New 10-year Guyana e-passport rolled out with enhanced security features
Woman in fear as ex-cop exboyfriend threatens to kill her, attacks relative
Law Revision Commission advancing work on updating laws MoM not only about building houses – National Coordinator
Campbellville Health Centre to be rebuilt into modern 3-storey facility
Local firm to host expo to launch AI tech to detect gas leaks, advance major industries
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Tuesday, February 11 –03:45h-05:15h and Wednesday, February 12 – 03:45h-05:15h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Tuesday, February 11 –15:35h-17:05h and Wednesday, February 12 – 16:15h-17:45h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery to light showers are expected throughout the day and at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.13 metres and 5.36 metres.
High Tide: 16:09h reaching a maximum height of 2.52 metres.
Low Tide: 09:43 and 22:10h reaching minimum heights of 0.84 metre and 0. 67 metre.
GECOM’s Claims & Objections period Despite claims of “bloated voters' list”, Opposition fails to file objection
espite their sustained public complaints about issues with the voters list, the political opposition did not submit any objections to the list during the last claims and objections exercise held by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) last month.
During the electoral body’s first Claims and Objections exercise for the year a handful of objections were received, however none of these were filed by any of the opposition parties objecting.
This is in stark contrast to the continuous actions of political opposition parties, namely the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), which continue to complain about the Official List of Elector (OLE), and calls for the removal of voters notwithstanding legal ramifications.
Accusations from the Opposition members, including Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, and AFC Leader, Nigel Hughes, include continuous claims of dead voters and illegal voters being on the list. However, the opposition continues to fail to produce any evidence to back up their claims.
Speaking with Guyana Times GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj confirmed that no objections were received from the APNU, or AFC during the last Objections period which ran from January 2 - 22.
“During that period, a total of nine objections were filed of which 6 were upheld. Notably, none came from the political parties,” Gunraj confirmed.
“In light of repeated statements from several opposition figures that persons who are not entitled to be registered are being registered, that persons who they personally know to have died are still on the list, not a single objection emanated from them. Importantly, the opposition has a scrutineer, paid for by GECOM, positioned at every registration office.
In spite of all of this, no objection has been made by them, individually or collectively.”
Over the past few months, the opposition has heightened their calls for the scrapping of the OLE and the National Register of Registrants (NRR) from which GECOM extracts the OLE. This is notwithstanding GECOM having made it categorically clear constitutional reform would be needed before GECOM could act on any such suggestions. In 2019, Chief Justice Roxanne George ruled that names cannot be removed from the NRR except in the case of death.
Only last week, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo in responding to the Opposition’s repeated claims about the integrity of the voters’ list, said that
should be removed from the list.
Of recent the Opposition has also intensified its demands for the introduction of digitalised biometrics as a precondition for voter registration and voting.
However, the Vice President had rejected these proposals since last year when he had said that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) party will never support proposals that hinder the process and will not fall for the traps being set by the opposition.
Biometrics
the registration process was rigorous and carefully monitored, highlighting that once a person is registered, their name can only be removed in the event of death.
He dismissed the Opposition’s argument that persons who have migrated
In the last week of January, GECOM had confirmed that biometric voter identification will not be introduced for the upcoming General and Regional Elections- citing legal, technical, security and infrastructural challenges. Despite public discussions touting the benefits of biometric, the decision by GECOM Chairman, Justice Claudette Singh, has clarified that the introduction of such technology is not feasible within the current timeframe and legislative framework.
The debate surrounding biometrics stems from allegations of voter impersonation at polling stations, and Opposition political parties have argued that biometric fingerprinting could safeguard the integrity of the electoral process,
offering a more accurate and secure means of voter identification.
However, GECOM explained that there would be technical challenges in which the reliability and accuracy of biometric systems can be impacted by poor network connectivity, power outages, hardware malfunctions, and software glitches. The Commission explained that these technical issues have led to delays in the voting process and raised concerns about the effectiveness of using biometrics for voter identification.
GECOM explained that remote areas often lacked the necessary infrastructure to support biometric technology, making it difficult to ensure universal access to this voting method. It also noted that, limited access to electricity and internet connectivity in some areas hindered the effectiveness of the system.
Against this backdrop, the Commission reminded that within the context of Guyana, there is no legal provision and therefore, any such introduction at the place of poll would be unconstitutional since it will impose additional conditions on a person’s right to vote.
GECOM reassured the public that it remains committed to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. Despite not implementing biometrics, the Commission promises to strengthen existing safeguards to prevent electoral fraud and uphold transparency.
Stalking, domestic violence must be taken seriously
The disturbing case of Simmone Williams, a 42-yearold Guyanese national residing in the United States, brings to the forefront an alarming issue that continues to plague many individuals, especially women—stalking, harassment, and domestic violence. Since parting ways with her ex-boyfriend, Williams has been enduring a relentless campaign of threats and intimidation that culminated in a brutal attack on her stepfather, Godfrey Sutherland, in East Coast Demerara. This chilling episode is a stark reminder that, despite the growing awareness of such issues, we continue to witness a disturbing lack of accountability in dealing with domestic violence and stalking.
Williams’ decision to end her relationship with her exboyfriend was undoubtedly a difficult one. Infidelity, financial struggles, and his personal challenges, including depression and a lack of support for his music career, made it clear that continuing the relationship was not in her best interest. Unfortunately, her ex-boyfriend, an ex-cop, did not take the breakup well. What followed was a pattern of harassment that escalated over months, from threatening messages to repeated phone calls. Williams made every effort to distance herself from him, blocking his communications and even reaching out to his family in a desperate attempt to get him help. Yet, none of this seemed to deter him.
This story reveals the horrifying reality many victims of stalking face: the belief that leaving an abusive relationship will immediately bring relief is often a false hope. For some, the aftermath is marked by continued torment and escalating violence. The emotional and psychological toll can be devastating, as victims like Williams are forced to live in constant fear for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. In her case, the threat was tragically realised when her stepfather was attacked. The ex-boyfriend, knowing the family’s routine, ambushed Godfrey Sutherland with a cutlass, inflicting serious injuries. The attack has left Sutherland hospitalised, and Williams, understandably, is now terrified to return home.
The fact that Williams’ ex-boyfriend is an ex-cop only adds another layer of complexity to this situation. It raises critical questions about how individuals with a background in law enforcement can perpetuate such violent behaviour. Yet, this case also highlights a broader societal issue: the failure to take stalking and threats seriously. Williams sought help from his family, trying to mitigate the situation by asking them to intervene, yet her ex continued to harass her relentlessly. She reported the matter to the Police, but it appears that the authorities failed to adequately address the gravity of the situation until it escalated into a violent attack.
This is not an isolated incident. There are many cases where stalking and harassment are not seen as serious enough to warrant swift and decisive action. Too often, victims are told to endure or ignore the behaviour, with authorities downplaying the risks. It is imperative that we change this mindset and prioritise the safety of victims before it is too late.
Moreover, the legal system and law enforcement agencies must recognise the signs of escalating violence and act proactively. Stalking is often a precursor to more severe violence, and in cases like this, it is clear that the system must do more to intervene before the situation escalates to lifethreatening levels. Law enforcement officers must be trained to identify the warning signs and take immediate action when a protection order is in place.
No one should have to live in fear of returning home because of the abusive actions of another. It is a collective responsibility to ensure that those who stalk, harass, and commit acts of violence are held accountable, and that their victims are given the protection and support they need to rebuild their lives.
Remembering Nujoma
Dear Editor, Sam Nujoma, the first President of Independent Namibia, passed away on February 8, 2025. He was ninety-five years old.
Nujoma belonged to that group of anti-colonial fighters that arose at the end of the Second World War. He was one of the outstanding leaders of Southern Africa. He stood alongside revolutionaries of the calibre of Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Joshau Nkomo, Robert Mugabe, Amilcar Cabral, Agostino Neto, among others and was a
great friend of Dr Cheddi Jagan.
Sam Nujoma was a founding member of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) in 1960. Shortly thereafter he launched an armed struggle against the Apartheid regime of South Africa for independence after the United Nations withdrew the mandate of South Africa to Govern Namibia. That struggle was won and in 1990 and Nujoma became the first President of his free country. He held that position until 2005
when he demitted office.
During his struggles the PPP and SWAPO forged close relations giving solidarity to each other’s struggle. Later he forged close relations with the PNC and Mr. Burnham after the PNC government provided financial support of the Southern African Liberation Movement in the 1980s. He visited Guyana in 1994 to express his thanks for the support that he received from Guyana during the independence war.
Nujoma was one of those anti-colonial leaders that
was very respected by freedom fighters throughout the world. He was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize by the Soviet Union, the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize by India and the Ho Chi Mink Peace Prize by Vietnam. At this time we bow our heads in honour of a towering figure in the AntiColonial, Anti-Imperialist Freedom struggles of our world.
Sincerely, Former President Donald Ramotar
The violence factor
Dear Editor,
Have your ever wondered why the PNC was so successful with their rigging? Well, you don't have to go too far an answer, that rigging formula was kept alive and well with intense violence and aggressive political maneuverings of the PNC. We are all too familiar with the violent street protests around elections here in Guyana, Burnham used it, gaining handsome results, and this same strategy was carried out by every leader or successor of that party.
They claim that this is the only language The PPP understands, so sound the dog whistle and set the mob in action. These were the rallying words heralded to an idiotic and bloodthirsty audience. At every election there was this climate of fear and foreboding that violence would erupt at any time, where persons and businesses of Indians were strategically targeted. Moderate and conscientious Black objectors also felt the wrath of their onslaught,
calling them names such as house slaves and "Banna you ain't a Black Man."
Guyanese remember the "slo fiah moh fire" call issued by Hoyte when he lost The 1997 Elections, for two long years Indian Businesses went up in smoke, others were looted and the owners beaten, or killed. Georgetown, A PNC Stronghold was the epicenter for such atrocities, the Incendiary device of choice, was the infamous "Channa Bombs." This was the period when The PNC reveled in their destabilizing and divisive political strategies.
The disgraceful thing to note, is that they would calmly say they do not know who the insurrectionists are, or dismiss the atrocities as destructive acts of overzealous nonentities, yet, when those individuals were caught, that same party defended them to the hilt. They would deny any involvement with them, although the ghoulish and demonic acts bore the signature trademark of that party, as well as the intellectual authors
behind it.
Hoyte then turn to The Police who were standing in the way of them fulfilling their atrocious goals, he referred to the forces in terms of endearment, calling them his "Kith and Kin," the clear understanding that law enforcement must stay out of the way of the rioters, giving them free space to commit those atrocious acts.
That did not quite get the results Hoyte bargained for, because law enforcement still kept a close watch on the thugs and prevented a civil war. So, an open call was made to destabilize the country, Hoyte said and I quote, "I will make this country ungovernable," meaning he would launch an all-out attack on law enforcement itself.
As a result, twenty-six policemen died as Hoyte's PNC's Freedom Fighters went on a rampage. That first wave of killings started with the notorious thug Douglas (He was a Seventh Day Adventist, turn Freedom Fighter) in another article I will deal with that
religio-political aspect of PNC's Dogmas. Thus, the introduction of the slang "Kill d Police was heard. Fineman and his notorious gang continued the violent assault, leading up to The Lusignan and Bartica Massacres. Those gunmen founded a safe haven in Buxton as the war drums were riled up. I must take brevity into account and hasten to a close, now, those mass killings and wanton destruction of property are all associated with that party, something every Guyanese know too well, and we are not going to allow our country to go through that trauma again, ever. We say down with violence, down with any party that promotes criminal activities to get an unfair advantage in this country. We will not be held captive by violent acts. We will ensure that Guyana enter into a period of free and fair elections and elections that are free from fear. I rest my case.
Respectfully, Neil Adams
Orthodox priests sing and pray during a mass at the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin church in the town of Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, marking the day of St Haralambos, Orthodox patron saint of bee-keepers (VOA)
Stop these attacks on young voices
Dear Editor,
Over the past few weeks, there has been an upsurge in youth involvement in socio-political discourse—an essential development which cannot be underscored enough. The UN has emphasized young people as being integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet often lack adequate platforms to raise concerns. Additionally, UNESCO’s 2023 report on youth activism highlighted youth-centric protests as pivotal in advocating for democracy, social justice and climate action.
We must commend the young people who have forayed into the public discourse, irrespective of whether their constructive criticism has been levied at the Government or Opposition, for such participation is reflective of vibrant democracy. However, a deeply concerning trend has recently emerged.
Over the past few weeks, a cascade of venomous attacks has been aimed at these young commentators, this author being no exception. These attacks, particularly void of reasoned rebuttal, instead descending into ad-hominems must be chronologized for posterity.
Upon publishing my ar-
ticle criticizing Presidential aspirant Mr. Nigel Hughes for exploiting Crime Wave era trauma, for political theater, a slew of abusive responses emerged, primarily from local and overseas Opposition elements, with some remarks bordering on racial epithets.
Subsequently, my friend, Mr. Shaquawn Gill shared his perspective in the press, asking Mr. Hughes to provide evidence to substantiate his inflammatory claims. Shaquawn explicitly stated that he wished not to “impute any improper motives of Hughes or anyone else”. However we stated that “the reality is simple – our young people deserve the truth”. In response, he was bombarded with a tidal wave of deeply racist and vitriolic abuse, once again emanating from known Opposition elements. Furthermore, young economist, Mr. Matthew Gaul, wrote a sharp critique of the education sector on his personal Facebook page. His analysis was praised by several opposition figures and supporters. Just days after publishing this critique, he posted another essay titled "The Curious Case of Nigel Hughes and His Bid for the Presidency." The essay highlighted Hughes' “Manu Ginóbili-esque skills of eurostepping” whenever pressed
on policy specifics. Gaul dismissed Hughes' vague political rhetoric, stating, “This is not vision; it is evasion.” describing his candidacy as “profoundly jarring,” citing his numerous documented conflicts of interest. Must I describe the vile, racist abuse he endured in the online space? Need I specify from whom and where such remarks originated?
There exists no doubt in my mind that these attacks were coordinated by the Opposition, intended to smear and vilify dissenting young voices into silence. This is damning. Youth civic participation is vital for renewal of the lifeblood of any healthy democracy.
As unfortunate as these attacks are, they are symptoms of a greater malaise from within the Opposition—one that threatens our democracy but also future generations. The Opposition’s prejudice against youth discourse is a highly documented, institutional problem. A 2015 News Source article featured President Granger defending a “greying” Cabinet, described by the publication, over concerns the “average age” of the Cabinet “appears to be 55-years-old” , with the then voting population comprising 60% youth. This apparent gerontocracy was
pure foreshadowing.
In 2021, following the aftermath of the 2020 Elections Saga, Thandi McAllister, one of their most prominent young leaders, resigned. In her statement, she concluded that “the present direction of the leadership is ill-suited to the fulfillment of the aspirations of young people in Guyana”. McAllister had served the party for 25 years and was the PNC/R Region 3 Chair at the time. She was subsequently replaced by pensioner Perry Birbal before their 2021 Congress. McAllister labeled her resignation as “agonizing” , once poised to be the next generation of the PNC/R.
Subsequently, Brian Smith, another rising youth leader within the PNC/R , walked. Smith cited the “Fights of older people” and added: “I think there is need for a new direction and I think young people are at that level of consciousness”. Further, Smith advocated for the party to “allow us to tell you what we want for the future…” and “I don’t believe there is space for us to do that in this construct and as such, I encourage all young people to chart your own course”. Smith claimed that “young people have been the grass for some time and they suffered” with-
Concrete is the better option
Dear Editor,
The planned road to connect the coast of Guyana with Brazil has the support of the Brazilian government and will result in income for Guyana. Bringing goods from Brazil will most likely be done by heavy duty trucks during both the heavy rains and dry weather conditions throughout the year. When the life cycle costs are compared between a concrete road and an asphalt road,
concrete has proven to be the wiser choice due to higher durability and lower maintenance costs. As one of the few key incomes generating infrastructure projects being undertaken, I recommend that the current government pursue a concrete road that is heavy duty / semi-truck friendly.
The route to a predetermined deep-water port should also be outlined and developed separately from the regular traffic
system. It will make the dedicated route both safer and less destructive, while also allowing for a focus on providing logistics and
supply chain services for those using it.
Regards, Jamil Changlee
in his former party, positing that ““… you look left, you look right everybody is a pensioner”.
Fast forward to 2024:
Following a handshake with President Ali at an outreach in Linden, young MP Jermaine Figueira was abruptly stripped of his portfolio as Shadow Minister for Culture, Youth & Sport. Figueira, a prominent youth leader who also served as the Party Chair for Region 10 and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, condemned the decision, stating, “This unmeritorious and unwise decision does not augur well for a party that claims to be democratic and supportive of young people.”
Figueira’s words paint a daunting picture of the current state of our Opposition: an arena where young, bright voices are sidelined upon mere notion of dissent. This deep-rooted problem needs to be rectified swiftly if it harbours any serious attempt to escape total electoral wilderness. This was further underscored by the negative reviews, permeating in the public domain, of the Opposition’s 2025
Budget Debate performance. The Opposition’s disjointed and contradictory presentations were ridiculed to the extent that many were humorously accused of being drafted by ChatGPT.
Compounding this is the lack of a visible or dynamic YSM and YFC—save for the noble Kibwe Copeland— rendering the Opposition functionally impotent. One cannot imagine the looming leadership vacuum brewing from the stymying of rising stars. A sterile Opposition is no Opposition. This is not conducive to the health of a Democracy.
To the Opposition, I say this: Stop attacking young voices. Your glaring vulnerability to discourse will not only define your marked ineptitude but also determine your political shelf life.
To the young people, I say this: Keep driving the conversation forward. Do not waver. The time has come to build a new political culture—focusing on the dialogue of Guyana’s tomorrow. Now is the time. Let us begin.
Yours faithfully, Nikhil Sankar
Page Foundation
1. In which of the following numbers is the 1 in the hundreds place?
(A) 1723
(B) 2137
(C) 3271
(D) 7312
2. Which number completes the sum 27 ÷ 100 =_?
(A) 0.027
(B) 0.27
(C) 2.7
(D) 270
3. How many prime numbers are between 1 and 20?
(A) 4 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 8
4. 3501 written in words is
(A) three five hundred one.
(B) thirty-five hundred one.
(C) three thousand five hundred and one.
(D) thirty-five thousand one.
5. Which of the following is a set of odd numbers?
(A) {1, 3, 5, 7}
(B) {2, 4, 6, 8}
(C) {3, 6, 9, 12}
(D) {1,2, 4, 8,}
6. What is the missing digit in the expression 0.5 = _/2?
(A) 0 (B) 1
7. Figure P is
(C) 4 (D) 11
(A) a triangular prism
(B) a right angle triangle
(C) an isosceles triangle
(D) an acute angle triangle
8. Paul decides to make a break in the afternoon, what time does his break start?
(A) 01:25h (B) 06:25h (C) 07:00h (D) 13:25h
9a. Sheila ate 0.25 of a 440g cheesecake at lunch and 0.5 of the remainder for an afternoon snack.
i) How much cake remains?
ii) Draw a pie chart to represent the above information with appropriate labels
b. A fruit vendor had a total of 10 oranges and 20 mangoes on sale. The cost of the mangoes are half the cost of the oranges.
i) If one orange costs $50, what is the cost of two mangoes?
ii) If one serving of pickled mangoes requires ¾ of a mango, how many servings of pickled mangoes would all of the mangoes make?
c. Shami bought a toy for $300 and later sold it for $400.
i) Calculate the percent in loss or profit on the toy.
ii) What would be the difference if the purchase price increased by 33.3%?
By EugEnE FiEld
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod one night Sailed off in a wooden shoe,— Sailed on a river of crystal light Into a sea of dew.
"Where are you going, and what do you wish?" The old moon asked the three. "We have come to fish for the herring-fish That live in this beautiful sea; Nets of silver and gold have we," Said Wynken, Blynken, And Nod.
The old moon laughed and sang a song, As they rocked in the wooden shoe; And the wind that sped them all night long Ruffled the waves of dew; The little stars were the herring-fish That lived in the beautiful sea.
"Now cast your nets wherever you wish,— Never afraid are we!"
So cried the stars to the fishermen three, Wynken, Blynken, And Nod.
All night long their nets they threw To the stars in the twinkling foam,— Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe, Bringing the fishermen home: 'Twas all so pretty a sail, it seemed As if it could not be; And some folk thought 'twas a dream they'd dreamed Of sailing that beautiful sea; But I shall name you the fishermen three: Wynken, Blynken, And Nod. Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes, And Nod is a little head, And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies Is a wee one's trundle-bed; So shut your eyes while Mother sings Of wonderful sights that be, And you shall see the beautiful things As you rock in the misty sea Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three:— Wynken, Blynken, And Nod.
Guyana officially objects to Suriname’s map that included New River Triangle
…GCCI condemns act as threat to sovereignty
Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, on Monday confirmed that Guyana has registered objections with the Suriname authorities over the inclusion of the New River Triangle in a Surinamese map that was recently on display at an International Business Conference which was held in Paramaribo, Suriname.
Shortly after, the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry issued a statement pointing out that the internationally recognised boundary between Guyana and Suriname has been settled and agreed upon since 1936, and any depiction suggesting otherwise is inaccurate and does not reflect the legally established boundary.
The Ministry reminded that the internationally recognised map of Guyana confirms that the New River Triangle is part of the sovereign territory of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
“The internationally recognised map of Guyana confirms that the New River Triangle is part of the sovereign territory of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. This status is based on a binding legal process and international
agreements, between and among the Governments of Brazil, Great Britain and The Netherlands in 1936,” the Ministry said.
Reports of the map surfaced on Saturday.
According to reports during the International Business Conference a map showing Guyana’s New River Triangle as part of Suriname was used as the official map distributed to all attendees. This is notwithstanding that a Guyanese delegation that included the Guyana Ambassador to Suriname Virjanand Depoo being present at the event.
In its statement the Ministry noted that the
presence of representatives of the Government of Guyana at the Conference in no way signifies the condoning by the Government of Guyana of the use of a map that incorrectly represents the territory of Guyana.
“The Government of Guyana was not consulted about the map prior to its distribution. Had it been consulted, it would have strongly objected,” the Ministry said.
Meanwhile, Persaud, in a social media post on Saturday, swiftly declared that “the New River Triangle remains an integral and indivisible part of
GOGEC slams SGCC
Chair’s remarks on New River Triangle, demands apology
The Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) on Monday said that it strongly disagrees with Chair of the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC), Dr Vishnu Doerga’s recent statement regarding the New River Triangle.
“We find it deeply concerning that Dr Doerga suggested an equivalence between Guyana’s sovereign claim to the territory and Suriname’s educational narrative, thereby failing to uphold Guyana’s internationally recognised territorial integrity unequivocally,” GOGEC said in a statement.
According to GOGEC, the New River Triangle is and remains an integral part of Guyana, as affirmed by internationally recognised legal processes adding that any suggestion that its status is subject to differing “beliefs” is misleading and does not reflect the binding nature of Guyana’s sovereignty over the territory.
“GOGEC firmly supports the stance taken by the Government of Guyana that
all Guyanese must remain vigilant in defending our territorial boundaries. We categorically reject any remarks that undermine this position or give credence to Suriname’s unfounded claims.”
In light of the gravity of this issue, GOGEC called for Dr Doerga to issue a formal apology and to provide a clear reaffirmation of Guyana’s sovereignty over the New River Triangle. “Dr Doerga must take responsibility for ensuring that his statements do not contribute to ambiguity on such a
critical national matter,” it said.
GOGEC said it remains committed to safeguarding Guyana’s economic and territorial interests and calls on all stakeholders to stand firm in upholding the nation’s sovereignty.
Guyana has since registered objections with the Surinamese authorities over the inclusion of the New River Triangle in a Surinamese map that was recently on display at an International Business Conference which was held in Paramaribo, Suriname.
the territory of Guyana, because it was so determined by a process recognised as binding under international law”.
Persaud affirmed that Guyana will continue to register objection to any and all infringement on Guyana’s territory.
“We have done so and will continue to register our objections at all levels and fora,” Persaud said when contacted by this publication on Monday.
Persaud called on “every Guyanese, especially those of us who hold positions of leadership and influence in this country” to ensure that they “know with certainty and conviction what are the limits of [Guyana’s] territory”.
Persaud reminded that the starting point of the boundary between Guyana and Suriname was decisively determined in 1936 when a joint BritishDutch-Brazilian Boundary Commission identified the source of the Kutari River on the watershed with Brazil, as the tri-junction point where the boundaries of Brazil, British Guiana and Suriname meet.
“The map of the tri-junction point was duly signed by the Brazilian, British and Dutch Boundary Commissioners in 1936. Therefore, Guyana has always enjoyed continuous occupation of its internationally recognised and legally established territory. The New River Triangle has never been recognised nor administered as Surinamese territory and the appendage of a portion of Guyana’s territory to the map of Suriname neither creates nor establishes any legal rights to it,” Robert said.
He further clarified that the Joint Border Commission of Guyana and Suriname does not have a mandate to revisit the established boundary, but instead has a mandate to examine the historical records relating to the unresolved border issues between the two countries and make recommendations to the Foreign Ministers about how these issues may be resolved.
Infringement
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) also added their voice to the mounting criticism of the situation. In a statement on Monday the business support organisation (BSO) condemned the situation as an infringement on Guyana’s territorial integrity.
The GCCI in its statement noted that the Chamber is deeply concerned by the use of these images as well as the failure of objects to the use of these Images at the event.
The Chamber said: Silence in the face of this threat to Guyana's sovereignty is viewed as an endorsement of the same, which the Chamber views
as inexcusable.
The Chamber called on Business Support Organisations and other agencies that acted as supporting actors to the conference to reject these actions and refrain from supporting or justifying any activity that violates Guyana's national boundaries.
Dissociates
Meanwhile, the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA), also expressed its concern and condemnation of the recent dissemination of the inaccurate map.
This misrepresentation, occurred during the recently concluded International Business Conference (IBC) held in Paramaribo, Suriname, which the GMSA was a partner in.
The GMSA dissociates itself from the dissemination of this map and any attempt to justify it.
“The New River Triangle is an integral component of Guyana's sovereign territory, a status solidified by the 1936 tri-junction point agreement, duly signed by the Brazilian, British, and Dutch Boundary Commissioners. Further, Guyana has always maintained uninterrupted occupation and administration of this region, reinforcing its internationally recognised and legally established borders,” the statement from GMSA said.
The body urged all stakeholders—both regional and international—to respect the established treaties and international legal frameworks that uphold Guyana’s territorial sovereignty. Furthermore, we call on our partners to take proactive measures and ensure that such inaccuracies do not recur in future engagements.
Chair of SGCC, Dr Vishnu Doerga
President of GOGEC, Manniram Prashad
The just-concluded International Business Conference (IBC) in Paramaribo, Suriname
Woman in fear as ex-cop ex-boyfriend threatens to kill her, attacks relative
A42-year-old
Guyanese national residing in America is currently in fear of returning home after her ex-boyfriend on Sunday brutally attacked her stepfather leaving him hospitalised.
In an interview with Guyana Times on Monday Simmone Williams detailed how she has been threatened and tormented by her ex-boyfriend, since their relationship ended in June last year. The woman revealed that she and Paddy had separated due to infidelity among other issues.
“And when I got back to America, it's not only that, you know, the confusion he was causing in my family, financial things to where is that, you know, he has a job and he's not going to work he's fighting depression from since childhood, his mother doesn't support his music career all these things… and I was like, you know what? I can't do this anymore I have to choose me in the end and I have to choose my piece of mind.”
The woman further revealed that after she had parted ways with the man, who is an ex-cop, things took a turn for the worst. She highlighted that since June last year her ex has been constantly threatening her and her family in an attempt to reconcile their relationship. However, the woman told this publication that she is adamant about not going back into a relationship
with the young man.
“It's when I broke it off with him that's when I started seeing all his different patterns and I refuse to go back because that wouldn't be healthy for me as a woman. I received messages from him threatening me and my family saying I better not come back to Guyana or else he's going to kill me and my family things of that sort.”
Frustrated and tired of the constant harassment, Williams told this publication that she had reached out to his relatives for help, noting that she resides overseas and does not have full control over the situation.
“I live here in the States so I didn't know how I go by contacting Guyana Police so I reached out to the family so the family could try and get him some help because that's the closest thing to him. His brother said to cease all communication. So, I blocked him on social media. Sometimes I'm at work and I am getting like 15 to 20 phone calls back-to-back. If I don't answer the phone, he will go and use his mother phone to call. I ended up blocking her as well. It's not like if, you know, I'm leading him on.”
However, in an unfortunate turn of events the woman revealed that the man had recently taken things to another level. On Sunday her stepfather, Godfrey Sutherland was brutally attacked by her ex, who dealt him several blows with a cutlass at his Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home leaving the elderly man hospitalised.
“So, he started off with Godfrey because to be honest with you, when he was working in town, he stayed by my mom house. He stayed with Godfrey. So, he knows when he leaves to go to the farm and he knows what time he comes back… And what he did, he hid in the yard and he hit Godfrey behind his head and then he started chopping him and he took a chair and put it over his head.”
In light of Sunday’s event, the woman revealed that she is afraid to travel back home to visit her family. A report has since been made to the police.
Talking about… …poverty
There’s been a lot of talk about “poverty” stalking our not-so-fair land while money from oil gushes out from under the Atlantic by the Opposition before, during and after the Budget Debate!! Never mind that they’re the ones who gave away the “gushes” in such binding fashion we’re getting peanuts while the Oil majors are skinning their teeth all the way to their banks. And let’s not get sucked in by this cussing out of “capitalist economic rapists”. Remember the Chinese Govt-owned oil giant CNOOC’s raking in 25% of the ill-gotten gains!! Well, let’s remember Comrade Deng’s aphorism that “it doesn’t matter whether the cat is black or white – once it catches mice!!” – for our own development!! The Chinese have done quite well with their (black) capitalist cat, thank you!!
Anyhow, the Opposition bemoaned that 48% of our people are living in “poverty” as of 2019 – when they were in office! As to whether they did anything to bring down that percentage they (coyly) didn’t say. But the first billiondollar contract they gave to one of their friendly fund raisers and cronies to build a “stadium” at Durban Park certainly didn’t do anything to lower it!! $500 million still can’t be accounted for!! But the question of that “poverty” measure was questioned since after we were promoted from being a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) under the first PNC Government to a High-Income Country under the PPP!! While the qualification for being “poor” keeps getting raised, the US poor still has more income than most of our “middle class”! In a word, poverty’s always relative! Anyhow, it now appears that the income method of measuring poverty has its own problems – for instance folks invariably understate their income. They don’t like paying taxes, if the truth be told!! And even their “expenditure” is problematical as we well know. We’re now assured that money alone doesn’t measure “poverty” – man doesn’t live by bread alone, remember?? So, we were informed about “multidimensional poverty”. Seems there are other aspects to poverty than not having money – such as school attendance, educational achievement, barriers of access to health services, unemployment, food insecurity, and overcrowding in homes.
Now this might just overturn some entrenched ideas about who’re poor in Guyana. Which has been used by opportunistic politicians to foster resentment they exploit in explosive riots against “richer” groups! So let’s see what this might just reveal. For school attendance – which group are more rural and their kids might slip under the radar on school attendance?? Don’t the cities and municipalities have better access to the top “premier” schools and health facilities?? And so on and so forth??
Will the rural natives now rise up with their pitchforks??
…Ole St Valentine
Well, Friday’s gonna be Valentine’s Day…and a whole lotta chocolates and flowers will be sold!! So who was this Valentine guy whose name was appropriated to romantic love?? Interestingly (to your Eyewitness!) he was a Roman Catholic monk – who appears to’ve followed the Biblical dictum – “Lord, give me chastity – but not yet!!” The Roman Emperor Claudius hadn’t converted to Christianity and was trying to stave off the new religion that was attracting converts in the multitudes.
In addition to feeding them to the lions, he banned Christian marriages – to stop them from “multiplying” when he only wanted “subtracting?? – and this is where Valentine stepped in. He kept on performing marriages and was executed on Feb 14 for his efforts – after a long period of imprisonment. Seems he had some skin in the love game since he wrote a love note to his jailer’s daughter before losing his head.
He’s also the patron saint of beekeeping, epilepsy, the plague, fainting and travelling. Just so you know!!
...Haitians
After years of holding up his hands to the heavens like a Biblical prophet for some relief for the beleaguered Haitians, your Eyewitness saw President Trump just cut the funding that kept the few foreign Police peacekeepers going! Oy vey!!
The woman’s stepfather, Godfrey Sutherland, who was attacked
Guyana to begin giving flu shots, 12,000 doses to arrive soon
As the Government of Guyana works aggressively to ensure the country’s health sector is fully equipped to deal with various health scenarios. The Health Ministry will soon roll out influenza vaccines to citizens - the first of its kind in the country.
This was revealed by health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Monday
we do surveillance, changes in how we have improved our labs, and changes in the training that we have offered to the staff that is working in our Ministry, and also changes in terms of collaboration with other agencies…so, think about maybe about two years ago, we did not have a lab, whether it's at the reference level or at any other level, where we were able
during the launch of the Health Ministry, Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the International Health Regulations National Focal Point Committee commend two days of consultations to develop Guyana’s 2024 State Party SelfAssessment Annual Report (SPAR).
“And this year, our intention is that we want to start introducing influenza vaccines for healthcare workers, and also for the elderly. And so, we have already started the process and very soon, we'll have about 12,000 doses of these vaccines coming into the country. And we'll start rolling out this programme.”
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry is also working to implement disease surveillance among the animal population.
While delivering remarks at the opening ceremony, Dr Anthony revealed that over the past few years the country’s surveillance capabilities were significantly improved through investments made by the Ministry.
“Over the last, I would say, three years, what we have seen is changes in how
to do work for detecting of viruses but now, we have changed that, because we are now able and we have the capability of detecting a series of viruses.”
Dr Anthony said that the Ministry is currently working to develop a robust
surveillance system that will cover both animals and humans. This new system he noted will significantly strengthen Guyana’s preparedness for any future pandemic, adding that in most cases viruses are transmitted from animals to humans.
“So, we don't want to build one surveillance system that is just for infectious diseases. We want to look at one integrated surveillance system that would be in every one of our facilities. We want to use the existing infrastructure of telemedicine, where we have internet connectivity at these 84 sites to enhance how we do surveillance…Apart from looking at surveillance in the human population, we are now looking at how we integrate this with the environment and with animal health.”
The Health Minister added, “we know, of course, that if we are going to work
to be ready for a next pandemic, then the likelihood that there would be a shift or a jump from animals, a virus from animals into the human population. And when that jump occurs, we must be able to have systems in place so that we can detect any changes that is occurring. And that is why it's important to have this integrated surveillance.”
Additionally in relation to surveillance, the Health Minister revealed that with funding from international agencies such as the World bank, the Ministry will be tackling several weak areas.
“In 2023, we had applied to the Pandemic Fund for $15 million and we weren't successful in 2024, we enhanced our proposals,
and we went back to the Pandemic Funds and this time, we were successful. And we partner with the World Bank because apart from us getting US$15 million as grant funding, in partnership with the World Bank, we'll be borrowing US$7 million and so, this project that we have looked at the deficiencies that we felt were in the system.”
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony
Health officials during the meeting on Monday
Campbellville Health Centre to be rebuilt into modern 3-storey facility
Residents of Kitty/ Campbellville, Georgetown, and surrounding areas can expect improved healthcare following the National Assembly's approval of over $800 million last Wednesday for the reconstruction of the Campbellville Health Centre. Construction is set to begin this month, with completion expected within a year.
The upgrading of the facility was revealed by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony during this year’s budget consideration of estimates & expenditure.
“In terms of Campbellville’s Health Centre, we are breaking down that health centre. We are investing there close to $800 million to build a new health facility at Campbellville.”
According to the Health Minister, the new facility design features a modern three-story building which will be equipped with vital medical services such as medical imaging among others.
“It's a three-story building with all the amenities being in there… And that would include in that facili-
ty, it would include imaging services that would be done right on site.”
The Minister revealed that the new design will allow the Health Ministry to cater for residents from both the Kitty and Campbellville area in one central location.
“Kitty, that facility, we don't own it, as you know that's a place we have been renting, but we feel when we complete the Campbellville Health Centre, they'll be able to absorb that catchment area because of the design that we have for Campbellville.”
Moreover, while the building is being reconstructed Dr Anothony highlighted that patients will be diverted to a facility located on Duncan Street for medicals services.
“So, while we are building the new Campbellville Health Centre, we have relocated the functions, the facility to a temporary lo-
cation. So, we have to rent there as well. So that's located in Duncan Street.”
Guyana’s public health sector received a whopping $129.8 billion budgetary allocation last year, the largest budgetary allocation ever for the sector. Out of that budget, $10.3 billion was allocated towards the paediatric and maternal hospital at Ogle.
Another $15.5 billion was allocated for the construction of six regional hospitals at Bath, De Kinderen, Diamond, Enmore, Lima and the No. 75 Village.
In this year’s health budget, $2.98 billion has been set aside to support the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), and ensure that the facilities, furniture, vehicles and equipment needed for its smooth running are available. A sum of $28 billion was set aside for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies, with $852 million also set aside for projects that include new training facilities in Suddie and New Amsterdam, in keeping with the Government’s efforts to dramatically increase the number of local medical professionals.
Overall, $143.2 billion has been budgeted for Guyana's health sector this year.
Bandit shot in foot after robbing, attacking Chinese supermarket
Police have launched an investigation into a robbery that occurred at Titan Supermarket, located at Lot 196, 2nd Field, Cummings Lodge, on Monday.
According to reports, two bandits arrived at the supermarket at about 15:51h on a motorcycle, allegedly armed with fake firearms. Upon entering the establishment, one of the suspects confronted the security guard on duty and forcibly took his firearm. Meanwhile, the oth-
er suspect jumped behind the counter and assaulted supermarket employee Lifang Lin by punching her in the face before grabbing $30,000. When Guyana Times visited the supermarket, this publication was told that as the suspects attempted to flee the scene, the business owner confronted them while armed and discharged his weapon. It is alleged that one of the bandits sustained a gunshot wound to the foot before managing to escape.
The supermarket that was robbed
Local firm to host expo to launch AI tech to detect gas leaks, advance major industries
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries worldwide, local company
BeAiFA Labs is set to host an AI Expo aimed at educating the Guyanese citizens on the power of AI-driven solutions.
BeAiFA Labs, is a pioneering technology company, was established in Guyana in June 2024. The highly anticipated event will take place at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre and will introduce innovative AI technologies designed to revolutionise businesses and industries.
At the heart of the event is the Cerebro Generative AI Platform, which is designed to transform data into actionable insights and optimise operations across various sectors. The expo will highlight how businesses can leverage AI to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and streamline operations.
According to Yahya, a major focus of the event will be financial inclusion, financial wellness, and financial literacy, with AI as the driving tool.
“Something that is at our core is financial inclusion, financial wellness, and financial literacy. And something that aids us greatly with that
Cerebro’s key features include: Automated Content Creation – Streamlines workflows by generating marketing content, and reports.
Meanwhile other key features include - Advanced Data Analytics in which it Converts raw data into meaningful insights for informed business decisions.
Cerebro’s key features also entails Enhanced Customer Engagement with AI-driven chatbots and automated messaging improve customer interactions.
Speaking with the Guyana Times on Monday, the company’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiya Yahya, stated that the summit will provide key insights into AI software and its role in modern business.
is AI. A lot of what we currently do involves AI functions and components. With this AI Expo, we want to showcase that—to show people the software and hardware we have available, as well as the broader impact of AI.”
She added that the expo will not only showcase BeAiFA’s in-house AI applications but will also address its potential impact on Guyana’s key industries, including oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Yahya explained that the expo will introduce AI-driven tools designed to address critical challenges across multiple sectors, including oil and gas, by reducing downtime and equipment failures by 30 per cent.
“We have cameras capable of performing advanced functions such as medical imaging, age estimation, and surveillance. These cameras can even identify persons of interest in large crowds at major events. If there is a list of individuals deemed a security risk, the technology can detect and flag them in real time.”
She added, “In addition to that, it can even detect gas leaks, it can detect issues in the soil so there are a lot of things that are going to be happening at this event.”
Additionally, she noted that AI can detect gas leaks and analyse soil conditions, making it a valuable tool in agriculture and environmental safety.
Meanwhile, Yahya highlighted how BeAiFA’s AI products can benefit the manufacturing sector.
“AI would aid in inventory management for the manufacturing sector, as well a product scheduling, We have a 25 per cent efficiency boost based on our case studies with regards to that.”
She emphasised that the AI Expo is completely free, as its primary goal is education and awareness.
“We welcome everyone because this event is about educating the public on the potential of AI and how it can transform businesses and daily life.”
The BeAiFA AI Expo promises to be a groundbreaking event, showcasing cutting-edge AI solutions that can drive innovation and efficiency across Guyana’s economy.
Led by a team of visionary Guyanese and Indian professionals, AiFA Labs is committed to fostering local talent and positioning Guyana as a hub for AI innovation.
“We are thrilled to introduce AiFA Labs to Guyana and bring world-class AI solutions to businesses,” said Harish Mandadi, Founder & CEO of Aifa Labs. “Our mission is to empower organisations with transformative AI tools that drive efficiency and growth. (Mishael Henry)
Public Relations Officer Sadiya Yahya
New 10-year Guyana e-passport rolled out with enhanced security features
he Home Affairs
TMinistry on Monday announced that it has rolled out the new Co-operative Republic of Guyana 10-year passport.
According to the Ministry, the new passport is a key component of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s vision for modernising Guyana and enhancing service delivery for its citizens.
This new passport features enhanced security measures and design elements aimed at improving both identity protection and the travel experience for Guyanese citizens. Applicants will now have the option to choose between a five-year or ten-year validity period. The cost for the five-year validity remains at $6,000, while the cost for the ten-year validity is $12,000 for an ordinary passport, allowing individuals to make an informed decision based on their needs.
While the existing policy remains in effect, the Ministry noted that future adjustments may include extended waiting periods for replacement documents to deter
and investigate possible fraudulent claims.
“The Central Immigration and Passport Office urges citizens to stay informed and exercise pa-
tience during this transition. Further updates, including the activation of the online application platform, will be shared in due course.”
Law Revision Commission advancing work on updating laws
The Ministry also stated that the new passport incorporates advanced security features, including an embedded electronic chip. This upgrade, it stated, aligns Guyana with international standards for secure travel documents, ensuring smoother border crossings and enhanced authentication. Additionally, the design of the new passport embraces the One Guyana theme, reflecting the nation's unity and cultural diversity.
“In keeping with the Government’s digital transformation agenda, efforts are underway to introduce an online application system shortly. While applicants are currently required to submit manual applications at passport offices countrywide, the integration of an online platform will allow citizens to apply remotely, streamlining the process and reducing wait times,” the Ministry stated.
A key element of the new
passport system is the introduction of enhanced data collection. All applicants will be required to undergo biometric enrollment, including fingerprinting, to further enhance document security.
The Ministry said that it is important to note that individuals, who applied for a passport on or before February 7, 2025, will receive the previous version. However, all applications submitted from February 10 onward will receive the new e-passport.
As part of efforts to prevent any abuse of the system, the process of replacing lost or damaged passports is currently under review.
The Law Revision Commission of Guyana, led by Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP met on Monday with Manager and Legislative Publisher of the Anguilla-based Regional Law Revision Centre Inc, Yolande Dash. The meeting, held at the AG’s Chambers focused on the ongoing law revision exercise for the Laws of Guyana.
The last official revision of the Laws of Guyana, commonly referred to as the Purple Volumes, was published in 2012. Currently, the Regional Law Revision Centre Inc. is conducting a comprehensive data capture, law revision, and consolidation exercise covering the pe-
riod from 2012 to 2022. The project is expected to be completed by June 2025.
During the discussions, Dash highlighted the significance of this revision effort, emphasising its importance for the country’s legal framework. She is currently in Guyana to provide updates on the exercise and will continue to engage with members of the Law Revision Commission and other key stakeholders to offer guidance on the process.
AG Nandlall reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the law revision while maintaining a thorough and comprehensive approach. He also discussed collaboration with the Regional Law Revision Centre Inc to
facilitate ongoing training for members of the Law Revision Commission, ensuring continuous updates to the Laws of Guyana. The Law Revision Commission operates under the authority of the Law Revision Act, Cap. 2:02, which mandates the preparation, publication, and maintenance of the country’s legal statutes. This initiative is essential to ensuring that Guyana’s legislative framework remains current and accessible.
Also present at the meeting were Permanent Secretary, Adele Clarke; Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Joann Bond; Parliamentary Counsel, Melissa Adolphus; Law Revision Officer, Renee Sandiford-King; and Legal Assistant, Deneille Griffith.
The new 10-year passport
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP, meeting with Manager and Legislative Publisher of the Anguilla-based Regional Law Revision Centre Inc, Yolande Dash along with other officials at the Attorney General’s Chambers, Georgetown
MoM not only about building houses – National Coordinator
As the Men on Mission (MoM) initiative launched by President Dr Irfaan Ali continue to transform the lives of vulnerable citizens, the programme’s National Coordinator has explained that the initiative is more than just building houses for those in need.
The MoM programme is to expand its reach and impact across Guyana with a budgetary allocation of $700 million this year.
Of this sum, $395 million will be used to build 52 houses for vulnerable individuals nationwide.
Over the weekend, three houses that were built by MoM were handed over to three families in Berbice.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha handed over a house at Mount Sinai popularity referred to as Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, to 31-year-old Shelly Doodnauth, a single mother, of four.
Doodnauth had been living in a dilapidated building with her children.
Also on Saturday Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat handed over a semi furnished house to 62-yearold Brijwanti Mangru of Port Mourant, Corentyne and an-
other one to Diwanti Sirpat, of Number 60 Village, Corentyne.
MoM works in all regions across the country. The programme, launched by President Dr Irfaan Ali in 2022, was intended to bring together men from all walks of life to tackle various issues affecting the population.
MoM gets a lot of publicity for its housing assistance projects.
However, National Coordinator Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli said the initiative is not only focusing on housing assistance. In fact, much emphasis is being placed on the youth empowerment programmes it has established.
Five such programmes have been established thus far.
“One in Region Four at the One Guyana Kitchen on Main
Street, one in Region Nine in Lethem and three in Region Six. We will be focusing a lot to make sure that those threeyouth empowerment programmes in Region Six get the same kind of support as in Region Four and Region Nine,” Murli explained.
The Youth Empowerment Programmes focus on youths from vulnerable communities in a selected catchment area and have them transported from school to the centre where there is homework assistance, they are mentored and provided with life skills. Additionally, they are provided with assistance on various academic challenges the child may have either in English, Mathematics or any other subject area.
Apart from that, depending on the child’s age, career
guidance is also provided.
“We are going to establish more in 2025, and we are also going to be focusing on the men empowering programme where we would have a safe space for men to have dialog and discussions on various challenges that men would be confronted with " Murli added.
The MoM built homes for 50 persons in 2024, providing solitude and comfort to the previously hopeless.
Hundreds of persons were also given housing assistance and thousands were engaged in educational and motivational talks geared at empowering men to be compassionate, healthy and functional leaders in society.
The 2025, funding will allow MoM to expand these services and reach more communities.
“Those are some of the programmes we are focused on. The housing assistance programme would have seen more prominence and that is because as we went to various communities, we recognised that there was this need.
Primarily His Excellency recognised that and added it to the initial set up of the Men on Mission programme,” the national MoM coordinator said. (G4)
Health Ministry to introduce digital dentistry this year
The dentistry department in the public health sector can look forward to improved services this year with the introduction of digital dentistry services, which were provisioned for in the Health Ministry 2025 Budget.
Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony shared about this development during the budget estimates last week Wednesday. Once operationalised this new initiative will see citizens being able to procure dental crowns within hours.
“We are moving towards digital dentistry, where when somebody comes in if they need a crown it would be able to be designed on the screen and once that is designed, they send it to a mill and it's milled right in the facility and within an hour they will be able to put in that crown for you. So we have bought the equipment and this year we should get that up and running,” Dr Anthony informed.
According to Anthony the digital dentistry service will build on the existing improvements and expansion that have been made towards dental services available in the pub-
lic health care system. This year’s MOH budget is catering for an increased output of almost 6000 additional preventative and curative procedures most of which will cater for dental procedures.
“What we have been able to do here over the last couple of years is to increase the amount of dental chairs that we have. Every region now has the capacity to do dental care and we have improved the facilities that we now have at the Cheddi Jagan dental centre. We have been able to do a lot more procedures and we are now doing services like root canals at some of the facilities. We also recently added CT scans and X rays at quite a number of our facilities,” he noted.
In the 2025 Budget, the health sector was allocated $143.2 billion to, among other priorities, build capacity, improve services, and expand health infrastructure.
During the consideration of the Ministry’s budget estimates in the National Assembly, Anthony had highlighted the Government’s commitment to building a worldclass healthcare system.
New CDB President for 3-day visit to Guyana
Newly appointed Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) President, Daniel Best is slated to arrive in Guyana today for a threeday visit where he will meet with President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr Ashni Singh and other Government officials for discussions.
Best, who was elected in December 2024 and commenced his tenure recently as the Seventh President of the Bank, is slated to visit a number of places and inspect various project sites in the country while here. He is also expected to hold various meetings with the Finance Minister and officials of his Ministry in relation to ongoing projects for which the Bank has provided partnership assistance.
In a release, the Finance Ministry said that Singh, while congratulating Best soon after his appointment had noted that the new president is well-equipped to lead this work at this critical juncture.
“Guyana looks forward to working closely with Daniel as we tackle the pressing needs of our Region and as we work together to improve the lives of all of the people of the Caribbean,” the Minister had said.
The objective of the visit is to reaffirm the CDB’s commitment to Guyana and to explore opportuni-
ties for expanded partnership in pursuit of national development goals. The visit also provides an opportunity for dialogue between the Bank and the Government of Guyana on the Government’s economic objectives and priorities and how CDB can continue to provide support for these through its assistance and lending programmes. The Bank has been partnering with Guyana on a number of projects such as educational facilities, the Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute in Port Mourant, Corentyne and the Linden to Mabura Road currently under construction.
Guyana is one of the founding members of the CDB, having joined in 1970 and the Bank has been a leading partner in the country’s development over the past half century. CDBfunding in Guyana has been used for social and econom-
ic infrastructure, including schools, water systems and climate- resilient roads.
In 2020, the CDB, which is the region’s sole indigenous multilateral development finance institution based in Barbados, approved US$9.9 million for the construction of the modern Hospitality and Training Institute and US$190 million for upgrading 121 kilometres (km) of roadway from Linden to Mabura Hill – the largest ever project in the Bank’s history.
Best was a Senior Infrastructure and Development Advisor to the Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados, seconded from his role as Director, Projects Department at CDB.
With over 30 years of experience as a Civil Engineer, Project Management Professional, and Development Banker, he is known for his ability to foster strong work-
ing relationships and leading teams to success. Under his leadership, the CDB Projects Department was able to transform the lives of approximately 1.6 million Caribbean people in the areas of education, access to resilient infrastructure and expansion of inclusive opportunities to women and girls’.
CDB had stated that Best not only spearheaded the Bank’s collaboration outreach to other regional international financial institutions (IFIs), but also led the development of the Bank’s first Sustainable Financing Framework and created the window to mobilise private capital for regional development. He graduated from the University of Durham with a Master of Business Administration and holds a Master of Science in Construction Engineering and Management from the University of the West Indies (St. Augustine)
CDB President Daniel Best
National Coordinator Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Nursery, primary, and primary-top students from Karasabai, Tiger Pond, Tiperu, Pai Pang, and Kakshibai had an exciting Career Day at the Karasabai Health Centre, South Pakaraimas, Sub-district, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). From Police Officers to firefighters, these young minds explored their dreams in a fun-filled event on Friday (Agriculture in Region 9 photos)
Police Welfare Dept hosts sensitisation outreach, educating ranks on benefits
Members of the Police Welfare Department hosted a sensitisation outreach on Monday at the Special Constabulary Headquarters on Princess Street, Georgetown.
In a post on the GPF’s social media page, it was stated that the outreach aims to sensitise the ranks about the benefits they are entitled to during their service. Representatives for the Guyana Co-operative Credit Union Limited, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Dependent Pension Fund (DPF), GTM Group of Companies, and the Welfare Department ensured that ranks were brought up to date with all services offered by them. Each representative, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said, provided a detailed explanation of the short-term and long-term advantages within their department.
representative, Sergeant Shellon Azore, briefly explained how ranks can be eligible to borrow from the credit union. She explained that loans can be approved for the purposes of medical, funeral, domestic, education, motor
Doctor robbed inside hostel compound in broad daylight
Adoctor attached to the Health Ministry was robbed inside the compound of a hostel located on Lamaha Street, Georgetown.
Police on Monday said that they are investigating a robbery with violence matter committed on a 49-yearold female doctor.
Reports are that the doctor was robbed of one Samsung smartphone valued at $25,000 on Sunday at about 08:30h.
Enquiries disclosed that the woman was sitting on a flowerpot inside the hostel's fenced compound, checking her smartphone, when the suspect pushed open the gate, which was secured by an internal bolt, entered the compound, and approached the victim, who was still sitting.
He dealt her several slaps across her face and relieved her of her cell phone. He then ran out of the compound and escaped west on Lamaha Street, Georgetown. Police said that Several persons in the area were contacted and interviewed as investigations continue.
vehicle, housing, house appliances, legal expenses, and firearms. She further explained to the ranks how they can borrow in excess of three times their ordinary savings at a 1 per cent charge on the monthly reduced balance of the loan. Approvals are guaranteed within days of applying. The ranks were also urged to update all relevant information to the Credit Union as soon as practicable.
Wazir Khan, who repre-
sented GTM in his presentation, provided a breakdown of all the benefits that ranks are eligible for. This medical insurance scheme, while it is optional for ranks, offers a substantial payout for basic and comprehensive medical care. It provides a 70/30 per cent payout and has proven to be invaluable since its inception in 2016.
Inspector Sharon Ferguson-Mingo, who is currently in charge of the Police
Welfare Department, in her presentation, reiterated the department's commitment to ensuring a proper working environment for all ranks. She also noted the services the department offers, such as loans, bursaries for children of ranks who completed the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), medical, fire/natural disasters, family maintenance, retirement clearance, hospitalisation, and benevolent fund benefits.
The Police Credit Union
A section of the gathering at the Police Welfare Department sensitisation outreach on Monday
CDB’s 55th AGM Meeting to drive action for a stronger, greener, more inclusive Caribbean
The 55th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors (BOG) of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), to be held in Brasília, Brazil, from June 9 – 12, 2025, will mark a renewed drive for building resilient institutions, improving collaboration between countries, and increasing private sector partnerships to create a stronger Caribbean.
The Annual Meeting’s theme, “Building the Future: Resilient Institutions for a Greener, Stronger, and Inclusive Caribbean”, and its official logo were unveiled on February 10 at the Hilton Hotel in St Michael, Barbados.
CDB’s new President, Daniel Best emphasised that the meeting’s focus underscores the Bank’s commitment to transforming lives in the Caribbean by enabling resilient institutions to drive sustainable development.
“The theme for this year’s Annual Meeting represents our collective ambition and commitment to respond to the critical challenges facing our people by reimagining how we make our institutions more fit for purpose,” he explained.
“The choice of Brazil as our host is significant. Brazil’s extensive experience and culture of innovation present us with the oppor-
tunity to deepen our cooperation and leverage Latin America’s strengths to support the Caribbean’s development agenda. Our discussions in Brasília will center on actionable and transformational strategies, highlighting the "rebirth" of the Bank as it evolves to meet the changing needs of its member countries amidst rapidly shifting global and multilateral paradigms. Our goal is to create institutions that can withstand external pressures while paving the way for equitable prosperity,” President Best added.
The Annual Meeting convenes CDB’s Board of Governors, the highest level of leadership guiding the institution. Brazil, one of CDB's Latin American members, will host the meeting for the first time. The Chairperson of the Board, Viviane Vecchi Mendes Muller, Brazil’s Deputy Secretary for International Affairs and Development, said the Meeting agenda will advance shared regional priorities, addressing climate change, deepening private sector engagement, and enhancing multilateral partnerships.
"The focus of the 55th Annual Meeting aligns closely with Brazil’s vision for regional cooperation and CDB’s mission. Brazil values its relations with the region and
acknowledges the importance of keeping our countries connected. It is well known that Brazil has also been championing, designing, and implementing programmes for social inclusion, with a focus on food and nutritional security. We are well aware of the challenges brought by climate change in all of those fronts. I'm confident that CDB’s ongoing efforts to enhance institutional strength and resilience will benefit both the Bank and its member countries,” Chairperson Vecchi Mendes Muller explained.
“The Meeting’s theme also presents a valuable opportunity to link discussions to the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which Brazil will host in November. We are convinced that this meeting will not only strengthen the CDB’s resilience but also deepen the ties between Brazil and the Caribbean. We look forward to welcoming you to Brasília,” she added.
Beyond the high-level discussions, the Meeting will facilitate knowledge-sharing, networking, and informative forums for policy development and decision-making. The full agenda will be released in the coming months. All public sessions will be streamed live, ensuring global accessibility to these critical discussions. (CDB)
PAHO warns of increased risk of dengue outbreaks in the Americas
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological alert regarding the increased risk of dengue outbreaks in the Americas, attributed to the growing circulation of the DENV-3 serotype in several countries in the region. PAHO urges countries to strengthen their surveillance, early diagnosis, and clinical management to address potential increases in dengue cases.
Dengue, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, has four serotypes: DENV1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Immunity against one serotype only provides lifelong protection against that specific serotype, meaning that subsequent infections with other serotypes can increase the risk of severe forms of the disease. The appearance or rise of a serotype that was not previously predominant in a region can lead to a surge in cases due to greater population susceptibility.
The DENV-3 serotype has been identified in several countries across the Americas, including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru. In 2024, Argentina reported its circulation, marking the introduction of this serotype into the country. In the same year, Brazil and Colombia reported an increase in cases associated with DENV-3, particularly among children, and it has also been detected in other countries in Central America and the Caribbean. This serotype has been linked to severe forms of the disease, even in primary infections, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.
The reemergence of
DENV-3, after a prolonged absence in certain areas of the region, increases the vulnerability of populations that have not been previously exposed to this serotype.
In 2024, the Americas region reported over 13 million cases of dengue, of which 22,684 were classified as severe (0.17% of the total) and 8,186 resulted in deaths (case fatality rate of 0.063%).
In the early weeks of 2025, 23 countries and territories in the region reported a total of 238,659 cases, with the majority concentrated in Brazil (87%), followed by Colombia (5.6%), Nicaragua (2.5%), Peru (2.5%), and Mexico (2.5%). Of these cases, 263 were severe, and 23 people died as a result of the disease.
PAHO recommends that countries strengthen vector control measures, enhance diagnostic capacity within healthcare systems, and ensure early and adequate treatment for patients to prevent severe complications. Public education campaigns to reduce exposure to
mosquito vectors and eliminate breeding grounds are also essential. Regarding vaccination, according to the evidence generated by the manufacturer and published in the main phase 3 study, the TAK-003 dengue vaccine, used in some countries in the region, has shown lower protection against DENV-3, especially in children without a history of infection. This highlights the need to ensure safe vaccination and maintain continuous monitoring of adverse events potentially attributable to the vaccination.
PAHO is closely monitoring the evolution of DENV3 circulation along with the other serotypes, and will continue supporting countries in implementing effective control and response measures to potential outbreaks. It is critical that healthcare systems are prepared to manage the expected increase in cases and mitigate the risk of severe complications associated with this disease.
At least 50 die in Guatemala after bus plunges off bridge
Abus veered off a highway bridge into a polluted ravine in Guatemala City early on Monday, killing at least 51 persons and trapping survivors, a spokesperson for the city's fire department said.
The densely-packed bus was traveling into the capital from the town of San Agustin Acasaguastlan on a busy route into the city from when it plunged approximately 20 metres from Puente Belice, a highway bridge that crosses over a road and creek.
The spokesman, Carlos Hernandez, said the bodies of 36 men and 15 women had been sent to a provincial morgue set up for the accident.
Images shared by the fire department on social
2 flights
media showed the bus partially submerged in wastewater surrounded by victims' bodies.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo de-
carrying
US
clared three days of national mourning and deployed the country's army and disaster agency to assist response efforts. (Excerpt from Reuters)
deportees
heading to Venezuela, alleged gang members aboard
Two planes carrying Venezuelan migrants deported from the United States –- the first since a January deal between the Administration of US Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro – are heading to Venezuela, the South American country's Government said on Monday.
The flights, run by Venezuelan airline Conviasa, are part of a plan to repatriate thousands of migrants who fled Venezuela "because of economic sanctions and the campaigns of psychological warfare against our country", the Government statement said.
Some of the people on the flight are allegedly involved in illegal activities
with the Tren de Aragua gang, the statement said, and will be vigorously investigated for criminal ties.
Trump envoy Richard Grenell met with Maduro in Caracas on January 31, where the two men discussed migration and sanctions, among other issues. Grenell left the South American country with six Americans who had been held by Venezuelan authorities.
The Trump Administration has said it is a priority to deport members of Tren de Aragua from the US and Trump himself said after Grenell's visit that Maduro agreed to receive all Venezuelan illegal migrants and provide for their transportation back home.
The Venezuelan
Government says it destroyed Tren de Aragua within its borders in 2023.
Trump's administration has also moved to remove deportation protection from about 348,000 Venezuelans in the US, who could lose work permits and then be deported in April.
More than seven million Venezuelan migrants have left their country in recent years amid a sustained economic and social collapse blamed by the Government on sanctions by the United States and others.
Maduro and several allies have been indicted by the United States on drug trafficking charges and international observers and the country's Opposition say a July election which gave Maduro his third term was fraudulent. (Reuters)
Father jailed for sexually abusing twins in the Bahamas
AHigh Court Judge in the Bahamas has rejected a plea for a lesser sentence from both the prosecution and the defence and sentenced a 37-year-old father to five years in jail after indicating that he had committed a serious breach of trust.
The father faced a potential maximum sentence of eight years.
“A child should always be able to rely on the strength of their father. You are their safe space. In that safe space that was their home, you sought to abuse these two young
girls,” Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson said as she imposed the sentence on the man who was convicted of sexually abusing his three-year-old twin daughters in July last year.
The man admitted to indecently assaulting his twin daughters with his 16-year-old daughter breaking down in tears as she recalled how she saw her naked father touching one of her siblings intimately.
The man was arrested for two crimes in August 2024 and was not released on bail.
Ecuador election ends in a 'tie' prompting run-off
Ecuador's presidential election will go to a second round after a closely-contested first round failed to produce an outright winner.
The electoral authorities called it a "technical tie" after the incumbent centre-right candidate, Daniel Noboa, and his main left-wing challenger Luisa González received nearly identical percentages of the vote.
The pair will now face a run-off in April. The result is far narrower than opinion polls had predicted, indicating the second round could be harder to call.
As of 17:00 local time (22:00 GMT), with more than 94 per cent of the ballots counted, Noboa had a 44.2 per cent share of the vote and González 43.9%, according to local media.
The narrow result also dashed the hopes of Noboa's supporters, who had been buoyed by an early exit poll suggesting he might clinch victory outright.
The President's supporters gathered in Quito, wav-
ing flags, donning T-shirts with his image and holding life-size cardboard cut-outs of the incumbent president.
These cut-outs, depicting Noboa in various outfits – from suits to tank tops and sunglasses – have become ubiquitous symbols across the country decorating front doors, apartment windows, and even car rooftops.
Noboa's presidency has been defined by his focus on tackling severe gang violence.
He implemented emer-
gency measures to deploy the military to streets and prisons to curb rising crime.
Many of his supporters hope he will secure a mandate in the run-off to continue his security policies.
"He's helped us a lot, from when there was gang violence so bad that we couldn't even go out," said Fernanda Iza.
The 45-year-old added: "The support of the military he's introduced – their presence is already helping. (Excerpt from BBC News)
US-funded Cuban media in limbo after Trump orders USAID closed
Some US-funded me-
dia outlets that report on Cuba are seeking alternative sources of financing while the Trump Administration pursues a plan to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID), leaving their fate in limbo.
The US State Department has issued worldwide stop-work directives – now under court review – that have effectively frozen most foreign aid, including funding for media outlets that cover Cuba but operate independently of the Cuban Government.
The move to dismantle USAID, Trump has said, is aimed at ensuring foreign aid is aligned with his
"America First" policy.
Miami-based CubaNet, which received a dedicated US$500,000 from USAID in 2024 to engage "on-island young Cubans through objective and uncensored multimedia journalism", last week published an editorial on its site seeking donations from readers.
"We are facing an unexpected challenge: the suspension of key funding that sustained part of our work," the editorial read. "If you value our work and believe in keeping the truth alive, we ask for your support."
The Madrid-based Diario de Cuba, in a column from Director Pablo Díaz Espí on Friday, launched a similar plea.
"Aid to independent journalism from the US Government is suspended, which makes our work even more arduous," Diaz Espi said.
The decision to slash the funding appears to conflict with a broader US government policy towards Cuba that has long funded Opposition and human rights advocacy groups, as well as "independent" media. The programmes infuriate the Cuban Government, which has long chided the US and its aid agency for underwriting digital news outlets it calls proxies for US foreign policy. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Lisa Indar is Carpha's new executive director
The court heard that the father shared a bedroom with his children. He slept in the same bed as the toddlers, one of whom is autistic, while his teenage daughter had her own bed.
In passing sentence, Justice Grant-Thompson heard from the man’s Attorney, Sonia Knowles and Director of Public Prosecutions, Cordell Frazier, that due to his relatively early guilty plea and his lack of similar convictions, they believed a four-year sentence was appropriate. (Excerpt from Nation News)
Dr Lisa Indar is the new executive director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (Carpha).
This was announced on Monday in a Carpha press release which said her appointment became effective February 1. She was interim executive director since July 2024, having served in the substantive post of director, surveillance, disease prevention and control since 2019, as well as head of the regional tourism and health programme since 2014.
The release said that at a recent staff retreat, Indar shared her vision for the agency and unveiled the new stra-
tegic plan 2025-2030.
Indar, Carpha said, has over 20 years' experience in regional and international public health. She holds a PhD, MSc (Distinction) and BSc (Honours) with multidisciplinary qualifications.
Under her stewardship, she led several key public health initiatives, including coordination of Carpha’s successful, multi-faceted regional health response to the pandemic, working with 26 countries, chief medical officers, and international and regional stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the virus across the Caribbean. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
First responders carry the body of a victim following the deadly bus crash, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, February 10, 2025 (Reuters/Cristina Chiquin photo)
A composite image of the two candidates, Daniel Noboa and Luisa González, who have made it through to the second round of the Ecuadorean presidential election [Reuters]
Dr Lisa Indar, the new executive director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (Photo courtesy Carpha)
Around the World OIL NEWS
Oil prices advance despite concern over more US tariffs
Oil prices rebounded on Monday despite lingering fears over a potential global trade war after US President Donald Trump's latest tariff plans, this time targeting steel and aluminium.
Brent crude futures were up 87 cents, or 1.2 per cent, at US$75.53 a barrel by 1413 GMT. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude added 1.3 per cent, rising 90 cents to US$71.90.
Monday's gains could be down to bargain hunting after the market posted a third consecutive weekly decline last week, pressured by the concerns over global trade.
"It's tariff uncertainty which is the name of the game. This affects risk appetite in general and has spillover effects into oil," said Harry Tchilinguiran at Onyx Capital. "After last week's declines, some people may be buying into the dip."
Trump announced on Monday 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the United States.
A week ago he announced tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, but suspended those for the neighbouring countries the next day.
There are concerns that tariffs could dampen global economic growth and energy demand. But in light of Trump's temporary backdown last week, investors appeared to be shrugging off the steel and aluminium tariff threat for now, said IG analyst Tony Sycamore.
"The market has realised tariff headlines are likely to continue in the weeks and months ahead," he said, adding that there was an equal chance they could be walked back or even increased at some point in the near future.
"So perhaps investors are coming to the conclusion it's not the best course of action to react negatively to every headline."
China's retaliatory tariffs on some US exports are due to take effect on Monday, with no sign yet of progress in talks between Beijing and Washington.
Oil and gas traders are seeking waivers from Beijing for US crude and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports.
Trump said on Sunday that the US is making progress with Russia to end the Ukraine war, but he declined to provide details about any communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Sanctions imposed on Russian oil trade on January 10 disrupted Moscow's supplies to its top clients, China and India.
Washington also stepped up pressure on Iran last week, with the US Treasury imposing new sanctions on a few individuals and tankers that help to ship Iranian crude oil to China.
"These sanctions on Iran and Russia, they are biting. This is tightening the market," said SEB analyst Bjarne Schieldrop. Rising natural gas prices are also contributing to oil price gains by boosting demand for cheaper fuels, he added.
Brent crude is forecast to average US$60 to US$65 a barrel in the second half of 2025 because Trump will be persistent in his desire to lower energy prices and he will ultimately prove to be a bearish influence on the market, Citi analysts said. (Reuters)
Trump says Hamas should free all hostages by midday Saturday or “let hell break out”
Trump says Hamas should free all hostages by midday Saturday or “let hell break out”
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Hamas should release all hostages held by the militant group in Gaza by midday Saturday or he would propose cancelling the IsraelHamas ceasefire and "let hell break out."
Trump cautioned that Israel might want to override him on the issue and said he might speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
But in a wide-ranging session with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump expressed frustration with the condition of the last group of hostages freed by Hamas and by the announcement by the militant group that it would halt further releases.
"As far as I'm concerned, if all of the hostages aren't
returned by Saturday at 12 o'clock, I think it's an appropriate time. I would say, cancel it and all bets are off and let hell break out. I'd say they ought to be returned by 12 o'clock on Saturday," Trump said.
He said he wanted the hostages released en masse, instead of a few at a time. "We want 'em all back."
Trump also said he might withhold aid to Jordan and Egypt if they don't take Palestinian refugees being relocated from Gaza. He is to meet Jordan's King Abdullah today.
The comments came on a day of some confusion over Trump's proposal for a US takeover of Gaza once the fighting stops.
He said Palestinians would not have the right of return to the Gaza Strip under his proposal to redevelop the enclave, contradicting his own officials who had sug-
Trump raises tariffs on aluminium, steel imports in latest trade war salvo
President Donald Trump substantially raised tariffs on steel and aluminium imports on Monday to a flat 25 per cent "without exceptions or exemptions" in a move to aid the struggling industries but which increases the risk of a multi-front trade war.
Trump signed proclamations raising the US tariff rate on aluminium to 25 per cent from his previous 10 per cent rate and eliminating country exceptions and quota deals as well as hundreds of thousands of product-specific tariff exclusions for both metals. A White House official confirmed that the measures would take effect on March 4.
The tariff rate will rise back to 25 per cent on millions of tons of steel and aluminium imports from Canada, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea and other countries that had been entering the US duty free under the carve-outs.
The move will simplify tariffs on the metals "so that
everyone can understand exactly what it means" ,Trump told reporters. "It's 25 per cent without exceptions or exemptions. That's all countries, no matter where it comes from, all countries."
Trump later said he would give "great consideration" to Australia's request for an exemption to the steel tariffs.
The proclamations were extensions of Trump's 2018 Section 232 tariffs to protect domestic steel and aluminium makers on national security grounds. A White House official said the exemptions had eroded the effectiveness of these measures.
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Trump also will impose a new North American standard requiring steel imports to be "melted and poured" and aluminium to be "smelted and cast" within the region to curb US imports of minimally processed Chinese and Russian metals.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
gested Gazans would only be relocated temporarily.
Trump's comments come as a fragile ceasefire reached last month between Israel and Hamas is at risk of collapse after Hamas announced on Monday it would stop releasing Israeli hostages over alleged Israeli violations of the agreement.
Israel's Arab neighbours, including Egypt and Jordan, have said any plan to transfer Palestinians from their land would destabilise the region.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Musk-led group makes US$97.4B bid for ChatGPT maker OpenAI
Aconsortium of investors led by Elon Musk offered US$97.4 billion to take over OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT.
The billionaire's attorney, Marc Toberoff, confirmed he submitted the bid for "all assets" of the tech company to its board on Monday.
The offer is the latest twist in a longstanding battle between Musk, the world's richest man and right hand to US President Donald Trump, and Open AI chief executive Sam Altman over the future of the start-up at the centre of the AI boom.
In response to the bid, Altman posted on Musk's social media platform X: "no thank you but we will buy twitter for $9.74 billion if you want."
OpenAI is widely credited with helping bring artificial intelligence tools into the mainstream and sparking huge investment
in the sector.
Musk and Altman co-founded the start-up in 2015 as a non-profit company, but the relationship has soured since the Tesla and X boss departed the firm in 2018.
Altman is said to be restructuring the company to become a for-profit entity, stripping it of its non-profit board – a move Musk argues means the company has abandoned its founding mission of developing AI for the benefit of humanity. But OpenAI argues its transition into a for-profit firm is required to secure the money needed for developing the best artificial intelligence models.
The bid to take over OpenAI bid is being backed by Musk's AI company xAI, as well as several private equity firms, including Baron Capital Group and Valor Management.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
US will push European allies to buy more arms for Ukraine, say sources
The Trump Administration plans to push European allies to buy more American weapons for Ukraine ahead of potential peace talks with Moscow, said two people with knowledge of the matter, a move that could improve Kyiv's negotiating position.
The plan, if formalised, will offer some reassurance to Ukrainian leaders who have worried that
President Donald Trump might block further aid to the country, whose military has been slowly losing territory under fierce Russian assault in the east.
European countries previously had purchased American weapons for Ukraine during the Biden Administration.
US officials, including Trump’s Ukrainian envoy, Retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg,
will discuss the possible weapons purchases with European allies this week during the Munich Security Conference, the sources said.
It is one of several ideas the Administration is discussing to potentially continue US weapons shipments to Kyiv without expending significant US capital, they added.
In an interview on Monday with Reuters,
Kellogg declined to confirm the plan but said, "The US always likes selling weapons made in America because it strengthens our economy.
"There are a lot of options out there. Everything is in play right now," Kellogg said, adding that the shipments previously approved by former President Joe Biden still were flowing into Ukraine.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Palestinians, who were displaced to the south at Israel's order during the war, make their way back to their homes in northern Gaza amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip, January 27, 2025 (Reuters/Ramadan Abed photo)
Keep busy. Tidy up, clear space and update your surroundings to better accommodate your plans and prospects. Someone you encounter will grab your attention.
A skeptical approach to what someone proposes will give you time to ask questions and check out the facts. Tame your emotions before getting into a conversation that can damage a friendship.
Distance yourself from people who try to exploit your generosity. Indulge in chasing information that will keep you up to date and informed. An emotional connection you have with someone will gain momentum.
Take nothing for granted. If you love someone, be upfront about your plans and determine where you stand. Put more time and energy into maintaining a good reputation.
Look before you leap. Have everything in place before you initiate something or someone new into your life. Not every offer will have the same value or positive impact.
Set high standards, and don't back down just because someone challenges you. An efficient plan will come in below budget and offer long-term benefits. Your discipline will pay off.
A passionate approach to what you want will help you convince others to tag along for the ride. Your vivid description of how you see things unfolding will put you in the spotlight.
Engage in activities that ease stress and take your mind off situations you cannot control. Look inward and focus on what you can do to improve yourself, your skills and your future.
Today is all about maintaining equality and striving for common ground. Take a unique approach to running your home and dealing with personal relationships. Be compassionate toward yourself.
Protect your health, well-being and reputation. Relying on others will lead to disappointment. Change can be good if you take the initiative and do the work yourself.
Rather than challenge others for having different opinions, channel your energy into pursuing the most agreeable path. Focus on personal improvements and projects that bring you joy.
Participation will be in your best interest. Sign up for something that interests you. An open mind and a desire to try something new will lead to something exceptional.
Williamson powers New Zealand home, Breetzke's record 150 in vain
New Zealand have qualified for the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series final after completing the third-highest successful chase in Lahore to beat an under-strength South Africa by six wickets. The result means the next match, between Pakistan and South Africa in Karachi on Wednesday, is a knockout.
Kane Williamson and Devon Conway, both back in New Zealand's One-Day International (ODI) squad for the first time since the 2023 World Cup, scored 133 not out and 97 respectively and shared in a record partnership for New Zealand against South Africa (187). Conway's score was the first time he crossed fifty since the opening match of the 2023 World Cup, 11 innings ago. Williamson's century was his first in 22 innings, dating back to his 148 against West Indies in Manchester in the 2019 World Cup. It was also Williamson's second fastest ODI hundred, off 72 balls. Between them, the pair eclipsed a remarkable achievement by Matthew Breetzke, who became the player with the highest individual score on ODI debut –150 – and the fourth South African to score a century in his first match.
Breetzke accounted for just under half of South Africa's total, which is the first indication of where things went wrong for them. They scored too slowly in the mid
dle of the innings, especially given the flat nature of the track. The second issue was a severely-uninspired attack, albeit not a first-choice one. Three of the bowlers – Eathan Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy and Mihlali Mpongwana –were on ODI debut and could be forgiven but lack of punch from Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi, who conceded 116 in 16 overs between them will be a concern ahead of the Champions Trophy.
South Africa have now lost five ODIs in a row, their longest losing streak in 20 years, but have played all their matches without a full-strength side. While they're unlikely to have too many positives to take from this de -
ing rate of 5.31 runs to the over was testament to New Zealand's squeeze. South Africa struck only two fours and three sixes in the 17 overs between Bavuma's dismissal and Smith's run-out, as they tried to take on Mitchell Santner, but were largely kept quiet. In that time, Breetzke brought up his 50 off 68 balls.
When Smith was run-out, New Zealand had an opportunity to get into an inexperienced middle order and they took it. Kyle Verreynne tried to reverse-sweep the fourth ball he faced, missed and was bowled by Michael Bracewell. Another quiet period followed, in which South Africa only hit one boundary in 11 overs, as the combination of Ben Sears, Bracewell, and Matt Henry stuck to their discipline.
ahead of the required run rate just after the halfway stage of their innings and were in full control from there. They had only lost Will Young at that point, for 19, though he should have been out for 6 in the third over. Smith dropped Young at backward point off Ngidi, but the miss did not prove too costly.
to get in, all while scoring at a run-a-ball, and then took over the more dominant role from Conway, who got to fifty first. Conway's half-century came off 64 balls, before Williamson reached his, off 44 balls, with a massive six over mid-on off Shamsi. It was also Williamson's fourth successive fifty-plus ODI score in Pakistan. He took a liking to Mpongwana and Ngidi's short-balls while Conway took on Shamsi and South Africa had no answers.
Williamson got to his century in the 34th over with a single off Dala. Conway was
not far behind and eager to get there, but, when he was on 97, he tried to cut Dala past point and found Muthusamy, who moved to his left and took the catch.
Muthusamy was the pick of South Africa's bowlers and dismissed Daryl Mitchell, thanks to a stunning catch from Mulder at long-on, and Tim Latham off successive balls, but Glenn Philipps partnered Williamson to the end. Williamson hit the winning runs in the 49th over, to give New Zealand victory with eight balls to spare. (ESPNcricinfo)
SCOREBOARD
South Africa (50 ovs maximum)
Matthew Breetzke c Bracewell
b Henry 150
Temba Bavuma (c) c †Latham
b O'Rourke 20
Jason Smith run out (Santner/†Latham) 41
Kyle Verreynne †
b Bracewell 1
Wiaan Mulder c Mitchell
b O'Rourke 64
New Zealand
(T: 305 runs from 50 ovs)
Eathan Bosch not out 7
Senuran Muthusamy c Bracewell
b Henry 2
Mihlali Mpongwana not out 1
Extras (lb 3, w 15) 18
Total 50 Ov (RR: 6.08) 304/6
South Africa were 196 for 3 entering the last 10 overs and 280 looked a distance away. Breetzke took it on himself to get them there. He dispatched O'Rourke through deep third to bring up his century off 128 balls in the 41st over, and then put his foot down. His next fifty runs came off 19 balls as he brought out his full range. His 150 came in an over where he hit Sears for 20.
Just as it seemed Breetzke could be eyeing a double, he mis-read a Henry slower ball and was caught at midoff. Wiaan Mulder, who had largely operated as a spectator to that point, had the responsibility to finish off the innings, but was fortunate to have an inside-edge trickle away for four before he established some control. He reached his second ODI fifty with a crunching cover drive off Henry, off the 54th ball he faced, and took South Africa over 300 with a four through short fine in the penultimate over. South Africa got only four runs off their final eight balls.
It was not enough. New Zealand built slowly, but got
His dismissal brought Conway and Williamson together and there was one nervy moment, when Williamson inside-edged Junior Dala past Verreynne, but he soon settled into a rhythm and put on a masterful display of run-scoring, all around the wicket. His wagon wheel was almost entirely symmetrical, with 67 runs on the off side and 66 on the leg side, and the highlights included four strong cut shots and a creative ramp over Verreynne as he leaned back to an Ngidi delivery.
Equally, Williamson's pacing of his innings was perfect. He gave himself time
Implementation of more robust recruitment and selection processes to ensure the most qualified candidates fill key positions within the organisation.
Ethical and compliance measures
Centralised the ethics and disciplinary functions to one independently-chaired Integrity & Dispute Resolutions Committee.
Strengthened financial reporting and disclosure requirements for greater accountability.
Public release of an annual report consistently for the past four years, ensuring transparency and accessibility of key organisational activities and strategic priorities.
Public release of annual audited financial statements, reinforcing financial accountability, demonstrating fiscal responsibility, and building trust among stakeholders.
Financial oversight and risk management
Establishment of an Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee to enhance financial oversight and transparency.
Employment of an Audit, Risk & Compliance Manager/Chief Audit Executive.
Restructuring of the CWI Finance Department.
Implementation of recommendation of a Business Situation Assessment & Financial Review
Gender Equality and women’s cricket development
Introduction of business-class travel for the West Indies Senior Women’s team for all long-haul international flights.
Single-room accommodations for the West Indies Senior Women’s team on all international assignments, aligning with the men’s policy. Establishment of the Women’s Cricket Transformation Committee to develop strategies for increasing female participation and strengthening the women’s game.
Greater investment in the High-Performance pathway for women’s cricket, including the launch of a West Indies Women’s Academy programme.
A perfect start to Matthew Breetzke's ODI career went in vain
Devon Conway brought up his half-century off 64 balls
One Guyana Basketball League…
Nets, Flames extend Panthers, East Coast All-Stars’ winless streak
On Sunday, an abundance of buckets was witnessed at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) as the Guyana Basketball Federation’s One Guyana Basketball Premier League continued, with the Jets, Meadowbrook Nets, Flames and Retrieve Raiders registering wins.
The opening match of the night saw the University of Guyana Trojans looking to extend their unbeaten streak coming against the Jets, who were looking to bounce back off a previous loss. The first quarter was dominated by the Trojans with the score 17-7.
But the determined Jets looked to overturn their deficit, outscoring their opponents in the second quarter, 14 points to 12. However, the scoreboard continued to be in favour of the Trojans, 29-21.
The Jets once again rose above their competition in the next quarter, with the Trojans only able to muster 18 points to their 22; but the Trojans still had a 47-43 lead going into the fourth quarter.
The Jets' determination showed phenomenal results in the fourth quarter as they went on to record the win.
The baskets kept flowing for the Jets – 23 points versus the Trojans’ 18 points for an overall score of 66-65.
The second match of the night saw the Panthers looking to register their first points against the Meadowbrook Nets, who were looking to extend their unbeaten streak. The Nets controlled the tempo of the game with an early lead of 25-15.
The dominance from the Nets did not seem to slow down in the second quarter
as they went on to swish 16 points while the Panthers were restricted to 11 points, for a 41-26 scoreline.
The defensive strength of the Nets came out full force in the third quarter as the Panthers were only able to score two points. The Nets added 19 points, for a 60-28 scoreline.
They went on to secure their third consecutive win as the scoreline read 69-36, for a 33-point victory.
The Flames looked to have a successful weekend
E-Net powers Mashramani Street Football Championships
E-Net formally handed over its support for the ongoing Mashramani Street Football Championships, powering the event that has its semi-finals and final slated for Saturday night at the renowned National Park, culminating what has been two weeks of exciting street football.
E-Net renewed its support for the event that has attracted 32 teams from communities all across Guyana. In a press release, Sports Management Inc expressed gratitude for the continued backing of E-Net, stating that the company continues to be supportive of grassroots sport. According to the release, grassroots sport is important because it is usually the first stage of talent identification and development.
"We applaud E-Net for getting involved at this level. It shows that the company is committed to the development of sports at all levels," the release stated.
The document highlighted that the Mashramani Street Football Championships has been nothing short of spectacular with "jaw-dropping" displays of football skills and talent. The tournament will culminate with
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with two consecutive wins as they fought against an East Coast All-Stars side looking to bounce back from losses. They led from the jump ball for a first quarter scoreline of 23-8.
A resilient performance
from the Flames was deemed to be key in the second quarter as they scored 19 points while the All-Stars were restricted to 15 points, with the score being 42-23.
The Flames tightened their grip on the lead with a 17-point third quarter with the All-Stars only mustering four points for a 59-27 scoreline.
The Flames with smiling faces headed back to Region 10 as they accumulated a 38-point margin of victory with a score of 78-40. Despite missing their coach and seemingly, buckets, Retrieve Raiders followed their Region 10 counterparts as they registered a 62-59 victory over Mc Doom/ Prospect Kobras.
Jamaica Poised for historic pink-ball Test pending Sabina Park light upgrades
Jamaica’s cricket fans could be treated to seven nights of international cricket this July when Australia arrives for a Test match and two T20 Internationals, but that excitement hinges on the completion of crucial lighting upgrades at Sabina Park.
Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) President, Dr Donovan Bennett has revealed that the upcoming West Indies v Australia Test match, scheduled for July 12-16, 2025, could mark Jamaica’s first-ever pinkball Test match. This would be only the second pink-ball Test in the Caribbean, following the 2018 encounter between the West Indies and Sri Lanka at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Dr Bennett spoke to Sportsmax.TV, emphasising the significance of upgrading Sabina Park’s lights, a move that would allow day-night Test cricket to become a reality in Jamaica.
“The match against Australia may be a pink-ball game. That is what is happening right now,” Dr Bennett stated.
Test cricket is heading to Jamaica in July
tracting larger audiences both at the stadium and worldwide.
Dr Bennett also highlighted the importance of crowd attendance, stating that Cricket West Indies (CWI) is currently assessing fan turnout across the Caribbean.
The JCA has been actively working to enhance Sabina Park’s infrastructure, starting with a US$1 million high-definition scoreboard, donated by the Indian Government. An Indian contractor is expected to arrive this week to begin the installation, which will significantly improve the viewing experience for both local spectators and global audiences watching on television.
a grand final four and final Saturday night. The winner will pocket $500,000, second place
$300,000, third place
$200,000 and fourth place
$100,000.
Trophies will be given to teams placing first to third while the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament gets $50,000 and a tro-
phy. There will also be a Plate Play-offs featuring the four losing quarter-finalists and the top two teams from the Super-16 round for a total purse of $100,000 while each of the top three teams in the competition will be rewarded with one case of Magnum Tonic Wine.
“So, if the Test match lasts as we hope it would, then we would have seven nights of cricket in Jamaica. I am a little excited about that – we have never had a pink-ball game.”
The decision to introduce a pink-ball Test would not only enhance fan engagement, but also ensure prime-time television coverage, potentially at-
“One of the things that the CWI is looking at right now is an assessment of crowd sizes across the Caribbean, because there has been a tendency for some countries not to support the game at all. There is a Test match and two people turn up. So, you may very well find that certain territories may end up with difficulty getting international games because of the response of the population,” he noted.
With Australia’s visit bringing a marquee Test match followed by T20Is on July 20 and July 22, Dr Bennett is hopeful that an energised Jamaican crowd will help secure the nation’s place as a prime destination for future international fixtures.
The most pressing upgrade, however, is the lighting system, which is estimated to cost JM$75 million (US$500,000). Dr Bennett confirmed that efforts to secure funding and complete the installation are progressing, raising optimism that Jamaica will indeed host its first-ever pink-ball Test match this July.
If all goes according to plan, Sabina Park could become the centre-piece of Caribbean cricket this summer, setting the stage for a historic and unforgettable series against Australia. (Sportsmax)
Action between Mc Doom/Prospect Kobras and Retrieve Raiders
E-Net
Tiffany Ramdyhan (left) makes the presentation to SMI principal Edison Jefford
Pitamber, Joshi dominate competition at National U16 Chess Championships
Candidate Master (CM)
Sachin Pitamber and Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Aditi Joshi delivered outstanding performances last Saturday, rising as the top players in their respective categories of the highly-competitive Kitty Square Mall-sponsored National Under-16 Chess Tournament held at the School of the Nations.
The tournament, hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), saw 58 talented junior players – 36 boys and 22 girls – battle through seven rounds of rapid chess. Each player had 20 minutes per game, with a five-second increment per move.
Pitamber showcased his exceptional skill in the open division, accumulating an impressive 6.5 points to clinch the championship title once again. The young CM, who gained his chess title last year at the previous Chess Olympiad in Hungary, was the 2024 Under-16 champion. When asked about his performance, Pitamber said, “I was ecstatic, having won the U16 championships for two years, and I had high hopes, aspirations, and determination to win. I have improved my performance from last year, which I'm glad about, and I look forward to retaining my title next year."
The stronger players competing this year, he believed, made the tournament more thrilling than last year, highlighting the competitive nature of chess.
It was a close call for Pitamber as Kyle Couchman was close on his heels, also with 6.5 points, but due to the tie-break system, he emerged as the winner. Pitamber's half-point came from the draw with Couchman. Couchman finished an outstanding second with his draw against the tournament champion. Newcomer to the national competition scene, Jaden Todd displayed remarkable resilience, securing
third place with 5.5 points.
In the girls' division, WCM Joshi showcased her tactical prowess, securing 6.5 points to claim the championship title after securing the National Under-14 title last year. She stated that she was confident in her potential, but was nervous because of competition from Ciel Clement and Kataleya Sam. The young WCM said the competition was very high compared to the previous two years. Joshi's draw came from the match with Clement.
Recently-crowned Under-12 Girls champion, Kataleya Sam followed closely behind in second place with
6 points. Sam's loss came from her match with Joshi. Clement rounded off the top three with 5.5 points, underlining the fierce competitive spirit on display among the girls.
In the open division, notable performances came from National Under-12 champion Abel Fernandez, who placed fourth with 5.5 points; Alexander Zhang; Mahir Rajkumar; Omar Shariff; Arysh Raghunauth and Aiden Tinnie, who all finished with five points each.
Parnita Kishun finished fourth with 5 points, while Kaija Clement, Tharisha Montes De Oca, Angelina Yhap, Divya Persaud, Amaya Sharma, and Lusianna Farlot all ended with four points.
Participants represented various schools in and around Georgetown, reflecting the growing appeal of chess among Guyanese youth. Students from the Bishops’ High School, Christ Church Secondary, Dolphin Secondary, Marian Academy, New Guyana School, Richard Ishmael Secondary, School of the Nations, St Joseph High, St Rose’s High, Queen’s College and Queenstown Secondary played in the highly-anticipated competition.
The Chess Federation saw a significant increase in juniors’ participation
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at this year's National Championships, particularly in the U14 and U16 age groups.
This success is largely due to the growth of chess programmes in Georgetown schools, both public and private. The Ministry of Education's inclusion of chess in the curriculum under the Priority Areas Programme, led by Saeed Zameen, is now yielding positive results. Some students from participating schools – including Christ Church, Dolphin Secondary, Richard Ishmael Secondary, Queenstown Secondary, and St Joseph High – are now competing at a higher level, which will enhance their overall abilities and development. Chess offers numerous benefits to students, fostering critical and cognitive thinking, as well as problem-solving skills.
The National Junior Chess Championship Qualifiers, an Under-20 event scheduled for July 2025, will be the next national youth competition and typically draws the largest number of participants.
The GCF has extended heartfelt gratitude to Kitty Square Mall for its generous sponsorship and to the School of the Nations for providing a venue for the competition, ensuring a successful and memorable tournament.
CWI passes historic governance reform at special meeting of shareholders
Cricket West Indies
(CWI) on Monday announced that its Full Member shareholders have officially approved a historic set of governance reforms at a Special Meeting of Members of Cricket West Indies Inc on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
This landmark decision represents a significant step in modernising the organisation’s governance structure, enhancing accountability, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of West Indies cricket.
At the forefront of these reforms is the introduction of a term limit of a maximum of three terms of three years each for the positions of President and Vice President. This critical change ensures fresh leadership opportunities, promotes continuity while preventing stagnation, and aligns CWI’s governance framework with modern best practices.
Additionally, the reforms include the increase of the term of the President and Vice President from two years to three years. This change will take effect from the next presidential and vice-presidential elections, which are due in March 2025.
CWI President Dr Kishore Shallow hailed the passage of these reforms as a landmark achievement: “Today marks a defining moment for Cricket West Indies. With the implementation of long-overdue
term limits and critical governance reforms, we are taking a bold and uncompromising step toward stronger, more transparent, and accountable leadership. For years, governance has been at the heart of regional debate, with stakeholders demanding change. This is not just reform; it is a necessary transformation that will ensure Cricket West Indies is led with integrity, vision, and responsibility. These changes lay the foundation for a more dynamic and forward-thinking institution, one that truly serves the best interests of West Indies cricket.”
The governance reform process has been a strategic priority for CWI, undergoing extensive discussions and consultations over the past few years, including insights from the Wehby Report.
President Shallow emphasised the collaborative effort behind this milestone: “I extend my sincere gratitude to our Full Member shareholders for their leadership and commitment to the entire process. Their support has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward, reaffirming our collective responsibility to safeguard and strengthen West Indies cricket. I also wish to express my deep appreciation to Don Wehby and his Task Force colleagues along with His Excellency, Michael Findlay for their invaluable contributions—their report served as a crucial roadmap in shaping this important reform. Additionally, I acknowledge past president Ricky Skerritt for his shared vision to strengthen our governance structure with the
initiative of this Task Force in 2019.”
The Full Member shareholders who attended the meeting were the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA); Guyana Cricket Board (GCB); Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA); Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB); Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) and Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB).
President Shallow also stated: “For decades, I have championed term limits in leadership, ensuring fresh ideas and new energy at the helm. I fought for this principle as President of St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Windward Islands Cricket Board, and I stand by it today. While the decision was not unanimous, there is no division in Cricket West Indies.
Every territorial board stands united in one common purpose –to strengthen our organization, uphold transparency, and secure a brighter future for West Indies cricket. We move forward together, committed to the growth and success of the game we all love.”
The introduction of term limits and the term extensions, adds to a list of other sweeping governance reforms designed to strengthen CWI’s operational structure and accountability. Over the years, CWI has implemented several governance changes aimed at improving its structure and efficiency. These include:
Board and leadership structure
Introduction of term limits for the President and Vice President
Extension of the President and Vice President's term from two to three years.
The appointment of more female independent directors to the Board to enhance gender representation in decision-making, ensuring a broader range of expertise and perspectives.
Implementation of a Strategic Governance Committee.
Reduction in the number and size of committees.
Increased involvement of independent committee members.
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CWI members approved the governance reforms at a Special Meeting on Sunday
CONCACAF U17 Boys’ Qualifiers…
– Bonofiglio
On the heels of a fighting 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago on Friday last, Guyana’s National Under-17 football team, the Junior Jaguars will now be looking for their first win in the CONCACAF U17 Qualifiers, as they take on St Maarten in their second group game today.
The Junior Jags will come up against St Maarten
at the Estadio Nacional in Costa Rica from 18:00h this evening. Reflecting on their first outing in the tournament, Head Coach Marco Bonofiglio expressed his contentment with the result.
“There’re many positives that we can take away from this first match against Trinidad and Tobago. They showed very good signs of being a very strong team.
Having said that, our boys battled to the point where we held our objectives that we worked on in training camp. I thought there were many positives to take away from the game on how we were able to manage the stress, manage the opportunities, deal with objectives that we held and move to an amazing, positive result,” Bonfiglio shared in an invit-
ed comment.
Detailing some of the areas that the team worked on in their three-day break before their upcoming game, the Head Coach assured that the U17 team is “strong, hungry and looking for three points”.
West Indies Championship… Round 2 hero Imlach “in a good place” with batting
“It’s First-Class cricket, any opportunity to play for your country is important and it’s important that you treat it with the respect it deserves. So, for me, anytime I get the opportunity to play cricket, I’m looking to put my best foot forward, score runs for the team and do well behind the stumps as well. I’m just trying to focus on a game at a time and you know, anything else after will take care of itself.”
Those were the words of Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) Captain Tevin Imlach on Tuesday last, on the eve of the team’s second-round West Indies Championship clash
difficult situation. Not only did he score an innings-saving 126 off 239 deliveries, he followed up with 80 off 125 to lead his team to victory.
Reflecting on his first-innings performance, Imlach identified patience as a key aspect.
“For me, it was really just about playing a ball at a time, going through the process. At the end of the day, you want to score runs as a batter and when you’re the captain, even more so. So, it was really just about being patient, understanding my scoring areas and sticking to that as long as possible,”
With five more rounds of FourDay action left, one can expect more from the classy righthander who says he’s in a “good place” with his batting.
“In any tournament you want to start well. Happy to be among the runs and get some; disappointed the way I got out this [Saturday], but I’ll take the score. I’m in a good place as a batter, you know, I’m clear in terms of how I want to go about approaching things. So, happy about the result in the end and my performance as well,” Imlach said.
The Guyana Harpy Eagles will take on West Indies Academy in Round Three, which is set to bowl off at 13:00h on Wednesday, February 12 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
“Looking into the improvements that have to be made for the next match, I think it comes down now to the recovery that we’ve had a couple of days and us getting sharp in those moments where we know we can hurt other teams as well,” the Coach added.
Bonofiglio went on to share the team’s mindset heading into today’s battle, “So, the mindset of the boys right now is we’re going to create another record. Our objective is to win our first match and we’re looking to put all the cards on the table, all the objectives being hit, executing to the point where we get our first win and I think that’s the mindset right now. We have a strong, hungry team looking for three points as we
look forward to tomorrow’s [today’s] match against St Maarten.”
The Junior Jags are in Group B of the CONCACAF U17 Qualifiers alongside hosts Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, British Virgin Islands and St Maarten. The eight group winners in the CONCACAF Qualifiers will each secure a spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup, scheduled for Qatar in November 2025.
Prashad claims victory at thrilling DEMLIFE Golf Tournament
The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) was alive with excitement on Saturday, February 8, 2025, as golfers teed off in the highly-anticipated DEMLIFE Golf Tournament.
The lush fairways and challenging greens set the stage for a day of intense competition, where seasoned players battled fiercely for the coveted title. At the end of an exhilarating contest, Patrick Prashad emerged as the tournament champion, demonstrating exceptional skill and consistency to secure victory with a gross score of 76, a handicap of 10, and a net score of 66.
The tournament showcased top-tier golfing talent, with Mike Mangal finishing a close second with a gross 77, HC 8, and net 69, while Jaipaul Suknanan rounded out the top three with a gross 80, HC 9, and net 71. Other standout performances included Brian Hackett, who claimed the Nearest to the Pin award, and Mohanlall Dindanauth, who displayed immense power to take home the Longest Drive title.
Prashad further cemented his dominance by also securing the Best Gross award with his impressive 76.
A celebration of sportsmanship and partnership
Speaking on behalf of Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society (DEMLIFE), Marketing Assistant Jason Khan emphasised the company’s commitment to fostering community engagement through sports.
"We are proud to sponsor this event. At DEMLIFE, we
believe in activities that bring people together, and today's tournament was a testament to that spirit. Congratulations to all the winners, and we look forward to continuing this partnership in the years ahead."
LGC President Anasha Ally also expressed gratitude for DEMLIFE’s ongoing support, highlighting the significance of corporate partnerships in sustaining the sport.
"On behalf of the Lusignan Golf Club, I extend my sincere appreciation to Demerara Mutual. Your sponsorship and participation are invaluable, and we encourage you to continue supporting the club in the future. Today was a fantastic day of golf, even though some players felt they could have performed better. The course played exceptionally well, thanks to the dedication of our staff who worked tirelessly to ensure a successful tournament."
According to the LGC, the DEMLIFE Golf Tournament is more than just a sporting event – it represents the
enduring collaboration between Lusignan Golf Club and Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society, a partnership built on shared values of excellence, resilience, and community development. With a legacy spanning over a century, Demerara Mutual has cemented its reputation as a trusted insurance provider, serving more than 20,000 policyholders across Guyana and the Caribbean. Through initiatives like this tournament, the company continues to reinforce its dedication to enhancing the well-being and financial security of its clients.
As the sun set on another successful edition of the DEMLIFE Golf Tournament, the Lusignan Golf Club reaffirmed its position as Guyana’s premier golfing destination – a place where sport, camaraderie, and corporate support come together to drive the future of golf. With sponsors like DEMLIFE investing in its growth, the club is poised for an exciting and prosperous season ahead.
The Guyana Harpy Eagles will come up against West Indies Academy next
