healthy dog to exercise.
5. The dog cannot be kept for extensive periods
inside a kennel or tied to a post in the yard. Such actions are manifestations of cruelty and there are specific laws in Guyana to protect animals subjected to these inhumane circumstances.
INDOORS
If you decide to keep your companion animals indoors, please consider the following:
There must be areas in the home where the pet ought not to frequent. The animal must be trained to stay away from those areas which you may wish, for sanitation or religious reasons, to be free of dog dander, odours and shed hair, and which potentially pose a risk to you and the animal’s
safety.
Two specific area of concern (and you, of course, will know your high-risk areas) are the kitchen and the dining room. I have not carried out a statistical analysis, but empirical observations at my Clinic reveal that many dogs, (and cats too) wanting to demonstrate love, get tangled up with the feet of the caregivers and, as a result, get scald burns from the liquids being transferred from the stove to counter/ table. The owner may also suffer from burns or may fall and break a limb.
It follows, therefore, that the pet’s food/water bowls must be placed away from those areas considered to be high-risk/heavily trafficked.
You must have the time and patience needed to toilet train. Get guidance from your veterinarian relative to sequential training methods for a desirable long-term outcome.
Determine the location in the house that will be optimal for the dog to sleep at nights. I am not conditioned to accept even the concept of a dog sleeping on the bed with adults and
on average, five and a half feet from the surface of the earth. This is a big difference. In the dog’s micro-environment, dust, debris, and every bug known to man exist. Dogs will hunt smaller prey (they particularly love lizards) and happily bring the carcass onto your bed! In the tropics, the heat and humidity levels allow bacteria, other infectious agents, and sundry vermin to multiply and flourish. A well-cared dog with inherent immunity will cope well, However, he can be a carrier of contaminants. For this reason, I believe that beds, dining tables, sofas, etc. are not places for the dog to inhabit. Be assured that dogs love routine and their own space. Once they settle in their quiet corner at night, they will sleep comfortably until you rise. A crate, with a blanket and favourite toy, and large enough to permit some movement, is a happy place for dogs and they would usually signal you when it’s their bedtime, by gravitating to the crate and making whimpering/whining sounds.
Make every effort to keep
children. I know that one can clean and groom a dog daily and that the burden of ecto- and endo-parasites is managed with proper veterinary and home care. But the dog’s indoor and outdoor world is just 18 inches off the ground. We humans breathe air that circulates,
your dog and your home environment as clean as possible. It will entail a great effort on your part. But you will do it. After all, you chose the pretty, puny pooch who may not fare well in confronting outdoor life and has per force become a new member of your family.
“They’re not killing this project” – VP Jagdeo
...as Opposition continues push against GtE Project
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has declared that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government will not allow efforts by the Opposition to kill the highly anticipated Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project.
The US$759 million project, which will utilise gas resources that will be piped from offshore, will see the construction of a 300-megawatt (MW) Combined Cycle Power Plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility built at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD).
Works are ongoing and the contractor, Lindsayca CH4 Guyana Inc. – a United States (US)-based consortium of Lindsayca and CH4 (LNDCH4), is expected to deliver power in a few months’ time and when this happens, Guyanese
but we believe lower electricity prices and stable electricity, and lower cooking gas prices are important for [Guyanese]. They are trying to kill that project,” the Vice President posited.
On the other hand, he
based energy consultancy, Sargent & Lundy, which was retained by the EXIM Bank to look into the technical and financial feasibility of the GtE Project.
“The AFC and the APNU believe that the way they ran Guyana and the
will see the cost of electricity slashed by half and benefit from reliable power supply.
Guyana has already secured a US$527 million loan from the US ExportImport (EXIM) Bank to partially finance the project and has also set aside some G$51 billion in the 2025 Budget to advance works on the project.
During his weekly press conference last Thursday, Jagdeo responded to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance for Change (AFC) Opposition parties’ continued criticisms about the initiative, detailing how the project will benefit Guyanese.
“APNU doesn’t believe [the project is] a priority
noted that the AFC is now trying to recover from being proven wrong, when they claimed back in November that the Government lied and that US EXIM Bank did not approve the loan for the project.
The US financial institution announced on December 26, 2024 that it has approved the loan, and subsequently inked the agreement on January 10, when the EXIM Bank President and Chair, Reta Jo Lewis, visited Georgetown.
According to Jagdeo, the AFC is now back at it again, claiming this time no feasibility study was done on the GtE Project.
However, the Vice President pointed to the due diligence report that was produced by US-
way they run their affairs now as cake shop operation, that that is how a bank like EXIM Bank would run and would just hand over US$500 million to a country just like that and not do their own due diligence on a project surrounding its feasibility.
“They would’ve never made a loan to a project like this. They did a 197-page due diligence report that we have but it’s the property of EXIM Bank; it is their property… The project is going to be built. It has the loan [and] in spite of what they said, it would be completed. It would generate power, it would cut electricity prices by half, it would result in significant savings on cooking gas and we’ll get about US$380 million per year of savings to the Guyanese
people if we use all the gas. That is what will happen,” he asserted.
The Vice President emphasised that, while in opposition, the PPP/C recognised the significant benefits such a project could offer citizens. Consequently, upon assuming office in 2020, the initiative was made a high priority to address the country’s ongoing electricity challenges.
“The numbers are so phenomenal… What is new about this technical feasibility? Have people built pipelines before in the world; yes, most of the world can build a pipeline. Have they built power plants before; yes. So, what’s wrong with using your own gas to build a pipeline where the numbers are so apparent to even a clown... That’s why I said it’s a no-brainer. So, I’m not
going to get into this every week for people who are ignorant about basic things [and] who lied about the Amaila Falls [Hydropower Project] for the same reason,” he contended.
Jagdeo, a former President of Guyana, had initiated the 165-MW Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) during his term in office, as the flagship initiative for the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
But the project failed to take off when developer Sithe Global announced that it was pulling out of the project, which it said was too large to continue without national consensus, and had cited the lack of consensus in Parliament.
At the time, the then APNU and AFC Oppositions had both expressed concerns about the project and
voted down key pieces of legislation, which consequently halted the project. Then during its term in office from 2015 to 2020, the APNU/AFC Coalition Administration again shelved the project.
But Jagdeo declared last week that the PPP/C Government will not allow the GtE Project to have a similar fate.
“It’s Amaila all over again and you know, we were not robust enough in that period, taking them on, on Amaila, when all the lies were told about $2 billion of debt, which was a lie because it was contingent liability [and] they talked about water running out from Amaila, 30 cents per kilowatt/hour (kWh) and we allowed them to kill it. They’re not killing this project; they’re not killing it,” VP Jagdeo insisted.
Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and US EXIM Bank Chair Reta Jo Lewis signed the US$527 million loan agreement in the presence of Prime Minister Mark Phillips (middle), Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, and US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, on January 10
An artistic impression of the Gas-to-Energy project
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
64-year-old beaten, killed during robbery at WBD home
Two persons have been arrested by police in connection with the murder of 64-year-old Parbhudai Boodhram, also known as Renie, a housewife of Lot 1118 Belle West, West Bank Demerara.
The gruesome incident occurred between 20:00h on Friday, and 8:00h on Saturday at her residence. It is believed that the act was carried out by unknown perpetrator(s).
Dead: Parbhudai Boodhram … 2 arrested
Reports indicate that Boodhram lived with her husband, Anthony Alphonso Boodhram, called Tony, a 63-year-old tailor. The couple had a routine where the woman would assist her husband daily at his Georgetown tailor shop before returning home.
On Friday morning at around 10:00h, she reportedly left her home to help him as usual.
After finishing work for the day, Boodhram headed
back to Belle West and made a stop at a nearby shop to purchase groceries. The shop owner, who was also a friend, told police that they escorted her home and watched as she entered the yard before driving off.
It is suspected that the perpetrator(s) were hiding in the yard and ambushed her as she approached the house. Police found no signs of
forced entry, indicating that she was likely apprehended before she could lock her door.
Inside the home, Boodhram was restrained with plastic cable zip ties and beaten severely about her face and body. The assailants ransacked the house, stealing her purse, jewellery, and approximately US$4,000 from a closet.
They then fled the scene in an unknown direction.
Her body was discovered hours later, and police were summoned.
Officers conducted an initial examination and transported the victim to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Her remains were subsequently taken to Ezekiel Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is pending.
“Detectives arrived at the scene around 10:30h on Saturday and questioned several individuals in the area”, the police report stated.
According to police, some useful information was obtained, leading to the arrest of two individuals who are now assisting with the investigation.
As police continue to probe this violent crime, investigators are working to determine whether additional suspects were involved.
Kudos…
…and brickbats
The pop artist Andy Warhol famously claimed that “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” Well, your Eyewitness doesn’t know about WORLD-famous; but, in the Budget Debate that kicked off in fine style last Friday, all our politicians elected to Parliament are gonna get their 15 minutes to be famous in Guyana!! There were 13 speakers on Friday, which was a heck better than the ONE speaker – the Finance Minister – who read out the Budget on the previous Friday and put so many of his colleagues to sleep!! And perchance to dream??!!
Now, usually, these debates follow a fixed script – the Government MPs praise the Government’s spending on aspects for which they’re given responsibility, but take as much time to knock the Opposition’s performance when they were in office!! And vice-versa. A Housing Minister, Rodrigues, set the tone when she kicked off her presentation by describing the Budget as taking care of Guyanese “from cradle to grave”. She showed she wasn’t just speaking figuratively, but with their $100,000 for every baby born this year – literally!!
For her brickbat to the Opposition, she declaimed: “From the time the APNU/AFC started, they put VAT on medical supplies. Under their leadership, it became more expensive to access medical care in this country. Putting VAT on supplies and medication! From the time the children start school, they will receive the Because We Care grant. They will go to school and get text books. They will get meals at their schools. All of that provided by our government’s policies”!! Awww!!
From the Opposition side, AFC MP Fernandez was scathing about the PPP’s programme: “To work in 2025, Mr Speaker, with the largest GDP per capita, the PPPC’s bright idea of job creation is for its citizens to wash hotel sheets or mop hotel floors. And further, Mr Speaker, their idea of job creation is for our citizens to work in a country and work in hotels that they cannot afford to stay in. This is the reality of the PPP Administration.”
Ouch!! She was referring, of course, to the PPP trumpeting the hotels being built, and echoing Burnham’s retort that he wouldn’t push tourism to “create a nation of waiters.”
However, Rodrigues, who spoke after her, retorted: “I come from a working-class family. A grandmother who scrubbed floors and cleaned people’s houses for a living. A grandmother who worked in the kitchens…and I listened to my colleague on the other side of the house disparage those who work in honest jobs. Every job has dignity. This is the mindset I want people listening at home to see. This is the mindset of the people who make up the members of the Opposition.”
And that’s what live political debates are all about!!
…from Opposition
But what garnered the most attention on Day 1 was the presentation of PNC MP Chandan-Edmond. She didn’t follow the usual script when she declared: “No budget is perfect, Mr Speaker, and this one is no exception. It is our duty as legislators not to settle for good-enough, but to demand more: More equity, more inclusion, and more action. The Opposition’s role here is not to obstruct progress, but it is to push for better outcomes.
“Criticism is not opposition for its own sake; it is a call to address gaps, correct missteps, and to ensure that Government serves all people, regardless of their religion, class or creed. Let us make this a moment where we rise above the fray, put the interest of our people first, and demonstrate that we are worthy of the trust that they have placed in us. I support progress, peace, prosperity and commitment”.
Now, ain’t that mature?? Sadly, your Eyewitness believes she’ll be dubbed “the new Charrandas”!!
…for persistence
Well, you gotta hand it to the PNC/APNU and the AFC. Despite the AFC throwing shade on their coalition talks as being on “life support”, they’ll continue to work on a common platform to facilitate a coalition!!
Guyana invited to chair group of new oil-producing countries – Bharrat
...says invitation recognises country’s stellar handling of oil sector
Guyana has been invited to chair a group of the world’s newest oil producing countries, a development described by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat as recognition of Guyana’s growing status as an oil producer on the world stage.
In an exclusive interview with this publication, Bharrat revealed that the Government is currently considering the invitation at a policy level, and that the countries making up the group include Ghana, Namibia, and likely Suriname.
“We received correspon-
dence from the global New Producers Group (NPG), that is new petroleum countries. It’s made up of a number of countries that are new in the petroleum sector,” he said.
“They would have invited Guyana to chair that group, I think for the next three years from February. So we have that correspondence in our possession. So at a policy level we’ll make a decision on how we move forward with it.”
As of now, however, the Minister noted that the Government saw no harm in Guyana participating in and chairing this group, noting that it was not an organisa-
tion that would be in competition with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
“It definitely shows that Guyana is being recognised among the new oil producing countries. It shows that our framework and the way we’re managing the sector is recognised and accepted worldwide and is of industry standard.”
Bharrat also described the offer as recognition that the Guyana Government has been ensuring the ben-
efits of the oil sector are felt by the people.
The Minister revealed that this is one of the criteria the grouping looked at, in offering Guyana this role.
“It’s not just about being an oil producer. It’s about how well you manage the sector, the resources and revenue from it. And I think our NRF is probably second to none among new producing countries,” the Minister added.
Based on the configuration of the new oil producers’
association, meetings would be held once every quarter of the year… three virtual meetings and one in person meeting.
According to Bharrat, it is likely that the chair country would host that in-person meeting.
Namibia is a country on the South Western coast of Africa with estimated oil reserves of 11 billion barrels.
Meanwhile, Ghana has been producing oil since 2010 and currently produces 130,000 barrels of oil per day.
When it comes to Suriname, the country has already signed either production sharing or exploration agreements with Chevron, Shell, TotalEnergies Suriname and QatarEnergy.
In 2022, the Government of Guyana passed the National Resource Fund Bill and established the Natural Resource Fund Board –which has oversight on the country’s oil monies.
The Government has also updated the 1986 Petroleum Act and passed the Petroleum Activities Bill. This piece of legislation aims to improve existing laws governing safety,
emergency responses, and other oil and gas-related issues.
Government has also produced a new model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), which will ultimately see the State’s take rising to over 60 per cent of the current revenue share.
Under the new conditions of the model PSA, Guyana stands to benefit from as high as US$20 million signature bonuses for the deep-water blocks and US$10 million for the shallow-water blocks.
Additionally, all future PSAs would also include the retention of the 50-50 profit-sharing after cost recovery; the increase of the royalty from a mere two per cent to a fixed rate of 10 per cent; the imposition of a 10 per cent corporate tax, and the lowering of the cost recovery ceiling to 65 per cent, from 75 per cent.
Government has also pushed to have in place, local content legislation, which paved the way for the establishment of the Local Content Secretariat, which has been in operation since 2021.
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat
Trump and Venezuela
As he had promised, Donald Trump hit the ground running as soon as he was sworn-in as the 47th President of the USA. He signed a record-breaking forty-two Executive Orders, and the ones on deporting illegal immigrants would be of interest to Guyanese, whose relatives have been entering the US via the “back-track” for decades, and most recently overstaying their visitor visas.
He also broadened the definition of “illegals” by announcing the ending of “birthright” citizenship: wherein any baby born in the USA inherits citizenship regardless of the immigration status of their parents. One tactic familiar to Guyanese is pregnant visiting mothers delivering their “American” babies, then returning home with their children.
Raids are already being conducted by ICE to round up illegal immigrants, and it has been reported that two planeloads of deportees have landed in Guatemala. The usually jam-packed, Guyanese-dominated Liberty Ave in Richmond Hill, Queens was deserted, as discretion took the place of braggadocio and swagger. Community leaders have been pleading with their constituents not to snitch on illegals as the community became shrouded with tension.
VP Jagdeo has announced that Guyana would be accepting its deportees; unlike Mexico, which refused landing permission for a military aircraft even as it was preparing camps to house deportees.
Meanwhile, Maduro has announced that he would be accepting Venezuela deportees from their more than 500,000 illegals who crossed the Mexican border into the US. This announcement is somewhat anomalous, since it had been assumed that Maduro would use his acquiescence as a bargaining chip against Trump removing Chevron’s licence, reinstated by Biden to lift and ship 220,000 bpd of Venezuelan crude to the US.
In the meantime, however, Trump has said his administration is looking “very strongly” at the country, and would likely stop buying oil from them.
“It was a great country 20 years ago, and now it’s a mess,” he told reporters in the Oval Office hours after his inauguration. “We don’t have to buy their oil; we have plenty of oil for ourselves.”
During the presidential campaign, Trump had called Maduro a “dictator”, and had announced he would be facilitating increased drilling from American reserves. We have to be careful that this is a feint, since Trump’s envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, announced that “Diplomacy is back…talking is a tactic”, and spoke with multiple officials in Venezuela, with whom he would be meeting soon.
Back in 2020, Grenell had secretly met with a Maduro representative to try to work out the Venezuelan dictator’s peaceful exit from power, after his 2018 re-election was considered a sham by the US and most Western countries; but no agreement had been reached.
We have an identical situation recurring after last July’s election, which was rigged by Maduro. The Biden Administration recognised Opposition Leader Eduardo Gonzales as Venezuela’s “presidentelect”, but only slapped on some innocuous personal sanctions.
Maduro’s rule over Venezuela presents a clear and ever-present danger to our sovereignty, and we were reminded of this just before his inauguration on Jan 10th, when he announced he was arranging for the election of a Governor over Essequibo, which he had “annexed” last year. For good measure, he prodded the US when he later asserted that he would invade Puerto Rico.
Deploying the DIME instruments of national power - diplomatic, informational, military, and economic – we should work closely with the Trump Administration on a common strategy towards the removal of Maduro in which there are a number of high-level antiMaduro appointees such as Secretary of State Mario Rubio. At his confirmation hearing, the latter said Venezuela is “governed by a narco-trafficking organization that has empowered itself as a nationstate.” He pointed out that Venezuela’s closest ally remains Cuba, America’s oldest Latin American foe, and that Maduro’s regime also is aligned with China, Russia, and Iran - which is building drones in Venezuela.
It is unlikely that the US would pursue regime change in Venezuela through direct military action; but they would have to be more creative than reapplying the oil and personal sanctions in conjunction with support for the Opposition from the first Trump regime. India should be jawboned to block Venezuela’s BRICS aspirations in exchange for their oil purchases. We should strengthen our cooperation with Brazil, since any Venezuelan invasion of our Rupununi would have to pass through Brazilian territory. During Maduro’s last sabre-rattling episode, Brazil moved troops to block them. For our northern Essequibo jungle terrain, we repeat our proposal that we should establish a military base there, from which we can wage an asymmetrical war strategy against invading Venezuelan troops.
Govt processed 2000 remigrant applications since 2020 – Todd
– over 400 applications for Guyanese remigrants approved in 2024
Since 2020, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPC) Government has processed approximately 2,000 applications from Guyanese remigrants interested in returning home to their country of birth, with more than 400 of these remigrants gaining approval just last year.
This was revealed by Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd, during his presentation on day one of the 2025 budget debates on Friday.
According to the Foreign Minister, most of these applications came from the ABC countries, as well as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
“On migration, the Ministry has improved the efficiency in the processing, to allow for timely deliverables, in keeping with the Ministry mandate. In 2024, the Ministry processed 409 successful applications of Guyanese who remigrated, primarily from the United States (US), Canada, the United Kingdom (UK) and the Caribbean states,” Todd stated.
diaspora community in the national development.
During the year 2024, we undertook more than 15 diaspora engagements, in approximately eight jurisdictions. We will continue to engage with the Guyanese living abroad to encourage their involvement in the na-
“Since taking office, the Government of Guyana has processed approximately 2,000 remigrant applications. This highlights the trust and confidence in the diaspora in the PPPC Government. The remigrant unit continues to process applications within seven working days. This represents 1/3 of the processing time under the APNU/AFC (A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change) Government,” he added.
A major factor in attracting so much interest from the diaspora has been how visible the Government is to them in their foreign homes. According to Todd, the PPP/C Government carried out more than 15 engagements with the diaspora, to appraise them of the opportunities in their homeland, and urge them to return and invest.
“The Government of Guyana, under the leadership of his excellency, continues to aggressively pursue the involvement of the
tional development process,” the Foreign Affairs Minister announced.
The PPP/C Government has already approved more than 1,000 applications from overseas-based Guyanese under the Remigrant Scheme initiative. This programme targets persons in the Guyanese diaspora, providing certain incentives for them to return and contribute to the development of their homeland.
Since assuming office in August 2020, the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government has placed emphasis on involving the diaspora community in national development. Consequently, Government resuscitated the Diaspora Unit and re-established stakeholder engagement to improve the services provided to the diaspora.
With the PPPC Government’s efforts to improve the re-migrant scheme, and regularly disseminating information to the Diaspora population, there were more than 400 remigrant applications ap-
proved in 2023. This represented a 9.8 per cent increase over 2022.
In fact, the number of people who applied for remigrant status in 2023 was 68 per cent higher than the figure for 2019. Further, more than 15,000 passports were renewed for the Diaspora, with over 2,000 second-generation Guyanese registering for the first time for their Guyanese passport – a clear signal of a heightened level of interest and engagement.
Meanwhile, over the years, there have been several high-level engagements with the Guyanese diaspora across the world, including hosting a virtual diaspora conference in 2021; webinars on remigration and investment in 2023, and job fairs in New York, Trinidad and Suriname last year, to harness the skills of members of the diaspora.
During his address to the Virtual Diaspora Conference in May 2021, President Ali had charged the Diaspora to use their influence, finances and expertise to help develop the country and the lives of their fellow Guyanese.
Later, in September 2024, President Ali had a series of engagements with the Guyanese-American community in New York where he had outlined his administration’s vision of Guyana’s development and also updat-
ed them on the progress of major infrastructural works. Then last December, he also engaged overseas-based Guyanese in Miami, Florida.
With a majority of the Guyanese Diaspora based in the US and Canada, the Guyana Government has also embarked on extending certain local services to those communities.
As a result, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) conducted outreaches in New York and Toronto, to address issues that overseas-based Guyanese have with their contributions, thus tackling the massive backlog of cases at the institution.
President Ali has also met with the Guyanese Diaspora in several countries across the Caribbean as well as in the UK, India and even in the Middle East.
The President had indicated his intention to tap into the massive talent pool and expertise that exists within the Guyanese Diaspora.
This is with the intention of filling the labour gaps in the country, as well as attracting investments in new areas.
During a May 2023 visit to Qatar, the Head of State also lobbied the small Guyanese Diaspora there to participate in their homeland’s transformation.
Ravi Dev
Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd
President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the Guyanese Diaspora in Miami in December 2024
Tourism & Hospitality Institute to foster local entrepreneurs – Director
Director of the Tourism and Hospitality Institute, Professor Clement Sankat, believes the time has come for Guyana to pay more attention on developing the skills of local entrepreneurs.
According to Professor Sankat, the Tourism and Hospitality Institute will be doing just that even as it focuses on equipping persons with the skills to work in a modern tourism industry.
Currently, work is progressing on the US$7 million Tourism and Hospitality Institute at Port Mourant, Corentyne in Region Six (East
Berbice-Corentyne) with two buildings under construction – one for practical training and the other for classrooms.
According to the Director of the campus, which will also have the Oil and Gas Institute, both buildings should be completed during the first quarter of next year.
With the two elaborate buildings, he noted they will be able to provide training for all aspects of the hospitality industry when the construction is completed. These include Hospitality and Tourism Management, front desk operations, housekeeping, food and beverages, cooking, culi-
nary arts, quality and safety in a hotel, reservations, and marketing.
“More than that, we are going to train our young people in so many other skills that are needed in our country; hairdressing, pedicure, manicure. Put it this way, the Institute will train a lot of people for the tourism industry, for the restaurant industry, for the beverage industry [like] bars – waiters, waitresses, food service [operators]… But it is also going to train young Guyanese who could become entrepreneurs and start a business of their own,” Professor Sankat explained.
The Director further disclosed that the Institute can come into operation by the end of the first quarter of 2026, but this would depend on how quickly the other facilities can
be put in place.
“The other facilities would be an administrative building and more importantly, we have to put a utility building so that we can take care of our
utilities, bringing in our power, water etc. That has not yet gone out to tender,” he noted. To this end, Professor Sankat is calling on the Education Ministry to tender for the work in a timely manner.
“If I had the training building, I would have already started some training – trust me. We have people willing and ready to be trained in some of these disciplines. It depends on the Ministry of Education and who will be the contractor and the time the contractor would take,” Professor Sankat pointed out. (G4)
The Tourism & Hospitality Institute under construction at Port Mourant, Berbice
Police discover 2,720 grams of ganja in abandoned house at Sophia
ACampbellville, Newtown Kitty, Albouystown, Stabroek Market, Leopold Street, and Bourda Market, Georgetown.
Searches were carried out on various stalls and individuals at these locations, as part of efforts to crack down on criminal activities.
During the exercise in South Sophia, police discovered a cream plastic bucket containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.
The bucket was found in an unoccupied wooden structure located in the Squatting Dam area.
The operations targeted South Sophia, Greater Georgetown,
police team from Regional Division 4A (Georgetown) uncovered a significant quantity of marijuana during a series of “Cordon and Search” operations conducted Saturday, across several areas in Georgetown.
The narcotics were retrieved and transported to the Alberttown Police Station, where they were photographed and weighed.
The total weight of the substance was confirmed to be 2,720 grams.
No arrests were made in
connection with the discovery, as police continue their investigations.
The operation is part of
an ongoing effort by law enforcement to address crime and drug-related activities in key areas of Georgetown.
The abandoned house in which the illegal drug was found
The marijuana found in the abandoned house at Sophia
2 men charged with narcotics offences in separate cases
Two men appeared at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court on the East Bank of Demerara on Friday, to face narcotics-related charges following their arrests earlier in the week.
Sherwin Jackson
In the first case, Sherwin Jackson, a 47-year-old resident of #54 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was arrested on Wednesday, by a rank from the Providence Police Station.
Authorities alleged that Jackson was found in possession of 1,650 grams of cannabis, leading to a charge
of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Jackson appeared before Magistrate Dillon Bess in Court #3, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison pending further proceedings. The matter has been adjourned to January 31.
Malcolm Spencer
In a separate incident, 25-year-old Malcolm Spencer of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was arrested the same day by ranks from the Region 4B (East Bank Demerara) Criminal Investigation Department.
Police stated that Spencer was caught with 13 grams of cannabis and was subsequently charged with possession of narcotics.
Spencer appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune in Court #1, where he pleaded guilty to the charge. Magistrate Fortune imposed a fine of $30,000, with the alternative of six months’ imprisonment should he fail to pay.
Remanded: Sherwin Jackson Fined: Malcolm Spencer
Essequibo man pleads guilty to firearm, ammo charges; remanded to prison
Aubrey Ama Haynes, a 37-year-old resident of Hamper Bay, Essequibo River, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence, when he appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohammed at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Haynes was remanded to prison and the case was adjourned to February 25. He was charged under Section 16(2)(a) of the Firearms Act, Chapter 16.05.
Haynes’ guilty plea comes after a series of events that unfolded earlier in January.
On January 20, police in Regional Division #7 (CuyuniMazaruni), acting on information about a firearm being discharged in the vicinity of Makouria Creek, proceeded to confront Haynes.
When questioned, Haynes admitted to discharging the weapon
and being in possession of the firearm.
A search of his person led to the discovery of a .32 semi-automatic pistol with six live matching rounds of ammunition, which was concealed in his crotch area.
Haynes explained that the firearm belonged to his uncle, 73-yearold Royston Massiah, a farmer from Hamper Bay, but admitted that he did not have a licence for it.
Following his arrest, Haynes was taken to the Bartica Police Station along with the firearm and ammunition, which were marked, placed in an evidence box, and sealed in his presence.
In a video-recorded interview, Haynes confirmed that the firearm belonged to his uncle and disclosed that he had accidentally discharged it at the home of Francine Straughn, a 36-year-old housewife from Makouria Creek.
Remanded: Aubrey Ama Haynes
Further investigation into the firearm’s ownership revealed that Royston Massiah, the alleged owner, had reported the firearm missing.
When contacted by police,
Massiah claimed that Haynes had stolen the weapon from him.
On January 21, Massiah provided police with details of the firearm’s legal ownership and stated that he had stored the weapon in a locked metal case at his residence in Hamper Bay.
Massiah disclosed that both the .32 semi-automatic pistol and a .270 Walter PKK rifle had been licensed in 2021 but were not renewed due to financial constraints.
The firearms were kept in a metal case secured with a padlock, with one key hanging in Massiah’s room, and the other on a key ring with his house keys. When Massiah was contacted by police, he discovered the padlock had been opened and both firearms and ammunition were missing.
On further investigation, police found that Haynes had hidden the firearm based on instructions from
Massiah.
Haynes led officers to a location where additional firearms and ammunition were recovered.
A search at Massiah’s residence on January 21, led to the discovery of a .270 Walter PKK rifle hidden in a white salt bag under a wooden bed frame, along with seven live .270 rounds of ammunition in the upper flat of the house.
Haynes claimed that Massiah had allowed him to use the rifle to hunt.
Both the seized firearm and ammunition were transported to the Bartica Police Station, where they were logged as evidence.
While Haynes was arrested, police revealed that Massiah’s involvement is still under investigation, particularly regarding his role in the theft of the firearm and his failure to initially report the missing rifle.
Several Govt agencies coordinating efforts to review spate of gas cylinder explosions
Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) met Friday, January 24, 2025, to coordinate efforts aimed at reviewing the recent series of
suspected cooking gas cylinder-related explosions across the country.
In a media release, the EPA noted that at the meeting, discussions focused on sharing findings, and actions taken by the respective agencies, with the aim of identifying key strategic actions and engagement of the various stakeholders.
It was agreed at the meeting that, for immediate first steps, all agencies involved will continue their inspections and investigations of the various facilities and components, in keeping with their respective mandates.
In addition, the agencies agreed to share their respective reports, findings and recommendations.
It was also agreed that following the review of the respective inspections, investigations and recommendations, a report would be prepared with an appropriate action plan, inclusive of safety measures for suppliers of the products, vendors and consumers.
A follow-up meeting has been planned for Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the release advised.
Friday’s meeting came one day after Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo told this publication at his press conference on Thursday that the regulatory bodies of the State need to immediately look into these incidents.
In response to a question from this publication, the VP said “I think this should be a standard thing for the EPA and the others… The
regulatory bodies have to look at this. The GEA and also the EPA should launch an investigation immediately to look into this.”
Officials of the EPA, GEA, GFS, and GNBS met in the EPA boardroom at Sophia, Georgetown
Many modern-day issues beset countless individuals in Guyana, prompting them to seek advice and help, which often leads to an ongoing search for spiritual growth.
However, few may know that one group here is using ancient teachings to address these modern-day challenges.
Chinmaya Mission, formed in 2023 and now set to transform Guyana, has launched its “108 Nights of Bhagavad Gita Discourses,” which began on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti: January 14, 2025.
The Bhagavad Gita is a text that teaches about yoga, righteousness, and the philosophy of Atma Dharma; and this monumental initiative is designed to take individuals on a journey through the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita in a series of discourses that cover all 700 verses of these texts across 108 consecutive nights in 108 mandirs throughout Guyana.
These discourses are aimed at helping individuals overcome various challenges through ancient practices, foster spiritual growth, and inspire persons to become positive contributors to society by engaging in selfless work.
The Chinmaya Mission is a worldwide teaching organization that is committed to imparting the profound wisdom of Vedanta, and many local pioneers and members of the Guyanese diaspora
have, for years, urged the Chinmaya Mission to undertake this initiative.
This series is being led by Swami Prakashananda, and discussions, chants and practical reflections are integral components thereof.
In a recent telephone interview with this publication, Dev Singh, a spiritual teacher of the Chinmaya Mission in Guyana, revealed the scale and vision of this initiative. According to him, the series would span the entirety of Guyana: from the communities of Crabwood Creek and Skeldon in Berbice, Guyana’s eastern region, to communities on the Essequibo Coast in Guyana’s western region. Mandirs and organizations would be visited, talks and discourses would take place on the Bhagavad Gita, and participants would be involved in an array of activities, such as discussions and chanting.
Emphasising the importance of listening and reflecting on the wisdom that is taught, and giving serious consideration to discussions on how the teachings could be applied in life, Singh declared, “So, the main thing is coming to listen and reflect on the wisdom, and then discuss how it can be applied in life; that is the main thrust of the whole event. So, people participate by coming and listening, and then hosting discussions thereafter.”
In regard to the systematic approach being employed in covering all 700 verses of the Bhagavad Gita,
Singh said, “By systematically covering all the verses, the listening public — online or in person — get a full grasp of the text, as opposed to scraps and bits here and there. They get a full, systematic, authentic presentation.”
Explaining that Chinmaya Mission aims to deliver the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to contemporary audiences in English, and by using everyday examples with problems that Guyanese may face within their personal lives, Singh said, “The text is in Sanskrit, but our expertise is in teaching (it) in English; using modern examples and showing how this ancient wisdom can solve modern-day problems like mental health issues, social well-being, and proper citizenship. By addressing these, we tackle contemporary issues.”
Singh disclosed that among the challenges involved in organizing this grand initiative were logistics and timing; but those were overcome by the collaborative efforts of community leaders and villages. He explained that each community is taking responsibility for hosting the event for one night, making the event a collective endeavour.
Singh is encouraging persons who may be interested in so doing to attend these public talks. He says attendance is free, and local communities would be visited.
The full itinerary of locations and dates are avail-
able on social media, including Facebook. Virtual attendance is also an option for those unable to attend in person.
Disclosing that the aim is to attract young persons of all religious and ethnic backgrounds to these teachings by engaging in activities such as healthy philosophical discussions on how the teachings can be applied in their lives, Singh said, “So, we have a younger generation partici-
pating, first by following every night. There’s a group coming every night on the East Coast. They are participating and helping (to) organize (the event), and they are asking questions. They are having what you call a healthy debate over topics.”
Pointing out that Chinmaya Mission would soon be offering courses for all ages on various topics in Sanatana Dharma, Singh explained that that is because the idea is to offer
courses on these teachings for all ages: from toddlers all the way up to retirees. He added that the Mission is also working on a free course to teach participants how to chant the Bhagavad Gita. This course, organized in collaboration with the High Commission of India and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center in Georgetown, would culminate in a competition in which medals would be awarded to participants.
From top to bottom: High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Dr Amit Telang; Smt Dr Deepali Brahmachari Dvijot Chaitanya & Pujya Swami Prakashananda of Chinmaya Mission Guyana; and the Honourable Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud
The tantalising aroma of freshly brewed chai has taken the meaning of ‘storm in a teacup’ to a different level, as it wafted through the streets of Campbellville, Georgetown, on Friday, captivating the senses of everyone in its path, and taking local tea lovers by storm.
This irresistible blend of natural spices and
The teas are made without the use of any machines, ultimately promoting healthy liv-
ing.
Speaking to Persaud, he revealed that the genesis of his journey, which only kicked off this January, has seen more than a hundred purchases since.
Before he started making chai that drew people to its lovely taste, he was captivated and hooked on it himself.
“Well, I love tea. I’m a lover of tea, so when I went to India last year to study, I drank a lot of chai and then when I came back, we started to make chai at Earth Farm.”
After leaving India, he would usually go to Armadillo Earth Farm, where they had a com mon practice of making chai, and everyone would taste it.
Armadillo Earth Farm is a local, all-natu ral Earth Farm, sustained mainly by volunteer work.
“So we have this little tradition at the farm, which we call the round table. So we would sit, and after every event, everybody would sit and give their comments and, you know, we’d have discussions and we would put on a big pot of chai. And everybody would make chai.”
He added that he was encouraged to start his venture at one of these occasions, and what started as a hobby has now developed into his desire to bring an authentic chai experience to Guyana.
According to him, this start was like a mere joke and served no great importance to him.
“It was passed as a joke when I heard someone say, ‘why don’t you do chai to sell?’ I was like, I’ll think about it. And then it came into being at the beginning of this year. So on my birthday, actually, in January, which is the 9th of January, chai was actually birthed, the actual chai. And we moved on from there, and it came to this.”
The products, he declared, are carefully packaged for the public, promoting a healthy way of living for Guyanese.
“It’s manually packaged, like I said, it’s all herbal; we want to promote healthy living, so that is why we don’t use and machines, and we have these wooden bowls and all these things that we use to mix and to package. We also have special bamboo-made bowls and spoons that we use to do the filling and to do the mixture and all of that.”
On that note he mentioned a key ingredient in one of the chai flavours that they create, which is used to make into powder.
“So we buy ginger locally, and we go through the process of dehydration and then make it into the powder so all the spices are added, the right quantity is measured and placed, mixed and filled into one bottle, then we move on to the next bottle.”
No chai is made by mass production, instead, every bottle is individually mixed.
With this careful approach to making the chai, every drop still lingers on the taste buds, making people crave more and, ultimately, craving for a healthy lifestyle.
“So far, we haven’t gotten any negative reviews. Everybody loves chai because chai is an Indian tea. It has a lot of medicinal values and Ayurvedic values to it. It helps with blood pressure. It helps with sinus and so many other things,” he said.
Simple as making a cup coffee, he drew the reference in stating how easy it is to
“Yes, you will have to add your milk and your sugar of preference. But the mixture, everything is there. The tea leaf, all the spices and everything, so you just pour it as if you’re making coffee, and there you have chai in five minutes,”
His eyes are now set to higher heights for the business, aiming to make it a staple product in Guyana.
Ganesh Persaud taking a photo opp with High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang, and Dr Deepali Telang
Police stress community cooperation
...as new road networks pose challenges for EBD law enforcement
The expansion of road networks along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) is presenting significant challenges for law enforcement, with criminals exploiting these connections to evade capture.
Deputy Superintendent Wayne DeHearte, Deputy Commander of Regional Division 4B (EBD), highlighted the issue on a recent police radio programme, “Police and You”, as one of the most pressing concerns facing his team.
“The challenge that we’re having is the fact that, because of the network of roads, persons are able to easily commit a crime and then speed off, get out,” DeHearte explained.
He noted that motorcycles are often the preferred means of escape, saying, “The modus of getting to a crime scene and then leaving a crime scene usually is the motorcycle.”
DeHearte emphasised
the critical role of community cooperation in addressing these challenges. “I would want to encourage persons, if they have any information that can help in either the stopping of a crime or the successful investigation of a crime, to reach out to us,” he said. He assured residents that the police are committed to
protecting the identity of informants.
“We rely heavily on ensuring that persons’ identities are protected so that when we do get success, people can’t point fingers,” he said.
Regional Division 4B spans from Agricola to Moblissa, just before Region Ten (Upper Demerara-
Upper Berbice).
The division includes vital infrastructure such as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the Demerara Harbour Bridge, and the National Stadium, which require constant and vigilant policing.
“It’s a very large division with a lot of responsibility,” DeHearte said.
“Persons going to Linden and coming from there would have to pass through here. It’s a lot to focus on.”
The area also includes significant economic activities such as sand pits and quarries, further adding to the workload of law enforcement officers in the region.
DeHearte however, credited the community for its role in the police force’s successes.
“We can’t achieve the success we’ve had without the relationship with the community,” he noted.
While acknowledging that the police often face crit-
icism, he stressed the importance of listening and learning from feedback.
“Not everything that you see or presume is negative. Sometimes somebody may say something not in the best light, but there is a message there that you can take away from it.”
DeHearte also discussed the generational changes impacting law enforcement, noting that younger people have different ways of interacting and thinking.
“Youths have a different way of speech, interaction, and thinking,” he stated.
He urged officers to adapt to these differences and take the time to listen to the younger generation’s perspective, to foster better cooperation.
Sharing a personal story, DeHearte recounted how a recent interaction with two fishermen highlighted the importance of building trust with the community.
“It was an inspiration-
al moment for me,” he said, reflecting on how even small gestures like stopping for a conversation can improve public perception of the police.
He encouraged officers to engage with children as well.
“If you see young children waving, stop, wave back and sometimes give a high five. Those simple actions can make a big difference,” he suggested.
DeHearte remains optimistic about overcoming the challenges posed by new networks and other issues on the East Bank however.
He believes that with stronger community partnerships and continued adaptability, the police force can ensure safety and security in the region.
He urged residents to support the police in their efforts to create a safer environment for all.
“We need the community, and the community needs us,” he concluded.
Deputy Superintendent Wayne DeHearte, Deputy Commander of Regional Division 4B
Guyana’s food safety testing capabilities strengthened as new lab commissioned
Guyana’s Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, Saturday commissioned the Guyana Food Safety Authority’s Laboratory and Office, at the Ministry’s LBI complex, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
working with the relevant agencies and partners to strengthen the capability of the Guyana Food Safety Authority.
Speaking at the commissioning, IDB Country Representative, Lorena Solorzano, said that the facility is also a shared vision between the IDB and Government, to ensure food safety and public health, as international markets are also requiring traceability and quality.
At the event, Minister Mustapha emphasised that as Guyana’s agri-food production increases, citizens must be confident that the commodities produced are safe for human consumption.
He added that, the Government remains committed to ensuring that food is safe, and it has been
The commissioning of the facility is said to be a collaboration between the Inter Development Bank (IDB) and the Government of Guyana.
According to a Ministry of Agriculture report, through funding from the IDB, more than $520 million was spent to outfit the laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment that is capable of testing a wide range of commodities.
The equipment can also be used to conduct sophisticated traceability studies and analysis, and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving global food safety landscape, the report noted.
IDB Country Representative, Lorena Salazar, speaking at the event (Ministry of Agriculture photo)
A section of those in attendance (Ministry of Agriculture photo)
Agriculture Minister, Hon Zulfikar Mustapha (Ministry of Agriculture photo)
The equipment that was purchased for the facility (Ministry of Agriculture photo)
Hon Zulfikar Mustapha and IDB’s Lorena Solozar during a tour of the lab with one of the technicians (Ministry of Agriculture photo)
Chinese Spring Festival celebrations Guyana, China to deepen collaboration in 2025 – Pres Ali
– Charge d’Affaires says 2025 full of opportunities, development
As the Year of the Snake dawned for the Chinese populace, they welcomed it in style at their annual reception, which saw scores of persons gathered at the Chinese Embassy, with President Dr Irfaan Ali calling for the deepening of col-
laboration between China and Guyana during the celebrations.
In a broadcasted video message, the Head of State, Dr Irfaan Ali, revealed that China’s remarkable achievements over the years, continue to inspire the global community, and Guyana looks forward to strengthening its ties with China.
“As we embark on this new year, we look forward to deepening the bonds of
friendship and collaboration between our two nations.
The partnership between Guyana and China continues to yield mutual benefits, spanning critical areas such as infrastructure, education, health, technology, trade, and cultural exchanges,” Dr Ali said.
According to President Ali, as Guyana reflects on these achievements, it must also recognise the immense potential for further cooper-
ation.
“Together, we can tackle shared challenges, seize emerging opportunities, and contribute to the collective advancement of humanity.”
President Ali acknowledged the significance of the Year of the Snake and how it can inspire people.
“Let us commit to expanding our collaboration in 2025, guided by the positive traits of the snake: foresight, perseverance, and a harmonious spirit. This year, we celebrate the Year of the Snake—a symbol of wisdom, resilience, and transformation.”
Dr Ali added that the snake’s graceful movements, and its ability to shed its skin, remind us of the importance of renewal and adaptability, qualities that are vital in navigating the ever-changing global economic landscape.
“The Year of the Snake also encourages us to harness intelligence and insight to foster economic growth, strengthen social bonds, and achieve sustainable development for our peoples.”
The Chinese presence in Guyana can be traced back more than 170 years when Chinese nationals came to work in the colony of British Guiana.
The Chinese community has long made an indelible contribution to Guyana’s development, and new waves of Chinese immigrants con-
tinue this tradition.
Meanwhile, Chinese diplomat, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown, Huang Rui expressed optimism about the year ahead, describing 2025 as a year filled with opportunities and development for both nations.
“For China and Guyana, the biggest and fastest-growing developing nations respectively, 2025 is a year full of opportunities, development, and hope. China will deepen reform and expand opening-up with greater courage and resolution to inject fresh impetus to high-quality development and wrap up the 14th FiveYear Plan. China will stick to the independent foreign policy of peace, foster a favourable external environ-
ment for Chinese modernisation, and provide more certainties to the uncertain world.”
He also expressed confidence that the relationship between the two countries will continue to grow, saying, “In 2024, the bilateral ties between China and Guyana were even closer, more stable, and fruitful. We supported each other politically, cooperated closely economically, and enriched each other culturally. We shared opportunities, faced challenges, discussed cooperation, and promoted development. China and Guyana have become good friends trusted and relied on each other. Friendship. You are witnesses, participators, and contributors to bilateral ties.”
President Dr Irfaan Ali
Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown, Huang Rui
We do not favour any outlet – Reis
– denies rumours of favouritism; addresses product shortages
Amid growing concerns about product shortages and allegations of favouritism, Banks DIH Chairman and Managing Director, Clifford Reis, reassured shareholders and the public that the company remains committed to fairness, transparency, and supporting local growth.
Addressing questions during a shareholders’ meeting on Saturday, Reis debunked rumours that Chinese-owned supermarkets were being prioritised for beer supplies, while also shedding light on the company’s plans to tackle supply chain challenges and meet rising demand.
Speaking Saturday during the company’s recent shareholders’ meeting, Reis revealed that Chinese outlets account for only three per cent of the company’s monthly beer sales.
“We do not throw our loyal customers and supporters under the bus. On a monthly production average of over 250,000 cases of beer, the Chinese outlets only purchase 3 per cent. This is about 6,000, 8,000,
7,000 cases from the company… As I said earlier, we got 15,000 shareholders. So, they must stop this false information,” Reis stated.
“There has been a rumour that this company has been favouring the Chinese outlets with banks beer. Let me make it absolutely clear. We do not favour any outlet.”
He emphasised that Banks DIH values all its customers equally and called for a shift in the narrative to focus on more constructive discussions.
Addressing the shortage
Reis acknowledged that there have been occasional shortages of Banks Beer in malls and markets across the country but explained that this was due to a temporary strain on production capacity.
Banks DIH currently produces a diverse portfolio of malt beverages, including Banks Beer, GT Beer, Guinness, Malt Supreme, and other products.
Reis explained that these share a single production facility, which is operating
at full capacity to meet demand.
“We have been supplying these quality products to the Guyanese market for nearly 70 years. However, as Guyana’s economy expands rapidly, the demand for our products has increased significantly. Recognising this growth three years ago, we began planning a comprehensive expansion of our brewery,” Reis said.
The expansion plan, which is divided into three phases, aims to increase monthly production capacity
3 men face court charges for various offences
Three men from different parts of the Essequibo Coast and East Bank Demerara (EBD) have found themselves facing charges in court for various offences.
A 20-year-old labourer from Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, was sentenced to three months in prison after pleading guilty to Simple Larceny at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Kevin Oudit was accused of stealing from Mahendra Looknauth, known as Ryan, a 28-year-old farmer from Richmond, Essequibo Coast.
The theft took place on January 18.
After Oudit pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 66 (c) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:02, he was sentenced by Magistrate Tamieka Clarke
to three months in prison for the offence.
In a separate case, a 47-year-old man from Grove, EBD was remanded to prison after appearing before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Dindyal Persaud was charged with ‘Assault with Intent to Prevent Lawful Apprehension’, following an incident on January 16, in Grove, where he allegedly assaulted Police Constable Lorenzo Gitten while the officer attempted to perform his duties.
Persaud pleaded not guilty to the charge, and after the case was heard, he was remanded.
The matter has been adjourned to February 7, for statements.
Additionally, Fedel Gibson, a 47-year-old boat
operator from Supenaam, Essequibo Coast, appeared before the Suddie Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, charged with Malicious Damage to Property.
The charge stemmed from an incident that took place on December 11, 2024, at Supenaam, where Gibson allegedly damaged the property of Aryan Gafoor, also known as ‘Tiger,’ a 22-yearold boat operator from Spring Garden, Essequibo Coast.
Gibson was granted bail in the sum of $100,000 with the condition that he report to the Aurora Police Station every last Friday of the month.
The case has been adjourned to February 13, for a report on the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
from 450,000 cases to an im-
800,000 cases.
Phase One includes the installation of unit tanks
and cellar upgrades, enabling the brewery to store larger volumes of beer for longer durations, phase two caters for the construction of a new brew house with double the capacity of the existing facility, completed recently and phase three comprises the installation of a modern bottling plant, including a canning line for products like Banks Beer and Guinness.
Reis revealed that the bottling plant, which costs over US$28 million, is already ordered and expected to arrive by August. The plant is set to be operational by the end of 2025, just in time for the holiday season.
In a broader discussion,
Reis emphasised the importance of Guyanese ownership and local content in the country’s economic development.
“The brewing and bottling of beer will remain under Guyanese control. This is part of our commitment to supporting local businesses and ensuring Guyana’s economic independence,” he said, stressing that industries like beer and soft drinks should remain in local hands.
He praised the Government of Guyana for supporting Banks DIH’s expansion efforts, which align with the national push for local content and development.
UG distances self from Berbice ‘political survey’
Following the solicitation of information in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the University of Guyana (UG) has made it clear that the institution has not authorised anyone to nor is it currently conducting, any political polling survey.
“The University of Guyana wishes to advise that it has not authorised, nor is it currently conducting any survey which includes political polling,” a statement from UG on Saturday detailed.
According to the tertiary education institution, “It would appear that persons purporting to be students of the University are soliciting responses to a certain survey in the Berbice area at the moment.”
The university clearly
outlined that whenever it is conducting surveys, the public is usually notified by advertisements in the local newspapers and on UG’s official website.
Additionally, the data collectors will have letters and UG issued-ID cards specific to the survey.
Moreover, the data collectors are expected to respect people’s wishes to opt
out of any such exercises by UG at any point. In addition, UG’s official contact for the staff member supervising any survey by the institution is provided in case there are queries and or comments.
To this end, UG said “The general public is therefore asked to take note and be guided accordingly.”
Fedel Gibson
Kevin Oudit
Dindyal Persaud
Banks DIH Chairman and Managing Director, Clifford Reis
pressive
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) (March 21April 19)
Be a good listener. Give yourself a chance to digest what you hear before making a judgment. The better you understand a situation, the easier it will be to help someone out.
Put time and effort into making your space more user-friendly and comfortable. Don’t hesitate to host an event that will encourage better relationships. Ask questions if something befuddles you.
Know when to walk away from harmful situations. Learn from experience, ask experts and protect yourself from users, abusers and grifters. Don’t waste your time on people who don’t want to be helped.
CANCER
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)
CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
PISCES
(Feb. 20Mar. 20)
Put your energy into getting ahead professionally and financially. Consider what’s marketable and how you can use your skills to fit what’s trending. Determination and persistence will pay off.
Unusual, unique and unpredictable people and prospects will draw your attention. Before you buy into what someone is selling, consider the logistics of the deal and if it’s something you need.
Take a minimalist approach and simplify your life. Focus on what matters and enjoy doing something you can enjoy with loved ones. Sharing moments and memories will forge strong bonds. Make love a priority.
Broaden your awareness, get out and network or go on an adventure. Refrain from wasting time and energy arguing or staying in a no-win situation. It’s time to blossom, not to wilt.
Set the pace, choose the engagement and have fun. Put yourself out there and show everyone how talented you are. A reunion or event will bring you into contact with someone who brings purpose to your life.
Be cautious before you fall for something or someone that can hurt you. Protect yourself by making wise choices. Hesitation and uncertainty are red flags that you mustn’t ignore.
Explore the possibilities. Take advantage of community offers that can improve your life or help you gain momentum and stability. Keep your emotions hidden. Someone will mislead you with an exaggerated gesture. It’s OK to be different if you are honest about your actions. Follow your heart and respect those around you enough to honor their actions. A problem at home will cost you more than anticipated. Keep an open mind.
Take the initiative and get involved in charitable activities. Taking part in civic activities or volunteer endeavors will give you purpose and enjoyment. Romance and commitment are favored.
ARIES
Peanuts
Calvin and Hobbes
Pickles
AQUARIUS
‘Monumental step forward for sports
in Guyana’
The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) has joined its fellow local sports associations who have voiced their appreciation for Sport’s historic 2025 National Budgetary allocation. For the first time in
Sport’s history, the sector, falling under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, has been allocated a mammoth $8B in 2025, as announced by Minister with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, as he presented Guyana’s National Budget to the National Assembly recently.
The GBA’s statement on the 2025 Budget reads, “The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) has welcomed the Government of Guyana’s announcement of an $8 billion allocation for sports in the National Budget. This historic investment underscores the government’s commitment to fostering sports development across the country, paving the way for infrastructure upgrades, talent cultivation, and interna-
ICC Women’s U19 World Cup…
tional success.
The GBA has been a driving force in the promotion and growth of badminton in Guyana, leveraging initiatives like the Shuttle Time Programme and the Nursery Badminton Academy. These programs have introduced the sport to children and youth in schools, cultivating a new generation of players and raising awareness of badminton nationwide.
“This budget is a monumental step forward for sports in Guyana,” said the GBA. “It provides an incredible opportunity for associations like ours to expand our programs, enhance training facilities, and invest in the development of our athletes. The planned dedicated badminton facility, scheduled for
GBA welcomes Sport’s $8B 2025 Budget
completion in early 2025, is a testament to the government’s vision for the future of sports.”
The GBA also highlights how this funding can further strengthen grassroots programs, such as structured training sessions in schools, and create pathways for players to transition into elite-level badminton. The Association has already achieved notable milestones in 2024, including 21 medals at international tournaments like CAREBACO Juniors, Costa Rica International, and Suriname International, along with hosting significant local events.
“The $8 billion allocation represents a bright future, not just for badminton, but for all sports in Guyana. With enhanced re-
sources, we aim to build on our successes and continue to make the nation proud,” the GBA added.
The GBA expressed its gratitude to the Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, and the National Sports Commission for their unwavering support. The Association is eager to collaborate on initiatives that will maximize the impact of this funding, ensuring sustained growth and excellence in sports throughout the country.”
Young Windies Women stumble again, with heavy loss to Australia
West Indies found themselves in a familiar predicament at the ICC
U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, as they suffered a seven-wicket defeat to Australia in their opening Super Six match in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
Bowled out for a mere 53 after being sent in to bat, the Caribbean side offered little resistance as Australia comfortably
chased down the target in 10.5 overs, finish -
ing on 57-3. With this loss, the West Indies are teetering on the brink of elim - ination and will aim to salvage
some pride in their final match against Bangladesh on Monday.
Australia’s bowlers set the tone early, as they reduced the West Indies to 7-3 with a flurry of quick wickets.
Eleanor Larosa (2-6) bowled Asabi Callender for one, while Naijanni Cumberbatch fell for a duck to a bril -
liant stumping by Grace Lyons off Hasrat Gill. Larosa struck again to dismiss Jahzara Claxton and left the Windies reeling.
Captain Samara Ramnath offered a brief fightback with 14 before falling to Juliette Morton, while Tegan Williamson’s two wickets in consecutive balls further dented any hopes the Caribbean side had of a bounce back as they were reduced to 31-6 at that point.
Brianna Harricharan showed some resistance with a top score of 17, but Caoimhe Bray’s 2-9 wrapped up the tail.
Despite losing Ines McKeon to Selena Ross for a duck in the second ball of the chase, Australia cruised to victory thanks to Lucy Hamilton, who anchored the innings with 28, adding a 38-run partnership with Kate Pelle (11).
Rain caused a brief delay, but upon resumption, Australia remained in control. Although Hamilton and Pelle were dismissed late in the innings, Bray (11 not out) and Ella Briscoe (4 not out) sealed the win with ease. (Sportsmax)
GBA President, Emily Ramdhani
The GBA has welcomed Sport’s historic Budget allocation for 2025
West Indies’ U19 Women will look to bounced back in a clash with Bangladesh tomorrow
Eleanor Larosa was the player of the match
Guyana goes down to Suriname in Nations Cup opener
Guyana’s National Basketball team suffered a crushing 28-point loss to hosts Suriname on Friday evening when the Nations Cup trination tournament bounced off at the Ismay Van Willgen Sporthal (Sports Hall) in Paramaribo, Suriname.
The visitors, Guyana, enjoyed a slim lead in the first half putting up 17 points as compared to Suriname’s 12.
However, Suriname made a comeback in the second quarter, netting 16 points to get up to 28. Suriname’s defense worked simultaneously, restricting Guyana to 8 points, allowing the hosts a 3- point lead at the end of the quarter (28-25).
The third quarter was an explosive one for the hosts as they piled on a whopping
29 points. Guyana continued to struggle offensively, managing only 14 points in the segment. As such, Suriname were already 18 points ahead of their visitors, with the third ending 57-39.
The script was the same in the final quarter as the hosts accumulated another 27. The Guyanese, on the other hand, put up 17 points in that quarter, as the encounter ended 84-56 in Suriname’s favour.
Travis Belgrave was the standout player on the Guyanese side, netting 16 points while his teammate, Nikkoloi Smith was the next best scorer, accumulating 10 points.
Guyana will look to change their fortunes today as they take on Grenada in a must- win game at the
same venue from 10:0hrs.
Meanwhile, the Nations Cup tournament continued on Saturday night with Suriname and Grenada meeting at the Ismay Van
Domair Gladstone, (KK
Untouchables), Orlan Glasgow (Royals), Harold Adams (Royals), Travis Belgrave (Eagles), Zian Gray (Eagles), Nikkoloi Smith (Ravens), Denzil
Ramharack stars as Windies Women seal
ODI series 2-1 against
Bangladesh
Hosts West Indies Women produced a dominant display over Bangladesh Women with an eight-wicket win in the third One-Day International at Warner Park in St. Kitts on Friday to seal a 2-1 series victory.
Player of the match and series Karishma Ramharack starred with 4-12 from her 6.5 overs to help rout the Bangladeshis for just 118 in 43.5 overs.
Zaida James was also excellent with the ball with her 2-15 from seven overs in support of Ramharack.
Sharmin Akter led the way with the bat for the tourists with 37 off 58 balls including five fours while Sobhana Mostary made a patient 25 off 62 balls in support.
The West Indies then needed only 27.3 overs to reach 122-2 and secure a comfortable win.
Qiana Joseph led the way with 39 off 66 balls at the top of the order while Deandra Dottin and Shemaine Campbelle brought the team home with an unbeaten 49-run third wicket partnership.
Dottin finished 33* off just 19 balls including four fours and two sixes while Campbelle ended up 25* off 47 balls
Deandra Dottin not out 33 Extras (lb 1, w 2) 3 Total 27.3 Ov (RR: 4.43) 122/2
look at Guyana’s National Basketball Team competing in Suriname
Willgen venue at 21:00hrs. The Guyanese Basketball team in Suriname reads: Stanton Rose (KK Untouchables),
Ross (Eagles), Shane Webster (Colts), Jermaine Slater (Kobras), Oquacey Shortt (Colts) and Kimol Grimmond (KK Untouchables).
West Indies’ Women sealed a 2-1 series victory over Bangladesh
Deandra Dottin took West Indies Women home with a blistering 33
Spin runs riot again as Noman, Warrican lead the way on 20-wicket opening day
Head coach Aaqib
Javed promised that Pakistan could prepare a spin-friendly wicket anywhere in the country, and the first day of the second Test against West Indies in Multan demonstrated he had kept his promise. Spin ran riot once more, as 20 wickets fell and both sides wrapped up within nine runs of each other. A hat-trick from Noman Ali, the first by a Pakistani spinner in Tests, saw Pakistan tear through the visitors in the morn -
came clear that two of them could play the spin game when West Indies got the ball in hand. Kemar Roach ripped through Pakistan's top order, while Jomel Warrican and Gudakesh Motie split seven wickets between them. Only Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel offered resistance as Pakistan folded for 154.
West Indies got their wish in the morning when they won the toss, allowing them to bat first. But they took little time running into trouble when Mikyle Louis poked behind to Rizwan, and got
stand was punctured, bloodletting followed. West Indies lost five wickets in the next 13 balls that reduced them from 32 for 2 to 38 for 7.
Three balls at the start of the 12th over from Noman got him his hat-trick with a mixture of deliveries. Justin Greaves' edge came as a result of a touch of extra bounce, while Tevin Imlach missed a sweep to a straight one. With just about everyone crowding around the bat for the hat-trick ball, Noman pushed it in at pace and found a bit of turn off the pitch. It was
ing session.
West Indies were reduced to 54 for 8 at one stage, before a remarkable recovery from the last three batters dragged them to the relative safety of 163. It be-
Pakistan up and running in the second over. Debutant Amir Jangoo was struck plumb in front by Sajid Khan five balls later, and Pakistan were on their way.
Kraigg Brathwaite and Kavem Hodge put together a brief partnership that saw off fast bowler Kashif Ali, and initially held off the spinners. But once that
Kevin Sinclair's tentative prod, and Noman had his hat-trick.
However, what transpired in the final hour before lunch showed that while the wicket was highly conducive to spin, it wasn't necessarily unplayable. West Indies' bottom three had made history last Test when they became the three highest scorers in an innings for the first time ever, and they repeated the feat in this game. Motie, Roach and Warrican produced a canny mix of resolute temperament and entertaining flair to somewhat steer West Indies out of troubled waters.
Roach and Motie put on 41 the ninth wicket before a missed sweep from the former gave Noman his fifth wicket. But Motie and Warrican linked up for another substantial contribution. It was a mix of good-cop, bad-cop as Motie shut the spinners out while Warrican gave them whacks from the other end. Lunch was extended as the final stand went on, and against all odds, went past 137 to get West Indies to their highest score of the series.
A whack down the ground from Warrican brought up the 50-partner ship before Motie brought up his own half-century. It was only at the stroke of lunch that Motie missed a slog sweep off Noman that rattled his off stump, and a session that began with total Pakistan dominance ended on a rather more neu-
West Indies had, in Roach, a fast bowler they trusted even on this surface, and in the first hour,
Babar Azam was beaten by the lack of bounce from Motie as he tried to slice off the back foot and missed a cut that saw the ball crash
use of the feet, manipulation of the fields, and the sweep shot got the runs ticking along, bearing down on West Indies' first-innings score.
into off stump. The stumps were disturbed once more when Shan Masood played all around another Roach delivery that came back into him, and 163 suddenly seemed a long way off.
Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam dug in, playing survival cricket in a passage of play that spelled danger for Pakistan. They drew the sting out of the game over the next half an hour, halting West Indies' momentum and taking the pressure off themselves as the partnership inched up and got Pakistan to 50.
After Ghulam's forward defensive shot to Motie hit him high on the bat and Alick Athanaze took a sharp catch, Shakeel and Rizwan took over. They looked more assured than any batter from either side all day: Shakeel absorbed pressure while Rizwan transferred it back on to the opposition. Providing the clearest template of how to bat in trying circumstances, Rizwan's
But a bit of brilliance in the field, and then with the ball, saw West Indies wrest control back. When Shakeel looked to jab Warrican through midwicket, his mistimed shot interested Roach at long-on. The veteran seamer dived forward at full extension to take a catch that injured him in the process. The wind in his sails, Warrican removed Rizwan soon after with a beauty, as one spun prodigiously to leave Rizwan high and dry halfway down the crease, giving Imlach all the time in the world to whip the bails off.
West Indies had none of Pakistan's problems when it came to running through the lower order. Pakistan went on to lose their last six wickets for 35 runs, the 20th of the day coming courtesy of a mix-up between Sajid and Kashif that resulted in a run-out. It was a gift to the bowlers on a day they had no need for such generosity.
(ESPNCricinfo)
tral tenor.
he showed why. Getting the
Jomel Warrican shone with the ball again on the Pakistan tour
Mohammad Rizwan kept the Pakistan innings ticking along smoothly
Gudakesh Motie hit his maiden Test half- century to put on a strong rearguard
Noman Ali became the first Pakistan spinner to take a Test hat-trick
