BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Parika and Supenaam
FERRY
heights of 1.26 metres and 1.04 metres.
“Govt breaking barriers” with modern $831M polyclinic – President Ali
…as sod is turned in Kitty/Campbellville
In a bold step toward revolutionising Guyana’s healthcare system, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday turned the sod for the construction of a stateof-the-art $831 million polyclinic in Kitty/Campbellville, Georgetown.
This cutting-edge, two-storey facility, set to be built on the land of the former Campbellville post office, is said to be a direct reflection of the President’s vision for world-class healthcare access for all citizens.
The new facility will accommodate an extensive range of medical services, including general outpatient care, maternal and child health services, family planning, and chronic disease clinics for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, it will feature an asthma bay, X-ray services, physiotherapy, diabetic care, and a dental suite.
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, President Ali highlighted that another key benefit of polyclinics will be the ability to diagnose and treat conditions early, thereby preventing overcrowding at hospitals – something he emphasised that will lead to improved diagnostics and reduced long-term healthcare costs.
“How is it different from a regular health clinic? Well let me tell you, health clinics provide some care, polyclinics take it to the next level. Health clinics provide outpatient services, essential services like vaccinations, maternal care and basic treatment. And they do a great job at that, but polyclinics, they diagnose, they specialise, they prevent hospital overcrowding, very importantly. That's the kind of healthcare system we are building,” he announced.
“From newborn checkups to elder care, from routine screenings to life-saving treatments, we are ensuring that every Guyanese has access to the best possible care. Not just at some stages of life, but at every stage of life… We are breaking barriers. We are not just putting up walls. We are tearing down obstacles
to quality healthcare. We are not just stirring the sod. We are constructing a better and stronger future for all,” the President said.
Moreover, the polyclinic will be fully digitised, with electronic patient records ensuring seamless healthcare delivery.
Emphasising the holistic nature of the initiative, the Head of State noted that the facility will be fully integrated into a telemedicine platform, linking local doctors with specialists from various countries.
“All of these polyclinics and clinics will be linked on a telemedicine platform that is supported by doctors here and doctors in our partnering institution, India, the US. So, we may have five radiologists in the country, but we will have access to 25 on a telemedicine platform that will be integrated with a global healthcare system, so that we can
have second opinions. It supports timely intervention that supports saving lives. It is an important part of improved patient outcome. It is an essential part in information, in informed decision making,” the Head of State added.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony echoed the President’s sentiments, stating that healthcare in Guyana is undergoing a significant transformation, with some 25 new health centres and health posts developed in just three years, and an additional 14 hospitals under construction.
On this point, he outlined Government’s strong focus on preventative care, urging citizens to adopt a culture of regular check-ups.
“People must be able to come in and get preventative care service. I know our population don't like to come for check-ups. But we need to foster that culture of checkups because when you come and you get your check-up, if something is wrong, we pick
it up early and we'll be able to address it so that you don't develop complications,” he stressed.
“That is why the Government has a very strong programme now in community health. At every one of our community facility or health centre, health posts, we want to make sure that we can deliver good community health. And we have come up with a package of about 115 different interventions that we'll be able to offer uniformly across all of our health centres and health posts in this country. Those interventions include being able to diagnose a number of infectious diseases and being able to offer those treatments right at the health facility,” Dr Anthony said.
Construction of the Kitty/ Campbellville polyclinic commenced in February and is expected to be completed within 12 months, ushering in a new chapter for healthcare accessibility and excellence in Guyana.
President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering at the sod-turning ceremony for a state-of-the-art $831 million polyclinic in Kitty/Campbellville
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony speaking at the event
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Our new political culture
Reflecting on the 107th anniversary of Dr Cheddi Jagan’s birth allows us to appreciate the seismic change in Guyana’s political culture, where the very grammar of politics has been altered. In a classic statement, it is said that “political culture is the set of attitudes, beliefs and sentiments which give order and meaning to a political process, and which provide the underlying assumptions and rules that govern behaviour in the political system".
In the pre-WWII era in which Jagan grew up, the very restricted poll confined politics to the small upper and middle classes. They competed for seats in the Assembly that was dominated by the Governor and his nominated representatives. The political culture was consequently very elitist, and the concerns of the average man and woman were given very little shrift.
The expansion of the franchise in 1947 brought in a wider pool of voters, and saw Dr Cheddi Jagan of the Political Action Committee (PAC) being elected from the East Coast Demerara constituency by taking a total grassroots approach imbued by socialist politics. This was a turning point in Guyanese politics. Jagan’s political culture pivoted the focus of politics from the incestuous centuryold tradition of a tiny clique supporting the colonial order to one demanding changes in the status quo. The universal franchise in the 1953 elections sealed this change, since the newly-formed nationalist PPP secured 18 of the 24 seats in the Assembly, and completely obliterated the older generation of politicians.
The demanded changes, however, proved too much for the colonial state to digest, since they were more used to the gradualist, piecemeal, accommodative approach of the older politicians. The PPP government was ousted after a mere 133 days. The colonial state then manoeuvred to split the Nationalist PPP, and found a willing tool in Forbes Burnham, who had long signalled his compulsions to become leader at any cost. He altered the political culture from a unified stance against colonial dictat to one where political opportunism ran rampant, and encouraged ethnic/ racial support for the two PPP factions that emerged.
Burnham’s formation of the PNC by 1958 solidified this turn to voting along racial /ethnic lines, and led to heightened tensions between the two major - Indian and African - Guyanese groups. Following the PPP’s 1961 victory under the leftist Cheddi Jagan, violence was introduced for the first time in the political culture of Guyana in 1962, by the CIA, to oust the former and install the PNC into power. That the parties now had ethnic/racial bases of support introduced the defining characteristic of Guyanese political culture, which remained stubbornly entrenched for the next four decades: ethnic mobilization and violent electionrelated eruptions.
Burnham’s rigging of elections to remain in power, after he was ensconced in 1964 through an imposed change in the electoral system from First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) to Proportional Representation (PR), further cynically altered the political culture by eviscerating the central premise of democratic governance: “government by the people”. His “cooperative socialism” was merely an ideological fig leaf to cover his excesses.
Democratic governance was recovered 28 years later in 1992, after hard-fought free and fair elections in 1992, when the PPP was returned to office. But the political culture was again corrupted when the PNC refused to bow to the will of the people, and launched violent protests following the 1997 elections, which segued into a decadelong series of armed attacks against the state. By 2011, however, changing demographics had created a nation of minority groups, and a makeover by the PNC saw a new and exciting change in the political culture: the opportunity for moderating the political culture to encourage crossover voting based of governmental competence. The PNC-led APNU/AFC government after 2015, however, betrayed its promise by practising the worst forms of racial governance, and attempted to rig the 2020 elections.
The electorate rejected them, and now, five years later, the PPP government under President Irfan Ali, elected by a wide cross-section of Guyanese, is poised to further intensify our democratic culture in the coming elections.
Modern masculinity: boys need mentors, not marketers
Boys used to be raised by their parents; now, as they grow up, an increasing number are coming under the influence of toxic online figures, who push a hollow, misogynistic version of masculinity. This isn’t helping their character or relationships, but it does work for a digital world wherein worth is measured in money, status and appearance.
Girls have long seen their mental health suffer from social media comparisons and phone addiction; but that doesn’t make it any less troubling now that boys are being similarly affected.
In his Richard Dimbleby Lecture for the BBC, Sir Gareth Southgate made a cogent case that young men are being failed by modern society – not just by absent role models, but by a culture that doesn’t acknowledge failure and vulnerability while exposing them to damaging digital influences. Without real-life guidance, they can withdraw, becom-
ing reluctant to talk, or unable to express their emotions.
Boys can fall into an unhealthy world of gaming, gambling and pornography. This void, the former England football manager warned, is also being filled by “callous, manipulative and toxic influencers, whose sole drive is for their own gain”. They trick young men into believing that success is measured by money or emotionless dominance.
That seems hard to refute – and is affecting society for the worse. Polls suggest that men and women belonging to Gen Z are more polarised than any other generation on questions about feminism, gender roles, and women’s rights – with a clear increase in sexist attitudes. There must be a concerted effort to reverse such trends.
That boys are now more likely to own a smartphone than to live with their dads is striking. Politicians enamoured with hi-tech prog-
ress must reckon with the impact: it’s now easier to connect to a global network than to build a local community; easier to consume endless content than to find real-world mentors.
Encouraging boys to be resilient, empathetic, and capable of real relationships requires investment in families, schools, and youth clubs that foster connection. Boys need space to be themselves, and confidence to reject the empty validation of a social media feed. Resilience isn’t innate; it’s built through experience, effort, and good example. If literature – as evidenced by the young adult novels on the Carnegie Medal shortlist – is beginning to explore the struggles of young boys, mainstream entertainment is exploring a darker narrative. The Netflix drama Adolescence, about a teenage boy accused of murder, has had the country – from the Prime Minister down –glued to their screens. While
the show has rightfully garnered rave reviews, boys should not be seen as dangerous or inherently suspect; they are children who need care and support, just as much as girls do.
Apple’s iPhone arrived in 2007. Mobile social media apps followed, offering access and unimaginable connections to a new generation. But they didn’t just change masculinity, they monetised it. Instead of mentors, boys get marketers; instead of guidance, they get grifters; instead of role models, they get algorithms.
Sir Gareth has stressed the need to create a world wherein young people feel valued beyond just success. Because when society worships wealth and power, it is the young who suffer most from knowing they have neither.
The Guardian view on modern masculinity: boys need mentors, not marketers Editorial
The Region 10 Department of Education recently hosted its 2025 Literacy Hat and Backpack Competition, which showcased the enthusiasm and creativity of students from nursery, primary and secondary schools across the region (Department of Education Reg#10 photos)
Fire destroys 80% of Critchlow Labour College
Adevastating fire engulfed the Critchlow Labour College (CLC) on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, on Saturday morning, destroying approximately 80 per cent of the building.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who was on the scene, confirmed the extent of the damage, and speaking to reporters, Benn revealed that authorities were informed of the fire sometime before their arrival and upon reaching the location, they found the structure extensively damaged.
“The fire trucks were passing us on Homestretch where we were burning illegal drugs, which were seized... When we heard that it was 6.3, which means that it has fully engulfed the building, we left, and the firemen were already engaged and laying in lines for water. There were two or three units here and another two came. The fire was in the main building administration and auditorium on the western side of the building, on the eastern side,” Minister Benn stated.
He confirmed that the fire service was quick to respond but faced a difficult situation due to the extent of the flames.
The Critchlow Labour College established in 1967 has been a long-standing educational institution in Guyana, providing training and development opportunities to hundreds of students annually. The destruction of the building will have a
significant impact on those who rely on its facilities.
Benn noted that “There are at least 200 or more students and staff who, on a daily basis, occupy the building during the work week,
of course. There are usually cultural events here, too, on the weekends. There are also students from this and other vocational centres who come here for classes. So, there may be a service
board of about 600 or more people, depending...”, the Minister stated.
While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, authorities have launched an investigation into the in-
cident and have announced the possibility of rebuilding.
“We have to see how we can support the response to rebuild. It has to be rebuilt. That’s where we are,” he added.
PHYSICAL CHANGES IN THE ELDERLY DOG (continued) – Vision, Tooth and Gum Disease
It behooves me to continuously advocate for the care of elderly pets as I lament the fact that, too often, pet owners ignore the aging signs and do not take actions to avert the animal’s decline, or worse, decide to stray the animal when its condition has significantly deteriorated. Your pet has been your faithful and loyal companion for years and now requires palliative care – a sad reality! Please do your utmost to provide all the Tender Loving Care he/she deserves.
Thus far, in relation to physical changes that occur as your dog ages, we have addressed the impact of arthritis and joint deterioration, changes in the skin/hair coat and deafness.
We will discuss vision, tooth and gum disease today.
LOSS OF VISION
It is indisputable that dogs and cats of either sex and age may be predisposed to blindness, which could be linked to infectious diseases, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, growths inside or outside the eyeball, etc.
Toxins (poisonous chemical agents – introduced by caregivers and others) may also result in gradual or immediate loss of vision.
Before the caregiver takes the animal to the veterinarian, it should be ascertained whether the loss of vision is unilateral (symptoms exhibited only in
one eye), or whether both eyes are involved. You should be looking for the following developments:
objects, e.g. furniture, within the house) and an inability to find objects (e.g. toys).
•
or brooding fear about any new/unusual development in the home; apprehension resulting in trembling; etc.)
• Obvious vision defects in dim light; worse, during the hours of darkness and howling as a result.
Elderly dogs tend to exhibit a greyish or bluish haze on the lens - that part of the eye which the caregiver can actually see behind the pupil. This is due to the aging of the lens (Nuclear Sclerosis). Do not confuse this emergence with cataract development, even though cataracts is not a seldom occurrence in dogs, (not often in cats). Your vet will
and cats then tend to adjust well to a gradual loss of vision associated with old
• Is the loss of vision sudden or gradual (over the past weeks/months)?
• Disorientation (occasionally or frequently, the animal bumps into
Listlessness (not involving itself with the environment).
• Anxiety (uneasiness; uncertainty; lack of confidence in its mobility;
make the differentiation.
Nuclear Sclerosis of Eye
On a positive note, dogs
age, especially when their hearing and sense of smell are functioning reasonably well.
TOOTH AND GUM DISEASES (TGD)
Periodontitis
(inflammatory process taking place in the oral cavity, including the teeth and gums) is considered as one of the most common of all diseases in dogs. TGD is very common in elderly dogs, especially those which have not been exposed to constant veterinary care and dental hygiene. Obviously, this condition interferes with the animal’s ability to eat comfortably. Dogs do not generally chew. Rather they bite, chomp a bit, then swallow as they eat quickly. Their teeth are mainly used for tearing and gnawing. However, any oral ailments make the
consumption of food difficult. Consequently, the animal eats less, and begins to lose weight, and becomes more susceptible to all agents of ailment and
disease.
Oral hygiene is imperative in the elderly dog/cat. Please do not panic when the vet advises, after professionally cleaning the teeth, that some (even many) of the loose teeth must be removed.
Good news. With proper treatment, pain and suffering and loss of appetite can be relieved. Home cooked food should be soft and moist. Canned foods (some products are especially formulated and produced for elderly dogs and cats), should dbe moistened with water to soften into a pap. If the dog/ cat is being offered kibble, soak it for about twenty minutes before offering the meal.
On the market, there are dry biscuits which help to reduce tartar and calculus (and other deposits) on the teeth.
Note that apart from dealing with feeding to deal with emerging gum and teeth issues, we also have to provide nutritious food as the metabolic rate of the animal slows down. We will address nutrition later but suffice to say that frequent small meals aid in better digestion and absorption of nutrients. Water must always be available.
Tartar build-up on dog’s teeth
As a footnote, and based on my experience, the feeding of dry unsoaked dog/cat biscuits with bone (powder or chips) content to the older dog/cat leads to difficulty in stooling as
Guyana updates Caricom on Venezuela’s
“complete
Guyana has updated Member States within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) on the latest acts of aggression by Venezuela. Caricom leaders met virtually on Friday afternoon to discuss a range of key issues in the region. These talks come ahead of next week’s visit by United States (US) Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who will embark on a three-nation Caribbean tour that includes Guyana.
On the sidelines of the sod turning ceremony for the state-of-the-art $831 million polyclinic in Kitty/ Campbellville on Saturday, President Dr Irfaan Ali told reporters that Venezuela’s recent incursion into Guyana’s waters was discussed by regional Heads during the high-level engagement.
“Of course, Caricom reiterated its strong commitment and support to Guyana, our sovereignty and our territorial integrity,” he noted.
The Nicolás Maduro-led regime’s latest acts of aggression towards Guyana include the incursion of a Venezuelan naval vessel into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on March 1 and the announcement by Venezuela to hold an election in Essequibo –Guyana’s territory, which is two-thirds of the country’s landmass – on May 25, 2025.
Caricom has already condemned Venezuela’s plans to hold elections in Guyana’s Essequibo and had also urged the Spanishspeaking nation to remove its vessel from Guyana’s waters.
disregard” for Argyle peace pact
According to the Head of State on Saturday, these actions reflect Venezuela’s blatant disregard for the Argyle Declaration – a December 14, 2023 peace pact that Presidents Ali and Maduro signed during the historic Caricom/ CELAC/Brazil-brokered dialogue in St Vincent and the Grenadines to maintain peace in the region.
“I had the opportunity to update Caricom on all aspect of the matter – not only in relation to the latest incursion but to the complete disregard for the Argyle Declaration by Venezuela [with] not only the calling of the elections but as you’re aware, the building of the bridge [at Ankoko Island in the Cuyuni River] that connects to our territory,” President Ali stated on Saturday, adding “…These are all acts not in keeping with the Argyle Declaration and that was also discussed.”
The Guyanese leader has already rejected a proposal by Maduro to meet, sending a strong statement to the Venezuelan President on Friday that Guyana will not engage in any dialogue under duress.
Based on reports coming out of Caracas, Maduro has recently called for a face-toface meeting with President Ali over the heightened tension between the two South American countries – something which the Guyana Government shut down.
In fact, the Guyanese Head of State had informed regional leaders including the Argyle Interlocutor, Prime Minister (PM) of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, of this
position.
On Tuesday, PM Gonsalves travelled to Caracas to meet with Maduro over the latter’s continued acts of provocation against Guyana. It was further indicated, via a statement issued by the St Vincent Government on Tuesday that PM Gonsalves also spoke to President Ali on Monday, presumably via phone, to urge calm and restraint.
Speaking at the Commissioning of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Air Corps’ Hangar at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Friday, President Ali said the actions of Venezuela demonstrates the country’s lack of respect for the rule of law and shows that they are not serious. He noted that while Guyana believes in diplomacy, this
must be done with respect and trust.
“If Venezuela wants to talk, let it first undo the acts that are in violation of the Argyle Declaration and the orders of the ICJ (International Court of Justice). We are all for dialogue but dialogue with respect, dialogue with dignity, dialogue with a sense of purpose and dialogue that we can trust… Let [Venezuela] first demonstrate good faith. Let it first respect the rule of law. Until then, there will be no talks.”
“To Venezuela, the message is simple, respect our sovereignty; threaten our sovereignty and we will resist. Guyana will not be intimidated, Guyana will not be coerced and let me repeat for those who still doubt, we will defend every square inch of our land, we will protect every drop of water of our seas, we will safeguard
every citizen of this land,” President Ali asserted.
Meanwhile, Guyana has also written the ICJ seeking to block attempts by the Maduro-led Venezuelan regime to hold elections in the Essequibo region.
Earlier this week, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd told the Guyana Times that the ICJ has already given Venezuela until the end of March to respond its plans
to hold elections in Guyana’s territory.
The Guyanese Government informed the World Court, which is currently hearing a case to settle the decades-long border controversy between the two South American neighbours, that such actions by Venezuela “flagrantly violate” the provisional measures issued by the court in December 2023 which barred Venezuela from any aggression towards Guyana.
Regional Leaders, led by Caricom Chair, Prime Minister Mia Mottley, at a February 2025 press conference following a meeting in Barbados
New sheriff…
…in town
The last time an American Secty of State flew into GT was back in Sept 2020 - right after Pres Ali was finally allowed to assume the Presidency he’d won all the way back in March. Yep…big Mike Pompeo had come down to South America to rally the countries around Venezuela: Guyana, Suriname and Brazil, to get with the Trump 1 programme to get rid of murderous Mad Maduro – via their support then of Guiado.
Earlier, before he was voted out, Granger had refused the Yanks’ request that a radio station be set up here to beam anti-Maduro messages into Venezuela. Some believe he’d thereby signed his political death warrant!!
That had always struck your Eyewitness as a pretty stupid move by a military man who’d attended so many military training courses in the States!! As one of Burnham’s protégés, to keep the army from overthrowing his sorry a55, Granger should’ve known that, in these matters, “knock gat knock back!!” And he got knocked back all the way to Pearl, where he’s still flat on his back!!
The GHRA had backed Granger down the line, that for us to “get caught in the middle of the dispute between Venezuela and the U.S. would be politically absurd”!! Never mind that Maduro had already threatened our oil exploration and issued decrees to claim our waters!! Treason!!
And now Pompeo’s successor in Trump 2, Marco Rubio, will be coming to town this Wednesday. Since 2020, the oil that had started flowing has grown into a gusher, spewing 650,000 boe daily – and headed to a million!! Mad Maduro’s Venezuelan sabre-rattling, however, has also grown exponentially, and your Eyewitness hopes that Rubio – of Cuban heritage from Florida, and virulently anticommunist and so anti-Maduro – will be discussing new plans for getting the tyrant out of his behind!!
There are some Caribbean leaders who’re all hot and bothered – and with their drawers in a knot – about the US claim that much of the Cuban Medical Brigade program is tantamount to “human trafficking”, and that enablers would be visa-sanctioned. But the Yanks have stated clearly that if the programs can be shown to have no money going to the Cuban Government, and the medical personnel’s salaries are comparable to locals’ – like here in Guyana –then there’s no problem!!! What our Government should do is to have a delegation of Cuban medical personnel meet with Rubio and give him the lowdown. Most of them have become Guyanese citizens!!!
Anyhow, with Rubio here, maybe the Opposition can also be given the opportunity to complain to him that it’s the PPP who’re twisting the American ICE to jail Melly Mell!! Rubio can then report that to Trump!! Zelenskyy 2??
…old politics
Your Eyewitness is kinda flummoxed by the Opposition’s bitchin’ and moanin’ about the Government’s use of “One Guyana” as a slogan. What do they want, “One People; One Nation; One Destiny”?!! But if we’re one people; one nation with one destiny, livin’ in Guyana – aren’t we then “One Guyana”?? Jeez…it’s just a more succinct way of sayin’ the same thing!!
But that’s the problem with havin’ an opposition, innit?? They feel compelled to oppose each and every thing that comes from “the other side” – even when it makes them look and sound ridiculous - and even treasonous!
Take, for instance, the AFC’s reaction to the Govt’s stance on the border controversy. The AFC leader claimed that the “PPPC as a government has proven time and time again that it has no stomach for a fight with Venezuela”!!
Ever since the Venezuelans created the controversy in 1962, the Opposition was always as one with the Govt on the issue – even when the PNC was rigging elections. And now this!!
…new resolve
Pressie is taking to heart the maxim, “Fool me once –shame on you; fool me twice – shame on me”!! He allowed Mad Maduro to fool him once about peace at Argyle. But this time, no meeting!!
Relations with America
Following a meeting with several Caricom leaders in Jamaica on Wednesday, US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, will be arriving in Guyana for discussions with President Irfaan Ali. Caricom is a strategic partner of the US, with interests intersecting in migration; trade; transnational crime; relations with Venezuela, Cuba and China.
The Jamaica meeting would address overall Caricom relations with the US, with Barbados’s Mia Mottley representing the regional grouping as its chair and T&T’s new PM, Stuart Young, as its security head. Haiti’s President would also be present to spearhead discussions on the deteriorating security situation in that island.
For us, however, our increasing oil production by the ExxonMobil condominium, which would soon reach one million bpd, is alone significant to warrant Rubio’s visit. ExxonMobil is a significant American corporation, and a week after President Trump’s inauguration and Rubio’s cabinet appointment, a telephone conversation was held with President Ali.
According to the US statement, “The Secretary affirmed the United States’ steadfast support of Guyana’s territorial integrity in the face of Nicolás Maduro and his cronies’ bellicose actions.” Those actions moved from threats and bluster to physical action when, on March 1, a Venezuelan naval ship invaded our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and threatened one of ExxonMobil’s FPSOs.
Following Pres Ali’s announcement that Guyana had “put its international partners on alert”, the Rubio-led US State Dept’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs warned: “Venezuelan naval vessels threatening ExxonMobil’s floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit is unacceptable and a clear violation of Guyana’s internationally recognized maritime territory. Further provocation will result in consequences for the Maduro regime.”
At the meeting with Secty Rubio, the nature of these “consequences” must be concretised.
Maduro’s continued bellicosity, even in the face of the Dec 14, 2023 Argyle Agreement, on which Pres Ali expended much political capital, made a mockery of the commitment to “not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstances.” Even though he has recently asked for another face-to-face meeting with Pres Ali, the latter announced that “We are not going to go into any discussion with Venezuela when they are blatantly disregarding the Argyle (declaration).”
Maduro will not cease his depredations, since he clearly considers these “rally round the flag” moves as vital to his political survival in a country he has ruined. The next flashpoint will come on May 25, one day before our Independence Anniversary, when Maduro has scheduled the “election” of a Governor of Essequibo, which he has legislatively “annexed” as Venezuela’s 24th state.
Maduro has explicitly rejected the ICJ’s jurisdiction to pronounce definitively on the Venezuelan-concocted Border Controversy, as per the 1966 Geneva Agreement. So, while we have once again resorted to that body on Maduro’s latest outrageous proposal, we must take other measures to safeguard our national security.
Addressing attendees at the commissioning of the GDF’s hangar at EFCIA, Pres Ali declared: “Even as we repose our confidence in the rule of international law and in the persuasiveness of diplomacy, we are not blind to the realities of the world we live in. A strong nation must have the means to deter and to identify threats; that is why we are investing in our Defence Force: not for war, not for aggression; but for protection, for development, and for national security.”
We have long supported examining our military options; but because of the overwhelming size of the Venezuelan land, air and sea forces, we suggested that while we should maintain our present conventional forces, simply enlarging them to counter Venezuela is not an optimal option. We should go outside the box to cause them to think twice before attacking us. In a phrase, we must reformulate our military doctrine and force structure. Our strategy must be one of denial and cost imposition – with the limited aim of changing Venezuela’s decision-making calculus and thus their strategic behaviour. Our Essequibo jungle terrain favours this denial strategy with irregular forces and cyber equipment; since, unlike Venezuela, our goal is not to occupy their territory.
At the meeting with Secty Rubio, we should raise our previous proposal: that we establish a military base in Essequibo, to which the US SouthCom forces would have access through a defence treaty between our countries. The base would coordinate the special forces that are capable of waging the asymmetrical war against the Venezuelan forces. US SFAB units have already begun training our forces in large-scale combat operations in new domains.
Ravi Dev
International Day of Forests 2025
Hello Readers, welcome to This edition. Every year, on March 21, the world observes International Day of Forests. It is a time to reflect on the invaluable role forests play in sustaining life; and this year’s theme, "Forests and Food", highlights how forests contribute to food security, nutrition, and livelihoods — especially in a country like Guyana, where our forests are a vital part of our daily lives.
Forests: A vital source of food and nutrition
Guyana’s forests are more than just lush greenery; they are a vital source of food and sustenance for many communities, particularly those of Indigenous and rural populations. Our forests provide an abundance of fruits, such as awara, cookrit, hog plum, and sapodilla, which are enjoyed both fresh and in traditional dishes. Nuts, like cashew and Brazil nuts, are also harvested; while wild honey collected from the forests is a natural sweetener that is valued for its health benefits.
Beyond plant-based foods, forests also support traditional food sources, like labba, deer, and wild-caught fish such as hassar and pacu, which are essential to many indigenous diets. Cassava, grown in and around forested areas, is a staple ingredient used to make farine and cassava bread, both of which have been key components of Guyanese cuisine for generations.
Our forests are not just crucial for food security; they also play a role in Guyana’s eco-tourism sector. Visitors to places like the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation, Kanuku Mountains, and Rupununi savannahs can experience forest-based cuisine firsthand, whether it's enjoying a traditional Indigenous meal or tasting fresh tropical fruits from the trees. By protecting our forests, we are safeguarding a natural food source, cultural heritage, and a key part of our country’s sustainable future.
Why forests matter beyond food
Forests do much more than provide food. They regulate our climate, store carbon, purify air and water, and serve as homes to diverse species of wildlife. In Guyana, where more than 85% of our land is covered by forests, they also play a crucial role in our economy: supporting sectors like forestry, tourism, and research.
However, forests are under threat from illegal logging, mining, and deforestation. Sustainable forest management is key to ensuring future generations continue to benefit from these resources. This is why agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) work to enforce environmental laws and promote responsible use of forests.
The role of the EPA in protecting Guyana’s forests
The EPA plays a critical role in ensuring the sustainable management of Guyana’s forests. Through environmental regulations, monitoring, and enforcement, the Agency ensures that activities such as logging, mining, and large-scale agriculture do not lead to irreversible damage to Guyana’s forests. The EPA also focuses on environmental education and awareness, working closely with communities to promote conservation efforts. By educating the public on the value of forests and how they can be sustainably managed, the Agency helps to ensure that both present and future generations can continue to rely on forest resources.
How you can help
Every Guyanese has a role to play in protecting our forests. Here are a few simple ways you can contribute in this regard:
* Support sustainable products by choosing ethically-sourced wood and forest-based products.
* Reduce waste, and recycle where possible, to minimize environmental pollution.
* Learn more about forest conservation efforts, and share this knowledge with others.
* Get involved in tree planting activities to help restore degraded forest areas.
Celebrating International Day of Forests in Guyana
As part of celebrations for International Day of Forests 2024, the EPA would be participating in an exhibition hosted by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). This event would showcase the importance of forests in Guyana, and allow the public to engage with experts on forest conservation and sustainable management. We encourage everyone to visit and learn more about how we can work together to protect our environment.
Follow EPA on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on our activities, projects, and ways you can get involved. Let’s continue working together to preserve our forests, ensuring they remain a thriving source of food, livelihood, and biodiversity for generations to come!
Happy International Day of Forests!
PPP/C going into 2025 election campaign having kept its promises – Jagdeo
– says main challenger APNU/AFC weighed down by credibility crisis
In the five years since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) returned to office in 2020, the party has been able to achieve practically all of its plans set out in its manifesto, a fact that Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo contrasted with A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change’s (APNU/AFC) track record of broken promises.
During his recent press conference, the Vice President addressed campaign flyers emanating from the opposition, one of which contained a number of promises including dramatic increases to wages and salaries. Jagdeo noted that the electorate would rightly be sceptical of such promises from the opposition, considering their lacklustre track record.
“A plan has to be considered and well thought out, and must show a source for the generation of wealth, apart from expenditure of revenue. And so, clearly the electorate will see this more and more as they get closer to elections; but the believability would be an important factor,” Jagdeo expressed.
With election expected this year, the Vice President noted that the 2025 election campaign season will hinge on the credibility of the parties trying to convince Guyanese to vote for them. Jagdeo noted that APNU/ AFC have a serious credibility hurdle, considering their 2015-2020 term, and contrasted this with the PPP/C.
“If you look at our manifestos historically, and the ones we’ve come out with in 2020, in the first three years we had completed – even with COVID – 90 per cent of our promises. And now, this year, we’ve managed to complete every promise that we made. We’ve done free university education as we said. The pensioners got paid, a doubling of old age pension. In the five years.”
“The children got their $50,000 that we promised in the five years. The joint services got back their bonus. We have increased the public servants (wage). We didn’t make a huge hullabaloo about the per centage increases to public servants. We promised to improve the conditions of service,” Jagdeo explained.
According to Jagdeo, if one is to do a side-by-side comparison of the 2020 and 2025 budgets produced by the PPP/C, one would see that the public sector earnings have grown by some $105 billion.
“Like APNU is promis -
ing 35 per cent increase… they put the 35 per cent in the flyer. And when we ask them, is it 35 per cent over per year or 35 per cent over the five-year term… they’re yet to answer, because if its 35 per cent per year, if you compound it, it will be over 200 per cent. And the wages and salaries now, are significant.”
“If we put something in writing, we’re not going to be making wild promises about what we will do in the next five years. But you
can rest assured that once its written and launched as a manifesto, that the entire Government will work at fulfilling it. Whatever we put there, will be done.”
He also reminded of some of the basic promises the PPP/C has made, such as working to ensure that every Guyanese can own their own home, have a first world healthcare at no cost to them, and better than first world education, with a focus on quality.
While no date has
been set, the 2025 elections are likely to be held in November. It will follow the March 2020 General and Regional Elections that were embroiled in controversy following blatant attempts by the then APNU/ AFC Administration to rig the elections in order to stay in power.
The PPP/C was sworn into office five months after the March 2, 2020 polls. Several senior staff of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) along
ists are currently before the
with political activ -
courts for over 30 electoral fraud charges.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Guyana will not abandon Cuban medical workers – Pres Ali
– says matter will be raised during upcoming Rubio visit
Amid concerns being expressed by the United States (US) over the movement of Cuban medical workers in the region, President Dr Irfaan Ali has declared that Guyana will not abandon these Cuban medical professionals here in the face of the visa restrictions by the US.
The President was at the time speaking with reporters on the sidelines of an event on Saturday. The President assured that this issue will be raised with US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, during his visit here next week as part of a three-nation Caribbean tour.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to expand on the magnitude of the human capital problem we have in the region, in the health care system itself; and to find common grounds with the US Well, I’ve made it very clear our position to find common ground. And I don’t see this, I don’t see abandoning Cuba as part of this equation,” President Ali said.
“The equation is not surrounding a country; it’s surrounding an issue. And the US is contending that with the information that is before them, they don’t believe that the Cuban health re-
gime system is following the international best practices and laws and so on. So, when we listen to the US, we’ll have a better appreciation for the information that they have also before them.”
Last month, the US expanded an existing Cubarelated visa restriction policy that targets forced labour linked to the Cuban labour export programme. This decision will see visa restrictions placed on state officials believed to be involved in the export of Cuban workers – a move that has been strongly criticised by some Caribbean leaders.
In Guyana, Cuban medi-
cal professionals work in several public and private hospitals across the country. During a recent trip to the US, where President Ali met with several top Government officials to discuss a number of issues, the Guyana Government had informed the US authorities that all foreign workers here, including Cubans are employed under strict local labour laws as well as in compliance with international labour laws.
During a recent interview, Ali had also assured that the Guyana Government is prepared to work with the US on the issue. Citing the close ties that
Guyana and the US share on many issues, the Head of State maintained that there are no labour breaches here. In fact, he said that among
the information the Guyana Government shared with the US last week is the benefits that the Cuban workers get here.
“We ensure their contracts and terms of employment are aligned with international and local labour laws, and standards. But we also said to the US if there is any particular information or any specific issue that they wish for us to address, that we’re more than willing to work with them.”
“We are very confident that they are working in strict conformity with international labour laws and our local labour laws… We’ve shared [with the US] everything, and we’re not in breach of any labour laws,” the President had also stressed.
CARICOM countries, including Guyana, provide employment for large batches of Cuban doctors and nurses, and some CARICOM leaders have taken a more direct stance against the US’s expansion of its existing Cubarelated visa restriction policy that targets the export of Cuban labour to other countries.
According to President Ali on Saturday, “…when the policy was announced [by the US]… we were at [the CARICOM] Heads meeting, and this was one of the subjects that Heads would have requested a meeting on with the US State Department.”
As articulated in a statement from Rubio, the administration believes that Cuba nets much income from a “forced labour” programme. Doctors and other health workers in particular are believed to be part of this programme.
Shortly after the announcement, Vice President (VP) Jagdeo stated that while CARICOM nations plan to engage with the US Administration on the Cuban medical brigade and other issues, the Guyana Government’s priority remains economic and social stability, as well as ensuring access to adequate healthcare for the Guyanese people.
In its 2024 Mid-Year Report, the Ministry of Finance had revealed that the Cuban Medical Brigade’s presence in Guyana had significantly increased, with some 240 Cuban healthcare professionals, including 144 nurses, now deployed across the country – a growth from the 192 medical professionals from the island nation stationed here at the end of 2023.
President Dr Irfaan Ali during a visit to the US, where he met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
ERC Chair calls for unity in fight against racial discrimination
– Commission marks international day and its second anniversary
The fight against ra-
cial discrimina-
tion is far from over, declared Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) Chairman Shaikh Moeenul Hack, as the Commission commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and its second anniversary on Saturday, at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown.
“As we reflect on the past year, we are deeply proud of the progress we have made. Yet, our journey is far from over,” Hack told attendees, emphasising the Commission’s ongoing com-
mitment to fostering inclusivity.
“The fight against racial discrimination is an ongoing one, requiring constant vig-
ilance, adaptability and collaboration among all members of society. It is not a battle that the ERC can fight alone; it requires the participation of every citi-
zen. Let us stand united in our resolve to build on our achievements and continue promoting peace, tolerance, and ethnic harmony across
our beautiful country,” he urged.
The event brought together ERC’s local and international partners, con-
stituency bodies, and stakeholders, to reflect on progress in promoting unity and addressing racial discrimination in Guyana.
Shaikh Moeenul Hack, ERC Chairman
Ganesh Mahipaul, MP
Hon Gail Teixeira, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Governance
CEO Ethnic Relations Commission, Gomin Camacho
UN Resident Coordinator Jean Kamau
Two Kitty residents arrested in drug raid
Acoordinated police operation in Regional Division 4A (Georgetown), resulted in the arrest of two residents of Kitty, after officers discovered a quantity of suspected cocaine at their home.
The ‘Cordon-and-Search’ operation, conducted between 15:30h and 20:30h on Saturday was aimed at cracking down on narcotics and stolen property, and finding wanted individuals.
During the course of the operation, it was reported that police ranks searched multiple homes across the city. Among the locations raided were the residence of a businessman in Castello Housing Scheme, a cashier’s home in Albouystown, Georgetown; a house occupied by an un-
employed woman in the James and Cooper Street area, and a wash bay attendant’s residence in Cummings Park, Sophia. Despite thorough searches, no illegal items were found at these addresses.
However, when officers arrived at Lot 67 Gordon Street, Kitty, they made contact with 50-year-old construction worker Gavin Clarke and Seauta Norville, a housewife. Acting on intelligence, officers conducted a search of the premises, which led to the discovery of a quantity of suspected cocaine.
Both individuals were immediately informed of the offence and placed under arrest. During questioning, Clarke admitted that the cocaine belonged to him, while Norville denied any involvement or knowledge of the illegal substance.
The suspected cocaine was weighed and confirmed to be 33 grams. It was placed in an evidence bag, sealed in the presence of the suspects, and lodged at the Kitty Police Station for further processing before being sent to the forensic laboratory for analysis. Both Clarke and Norville remain in police custody as investigations continue.
The substance found in the duo’s home
Arrested: Gavin Clarke
Arrested: Seauta Norville
Police seize two illegal firearms in North East La Penitence operations
In a series of intelligence-led operations and routine patrols in North East La Penitence, police officers successfully seized two illegal firearms and ammunition, one from an Albouystown welder and the other discarded by a wanted suspect who managed to escape capture. At midnight on Friday,
ranks conducting an intelligence-led operation in North East La Penitence, Georgetown, intercepted Shakeel Cox, a 23-year-old welder from Albouystown.
According to reports, plainclothes detectives approached Cox and requested a search, which he agreed to without resistance. Upon inspection, officers discovered a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off and three rounds of 9mm ammunition concealed in a black one-strap bag that Cox had in his possession.
However, further searches revealed only payslips and a Western Union receipt, all bearing Cox’s name.
When asked if he possessed a firearm license, Cox admitted that he did not. He was immediately arrested and cautioned, and chose to remain silent.
Cox was then escorted to the East La Penitence Police Station, where the firearm and ammunition were marked, placed in separate evidence
bags, sealed, and lodged for further analysis at the ballistics section.
Just a few hours later, at approximately 03:10h on Saturday, police acting on intelligence proceeded to Harpy Drive, North East La Penitence, where they attempted to apprehend Jamal Halley, also known as “Biggs.”
Halley, who is wanted for discharging a loaded firearm with intent during an incident on March 14, 2025, at Independence Boulevard,
Albouystown, was spotted standing with several individuals in the area.
As two ranks exited their vehicle to confront him, Halley immediately fled, running east from the roadway onto a dam leading to the North East La Penitence squatting area.
A foot chase ensued, during which officers observed Halley throw an object onto the dam before continuing his escape. He managed to jump several zinc fences, evading capture. Upon searching the area, police recovered a .45 Glock pistol on the dam. The firearm was secured and taken to the East La Penitence Police Station, where it was dusted for fingerprints. The magazine was ejected and found to contain ten (10) .45 rounds of ammunition. Both firearms are now part of active investigations. Authorities continue to pursue Halley, urging members of the public with any information on his whereabouts to come forward.
Arrested: Shakeel Cox
The firearm that Halley allegedly got rid of as he fled
CANU destroys over 600kg illegal drugs
The Customs AntiNarcotic Unit (CANU) successfully destroyed 622 kilograms (kg) of illegal drugs in a major disposal operation on Saturday. The exercise took place at the former Ministry of Housing tarmac along Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown.
The drugs destroyed consisted of 22 kg of cocaine and 600 kg of marijuana. These narcotics were linked to cases that have already been concluded in the Magistrates’ Courts, with the marijuana-related cases finalised between 2021 and 2025, and the cocaine-related cases concluded between 2021 and 2024.
The event was attended by the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and the Director of CANU, James Singh. According to CANU officials, the narcotics destroyed represented only a small portion of the total drugs seized by the unit in recent years.
8,496.332 kg of cannabis and 4,829.178 kg of cocaine. Other substances seized over the five-year period included ecstasy, crystal meth, hashish, cannabis seeds, heroin, and methamphetamine.
The enforcement efforts during this time led to the arrest of 820 individuals, with 517 charged and 399 convicted. In addition, the authorities seized 48 firearms, 3,475 rounds of ammunition, and several canisters of mercury.
CANU continues its commitment to national security and the ongoing disruption of illegal drug trafficking networks operating within Guyana.
The estimated street value of these seizures was US$157 million; €207.3 million; and a Guyanese street value of GY$5.6 billion.
The seizures led to 83 arrests, 52 individuals charged, and 66 convictions, contributing to a more secure environment within the country. Furthermore, 43 cases were completed in 2024, with 76 ongoing investigations continuing to target the opera-
In 2024, CANU made significant progress in combating drug trafficking, seizing a total of 6,738.212 kg of narcotics, including 5,094.67 kg of cocaine, 1,643.45 kg of cannabis, and 0.092 kg of methamphetamine.
tions of drug traffickers.
During the year, CANU’s operations also resulted in the seizure of 20 firearms, 291 rounds of ammunition, and 7 canisters of mercury. The budgetary allocation to CANU in 2024 was GY$827.4 million, which produced a remarkable Return on Investment (ROI) of 576.8 per cent.
Over the period from 2020 to 2024, CANU recorded total narcotics seizures of 13,335.223 kg, including
ERC Chair calls for...
ERC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gomin Camacho, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to its mission.
A cultural showcase underscored the significance of unity, with the National School of Dance delivering a performance symbolising Guyana’s cultural diversity. The evening also featured performances from the top three winners of the ERC Jingle Competition—Adaiah Griffith, Alcesa Grenville Wong, and Bill Rogers—who shared creative messages of inclusion and harmony through their music.
UN Resident Coordinator to Guyana, H.E. Jean Kamau, addressed the gathering, highlighting the role of global efforts in eliminating racial discrimination.
“The United Nations (UN) remains committed to supporting Guyana’s efforts to eliminate all forms
of discrimination. We stand ready to collaborate with the Government, Constitutional and statutory bodies, and all stakeholders to jointly undertake measures so that racism and discrimination have no place in our societies,” she stated.
Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, stressed the need for bipartisan efforts in tackling racial discrimination.
“We remain committed to bipartisan collaboration and coalition building to cultivate racial harmony and national unity. Our fight against racial discrimination is not just about rectifying historical wrongs. It is about securing a just and equitable future for generations to come; we must act now,” he remarked.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, acknowledged the progress
made, while urging continued efforts.
“We must not disparage the progress we made as a people. We must encourage it and encourage more persons to do better, so that we continue to build a harmonious, culturally diverse, ethnically diverse, religiously diverse society. Let us consciously work together to ensure that prejudices, whether ethnic, religious or race, are reduced, and each one of us play a role in stopping it where it comes up in our society and our communities, even in our families.”
The event underscored the ERC’s steadfast commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and ethnic harmony in Guyana. As the Commission moves forward, it remains focused on strengthening unity and ensuring that racial discrimination has no place in the country’s future.
Drugs being destroyed by CANU
Proposed tariff measures could hit Caricom hard, drive up transport costs –Ali
– says US an important partner; region to engage with US policy makers
Joining other regional leaders in expressing concerns at the tariffs being proposed by the United States (US) Government and the effect that can have on shipping in the region, President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured that these matters will be raised with their US partner.
A key concern has been President Donald Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on China-made ships/vessels, which will impact trade in Guyana and the CARICOM region. In an interview on Saturday, Ali noted that based on the policy being proposed, once these vessels
major impact on the shipping industry. And the regional private sector organisation would have made a presentation to heads on what they see as some of the challenges. It highlighted some of the areas of concern. And to heads, to advance discussions with the US.”
“As you know, there was a specific policy that was announced, in relation to ships that would bring cargo, whether originating in China or such vessels made in China. One of the big issues now, is that these larger vessels transship into smaller vessels into the region. So, they would transit in the US
goods coming into the region. As a result, discussions will also cover the potential economic repercussions of new US shipping policies. Ali confirmed that CARICOM will engage the US to mitigate these impacts.
“And of course for Guyana, Suriname when they started. Trinidad and Tobago, the assessment on tankers and other vessels moving gas, would have to be made. So, as I said, this is a policy that was alluded to, so there are some discussions that will have to occur. All these things are key regional issues that will be discussed.”
fall within a certain category they will be charged.
“As you know, some of the new policy measures announced by the US can have
to transship,” President Ali noted.
The Head of State noted that this would naturally have an effect on the cost of
“The region recognises that the US is an important partner. And the regional private sector will be having some discussions with
the US. We will also be having conversations with various actors in the US system, such as Secretary Rubio,” President Ali said, adding that CARICOM Chairman and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley will also be seeking a meeting with the White House.
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is expected to arrive in the Caribbean next week as part of a three-nation Caribbean tour. Based on regional reports, Chair of CARICOM, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, and other regional leaders will also be in Kingston to meet with the Secretary of State.
Rubio will then travel to Guyana and Suriname, where he will meet with their respective Presidents, Dr Irfaan Ali and
Chandrikapersad Santokhi.
In Georgetown, the US Secretary of State and President Ali are likely to have discussions on a number of issues including the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. Additionally, policy issues such as the recent US restrictions on Cuban medical professionals could also be discussed.
The Guyana Government has already been engaging the US to ensure that trade relations remain favourable not just between the two countries but the wider Caribbean region. As far back as February, this position had been articulated by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, amid plans by the US Government to impose tariffs on imports from several countries including Canada, Mexico and China.
While the US Government had gone ahead with its implementation of a 10 per cent tariff on imports from China, there has been a 30-day delay on the 25 per cent tariff to be imposed on imports from Canada and Mexico. This latter move had brought some level of relief but this was short-lived after President Trump threatened to hit more countries with similar tariffs.
Based on a BBC report, President Trump had said that he was planning “reciprocal tariffs” on other nations as he aims to reshape the US’s global trade relationships. The US President, the article stated, did not say which countries could be targeted but suggested it would be a broad effort that may also help solve US budget problems.
VP confident of PPP/C performance in government, elections
...says party will win the 2025 General and Regional Elections, but not taking things for granted
On Saturday, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, engaged residents at Numbers 48 Primary School, Numbers 64 Village, Linepath and Crabwood Creek in community meetings, to discuss the government’s progress and elections, as well as to listen to issues affecting the communities.
Jagdeo said that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic will win the 2025, General and Regional elections. However, the party is not taking things for granted.
According to the Vice President, the PPP/C has a robust record of fighting for freedom and without that freedom Guyana would have been a different place. Jagdeo said had the PPP not returned to office Berbice would have been a dead place.
“Because the sugar importance was the primary source of income in most homes –from the taxi drivers to the hairdressers to the shopkeeper – because if the people were not earning they could not spend, it was not just sugar that the assault was against, it was also the rice industry- by putting taxes on machinery and equipment
and on pesticides and fertilizers and saying that rice is private business. So, there was an assault on rice. There was no job creation effort in this region but also in other regions. Other regions suffered enormously including regions that they [the then APNU/ AFC government] controlled. Thousands of bauxite workers lost their jobs in Region Ten,” Jagdeo said while at Number 48 Village.
Speaking about the previous administration, he also pointed out that hinterland communities were affected, as hundreds were relieved
of their jobs by the then government. Additionally, some 4,000 sugar workers lost their jobs and two sugar estates were closed in Berbice.
However, since returning to office, the party has resuscitated two of the estates and more than 2,000 persons are now working there. Additionally some 4,800 persons have been given parttime employment by the government in Region Six, Jagdeo noted.
According to Vice President Jagdeo, thousands of new jobs will be provided, with a projected investment in the region which includes the establishment of a deep water harbour and a
new high span Berbice River Bridge, which will be toll free and will allow for containers to arrive and be shipped across the bridge, toll free. Jagdeo in a brief message said it is important that people know what has been done by the current administration and what plans there are for the region, because too often people judge the government’s performance based on what they hear, regardless of where the information is coming from, and many times it is coming from the opposition.
He pointed out that since coming back to office the PPP administration has been on a scale of development that is unprecedented.
The former Head of State also used the opportunity to listen to concerns by residents. He noted that when persons raise issues, the government does not view it as an attack on its own, as an attack on the government.
“When people stand up an a community meeting that the PPPC holds, and they raise an issue affecting their community, we don’t see that as a criticism of our party. We see that as an opportunity to resolve things that might be affecting the community,” Jagdeo who is also the General Secretary of the PPPC said.
Among the issues raised at the four meetings include
the need for electricity poles in some communities, the need to have some communities zoned for housing, a need for better service at the Skeldon Hospital, leakages in Guyana Water Inc.’s mains, and the poor state of some post offices.
The National Insurance Scheme was also an entity which many residents needed intervention from high offices to have their issues addressed..
Some also spoke of difficulty communicating with foreign doctors at the hospital, drainage and irrigation issues in their community and issues at their local NDCs.
The Caribbean Community Secretariat
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
GCCI elects first-ever female president
…and 21-member council
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) held its 135th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and elected a new Council of the Chamber for 2025-2026, following the dissolution of its 2024/2025 Council.
During the meeting at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, remarks were delivered by the outgoing President of the GCCI, Kester Hutson, and the Guest Speaker, United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot. The
Opening Session concluded with remarks from the Senior Minister in the Office of the President, Honourable Dr Ashni Singh.
In his address, Singh emphasised that Government is committed to working closely with the Chamber and its membership, to continue to achieve the objective of remaining an attractive and hospitable country for foreign direct investment, while at the same time advancing the interests of Guyanese businesses and Guyanese nationals.
He also highlighted the tremendous, positive impact that the local content legislation has had on business opportunities for Guyana, and urged the Chamber’s membership to continue to take advantage of the opportunities that will continue to be created under the local content legislation.
At the elections for the Chamber’s 21-member Council, the following individuals were elected to serve as the new Council for the 2025–2026 term: Richard Rambarran of NCB Capital Markets Guyana Inc., Timothy Tucker of Rid-OPes, Kester Hutson of Dapper Technology Inc., Dee George of Herdmanston Lodge,
Members of the new GCCI Council, 2025-26
Komal Ramnauth of Kojac, Keon Howard of Electric (Guyana) Inc., Kathy Smith of Dynotech Construction Chemicals Inc., Rosh Khan of Social Rank Media, Rayad Boyce of Sonic Business Services, Gavin Ramsoondar of Zarc Properties Inc., Delmar Walcott of Pinnacle Solutions, Navin Prashad of M.P. Insurance Brokers & Consultants Ltd., Orson Ferguson of Vista Holdings Inc., Brian Edwards of Green Agro Service & Supplies Inc., Mary Nagasar of Hand-in-Hand Group of Companies, Evie KanhaiGurchuran of Envisage Marketing & Technology Company, Devon Seeram of Payless Variety Store, Kristia Ramlagan-Prescott of Lodestar Inc., Melisa
McRae-George of Guyana Payroll Solutions, Paul Archer of Loss Control & Risk Management Guyana, and Eusi Evelyn of Green State Oil & Gas Services Inc.
Subsequent to the AGM, the new Council held its first Statutory Council meeting on Friday, March 21, 2025, to elect from its body a new Executive Management Committee (EMC) for the year 2025/2026.
The EMC comprises a President, Senior Vice President, Junior Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and an Immediate Past President. Kathy Smith of Dynotech Construction Chemicals Inc was elected President; Gavin Ramsoondar of Zarc Properties Inc was elect-
ed Senior Vice President; Brian Edwards of Green Agro Service & Supplies Inc was elected Junior Vice President; Melisa McRae-George of Guyana Payroll Solutions was elected Treasurer; Kristia Ramlagan-Prescott of Lodestar Inc was elected Secretary; and Kester Hutson of Dapper Technology Inc was elected Immediate Past President. The Council also invited Councillors, Past President, Timothy Tucker, and Past Senior Vice President, Richard Rambarran, to serve on the EMC as ExOfficio Members. On her election, Kathy Smith became the first female GCCI President in Guyana.
Women's Chamber demands immediate repeal of anti-gay laws
The Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG) in its press release following a special session at their Women and Girls’ Summit, held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) last Thursday, declared itself the latest Guyanese organisation to join the growing call for the urgent repeal of outdated laws that criminalise samesex intimacy.
In their report on the event, the WCCIG release noted that it called for a “national conversation” about the importance of treating all Guyanese with respect.
“I’m proud that the Women’s Chamber is part of this conversation,” Josephine Tapp, WCCIG President declared in her
opening remarks, “especially around International Women’s Day and in Women’s History Month –at a time when we are celebrating progress towards gender equality and renewing our commitment to gender justice.”
Tapp, who lauded the “Guyana Together” campaign’s work, also called for real changes to be made that signals inclusion.
“The Women’s Chamber stands with Guyana Together in calling for the immediate repeal of the discriminatory laws that criminalise same-sex intimacy. These outdated, colonial-era laws do not reflect the values of 21st-century Guyana and it is way past time for Guyana to make a change,” Tapp emphasised.
Decriminalise same-sex intimacy
Attorney-at-Law
Chandrawattie Persaud, guest speaker at the event, pointed out that Guyana is the only South American country with laws that criminalise same-sex intimacy.
“These outdated laws – originally imposed on Guyana in 1893 by the British Empire – do not reflect the values of today’s Guyanese society,” Persaud told the gathering.
“Most CARICOM countries have already eliminated these anti-gay laws, as more countries around the world – and especially in the Caribbean – overturn their discriminatory laws, Guyana should not wait any longer to be on the right side of history,” she said.
A 2022 poll showed that 54 per cent of Guyanese support the repeal of this law.
“Support is even higher among younger people,” Persaud pointed out.
Persaud, a workers’ advocate with a background in Public Health, also used the opportunity to highlight how health and human rights are linked together.
“Criminalisation, along with pervasive discrimination, obstructs LGBTQ+ people from accessing health services, including testing and treatment for HIV and
other life-saving medical care,” Persaud said.
She pointed out too that several international bodies have made links between decriminalising same-sex intimacy, saving lives and equality, dignity, and health for everyone.
“Guyana is a country rich in diversity. Every individual has value and contributes to our national fabric, and that includes our gay, bisexual and transgender family, friends and coworkers. I encourage each of you to join me in supporting the “Guyana Together” campaign. I invite you to reach out and get involved,” she added.
Ending gender discrimination
The Attorney-at-Law, while calling on the women leaders to support this call
for decriminalisation, also called for an end to discrimination.
“I believe the effort to secure empowerment for women is so closely related to the need for protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people,” she explained.
“And not just because many LGBT people are, of course, women themselves. But as women, we know that challenging societal norms and identities is never easy,” she added.
Persaud lamented that women continue to experience unfair treatment, are judged by different standards and are denied opportunities based on perceptions and stereotypes about gender.
“Unfortunately, sexu-
al harassment and domestic violence continue to be major areas of concern here in Guyana,” she stated.
“Similarly, LGBT people in Guyana continue to face high levels of exclusion, harassment and violence. And laws that stigmatise them, also lead to further discrimination in education, employment, healthcare and social services,” Persaud explained. Persaud told the forum that discrimination and harassment in any form is wrong as she made an appeal for respect for all.
“I grew up on the Essequibo coast and I come from a humble family where the values of hard work, persistence and drive are never overlooked,” she said. “As a child growing up, I was taught the Golden Rule –do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It’s a saying that truly applies to every aspect of life. Respecting others means treating our gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender neighbours the way that we would want to be treated,” Persaud shared.
Partnering with the “Guyana Together” campaign, WCCIG hosted the special session in observation of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.
President Ali greeting first woman President of the GCCI, Katy Smith
Josephine Tapp, WCCIG President
Attorney-at-Law Chandrawattie Persaud, guest speaker at the event
– CORENTYNE BAKER REFLECTS ON HIS AMAZING JOURNEY
“Seeing the satisfaction of the thousands of customers when they can get anything they were accustomed to in Guyana is one of my greatest accomplishments as a businessman.”
These are the words of 63-year-old Rajendra Mahase popularly known as “Boyee” who is the owner of the ‘Little Guyana’ franchise in New York.
Presently, there are three locations – 116th Street, Liberty Avenue; 124th Street, Liberty Avenue and Hollis Jamaica, New York, which is the flagship store. These stores offer everything Guyanese, including a wide variety of fish, seasoning, ground provision, bottled products, noodles, chips, brown sugar and many more.
Obviously, one can get their plait and pan bread, along with a variety of pastries from the bakery, which opens seven days a week expect, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.
But how did it all start?
The ‘Little Guyana’ franchise started some 30 years ago – a few years after Mahase, originally from Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice migrated to the United States (US).
He migrated to the US in 1989, opened his first bakery in 1995, followed by the second in 1999, and the third in 2011.
Speaking with the Guyana Times from his spacious Hollis, Jamaica location, the father of two explained that as a young man, he started his own bakery business in Port Mourant in 1972 even before Spready’s came into existence.
That very talent along with the recipe, he used to his advantage when he migrated to New York.
“The ‘Little Guyana’ franchise is owned by me and a friend… we married two sisters… when we first came to the US, there was an Italian bakery close to us but after the Guyanese diaspora continued to grow, sales at the
bakery started to decline because most people preferred to travel to Sybil’s at Richmond Hill to get their bread, roti and so…”
Beginnings
The Italian bakery eventually closed its doors and it was at that moment, Mahase and his friend purchased the business and named it ‘Little Guyana’.
“My friend was still in school, and I was new in the country and was working… after the opportunity presents itself, we pool our money that we had, as well as we borrowed from family, friends… used our credit cards and eventually bought the place,” he recalled.
With a smile on his face, Mahase related that opening the Little Guyana Bakery was the best decision they could have made. After sometime, the demand by the Guyanese diaspora became enormous, and the other locations were opened.
“It was not only because of the demand that we opened another two locations but because of parking… people then stopped, run in and buy bread, and by the time they went back out, they were greeted with a parking ticket for US$150… so imagine, you buying a bread for US$1 and have to pay US$150 fine…so we had to do something or else we would have lost customers,” he revealed.
“Back then also, I was also popular among the Guyanese diaspora, so everyone supported me… most of them were from Berbice where they first know me… the support was overwhelming…,” he reminisced.
Presently, the three locations have a staff complement of about 30 altogether – Guyanese and non-Guyanese. Some have been with him from the inception.
Diversifying
Mahase explained how the bakery quickly turned into a convenient store. “Turning into a convenient store started when a good friend of mine, Dave Narine,
an importer, brought a few bottles of pepper sauce and left them for us to sell, and by the time he returned they were all gone…then he started to drop off achar and other Guyanese products… after seeing the response, it pushed me to expand the business into a convenient store to accommodate the growing Guyanese population.”
However, after witnessing his success, Mahase explained that other Guyanese started to open small bakeries. “I can safely say that
day… American products and others… and that has more or less diversified our operations… at any time, anyone can run in the stores and grab an everyday necessity…”
Retirement
Now 63, the Guyanese businessman hopes to return to his home country and settle down by the time he is 70 years old, but this would leave him no alternative but to sell his businesses.
“My two children have
cially running a business… I want to relax, enjoy some nicely cooked Guyanese foods and do things that I once loved to do…”
At the end of it all, he emphasised that he has served the Guyanese diaspora with pride and dignity, and will take with him the smiles he often sees on his customers’ faces when they get genuine and quality Guyanese products.
“It has been a great run, and my greatest accomplishment was to see the satisfaction of my custom-
one of the biggest challenges for me was to deal with Guyanese mentality… they see you open a business and it is striving and they want to do the same… I can count, within a 30-block span, there are about 30 other bakeries owned by Guyanese that are now operating along Liberty Avenue/Richmond Hill.”
This however, did not deter him from expanding his services, not only for Guyanese but the general public.
“Over the years, while our ardent customers are Guyanese, we still cater to everyone… our products include those that people would need from day to
no interest in business, so this would mean that I have to sell... I know I have started from scratch and I know it will hurt but, after 30-35 years of serving the Guyanese diaspora, I think it will be best to sell… the new buyer, I hope will maintain the name because after all, it is the franchise, they are buying… I want to go back home and enjoy my retirement,” he stressed.
In fact, he told the Guyana Times that construction has already started on his property at Port Mourant and he is elated to return. “I miss the peace and tranquillity in the country side… here is hectic, espe-
ers over the years. Come to ‘Little Guyana’ for anything Guyanese… I want to thank them for their continued support, and even when I move back to my homeland, I am sure they will support the franchise,” Mahase posited.
Meanwhile, after years of baking, he is now allergic to flour. He explained that due to the ingredients in the flour, he suffers from an allergic reaction and as such, he stays out of the bakery until after baking in done.
This however, doesn’t stop him from enjoying a piece of quality bread baked by the excellent bakers at ‘Little Guyana’.
Rajendra Mahase
–Jarryl Bryan of Dessert Tales GY blends writing and baking into a unique business
The combination of businesses seldomly cross the minds of many entrepreneurs. However, it found its way into the mind of 32-year-old Jarryl Bryan, who has meticulously combined two of his favourite things—creative writing and baking— into his business, Dessert Tales GY.
Differentiating his business from the norm, where creative writers are not paid for their works, Bryan’s initiative allows for authors to submit their work, which is then vetted, and they are paid for their contributions.
According to Bryan, after careful analysis he has realised that in other creative fields, musicians get bookings, DJs earn money, and artists are commissioned to paint.
However, writers, especially short story writers, often struggle to make money, unless they can get their books or stories published.
With this vision in mind, this is why Bryan chose to create his platform.
Bryan seized the opportunity to use his Government’s cash grant to fund the busi-
lenges has always been the lack of paying markets. If you look at America, there are many literary magazines and platforms for writers to earn money. So, this is where the idea for my business came from. Baking is another one of my passions, and I studied it as well,” he stated, adding that he is a recipient of training from Skills Academy.
He pointed out that he is seeking Guyanese writers from all backgrounds, but especially those who can creatively highlight Guyana’s cultural experiences.
“We have short story categories and guidelines for submission,” Bryan said. “We’re looking for stories that depict Guyanese culture, like folklore, for example.”
“This journey was like a month-long endeavour of planning, getting the website up and running, buying stock, and so on. My aunt helped with some of the startup costs, and [with] some of my savings, along with the $100,000 cash grant, [I] went into the business. I think that’s what the Government envisioned when it announced the grant—to use it to create more disposable income,” he explained.
A love for creative writing Bryan, who is a certified baker, also has a deep love for creative writing.
“I love creative writing, and this is actually what helped birth the idea for my business,” Bryan said.
“I’ve been writing creatively for years now, and one of the consistent chal-
He expressed that he is interested in stories from writers that can showcase the cultural side of Guyana, including those about Moonwalkers, Kanaimas, and other cultural tales.
“We have an action category, and the name speaks for itself. We want short stories, including folklore and Guyanese legends
like Kanaimas. In fact, our initiative only accepts stories from Guyanese writers, so you have to be Guyanese or of Guyanese descent. We want to emphasise the Guyanese part of our culture,” Bryan explained.
“We also have a romance category and science fiction. We haven't really seen much from Guyanese writers in the science fiction genre.”
Bryan also made it clear that the business is always open to submissions, unless announced otherwise on the
shared, referencing a popular local saying.
“If you like to eat, you should know how to cook. For me, being in the kitchen, baking and cooking is not gendered—it’s a skill. It’s something that I love doing. I believe when you form a business based on something you’re passionate about, customers can see that, and it helps to build trust.”
Bryan’s formal training in baking and pastry-making at Skills Academy helped him develop his business further.
“I funnelled my skills into a business, and it's been something I’ve been working on for months,” he said.
One of Bryan’s favourite treats is cheese straw, and prices are very reasonable for lovers of this treat.
“We have cornbread, cheesy cornbread options, cinnamon rolls with various toppings, Oreo cheese-
website or their FB page.
Looking ahead, Bryan sees this initiative as a way to pave a new path for writers in Guyana.
“I would definitely say that this is a new course for writers. It’s been a problem for me as a writer not having paying markets to submit my work to. We offer oneyear exclusivity rights, and you get paid for your work,” Bryan stated.
The cooking side of things
On the other side of his business, where sweetness emerges, Bryan explained that his love for cooking— more specifically eating— drove him to venture into the baking world. He aims to fight hunger in a tasty way.
"As Guyanese people say, ‘Ah like meh belly,’" he
cake, chocolate cheesecake, classic cookies and cream cheesecake, and, of course, our French cheese straw. I couldn’t form a bakery without including that. It’s one of my personal favourites,” he said.
But Bryan isn’t stopping there. He plans to expand his business and add performances, where writers can read their stories while customers enjoy baked goods at the bakery shop.
“We’re already looking at that long-term. We have short, medium, and longterm goals, and it’s definitely on the consideration list,” he said.
The website is desserttalesgy.com. People can also visit its Facebook page, "Dessert Tales GY," for more details.
Dessert Tales GY founder Jarryl Bryan
Cheese straw sold by the company
Classic corn bread
A freshly baked batch of Cinnamon Rolls
‘For new readers with open minds, a treat is in store’
Review of David Dabydeen’s “Sweet Li Jie” – Part 2
By Dr Michael Mitchell
(CONTINUED FROM SUNDAY MARCH 16)
The Guianese stories are told through the persona of Jia Yun in the form of letters to Sweet Li Jie.
Though they pay tribute to the tradition of epistolatory novels, there are no replies — Li Jie is presumably illiterate — and the practice of dating the letters is later dropped, so they really represent an inner monologue by one of the only characters who displays decency and consistency, besides a certain business acumen.
As a result, the reader finds him more convincing as a narrator, and is more prepared to accept what he reports about his voyage to Demerara and his dealings in the colony. He inherits the textile business from his revered master, Yu Hao, who dies of cholera on the ship, and refers
to himself several times as a ‘man of cloth’. The play on words is deliberate, as he is an almost saintly avatar of the author’s more serious purpose.
The doctor on board, who selflessly treats the patients and succumbs to the disease himself, is named Dr Richmond. He also makes ‘indelicate’ sketches of naked Chinese women, teaching Jia Yun the Latin words of Terence, that ‘nothing human is alien to me’ and that his sketches are to ‘forestall the cruel acts that fantasies hatch’ (p. 35). Both of these quotes might equally apply to the subjects of Dabydeen’s work. That Richmond can be seen in a positive light may also reflect on the real doctor on the first indentured ship to Guiana, Theophilus Richmond, whose diaries Dabydeen co-edited for publication.
Names are not entirely random in Dabydeen’s work, and often refract people who he has known
well or admires (or occasionally dislikes). Thus Joseph Countryman makes a frequent appearance, as does Harris (in honour of the sometimes obscure Guyanese genius Wilson Harris). Here the Afro-Guianese Harris is Jia Yun’s loyal helper, who explains the country to him and tries to introduce him to the wonders of the rainforest, which terrify Jia Lun, reminding him of predation and death.
Harris has also developed his own philosophy about the creation and destiny of the universe, part of which features a worm which infects the woman who produces the first man.
One is reminded of Blake’s sick rose. Worms appear in similar contexts elsewhere in the book.
Jia Yun is also impressed by Indo-Guianese Gurr, who is also based on an acquaintance of Dabydeen’s in Berbice. The various heterogeneous populations in the colony are
astutely observed by Jia Yun, who also personifies the reason Chinese traders were often respected as honest and reliable, and for their willingness to give credit.
Other Chinese, however, do not come across so positively. The first man he meets in Georgetown, Mr Fu, subsequently named ‘Glutton Fu’, is ruthlessly exploitative, and the pastor Reverend Choy, who founds a utopian community called Prospect Town, which fills Jia Yun with a sense of foreboding, recalls Jim Jones’ utopian nightmare of Jonestown.
As well as worms, ants often appear, and it is hard not to see here an allusion to the ants in Derek Walcott’s “Omeros”, which lead Ma Kilman to a cure for an unhealed wound. Walcott’s ants are connected to the figure of the mother, and it is striking how often the stories in “Sweet Li Jie” return to mothers, often absent or lost.
Electrical malfunction sparks small fire at Evans Street residence –
as firefighters respond to several other calls
Aminor fire broke out at a two-story house located at Lot 96 Evans Street, Charlestown, Georgetown on Thursday morning, but quick action by the occupants prevented significant damage.
Leading Fireman Marshall, Smith and a team of 12 firefighters responded to the scene with Water Tenders #118 and #95, along with Water Carrier #21 and #23, arriving at 11:35 hrs.
According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in a statement, the fire was caused by an overheating electrical drop cord, which led to a breakdown in the wiring insulation.
This resulted in arcing and sparking which led to the ignition of nearby combustible materials. However, before the firefighters arrived, an occupant managed to extinguish the flames using buckets of water and a 9 kilogram (kg) dry chemical fire extinguisher.
The fire caused minimal damage, with one plastic tray destroyed and approximately three inches of an internal concrete wall sustaining slight damage.
The property is owned by Diana and Keisha Duncan, who reside in the United States (US). The upper floor is occupied by Jon Medford, while the ground floor houses Christopher Jardine, Joy Bartholomew, and Tyrese James. No injuries were reported.
The GFS has raised concerns over an increase in electrical fires across the country, urging citizens to take necessary precautions to prevent these dangerous incidents. Electrical fires pose a serious threat as they can occur at any time due to negligence or faulty electrical systems.
Recent reports indicate that slack connections, circuit overloading, malfunctioning appliances, and illegal electrical connections are among the leading caus-
es of such fires. Additionally, the use of substandard wiring, power strips, and extension cords significantly increases fire risks.
To address these hazards, the GFS is emphasising the importance of proper electrical maintenance and responsible usage. Citizens are advised to avoid illegal power connections, use only certified electricians for installations and repairs, and ensure periodic inspections of their electrical systems. Proper handling of electrical appliances, avoiding overloading circuits, and using only approved electrical products are also critical in preventing potential fires
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and adopt safe electrical practices to protect lives and property from avoidable disasters.
Additionally, on March 19, the GFS responded to a call at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) at Camp and Bent Sts, as
A previous title for the novel considered by the author was ‘Chinese Mothers’.
elsewhere
workers alleged the smell of smoke in the building and called as a precautionary measure. However nothing was discovered.
Also, firefighters responded to a call at Kuru Kuru where grass, set alight by an unknown person or persons, spread to a nearby building that was unoccupied at the time.
The building, owned by Linden and Wynetter Daniels of Supply East Bank Demerara (EBD) and its contents were completely destroyed before the fire service arrived.
Meanwhile, a home at Lot 162 Garnette Street in Kitty, Georgetown owed by Camille Daly sustained interior damages as a defective gas regulator head caused gas vapor to escape from the cylinder and come into contact with naked flame from the gas stove. It soon ignited and spread to nearby combustible materials, before it was extinguished by the fire service.
This archetypal lack is one of the drivers of the stories, as is the archetypal yearning for the figure of the Muse, whether it be Ying Ying, Swallow Tail or the title figure here, Li Jie (whose name, I am led to believe, means ‘beautiful one’).
This in turn suggests connections that run throughout the disparate stories in the book, and indeed it is striking that though the book is neatly divided into different parts and chapters, each with a superscription giving its contents, they tend to leak into one another, so that a description of the visions Baoyu sees when he is drunk for the first time are echoed exactly by the hallucinations that plague Jia Yun during a bout of malaria; similarly, a woman in Swallow Tail’s fantasy whom she renames Pioneer and sends off to Demerara turns up in the Guianese section as a woman who tries to seduce Jia Yun.
The novel as a whole is a brilliant and truly West Indian stream of carnival
calypso and deep seriousness, where all attempts to grasp at stable facts in the current, in the same way that Jia Yun tries to seek solace in numbers and calculation, will end in failure.
The caged birds that the Emperor wishes to make slave creatures that will never seek freedom can only be held in death.
And if we are to ask what all of this means, the novel offers a perfect illustration. Swallow Tail is trying to describe the glories of the night sky and Baoyu considers a ‘jumble of images and the physical presence of Swallow Tail herself. She asks him:
“Well, what have you to say? You are the only person who knows what I mean.”
“Mean? Mean?” he stuttered. “What do you mean by ‘mean’?”
She’d opened her eyes and beamed at him. “Oh my bright boy! So bright! You understand everything but you pretend to be dull.” (p. 70)
“Sweet Li
Jie” by David Dabydeen (Leeds: Peepal Tree, 2024) 166pp Dr Michael Mitchell is from Paderborn University, Germany
Author David Dabydeen
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)
CANCER
(June 21July 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) (March 21April 19)
Leave nothing to chance. Put your energy into completing what you start and promoting your skills and ideas. High energy, desire and making a difference will help motivate you.
Invest more time in learning, traveling and exploring new possibilities. Changing your lifestyle or direction will give you hope for a brighter future. It’s time to shine.
Use your talents, skills and experience to help a cause or someone in need. A kind gesture will start a trend. Personal gain and interesting opportunities are heading in your direction.
Pay attention to how you look, feel and handle responsibilities. Taking an interest in others and what they do will provide insight and encourage you to adjust how you deal with changes.
A healthy attitude and schedule will be energizing and appealing to positive people eager to be part of your circle. To be active is attractive, and it can shape an exhilarating lifestyle.
A change will give you a positive perspective on life, love and how to become more active in your community. Reach out, see what’s happening, meet new people and take responsibility for your happiness.
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Reach across the table and introduce yourself to others. Make your voice heard and your presence known. Show compassion and be grateful for your life. Don’t be shy!
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19) LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
PISCES
(Feb. 20Mar. 20)
If you want something, make it happen. Fuel the fire and embark on what interests you. Take your wisdom and skills and contribute what you can; something good will transpire.
Change how you handle your money to ward off someone trying to take advantage of you. Set boundaries and establish a financial safety net to get the most out of any partnership.
Converse and socialize. Get in the game of life and see what transpires. Align yourself with people you share the most with mentally, emotionally and financially.
Push your way forward and participate in what excites you most. Refuse to let changes that others make interfere with your plans. Proceed in the direction that brings you the most comfort and greatest joy.
Pour your energy into something worthwhile. Put a limit on how much you spend and the number of promises you make. Trust your instincts and adjust as you move forward.
ARIES
Peanuts
Calvin and Hobbes
Pickles
AQUARIUS
CAPRICORN
From behind the lens to high-speed racing Kunal Persaud is ready for showdown with Boost High Octane
As the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) is gearing up to lunch its Vitz Cup Championships in April at the South Dakota Circuit, the rivalry has begun, with at least 10 new racers eying a podium spot.
One such racer is 31-yearold Kunal Persaud, who has shifted gears from being behind a camera to driving his 2000 Toyota Vitz - 1st Generation. He is the owner of GT Tuners — one of the most recognized motorsports media platforms in Guyana – and he has, for years, been behind the lens capturing the excitement. However, 2025 marks a shift in his perspective, and he is ready to take on the challenge.
This former Bishops’ High School student has been fascinated by cars from a very young age, and has spent hours watching F1 racing on television. As he grew older, intensification of that passion ultimately led to the launch of GT Tuners in 2017. Now making the transition from a motorsports media specialist to a racer is a significant and exciting step for him.
“Since I’m not the only media personality making the transition to race car driver, I’m throwing down the challenge to Luis Kumar of Boost High Octane. This will add some excitement to the competition, turning it into a true battle of the media houses on the track,” Persaud told Guyana Times Sport.
To ensure he stays on course, his machine has to be ready, but there might be some stumbling blocks, which Persaud is hoping to cross in time for April 27.
“It feels like time is slipping away. Sourcing parts has also been difficult, especially since we’re building a
first-gen base model Vitz to compete against third-gen Vitz RS and GS models. This requires extensive upgrades, including brakes, suspension and drivetrain components. We also need to swap out the 1000cc engine for a 1500cc 1NZ, which is a time-consuming process. On top of that, financing the build is no easy task,” Persaud has said. Notwithstanding, he is optimistic that his car would be ready and he would be on the podium.
There are persons in the motor racing fraternity whom young and new drivers look up to for guidance, or even as role models. Persaud, in declaring his belief that senior drivers should play a vital role in guiding and motivating young and new racers, has said, “For me, drivers like Andrew King, Mark Vieira and Danny Persaud have been instrumental in fuelling my passion for rearwheel-drive cars and rotary engines, and their influence could be invaluable in shaping the next generation of talent.”
Currently a new kid on the turf, he intends to gradually move up to the Group 2 category in the next season, but related, “We’ll see how things unfold. Additionally, we’re working on completing my X90 Mark 2 for drag racing, and hopefully it will be ready in time for the final round this year.” Imran Auto Works and Drivers Paradise Auto Services have been working tirelessly around the clock to ensure Persaud’s car is ready for April 27.
For all the plans and expectations of this young racer, everyone knows how expensive the sport can be: it requires the financial backing of private companies, and even corporate Guyana. As such, Persaud and his
team are currently sending out proposals for sponsorship, and are hoping for successful results.
“Since GT Tuners is already a well-established motorsports media brand, our potential sponsors have a lot to gain by partnering with us,” the confident young man explained. He explained that their sponsorship packages go beyond just placing logos on the car to also offering a comprehensive promotional strategy, including brand placements, on their race cars, race suits, crew shirts and social media content.
“Additionally, we will actively promote our sponsors by sharing their campaigns; organizing meet-and-greet events to expand our fan base; and increasing brand awareness,” he explained.
In fact, next month GT Tuners would officially launch its website, providing other exciting packages to those who support them.
Meanwhile, motorsports in Guyana have the potential to evolve into a professional sport, rather than remaining just a club or hobby-based activity. Persaud believes that with the right decisions and vision from the administration, racers can capitalize on Guyana’s growing economy, an excellent track, and the increasing interest from young enthusiasts.
“To truly develop the sport, we must effectively utilize these opportunities. I have personally worked alongside the club, and independently, to support and promote motorsports. Unfortunately, a new rule introduced this year has placed restriction on our funding, which directly impacts our ability to create content and market the sport. It’s unclear how this decision will benefit the club or motorsports as a
whole,” he has said.
Thinking there is need for a structured system to be in place to educate newcomers to the sport, Persaud has said, “The go-kart track, which is crucial for the learning and development of young and aspiring racers, must be fully operational. Investing in grassroots development is essential if we want to see motorsports thrive in Guyana.”
He added that the inclusion of women in the sport is a significant step towards the development and expansion of the sport to promote equality.
“Increased participation brings diversity, enthusiasm, and a broader audience, (all of) which are key ingredients for growth,” Persaud has said. “I honestly don’t see motorsports as a gender-based competition. If women want to race, they should compete in the class their car qualifies for, just like everyone else. Motorsport is about skill, performance, and the machine, not gender. You don’t see a separate lane for female drivers on public roads, so why create one in racing? This isn’t cricket or football; cars don’t have gender.”
Persaud is encouraging those who want to join the fraternity to start in a slow and affordable class. “Racing is an expensive sport, so it’s best to ease into it with something manageable. The Vitz Cup is a great entry point. it’s one of the most cost-effective classes and provides valuable track experience,” he has said.
He is also encouraging aspirants to surround themselves with reliable people who can support and work with them.
Persaud’s ultimate goal in the next five years is to
gain experience, refine his skills, and progress to the faster classes.
“In the next five years, I envision myself competing alongside the senior racers in a more advanced category. At the same time, I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation of racers, helping to grow and develop the sport,” he said.
Launch of the Vitz Cup, Persaud believes, is set to revive competitive racing by bringing in many new drivers and evenly-matched cars, thereby promising plenty of thrilling door-to-door action.
Kunal Persaud now finds himself moving from behind the lens to behind the steering wheel
AAG brokers major deal with
Guyana’s Track and Field fraternity are stepping into a new realm with confirmation of their first major brand deal.
The Athletics Association of Guyana has managed to broker a multi-year agreement with world-renowned German company Adidas, which would see the local Association benefitting from
receipt of cash and equipment for athletes and clubs.
The official announcement was made on Saturday at the National Track and Field Center (NTFC) on the
Guyana in historic 3-2 win against Guatemala
The Guatemalan
National Football Team was dealt an upset of sorts at the Barbados Football Association (BFA) Technical Center in St. Michael on Friday night, when their Guyanese counterparts emphatically turned the tables on their higher ranked rivals to go up in their home and away CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifying series.
The Golden Jaguars, who opted to start with Captain Daniel Wilson, Goalkeeper Quillan Roberts, Jalen Jones, Curtez Kellman, Reiss Greenidge, Liam Gordon, Elliot Bonds, Nathan Moriah Welsh, Morgan Ferrier, Isaiah Jones and Omari Glasgow, got to work early in battling to maintain the majority of possession.
In the ninth minute, Nathan Moriah Welsh managed to thread the ball through the defence to Isaiah Jones, who made the breakaway run and beat the keeper to net Guyana’s first goal.
A free-kick opportunity for Guatemala in the 29th minute resulted in the equalizer coming off the boots of Jose Martinez. However, their celebrations were shortlived, as confusion in the box in the aftermath of an Omari Glasgow free-kick saw Jones tapping the ball into the back of the net to restore the lead to Guyana in the 36th. Jones completed his hattrick in the 56th by finding another tap-in opportunity to extend Guyana’s lead.
Although Guatemala were able to convert a penalty opportunity through Pedro Altan in the 80th, Guyana held on for the 3-2 win; following which interim Head Coach Wayne Dover declared that the wins means a lot, and shared that his team had executed well.
In the post-match press briefing, Dover shared, “I think we had our preparation, which we focused on a specific plan; and the guys retained as was taught, executed well tonight, which resulted in us getting a positive result, a result that we came looking for. And this result means a lot to us, not only the team, (but)
as a nation. This is the first time in probably seven attempts (that) we have beaten Guatemala. So, this is a historical moment in Guyana football, and we’re really happy about the achievement.”
Quizzed about the Golden Jaguars missing other goal-scoring opportunities, the interim Gaffer noted that team finishing is a work in progress.
“We’re positive, because it’s a work in progress. We know, from the last time when we played Guatemala in Guyana, we created loads of chances and should’ve really come out of that game with
on top maybe a point out of it. Unfortunately, we suffer a 3-1 loss,” Dover explained.
“We know that goal-scoring has been part of the problem, but when we played the last two games in November to qualify for this phase, we scored 9 goals; tonight, we scored 3 more. S o, in three games, we scored 12 goals. So, we’re improving as we go along. It’s a work in progress, but we’ll gradually get there and become ruthless in front the goal,” he predicted.
Guyana will next take on Guatemala on Tuesday, March 25, in the return game of the qualifying series.
West Coast of Demerara, where the 2025 CARIFTA trials were in full swing; and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, took the opportunity to share more details on the agreement.
“This is a historic day. It is a historic day because of the fact that you had the Athletics Association of Guyana -- and I dare say any Association of Guyana -- embracing with such a world supplier of equipment in such a way. This agreement that will be signed with Adidas is worth in cash and kind,” Ninvalle explained.
“For the first year, the Athletics Association of Guyana will be receiving US$300,000 from Adidas, and for the next three years, you will receive US$250,000 worth of equipment. But that is only on the equipment side; there’s also cash being funnelled to your associationmuch smaller amount, but when you, the athletes, would go out and perform, then we know when Adidas or any other major sporting equipment body comes, then it will
be of a much higher financial input,” Ninvalle divulged.
An elated Sheryl Hermonstine, President of the AAG, was also present, and spoke of the impact such a deal would have on the AAG. “This contract would assist you, athletes and coaches, in many ways. You’ll be outfitted, looking the way you should be looking at our international events. The contract also entails some finances, which you will hear of very shortly.” Hermonstine revealed.
In his time at the podium, a euphoric Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr highlighted that the deal has come as a result of Guyana’s potential and recent success on the international stage.
“But what is that that they’re investing in? They’re investing in what they’ve already seen! What they have seen is a remarkable level of success in the last four and a half years that surpasses every other region or every other country in the region; to the point where Guyana is
Demerara CC defeat Transport Sports Club in U17 tournament
In a match of the Under-17 Hundred Overs cricket competition sponsored by the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), Georgetown City Cricket Cup (GCCC) and Friends of the Mayor contested at the Transport Sports Club (TSC) at Thomas Lands in Georgetown on Saturday, the following result was produced.
After winning the toss, the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) decided to bat first, and were bowled out in 28 overs for a total of 127.
Makai Dowlin scored 32 off 27 balls, including five fours, while Kaylon Callender was able to put together a sluggish innings of 20 off 50 balls, with three fours. They were the main contributors to the DCC score.
Dave Mohabir took 3 wickets for 19 runs in 7 overs, and Andy Ramgoolam took 2 wickets for 9 runs in 5 overs.
Transport were however bowled out for 70 runs, with contributions of 17 each coming from Shamar Apple and Brandon Henry. Throughout the innings, Transport failed to establish
any meaningful partnership, and kept losing wickets at critical times. Ultimately, they lost the match by 57 runs.
DCC bowlers were outstanding in performance.
Kaylon Callender took 3 wickets for 6 runs in 3.5 overs, while Jasane Craig took 3 for 12 in 4 overs.
being seen as the next Mecca of Olympic and athletic talent, and (there’s) nowhere else where they can find this abundance of talent, for which the potential is to the maximum,” Minister Ramson detailed.
“It’s more than historic! This deal that Guyana has signed with Adidas - which is a world-class advanced company - any other country in the world would want to trade places with us right now for being able to secure this deal on your behalf,” he explained.
“That is how important it is to be recognized. And what are they recognizing? They’re recognizing the potential of our talent, that we all knew in Guyana that we had on these shores. But at a global level, it’s a recognition that they see in you what we always saw in you,” the Minister declared. The deal with Adidas is also set to directly benefit Guyana’s athletics clubs through funding.
Another look at the Golden Jaguars’ clash with Guatemala on Friday night
Isaiah Jones netted a hattrick
Makai Dowlin top-scored with 32 runs
Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr.
AAG President Sheryl Hermonstine
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle
