Total, Qatar Energy among companies to sign PSAs for oil blocks this year
Miner found dead in Pomeroon River; drowning suspected
All ports to get
end – DCIO
Police nab man in $450K robbery of businesswoman at Friendship Diamond
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Tuesday, February 4 –21:30h-23:00h and Wednesday, February 5 – 22:00h-23:30h.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Tuesday, February 4 –08:10h-09:40h and Wednesday, February 5 – 08:55h-10:25h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Light to thundery showers are expected throughout the day and at night, interrupted by sunshine in the late afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.92 metres.
High Tide: 08:43h and 21:15h reaching maximum heights of 2.55 metres and 2.41 metres.
Low Tide: 14:45h reaching a minimum height of 0.68 metre.
Gas-to-Energy Project cost dispute
Govt & US contractor to decide whether to proceed to arbitration
…given 28 days by Dispute Avoidance Board to decide next step
With a ruling having been issued by the Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Board (DAAB) on the Gasto-Energy (GtE) dispute between the Government of Guyana (GoG) and Lindsayca/CH4, the Government now has 28 days to decide on whether to go forward with arbitration.
According to a statement from the Office of the President, the DAAB issued its ruling on January 31, 2025. While it did not say what the ruling was, citing confidentiality, it was explained that both parties now have 28 days to decide on their next course of action, namely whether they wished to refer any of the decisions to arbitration.
“It would be recalled that certain aspects of the project were executed on the GoG’s behalf by ExxonMobil. The GoG will, therefore, in the next few weeks, in consultation with its partners, including ExxonMobil, as well as relevant legal and technical advisors, determine the best course forward for GoG,” the Office of the President said.
“The GoG’s priority continues to be to ensure that the project is completed in the shortest possible time and in keeping with contractual specifications, with a view to bringing the power plant and the NGL [Natural Gas Liquids] plant into operation and delivering the associated benefits to the Guyanese people as soon as possible.”
The Office of the President reminded that when completed, the project’s benefits would include a doubling of the country’s electricity generating capacity to keep pace with the growing demand and the slashing of electricity prices paid by consumers, by 50 per cent.
“This will, in turn, catalyse rapid expansion in industrial activity, and immediately improve the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector and all other productive sectors that are energy intensive, bringing vast employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for Guyanese nationals.
“Additionally, the completion of the project will facilitate other benefits such as a reduction in the cost of LPG cooking gas to households and businesses, and the realisation of domestic self-sufficiency with significant surplus for the export market,” the Government further explained.
As such, the Office of the President explained that the project would not only generate significant foreign currency savings for Guyana as a result of reduced imports, but also generate additional export rev-
enue. This will in turn bring with it macroeconomic benefits like a stronger balance-of-payment position and help grow the economy.
The Joint Venture formed by United Statesbased companies Lindsayca and CH4 was awarded the US$759 million contract in November 2022 to build the 300-megawatt (MW) Combined Cycle Power Plant and a NGL facility at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) – key components of the GtE Project.
However, there was a three-month delay in various components of the project that would affect LNDCH4-Guyana’s delivery of the power plant in accordance with the contractual timelines. While the Government had extended the deadline by three months, the contractor was not satisfied and wanted more time.
This resulted in LNDCH4-Guyana making financial claims to the tune of US$50 million, stat-
ing that the delays would cost the company millions in liquidated damages. The Guyana Government has already rejected this financial claim thus resulting in the contractor activating a dispute resolution mechanism.
As a result, a DAAB was set up to settle the matter between the two sides. Meanwhile, there is another claim related to soil quality which the contractor is seeking compensation for.
During a recent tour, LNDCH4 Guyana General Manager (GM) Humberto Lopez told reporters that when they received the prepared construction site, it was not to the specified stabilisation requirement and they had to undertake additional work.
As such, he had revealed that they were looking for financial compensation for the additional works that had to be done to stabilise the project site. However, last year Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had confirmed that while there
was a claim relating to the soil condition, those claims would have to go through a technical process to determine whether they were justified or not.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration’s flagship GtE initiative is divided into five components: the pipeline from offshore production activities to Wales, the building of the power plant and NGL facilities, the transmission main to move power generated at the power plant, a new control centre at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and upgrading the national power grid.
While LNDCH4-Guyana was given the contract to build the two plants, the procurement and installation of the 225-kilometre gas pipeline from the Wales project site to the offshore oil field is being executed by US oil major ExxonMobil, which is carrying out production activities in the Stabroek Block. (G3)
World Cancer Day & closing care gap in Latin America & Caribbean
On World Cancer Day today, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has issued a critical call to action: Governments in Latin America and the Caribbean must prioritise access to essential cancer medicines, supplies, and equipment. This urgent appeal underscores a grim reality that cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the Americas, claiming over 1.4 million lives annually. With more than four million new cases each year, the fight against cancer demands immediate and sustained attention.
Director of PAHO, Dr Jarbas Barbosa has emphasised that equitable access to treatment is vital to improving survival rates and quality of life. The barriers to care – high costs, inefficient procurement systems, and limited distribution networks – are not insurmountable, but addressing them requires a coordinated, multipronged approach.
One such approach is pooled procurement, which can help drive down the exorbitant prices of cancer medications by increasing predictability in demand. This model has proven successful in other health sectors and must be expanded to include essential cancer medicines. Additionally, updating treatment protocols and streamlining distribution networks will help ensure that no patient is left behind simply because of where they live or their economic status.
Nowhere is the inequality in cancer care more glaring than in the treatment of childhood cancers. In Latin America and the Caribbean, approximately 30,000 children and adolescents under the age of 19 are diagnosed with cancer annually, and nearly 10,000 of them will die from the disease. In stark contrast, in high-income countries, the survival rate for childhood cancer exceeds 80 per cent. In many lowand middle-income countries (LMICs), however, the rate plunges to about 20 per cent, primarily due to a lack of access to affordable, quality-assured medicines.
Recognising this disparity, PAHO is working with global partners such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and UNICEF to improve childhood cancer care. Through the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, PAHO is ensuring a continuous supply of affordable, highquality cancer medicines to LMICs. This initiative, backed by a 2024 agreement with St Jude, aims to strengthen national procurement systems and enhance supply chain resilience, offering hope to thousands of children who otherwise face devastating odds.
A crucial resource in this battle is PAHO’s Strategic Fund, which enables countries to obtain essential cancer medicines and critical tools for prevention and early detection. Dr Barbosa has urged nations to take full advantage of this fund, which also provides Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests for cervical cancer screening and treatment devices for cervical pre-cancer cases. Investing in these resources now will yield long-term benefits, saving lives and reducing the economic burden of late-stage cancer treatment.
One of the most preventable forms of cancer, cervical cancer, continues to claim around 40,000 lives each year in the Americas. Yet, with the right strategies in place – widespread HPV vaccination, effective screening programmes, and timely treatment – it is a disease that can be eliminated as a public health issue. PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative has set ambitious yet achievable targets for 2030: 90 per cent vaccination coverage for girls by age 15, 70 per cent screening coverage with high-precision tests for women at ages 35 and 45, and 90 per cent treatment for precancerous lesions and invasive cervical cancer cases.
Encouragingly, 48 out of 51 countries, including Guyana and territories in the region, have already introduced HPV vaccination, with many adopting the more accessible single-dose scheme. Additionally, PAHO is supporting nations in accessing HPV vaccines at lower costs through its Revolving Fund, while also promoting highprecision HPV testing for screening. Though implementation is in its early stages in many countries, four have already incorporated these tests into national programmes, and seven have received donated thermal ablation devices for treating precancerous lesions.
The fight against cancer is not just a medical challenge, but a moral imperative. Meanwhile, international collaboration must continue to play an essential role in bridging the gap, particularly in childhood cancer care and cervical cancer elimination.
Today, this World Cancer Day, is not just a time for reflection but for action as through strategic investment, policy reforms, and sustained global cooperation, Latin America and the Caribbean can build a future where every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has access to life-saving cancer treatment.
PNCR/APNU/AFC’s
legacy of failure versus PPP/C’s record of delivering
Dear Editor,
As we approach the General and Regional Elections later this year, the PNCR/APNU/AFC is once again presenting themselves before the Guyanese people with grand promises, hoping to erase the painful memories of their most recent tenure from 2015 to 2020. Their record stands as irrefutable proof of incompetence, mismanagement, and blatant disregard for the well-being of Guyanese citizens.
Guyanese should not forget how this nation was hoodwinked by the PNCR/APNU/ AFC with hollow promises of prosperity, development and a brighter future leading to the 2015 General and Regional Elections.
However, once they got hold of power, our citizens were placed in an economic and social stranglehold with the imposition of draconian economic measures and wasteful spending, which plunged our country and its citizens into deep poverty while their friends and cronies were the only ones living the “Good Life” David Granger promised.
Readers will recall that at the onset of their tenure, the PNCR-led coalition wasted no time in imposing, on the backs of the Guyanese people, over 200 new and increased burdensome taxes and fees. The Granger Administration placed VAT on essential goods and services, including water, electricity, data, medical services, private education, agriculture and mining
equipment, introduced a new environmental tax, and increased several fees and licences – a move that hurt small enterprises – not even the huckster and donkey cart man was not spared. Vehicle import duties surged, while the implementation of draconian mining and forestry regulations crippled these industries.
Despite their promises of revitalising the sugar industry, they closed the Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore, and Wales estates, resulting in over 7,000 sugar workers losing their jobs and devastating thousands of families. Their mismanagement of the oil and gas sector led to a highly criticised, lopsided contract, leaving Guyana with a mere 2 per cent royalty. Lest we forget the story behind the US$18 million signing bonus, which Winston Jordan claimed was a ‘gift’.
Unemployment skyrocketed due to poor governance in key sectors such as agriculture and mining, causing these sectors to collapse. Construction was ground to a halt, local and foreign investment reached a standstill, and the economic burden on Guyanese soared to new heights. Incompetent economic management and these burdensome measures resulted in a job loss estimated to have exceeded 40,000. Our nation was one without hope.
To rub salt in the wound, the PNCR/APNU/AFC squandered billions of dollars on failed projects riddled with corruption, includ-
ing the D’Urban Park Project, where millions of taxpayers' funds went unaccounted for, and the Sussex Street bond rental scandal, where the Government paid over $14 million per month for an inadequate facility. Cronies and other members of the PNC/ APNU/AFC ‘friends and family’ clique stole billions of taxpayer dollars through a host of corrupt deals such as single-sourcing of overpriced drugs which were never delivered in many cases, land giveaways, etc.
Additional corruption scandals included procurement fraud in the then Ministry of Public Health, where contracts were awarded to unqualified companies and the mismanagement of funds allocated for school feeding programmes. The APNU/AFC also engaged in dubious transactions involving state lands, selling prime real estate at undervalued prices to financiers and their cronies. Under the coalition, Ministers were either diverting Government businesses to their private companies or collecting gold bangles. Under the PNCR/APNU/AFC, corruption and mismanagement were at their highest in post-independent Guyana.
One would have expected that the successful No-Confidence Motion on December 21, 2018, would have halted the deep-rooted corruption and opened the eyes of the PNCR/APNU/AFC. But they had no regard for our Constitution and illegally held onto power until 2020, plung-
ing our nation into political instability. During this period, the Granger Administration splurged hundreds of millions of state funds without the approval of the National Assembly. Their attempt to rig the 2020 elections, including inflating numbers in Region 4’s declaration and defying court orders, obstructed transparency and delayed democracy for five months until they were removed from office in August 2020.
During their tenure, healthcare services deteriorated due to underinvestment, leading to medicine shortages, poorly maintained facilities, and corrupt procurement practices. Infrastructure development was neglected, with major roads and bridges falling into disrepair. Hinterland and Indigenous communities suffered as Amerindian Development Funds were slashed, crucial projects abandoned, and land titling initiatives discontinued. Crime rates escalated due to inadequate investment in law enforcement and demoralisation of the Guyana Police Force.
Internationally, Guyana’s diplomatic standing weakened, with strained relations within CARICOM and other global partners further exacerbated by their electoral fraud attempts in 2020. Their handling of the Venezuela border controversy was lackluster, failing to mount a strong diplomatic defence of Essequibo.
Children compete in the annual llama races that commemorate "World Wetlands Day" in Ecuador's Llanganates National Park, February 1, 2025 (VOA)
Does the Exxon contract violate Guyana’s sovereignty?
Dear Editor
While the PPPC Government admits that the Exxon 2016 contract, which was negotiated by the APNU+AFC Administration has several flaws, it insists that it cannot re-negotiate its terms and conditions as they value the “sanctity” of contracts; does not want to undermine inventors’ confidence; and are also mindful of the “stability” clause that requires both parties to agree before any re-negotiation can be activated. In an interview with Financial Times in November 2023, Exxon’s Guyana President Alistair Routledge states: “there would be no re-negotiation of the agreement as contract sanctity is super important to inventors.”
Advocates have invoked various terms in their rationale for re-negotiation such as the Exxon contract, “lacks fairness,” it is “lopsided,” and it “it is tainted with corruption.” Much has already been written in these areas but a quick comment on fairness is appropriate. “Fairness in global oil contracts is not a fixed principle, it is fluid and is shaped by leverage, negotiation dynamics, and geo-political realities.” (Professor Stanley Paul). Focus is given here to another perceived flaw, that is, “Exxon contract violates Guyana’s sovereignty.”
Sovereignty refers to a body that is duly elected or appointed that exercises control (both authority and power) over a defined geographic space. There was no significant time in Guyana’s post-independence history that sovereignty was supreme (where authority was impregnated with power). At a theoretical level, Guyana’s sovereignty has been vested by the constitution with the components of authority and power; however, at the practical level it had the authority but could not or prevented from wielding unrestricted power.
Even during the period (1963-1971) of the Burnham dictatorship there was continuous American intervention into Guyana’s affairs. Guyana had no power to stop them. Covert financial support for the strikes of 1963, for example, was provided by the American AFLCIO and other American unions calculated to destabilise the PPP Government.
In 1964, the Americans in collusion with the British, removed the PPP Government from office through electoral manipulation and constitutional aberration. Guyana had the authority but not the unrestricted power to stop external intervention. Not widely known was that the 303 Committee of the
US Treasury provided $(US) 5,000 per month for two years (1969-1971) to strengthen the PNC party’s paramountcy doctrine.
In the 1980s, there was a dramatic downturn in Guyana’s economy: the annual GDP growth rate averaged –8.0 per cent. The PNC Government was forced to invite the IMF which instituted several austerity measures that included devaluation of the country's currency (exchange moved from $(US) 1 to $10 GYD to $33GYD in 1989); the external public debt was $(US) 2 billion; and state corporations had to be divested. A free enterprise system replaced cooperative socialism.
It was an external agency, the IMF, that exercised substantial power over Guyana’s sovereignty. While Guyana had the authority it was bereft of the unrestricted power to challenge the imposition of the ERP conditionalities (Economic Recovery Programme).
These examples illustrate that the exercise of Guyana’s sovereignty at the power relations level is limited by external forces and exacerbated by the country's compelling material and strategic needs. The point is that sovereignty is not an absolute concept, but rather it is a relative one. To argue therefore that
the Exxon contract violates Guyana sovereignty’s is traveling on the wrong track.
“Guyana should focus on extracting maximum value from existing PSA rather than pursue a path that would imperil its economic stability.” (SN: 1/7/25). The PPPC Government’s strategy is exactly what Prof Paul suggests: work to increase revenues and benefits in other areas like Local Content which accounted for $1.5 (US) billion and which engages 1,100 vendors and hundreds of Guyanese workers. Likewise, extracting other benefits such as getting Exxon to provide their share of gas free to Guyana. Not to mention that the new contracts (outside the Stabroek block) are subject to improved terms and conditions.
Finally, I believe that the Exxon exploration licence for the Stabroek block will expire in 2027. Subject to renewal, this may provide the Government then with an opportunity to impose improved terms and conditions like those of the new oil blocks. There is a lingering skepticism however, among PPPC supporters that the continuous pressure to re-negotiate the Exxon contract might be a political ruse!
Sincerely,
Dr Tara Singh
PNCR/APNU/AFC’s legacy of failure...
In stark contrast, the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), under the visionary leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali, has spearheaded an era of unprecedented transformation since taking office in August 2020. The PPP/C Government has made remarkable progress in transforming Guyana’s economy, infrastructure, social development, and governance.
Since assuming office, the PPP/C has overseen rapid economic growth, making Guyana the fastest-growing economy globally, with double-digit GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth annually. They have expanded oil and gas production, successfully auctioned new oil blocks, and implemented the Local Content Act to ensure Guyanese benefit from the sector. Diversification efforts have attracted major investments in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and ICT (Information and Communication Technology), reducing overdependence on oil. Foreign Direct Investment has surged, with billions secured for hotels, manufacturing, and infrastructure projects. Stable macroeconomic policies have helped lower inflation rates, maintained a stable exchange rate, and supported small businesses through grants and low-interest loans. Infrastructure development has been a priority, with significant projects such
as the new Demerara River Bridge, expansions of the East Bank, East Coast, and West Coast highways, and the construction of four-lane highways in key areas. The Berbice Deepwater Port project has commenced, boosting trade and connectivity.
The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has been expanded, and over 40,000 house lots have been distributed nationwide. Additionally, the PPP/C has launched transformative projects like the Linden to Mabura Hill Road, enhancing connectivity between the hinterland and coastal regions, and invested heavily in modern drainage and irrigation systems to mitigate flooding and support agriculture.
The Wales Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project aims to slash electricity costs by 50%, complemented by renewable energy initiatives, including solar farms and hydropower projects. The Government has implemented salary increases and tax relief measures and reversed VAT on essential items. The "Because We Care" Grant has been reinstated and increased, and pension and public assistance programmes have expanded. The PPP/C has also introduced comprehensive social welfare programmes, including enhanced disability support, youth employment initiatives, and women's empowerment programmes. Healthcare has
improved with new hospitals, expanded specialty medical services, and free dialysis treatment. The Government has also upgraded primary healthcare facilities, introduced telemedicine services in remote areas, and improved the supply chain for critical medicines. Education reforms include free University of Guyana (UG) tuition by 2025, modern secondary schools, smart classrooms, and expanded TVET centres. Scholarships for tertiary education have increased, and literacy programmes have been revitalised to support lifelong learning. Agriculture has received significant investments, with reopened sugar estates and expanded aquaculture and livestock industries.
The PPP/C's focus on sustainable agriculture has positioned Guyana as the agricultural hub of CARICOM, with innovations in climate-resilient farming and agro-processing industries that create jobs and boost exports. The security sector has been modernised with better-equipped police stations, new crime-fighting technologies, and judicial reforms. E-governance initiatives have digitised public services, and international relations have strengthened with the successful defence of Guyana’s sovereignty against Venezuela at the ICJ. The PPP/C's proactive foreign policy has secured strategic part-
Hardly any support for third party in 2025 elections
Dear Editor, As someone who conducts opinion surveys routinely and who is constantly on the ground as a perennial observer of local politics, I am in agreement with a commentary that “Third parties will not survive this year’s elections” (Jan 30) providing all things being the same around the time of the elections expected in November.
The APNU+AFC made it difficult for third parties to win seats because of their behaviour in office and their response to the defeats in the December 2018 no confidence motion and the 2020 elections. And the Asha Kissoon saga (TNM) refusing to resign her seat has worsened the public perception of third-party leadership. There is erosion in trust for third parties.
Based on consistent recent poll findings, none of the mini parties currently in the reckoning will win a seat as was also the case in 2020 and 2015. Under ‘a joinder list’, they will scrape one or at best two seats; the latter could have been the outcome
FROM PAGE 4
nerships and development assistance, enhancing Guyana's global standing.
Unlike the PNCR/APNU/ AFC, the PPP/C actively engages with citizens, addressing concerns and implementing policies that improve lives. As we approach the 2025 elections, I urge Guyanese not to lose sight of the sordid record of the coalition between 2015 and 2020 and the pain this nation suffered under the uncaring and self-interest bunch in the PNCR/APNU/AFC. They will come to you in different forms and under different names, hoping they can once again hoodwink voters into believing they have reformed and now have all the answers to be the next Government. The reality is they are incompetent, corrupt and untrustworthy and should be kept very far away from the seat of Government.
On the flip side, the party with a proven track record of delivering for the people, honouring its promises and delivering real development for all Guyanese regardless of their geographic location or political persuasion is the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. Our country is flourishing like never before. Let us not gamble with our future; let's vote wisely and stay the course of unprecedented development by voting solidly for the PPP/C.
Sincerely,
Eddy Layne
had all the small parties pooled their votes together under ‘the joinder’. Ego prevented a coming together of all the mini parties. And ego will once again prevent them from grouping.
Based on findings of an ongoing tracking survey, a couple of names cropped up. But they have not shown any interest in entering the political fray. The PPP will run away with the elections, making gains from the PNC (APNU)+AFC coalition. Neither APNU nor AFC contesting separately can defeat PPP; even together it will be an uphill task for a coalition to challenge the PPP given the power of the purse of the incumbent and its spending spree on infrastructure projects, grants, etc. The 2025 election budget also puts the PPP in an advantageous position. The history of the PNC does not make it attractive to middle of the road voters. And there is no credible third party thus far to wean support away from the PPP.
Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
Page Foundation
By EugEnE FiEld
The gingham dog and the calico cat
Side by side on the table sat; ‘T was half-past twelve, and (what do you think!)
Nor one nor t’ other had slept a wink!
The old Dutch clock and the Chinese plate Appeared to know as sure as fate
There was going to be a terrible spat. (I was n’t there; I simply state What was told to me by the Chinese plate!)
The gingham dog went “Bow-wow-wow!” And the calico cat replied “Mee-ow!”
The air was littered, an hour or so, With bits of gingham and calico, While the old Dutch clock in the chimney-place Up with its hands before its face, For it always dreaded a family row! (Now mind: I’m only telling you What the old Dutch clock declares is true!)
The Chinese plate looked very blue, And wailed, “Oh, dear! what shall we do!”
But the gingham dog and the calico cat Wallowed this way and tumbled that, Employing every tooth and claw In the awfullest way you ever saw— And, oh! how the gingham and calico flew! (Don’t fancy I exaggerate— I got my news from the Chinese plate!)
Next morning, where the two had sat They found no trace of dog or cat; And some folks think unto this day That burglars stole that pair away! But the truth about the cat and pup Is this: they ate each other up! Now what do you really think of that! (The old Dutch clock it told me so, And that is how I came to know.)
Ahead of 2025 polls
$193M budgeted to train almost 20,000 Election Day staff; $7.3B given to GECOM
…Govt also quizzed on salaries & benefits of top officials
The Government has allocated $193 million to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for training nearly 20,000 election day staff, while $427.5 million has been set aside for civic and voter education in preparation for the 2025 General and Regional Elections.
Overall, GECOM was allocated a sum of $7.3 billion in the 2025 Budget. During the consideration of the budget estimates on Monday at the National Assembly, Minister of Parliamentary
Affairs and Governance Gail Texeira gave a breakdown of what this money will be used for.
For example, $193 million has been allocated for training the 19,000 temporary election day staff who will be deployed nationwide. Additionally, $122 million has been set aside to rent privately owned buildings as polling stations when public facilities are unavailable.
“On the question to do with public education, if we look at the areas of oth-
Concerns were raised in the National Assembly on Monday over the fact that the Office of the Opposition Leader is usually closed even as $400,000 in rent is being paid by Government. However, the opposition argued that the rented building is too small for their operations.
During the perusal of the budget estimates on Monday in the National Assembly, Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira, gave account for the money budgeted for the
Office of the Leader of the Opposition.
Texeira was asked whether there will be an increase in the budget for the Opposition Leader’s Office. The Minister provided a breakdown of the $32.5 million subvention for the office and went on to reveal that the Office of the Leader of Opposition is usually closed whenever her Ministry has to send mail there.
This has resulted in the Ministry having to forward mail to Congress Place, the headquarters of People’s National Congress/Reform
ers goods and services purchased, you will find $427 million for the production of infomercials for radio and television, $91.5 million for publication of notices in local newspapers; $63 million for advertisements for election workers; $3 million, printing of manuals; $95 million, procurement of T-shirts for election day staff; $135 million, printing and distribution of flyers and brochures; $15 million, engagement with civil organisations, $25 million. And you come up with your
$427.5 million,” Texeira explained.
Employment cost
Questions were also raised by opposition Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul about employment costs for GECOM staff, in particular the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Deputy CEO and Chairperson of GECOM. In light of the 10 per cent retroactive salary increase that was granted for public servants, the Minister explained that GECOM staff, from the temporary staff hired this year to the permanent staff, also benefitted from this.
“Just to inform my friend, Mr Mahipaul, that the statutory wages and salaries for the commissioners have also increased by 10 per cent, so you will note that between the revised 2024 and the statutory wages and salaries, they have gone up from $72 million to $226 million. This is the annual salary for Chairman, Commissioners, stipends for scrutineers that are doing the continuous registration,” the Minister said.
Teixeira noted that the wages and salaries for Returning Officers total $423.9 million, while for the Assistant Returning Officers the total is $320.1 million. The salaries for
(PNC/R) that Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton heads. Despite this, however, the rent is still being paid for the Opposition Leader’s office on Regent Street, Georgetown at a rate of $400,000 a month. The Minister thus urged that the office at least be functional.
“Many times, when we need to send or receive mail, the building is closed. As a result, we often have to redirect mail to Congress Place (the headquarters of the Opposition People’s National Congress Reform).
If you have an office, it should be operational, particularly for those of us who have to engage with the Leader of the Opposition,” the Minister explained.
This publication, meanwhile questioned Member of Parliament Shurwayne Holder, the Chairman of the PNC/R, on the Minister’s statement. Holder admitted that the office may be closed from time to time and he defended this by explaining that the office building is not a comfortable one for the opposition leader.
The PNC/R Chairman
the Managers come up to $794.5 million, for Civic and Voter education assistants, $320.1 million; for Security Officers, $430.5 million and for Drivers, $226.7 million.
“In relation to the CEO…$1.9 million…NIS $23 million. Entertainment allowance $200,000, housing allowance $350,000, security allowance $220,000 and uniform allowance. And then gratuity is $5.2 million. Vacation allowance is $1.9 million. So, the monthly total is $3.3 million. And the grand total for the 12 months is $44.7 million,” Texeira said.
The Deputy CEO receives a monthly salary of $1.2 million, along with additional benefits, including a $75,000 entertainment allowance, $125,000 for housing, $140,000 for security, and $3 million in gratuity.
Additionally, the Deputy CEO is entitled to a $1.1 million vacation allowance, bringing total month-
ly payments to $1.3 million and annual earnings to $20 million. Meanwhile, Texeira disclosed that the Chairperson’s basic salary is $2.7 million per month, with a total annual compensation of $33.4 million.
Last year, GECOM had received a budgetary allocation of $3.5 billion. The increase in their allocation reflects the fact that 2025 General and Regional elections are expected in November of this year, though an official date has not been set.
In an interview with this publication last month, the CEO of the elections body, Vishnu Persaud, had confirmed that GECOM while is unable to initiate its official preparations for the elections until the President announces the official date for the hosting of the General and Regional Elections, the agency has started preliminary preparations.
complained that the allocation is too small and went on to say that if elected into Government, his party would increase the allocation to the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.
“The office is opened from time to time. But the problem with the office is that it is very small for what we want to do and the allocation is just about $400,000. $400,000 in Georgetown just gets you a small space and so, it is not suitable, it is not convenient, it is not comfortable for us. If you see it closed or we are not using it for certain purposes, under-
stand the reason why,” the PNC Chair explained.
“The crux of the matter is the allocation is not enough. The leader has to go out to 10 administrative regions. Its not nearly enough for what we want to achieve. He has to carry MP’s. A trip to Lethem, might cause us over $1 million. So how many times can you go to the Rupununi? People might say, oh we’re not seeing the Leader of the Opposition. But then the budget he’s working with is so minimal is you can’t be as effective as you’d like to be.” (G3)
From left: GECOM CEO Vishnu Persaud and Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira during the consideration of the budget estimates
The Guyana Elections Commission
Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira
Office of the Leader of the Opposition
Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton
Police nab man in $450K robbery of businesswoman at Friendship
Police on Monday said that they have arrested the suspect who allegedly attacked and robbed a 42-year-old businesswoman from South Sophia, Georgetown, relieving her of $450,000.
Reports are that at about 14:00h on Sunday at Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD), Shamane Moore was robbed.
According to Police, enquiries revealed that the
victim was supervising the construction of a foundation on a plot of land in Avalon Compound when she left to purchase nails from a nearby supermarket. Upon arrival at the Red East Supermarket, located along the Friendship public road, she parked her vehicle and went inside. After purchasing the nails, she returned to her vehicle.
While driving onto the
Diamond man jailed for narco trafficking
A31-year-old resident of Block X Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was jailed on Monday for trafficking in narcotics.
Undra Dundas appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrate's Court.
It is alleged that on Friday he was arrested with 110 grams of cannabis. The charge was laid Contrary to Section 5(1)(a) (i) of the Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, Chapter 10:10.
Jailed: Undra Dundas
In court on Monday, Dundas admitted to the office and was fined $297,000 and sentenced to eight months imprisonment.
main road, she noticed Winston Selmon walking in front of her vehicle, and then refusing to move. The businesswoman exited the car and insisted that the suspect move aside. At that moment, the suspect ran towards the driver's side of the vehicle, entered the car, and started to drive off. The victim quickly opened the front passenger door and jumped inside. She repeatedly insisted that he stop the car.
The suspect drove into
Harry Avenue, Friendship, parked the vehicle, and assaulted the victim, inflicting several cuffs and kicks to her body. He then exited the vehicle, took the car keys and handbag and ran into a nearby yard.
The victim sought help from residents in the area. She then noticed the suspect holding her brown shoulder bag, which contained the cash. When she confronted the suspect and demanded the return of the bag, he refused and continued to assault her, cuffing and kicking her in the head and body.
Police said that the woman raised an alarm, retrieved her car keys, returned to her vehicle, and drove away, leaving the suspect behind.
Police ranks from the Grove Police Station searched for the suspect. He was seen and apprehended, and a search of his person revealed $18,000 in his right front pants pocket, along with the victim's brown bag. He was subsequently taken into custody.
Essequibo Coast labourer charged with B&E
A37-year-old labourer of Queenstown Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was charged on Monday, with the offence of break and enter and larceny. David Joseph, also known as Naiya, is accused of breaking into the home of Poonraj Lachman, a 38-year-old supervisor at Caricom Rice Mill, and stealing from his residence at Queenstown, Public Road, Essequibo Coast.
It is alleged that he committed the offence on Saturday and was charged under Section 229(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.
On Monday, Joseph appeared before Charity Magistrate's Court and denied the offence.
Bail was objected to by the prosecutor, and Joseph was remanded to prison until his next court appearance on February 18.
Letting… …it all hang out
We’ve always taken our cues – political and otherwise – from those who literally lorded over us: first the Brits then the Yanks after they rose to the top of the food chain. So, we had our early elites slavishly imitating the Brits in manners and mores – never mind that all that did was to make the latter snicker at our pretentions!! Like men sweating profusely in woollen three-piece suits and women struggling into corsets, crinolines and bustles to attend Sunday Church!!. The corsets moulded the waist; cage crinolines supported voluminous skirts, and bustles projected a dress out from behind!! Never mind OUR women didn’t need NO help on their behinds – seeing as they were born into quite steatogenous ones, thank you!!
In politics – when we were allowed to dabble in that after a couple of hundred years of “tutelage” – we really believed in the formalities. We strove mightily to please the Whites who always kept the real power in their blood-stained, grubby hands. That’s why they had to wear gloves!! So our aspiring politicians dazzled the masses when they spoke the “Queen’s/King’s English”; learnt debating rules; made grandiloquent speeches and stuck to the straight and narrow as instructed by the Churchmen. Their performances in Parliament were things to behold – and coming down to the beginning of modern politics, Burnham totally fitted the bill!! He even affected a British accent – a Churchillian one to boot!! –after spending just four years in England!!
So, as we came down to the present when Burnham shook up the place with his “revolutionary” changes with Shirt-jacks and “comrades”. Your Eyewitness notes, however, he didn’t let go of his accented affectation!! And in Parliament all the forms were observed!! But look what’s going on with our models and standards!! Over in the Mother of Parliaments in old Blighty, in 2022, PM Boris Johnson was forced to resign his premiership. For the first time in the UK’s history, a Prime Minister was found by the Police to have – (GASP!!) – broken the law! He ‘presided over a culture of casual law-breaking at 10 Downing Street in relation to Covid’, according to former Treasury Minister Jesse Norman and allegedly lied to Parliament on many occasions!!
But the changes in mores and manners over in the US under Trump take the cake!!
…democracy bloom
Your Eyewitness believes we’ve gotten quite cynical here in Mudland about matters political. Maybe it’s got something to do with what’s happening with our models up north?? There are some who’re insisting the new party – Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) – launched by former PNC Minister Simona Broomes, is just a stalking horse for another (more) ambitious Opposition politician.
But your Eyewitness believes in a democracy – which is what we have in Guyana, right?? – “a thousand flowers must bloom”. That the exhortation was originally made by Comrade Mao – whose “Great Leap Forward” strategy saw over 40 MILLION Chinese perish – doesn’t make the aspiration any less worthy!! So your Eyewitness wishes Ms Broomes’ party all success – even though he acknowledges she ain’t no wallflower!
Now all political parties gotta have a programme – but more importantly, must have something to make them STAND OUT from the other parties; all of which have programmes!! Ms Broomes displayed a flair for the dramatic on entering politics.
What now?? A die-in??
…sleeping dogs lie
It’s more than passing strange that the Sanctimonious Gangster – who was brought in to rescue the PNC from oblivion – ain’t throwing his hat into the ring now that the party’s again facing the brink!!
Winston Selmon
David Joseph, also known as Naiya
5 die in road accidents in less than 2 days
Five men have lost their lives in separate road accidents in less than two days on Guyana’s roadways.
Dead are Edwin Hartman; Suresh Singh; Ronaldo Gordon; Joel Sutherland and Finidy Miggins.
On Monday at 07:15h on Eversham Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice, Hartman was killed.
ing so, the motorcycle collided with the right-side front and rear doors.
As a result, the motorcyclist received injuries on his body and succumbed to his injuries. Police said that his body is at the Port Mourant Hospital's Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination. The car driver is in Police custody, assisting with the investigation.
Just one day before, series
of accidents claimed the lives of four persons.
At 23:00h on Sunday at Land of Canaan Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), an accident claimed the lives of 22-year-old Ronaldo Gordon and 23-year-old Joel Sutherland.
The accident involved motorcar, PAD 7677, driven by Ronaldo Gordon of Lot 354
The accident involved motorcar, PMM 9127, owned and driven by a 67-year-old of Eversham Village, Corentyne, and motorcycle CN 6524, owned and driven by Hartman a 35-year-old resident of Dukestown, Corriverton, Corentyne.
Enquiries disclosed that motorcar, PMM 9127 was proceeding north along the western drive lane when it was alleged by the driver of the car that he pulled to the western side of the road and stopped.
He claimed that he then turned on his right-side indicator light to make a right turn and while in the process of do-
Timehri North, EBD.
Meanwhile, Singh, of Hill Foot on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, was driving motorcar, PAG 9078 when he lost control of the vehicle and drove into the path motor lorry, GAD 8492.
Reports are that at about 18:30h Singh was travelling south along the road at a high speed when he swerved into the path of the truck which was travelling north in the opposite direction.
Singh was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre but was pronounced dead on arrival.
His body is at the Memorial
Gardens Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.
The driver of the lorry, a Trinidadian was taken into custody as investigation continues.
Meanwhile, Joel Sutherland, of 94 Timehri North, EBD, was in the front passenger seat of the car.
Enquiries disclosed that the car was proceeding north along the western drive lane of Land of Canaan public road at a fast rate when the driver, Ronaldo Gordon, lost control of the vehicle which ended up in the eastern drive lane and collided with a concrete bridge rail on the side of the road.
As a result of the collision,
the car was extensively damaged, and both the driver and occupant were thrown out of the vehicle. They were then picked up by public spirited persons and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where they were both pronounced dead on arrival. Further investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, also on Sunday at about 21:07h on the Den Amstel Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Miggins 18-year-old motorcyclist, succumbed to injuries after a serious vehicular accident.
The accident involved motorcar, PAJ 7560 owned by Essential Supplies Inc of Seaforth Street, Campbellville
and driven at the time by a 26-year-old from Patentia Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara (WBD); and an unregistered motorcycle, JSP 4, owned and driven by Miggins, and pillion rider Terron Miggins, a 19-year-old both of Lot 31 Den Amstel.
Enquiries disclosed that motorcycle, JSP 2 was proceeding east along the northern side of Den Amstel Public Road, at a fast rate of speed, and whilst overtaking a motorcar, it ended up on the southern side of the road and collided head-on with motorcar, PAJ 7560 which was proceeding west along the road.
As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist and the pillion rider were flung in the air and fell onto the road surface where they both received injuries about their bodies.
They were picked up and taken to Leonora Cottage Hospital by public-spirited citizens where the motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries whilst receiving medical attention and the pillion rider was treated and then transferred and admitted a patient at West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) suffering from broken legs.
The body of the motorcyclist was escorted to the Ezekiel Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination. Investigations are in progress.
Dead: Suresh Singh Dead: Ronaldo Gordon
Dead: Finidy Miggins
Dead: Edwin Hartman
Dead: Joel Sutherland
All ports to get automated border system by month-end – DCIO
As part of its digitalisation programme, the Guyana Government is moving to implement an automated border management systems across the country. The new system which will allow persons entering the country to fill out customs and immigration forms online is anticipated to be deployed at all ports of by this month end.
This was announced by Deputy Chief Immigration Officer (DCIO), Superintendent Stephen Telford during a recent
interview with Radio Eve Leary. Currently the automated system is only being used at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), when asked about the implementation of the system at other ports of entry Telford revealed that they are currently working on deploying the system at all key entry points.
The DCIO highlighted that all ports should be equipped with the system by this month end.
“Well, as we speak currently, the implementation is ongoing and I fore -
see, maybe before the end of the month, all of our ports of entry would be fully equipped with a system where persons can follow their Embarkation/ Disembarkation (ED) form online.”
Instead of waiting in long lines to be processed by an immigration officer, travellers can now simply swipe their ID Cards or passports and proceed. This not only speeds up the entry process, but also reduces congestion at the airport, enhancing the overall passenger experi -
Telford lauded the Government for investing in modern systems, he revealed that with the new automated systems passengers are processed in approximately 12 seconds. On this point the DCIO revealed that the new system has been well received by travelers.
“But the feedback in terms overall, you have a very high percentage of person who’s commending the process they feel good about it and there’s a lot of foreigners who use the system, and I can speak personally of being on the ground, but I really commend our country for heading into this direction and commend its process where they are being processed in the shortest possible time. So what you find we would have found in the process with between the gates and the online ED form, it would have taken just about 12 seconds to be processed.”
Previously passengers
Deputy Chief Immigration Officer (DCIO), Superintendent Stephen Telford
were required to fill out printed forms upon arrival, a task that often causes delays and frustration. With the new system, travellers can complete these forms in advance, with the information being shared directly with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
This integration of digital systems reduces the likelihood of errors, speeds up
customs processing, and ensures better tracking of goods entering the country.
Moreover, Telford highlighted that in a move to ensure Guyanese passports are in alignment with international standards, the immigration unit will soon roll out a new passport. According to the DCIO this new passport will be valid for a 10year period.
“What we currently will be rolling out shortly for our country is our new passport. Those passports have been upgraded and it would now be valid for 10 years instead of five years so shortly, your next passport that you might lucky to be received will now be valid for 10 years instead of five years.”
The DCIO highlighted. “So, we are there with the international standard of those passports. We currently working and very soon we will have those passports rolling out to our citizens.”
ence.
$18B approved in budget for 2.4M barrels of fuel for GPL
Some $18 billion has been approved by the National Assembly for the procurement of 2.4 million barrels of fuel for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) company in 2025.
According to Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, the approval comes in light of growing energy demands and a global surge in fuel prices, which have placed additional pressure on the utility provider.
“At the current fuel price of approximately US$104 a barrel, GPL can procure 1,657,371 barrels of the fuel at the current customer tariff without any increase in customer rates. However, GPL needs 2,462,380 barrels of fuel to meet its generation requirements. GPL needs funding to procure, therefore, an additional 805,009 barrels of fuel at approximately US$104 per barrel. This equates to $18 billion. With the exchange rate being $215,” PM revealed.
The Prime Minister disaggregated the sum during the consideration of the budget estimates on Monday.
This allocation, while necessary for the operation of GPL, raises the question of how sustainable these costs are in the long run, especially considering that the break-even cost for GPL is
$70 per barrel, with the current tariff structure falling short by US$34 per barrel.
Nevertheless, PM Phillips emphasised that, despite these financial challenges, it has not increased the electricity rates for households or businesses since assuming office in August 2020.
“We have not increased the rate of electricity for the household and for any of the consumers from the time we have taken office.
Notwithstanding the shocks that would have seen fuel prices going through the roof on many occasions and other issues suffered by GPL, our people today, January 2025, is paying the same rate that they were paying for electricity pre-COVID in Guyana. The point is, you have a Government that did not increase the electricity rate in five years,” he added.
Back in December 2024, GPL through funding from Government brought on stream a second power ship to supply the national grid, servicing some 230,000 customers.
The arrival of this ship comes after a contract signing in November between GPL and the Joint Venture of Turkish-based Karpowership Global DMCC and Qatar-based UCC Energy International LLC JV, to charter a second power ship with a total installed capacity of 75 megawatts (MW) for two years.
In the first phase, the power ship will dispatch 60 MW to the grid in approximately six weeks followed by an additional 15 MW, once works are completed on an additional transmission line. The contract requires GPL to pay the Joint Venture 8.52 US cents per
Miner found dead in Pomeroon River; drowning suspected
Police in Regional Police Division
Two (PomeroonSupenaam), are investigating the discovery of a body in the Lower Pomeroon River.
Dead is 47-year-old Shawn Christopher Henry of St Vincent, Lower Pomeroon River. He was found on Monday at about 15:40h.
According to reports, Police ranks were on a routine marine patrol in the vicinity of Grant Enterprise, Lower Pomeroon River, when they observed a male body lying face down among tree roots on the right bank of the river.
Kalem Mentor had reported to police on Saturday, that at about 09:30h, Henry left his home in a wooden boat (15 feet in length and 4 feet in width), powered by a 15-hp Yamaha outboard engine, to visit Ruben Gonsalves’ shop, located about 800 feet away, to purchase alcohol. However, he never returned home.
Later that morning, at around 10:30h, 28-yearold Matthew Clarke, a la-
bourer from Grant Aurora, Lower Pomeroon River, visited Mentor’s home in search of Henry. Clarke proceeded to Gonsalves’ shop, where he confirmed that Henry had purchased alcohol. Gonsalves recalled that Henry’s boat had drifted away and that he saw the miner attempt to swim after it. However, Gonsalves did not verify whether Henry successfully retrieved his boat.
Clarke continued his search and, about 400 feet north of the shop, spotted Henry’s boat and engine drifting along the right bank of the river. Despite checking the area, he did not locate Henry at that time.
The discovery of Henry’s
Kilowatt-hour (kWh) as a monthly charter fee for the new power ship. It also requires a month-
ly operation and maintenance fee of 0.98 US cents per kWh, based on electricity generated. Under the con-
tract, GPL is also responsible for providing Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for the operation of the ship’s generators. (G1)
Human Services Ministry drafts 3 key legislative reforms for 2025
…to focus on early childhood development, gender inclusion, child care reunification
Three drafted legislations have been set in place for 2025 by the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, focusing on early childhood development, gender inclusion, and child care reunification.
In 2024, five legislative pieces were drafted, which spun around the Family Violence Bill and the Hague Convention for Child Protection.
body, in a partially decomposed state, prompted further investigation. His brother, 45-year-old Trevor Allen, a farmer from Grant Aurora, Lower Pomeroon River, positively identified him.
Detectives photographed and processed the scene before retrieving the Amerindian miner’s body, which was then transported by boat to the Charity Public Hospital. The remains were subsequently transferred to the Suddie Hospital Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is pending.
Police suspect drowning as the cause of death, but investigations remain ongoing.
This information was revealed by the Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud when asked by Member of Parliament Natasha Singh Lewis during the budget consideration of estimates and expenditure.
“I noticed that the budget document says that five legislative pieces were drafted in 2024 and two are expected to be done in 2025. Could the Minister tell us the other three drafted? And when would we expect to see them here?” Lewis questioned.
In response, the Minister mentioned that the legislative pieces already drafted include the Gender-Based Violence Policy and its accompanying framework, the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy and its curriculum, along with all its accompanying elements.
“We are placing emphasis on early childhood development, so this is a policy we are very invested in, and we have put a lot of work into developing it with the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), the Early Childhood and Development (ECD) Unit. We had support from UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) on this, and this policy will strategically focus the Ministry’s attention on ECD,” the Minister stated.
According to her, this will guide their work in two buildings that will be opened this year—day and night care centres with early childhood units.
“That is a novel achievement. It’s the first time this is going to happen anywhere in the region.
“She added, “We’re also looking on the child care at the reunification reintegration policy for children, as I had mentioned in the debates. This is important because we are not against institutionalisation, but we want to reduce that. So, we’re looking at how more children can be reintegrated, reunified.”
Meanwhile, she explained the move to draft policies surrounding gender. “The other policy that we are looking at
is the policy on gender. There has been a social inclusion and gender-based policy that we have reviewed, and we have conducted a literature review. That is in the works to develop a more comprehensive gender policy going forward.”
She also explained the focus on the draft for childcare policies.
“We’re also looking at the reunification and reintegration policy for children, as I had mentioned in the debates. This is important because we are not against institutionalisation, but we want to reduce it, so we’re exploring how more children can be reintegrated and reunified. We’re also looking at the HomeBased Care Policy.”
According to her, this is being done because one of their key objectives is to encourage women to start their own daycare, night care, early childhood businesses, and other enterprises. “So this is a very important step in the work that we are going to do.” She added, “We have also worked on a number of other areas. One of the key areas I’d like to focus on this year is the Policy on Aging, the Policy on Care, to name a few.” (G2)
Social Security and Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud
Opposition MP Natasha Singh Lewis
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2025 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM
Children's Mashramani Competitions: Triana Higgins of Timehri Primary took 1st place in the Calypso (5-7) with ''Hundred for Everybody'', while Trieneka Lowe of LBI Primary secures 2nd with ''Morals of Today''. In dramatic poetry (5-7), Queenisha Todd of Plaisance Primary triumphs with ''I Am Mashramani'', followed by Destiny Khan of Grove Primary and Jermimah Banwarie of Huararuni Primary. Among the 8-10 Calypso competitors, Isabella McCallister of St Mary's Primary wins with ''Kids Can Be Depressed Too'', while Jamiyah Johnson of St Andrew's Primary placed 2nd with ''We Guyanese, Nuff Nuff Talent''. The theme for Mashramani 2025 is “Expressing our Culture and Creativity as One Guyana.” (Education Ministry photos)
More than 200 families took part in a lot identification exercise at Stewartville West, West Coast Demerara. Having previously been allocated lots, they can now proceed with the next steps, including construction. Altogether, 2200 residential lots have been assigned across three sections of the Stewartville Housing Development (CH&PA photos)
Total, Qatar Energy among companies to sign PSAs for oil blocks this year
…Govt says PSAs to be officially signed when regulatory process complete
Days after the Government revealed that at least four bidders will receive their Production Sharing Agreements’ (PSA) this year, it has released the names of these four bidders.
Among the bidders the Government will be signing PSA’s with are the consortium of TotalEnergies, Qatar Energy, and Petronas, who successfully bid for block S4; International Group Investment Incorporated, who successfully bid for blocks S5 and S10 and Cybele Energy, who were successful in their bid for block S7.
In a statement on Monday in which it released the names, the Natural Resources Ministry also slammed statements in sections of the press which gave the impression that the Government was unwilling to release the names.
According to the Ministry, it has been transparent with the bid round process since it was first announced. It pointed out that when the draft of the new PSA was developed, it was publicly shared. So too
was the information around the bid round, the bids received and the most responsive bidders.
“This process has been transparent, with ongoing public engagement. The most substantially responsive bidders have been publicly announced, and the process is currently in its final stages, with the awardees expected to be formalised soon. When the regulatory process is completed, a press event will be held to mark the signing of the PSAs, ensuring that the public remains informed throughout the process,” the Ministry explained.
“The GoG (Government of Guyana) recognises the significant public interest in this sector and remains committed to ensuring that the development of the oil and gas industry is conducted in a manner that is both transparent and beneficial to the country as a whole. The GoG further encourages the public to stay tuned to its website [https://petroleum.gov. gy/] for further updates and information.”
The bid round, which was
launched in December 2022, closed off in September 2023 with six companies bidding on eight of the 14 blocks off-
shore that were up for auction. In total, there were 14 offers made on those blocks –two deep-sea blocks and six
shallow-area blocks.
During day one of the consideration of the budget estimates on Friday, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat had confirmed that at least four PSAs would be signed during the course of 2025.
While Minister Bharrat had declined to name the companies that will sign the PSA with the Government, it is a known fact that as of October 2024, four out of the six bidders in the 2022 oil auction had already accepted new model PSA.
According to a list released by the Ministry last year, Total Energies EP Guyana BV, in consortium with Qatar Energy International E&P LLC and Petronas E&P Overseas Ventures SDN BHD (Malaysia) – which bid for block S4 – had already accepted the PSA, and their agreement was in the final stages of review.
Delcorp Inc Guyana, comprising Watad Energy and Communications Limited and Arabian Drilling Company of Saudi Arabia, which bid for block D1; and
Ghana-based Cybele Energy Limited, which bid for block S7, had also accepted their PSA, which was in the final stages of review.
Lastly, the Ministry of Natural Resources had announced that the International Group Investment Inc of Nigeria, which bid for blocks S5 and S10, had accepted the PSAs for both blocks, which were being processed.
The new model PSA includes an increase of the royalty from a mere two per cent to a 10 per cent fixed rate; the imposition of a 10 per cent corporate tax, and the lowering of the cost recovery ceiling to 65 per cent from the previous 75 per cent, while maintaining the retention of the 50-50 profit-sharing after cost recovery.
Back in February 2024, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had noted that the Government is willing to consider reviewing the non-fiscal terms in the new PSA. Based on feedback received, it was said that Guyana’s new PSA is one of the toughest oil contracts in the market.
Demerara Gold packaging plant workers on strike for better pay
…facility being run by private contractor
Workers attached to the packaging facility at the Blairmont Sugar Estate, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) which packages Demerara Gold, are on strike for better pay. The workers claimed that they are being paid below the minimum wage.
Sixteen workers at the Demerara Gold Packaging Plant at Blairmont, downed tools on Sunday and continued their strike action on Monday demanding a wage increase.
They told this publication that they are paid at a rate of $330 per hour. The national minimum wage order stipulates a payment of $347 per hour or $2,776 per day. However, the workers claimed that they are receiving $2,640 per day.
Mala Ghidharry said the strike is for a wage increase. “We are being paid below the national minimum wage,” She pointed out.
Another of the employees, Tarniece Blair said she worked at the plant for nine years, left the job and returned in October 2024.
“When I came back it is the same thing. My NIS [National Insurance Scheme] card came out since I started working here in 2012. The last time NIS was paid for me was in 2019.”
The woman showed this publication envelopes she said were pay slips.
“It has no date, no NIS… For one hour we are working for $330. Eight hours come up to $2640. If you work from Sunday to Saturday, you get $21,140 and out of
that they take out $1,367 out of your pay and say they are putting it to NIS; no money is in NIS.”
The packaging plant workers are employed by a private contractor, that was hired by GuySuCo to oversee the operations of the packaging plant.
Meanwhile, Ghidharry said that many of the workers do not have NIS cards but deductions are being made from their wages weekly.
“Where is the NIS money going. We need an increase in our pay,” she added.
Those same sentiments were echoed by Rachel Narain, another packaging plant employee.
“We are working for a little bit of money plus the NIS is cutting. I need our mon-
ey to raise because we can’t keep working for $2,640.”
Recently Government workers were given salary increases of 10 per cent but the packaging plant workers were not given a wage increase. They were also not beneficiaries of the 2023,
ers held out that they would not return to work until the issue is resolved, saying that they were reluctant to strike or take similar actions in the past because of threats by the estate management that they will be fired if they do.
The packaging plant
boys working in the packaging plant. The female workers said that apart from those who work during a shift, there are boys who assist as porters. At 14:00 on Monday, when this publication sought information on the ages of the male employ-
wage increases.
“There have been several complaints to the management of the private contractor and we are being pushed around,” Ghidharry disclosed to this publication.
Meanwhile, as the work-
workers are not unionised.
However, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has shown some interest in the workers’ concern.
There are reports that there are some underage
ees at the plant, it was informed that the department head had already left for the day.
“This can’t work. We need a proper pay slip whereby we can see the date and out NIS marked,” Blair added.
(G4)
The striking Demerara Gold packaging plant workers
Rachel Narain
Mala Ghidharry Tarniece Blair
The oil blocks that were subject to the bid round
Budget 2025
Focus on infrastructure to prevent economic stagnation in Guyana – PSC Chairman
With a substantial $209.3 billion earmarked for roads and bridges development in the 2025 Budget, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Komal Singh emphasised that the Government's targeted infrastructure focus is crucial in safeguarding Guyana’s economy from stagnation.
Singh in his initial reaction of the record-breaking $1.382 trillion fiscal package highlighted that the provision will enable the private sector to invest heavily in the nation’s economic development.
Riding on the coattail of these remarks, the chairman emphasised that the strategic focus on infrastructure is aimed at sustaining economic growth and ensuring that Guyana’s rapid expansion continues to benefit all sectors.
On this point, he stressed that the private sector, along with the public sector, will greatly benefit from this strategic investment, especially in areas that promise longterm returns.
Labourer
“Inside of the infrastructure, there's lots of talk around why we are putting so much money into infrastructure development. But let me say it from a private sector position and from an investor standpoint. If a country is to grow, then we must make sure that the infrastructure is in place. If those infrastructures are not in place, then we'll have stagnation in
the manufacturing sector, in the mining sector, in transportation, moving our people around the country. So, while we're growing, it is very heartening to see that while the economy is growing and the country is growing, Governments have continued over the last couple of years, and we see it in 2025 budget again, continue to pay keen attention on strategic infra-
admits to possession of ganja, fined $30,000
Jomo Peters, a 44-yearold labourer of Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was slapped with a with possession of narcotics charge after 26.42 grams of cannabis were found in his possession on Sunday.
Reports are that police nabbed Peters with the narcotics at Suddie Public Road, Essequibo Coast.
The charge was laid under Section 4 (1) (a) (i) of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, Chapter 10:10.
The ganja that was found in Jomo Peters' possession
Peters appeared before Charity Magistrate's Court Monday, where the charge was formally read to him by Magistrate Tamieka Clarke. He pleaded guilty to the offence, and Magistrate Clarke, fined him $30,000. The court also warned that failure to pay the fine would result in six weeks of imprisonment.
structure developments,” the PSC Chairman said.
Specifically, attention has been given to key infrastructure projects that will help enhance the country’s connectivity, including $20.2 billion to complete works on the new Demerara River Bridge and $5 billion each to commence works on the new Corentyne River Bridge, Palmyra to Moleson Creek Highway and building a new four lane fixed bridge across the new Berbice River Bridge.
Another critical project mentioned is the construction of the Lethem Highway, a key transportation corridor that will link Guyana to Northern Brazil.
The chairman stressed that for the highway to be truly effective, the Government must ensure the development of a deep-water port to handle the increased traffic and cargo from the Brazilian market.
“If we build a road and we don't have a deep-water port, we're back to square one. We're going to be having still shallow drivers to come in here, collecting small amounts of cargo. So, we will definitely need to make sure that the deep-water port is developed as quickly as possible. So, by the time the road is completed, we have a deep-water port to support the traffic that will be coming from Brazil to meet the North American market,” Singh went on to state.
The Government under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali has made it clear that the construction of the Deep-Water Port is among its priorities while in the next term in office.
With private sector investments in Guyana exceeding US$2.5 billion in the last four years, the economy is seeing unprecedented growth, much of it driven by the oil and gas sector. However, the Chairman emphasised that
the private sector is equally committed to contributing to the development of other industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics.
Looking ahead, Singh explained that the PSC remains optimistic about the future, confident that the 2025 budget’s focus on infrastructure will provide the foundation needed to sustain Guyana’s rapid development.
“Private sector has been very committed to the growth and development, and private sector is very happy to see that the Government also is creating an enabling environment for the private sector to grow, to create sustainable employment, to create sustainable growth in the various sector also, not just for ourselves, but for the region. Most of our investment that we're looking at right now, targeting not just Guyana, but the region,” he added. (G1)
Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Komal Singh
Fined: Jomo Peters
Key issues addressed by Police during Essequibo Coast community outreaches
Residents of the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) engaged with local law enforcement in two community outreach events in early January and February 2025, where critical issues were addressed, and concerns from the public were raised and resolved.
The first outreach, held on Monday, took place at Johanna Cecilia village, where officers from the Suddie Police Anti-Crime patrol engaged with the community between 12:45 and 13:55hs. The session focused on several pressing topics affecting the residents. A major area of concern was the use of illegal substances, including drugs and alcohol, with officers emphasising the negative effects on both individuals and the community. The officers also spoke at length about the issue of school dropouts, encouraging parents to ensure their children remained in school, as education is a vital tool for reducing crime and promoting social mobility.
Child abuse was another topic addressed, with the
officers stressing the importance of early detection and reporting to protect vulnerable children. This led into a discussion about domestic violence, with law enforcement offering advice on how to handle such sensitive matters and providing resources for those affected. The police also took the opportunity to encourage the public to utilise the Zara Computer Centres in nearby Charity and Suddie, which offer free access to technology and skills training.
Security concerns were also raised, with officers reminding residents to report criminal activity promptly, providing direct contact numbers for ease of communication. The discussion further focused on the importance of building a trusting relationship with the police, ensuring that the community feels comfortable reporting crimes and seeking help when necessary.
An issue frequently raised by residents was the disturbance caused by loud music systems in the area, which the officers addressed, highlighting the potential for noise pollution and the need
for respect within the community. Additionally, the processing of passport services at the regional headquarters was explained to make the process more accessible for the public. Recruitment for new police officers was also discussed, as was the increased police
logue with law enforcement, appreciating the effort to make their voices heard.
On Sunday, a similar, outreach took place at the Onderneeming Sand Pit area, led by Regional Police Divisional Commander No.2, Superintendent K. Shivbaran.
venting crime and improving neighborhood safety. In line with law enforcement’s commitment to enhancing public safety, the community was also informed about the new fine for noise nuisance, which includes fines for noise from exhaust motorcycles and loud music systems.
patrols to ensure the safety of residents in the area.
In response to these issues, several concerns were raised by the residents, which were addressed by the officers present. The community expressed its gratitude for the visit and the open dia-
One of the central topics was the formation of Community Policing Groups (CPGs), which aim to strengthen the bond between the police and the community. The residents were encouraged to participate in the formation of these groups, which will work toward pre-
As with the previous session, the Zara Computer Centres were highlighted, with residents encouraged to take advantage of the free access available to improve their computer skills and gain certifications. In addition, the importance of being security conscious and re-
porting suspicious activities was underscored, as community vigilance plays a critical role in crime prevention. Parents in the area were informed about the benefits of youth groups and scouting, which not only provide young people with valuable life skills but also help prevent them from engaging in criminal activities. The ongoing patrols by the police in the community were also discussed, as well as the importance of maintaining a strong partnership between law enforcement and residents. This partnership ensures that everyone in the community works together to create a safer environment.
Several questions from the community were raised during the session, and Commander Shivbaran and his team responded to them in detail, ensuring that all concerns were addressed. The residents expressed their appreciation for the initiative and indicated a strong desire for more of these outreach events, looking forward to the continued support and cooperation between the police and the community.
Religious leaders urged to promote peace, unity
Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill has urged religious leaders and people of faith to foster unity, peace and respect. The Minister called for collective efforts to promote harmony during the launch of World Inter-Faith Week at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cummings Lodge on Monday. He highlighted Guyana’s strong tradition of religious coexistence and reaffirmed the right of every Guyanese
to choose and practice their faith.
Edghill, a Department of Public Information (DPI) report stated, emphasised that inter-faith harmony provides an essential platform for dialogue and ongoing cooperation
among religious groups. “I think every religion should be promoted as a culture of peace at an individual level and a collective level. If the solution to the conflict is dialogue, why don’t we have the dialogue before the conflict,”
he is quoted in a DPI report as saying. World Inter-Faith Week encourages discussion and understanding among different faith-based communities. It brings together people of various religious beliefs through a series of events.
Observed annually in the first week of February, this year’s event is being held under the theme “Love of God and Love of the Neighbour.” Students from various schools in Georgetown were also present.
Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, alongside members of the various religious groups at the launch of World Inter-Faith Week (DPI photo)
The Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) for the wider Caribbean has been officially activated and will commence its activities this year, marking a significant achievement in advancing the sustainable management of marine resources in the region.
On January 23, the ProCaribePlus Project announced the activation of the OCM. The ProCaribePlus Project is a regional initiative for protecting and restoring the ocean’s natural capital, building resilience and supporting region-wide investments for sustainable, blue, socio-economic development in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems (CLME+ region).
With the Government of the Bahamas signing on 19 December 2024 and the Intergovernmental
Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) following on 14 January 2025, a total of 17 states and nine intergovernmental organisations (IGOs) have now endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a coordination mechanism to support integrated ocean governance in the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf Large Marine Ecosystems.
Designed to facilitate enhanced collaboration among countries, IGOs, and other ocean stakeholders, the OCM is aimed at promoting well-coordinated efforts to restore and preserve the region’s valuable marine ecosystems. By fostering synergies and improving efficiency, it aims to address critical environmental challenges while unlocking the economic,
environmental, and social benefits of a healthy ocean.
Key initiatives of the OCM include the development of a holistic Ocean Action Programme, the launch of a periodic reporting mechanism on the State of the Marine Environment and Associated Economies, and supporting the strengthening of climate-resilient ocean-based economies – the latter being of key importance for the region’s many Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Globally, there is growing recognition of the need for enhanced coordination among the many organisations and institutions dealing with marine resources. The Wider Caribbean region has positioned itself as a leader by pioneering this unique mechanism.
With additional memberships expected in 2025, the aim is that the OCM will ultimately bring to-
gether 11 IGOs – including several United Nations (UN) Agencies – as well as the Governments of the 32 States and Territories from the region.
Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Dr Didacus Jules said. “The OECS Commission is thrilled that the Ocean Coordination Mechanism officially come into effect, marking a significant milestone in our collective efforts to safeguard the health of the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf marine ecosystems. This achievement reflects the tireless work and collaboration of intergovernmental organisations and countries dedicated to sustainable ocean governance. The OCM will undoubtedly strengthen regional cooperation, promote
sustainable fisheries, and contribute to the resilience of our coastal and marine environments, ultimately driving the prosperity and well-being of livelihoods and economies. As the first intergovernmental agency to sign the MoU, the OECS is honoured to serve as the Convener of the inaugural Executive Group Meeting and looks forward to providing initial leadership on this important initiative.”
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs Minister, E.P. Chet Greene of Antigua and Barbuda, emphasised: “The Ministry and by extension the Government remain committed to the goal of fostering partnerships and coordination to achieve and safeguard healthy marine and coastal ecosystems. These ecosystems are key
drivers for thriving, sustainable and climate-resilient ocean-based economies in the Wider Caribbean Region and hemisphere.” Moreover, with CARICOM, efforts are also underway to strengthen ocean governance and management through the articulation of a regional sustainable ocean management policy to harmonise blue pathways to achieving the objectives of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. The development and implementation of this policy will naturally synergise with the strategic actions of the wider Caribbean’s large marine ecosystem approach, strengthening the connections of national, subregional and regional management of our shared natural resources in the marine environment.
PAHO urges Latin America, Caribbean to improve access to cancer medication
On the World Cancer Day today, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is urging Governments in Latin America and the Caribbean to prioritise access to essential cancer medicines, supplies, and equipment. Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the Americas region, claiming the lives of more than 1.4 million people and resulting in more than four million new cases annually.
Director of PAHO, Dr Jarbas Barbosa emphasised the need to improve access to treatment. "We must work toward a future where no one is without the cancer care they need to survive," he said. "Improving equitable access to these treatments is essential for better outcomes and quality of life."
In a release on Monday, PAHO said that while progress has been made, several barriers still exist, including high costs, inefficient
procurement systems, and limited distribution networks. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, including updated treatment protocols and pooled procurement to increase predictability and address the high price of cancer medicines.
It added that the disparity in childhood cancer care is particularly concerning. In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is estimated that around 30,000 children and adolescents under the age of 19 will be diagnosed with cancer each year. Of these, nearly 10,000 will die from the disease. In high-income countries, more than 80 per cent of children with cancer are cured, but in many low- and middle-income countries, the cure rate is around 20 per cent.
"The gap in survival rates is largely due to limited access to affordable, quality-assured medicines," said Dr Mauricio Maza, PAHO’s Regional Advisor on Cancer.
PAHO said it also continues its work with global partners to improve childhood cancer care. Through the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, PAHO is working with WHO, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and UNICEF to ensure a continuous supply of affordable, quality cancer medicines to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In 2024, PAHO
signed an agreement with St Jude to implement the platform in Latin America and the Caribbean, aiming to scale access efforts and strengthen national planning and procurement capacity, including enhancing supply chain resilience for childhood cancer treatments. These partnerships are critical to closing the survival gap for children in LMICs.
"We urge all countries
in the region to better utilise this resource, which offers essential cancer medicines, as well as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests for cervical cancer screening and cervical pre-cancer treatment devices, critical tools needed for cervical cancer elimination," Dr Barbosa added.
Cervical cancer continues to claim the lives of around 40,000 women in the Americas each year, but with appropriate strategies - HPV vaccination, screening and treatment- it could be eliminated as a public health issue. Cervical cancer is one of the more than 30 diseases and related conditions that PAHO aims to eliminate as part of its Disease Elimination Initiative.
To achieve this, PAHO said that three goals must be met by 2030: reaching 90 per cent coverage of vaccination against HPV in girls at 15 years of age; 70 per cent coverage of screening with high-precision tests in
women at 35 and 45 years of age; and ensuring that 90 per cent of precancerous lesions and cases of invasive cancer receive treatment.
In the region, 48 out of 51 countries and territories including Guyana, have already introduced HPV vaccination, and half of them use the single-dose scheme, which increases uptake and coverage. PAHO supports countries in accessing the HPV vaccine at affordable prices through its Revolving Fund and is promoting the adoption of HPV tests for screening, which most countries have already begun to implement. Although many are still in the early stages, four countries have already incorporated these tests into their national programmes. PAHO said that with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNITAID, has donated thermal ablation devices for the treatment of precancerous lesions in seven countries.
Rubio hails Panama's move to exit Chinese infrastructure plan
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio on Monday welcomed Panama's decision to let its participation in China's global infrastructure plan expire, calling the move "a great step forward" for its ties with the United States.
Any move by Panama to distance itself from Chinese President Xi Jinping's signature Belt and Road Initiative is a win for Washington, which has argued that Beijing uses the scheme for "debt trap diplomacy" to cement its global influence.
Rubio this week made his first overseas trip as the top US diplomat under President Donald Trump to Panama, a close US partner in Latin America, and pressured the country over its ties with China.
After talks with Rubio, Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino said his country's broad agreement to contribute to the Chinese initiative will not be renewed, and could be terminated early. He said the deal was set to expire in two to three years, but did not elaborate.
"Yesterday's announcement by President @ JoseRaulMulino that Panama will allow its participation in the CCP's Belt and Road Initiative to expire is a great step forward for US-Panama relations, a free Panama Canal, and another example of @POTUS leadership to protect our national security and deliver prosperity for the American people," Rubio posted on X after departing the country.
Panama was the first Latin American country to officially endorse the Belt and Road Initiative in November 2017, five months
after switching diplomatic ties to China from Taiwan, the democratically-governed island Beijing claims as its territory.
China rejects Western criticism of the plan, saying well over 100 countries have joined it, and that it has boosted global development with new ports, bridges, railways and other projects.
Panama had made a "regrettable decision", China's United Nations Ambassador Fu Cong said.
"The smear campaign that is launched by the US and some of the other Western countries on the Belt and Road Initiative is totally groundless," Fu told a news conference in New York.
Still, the Chinese infrastructure plan has faced controversy, with some partner nations bemoaning the high cost of projects and struggling to repay loans. Italy withdrew from the initiative in 2023 under US pressure over concerns about Beijing's economic reach.
Canal operations
US concerns have long extended to some Chinese
companies' operations near the Panama Canal, built by the United States in the early 20th century and handed over to Panama in 1999.
A Hong Kong-based firm operates two ports at both entrances of the waterway, while two Chinese stateowned firms are separately building a fourth bridge over one of the canal's entrances.
The US State Department said on Sunday that Rubio delivered a message from Trump that China's presence there was a threat to the canal and a violation of the US-Panama treaty.
After talks with Rubio, Mulino signalled a willingness to review the 25year concession to Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings, renewed in 2021 for the operation of the two entrance ports, pending the results of an audit.
The contract has been targeted by US lawmakers and the Government as an example of China's expansion in Panama, which they say goes against a neutrality treaty signed by both countries in 1977.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
T&T 1st female CoP removed from office
Trinidad’s first female Commissioner of Police, Erla Harewood-Christopher, has been replaced.
The day after she was arrested, the Police Service Commission (PolSC) dismissed Commissioner of Police (CoP) Erla HarewoodChristopher and wrote to President Christine Kangaloo to appoint Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Junior Benjamin as her replacement.
In a letter to Kangaloo, which she received on January 31, the PolSC said that it directed HarewoodChristopher to “cease to report for duty and cease to discharge the duties of Commissioner of Police”.
At the time, HarewoodChristopher was arrested and detained at the St Clair Police Station for questioning over the granting of an import licence to secure military-grade equipment
Commissioner of Police and Curt Simon be appointed acting Deputy Commissioner of Police in his stead.
Benjamin is at the top of the PolSC’s order merit list for senior Police Officers eligible to act as commissioner.
The day the letter reached the President, she wrote to Parliament informing them of the matter to be debated. In a notice, Parliament announced that the two notifications –Benjamin and Simon – will be debated on Wednesday, February 5.
for the Security Services Agency (SSA).
The PolSC, which is chaired by criminologist Dr Wendell Wallace, said its decision was as a result of the ongoing investigation into misbehaviour in public office.
In its letter, it recommended that Benjamin be appointed to act as
However, the day after the notice was sent, Saturday, HarewoodChristopher was released without charges.
According to a press release by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the investigations into her and former director of the SSA Roger Best remain ongoing.
(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
2 bodies recovered from plane crash in Dominica, 2 others still trapped
Search and rescue teams in Dominica have recovered two of the four bodies from the four-seater Cessna 172 aircraft which crashed on a mountain top soon after it departed the Douglas-Charles Airport on January 26 en route to Martinique, National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore confirmed on Monday.
He told a news conference that the wreckage of the plane was discovered “on a mountain top in the heights of La Plaine”, on the island’s southeast coast, in a rugged area that poses significant challenges for recovery teams.
The Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA) in a brief statement last Monday had said
the aircraft had lost communications after its departure.
Blackmoore said that with the assistance of personnel from the French island of Martinique, the wreckage was sighted the day following the crash, but that it was impossible to reach by foot. He said the search teams had photographed the terrain, the
crash site, and the wreckage of the plane.
“We were able to get the assistance of the French because it was clear then it would have been impossible to access that crash by foot,” he said, adding that the French provided a helicopter and personnel who are trained “in difficult interventions. (Excerpt from CMC)
Ecuadorean President announces 27% tariff on Mexican goods
Ecuadorean
President Daniel Noboa announced on Monday that his Government will apply a 27 per cent tariff on Mexican goods in an effort to promote fair treatment for his country's companies.
In a post on X, Noboa said he favours more exchange of goods with other countries, including a potential free trade deal with Mexico, "but not when there is abuse". Until there is such a deal, he added, the 27 per cent duty will apply.
Last year, Ecuador and Mexico broke off diplomat -
office.
The
Mexico's Economy Ministry, which handles trade policy, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ( Reuters)
CAL warns of spam: “No issues with Florida flights”
Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has rubbished rumours suggesting issues with its flights departing from Miami and Orlando in Florida to Piarco.
Dionne Ligoure, CAL’s head of corporate communications, confirmed on Monday, February 3 that there was no merit to the claims.
“People are making mischief,” she told Newsday in a brief conversation. “Our flights have NO ISSUES.”
Ligoure cautioned that false information could be circulating on messaging platform Whatsapp and advised users to practice discernment.
CAL subsequently is -
sued an advisory titled “Spam Messaging Alert.”
It read, “CAL advises that a Whatsapp message in circulation referencing the airline’s South Florida services out of Miami and Orlando is false.
“All CAL flights for today, February 3, 2025, out of South Florida, are operating as per schedule.”
While CAL maintains a strong safety record, the aviation industry has recently faced several tragic incidents. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media after watching people board a repatriation flight bound for Colombia at Albrook Airport, in Panama City, Panama, February 3, 2025 (Mark Schiefelbein/Pool via Reuters)
ic relations after Noboa ordered a raid on the Mexican Embassy to arrest a former Ecuadorean Vice President.
South American nation is set to hold a firstround general election this Sunday, in which Noboa is running to remain in
An emotional Erla HarewoodChristopher outside the St Clair Police Station after being released from police custody on Saturday
Around the World
OIL NEWS
Oil prices close at 1-month low
Oil prices edged up in volatile trade on Monday, but closed at a one-month low on the expiration of a higher-priced contract, as the market digested US President Donald Trump's planned imposition of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.
Concerns over imports from two of the main crude suppliers to the US boosted prices by over US$1 a barrel earlier in the session before Trump paused the new tariffs on Mexico for one month as Mexico agreed to reinforce its northern border to stem the flow of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl.
Brent futures for April delivery rose 29 cents, or 0.4 per cent, from where that contract closed on Friday to settle at US$75.96 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 63 cents, or 0.9 per cent, to settle at US$73.16.
That was the lowest close for Brent since January 2 now that the lower-priced April contract is the front-month after the expiration of the higher-priced March future on Friday.
Trump's sweeping tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China had threatened to kick off a trade war that could dent global growth and reignite inflation.
The proposed tariffs included a 25 per cent levy on most goods from Mexico and Canada, with a 10 per cent tariff on energy imports from Canada and a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese imports.
"Tariffs on Canadian energy imports would likely be more disruptive for domestic energy markets than those on Mexican imports and might even be counterproductive to one of the president's key objectives – lowering energy costs," Barclays analyst Amarpreet Singh said in a note.
Canada and Mexico together account for about a quarter of the oil US refiners process into fuels such as gasoline and heating oil, according to the US Department of Energy.
US manufacturing grew for the first time in more than two years in January, but recovery was likely to be short-lived due to Trump's tariffs, which will potentially further raise raw material prices and snarl supply chains.
Boston Federal Reserve President Susan Collins said the type of tariffs announced by the Trump Administration may drive up inflation, while noting there's a lot of uncertainty and no urgency on the part of the US central bank to change the direction of monetary policy.
Higher inflation could prompt the Fed to raise interest rates to combat rising prices. That could reduce demand for energy by boosting borrowing costs and slowing economic growth.
Tariffs will raise costs for the heavier crude grades that US refineries need for optimum production, industry sources said.
Gasoline pump prices in the US are certainly expected to rise with the loss of crude for refineries and the loss of imported products, said Mukesh Sahdev at Rystad Energy.
Trump has already warned that the tariffs could cause "short-term" pain for Americans.
US gasoline futures climbed up about three per cent to a two-week high, helping to boost the 3:2:1- crack spread, which measures refining profit margins, to its highest since August 2024.
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies like Russia, collectively known as OPEC+, agreed to stick to its policy of gradually raising oil output from April and removed the US Government's Energy Information Administration(EIA) from the sources used to monitor its production and adherence to supply pacts.
HF Sinclair, Phillips 66 and Par Pacific have some of the highest exposure to Canadian crude oil among top US refiners.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) of the OPEC+ group discussed Trump's call to raise oil production.
Global oil demand will likely be close to current levels in 2040, energy and commodities trader Vitol said in its longterm demand outlook, with rising consumption later this decade offset by a decline through the late 2030s. (Reuters)
Trump pauses tariffs on Mexico and Canada, but not China
US President Donald Trump suspended his threat of steep tariffs on Mexico and Canada on Monday, agreeing to a 30-day pause in return for concessions on border and crime enforcement with the two neighbouring countries.
US tariffs on China were still due to take effect.
Both Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said they had agreed to bolster border enforcement efforts in response to Trump's demand to crack down on immigration and drug smuggling. That would pause 25 per cent tariffs due to take effect on Tuesday for 30 days.
Canada agreed to deploy new technology and personnel along its border with the United States and launch
cooperative efforts to fight organised crime, fentanyl smuggling and money laundering.
Mexico agreed to reinforce its northern border with 10,000 National Guard members to stem the flow of illegal migration and drugs.
The United States also made a commitment to prevent trafficking of high-powered weapons to Mexico, Sheinbaum said.
"As President, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of ALL Americans, and I am doing just that. I
am very pleased with this initial outcome," Trump said on social media.
The agreements forestall, for now, the onset of a trade war that economists predicted would damage the economies of all involved and usher in higher prices for consumers.
After speaking by phone with both leaders, Trump said he would try to negotiate economic agreements over the coming month with the two largest US trading partners, whose economies have become tightly intertwined with the United States since a landmark free-trade deal was struck in the 1990s.
No such deal has emerged for China, which faces across-the-board tariffs of 10 per cent that are poised to begin at 00:01h ET today (0501 GMT). (Excerpt from Reuters)
EU leaders agree to step up defence efforts
European Union leaders agreed on Monday to do more to bolster their defences against Russia and other threats by hiking spending and filling gaps in their military capabilities.
"A lot has been done already, but we need to do more. We need to do it better, stronger, faster – and
we need to do it together," Antonio Costa, the President of the European Council of EU leaders, said after a summit on defence in Brussels.
However, the leaders left largely unanswered the question of how their planned surge in defence spending would be paid for.
European countries
Arab nations oppose removing Palestinians from Gaza in letter to US
Five Arab Foreign Ministers and a senior Palestinian official sent a joint letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio opposing plans to displace Palestinians from Gaza, as suggested by President Donald Trump in late January.
The letter was sent on Monday and signed by the Foreign Ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as Palestinian presidential adviser Hussein al-Sheikh. It was reported first by Axios, which said the top diplomats met in Cairo over the weekend.
Trump first floated the suggestion of Jordan and Egypt taking in Palestinians from Gaza on January 25. When asked if he was suggesting that as a long-term or short-term solution, the President said: "Could be either."
The US President's comments echoed long-standing Palestinian fears of being permanently driven from their homes and were labelled as a proposal of ethnic
cleansing by critics. Jordan, Egypt and other Arab nations opposed the proposal.
"Reconstruction in Gaza should be through direct engagement with and participation of the people of Gaza. Palestinians will live in their land and help rebuild it," the letter said.
"And they should not be stripped of their agency during reconstruction as they must take ownership of the process with the support of the international community."
Israel's military assault on Gaza has killed over 47,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and led to accusations of genocide and war crimes that Israel denies. The fighting has currently paused amid a fragile ceasefire.
The latest bloodshed in the decades-old IsraeliPalestinian conflict was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
have already ramped up defence spending in recent years, in response to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and a growing view that they cannot rely so much on the United States to protect the continent in years to come.
Their efforts have been fuelled by questions about US President Donald Trump's commitment to the NATO security alliance and by his demands for
European nations to spend more on the continent's defences.
The start of the EU summit was overshadowed by Trump declaring at the weekend that he will soon impose tariffs on imports from the EU, having ordered similar measures on goods from Canada and Mexico – which were paused on Monday – and from China. (Excerpt from Reuters)
UN body reports “alarming rise” in Russian execution of captured
UUkrainian soldiers
nited Nations
Human Rights
Monitoring Mission has recorded an "alarming rise" in reported executions of Ukrainian soldiers captured by the Russian armed forces during the war in recent months, it said on Monday.
The mission in Ukraine said it had received reports of 79 executions in 24 separate incidents since the end of August last year.
International humanitarian law prohibits the execution of prisoners of war and the wounded, and regards it as a war crime.
"Many Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered or were in physical custody of the Russian armed forces were shot dead on the spot. Witness accounts also described the killings of unarmed and injured Ukrainian soldiers," the mission said in a statement.
Commenting on the re-
port, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the Russian atrocities demanded urgent international action.
"Russia's horrific executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war demonstrate that Ukraine confronts true beasts," he said on X. "We need new and effective international legal tools, and concrete steps to hold the perpetrators accountable."
The Russian Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The UN body obtained and analysed video and photographic material published by Ukrainian and Russian sources showing executions or dead bodies and conducted detailed interviews with witnesses.
It said the reported executions took place in areas where Russian offensive operations were underway.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US, January 31, 2025 (Reuters/Carlos Barria file photo)
Emotions will complicate your decision-making. A change may be necessary, but uncertainty will throw your timing off if you don’t act. You can slow things down, but you must refrain from appearing indecisive.
Follow the money. Keep your thoughts to yourself and barrel ahead until you feel comfortable with the results. Speed and accuracy are compulsory to getting your way.
Learn all you can, double down and strike while the iron’s hot. Control situations, and you’ll deter others from taking you for granted. Use your charm, do your research and proceed with compassion.
You are the glue that holds everything together. Use your imagination, and you’ll develop solutions that will help you gain respect. Change may not be welcome, but it will be insightful and beneficial.
Put your best foot forward. How you look and present yourself to others will determine how events unfold. Sport a smile and loving attitude, and the reception will be overwhelmingly in your favor.
Incorporate change into your routine. Follow your heart, and you’ll discover something about yourself and the people you encounter. Let your actions speak for you.
Opportunity knocks; open the door and let it in. Today is not the time to hesitate; take control and make things happen. Network, charm and share your vision with someone you want to work alongside.
Let your feelings, intuition and experience guide you. Refuse to let the jibber-jabber you encounter get in your way. Participate in networking functions, talk to experts and put your energy toward your goal.
Refuse to drag your feet when there is much to do. Letting someone sidetrack you will cause anxiety and regret. Look for opportunities and forge ahead instead of waiting for approval.
A change will spark your imagination. Discovering what makes you happy and implementing it into your routine will encourage lively new connections. Being open about what you want will put your mind at ease.
Take your time, or you’ll miss something that can set you back. You will flourish if you question everything and look for opportunities. It’s all about choice, astuteness and follow-through.
Simplify your life. Walk away from instability and focus on what you can achieve. Get involved in pastimes that ease stress and give you something to look forward to. A creative outlet will encourage you.
ARCHIE
Jenni Hermoso has told the trial of Spain's former football chief Luis Rubiales that the kiss he gave her at the 2023 World Cup "stained one of the happiest days of my life".
The Spanish world champion footballer was the first witness in Rubiales' trial over the kiss, where he is accused of sexual assault and coercion.
She told the court in Madrid: "My boss was kissing me, and this shouldn't happen in any social or work setting."
Rubiales sparked major controversy when he kissed the athlete on the lips during
the medal ceremony for the side's World Cup victory in Australia, triggering protests and calls for his resignation. He denies any wrongdoing.
Hermoso told the court that she had never given permission to be kissed and felt "disrespected" as a woman.
"I greeted the queen, I greeted her daughter. The next thing was meeting Rubiales."
Hermoso said she and the then President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation hugged and celebrated.
"The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and
International League T20...
kiss me on the mouth."
"I didn't hear or understand anything," she said.
She went on: "A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so".
"No one came to ask me how I was" after the kiss, she told the trial on Monday.
The footballer said she felt "completely abandoned by the federation".
She continued to celebrate "the greatest achievement" of her life with her teammates, Hermoso explained.
"There was no place for me to be crying or lying in the corner of the dressing room."
The other players initially made fun of the incident before one, Irene Paredes, intervened to say: "Stop, this is serious."
Hermoso said she was
Wat the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday to close out the preliminary phase of the 2025 International League T20 (ILT20). McCoy took 3-22 from his four overs to help the Capitals
Qais Ahmad 4-0-25-4 Gulbadin Naib 1-0-11-0 Haider Ali 1-0-9-0
Dubai Capitals (T: 138 runs from 20 ovs)
Adam Rossington c †Azam Khan b Payne 27 Shai Hope † not out 52 Gulbadin Naib not out 55
Extras (w 4) 4
Total 17.1 Ov (RR: 8.03) 138/1
Did not bat: Sam Billings (c), Sikandar Raza, Dasun Shanaka, Rovman Powell, Dushmantha Chameera, Farhan Khan, Haider Ali, Qais Ahmad Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Adam Rossington, 4.4 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W David Payne 4-0-29-1
Lockie Ferguson 3-0-33-0
Wanindu Hasaranga 4-0-18-0
Sam Curran 3-0-19-0 Khuzaima Tanveer 3.1-0-39-0
pulled aside soon after the kiss and asked to consent to a statement minimising the incident, which she refused to do.
She added that Rubiales asked her to record a video with him on the flight home, because he was being accused of assault on social media.
"I said no, that I was not going to do anything, that I was not the cause of this."
She said people were huddled around Rubiales during the flight, and that she saw his daughters crying.
The footballer said her life had been "on stand-by" until the trial began on Monday.
She said she had received death threats that prompted her to leave Madrid with her family. She now plays club football in Mexico, as well as
McCoy 3-22, Hope 52* as Capitals close league phase with 9-wicket win Kiss “stained” Spain World Cup win, Hermoso tells trial
for Spain's national team.
Prosecutors are calling for Rubiales, 47, to receive a oneyear prison sentence for sexual assault.
They are also calling for him to be given a sentence of a year-and-a-half for coercion, for allegedly trying to pressure Hermoso into saying publicly that the kiss was consensual.
Rubiales denies the charges.
At the time, Rubiales said the kiss had been consensual and denounced a so-called witch-hunt by "fake feminism", before resigning from his position.
Three of his former colleagues are also on trial accused of coercing Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual.
Jorge Vilda, Coach of the World Cup-winning side; Rubén Rivera, the Federation's former Head of Marketing and former Sporting Director Albert Luque all deny the charges.
Spain's Equality Minister Ana Redondo thanked Hermoso for her "bravery" in a post on X, shortly before the trial started. The trial runs until February 19. (BBC Sport)
restrict the Vipers to 137 all out in 19.4 overs after skipper Sam Billings won the toss and chose to field first.
The Vincentian left-arm quick took the wickets of both openers Azam Khan (2) and Alex Hales (18) as well as Wanindu Hasaranga (11).
McCoy was not the star of the show with the ball for the Capitals, however, as Afghan leg-spinner Qais Ahmed produced an excellent spell of bowling with 4-25 from his four overs.
Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran were the highest scorers for the Vipers with 44 and 28, respectively, while Sherfane Rutherford made a two-ball duck.
The Capitals then needed only 17.1 overs to reach 138-1 and secure victory heading into the play-offs.
Gulbadin Naib finished 55* off 31 balls, including three fours and four sixes, while Shai Hope finished not out on 52 off 54 balls, including four fours and one six.
Hope’s opening partner, Adam Rossington chipped in with an 18-ball 27, including three sixes and a four.
At the completion of the league phase in which each team played 10 games, the Vipers and Capitals finished first and second on 14 points and 12 points, respectively, meaning they will face off in Wednesday’s Qualifier 1 with the winner advancing to Sunday’s final.
The loser of that game will face the winner of Thursday’s Eliminator between MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz in Qualifier 2 on Friday
(Sportsmax)
est Indians Obed McCoy and Shai Hope both played major roles as the Dubai Capitals defeated the Desert Vipers by nine wickets
Jenni Hermoso, 34, was the first witness at Rubiales' trial
Luis Rubiales on the first day of his trial at the National High Court
Shai Hope hit a patient 52*
Georgetown Masters, Black Mambas, and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) enjoyed nail-biting wins on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) as the Guyana Basketball Federation’s One Guyana Premier Basketball League continued with exhilarating action.
The opening game of the night saw the Masters, looking to bounce back after a previous loss, come up against Berbice Renegades, who, on the other hand, were looking to continue their winning streak. The first quarter saw a closely-contested battle, but it was the Masters who came out on top, 18-13.
ball through the net, putting up 14 points while the Renegades could only muster 12 points with a score of 53-43.
The Masters managed to maintain a tight grip on the lead as they closed off the first half with 21 points compared to Renegades’ 18 for an overall 39-31.
In the third quarter, the Masters, despite the cold atmosphere, seemed too eager for the win as they were consistently putting the
Masters walked gracefully from the court as they secured their second win, handing Berbice Renegades their second defeat, 67-56.
The second game saw a winless Kings looking to bag their first points battling the ferocious GDF, who were looking to getting back to winning ways. The first quarter saw buckets swishing from both ends of the court and the score was tied at 17 points apiece.
the score tied, the Kings went all out in the sec ond quarter for a threepoint lead as they scored 16 points while the GDF could only mus ter 13 points for a 33-30 scoreline.
way for the soldiers as they kept their composure; they managed to come back in the
CWI launches new scouting system with focus on West Indies Championships
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled a groundbreaking, data-driven scouting system aimed at identifying and developing the best cricketing talent across the Region.
This new initiative marks a major shift in player assessment, with Senior Talent Managers, Territorial Talent Identifiers (TTIDs), and a network of scouts now working together to provide a structured, analytical approach to talent identification.
With the West Indies Championship as their first major assignment, the scouting team will ensure that every performance is tracked, analysed, and reported, creating a clear pathway for emerging cricketers to progress to the highest levels.
A modernised scouting network
Through CWI’s recently-appointed Senior Talent Managers Jamal Smith (male) and Ann BrowneJohn (female), there will now be dedicated and robust responsibility for managing senior player data, collaborating with analysts, and assisting in selection decisions. They will work along -
(Dominica), Stacy-Ann Adams (St Vincent), Anthony Gray (Trinidad & Tobago), and Shane Jeffers (St Kitts) – will assist in evaluating talent during the West Indies Championship.
According to CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, this initiative represents a significant step towards professionalizing talent identification.
“We are moving beyond just relying on what we see on scorecards. This system ensures that performances are seen with context and with a focus on the skill sets displayed, tactical acumen and game awareness. We are collecting real-time data, analysing performances consistently, and making informed decisions about player development,” said Bascombe.
scouting approach is its reli ance on advanced analytics. Talent scouts will use the Athlete Management System (AMS) to main
third quarter by one point, for a score of 17 points to the Kings’ 13 points for an overall of score 47-46.
With the scoreboard reading 6357, the GDF got home with an astonishing six-point victory Kings search of their first points after
Black Mambas ended with the winning end of the stick, 52-49 as they handed Retrieve Raiders their first loss in three games.
transparent structure for all players.
“Players in the Region will now be seen and evaluated by multiple talent identification operatives resulting in more information gathering, and better-balanced data on performances. With this accountability metric in place, our network of scouts ensures that no talent goes unnoticed.”
He further called on all stakeholders in West Indies cricket to support this new data-driven approach.
“We are moving into a new era of role-based, data-driven selection that will have ripple effects across our cricket system from the way players prepare to the way we measure performances. In addition, it allows us to examine deficits in players and to optimise through our high-performance framework. However, I would like to reiterate that data-driven does not only equate to stats-based, huge emphasis will be placed on qualitative data. Beyond selection, this data will be used to refine player programming ensuring a targeted approach to getting players in-
Focus on the West Indies Championship
With the West Indies Championship currently underway, all eyes are on the competition as the first major test of this scouting system. TTIDs and scouts are closely monitoring every match, with performances being recorded in real time to help identify potential future stars.
Bascombe highlighted the importance of this championship in shaping the future of West Indies
player performance records.
Collaboration
– Working closely with coaches, selectors, and high-performance staff to refine the development pathway.
Bascombe emphasised that this new system provides a fair and
“The West Indies Championship is where we expect to see our next generation of Test cricketers emerge. With this new system, we will have more eyes on players than ever before and clarity about what we are looking for. This ensures that selection methods are consistent over time and based on merit and data-backed insights.”
Looking ahead
CWI’s bold new scouting model represents a significant step towards revitalising the Region’s talent pipeline. By combining modern data analytics with expert scouting, CWI is ensuring that West Indies cricket remains competitive on the global stage. With a clear structure in place, the next generation of Caribbean cricketing talent now has a defined pathway to success.
Attending matches and training
GDF( white)
Guyana’s Shamar Joseph
Antigua’s Jewel Andrew
This Friday, Guyana’s national Under-17 team, the Junior Jags, will embark on an important journey, competing for a spot in the FIFA 2025 U17 World Cup.
Qualification for the global event will occur through the CONCACAF Qualifiers scheduled for February 7- 16, in countries across the Caribbean and Latin America.
As new Head Coach Marco Bonofiglio whipped his team into shape, he shared his thoughts on the side’s composition, noting that he has not seen much difference between the internationally- and locally-based players.
The Head Coach, in responding to questions about any disparity in the level between the internationally-
and locally-based players, said: “To be honest with you, I’ve seen the complete opposite.”
“So, we’ve had some international players come in and gel in and blend in perfectly with the group. I can assure you of this, the 21 players that we’ve selected, they’re like a family, they’re all staying here on the grounds, they’ve blended with the coaching staff as well. I’ve seen a great, great Guyana family right now. It looks really good, I haven’t seen that disconnect yet, but I see a really good group going into Costa Rica,” Bonofiglio added.
Quizzed about Guyana’s lack of international friendly experience before such an important assignment and the likelihood of the players’ lack of international ex-
Aperience; Bonofiglio asserted that the work done in camp will compensate.
“Like I said, we’re always going to revert back to what we do in training, that’s the most important thing. We’re not going to worry about their experience or what they had in the past, I want to know that they enter this year’s camp with their minds clear of the objects that were set. That’s what we’re going to focus on mostly with Guyana,” the Head Coach shared.
“No, the most important thing is that the staff collected the right data to work on and I think we’ve been doing a fine job. I think the staff that I’m working with is fantastic, we’ve been working around the clock so, as along as I’ve been here the last two weeks, I’ve been working around the clock to have that
“King of Soft Shoe” kicks off today
new tournament is set to ignite West Ruimveldt from this evening when the “King of Soft Shoe” competition kicks off at the St Pius Ground.
The brainchild of national footballers Jermin Junor and Ryan Hackett, the tournament will feature 16 futsal teams competing for a $500,000 grand prize in a straight knockout format.
During a simple launch on Monday morning, Junor gave more details behind the soft shoe concept, revealing why he was previously unable to host such a tournament and how that has changed.
“Basically, we wanted to come different than all the futsal tournaments. So, this tournament is being played on field, why it’s named soft shoes is because it wouldn’t be played with pegs. So,
that’s why the name comes from,” Junor informed.
He added, “It’s something that I’ve wanted to do a very long time, but basically, the ground wasn’t up to standard and no lights. So, the Ministry made it possible to put in lights and get the ground up to standard with the sponsoring of this tournament. I want to say thanks to the Ministry for helping us with this.”
While first place takes home half a million, the second-, third- and fourthplaced finishers will pocket $300,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively. Awards such as MVP, highest goal scorer and best goalkeeper will also attract a $25,000 cash prize.
On the other hand, Hackett shared some of the vision behind the tournament, citing its benefits to the community and players’ personal development.
Hackett divulged, “This is activities that a lot of young players in the communities look out to, so we just come out with this new tournament and see if these players could get into it and get a better understanding, going forward, of field ball too.”
“Why we doing it on the grass? It could transfer into the original pitch. So, that’s why we come with this tournament just so the players could get more activities in the community,” Hackett further noted.
Sparta Boss, Festival City, North Ruimveldt, North East, Showstoppers, Back Circle A, Back Circle B, Stabroek Ballers A, Stabroek Ballers B, Gunners and Team Cruel are among the 16 teams slated to compete.
The tournament is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, February 16.
material and moving forward we’re just going to stick to those objectives that we have and work on those things and try to be a hundred percent active in the things that we’ve set out to do.”
As such, the Head Coach expressed faith in the work they were executing in the national camp, assuring that they would be ready for the challenge.
“Up until this point right now, I think the team has done exceptionally well, but the next few days are very critical. So, if I can say this, as of right now, the team is in the right direction and I think we’ll have the team ready to fight against Trinidad and Tobago and have a good outing in the Costa Rica qualifiers,” a confident Coach Bonofiglio shared.
Guyana are in Group B alongside hosts Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, British Virgin Islands and Sint Maarten. With eight groups in the competition, each of the group winners will book their ticket to the FIFA U17 World Cup later this year. Guyana will come up against Trinidad and Tobago first in the qualifiers on Friday, February 7.
Alfred sets St Lucian national record
…Jones also shines at New Balance Grand Prix
Julien Alfred delivered a sensational performance at the New Balance Grand Prix in Boston on Sunday, blazing to victory in the women’s 300m with a new St Lucian national record of 36.16 seconds. Leading from the start, she split 11.83 at 100m and 23.18 at 200m, before surging to the finish, leaving Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith in her wake. Asher-Smith finished second in a personal best 36.87, while France’s Emma Montoya took third in 38.37.
Alfred’s commanding run further solidifies her status as a top-tier sprinter, proving she is a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 indoor season.
Meanwhile, Bahamian sprinter Terrence Jones also made a statement in the men’s 60m dash, finishing second in 6.57 seconds, a sea son’s best. He was only beaten by American world champion Noah Lyles, who stormed to victory in 6.52 seconds. PJ Austin of the United States took third in 6.60 seconds, while Olympic 100m champion Marcell Jacobs of Italy settled for fourth in 6.63 seconds.
Olympic gold medallist Rai Benjamin dominated the men’s 300m, clocking a personal best of 32.21 seconds. Benjamin took control after a 10.77 opening 100m extending his lead through in 20.90, before closing out the race with an 11.31 final 100m. He finished ahead of fellow American Vernon Norwood (32.39 PB), while Matthew Boling placed third.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards had a solid showing in the men’s 400m, finishing third in 46.49 seconds. He split 21.12 at 200m, staying in contention before Americans Quincy Wilson (45.66 PB) and Will Sumner (46.27 PB) edged ahead in the final stretch.
Jamaica’s Romaine Beckford had an ex cellent showing in the men’s high jump, clearing 2.19m to finish second on
countback behind USA’s Vernon Turner, who took the victory at the same height. Puerto Rico’s Luis Castro Rivera also cleared 2.19m, finishing third with a season’s best. In the women’s 60m hurdles, Bahamian Devynne Charlton was impressive, clocking a season’s best of 7.85 seconds to finish third. She was narrowly beaten by Masai Russell (7.80 SB) and Grace Stark (7.81), both of the United States. Jamaican sprint hurdler Ackera Nugent placed fourth in 7.92 seconds,
Organiser Jermin Junor
Organiser Ryan Hackett
Scenes from the Junior Jags’ preparation
St Lucia’s Julien Alfred
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on Monday evening announced the 13-man Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) squad as the team prepare for the second-round match of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Four-Day Championship.
Seasoned wicketkeeper-batter Tevin Imlach returns as Captain, with Kemol Savory assuming the role of Vice Captain after leading the team in the opening match to a dominant 10-wicket win over the Barbados Pride.
West Indies player Kevin Sinclair also rejoins the squad,
while fast bowler Shamar Joseph has recovered from injury and is back in the line-up as well.
Antony Adams, Isaiah Thorne, and Junior Sinclair have been left out for this round.
The Harpy Eagles will face Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) on Wednesday from 10:00h at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
The GHE team read: Tevin Imlach (Captain); Kemol Savory (Vice Captain); Tagenarine Chanderpaul; Matthew Nandu; Raymond Perez; Kevlon Anderson; Kevin Sinclair; Richie
Joseph has recovered from injury
Ronaldo
and
The squad will be under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Ryan Hercules and his staff including his deputy Garvin Nedd, Manager Albert Clements, Physiotherapist Marvin Scott and Strength and Conditioning Coach Jaryl Moore. With the perfect start, the GCB has extended its best wishes to the squad, coaches and support staff ahead of the match as they fight to retain the Regional Four-Day title for the third consecutive time.
Looknauth;
Alimohamed; Veerasammy Permaul; Shamar Joseph; Nial Smith
Thaddeus Lovell.
Shamar
All-rounder Kevin Sinclair returns to the team after West Indies dutie
Tevin Imlach returns to assume the Harpy Eagles captaincy
