Taxi driver admits to stealing guns, ammo from security company
Man jailed for violating protection order 16 quarries operational in Guyana, additional quarries to start production in 2025 GNBS to initiate testing for LPG tank regulators in 2025 Teen mechanic remanded for cattle theft
Carl Greenidge, Guyana’s agent before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as it adjudicates the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy, believes a ruling on the issue would be possible by next year, since the major substantive issues have already been put to the court for consideration.
During a recent webinar, Greenidge, in giving his projections for the case, said that having submitted its final written reply to Venezuela’s counter-memorial last month, Guyana awaits August 2025, when Venezuela is expected to respond with a rejoinder. According to Greenidge, the process is unlikely to last much longer after that, barring follow-up questions from the panel of judges, since both parties have already presented the major issues to the court for consideration.
“A counter-memorial has been presented to the court; it has a lot of inaccuracies and fabrication. That’s for the court to decide, but from our viewpoint, our response is that it has a lot of inaccuracies and outrageous fabrications. So, the court now will hear Venezuela’s response to our presentation, and that is to be presented by August,” he disclosed. “After that, the court
may have a couple of questions to ask of the two parties, and then it will be in a position to make a decision.
“Now, in my view - and I’m sticking my neck out here - that process ought not to take us beyond 2026, if that far, because the major issues have already been put on the table,” Greenidge said. Greenidge also noted that the court would likely be very focused on ruling on
substance, and not form. This means that extraneous matters raised by Venezuela, such as Guyana’s friendship with the United States, would not matter to the court.
“It was referred to the ICJ, we lodged a complaint with the ICJ, and the ICJ is supposed to be looking at the substance of the issue, which is whether the 1899 award was valid or not. There is no other issue,” Guyana’s agent
has said.
“A whole other set of issues are being raised by Venezuela, and they sought to raise in Argyle and…by some of our Caribbean colleagues. The issue has nothing to do with whether Guyana is a good friend of the United States, not good enough of a friend to the United States, too close to Maduro,” he explained.
According to Greenidge,
the substantive matter for the court to rule on is Venezuela fabricating claims against Guyana to unjustly lay claim to its territory.
He also referenced the fact that the court has already ruled it has jurisdiction to examine the matter, overruling Venezuela’s arguments to the contrary.
“It is about a country fabricating the circumstances leading to a decision taken in 1899, denying that they had agreed to that decision; and the court has, so far, for example, confirmed that the matter was referred…and the court has the power to examine the matter,” he explained.
Guyana’s response to the counter-memorial was personally delivered to the Registrar of the ICJ by Guyana’s Ambassador in Brussels, Sasenarine Singh.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement following the submission of that document, Venezuela has the chance to respond to this reply with a rejoinder on August 8, 2025.
Further, it has been explained that the ICJ would, in due time, set a date for the oral hearings between Guyana and Venezuela to commence.
The Foreign Affairs
Ministry had also expressed confidence that an adequate case has been made for Guyana in its reply. In the reply, it has been pointed out by the Ministry that Venezuela’s case in challenging the 1899 Arbitral Award is without merit, and that, ultimately, the ICJ would confirm the award as valid and legally binding.
After a failed good office process between the two South American neighbours, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres referred the border controversy to be resolved by the ICJ in 2018. Shortly after, Guyana filed a case seeking a final and binding judgement to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties, and legal affirmation that the Essequibo region, which contains much of Guyana’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana, and not Venezuela.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, meanwhile, swore himself in as President earlier this month, despite widespread claims that he actually lost last year’s election. He came under international pressure after announcing to his cabinet on January 7, that elections would be held for a Governor of Essequibo.
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Wednesday, January 22 –22:45h-00:15h and Thursday, January 23 – No retraction.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Wednesday, January 22 –10:05h-11:35h and Thursday, January 23 – 11:25h-12:55h.
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Sunshine is expected throughout the day, interrupted by thundery to light showers in the morning and early afternoon hours and at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees
Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres.
High Tide: 10:08h and 22:42h reaching maximum heights of 2.23 metres and 2.14 metres.
Low Tide: 16:11h reaching a minimum height of 1.0 metre.
…as Mayor agrees that party should
The Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore, on Tuesday disclosed that the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) would be moving to recover an outstanding debt of $6.4 billion owed by a company affiliated with the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R).
This debt, largely stemming from taxes unpaid for properties, including the PNC/R’s Congress Place Headquarters, has sparked a debate over financial accountability and governance within the city. In fact, the municipality’s decision comes some six days after Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo called on the Council to take decisive action against PNC/R amid a strike by City workers who demanded salary increasesallegedly adding to council’s financial constraints.
During his weekly press conference last Thursday, Dr Jagdeo criticised the City Council for its failure to address this significant revenue gap, highlighting its detrimental impact on workers and the city’s development.
Further, he expressed frustration at the Council’s inaction by stating, “The pool of money that I'm talking about, that they refuse to go after, is $6.4 billion, based on an assessment, a demand letter that went out from the City Council… For the many, many years, it never paid taxes to the City Council for the entire massive property that they have at Congress Place. They owe $6.4 billion now, they would not pay it, and the City Council will not go after them”.
Dr Jagdeo also underscored the Central Government’s substantial financial support for Georgetown. Projects such as road repairs, drainage
improvements, and the development of recreational facilities have been undertaken by the central administration, whereas those responsibilities fall under City Council’s jurisdiction.
In response, Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore, acknowledging the need to pursue all outstanding debts, including those owed by political parties and businesses, has emphasized a broader approach to revenue collection by stating, "We have a big revenue stream to go after, and that includes political parties, businesses, and citizens at large…I even seen what I’ve seen, the Honorable Vice President of this country
speak to that and also suggest that we have a big revenue stream to go after, and those also include all kind of persons.
“He spoke about political parties, and I agree we will have to be considered and all those persons will have to be addressed, including businesses who will have to honour their obligation to us,” the mayor said.
These remarks were made during a statutory
work collaboratively to find workable solutions that incentivize compliance and spur investment in the city’s infrastructure.
“In order for us to honour the obligation, this can be from the 50 or 52 percent of the people that pay us taxes, we need to increase that…but at least we could find ways of how we could be able to settle different transactions…and solutions that incentivize them
meeting aimed at addressing pressing affairs of the Council.
According to Mentore, the municipality would
to be able to do better, employ more people or probably invest in infrastructure, whatever it may be,” he added.
Editor: Tusika Martin
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Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
In a world where the foundation for academic and personal success begins long before children walk into a classroom for formal education, the importance of early childhood education cannot be overstated. The recent commissioning of the newly reconstructed Providence Nursery School on the East Bank of Demerara represents an investment in the physical infrastructure of learning and also echoes a larger, deeper message about the role of nursery education in shaping the future of children. This vision was articulated powerfully by Education Minister Priya Manickchand and Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) for Nursery Education, Devendra Persaud, during the ceremony.
Persaud’s words resonated with clarity when he stated, “Nursery education is the foundation for a child’s academic and personal growth.” It’s a simple truth that often gets lost in the noise of discussions about higher education and academic credentials. The formative years of a child's life are when they begin to develop not only basic skills like reading and counting but also the emotional and social intelligence necessary to navigate the world. The experiences children have during these early years profoundly impact their ability to thrive in later stages of life, from school to career and beyond. Early education shapes the very adults they will become, making it a critical area of focus for national development.
Manickchand further highlighted the significant strides Guyana has made in the realm of nursery education. While nursery education is not yet mandatory, Guyana boasts the highest nursery enrolment rate in the Commonwealth Caribbean, a remarkable statistic that speaks to the nation's commitment to the early stages of education. This achievement is not simply a number—it is a reflection of the prioritization of the first step in academic learning, setting the stage for all the steps that follow. It also reflects a strong partnership between the government and parents who recognize the importance of early childhood education and are committed to ensuring their children are given a strong start.
The ministry’s ongoing efforts to expand access to early childhood education, as highlighted in the event, are a clear sign of the government’s recognition of the long-term benefits of quality nursery education.
One aspect of the Ministry’s vision, as outlined by the minister, is the nationwide literacy and numeracy initiative that seeks to ensure every child achieves age-appropriate literacy and numeracy skills by Grade Four. This initiative aims to equip children with the essential tools they need to excel in future academic pursuits. What is particularly striking about this initiative is its focus on equal access— ensuring that children in remote or rural areas are not left behind. Literacy and numeracy are not just academic skills; they are fundamental life skills that determine how children will understand and engage with the world around them. By equipping every child with these skills early on, the ministry is not only addressing the immediate needs of today’s generation but also building a foundation for the future of Guyana.
In the context of global competitiveness, the importance of such initiatives cannot be underestimated. A country’s development and competitiveness in the global arena depend on its human capital. Education, especially in the early stages, plays a critical role in nurturing individuals who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with the emotional and social intelligence to succeed in an increasingly complex world. By investing in early childhood education, Guyana is ensuring that its children grow up with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to contribute to the nation’s development.
The commitment to early childhood education is about investing in the future of a nation.
Guyana’s focus on early childhood education will pay dividends.
foundation upon which all academic and personal growth is built.
By Helen Drayton
“However good and powerful they are, all leaders have a limited ‘sell by’ date. They get old, weary, and sick. They get out of tune with the times, or anaesthetised by their own power. Sooner or later, they become embarrassments to the people who put them in office or those who keep them there. A leader that stays on for too long provides a painful spectacle…”
Fredrik Bynander and Paul’t Hart - The Political Psychology of Leadership Succession in Democracies.
The Prime Minister –the Honourable Dr Keith Rowley – has said he had no intention of serving more than two terms. In so saying, he acted wisely and set a good precedent for other leaders. A term limit serves to curb a potential monopoly, and rein in dithering eternal leaders. Leadership succession is often disruptive, and choosing leaders always triggers uncertainty and conflict among the members and elite of political parties. In the context of the political environment, candidates for party leadership may have constituency support. Still, they may not be in a very strong position otherwise, given the apparent widespread public disenchantment over crime and the declining quality of life.
Consequently, any PNM leader may be vulnerable to losing the elections, contingent on their ability to shore up public confidence and de-
pending on opposition strategies. The UNC must convince the electorate that it can perform better than it did previously, particularly regarding crime. Neither party is popular at present. However, the party can mitigate the risks if there is prudent succession management. Based on reported statements by the PNM executives, central to the current disruption is the non-involvement of the party’s General Council in the decision to select the Prime Minister’s successor; notwithstanding, it is the Constitution which governs the process of appointing a Prime Minister.
Political parties have institutional arrangements for leadership succession, and as already inferred, succession does not always happen smoothly. Party tradition, culture, cabals, silos, and social networks become disrupted, resulting in higher political risks for individual aspirants and the party. The process is often conflictual, and could be disastrous, with individual rivalry, power struggles, back-stabbing, and mischief-making. Restoring order is essential.
Political parties are systems, and like any viable system, they must be attuned to external and internal forces that would impact the electorate’s confidence and the electability of candidates. All systems have foundations upon which they thrive and peak at some point. Shelf life is shortened if new blood and energies aren’t introduced.
While change from a moribund status quo is necessary for survival, it is wise to let stand some factors underlying stability. The PNM has always represented stability, which has served it well.
But stability is relative, and could mean sustainability or cumulative rot. Given the flexibility of youth, the increasing number of fluid and independent voters, an ageing population, and consequently the demise of the die-hard “PNM for life” voters, it would be wise to shift from obsolete paradigms of race and ethnicity in leader succession and pay no heed to the apparent rot manifested in statements such as “they just come in and want to be on top…they hadn’t done the hard work to build de party.” Symptoms of an ancient concept of leadership that shadows the debilitating public service culture.
Recognising there are no longer boundaries that limit the spread of information, party members should consider the wisdom of public statements that are not necessarily coming across as advocacy for democratic principles in leadership succession, but as discordant choruses of party archaism, personality conflicts, form and not substance, that undermine cohesion. They want outsiders to “stay out of their business”, but publicise the party’s muddy waters.
While an onlooker may be simply a strong advocate for good order inherent in policy adherence, he or she
may reasonably construe that the Prime Minister identified and publicly groomed a successor, but given the party’s traditional mindset and knowing he was up against a brick wall, he opted for a constitutional strategy regarding his successor. Leaders grooming potential successors with the right values and work ethic is a desirable and democratic principle. Sometimes, out of maverick behaviour and contention cometh good.
Change is inevitable. A wise person once said, “A world without revolution is like the seasons without spring.” Freedom was born from revolution. If the PM’s strategy also happens to eschew an entrenched racial philosophy in leader succession, then his message is instructive. The PNM has a history of diversity, but the apparent practice, no different from that of the Opposition, is that it is okay to have diversity in the Cabinet and Parliament representation, but not in the leadership.
Yes! Political parties need a revolution, a big disruption to change the political ethos. Political party business is the electorate’s business. The question of who is the best person to lead the PNM or any political party vying to govern is of national concern. After all, the main stakeholder of political parties is the electorate – not party members. Political party business is the electorate’s business.
Dear Editor,
I am livid and upset as I read the ongoing debate about holding a Commission of Inquiry into the deaths of Guyanese souls during the crime spree which lasted from 2002 to 2008. One thing is certain: we need answers in regard to the circumstances which led to the demise of those souls.
I know that scores, if not hundreds, of lives were lost during that period of darkness in our country’s history, when there seemingly was a politically motivated crime spree. There can be no doubt that this COI is long overdue, and would bring with it healing and reconciliation for many families, both at home and abroad. This COI would also bring closure to the many wounds that are still open and festering.
The PPP General Secretary, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has always been supportive of this COI, but has maintained that it should have a joint terms-of-reference and a mandate aimed at bringing truth to light. He has said it should be expanded to in-
clude political elements and personalities who had been egging on the criminals at the time, and justifying their crime.
President David Granger appeared to have started the process. He got as far as to have it reported in the media that commissioners were being considered. Then, I believe, the state, police, PNC and PPP would have already had their own pool of information and evidence to assist with the probe. But suddenly, to my surprise, Granger made a U-turn in 2019, and the public was told there was little evidence on which to have a COI.
After campaigning for years on this promise, Guyanese were left empty-handed and without closure. I have held this against the former president ever since, along with how his administration handled the socioeconomic fabric of our society during the APNU/ AFC coalition time in office. Granger failed young people of this country time and time again.
Now Nigel Hughes, in a letter dated 20th January
2025, seeks to kerfuffle the public and insult our collective intelligence. I am no fool. That letter was a sad attempt at platitude and fancy expressions. It said nothing, but was big on diverting and distracting the public’s attention from the bigger issues at hand. It missed the mark, and was not the letter of an aspirant to the political presidency. Or was it?
No one “fundamentally misapprehends the gravity of the issues at hand and the solemn duty we owe to the memories of those lost”. No one is trivializing this matter. It is more than a statistical squabble for me, because I know how numbers can affect the accuracy of a story or statement. Hughes’s revisionist history must be challenged because it is wrong and is a dangerous lie.
I suggest that numbers matter a lot, and that verifiable, credible numbers matter even more in this day, time, and age. It matters if one were to say 400 or 1000, or even 10,000 were killed or died during the crime spree in Guyana. I agree that every Guyanese life matters, but
the facts, truth and justice matter even more.
The fact is that, for more than two decades, he and the Opposition in Guyana have lied to the Guyanese public about the number of people who died in direct exchange with law enforcement officials as a result of the crime spree. They lied about the PPP being responsible for the killing and deaths of young men of African descent. Hughes and the Opposition lied about the circumstances that led to those deaths in many of the incidents, while giving the public the impression that Jagdeo and the PPP were responsible.
The truth is that the AFC is not a serious political establishment. This is so because Hughes lies; he bobs and weaves every time he is met with a difficult situation or question about the past, or something he has said that is not true. He runs from accountability and transparency, but preaches every day to the current Government that it lacks the same in governance. I have no respect for him if he fails to see how much his words are hurting
It is the electorate that decides which party governs. As happens in other democracies, it would serve the best interests of political parties and the electorate if the parties would grow up, publicise and openly debate the achievements and attributes of members vying for political leadership and de facto Prime Minister status, especially ministerial candidates, who are accountable to the electorate for their performance.
The Hon Dr Keith Rowley has challenged the established concepts and typecasts of political leadership succession. He took a calculated risk, and as with all risks, there are consequences. It is better the internal struggles happen now than closer to the national election. No one is advocating rule-breaking; suffice it to say that a significant disruption in political parties’ status quo is long overdue. It is their culture and philosophies that ultimately influence national policies. The rot in governance has a home in political party culture.
Relatively smooth and orderly succession depends mainly on the designated Prime Minister, whose status is interim, pending national election. The challenge is melding negative and positive forces to share a vision
and win party and public confidence. Restoring order after disruption also depends on the maturity of the political executive to set aside individual aims and seize the opportunity to begin the party’s transformation to the realities of the twenty-first century.
What are some of the leadership attributes necessary to move the country forward? Who has the vision to promote and transform the education system that undergirds enlightened social and economic development? Who has the tenacity to dynamite gangsterism, corruption, and abuse of children? Who is most likely to improve the process of doing business by catapulting the business community to the forefront of development? Who has the experience and business savvy to re-invigorate and revolutionise the energy sector, transform the economy, create jobs, and stem the brain drain? Who will balance the business and political approaches to governing? Who can best resolve Tobago’s issues and transform the public service? Who will command honesty in local government, making it work for communities, demand and command accountability, ensure fair treatment of taxpayers, and stop encouraging lawbreaking? Who has the integrity
and ability to dam racism, pursue an exemplary status in international relations, and attract campaign financing – an unfortunate requirement?
Who’s the potential visionary and transformational leader to guide us towards a prosperous future and productive quality of life? Who understands that honour in politics is truth and honesty in service? Who has demonstrated some or most of those capabilities among other requirements?
According to the late Dankwart A. Rustow, a political science and sociology professor, in his 1970 article, “No
FROM PAGE 4
regime can avoid the challenges of leadership succession indefinitely. The problem of political succession is implicit in the human condition: it is posed by man’s mortality and frailty. Political leadership succession is not just an empirical phenomenon found across the globe. Given the very nature of politics, issues of political succession tend to be ever-present. While smooth successions can increase the performance, legitimacy and stability of a given regime, badly handled or failed successions can put a regime under serious pressure, and even trigger its very end.” (T&T Guardian)
young males, more specifically African Guyanese. When the opposition (PNCR or AFC or any party) uses this very sensitive issue at elections time and stirs up the race card in the public, I am profusely annoyed. It is wrong to use race baiting and to stir up ethnic strife. It is hurtful to the families who need answers and justice. They are not to be treated as collateral damage to get to score cheap political points, and this is exactly what Hughes is doing: nothing more, nothing less.
It is injurious to pour cold water on the facts in this matter. Hughes must act responsibly and stop trying to divide and mamaguy us. He does not care what is true about the deaths of these men. I am disappointed in Hughes, and call on him to stop using this as a political football.
It is objectionable and shameful to downplay the importance of the questions that the young people are asking you. They want clarity and answers. They are holding your feet to the fire. You didn’t misspeak; it was intentional.
President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has said he would make sure Guyanese get the COI and answers soon. The Vice President has said he is willing to cooperate.
I have confidence in these men that they would deliver
when the time is right. The record matters. Your words, Hughes, matter. Your numbers matter. More and more I will boldly challenge these attempts to throw a political punch and hide from accountability.
It is often said, “If you tell a lie long enough, it sticks and becomes true.” This will not occur; not under my watch. Interestingly, like a good and well-schooled investigative journalist, I came across this dossier that can be found on the AFC’s website. It contains a full list of the killings committed between 1993 and 2009 at a total of a mere 449. Shockingly, it was an extended period of close to 16 years, and the list included Guyanese of all races. This is on the AFC’s website, the link of which I will include here https://afcguyana.com/afcnew/wp-content/uploads/dossier.pdf.
If anything should come back in style in Guyana, my unwavering view is that it should be shame and a yearning desire for the truth and nothing but the truth. The APNU/AFC lied barefacedly to young Guyanese, and in particular Guyanese of African descent. If this is what it means for better to come, we certainly do not want it!
Yours truly, Michael Younge
1. Which of the following represents the number 6 781 in its expanded form?
3. Which of the following is a common multiple of 3 and 7? (A) 21 (B) 24 (C) 28
4. Which of the following groups of numbers has factors of both 18 and 27?
2. What is the value of 2 in 3 250?
(A) 1,3,6 (B) 1,3,9 (C) 3, 9, 18 (D) 3, 18, 27
5. Which of the following numbers is exactly divisible by 4? (A) 15 (B) 26 (C) 45 (D) 60
Mars has the largest volcano in our solar system! Astronomers believe that the volcano called Olympus Mons last erupted 25 million years ago, and that it may still be an active volcano. Olympus Mons is as big around as the state of Arizona (about 400 miles) and rises 16 miles above the Martian surface — almost three times taller than Mt Everest.
Volcanoes can be found on Earth, but did you know that there are volcanoes all around our solar system? Io, one of the large moons orbiting around Jupiter, is covered with active volcanoes, and scientists have found evidence of volcanoes on our Moon as well as the moons of Saturn and Neptune.
Have you ever watched a movie of a volcano eruption? What does it look like? Describe what is coming out of the top of the volcano. What would the air feel like if you got too close to a volcano? What sounds might you hear?
Supplies • Deep baking dish • 2-litre plastic bottle • Large mixing bowl
• Spoon(s) for mixing
• Drop cloth or place where volcano can erupt and make a mess For the volcano “cone”
• 6 cups flour
• 2 cups salt
• 2 cups warm water (more if needed)
• 4 tablespoons cooking oil
• Food colouring: mixture of red and black to make brown (optional) For the volcano “lava”
• Hot tap water
• Funnel • 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 cups white vinegar
• Red food colouring (optional)
• 6 drops of dish detergent
• Smartphone to videotape eruption (optional)
Let’s get started!
First, make the “cone” of the volcano Mix 6 cups flour, 2 cups salt, 4 tablespoons cooking oil, and 2 cups of water. Add food colouring to make the dough brown, if you like. The resulting mixture should be smooth and firm (add more water if needed).
Then, stand the soda bottle in the baking pan and mould the dough around it into a volcano shape. Don’t cover the hole or drop dough into it. Now for the lava!
Fill the soda bottle most of the way full with warm water and a bit of red food colouring. Next,
By Jack Prelutsky
Be glad your nose is on your face, not pasted on some other place, for if it were where it is not, you might dislike your nose a lot.
add 6 drops of detergent to the bottle contents. The detergent helps trap the bubbles produced by the reaction so you get better lava. Then add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the liquid.
Slowly pour vinegar into the bottle. Watch out — eruption time!
You can make your volcano erupt over and over by adding more baking soda. Pour in more vinegar to trigger the reaction. You may need to pour off some of the “lava” between eruptions.
What’s happening?
The cool red lava is the result of a chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar. Carbon dioxide gas is produced, which is also present in real volcanoes. As the carbon dioxide gas is produced, pressure builds up inside the plastic bottle, until the gas bubbles out of the volcano. Instead of water bubbling out, when a volcano erupts, hot melted rock gets pushed out. (spacerangers, startwithabook.org)
Imagine if your precious nose were sandwiched in between your toes, that clearly would not be a treat, for you’d be forced to smell your feet.
Your nose would be a source of dread were it attached atop your head, it soon would drive you to despair, forever tickled by your hair.
Within your ear, your nose would be an absolute catastrophe, for when you were obliged to sneeze, your brain would rattle from the breeze.
Your nose, instead, through thick and thin, remains between your eyes and chin, not pasted on some other place— be glad your nose is on your face!
The quarry sector has gone from struggling to keep up with the construction industry’s demand for stones, to having over 15 operational quarries last year, with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government revealing that even more quarries will be starting up in 2025.
During his 2025 Budget presentation, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh revealed statistics on the quarrying sector. For instance, as of last year there were 16 operational quarries, with three more expected to start up this year.
“Mr Speaker, in the case
of stone, in 2020, Guyana had six operational quarries producing less than 740,000 tonnes of stone. By 2024, the number of quarries had increased to 16, propelling production to over 3.3 million tonnes, with an additional three quarries expected to commence production this year,” Dr Singh said.
There has also been an uptick in sand production, according to Dr Singh who revealed that over 12 million tonnes were produced last year. This is against a production of less than 700,000 tonnes in 2020.
“In the case of sand production, 2024 saw 67 permit holders across the country producing over 12 million
tonnes. This marks a dramatic increase from 2020, when only 18 operations were active yielding a total of less than 700,000 tonnes. This upward trajectory is expected to continue in 2025, as more operators begin utilising their sand pits,” the Finance Minister added.
Meanwhile, at his recent end-of-year press conference, it had been highlighted by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat how demand for stone aggregates was only expected to increase during 2025. According to him, the Ministry together with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) will work on increasing the supply.
US President Donald Trump on Monday ordered a 90-day pause in foreign development assistance pending assessments of efficiencies and consistency with his foreign policy.
“All department and agency heads with responsibility for United States foreign development assistance programs shall immediately pause new obligations and disbursements of development assistance funds,” read the executive order signed by Trump just hours after he took office for a second term.
It was not immediately clear how broad the order was and what programs, countries, non-governmental organizations and international organizations would be effected by the move. It was also unclear what funding could be cut given the US Congress sets the federal U.S. government budget.
The executive order
echoes a return to the approach Trump took during his first term in office between 2017 and 2021.
He first came to power proposing to cut about a third off U.S. diplomacy and aid budgets, which included steep reductions in funding for UN peacekeeping and international organizations. But Congress pushed back on Trump’s proposals. Then at the annual gath-
ering of world leaders at the United Nations in 2018, Trump complained that the U.S. was the largest foreign aid donor, “but few give anything to us.”
“That is why we are taking a hard look at U.S. foreign assistance,” he said. “Moving forward, we are only going to give foreign aid to those who respect us and, frankly, are our friends.”
“As you know, the demand is still high. The demand will continue to increase, based on the infrastructure taking place across the country. And with the Ministry of Housing poised to reach a target of over 50,000 house lots, it means the demand will significantly increase.
“People building their homes, leaving out the massive expansion of infrastructure across the country in all regions. So, the Ministry of Natural Resources and GGMC will continue to work with our stakeholders, so that we can satisfy local demand,” Bharrat had also said.
Aggregates such as stone and sand are important parts of Guyana’s growing construction sector. However, when the prices for any of these commodities are hiked due to shortages, it can severely disrupt the supply chain.
Since the PPP/C’s re-
turn to office, the construction boom has also led to greater demand for aggregates. This has prompted the Government to make efforts to ensure there are adequate supplies.
For 2020, just about 650,000 tonnes of materials were produced. The next year, the Government announced it was working with the GGMC to increase production of construction aggregates to over one million tonnes. The production rate for quarriable substances had been much lower than the demand in previous years.
President Dr Irfaan Ali had also revealed in 2023 that as many as 20 companies were vying to establish concrete plants, as the demand grew with the PPP/C Government’s housing drive and ambitious construction goals. And in 2021, the one million mark was surpassed
when over 1.65 million tonnes of aggregates were recorded.
In 2022, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had said that the massive road projects for the public sector in 2023 would require a whopping six million tonnes of aggregates. Thus, he had shared, Government was exploring various options to keep the construction sector going. Neighbouring countries such as Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago were also unable to fulfil these needs.
The production of aggregates has since risen dramatically, however, with the last Bank of Guyana half-year report revealing that in the first half of 2023, over 4.2 million tonnes of construction aggregates (sand and stone) were declared. Sand declarations recorded a 52.6 per cent increase, crushed stone also recorded a 71.7 per cent increase. (G3)
A31-year-old man of Meadowbrook Housing Scheme, Georgetown was granted $150,000 bail after being charged with possession of a firearm without a license.
Darwin Bennons was allegedly caught with a Sig Sauer P365 9mm pistol on January 18 in Tucville, Georgetown.
Bennons, a father of three, appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday. He pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleged he had the firearm in his possession without being the holder of a firearm license.
According to the police,
at around 23:00h on January 18, officers were on mobile patrol in the Tucville area when they heard two loud explosions resembling gunshots. Acting on the sound and information received, the ranks proceeded to Perry and Samaan Streets, where they observed three men running east along the street.
The ranks pursued the men and managed to apprehend Bennons, who was reportedly armed with the firearm in his right hand. Police stated that Bennons immediately handed over the weapon, a Sig Sauer P365 9mm pistol, when confronted. Upon inspecting the firearm, officers found it was unloaded, with no ammuni-
tion in the magazine.
A second man, an 18-year-old labourer from the same area, was also arrested during the operation. However, searches conducted at both suspects’ homes yielded no additional illegal items.
Both men were placed into custody but it was not stated if the third suspect was arrested.
During Bennons’ court appearance, his attorney, Domnick Bess, argued that
which Bennons managed to disarm the suspect who was allegedly the one who initially had the firearm. Bess stated that his client told him that during the altercation, two rounds were discharged at him but he was not hit. The lawyer noted that when the police arrived, Bennons did not resist and voluntarily handed over the weapon.
Bess further highlighted that his client has one arm due to a prior accident, mak-
his client had no prior convictions or pending cases before the court. Bess explained that Bennons was an innocent party caught up in an altercation on the night in question. He claimed that one of the suspects involved in the matter attempted to rob Bennons of his gold chain and other valuables.
According to Bess, a struggle ensued during
Well, it’s now official – after two months of dithering by “Sleepy” Joe Biden’s lame-duck presidency - Donald Trump has been sworn-in as the 47th President of the U.S. of A!! Your Eyewitness wonders whether the unusually icy conditions and bitter cold that forced the event to be shifted inside the Rotunda might be a portent of cold foreign relations, since Trump is sticking to his announced annexation of Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal!!
Now…like him or hate him, for sure, no one’s gonna be indifferent to him! Which is just the way he wants it!! Early on, during the hiatus, the inauguration ceremony signalled Trump’s vision of a new America when, for the FIRST TIME, he invited some foreign heads of state for the occasion. That’s right… never been done before! It’s a sign of imperial hubris and vassalage!! The invitees themselves stirred comments – as for instance including China’s Xi (who didn’t show up) and excluding India’s Modi - with whom most thought there was an ongoing bromance!! Argentina’s Milei and Itali’s Meloni were expected - being fans of Trump.
ing him particularly vulnerable to such incidents. He argued that Bennons was an “easy target” and was only defending himself during the altercation.
The prosecution objected to bail, emphasising the seriousness of the offense and pointing out that Bennons had reportedly been found with the firearm in his possession at the scene. They argued that the offense posed a significant threat to public safety and stated that Bennons had previously been before the court.
Chief Magistrate IsaacsMcGusty, after considering the submissions, granted Bennons bail on the condition that he is required to report to the East La Penitence Police Station on the last Friday of every month between 09:00h and 18:00h.
The case has been adjourned to February 12.
The other difference was the prominence of tech billionaires such as Tesla and SpaceX’s Elon Musk, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Google’s Sundar Pichai, Apple’s Tim Cook and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos. The latter’s fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, caused quite a stir with her plunging neckline that revealed her lacy bra. Zuckerberg, seated next to her, was caught sneaking a peek!!
Usually, the celebrities that grace this event are from Hollywood, but this time they’d mostly backed the loser, Kamala Harris!
But there was a Hollywood touch, however, when Trump “air-kissed” his wife Melania, whose widebrimmed sombrero might or mightn’t have caused the lack of contact!! Some figure that the latter might’ve been deliberate, since neither party would’ve wanted their makeup smeared!!
Another noticeable feature on the people’s front was the large size of Trump’s family. They alone could’ve served as his backdrop!!
Another standout was Trump plunging into governance matters without skipping a beat. He signed a slew of Executive orders, among which the pardoning of all involved in the Jan 6 assault on Capitol Hill was expected!! As was the declaration that the “Gulf of Mexico” is now the “Gulf of America”!! Your Eyewitness wonders whether the oil majors would now talk about their drilling in the “Gulf of America”!!
Your Eyewitness was, however, disappointed that Trump didn’t mention Mad Maduro next door. His mentioning of increased oil production to bring down the US cost of living – read lower gas prices – signals that he won’t be cancelling Chevron’s Venezuelan licence to ship the more-than-200,000 bpd arriving at the Gulf of America refineries. This, of course, serves as one of the major props to Mad Maduro’s regime!!
…exploitation of killings
Sadly, once again, the killings during what David Granger calls “The Troubles” in the early years of this century are being resurrected by the Opposition in the lead-up to General Elections.
What else can you dub such efforts other than “wicked” attempts to polarize the electorate racially to prevent them from voting on issues. Now, this doesn’t mean that there oughtn’t be an inquiry into those killings; that was agreed to by all parties for quite some time now. In fact, the Granger Administration began one with great fanfare, but it petered out after an inconclusive Inquiry into the Lindo Creek Murders – which fingered the Joint Security Forces!! What’s reprehensible are the claims of the numbers killed having been inflated from around 400 up to 1200!! Fact of the matter is the joint Opposition parties conducted research and compiled a “Full List of Extra-Judicial and Other Killings Between 1993 and 2009”. It ended with #449: David Leander, aka David Zammett, aka “Biscuit”, being killed on 24th July 2009!!
…APNU?
Looks like the members of APNU have decided to kiss and make up after Norton missed a meeting last year and was booted out as Chairman. But PNC plus four zeroes still leaves just PNC!!
A19-year-old mechanic from Aranaputa Valley, North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), was remanded to prison on Monday after being charged with multiple counts of larceny.
Felix Marks, also known as ‘Chubby,’ was arrested on January 18, and taken to the Lethem Police Station in connection with the theft of cattle and a horse.
The young man faces six counts of larceny of cattle and one count of larceny of a horse, all offenses contrary to Section 176 of the Criminal Law (Offenses) Act, Chapter 8:01. The charges stem from incidents in which Marks is accused of stealing the livestock in the North Rupununi area.
Marks appeared at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on Monday before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan. The matter was adjourned to March 11.
Charged:
Felix Marks
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has arrested a 39-yearold taxi driver of Eccles New Scheme, East Bank Demerara, in connection with allegations of fraud.
David Singh is currently in Police custody, and the GPF is urging persons who believe they have been defrauded by him to report to the Brickdam Police Station.
According to the Police, Singh’s method of operation involved obtaining money from persons by falsely promising that he could secure house lots for them through the Housing Ministry. Singh reportedly used the names of ministry officials and Police Officers, leveraging his past as a former member of the Guyana Police Force to intimidate his victims into handing over money.
Singh already has two similar cases before the courts, and new allegations have emerged, suggesting that he may have defrauded multiple individuals in this manner. Authorities are continuing to investigate the extent of his activities, and they encourage anyone who has fallen victim to his scams to come forward.
The Police continue
to gather information as they work to uncover the full scope of Singh’s alleged fraudulent activities. Victims are urged to contact the Brickdam Police Station for further assistance and to ensure their claims are properly documented.
The Police investigation into Singh’s alleged activities has sparked a broader probe into fraudulent practices within the Housing Ministry.
Following the emergence of previous fraud allegations, Minister Susan Rodrigues had confirmed at a press conference that one employee of the Ministry had been dismissed based on evidence linking them to similar fraudulent actions.
The employee, a young woman, was found to have solicited money from citizens in exchange for fast-tracking their housing applications.
“The young lady was implicated in the matter and she was taken down to the station for questioning. Based on what was relayed to us and investigations, she was involved in these illegal acts, which resulted in her services being terminated,” Rodrigues stated.
While the Housing Ministry has been receiving complaints about persons, especially employee, engaged in malpractice in the issuance of land titles, Rodrigues had said that most of these complaints were without sufficient evidence.
“While we receive complaints regarding malpractices by employees when issuing land titles, these are usually without evidence. As such, there’s little the Ministry of Housing or the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) can do to address these complaints since they are just allegations,” she had said.
Police in Regional Division Nine are investigating a shooting that occurred on Monday, in Tabatinga, Lethem, Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takatu- Upper Essequibo).
The incident, which occurred between 10:00h and 11:00h, has left 23-year-old miner Dorwnell Thomson hospitalised with suspected gunshot wounds.
According to reports, the shooting took place in a known 'hotspot' area where four men, all described as "known characters," were gathered. The group was approached by two individuals on a motorcycle, one of whom is a suspect familiar to the police, accompanied by another unidentified man. Dorwnell Thomson, who was also reportedly on a motorcycle, was part of this interaction.
Shortly after their arrival, multiple gunshots were heard. According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) “at this stage, it is unclear which party initiated the gunfire”.
Following the incident, Thomson sought medical attention at the Lethem Regional Hospital, where he was treated for gunshot wounds to the right side of his back and right arm. His condition is listed as stable, and he is currently under police guard at the hospital.
Detectives who processed the scene recovered six 9mm spent shells. One of the suspects who was on the motorcycle was arrested shortly afterward. His hands were swabbed for gunpowder residue, and he remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Additionally, Dorwnell Thomson and two other men who were present at the scene were swabbed for gunpowder residue to aid in the ongoing probe.
The Health Ministry is moving to further expand its telemedicine programme across several regions to ensure equitable access to healthcare services.
Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony revealed this while speaking during the Budget in Focus programme where he delved into the Health Ministry’s plans to expand telemedicine in Guyana.
Telemedicine is the practice of providing medical care to patients remotely, using technology to connect patients and healthcare providers.
The Government has already introduced over 50 telemedicine sites in various hinterland regions across Guyana, with plans to expand
this service across Regions One (Barima-Waini); Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and Ten (Upper
Demerara-Berbice).
“So currently, we have 89 sites in and around these regions. First of all, we want to expand that, so we’re hoping that we can double that. That’s one of the things we’ll be working on.”
According to the Health Minister, this expansion will foster improvement in the health Ministry’s internet-enabled devices to facilitate remote diagnoses.
In fact, the expansion will also provide for the increase in telepathology.
“In addition to that, the things that we do using telemedicine include video consultations. At each of these sites, we have a number of internet-enabled devices, so you can be 500 kilometres away and contact one of the doctors at Georgetown
Public Hospital (GPHC). They’ll be able to see your records in real time or perform an ultrasound.”
To this end, he revealed that remote progress will be achieved.
“So, by doing that, we’re able to make remote diagnoses, and if the patient is critical, we can send in a medevac to bring that person out. It serves both to improve the quality of medicine that we can practice remotely. That’s one.”
By doubling the efforts of telemedicine in Guyana, it can also help with communication for more people. “It can help us to improve communication so if we have to do emergency medevacs and so forth, we have a reliable way of communicating. And three, we are using it
to provide education. As another ancillary service, anyone from the community can come to our facilities and access internet connections.”
Meanwhile, the Minister revealed that they have also been doing telepathology and have recorded a decrease in the waiting time for diagnoses through remote area testing. If replicated in other regions, this can save numerous lives.
“We also do telepathology. We have been able to reduce the waiting time for a diagnosis. As of last year, we have moved that from three months to now between three days to seven days. That’s an improvement because think about somebody having a biopsy and having to wait three months to know whether this is cancerous or not.”
He added, “There’s a lot of anxiety waiting that long, so by reducing the waiting period, I think that’s helping people understand what is going on with them and feel more confident.”
The telemedicine programme was officially launched in 2022, with four Amerindian communities in Region Nine – Masakenari, Nappi, Yupukari, and Parikawarinau – piloting the programme.
The government of Guyana has budgeted $143.2 billion in the 2025 National Budget for the expansion and modernisation of the health sector, with a significant portion of the allocation earmarked for the purchase of drugs and infrastructural upgrades.
Following several situations involving the explosion of gas tanks, swift efforts are being made to train individuals on how to test regulators for gas tanks in Guyana to ensure they meet adequate standards, in collaboration with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).
This information was relayed during a recent interview with Lloyd David, Head of Corporate Communications at the GNBS, and this publication, when asked about what measures are being taken by the GNBS to ensure that LPG gas tanks are being properly tested upon Entering Guyana.
According to David, these efforts will be proceeding approximately midyear.
Recently, several gas tanks in Guyana have been reported to have exploded, leading to houses being burned and injuries to individuals.
However, in a recent interview with this publication and Massy Gas CEO Augustus Harris, it was understood that their gas tanks have never exploded. Instead, they pointed out
that the real issue lies with incorrect regulators.
According to Lloyd David, there are several reasons why the GNBS has moved to address this issue, given the recent cases that have come to light.
“In fact, it is a reaction to-
the standard. And we need to have the equipment as well.”
According to David, there is already a specific standard that needs to be upheld with these regulators; however, training is required to ensure individuals can detect irregularities.
wards it because there have been too many complaints regarding it, so it’s an initiative that we see necessary to act on. And we have a standard for it, so we’re going to monitor based on the standard.”
This training, which will be undertaken by the GNBS, will focus on the qualities of the regulators.
“The training is about how to determine the quality of a regulator, which is based on the requirements of
“We have the standard. We just need the training and the equipment, and we want to commence that sometime this year. But aside from that, LPG meters—we are training in that as well, which is a metrology function in terms of the LPG going into the tank. We did the meters part but in terms of the regulators that are used in households, we’re looking to monitor those It’s still part of our work programme.”
Basmattie Ganpat, 55, who suffered severe burns in a gas explosion at her Foulis, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home on January 4, passed away Sunday morning at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Ganpat, who sustained burns to 80 per cent of her body, had been fighting for
her life for two weeks.
In light of the recent gas cylinder explosion which has left 55-year-old Basmattie Ganpat and her husband, 58-year-old Manu “Paul” Sukhu hospitalised, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) has launched an investigation into that incident and
others which took place in the past.
In an issued release to the media, the CCAC noted that it has taken note of the recent incidents involving critical injuries to consumers and severe damage to property during the use of a particular brand of cooking gas product. (G2)
A33-year-old man, Walter October, also known as “Buck Man”, was sentenced to six months in prison on Monday after violating a protection order meant to safeguard his father, Hughes October, and stepmother, Abena Rockcliffe.
The sentence came after a series of troubling incidents, including repeated harassment and vandalism of the family’s business.
October appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where he was charged with breaching the protection order
on January 19, 2025, just two days after he went to court for breaching the protection order. According to the charges, he came within 200 feet of Rockcliffe and 300 feet of his father’s business. Rockcliffe explained to the court that she filed the protection order on Friday, only for October to violate it later that day.
She recounted, “Sunday afternoon, when I came from the airport, I was lying down, and then I heard he went into the shop again…he was breaking the window to come inside the shop.”
In a previous court ap-
pearance in October 2024, he was placed on $10,000 bail and remanded into the custody of his mother, who had recently returned from overseas. The court heard that October had asked his father for his mother’s contact details, but his request was denied. Hence he stayed at his father’s residence. October’s mother explained in court that her son had been away “over the river’” when his father called him to return, offering him another chance. She questioned why he would be brought back to the home given his past behaviour.
Rockcliffe and Hughes October shared their frustrations with the ongoing harassment, detailing how October had repeatedly vandalised their store and threatened customers.
“With this ongoing for several years, we are not getting any customers. So, I told his father it’s either he
closes down the business or does something about him,” Rockcliffe revealed.
October’s father testified that his son had been a consistent threat, ransacking their store and harassing tenants. Despite numerous Police reports, October’s mother repeatedly bailed him out, making it difficult to stop his destructive behaviour. They also described verbal abuse and threats against others in the community, with October claiming to be of unsound mind.
However, his father denied this, stating, “It’s not true. He knows what he is doing; he is very intelligent. We took him to Doctor Harry, and the hospital told us there’s nothing wrong with him mentally.”
The couple eventually sought the protection order, which required October to stay away from their home and business. However, he breached the order by returning to the premises.
Initially, October denied violating the order, claiming he was only outside on the pavement, but later admitted he had been bathing in their yard. Begging for leniency, he pleaded, “Ma’am, I’m begging for leniency. I was bathing in the yard, but I did not go in their business shop.”
After hearing both sides, Magistrate Azore considered October’s guilty plea and sentenced him to six months in prison, warning him that protection orders must be taken seriously.
“Protection orders are put in place for specific purposes. We have to take them seriously, or else people will just breach orders as they please. That is not the purpose of why we are here; we are trying to maintain order,” she said.
Despite pleading for a lesser sentence, October was informed that the maximum penalty for his offence could be up to one year in prison.
The highly anticipated US$759 million Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project is poised to transform Guyana’s economic landscape, delivering unprecedented benefits for businesses and individuals alike.
Minister within the Public Works Minister, Deodat Indar, has emphasised the transformative impact of the initiative, highlighting its potential to drastically reduce energy costs and drive economic growth.
Speaking on the project’s broader implications, Indar revealed that energy costs will be slashed by 50 percent, creating a seismic shift in operational expenses for businesses of all sizes. This reduction, he noted, will not only alleviate financial pressure on existing businesses but also create a fertile ground for new enterprises to emerge.
On this point, Indar stressed that this monumental cost reduction will revolutionize the business environment, incentivizing entrepreneurs to explore ventures that were previously financially unviable.
“So, upon power being evacuated into the system, at that point, we will see the reduction of the tariff that customers and businesses pay… A business paying 100,000, they are going to pay 50 grand. A big company paying $1 million
a month, they are going to pay $500,000 a month. Just think about what that means for businesses, it will revolutionize businesses. It will create the incentive for more businesses to get in operation. Things that we never did in the past will now become financially viable,” the minister explained.
The GtE Project consists of five key components: laying the pipeline to bring the gas onshore –which has been completed by ExxonMobil, construction of the 300-megawatt (MW) Combined Cycle Power Plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD), installing transmission lines, building a new control centre and upgrading the aged power distribution system.
The contractor Lindsayca CH4 Guyana Inc. (LNDCH4-Guyana) completed soil stabilisation works as well as the driving of some 140,000 metres of piles.
Other key accomplishments of the GtE Project include the arrival of two state-of-the-art gas turbines from Sweden in October 2024. These turbines, capable of generating 300 MW of electricity, are set to revolutionise Guyana’s energy landscape by providing cleaner power for decades to come.
“The site stabilization was completed, and so pil-
ing and so was done. So that is where that project is. That project has to be delivered in 2025 so that the simple cycle comes into play. The simple cycle is around 210 megawatts thereabout to evacuate into the grid so that the 230,000 customers on the Demerara integrated system, which is the grid, will get that power. That power plant will push power into the DemeraraBerbice integrated system, the DBIS as they call it,” Indar said.
According to Indar, energy-intensive industries such as agricultural processing, poultry storage, and ironmongery stand to benefit immensely.
Reduced operational costs he highlighted will allow companies to expand, invest in new technologies, and improve efficiency.
“So just imagine companies that want to operate in that sector, whether it's processing for milk, fruits, whatever, coconut water, whatever agricultural processes, whatever you want to do, metal, ironmongery, all of those things, they drink power. Those businesses will now expand. Warehousing, cold storage warehousing, you know, all of those things now can come into people who do a lot of poultry, as Minister Edghill was talking about earlier. Poultry, storage for your poultry. Before, you know, you distribute it to
Ataxi driver of Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, Georgetown who was arrested early in January for possession of ammunition and subsequently charged for simple larceny committed on Radar Security and Supplies Company, on Tuesday changed his previously-entered not-guilty plea to guilty.
Carlton Damion Singh, called “Fat Boy”, was charged with simple larceny committed on the security firm; a number of firearms and ammunition with a total value of $3,733,700 were stolen between December 24 and December 26, 2022 at Carmichael Street, Georgetown. On Tuesday, Singh appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Diamond
Magistrate's Court, where he changed his plea and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
the cold chain in the supermarkets, so new supermarket, freezer, that will revolutionize the entire country. Power and the grid and that is what the entire Office of the Prime Minister is looking at,” he added.
The scope of Guyana’s GtE Project consists of the construction of 225 kilometres of pipeline from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil.
It features approximately 200 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore that would run from Liza Destiny and Liza Unity Floating, Production, Storage, And Offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to the shore. Upon landing on the West Coast Demerara (WCD) shore, the pipeline
would continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the LNG plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD).
Earlier in the year, Government signed the US$527 million loan agreement with the United States (US) Export-Import (EXIM) Bank for the advancement of the transformative GtE Project.
will start repaying this loan from 2031, over a span of 15 years. This was confirmed by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, during a recent press conference, where he expressed satisfaction with the approval of the loan and also revealed that the interest rate for the loan was four per cent.
The use of weedicides by rice farmers in sections of the Black Bush Polder community on the Corentyne Coast in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) is affecting cash crop and fruit farmers, who say the chemicals are killing their plants.
Some of those farmers are calling on the Agriculture Ministry to intervene. One such farmer is Samuel Ledra, who came to Mibicuri as a child in 1962, and has been farming for the past 40 years. Currently, Ledra cultivates vegetables and fruits, but he says the leaves of the papaya trees which he recently planted have all turned yellow.
“Two weeks ago, the
young man sprayed his rice when I was not at home. I told him that I was smelling it, because the chemical was still in the atmosphere. One week after, I see the (papaya) trees start to yellow. These are young (pa-
paya) trees, I have one hundred. This is an investment that I made, because now I am getting old and I can’t do that much cash crops, so I am resorting now to fruit trees. These are young pupa trees that I now put down; I will lose all of that, because once the chemical hit it, there will not be much production. So, should I sue the Government that is allowing rice here, or should I sue the farmer?" the 65-year-old farmer questioned.
When the Black Bush Polder Scheme was opened in 1952 as part of a broader effort to enhance agricultural production in the region, particularly for rice cultivation, there were almost 10,000 families living throughout the four polders of Lesbeholden, Mibicuri, Johanna and Yakusari. Now there are reportedly less than 2000 families, and Ledra has said he might have to pack up and leave.
“Right now, I am very despondent with what is going on here. It seem like I have to do like the rest of the people in this community - pack up and leave. Who will compensate me? I have a foundation that I laid…,” he lamented.
The chemical being used by many rice farmers to remove the weed from their rice fields is a systematic weedicide, but it also affects soft crops. Many of the rice fields are situated alongside cash crop fields, and those farmers say they are losing money.
Sabrina Jainarine, a cash crop farmer of Mibicuri South, has said her ochro plants have been affected by chemicals uses by a rice farmer whose plot is adjacent to her farm, and the farm is her only source of income.
“My crop got damaged, and we want action to be taken against this person,” she contends.
NAREI visit
The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has been contacted and officers have since visited.
“Cash crop farmers in this area suffer a lot because they allow rice to be planted
in the homestead, and they are destroying us and we are getting no satisfaction,” Jainarine added while noting the difficulty cash crop farmers experience to access water in areas where rice is being cultivated.
However, cash crop and fruit farmers are not the only ones being affected. Livestock plays a major role in the local economy, with many vegetables and fruit farmers also rearing livestock. One such farmer is Titus Clark, who laments that vapour in the atmosphere also affects his family.
“Last week, one of the farmers spray, and my wife started vomiting. Rice is planting a stone throw away from where I live. We need some help with what is going on. We need the relevant authorities to see what they can do about the spraying in the residential area,” he has said.
Clark explained that he contacted the Black Bush Polder Neighbourhood Democratic Council, regional officials, and even the Vice President on the issue.
Meanwhile, Dhanraj Sookram, a former councillor on the BBP NDC, also said that during his stint at the NDC, residents had raised the issue with the NDC, but no action was taken to address the situation.
“The NDC don’t have any say in it, because the land was given to live and to plant and they say they can’t tell people what to plant,” Sookram has contended.
According to this former councillor, persons are allowed to cultivate vegetables and fruit trees only within the residential area, other sections have been designated for rice cultivation.
Meanwhile, Savitry Mohabier, a housewife and mother of four, has said the spraying takes place at least twice per week. She said she recently had to visit the hospital after being affected by a chemical used by a rice farmer in close proximity to her home.
“The spraying is not nice, sometimes you vomit when they spraying,” she noted.
(G4)
MDr Leslie Ramsammy
TThe Opposition will have an
Each year since Budget 2020 was presented by the Irfaan Ali-led PPP, the Opposition has been in disarray, unable to mount any credible challenge. The Opposition believes that drama and theatrics could replace substance. The Guyanese people, however, wanting to hear substance, already know the Opposition’s arguments. Whether it is the tax threshold, reduction of the tax rate, the other tax provisions, the old-age pension, and the Because We Care school grant, etc., the Opposition’s main argument will be the Government should give more. Not one new idea or cogent argument against anything in Budget 2025 would be presented.
Take the example of the income tax threshold. Given the PPP’s track record, every citizen could have predicted that the Government would raise the tax
threshold. Indeed, Budget 2025 delivered by raising the threshold to $130,000 per month. This means that approximately another 25,000 Guyanese workers would be removed from the income tax roster. Threshold 2025 is 100% greater than threshold 2020. For people who also have children, their tax threshold has been increased. Guyanese citizens might not always agree with the amount proposed by Government, but they are always certain that the tax threshold would be increased by the PPP.
The Opposition and the usual suspects, that small group of anti-PPP commentators, have already deemed the $130,000 threshold a betrayal of the Guyanese people. Indeed, the PNC leader demands that it should be $400,000/ month, promising that, should the PNC be returned to power, they would immediately increase the threshold to $400,000. Given their history, their own supporters do not believe them.
In 2015, they promised that, within the first 100 days, the threshold would be increased to $100,000/month. Between 2015 and 2020, the same people who for years spoke of doubling and tripling the threshold, and who promised that they will increase the threshold immediately to $100,000, increased it by only 30% in five years, a measly annual average increase of 6%, moving the threshold from $50,000/month to $65,000/ month. Between 2010 and 2014, in the almost four years, the PPP government increased the threshold by 43%, leaving it at $50,000 per month at the end of 2014, an annual average increase of about 11%. In the period from August 2020 to present, the PPP has increased the threshold by 100%, an annual average of 20%. Yet, the Opposition would argue in Parliament that the threshold should be increased between 2020 and now, not by 100%, but by almost 700%, or an annual average of 140%. It is dishonesty and sheer hypocrisy. Actually, the threshold story is a little more. For those persons earning more than $400,000, the threshold is one-third of their salaries. Thus, for a person earning $450,000/month, the threshold is $150,000 and not $130,000. Together with the increase in the threshold, the tax rates have been reduced from 28% to 25% (for earnings of up to $260,000 above the threshold) and from 40% to 35% (for earnings above the threshold + $260,000) and there are no new taxes, thus leading to more take-home pay.
This is in direct contrast to the PNC-led APNU/AFC budgets between 2015 and 2020, when, invariably, the Guyanese people were subjected to burdensome taxes, whether old or new, with unbearable increases in the cost-of-living. There were new taxes, for instance, through VAT for education, water and electricity, all of which were always treated in Guyana by the previous PPP governments as public good, things exempted from taxation. Even donkey carts had to pay increased licensing fees. Farmers were forced to pay taxes for the small-scale cash crops they either sold from their homes or at community markets. House-front vendors selling sugar cake and cane juice had to pay taxes. People had to pay VAT on data and the internet. Budget 2020, under the PPP, removed all those taxes the PNC-led APNU/AFC burdened the people with. Guyana’s history is clear – PPP governments remove and reduce taxes; PNCled governments increase and add new taxes.
In Budget 2025 debate, the Opposition would conveniently forget their promise to increase the tax threshold from $50,000 to $100,000 in their first 100 days in office, yet only managing to increase to $65,000/month after five years or almost 1,900 days between 2015-2020. They would conveniently forget their promise of no new taxes, yet increasing more than 200 taxes; that they promised public servants and sugar workers a 20% annual increase within their first 100 days, but froze sugar workers’ wages for
amination conducted by Dr Nehaul Singh revealed that Jadunauth died from perforation of the lung and trachea caused by stab wounds. His body showed additional injuries, including abrasions to his chest and face. The report noted the presence of undigested food and a strong smell of alcohol, suggesting he had consumed alcohol before his death.
he Demerara High Court has convicted Shaquille Foulkes, known as “Max,” of the 2020 murder of Hanuman Jadunauth, a 43-year-old man called “Baccoo.” The verdict was delivered after a detailed trial led by prosecutor Christopher Belfield, assisted by Muntaz Ali, with Lawrence Harris representing the defense.
Jadunauth’s brutal death occurred between March 30 and 31, 2020, in Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara. He was last seen alive in the company of Foulkes and another individual. Surveillance footage played a key role in the trial, showing the accused walking alongside Jadunauth
on the night of March 30. In one clip, Foulkes was observed hitting Jadunauth, who was carrying a water bottle. Witnesses alleged that Foulkes had forced the victim to fetch the bottle.
Later footage captured Foulkes walking alone along Swan Street, this time holding a knife in his hand.
The following morning, police were called to Swan Street at 04:45h and found Jadunauth lying unconscious in the roadway. He had multiple stab wounds to his chest and neck, along with abrasions on his face. Jadunauth was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The post-mortem ex-
Two days after the murder, Foulkes was arrested. During his interrogation, he admitted to being the man seen in the surveillance footage. However, he claimed he did not stab Jadunauth. Instead, Foulkes stated that another individual had dropped the knife, which he picked up and threw into a trench at the end of Swan Street. He later led police to the location where he claimed to have discarded the weapon, but the knife was never recovered.
Multiple witnesses testified against Foulkes during the trial. Some reported seeing him in the company of Jadunauth shortly before the murder, while one witness testified to witnessing the actual stabbing.
Despite the evidence against him, Foulkes continued to deny his involvement. He claimed he left a
party on the night of March 30, 2020, and went directly to his aunt’s house in Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara. Foulkes also denied living in Pouderoyen, despite leading police officers to a residence in the area during his arrest, where a search was conducted.
Prosecutors relied on a combination of surveillance footage, witness testimony, and Foulkes’ contradictory statements to build a strong case against him. The jury deliberated on the evidence and ultimately returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
Sentencing for Foulkes has been scheduled for February 17.
A27-year-old man from Lamaha Park, Georgetown, was granted $300,000 bail after facing charges related to multiple gun offences.
Akeem Thompson, who was arrested on January 15, by a police rank, appeared in court on Monday to answer to the charges.
Thompson is accused of discharging a loaded firearm with intent, possession of a firearm without a license, and possession of ammunition without a license. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on January 15 when Thompson allegedly fired a weapon at Fazaad
Arrested: Akeem Thompson
Hameed, a 37-year-old businessman of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.
According to police reports, the confrontation took place at approximately 10:30h on the busy road, when Thompson allegedly discharged the firearm in the direction of Hameed. No one was injured in the incident. It was further revealed that Thompson did not possess a license for either the firearm or the ammunition in his possession.
On Monday, Thompson appeared before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Vigilance Magistrate’s
Court, where the charges were formally read to him. Thompson pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him.
As a result, the magistrate granted Thompson $300,000 bail for all three offences. The breakdown of bail was $100,000 for the charge of discharging a loaded firearm with intent, $150,000 for possession of a firearm without a license, and $50,000 for possession of ammunition without a license.
The matter has been adjourned to February 17. (G9)
Amid calls from the Committee of Caricom Chief Veterinary Officers (CCCVO) to Caribbean Community (Caricom) member states to intensify efforts to prevent entry of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) in the Region, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Dr Dwight Walrond, has highlighted that there has been no recorded case of this virus in Guyana to date.
During an interview with Guyana Times, Dr Walrond noted that while there have been recorded cases of the virus by external partners within the poultry sector, Guyana has, to date, not encountered any case of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV).
“For the record, we have never had a reported case of HPAIV in Guyana; all right? So, it's important that we establish that at the onset. What we have seen is external pressure of the disease on some of our collaborating partners in other countries. For example, the United States, which is a major contributor to our poultry industry, have been really up against it with that disease. (And) recently, we had cases recorded in Venezuela,” he explained.
The absence of this virus in Guyana, Dr. Walrond explained, is not a case of mere luck, but is a direct result of strategic initiatives rolled out by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) over the years. In fact, he revealed that the capabilities of the GLDA’s Epidemiology Unit have been significantly strengthened.
“We have been proactive in our approach towards preparing for HPAIV and other diseases of economic importance, and to that end, what we would have done is to strengthen our Epidemiology and Surveillance Department. So, you would see we have a presence at all official and unofficial ports of entry,” he stated.
“You would have seen reports from disgruntled passengers who are trying to illegally import some of these products, which we would have confiscated and incinerated following international best practices. Those (are) SOPs which guide us on how we destroy those products. Additionally, we have gone so far that we even have GPS coordinates for all the unofficial ports of entry, so we are monitoring continuously all of our ports,” Dr Walrond added.
He has also highlighted that the GLDA continuously monitors farms. Sampling and testing are
not only done for the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV), but also for several other common livestock diseases.
“Internally, what we have been doing is monitoring our farms: large-, medium- and small-scale operations. We have constantly been taking samples, testing at our facility, and I'm happy to report that we have the only, or one of maybe two or three in the Caribbean, an active Molecular Department within our Veterinary Services Laboratory, and we are continuously conducting tests for not just HPAIV, (but) other diseases of economic importance, like African Swine Fever,” he disclosed.
Dr Walrond revealed that the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) also conducts surveillance for these diseases within the wildlife population. With these measures, Dr. Walrond highlighted, Guyana is currently leading the Caribbean region in data analysis for several diseases among the wildlife population.
“So, no other country within Caricom would have the kind of data that we have when it comes to sampling of wild birds and backyard flock,” Dr Walrond has asserted.
He disclosed that, in March of 2023, the GLDA conducted a second simulated outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) – commonly known as ‘bird flu’. The three-day simulation exercise was done to evaluate the national One Health collaboration and Guyana’s preparedness to manage an outbreak of the ‘bird flu’ and other zoonotic diseases.
The CEO revealed that
this activity is done every two years in keeping with the World Animal Health Organization (WAHO) guidelines. As such, he noted that the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) would be moving to conduct its third simulation exercise this year.
“We don't like to be in a reactive mode. Our approach is more strategic in nature, in keeping with what is recommended by the World Animal Health Organization. Every two years, countries should conduct field-based simulation exercise. And every year, they should have internal desktop operation to check the level of readiness of our staff and the system as it is. So, we did one in 2023; (and) in 2025, yes, we will be conducting another simulation exercise in keeping with international best practice and what we've been doing over the years,” Dr Walrond highlighted.
Upon completion of the simulated outbreak, GLDA and its partners would identify areas that require improvement in the way they
respond to an outbreak of HPAIV and other zoonotic diseases.
Additionally, Dr. Walrond noted, simulation exercises are done for diseases such as African Swine Fever and Foot- and-Mouth Disease, among other ailments.
Avian Influenza Avian Influenza, also known as ‘bird flu’, is a disease primarily affecting birds, and is caused by a virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family.
According to its subtype, it may be classified as high or low pathogenicity, presenting different symptoms in infected birds. The Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (LPAIV) can cause a mild illness, often unnoticed or without any symptoms. The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV), caused by subtypes H5 and H7 of Type A, causes serious illness in birds, which can spread rapidly and result in high death rates in different species of birds.
Most influenza virus-
es circulating in birds are not zoonotic. However, some HPAI strains have the ability to infect humans, thereby posing a threat to public health. The main risk factor is the direct or indirect exposure to infected animals or environments and surfaces contaminated by faeces. The most common way for the virus to enter a territory is through migratory wild birds. The main risk factor for transmission from birds to humans is direct or indirect contact with infected animals, or with environments and surfaces contaminated by faeces. Plucking or handling infected poultry carcasses and preparing poultry for consumption, especially in domestic settings, may also be risk factors. When avian influenza is transmitted to humans, symptoms in people can range from mild upper respiratory tract infection (fever and cough) to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (difficulty breathing), shock, and in a worst-case scenario death.
…as $35M Providence Nursery
The newly-reconstructed Providence Nursery School on the East Bank of Demerara has been commissioned on Tuesday.
The reconstruction project was undertaken within a four-month period at a cost of $35,700,000, and the new facility now provides a modern and nurturing learning environment for 120 children, supported by 12 fully trained teachers.
At the commissioning ceremony, Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) for Nursery Education, Devendra Persaud, underscored the critical role of early childhood education in shaping the future of young learners.
“As we all know, nursery education is the foundation
for a child’s academic and personal growth. Children's early childhood experiences shape the adults they will become, and the skills they acquire during this time will carry them through their entire lives,” he expressed.
Further highlighting the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to early childhood education across Guyana, he said, “Across the nation, new schools are rising, and more and more children benefit from the early learning opportunities they so richly deserve. Providence Nursery School is a shining example of this national effort. Its vision is simple yet profound: to provide a nurturing, stimulating, and inclusive environment, where children can
learn, grow, and explore.”
Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who was also present at the ceremony, has emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to building a strong foundation for Guyana’s youngest learners.
“We believe, in the Ministry of Education, that this is the very foundation,” she declared in highlighting that although nursery education is not mandatory in Guyana, the country boasts the highest nursery enrolment rate in the Commonwealth Caribbean. “That tells you about this country’s interest in nursery education, the parents’ interest in nursery education, and their commitment to ensuring a strong start for their children,” she explained.
She also outlined that the Ministry’s Literacy Department’s nationwide ini-
to develop industry-ready
The Government, through the Guyana Mining School and Technical Training Centre (GMSTCI), recently signed with GMIN Ventures Guyana Inc (GMIN) a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an Industrial Attachment Programme.
This initiative is designed to prepare industry-ready professionals for Guyana’s expanding mining sector.
As part of this new agreement, GMIN will annually provide industrial attachment opportunities, with training conducted at the Oko West Project site in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). The programme will include in-depth Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) training, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and mentorship from industry experts. GMSTCI
will identify eligible students, facilitate OSH certification, and promote the initiative, which will run for a minimum of six weeks, with extensions available based on performance and project needs.
Speaking on the initiative, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat applauded the partnership, saying, “This collaboration between the Guyana Mining School and GMIN reflects the shared vision of strengthening Guyana’s mining industry through education and capacity building. By investing in our youth, we are securing the future of the sector and ensuring its sustainability for generations to come.”
The Minister highlighted that in 2024, Guyana’s mining sector experienced significant growth, driven by increased investments, favourable Government
policies, and rising global demand for minerals.
Enhanced infrastructure development, such as improved road networks to hinterland regions, facilitated greater access to mining sites, while tax exemptions on heavy machinery
lowered operational costs and encouraged expansion. The sector also benefited from stronger collaborations between industry and academia, equipping the workforce with the skills needed to meet industry demand. These factors com-
bined to solidify mining as a cornerstone of Guyana’s economy, attracting local and international investors and contributing to sustainable economic development.
Meanwhile, GMIN’s Country Manager, Bjorn Jeune emphasised the com-
pany’s commitment to nurturing local talent, stating, “This initiative reflects GMIN’s dedication to empowering Guyanese youth through practical learning and skills development. By aligning our resources with the expertise of GMSTCI, we aim to create a pipeline of competent professionals who will contribute to the success of our operations and the broader mining industry.”
Vaughn Felix, who represented the GMSTCI, noted the transformational impact of the collaboration, while adding, “This partnership not only enhances the career prospects of our students but also strengthens Guyana’s mining sector by fostering a skilled and resilient workforce. The hands-on experience gained through this collaboration will be invaluable for their professional growth.”
Police in Regional Division Seven, acting on information received, on Monday went to Makauria, Essequibo River, where they conducted a search at Hamper Bay and found a .32 semi-automatic pistol with a magazine containing six live matching rounds of ammunition.
In a statement on Tuesday, Police said that upon arrival at the location about 16:35h they met a 37-year-old man and confronted him about an allegation that he had discharged a loaded firearm in the vicinity of Makauria Creek.
When questioned, Police said, the man stated that he did not possess a firearm licence and claimed that the firearm belonged to his uncle, a 73-year-old farmer residing at Hamper Bay, Essequibo River. He was arrested and es-
corted to the Bartica Police Station. The firearm and ammunition were taken to the station as well.
Police said that they later conducted a video-recorded interview with the man, during which he admitted that the firearm belonged to his uncle and that he had accidentally discharged it at the home of a 36-year-old housewife residing at Makauria Creek.
According to the Police release, ranks contacted the uncle via cellular phone, and he alleged that his nephew had stolen the firearm from him.
This discovery prompted further investigation into the ownership and legality of the firearm.
On Tuesday about 09:00h, the uncle reported to the Bartica Police Station. During an interview with Divisional Detective Officer, Assistant Superintendent
Nedd, in the presence of another rank, the man revealed that he is the licensed owner of a .32 semi-automatic pistol and a .270 Walter PKK rifle. He stated that both firearms were licensed in 2021, but were not renewed due to financial constraints.
He further disclosed that he stored the rifle, along with the pistol, at his residence in Hamper Bay. He claimed that both firearms were kept in a metal case secured with a padlock, which he checked frequently to ensure it was locked. He alleged he had two keys for the padlock: one hung in his room and the other on a key ring with his house keys.
The pensioner explained that he had known the man who was arrested for over 20 years as he is the nephew of a close friend and he has treated him as family.
He told ranks that he
The initiative aims to equip children leaving the Early Childhood phase with the ability to read, understand, and apply their literacy and numeracy skills effectively, regardless of their geographic location.
The reconstructed Providence facility is designed to offer every child, regardless of background or circumstance, access to quality early childhood education. It fosters cognitive, emotional, and social devel-
opment while promoting curiosity, creativity, and the celebration of each child’s potential.
The new Providence Nursery School stands as a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to improving the quality of early childhood education in Guyana. With 61 nursery schools built between 2021 and 2024, the Ministry has demonstrated its dedication to creating learning spaces that inspire curiosity, fos-
ter creativity, and empower children for a lifetime of success.
The Ministry of Education in Guyana is dedicated to providing equitable access to quality education at all levels. Through innovative initiatives and sustained investments in infrastructure, the Ministry aims to empower all learners to achieve their full potential, thereby contributing to national development and global competitiveness.
checked his room and discovered that the padlock on the safe was open and that his firearms and ammunition were missing.
Police said that a further interview was conducted with the man who was arrested and he admitted to removing the firearm and hiding it based on instructions from his ‘uncle’. He agreed to accompany the Police to show them where the firearm was hidden.
At approximately 15:00h
on Tuesday, a team of officers escorted the man from the Bartica Police Station along with his ‘uncle’.
A search of the house was conducted and Police found seven live .270 rounds of ammunition in the upper flat. A subsequent search of the lower flat revealed a .270 Walter PKK rifle concealed in a white salt bag under a wooden bed frame.
The ‘nephew’ claimed that his ‘uncle’ had allowed him to use the rifle to hunt 'tiger'
and was aware that he used the firearms.
The seized firearm and ammunition were transported to the Bartica Police Station.
The man remains in custody and Police said that he was cooperating with the ongoing investigation. His ‘uncle’’s involvement in the matter is also under scrutiny, particularly regarding his alleged instructions to hide the firearm and his failure to report the missing rifle initially.
The Belize Government says it is strengthening efforts to boost sugar exports to markets in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and that its Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr Osmond Martinez, has held a “pivotal” meeting with stakeholders in the industry.
A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said that the meeting was also attended by officials from the Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) where strategies for enhancing Belize’s sugar exports to the Caricom market were discussed.
“The meeting focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities within the regional sugar trade framework. Key topics included optimising the Common External
Tariff (CET) suspension regime, improving compliance with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, and strengthening Belize’s competitive position in the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME),” the statement said.
It quoted Dr Martinez as emphasising Belize’s commitment to facilitating increasing sugar exports and ensuring adherence to regional trade rules and that the meeting marks a significant step towards bolstering the sugar industry’s presence in the Caricom market.
“We are determined to work collaboratively with BSI and other stakeholders to capitalise on export opportunities and ensure that Belize remains a key player in the regional sugar trade,” Dr Martinez said.
The DGFT reiterated the importance of active
participation in Caricom’s Monitoring Mechanism for Sugar (MMS) and the Technical Working Group (TWG) for using technical standards and specifications in the Common External Tariff Suspension process.
“By enhancing the Region’s reporting and compliance mechanisms, Belize aims to foster a transparent and fair trade environment that benefits all Caricom member states,” this statement said, adding that the BSI representatives expressed their commitment to working closely with the Government to address any challenges and leverage the opportunities presented by the Caricom market.
Around 20,000 to 40,000 tonnes of sugar is exported from Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, and Barbados to other Caricom members per year. (Excerpt from CMC)
Five new candidates were named among 15 announced by the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Tuesday morning in a media conference at the George Street, St Michael headquarters.
The newcomers unveiled were Amoy Gilding-Bourne who will run for Christ Church East; Nathaniel Wesley Boyce in
St Michael South; Shaquani Hunte for St Michael West; Dale Rowe in the City of Bridgetown and Alvin Toppin was selected for St Lucy.
Speaking after the announcement, Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne said to loud applause: “The supporters of this party are once again energised.”
Thanking the organisations which facilitated the ac-
tivities for the Errol Barrow Week of Activities, including the church service in Messiah Street, St John and Memorial Lecture at the Cave Hill Campus, he said that was only part of the evidence that the party was back.
“Last year when we told you amidst the turmoil that we were proceeding with the selection of candidates, we meant it, and today offers the evidence of that excellent work that was done – not by me – but by a candidate selection committee.”
He said all candidates went through the process to the executive committee and later the general council last Thursday for ratification.
“I say that to assure you all of these 15 upstanding Barbadians were subjected to a process of scrutiny and selection within the organs of this party, within the organs of this party that preserves a democratic process,” he added. (Excerpt from Nation News)
Brazil's newly nominated head of the planned 2025 COP30 climate summit in the Amazonian city of Belem warned on Tuesday that President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement would cast a shadow over the talks.
"We are still analysing President Trump's announcements, but there is no doubt they will have a significant impact on preparation for COP30," Ambassador Andre Correa do Lago told reporters on Tuesday shortly after he
was named to the post.
Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 pact right after taking office for a second non-consecutive term on Monday, removing the world's biggest historic emitter of greenhouse gases from global efforts to fight climate change for the second time in a decade.
The move adds to challenges Brazil was already set to face as COP30 host, including tough disputes over financing the energy transition in developing countries and the new pledges to reduce emissions countries have vowed to make.
Correa do Lago said "there are still many paths of dialogue" with the US, despite Trump's latest move, noting the country is still a member of the United Nations climate convention, a forum of dialogue between nations about global climate policy.
The announcement of the COP30 head is the starting point for the Brazilian Government to set up the leadership structure that will carry out negotiations for what likely will be one of the most difficult conferences in recent years.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Amery Browne has chided Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her gushing remarks after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on January 20, in which she also slammed the former Joe Biden Administration.
Persad-Bissessar dubbed the Biden Government "a disaster for the American people and the world".
In a statement, she charged “They focused on pushing a woke, extreme left-wing agenda that offended basic common sense and morality, overturned the norms of civilised public life, disoriented and mutilated children, censored and cancelled dissenting views, disparaged religious and conservative values, fuelled wars around the world, weaponised the judicial system against political opponents and increased nepotism, corruption, crime, poverty, homelessness and wealth inequality.”
Browne, in a Twitter (X) post later on January 20, sharply condemned her remarks as "her most inappropriate, injudicious, inept, imprudent, fawning, tactless, reckless, obsequious, intemperate, and ill-advised utterance to date”.
He elaborated, talking to reporters on January 21, as he entered the Red House in Port of Spain for a Senate sitting.
Browne said PersadBissessar's phrase "disaster" had probably described
her own press release.
"If fact she has really been on a downward spiral in some of the official public utterances.
"It is very disappointing, even by her already low standards.
"Some of the language and phrasing being used is at best undiplomatic and at worst completely ill-advised and actually dangerous to the interests of Caricom and of Trinidad and Tobago."
(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)
Karen Vasquez, 44, walked out of jail in Cuba on Sunday, part of a deal brokered by the Vatican under which the Biden Administration would loosen sanctions on the communist-run island, while Havana would release more than 500 persons from its jails who are considered political prisoners by Washington.
Vasquez was still celebrating on Monday when she heard that US President Donald Trump had reversed the Biden Administration's decision last week to remove Cuba from its terrorism blacklist. Removal from the list appeared aimed as a step
in rolling back sanctions.
The Trump executive order, issued among a flurry of orders within hours of his inauguration on Monday, has left the broader deal with Cuba in limbo.
"I'm not interested in politics, but yes, this scares me. Everything is so uncertain," said Vasquez, who lives in a precarious threeroom house in La Guinera, a poor neighbourhood outside Havana.
"We've been released on 'conditional' liberty," Vasquez said in an interview with Reuters following the Trump announcement. "We have no idea what could happen to us."
Cuba on Tuesday blasted Trump's decision, calling it "a demonstration of the aggressiveness of US imperialism".
It has not said what measures, if any, it might take in response.
Cuba's Government did not reply to a Reuters request for comment.
She was convicted of sedition and sentenced to seven years in prison for her part in unprecedented island-wide protests in July 2021. The US, Europe and human rights watchdogs consider Vasquez and others to be political prisoners, a characterisation rejected by the Cuban Government.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
During his first term in office, US President Donald Trump applied his particular brand of diplomacy with Washington's adversaries, publicly befriending Russia and North Korea while separately piling pressure on China and Iran.
Three companies developing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects in Texas and Louisiana said they will move full speed ahead with their plans after US President Donald Trump lifted the previous administration's freeze on export permits.
Trump's executive order effectively reversed a pause on permits for new projects that former President Joe Biden put in place in early 2024 to study the environmental and economic effects of the booming export industry.
Trump's decision could pave the way for almost 100 million metric tons per annum (MTPA) of additional LNG by 2031 by projects that are significantly advanced, further cementing the US as the world's largest exporter of LNG.
"We remain full speed ahead on our current and future expansion projects and are confident that we will secure all necessary regulatory approvals," said Cheniere Energy's Director of Communications Bernardo Fallas.
Top US LNG exporter Cheniere Energy has been awaiting an export licence for its 3 MTPA midscale 8 and 9 expansion project in Texas.
Commonwealth LNG, which has waited longer than any other company for its permit, wants to build a 9.5 MTPA export plant in Louisiana to sell to countries that do not have a free trade agreement with the US, said Trump's decision was in the public’s best interest.
The company "is focused on building a world-class LNG export facility", a spokesman said.
Energy Transfer also welcomed the decision. It had an export licence for its 15.5 MTPA facility in Louisiana, but needed a new permit after the Energy Department refused an extension of its licence due to delays in completing construction.
"We look forward to the Department of Energy swiftly moving forward with authorising new LNG export facilities including our Lake Charles LNG export facility," company spokesperson Vicki Granado said.
Six other plants could get the financial go-ahead in the first two years of the Trump Administration, said Alex Munton, director of global gas and LNG research at consulting firm Rapidan Energy Group.
The Biden Administration's study found US natural gas supply is sufficient to meet domestic demand for the fuel and global demand for US LNG. But in an unconstrained LNG export scenario, domestic gas prices would rise 31 per cent in 2050, it found, which would raise natural gas bills for US households by more than US$100 a year with prices varying by region.
Friends of the Earth on Tuesday said Trump's decision will accelerate the climate crisis and drive up gas prices by sending supplies abroad.
Meanwhile, oil prices fell on Tuesday after U. President Donald Trump declared a national energy emergency on his first day in office, raising concerns of higher US output in a market widely expected to be oversupplied this year.
Brent crude futures settled down 86 cents, or 1.1 per cent, at US$79.29 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for February delivery fell by US$1.99, or 2.6 per cent, to US$75.89 in its final trading session.
"End of the day, there is no shortage of oil out there," Mizuho analyst Robert Yawger said, noting that US oil production is at record levels and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) still has some 5.86 million barrels per day of output curtailed.
"What there is a shortage of is demand," Yawger said. "If the refiner doesn't need to make more fuel, they're not going to buy the crude. (Reuters)
This time he faces a different kind of challenge: a more united group of US antagonists who have drawn closer following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Trump, who took office Monday, has vowed to end Russia's war in Ukraine, curb Iran's nuclear programme and counter China while building up the US military.
But in the past few years, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have forged a "no-limits partnership", with Beijing giving Russia the economic support it needs to sustain its war in Ukraine.
On Tuesday, Putin and Xi proposed a further deep-
the Washington-based Asia Society Policy Institute, who headed East Asia policy under former President Barack Obama.
Meanwhile, President Trump said on Monday the United States will leave the World Health Organisation, saying the global health agency had mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and other international health crises.
ening of their strategic partnership during a long phone call after Trump was sworn in as US President.
Russia has also signed strategic pacts with North Korea in June 2024 and Iran on Friday.
The grouping of four US foes, which Biden's Ambassador to China recently called an "unholy alliance", adds up to a loss of
leverage for the US and its partners, say analysts.
"The dilemma for Trump, who has expressed a desire to 'get along with Russia', and who is trying to squeeze China on trade, is that Moscow's partnership with Beijing limits both Russian willingness to engage with Washington and Chinese vulnerability to US pressure," said Daniel Russel of
Trump said the WHO had failed to act independently from the "inappropriate political influence of WHO member states" and required "unfairly onerous payments" from the US that were disproportionate to the sums provided by other, larger countries, such as China.
The United States is by far the WHO's biggest financial backer, contributing around 18 per cent of its overall funding. WHO's most recent two-year budget, for 2024-2025, was US$6.8 billion. (Excerpt from Reuters)
On foot or riding
rickshaws, many Palestinians exhausted by war in Gaza began returning to the ruins of their homes on the third day of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, shocked by total destruction.
The truce took effect on Sunday after 15 months of conflict with the handover of the first three hostages held by Hamas and the release of 90 Palestinians from Israeli jails.
Now attention is shifting to the rebuilding of the coastal enclave, which the
Israeli military has reduced to vast tracts of rubble in its campaign to wipe out Hamas in retaliation for the militant group's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Some Gazans could not even recognise where they once lived and turned their back on shattered neighbourhoods to return to tents where they have sheltered for the past several months. Others began to clear debris to try to move back to the wreckage of their homes.
"We are cleaning the house, and removing the
Arare winter storm is bringing snow and freezing rain to parts of the US deep south, closing highways and airports in Texas and prompting a first-ever blizzard warning in southwest Louisiana.
The Gulf Coast, where even flurries are a rare sight, will see historic snowfall, the National Weather Service (NWS) said on Tuesday, with an inch of snow or more expected to fall per hour from eastern Texas through the western Florida Panhandle.
More than 2200 flights within the US were can -
celled on Tuesday, and 3000 more were delayed, according to online tracker Flight Aware.
Up in the country's north, parts of New York state are being hit by another storm, blanketed by up to 18 inches of snow.
The NWS has forecast "heavy" lake effect snow, advising residents to avoid travel if possible.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday she had declared a state of emergency in a dozen counties in western New York as communities face the snow and extreme cold.
(Excerpt from BBC News)
rubble, so we are able to return home. Those are the quilts, pillows, nothing was left at the house," said Palestinian woman Walaa El-Err, pointing to her destroyed belongings at her bombed-out home in Nuseirat, a decades-old refugee camp in central Gaza.
She said the feeling of returning to her neighbourhood was "indescribable".
She said she'd stayed up all
night on Saturday waiting for the truce to take effect the next day. But the optimism surrounding news of a ceasefire has faded.
"When I went into the camp, I teared up, as our camp was not like that, it was the best. When we left all the towers (and) homes were still untouched, and none of the neighbours had been killed," she lamented.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Russia and Ukraine have continued to exchange barrages of air attacks, despite Donald Trump having said he would end the war within 24 hours of becoming US President.
While Trump was inaugurated on Monday afternoon, neither Kyiv nor Moscow have shown signs of de-escalating the drone and missile strikes they have been launching against one another in recent months. Both launched barrages overnight on Tuesday.
Russia said it downed 55 Ukrainian drones, more than half of which were intercepted over regions on the border.
Kyiv said it struck an oil
depot near the town of Liski in the Voronezh region, sparking a blaze at the facility for the second time in less than a week.
The region’s governor, Alexander Gusev, said the fire was caused by debris from a downed drone and that no one was injured.
Kyiv also said its forces struck an aviation plant producing “combat aircraft” in the western Russian city of Smolensk, creating “explosions”.
Ukraine’s air force claimed it shot down 93 of 141 drones Russia launched overnight, noting others were “lost” while two returned to Russia. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
A tight schedule will keep you busy and out of trouble. Too much idle time will lead to argument and dissatisfaction. Put your skills to good use and participate in something that benefits you.
Honoring promises you make to yourself is the best way to avoid frustration. Initiate a change that helps you get back on track; it will push you to devise a plan. Leave nothing to chance or undone. Romance is favored.
Taking on too much will tempt you. Consider your priorities and what will benefit you most. Don’t take on someone else’s fight when you have personal battles to win. Protect your health and well-being.
You have more going for you than you realize. Don’t hesitate to step up and take charge. Express your concerns and the changes you want to make, and put your plans in motion. It’s up to you to make things happen.
Pay more attention to what’s happening around you. Observation will give you an advantage when the time comes to make a move. A situation will escalate if you ignore the signals someone close to you is sending.
You’ll be eager to please, and someone will be happy to take advantage of you if you can’t say no. Weigh the pros and cons before taking on someone else’s responsibilities.
Stick close to home, take care of your responsibilities and avoid arguments. Be open to suggestions, learn something new and explore avenues that help you stretch your skills.
Participation will lead to new possibilities. A lifestyle change will become a learning experience. Share your thoughts, feelings and long-term plans with someone who can help you achieve your dreams.
Count your pennies and use your money wisely. A tight budget will help you avoid being taken advantage of by someone eager to sell you something you don’t need. Trust your instincts.
Stop analyzing and get moving. It’s what you do that will change things for you. Aim to reach your goal, please yourself and impress onlookers. Let your ambition rise and your talent carry you to the finish line.
Use your energy to bring about positive change. An innovative idea will boost your confidence and earning potential. Physical activity is encouraged. Choose your associates carefully.
Present what you can offer and turn a skill, pastime or passion into a second income. Take your show on the road and network. A chance meeting will lead to a long-term commitment with someone who can help you get ahead.
India and Sri Lanka have achieved their second wins in ‘Group A of the Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup with easy victories over Malaysia and the West Indies respectively, in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
While Sri Lanka's win was an all-round show in the first game, India's left-
arm spin duo of Vaishnavi Sharma and Aayushi Shukla set up the victory for India with big hauls, Vaishnavi starring with a hat-trick to complete a fivefor.
India chose to field in the second game of the day, as they had in their first game against West Indies, and it took them just 14.3
Sri Lanka Women Under-19s (20 ovs maximum)
Sanjana Kavindi st †Sutherland
b Cumberbatch 39
Sumudu Nisansala †
b Cassar 19
Manudi Nanayakkara (c)
b Ross 41
Hiruni Hansika
b Claxton 1
Dahami Sanethma not out 31
Rashmika Sewwandi c Claxton
b Ross 0
Shashini Gimhani not out 4
Extras (b 2, lb 2, nb 7, w 20) 31
Total 20 Ov (RR: 8.30) 166/5
Did not bat: Limansa Thilakarathna, Pramudi Methsara, Aseni Thalagune, Chamodi Praboda
Fall of wickets: 1-54 (Sumudu Nisansala, 6.3 ov), 2-102 (Sanjana Kavindi, 11.5 ov), 3-107 (Hiruni Hansika, 12.5 ov), 4-137 (Manudi Nanayakkara, 16.2 ov), 5-137 (Rashmika Sewwandi, 16.5 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Selena Ross 4-0-25-2
Jahzara Claxton 4-0-20-1
Samara Ramnath 4-0-39-0
Kenika Cassar 1-0-10-1
Naijanni Cumberbatch 4-0-27-1
1-0-21-0
Amiah Gilbert
Amrita Ramtahal 2-0-20-0
West Indies Women Under-19s (T: 167 runs from 20 ovs)
Asabi Callender c †Nisansala
b Praboda 4
Samara Ramnath (c) st †Nisansala
b Thalagune 24
Naijanni Cumberbatch c Sewwandi
b Praboda 3
Jahzara Claxton c Gimhani b Praboda 15
Brianna Harricharan c Kavindi b Methsara 3
Amrita Ramtahal st †Nisansala b Thilakarathna 11
Abigail Bryce c Gimhani b Thalagune 4
Kenika Cassar b Gimhani 12
Amiah Gilbert run out (Thalagune/Thilakarathna) 1 Kristen Sutherland † c Nanayakkara b Thilakarathna 3 Selena Ross not out 0 Extras (w 5) 5
Total 19.4 Ov (RR: 4.32) 85 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Asabi Callender, 1.6 ov), 2-16 (Naijanni Cumberbatch, 3.4 ov), 3-36 (Jahzara Claxton, 5.3 ov), 4-52 (Samara Ramnath, 8.4 ov), 5-54 (Brianna Harricharan, 9.2 ov), 6-64 (Abigail Bryce, 13.4 ov), 7-81 (Kenika Cassar, 16.2 ov), 8-81 (Amrita Ramtahal, 17.1 ov), 9-85 (Kristen Sutherland, 19.1 ov), 1085 (Amiah Gilbert, 19.4 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Rashmika Sewwandi 3-0-13-0 Chamodi Praboda 4-0-16-3 Manudi Nanayakkara 1-0-16-0 Aseni Thalagune 4-0-16-2 Limansa Thilakarathna 3.4-0-7-2 Pramudi Methsara 3-0-16-1 Shashini Gimhani 1-0-1-1
overs to dismiss the hosts Malaysia for 31. India conceded 11 extras, and no Malaysia batter made more than 5 runs.
For India, VJ Joshitha started things off with a wicket in the second over, and Nur Aliya was run out in Joshitha's next over. Shukla and Vaishnavi got going after that, with Vaishnavi taking 5 for 5 from her four overs, and Shukla 3 for 8 from 3.3 overs. That target was never going to pose a problem for India, and they got home in just 2.5 overs without losing a wicket.
Gongadi Trisha hit 27 in 12 balls, and her opening partner Kamalini G scoring 4 off 5.
India will finish the
Malaysia Women Under-19s (20 ovs maximum)
Nur Aliya Binti Mohd Hairun † run out (Sisodia) 5
Nuni Farini Binti Mohd Safry lbw
b Joshitha 0
Nazatul Hidayah Husna Binti Razali
b Aayushi Shukla 5
Nur Dania Syuhada (c) c Prasad
b Vaishnavi Sharma 1
Nur Izzatul Syafiqa c Sisodia
b Aayushi Shukla 0
Nuriman Hidayah
b Vaishnavi Sharma 2
Suabika Manivannan not out 3
Nur Ain Binti Roslan lbw
b Vaishnavi Sharma 3
Nur Isma Dania Binti Mohd Daniel
lbw b Vaishnavi Sharma 0 Siti Nazwah
b Vaishnavi Sharma 0
Marsya Qistina Binti Abdullah c
Chalke b Aayushi Shukla 1
Extras (nb 1, w 10) 11
Total 14.3 Ov (RR: 2.13) 31
Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Nuni Farini Binti Mohd Safry, 1.4 ov), 2-12 (Nur Aliya Binti Mohd Hairun, 3.3 ov), 3-13
group stage with a game against Sri Lanka on Thursday, a fixture that would determine the ‘Group A’ toppers. It's also a game that would pit an outstanding bowling side - India, who have shot out their opponents for 44 and 31 in their two games - against a high-scoring batting sideSri Lanka, who have so far hit 162 for 6 and 166 for 5, the top two scores in the tournament so far.
The first game of the day saw a slightly improved performance from West Indies after India had beaten them by nine wickets in their opener, but it was not enough to challenge Sri Lanka, who ran away 81-run victors.
Batting first, after winning the toss, Sri Lanka rode on contributions from opener Sanjana Kavindi (39
not out off 25), as well as 36 extras to put up a huge total.
The target of 167 might have been too much for West Indies to achieve anyway, and left-arm spinner Chamodi Praboda's spell in the powerplay, where she accounted for Asabi Callender, Naijanni Cumberbatch, and Jahzara Claxton, put the result beyond doubt.
There were pockets of resistance after the initial setbacks, especially from captain Samara Ramnath, who scored a 23-ball 24 opening the innings, but there wasn't much of note from the other battersClaxton, Amrita Ramtahal and Kenika Cassar were the only others to just about make it into double digits.
(Nazatul Hidayah Husna Binti Razali, 4.1 ov), 4-13 (Nur Izzatul Syafiqa, 4.3 ov), 5-22 (Nur Dania Syuhada, 7.4 ov), 6-24 (Nuriman Hidayah, 9.1 ov), 7-30 (Nur Ain Binti Roslan, 13.2 ov), 8-30 (Nur Isma Dania Binti Mohd Daniel, 13.3 ov), 9-30 (Siti Nazwah, 13.4 ov), 10-31 (Marsya Qistina Binti Abdullah, 14.3 ov)
Bowling O-M-R-W
Shabnam Shakil 2-0-8-0
VJ Joshitha 2-1-5-1
Aayushi Shukla 3.3-1-8-3
Parunika Sisodia 3-0-5-0
Vaishnavi Sharma 4-1-5-5
India Women Under-19s (T: 32 runs from 20 ovs)
Gongadi Trisha not out 27
G Kamalini † not out 4
Extras (lb 1) 1
Total 2.5 Ov (RR: 11.29) 32/0
Did not bat: Sanika Chalke, Niki Prasad (c), Bhavika Ahire, Mithila Vinod, Aayushi Shukla, VJ
Joshitha, Shabnam Shakil, Parunika Sisodia, Vaishnavi Sharma
Suabika Manivannan 1.5-0-16-0
Nur Dania Syuhada 1-0-15-0
Aseni Thalagune took 2 for 16 to complement Praboda's 3 for 16, and West Indies, always well behind the asking rate, only got as
The members and executive committee of
the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) are lauding the Government of Guyana for the unprecedented investment in the development of sports through a historic allocation of $8 billion for sports in the 2025 national budget.
The continued show of confidence and investment in the sector represents a strategic push to present Guyana as a sports and tourism destination, a move which would create tremendous development opportunities for the sector.
GAPLF President Franklin Wilson has said that since his assuming the leader ship of this sport, the GAPLF has been benefitting from un wavering support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission.
“As a Federation, we are more than elated to see the continued investment in the sport sector, which will further advance not only our sport, but all other sports in Guyana. We have seen what deliberate and consistent investment brings in terms of results. The nation’s ath-
els; and powerlifting has con tributed to this, as our strongmen and women have medaled at six World Championships and two South American Championships in the past
two years,” he said. “We intend to continue this level of consistency, and will be pursuing even bigger initiatives that would need the full support of the Ministry and the NSC,” he
Wilson has also informed that the Federation would engage the athletes in the coming weeks to hear from them how the Federation could further leverage support from the Ministry for the continued advancement and development of powerlifting.
…As decision on governance reform inevitable
Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dr Kishore Shallow, has emphasized that a special meeting scheduled for next month represents a critical opportunity for the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) to present their views on governance reform.
However, Shallow has made it clear that the regional body intends to move forward with or without their input.
“This time, I can state with a measure of certitude that we are going to proceed and progress with governance reform at that special meeting,” Shallow said during an appearance on WESN TV last Friday.
The absence of the BCA and GCB from a December 6 meeting to vote on the Wehby Report —recommendations made by Jamaican business mogul Don Wehby — resulted in the meeting being adjourned due to a lack of quorum. Despite this, Shallow remains committed to advancing the reform process.
“Governance reform has
been on the table for well over two years, and we have had meetings with shareholders and other stakeholders. So, there have been opportunities to discuss this matter,” Shallow shared.
“However, this special meeting gives them another platform, where they can come and present their case and convince the other shareholders to understand and appreciate their positions. I urge them — and I have done so directly, and now I want to urge them publicly — to come and attend the meeting and discuss the matters,” he added.
that is why I said it is an excuse,” he noted.
Still, Shallow has reiterated his commitment to inclusivity, and has urged the BCA and GCB to seize the opportunity provided by next month’s meeting.
“The special meeting will provide the perfect platform for you to come and lay out your case…Come to the meeting and discuss. One thing that is certain under my leadership is an inclusive approach. Everyone gets a voice and an opportunity to voice their opinion,” Shallow has declared.
(Sportsmax)
Marseille striker Mason Greenwood has changed his international allegiance from England to Jamaica.
The decision comes after the Football Association (FA) made it clear that the former Manchester United star would not be considered for future selection for the Three Lions, following a suspension due to charges of attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour three years ago.
Despite these charges being dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service and Greenwood reviving his career with Getafe and now Marseille, he has been informed that he would not be selected for the Three Lions again.
Having completed the necessary paperwork, Greenwood is now available for Steve McClaren's Reggae Boyz. The 23-year-old qualifies for the Reggae Boyz through his father, who was born in Jamaica.
As Greenwood won his only England cap while under the age of 21, he is able to switch allegiances.
Although the Boyz have two games next month, Marseille are unwilling to release Greenwood, as the fixtures are friendlies. However, Greenwood is expected to be named in the former England manager's squad for the first time for the World Cup qualifiers in June, according to the Daily Star.
Greenwood moved to Marseille from United last summer in a £27m deal, and is currently the leading scorer in Ligue 1 this season with 12 goals. (Sportsmax)
The BCA and GCB have called for discussions to review how the CWI President and Vice-President are selected, including proposing a rotational policy for the presidency. Shallow has dismissed the idea as “nonsensical”, and unlikely to reduce the “politics in cricket.”
“It (the rotation proposal) hasn’t been in any way processed properly and ventilated. In fact, when the suggestion was discussed at the Governance Committee level, it was rejected. And we discussed it also at the CWI level, and there, too, it was rejected; because there is no meaningful way of how this thing will work,” Shallow argued.
That said, he questioned the practicality of implementing such a system, particularly how a rotational presidency would function without introducing additional layers of political manoeuvring.
“One of the excuses given for proposing this approach is to reduce the politics in cricket. How are you going to reduce it when nationally you are going to be electing a candidate to be president?” Shallow asked.
Using BCA as an example, Shallow pointed out the politics inherent in recent elections, where three members of the board, including the incumbent president, contested for the top position along with his vice-president and secretary.
“What politics are you trying to get around? And
Guyana’s Boys’ and Girls’ Under-21 Hockey teams have recently been invited to participate in the upcoming Pan American Hockey Federation’s (PAHF) Junior Challenge being staged in Bridgetown, Barbados from March 9th to 16th, 2025.
The Challenge is an important event on the hockey calendar, as it qualifies teams to participate in the second ever Junior Pan American Games, scheduled for August 9th to 22nd in Asuncion, Paraguay, where more than 3,800 athletes are expected to compete across 31 sports.
Along with host country Paraguay, which has received an automatic spot in the Junior Pan Am Games, top nations Argentina, Canada, Chile and USA have already qualified for the Games. In addition, Mexico for the boys and Uruguay for the girls have also qualified by being among the highest placed
finishers in the 2024 PAHF Junior Championships which was held in Canada.
With two spots remaining in each eight-team competition, Guyana must emerge as one of the top two finishers to secure a spot in the Junior Pan American Games.
Guyana’s boys are expected to compete against hosts Barbados, Brazil, Trinidad
& Tobago, Guatemala and Venezuela. Of these teams, Guyana has only recently competed against Barbados and Brazil, and has finished above both teams in the 2023 Junior Pan American Championships.
Guyana’s girls are expected to compete against Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Guatemala, Puerto Rico and Mexico. They
Former Head Coach of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Boxing Gym, Terrence Poole MS, passed away in October of 2024, leaving a major void not just at the gym, but in Guyana’s far-reaching Boxing fraternity.
For the first time since the renowned Coach’s death, the GDF Gym were back in action over the weekend at the Terrence Ali National Open Championships; and were so dominant over the 3-day competition that there was a 14-point difference between them and the tournament’s second-place finishers, Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF).
Reflecting on the event, Coach Steele Crawford noted that conditioning was a big part of the GDF’s preparation for the Championships.
“Well, we needed to work on conditioning, because the
time was too short. So, the boxers ain’t really got no top condition. It’s just the senior boxers, who are experienced, they used their technique and made the fights look easier,” Crawford shared with this publication.
A confident Craford told Guyana Times Sport that the GDF Gym intends to replicate its performance throughout the year 2025, but would first be focusing on introducing some new Boxing talent to the arena.
Crawford boldly declared, “2025, we’re looking to achieve better things, because in January we’re going to start bring out new breed of boxers. We have the GDF tournament, that’s the inter-unit tournament, then we’ll go fight the National Novices. From the National Novice, we got the Intermediate, then the National Championships. For 2025, we know we’ll do
good,” he confidently asserted. This coach was later at a loss for words to describe Terrence Poole’s absence, and could only express an intention to keep his legacy going as he reflected, “Well, the gym misses him a lot. Everybody miss him! Because Terrence Poole, he was a great man to us, you know; he was very good. I can’t really explain myself.
“I will continue it. From what Terrence Poole left off, I will continue it,” Crawford vowed in dedicating the GDF’s recent win to the late coach.
The competition ended with GDF Gym amassing 23 points, while FYF Gym was second with 9 points. Best Boxer Colin Lewis, and Joshua Thomas, Orlando Norton, Aluko Bess and Zidhan Wray were among the pugilists who secured gold medals for the GDF camp.
got the better of Barbados two years ago, but have not faced any of the other nations before.
Selection for both squads was recently concluded, with 27 boys and 23 girls having been selected to train before the squads are narrowed to a final 16 players each in early February. The boys’ squad will lean heavily on the experience of the eight players who were part of the last junior national team that placed 5th at the 2023 Junior Pan Am Championships.
The girls, meanwhile, would benefit from four overseas-based players with international experience in
Sarah Klautky, Madison and Georgiana Fernandes, and Charlia Webb being alongside locally-based players Kirsten Gomes and Clayza Bobb.
The full squads selected are as follows:
BOYS – Donnel Alleyne, Shaquon Favorite, Kallel Ferreira, David Massiah, Simeon Moore, Yonnick Norton, Jose Rodrigues, Nkosi Saul, Quinn Tobin, Daniel Woolford, Darious Alleyne, Clay Bobb, Keeland Cummings, Oswald Fraser, Navid Hussain, Javid Hussain, Jabari Lovell, Robert Marcus, Naresh Mohadeo, Jabez Walters,
GIRLS – Kadence Belony, Rebecca Bento, Africo Blackman, Clayza Bobb, Solana Crum-Ewing, Georgiana Fernandes, Madison Fernandes, Rebecca Ferreira, Hadassah Fraser, Sueann Fraser, Kirsten Gomes, Kendra Gordon, Trinity Greaves, Sarah Harry, Tinashe Henry, Sarah Klautky, Sara Matthias, Hannah Percival, Keitanna Percival, Makaylah Poole, Ameriah Sahadeo, Kazaquah Uzzi and Charlia Webb.
“Focus is on Milo Tournament”
…As Chase’s Academy duo prepare for the 2025 season
With the 2025 season of school football approaching, Midfielder Jaden Tasher and Defender Tyrell Wallcott are eager to gear up for the Chase’s Academic Foundation. They aim to defend the Chase’s titles in all of the secondary schools' under-18 tournaments.
Tasher and Walcott were part of the history-making team in 2024 that emerged champions in four schools’ football tournaments. First, it was the U18 Milo Schools Football tourney in April. Tasher followed that up by winning U14 ExxonMobil Boys Football tourney in July. In December, they bagged the U18 Republic Bank Schools Football League, and closed off the season by winning the KFC Goodwill International Schoolboys Tournaments.
Speaking exclusively with Guyana Times Sport, Tasher divulged that the focus is on the Milo U18 Tournament, while indicating that communication and chemistry are areas that need improvement
for the team.
Tasher said, “I think that mainly, right now, we're just focusing on winning the Milo, because it's the next competition up ahead, and we just want to dominate this season and win everything. I think the chemistry of the team (needs to be improved) and I think we should communicate more and get together and try to understand each other better.”
Quizzed about the impact of the school’s overwhelming success, Walcott said it gives
him confidence, given that he is one of the younger players on the team.
“It gives me a lot of confidence, because, for me, I'm one of the youngest football players in the team. When I play against other players, I like to showcase my talent and show them that, because I'm young, I like to dominate and win,” he said.
Tyrell Walcott and Jaden Tasher will gear up for the first time in the 2025 season. They would be representing Chase’s Academic Foundation in the 19TH Milo School Boys Tournament, and they are fully resolved to defend their title.
