New Demerara River Bridge
Political roadblocks, Opposition ‘stalling tactics’ caused delay – Edghill
Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, has attributed delays in the construction of the much-anticipated new Demerara River Bridge to political maneuvering and deliberate efforts to stall progress.
Earlier this week, it was announced that the new bridge across the Demerara River, which was already extended from 2024 year-end to a March 2025 completion, has been given up to August 31 for completion.
Speaking candidly on the matter, Edghill defended the project’s extended completion timeline, emphasising the technical requirements for the bridge and challenges posed by opposition-driven resistance.
“It was a big political move to stall the construction of the bridge,” Edghill stated.
“I didn’t want to go heavy political, but lawyers and the quantity of surveyors who hyped those residents up were all political types, some of them members of Parliament” he added, alleging that opposition members incited residents to resist relocation efforts critical to advancing the project.
According to the Minister, some residents, guided by politically affiliated lawyers and quantity surveyors, re-
jected Government compensation offers in pursuit of inflated valuations, only to later receive court judgments less favorable than the Government’s original offers.
“Let me tell you what is the reality. Some of the people ended up getting judgment at the court, less than what the Government was offering them. That is the level of representation that the APNU/AFC (A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change) give to people… So, if we’re going to talk about the delays on the bridge, it’s the local politics of division and destruction that is seeking to hinder Guyana’s development. We have been able
to work with the Chinese and salvage the timelines, put things in place, and we’re going to get this bridge” Edghill told media operatives at his End of Year press conference on Saturday.
Technical constraints
Edghill clarified that construction delays were also influenced by the nature of the bridge’s design. As a cable-stayed structure, it requires significant curing time for concrete, making certain tasks unavoidable regardless of workforce size.
“Even if I put twice the amount of workers on the project, we still have to wait in terms of time for concrete to cure,” he explained.
Highlighting the commitment of the contractors, Edghill noted that both Chinese and local workers have been engaged, working through holidays such as Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day to ensure progress.
Despite these setbacks, Edghill assured the public that the project remains on track. “We’ve salvaged timelines, put measures in place, and are committed to delivering a four-lane bridge that will benefit all citizens.”
Back in September, Edghill had reported that the
Demerara River Bridge project was some 67.8 per cent completed, but during the End of Year press conference yesterday it was noted that the bridge is 61.72 per cent complete.
The temporary Trestle Bride and Working Platform is 100 per cent complete, Drilled Shaft (East) 78 per cent complete, Drill Shaft (West) 100 per cent complete, East Approach Piers 50 per cent complete, West Approach Piers 87 per cent complete, Main Tower Leg 78 per cent complete, Main Tower Cross Beam 50 per cent complete, Fabrication of Precast Girders (East) 24 per cent complete, Precast Girders (West) 22 per cent complete, Installation of
Precast Girders (East) 6 per cent complete, Precast Girders (West) 13 per cent complete, Eastern Approach road 60 per cent complete and Western Approach Road 46 per cent complete.
The new bridge would land aback Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD). A massive 650-person workforce is working to advance the project. Of these, 120 are Guyanese while 85 are Venezuelan migrants.
The new bridge will be a fixed, 2.65-kilometre (km), four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River, with the width of the driving surface being about 23.6 metres
(m). It will feature a bicycle lane, and would bring to an end bridge closures for vehicular traffic with a 50-m fixed high span to cater for the free and uninterrupted flow of vessels. The river would be dredged along a 13.5-km stretch to accommodate large vessels.
This new fixed high-span structure would replace the aged floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), which has outlived its lifespan by several decades.
With a length of 1.25 miles (2.01km), the DHB is a strategic link between the East and West Banks of the Demerara River, facilitating the daily movement of thousands of vehicles, persons and cargo.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill
Works ongoing on the new Demerara River Bridge
Guyana still eyeing alumina plant revival – President Ali
President Dr Irfaan Ali has affirmed that plans for an alumina plant are still under consideration as the Government explores options tied to the second Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project. These options include potential collaboration with Suriname to develop the shared bauxite deposit between the two countries.
During his year-end press conference, President Ali addressed questions about the Government’s plans for an alumina plant. He emphasised that the GtE initiative would play a crucial role in making the alumina plant a viable endeavour.
“As we speak about the second gas to shore project that we’re projecting for Berbice, we’re looking at an industrial park to support that Gas-to-Shore Project. Between Guyana and Suriname, there is a huge deposit of Bauxite. With the cost of energy coming down with natural gas, it then makes the alumina plant viable.”
“Because energy is an important part of the business decision there. So that is part of what we’re looking at for Berbice, Region Six. In the industrial hub and the second gas development that will come there. That is one of the options that is available,” the President said.
Ali explained that an alumina plant is one of the possibilities the Government is mulling for Berbice, to go
along with the gas-powered industrial hub that will be a critical component of Phase Two of the GtE Project.
“There are many options on the table. We have to see, first of all, and we’re examining all the data, all the possibilities. As I said, there can be the possibility of an industrial hub. There will be need for more power, to power that industrial hub. There’s the possibility of the Bauxite.”
“And at some point, we’ll have to have a very pointed discussion with Suriname on how we combine our gas resources to make it more efficient and to build a very scalable sector. And that will allow us to look at the Bauxite from both Guyana and Suriname to see how we can add value to that.”
In addition, the Head of State noted the potential for agro-processing facilities and a deep-water port. As a
matter of fact, a deep-water port would be essential to aid in the necessary transportation and ease of shipping.
“Northern Brazil connected to the Deep-Water Port. And discussions are ongoing with that. We have a working group with Brazil. We have two different platforms through which we’re examining this. The AfriEXIM (African Export–Import) Bank and the Government of Brazil.”
“They are all looking at different aspects of this, from the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and the middle east. So, we’re very sure and very confident, even if it requires Government support, that we will move to the Deep-Water port and we will have the infrastructure to support this, of which the gas and the value that comes out of gas will be an integral part.”
President Ali also expressed hope that by the time the next energy conference rolls around, a plan with the various options surrounding Phase Two of the GtE Project can be available.
Suriname has been forging ahead with its first offshore petroleum development project. Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had indicated that this opens up potential opportunities for the two neighbouring countries to collaborate on jointly developing their respective gas resources.
According to Jagdeo, while Suriname’s offshore project will focus mainly on developing the oil resources there, it nevertheless opens up the possibilities for the two countries to jointly explore developing their shared gas resources.
Guyana has over 300 million tonnes of bauxite in its reserve. The last functional aluminum plant Guyana had, which was located in Wismar, Linden, closed its doors since 1981. Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat had previously indicated that investors were eyeing Tarakuli bauxite deposit near Orealla, in Region Six.
He had stated that Tarakuli is one of the largest bauxite deposits remaining in Guyana that is of high quality and untouched. This, he had said, was another reason for the country to establish an alumina plant.
(G3)
An alumina plant
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Narratives and Perspectives
Stories, or narratives, are seen as integral aspects of the human condition. From the dawn of history, we have attempted to make sense of the world through the creation of stories; and, to an almost all-encompassing degree, we literally live through our stories. Within our families, we know the story of how our mother favoured our younger brother, and he was the “apple of her eye”. In our village, we know the story of how a shopkeeper became so wealthy because of his frugality that he was known as “Money Ketch-Kai”. In our country, some know the story of Cheddi Jagan as the “father of our country”. Internationally, we know the story of how Europeans dragged us to these shores to exploit our labour.
But to each of these stories, there are counter stories that challenge the assertions of the first. Our mother maintaining that the “favoured” brother had been very ill as a baby; the miserly shopkeeper maintaining that he valued his hard work, and would not fritter away his reward; others in our country telling the story of Forbes Burnham as the father of our country, and Europeans maintaining they “civilized” us.
What are we to make of these conflicting stories? In his novel Nausea (1938), the existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre wrote: “A man is always a teller of tales. He lives surrounded by his stories and the stories of others, he sees everything that happens to him through them; and he tries to live his own life as if he were telling a story.” In a word, we use stories to navigate an evidently chaotic world, but, as is evident from the examples offered, our stories could lead us into conflict with others when the implications clash.
In our country, much of what we describe as our intractable “ethnic conflict” comes out of the different narratives that have been congealed within our ethnic groups as they dealt with the world into which they found themselves. The narratives of the Indigenous Peoples, whose lands were expropriated by the Europeans as they were relegated to the forested and mountainous interior of the country, has to be different from the narratives of the Africans, who were enslaved to labour without recompense; and both narratives differ from the stories of the Portuguese, Indian and Chinese Indentureds who followed as economic migrants.
But, as we know from our lived experience in Guyana, our clashing stories can lead to overt clashes - verbally and physically - that have served to stymie our progress as a nation. What can we do? One proposal on the table is for the “facts” on which our various stories are based to be investigated by impartial scholars, and a “meta” story be reframed around these accepted “facts”. Such projects must be encouraged and facilitated as, for instance, in the present debate about the relative contribution of Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham to the formation of our nation. The stories, enriched by accounts from “others”, can offer us more nuanced views. But we must accept that this process has been going on for decades without any overarching consensus, and it is unlikely there will ever be agreement “on all fours” - if for no other reason that the complexity of integrating so many interpretations.
One suggestion that has been made is for us to be taught and consciously adopt a perspective that accepts the multiplicity of our stories that “explain” our world, in order to reject dogmatism and accept that “we could be wrong”. Perspectives or world views are normally shaped by our place in the world, our beliefs, values, and what we think matters, but they can be taught. As the philosopher Elisabeth Camp explains, a perspective ‘helps us to do things with the thoughts we have: to make quick judgments based on what’s most important, to grasp intuitive connections, and to respond emotionally, among other things.’ Through perspective, some features of our experiences ‘stick out in our minds, while others fade into the background.’
Our perspective of unity through diversity must reject the insistence of “my way or the highway”.
PPP’s 75 glorious years
Dear Editor,
As the People’s Progressive Party celebrates it Seventy- fifth ANNIVERSARY, Guyanese are indeed enjoying the genuine leadership of the political party that remains rooted in the masses.
In 1950, the Father of the Nation, Dr Cheddi Jagan, founded this genuine, mass-based political party in Guyana - the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). He laid the foundation for the second generation to be under the stewardship of Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, and to be followed by the current, immensely popular Dr. Irfaan Ali.
While our country benefited from the leadership of the genuine comrade Janet Jagan and the honest man of integrity Samuel Hinds, along with President Donald Ramotar, it cannot be denied that the Presidency of Cheddi Jagan, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Dr. Irfaan Ali are most distinguished, and must be recorded with distinction.
The PPP was founded in 1950, immediately after the Second World War, when the world was experiencing tremendous hardships. Dr. Cheddi Jagan returned to Guiana and, in 1946, formed a “Think Tank” Political Affairs Committee (PAC). In 1950, when the role of the Legislative Assembly was limited and dictated by the colonial masters, the time
was opportune for the role of a cabinet and people to be elected, and not selected. Hence, in the 1953 General Elections, which were held under Universal Adult Suffrage, the PPP, with Dr. Cheddi Jagan at the helm, won a massive victory, as the PPP captured eighteen out of the twenty-four seats.
Guyana was heavily influenced by world politics at that time, and the PPP Government was suspended by the colonial masters.
The international political interference led to the splitting of the PPP, and the opportunistic Forbes Burnham formed his own party, the PNC. Very soon, at the next elections, held in 1957, PPP/ Jagan won nine seats while PPP/Burnham barely scraped in three seats.
The PPP won nine of the fourteen seats and formed the Government. In 1961, the PPP won twenty of the thirty-five seats and again formed the Government.
The political situation was difficult, as the cold war period was full of political opportunism.
In 1964, the PPP won the most popular votes. However, the colonial masters changed the voting system. At the 1964 General Elections, the British Government imposed a system of Proportional Representation as opposed to the conventional constituency system, which led to the Coalition PNC and UF form-
ing the Government. Very soon, the greedy Burnham/ PNC kicked out the UF from the Government.
The year 1968 saw the rigging of elections in Guyana. The 1973 General Elections is better known as the Ballot Boxes Martyrs’ elections. Massive rigging led the PNC to hold a ‘Referendum’ in 1978 and the Constitution was changed. In 1980, PNC/Burnham declared Paramountcy of the Party. A one-party Government was instituted. In 1985, the PNC under the leadership of Desmond Hoyte imposed the most dangerous rigging and murdering of political activists.
The economic and political situation was most inhumane. Crime, unemployment, poverty, shortages of basic food items and medical facilities saw two pregnant women on one bed in the hospitals, rats eating patients’ toes, and the education system was even more rotten than the medical system.
It was the deterioration of the political, social, and economic systems that led to formation of the Political Committee in defense of Democracy. Cheddi Jagan and the powerful PPP led the struggle for free and fair elections.
God bless the mighty President Carter, who presided over the famous 1992 return of Democracy to Guyana. A new era dawned when the PPP/C won the
elections and returned to lead the Government in Guyana.
The PPP/C were in Government for twenty-three consecutive years, during which they were able to transform the economy. The PPP/C Presidency under the astute leadership of Dr Bharrat Jagdeo certainly put Guyana on the World’s map as the United Nations’ “Champion of the Earth” and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group. President Irfaan Ali has continued the legacy of excellence with his policies based on inclusiveness and economic growth as he strives to secure the future of all Guyanese.
However, the battle for free and fair elections in this country was punctuated in 2020 with five long months of PNC/APNU-AFC blatant attempts to steal the Government. Guyanese will never forget the ‘dynamic’ and stalwart leadership of the PPP/C.
We must commend the leadership of General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo in organizing and enabling the Guardians of Democracy, as he was able to mobilise Guyanese and international supporters to ensure that the will of the voters was upheld. Hence, the return of the PPP/C to Government.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
Stefan Kraft of Austria soaring through the air during his second round jump at the second stage of the 73rd Four Hills ski jumping tournament in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany (VOA)
Both cost-cutting & margin expansion are needed to make GuySuCo profitable
Dear Editor,
There have been, in the press, a number of opinions expressing concerns over GuySuCo. Some solutions were offered, some of which were insulting to those in the industry. One character even went so far as to offer the Minister of Agriculture a $1 for the business. Let’s put aside the asinine and reckless suggestions, and consider
real solutions for the thousands of citizens who depend on the industry for a living.
The suggestion to focus primarily on cost-reduction and improved efficiency is admirable, but would not provide the needed solution for the industry when done in isolation. It is as important -- and in this case more important -- for GuySuCo to focus on
top line margin expansion. The Government and management of GuySuCo must find niche markets wherein our premium product offering is valued and price increases can be had that result in margin expansion. Some examples of where this is possible are the beverage alcohol market, the organic sugar market, and confectionery & chocolate market. Playing
in the premium and ultra-premium segments of those markets do not require large volumes, but a focus on excellent quality and taste profile are essential.
Demerara sugar has a strong reputation for excellent taste, and the use of GuySuCo’s products and the Demerara Sugar brand name in world-acclaimed premium rum
and premium chocolate are testament to this fact. Currently, organic sugar, which is very similar in appearance to the Enmore Crystal, is being sold at approximately US$2 a lb (retail). This is a very attractive price point for anyone seeking profitability in the sugar industry.
Crop expansion to support entry into the organic sugar market should be
seriously considered. I recommend that GuySuCo, with the aid of Government and its marketing partners, aggressively pursue the aforementioned markets and those with similar potential for margin expansion, in order to achieve a profitable business in the near future.
Best regards, Jamil Changlee
Christopher Ram’s unapologetically insulting manner
Dear Editor, Christopher Ram is among the very best accountants in our country. Christopher Ram has also established himself among the top lawyers in our country. Christopher Ram is also a personal friend, and has my respect in all of these endeavours; but, in an article published today (4th January 2025), Christopher Ram, in a column he has been given in one of the local newspapers for the purpose of writing about oil and gas, has used his column to call out the President of our country and pronounce upon the politics of his decision- making with regard to the contract entered into by the Government of Guyana with ExxonMobil in an unapologetically insulting manner.
In so doing, Christopher Ram has displayed his abysmal ignorance of how to manage the political priorities of our country.
Ram begins his column by quoting the words of President Ali before he became President, in reference to the contract (the 2016 PSA), in which the President expressed the view that no Guyanese could support the conditions of the contract, and that “we have to go towards relooking at these contracts, renegotiating these contracts……”.
Ram then takes a huge leap to conclude that because President Ali, at his most recent press conference, indicated that he has no intention of writing Exxon on this matter at this time, the President has reneged on his word. Ram calls it “a truly regrettable situation” which does no justice or honour to President Ali or to “the highest office in the land”. What absolute rubbish!
What political leader - or for that matter what business leader - in his right mind does not change his mind and position when making a critical decision in response to changing circumstances and differing priorities?
The Peoples Progressive Party, for instance, was not so long ago a declared Marxist party. It is not so now. I don’t hear Christopher Ram complaining that the Party is to be blamed for changing its ideological position from the one it once campaigned on, or that it has betrayed its trust to the people.
Ram then adds insult to injury by writing that, “now the President and the PNC adore the same exploitative oil contract against the rest of Guyana”, (Ram includes the reference to the PNC in order for him to appear politically objective in his attack on the President) but
PPP’s 75...
The young and brilliant Dr. Irfaan Ali at the helm of yet another distinguished PPP/C Government is certainly continuing to transform Guyana, making our country a better place to live. The last four years have seen unprecedented economic growth, infrastructural development, and social unity in Guyana. Dr Ali has undoubtedly proven himself as a leader of unquestionable integrity, with an unwavering commitment to his vision of a united and prosperous Guyana.
The PPP’s 75th anniver-
FROM PAGE 4
sary must be celebrated as One People in ‘One Guyana’. Our party, under the masterful leadership of our General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, President Irfaan Ali, along with the strong leadership that was recently elected at our Thirty-first historical Congress, must continue to work in unity to ensure a massive victory at the polls this year. Onwards to a triumphant 2025 victory at the polls.
Sincerely, Neil Kumar
nowhere has the President ever saidthat he supports the contract. In fact, in the press conference, the President made it quite clear that he didn’t.
Ram then goes on to devote much of his column to pointing out what is already well known: that there are clauses in the contract which arguably permit for renegotiation of the contract, and that a smart constitutional lawyer could indeed argue that theegregious nature of the contract is in violation of the constitutional duties of the Government to protect the country’s natural resources.
My response to that is, “So what?” In the first place, it was not the PPP government which entered into the contract; and, in any event, the circumstances governing both the interest of Exxon and the Government of Guyana at
the time of their entering into this contract are entirely different to those governing their respective interests today.
In fact, Christopher Ram is aiming at the wrong target. It takes two to tango. The renegotiation of any contract requires that both parties to the contract agree to negotiate. What makes Christopher Ram conclude that Exxon Mobil has any interest at all in entering into renegotiating the contract?
It matters not if, as is no doubt the case, every Guyanese -- from the President of Guyana down to just about everyone else -- is in agreement that it was and is a lousy contract, and they would like to see a much better one for Guyana. Exxon Mobil has shown absolutely no interest whatever in negotiating a new contract, and which
President would be foolish enough to write proposing a renegotiation, knowing that the answer would be, “No, thanks”?
President Ali has all of Guyana’s interests to deal with, and those reach well beyond the matter of the details of the Exxon contract. Our country is, every day, under the clear and present danger of the threat of a Venezuelan invasion, and must rely upon its friends and allies for protection. The United States of America is one of our greatest friends and most powerful allies. ExxonMobil is one of the most powerful companies in the USA. Access to oil and gas resources from a friendly country in which a major American company is operating is of extreme importance to the Government of the USA.
These are considerations
and circumstances which the President of our country must take under consideration in arriving at the political decisions he must make in the interest of Guyana; yet, it appears that this is beyond the understanding and comprehension of my friend Christopher Ram. Ram’s conclusion: that President Ali “has broken the bond of trust with the citizens…to protect the country’s natural resources”, is horribly wrong. In fact, President Ali, in exercising his judgement in regard to when to press and when not to press for renegotiation of the Exxon contract, knows exactly what he is doing to protect all, not just some, of the interests of our country and our people.
Yours sincerely,
Kit Nascimento
ITHE VALUE OF ADOPTING A PET IN THE NEW YEAR
t has always been a pleasure to provide pet owners and animal-loving families in Guyana with guidance and advice on animal care for almost five decades. I thank you for your continued interest, and for keeping me alert on the issues you face with caring for your pets, while attempting to give them the most wonderful life in a happy home. As the new year commences, please accept my warmest wishes for a rewarding and happy year, enhanced with the joy of having your four-legged family members in your midst.
Customarily, my first Sunday column of the year is aimed at urging you to consider adopting a dog or cat; or, indeed, any animal that your family can adequately and happily nurture and love. Permit me to share with you some thoughts on the human-
GSPCA, PAWS FOR A CAUSE, Rosewood, TAILS OF HOPE, among others) as part of your New Year’s resolutions.
Experts today call the special friendship between pets and people the human-animal bond, and recognize that, in addition to being fun and fulfilling, owning
especially difficult day, seems to lift your spirits and ease tensions, it’s not just your imagination. Your pet is in fact good for you, both mentally and physically.
Scientists have shown in several studies that people, in the presence of pets, simply behave in a more relaxed and
animal relationships, which in turn might move you in the direction of adopting a pet from the many shelters (e.g. ARAPS,
a dog may actually benefit a person’s health. When an affectionate greeting from your dog, at the end of a stressful and
open manner. Pets reduce stress and anxiety; give you a sense of purpose; provide comfort, support and security. We are
happier, smile more readily, communicate better, and are more likely to get regular exercise — all of which lead to improved general health.
In one very interesting study of heart attack patients at the
patient’s blood pressure. This affinity that humans have for dogs did not just arrive. It has evolved from that very time - tens of thousands of years ago - when humans decided to cultivate, befriend, breed, and love the wild forebears of the present-day dog. I know someone who believes that the whole humandog association started with canines (felines also?) conning us. They observed our behaviour and decided that mankind looked like it was going somewhere upwards in the evolutionary tree. They latched on to us, and mimicked our behavioural patterns so that we would believe that they were easy to get along with. For that, we would feed them and keep them warm. In turn, they gave us, then and today, immeasurable
University of Maryland, USA, it was revealed that those who owned pets were more likely to be living one year after the heart attack than those who did not.
The researchers also found that the simple act of petting a cat or dog consistently lowered a heart
loyalty and protection.
Indeed, it seems that compelling evidence is emerging to indicate that dogs and cats have figured out how to functionally join the community of an entirely alien species. This is, in itself, evidence of their sophisticated social competence.
The scientist’s code is beginning to change relative to attributing human characteristics
selective forgetfulness, vengefulness, boredom, communicativeness using only the eyes, flirtatiousness, coyness, loyalty, protectiveness. And I’m sure I have left out some important characteristics which one of you readers would identify.
A Professor in Animal Psychology, Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, wrote a seminal tome called “Inside of a Dog”. It became a bestseller when published in 2010. The following is what she wrote:
“In learning how to study the behaviour of animals, I was taught and adhered to the scientist’s mantra for describing actions: be objective; do not explain a behaviour by appeal to a mental process when explanation by simpler processes will do; a phenomenon that is not publically observable and confirmable is not the stuff of science. These days, as a professor of animal behaviour, comparative cognition, and psychology, I teach from masterful texts that deal with quantifiable facts. They describe everything from hormonal and genetic explanations for the social behaviour of animals, to conditioned responses, fixed action patterns, and optimal foraging rates in the same steady, objective tone”.
Then she added: “And yet”; what came after those two words was the confession that, traditionally, science — as practised and deified in tests and published articles — rarely addresses pet-owner experiences of living with and attempting to understand the minds of our companion animals. Since then, a lot more objective studies have been, and are being, carried out and
to animals. Researchers are now seeing what every dog (and cat) owner knew all along. Dogs especially do exhibit human characteristics: grief, envy, jealousy, anger, rage, bellicosity, love, hate, guilt, remorse, happiness, resentfulness, anxiety, fear, contentment, deceit, pride, arrogance, shyness, bravery, kindness and willingness to help, desire to make the human happy, recklessness, sadness, depression, vexation, (e.g. at being blamed wrongfully), gluttony, malice (afterthought?), low self-esteem, laziness, greed, stubbornness, playfulness, (including engaging in pranks),
shared with the public in easyto-read articles.
The Scientific American (May/June 2015 issue) carried an in-depth cover story on “Why we love pets and why they love us — the science behind the bond”. It is worthy of a read. What does all of this mean? Quite a revealing treatise. What I am saying is that there should be less trepidation and worry when we go into a shelter to choose a companion animal as a complement to our family. You may even carry your veterinarian when going to make your choice. Again, please accept our kindest wishes for 2025.
Deadly GDF helicopter crash 5 days remaining for stakeholder feedback on black box findings before public release
Stakeholders involved in the investigation of the deadly Guyana Defence Force (GDF) helicopter crash have just five days remaining to submit their comments on the findings from the aircraft’s black box.
nouncement that in keeping with the regulations, the draft report was sent to all of the stakeholders for comments,” he said.
“They have until January 10, 2025 to make their comments. When those comments come, if there are any serious concerns to be adjusted, that would be made and then the report would be published in keeping with the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation), Article 13 regulations. And by the way, our report was completed in record time compared to other jurisdictions,” Edghill added.
knowledged their cooperation, emphasising the importance of the investigation in honouring the lives lost.
This was disclosed by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Saturday during the Ministry’s End of Year press conference.
“I did make a public an-
The December 6, 2023, crash claimed the lives of five servicemen - Brigadier (retd) Gary Beaton; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Shahoud; Lieutenant Colonel Mike Charles; Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome; Warrant Officer Class II Jason Khan - the finalised report aims to uncover the cause and recommend measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Linden’s
The black box, which records cockpit voices and flight parameters, was analysed with assistance from the United States (US) National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB expedited the data retrieval process, prioritising the case to ensure swift progress in the investigation. Minister Edghill ac-
Town Clerk slams Mayor for derailing submission of work plan to Ministry …debunks accusations of political interference by Minister
Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon, who has accused Local Government Minister Sonia Parag of political interference in the council’s work, has been confronted by his own Town Clerk, Lennox Gasper, who revealed that the Mayor himself has been hindering the council’s progress.
Gasper in a statement said that it was Solomon, who hindered the approval of a work plan that would have directly benefitted the people of Linden. He explained that together with the Treasurer and Works supervisor, they had recommended subvention funds to repair the Wismar Market roof.
This was after the Mayor sought funds to acquire a $16 million mini excavator and $2 million for road aggregate material… despite the fact that the council had several derelict vehicles that were previously purchased with subvention funds and have remained unrepaired.
The Local Government
Ministry, in explaining why it did not approve the funds for the mini excavator, had pointed out that these derelict vehicles show evidence of poor vehicle management by the council.
“In collaboration with Ministry technical advisors, the Town Clerk, Treasurer and Works Supervisor recommended reallocating the subvention funds to the repair of the Wismar Market roof, a pressing concern for vendors and a project that directly benefits the community.”
“However, the Mayor opposed this adjustment, asserting that the council would not be pressured into altering its work programme. Consequently, the council failed to finalise a revised work programme, resulting in the funds remaining unutilised as the fiscal year ended,” the Town Clerk said.
According to the Town Clerk, contrary to Solomon’s claims, the Ministry has actually been very supportive of the Linden Municipality. As a matter of fact, the Ministry had donated a mini-excavator to address flooding concerns. Further, a task force with 15 local residents had been established to maintain drains and parapets.
“Regarding the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor… the Minister’s actions are in strict adherence to the law, which mandates her responsibility to fix the date or period for such elections. These elections are facilitated by Town Clerks and local Government officers under her purview.”
“Accusations of interference in this area are baseless
and disregard the statutory framework governing these processes. The Ministry of Local Government has consistently acted in the best interest of the Linden community, with a commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability and the effective use of public funds,” the Town Clerk said.
It is not the first time that Solomon’s leadership has come under criticism from Gasper, who back in December had slammed the Mayor for his poor financial management and understanding of the council and it polices.
Solomon had conducted a walk-through exercise at the town’s Wismar market. There the Mayor had told stallholders and patrons about the plans his administration has in store for the facility. One of the issues the Mayor told stallholders the council is working to address is to repair the market’s roof, however he said these efforts have been futile due to a lack
of cooperation from the Town Clerk.
In his response, Gasper had told this publication that the Mayor had made a request for some $1 million to be withdrawn from the council’s market emergency fund to purchase Euroband to patch the market’s roof.
However, Gasper had explained that the council’s market emergency funds is only to facilitate minor works. The Town Clerk added that with the current state of the market’s roof, emergency works must be done to reconstruct the entire structure.
“As a matter of fact, when we approached the NTSB for assistance in readings and so on the equipment that was sent for interpretation, they gave Guyana priority. And in many instances jumped what was already in the system to facilitate what Guyana was requesting. So, the National Transportation Safety Board of America did lend great cooperation to the investigators and to Guyana as a country, knowing how important this matter of this helicopter crash really was for the finest soldiers on board,” he said.
On December 6, the Bell 412 helicopter, with registration 8R-AYA, left GDF’s Headquarters at Camp Ayanganna at 09:24h, and travelled 144 miles to Olive Creek, where it arrived at 10:27h. After refuelling, the helicopter departed at 10:58h for a 58-mile journey to Arau, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) near Guyana’s border with Venezuela. Contact was lost with the aircraft, and an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) alert was received about 11:19h.
The GDF had said the chopper was on a command trip to Arau, Macapa, and Eteringbang, as part of Guyana’s response to an “imminent threat to our territory”. The specified helicopter possesses an unladen weight of 3207 kilograms (kg), an internal payload capacity of 2190kg, a maximum total weight of 5398kg, and a cargo hook capability of 2041kg.
The Bell 412 EPI helicopter also had a system designed to warn the pilot of obstacles ahead, enabling them to take evasive measures. However, it has been disclosed by the
GDF that only the aircraft’s black box holds the potential to offer insights into this capability.
Lieutenant Crawford and Corporal Jackson were finally extracted from the crash site after two days and multiple thwarted attempts by the search-and-rescue team to rescue them. Adverse weather conditions in the mountains of Region Seven had posed a multitude of challenges for the survivors to be rescued.
Brigadier Beaton was the project engineer; Colonel Shahoud, an Attorney-atLaw, was Commander of the 1st Infantry Battalion; Lieutenant Colonel Charles was the pilot; Lieutenant Colonel Welcome was the Commanding Officer of the Reserve Battalion; and Staff Sergeant Khan was from the 31 Special Forces Squadron. The draft report on the crash was prepared by lead investigator Krishnanand Ramlachana of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and incorporates findings from the NTSB and Bell Helicopters.
Based on reports, the helicopter suffered significant damage, particularly in the fuselage, with only a few pieces remaining. (Trichell Sobers)
Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon
Linden Town Clerk Lennox Gasper
Victims of the GDF helicopter crash: Brigadier (retired) Gary Beaton, Warrant Officer Class II Jason Khan, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Charles, and Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill
Still…
…courting??
After some three years, your Eyewitness still keeps hearing about the Opposition parties – the PNC, the AFC and the WPA (your Eyewitness is trying to be kind to those geriatrics!!) – “talking” about forming a coalition!! What the heck’s going on??Back in the days of chivalry, knights in shining armour – grunts had to keep them shine! – used to spend years “courting” their fair ladies.
Now, your Eyewitness is as nostalgic as the next guy, but haven’t we moved past those days of sending perfumed love letters and love poems, singing romantic songs under balconies, and offering gifts to women? The latter, of course, were just expected to swoon yet protect their chastity!! Your Eyewitness has always wondered about the pressure that then fell on the fella not to take advantage during the swoon - in which the woman falls on her back on the lounge chair that’s handily available, with one arm flung behind daintily!!
So, are the Opposition parties courting, rather than - as is usual nowadays - “hitting” on each other?? Here, either party – literal or figurative!! – can “hit” on the other, and there’s no shame as there used to be for the woman to do so!! In “hitting”, one makes it clear that what is being sought is a “Slam! Bam! Thank you, ma’am/sir!” relationship!! It would be breaking the rules of the new game if one party tried to find out everything about the other; or – God forbid! – swear to love unconditionally!! So, is this what’s preventing our Opposition parties from “getting it on”?? Look, we’re already in 2025, and with elections due, we don’t have time for courting!! Look how even an old roughneck like PNC’s Corbin was able to consummate the APNU coalition within months – and pass it on to a fuddyduddy like Granger. And that old geezer put the present lot to shame in the hitching-up sweepstakes when he pursued the coy AFC under Ramjattan - who feared he’d become “dead meat” if he went ahead and agreed to the union. Ain’t nothing scarier in hooking up than becoming “dead meat”!! Yet even that was consummated within months, and announced (romantically!!) on Valentine’s Day!!
Maybe the present lot can observe and learn. The clinching factor seemed to be the DOWRY Granger brought to the arrangements – not just more seats than the AFC had ever snagged on their own – but a 50% salary raise and perks!! This included outriders galore to move aside the rabble when they travelled about!!
Your Eyewitness notes that the geriatric WPA’s being quite avant-garde to insist that, even after the union is consummated, they want to retain their “maiden” name!! The word “maiden”, your Eyewitness expects, is figurative when associated with geriatrics!!
…screwed up??
Your Eyewitness notes that distribution of the $100,000 one-off cash grant to pensioners in Region 3 – where he observed the pandemonium - was an unholy mess!! And that is the only word that can describe what he saw. Now, in Guyana, there are some 70,000 pensioners,and if they’re in proportion to their overall numbers, Reg 3 has around 10,000 at least.
Now, if the transaction for each person at the three stages took 5 minutes each, then NIS needed a total of 50,000 minutes, or 25,000 minutes at each of the two assigned centres. This works out to 417 minutes – or about 7 hours for each of the five days - if everything worked like clockwork and no one took even a minute break!! But them someone decided to allow everyone over 55 years old in the pool – adding God knows how many others to show up to demand their $100 grand!!
Now, this was a recipe for confusion. Pressie needs to have someone on the carpet for this fiasco!!
…sly Rowley
Rowley made a big deal when announcing he won’t serve out his term of office – which ends this August!! Big deal. He knows that, with crime having spiralled beyond control, his goose was well cooked!! Passing the buck!!
Lesson of the past for Opposition
The PPP has been commemorating the 75th anniversary of its launch on Jan 1st 1950. But, as I have stressed over the years, when looking at events in the past, we should not forget William Faulkner’s aphorism, “The past isn’t dead; it’s not even past”.
The present was created out of our past, and there are always the traces influencing us. For instance, there are complaints that Forbes Burnham’s role in the formation of the PPP is being ignored by the PPP. Whether attenuated or not, Jagan and Burnham still “live” in the memories of their followers; and, if nothing else, we have to be careful not to gratuitously offend the sensibilities of those followers.
Today we have the advantage of hindsight and access to a wider array of accounts (for example, the British and US declassified files) than those who lived through the events. We should therefore be better situated to avoid possible “illusions of retrospective determinism” – that because something happened under some circumstances, it was therefore bound to happen. Or worse yet, as we commemorate the formation of the PPP when the Opposition is attempting to coalesce to take on the PPP electorally, we do not simplistically believe that “history will repeat itself” with another Burnham.
David Hinds, presidential candidate of the WPA, for instance, has pushed the idea of a coalition in which they would mobilise the Black nationalists: under the AFC and Nigel Hughes, the Coloureds; and under the PNC and Aubrey Norton, the African segment. This parallels Burnham’s formation of the PNC in 1958, when his PNC, with urban African mass support, fused with the United Democratic Party (UDP) -– the political offshoot of the League of Coloured People -- under John Carter, and with pioneering Black nationalist Eusi Kwayana, then Sydney King, who had support in rural Black communities, especially on the East Coast.
As Marx pointed out presciently, “Men make their own history, but not in circumstances of their making”. What were the circumstances of Burnham’s role in the formation of the PPP?
Cheddi Jagan had returned to Guiana in 1943 as a dentist, but he was influenced by the Marxist ideas that were circulating then in the US. He married a committed communist, and they launched a discussion group with two other progressives, Ashton Chase and Jocelyn Hubbard, which became the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) in 1946.
Burnham, who as a youth had expressed the ambition of becoming the PM of Guyana and the Caribbean, had won the 1942 Guyana Scholarship from Queen’s, stirring great pride in the African Community. The war delayed him from proceeding directly to London for further studies, which he did in 1945.
In 1947, Jagan won a seat in the legislature from the East Coast Constituency, with the assistance of Sydney King and Balram Singh Rai, and buoyed by widespread support after Jagan supported a sugar workers’ march following the killing of five sugar workers in 1948, the PAC decided the following year to morph into a political party – the PPP.
Considered the party leader because of his legislative experience, Jagan played an oversize role in determining the composition of the inchoate PPP leadership. While the leftist ideology of the PAC stressed “class interests”, he carefully curated the leadership to represent the “ethnic” interests that had been manifested with the growth of representative politics since the end of Indian indentureship in 1917.
Forbes Burnham, as a newly-minted lawyer, was recommended by Billy Strachan of the British Communist Party, a close confidante of the Jagans, and was asked to stop off in Jamaica on his return to Guiana to observe the workings of the like-minded PNP. Ashton Chase, who was African, was asked to step aside as the Chairman for Forbes Burnham, who was considered a better draw for urban African support in the upcoming elections that would be run under universal franchise. With ethnicity becoming more salient, and with Indians’ sudden numerical advantage, Burnham’s mobilization was predictable.
But the circumstances now have evolved, notably the demographics, the change from FPTP to PR; and, even then, the importance of ideological orientation to the Americans, who were already taking note.
Finally, while Aubrey Norton has served the PNC long and faithfully, he is no Burnham. The simplistic imitation of Burnham’s tactic of forging an ethnic alliance to confront the PPP is selfdefeating.
If history repeats itself the second time, it is as farce.
Police distribute school supplies to children on Essequibo Coast
Ranks of the Suddie Police Station led a community outreach at Onderneeming Sand Pit, Essequibo Coast,
Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). The event, on Saturday involved the distribution of school bags and stationery to children in the
area. In collaboration with a local stakeholder, a total of 25 school supply packages were handed out. Parents
expressed their gratitude to the police officers involved, praising their efforts to support the educational needs of the young recipients.
Ravi Dev
“When our moral life is better, our physical life will be better” –
Fr Moses Adesina
…Nigerian
priest researches religion as key to morality in Guyana
Just as the days of 2026 are still unfolding, and many persons are still trying to find ways to be their best moral selves within the new year - one Reverand has revealed a key way in which persons can enhance their moral traits. Moralities.
This person is Reverend Fr Dr Oluwaseun Moses Adesina, Ph.D., who hails from the heart of West Africa, and who has dedicated the past seven months out of his five years in Guyana to an indepth analysis of whether religion can effectively address the moral challenges facing Guyana – adding a significant touch to the Guyanese population.
His research, conducted while pursuing his post-doctoral studies at Eudoxia Research University in the USA and India, culminated in his thesis, “Religious Education: A Fundamental Key to Moral Life—Guyana: A Case Study.”
Supported by research, including interviews with Guyanese respondents from Georgetown, the 39-year-old Nigerian academic asserts that his findings present a direct pathway to fostering a deeper connection between Guyanese society and morality.
Speaking with Guyana Times, Adesina confidently started off by saying, “religion can boost morality in Guyana.”
Beginning with his personal perspective, Adesina emphasised the potential of religious education in shaping ethical behaviour and improving quality of life.
“Whether it be to be a Hindu, to be a Christian, or to be a traditional worshipper, I believe religion can help better Guyanese life, our moral life. When our moral life is doing better, our outside life, our physical life, our profession will be better,” he stated.
He further noted, “Religious education serves great importance in today’s age. It shapes the way individuals traverse through life. From my findings, I have realised that religious persons tend to have stronger ethical values.”
Adesina explained how his research demonstrated a clear link between religiosity and improved moral behaviour.
“I feel that the role of religious education in our society is very pivotal. Religious education serves as an essential mechanism in shaping the moral life of people.
Persons who are very devoted to their religion tend to have better moral values and ethical behaviour compared to those who lack a religious foundation,” he said.
Impact on children
and society
Through interviews with educators and researchers, Adesina also explored how religious teachings influence children.
These findings of his revealed that children raised in religious households generally exhibit better moral virtues than their own peers that they interact with.
“I tried to ask some teachers and researchers how religion has shaped the lives of their children and students. They established that children from strong religious backgrounds perform better morally—showing more respect, compassion, and companionship towards others—compared to those from non-religious homes,” he shared.
While Adesina is a rooted Christian himself, he stressed the importance of inclusivity in religious education, advocating for the promotion of all belief systems.
“I’m not talking about being a Christian alone. I’m talking about every religion in Guyana—Hindu, Muslim, Christian, traditional believers. Those who are more religious, regardless of their faith, are generally more compassionate and loving than those who are not,” he explained.
Meanwhile Adesina also envisions religious education as a crucial part of school curricula, not only in Guyana but worldwide.
He argued that introducing religion as a subject would encourage moral development across all societal sectors.
“In every nation—schools, colleges, and universities— there should be a subject that deals with religion. It can be added to the curriculum to teach young people about religious values, which will ultimately shape their moral lives,” he suggested.
Highlighting the challenges faced by individuals who have never had an encounter with religious education, Adesina pointed out their lack of compassion and limited conflict resolution skills.
“I’ve seen that in professional settings, those who are more religious show greater compassion. Whether they are nurses, doctors, or teachers, their interactions with others are more empathetic and thoughtful,” he said.
Meanwhile Adesina urged parents, guardians, and leaders to embrace religion and encourage its practice among children.
“I would encourage parents, guardians, and those responsible for children to embrace at least one religion. This sets a better path
for their lives, and their children will follow suit. When this happens, we can build a society with less hatred, less stealing, and less discrimination,” he advised.
He also proposed Government-organised seminars to promote religious education among teachers, students, and the wider community.
Consequences
Reverend Fr Adesina warned about the consequences of neglecting mo-
rality and religious education in society. According to him, in a so ciety without religious ed ucation, there would be more intolerance, hatred, and selfishness.
hand teaches persons how to share what they have— whether it’s material goods, wisdom, or other blessings. Without it, society could de
Reverend Fr Dr Oluwaseun Moses Adesina, PhD
Guyana’s SVN receives India’s Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
Guyana’s Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) will be bestowed with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) for the year 2025, by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu for community service.
The award ceremony was held at 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention which is scheduled to be held from January 8–10, 2025 at
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
The announcement was made by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Friday, which stated that the PBSA is the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians. PBSA is conferred by the President of India as part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention on Non-Resident Indians, Persons of Indian Origin or an organisation/institution established and run by the Non-Resident Indians
or Persons of Indian Origin in recognition of their outstanding achievements both in India and abroad.
“A Jury-cum-Awards Committee, with Hon’ble Vice-President as the Chairman and Hon’ble External Affairs Minister as the Vice-Chair and other distinguished members from various walks of life, considered the nominations for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards, 2025 and unani-
mously selected the awardees. The awardees represent the excellence achieved by our diaspora in various fields,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
SVN was founded by Swami Aksharananda, M.A. Swami Aksharananda was born at Plantation Cornelia,
Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Guyana, the same village where he established the campus of SVN Hindu High School.
During his visit to Guyana in November 2024, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi visited the SVN Hindu High School.
In 2023, Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali was conferred with the PBSA, by the President of India, Honourable Droupadi Murmu.
The award ceremony was held at the valedictory session of the 17th PBD Convention 2023, Indore, India.
Children’s use of electric cycles sparks safety concerns – Police
The rising trend of children riding electric cycles on public roads has drawn concern from the Guyana Police Force (GPF). This issue, discussed during the GPF’s traffic update programme, has become increasingly worrying especially during school closures.
Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh during his time at the microphone condemned the irresponsible behaviour of parents, who allow minors to operate these cycles.
“You see children under 16 riding without helmets and without care. This is a clear violation of the law, which requires these vehicles to be registered and operated by licensed individuals,” he said.
Meanwhile, Assistant Superintendent of Police,
Raun Clarke who was also present during the discussion emphasised the risks posed by these cycles, noting their speed and the inexperience of young riders.
“These cycles travel at reasonable speeds, but children often lack the control and road safety knowledge required. This endangers not only themselves but also other road users. Children should only ride these cycles in gated places,” Clarke said. He urged parents to ensure their children practice in safe, enclosed areas instead of venturing onto public roads.
Inspector Michael Ramdas of Regional Division 4B, East Bank Demerara (EBD) revealed that electric cycles were implicated in at least four fatal accidents in 2024, with the riders found at fault in each case.
“We need to address this issue through education and practical training to prevent further tragedies,” he stated.
Looking ahead, the Traffic Chief outlined plans for stricter enforcement, including collaboration with stakeholders to address offences involving minors.
“While we focus on sensitisation, we will also hold owners accountable for allowing their children to use these cycles unlawfully,” he added.
As schools prepare to reopen, the police appealed to parents to prioritise safety and discourage the misuse of electric cycles, reinforcing that road safety is a shared responsibility.
In 2023, there were amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic laws, which seek to regulate the use of electric bikes.
The new regulatory framework aims to address the rising number of road fatalities and incidents involving electric bikes. The bill was passed in the National Assembly in April 2023.
Supported unanimously in Parliament, the Bill defines electric cycles as motorcycles with electric motors and effective braking systems. It mandates that electric cycles adhere to the same registration and usage rules as conventional motorcycles.
These bikes, costing between $70,000 and $150,000 and with speeds below 50 km/h, have become popular due to their affordability and ease of use. (G9)
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Principal and founder Swami Aksharananda, during a visit the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) Hindu High School in November 2024
Electric bikes
From Pepperpot to Main Street lights:
Whether it was the thick, dipping sauces of the flavourful cassareep making its way through the cylindrical surface of his friend’s pot or the freshly homemade garlic bread, Christmas in Guyana left a lasting impression on one Trinidadian.
Main Street lights
Every good story needs a prelude, and for Henry, it was the dazzling lights on Main Street, Georgetown. Before the season officially began, he joined his family to marvel at the display, an experience that, according to him, showcased the beauty of Guyana.
Along Main Street, Henry also sampled an array of street food, offering him a preview of the festive foods Guyana had in store for him.
Christmas morning
Twenty-year-old Mishael Henry, a Venezuelan-born man who resided in Trinidad and Tobago for 17 years, set foot on the shores of the Republic of Guyana earlier this year. His first Christmas in the country was a journey of food, lights, and unique traditions.
“The people who created these lights and set them up surely spent hours working on them. It’s no wonder so many Guyanese come out to see it—they took their time to make it, and it looks amazing,” he shared.
Watching the countdown of Christmas morning keenly, Henry was invited by friends who prepared an impressive spread of dishes, many of which he had never tasted before.
Mishael Henry learning how to make Guyanese food
From Pepperpot to...
The standout was the iconic Guyanese Pepperpot, a dish he had heard about but never experienced.
“The smell of the Pepperpot was so good. This food is addictive—if the smell alone is that amazing, you can imagine how it
dip for the Pepperpot was freshly baked bread, oven made that same morning.
“When the food was ready, my tongue had a Christmas of its own,” Henry remarked. His friend taught him the proper way to enjoy the meal, showing him how to break the bread and dip it into the rich Pepperpot sauce.
in landing punches of more traditional Guyanese dishes.
This time, the table was dressed with fried rice, baked chicken, macaroni pie, and potato salad.
Henry even took the opportunity to learn how to prepare one of these classic dishes.
FROM PAGE 17
He also told this news publication that his friends told him that whenever he is making pepper pot to make sure and use cassareep and not ‘burnt sugar’.
“The bread was dark, but the taste with the Pepperpot was incredible. There were so many different types of meat inside—cow heel, beef, pork—you name it… it was in the pot,” he recalled with enthusiasm.
As Christmas passed, Henry began to worry that the vibes in the festive season would come
However, Boxing Day came
“I’ve had fried rice before, bought from the streets, but I always wanted to learn how to make it the Guyanese way. Every time I tried back home, it never came out right, and it was frustrating,” he admitted.
New Year’s Eve brought an entirely new experience for Henry. Back in Trinidad, his tradition involved going to church and then heading home to sleep. In Guyana, however, he was introduced to the concept of a “true New Year’s lime.”
Similar to Trinidad, he attended church, but upon returning home, he was greeted with the aroma of “cook-up rice,” another beloved Guyanese dish.
Reflecting on his first Christmas season in Guyana, Henry observed that food plays a central role in celebrations.
“Guyanese love to celebrate with food. I don’t know why, but for every occasion, there’s always food, and it all tastes so good,” he said.
The Pepperpot
Mishael Henry and relatives
New Year’s celebration ends in farmer’s death
…police launch probe into drowning
ANew Year’s celebration ended in tragedy as police in Regional Division No 2 (PomeroonSupenaam) investigate the suspected drowning of an Amerindian farmer of Grant Maria’s Delight, Lower Pomeroon River.
Dead is 56-year-old Arnold Abrams.
The lifeless body of Abrams was discovered early Friday morning, January 3, 2025, floating in the Marlborough area of the Lower Pomeroon River, approximately one
mile from where he was last seen alive.
Abrams, who lived with his 59-year-old wife, was last seen during an anniversary celebration at Tennessee Farm on New Year’s Eve.
According to family members, Abrams had been drinking with friends and was last spotted at about 02:00h on January 1, lying on a landing about 200 feet from the party.
When Abrams was not found by 04:00h, his daughter, reported him missing at the Charity Police Station.
The search ended when his son, discovered the body floating in the river around 06:00h on January 3.
Police said Abrams was wearing blue jeans and a short-sleeved blue jersey when found, with peeling skin suggesting prolonged exposure to the water. His body was retrieved and taken to the Charity Cottage Hospital.
The remains are currently at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Police have since launched an investigation.
Mara residents still to get water from new well
After months of expecting water from a new well that was established at Mara along the Upper East Bank Berbice (EBB), Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) residents are still to access the benefits of this project.
A well drilled to a depth of 460 feet are replaced to previous one, which was out of service, is still to provide water to residents of that community.
Residents of Mara and surrounding communities had been out of water for over four years and in 2017, the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) Commissioned a $5 million well but that outlived its usefulness and the need for a new one arose in 2024.
Glendon Lewis of Mara Trait Scheme said that the new well was completed in September and residents were promised that it would have become operable by November.
“Where I am living to where the well is, is half of the area; between Jermina and Mara Trait, and I am not getting one drop of water for months now. Thank God for the rain so that we can get water to use,” he said.
In October, officials from GWI visited the project to inspect the development of the well. It is expected to supply clean, reliable water to households, including the primary and nursery schools, health centre, and police station. It will be
powered by a solar system; the well will ensure sustainable water access.
“It is the little rain water we use for cooking and drinking, and we have to use the trench water to wash. Nobody has gotten any water from this new well as yet,” Lewis added. (G4)
WCB man charged with manslaughter after brother’s death
Police have officially charged a West Coast Berbice (WCB), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) man with manslaughter for the death of his brother.
Charged is Deepak Bacchus.
Reports are that the brothers were involved in a fight at about 01:30h on New Year’s morning and resulted in the death of Kiran Bacchus, a 41-year-old mason of Lot 36 Section ‘A’ Cotton Tree, WCB.
According to police, the accused lived with his wife, and 52-year-old mother.
On New Year’s morning, Bacchus was drinking when he learned that his late brother had allegedly barred the now-accused wife from entering the yard
where their mother resided. Upset by this, Bacchus went to his mother’s home, forcefully entered the yard, and confronted his brother. A physical altercation ensued, during which both men reportedly fell to the ground. Bacchus struck his head upon impact, causing him to bleed from the nose and slip into a semi-conscious state. He was transported to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he died while receiving treatment. An autopsy performed on the body revealed the cause of death as at asphyxia.
Following advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) the charge was instituted against
(G4)
Dead: Kiran Bacchus
Deepak Bacchus.
GWI officials, including CEO Sheik Baksh, visiting the Mara well in October 2024 (GWI photo)
Officers at NA Prison must focus on inmate reform – Director
Acting director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot has urged prison officers at the New Amsterdam Prison to take a more active role in the rehabilitation of
inmates and their successful reintegration into society.
During his end-of-year visit to the prison this week, Elliot reminded the officers of their essential duties in
maintaining law and order, while also contributing to the reform process. He emphasised that the role of prison officers extends beyond security, highlighting
their responsibility in helping to prepare inmates for a positive future upon release.
Elliot also stressed the importance of adopting more effective and accountable methods in the execution of their duties. He encouraged officers to adopt a change in mindset, focusing on expertise and responsibility.
The director further reiterated the necessity of strictly adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the prison. These procedures, he explained, are critical to ensuring discipline, fairness, and efficiency in the daily operations of the facility.
Elliot’s visit comes on the heels of the Guyana Prison Service’s (GPS) ongoing efforts to prioritise rehabilitation alongside traditional security measures. The Director’s message reinforced the vital role that officers play in shaping the future of inmates and promoting their successful reintegration into society.
In this light, with prison officers being advised to place a stronger emphasis on inmate reform and rehabilitation, the Government launched the ‘Fresh Start’ programme in 2022. The initiative forms a key part of the broader strategy to transform the prison system into one focused not just on punishment but on provid-
ing second chances to those who have served their time.
Since its introduction, the programme has supported several individuals by equipping them with toolkits tailored to practical skills training. These toolkits are designed to prepare inmates and former inmates for careers in fields such as tailoring, animal husbandry, welding, electrical installation, joinery, plumbing, landscaping, cosmetology, and product making. By imparting these skills, the programme aims to reduce recidivism and foster self-sufficiency, enabling former offenders to reintegrate into society with dignity and purpose. Elliot has emphasised
that the initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to providing second chances for those seeking to turn their lives around. He noted that the tools and skills provided serve as the foundation for honest livelihoods, allowing participants to contribute meaningfully to their communities and families upon their release.
Through the ‘Fresh Start’ programme, the Government and the GPS continue to provide opportunities for individuals to transform their lives, fostering hope and creating pathways to brighter futures for those seeking redemption. (G9)
Acting Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot
As Govt cracks down on defaulting contractors
Over 60 contractors ordered to pay liquidated damages for delayed works
In a move to enforce accountability and ensure timely project completions, the Government has ordered over 60 defaulting contractors to pay liquidated damages to the Public Works Ministry. The action is part of a wider crackdown aimed at addressing delays and subpar performance in the construction sector, which has seen increasing frustrations due to missed deadlines and poor-quality work.
The contractors in question have been involved in various public infrastructure projects, including roadworks, building constructions, and other critical developments. These projects, intended to improve the country’s infrastructure, have been stalled or delayed due to the contractors’ failure to meet contractual obligations.
Liquidated damages refer to a provision allowing for the payment of a specified sum in the case of a breach of
contract. Based on the value of the contracts, the percentage of the liquidated damage is calculated. This can range from 0.1 per cent up to 10 per cent of the contract sum.
One such sanction is imposing liquidated damages, which is money collected by the Government for contractual breaches.
According to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, “more than 60 contractors have to pay liquidated damages” but this is out of some 5,000 contractors hired by Government to execute works.
The Minister, who was at the time responding to questions from media operatives during the End of Year press conference on Saturday, disclosed that non-performing contractors in the industry is less than one per cent.
Edghill explained that several challenges plaguing the construction sector, including limited workforce, shipping delays and logistic
and supply chain shortages are taken into consideration before stern action is taken by Government.
Nevertheless, he noted that in some cases, the Ministry has had to write the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to blacklist delinquent contractors.
“The Ministry doesn’t blacklist contractors. It’s the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, or the procurement
commissions that have the authority to do that. But what the Ministry does is that when we are dissatisfied or we have what is called poor performance or bad performance, we notify those entities and they need to take a particular action,” the Minister said.
“And as a member of cabinet who still have a right to object, because contracts come to cabinet for no objections. If we know that we have a non-performing con-
tractor and it comes to an objection, we have a right to say we’re objecting, and then the tender board would have to take the necessary action from there,” he added.
In 2024, the Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) managed over 4500 public infrastructure projects, engaging small, medium and largescale contractors from across Guyana.
This included the $475 million Cemetery Road Project, 21 contracts for 2.7 kilometres (km) of concrete roads, and 10 contracts for 9.8 km across all sub-districts in Region One (BarimaWaini). Additionally, seven contracts covered 35 km of laterite road in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), while 42 contracts addressed 2.5 km, alongside 66 community participation contracts for roads in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).
In Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), seven contracts provided
350 km of laterite road and 1.5 km each in four main villages. In Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), 21 contracts spanned 14.6 km, 16 contracts covered 1 km in Kwakwani, 32 contracts accounted for 2 km in Ituni, and 31 contracts were issued for 2 km in Coomaka.
Last year, the Ministry received its largest appropriations as a Government entity, starting with an original or approved appropriation of $236.1 billion, of which $224.892 billion were capital appropriations. However, at the end of 2024, the Ministry had a revised budget of $245.13 billion.
Total expenditures represented by $12.5 billion in current expenditure and $222.092 billion capital expenditure was recorded. Of that number $175.6 billion was expended locally and $46.4 billion was expended for foreign-funded projects. (G2)
Local Content Policy currently being reviewed – Pres Ali …says focus
on new, expanding targets for services
As promised by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, the Local Content Act 2021 is currently being reviewed, with the aim of either adding new areas for locals to provide service to the oil and gas sector, or improving on the existing clauses.
During his recent end of year press conference, President Dr Irfaan Ali spoke about the ongoing review. Asked if he was satisfied with the impact the Local Content Act has had on Guyana, the President expressed satisfaction with
the results so far while also looking forward to future improvements.
“As a Government, we continue to set ourselves high standards. So, when we achieve one target, we set ourselves a higher target. So, we are satisfied with the results, but we have set ourselves new targets. That is why we’ve said in the Local Content legislation, that there will be a period for review. That review is ongoing right now.”
“To see what new services can be added. How we can increase the targets for existing services.
And as you’re aware, the local private sector has invested heavily, expanding their own scale of operation. Expanding and diversifying their base of services they can provide. So that will be taken into consideration,” the Head of State said.
There are 40 areas in which oil companies have to seek services from local providers, to varying degrees. For instance, 100 per cent of immigration support, work permit and visa application, customs and ground transportation, as well as insurance have to be sought from local service providers by the oil companies.
Meanwhile, other targets include 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.
“As a matter of fact, the insurance companies are addressing us right now… so that’s an ongoing process. And that’s a consequence of success. And that’s why we built that mechanism in place, where there will be an annual review to add.
Because we expected, with the type of policies we’re pursuing, the local private sector to invest and to grow. And we’ve seen it,” the President explained.
The Head of State went on to compliment the local private sector for their forward thinking and willingness to take risks, making it clear that he wants to “compliment the local private sector for the manner in which they’re growing and expanding themselves to get the maximum benefit out of this.”
As of November 2024, it was reported that 1032 companies were registered with the Local Content
Secretariat, meaning they are in possession of a Local Content Certificate to confirm they are a Guyanese company and are eligible to supply oil and gas operations.
President Ali had noted in April 2024 that there had been an over 20 per cent increase in value through local participation from 2022 to now, representing an increase of US$84 million and a total of US$524 million.
The Guyanese leader had also explained that for 2024, the Local Content Secretariat estimates that procurement activities would have increased to US$550 million, a 5 per cent
increase from 2023 and a 25 per cent increase from 2022. In December 2021, the National Assembly passed the Local Content Act, which mandates penalties such as fines ranging from $5 million to $50 million for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act.
As of last year, the Local Content Secretariat had recorded a 15 per cent increase in the number of youthowned businesses registered with the secretariat to supply goods and services to the oil and gas industry. (G3)
Some of the existing local content targets
President Dr Irfaan Ali
56 new wells completed in 2024 to advance potable water access
Atotal of 56 new wells were completed in the hinterland regions in 2024, significantly increasing the potable water supply to hundreds of families.
This was announced by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, during the Ministry’s yearend update held at the Arthur Chung Conference
Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal on Friday.
Since 2020, more than 100 wells have been drilled and completed, providing first-time access to potable water for over 15,000 hinterland residents.
To further enhance these efforts, an additional $2.1 billion was invested in 2024 to improve the water supply across the hinterland.
With total investments exceeding $5.5 billion, potable water access in the hinterland has risen drastically from 45 per cent in 2021 to 91 per cent by 2024, with over 90 per cent coverage in every region of Guyana.
Minister Rodrigues affirmed the Government’s commitment to achieving 100 per cent access by the end of 2025.
She said, “No segment of
the population will be left without access and supply.”
In 2024 alone, approximately 2,800 residents in unserved communities gained first-time access to potable water.
This achievement reflects the Government’s dedication to extending distribution networks and ensuring sustainable water access for hinterland residents.
The Government, through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), continues to collaborate with Village Councils to install distribution networks in their communities, creating increased employment opportunities alongside improved water access.
A staggering 98.3 per cent of Guyana’s population now has access to potable water.
Chilean President makes historic trip to South Pole amid Antarctica sovereignty claim
Chile’s president Gabriel Boric has made a historic trip to the south pole to reaffirm his country’s “claim to sovereignty” over its part of Antarctica, his office said.
Boric is the first Latin American leader to reach the Earth’s southernmost point, according to his office.
“This is a milestone for us,” Boric said, in footage broadcast by Chilean television.
shield the continent and its surrounding seas from geopolitical rivalries.
The US state depart-
ment says seven countries including Chile maintain territorial claims in Antarctica, but “the United
States and most other countries do not recognise those claims”. (Excerpted from the Guardian)
Boric, accompanied by his defence and environment ministers, as well as three military commanders, arrived at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, a US research base, at 8pm GMT, his office said.
The Chilean leader planned to spend about two hours at the US outpost, in one of the planet’s most remote and hostile zones.
“It is the first time a Chilean president has come to the south pole and talked about Chile’s Antarctic mission.”
The trip “is a confirmation of our claim to sovereignty” over part of Antarctica, he said.
During the 20th century, countries such as Chile, France, the US, Britain, Argentina and Japan set up research stations in Antarctica, for scientific research and to establish a presence in the forbidding region.
Since 1961, activities in the region have been governed by the Antarctic Treaty, which seeks to
Minister Rodrigues commissioned a new well at Quarrie Village, Region 9, in October 2024
Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues
Chile’s President Gabriel Boric begins his journey on the icebreaker Almirante Vial to Talcahuano. The trip ‘is a confirmation of our claim to sovereignty’ over part of Antarctica, he said (Photograph: Cristobal Basaure Araya/SOPA Images/Rex/Shutterstock)
24
NEWS
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5,
Damages suffered in accidents remain a challenge despite traffic gains in 2024
In 2024, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) achieved significant strides in reducing road fatalities, with 28 fewer fatal accidents and over 40 fewer fatalities compared to the previous year. Despite these successes, damage accidents, commonly referred to as “bumper-to-bumper” collisions, remained a persistent challenge, alongside rising cases of speeding and unsafe practices by motorcyclists.
During the GPF’s radio traffic brief on Friday, Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, highlighted the issue.
“One of the things that we didn’t get about reducing significantly is the amount of damage accidents, or bumper-to-bumper accidents, if you want to put it.
Minor grazes. That is attributed to a lot of impatience by drivers on the road, persons not maybe planning their journeys properly or ahead, and inattentiveness owing to something, some form of distraction.”
To address the issue, the Traffic Department has am-
bitious plans for 2025, including increased public education campaigns and new enforcement strategies supported by technology.
“I want to make it very clear that the police will continue to serve in the same light, as professional as we are, and with further capacity enhancement opportunities to improve the service we are providing”, he said.
Also on the panel was
Assistant Superintendent Raun Clarke of the Georgetown Division, who indicated that the focus will also be placed this year on reckless motorcyclists. He stated that many motorcyclists are failing to wear helmets. Clarke, elaborated: “One of the challenges we had is the motorcyclists who are traversing the roadways without safety helmets. Most of the time when a motorcyclist gets involved in accidents, they suffer severe head injuries.”
Additionally, on the East Bank corridor, a crucial roadway in Regional Division 4B, experienced a troubling increase in speeding. Traffic Officer for the
A recent bumper-to-bumper accident
Division, Inspector Michael Ramdass shared the statistics.
“Nine of the 13 fatal accidents in the year 2024 were caused by the driver, who contributed to the accident. He or she lost their lives.” He echoed the concerns about speeding: “Accidents could happen even below the limit or where there is a buildup of traffic, or where many pedestrians are utilising the road. It demands a complete adjustment.”
Meanwhile, the traffic chief explained how 2025 will mark a shift in strategy to combat these issues.
“Our plans for 2025 will focus heavily on creating forward awareness through traffic education, utilising social, print, or electronic media,” Singh said. Technology will also play a critical role in enforcement, with advanced tools such as body cameras and traffic
surveillance cameras being deployed. “With these sophisticated pieces of equipment, you will be caught. It’s not about us hiding behind a tree with a radar gun, it’s about ensuring transparency,” Singh emphasised.
In addition to technology, Singh called on drivers to embrace personal responsibility. “Make the adjustment which now is a manifestation of the discipline of you, the driver. If you don’t commit yourselves, we will not have the opportunity to engage you,” he stated.
The Traffic Department plans to enhance collaboration with key stakeholders, including the private sector and schools, to educate road users on the importance of safe driving. As Singh put it, “It’s not just about us, the police; it’s all of us. Road safety is everyone’s business.”
'Powerful, yet so humble' – Americans gather to say goodbye to Jimmy Carter
Americans have been gathering to remember Jimmy Carter as a nearly week-long state funeral gets under way for the 39th US president.
Saturday's procession from Carter's home in Plains, Georgia, to Atlanta marked the beginning of the six-day public goodbye for the statesman, who passed away last month aged 100.
Carter will be flown to Washington DC on Tuesday where he will lie in state at the US Capitol before a service on Thursday that will
feature remarks from former American presidents.
Mourners from the state of Georgia and around the world have gathered in Atlanta to pay their respects.
Among those who came on Saturday was Heather Brooks, an Atlanta resident and "great admirer" of the Democrat.
"[I] found him to be always kind, relatable, just an awesome individual who has done so much for the world, not just America," Ms Brooks told the BBC.
She said she had met Carter a handful of times and described him as "powerful yet so humble".
Paige Alexander, the
head of the Carter Center, told the BBC that the ex-president should be remembered for his "sincerity and integrity".
"I mean, at the end of the day, you have a politician who would say during a debate, you know, 'the Honourable President [Gerald] Ford and I disagree on these issues'," Ms Alexander said. "You don't hear that now."
The grassy area outside the Carter Center has been overflowing with flowers, handwritten tributes and bags of peanuts, a reference to Carter's early years as a peanut farmer in Plains. (BBC)
The hearse with former President Jimmy Carter passed through Plains in a motorcade on Saturday, January 4, 2025, following his death earlier this week. The procession will then head to Atlanta, where Carter will lie reposed at the Carter Center (Arvin Temkar / AJC)
Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam meD, enDocrinology/ DiabeTes
Many conditions can cause joint pain, but not all conditions would affect all the joints at once. Sudden and widespread joint pain can result from infections, inflammatory diseases, and complications of some health conditions. The treatment for this
HEALTH TIPS
JOINT PAIN IN YOUNG ADULTS
can begin suddenly, and one symptom includes muscle or body aches that can be severe.
Flu typically gets better on its own in a few days’ time, or in less than 2 weeks. Most people who get the flu do not need medical treatment. However, the following populations have a higher risk of complications:
Adults aged 65 and above
People with particular chronic medical conditions, including asthma, heart disease, or diabetes
Children under the age of 5
Pregnant people
A doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to people in these groups, to shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the severity of the symptoms.
• COVID-19 COVID-19 is another infectious illness. Like the flu, it can cause muscle or body aches. Most people who get
symptom would depend on what is causing the symptom. Some causes do not require medical intervention, while others do. People should consult a doctor for a diagnosis, and to discuss the best way to manage the pain.
Causes Flu
Flu is a common infectious illness that is developed through influenza viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms, and get better without treatment. However, serious long-term complications are possible.
Everyone eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine should get one in order to reduce the risk of serious symptoms, particularly people in the groups mentioned above.
• Post-viral complications
Although many people recover from common respiratory viruses on their own, some
may experience symptoms that last for weeks, months,
or years after the initial illness. This can result in joint pain.
Long COVID: “Long COVID” refers to persistent symptoms that some people develop after COVID-19. It can include a wide range of symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and post-exertional malaise (PEM), which is when a person feels significantly unwell after physical or mental activity.
Reactive arthritis:
Reactive arthritis is a type of joint inflammation that can occur after an infectious illness, particularly food poisoning or a sexually transmitted infection. It causes swelling and pain in various joints, especially the hips, knees, ankles, and toes.
Reactive arthritis usually goes away on its own after a few months. A doctor may suggest treating any underlying bacterial infections with antibiotics, or using medications to manage pain and
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic condition that can develop after a
Gout is a type of arthritis that can occur when a person has high levels of uric acid in their blood. The uric acid
viral illness. However, sometimes there is no obvious trigger for its development. Pain is a common symptom in those with ME/CFS. Common types of pain associated with ME/CFS include joint pain without swelling or skin dis-
forms crystals in the joints, leading to inflammation, swelling, and pain. Gout attacks can come on suddenly, peaking in 12 to 24 hours after the symptoms first appear. Gout usually affects only one joint or limb, such as one foot.
swelling.
There are no standard treatments for post-viral syndrome or long COVID. Some people recover with time and rest, while others experience long-term symptoms. Doctors may recommend management strategies to help people cope.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
colouration, muscle pain and aches, and headaches.
If a person has post-exertional malaise, then their symptoms may come on suddenly at some time after the activity that causes it. There is no specific treatment for ME/CFS. Doctors focus on helping a person manage their energy and reduce their symptoms.
Gout
tions
Autoimmune conditions cause the immune system to attack healthy cells and tissue in the body. This could lead to inflammation and pain in the joints. Examples of autoimmune conditions that can cause joint pain include:
Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints. It causes stiffness, pain, and swelling. Without proper treatment, it can damage the cartilage and bone within the joints. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing joint damage, and may include medication, physical therapy, and exercise.
Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect many areas of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, and brain. It causes inflammation and tissue damage. Lupus currently has no cure, but treatment can help people manage symptoms, prevent flares, and prevent organ damage.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA): This form of arthritis affects 1 in 5 people who have the skin condition psoriasis. It causes painful inflammation and stiffness in the joints. PsA treatment involves using medication, physical therapy, and exercise to relieve symptoms and prevent further joint damage.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
If a person has sudden joint pain and could potentially have COVID-19, they should follow their local health authority’s guidelines for testing. It is important to note that COVID-19 affects people in different ways. People do not need to have all the potential symptoms. As a result, it is best to get a test if there is any doubt.
If the test is positive, a person should rest at home, and stay away from others. They should not visit a medical facility without calling ahead first.
Less commonly, people may get polyarticular gout, which affects multiple joints.
Treatment focuses on reducing uric acid levels, reducing inflammation, and relieving symptoms through diet and lifestyle strategies. If symptoms do not improve, a doctor may prescribe medication to lower the amount of uric acid in the blood.
Autoimmune condi-
If the test is negative, a person can consult a doctor for a diagnosis. Sudden widespread joint pain can be a symptom of many conditions, including some not listed in this article. A doctor can determine the underlying cause. Sudden pain in all the joints can be a symptom of several conditions, including infections, gout, ME/CFS, and some autoimmune conditions. It can also be an indication of complications after an illness, such as post-viral syndrome or reactive arthritis.
If a person has joint pain and is unsure why, they should contact a doctor. Only a medical professional can determine the cause and advise on the best treatments.
Prevention (CDC), unlike cold symptoms, flu symptoms
New contingent of Guatemalan troops deployed to Haiti
More than 75 Guatemalan soldiers arrived in Port-au-Prince on Saturday to help Haiti’s overwhelmed police force curb gang violence, one day after a first contingent, bringing their number to more than 150, AFP journalists observed.
The Latin American troops join the Kenyanled multinational force that began deploying last June. So far, there are 400 officers — most of them Kenyan, but also some from Jamaica, Belize and El Salvador — on site, out of an expected 2,500.
The force is under-equipped as it attempts
to stamp out Haiti’s powerful, well-armed gangs, who have been accused of murder, rape, and kidnappings for ransom.
The United Nations estimates that the gangs control about 85 per cent of the capital Port-auPrince, and gang violence has not abated in the crisis-wracked Caribbean country since the multinational force arrived.
Attacks by armed groups have been escalating in multiple areas of the capital for more than a month.
Two journalists and a policeman were killed at the December 24 reopening of a hospital in Port-au-
Prince in a gang attack. In early December, more than 200 people were killed after an apparent order by a gang leader to target voodoo practitioners, according to the United Nations.
The month before, gunfire prompted the closing of the airport in the capital to commercial traffic.
Authorities in Haiti’s transitional government have called on the UN to transform the Kenyan-led force into a full-fledged peacekeeping mission.
The request, conveyed by the United States, has run into opposition from China and Russia, which have veto power in the UN Security Council. (AFP)
Brazil ex-official returns toilet she had removed from office
Aformer city councillor in Brazil has returned a toilet and two sinks she had removed from her office after losing a bid for re-election.
Footage of one of Janaína Lima’s employees hauling away the facilities was posted online as her tenure as Sao Paulo councilwoman ended.
“I decided to donate the equipment I acquired with my own resources to the chamber,” she said in statement on X, following a social media backlash.
“Obviously, neither I nor my advisers need a toilet.”
CCTV cameras caught employees in her office removing the facilities that were installed when she took office eight years ago.
In a statement posted on social media, Lima said the bathroom renovation was paid for with her own money and therefore not an asset belonging to the council.
Lima said she had followed the guidance of the legal department, that had indicated that all personally installed resources should be removed.
She told Brazilian media outlet G1 the hydraulics in the building are “sensitive”.
She added that other fixtures she had bought for the office - such as a glass partition and industrial-style light fittings - would remain in place for her successor.
Lima served as a councillor for the New Party until 1 January.
Kamla on PM’s decision to resign: ‘Clear admission of Rowley’s failure’
Dr Keith Rowley’s decision, four days into a state of emergency, to announce his intention to resign as prime minister and also not seek re-election as an MP, is a clear admission of his failure to lead this country effectively.
This was the view of Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar on January 3, hours after Rowley made the announcement at the tail end of his press conference in Tobago.
In a press release, the Siparia MP said Rowley’s announcement was the latest evidence of a government in chaos and also that the People’s National Movement (PNM) had led the nation to a failed state.
She accused the PM of ignoring the lives and livelihood of citizens, while engaging in a “perverse, wicked soap opera” within the PNM. She said Rowley’s legacy after 45 years in politics is one of failure, division and despair, leaving a nation in darkness.
She said the only honourable thing left for him to do was call the general elections.
At the press conference, Rowley said he had served the country in several political capacities for the past 45 years, “which is a long time.”
He indicated his inten-
The 41-year-old lost her position to Adrilles Jorge, of the Brazilian Labour Party, in the 2024 elections.
At his inauguration on Monday, Jorge quipped to G1 that his team would “use a communal potty” until the situation is resolved.
“I visited the office and thought the architecture was brilliant. But she took everything out,” he said.
“They even took out the toilet and the sink. She didn’t say [that she was going to take them out]. And it’s something that neither she would say, nor would I ask.”
The new president of the House, Ricardo Teixeira said “appropriate measures” would be taken.
(BBC)
tion to resign as prime minister before the next general election and will not seek re-election as MP for Diego Martin West, instead retiring to Tobago with his family. Rowley will chair a Cabinet retreat next week in Tobago.
Persad-Bissessar asked if Rowley intends to use the Cabinet retreat as a platform to pressure and bully PNM MPs into endorsing Energy Minister Stuart Young as his successor.
Young, the Energy Minister and a Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, has acted as prime minister over the last three times the PM was out of the country.
She pointed to what she called the disregard for democratic principles in the PNM, exemplified by the postponement of its internal elections and special convention, which she said spoke volumes about the leadership of the party’s political leader.
She called on the nation not to forget Rowley government’s incompetence which had plunged every sector into crisis.
“Our economy is in shambles, crime is rampant, and the safety and security
of our citizens are at an alltime low.”
She said the bloodshed and fear gripping communities are direct results of Rowley’s ineffectual governance.
Persad-Bissessar said a United National Congress (UNC) government will lead the country back to prosperity and light.
“We have a comprehensive crime-fighting plan that will restore safety and security to our streets. We will rebuild the economy, repair broken institutions, and bring hope back to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
“To my fellow citizens, I urge you to remain alert and steadfast. We must reject Rowley and his allies’ attempts to impose leadership on this nation that does not reflect the people’s will.”
Persad-Bissessar said the future of the country depended on the people’s collective resolve to demand accountability, transparency and strong leadership.
“Together, we will rise from despair and rebuild our great nation. A brighter tomorrow is possible, and under the leadership of the UNC, it will be achieved,” the release said. (T&T Newsday)
New Bahamian Top Cop pledges to weed out bad apples
As she took her place as the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s first female Commissioner of Police Saturday, Shanta Knowles pledged to weed out the bad apples on the force and to restore its image.
“Within the first 90 days of my official duties as commissioner, I will direct that all police officers and police reserves at every level will complete mandatory training sessions centered on ethics, code of conduct, justifiable force and harm, and the abuse of power,” Knowles said during a handover ceremony at Police Headquarters.
“Further, I will stipulate
that all police officers working the frontline to wear and activate their body-worn cameras as a mandatory requirement to document all interactions with members of the public as outlined in policy.
“In addition, we will review our training modules and transition the force into a learning organization where constant training opportunities are provided in disciplines of leadership management, oral and public communication, professional etiquette, technology, criminal intelligence, criminal investigation, crime analysis and best police practices.
“This direction will en-
sure that the police force will remain on the cutting edge of the ever-changing crime landscape.
“To that end, I am pleased to announce the Shanta Knowles Scholarship Fund that will be available to all officers desirous of continuing their education in disciplines of law enforcement services.”
She said the force will transform the way recruitment is carried out, to add more community involvement and rigorous background checks. Knowles takes over the force as public trust remains diminished. (The Nassau Guardian)
77 officers in the second and final group of Guatemalan security forces sent to Haiti arrived on the tarmac of Toussaint Louverture airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on January 4, 2025 (Photo by Clarens SIFFROY / AFP)
Dr Keith Rowley
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar
OIL NEWS
Biden to ban new oil drilling over vast areas of US Atlantic, Pacific waters, Bloomberg News reports
President Joe Biden is set to ban new offshore oil and gas development across 625 million acres (250 million hectares)
of U.S. coastal territory, Bloomberg News reported on Friday.
The ban, to be announced on Monday, rules out the sale of drilling rights in stretches of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and the eastern Gulf of Mexico, said the report, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter. Biden is leaving the possibility open for new oil and natural gas leasing in the central and western areas of the Gulf of Mexico, which account for around 14% of the nation's production of these fuels, the report said.
The White House did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside of business hours.
The ban would solidify Biden's legacy on addressing climate change and his goal to decarbonize the U.S. economy by 2050. The New York Times reported that a section of the law Biden's decision relies on, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, gives a president wide leeway, opens new tab to bar drilling and does not include language that would allow President-elect Donald Trump or other future presidents to revoke the ban.
Biden, Trump and Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, all used the law to ban sales of offshore drilling rights in some coastal areas. Trump tried in 2017 to reverse Arctic and Atlantic Ocean withdrawals Obama had made at the end of his presidency, but a federal judge ruled in 2019 that the law does not give presidents the legal authority to overturn prior bans. (Reuters)
Biden plans to send $8bln arms shipment to Israel
The US Department of State has notified Congress of a planned $8bn (£6.4bn) arms sale to Israel, an American official has confirmed to the BBC.
The weapons consignment, which needs approval from House and Senate committees, includes missiles, shells and other munitions.
The move comes just over a fortnight before President Joe Biden leaves office. Washington has rejected calls to suspend military backing for Israel because of the number of civilians killed during the war in Gaza.
In August, the US approved the sale of $20bn in fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel.
The latest planned shipment contains air-to-air missiles, Hellfire missiles, artillery shells and bombs, the US official said.
A source familiar with the sale told the BBC on Saturday: "The president has made clear Israel has a right to defend its citizens, consistent with international law and international humanitarian law, and to deter aggression from Iran and its proxy organisations.
"We will continue to provide the capabilities necessary for Israel's defence."
Biden has often described
US support for Israel as ironclad.
The US is by far the biggest supplier of arms to Israel, having helped it build one of the most technologically sophisticated militaries in the world.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the US accounted for 69% of Israel's imports of major conventional arms between 2019 and 2023.
In May 2024, the US confirmed it had paused a single consignment of 2,000lb and 500lb bombs over concerns Israel was going ahead with a major ground operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. But Biden immediately faced a backlash from Republicans in Washington and from Netanyahu who appeared to compare it to an "arms embargo". Biden has since partially lifted the suspension and not repeated it.
The planned shipment is one of a number of steps taken by the Biden administration in recent weeks, as the outgoing president attempts to shore up his legacy.
It will likely also be the last planned weapons sale to Israel before he leaves the White House on 20 January 2025, when his successor Donald Trump is inaugurated. (BBC)
Around the World
Hamas releases video it says is of Israeli hostage held in Gaza since 2023 attack
The armed wing of Hamas has released a video it says is of an Israeli hostage held in Gaza since its October 2023 attack.
Liri Albag, described by local media as a soldier, was 18 when she was captured by Palestinian militants at the Nahal Oz base on the Gaza border along with six other women conscripts, five of whom remain in captivity.
In the undated, threeand-a-half-minute video recording, Albag, now 19, called in Hebrew for the Israeli government to secure her release.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a campaign group for relatives of those abducted, said the family has not authorised publication of the video.
The family said in a statement that the video had “torn our hearts to pieces”, adding: “This is not the daughter and sister we know. Her severe psychological distress is evident.
“We appeal to the prime minister, world leaders and
all decision-makers: it’s time to take decisions as if it were your own children there.” Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said in response to the video that Israel continued to work tirelessly to bring the hostages home, adding: “Anyone who dares to harm our hostages will bear full responsibility for their actions.” He is under grow-
Austrian Chancellor quits as coalition talks collapse
Talks between Austria's two main centrist parties on forming a coalition government without the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) collapsed on Saturday, prompting conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer to announce he would step down.
A day earlier a third party, the liberal Neos, walked away from the talks, blaming the other parties for failing to take the bold and decisive action it said it had called for.
"I will stand down as chancellor and as leader of the People's Party in the coming days and enable an orderly transition," Nehammer said in a video statement on X, after talks with the Social Democrats (SPO).
The coalition talks' collapse three months after September's parliamentary election underscores the grow-
ing difficulty of forming stable governments in European countries, such as Germany and France, where the far right is on the rise but many parties are loath to partner with them. The eurosceptic, Russia-friendly FPO won that election with roughly 29% of the vote. It would have needed a coalition partner to govern but Nehammer ruled out governing with FPO leader Herbert Kickl, meaning no potential coalition partner for the FPO was forthcoming.
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former leader of the Greens, therefore tasked Nehammer with forming a government. Now that Nehammer is stepping down, the two most likely options are either that Kickl is tasked with forming a government or a snap election is called. (Reuters)
ing pressure from hostages’ families to reach a deal that will free their loved ones, with weekly demonstrations organised by the hostages forum, the latest in Tel Aviv on Saturday. His critics accuse him of stalling on a deal. Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad have released a number of videos of Israeli hostages in their custody during nearly 15 months of fighting in
World’s
Gaza.
The militants seized 251 hostages during the 2023 attack, of whom 96 remain in Gaza. The Israeli military says 34 of those are dead. It comes as ceasefire talks between the two sides resumed in Qatar on Saturday. Mediators Qatar, Egypt and the US have been engaged in months of efforts that have failed to end the war. (The Guardian)
oldest person, Tomiko Itooka, dies in Japan aged 116
AJapanese woman who was the world’s oldest living person has died at the age of 116.
Tomiko Itooka, who was awarded the Guinness World Record status last year, died on 29 December at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo prefecture in central Japan.
Itooka, who had previously spoken of her love of bananas and a Japanese yoghurt-flavoured drink called Calpis, was born on 23 May 1908, six years before the outbreak of the first world war, and in the same year as the Ford Model T was launched.
Born in Osaka, she had been a volleyball player in secondary school, and was a keen mountain climber.
Yoshitsugu Nagata, an official in charge of policies for older people, said Itooka had twice climbed the 3,067-metre (10,062ft) Mount Ontake.
She became the planet’s oldest person last year af-
ter the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, according to the Gerontology Research Group (GRG).
When she was told last year she was at the top of the world supercentenarian rankings, she simply replied: “Thank you.”
Itooka received flowers, a cake and a card from the mayor when she celebrated her birthday in 2024.
She married at 20 and managed the office of her husband’s textile factory during the second world war. Itooka lived alone in Nara after her husband died in 1979. She is survived by a son, a daughter and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held with family and friends, according to Nagata. The world’s oldest person is now 116-year-old Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun who was born 16 days after Itooka, according to the GRG. (The Guardian)
The father of Liri Albag, who was kidnapped from a bomb shelter near the border of Israel on 7 October, 2023 (Photograph: Yui Mok/PA)
Tomiko Itooka on her 116th birthday at a nursing home in Ashiya, western Japan, on 23 May 2024 (Photograph: AP)
Head of Peoples Party (OEVP) and Chancellor Karl Nehammer addressing the media during the presentation of the election program in Vienna, Austria, September 5, 2024 (Reuters/ Leonhard Foeger)
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) (March 21April 19)
Refuse to get bogged down by trivial matters, gossip and misinformation. Stay focused on what matters to you and be the one to contribute or make a difference. Step up and do your part.
How you treat others will determine the outcome. Uncertainty will lead to a missed opportunity. Communication, honesty and integrity are the path to success and freedom.
Take a breather, relax, meditate and enjoy yourself. Refuse to let anyone pressure or manipulate you into something you aren’t ready to deal with and spare yourself the grief.
(June 21July 22)
Refuse to let your emotions cloud your vision. Allow your creativity and imagination to shine and take you on a journey. Explore the possibilities and strategize a plan.
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19) LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
(Feb. 20Mar. 20)
Offer help, understanding and compassion to those in need. Don’t limit what you can learn by turning your back on what you fear or don’t understand. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Consolidate, consider what’s purposeful and adjust your agenda to suit your needs. Life is a series of choices, and letting temptation and guilt dictate what you sign up for is detrimental.
Dance in the moonlight, seek those who move to the same beat and explore the possibilities. Communication is the road to truth, justice and fair play. Clear the path to peace and success.
Exude positivity, use your imagination and salute those who speak your language and live your dream. Change is up to you, and versatility and freedom will permit you to explore enchanting possibilities.
Be careful what you wish for. Too much of anything can turn sour. Discipline, hard work and taking responsibility will keep you on the straight and narrow.
An assertive effort to bring change will pay off. Refrain from offering misinformation or believing everything you hear. Facts matter, and sticking to rules, regulations and proven formats will pay off..
Listen, ask questions and disregard far-fetched information. Just be yourself and do your own thing; the right people will find you. Your emotional well-being is your responsibility.
Overreacting and excess will get in your way if you give in to temptation instead of enforcing discipline and using your skills and experience to stay on track. Choose peace over pressure.
Peanuts
Calvin and Hobbes
Pickles
AQUARIUS
CANCER
CAPRICORN
PISCES
India vs Australia: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25: Test 5 of 5…
SYDNEY TEST ON A RAZOR’S EDGE
During the lunch break on the second day, Rohit Sharma cleared the air by stating that he had sat out of the Sydney Test, but wasn't yet retiring from Test cricket. Soon after the break, Jasprit Bumrah, who had taken over from Rohit as captain, left the SCG for scans. Australia had lost half their side around that time, with the game, and the series, dangling on a razor's edge.
Despite the absence of Bumrah, who had experienced back spasms, India snatched a four-run first innings’ lead, turning the Sydney Test into a second innings’ shootout.
Rishabh Pant pulled India further ahead with a jaw-dropping 29-ball half-century -- the second-fastest fifty
by an Indian in Test cricket, behind his own 28-ball effort against Sri Lanka in 2022.
SCOREBOARD
Mohammed Siraj 16-2-51-3 Prasidh Krishna 15-3-42-3
Nitish Kumar Reddy 7-0-32-2 Ravindra Jadeja 3-0-12-0
After Scott Boland had carved up India's top order with pinpoint accuracy, Pant countered Australia and thrilled a Sydney crowd of 47,257. The late dismissals of Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy kept the game in the balance, with India leading by 145 runs at stumps. The sec-
- their best in any innings on this tour. Reddy picked up two wickets in two balls, while Prasidh marked his Test comeback with the scalps of Steven Smith, Alex Carey and debutant Beau Webster, who top-scored for Australia with 57 off 105 balls. Webster con tinued his excellent debut in emulating his team-mate Sam Konstas, scoring a half-century in his first Test.
b
(b 9, lb 2, nb 1) 12 Total 51 Ov (RR: 3.54)
Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Usman Khawaja, 2.6 ov), 2-15 (Marnus Labuschagne, 6.2 ov), 3-35 (Sam Konstas, 11.2 ov), 4-39 (Travis Head, 11.5 ov), 5-96 (Steven Smith, 27.1 ov), 6-137 (Alex Carey, 37.5 ov), 7-162 (Pat Cummins, 44.6 ov), 8-164 (Mitchell Starc, 46.1 ov), 9-166 (Beau Webster, 47.2 ov), 10-181 (Scott Boland, 50.6 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Jasprit Bumrah 10-1-33-2
India 2nd Innings Yashasvi Jaiswal b Boland 22 KL Rahul b Boland 13 Shubman Gill c †Carey b Webster 13 Virat Kohli c Smith b Boland 6 Rishabh Pant † c †Carey b Cummins 61 Ravindra Jadeja not out 8 Nitish Kumar Reddy c Cummins b Boland 4 Washington Sundar not out 6 Extras (b 4, lb 4) 8
Total 32 Ov (RR: 4.40) 141/6 Yet to bat: Jasprit Bumrah (c), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna Fall of wickets: 1-42 (KL Rahul, 7.3 ov), 2-47 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 9.5 ov), 3-59 (Virat Kohli, 13.1 ov), 4-78 (Shubman Gill, 15.2 ov), 5-124 (Rishabh Pant, 22.2 ov), 6-129 (Nitish Kumar Reddy, 27.3 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Mitchell Starc 4-0-36-0 Pat Cummins 11-4-31-1 Scott Boland 13-3-42-4 Beau Webster 4-1-24-1
Taking the fight to Australia
The day had dawned with Bumrah snaring Marnus Labuschagne for two and throwing a stare at non-striker Konstas. Bumrah has also surpassed Bishan Singh Bedi's tally for the most wickets taken by an India bowler on tour of Australia.
The 19-year-old Konstas responded strongly with the bat when he advanced at Bumrah and shanked him down the ground for four. Then, after Bumrah rein-
ond innings’ shootout, though, could get skewed in favour of Australia if Bumrah is no longer fit to bowl in this Test.
Good support from the support India's support bowlers, though, stepped up admirably on the second day, with Prasidh Krishna and Reddy sharing five wickets among them. India's non-Bumrah seamers came away with combined figures of 8 for 132
forced the slip cordon by bringing deep third in, Konstas unfurled another audacious reverse-ramp, prompting Bumrah to post a fielder at deep third.
In the next over, however, Mohammed Siraj, with an outswinger, had Konstas edging to gully for 23 off 57 balls. Three balls later, he had Travis Head caught at second slip for 4. Where Bumrah and Australia's quicks hit the
deck, the source of Siraj's menace was swing. So, he kept exploring a fuller length to maximise that swing.
Smith and Webster steadied Australia with a 57run partnership for the fifth wicket, before Smith fell to Prasidh at the stroke of lunch. Smith had seemed destined to reach 10,000 Test runs, but, moments before the break, Prasidh shifted his stock length to a fuller one, and dismissed him five short of the landmark achievement.
In the afternoon, Prasidh stormed through the defences of Carey with a similar length, and Reddy rocked Australia even further with the wickets of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Australia lost their last four wickets for just 19 runs, and were bowled out for 181.
Australia respond Yashasvi Jaiswal then launched India's second innings in grand style, scything Starc for four fours in the first over.
KL Rahul, too, showed some at tacking intent at the other end, un til Boland intervened and curtailed India's rap id start. Boland struck in his second over, when had Rahul chop ping an inducker onto his stumps; and in his next over, he knocked Jaiswal over with a beauty that angled in towards middle from around the wicket, and seamed away late to beat the outside edge and smash the top of off stump.
Boland proceeded to dis miss Virat Kohli in familiar fashion for 6. In nine trips to the crease in this BorderGavaskar Trophy, it was the eighth time that Kohli was out edging behind to the keeper or the slip cordon. He was so an gry at himself that he yelled and slapped his thigh.
stood up on the second day. He charged at his first ball from Boland, who had just snared Kohli, and violently clubbed him over mid-on for six. He then ventured a reverse-scoop off his third ball, and though he failed to connect, he didn't curb his natural instincts in this innings.
Pant then lined up Webster for three successive fours, including a trademark falling sweep-pull. He notched up his fifty with a helicoptered six off Starc, and celebrated the milestone with another six with the next ball.
Pant's assault forced Australia into bowling T20 lines and lengths. When Cummins went short and wide of off and hid the ball away from Pant's swinging arc, Pant chased it and ended up feeding an edge to the keeper. And Boland had Reddy holing out for 4 to cap a 15-wicket day in Sydney. (Adapted from ESPNCricinfo)
Webster earned his maid en Test wicket when he had Shubman Gill caught behind off the inside edge. After hav ing spent nearly 150 minutes being someone else with the bat on the first day, managing 40 off 98 balls, the real Pant
Rishabh Pant put some of his outrageous shots on display
Pat Cummins is jubilant after ending Rishabh Pant's onslaught
Beau Webster brought up his debut half-century off 92 balls
Mohammed Siraj picked up three wickets
Scott Boland has thus far claimed a 4-fer
small team at Pan Am Junior Games
Saint Lucia is expected to field a small team at the Pan Am Junior Games, scheduled for August 9-23 in Asunción, Paraguay. According to Saint Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) president Alfred Emmanuel, because a number of affiliates and administrators were not aware of the qualifying mechanisms, only three or four federations are currently able to qualify athletes for the multi-sport event.
The Athletics Association, Aquatics Federation, and Table Tennis Association are among the federations likely to qualify athletes for the games, with Sailing also
likely to be represented.
“From what we’ve seen, we don’t think that a number of associations paid close attention. And, as such, there just might be three or four associations that are in a position to qualify athletes
for the event,” Emmanuel told St. Lucia Times. “We had a meeting with all national federations closer to the end of 2024, and what some persons did not realize is that some of the qualifiers had gone already. So,
LeBron James breaks
Michael Jordan’s 30-point record
LA Lakers beat Atlanta Hawks
LeBron James has surpassed Michael Jordan for scoring the most 30-point games in NBA history. As he helped the Los Angeles Lakers to a 119102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, the 40-year-old James, the league's all-time leading scorer, recorded 30 points to achieve the feat for the 563rd time, and pass the mark set by Jordan in 2003.
With 1,523 games, he has also moved into fourth place for the highest number of games played in the NBA, having than Nowitzki. He now trails only Robert Parish (1,611), Kareem AbdulJabbar (1,560) and Vince Carter (1,541) for most career games.
Jordan became a glob al icon of the sport by win ning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s.
"Very humbling," James said after Friday night's win. "Anytime I'm mentioned with any of the greats, and argu ably the greatest ever to play the game, it's super-cool. It's someone I idolized in my child hood, and I wear 23 because of him. So, to know that I can sit here and be in the room, or in the conversation, or whatever it is you mention MJ, it's like
super-duper dope for me."
Anthony Davis returned from a one-game absence with an ankle problem to claim 18 points and 19 rebounds for LA, while Austin Reaves had 20 points as the Lakers won their seventh game out of their last nine.
Trae Young had 33 points and nine assists, and Jalen Johnson added 19 points for the Hawks, who led early, before the Lakers took a 14-13 lead with seven minutes and 31 seconds left in the first
run to a team record-equalling 14 games with a 117-107 victory over the New York Knicks. The Thunder trailed 88-80 going into the final quarter, but Aaron Wiggins went on to score 15 of his 19 points while Shai GilgeousAlexander, who top-scored on 33, and Jalen Williams who added 20, also guided them to a victory which ended the nine-game winning run of the Knicks.
Victor Wembanyama finished with 35 points, 18 rebounds and four assists, and had a crucial steal in the final seconds as the San Antonio Spurs edged past the
once your qualifier is gone, you are basically out of contention.”
He added, “There are some associations who really didn’t have athletes in a position to meet any qualifying standards, so those didn’t attend the meeting. So, we are now looking at a possibility of maybe three or four associations as I speak.”
Stressing that it is the duty of national federations to stay informed about regional governing body activities, absolving
the SLOC of that responsibility, Emmanuel declared, “It simply shows you that those persons are not paying much attention to the continental activities.”
Rugby, squash and cycling are among the sports that held continental qualifying events in late 2024.
“When it comes to those things, no Olympic Committee is really involved. It is basically between the continental associations and the national federations; the Olympic
Committee is out of that. So, as we normally tell members, the national federations are better placed than the Olympic Committee to know of qualifiers and other events that the continental body is organizing. So, our thing is to assist members to get qualifiers, that is the first step. Get qualifiers. When you qualify, then we work on getting adequate representation to mount the podium. We have a very small wish list,” he added. (Adapted from Sportsmax)
Sparta Boss, Lady Canaimas crowned...
a motorcycle, compliments of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo.
Sparta Boss carted off $2M while Bent Street ‘A’ had to settle for $1M. Third-place finishers Road Warriors pocketed $500,000 and Back Circle took home $250,000. For the Women, Lady Canaimas received $200,000, while Lady Royals, Tucville Terrorists and The Lioness received $100,000, $60,000 and $40,000 respectively.
At the point when it was 3-3, all we talk about was keeping our composure; cause, like I said before, once we stick to the plan, we know we’d be successful.
“Back Circle beat us back- to-back in two finals, and we couldn’t have had that again; because 2 times was alright, but a third time was disrespectful. So, we had to stick to our game plan and our strategy, and we knew we would’ve come back. Cause we know we’re the number one team in this country all the time,” Junor added about his team’s redemption.
In the Men’s third-place playoff, Road Warriors absolutely decimated Back Circle: 18-6. Wendrecky DeSouza led the charge for Road Warriors with 6 goals in the 6th, 30th, 31st, 38th, 38th and 40th min -
utes; while Daniel Alves (9th, 11th, 21st, 36th) and Teon Stewart (24th, 28th, 33rd, 40th) netted 4 goals apiece.
Also adding to their tally was Dionathas Pereira with a hattrick in the 11th, 14th and 37th minutes, while Erilson Cadre found the back of the net once in the 27th.
In the Women’s thirdplace playoff, Tucville Terrorists prevailed over The Lioness 2-0 from the penalty mark, after regulation and extra time ended 2-all.
Jermin Junor was adjudged the Men’s MVP, while his teammate Omar Jones was adjudged the best goalkeeper. Back Circle’s Bevney Marks copped the highest goal-scorer’s award. Each individual award, including the Women’s MVP, has been rewarded with
Road Warriors (White) drubbed Back Circle in the third- place playoff
SLOC President, Alfred Emmanuel
“One
Guyana” National Futsal Championships…
Sparta Boss and Lady Canaimas on Friday emerged as dominant forces in the “One Guyana” National Futsal Championships organized by the Kashif and Shanghai organization when
three minutes remaining on the clock, neither side could find the tie-breaker, thus the contest was forced into extra time.
In the second half of extra time, a spectacular Glengie
crowned Champions
We thought we were going to lose this game, but, you know, we always have faith in our team. So, we talked and we motivated each other to score one goal at least.”
The Men’s final was one humdinger of a game, as Sparta Boss and Bent Street found themselves tied
the curtains came down on one of the most exciting tournaments ever held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown.
Thousands of avid football fans jam-packed the venue, and His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali sat among them in the stands to witness firsthand Sparta Boss thumping Bent Street ‘A’ 8-4 in the Men’s final, while Lady Canaimas edged Lady Royals 2-1 in the Women’s final.
The Women’s game saw Glendy Lewis opening the score for Lady Canaimas in just the 3rd minute of the encounter, and the situation remained unchanged for a while in the abundance of near-misses.
Amanda McKenzie eventually headed a set piece from the corner into the back of the net for the equalizer in the 27th minute; and with
Lewis freekick found the back of the net in the 30th+5 minute, thus sealing the win for
3-3 with 9 minutes left on the clock. Curtez Kellman had already netted a hat-
Lady Canaimas. Goal-scorer and eventual MVP of the Women’s tournament, Glendy Lewis, discussing the emotions in the
trick for Sparta Boss in the first half -- tucking in a cross from Darron Niles in the 3rd minute and finishing with a ‘headers’ scored in the 7th
and 19th minutes.
However, after being 3-1 down in the first half, with their only goal coming from Jamaine Beckles in the 9th, Bent Street made a remarkable comeback early in the second half, with Beckles completing his brace in the 25th and Adrian Aaron opening his account in the 29th.
Sparta Boss held firm, and Kelsey Benjamin broke the tie in the 35th while Jermin Junor extended the lead to two goals in the 37th minute. An Omari Glasgow brace in the 39th and 40th minutes and one off the boots
enough to contain the eventual champions.
we was always confident. Because we have a brand of football, and once we stick to the game plan, we know we would’ve come out successful.
of Darron Niles in the 40th lit up the Sports Hall, rabid fans having eagerly awaited some exciting plays. And though Aaron netted again for Bent Street in the 39th, it was not
Sparta Boss Captain Jermin Junor, speaking of their redemption after discussing the game, explained: “Coming into this game,
Jermin Junor receiving his MVP prize from Kiana Wilburg of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo
Lady Canaimas receiving their prizes from Ministers Susan Rodrigues and Juan Edghill
President Dr Irfaan Ali took on Golden Jaguars International Curtez Kellman as he kicked off the grand finale
Curtez Kellman got Sparta Boss off to a perfect start in the final
Omari Glasgow (on ball) netted a brace for Sparta Boss
Glendy Lewis (on ball) opened the scoring for Lady Canaimas
