WHAT'S INSIDE:
“Scissors Head” shot during scuffle with police Taxi driver remanded for attempting to murder wife
Over $70B invested in hinterland development since 2020
Ex-police officer on bail for firearm, ammo possession
Govt to commence regularisation process at Non Pareil
– Direct foreign investments skyrocket to US$18.1B
Lending to Guyana’s private sector has increased by an impressive 62 per cent between 2019 and 2024, reflecting a period of robust economic growth and heightened confidence in the country’s financial and investment landscape.
This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali during the opening of GuyExpo 2024 on Thursday at the Sophia Exhibition Centre while emphasising the Government’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to private sector expansion.
According to the Head of State, this access to credit has been instrumental in
Foreign investment
Meanwhile, Ali also revealed that foreign direct investment surged to US $18.1 billion from 2020 to 2023, which he noted is four times more than the foreign capital curated during the coalition Government’s tenure in office.
On this point, he explained that foreign investment is vital for Guyana’s economic transformation, especially in boosting local industries.
“With COVID, after the end of 2023, FDI (foreign direct investment) is four times the entire period of the APNU/AFC Government. The energy sector, every single sector has seen re-
business growth across major economic sectors, with notable credit increases in mining charting to staggering a 25.8 per cent, agriculture to 95.6 per cent, manufacturing to 57.9 per cent and services increased to 60.9 per cent.
Additionally, Ali noted due to the “Government’s economic stabilisation efforts and the strengthening of private sector capacity” non-conforming loans have dropped from 11.1 per cent in 2019 to 2.7 per cent in 2024.
“With supportive monetary policies, the Government has encouraged a rapid expansion of credit to the private sector, contributing to a 62 per cent increase in private sector lending between 2019 and 2024 and I believe we should give the banking sector a resounding round of applause… This diversified increase in portfolio tells you that our policy-making matrix of diversification is working and yielding the results that we wanted to yield.”
The Guyanese leader added that the local private sector has been a critical driver of the country’s economic diversification, with increased financing fueling growth in key industries such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and technology.
markable expansion of FDI. In the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Sector, when we speak about digitisation of the economy, we are seeing already that the world is em-
bracing this. Mining and borrowing attracted $7.1 billion, a 44 per cent increase in investment. Manufacturing and distribution attracted investment of $123 million”.
“This increase in FDI re-
flects the confidence international investors have in a country’s stable and promising economic environment” he added.
The Head of State highlighted that Guyana is positioning itself as a hub for enterprise and innovation, welcoming both local and foreign investments to fuel sustainable economic development.
This forward-thinking strategy he said aligns with the Government’s vision to diversify the economy and harness the nation’s resources for long-term prosperity. The strategy includes initiatives to empower local businesses through access to financing, training, and infrastructure development while streamlining processes to attract foreign investors.
Major sectors like oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, and technology are at the forefront of this initiative.
Editor: Tusika Martin
News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544
223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761
Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707
Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown
Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
Indian PM Narendra Modi’s visit this week to our country offers opportunities for our leaders to not only strengthen the historic linkages forged between 1838 and 1917 with 239,000 immigrants arriving from there, but to also explore the possibilities opening up in a newly evolving multipolar world order where India is playing a major role. Take BRICS – the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – which was a cornerstone of that order. This was supposed to provide an alternative paradigm of development to the rest of the world compared to the post-WWII Western hegemonic “rules-based” order, where the rules were promulgated and interpreted based on the interests of the West.
BRICS became BRICS+ with the addition of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates, and last month added 13 “partner countries”. This grouping far surpasses any other bloc by any number of criteria – population, economic heft, geographical spread etc. It is of interest to us that Venezuela, which has attempted to bully us over the border controversy they created to annex two-thirds of our national territory, applied to BRICS+ at its meeting last month but was blocked by Brazil. The latter BRICS+ member cited the July elections, when Maduro claimed victory but refused to show his copies of the electronic voting tallies to counter the Opposition’s tallies, which showed them winning. We must lobby India to support the Brazilian stance, since much of their goodwill is based on its maintenance of a democratic polity – unlike Russia and China, which support Venezuela. We suggest that at Mr Modi’s meeting with our Parliament, a bipartisan motion be moved to exhort India to adopt this stance.
On the domestic front, India is uniquely poised to assist in our strategic decision to select “food production” to sustain our economic growth after our oil boom. India now has the largest population in the world – 1.5 billion people – and even without its groundwater becoming depleted to put its own agricultural base at risk - its decision to focus on manufacturing will further diminish its own food production as farmers become factory workers. We have ample land, but our need to scale up production demands enormous increases in all inputs, including farmers. Decades ago, Japan utilized savannahs in the neighbouring Brazilian state of Roraima to create mega-farms producing soya and other staples to feed its populace. Brazil was left with the wherewithal to maintain its dominance in food production. We should lobby Mr Modi so that we do no less.
One former Chairman of GuySuCo and CEO of Demerara Bank, Mr Dave, offered a very detailed suggestion on how India might be able to resuscitate our beleaguered sugar industry. “India stands as the world’s largest sugar producer, with an impressive annual output of 36 to 37 million tonnes. In contrast, GuySuCo, Guyana’s own sugar corporation, currently faces various financial, technical, managerial, and operational challenges. Even with the subvention of GY$15B in 2023, GuySuCo has reported a loss of GY$4.7B.
With India’s advancements in sugar production technology and its effective utilization of byproducts, the country offers a valuable model for reviving GuySuCo’s operations. Notably, Indian companies such as Bannari Amman, KCP Sugar and EID Parry serve as benchmarks in developing innovative sugar production methods, including ethanol production, power generation from bagasse, and crafting sustainable products like paper. India also has companies like Triveni Engineering and Walchand Nagar Industries Ltd having more than 75 years of experience in addressing and solving mechanical engineering problems of sugar factories. These two companies can provide immense technical support to GuySuCo.
Guyana could explore a line of credit from India specifically aimed at the rehabilitation of GuySuCo. This support could cover technical, financial, and managerial aspects, enabling Guyana to implement effective solutions and regain competitiveness in the sugar industry. A delegation of Indian experts in sugar technology, finance, and management could conduct a comprehensive diagnostic study of GuySuCo, culminating in a robust rehabilitation plan tailored to Guyana’s needs. With India’s guidance and expertise, GuySuCo has the potential to become a thriving enterprise once again.
"Lessons
Dear Editor, I am writing to share some reflections on the recent changes in India’s electoral landscape, and how the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) could consider these lessons to sustain and strengthen its foundational support base here in Guyana.
As we all strive to advance our nation’s development while ensuring stability and unity, India’s recent election outcomes offer some valuable insights for our path forward.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while leading a government that initially garnered substantial support across diverse demographics, recently expe-
Dear Editor,
It was Dr Cheddi Jagan who first raised the issue of "ghost elections" in Guyana. It was the statement commonly used by that great man to describe elections held here.
Dr Jagan's use of the term “ghost elections” resulted from the repeated blatant acts of fraud committed by the PNC many times over. At one point in history, things got so bad that Dr Jagan decided to boycott the 1979 Referendum in protest of the wanton acts of fraud that went unchecked. But even that was not enough to stop them, because they went on to rig that referendum vote with an overwhelming majority, even though less than 30% of the electorate turned out to vote. Soon after that, the Burnham Constitution of 1980 was
rienced a decrease in his party’s seats. This shift has been linked to certain strategic choices: integrating people who previously opposed him, and heavily focusing resources in areas where his party traditionally had limited support, often at the cost of neglecting regions that had always stood by him. These decisions created discontent among longstanding supporters, who felt overlooked and undervalued.
As we have seen, the alienation of loyal supporters can undermine stability and erode the very foundation that propelled the party’s success.
For the PPP, it is crucial to balance efforts be-
tween engaging new constituencies and nurturing the trust and support of our established base. By fostering consistent development, equitable investment, and appreciation across all regions, particularly those that have remained steadfast in their support, we ensure that no community feels marginalized or taken for granted.
Supporting areas that may not traditionally align with us can yield goodwill; however, if this is perceived as favouritism at the expense of our loyal base, it risks weakening the bonds that have enabled us to serve effectively. In doing so, we safeguard against the possibility of disillusionment among our supporters,
“Ghost elections”
crafted.
The point is that the PNC were clever in their delivery of this voting method. It is a plan that served them well for over three decades, and there was no need to change it.
Fast forward to 2020, when clever turned to clumsy as the PNC, PNC/R, now APNU/AFC dug tenaciously back into that rigging strategy, hid the SOPs, then shamelessly submitted their own figures, all done before an international audience. This was the most transparent act ever, and it left the foreign observers utterly dumbfounded.
When they were caught in the act, they landed on another plan of action: that is, speak of the process in disparaging terms, claiming it was the PPP/C who rigged the elections by the use of ghost
electors.
This was the first time that the term "voting by ghost ballots" became a household word in their lexicon. This was the time the PNC and their minions adopted that kind of language. And this is the reverse psychology that has enveloped them ever since.
Even more egregious is the fact that the PNC are guilty of manufacturing votes of persons dead and alive in the now-outlawed system of overseas voting. This was a vulgar display of earning votes by fraud well documented in the number of electors from St Lucia. In that election, there were more votes than the population of that country.
Further, when it was confirmed that they had lost the 2020 Elections, the PNC then turned to the dead for assis-
and reinforce our commitment to inclusive, balanced development across the nation.
Let us learn from the experiences of others, and remain attentive to our values of unity and fairness in governance. Our strength lies in being a party that uplifts all citizens without sacrificing the trust and commitment of those who have supported us through the years.
Thank you for considering this reflection. I am hopeful it will contribute to ongoing discussions about strengthening our party and our country.
Sincerely,
Hemraj Vishaul Kissoon, MBA
tance, where several seances were held at Seven Ponds, reminiscent of Papa Doc Duvalier in Haiti. No wonder Guyana and Haiti are closely connected in this occult cycle of voodooism.
Finally, we know it, and history has confirmed it: that the PNC has an inordinate obsession with power, and it goes the full length. They are prepared to use all illegal means to achieve it. They also possess that consuming desire to stay in power for an indefinite period by whatever means necessary.
That obsession with using illegal means has to be stopped. It is now confirmed that laws are well in place to bar them from carrying out that exercise again.
Respectfully, Neil
Adams
During a meeting with farmers and residents from Number 48 Village and other neighbouring communities on the Corentyne Coast on Saturday, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha disclosed that the Black Bush Polder pump station is scheduled to be completed before the end of July 2025.
Minister Mustapha made the disclosure while responding to concerns raised by rice farmers about the supply of irrigation water to cultivation areas in the front lands. He told farmers that a substantial amount of the cultivation area has already been irrigated and that the other lands will be irrigated in the coming days.
“There’s approximately 23,000 acres of land available for rice cultivation in the front lands. Of that amount, 14,000 aces have already been flooded so we have another 9,000 remaining. I’m hoping that before the end of next week the remaining acreage can be flooded out so that irrigation can be supplied to the front lands. Because of the situation in Black Bush; the pump station, I instructed that we have two additional pumps installed. So, we have six pumps working at the moment. In 2021, a contract was awarded to construct a new irrigation pump station for the front lands. The project was supposed to be completed by the end of August 2023.
The contractor didn’t finish the project so we terminated the contract. If you go to the area now, you’ll see works are in progress to complete that project. We had to retender that project to another contractor who is now working
to complete that project. That pump station is scheduled to become operable by the second crop of 2025. That pump station is being constructed for over $700 million,” Mustapha explained.
The new pump station will be outfitted with four 150 cu/sec pumps with the capacity to pump approximately 252,000 gallons of water per minute; doubling the current irrigation capacity in the cultivation area.
Mustapha told farmers that the Government has been making resources available to ensure the sector develops, adding that through Government’s support and intervention, rice cultivation in Guyana has exceeded 700,000 tonnes for the first time.
“We must recognise the role the Government is playing and the investments be-
ing made to develop the sector. For the first time in the history of this country, we’ve produced over 720,000 tonnes of rice and we still have more reaping to do. This year, we cultivated less than what we cultivated in 2021 but we were still able to produce more. We were able to achieve this because of the Government’s interventions. We’ve been rehabilitating dams, cleaning and maintaining canals, and upgrading the D&I infrastructure. For two consecutive years, the Government has been subsidising farmers with fertiliser. We’ve managed to get the paddy bug situation under control. When the issue started, we met with the farmers to develop a plan of action. I also instructed GRDB (Guyana Rice Development Board) to supply the chemicals to the farmers free of cost. Farmers are
also having better yields with the new varieties we’ve introduced over the years.”
While responding to concerns about sufficient water supply for cattle in the Black Bush Polder pasture, Minister Mustapha said the water supply system has to be regulated to ensure cash crops, rice and livestock farmers benefit from adequate and timely water supply.
“We have to work together to ensure there is regulation of the water supply. The Government has been expending funds and making resources available to ensure cattle farmers have the facilities needed to improve their herds. So, we have to continue to regulate the water supply but I can assure you, we will ensure you wave water for your cattle,” Mustapha noted.
Dear Editor, I am surprised that, while we are seeking visa-free travel to other countries, we have not asked for visa-free travel to India, where almost half of the population of Guyana originated. India and Guyana have had good diplomatic relations over the years. Indo-Guyanese would like to visit India for sightseeing and the Indian experience. They would not hide away and stay illegally, as they would do in USA, Canada, and elsewhere. They just want to be able to visit, not stay.
India is a vast sub-continent, with many things to see and experience. It will take many visits to cover all the highlights, but if you have to apply for a visa every time, that is tedious and discouraging.
The Indian Government should be able to grant a request from the Guyana Government for visa-free travel, as that would be a low risk for India to open up for visits by Guyanese.
I have visited India twice, but the visas were short-term. If I had a 10year visa, it would be easier to pick up and go on visits. I can imagine the Indian
Government would find it easy to grant 10-year travel visas to Guyanese, because we qualify for priority Person of Indian Origin (PIO) treatment. So why has our Government not asked for that, or the Hindu organizations that take groups on religious pilgrimages to India not
asked for visa-free travel? Or did we ask and were denied?
Granting visa-free travel to India during Mr Modi’s visit would be a great gesture to memorialize the PM’s visit.
Yours sincerely,
M Singh
The Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, has taken note of comments attributed to her by Commissioner Vincent Alexander on the Freddie Kissoon Show aired on Wednesday, November 13, on radio and several social media platforms.
Specifically, Mr. Alexander stated that the GECOM Chairperson did not provide the CARICOM Scrutineering Team at the National Recount with the ‘list of names certified by the Immigration Department of persons who were not in the jurisdiction at the time of the election.’
Mr. Alexander’s comments sought to imply that the Chairperson may have had a sinister motive for not providing the CARICOM Scrutineering Team with the list of names submitted by the Immigration Department.
Recognizing that Mr. Alexander sought to mislead the nation with his baseless comments that are not premised on law, this response is absolutely necessary to correct such misinformation/disinformation that can potentially cause public confusion.
In view of the foregoing and for the sake of clarity, Order 60 of 2020 made provision for a National Recount to be conducted. Order 60 provided for the recount process to be undertaken, executed and supervised by GECOM, and be scrutinized by a CARICOM team appointed by the Chairman of CARICOM.
It is therefore imperative to emphasize that the role of the CARICOM team was only to scrutinize the recount process. The Constitution, which is the supreme law, stipulates the method by which an election should be validated. Article 163 of the Constitution has specifically provided for the High Court to have exclusive jurisdiction to determine any question as to the validity of an election; and in this regard, Parliament has made provision for the determination by way of the Validity of Elections Act, Chapter 1:04.
Against this backdrop, it is evident that Mr. Alexander’s assertion that the GECOM Chairperson may have deliberately withheld the document from the CARICOM Scrutinizing Team is baseless and could have only been intended to mislead stakeholders and cause confusion.
GECOM
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2024
06:00 (Sign on) Jewanram Gospel Hour
07:00 Cartoons
08:00 Shekinah Ministry
08:30 Evening News (RB)
09:30 Fast & Loud
10:30 Cartoons
11:30 Blippi
12:00 Movie - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
14:40 Wheel of Fortune
15:00 Movie - Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)
17:30 The Healing Touch
18:00 Stand-up Comedy
18:30 Week-in-Review
19:00 Supergirl S2 E7
20:00 Arrow S7 E5
21:00 Riverdale S7 E5
22:00 Movie - Sing Sing (2023)
00:00 Sign off
There was a time whenever I heard “snake bites” as a cause of death, especially among domestic livestock, I used to laugh and deem it an embarrassing diagnosis. In other words, whenever the herdsman or the ranch manager was not sure of the cause of death, the easiest thing to blame was poison from snake bites. I still believe that many of the deaths attributed to snake venom might not reflect a genuine reality.
Snake bites in dogs are a different matter. Although many dogs are smart enough just to bark at (but keep their distance from) snakes, too many wish to effect a
most assuredly will come out second best, if the snake is poisonous.
Actually, most snakes
venomous; so, you do not have to worry too much just because your dog has been bitten by a snake. My smart textbook tells me that bites of
snakes show teeth marks in the shape of a horseshoe, while the bites of poisonous snakes, which have fangs, exhibit holes in the skin.
Well, I have seen enough dogs in my decades of practice that show all the signs of being afflicted with snake venom, yet it is so difficult to find the fang wounds. What I am really saying is that you should look for other symptoms and not only rely on fang marks. Of course, if you actually see the snake and better yet, photograph it to show to your vet, it will help in the ultimate diagnosis.
SYMPTOMS
Some minimal tissue reaction (lesions/wounds) in the area of the mouth of dogs and the paws of cats
Vomiting shortly after the snake bite
Depression
Hypothermia (lower than normal body temperature)
Increased vomiting and vocalization (especially in cats) and signs of anxiety
Changes in the breathing rhythm (short, shallow respiratory movements) — leading to the cessation of breathing altogether
1/4’’ deep through the fang marks. If the bite marks are on a leg, make the cuts up and down. Blood should ooze from the wound. If not, loosen the tourniquet. There is a lot of debate as to whether one should apply mouth suction to the wound. First of all, it is unaesthetic and, secondly, many people fear getting poisoned themselves. Well, this latter consideration is most unlikely, although I would not suggest that you use mouth suction if you
Muscle tremors (trembling) are often exhibited in dogs, lesser so in cats
Discoloration of the urine (blood in urine)
TREATMENT OF SNAKE BITES
First, identify the snake and look at the bite marks (see below). If it appears your dog is bitten by a poisonous snake, proceed as follows:
Restrain the dog. Snake bites are extremely painful; the dog might want to bite you.
Apply a flat tourniquet above the bite. It should not be as tight as an arterial tourniquet, but be tight enough to keep venous blood from returning to the heart.
Using a knife or razor blade to make parallel cuts
have a cut or an open sore in your own mouth.
Suck and spit and wash your mouth immediately. Repeat this as often as necessary, at least six times, over 30 minutes. If snake venom is swallowed, the stomach will inactivate it. Loosen the tourniquet for 30 seconds every half hour. Keep the dog quiet. Excitement, exercise, struggling, increase the rate of absorption. Carry him to your veterinarian. Specific antivenoms are available through veterinarians, who might have antivenom in stock. The vet may be able to seek antivenom from the Georgetown Public Hospital Inc. Sometimes, snake bites become infected. Antibiotics and dressings would then be indicated.
To become a pioneer in the local maritime sector, Guyana Port Inc. (GPI) has expanded its assets with the acquisition of a new US$4 million cutter suction dredger (CSD) vessel.
A cutter suction dredger is a self-propelled or stationary vessel that cuts hard soil into fragments with a rotating cutter head. The material is then sucked up by dredge pumps, transported through pipelines and then deposited.
On Saturday afternoon, GPI held a commissioning ceremony for the state-ofthe-art vessel at the company’s Support, East Bank
of this economy.
“With our expanded dredging capabilities, we are positioning Guyana Port Inc. as a key player in enabling large-scale maritime activities, depending channels and ensuring safe passage for vessels… These efforts strengthen Guyana’s role as a regional maritime hub fostering connectivity, trade and opportunity for years to come,” the Managing Director stated.
Currently, GPI offers clients services such as drydocking, sand blasting, carpentry, machinery, repairs to offshore vessels, dredging channels and building cus-
is to create a fleet that includes offshore-support vessels, barges and inland transport vessels which includes tugs – all designed and built right here in Guyana,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, who delivered feature remarks at the commissioning ceremony, pointed out that this new piece of equipment would aid in Guyana’s development, especially in the maritime sector.
The Minister noted that while the state’s maritime arm – the Maritime Administration (MARAD) –
Demerara (EBD), shipyard.
During brief remarks, Managing Director, Pritipaul Singh Jr, explained that this massive investment is part of a strategic plan to position Guyana Port Inc. as a leader in the local maritime industry. He said this investment is about creating opportunities that resonate beyond our facilities and touch the fabric
tom ships, among others
According to Singh Jr, their vision is not only to enhance “…our dredging operations but also expand into shipbuilding.”
“By developing the capacity to build ships locally, we will meet the growing demands of Guyana and the Caribbean while reducing the dependence on foreign-built vessels. Our goal
has been investing in necessary dredging equipment, similar efforts by the private sector are welcomed given the importance of Guyana’s waterways in the country’s developmental trajectory.
“There are ships that we would like to see come to Guyana because the bigger ships will fetch more cargo and the economy of scale, the price of shipping will
significantly be reduced. And when the cost of shipping is reduced, the cost on the retail market will also be reduced,” he stated.
Currently, the Government is constructing a new US$260 million highspan fixed bridge across the Demerara River. This structure will eliminate the need for retractions thus allowing a continuous flow of both road and marine traffic.
“That means, once the tide permits, there can be 24-hour traffic along the Demerara River – northbound and southbound. And because there could be 24hour traffic… without any interruptions, and no openings, more of our waterways and the lands contiguous towards it could be developed for port facilities. Whether for commercial activities, for imports or exports, whether for the oil and gas sector and servicing of what is happening in our EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone),” the Public Works Minister noted.
However, Edghill further stated that as more vessels come in and lands are opened up for port facilities along the waterways, there will be a need to dredge these areas. The Minister disclosed that all of the berths north of the current Demerara Harbour Bridge need to be dredged to facil-
itate larger ships.
“And not only all [the berths] need to be dredged… if you really bring the bigger ships in and you try to berth it there, it might pull the entire facility that exists there now, and that’s the reality,” he posited.
According to Edghill, a part of the Demerara River, there has been increasing marine traffic in other major rivers across the country. He added the need for riverfront development is also critical in those areas especially for other industries such as agriculture to get produce out to markets – both local and foreign, and eco-tourism by
using creeks to access rainforest facilities.
“So, you’re not only supporting manufacturing but tourism [and agriculture] … That’s the bigger picture of where Guyana will be in 2030 and beyond, and how companies like Guyana Port Inc. can play a role,” Edghill stressed.
He added, “Because with all of [our investments], we are still not where we should be so there is room for Guyana Port Inc. and the investments they are making, and others who want to come on board. So, you are investing at a good season and at a good time.”
Your Eyewitness returns again to the pain and suffering of Haiti – a member of Caricom, mind you!! – which that body has studiously ignored, if the truth be told. So, what exactly is Caricom’s abdication?? Have they returned to the hands-off, “see no evil, hear no evil” posture they’d adopted towards Guyana when Burnham’s PNC rigged elections between 1968 and 1985?? Hasn’t Caricom learnt from then that “fouls” eventually gonna come home to roost?? Your Eyewitness is quite disappointed with Bajan PM Mia Mottley - who played such a key role in our PNC elections' attempted hijacking. Having the ear of the international community because of speaking truth to power, her voice would’ve magnified any Caricom call for action.
Ever since those Colombian mercenaries assassinated President Jovenal Moise three years ago, the already chaotic situation with massive gangs controlling the streets of Port au Prince has deteriorated further. Since a state is defined as the institution that has the sole legitimacy to use force in a country, the Haitian state’s inability to rein in these violent gangs can only mean that it’s a most profoundly failed state! Imagine these gangs – which conduct their own gang wars on the side – have most recently shot at a plane and forced it to land in DR!! So, we’ve had a series of PMs succeeding Moise after the “international force” - with some 400 Kenyan policemen and a handful from the Bahamas and Jamaica - tried to bring some order. But things have actually deteriorated further, and the gangs are moving into new turf which was barred to them up to now!! It’s very likely that many Haitians might be wishing for the days of the dictators Papa Doc and his son Baby Doc – cause, even though his Tonton Macoute terrorised political opponents, there was at least peace in the streets!!
Neighbouring Dominican Republic has intensified its border patrols and expulsions, desperate citizens till attempt to sail to Florida, or make the trip to Panama, to then trek to the Mexican Border. They’ve stopped flying to Guyana on their way to the Brazilian favelas (slums), from where they hike up to Panama and upwards. But if Caricom has gone silent, what about all those here who were so vociferous about the Haitians’ plight in 2020?? Can’t they join your Eyewitness to lobby Caricom to do something?
The election of Trump in the US – who’s accused Haitian immigrants of eating Americans’ cats and dogs!! – would put more pressure on Haiti with returning refugees.
Plus, most likely, he ain’t gonna be contributing to funding the foreign police.
It’s a mess.
…about dead and migrated voters
Seems the Opposition has given up on its outlandish claim that the PPP’s constructing an “emerging apartheid state”, after rigging the last elections!! So, this became known to Mingo the day after the elections – after praising the conduct of the process! – by some clairvoyant process, forcing him to pull out those spreadsheets and bedsheets?!! Well, one prong of the “rigging charge” is that the PPP had dead and migrated folks voting. Now, this is some serious breach of the law – subject to equally serious sanctions!!
But, a basic doctrine in law is “who asserts must prove”!! So, now that GECOM’s passed on the list of names of those who committed the crime to the police, shouldn’t the PNC cooperate so as to nail the PPP’s “treachery” to the wall? And not so incidentally, remove them from office?? But after GECOM asked the PNC for some more details so that the Police can go to addresses etc, they REFUSED!!
Like with those mysterious SOPs!! But persist with their claims!!
…with cricket
A new major Twenty20 tournament – the Global Cricket League (GCL) - would be kicked off next week at our Providence Stadium from Nov. 26 to Dec. 7. Five T20 teams from five countries - including our homeboys, the Guyana Amazon Warriors - will be competing for US$1 million in prize money. Let the games begin!!
Some 80 families in Section ‘E’ Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara (ECD) will soon be able to process ownership documents, as plans are underway for the regularisation of the area.
On Saturday, the Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues engaged with residents who have been living in the area for more than two decades, undocumented.
The Director of the Community Development Department, Gladwin Charles also attended the meeting which was chaired by Roger Evelyn, a community representative.
The issue was raised previously when the residents visited Minister Rodrigues’ office seeking assistance to initiate the process. According to the Minister, the problem has persisted for approximately 20 to 30 years, but this is the first time it was brought to her attention. She is committed to ad-
dressing it promptly.
The agency has completed an occupational survey and documented eighty structures in the area. This information has been handed over to the Planning Department for block design, which includes proper demarcation of each lot, access points, boundary lines, roads, reserves, and drainage. During the design process, some adjustments on the ground may be necessary.
“We need to contact GuySuCo (The Guyana Sugar Corporation), the rightful owners of this land, to acquire it. Once this process is complete, we can begin processing the Titles,” Rodrigues stated. She also encouraged residents to submit a house lot application with the agency and to be cooperative to make the process easier for all stakeholders
Addressing the issue of squatting, the Minister noted that since assuming office, while there was a focus largely on the house lot al-
location process much effort has been placed on squatters’ regularisation.
The President has issued a
mandate to complete the regularisation process under the Operation Clean-up initiative. This initiative targets unregulated areas or infor-
mal settlements across the country and provides them with ownership documents. The Minister highlighted that the regularisation of squatters is a crucial aspect of the Government’s housing strategy.
“As of 2015, we identified over 200 squatter settlements and have regularised 175 of them. From 2020 to now, we have regularised over 1,000 lots and are aggressively executing this initiative.”
The Minister explained that part of the regularisation process involves identifying zero-tolerance areas, which may require relocation. However, for those who can be regularised, the Government facilitates the processing of ownership documents.
Meanwhile, residents were also allowed to raise several other issues affecting them before the Minister conducted a walkabout with them in the community.
he Global Vision 2000 meeting of Hindus from across the world in 1993 in Washington DC, under the banner of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), catalysed connections with Caribbean Hindus. Mahesh Mehta of VHPA and Ashok Singal, VHP’s organising secretary, both visited Trinidad, with the latter coming over to Guyana, where I hosted him. A World Hindu Conference (WHC) was organized in Trinidad on August 17-20, 2000 by VHP and Trinidadian Hindu organizations under the theme “Self-Emancipation and World Welfare”. The plenary sessions were held at a conference hall at the University of the West Indies. It was declared open by Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, who was the first Indian and Hindu to be elected to that position in November 1995. In his address, he stressed Hindu Dharma’s inherent thrust to deal with diversity in societies. He won another term on Dec 11, 2000.
There was a large delegation from Bharat, including officials of the VHP, RSS, and BJP and Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerththe first Shankaracharya to visit the Caribbean. Narendra Modi was part of the Indian delegation, and had progressed from being the ordinary activist of the BJP he was in 1993 to becoming its General Secretary. There was also a significant delegation from Guyana, which included VHP representative Justice Nandram Kissoon, Swami Aksharananda, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, then the Minister of Agriculture; and me.
As Narendra Modi delivered his presentation, which dealt with the need for leaders to sacrifice personal agendas for the overall development of their societies, Sri Ashok Singal whispered proudly to me: “That is a lion of Sangha!” Modiji was appointed Chief Minister of Gujarat the following year, and the rest is history. In my talk, I discussed the Western hegemonic discourses since 1838, which had subverted many of our Hindu beliefs and practices in the Caribbean to our detriment. I had remigrated to Guyana in 1989, and after the return of free and fair elections and change of government in 1992, had started working at the grassroots of the Hindu Community, where we were confronted by a welter of social pathologies such as suicide, alcoholism,
and domestic violence.
In informal discussions at the WHC, I apprised several participants, including some from India, such as Modi, of the tense situation in Guyana following the 1997 elections, which precipitated large-scale ethnic violence against Indian Guyanese. I told them of the ROAR Movement that had been launched against subsequent anti-Indian violence, and indicated that we were contemplating participating in the upcoming 2001 elections. Modiji informed me that he would be visiting Guyana for a couple of days after the Conference, and asked that I take him to one of the sites where Indians had sacrificed for their new country.
He was staying at the Hotel Tower, where I picked him up to take him to the Enmore Martyr’s Monument. Pravinchandra Dave, then with the Bank of Baroda and later CEO of Demerara Bank, who hosted him for vegetarian meals, was there. En route to the site, he demonstrated a thorough grasp of the dynamics of politics in our ethnically divided society, gleaned from discussions with Trinidadian and Guyanese conference participants – including me and, I assume, Min. Reepu Daman Persaud, who sat behind him at the plenary session. I answered questions from him on the Indian indentureship experiences, and their subsequent movement out of the sugar plantations up to the present political crisis. He sopped up information not like a sponge, but like a computer that processed it to deliver piercing insights.
Arriving at the monument, he bowed to it and circumambulated (performed “pradakshana” as with a sacred object as is done in Mandirs) the base with his palms pressed together over his chest (Anjali mudra). I followed him. In his welcoming address, TT PM Basdeo Panday had alluded to India’s political leaders’ – from Jawaharlal Nehru to Moraji Desai - advice to Overseas Indians that they serve their new homelands. Modiji offered an interesting insight, and revealed why he asked to view this site of sacrifice for Guyana. He said that while Bharat would always remain our “Matri Boomi” (Motherland), through our sacrifice, Guyana had become our “Punya Bhoomi” (Sacred land) which we must serve with all our strength and fervour.
Narendra Modi’s return to Guyana twenty-four years later as Prime Minister of Bharat offers our leaders an opportunity to connect with a global leader who knew our country “back when”.
The National Defence Institute (NDI), a visionary initiative established under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali held its inaugural CEO Cybersecurity Workshop on Saturday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
The event brought together leaders from Guyana’s critical infrastructure sectors to address the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures in the world’s fastest-growing economy.
Opening the workshop, NDI Director Dr Randolph Persaud delivered a bold and compelling vision for the institute’s strategic mission, positioning it as a transformative force in Guyana’s defence landscape. “The National Defence Institute is more than an entity; it is the cornerstone of our nation’s resilience against emerging threats,” Dr Persaud asserted. His address set the tone for an impactful day of high-level discussions and actionable insights.
A key highlight was the presentation by the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the NDI and Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Colonel Sheldon Howell who provided practical insights into the policy, implementation, and governance of national cybersecurity.
Drawing on his extensive experience, he emphasised the need for a cohesive national strategy to combat cyber threats and highlighted the critical role of public-private partnerships in building a resilient digital infrastructure. His pragmatic approach offered par-
ticipants a clear roadmap for translating policy into action.
Assistant Director Dr Seon Levius delivered a hard-hitting exposé on Venezuela’s orchestrated cyber operations targeting Guyana. He unveiled the faces, names, and organisations behind the malicious campaign to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty over the Essequibo Region.
Using high-definition visuals and intelligence, Dr Levius detailed the tactics employed, from disinformation campaigns and ransomware attacks to phishing schemes aimed at destabilising institutions. “Let there be no doubt—Guyana knows exactly what is happening, and we are not defenceless,” Dr Levius declared, underscoring the nation’s superior countermeasures.
President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kester Hutson, praised President Ali’s visionary leadership in es-
tablishing the NDI and emphasised the importance of cybersecurity for Guyana’s private sector. “As the fastest-growing economy in the world, Guyana must lead in cybersecurity innovation to protect its economic future,” he stated.
Steven A. Williams, a leading authority on cybersecurity and data privacy in the Caribbean, led the keynote presentation and an interactive tabletop simulation.
As the Executive Director of Sunisle Technology Solutions, Williams conducted a dynamic exercise simulating a ransomware attack on the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). This simulation engaged participants in crisis response and decision-making, highlighting the real-world implications of cybersecurity breaches.
Director of Cybersecurity at the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Muriana McPherson delivered a detailed presentation on
Government policy creation and management. She provided a walkthrough of how cybersecurity incidents can be reported to NDMA and showcased tools and resources available through the NDMA website, including guides for incident reporting, threat management best practices, and access to the cybersecurity response network.
A Guyana-based Information Security Expert, Christopher Lawrence concluded with a session on Corporate Security Best Practices, emphasising actionable steps for CEOs to fortify their organisations against cyber threats.
The workshop underscored the NDI’s commitment to fostering a robust cybersecurity culture at all levels of leadership in Guyana. By equipping CEOs with the tools and strategies to address modern threats, the institute continues to position Guyana as a regional leader in digital defence and resilience.
“I strongly believe in the product of Guyana, and I intend to serve my country always”
He has impressive academic qualifications and skills in multiple fields, including in science, mathematics, law, international relations and education; and he remains dedicated to contributing to Guyana’s development rather than seeking opportunities abroad, where he could likely earn more.
“I strongly believe in the product of Guyana and people of Guyana, and intend to serve my country always,” says 27-year-old Phillipe Ignatious Walker, who asserted, during an interview with <<Guyana Times,>> that he prefers to prioritise long-term development over short-term rewards.
Grounded in his vision for national progress, this outstanding young man has said, “It is not all sunshine and flowers every day, but the bigger picture outweighs the short-term vision.”
This statement reflects the maturity and understanding of the 27-year-old Walker, who is currently pursuing the Legal Education Certificate at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago, the prerequisite to practise as an attorney in Guyana and in the Anglophone Caribbean.
Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Administration from Walden University in Minnesota, USA, has taught physics and mathematics, and has been a Programme Manager at one of the Government’s flagship initiatives, the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).
Aspirations
Young Walker’s decision to so diversely qualify himself is not the product of caprice or whimsy. His aspiration is to one day become President of Guyana, and he is pursuing that goal with a single-minded focus and a strategic mindset. By pursuing various avenues of education, leadership, and public service, Walker is not just enhancing his qualifications, but is positioning himself to become, in the future, a leader capable of navigating the complex challenges of governing a nation.
“I have always aspired to be the President of Guyana, since I was a tender age. That passion has not changed. This is the reason that I seek to educate myself widely, for I believe that to aspire to such an honourable position, then I myself must be a worthy candidate,” he explained.
Medicine Programme at UG, but after much thought, had opted to study International Relations instead.
“I looked through the UG listings to see which programmes are done at night, and it was either International Relations or Public Management. Thinking that the life of a diplomat would be fun, I opted to do it. And four years later, I had no regrets. Lecturers like Mr. Ceres and Ms. Anderson brought IR to life, and made me recognise that IR is one of the most distinguished forms of service to one’s country; as you represent your country beyond its borders to the highest level possible,” Walker explained.
While studying at UG, Walker was employed as a mathematics and physics teacher at his alma mater; and after graduating with his first degree, he had contemplated staying in the teaching profession.
“I enjoyed teaching, and had a good career and wanted to advance my teaching methods and testing skills. As such, I signed up for the post-grad programme. It was also during Covid-19, and the University had switched to an online delivery mode. That was one year of intense work, but it taught me so much about being a more effective educator through the assessment methods I used, the mindset of learners, and the other technical skills of being a teacher,” Walker explained.
Pursuing his Masters degree at Walden University was no easy feat, the young man recalled.
“It was very expensive, more than US$20,000, but I was committed to advancing my professional career,” he explained.
On why he pursued law, Walker said the inspiration came from a conversation with Education Minister Priya Manickchand in February 2021.
“I went to the office of the Minister of Education, who had previously met me when I was a Youth Parliamentarian in 2015 and from my CSEC performance in 2013. I was there to talk about my career, and how I was having burnout from teaching, so she asked me what would I like to do. I indicated that I always wanted to try law, as I thought it would be a good fit for someone who aspired to be President. Her response of “Why not law, then?” set me on this path that
I am on now. I signed up that same evening, as applications were open, and I did not look back,” he detailed.
“I fell in love with law. People always conflate being a lawyer with being a liar. I remember sitting in a lecture and my professor so eloquently saying that everyone has the right to justice, and being accused does not mean guilt. It really made me think differently, and that is when I had a whole change in mindset. Law in its purest form is the mechanism by which true justice can be achieved, and I wanted to be a part of such a mechanism,” Walker outlined.
GOAL
Walker said he started working at GOAL in March
willingness to sign up swelled my heart. I was so proud to be Guyanese and to live in this era,” he disclosed.
“I was also very proud to respond to those who doubted the initiative. In the beginning, there were the sceptics. I am sure there still are; but the amount of people that came around to GOAL -- that it is truly a household name in every part of Guyana -- is mindboggling, and I can’t wait to read the book about how revolutionary this initiative is,” Walker revealed.
But GOAL, he recalled, was also a lot of hard work. “My colleagues and I worked very long hours, and so did the ministers. I remember how many late nights and early mornings Minister (Sonia) Parag, then
assured me that I could be anything or do anything, regardless of where I started. My father would, and continues to, use an analogy of climbing a mountain. He would say that when you begin your climb, it is the hardest and it almost seems insurmountable, but once you keep at it, taking the necessary rest on the way, you would have reached the top without knowing,” Walker fondly recalled. His strong Christian faith has also gotten him through some trying times in life.
“Like many persons, I suffer from self-doubt. It’s been a lot of imposter syndrome. To overcome this, I relied heavily on my Christian faith. Serving in church, and being in a faith community which helps you to see that God should be part of all things that you do, really helped me to surrender my doubt and my shortcomings to Him who actually has control over all things. I could not have otherwise been successful,” Walker attested.
responsible for enrollment.
“I was there from before the launch to the realisation of the 20,000 scholars mark; which, as you know, happened more than two years before the expected target. I was part of drafting the vision, mission, and values of GOAL; and to this day, I am deeply proud to have been associated with this remarkable initiative of His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali,” Walker declared.
“I was able to travel the length and breadth of Guyana, to villages most Guyanese probably did not know existed, and see how excited people were to sign up for tertiary education. These were people who did not have the opportunity, and were finally able to have their chance to go from a certificate to a doctorate. The hope I saw in their eyes, and the enthusiasm shown through their questions and
Minister of Public Service, and a small team of us would be pouring over the database and going on outreaches to ensure that every part of Guyana was represented on this initiative,” he disclosed.
“I would say GOAL impacted me just as much as I impacted it. I was a humble servant that got to see persons achieve their higher education in unprecedented numbers. For that, I am privileged to have played a role in that,” he declared.
Faith and support
Walker, who was raised in Georgetown, is the only child of his parents: Dhurpati Sukhdeoji, a market vendor, and Eon Walker, a private sector worker. According to the young man, his parents will always be his pillars.
“I did not grow up privileged, but I was really loved, and my parents always believed in me. They always
Proud to be Guyanese At the end of it all, Walker has said, he would always remain immensely proud to be a Guyanese.
“I just always remember being extremely passionate about Guyana and our social affairs. I would read the newspapers and all the history books I could find, and also watch the available documentaries. It made me proud to be Guyanese, and also made me sure that I wanted to stay to contribute to the development of Guyana,” Walker disclosed.
Advice
His advice to other young, talented and educated individuals contemplating their career paths is: “Do not go down a path that has been thrusted onto you, or one that you might later regret. Read extensively about what your prospective career might be like, and speak to people in the industry. Simultaneously, remember that not everyone’s experience is the same. Also, do not be afraid to branch into a wide array of areas. You do not have to be limited to traditional areas of focus. Go into agriculture while also doing accounting. There is no rule on what you should do, or limit to what you can do. Just ensure you are happy with your choices, and work hard in that field.”
Filled with stories about the vibrant culture, rich history, and awe-inspiring natural wonders of Guyana, Tourism Guyana (TG) in partnership with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Thursday unveiled the third edition of their magazine at the Guyana Exposition and Trade Fair (GuyExpo) 2024.
The magazine cover featuring the enchanting view of the Pelu Paul Falls, Kopinang, Region Eight, was unveiled by Co-Founder of TG and Co-Owner of the publisher Creative Marketing Company (CMC), Lesa Fleming along with Director of GTA, Kamrul Baksh.
Fleming noted that the journey towards producing this edition of the magazine was a challenging yet satisfying experience. “We are excited, very very excited to make this copy of the Tourism Guyana magazine accessible to patrons at GuyExpo, investors, tourists and others,” she said.
The magazine features personal experiences from writers who have travelled Region Eight exploring the breathtaking waterfalls of Wailang Pelu, Pelu Paul, and Kopinang in Guyana’s hinterland, adventures through the capital city of Georgetown, the Savannahs, historic ruins, eco-friendly activities, the biggest party in sport – Caribbean Premier League and more.
One of the key contributors to the magazine is the Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh who lauded the team for the compilation and
publication of the magazine.
“I am really elated that this copy is finally here. Its iconic cover page really speaks about venturing deeper, experiential adventure and really representing our tourism product very well. Of course, the GTA has contributed several pieces of articles and they really give good perspectives and insights into Guyana’s tourism product,” he noted.
Baksh added that the magazine is usually distributed at Trade Fairs across the world as the team works to promote Destination Guyana.
“These magazines are not only distributed locally but naturally we take them to all the major trade shows that we visit. A lot of people relate to our stories, to other people travelling there and I think that’s an excellent testimonial and an excellent way to promote Guyana.”
This edition of the magazine also highlights the Indigenous people of Guyana’s rainforest, who work tirelessly to protect the treasures within and prevent many endangered species from becoming extinct.
Last but not least, it features the late Dave Martins of “The Tradewinds” band, cherished as an icon in the Caribbean region for his songs that transcend various cultures and generations.
Free copies of the magazine are available at GuyExpo and will be made accessible to the public in the coming weeks.
The story of Marcel Nickolei Persaud is one that speaks to both the challenges of marginalised communities and the potential for transformation within those same communities. Growing up in Tiger Bay, Georgetown, he witnessed firsthand the harsh realities of poverty and the pull of criminal activities that often ensnares young people in such environments.
Tiger Bay has long been known for its socio-economic struggles, wherein limited opportunities and systemic inequalities contribute to a cycle of hardship. In many cases, these circumstances negatively influence youths, pushing them towards a path of crime as a means of survival or escape from the ravages of poverty. Marcel's journey is, however, a testament to the possibility of overcoming these challenges.
Working as a senior officer in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, he now plays a pivotal role in the broader framework of governance and development, contributing to efforts aimed at addressing the very issues that shaped his early life.
Many youths from that community had not lived to see the age of 20, Persaud, who is turning 27 in December, disclosed. "I had a
lot of friends (that) didn't make it to see 20 years. A lot of them died through gun violence and through crime, but I can't judge them, I don't know what they went through, but I can relate," he explained during an interview with Guyana Times.
“It's not their fault though,” he explained as he noted that his could have easily been that fate.
Instead, grounded by strong support in education and his exposure to good role models, Persaud's life took a different path. "I give credit to my parents. It's not easy raising boys in that area," he expressed.
This young man is now the first in his family/household to have obtained a university education, having graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management from the University of Guyana (UG).
While breaking away from that cycle of poverty and hardship was no easy task, the young man believes that other ghetto youths can, like he has done, pursue a similar path to socio-economic liberation.
Childhood & contentment
Persaud attended the Sacred Heart Primary School, but when that institution was gutted by fire in 2004, he was transferred to the St Margaret’s Primary.
Upon writing the National Six Assessment (NGSA), awarded a place at St High School, but spent only there before being offered arship to study at the School Nations, a private educational cility located in Tiger Bay.
"They used to have afternoon lessons at School of the and they had invited me brothers and other children Tiger Bay to participate; and attending the lessons gained a scholarship," Persaud plained.
He disclosed that he been offered another scholarship study at the sixth form level same school; and that during high school life, he was surrounded by children whose lives were pletely different from his. that factor was a reminder the things he could not have ed, Persaud said, it taught valuable lesson of contentment.
"I think that's what helped to overcome any other in my life: to be contented,” marked.
Persaud is the eldest siblings to parents who a small shop outside of their in the Tiger Bay community. earnings were just enough sure the family had the bare
National Grade (NGSA), he was Joseph's only a year offered a scholSchool of the educational faBay. afternoon Nations, me and my children from and while there, I Persaud exhad also scholarship to level of the during his surrounded were comhis. While reminder of all have affordtaught him the contentment. helped me challenge contented,” he reeldest of five operated their home community. Their enough to enbare neces-
sities of a comfortable life.
Passion for politics
Persaud's grandfather, Victor Sobers, was deeply involved in politics, having served as a councillor of the Georgetown municipality for over two decades. Seeing the work his grandfather and colleagues were involved in had triggered in Persaud an interest in politics, so after graduating from high school, Persaud decided to join the People's Progressive Party (PPP).
"I was motivated by the people around me and about how educated they are, how smart they are, and I wanted to be like that," he said in reference to the seasoned politicians within that party.
Ghetto youth scholar
While being deeply involved in political work, Persaud had always had a desire to continue his education at UG, but financial constraints had prevented that development.
Even after the PPP won the 2020 elections and entered into office, Persaud had still placed his educational desires in abeyance. However,
Education Minister Priya Manickchand encouraged him to get further qualified; and when he still could not afford to pay for his
studies, he applied for, and was awarded, a scholarship from the Ministry of Public Service.
"When I applied for the scholarship and got through, I needed a guarantor. I didn't have anybody to sign as guarantor for me, but Minister Manickchand, she signed," Persaud recalled with gratitude.
Upon commencing tertiary education, Persaud was determined to not only complete his programme, but to graduate with distinction; and that he did.
"I wanted to send a statement to people who were negative in my life, people who basically told me that I would have been nothing. So, I really wanted to get that distinction, (that I could) say to people like me, who think that they can't be anybody, that they can do it too," he disclosed.
Role model
Persaud's story went viral on social media after he posted photos of himself in his graduation gown in his childhood community. The post was captioned, "This one is for the Ghetto Youths…we can do it also…Product of Tiger Bay…”
He hopes his story serves as an inspiration to other ghetto youths: that they can break the cycle of poverty. Persaud is contending
that those youths need better role models in their lives.
"You got to realise (that) it's just cycles and generations of poverty…,” he said. “They don't have anybody to show them what it's like to be success ful. Their idea of success is far different from you and I, and that's because they don't have good role models…,” he explained. “They grow up seeing their fathers com mitting a crime…,"
Persaud explained, "I had it better. Attending School of the Nations real ly helped channel my goals, because being around (peo ple like them), I had a dif ferent outlook on life: what it means to be successful; a different type of success. That basically helped me."
Persaud is now commit ted to ensuring his younger siblings pursue a similar path in life, and is determined to be a good role model for other youths in Tiger Bay.
"I've seen what role models can do for a young man," he declared. "Even before this degree, I go to Tiger Bay at least twice a week, I help out the young people there to find jobs…I really try to show them that working and earning is good."
The Mr India Guyana competition, celebrating its third year, is slated for December and promises to be a milestone event. For the first time, the competition will be hosted independently, reflecting its growing popularity and significance.
Unlike previous years where it was blended with the Miss, Mrs, and Teen India Guyana competitions, Mr India Guyana will now have its own exclusive night of competition.
This year’s event is open to single men aged 18 to 30, marking an extension of the age category to encourage more participants. This new age range is designed to provide opportunities for a broader spectrum of young men to showcase their talents and advocate for important issues.
The last two pageants have been resounding successes, with Mario Moonsammy crowned as the inaugural Mr India Guyana and Anthony Singh as the most recent titleholder. Their journeys have inspired many young men in Guyana, demonstrating the impact and reach of this esteemed competition.
The Mr India Guyana competition has evolved into a prestigious national pageant, distinct from the Miss, Mrs, and Teen India Worldwide umbrella. Founded by Guyanese franchise holder Hashim Alli, the competition was established to provide a platform for young men of Indian origin to advocate for various issues and promote cultural heritage. This pageant aims to highlight the rich cultural traditions and the contemporary talents of Indian-descended
Guyanese, offering a unique platform for personal and professional growth.
Participants will compete in several segments, including health and fitness, talent, evening attire, ethnic attire, introduction, and the final question round. These segments are designed to showcase the contestants’ versatility, cultural pride, and advocacy skills. Each segment is crafted to challenge and highlight the unique attributes and capabilities of the contestants, ensuring a well-rounded and dynamic competition.
This year’s Mr India Guyana competition promises to be an exciting and inspiring event. We encourage all eligible young men to seize this opportunity to shine, advocate for important causes, and celebrate their heritage on a national stage.
The platform not only elevates personal profiles but also serves as a beacon for cultural advocacy and leadership among young men.
on Friday, November 22, the seven contenders will be officially sashed at the Royal Restaurant & Lounge. Tickets for the event are available at Eyecandy Shoppe, Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown for $5000 each.
Interested persons can contact them at telephone numbers 6805999 or 688-0036.
The grand coronation is set for Friday, December 6, 2024 at the Roraima Ballroom of Ramada Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD). This landmark event is set to be a grand celebration of heritage, talent, and advocacy, promising an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike.
Although most births result in well newborn babies, about 10-15 per cent of all babies require some level of intensive care. This neonatal intensive care can include care for breathing problems, infections, metabolic issues, and so on. The highest level of neonatal intensive care, sometimes designated as Level III care, is rarely needed and is usually centralised in most countries. The Level III neonatal intensive care unit in Guyana is located at Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). However, most women deliver their babies closer to home, and therefore neonatal intensive care must be available for those babies and thus the Guyana Neonatal Network was formed.
Over the last ten years, the ability to care for critical babies under 28 days of age (neonates) has improved tremendously in Guyana. GPHC continues to be the Level III centre with the ability to care for babies requiring the highest levels of complex care, prolonged ventilatory support and babies who require surgery and postoperative care.
Recognising the need to decentralise neonatal care, in 2022 through a collaboration
with the Ministry of Health and Giving Health to Kids Charity (GHTK), neonatal equipment was purchased and delivered to Regional Neonatal Units at New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), Public Hospital Suddie, Bartica Regional Hospital, Linden Hospital, Mabaruma Hospital, Lethem Hospital and Kumaka Hospital.
During this time these centres had appropriate physician and staff training and deployment, including having a resident Pediatrician or
Neonatologist (Doctor trained to take care of critical babies), as well as dedicated trained neonatal nursing staff at each site.
With this influx of specialised neonatal equipment, the need for support, monitoring, and education arose. A Network of Physicians and Nurses who work in these centres, representatives from the Ministry of Health-Regional Health Services, and a partner from GHTK was established and called the Guyana Neonatal Network. The Guyana Neonatal Network consists of regional staff and does not include GPHC. It is focused on all the necessary tasks needed to elevate the standard of care in each centre and to get them to be fully functional as Level II neonatal intensive care units (ICU).
This included ensuring the necessary medications, equipment, and supplies were available and that these supplies were being monitored weekly. Standardised education of staff to care for sicker babies was needed. The Guyana Neonatal Network has established ongoing monthly
centres have the support of the neonatal team from GPHC, where advice can be sought for challenging cases. Case discussions have also occurred with our partners in the Guyana Neonatal Network allowing physicians to feel supported as they continue to elevate neonatal care in all Regions of Guyana. This programme is being complemented by two
Neonatal CME sessions for all staff working in the regions. Additionally, hands-on workshops were conducted in New Amsterdam and Lethem focusing on neonatal resuscitation skills training.
Furthermore, nurse instructors from Regions Two, Three, Four, Six and Nine were trained in a Comprehensive Neonatal Care Course with the plan that these nurses will now train others in their respective centres. Biomedical support for the maintenance of equipment was also established through the Ministry of Health. Physicians in these
grants from our Canadian partners. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and Global Affairs Canada.
As a result of these interventions, all centres have been able to successfully provide care for babies requiring breathing support with a ventilator or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Such that many babies can now be successfully cared for in these regional centres without the need to transfer to GPHC. There has been a corresponding significant decline in transfers to GPHC in
2024 when compared to 2023. Allowing families to be able to stay closer to home while their babies receive expert care.
The Neonatal Network is led by Dr Anna Florendo-Chin who works as the Director of the Guyana Neonatal Network. She is a dedicated neonatologist, who provides daily guidance to network members, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every baby born
in Guyana receives optimal healthcare. Her efforts focus on establishing a sustainable neonatal network nationwide, significantly improving neonatal outcomes.
The Guyana Neonatal Network continues to work hard to provide, and continue to improve Neonatal Care throughout the country with plans to expand to other centres soon. Today as we celebrate World Prematurity Day,
we would like to take the opportunity to celebrate our smallest fighters, the neonates who need intensive care, their parents and families who endure the struggle with them; acknowledge the work of our healthcare workers around Guyana who care for these precious babies, thank the supporting teams who aid the healthcare team and also honour our babies we may have lost along the way.
Happy World Prematurity Day!
Fleeing 550 miles away from Venezuela – a coun try ravaged by hardships located just off the borders of Guyana, Shaneeza Rohini Persaud has made a name for herself by becoming the University of Guyana’s (UG) 2024 valedictorian.
Her Valedictorian speech quickly garnered thousands of views, spreading rapidly in just a matter of weeks, as she shared her inspiring story.
However, her valedictorian speech only scratched the tip of the iceberg compared to the cold series of events she had to endure on her path to success.
Born in Venezuela and raised in Barcelona, Anzoátegui, she had longstanding dreams of embracing education. However, she faced countless struggles before that grand opportunity of studying in Guyana finally presented itself.
These stories of overcoming her battles were shared with Guyana Times during a 12-hour time difference interview from where the brilliant young woman currently resides in Asia, furthering her studies.
According to Persaud, on the verge of entering her teenage years, the situation in Venezuela caused hunger to knock on many doors.
of these doors was that of her family.
This heartbreaking reality prompted her father, whom she sees as a true soldier, to search for food for his family of three daughters and wife at the closest outlet—neighbouring, Brazil.
“I was maybe 12, 13 years old… during those years, a lot of people would have to go from Venezuela to Brazil to buy food, because we didn’t have anything in the stores. One year, my dad went to Brazil by himself. He went to Brazil to buy food which we really needed and came back with about 100 kilos of flour, sugar, and rice. I remember seeing my father, this one man, going to Brazil by himself and coming back just to be able to provide everything we needed. To this day, it really stays with me,” she related while adding that all of this was happening while her mother took
Speaking to this publication via telephone, there was a distinct aura of resilience as she recounted this painful chapter of her life. Through all of this, the family held on to a simple but powerful phrase she always remembers.
“Cuando las cosas se ponen difíciles, lo difícil se pone en marcha,” translation - “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Highly grateful to her parents for their unwavering support, Persaud expressed deep thanks for keeping her and her siblings—who are all girls—together during these difficult times.
From every cardinal point, problems seemed to arise for the Persaud family. A lack of water plagued them for some time.
“We would have to fill buckets or tubs of water and use it sparingly so that it wouldn’t run out. Washing
dishes, showering—it was a struggle. There were times when, even after I started studying at the University of Guyana online, we had days without electricity,” she shared.
Despite these hardships, Persaud kept her aspirations alive. However, when her high school years arrived, Venezuela was in the midst of mass protests as people fought for better con-
ditions. These protests often took place right within her community, disrupting her quiet study time and making it difficult to focus.
“It was scary because people were being arrested, murdered, or kidnapped. I had to find ways to overcome those challenges,” she recounted.
The frequent power outages were another obstacle. To cope, she had to ensure that her devices were charged at any chance of
electricity.
“I would have to work on my phone and then ask my sisters if they had any electricity or battery left. I made sure my laptop was fully charged before we knew the power was going to go off. It was just really hard going to university without consistent electricity. Even though I was studying online, it really affected me—everything in Venezuela did.”
The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) on Saturday announced its participation in this year's Kuwait International Prize of The Holy Quran 13th Edition Event, hosted in Kuwait.
This event is organised by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, State of Kuwait and is a regular event held in Makkah for the international community to attend and benefit from. Guyana has sent participants for several years.
This year, Brother Abdullah Bin Zaid Khan who hails from Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD) will represent Guyana in the Quranic memorisation.
He would have memorised
the Quran under the guidance of his father, Shaykh Zaid. The Holy Quran is the main source of guidance on
all affairs in Islam. It is the final revelation by God to our Prophet Muhammad for all of mankind.
“When the going gets toughtough,the get going”...
During this time, Persaud often wondered whether it was all worth it—what they were all going through.
Flipping through the pages of memories she recounted the conversations with her Venezuelan friends who felt the same frustration. She shared conversations from their discussions that would generally pop up.
“No importa cuánto nos esforcemos, no importa cuánto nos esforcemos por mejorar, todos nuestros esfuerzos parecen en vano, en general,” which translates to, “No matter how much we strive to do better, all our efforts seem like they’re in vain, generally.”
The challenges didn’t end when the young girl moved to Guyana in 2023. Just three months after arriving, she was robbed while on her way to work.
“Safety was something I struggled with. I moved in March of 2023, and by June of 2023, I got robbed. At that time, my dad wasn’t there,
and my mom wasn’t there. I was on my way to work, and I got robbed,” she recalled.
To avoid worrying her parents too much, she sometimes kept her struggles to herself, not wanting to add to their concerns.
Despite the many hardships she endured, Persaud’s resilience carried her forward. Today, she is
continuing her language studies in China, where she is about to begin her master’s programme.
Though her path has been anything but easy, she remains hopeful—knowing that even after the darkest storms, a brighter future can still be found – no matter which part of the world she is in. (Mishael Henry)
Agriculture Minister
Zulfikar Mustapha has indicated that he plans to engage Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd to address the ongoing challenges with the exportation of goods to Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).
The move is aimed at fostering smoother trade relations and resolving barriers affecting the manufacturing and agro-processing sectors.
This move comes days after Precision Global Incorporated - the parent company for the ‘Only Coconut’ line of products announced that it was having issues getting its products to Trinidad.
In an interview with Guyana Times on Saturday, Mustapha disclosed that the engagement will focus solely on the exportation challenges. The company was established in 2021 and employed over 120 people.
When in operation the factory can process over 100,000
coconuts daily. Mustapha said that the company’s operation is in line with the Government’s vision for the local coconut industry, and as a result, the administration will engage Trinidadian officials in an effort to resuscitate the market.
“The owner would have reached out and he told me
that he is discussing it with Go- Invest (Guyana Office for Investment). And I think he told me he had an audience one time with Minister Todd but I will raise this issue because I am very concerned. We have the capacity to continue to produce the amount of oil and increase it. But at the same time, that
factory has provided jobs for about 150 persons on the highway. So, it’s very important for us, both for the owner and also to provide jobs and also another thing to ensure that we create that kind of export and food production from Guyana level,” the Minister told the Guyana Times.
On the other hand, Chief Investment Officer and Head of GO-Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop that ‘Only Coconuts’ is moving to expand its production reach to Jamaica and other Caribbean member states.
One of the major concerns is the imposition of non-tariff barriers by Trinidad, which has slowed the entry of Guyana’s agricultural products into the market.
Guyanese exporters have raised complaints about excessive delays in obtaining import permits, overly stringent sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, and inconsistent application of re-
gional trade agreements under CARICOM.
Farmers and exporters argue that these barriers contradict the principles of free movement of goods outlined in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
Back in May, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo indicated that imports from any country which prevents
Guyana’s commodities from entering its market will face similar restrictions when its exports are entering Guyana. He was at the time addressing the return of bottled water and $20 million worth of milk imports from Guyanese company Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) which was recently blocked by Trinidadian authorities from entry.
Within just 10 min-
utes, vehicles can be spanking clean.
This is being made possible by Vivaanta Auto Spa, the first business of its kind in Guyana.
Standing out with its sleek gold and black exterior, the Vivaanta Auto Spa is located at the corner of Sheriff and Duncan Streets in Georgetown.
At the official launch of the drive-thru car wash on Friday, the Director of Vivaanta Inc, Nitin Mehra, revealed that a major part of the company’s vision is to create local job opportunities.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that blends traditional service with cutting-edge technology that defines the spa. Our mission is to uphold the same commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction that has been the cornerstone of our vision, in which we have been proudly serving the people of Guyana since 2019.”
He added, “This venture also represents an important contribution to Guyana’s economy by providing job opportunities. We are proud to play a role in the country’s developmental growth, raising the bar of excellence in Guyana.”
The businessman also emphasised that this touchless drive-thru is powered by the latest advancements in technology, offering the Guyanese population a top-tier auto spa experience.
“Our state-of-the-art facilities will offer a range of premium services, from a touchless to drive-through car wash, and automotive care. These services, powered by the latest advancements in technology, will ensure every customer receives the quality they deserve. We believe in the power of innovation,” Mehra stated whilst happily thanking the support of his two
sons. Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr Peter Ramsaroop, who was also present at the launch highlighted the transformation of the business from foreign to local investor.
“When you see a foreign investor such as the Vivaantas coming to Guyana and now becoming a local investor, that is probably the best success story I can see. The transformation in Guyana is happening before our eyes. The services industry is stepping up and booming.”
With the vision to upscale auto services within Guyana, he said that it is key for Guyanese to support this trend.
“With the vision of this family, we can also support the new wave that is happening in our country, and I consider them local investors now. We, as Guyanese, should treat them that way. The fact that over 90 per cent of the people working in this car wash are Guyanese—you can’t get better than that.”
Ramsaroop also highlighted that over ten thousand cars entered Guyana in the last month— the most
any number of cars has ever entered the country. The demand for services, from mechanics to car washes, is high, and technology is very important in the transformation. “It may seem like a small investment, but it’s not.”
Very soon one of the Mehra’s will be opening a high-end, state-of-the-art medical facility. This new venture will offer exceptional medical services, continuing the family’s commitment to offering high-quality care to the country.
Thus far, some 15 persons are employed at the facility including both locals and foreigners.
The Guyana Government has emerged as a global leader in climate action at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), currently being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11th to 22nd.
Guyana’s pioneering initiatives in sustainable development and forest conservation have garnered widespread international recognition, including prestigious awards and significant roles in shaping global climate policies.
In fact, the country was awarded the Transparency Award at the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) event. Presented by Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Simon Stiell, and accepted by Senior Director of Climate and REDD+ at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Pradeepa Bholanath, the award recognizes Guyana’s outstanding commitment to transparent climate reporting.
Notably, Guyana was one of the first countries worldwide to undergo an in-country review of its Biennial Transparency Report, setting a benchmark for other nations.
Co-Chairmanship of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership
lighted its groundbreaking achievements in forest carbon finance. Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, noted that Guyana has secured over US$227 million in results-based payments from the GuyanaNorway Agreement and an additional US$237.5 million from its partnership with Hess for ART-TREES credits, making it a global leader in this domain.
In his remarks, Bharrat emphasized the importance of moving beyond theoretical debates to implement measurable actions, stating, “The Government of Guyana is pleased to join the United Kingdom as co-chairs of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP). The coming year will be vital for global efforts on forests, with Brazil’s hosting of the next COP bringing much-needed focus to this priority. The good news is that forest countries and communities are not lacking in ambition, what they need is to be able to access practical pathways to realise that ambition.
on obscure matters; it is time for measurable, accountable action. The Forest Climate Leaders Partnership has set itself ambitious objec-
insights on integrating Indigenous perspectives into climate solutions, emphasizing community-led conservation efforts.
that align ambitious climate goals with sustainable development.
These negotiations aim
tives and a credible roadmap for action. If their members, and other countries working alongside them, manage to achieve these objectives, it could result in the single biggest contribution to averting catastrophic climate change between now and 2030. This
In addition, building on its past leadership of the Carbon Markets Working Group, Guyana has been appointed co-chair of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP), alongside the United Kingdom.
The FCLP, established at COP26, unites over 30 countries in the mission to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030.
Guyana’s leadership role was celebrated during the announcement which high-
“Countries in the FCLP, as well as others, are already advancing a menu of solutions, so we must create the opportunity in the coming year to go further and faster.”
He added, “We know from experience that results-based payments and carbon credits can combine action on forests with sustainable development and ambitious climate action. We know how this can be scaled, so now is not the time for endless theoretical debates
could be the difference between success and failure in meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.”
Further, Guyana showcased its commitment to inclusivity by highlighting the pivotal role of Indigenous peoples in forest conservation. Pradeepa Bholanath, along with the Deputy of the National Toshaos Council, Sonia Latchman, shared
Key role in climate negotiations
Meanwhile, Guyana remains actively engaged in negotiations surrounding the Paris Agreement’s implementation, focusing on Article 6 (carbon markets), REDD+ mechanisms, climate finance, and adaptation.
The country continues to advocate for pragmatic, results-oriented approaches
to finalise frameworks that enable countries to implement effective market and non-market mechanisms, access finance for forest conservation, and enhance resilience to climate change impacts.
Guyana continues to advocate for practical, results-based approaches that integrate ambitious climate action with sustainable development.
The LCDS’ Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator, Vanessa Benn, participated in an event hosted by Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral Baroness Patricia Scotland, where Guyana’s pioneering experience with carbon markets was included in a Commonwealth publication aimed at helping member states access climate finance. During the event, the Commonwealth Finance Hub, an initiative launched by former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, was highlighted by the SecretaryGeneral. This initiative has now enabled Commonwealth developing countries to access hundreds of millions of dollars in climate finance, significantly advancing their climate and development goals.
International commendation Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which harmonizes environmental sustainability with economic progress, has been praised by international leaders. UK’s Secretary of State for Energy Security and NetZero, Ed Miliband, hailed it as a model for other nations. Outgoing FCLP chair, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, also applauded Guyana’s contributions to sustainable forest management and global climate initiatives.
With its proactive stance at COP29, Guyana has firmly positioned itself as a trailblazer in climate action. As the conference progresses, the nation’s strategies continue to inspire and shape international efforts to combat climate change.
What is left of the shack after the
An infant identified as 11-month-old
Melveena Angel Blair perished after the house she and her other siblings were allegedly locked inside went up in flames early Saturday morning.
The fire broke out at Cummings Park, ‘E’ Field Sophia Reserve, Georgetown house just about 11:30h thus leaving Angel dead and her brother suffered third-degree burns and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital for urgent treatment.
According to neighbours, the wooden shack was home to a couple and their four children. Reports suggest the parents and another child had left the house earlier Saturday morning for work. They reportedly worked nearby to prepare and sell ‘dog food’.
Lloyd Roberts, a 43-yearold former police officer was on Friday granted bail by Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where the charges were read to him.
Police stated that on November 14, 2024, Roberts had one Glock 19mm pistol and 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition along Robb Street, Georgetown.
Roberts, who resides at North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Roberts’ lawyer argued that the firearm and ammunition were planted by police officers during his arrest. According to his attorney, Roberts had been at a bank on Robb Street conducting business when he was detained by officers.
It was claimed that the items were only shown to him after he was taken to the police station.
The lawyer also highlighted Roberts’ history as the target of a recent assassination attempt. In August 2024, Roberts was reportedly ambushed on Durban Street and sustained gunshot wounds to the face, abdomen, and hip.
While the defence claimed that the injuries left Roberts with ongoing medical issues, no evidence or medical records were presented to substantiate this assertion.
The prosecution opposed
the bail application, pointing to Roberts’ prior brushes with the law, including accusations of involvement in three murders between 2009 and 2016. The prosecution argued that Roberts posed a public safety risk and suggested that no “special reasons” warranted his release on bail.
Additionally, the prosecution stated that during his arrest, Roberts admitted he did not have a licence for the firearm allegedly found in his possession.
After reviewing the arguments, Magistrate McGusty granted bail in the sum of $200,000 on each charge. As a condition of his bail, Roberts must report to the Brickdam Police Station on the last Friday of each month. The case has been adjourned to December 6, 2024.
Roberts’ history with the legal system is well-documented. In 2009, he was charged with the double murder of Romeo De Agrella and
his son, Clint. However, the charges were dismissed in 2010 due to insufficient evidence.
In 2016, Roberts was implicated in the murder of Ryan Sergeant, a 19-year-old who was shot outside a nightclub in Georgetown. He was also charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in connection with that case.
According to the police, Roberts was arrested following a tip-off. Officers reportedly observed him near Republic Bank on Robb Street, where a search allegedly uncovered the firearm and ammunition concealed in his clothing. Roberts was arrested on-site, and the items were secured as evidence before he was taken to the Brickdam Police Station for processing.
Investigations are ongoing, and Roberts’ upcoming court appearance will determine how the charges against him proceed.
The three remaining children, including Angel, were left at home. One woman recalled hearing what sounded like fireworks before realising the house was engulfed in flames.
“I knew the children were usually left alone, so me and my son rushed over. The door was bolted from the outside, so we had to break it open,” she recounted. Inside, Angel was found lying on a mattress, already overcome by fire.
“I tried to grab her, but it was too late. There were clothes and a lot of things around her. The house is tiny. They eat, sleep, and do everything in one space without partition. When I bent down to grab her, she started falling apart, and the mattress and everything was on to her. My son barely spotted her brother and he pulled him out”.
“He was completely covered in flames and his whole back and hand was burned. When he came out, he was crying and trembling if my son hadn’t seen him, both he and his sister would have
The infant’s remains after it was found among the debris
The third child reportedly escaped unharmed through a window. Eyewitnesses also claimed that the unin-
“Scissors
Neil Miggins, 24, also known as “Scissors Head,” was on Thursday evening shot and injured during a confrontation with police at his Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD) home.
Miggins, a suspect in an armed robbery probe, attempted to escape from police ranks but was subdued following a scuffle.
Authorities allege that Miggins, on the night of October 26, held up Ronston Bostwick with a handgun and relieved him of $300,000 in cash. Acting on this allegation, a team of officers visited his home at
Firefighters arrived at the scene, but the house was already destroyed. After the blaze was extinguished, Angel’s charred remains were discovered in the rubble. Her injured brother was rushed to the hospital by the father, who arrived at the scene shortly after the fire started.
Residents alleged that the parents had a history of leaving the children unattended for extended periods, sometimes for days at a time. The mother of the children was taken into police custody at the Turkeyen Police Station as investigations continue.
Fire officials are working to determine the exact cause of the blaze, while child welfare authorities are reportedly looking into the family’s living conditions and allegations of neglect. (LaWanda McAllister)
jured child later admitted to his mother to starting the fire under the mattress using a lighter, which quickly spread throughout the wooden structure.
around 22:30h on Thursday to question him.
When approached by police, Miggins appeared at an upstairs window but denied the charges and refused to comply with officers’ instructions to open the door. Moments later, he leapt through a window from the second-storey of the building with the intent of fleeing but landed directly in the path of a waiting officer.
A struggle ensued during which Miggins reportedly grabbed at the officer’s service weapon, a 9mm pistol, in an apparent attempt to disarm him.
During the altercation, the firearm discharged, striking Miggins in the lower right leg.
The suspect was immediately apprehended and transported to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where he received treatment for the gunshot wound. After being discharged, he was taken to the Parfaite Harmonie Police Station, where he remains in custody pending further investigation.
Police continue to investigate the case, and Miggins is expected to face charges in connection with the alleged robbery.
Many of the popular locations that were considered ‘hot spots’ for heaps of garbage have been reduced in the country, especially in the capital city of Georgetown.
This is a result of the frequent National Clean-up Exercises that were formed and continue to be led by Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.
On Saturday the 10th
finished entertaining themselves, they can dump their debris.”
While at the Kingston Seawall, the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar stressed the effectiveness of the exercise, noting that aids in the control of garbage within the country.
“We are seeing that the place is getting cleaner. Some
sponsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy underscored the importance of maintaining one of the country’s key gateways. “It is one of the first areas that our tourists and visitors experience, and as they travel to other parts of the country, they will take note of the environment we uphold,” he remarked.
Minister McCoy joined the residents living along the
clean-up exercise was held in the country which saw members of the Cabinet, the private sector, and joint forces among other Government workers collaborating to execute yet another successful campaign.
Joining the efforts along Mandela Avenue, Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill revealed that the Government employs small contractors to clean main access roads, drains, and weed parapets two to three times a month to ensure effective water flow and a clean environment.
The Minister also called on all Guyanese to embrace collective responsibility for environmental cleanliness.
“I would like to make this appeal to all Guyanese. Parents, teach your children right, business people provide containers and receptacles for your patrons when they are
of the previous sites that were known as illegal dumping sites are not being seen anymore because once we clean them folks are trying their best to keep it that way. For example, at Hill Street, we haven’t seen anything there,” the Minister pointed out.
However, while acknowledging that to some extent the country still faces a challenge with littering, Indar said that the clean-up exercise also acts as a pre-revitalisation for the country’s upcoming activities such as the historic visit by India’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Shri Narendra Modi, and the Global Super League Cricket.
The exercise was also conducted at the Soesdyke Junction on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), a crucial location for incoming visitors.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with re-
Over $70 billion has been invested in the development of Guyana’s hinterland regions since the return of the PPP/C Administration in 2020.
This was revealed by Finance and Public Service Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, during a leadership training session for Amerindian village councils last week.
The funds were channelled through various Government initiatives, including the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), presidential grants, and allocations from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
“Since we came back into office a total of over $70 billion have been spent on the hinterland on a wide range of initiatives like roads, drainage, and irrigation, the land titling programme, among a plethora of other initiatives,” Minister Singh pointed out.
Under the LCDS, approximately $9 billion was disbursed to Amerindian villages during the first two years of the PPP/C Administration.
These funds support initiatives such as cattle and chicken rearing, industrial arts projects, the emergence of tourism products, and logging among others.
“In the first year, we transferred 15 per cent and in the second year, we transferred 26.5 per cent. In total during those two years, over $9 billion was deposited into our Amerindian villages to benefit those communities and to finance the implementation of village sustainability plans,” the senior minister stated.
One of the Government’s primary objectives under the LCDS is to enable every Indigenous village to establish projects that build sustainable economies, addressing the specific needs of their residents.
The first iteration of the LCDS, launched during the PPP/C Administration in 2009, facilitated bilateral arrangements with
Norway, implementing several initiatives to benefit Amerindian communities.
Upon returning to office in 2020, the Government introduced the enhanced LCDS 2030.
This updated framework enabled Guyana to secure jurisdictional certification of its carbon credits, facilitating participation in the compliance market where regulated entities, such as airlines can purchase carbon credits.
Notably, the LCDS 2030 has facilitated a landmark transaction, with over 50 per cent of Guyana’s carbon credits sold for US$750 million over 50 years, further supporting the country’s environmental and economic goals.
Taxi driver remanded for attempting to murder
A60-year-old taxi driver was remanded to prison after being charged with the attempted murder of his 74-year-old common-law wife during a domestic dispute.
junction in the clean-up exercise. Meanwhile, at Houston, EBD, ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were seen clearing the drains and discarding the waste from along the streets and walkways.
Leader of the team, Major Andre McFarlene noted that national clean-up campaigns are a part of the army’s civil duty in ensuring a safer Guyana.
He stated that “having a clean community will aid in [promoting] a healthy community and more so a safer community, and if we have safer communities then we will have a safe clean, and healthy Guyana.”
The National Clean-up Campaign targeted about 15 major sites around the city. To aid in the effort, tools, and essential machines were donated by the Chinese Association.
Keith Williams stands accused of maliciously wounding Deanna Bourne with intent to kill her. The incident occurred on November 10, 2024 at the couple’s home at Lot 142 El Dorado Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
Williams appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty and was not required to plead to the indictable charge.
The prosecution told the court that Williams and Bourne had been living together for 42 years and on the day in question, they were involved in a heated argument.
The argument stemmed from Bourne refusing to allow the suspect to enter the home. After some time, the couple’s granddaughter opened the door, allowing Williams inside.
He then went to Bourne’s bedroom and woke her, leading to an argument.
In a fit of rage, Williams reportedly left the room, re-
trieved a cutlass from his car, and returned chopping Bourne about her body. The assault left her with multiple injuries to her body and face. The severity of the injuries has left her unable to speak.
Williams attempted to flee the scene but was intercepted by bystanders who disarmed him. Police arrived shortly after and took him into custody.
Meanwhile, Bourne was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where she under-
went emergency surgery. She remains in critical condition.
According to court documents, Williams admitted to the attack during a police interview conducted under caution. During the proceedings, it was revealed that he claimed to have been under the influence of marijuana at the time.
Williams has been remanded to prison and is expected to reappear in court on December 18, 2024, as the investigation continues.
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) (March 21April 19)
Speak up, share your opinion and prepare to defend your concepts and decisions. Don’t resort to physical confrontation when words can suffice. Put your health and well-being first.
Be careful handling domestic situations. You’ll meet with opposition if you assume everyone is on your side. Seek out different perspectives and take them seriously.
Keep life simple. Refuse to make mountains out of molehills. Stick to the truth, keep your life simple and dedicate your time to self-preservation, learning and staying out of other people’s business.
(June 21July 22)
Figure out how to use your skills, attributes and experience to get the job done or engage in a pastime that stimulates your body, mind or soul. Making others happy depends on making yourself happy first.
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19) LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
PISCES
(Feb. 20Mar. 20)
Apply pressure where necessary. A high-energy approach to life, love and happiness will help you achieve your goal and make a difference. Words matter, so use them wisely.
Too much of anything will slow you down. Think before you act or jump into something you don’t fully understand. The information you receive will be misleading in the extreme.
Your ability to absorb and dispense information appropriately will help you leap forward. A change of scenery will offer clarity and lead to permission to move forward with your plans.
A change is encouraged. Put your energy into figuring out the best way to achieve your goal. A healthy routine will help you run a top-notch operation at home dedicated to your happiness.
Refuse to let anyone bully you into doing something you don’t want. Use your intelligence and outsmart anyone who gets in your way. Be blunt and make choices that encourage you to put your energy where it counts.
Pay attention to detail; the results will outshine your expectations. Put your energy into freeing your mind from the need to please others, when pleasing yourself offers better results.
Sign up for something exhilarating. Stretch your mind and devise a plan that allows you to make a difference. A social event will be enticing, but it could also put you in jeopardy.
Be careful what you wish for; what you see and what you get will differ. Trust your instincts over someone else’s words, and don’t commit to anything until you get what you want in writing.
For the next few weeks, some of the best of Guyana’s girls’ under-11 football talents would be on show at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground in Carifesta Avenue as the MVP Sports Girls’ Pee-Wee tournament is played.
Following a grand march past ceremony, which was won by West Ruimveldt Primary, the tournament was officially kicked off this morning with teams from Regions 1, 3, 4, 7 and 10 in attendance. MVP Sports’ owner, Ian Ramdeo, highlighted the tournament’s growth, praised the organisers for sticking to the programme,
Five-time Olympic gold medalist Elaine Thompson-Herah is reportedly gearing up to reignite her career in a new training environment.
After an Achilles injury had dashed her hopes of defending her Olympic titles in Paris in 2024, the Jamaican sprint queen has officially embarked on the next chapter of her illustrious career as she eyes a remarkable return to form in the 2025 World Championship season.
According to threetime Olympic medalist Dr. Gregory Haughton, Thompson-Herah may be preparing for the 2025 season under the tutelage of Rana Reider at the Tumbleweed Track Club in Jacksonville, Florida.
“News just reached me that Elaine ThompsonHerah is currently in Jacksonville preparing for the World Championship season,” Haughton said recently on his Let’s Talk with Dr. Greg YouTube channel.
“This is about 90% certainty that she is training under the supervision of coach Rana Reider at the Tumbleweed Track Club,”
he added.
Over the past two years, Thompson-Herah has cycled through several trainers, including her most recent stint with coach Reynaldo Walcott, which ended less than a year after it began.
The decision to switch training camps also underscores the turbulent journey Thompson-Herah has faced since leaving the MVP Track Club, where she enjoyed her most successful years.
After struggling with injuries and inconsistent performances, her recovery journey began to show promise under coach Shanikie Osbourne, only for contractual disagreements to derail their partnership.
Despite these hurdles, the 31-year-old managed to deliver some strong performances in 2023, including a season-best time of 10.79 seconds and a thirdplace finish at the Diamond League season finale.
If this is indeed her next move, hopefully it leads to her rediscovering the form that put her within five-hundredths of a second of being known as the fastest woman to ever walk this earth.
(Sportsmax)
and expressed, “Last year, I think, was the first year we sponsored the tournament, and we committed to continue to sponsor as far as we can and into the future. I think we had 12 teams last year, and I understand there are 14 teams this year. So, there’s a little bit of growth, but hopefully, in time we can get to 20/24 teams, and even more.”
The MVP Sports’ owner went on to add, “And I must say Petra has done an excellent job in getting to this point so far, especially in girls’ footballwhich in the beginning the girls used to play as part of the boys’ teams. So, now
we have an actual tournament for you,”.
Speaking on behalf of the coordinators, Petra
Organisation, Co-Director Troy Mendonca gave a charge to the little ladies when he said, “We want
you to enjoy your game. Be happy with yourself whether you win, lose or draw; give respect, respect each other; treat each other the way you would like them to treat you.”
When the on-field action began, a brace from Reniese Joseph led Potaro Primary to the first win of the tournament -- 2-1 over Smith Memorial Primary. Also in the winners’ circle was West Ruimveldt Primary, who defeated Genesis Primary 5-0. Ariel Farley netted 4 goals, while Jada McRae assisted with one. The tournament will continue next Saturday at the same venue.
The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Under-15 fifty overs Inter Association tournament is set to bowl off today, Sunday November 17th, 2024, and will run until Monday, November 25th, 2024.
Dubbed the “Next Generation”, The tournament will feature four Area Associations: East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB), Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA), and West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA), in a Contest that includes five rounds, with games happening at LBI, QC, Farm, and MMZ fields, starting at 09:00hrs daily. Participants will battle in classic white cricket attire, utilizing a red cricket ball.
DCB President Bissoondyal Singh expressed his belief in the tournament’s ability to nurture young talent by stating that it would demonstrate players’ skills and enhance their development. He also made clear his enthusiasm for the inclusion of the Select XI team, led by Shahid Ramzan, a promising young player who had an impressive first appearance last year.
Additionally, Brandon Henry, who played for the Guyana Under-15 team earlier this year, would be participating. The competing teams comprise: East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB): Junia Dindyal (Captain), Neerav Persaud, Yuvraj Ramchand, Sanjay Dindyal, Rahiem Solomon, Nathaniel Sukhanandan, Retesh Persaud, Devendra Ramkarran, Akeem Persaud, Jordan Bissessar, Nicholas Rukdeo, Aaron Persaud,
Somesh Boyer, Satindra Shiwdarsan, Gopaul Ramchand.
Manager: Suresh Budhu, Coach: Kumar Bishundial, Assistant Coach: Yeuraj Khemraj.
Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA): Brandon Henry (Captain), Reyaz Latif (Vice Captain), Lomar Seecharran, Nathan Bishop, Khush Seegobin, Joshua Bollers, Mickel Johnson, Makai Dowlin, Jermaine Grovesnor, Prosper Jacobus, Yeshusa Hutson, Kaiden Smith, Orwin Jordan, Wasim Ali, Afraz Khan.
Manager: Kervin Ross, Coach: Darien Best.
East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA): Vinesh Kalpoo (Captain), Devindra Mohamed, Jaydon Emanuel, Aden Khelmoo, Tunil Suraj, Lexroy Sargeant, Ronald Ramnauth, Shawn Hamid, Ganesh Appanah, Thayden Boodram, Lakshman Jaigopaul, Nazeem Persaud, Jagdesh Kalpoo, Besham Brian, Irfaan Nasoordin.
Manager: Fazal Ishak, Coach: Waquar Bacchus. West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA): Patrice Fraser (Captain), Mahendra Mohan (Vice Captain), Joshua Collette,
Joshua Isaac Williams, Alvin Williams, Jaaziah Singh, Isaiah Anderson, Isaiah Harcharan, Orvin Raymond, Christopher Roopran, Saneer Sarjoo, Parmesh Daniels, Ziyad Khan, Divendra, Lomesh Mohan.
Manager: Navindra Sankar, Coach: Jermaine Maxwell.
Select XI Squad: Shahid Ramzan (Captain), Hezekiah Hohenkirk, Jasani Craig, Kadeem Campbell, Noel Madramootoo, Samuel Heralall, Leon Walls, Aditya Khan, Azariah Duncan, Nathan Puran, Adam Mohamed, Raj Persaud, Ethan Persaud, Saurav Persaud, Rusco Anderson, Errol Alder.
Manager: Alstyne Haywood, Coach: Dinesh George.
A total of seventy-five participants will be vying for prizes like Top Scorer, Leading Wicket-Taker, Best Bowler, Outstanding Fielder, and MVP in the upcoming competition.
The tournament will be used to select a strong Demerara Under-15 squad for the GCB Under-15 InterCounty, scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.
Key players to keep an
eye on are the imposing and quick swing bowler Patrice Fraser, who also leads WDCA; powerful batsman Mahendra Mohan; reliable batsman Joshua Williams; and strategic bowler Orvin Raymond. Keep an eye on crafty leg spinner Reyaz Latif, promising batsman Nathan Bishop, elegant left-handed batsman Lomar Seecharran, Khush Seegobin, and up-and-coming pace bowler Kaiden Smith from GCA.
Watch closely at EBCA for quick bowler Devindra Mohamed, batsman and leader Vinesh Kalpoo, and classy all-rounder Ganesh Appanah. Captain and batsman Junia Dindyal, Rahiem Solomon, and left-arm spinner Nathaniel Sukhanandan are prominent figures on the ECCB team.
Standout players from the Select XI squad are captain and emerging stylish batsman Shahid Ramzan, fast bowler Jasani Craig, batsman Samuel Heralall, all-rounder Rusco Anderson, and Hezekiah Hohenkirk.
The President and Executives of the DCB are calling on the public to come out and witness this next generation of young, talented and innovative players.
Astunning display of ball-striking from openers Shai Hope and Evin Lewis led West Indies to a record-breaking consolation win in their penultimate T20I against England.
The pair staged a 136-run partnership off just 55 balls to mow down a large chunk of their 219-target, scoring 10 sixes and 11 fours between them before Rovman Powell's 23-ball 38 made further inroads, and Sheraine Rutherford saw them home in the highest successful runchase in T20Is at the Darren Sammy Stadium. This is also their second-highest score in all T20Is.
Half-centuries from Jacob Bethell and Phil Salt took England to the joint-highest first-innings score at the venue, matching West Indies' 218 for 5 against Afghanistan at this year's T20 World Cup.
That was after Salt and Will Jacks had made a quickfire start on an excellent pitch to take England past fifty inside the first five overs of the match.
On this occasion, however, West Indies had the fire-
were up for the fight.
Hope stayed sublime with back-to-back fours off Mahmood, who had caused the hosts no end of trouble this series, followed by a gorgeous drive off Sam Curran.
Hope brought up his fifth T20I fifty - and third this year - in just 23 balls with a cracking four in front of square off Rehan Ahmed, three balls after hitting him over deep midwicket for six.
Lewis sprang into ac-
power to match them, and salvaged something from a series already sealed by England, who won the first three games.
Hope springs, Lewis launches John Turner, making his T20I debut after his first two appearances for England during the ODI leg of this tour, opened the bowling and conceded just five off his first over. Saqib Mahmood followed up with a maiden, but Turner's second went for an eye-watering 25, starting with Lewis's six over deep backward square and ending with 4, 4, 6, 4 from Hope as West Indies signalled they
tion with a six over longon as Liam Livingstone entered the attack, followed by a four to bring up West Indies' hundred off 7.3 overs. Lewis's next six, measured at 105 metres, was truly jaw-dropping as he latched on to Livingstone's leg-break and deposited it firmly over long on, and he rounded out a 30-run over with one more, evading Bethell as he launched himself in vain just inside the rope at deep midwicket.
Lewis brought up his fifty in 26 balls with four off Curran, and reached 68 from just 31 balls before holing out to Dan Mousley, running
in from the cover boundary off Rehan.
Powell beats crazy collapse
Hope was run out next ball, when Nicholas Pooran nudged a Rehan delivery to mid-on then sent Hope back as Livingstone fired the ball in to the bowler with Hope still backing up. Then Pooran edged Rehan's next ball, a googly, onto his off stump. After 10 overs, West Indies were 138 for 3, their highest score at the halfway point of a T20I innings, and needed 81 runs in 60 balls with two fresh batters at the crease. It suggested more twists to come.
Livingstone took an excellent catch over his shoulder running back from mid-on to remove Shimron Hetmyer, but left the field after appearing to have jarred his knee in his exertion.
Of equal concern to England at the time was the fact that West Indies captain Powell was looking all business, having raced to 27 in 14 balls. He became Turner's maiden T20I wicket, pinned on the back thigh in line with off stump, leaving his side with 23 runs to get from 21 balls.
Rutherford skied Curran high over the bowler's head, and when it dropped in the middle of four converging fielders, it felt like being West Indies' night, if any more evidence was needed.
Rutherford and Roston Chase held firm, Rutherford's six down the ground off Mousley taking his side to within one boundary of victory with seven balls remaining. He took just one, slamming the very next over deep midwicket for another maximum, and victory.
England's flying start
An expensive opening over from Obed McCoy included four leg byes, thanks to some questionable fielding, bookended by two fours off Salt's bat, clipped in front of square and launched over mid-off.
Akeal Hosein didn't fare any better upon his introduction in the third over. Two short balls in succession dispatched by Salt for four through the covers and a thumping six over midwicket before Jacks chimed in with
a straight six to make it 18 runs off the over.
Jacks maintained his onslaught against McCoy and Alzarri Joseph, crash-
place in the outfield.
But Salt carried on, raising his fifty with back-toback fours off Powell, clubbed straight down the ground
ing the latter for an 89-metre six over long-on as England's openers took their team past fifty in 4.2 overs.
Joseph's celebration was non-existent when he accounted for Jacks with a short ball, top-edged behind square leg, Pooran running round to gather comfortably as Joseph simply frowned, put his head down and stalked away to take his
and cut deftly through backward point. It was his third half-century of this tour to go with his unbeaten 103 in the first T20I.
Bethell's blitz
Salt held his breath moments later when he miscued off Hosein towards McCoy, who did well running in from long off to meet it as it dropped a fraction short of
West Indies (T: 219 runs from 20 ovs)
Evin Lewis c Mousley
b Rehan Ahmed 68
Shai Hope run out (Livingstone/Rehan Ahmed) 54
Nicholas Pooran †
b Rehan Ahmed 0
Rovman Powell (c) lbw
b Turner 38 Shimron Hetmyer c Livingstone
b Rehan Ahmed 7 Sherfane Rutherford not out 29 Roston Chase not out 9
his dive.
Salt was out a short time later though, attempting a pull shot off Chase, the ball brushing his glove and sailing down the leg side to a waiting Pooran for a 35-ball 55.
Jos Buttler looked set to continue England's impressive gambit as he picked off boundaries from Chase and Gudakesh Motie, but the pair combined to end his innings on 38 as Buttler reverse-swept Motie to Chase at backward point.
Motie then removed Livingstone cheaply, caught by Hetmyer at deep midwicket. However, while Bethell's half-century in the first match of this series had come in a supporting role to Salt, here he took the lead with Salt already back in the change room. Three sixes in succession off Chase took the Barbados-born Bethell to a 22-ball fifty, his third of the tour; and he remained not out on 62 off just 32 balls after clearing the boundary five times in all and striking four fours. (ESPNCricinfo)
Akeal Hosein 3-0-40-0
Gudakesh Motie 4-0-40-2
Gudakesh Motie
will be part of the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad for the 2024 ExxonMobil Guyana
Global Super League (GSL).
Motie has been a stalwart for the Amazon Warriors since making his debut for the franchise in 2021.
He was part of the squad that won the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in 2023 and played for the Amazon Warriors in the 2024 CPL final.
Motie was the leading wicket-taker for the Warriors during the 2024 CPL, claiming 17 victims at an average of just 18.64. He joins fellow Guyanese players Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd and Keemo Paul in a strong Warriors squad. The 2024
Global Super League runs from 26 November to 7 December, with the Amazon Warriors competing against Hampshire Hawks, Lahore Qalandars, Rangpur Riders and Victoria. All the matches are set to take place at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.
About Global Super League
The Global Super League is an annual T20 tournament that takes place in Guyana featuring T20 teams from around the world. The inaugural event will take place at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence. Five teams will compete for a US$1million prize fund across 11 matches that take place from 26 November to 7 December 2024. The five teams for the 2024 tournament are: Guyana Amazon Warriors, Hampshire Hawks, Lahore Qalandars, Rangpur Riders and Victoria.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Friday evening unveiled the West Indies Test squad for the highly anticipated two-match series against Bangladesh.
This home series, scheduled from 22 November to 4 December 2024 in Antigua and Jamaica, marks a crucial chapter as the team looks to capitalize on home conditions and finish the World Test Championship on a high note.
Led by Kraigg Brathwaite, the squad features an exciting mix of seasoned, in-form players and fresh talent. The in-form Justin Greaves is in the squad following a sensational run in the CG United Super50 Cup, where he smashed three centuries. His recent performances have been a highlight of the domestic season, and underscores how pivotal domestic platforms are for the next generation of talent.
Kevin Sinclair also returns to the squad as a valuable spin bowling option, while Jason Holder will miss the series as he continues rehabilitation for a shoulder injury.
West Indies fans throughout the region can catch the
…Glasgow now all-time highest goal-scorer
There was a lot for Guyana’s senior men’s national football team to celebrate at the Barbados Football Association’s Technical Center in Wildey, St. Michael on Friday night, as the Golden Jaguars not only downed the hosts 4-1 in their first of two CONCACAF Nation’s League Play-In games, but also witnessing their star striker Omari Glasgow becoming Guyana’s highest goal-scorer at just 20 years old.
Interim Head Coach Wayne Dover steered the side for the first time since 2010, and opted for a starting XI that included Captain Daniel Wilson, Goal-keeper Quillan Roberts, Jeremmy Garrett, Jalen Jones, Liam Gordon, Leo Lovell, Curtez Kellman, Nathan MorialWelsh, Isaiah Jones Osaze De Rosario and Omari Glasgow.
The Golden Jaguars had a timid start to the contest, and even conceded first, as they were caught sleeping after a corner kick.
Ethan Taylor led the counter-attack after Guyana’s unsuccessful corner, passing the ball square to Niall Reid-Stephenson, whose shot into the corner of
the net beat Guyana’s keeper Roberts for Barbados’ first in the 17th minute.
However, 9 minutes later, Omari Glasgow sent a left- footed shot into the top corner of the opposing net to level the scores and bring himself level with the Golden Jaguars’ former all-time goal scorer Nigel Codrington, who netted 18 goals in his career.
Guyana found the back of the net again in the 45th by way of a De Rosario header, but that goal was ruled offside, resulting in a 1-all score at the half.
In the second half, a vol-
ley off the boots of Glasgow handed Guyana the lead in the 59th and shot the 20-year-old to the top of the charts, now with 19 international goals in his illustrious career thus far.
The Golden Jaguars wasted no time in extending their lead, as Osaze De Rosario caught the Barbadian defense sleeping again a mere minute after Glasgow’s goal. De Rosario picked up an ill- timed back pass and chipped the ball over the Bajan keeper’s head for the third goal.
Substituted into the contest in the 66th minute
for his international debut, Enoch George made the most of the opportunity by capitalising on another Isaiah Jones assist to find the back of the net in the 90th+2 to cap off Guyana’s 4-1 win.
In a post-match press conference, Glasgow described the victory as ‘hard fought’ despite the big margin between the two teams.
“I thought it was a hard- fought victory for us. I must say congratulations to Barbados too. I expect a game like this; and they come out, they fought, and they push us to the limit that, you know, (we weren’t) expecting to be pushed to. But we just stick to we game plan, believe in what we can do, and got the victory,” the striker told media operatives in Barbados.
Enoch George relished his goal on debut. George said, “It’s amazing. Really grateful to score on my debut. So, it’s a wonderful feeling.”
Both teams will head down to the Land of Many Waters for the return game, which is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19 at the National Track and Field Center on the West Coast of Demerara from 19:00hrs.
action on ESPN Caribbean, while in Bangladesh, the Toffee digital platform will feature the matches.
Tickets for the month-long series against Bangladesh are available online at tickets.windiescricket.
com
West Indies Test Squad vs Bangladesh: Captain Kraigg Brathwaite, ViceCaptain Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair and Jomel Warrican.
Team Management:
Head Coach: Andre Coley
Team Manager: Rawl Lewis
Assistant Coach (Batting): Jimmy Adams
Assistant Coach (Bowling): James Franklyn
Assistant Coach (Fielding/ Wicket-Keeping): Jamal
Smith
Physiotherapist: Dr. Denis Byam
Strength & Conditioning
Coach: Ronald Rogers
Masseuse: Darc Browne
Team Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram
Media Officer: Jerome Foster
Meanwhile, ahead of the Test series, Test Captain Kraigg Brathwaite will lead a CWI Select XI 13-man squad for the two-day warm-up match against Bangladesh, scheduled for 17 and 18 November at the CWI-owned Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.
This warm-up match holds significant importance in preparation for the main Test series. It offers a valuable opportunity for fringe players to showcase their skills in a competitive setting, while also providing Test players with opportunity to fine-tune their form.
Head Coach Andre Coley remarked on the upcoming series, “We expect the series against Bangladesh to be a competitive one between two emerging squads. The buildup to the series, through the two-day warm-up match and training camp, will provide us
with the best possible preparation, as they will afford opportunities for both experienced and emerging players to fine-tune their skills ahead of the Test series.”
CWI Select XI WarmUp Match Squad: Captain Kraigg Brathwaite, ViceCaptain Justin Greaves, Ryan Bandoo, Daniel Beckford, Navian Bidaisee, Joshua Dorne, Nathan Edward, Chaim Holder, Tevin Imlach, Jordan Johnson, Jair McAllister, Shaaron Lewis and Kimani Melius.
The CWI Select XI primarily consists of players not selected for their territorial CG United Super50 squads, allowing emerging talent to gain important exposure ahead of the series.
The match also presents a chance to develop young coaching talent, with Nikita Miller, a former West Indies international and first-class veteran, heading the coaching unit. Pernel Watley, a locally identified pathway coach, will provide additional support.
West Indies vs Bangladesh Home Series Schedule: Warm-up Matches –
CWI Select XI vs Bangladesh: 17 and 18 November 2024, Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua. First Test: November 2226, 2024, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.
Second Test: November 30- December 4, 2024, Sabina Park, Jamaica
First CG UNITED ODI: December 8, 2024, Warner Park, St Kitts & Nevis.
Second CG UNITED ODI: December 10, 2024, Warner Park, St Kitts & Nevis.
Third CG UNITED ODI: December 12, 2024, Warner Park, St Kitts & Nevis.
1st T20 International: December 15, 2024, Arnos Vale, St Vincent & The Grenadines.
2nd T20 International: December 17, 2024, Arnos Vale, St Vincent & The Grenadines.
3rd T20 International: December 19, 2024, Arnos Vale, St Vincent & The Grenadines.
