Amid ongoing US currency access delays Govt injects US$100M into foreign exchange market
The Government of Guyana on Monday announced the immediate injection of US$100 million into the financial system to alleviate delays in accessing foreign currency.
This decision was made during a high-level meeting on Monday afternoon, where Vice-President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, alongside Central Bank Governor Dr Gobind Ganga, engaged with chief executive officers and other representatives of commercial banks.
The meeting focused on recent developments within the banking sector, particularly concerning the foreign exchange market.
According to a Government release, officials noted that while there remains an overall adequate supply of foreign currency within the financial system to meet ongoing demand, “occasional timing differences” have led to delays in the settlement of foreign currency orders at some commercial banks.
To address these mis-
matches, the Government has authorised the immediate injection of US$100 million, which will be distributed across all commercial banks. The move is expected to provide short-term relief and ensure that pending foreign exchange requests are processed without further delay.
“This injection will provide immediate relief to the system in meeting pending demand for foreign currency, while the temporary timing mismatches unwind themselves,” the statement said.
The Government also reaffirmed its continued engagement with the private
sector and the banking community to maintain the efficient functioning of the foreign exchange market.
This latest measure follows a similar intervention last month when the Bank of Guyana injected US$35 million into the system to stabilise foreign currency access. That move was con-
firmed by VP Jagdeo on one of his weekly press briefings, where he emphasised the Government’s commitment to maintaining a balance between supply and demand for foreign exchange.
Jagdeo had explained that while Guyana has sufficient reserves and the ca-
pability to inject foreign currency as needed, authorities must act cautiously to avoid overcorrection. “Too much foreign currency at once can lead to an appreciation of the Guyanese dollar,” he said, warning that such a shift could harm key export sectors like agriculture and manufacturing by making them less competitive internationally.
Over the past several months, local businesses have reported significant delays in acquiring foreign currency for international transactions. These issues, coupled with surging demand for imports, have put a strain on the country’s financial system.
President Dr Irfaan Ali had previously noted that the demand for imported goods—ranging from food to vehicles—grew by 106 per cent between 2019 and 2024, while the importation of fuel, chemicals, and other intermediate goods surged by 160 per cent. Additionally, there has been a 317 per cent increase in credit and debit card usage over the same period.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, alongside Central Bank Governor Dr Gobind Ganga, meeting with chief executive officers and other representatives of commercial banks on Monday
BRIDGE OPENINGS
APRIL
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, April 8 –02:30h-04:00h and Wednesday, April 9 – 03:00h-04:30h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, April 8 –13:35h-15:05h and Wednesday, April 9 – 14:15h-15:45h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Light to thundery rain showers are expected during the day and at night, with intermittent sunshine. Partly cloudy skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.
Winds: Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.92 metres.
High Tide: 14:03h reaching a maximum height of 2.22 metres.
Low Tide: 07:37h and 20:03h reaching minimum heights of 1.09 metres and 0.93 metre.
Pres Ali announces wealthbuilding plan for citizens
…persons to invest in gas, fertiliser projects, secure future pensions …says Guyanese can look forward to increased cash grants
The Government has plans to pursue projects that include a national gas company and a fertiliser factory, with the view of not only generating revenue for the country, but also giving citizens a chance to make investments they can earn returns on.
On Saturday during a public meeting in Belle West in Canal Number Two, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), President Dr Irfaan Ali spoke of the importance of persons being registered to receive their National insurance Scheme (NIS) pension when they retire.
President Ali pointed out that that for someone who has made the maximum contributions to NIS, they can receive a pension of $168,000. However, those who are employed in the ‘informal economy’ will be unable to receive this benefit.
“We recognise that many farmers, bus drivers, conductors, casual and seasonal workers, are not registering on the NIS programme. So, they are not allowing themselves to benefit from pension. So, in the next five years, we’re going to come up with a plan to incentivise and help these categories of workers to go on the system and qualify and when they get to 60, they will benefit from this pension.”
“We are going to find an avenue to help you to get on
that wealth creation steps in. The Head of State noted the importance of ensuring that vehicles to wealth creation exist, so that ordinary citizens who participate will feel the need to enter the formal system.
“We have to do this also, by creating opportunities to build and grow wealth. And how are we going to create those opportunities? We’re going to identify a series of small, medium and large-scale projects here in Guyana. And we’re going to coinvest with Guyanese.”
“We’re going to allow you to invest your money here and in the diaspora in these projects that will give you
training, even at the community level, in financial literacy, addressing a gap in the education of many adults. And while it is a big task, President Ali was confident that it can be done, especially as the Government plans to increase the cash grants it will distribute. He made it clear that citizens must be able to see the importance of investing these grants.
“That is a big task before us. The next five years is to build and create these opportunities that will generate wealth at the individual, household, community, region, and national levels,”
President Ali said.
Vice President (VP)
the system. That is what we are about. So that all our farmers, we have to create an enabling environment so that you’ll get on the system. So that you too can benefit from the system. So how do we do this?”
It was at this point, according to President Ali,
greater returns than you’re getting now. The new fertiliser plant. Everybody will have a chance to invest in that. The national gas company must provide opportunities for every single Guyanese.”
The President added that citizens will also receive
Bharrat Jagdeo had previously reflected on ways in which the citizens of Guyana can be allowed to invest their own money in the oil and gas sector. Over in Suriname, the state-owned oil company Staatsolie had issued bonds that citizens can invest in, with a view
of financing an offshore oil project.
Citizens can purchase a percentage of this bond, which can lead to them gaining significant earnings in much the same way as stocks are purchased on the stock market. During a discussion at the Guyana Energy and Supply Chain conference, Jagdeo had lauded Suriname’s initiative and had noted the possibility of Guyana itself going this route. There has also been talk of the Government underwriting investments to ensure returns for the citizens.
When it comes to gas, the Government has been actively exploring ways in which it could monetise this resource, and has contracted US-based company Fulcrum LNG to develop these monetisation options.
The company is expected to work in a tripartite arrangement with the Guyana Government and ExxonMobil to develop another potential gas project, following on the heels of the Gas to Energy (GtE) Phase 1 Project.
Guyana’s Stabroek block is held by US oil company ExxonMobil and its other joint venture partners including Hess and CNOOC. The Liza Phase one and two, as well as the Payara development, where Exxon is the operator, are currently the only oil developments producing oil.
While the oil blocks are overwhelmingly held by private companies, there has been talks of the Government of Guyana collaborating with other countries to develop future blocks.
President Dr Irfaan Ali during his Region Three visit
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A new era of road accountability begins
In just 12 hours after the launch of Guyana’s national e-ticketing system, the country recorded nearly $2 million in traffic violation fines— evidence, if any was needed, of the deeply-entrenched culture of recklessness on our roads.
President Dr Irfaan Ali’s timely social media update outlined the numbers: 259 speeding violations, 29 for failure to wear seatbelts, and one for driving while using a mobile device. And these were not minor infractions—one driver, captured on radar at a dangerous 152km/h along the East Coast, is already being summoned to court. The message is clear: business as usual is over.
This digital transformation of road rules’ enforcement is not just a technical upgrade, but rather a declaration of zero tolerance toward traffic indiscipline, and a necessary one. For too long, Guyana’s roadways have been arenas of daily peril. Speeding, distracted driving, failure to wear seatbelts—these are not harmless oversights. These are acts of negligence that endanger lives.
The Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS), launched by the Government in partnership with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), ushers in a new era of accountability. Through radar-enabled speed cameras and automatic violation detection, the e-ticketing system strips away the old excuses. There is no room for “I didn’t know” or “I wasn’t speeding.” The camera doesn’t lie.
Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh has been transparent in his articulation of the penalties. Each offence—from speeding to handheld phone usage— carries a standardised fine of $7500. Repeat offenders face escalating consequences, with dangerous driving attracting fines as high as $75,000 or even a licence suspension. This structure is not just punitive—it is designed to reform behaviour through financial and legal consequences.
And yet, the innovation does not end with enforcement. It extends to transparency. The new online portal allows drivers to track tickets by entering their vehicle registration number, TIN, or ticket number. This level of access is crucial for public trust and institutional credibility. It provides drivers with clarity on their status and prevents disputes over “phantom tickets” or clerical errors. Such systems also reduce opportunities for bribery or unofficial “settlements” that have too often tainted traffic enforcement in the past.
Importantly, the system also considers the citizen’s convenience. Fines can now be paid digitally through MMG, and soon through the Guyana Revenue Authority’s “Padna” app. In doing so, the State is not just cracking the whip—it is also extending a hand to help drivers navigate the new reality. There’s no more waiting in line at a police station or being unsure of the process. The tools are in place to make compliance easy.
But for all its promise, the system is not immune to scepticism. Some may worry about data privacy, accuracy of the cameras, or recourse in the event of a technical error. These concerns are valid and must be addressed through robust public education and a reliable appeal mechanism.
The Government’s plan to launch a nationwide public awareness campaign is both welcome and necessary. Citizens must understand how the system works, how to contest a ticket if necessary, and what their rights and responsibilities are. This is a partnership between the State and its citizens—not a one-sided crackdown.
The numbers from the first day are startling, but they are also illuminating. They tell us that the problem was never about the absence of laws, but about the lack of consistent enforcement. With SRIS, the Guyana Police Force is taking its rightful place as a disciplined, data-driven institution. And the rest of the country must now follow suit.
We commend the authorities for taking this bold leap forward. Let the cameras roll. Let the tickets fall where they may. And let this be the start of safer roads for all.
George Subraj Family Foundation donates $209M to boost cardiac care in Guyana & US Diaspora
Commonwealth should lead the discussion on slavery reparations
By MohaMMed IdrIs
As a new secretary-general assumes leadership of the Commonwealth, it seems de rigueur in some circles to dismiss the organisation as a relic of a bygone era. To speak of it with any seriousness places one in a social pillory, the face upturned for pelting with the fruits of modernity.
Still, counterarguments exist. Nations would not be lining up to join if the Commonwealth were indeed an anachronism. Shared bonds of language, legal codes and education systems make trade cheaper between member nations. If an Englishspeaking democratic association of nations did not exist, one would surely be created.
Ultimately, however, the Commonwealth today struggles to justify itself to wider audiences.
To make itself relevant, the Commonwealth must confront, not duck, the vital questions it is ready-made to address. Forty years ago, the organisation faced an existential question of relations with apartheid South Africa. Today it must tackle the issue of reparations for the largest forced migration in human history: the transatlantic slave trade. Last year, at the biennial Commonwealth summit in Samoa, the final communique addressed the issue of reparations, stating: “The time has come for a meaningful, truthful, and respectful conversation towards forging a common future based on equity.”
It is no secret that support for the Commonwealth
has traditionally – though not exclusively – come from those who reside on the right. In response to the communique, some previously supportive voices in the media sounded the bugle for the United Kingdom’s exit – an echo of the lamentable reaction a generation ago when some called for continued relations with Pretoria against all the facts that made apartheid unpardonable.
It need not be this way. Opening the conversation on reparations would not only renew the organisation’s relevance; if approached with care, it could revitalise the Commonwealth itself, providing a shared unity of purpose and new common projects around which to rally.
Still, for many, the idea of reparations is difficult to fathom. The crime is vast in scale, spans centuries, and is geographically diffuse. Who should pay? To whom? Individuals, communities, governments? Yet no technical obstacles to redress should justify ignoring one of humanity’s greatest crimes. The abduction of tens of millions of young Africans – at a time when the continent’s population hovered around 100 million – inflicted material harm that endures today. Meanwhile, Britain and other European nations amassed wealth and power from the trade. This past continues to shape our present. But it is perhaps the historical dimension that causes many to recoil: why should we pay for the crimes of our forebears, several generations removed? To ease resistance, we must abandon zero-sum thinking.
Funds and cooperation could be channelled into new joint ventures between Britain and other Commonwealth countries where both sides benefit: investments and programmes that create shared, long-term value, designed to outlast political cycles and changing administrations. These could be public, private, or both – but distinct from other initiatives already in existence.
Infrastructure should be a priority, driving economic development, creating jobs, and connecting the continent. One of Africa’s defining challenges is its lack of intra-continental trade – a legacy of colonial-era resource extraction that funnelled raw materials out to the West rather than cultivating regional exchange. A free trade agreement between Africa’s 54 nations is under way to reduce tariffs and unlock economic potential across the continent, but without material connectivity – roads, railways, ports – the transformative impact will be blunted.
Second, debt forgiveness should be up for discussion. No Western funds are required up front, only a writedown off government books. Debt is corroding many African nations, exacerbated by a global financial architecture that favours Western interests and penalises developing nations. This is no accident: banking, insurance, and capital markets were shaped by the profits and economic structures built during the era of slavery. Today, many African nations spend more on debt repayments than on education and healthcare combined. Fiscal space is
required not only to fund development; it is essential for building climate resilience in the continent least responsible yet one of the hardest hit by rising temperatures. What is certain is that calls to leave the Commonwealth will not silence the conversation on reparations. It was a central theme at the African Union summit in February, and the Caribbean Community has been actively pursuing the issue for over a decade. Instead of retreating, why not lead – just as the Commonwealth did with collective sanctions isolating apartheid South Africa? No other global body, unrestricted by region, is facilitating serious discussion on feasible, practicable reparatory justice between developed and developing nations. Once we move past the noise, a framework for reparations can be crafted that fosters mutual benefit rather than conflict.
Africa holds immense opportunity. Its markets are set to surge, driven by a demographic boom that will see one in four working-age people worldwide residing on the continent by 2050. It is rich in the critical minerals that will power the energy transition and define the economies of the future. To fully seize this opportunity, the past should be reckoned with and leveraged to create joint value.
The Commonwealth is often dismissed as a talking shop. But on this issue, talking is exactly what is needed. (Al Jazeera) (Mohammed Idris is the Minister of Information for the Federal Republic of Nigeria)
The George Subraj Family Foundation has donated $209 million to support advancements in medical care through a joint venture with Northwell Health. This philanthropic investment will enhance cardiac care in both Guyana's public healthcare system and in Richmond Hill, Queens, where there is a large Guyanese Diaspora community. The donation was announced during a brief ceremony at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Monday, attended by President Dr Irfaan Ali and Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony
Welcomed step in empowering Local Authorities; they must be accountable
Dear Editor,
Allow me to express my views through your medium on the recent announcement made by the Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, whereby the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) will be receiving $30 million, and the Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) $50 million to their yearly subventions.
I must commend the Government for taking such a bold step in giving much more access to the Local Government Authorities in having the resources they needed to serve the people and make the communities a better place through positive developmental programmes that will have an impact on all within.
Prior to the announcement by the Vice- President, the Local Government Bodies (M&TCs and NDCs) were all crying out that they do not have adequate funds to better their communities, and that is why they cannot have
a positive impact on the development of the communities.
But we all know that many of the NDCs and M&TCs are weak in leadership and lazy in doing the work, and have become “little lords” over the people after being elected to serve, whereby they fail to listen and serve the residents within the various villages and communities.
It is well known that, while these bodies received their annual subventions, the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) also used their budgetary allocations to intervene and assist the Local Authority Areas (LAAs) in various ways, such as resurfacing or constructing new streets, buildings, and clearing drains, among other tasks.
Residents within the LAAs always called for better management and things to be done that would enhance their communities, but those bodies would turn a deaf ear
to what is being called for.
Accountability is not there within most of the LAAs, and those bodies would give out contracts or subcontracts to sitting councilors also, which, for me, is not right because it’s a conflict of interest to give a contract to a sitting councilor or their family or relatives.
Those bodies are collecting millions of dollars in taxes, be it property tax or from markets where existing and also from garbage collections, and many times won’t give account or do anything with those funds to develop the villages, the youths, or facilities within, but rather just have lavish monthly unproductive statutory meetings.
With that being said, let me say that those bodies will have access yearly to more than the now thirty (30) and fifty (50) million dollars, because they will continue to collect rates and taxes, which is within their rights to do.
Now that the NDCs and
M&TCs have access to those funds, we, the people, must demand accountability from them at all times. Residents have the right to sit in at any of their statutory meetings to hear what’s happening and raise concerns about matters affecting them, and also if questionable issues/matters arise. Many times, it happens as a cuss-down within those meetings because of a lack of accountability and dictatorship from some within the council.
Now that additional and adequate resources are being provided to those bodies, the citizens must become the watchdogs in ensuring there is accountability and transparency with the NDCs and M&TCs.
I believe that before projects are proposed, those bodies MUST invite the public and meet with the residents (not a few) and listen to their proposals, then decide on which is better for the community, not what a few coun-
cilors decide. Those bodies must allow the residents to monitor the projects while it is ongoing and provide the necessary information to the residents so that they can positively monitor the projects.
I believe that the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development should put a stern warning that councils should not give handout contracts to sitting councilors or their families, or relatives, but must have a process where all the local contractors within the villages have the opportunity to go through a local open tendering and bid process, and then meet with the residents and publicly award the work to the most fitting bidder after a proper elevation is done.
The sports clubs within those bodies should now demand that their grounds, pavilions, and other facilities are properly maintained. Residents must now see better drainage and irrigation
works, better garbage collection, maintenance of the bridges and streets, etc.
The LAAs cannot now say they don’t have money to use and allow the people within the communities to suffer because this Government made it possible for us all to now live in a better and cleaner community with positive development by providing the much-needed resources.
I call on all councils to ensure that they use the additional monies to better communities and have positive projects where all can benefit and not use it unwisely or as if it is their spending fees. Once again, I must thank the Government for stepping in to ensure that communities are positively developed for the betterment of its people and also for fulfilling yet another one of their many promises.
Respectfully,
Abel Seetaram
A time for maturity, purpose as one reflects on the current state of Opposition negotiations
Dear Editor,
As a sitting member of the Opposition and a committed servant of the people of Guyana, I feel compelled to speak to this very important issue and express my deep concern regarding the trajectory of the ongoing "negotiations" within the political "coalition."
What should have been a transformative moment, a coming together of minds, ideas and forces to offer the Guyanese people a credible, united alternative has instead deteriorated into a contest marked by distrust, egoism, selfishness and an absence of political maturity.
Too often, these engagements have strayed from the foundational tenets of negotiation: mutual respect, trust, principled compromise, and a collective sense of purpose. What I observe, regrettably, is not a coalition in pursuit of national advancement, but factions vying for dominance, guided less by strategic foresight and more by historically rooted grievances, personal ambitions, and perceived entitlements, and division of the hopeful electoral victory cake. In such an atmosphere, progress becomes elusive and unity a distant ideal.
The parties involved must be honest with themselves: neither side has the inalienable right to bully, marginalise, or dictate terms to the other in a fulsome way, if the aim is the
really have a chance at partnership.
The strength of any political coalition lies not in coercion or superiority but in collaboration, understanding, and shared vision for the country in all sectors and ultimately for the people. When political discourse is reduced to public posturing and private maneuvering, they alienate not only each other but the very people they claim to represent.
Moreover, the absence of a truly inclusive approach has weakened the efforts. If they parties are to build a genuine "big tent" coalition, they must create space for voices beyond the immediate circles. They must demonstrate to the public that their alliance is not merely transactional or opportunistic but rooted in a sincere desire to build a national movement capable of governing responsibly and inclusively.
This moment demands a level of maturity and statesmanship that transcends party lines and personal legacies. It requires leaders who are willing to relinquish self-interest in favor of national interest who recognize what is needed to further the development of our people and country.
Let me be frank and direct in saying what some may not want to accept and that is, the ruling party enjoys many advantages, popular leadership nationally, considerable financial and
institutional resources, and command over influential platforms, including large sections of the media. To challenge such an apparatus, the only viable path is real unity grounded in credibility, coherence, and clarity of purpose. Without that, the opposition will continue to falter and, in doing so, betray the very citizens who want to offer betterment in every regard.
The call, therefore, must be for a consensus candidate either from the PNCR or one who enjoys the confidence of the said party in concert with its partners in my humble view. One who can or is perceived to transcend factional loyalties and embodies a genuine commitment to national renewal. Such a figure must be selected not through backroom deals or public ultimatums but through an
inclusive, transparent process that reflects the will of the collective body and the aspirations of the Guyanese people.
I say this not out of cynicism, but out of being pragmatic and honest. Some still are hopeful that the parties can still rise above this moment of dysfunction. Hope that they can conduct themselves with the dignity and purpose that leadership demands. Hope that they can place country before self and position.
Guyana deserves better. The people of this country, resilient, patient, and ever-hopeful, deserve an opposition that works for them, not for its own survival or aggrandisement. History will judge all involved not by their press releases or political maneuverings, but by those involved having the ability to come togeth-
er, to rise to the occasion, ready and prepared to be in the big league and to offer a vision of governance rooted in service, integrity, selflessness and unity.
The time for gamesmanship has passed. The time for leadership is now. The luxury of this limited time behooves genuine and selfless leadership.
Yours respectfully, Jermaine Figueira, MP
Page Foundation
Now that you have created your global overview
1. Break the material that needs to be studied into the eight sections
2. Plan to spend at least 2 hours studying per subject per day for eight days
3. Work on the material in 2 ways: Prepare and Review
1st day: Prepare 1st section – 2 hours
2nd day: Prepare 2nd section – 2 hours
Review 1st section – 30 min.
3rd day: Prepare 3rd section – 1 ½ hours
Review 2nd section – 30 min
Review 1st section – 15 min
4th day: Prepare 4th section 1 ½ hours
Review 3rd section 30 min.
Review 2nd section 10 min.
Review 1st section 10 min.
5th day: Prepare 5th section 1 ½ hours
Review 4th section 30 min.
Review 3rd section 20 min.
Review 2nd section 10 min.
Review 1st section 10 min
6th day: Prepare 6th section 1 ½ hours
Review 5th section 30 min
Review 4th section 20 min
Review 3rd section 20 min
Review 2nd section 10 min
Review 1st section 10 min
7th day: Prepare 7th section 1 ½ hours
Review 6th section 30 min
Review 5th section 20 min
Review 4th section 20 min
Review 3rd section 10 min
Review 2nd section 10 min
Review 1st section 10 min
8th day: Prepare 8th section 1 ½ hours
Review 7th section 30 min
Review 6th section 20 min
Review 5th section 20 min
Review 4th section 10 min
Review 3rd section 10 min
Review 2nd section 10 min
Review 1st section 10 min
9th Day – Do past Papers 1 and 2 under exam conditions
Exam
Active Preparation Strategies:
Identify, Condense, Organise and Write what you need to learn. Use at least 3 different ways/types to be effective. The key objective is recall, not recognition and understanding of concepts and how they relate to other concepts presented in class.
Create flash cards
Create maps
List step in a process
Create an outline
Predict questions in margin of text, answer questions at end of chapter
Create possible exam question cards, predict possible essay questions
Develop correct responses to questions, plan/write essay answers
Make self-tests
Active Review Strategies:
Rehearse, Extend, Understand, Self-test, and Evaluate your learning.
Recite or rewrite study sheets, replicate maps, diagrams
Make flash cards, recite steps or process from memory
Recite main points from an outline, take mini-tests
Write essay answer from memory, Do ‘missed’ problems, work problems
By Stephen Spender
My parents kept me from children who were rough Who threw words like stones and wore torn clothes Their thighs showed through rags they ran in the street And climbed cliffs and stripped by the country streams. I feared more than tigers their muscles like iron Their jerking hands and their knees tight on my arms I feared the salt coarse pointing of those boys Who copied my lisp behind me on the road. They were lithe they sprang out behind hedges Like dogs to bark at my world. They threw mud While I looked the other way, pretending to smile. I longed to forgive them but they never smiled.
Questions
1. Summarise the poem
2. What type of poem is it?
3. Describe the tone, mood, atmosphere, and persona
4. List two examples of imagery, metaphor/simile and all the figures of speech found in the poem
5. Describe how the poem makes you feel
6. Suggest an alternative title for the poem and state why it is appropriate
WORD SEARCH:
Silica City Phase II to be launched within weeks – President Ali
…invites Guyanese Diaspora investments
President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that Phase Two of Silica City, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, will be launched in a matter of weeks, with this phase focusing on attracting investments from the Guyanese diaspora.
During a visit to Belle West in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) over the weekend, President Ali laid out the future of transformative investments like Silica City. When it comes to Silica City, he explained that phase two of this project will feature investments from the diaspora and will be launched in a couple weeks.
“The next phase of Silica City. You know we have people in the diaspora. You want to know how we’ll be involved? Well, the second phase will be opened up within two weeks. And that second phase will be for diaspora investment,” President Ali said.
“You can come there, build your hall, build your apart-
ment complex. And you will have your opportunity to own your own homes, in the next phase of Silica City. That is the diaspora phase. And that phase will be launched in two weeks.”
Silica City is the Government’s city project up the Soesdyke/Linden highway, that is expected to be fully developed by 2030. According to the Head of State, Silica City will feature 15,000 families and an emphasis on technology, wellness and environmental sustainability.
“Silica City, a city that will be built for 15,000 families. It’s not only a city, it’s a way of life. It’s going to extend life expectancy naturally because of the infrastructure and way in which the city will be built. Focusing on mental health, wellness, technology, self-sufficiency. This is what we’re building,” President Ali added.
A team, including Minister within the Ministry of Housing Susan Rodrigues and the Chief Development
Planner of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Germene Stewart, recently presented the Government’s plans for the construction of Silica City at the Berkeley Innovation Forum in the United States (US).
Conceived in 2009 and located on the SoesdykeLinden Highway, Silica City will be Guyana’s first modern, sustainable city. In August 2024, President Ali announced the completion of the planning model for Silica City, which forms part of his Government’s climate change mitigation initiatives under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
In November, the Head of State met with an executive team from Republic Bank Guyana to discuss collaborations on a number of innovative projects, including the Silica City project. In February 2023, a $2.1 billion contract was inked to develop Silica City. It is envisioned that, over the next two
Govt injects US$100M into...
To support this growth, the sale of foreign currency to commercial banks rose by a staggering 1744 per cent between 2019 and 2024. However, the administration has acknowledged that this rapid expansion also
requires careful monitoring to prevent misuse of the local banking system for foreign markets.
President Ali has confirmed that a probe is ongoing into possible exploitation of Guyana’s foreign
currency system. “We have to see whether there are other markets that are buying through our system for their markets, and that is something we are looking at,” he had said in December.
decades, this new secondary city along the SoesdykeLinden Highway would grow to hold more than 12,500 households.
It would initially cater to just over 3000 households in the first five years, but 3800 acres of land have been earmarked for the new city. The first phase of the project would see an initial 400 Young Professional homes being constructed. It was previously reported that the Housing Ministry had already begun shortlisting persons for these homes. In fact, construction has already commenced on the first 110 Young Professional homes in the city, and these works were 50 per cent complete as of November last.
The city will have highend developments including smart homes with the newest energy-saving technologies for wastewater management, energy management, and water conservation. The city will have recreational parks, community centres, an electricity grid, and a multi-specialty health facility.
President Ali’s announcement that Phase Two of the city will focus on diaspora investments, comes as the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has been pushing for the diaspora to come home and invest.
The Government has been making deliberate efforts to encourage the diaspora to not only visit, but also invest in Guyana. Only last year, it was announced that the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Diaspora Unit would be partnering with Guyana’s first indigenous company to offer Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to create a platform that will better enable mem-
bers of the Diaspora to make enquiries and conduct transactions with Governmental agencies.
Data pertaining to integral services such as remigration, housing, investments, documents, and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) will be provided to individuals on request. In addition to NIS, persons will also be able to easily access document information from the banking sector; Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM); Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA); General Registrar Office (GRO); the Immigration Support Service Agency and the Passport Office.
Construction last year on Silica City
Minister within the Housing Ministry Susan Rodrigues, as she presented a Silica City model at the Berkeley Innovation Forum
$2M in fines in first 12 hours of e-ticketing System
…as speeds of 152km/h clocked; over 200 breaches captured
Almost $2 million in fines was generated by the state within the first 12 hours following the launch on Monday of the e-ticketing system countrywide.
President Dr Irfaan Ali in a social media post revealed that within hours of the system going online, there were 259 violations for speeding, 29 breaches for driving without a seatbelt, and one for driving while using a mobile handheld device.
In fact, an offender with licence plate, PAJ 4671, traveling at 152km/h (far beyond legal limits) in the East Coast area was captured by the system. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has since sought a summons to prosecute the registered owner, Leon Kyte – who will be required to appear before a Magistrate’s Court in the district soon.
Expounding the various fines associated with each traffic violation, Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh disclosed that speeding or using a mobile phone while driving attract a fine of $7,500 each time the offence is committed.
Additionally, failure to wear a seat belt is an of -
fence which carries a fine of $7500 for 1st offender and $10,000 for second offender while dangerous driving is fined at $25,000–$50,000 for first offence; $75,000 or licence suspension for repeat offenders.
According to Traffic Chief, automated tickets are already being processed, as the system’s nationwide rollout is just the beginning of a zero-tolerance approach to road safety.
“Let’s take it on a ticket-to-ticket base. The offences are not all committed at the same time and are committed at varying time, when not contested and the period expire a warrant will be issued for you and the
ticket still is payable/ outstanding,” Singh said.
Failure to pay the ticket, according to existing laws, could result in a drivers’ licence being disqualified until the payment is made.
In an effort to increase transparency and accountability among road users, the GPF also launched a new feature on its website for members of the public to track their tickets for road traffic violations.
Through this feature, drivers can enter the ticket number, their taxpayer identification number or motor vehicle registration number to find out the status of any tickets that may have been issued to them.
“I am certain that with
the automated system, there is an avenue for you to track reference violations specifically to you and how many there are… Speeding is an offence primarily, which is the focus of the SRIS (Safe Road Intelligent System). It also has the ability to capture seat belt. It also has the ability to capture the prohibition. The offence is prohibition of the use of a handheld mobile device, which is a cell phone. It has the ability to capture that as well. It even has the ability to capture driving or driving in a manner dangerous to other road users,” he explained.
The SRIS is a key element of the SRIS Project, being implemented in collaboration with the GPF and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA).
The new system will operate through a network of radar speed cameras that will automatically detect vehicles exceeding the legal speed limit. Once a violation is recorded, a ticket will be generated immediately. If the driver’s contact details are registered with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), they will receive a notification via SMS and email.
However, in cases where contact details are unavailable, a physical ticket will be mailed to the vehicle owner’s registered address. The process will be fully automated, eliminating the need for manual ticketing and ensuring that enforcement remains fair and free from human interference.
The Government has also partnered with MMG to make it easier for motorists to pay fines directly through its platform. In the near future, violations will also be accessible via the GRA’s “Padna” app, giving drivers the ability to check and settle their fines online.
To ensure the public is fully informed about the new system, the Government will soon launch a nationwide public awareness campaign. This campaign will educate drivers on how the system works, what to expect if they receive a speeding ticket and the process for paying or contesting a violation.
Poverty…
One thing that sticks out like a sore thumb – and you know, how PAINFUL those can be!! – is the Opposition constantly bemoaning the level of poverty in our dear Mudland. In the meantime, he don’t see them wearing no sackcloth and ashes in sympathy for the poverty-stricken folks they moan about!! Now don’t get your Eyewitness wrong. Not because someone’s in politics they gotta dress in sackcloth and ashes!! But still, they should have a sense of proportion not to be decked out in designer finery!! It deguts the premises of their righteousness!! Kinda signals that a whole lotta hypocrisy is in play!! We see the same types in the NGOs for the poor. From the US we learn about the phenomena of “poverty pimps”. In the words of Thomas Sowell, the black Harvard sociologist, “There are whole classes of people who live off the poor, or rather, off the vast sums of money that are poured out from the public treasury and private philanthropy, in hopes of helping the poor. Those who intercept the money intended for the poor have been aptly called “Poverty Pimps”. The poor are a commodity to these people, who include not only local politicians, community activists and small-time hustlers, but also people with impressive titles and academic credentials, who likewise milk the larger society, in the name of the poor”. They just might’ve been the ones who triggered Trump’s rage against “wokeness”!!
Sowell’s satirical poem, “Poverty Pimps”, describes them well: “Let us celebrate the poor, let us hawk them door to door. There’s a market for their pain, votes and glory and money to gain. Let us celebrate the poor. Their ills, their sins, their faulty diction. Flavour our songs and spice our fiction. Their hopes and struggles and agonies, get us grants and consulting fees. Celebrate thugs and clowns, give their ignorance all renown. Celebrate what holds them down, in our academic gowns. Let us celebrate the poor”!!
One critic of “Poverty Pimps”, offered some clues on “how to know a poverty pimp”, so we can easily recognise the local practitioners: 1) When they start a series of for-profit ventures. They’re “not for-profit” – but the profits remain in their pockets. 2) When getting financial donations has become the vast majority of their effort and time and not actually working WITH the poor. 3) When they’ve become really, really, really good at using race, class and gender discussions to prevent any criticism of what they’re doing. 4) When their offices are furnished much better than anything their clients will ever own in their entire lifetime. 5) When most of the money goes for four-star hotels!!
Or when Opposition MPs take their salaries , duty-free cars and other perks – and just TALK about the “poor”!!
…of vision
Your Eyewitness wonders how some of those who railed against Afro-Guyanese as “slave catchers”, BT-Lickers and other obscenities for switching their political support to the PPP viewed President Ali’s latest foray on the West Side to rally the faithful. Because they would’ve seen one of the brightest young lights that was rising in the PNC –with impeccable PNC genealogy! – since she was but a teenager in the YSM just declaring her support for the PPP in general and Pres Ali in particular!! Your Eyewitness is talking about West Coast’s Thandi McAllister . McAllister can’t be denounced for -- as those who would keep African Guyanese leashed in the PNC with a ring in their nose – for “hanging her mouth where the soup is leaking”. She’s a qualified lawyer who’s still holds the same job she always held. What seems to have encouraged her to make the switch was Pres Ali’s willingness to reward grassroots work for one’s constituents.
More will follow!!
…of vision
At a time when the entire world order is being upended, leaders of small nations such as ours must be pragmatic about big-power politics. There’s Pres Johnson’s advice: “it’s better to be inside pissing out than outside pissing in”!!
“Find My Speed Ticket” portal on GPF website
Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh
"From screens to streets" – PM urges action to formalise gig work, protect freelancers
Prime Minister (PM)
Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has called for bold regional action to better protect freelancers, gig workers, and the growing informal labour force across the Caribbean. Speaking at the opening of the 13th Caribbean Ministers of Labour Meeting in Guyana, Phillips emphasised the need for coordinated strategies to address digital work, climate change, and labour migration.
The PM explained that while the Caribbean is undergoing significant economic transformation, spurred by industries like oil and gas and digital services, many workers remain left out of existing legal protections and social security systems—especially those operating within the informal sector or earning income through gig and platform-based work.
“By investing in skills training, expanding social protection coverage, and supporting cooperative business models, Caribbean Governments can unlock the full potential of their workforces while reducing the risk that comes from exclusion and informality. Closely tied to informal work is the growth of the platform economy, or as some people call it, the gig, which has been gaining momentum across the Caribbean. This model, powered by digital platforms, offers flexible work through ride-hailing, freelancing, and delivery services”.
“As this sector continues to expand, regional strategies are needed to formalise gig work, strengthen protections, and ensure that the future of work includes everyone, whether behind a desk, a wheel, or a screen. As we continue to strengthen our labour systems, we must remain vigilant to the evolving threats that impact worker health and safety,” the PM said.
The PM noted the dramatic rise of platform-based work, has created new opportunities but also exposed workers to precarious conditions.
He warned that nearly half of Guyana’s workforce remains in informal employment, making them vulnerable to exploitation and economic instability. On this point, Phillips limited access to international payment platforms and digital banking services, especially in small island economies, further complicates the financial lives of regional freelancers.
“In Guyana, it is estimated that 48 to 53 per cent of our labour force is engaged in informal work. Recognising the vulnerabilities this creates; the Ministry of Labour has made the formalisation of work a key priority. Through seminars, workshops, and inspections, the Ministry has increased outreach to informal workers, particularly on the hinterland regions to promote awareness of labour laws and to ensure compliance across sectors. However, platform-based work often falls
into a regulatory gray area. Workers face inconsistent earnings, limited job protections, and barriers to accessing benefits such as health insurance and social security. Payment processing challenges, such as limited access to international platforms, further complicate earnings for Caribbean-based freelancers. Governments and labour organisations across the region are therefore beginning to respond,” he noted.
Meanwhile, as the regional labour market evolves, cross-border migration has
become a pressing issue. PM Phillips acknowledged that Guyana’s economic growth has attracted foreign workers, especially in the oil and gas industry, raising concerns about balance and inclusion.
With this in mind, he also called for regional social security agreements, streamlined recruitment processes, and stronger protections for migrant workers, especially given the rise in trans-Caribbean mobility.
“Fully managed migration can open the door to exploitation, social strain, and workforce instability. However, when done right, it can address labour shortages and deepen regional integration while increasing productivity. Therefore, facilitating safe and efficient labour mobility across borders requires coordinated policies, improved vocational training, and a shared commitment to fair treatment… a modern, inclusive labour migration system will benefit the entire region by filling gaps, protecting rights, and supporting economic growth through shared responsibility,” he added.
Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillips speaking at the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) 13th Caribbean Ministers of Labour Meeting in Guyana
Canal cleaning contractor destroys WCB farm with weedicide
Afarmer from West Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), is calling for the intervention of regional and agriculture sector authorities after he allegedly watered his crops with water contaminated by weedicide.
According to Shivraj Baichu who cultivates celery, tomatoes, and vegetables along with melons, which he plants for his own use, about one week ago a contractor employed to remove vegetation from the canal along the road shoulder at Foulis Village West Coast Berbice (WCB) used a weedicide to kill the grass in the canal.
He subsequently used the water from the canal and now his plants are dying.
“I told the guy on numerous times not to spray because that is the only place I can access water from and he sprayed the trench unknowing to me. The drug that he used does take about a week to act… And I used the water from the trench to water my farm,” Baichu explained to this publication.
The farmer said he noticed his crops started to get yellow in the leaves and after paying closer attention to them he concluded that the water he was using was poisoned.
“When I bring him to confirm, he say ‘yes’ he did spray the trench. I reminded him that I told him
many times not to spray the drains because this is the only place I have access to water.”
Many of the tomatoes appeared to be ripe.
The 48-year-old farmer said he would normally take them to Bourda Market, Georgetown and sell.
“I would have killed people because people would have consumed it… This is what I do to sustain my family and send my sons to school,” the man said.
The cash crop and rice farmer has four children at school and earns his livelihood from his farm. Apart from his half acre devoted to cash crop, he also cultivates eleven acres with rice.
“This guy just take away everything from me and I gave him the preference to come and assist me with something and he told me to do what I want; he prepare for anything that come.”
Baichu said he reported the matter to the Foulis-
Profit Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and also to the police.
According to him, at the NDC he was told that he had to report the matter to the police.
“I went to the station and make the report and they told me I have to get the RC [Rural Constable] to appraise the damages and let me take the report back to them along with the pictures.”
That process has also been completed but the farmer said that he has to take a witness to the station.
“I told them that the guy admit to me that he spray the trench. If he admit to me, why do I have to have a witness?” he questioned the police officer.
Baichu estimates his losses over $1 million.
In explaining this, he pointed out that celery is being sold at $1200 per pound, and he should have
been able to sell 200 pounds per week.
“I haven’t picked no tomato yet - I can’t sell people this. Every reaping should have been about 300 pounds and right now it is $200 a pound… This would have bear for two to three months. the celery would bear for more than a year;
the more the cut the celery, the more it bears - it don’t finish,” he explained.
Baichu said it would take about 6-8 weeks before he will be able to plant again on the land.
“I want the Ministry of Agriculture and the authorities to look into this matter of these guys who spray-
ing the trenches and I want compensation for my crops because this is what I depend on for my livelihood.”
The Agriculture Ministry has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to the spraying of canals, particularly in agricultural communities.
GDF strengthens combat readiness after training with US security force
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has concluded a month-long training engagement with the United States (US) Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB), aimed at strengthening operational capacity and addressing key capability gaps within the Force.
In a social media post on Monday, the GDF said that as part of the collaboration, Officers and Ranks from selected units including the 5 Service Support Battalion, Medical Corps, Signal Corps, 4 Engineer Battalion, and the Motor Transport (MT) Pool underwent Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training. This training focused on enhancing emergency medical response and trauma care in combat scenarios, with the goal of improving the GDF’s ability
to preserve life and maintain combat effectiveness in high-pressure environments. The engagement further involved specialised support and practical training
“This timely and impactful collaboration has not only improved technical proficiency across participating units, but also reaffirmed the strong and enduring security cooperation
for key units identified as priorities for capacity enhancement.
between Guyana and the United States of America,” the GDF said.
Farmer Shivraj Baichu
The state of Shivraj Baichu’s farm
Seize investment, citizenship opportunities – Foreign Secretary to Guyanese Diaspora
Warning the diaspora not to procrastinate on seeking out opportunities in Guyana, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud has drawn attention to the fact that increasing numbers of non-nationals are
passport, but we also see non-Guyanese themselves seeking to become citizens or residents of Guyana. And that tells you what is taking place in the country,” Persaud said.
With that in mind, Persaud noted that the
try cannot wait on persons who are procrastinating and unsure, because others will fill that gap.”
A golden passport is one offered by programmes geared at attracting investments into a country, allowing investors a path -
seeking to become either citizens or residents of Guyana.
Over the weekend, the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Diaspora Unity made an outreach to the Guyanese diaspora in Canada, through a job fair.
The Toronto job fair was attended by officials who included the Guyanese Foreign Secretary, who affirmed that Guyana is such an attractive investment destination, its passport is now considered a golden one.
“There was a time when people use to travel, when they use to hide this passport away. Now this passport is considered a golden passport across the world. And I say that because not only are Guyanese very eager to hold the Guyana
Government of Guyana is making a concerted effort to reach the Guyanese diaspora and get them to come home. He cited Guyana Office of Investment (GOInvest) CEO Dr Peter Ramsaroop, who was also in attendance and had urged the diaspora not to be left behind.
“That is why we have deliberately set out to come to the diaspora. Dr Ramsaroop made the plea very well. He said, don’t be left behind. I would go further and say don’t be left out,” the Foreign Secretary said.
“Because at some point in time, if the diaspora does not take up the opportunities, there would not be opportunities. Because the country’s development is so rapid, the coun -
way to residency and/or citizenship in their chosen investment destination.
Since 2020, there has been a steady increase in visitors to Guyana. For instance, the Guyana Consulate in New York processed nearly 10,000 passport applications and issued over 100 visitor visas in 2024, reflecting a growing interest in travel to Guyana.
In an interview earlier this year, the Guyana Consul General, Michael Brotherson, had revealed that the consulate processed 8,955 Guyanese passport applications in 2022, 9,078 in 2023, and 9,996 in 2024, showing a steady increase in demand. Brotherson had noted that this trend highlights a rising desire among Guyanese
nationals to return home, whether for visits or permanent relocation.
Similarly, visa issuance has also surged. In 2022, the consulate issued 29 visitor visas from applicants of 14 different countries. That number increased to 72 visas from 20 countries in 2023 and jumped to 125 visas from 30 countries in 2024.
This growth, Brotherson had highlighted, suggests that Guyana
is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international visitors. Additionally, the Consul General outlined the procedures for Guyanese nationals who lose their passports.
He had explained that those in urgent situations can obtain an Emergency Travel Certificate, allowing them a one-way trip back to Guyana, highlighting that the consulate assists with reporting lost
passports to the police and provides documentation to facilitate travel.
Canada has one of the largest Guyanese diaspora populations outside of Guyana’s shores. There has already been significant interest from Guyanese/Canadians, in reinvesting in their homeland. This includes the ‘Timehri Sands Golf & Country Club (G&CC)’, for which the sod was already turned.
A section of the gathering at the Toronto Diaspora job fair
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud speaking at the job fair
NIS desk at the Toronto Diaspora job fair
12-week training underway to forge ethical, professional leaders across Joint Services Junior Officers’ Course
A12-week junior officers' training programme aimed at professionalism, ethical conduct, and community engagement across joint services was officially launched by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) with the commencement of its Junior Officers' Course #1 of 2025 on Monday.
The 12-week training programme, coordinated by Woman Superintendent Leslyn Smith and assisted by Woman Deputy Superintendent Jillian Moore-Bowen, includes both academic and practical curricula.
Through structured classroom sessions and group activities, the course is designed to develop the
critical skills, knowledge and adaptability required for effective performance in complex and evolving operational contexts.
Notably, the course in-
cludes participants from Joint-Services agencies, including the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Prison Service (GPS), City Constabulary, and Guyana
Fire Service (GFS). The core objectives of the training include: leadership development, effective communication, enhanced critical thinking, ethical conduct and integrity, team management, and in-depth understanding of organisational policies and procedures.
In her opening remarks, Director of the GPF Academy, Woman Senior Superintendent Sonia Herbert, emphasised the objectives of the course, explaining that it aims to enhance critical thinking skills.
“This course is not just about acquiring technical expertise, it is also about developing your critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership abilities,” she stated. “You have been selected for this course because you have demonstrated exceptional potential, and we have confidence in your ability to rise to the challenges that lie ahead.”
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken delivered brief remarks, highlighting the importance of professionalism, unity, and adher-
ence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). He announced a target pass rate of 90 per cent, well above the conventional 70 per cent benchmark.
Commissioner Hicken also highlighted the inclusion of community outreach components within the training programme, aimed at strengthening public engagement and fostering trust. He urged officers to serve as ambassadors of the Force, encouraging positive public perception both in person and through social media.
Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken
Scores of Police ranks in attendance at the launch of the course
Sexual Offences Act set for major upgrade
…as Minister Persaud unveils reforms, new sex offender registry
uman Services
HMinister, Dr Vindhya Persaud has revealed that the Sexual Offences Act is set to become a robust and progressive piece of legislation following the completion of a series of consultations aimed at improving the Act.
She at the time relayed this in an attempt to ensure equal access to vital information, the Ministry of Human Services and
completed.
“I think that it will be a very progressive piece of legislation when it comes out of this consultation phase, but it is very important for me to say that the existing 2010 Sexual Offences Act is very robust and modern. At its time, and even now, it surpasses every other piece of legislation in this part of the world in every outlook and approach,” she said.
Despite being unable to
Social Security, through its Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit (SO&DVPU), held a powerful public consultation and symposium.
This event was hosted in collaboration with the Legal Affairs Ministry, Imperial House, Guyana Responsible
specify when the consultations will be finished, the Minister stated that, prior to the release of the final piece of legislation, a series of consultations are being conducted to ensure a high-quality final product.
“The consultancy is being done, it’s being led by the
Parenthood Association (GRPA), and Child Link to mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this impactful event, attended by the Dr Vindhya Persaud, equipped citizens with a deeper understanding of the amended Sexual Offences Act, significantly extending the protective measures for victims of sexual violence.
During the event, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud revealed that the Sexual Offences Act is currently in the consultation phase. She believes that it will become a very progressive piece of legislation once the consultations are
nouncement, the individual is mandated to register. The register will be kept under the custody of the Commissioner of Police. If people would like information, they will have to approach him, and there is a form within the bill soon to be enacted,” she added.
She also added that very form will be the one utilised by persons who want information. She also gave a simple example of how this can be done.
“If someone moves into your community, and you are either aware or suspicious, or if you have heard that their name sounds familiar, you can write to request information. However, it should not be something where you write requesting about everyone; only write
when something is of particular importance to you. The Commissioner of Police will
respond to such requests. Within that piece of legislation, there are also mea-
ers to comply with certain regulations.”
Ministry of Legal Affairs, and it’s a collaboration between the Human Services Ministry and the Legal Affairs Ministry. What I can tell you is that before we reach the final piece of legislation, there will have been numerous consultations at many levels to ensure we have the best possible legislation,” she explained.
Meanwhile, the Minister outlined the process and framework surrounding a soon-to-be-enacted bill that will require individuals convicted of sex offences to register in a database.
“And then, of course, the sex offender database: once the court makes such a pro-
sures requiring sex offend-
Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud
Scores of persons present at the event
GPL’s US$8.6M control centre for August completion
As the Government gears up to unveil a new state-of-the-art power supply and distribution system, the Ministry of Public Works has reported that the US$8.6 million control centre for the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) will be completed by August this year.
Guyana and an ExxonMobil-led consortium are spearheading the Gasto-Energy (GtE) Project, which will allow for the use of offshore natural gas to generate up to 300 -megawatts (MW) of electricity.
To support this project, a number of other components are required. One of them is a state-of-the-art control centre which is under construction at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (ECD).
In July 2024, a US$8.6 million contract was signed with Power China Caribbean to construct the facility. Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar recently conducted a site inspection of the works, where he revealed that the project is on track for completion by August 2025.
In a subsequent interview with Guyana Times, Indar highlighted that the control centre will be outfitted with the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system which will significantly enhance the power managing capabilities of GPL “Sometimes folks don't understand the level of com-
plexity when you're dealing with power and power management, distribution system, management of it and so on. That is why now we're building a new SCADA system. The new control centre will have new SCADA system inside to monitor power, distribution of the power in a more efficient way, monitoring it and so on understanding which areas have problem you will pick it up.”
Gas-to-Energy Project 55th Global Business Forum
combination of hardware and software that allow organisations to monitor and control industrial processes, critical infrastructure, and equipment from a central location, often remotely.
The control centre will employ real-time monitoring to identify and address power outages promptly. It will also enable remote disconnections. Meanwhile, Indar had also conducted a site visit to the Goedverwagting substation that will transmit power from the GtE Project to consumers. There he revealed that the substation will be completed by June 30.
The Minister added, “The system is old, you can't know if a community is out unless you get a report… Only when you get a report from a community, then you know power is out. The only time GPL will know from a systems point of view if there is an outage is when an entire feeder is gone that powers thousands of people in various communities.” SCADA systems are a
The substation’s switchyard will receive 230 kilovolts (kV) from the GtE facility, which will then be stepped down to 69 kV using 375 megavolt-amps (MVA) transformers. Subsequently, the 69 kV will be fed into 60 MVA transformers and stepped down to 13.8 kV, which will be distributed to 13.8 kV switchgear at various locations for consumer use.
Already in place are two
375 MVA transformers, each weighing 241 tonnes, as well as two 60 MVA transformers, each weighing 59 tonnes. Renowned technology from Siemens and ABB will be used at the substation.
Another component of the GtE Project is the upgrade of the transmission and distribution lines. the Government of Guyana, through GPL, last Friday signed several contracts to upgrade the local energy infrastructure.
With a total investment of US$422 million, the groundbreaking project will see the construction of 155-kilometres (km) of 230 double-circuit transmission lines, 167-km of 69 kV double-circuit transmission lines, the construction of five new substations, and the upgrading of the Kingston substation. These projects were divided into three lots, two of which were awarded to Power China, in the sum of US$256.7 million, and Kalpatary Teams, to the sum of US$156.5 million.
Guyana engages global trade leaders in France, discusses trade investments
Guyana, through the World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG) is currently participating in the 55th Annual General Assembly and Global Business Forum of the World Trade Centres Association (WTCA) in Marseille, France, from April 6 to April 9.
This event brings together over 300 participants from more than 50 countries and territories, reflecting the organisation's extensive global network, which comprises more than 300 WTC locations across nearly 100 nations. The participating countries this year include Albania, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Nigeria, the United States (US) and many others.
The Forum, themed "Gateway to the Mediterranean" will feature an extensive programme designed to address various pressing issues in global trade and commerce. Key topics include “Strategies for Success in an Evolving Marketplace,” “Free
Trade Zones as Engines of Growth,” and “Navigating Trade, Real Estate and
Investment Trends in 2025. Navigating trends and new developments in glob-
al trade will be a critical aspect of the meeting’s deliberations as participants analyse what will define international trade and investment in the year ahead.
Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Angela Ellard will address the forum today as a panel of top experts is convened to examine emerging challenges and opportunities shaping the global economy.
WTCG’s Executive Chairman, Komal Samaroo said that the Forum is taking place at the most opportune time.
“As nations around the world are evaluating the impact of Tariffs imposed on their exports to the world’s largest economy, the USA. As the WTO celebrates its 30th anniversary we look forward to the address by its Deputy Director General and the ensuing discussion and analysis which would help provide some certainty of the future global trading
system that must drive the development of small nation states like Guyana.”
Another key issue to be discussed at the meeting is closer collaboration between the private sector and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in advancing sustainable industrial practices within the Blue Economy.
UNIDO's Blue Industry Programmatic Framework aims to foster a symbiotic relationship between people, the planet, and prosperity by cultivating sustainable, inclusive, and resilient blue industries. This initiative emphasises enhancing productivity, promoting innovation, facilitating technology transfer, and supporting investment in sectors such as sustainable coastal tourism, marine spatial planning, infrastructure development, and maritime activities like shipbuilding and logistics management and the role of Ports in the Blue Economy.
World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG) delegation
Caricom SG calls for universal access to quality maternal healthcare within Region
In observance of world health day 2025 Secretary-General (SG) of CARICOM Dr Carla Barnett has called for member states to Intensify efforts to provide universal access to quality maternal healthcare for mothers and newborns.
World Health Day, celebrated on 7 April 2025, will kick off a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health. The campaign, titled “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures”, will urge Governments and the health care community to ramp up efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and to prioritise women’s longer-term health and well-being.
In a press statement on Monday the SG of CARICOM) Dr Carla Barnett revealed that the Caribbean region has made significant strides in reducing newborn and child mortality.
In 2022, the neonatal and under-five mortality rates
States and Associate Members of the CARICOM have been certified as having eliminated mother-tochild transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis, under the Elimination of Mother-
aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets, registering 12 deaths and 18 deaths per 1,000 live births respectively. Notably, several Member
to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) initiative.
Recognising these significant steps in bolstering maternal healthcare in the region, SG Barnett highlighted
that it is important that the region continue to maintain these goals, as such she stressed that there is much more work to be done within the community.
“We must work to maintain these gains the work of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) has been critical to this progress. Today, as I extend appreciation to our healthcare workers for the formidable role, they play in safeguarding lives and, by extension, the future of our Region, I note that there is much more work to be done. I urge all stakeholders to intensify efforts to provide universal access to quality maternal healthcare. Addressing the many risk factors that women face during pregnancy, including socioeconomic status, education, ethnicity, and geographical location, is critical.”
CARICOM remains
steadfast in its commitment to advancing maternal and child health as a critical component of the region’s health and development agenda, by working with Ministries of Health, the Regional Nursing Body, and bilateral and multilateral development partners.
In March this year, the CARICOM Secretariat supported the launch of a new initiative from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to strengthen strategies to eliminate key diseases affecting maternal and child health.
Maternal and Child Health in Guyana
In Guyana the Health Ministry is confident that women are accessing high quality maternal care in all regions across the country and that there is no need for unnecessary referrals to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony during the launch of the newborn cash grant at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) last month had revealed a series of strategic investments aimed at ensuring that all women, regardless of their location, can access high-quality healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth
Anthony detailed the key advancements in healthcare, focusing on the introduction of waiting homes and improvements to primary healthcare services—particularly for newborns in remote and interior regions. According to the Minister, this initiative has led to a significant drop in maternal mortality rates in regions where the waiting homes have been implemented.
In addition to the waiting homes, the Government has focused on strengthening primary healthcare ser-
vices nationwide. Pregnant women now have access to comprehensive healthcare at primary health centres, where they can undergo necessary tests to determine whether their pregnancies are high-risk.
Dr Anthony also pointed to the modern speciality hospital at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), which will provide specialised services for women and children. This facility is expected to make a significant difference in the quality of care available to those in need of specialised attention.
The state-of-the-art $31.9 billion Maternal and Paediatric Hospital at Ogle, ECD is slated for completion by the final quarter of 2025. This project underscores the Government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and service delivery. It also marks a pivotal milestone in Guyana’s healthcare infrastructure.
GPS reinforces rehabilitation mandate
The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) is reinforcing its commitment to rehabilitation by prioritising the training and development of its ranks as a central part of its operational strategy.
This was underscored during the quarterly muster and general inspection last week at the prison’s headquarters, where Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot encouraged officers to fully uti-
lise the various training and developmental opportunities available through the service.
According to the strategic plan of the GPS, human capital is essential to maintaining daily operations.
Among its eight strategic pillars, “Enhancing Human Resource Management and Development” ranks are the top three priorities. Management continues to focus on boosting the
GPS’s capacity to rehabilitate and reintegrate law offenders by improving the skillset of its personnel. Training is seen as a key tool in achieving this, with the administration committed to ensuring that in-service courses are regularly offered to help maintain and strengthen officers’ professional capabilities. This recent emphasis comes amid a period of administrative revitalisation
within the GPS. In 2024, more than 400 officers were trained across various disciplines, including human rights practices, first-response mental health care and correctional education. According to official reports, the Prison Trade Instructor Training Programme launched in partnership with the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) was the first of its kind in the Caribbean aiming to equip prison officers with formal
teaching credentials. These advancements are backed by significant Government investment. Last year alone, over $5.5 billion was allocated to the GPS, billions of dollars directed to infrastructure improvements at key facilities such as Lusignan and New Amsterdam. The upgrades were aimed at not only improving inmate housing but also boosting the working conditions of prison officers. Elliot’s comments last
week further cement the administration’s shift toward a long-term development model that prioritises institutional resilience through human capital investment. While the GPS continues to grapple with issues common to correctional systems, including overcrowding and security challenges, it said that its internal approach is increasingly centred on leadership, competence, and sustainability.
A scene from GPS muster last week
Director of Prisons (ag) Nicklon Elliot (centre) along with other prison officials
Secretary-General (SG) of the Caribbean Community (Caricom)
Dr Carla Barnett
File photo: President Dr Irfaan Ali during the launch of Government’s initiative to give the mother of every Guyanese child born in 2025 a $100,000 cash grant
Over $193M in cash & gold seized as SOCU cracks down on smuggling ring
…Essequibo goldsmith, Brazilian charged with gold smuggling, money laundering
The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) conducted a joint intelligence-led operation on Monday that resulted in the seizure of two illegal firearms and a large sum of cash at the premises of Essequibo businessman and gold miner, Ramanand Ganesh, also known as "Goldman," located in Middlesex, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
During the operation, SOCU arrested Ganesh and his wife, Vallina Ganesh, who are currently in custody and assisting with ongoing investigations into gold smuggling and money laundering activities.
SOCU in a statement on Monday evening reaffirmed its commitment to the investigation and prosecution of gold smugglers and money launderers, highlighting the agency's dedication to
safeguarding the integrity of Guyana’s natural resources sector.
Meanwhile, also on Monday, SOCU also charged 43-year-old Brazilian national Sebastiao De Oliveria Moura, director of Gago Gold Inc, with five counts of money laundering. Moura, previously charged with failing to maintain financial records in compliance with the Guyana Gold Board Act, was presented at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty. Moura was not required to plead to the charges, which contravene the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, Chapter 10:11. The court granted him bail in the amount of $1,750,000 for the five charges, with the case adjourned to April 22.
The charges stem from an investigation initiated by SOCU on February 7, 2024, following a joint operation involving SOCU, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). Officers executed a search at Moura’s business premises at Albert Street,
Georgetown, uncovering substantial quantities of illicit items.
During the search, Police discovered $81,101,200; US$6,057, SRD$240, 4018.15 pennyweights of gold valued at $112,588,563, and 3.5 grams of diamonds. These items are believed to be proceeds of crime, linked to money laundering and gold smuggling activities.
The investigation, which has been ongoing for over a year, has led to charges against Moura for possessing and acquiring these items knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe they were derived from criminal activity. Authorities maintain that these proceeds of crime fall under the scope of money laundering and gold smuggling offenses as outlined in the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, 2009.
Govt poured millions into fishing sector – Agri Minister tells fisherfolk
Persons at the meeting at Sheet Anchor in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturday
Addressing fishers at Sheet Anchor in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Saturday, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said that the Government has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the fishing sector and a number of fishing ports and landing sites have been upgraded.
He emphasised the importance of rehabilitating fishing ports as part of the Government's efforts to enhance the fishing industry while highlighting that the rehabilitation of these ports would improve infrastructure, boost productivity, and support local fishermen. The initiative aims to provide better facilities for fish processing and storage, ultimately contributing to the economic growth of coastal communities and ensuring a sustainable fishing industry. Mustapha has also said the Government was commitment to investing in the sector to ensure that it meets modern standards and can compete effectively in both local and international markets.
“What we found was that there were situations where the fishermen or fisherfolks used to use places that were not conducive to their safety. When they come out of the boat, they had to go down in the mud and bring up their catches, which was strain on them. We recognise the importance of you. You are very important for the economy of our country. The fishery sector employs approximately 18,000 persons directly. Eighteen thousand persons earn their livelihood directly from fishing in this country. That is why we are trying to modernise and implement systems so that you can have an easier way to bring up your catches,” he pointed out.
Responding to some complaints that there has been a reduction in catches, the Agriculture Minister noted that his ministry partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and carried out a study to find out the reason for a reduction in catches.
“The FAO joined with the
Government of Guyana and carried out a study to see why in this part of the world they are experiencing low catches; it came about because of climate change. When you read the report, you will see that the fresh water coming from the Amazon and because of the freshness of the water and the reduction in the salinity, the fishes have moved to different grounds. That is the main reason for you experiencing a reduction in the number of fish…”
Mustapha said there is a need for fishers to get into other activities. About 80 y fishers operate at sea from the New Amsterdam/Canje area.
“We cannot only depend on this one activity for our livelihood, we have to do other things. As Minister of Agriculture, I am prepared to work along with you to go into other activities – not to leave fishing… So, when you have low catches, you can go to the alternative activity.”
The Minister implored on the fishers to form themselves into four groups and cultivate Brackish Water Shrimp.
The Ministry will work closely with each group.
The production of Brackish Water Shrimp in Region Six has moved from 10,000 kilograms monthly to 100,000 kilograms.
Mustapha said efforts will be made to acquire land and his Ministry will dig the ponds for the shrimp.
“Machines will be made available once the land is identified,” he promised.
Meanwhile, the Minister said that his ministry will work closely with those who want to get into other crops.
“We can work along with you to help develop a small plot so that you can work and
plant your own vegetables and get something to sell in the market. We can supply all the planting material, chemicals and show you how to do it... This thing is not only one activity; we as the PPP/C [People’s Progressive Party/ Civic), we want to empower you. That is why when you have an issue, we come and we listen to you and bring alternative ideas as to how we can improve your lives – that is the vision,” the Minister explained to the fisherfolk before informing them that Government food hampers were going to be distributed to them.
The distribution was
made at the end of the meeting.
Meanwhile, during the meeting, among the issues raised was the damage caused to fishing pins and nets in the Berbice River by cut grass coming out of the Canje River and the need for a step at the New Amsterdam Market wharf. Both issues were addressed to the satisfaction of the fisherfolk.
A meeting is to be arranged with the contractors cutting grass within the Canje River to clear it and the fishers. Also, Mustapha agreed to construct the step at the New Amsterdam Market wharf.
Linden man wanted for alleged child rape fatally shot during Police chase
Aman who was wanted for questioning in connection with the alleged rape of a child under 16 was fatally shot during a Police operation in One Mile, Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Monday.
Dead is 26-year-old Ronaldo Peters.
According to Police, about 17:30h, a Police Sergeant from the Wismar Police Station received information that Peters, also known as “MMR”, was seen at Shabba Bar in the One Mile area. Peters was wanted for questioning in relation to a report of alleged rape involving a minor, which reportedly occurred between December 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025.
As a result, the sergeant, armed with a 9mm service pistol, and another rank, armed with a .38 service revolver, went to the location.
Both officers were in full uniform.
Upon arrival at Shabba Shop, the Policemen reportedly spotted Peters. It is alleged that upon seeing the Police ranks, he attempted to flee and tried to jump a nearby fence.
According to Police, the Sergeant managed to pull
Peters off the fence, and during the process of restraining him, his service pistol, held in his right hand, discharged, striking Peters. Peters was taken to the Mackenzie Public Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.
Police said that a medical examination revealed a single circular wound on the lower right side of his abdomen. The body was subsequently transported to the Pensioners Mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The Sergeant is currently under close arrest and has been escorted to the Tactical Services Unit (TSU). The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has since launched an investigation.
Dead: Ronaldo Peters
Bourda,
Essequibo Coast goldsmith Ramanand Ganesh
Charged: Brazilian national Sebastiao De Oliveria Moura
The cash and guns found at the residence at Middlesex, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)
Trini authors vie for 2025 OCM Bocas Prize
Trinidadian authors Anthony Vahni Capildeo and Dionne Brand have been named category winners in the 2025 OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature, alongside HaitianCanadian-American novelist Myriam JA Chancy.
Capildeo and Brand secured the poetry and nonfiction categories, respectively, and all three authors will now compete for the overall prize, which will be announced at the Bocas Lit Fest in May.
The OCM Bocas Prize, sponsored by One Caribbean Media, recognises outstanding books by authors of Caribbean birth or citizenship, and is considered the Region’s most distinguished literary award.
Capildeo, a TrinidadianScottish poet, won the poetry category for their ninth full-length book, Polkadot Wounds.
“Partly inspired by a residency in Cornwall, these poems wrestle equally with nature and landscape, concealed or forgotten histories, and tensions between community and ‘loss and longing,’” a release from Bocas Lit Fest noted.
The prize judges have praised Capildeo's ability to play with language, creating new spaces for the imagination and holding millennia in a single image.
Capildeo is a past winner of the Forward Prize for Poetry (2016) and was recently awarded a 2025 Windham-Campbell Prize for Poetry.
The poetry panel was chaired by AnguillanAmerican author Alexis Pauline Gumbs, alongside Canadian-British poet Alycia Pirmohamed, and Venezuelan poet and translator Adalber Salas
OCM Bocas Prize.
Jamaica appoints envoys to Belgium and Caricom
Hernández.
Brand, a TrinidadianCanadian author and winner of the 2019 OCM Bocas Prize for Fiction, secured the nonfiction prize for Salvage: Readings from the Wreck
Published by Knopf Canada/Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Salvage is a series of essays described by the judges as “profoundly, beautifully, and deftly changes how we read and see … Brand’s beautifully-crafted work, with its intelligent insights, precise re-readings and brilliant seeing gives readers another account of the experience of reading the shadows of the celebrated literary works she unpacks.”
Brand's other honours include a WindhamCampbell Prize, Canada’s Governor-General’s Award for Poetry and the Griffin Poetry Prize.
The nonfiction panel was chaired by Barbadosborn scholar Rinaldo Walcott, Gabrielle Hosein, and Dominica-born writer, curator, and artist Catherine Lord.
Chancy, a HaitianCanadian-American author, is the winner in the fiction category of the 2025
Her novel , Village Weavers , tells the story of a fractured friendship between two girls growing up in Haiti in the 1940s.
Despite their opposite class backgrounds, the girls are drawn to each other until a family secret ends their friendship.
“Chancy is a compelling storyteller, deftly keeping the focus on her key characters while also indicating the complex political contexts in which they live …
All these factors make Village Weavers a compellingly ambitious and beautifully executed narrative.”
Chancy has won the Guyana Prize in Literature Caribbean Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship.
The fiction panel was chaired by GuyaneseBritish literary scholar Denise deCaires Narain, alongside T&T writer Celeste Mohammed and Trinidadian-British Fleur Sinclair.
The three Chairs of the genre panels now make up the final jury, joined by chief judge Erna Brodber.
The 2025 Bocas Lit Fest will run from May 1-4 in Port of Spain. (Trinidad Newsday)
Regional law students to compete in fifth annual Moot Court competition
CAPE-level law students from across the Eastern Caribbean will compete in the fifth annual Fortis Advocatus Moot Court Competition this week in Antigua and Barbuda, with the event expanding to include regional participation for the first time.
The competition, which simulates court proceedings through hypothetical mock trials, has grown significantly since its inception.
This year’s event welcomes teams from St Vincent and Grenada alongside four teams representing Antigua and Barbuda.
“This year is our fifth year, and we have been intentionally focusing on expansion,” said Attorney-atLaw Andrena Athill, one of the directors of the Antigua and Barbuda National Mooting Association.
“The association placed our focus on ensuring that students will be trained on the inner workings of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. So in that vein we wanted to ensure that other participants from the OECS would be able to sharpen their skills and knowledge as well.”
The competition began last year with qualifying
rounds where teams submitted written legal arguments known as memorials.
The highest-scoring written submissions from Antigua and Barbuda advanced to this week’s semifinal rounds.
Teams from Grenada’s TA Marryshow Community College and St Vincent Community College will arrive Wednesday to join the competition.
All participants will gather at the High Court of Antigua and Barbuda for the semi-finals on Thursday, starting at 09:00h. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)
Two long-time diplomats have been appointed as Jamaica’s envoys to Belgium and the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith on Monday named Diedre Mills, as Ambassador-designate to the Kingdom of Belgium and Head of Mission to the European Union, and Ambassador Esmond Reid, as Jamaica’s plenipotentiary representative to the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
“Both diplomats have
demonstrated exceptional dedication to public service and bring with them decades of experience in advancing Jamaica’s foreign policy objectives. I have full confidence in their ability to navigate complex international environments, build strategic partnerships and effectively advocate for Jamaica’s interests,” the minister said.
Mills is a career diplomat with more than 25 years in the Jamaican Foreign Service and has held several senior assignments, including as Jamaica’s Deputy
Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) in New York and Deputy High Commissioner at the Jamaican High Commission in London.
Reid brings over three decades of diplomatic experience, with a strong background in trade negotiations and multilateral affairs. He recently served as High Commissioner to Nigeria, with concurrent accreditation to several West and Central African countries. Both senior diplomats are expected to assume duties soon. (Jamaica Observer)
Mickela to lodge complaint to council after ‘harassment’ from political parties
Patriotic Front (PF) Political Leader Mickela Panday intends to file an official complaint with the Council for Responsible Political Behaviour about “scare tactics” against her members allegedly by two major political parties.
Panday confirmed this after a press conference at the Steel Workers Union of Trinidad and Tobago (SWUTT) headquarters in California where she officially announced her 37 candidates in the April 28 General Election. The party would not be contesting the Diego Martin Central, Diego Martin West, Port-of-Spain North/St Ann’s West and Point Fortin seats.
The party was scheduled to put forward candidates for all 41 constituencies. But on Nomination Day last Friday, it was revealed that only 37 candidates had filed their nomination papers.
In a release, the Patriotic Front alleged their prospective candidates pulled out of the race due to scare tactics
In the release, the party said since announcing its intention to contest all seats, “harassment and intimidation of our candidates began. This continued after the announcement of our second and third
batch of candidates on the 10th and 28th of March respectively, by some high-ranking members of the Government and the Opposition.
“The Patriotic Front strongly condemns this behaviour. Over the past weeks, and particularly in the days leading up to Nomination Day, our candidates have faced relentless pressure, including threats to their personal safety, professional livelihoods, and families.
“This blatant abuse of power is not only undemocratic, it is a desperate attempt by the establishments to silence rising voices of change and to hold on to a system that continues to fail the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
The party explained, “As
a direct result of this targeted harassment, four of our prospective candidates made the difficult decision not to submit their nominations today (Friday). Their decision was rooted in concern for the safety of their families and the integrity of their professional reputations.”
Panday told reporters that the matter was in the hands of her attorneys.
“The first thing that we did is that we spoke to our legal team and I think that is equally important. But, yes we will be making a complaint.”
The complaint is to be lodged with the Council for Responsible Political Behaviour. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
Trinidadian author Dionne Brand (Ayanna Kinsale file photo)
Ambassador-designate to the Kingdom of Belgium and Head of Mission to the European Union, Diedre Mills (left), and Jamaica’s plenipotentiary representative to the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Esmond Reid
Regional Haiti humanitarian crisis worsening as violence escalates, says aid group
The humanitarian situation in Haiti is dramatically worsening, aid group Save the Children said, with underfunded security forces increasingly overwhelmed by powerful gangs and capital Port-au-Prince on the brink of collapse.
In the first three months of this year, more than 78,500 persons were displaced, more than double that of the same period a year ago, according to Save the Children.
"Children in Haiti are trapped in a nightmare," the group's Haiti Head Chantal Sylvie Imbeault said in a statement on Tuesday. Armed groups are tightening their grip over routes out of the capital and control nearly all neighbourhoods in the city, she said.
Leslie Voltaire, who held the rotating presidency of Haiti's nine-member transitional presidential council from October to March, is in Honduras for a Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)
summit, in which Haiti will try to shore up regional support for its security efforts.
The transitional council has lost popular backing in recent months as armed groups have extended their reach. Last week, thousands of Haitians took to the streets in protest.
On Thursday, Fritz Alphonse Jean, the current head of the transition council, announced that the council was teaming up to tackle gangs with members of an armed paramilitary group who once tried to overthrow the Government, in a sign of authorities' increasing desperation to bring violence under control.
Once an armed environmental agency, the Brigade for the Security of Protected Areas has evolved into a paramilitary group. Its members have clashed with Police and are allied with former rebel leader Guy Philippe, who led a 2004 uprising against then President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Philippe sought to make a political comeback after being deported to Haiti in 2023 following imprisonment in the US for money laundering derived from drug trafficking.
The international response to Haiti's crisis has been led by Kenya, which first deployed Police Officers last June for a multinational mission. There are currently around 1000 security personnel with the mission, about three-quarters of them from Kenya.
After clashes with gangs in recent weeks, Kenyan officers have suffered injuries and at least one possible death.
At the same time, "Governments are making drastic cuts to foreign aid," Save the Children said.
US President Donald Trump temporarily imposed a blanket freeze in foreign aid funds when he took office in January, though more than US$64 million was later cleared to back Haitian Police and the Kenyan-led mission.
(Reuters)
Panama's comptroller office to sue over renewal of CK Hutchison contract
Panama's Comptroller General office will file a lawsuit against the officials who authorised the renewal of a 25-year port concession to a company led by CK Hutchison, the comptroller general said on Monday, as a key audit of the contract is expected to be completed soon.
The contract to Panama Ports Company for the Balboa and Cristobal ports near the Panama Canal, in which Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison has a 90 per cent stake, was renewed in 2021.
The Panamanian government started the audit in January and in March a
group led by US investment firm BlackRock announced a US$22.8 billion deal to buy most of CK Hutchison's global ports business, including the two ports in Panama.
The audit has so far determined that Panama "left US$1.3 billion on the table", Comptroller General Anel Flores told reporters in a press conference, referring to tax incentives and benefits granted by the Government in the contract.
In February, Panama's Attorney General released a binding opinion finding that the port contract was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court will have the last
word on that.
Once finished, the audit results will be submitted to Panama's Maritime Authority, which oversees the ports, Flores said.
The audit is seen as a possible roadblock in BlackRock's offer for CK Hutchison's port business, which has been criticised by China. If Panama's Comptroller General confirms irregularities in the concession renewal or the Supreme Court declares the contract to be unconstitutional, the concession could be revoked, lawyers and experts have said. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Mexico seeks to avoid retaliatory tariffs against US, but not ruling them out
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday her Government would like to avoid imposing tariffs on the United States in response to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff plans, though she said they could not be ruled out.
Mexico, which ships nearly 80 per cent of its exports to the United States, was not included on Trump's list of global, across-theboard tariffs announced on nations last week, which Sheinbaum hailed as a major success.
Still, Mexico is subject to Trump's previously imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on steel, aluminium and automobiles, as well as on goods that do not comply with the regional USMCA trade pact.
"As much as possible, we would like to avoid imposing reciprocal tariffs," Sheinbaum said in a morning press conference.
She added that Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard
would travel to Washington to meet with US officials, as he has done in recent weeks.
Sheinbaum said slapping a retaliatory tariff of 25 per cent on US steel and aluminium shipments "would represent price increases in Mexico."
"We aren't ruling it out, but we prefer to continue with dialogue," she added.
Mexican officials have
said US steel and aluminium tariffs are unjustified as Mexico imports more in the sector from the US than it exports to the U.S. The nation's peso and main stock index weakened more than one per cent by mid-morning on Monday, part of a market plunge worldwide as Trump threatened to further increase tariffs on China. (Reuters)
Dominican Republic boosts security on border with crisis-ridden Haiti
The Dominican Republic has announced a series of measures to bolster border security and tighten migration control in response to escalating instability in neighbouring Haiti.
President Luis Abinader said on Sunday that security would be increased, despite calls for his country to ease stringent policies as Haitians seek refuge from violence wracking their country.
“We will step up surveillance of the borders with 1500 additional troops,
on top of 9500 already deployed,” the Dominican leader, re-elected last year on pledges to clamp down on immigration, said in a speech.
Abinader added that he has approved the construction of a new section of a wall that separates the two countries – which share the second-largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba.
The border between the two countries stretches for more than 300 kilometres (186 miles). About 54km (33 miles) of border wall has been completed.
The president said his latest order would “speed up construction of the border wall” to add a further 13km (8 miles).
Legal reforms are also on the agenda, according to Abinader, with the goal of using tougher penalties to deter those who facilitate the entry and stay of immigrants into the country. The increased border measures come as the Dominican Republic eyes the deepening crisis in Haiti. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Barbados: Rape trial of MP Neil Rowe begins
Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams is among witnesses listed to testify in the rape trial of Member of Parliament (MP) Neil Gabriel Rowe.
The case started before Justice Pamela Beckles of the No 5 Supreme Court on Monday.
Two police photographers had given evidence before the case involving Rowe, the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly and MP for St Michael North West, was adjourned an hour later until Wednesday.
Principal State Counsel Olivia Davis is the prosecutor and she gave a 15-minute address prior to calling the first witness.
A nine-member jury of five women and four men has been empanelled after four challenges by the de-
Rowe is accused of having sexual intercourse with a woman on September 18, 2022, without her consent or was reckless whether she consented.
fence and one from the prosecution. Three women opted out of sitting on the panel for different reasons.
Rowe, of No 658 Kingsland Terrace, Christ Church, is represented by King’s Counsel Michael Lashley and his team that includes Safiya Moore and Sade Harris. (Nation News)
A member of the Haitian army patrols as people shelter at a petrol station after fleeing their neighbourhoods amid ongoing gang violence, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 19, 2025 (Reuters/ Ralph Tedy Erol file photo)
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum attends a press conference, following US President Donald Trump's announcement of auto industry tariffs, at the National Palace, in Mexico City, Mexico, April 3, 2025 (Reuters/Henry Romero photo)
Member of Parliament Neil Gabriel Rowe and King’s Counsel Michael Lashley
OIL NEWS
Brent futures, options volumes surpass pandemic record as oil market reels
Brent crude futures and options contracts traded on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) hit record volumes on Friday, surpassing levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic as investors braced for a global trade war and Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) oil output hikes.
Heavy selling drove oil prices to four-year lows at the end of last week, marking the largest weekly decline in a year and a half.
Market participants traded 4.067 million ICE Brent futures and options contracts, surpassing the previous daily record set in 2020, according to ICE, when the global pandemic shocked energy markets and sent traders scrambling as oil demand shrank.
US President Donald Trump stunned financial markets on Wednesday by imposing sweeping tariffs on most US imports, with some countries, including China, facing significantly higher levies.
The oil market reeled further after OPEC+ decided to advance plans for output increases. The group now aims to return 411,000 barrels per day to the market in May, up from the previously-planned 135,000 bpd.
Futures continued their fall on Monday, with Brent trading as low as US$62.52 a barrel during the session, as Trump threatened even higher tariffs on China and major banks raised their recession risk forecasts.
Benchmark Brent is a price barometer for three quarters of the world's internationally-traded crude oil, according to the ICE, making it a bellwether for the health of the oil market.
"People were waiting on the sidelines to take a position in the market and then once they started to see some of these tariffs unfold, along with the OPEC news, they started to take a bearish position," said Alex Hodes, director of market strategy at financial services firm StoneX.
Oil investor whiplash
In the days before Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, the oil market had been focused on demand growth, low oil inventories and the risk of sanctions on Russia, Iran and Venezuela disrupting supply, said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.
Trump threatened on March 30 to impose secondary tariffs of 25 per cent to 50 per cent on buyers of Russian oil if he felt Moscow was blocking his efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
In the week to April 1, money managers had raised their net-long Brent crude futures and options positions on ICE to their highest since April 30, 2024, according to data from LSEG.
Brent futures had closed at a one-month high on March 31, at US$74.74 a barrel, helping buoy bullish sentiment.
"Now the focus has switched to how much will the global economy weaken down as a result of the trade war and how much will oil demand growth slow down over the coming months," Staunovo said.
StoneX's Hodes said he expected this week's commitment of traders data to be much more bearish. (Reuters)
Around the World Trump threatens to hike China tariffs further as market plunge continues
Aglobal trade war touched off by US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs escalated further on Monday, as Trump threatened to increase duties on China and the European Union proposed counter-tariffs of its own.
Financial markets across the globe posted a third day of losses as investors worried that steep trade barriers around the world's largest consumer market could lead to a recession. The S&P 500 closed lower after a rollercoaster session in which it touched its lowest level in more than a year.
Trump said the tariffs –a minimum of 10 per cent for all US imports, with targeted rates of up to 50 per cent – would help the United States recapture an industrial base that he says has withered over decades of trade liberalisation.
"It's the only chance our country will have to reset the table. Because no other president would be willing to do what I'm doing, or to even go through it," he told reporters at the White House. "Now, I don't mind going through it, because I see a beautiful picture at the end."
Trump spoke hours after he ratcheted up a confrontation with China, the world's number two economy.
Trump said he would impose an additional 50 per cent duty on US imports from China on Wednesday if it did not withdraw the 34 per cent tariffs it had im-
posed on US products last week. Those Chinese tariffs had come in response to 34 per cent "reciprocal" duties announced by Trump. Beijing responded with defiance. Trump's threat was a "typical move of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying", Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. "We have stressed more than once that pressuring or threatening China is not a right way to engage with us," he added. "China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests." The European Commission, meanwhile, proposed counter-tariffs of 25 per cent on a range of US goods, including soybeans, nuts and sausages, though other potential items like bourbon whiskey were left off the list, according to a document seen by Reuters. (Excerpt from Reuters)
US Supreme Court lets Trump pursue deportations under 1798 law, with limits
The US Supreme Court on Monday allowed Donald Trump to pursue deportations of alleged
Venezuelan gang members using a 1798 law that historically has been employed only in wartime as part of the
Israeli forces seen building positions in
Gaza
as they take more ground
Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, April 7, 2025 (Reuters/Ramadan Abed photo)
Israeli troops could be seen clearing ground and building watch towers on Monday in parts of Gaza they have seized in recent days in a renewed offensive that the United Nations says has already captured or depopulated two-thirds of the enclave.
The army has issued repeated evacuation warnings to hundreds of thousands Palestinians in southern, central and northern areas since it resumed operations in Gaza on March 18, forcing them into a diminishing space limited by the sea.
Zakia Sami, 60, a mother of six from Gaza City, said she could see tanks occupying the high ground as she fled her home after the army ordered the family out of the eastern suburb of Shejaia.
"They have taken over the Al-Muntar hilltop where we used to go to play with our kids. Now they are stationed there and they can hit any house they want inside Shejaia,” she told Reuters via a chat app.
"Gaza has always been a small place and the Israelis are making it smaller and smaller every day. We are being strangled with no food and with bombs falling on us."
Israel announced plans last week to seize a "security zone" around the edges of the Gaza Strip, a month after a ceasefire expired. It has not said what its long-term plan is for the recaptured territory, but Palestinians fear it aims to occupy it permanently. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Republican President's hardline approach to immigration, but with certain limits.
The court, in an unsigned 5-4 ruling powered by conservative Justices, granted the Administration's request to lift Washington-based US Judge James Boasberg's March 15 order that had temporarily blocked the summary deportations under Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act while litigation in the case continues.
Despite siding with the administration, the court's majority placed limits on how deportations may occur, em-
phasising that judicial review is required.
Detainees "must receive notice after the date of this order that they are subject to removal under the Act. The notice must be afforded within a reasonable time and in such a manner as will allow them to actually seek habeas relief in the proper venue before such removal occurs", the majority wrote.
The court has a 6-3 conservative majority. Conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett and the court's three liberal justices dissented. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Ukraine's Kryvyi Rih mourns victims of Russian missile strike
Acentral Ukrainian city held vigils on Monday that began three days of mourning for 11 adults and nine children killed by a Russian missile last week, as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in months jeopardised Washington's ceasefire push.
Friday evening's strike on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's home city of Kryvyi Rih sprayed shrapnel across a dense residential area, including a playground. Ukraine's military said Moscow used cluster munitions.
The sound of wailing echoed throughout the gilded interior of a cavernous Orthodox church as relatives wept over the coffin of nineyear-old Herman Tripolets, who had been playing on
a swing when the missile struck.
"He really loved this life," said his godmother, Inna. "He was just a ray of sunshine."
Down the road, mourners flocked to a double funeral for 15-year-old Danylo Nikitskyi and Alina Kutsenko, who were later buried side by side in matching white coffins.
Local clergymen also held a service at the playground where residents had crafted a makeshift memorial featuring toys and stuffed animals. Funerals were scheduled throughout the day for other victims killed in the attack, whose ages ranged from three to 79 years old. Thirtythree other people, including four children, are still being treated in hospital. (Excerpt from Reuters)
US President Donald Trump talks to members of the press aboard Air Force One during a flight to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, April 6, 2025 (Reuters/Kent Nishimura photo)
SUDOKU
A change of attitude or to how you deal with institutions, money and superiors looks promising. Personal improvements will boost your confidence.
If you want change, stop pontificating and start making things happen. Take control and be proud of who you are and what you achieve. Reject what isn't right for you and do your own thing.
Be careful what you promise or sign up for. If you want to help make a difference, contribute your energy, not your money. Make choices based on facts, not on your emotions.
Take a moment to observe, wait, watch and evaluate. Timing is essential to get the highest return from your effort. Keep the conversation going and the momentum flowing.
A last-minute change will cost you. Don't jeopardize your position. Work quietly behind the scenes; don't take a risk until you are prepared to go the distance.
Keep moving forward. A change will pump you up and encourage you to meet new people and engage in events and pursuits that grab your attention. Life is about living.
Being aware and prepared to counter anything that might have a negative impact on your dreams will make it easier to turn your intentions into a reality. A passionate presentation will pay off.
Get out into the field and see what's happening firsthand. Mingle, participate and actively contribute to whatever group, event or institution is suitable to help you have a positive impact and make a difference.
You may want to keep your plans to yourself. Being too open will allow someone to take advantage of you. A networking event will lead to a valuable opportunity.
Positive change stemming from collaboration will be your calling card. Mix business with pleasure, and you'll create a path to victory.
Prioritize partnerships and diversity. Declutter your space, sell off what you no longer use and ease financial stress. It's up to you to find solutions.
Refrain from making uninformed decisions. Don't let your ego or emotions lead you down a slippery slope. Network, and you'll meet someone with valuable input.
Indian Premier League 2025...
Kohli, Patidar and Krunal star as RCB end 10-year Wankhede jinx
In what is turning out to be a year of breaking jinxes, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium for the first time in 10 years after they did the same in the corresponding fixture against Chennai Super Kings for the first time in 17 years at the Chepauk stadium.
Even though RCB scored 221, the win did not come without a massive scare from Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, who added 89 in 34 balls from 99 for 4 in 12 overs. With 123 off eight overs reduced to 41 off the last three, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya put on a defensive masterclass to deny MI.
Rajat Patidar and Virat
of gamesmanship followed to try to break Hardik's rhythm, but MI kept going strong.
Kohli scored quick fifties before a finishing kick from Jitesh Sharma took them to 221 despite Jasprit Bumrah's return and three excellent overs from Hardik. It was
Kohli's fastest T20 fifty since 2019, and his first in under 30 balls in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2018. His intent allowed Patidar to get off to a watchful start before he took apart Hardik, who had stifled the other batters. By no means was the target beyond MI's reach, but Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma bowled their first five overs for just 21 runs to leave MI with just a 2.25 per cent chance of winning on the ESPNcricinfo forecaster at the end of the 12th over. Hardik's sensational 42 off 15 and Tilak's 29-ball
56 turned it into an even contest, but Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood nailed enough yorkers in the 18th and 19th overs to give Krunal 18 to defend in the last over. He consigned his brother's team to a second straight defeat by 12 runs.
Kohli, Padikkal make light work after early wicket
For the 31st time in the IPL, Trent Boult struck in the first over of an innings, but Devdutt Padikkal hit his first ball for a four. The intent never stopped as RCB reached 73 after the powerplay. Kohli took 36 off 19, Padikkal 32 off 15. Kohli usually drops anchor, but he took on the spinners with slog sweeps in the seventh and the ninth over to get to fifty in 29 balls.
Hardik plays cat and mouse Vignesh Puthur's left-arm wristspin got the wicket of Padikkal for 37 off 22, but it was Hardik's wide lines that suffocated RCB in the middle. Kohli still kept attempting big hits, allowing Patidar to be watchful for a start of 8 off 10.
RCB needed to score heavily at the other end. Patidar did so off Hardik, taking 33 off 12 to ruin his figures to 4-0-452. Jitesh took 24 off eight off Boult to consign him to his costliest T20 analysis of 4-057-2. Bumrah went for only 14 in the 18th and 20th overs, but RCB believed they had done enough damage.
Hazlewood, Suyash put RCB far ahead
Patidar then managed to move across and take Hardik for runs and rearranged Mitchell Santner's figures with 20 off his last over. It was here that Hardik's wide lines brought him the wickets of Kohli and Liam Livingstone in the same over to make it 144 for 5 with 33 balls to go.
Patidar and Jitesh close out in style
Two of the remaining five overs were going to be bowled by Bumrah, making his comeback from a back injury that has kept him out since the first week of January. So
That belief was only reinforced when Hazlewood's impeccable lengths and Suyash's unusual action troubled the MI top order. Hazlewood took Ryan Rickleton out thanks to an inspired DRS review from Jitesh before conceding just two in the final over of the powerplay. Suryakumar Yadav was the one caught in the spotlight. He was 8 off 13 after this over and one from Suyash. Suryakumar was dropped twice as he and Will Jacks added just 41 in six overs. When they finally caught Suryakumar at the end of the 12th over, MI needed what would have been the second-highest successful target achieved in the last eight overs of an IPL match.
Dramatic end
Tilak, who was retired out in MI's last game, kept Hardik off strike for seven balls, but in these seven balls he took 17 off Suyash's last over, much like Patidar took the last overs of Santner and Hardik for plenty. When Hardik finally got strike, he hit the coldest and sweetest of boundaries to turn the game around in just seven balls. These seven balls featured two sixes and two fours off Hazlewood, and two sixes off brother Krunal. With Hardik 32 off 7, the ask was now 71 off 33. A bit
Bhuvneshwar started the next over well, but Tilak hit a six and a four to take 13 off it. Still, only a little over two a ball was required. Yash Dayal managed to escape with some slower balls, but again a late six kept MI in it. Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood now dealt almost exclusively in yorkers. When they missed even slightly, runs came: a Hardik four, a Naman Dhir six first ball and a Santner six off a low full toss from Hazlewood. Still, MI needed 19 off the last over, and Krunal denied Santner and Deepak Chahar just enough power for them to be caught on the boundary. Krunal's 4-0-45-4 were his best IPL figures. (ESPNcricinfo)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium for the first time in 10 years
Mumbai Indians had another poor performance
Virat Kohli scored 67 from 42 balls
Krunal Pandya bowled a crucial last over
Milo U18 School Football…
Yarrowkabra, PC pull off thrilling upsets
The final four teams set to compete in the Milo Under-18 Schools’ Football tournament on Sunday booked their passage to the tournament’s next stage at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue.
The day was filled with close encounters and shocking upsets as Three Miles Secondary, Yarrowkabra Secondary, West Ruimveldt
and President’s College picked up victories.
In the first game of the day, Region Seven’s Three Miles Secondary got the action going with a narrow win, defeating Abram Zuil Secondary 2-1. Travin Benjamin netted first for Three Miles in the 35th minute.
Omar Kendall levelled the scores for Abram Zuil in the 50th minute, but Three
Miles’ Lebron Mendonca later found the game-winner in the 68th.
Then, Yarrowkabra Secondary came from behind to upset the unbeaten Bush Lot Secondary 3-2. Luke Langevine broke the ice for Bush Lot in the 10th minute while Quaency Fraser made it a 2-0 affair in the 20th. However, John Bartholomew pulled one back for Yarrowkabra in
Vryman’s Erven upset favourites BEI to win inaugural Obesity Prevention Tapeball
Vryman’s Erven Secondary (VES) prevailed against all odds to win the final of the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam (RCNA) inaugural Childhood Obesity Prevention InterSecondary School Tapeball Cricket Competition.
In the final played on Friday at the Welfare Community Centre in East Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), VES beat Berbice Educational Institute (BEI).
Batting first, BEI were restricted to 62-4 off their allotted 10 overs.
Ryan McPherson led the way with 35, with none of the other batters reaching double figures.
Bowling for VES, William Castello, J Conway and A
Samuels each took a wicket apiece.
In reply, Man of the Match Seymeon Lindie got an unbeaten 19, and was supported by opener Adriel Samuels, who made 21.
VES reached the target of 64-3 with two balls to spare.
Castello, with eight wickets in the tournament, took the award for the best bowler in the tournament.
Apart from the trophy, VES took home $50,000 while $25,000 went to BEI as the losing finalists.
Six teams took part in the competition: New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School (NAMS); Tutorial Academy Secondary School (TASS), BEI, Berbice High School (BHS); Vryman’s Erven Secondary School
the 28th minute and Leroy Evans levelled the scores in the 45th. Antwan Vyphuis then found the game-winner in the penultimate minute of the game to secure Yarrowkabra’s victory.
Goals off the boots of Issey Williams and Jeremiah Griffith in the 6th and 28th minutes lifted West Ruimveldt to a comfortable win against Hope Secondary.
The curtains were drawn on the Round of 16 in the most dramatic fashion with President’s College needling championship hopefuls Santa Rosa Secondary. After a stalemate I the first
half, PC’s Kenan Petrie netted the lone goal of the game and eventual game-winner in the 65th minute to ensure the East Coast outfit
Women’s Inter-County T20…
will be
Berbice cruise to victory against Essequibo
Realeanna Grimmond’s impressive batting performance led her team to an important win in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Women’s Inter-County T20 Tournament at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Ground, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Monday.
Berbice Women played their first game of the tournament and were up against Essequibo Women who had a winning start to their tournament on Saturday.
Essequibo won the toss and elected to field and started well, taking three wickets in the powerplay.
Berbice fought back with an excellent partnership between Realeanna Grimmond and Sheneta Grimmond.
Realeanna made a superb 61 from 51 balls that in-
cluded five fours and two sixes, while Sheneta had a high-tempo innings of 30 from 17 balls. Berbice made 149 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Tremaine Marks continued her great form with the ball, having good figures of 2 for 17 in her 4 overs, and was supported by Kumarie
Persaud, who had figures of 2 for 20.
A complete bowling performance from the Berbice team rattled Essequibo. Marks, the Player of the Match in the last game, was adjudged lbw in the first over in the second innings by Plaffianna Millington. That set the tone for the rest of the innings as Essequibo were bowled out in the 17th over for 63 runs. Sherika Campbelle had an incredible spell of 3 wickets for 12 runs in her 4 overs. She was well supported by Millington and Teia Isaacs, who both picked up two wickets each.
The tournament is scheduled to continue today, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, with Demerara looking to respond against a strong Berbice team.
GDF suffer another...
(VES) and Canje Secondary School (CSS).
Each school team had at least two females and one of the females was required to bowl at least one over.
The competition was played on a round-robin basis with the schools divided into two groups. The top two of each group went on to the semi-finals.
The competition was played under the theme, “Exercise, eat healthy, stay healthy” and catered to students in Grades 7-9.
Assistant Governor for Rotary Guyana in waiting, Raffick Kassim, who will take up the position from July 1, announced that the competition will become a countrywide competition next year.
(Andrew Carmichael)
In another game later in the evening, Slingerz FC went up against the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Slingerz FC were coming off a 17-0 win, and the team were in good spirits heading into this game. The Guyana Police Force, a strong outfit, was also in close, good form, and the game was tightly contested. At halftime, the score was level at 0-0 as both teams seemed evenly matched. The big moment of the game would come in the 60th minute via Darron Niles of Slingerz FC. They held on to the lead and secure an important victory on the night.
On Sunday, April 6, at the same venue, the Mainstay Goldstar FC, who just came off an embarrassing 17-0 defeat, were looking for a much-improved performance against the
Fruta Conquerors. The Conquerors did not allow their wounded opposition to get into the game, as they had an impressive first half. Dwayne Jones scored twice (20’ and 32’), as the scoreline was 2-0 at halftime. Dennis Edwards basically sealed the deal in the 54th minute, giving Fruta Conquerors a 3-0 advantage. An own goal via Kevin Baptist gave Goldstar FC some hope, but it was not enough as the game ended 3-1 in favour of Fruta Conquerors. In game number two of the evening, Western Tigers were looking for a victory against Santos FC. Santos FC battled well in the first half, as neither team could break the deadlock. The second half continued in the same fashion until Tyrie McAllister's 59th-minute goal, which was the decid-
PAGE 23
ing factor in the game. The game ended Western Tigers 1, Santos FC 0. The League will continue next weekend at the same venue
advanced. The Milo U18 semifinals
contested next Saturday at the same venue.
Scenes from the Milo U18 quarterfinals on Sunday
Vryman’s Erven Secondary won the Obesity Prevention Cricket Tournament
Realeanna Grimmond was impressive in her innings
is inaugural “One Guyana” 3x3 Quest champions
Fplayed a lot of tough teams. Obviously, we played against a great team, Dominican Republic, they’re our brothers in rivalry. So, it was a really tough competition, but thank God we had the victory,” Ralat told Guyana Times Sport
He continued, “Every game for us, we want to play hard, as hard as we can with passion and win every game, so every game we treated the same.”
“It’s super big. I’ve been in the World Tour before; these three guys haven’t been in the World Tour, so it’s a really good competition, a really good level to get there and I’m really proud of our guys, we did a good job,” Ralat shared on what the win means to him and teammates.
Rojas shared, “The final game, it was pretty much, I think, about stamina. We only had three people against one of the top teams in the world. All I can ask from me and all my guys is to go out there and fight and give it our all. That’s what we did, we arrive to the final with three players, we fought and we lost by six points. So, I’m happy for my guys, we’ll look to get our guy healthy and keep battling.”
Earlier on Sunday, Carolina got the better of Guatemala’s PSN 21-10 in the quarterfinals while Switzerland’s Lausanne got past USA’s NY Soundview 21-18.
The last of the Guyanese teams in the competition, Renegades suffered a 21-14 loss at the hands of Trinidad and Tobago’s Maloney Pacers in that round and Distrito Nacional downed SKN Sugar Boyz in the last fixture.
In the semi-finals, Carolina again won their encounter with Maloney Pacers 21-15 while Distrito Nacional had booked their spot in the final with a 21-15 win over Lausanne.
our tickets to Edmonton, Canada for the FIBA World Tour went the way of Carolina out of Puerto Rico on Sunday night when the “One Guyana” 3x3 Tournament came to a close at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Homestretch Avenue.
with one athlete short due to injury.
The final game saw Carolina defeating the Dominican Republic’s Distrito Nacional 21-15, with the Dominican side playing
West Indies Championship…
Carolina’s Antonio Ralat reflected on their win, sharing what the accomplishment means to his team.
“Like I said before, we got a lot of talent here, we
GHE heading into Round 7 with 6.2-point lead
After a fighting draw on Saturday against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and a contrasting loss for Trinidad and Tobago Red Force against the Jamaica Scorpions; the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) managed to narrowly extend their lead at the top of the West Indies Championship 2025 points table.
As they head into the seventh and final round on Wednesday, the Harpy Eagles have 11.6 points, sitting atop the table while Red Force are second with 10.4 points. In Pride with 100 points while the Hurricanes have 92.1 points. On the back of their recent win, Jamaica Scorpions have broken into the top five, currently holding 82.8 points in fifth position. In sixth place are Windward Islands Volcanoes with 51.6 points, West Indies Academy are seventh with 39.2 points while Combined Campuses and Colleges bring up in the rear with 35.2 points. The West Indies
Queen’s Park Oval in what could be considered a virtual final.
In other Round Seven fixtures, Jamaica Scorpions will battle Combined Campuses and Colleges at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground, Trinidad; West Indies Academy and Windward Islands Volcanoes go head-to-head at Coolidge Cricket Ground; Antigua and Barbuda meet at Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis, while Leeward Islands Hurricanes take on Barbados Pride in the lone day-night
On the other hand, Distrito Nacional’s Sadiel Rojas expressed his contentment with their performance in the final, despite being a player down.
“The strategy was not to let them shoot three’s but Puerto Rico being one of the best three-point shooting teams, they hit a couple of tough contested three and it kind of hurt. If we wouldn’t have let them shoot threes, if they had to pay against us with not as many threes made, we would’ve had a chance ‘cause we’re bigger than them, we could attack them, damage them on the boards and the attack,” the Distrito Nacional player went on to opine.
As such, Carolina secured the US$5000 grand prize and a spot in the World tour while Distrito Nacional had to settle for a US$2000 cash prize.
Carolina’s Bryan Gonzalez Colon was adjudged the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Elite League… GDF suffer another setback; Slingerz and Tigers win
The Elite League defending champs, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC were again outfought and outclassed in the Elite League that continued over the weekend on Saturday, April 5h, at the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Center in Providence.
Amstel struck the first blow of the game, scoring in the 16th minute via a penalty kick. The in-form Deon Alfred stepped up and slotted his penalty low into the bottom left corner. GDF would get themselves back into the game with a very good goal that Chris Macey netted (33). Halftime arrived with the score at 1-1, with both teams looking to give more in the
derway, despite the fact that both teams kept fighting. GDF would once more be frustrated by their performance as Den Amstel maintained their lead and were elated by a well-earned victory.
Jomal Robinson of Den Amstel FC scored the game's crucial goal in the 60th minute as the second half got un
The Guyana Harpy Eagles will head into Round Seven at the top of the points table
Another look at the final action in the “One Guyana” 3x3 Quest
Carolina’s Bryan Gonzalez Colon takes a photo opportunity with his MVP award
In form Deon Alfred netted his penalty against GDF
Slingerz FC goal scorer Darron Niles
