Security guard jailed, fined $3M for ganja trafficking
to
discussion in September – AG
Mechanic gets 4 years jailtime for shooting at Police, gun possession
told me to drop to the ground with face down” –customer recalls restaurant robbery
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Wednesday, February 5 –22:00h-23:30h and Thursday, February 6 – no retraction.
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Wednesday, February 5 –08:55h-10:25h and Thursday, February 6 – 10:15h-11:45h.
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Light to thundery showers are expected throughout the day and at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.
High Tide: 09:36h and 22:16h reaching maximum heights of 2.42 metres and 2.24 metres.
Low Tide: 15:43h reaching a minimum height of 0.82 metre.
Venezuela border controversy $800M
Of the $9.4 billion allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, $800 million has been designated for legal expenses, other fees, and the international public relations campaign related to the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.
The $9.4 billion was approved by the Committee of Supply in the National Assembly on Monday, after Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd would have fielded questions from the parliamentary opposition.
Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Karen Cummings, a former Foreign Affairs Minister in the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change. (APNU/AFC) Administration, queried the foreign policy development programme, where there is an increase in the budgetary allocation from $733.1 million in 2024 to $804.8 million in 2025. As the Minister explained it, this increase will help cater for a number of things, including legal fees.
“Mr Chairman, bank charges, advocacy, public relations services, legal and consultancy, upgrade and maintenance of websites, insurance of diplomatic staff, residences and chancellery,” Todd explained.
The Minister would also assure that they have retained an international firm to pilot an international public relations campaign that would sensitise the world on Guyana’s position on its border controversy with Venezuela.
This is in addition to the work being done by the Ministry’s in-house Public Relations (PR) team and according to the Minister, their PR work will cover Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight and Nine, as well as on the coastland.
“The international firm, that is covered under advocacy. But we also have an inhouse PR committee that we use locally for our PR campaign. And we do have a programme,” Todd explained.
Meanwhile, Opposition MP, Annette Ferguson queried the increased allocation for security services as compared to 2024. According to Todd, this increase has to do with the appointment of Heads of Mission who would require 24-hour security.
The Guyana/ Venezuela border controversary, in which Venezuela has unjustly laid claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory, has drawn significant international attention, with the United Nations (UN) referring the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2018 after diplomatic negotiations failed to yield a resolution.
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.
Guyana continues to uphold its commitment to international law and the rule of law through the ICJ. Last year, the country submitted its final written brief in its ongoing legal case against Venezuela. Carl Greenidge, Guyana’s agent before the ICJ, has projected that a ruling could be possible by 2026.
Earlier in January 2025, Carl Greenidge, Guyana’s
had confirmed that during their call, Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the US’s unwavering support for Guyana’s territorial integrity in the face of escalating tensions with Venezuela.
This came in response to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s announcement on January 7, 2025, that there would be an election for a “Governor of Guayana Esequiba,” a move condemned by the Guyanese Government as a direct viola-
agent before the ICJ as it adjudicates the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy, had said that 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.
It was only recently that President Dr Irfaan Ali held discussions with United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where they discussed, among other things, Guyana’s border controversy with Venezuela.
The US State Department
tion of the Argyle Agreement signed in December 2023.
Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had expressed grave concern over Venezuela’s actions, labeling them a “flagrant violation” of international law and a direct breach of the ICJ’s binding order from December 2023.
The order explicitly stated that both Guyana and Venezuela must avoid escalating tensions or taking unilateral actions that could complicate the resolution process. (G3)
The sentencing of two men on Monday for violating protection orders serves as a necessary and firm response to the ongoing scourge of violence against women in Guyana. The cases of Ronald Balgobin, sentenced to eight months in prison, and Ravi Nickram, sentenced to four months, highlight the critical role of legal enforcement in safeguarding victims. These rulings send an unambiguous message that breaches of protection orders would not be tolerated, and perpetrators would face serious consequences.
Balgobin’s case is particularly alarming. Not only did he breach a protection order against his ex-girlfriend, Basmattie “Penny” Bassant, but he was also charged with abduction — a grave offence. His actions reflect a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of his victim. His subsequent evasion of law enforcement, which necessitated a police manhunt, further underscores the danger he posed. Thankfully, the swift intervention of the authorities ensured that he was brought to justice. The court’s decision to hand down a prison sentence reinforces the importance of taking protection orders seriously.
Similarly, Ravi Nickram’s case illustrates the pervasive nature of violence. His violation of a protection order against his own mother, Wanita Nickram, demonstrates that domestic abuse extends beyond intimate partner violence and affects families in various distressing ways. A protection order is a legal safeguard meant to shield victims from harm, and its violation must be met with strict punitive measures. The magistrate’s ruling reaffirms that these orders are not mere suggestions, but binding legal instruments with real consequences for those who flout them.
These cases are not isolated incidents, but are part of a broader pattern of domestic violence that has, in many instances, ended in tragedy. Over the past months, we have witnessed horrific cases where breaches of protection orders have culminated in fatal violence. The courts must remain resolute in addressing such violations with the severity they deserve. The sentencing of Balgobin and Nickram should set a precedent — one that ensures that every breach of a protection order is met with firm judicial action.
The Family Violence Act of 2024 has been a significant step forward in protecting victims of abuse, and its provisions must be enforced to the fullest extent. Section 16(1), under which Balgobin was charged, and Section 32(b) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, which led to Nickram’s conviction, are essential legal tools in this fight. However, laws alone are not enough. There must be a concerted effort to educate the public on the consequences of breaching protection orders and the importance of respecting the legal rights of victims.
Furthermore, law enforcement agencies must continue their vigilant efforts in tracking down offenders and ensuring that protection orders are upheld. The proactive approach taken by the police in apprehending Balgobin is commendable, and similar diligence must be applied to all cases of domestic violence. Community members also have a role to play by reporting violations and standing in solidarity with victims.
Beyond punitive measures, rehabilitation programmes for offenders should be expanded to address the root causes of abusive behaviour. While imprisonment is a necessary deterrent, true reform requires interventions that challenge and change violent mindsets. Counselling, anger management programmes, and structured reintegration plans can help prevent repeat offences and foster a culture of accountability.
At the heart of this issue is the need for society to treat domestic violence with the urgency it warrants. Protection orders are important features for victims, and their enforcement must remain a priority. We commend the courts for their strong stance, and urge continued vigilance in ensuring that breaches are met with unwavering legal consequences. Every violation must be taken seriously, and every victim must know that the justice system stands firmly on their side.
Beware: They are at it again!
Dear Editor,
I have noted that the opposition parties are at it again: they are questioning the accuracy of the voters list, and threatening to be their usual destructive selves. In the process, they are relying on downright lies, distortion, and halftruths.
It is true that the voters list is somewhat large. However, from the time the decision was taken to move towards continuous registration, a decision that the opposition was fully on board with, it was known that this situation would arise.
The decision was taken to have continuous registration in order to avoid having to do a completely new list at every election. Moreover, it was realised that if a no-confidence motion was passed, unless we have continuous registration, we would not be in a position to hold elections in three months, as the constitution requires.
The PNC and others, who were in the opposition at that time, were very keen on this. They supported it wholeheartedly. Moreover, if, for any reason, we needed an urgent referendum, the old system of registration could not suffice.
The main question here must be that all the names on the list are real persons, and not fictitious persons. Many measures have been put in place -- at great cost, we should note -- to ensure
that that is so. For instance, whenever a person is registered, GECOM officials, along with representatives of the ruling and opposition parties, visit the home of the registrant to ensure that all the information is correct. It is then signed off by a GECOM official and the representatives of the political parties.
The other issue is the question of biometrics. When talk of this arises, the opposition deliberately choose to ignore the fact that every registrant is fingerprinted. Before elections are held, the whole database is sent abroad to reputable companies in either the US or Canada, accompanied by officials of GECOM and representative of the political parties, to be checked for any duplicate registrants. This guarantees that a voter is registered only once.
This system has been working very well, and has been tested on more than one occasion.
In 1997, the elections were forensically audited by a team of competent CARICOM elections specialists headed by Mr. Ulric Cross of Trinidad and Tobago. In the final report, it was stated that not a single fraudulent vote was found.
In 2001, GECOM Chairman Major General (Retd.) Joseph Singh invited international elections specialists to audit the elections before he demitted office.
Again, not a single fraudulent vote was found.
It’s because rigging the elections is so difficult that the PNC/APNU/AFC tried to do so from inside. From all appearance, they succeeded in 2015, but were caught in 2020. In relation to dead people being on the list, it seems very unlikely, or at best very minimal, since the list of dead persons is sent monthly from the Births and Deaths Department so that those names are removed from the list.
The fundamental points should not be lost in the PNC/APNU/AFC offensive and attempts at sowing con-
fusion; that is: firstly, all the names on the list are real people. Some may be abroad temporarily (maybe President Trump’s deportation policy would help to ensure that they return). The second fact is that a person can vote only once.
The opposition would be better served if they play a positive role in nation building in whatever capacity they are operating, instead of attempting to disrupt. That would be the patriotic thing to do.
Sincerely,
Donald Ramotar Former President
Frustrations of NIS & blame game
Dear Editor,
In the early part of 2019, I accompanied my mother to file for her NIS benefits. What was thought to be an easy walk in the park turned out to be some six years of utter frustration to get what she was rightfully entitled to.
To start her processing, she was advised to visit the Camp Street location to get a printout of her contributions, which she had to pay for; and when she received it, her nightmares began. Even though she worked at one place for over ten years, records were missing for a few years in between. Similarly with two other
companies. My mom insisted that she never stopped working, so she was told to check back as they investigate. After one year of checking back, she was told they were not finding records, and because one of the companies had suffered a major fire, she had to get a letter from a manager to verify that indeed she worked there for all the time she claimed, because the records were destroyed. After getting all the required documents, she was informed that the process would take some time, and that she would be contacted.
Chateau Margot Primary School student Vamika Persaud performing ''We culture nah dead'' during the Children's Mashramani Dramatic Poetry Competitions (8-10 age group) at the National Cultural Centre on Tuesday (Education Ministry photo)
A forward-looking budget that sustains growth and employment
Dear Editor,
As for other budgets, in recent years, I was present in Parliament and listened to some presentations. It was not a debate, like those of presenters of previous years (1970s thru 90s), when there were sharp, witty, humorous remarks that evoked laughter among members and the audience. There was hardly any serious address, or any real debate that left lasting impressions from either side.
But one positive aspect is that there was no lewd, lascivious, misogynistic remark; nor was there any disrespectful presentation that denigrated members of the other side about their sexuality, family, gender, etc -- remarks that had brought the chamber into disrepute.
There was a lot of heckling, mostly from the Government side. Some of it was not necessary, but it has become habitual. One had to be in the chamber to hear or see it; youths and the nation in general would be turned off. Hecklers don’t carry respect from the public.
And almost every member was on the phone, presentations were hardly listened to, thereby disrespecting the contributions of colleagues.
As I learned from pursuing a post graduate degree in Economics and in teaching the subject, no budget (not even in America or India) is without controversy, and no budget is liked by everyone. There were several positive aspects of the budget, and
there were some negatives or items that Government could have included or given additional revenue.
I travelled around the coast engaging people, and others conducted interviews for me on the budget and contemporary issues. There was an overall positive response to the budget by the public.
The opposition’s role is to criticize the budget, and there was much of that. Only a few members on the government side focused on how the budget would transform the economy, and only a few opposition members were fair and objective.
Almost every member on the ruling bench focused on history, reminding the nation of the terrible governance of the PNC (APNU) during its 33 years in government. I suppose that, in an election year, that makes for good politics.
Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton erred in ‘proudly defending’ the ban on food items during the Burnham era.
Overall, the budget aims at inclusive development. The continued focus on capital expenditure and income-tax relief set the stage for continued growth. It was a politically crafted, populist budget in an election year, with huge allocations for health, infrastructure, education, agriculture, social welfare, and other ministries. There was almost something for everyone. Every ministry got an increase. The Natural Resources Ministry brings in the most revenue, but got one
Frustrations of...
From 2020 to 2024 we had to contact NIS repeatedly for an update and some of the excuses are, COVID 19, they not finding records, they didn’t hear from us, so they dismissed the matter, they offer a ‘One off Payment’ which we refused and the process had to restart.
Between the period I stated above, not once did NIS ever made contact with us and every-time we visited, we always get various excuses and process have to restart, finally, out of utter frustration, she decided to take the ‘One off Payout”. In 2025, I accompanied her to the NIS office on Brickdam where she received a cheque for $57,000. That’s all she got after working and paying her NIS contributions for over 30 years in Guyana. If we are to sit down and calculate the expenses, we incur by running around to get her documents, checking back with NIS, giving staff a ‘top-up’ to buy a drink/lunch to assists us, we’ve spent more than twice the amount she has received. Editor, for me I would have given up on that a long time ago, but the insistence of my mother causes me to visit the NIS office at Brickdam and spend hours every-time listening as people express their frustrations, witness the anguish/cries of people of their dissatisfaction with NIS. Almost everyone has complaints of their records not being found and of the constant back and forth. Is it worth it to pay your NIS contributions and when you reach age to collect, you’ve to spend years running behind them, and when they ready to pay you, it’s not worth it? They mostly forcing you to accept what they want to offer you after frustrating you or not in many cases, the person dies before he/she can receive any benefits. Disgusting system we’ve in Guyana and no one wants to change it, just keep it in place and use it as a blame game.
Sincerely, Sahadeo
Bates
of the smallest allocations.
The budget strengthens infrastructure – roads, bridges, airstrips, electric power, etc. Increased investment in infrastructure and social welfare would drive inclusive economic growth. Agriculture, a key pillar of the non-energy economy, received significant resources with the aim of enhancing productivity, which is critical for food security.
A significant amount of money has been given back into consumers' hands via personal tax rate cuts without disturbing any other macro consideration, although it could drive inflation, which is already very high. Putting more money in people’s pockets would boost consumption and add to growth, but it would also lead to increased imports and dry up foreign exchange.
Higher disposable income, as learned from lessons in economics, is known to trigger a vicious cycle of higher consumption and increased imports, which hurts an economy, if not managed well.
The revisions in personal income and corporate tax rates, under the new tax regime, would significantly reduce tax liabilities and offer welcome relief to middle-income earners and corporations.
Overall, people I engaged around the country were pleased over the income tax relief, taking home more spending money for house-
hold expenses. However, it benefits a small fraction of the taxpayers, as more than half of the workforce earn below the tax threshold. Lowerincome groups remain untouched by any direct tax relief. Government should have added a scheme that directly benefits those outside of the tax threshold income. The low-income and lower-middle-class populations, who barely earn enough to sustain themselves, end up paying a lot in VAT on essential goods and services that they can’t afford, while those on higher income threshold, with lower taxes, have more disposable income to pay for such goods and services.
The Government could have offered some kind of relief to the poor, like subsidies on essential goods (particularly staples like flour), medicines, utilities, etc. Schemes should shield the economically weaker section of the country.
Policy must be directed at inclusive economic growth for all segments (classes) of the population, not just the upper, middle, and business classes.
The budget would give a boost to the aspirations of young professionals who are already in or are entering the workforce. Specifically, greater consumer spending would benefit retail and real estate, boosting employment opportunities. Enhanced spending can further drive infrastruc-
ture development, boost employment generation, and catalyze economic activity across all sectors. And, of course, it strengthens the logistical backbone throughout the economy, ensuring long-term growth and employment opportunities.
The increased funding for entrepreneurial startups is welcome. I would have liked to see significant funding for an internship scheme in ministries and the private sector.
Also, there was not much emphasis on maritime development. The marine economy would assume importance as people move away from growing food. Developing sections of the coast would create growth opportunities for trade and related segments of the emerging blue economy. Government could have offered farmers crop insurance against floods, drought, insect invasion, and other threats. There could have been more resources for enhancing post-harvest storage infrastructure, improving irrigation facilities, transforming the agricultural landscape, increasing rural incomes, and driving economic activity in the hinterland. Higher rural purchasing power would indirectly benefit the corporate sector, particularly those involved in consumer goods and agricultural supply chains.
More resources could have been devoted to improving rural and hinterland livelihoods, because the bud-
get appears more urban-centric. Also, Government could have established an agency to look at economic diversification, so to avoid the resource curse. An agency could have been created to advise or reorient efforts on good or better governance. It is not clear whether there would be realignment of education and skilling and reskilling strategies for new workers and those already in the workforce.
A critique of the budget is the lack of a clear goal. A budget is not merely an accounting exercise, but also a platform for the Government to present its economic vision. A vision was not very clear – what long term goal the country has; what it would like to see Guyana become; will Guyana become a health or tourism hub; should the country delve deeper into agro-processing; will there be a manufacturing hub, say, for fertilizers or other products; etc. A ‘one office’ to ease the process of getting permits for business would be welcomed by investors. The overarching framework of the budget suggests it is proactive and forward-looking. As businesses and stakeholders begin to analyse, and the public adapt to, the new measures, the true impact of Budget 2025 would be unfolded in the next few months.
Yours sincerely, Vishnu Bisram (PhD)
FROM PAGE 4
Page Foundation
He clasps the crag with crooked hands; Close to the sun in lonely lands, Ringed with the azure world, he stands.
The wrinkled sea beneath him crawls; He watches from his mountain walls, And like a thunderbolt he falls.
By Alfred, lord Tennyson
Land policy breaches will result in repossession – President Ali to private developers
President Dr Irfaan Ali has made it clear that any breaches to Guyana’s overhauling land policy by private developers will result in the repossession of land.
The Head of State’s statement came on the heels of several allegations of corruption and collusion within the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) of the Ministry of Housing and Water.
Ali clarified that over the past four years Government has allocated more than 40,000 plots of land through the Ministry to low, moderate and middle-income families, with less than 10 per cent of the total lands allocated to private developers for commercial purposes.
“It’s an important fact that we must understand. The resources generated from the sale of land to private developers for development purposes, because I will go through with you the conditions through which those sales are made for development purpos-
130
es, for investment purposes, for transformation of the housing stock. The resources from that are used to cross-subsidise investment for low-income, middle-income and low-middle-income properties. The concept of cross-subsidisation in a housing sector is a key one,” the President said.
In outlining the terms of agreements with private developers, President Ali also made it clear that strict conditions are attached to the sale of land for development.
Among these are requirements for the installation of drainage systems, roads, and street lighting within 18 months, and the completion of at least 70 per cent of residential construction within three years.
Further, the sale agreements stipulated that developers must make a 30 per cent down payment upon signing the agreement and the remaining balance within 18 months. Importantly, title to the property would only be transferred to the developer once all conditions,
including full payment and the substantial completion of infrastructure, had been met.
The Guyanese leader explained that if these conditions were breached, the Government reserved the right to terminate the agreement and retain the 30 per cent deposit.
“Everyone is subject to the same condition…There are stringent conditions. For a matter of fact, all the lands that we’ve allocated, regardless of who get it,
once they’ve breached this agreement, CHPA has all already known that they have to move towards repossession,” the Guyanese Leader emphasised.
Moreover, President Ali shed light on what transpired during the previous administration, noting that between 2015 and 2020, there were multiple breaches of land policies under the former A Partnership for National Unity – Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government, including land
transactions that bypassed public processes, lacked board representation, and failed to meet payment and development obligations.
In one instance, some developers paid less than 10 per cent of the purchase price for prime land, and in others, the developers were given 90 months to complete the development, with no significant payment made upfront.
Further, the Head of State pointed out that many of the land deals entered into by the previous administration were conducted without public tenders or expressions of interest, leading to concerns over transparency.
“There was no public tender or expression of interest. The 23 transactions were entered into after the APNU-AFC Government was defeated by a vote of no confidence on the 21st of December 2018 in the National Assembly. More importantly, they were finalised mere days and hours before the general elections of 2nd of March 2020, and
they were vested after the general election date as well”.
“It gets worse. Most of these transactions, they collected less than 10 per cent of the total purchase price… this is the highest land, the highest value land in the country. In our agreement, we collected 30 per cent as a down payment with a series of conditions that must be satisfied,” Ali added.
Turning to the issue of transparency, the President urged the public to compare the agreements signed by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government with those of the previous administration.
“Ownership of the property will be transferred in the name of the purchaser on publication of the sale in the official gazette. Nothing in secrecy. All will be transferred on publication of the sale in the official gazette, payment of the entire purchase price, and full satisfaction of the terms and conditions stated in the agreement.”
administrative vacancies in Region 5
… “not directly affecting RDC operations” – Parag
Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Sonia Parag, addressed the ongoing issue of over 130 administrative vacancies within Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) during the consideration of the budget estimates on Tuesday.
According to the Minister, these vacancies are not “directly affecting” the operations of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).
Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Vinceroy Jordan asked Parag about the impact of these vacancies on the functioning of the region’s administrative services.
In response, Minister
Parag clarified that while the region has approximately 130 vacancies, the absence of personnel does not significantly hinder the daily operations of the RDC.
“We would have had an allocation as well as the execution and implementation of several projects that we had as a work programme and work plan, and we’ve managed to do that. A lot of what the region is doing is in collaboration with central Ministries as well,” she said.
The Local Government and Regional Development Minister added that central Government is in no rush to fill these positions, stating “vacancies will exist across different sectors. There is no time when the public service is completely filled and
all vacancies are filled. But as the need arises, then a
recruitment process will be done for that particular vacancy to be filled, and if it’s an emergency or if someone dies, if someone retires, then obviously we will be looking to do that. But filling up already bloated public service, we have to look at key functioning areas in the different sectors to be able to make it effective. That does not necessarily mean filling over 130 vacancies”.
Further, while disaggregating her Ministry’s work programme for 2025, questions were also posed about new administrative positions, with Parag outlining that Region Five had created three new roles: Registry Supervisor, Field Auditor,
and Procurement Officer.
MP Jordon raised concerns about other vacant positions and questioned the methods used to fill positions like the Assistant Regional Executive Officer.
“Mr Chair, it’s a contracted employee, so that was by contract and… the designation is Assistant Regional Executive Officer with a salary of $208,289,” the Minister replied. She reiterated that while the region is currently facing a shortage of staff, the Minister reassured the National Assembly that the current vacancy rate does not impact the region’s ability to carry out essential tasks.
President Dr Irfaan Ali
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag
Taxi driver jailed for breaching protection order
…charged, remanded for abducting ex
A31-year-old taxi driver was sentenced to eight months in prison on Monday after admitting to breaching an order of protection. Ronald Balgobin was also charged for abduction and remanded to prison on that charge.
Balgobin, of Cinderella City and Amelia’s Ward, Linden, appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court, where the charges were read to him. The charges stemmed from an incident on October 27, 2024, involving his ex-girlfriend, Basmattie “Penny” Bassant, a 37-year-old housewife from Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
For the abduction charge, which falls under Section 4 of the Kidnapping Act,
Chapter 10:05, Balgobin was not required to plead, and the matter was adjourned. However, for the breach of the protection order, under Section 16(1) of the Family Violence Act 2024, he admitted guilt and was immedi-
ately sentenced.
Balgobin had been the subject of a police manhunt before his arrest last week. Acting on intelligence, police found him hiding under a bed at a residence in Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara (EBD), around 19:00h on Wednesday last. Two other individuals at the location were also arrested for harbouring a fugitive.
Police had issued a wanted bulletin for Balgobin in connection with Bassant’s alleged abduction. The abduction case will continue on March 13.
Bassant, who had previously obtained a restraining order against Balgobin, has been vocal about her ordeal. In a social media post, she claimed that Balgobin and two accomplices kidnapped
her from her home, stripping her of her dignity before forcing her away.
She described a harrowing escape along the LindenSoesdyke Highway, where she spotted a police patrol and managed to flee.
“I screamed for help when I saw the police passing, and then [Balgobin] let go of my hand. I ran towards the patrol like a mad woman with no underwear, no bra, just his short pants and a top, no footwear,” she recalled.
Bassant had initially expressed frustration over what she saw as a lack of justice, alleging that despite multiple reports to police, including one to the Commissioner of Police, her case was not being taken seriously. (G9)
Security guard jailed, fined $3M for ganja trafficking
A64-year-old security guard was sentenced to four years in prison and fined $3 million on Monday after pleading guilty to a narcotics charge before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Neville Roberts, a resident of New Amsterdam, Berbice, was charged with possession of four kilograms (kg) of marijuana on January 28, 2025, at Merriman’s Mall, Bourda, Georgetown.
He appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo
Dancing…
…between int’l raindrops
Your Eyewitness saw the finance minister – fresh from his exhaustive (and exhausting!) Budget speeches, bigging up the Chinese presence in our emerging petrostate. True, we had Chinese here from the mid19th century, but we can’t say “Since then, the number of Chinese nationals and persons of Chinese descent in Guyana has grown steadily,” can we?? Fact of the matter is: in the following twenty-six years, just 13,500 came as indentures; and during Burnham’s 1960s socialist experiments, most of their descendants hightailed it to Toronto!!
That Burnham was one of the first to recognize Communist China as having first dibs at the UN mightn’t have gone down well with them!! They’d become the epitome of a “capitalist comprador class” – who’d made common cause with the “running dog” capitalists in the West!! But yes…we gotta accept that the Chinese presence has grown here; but it’s all been recent, as China pushes to assert itself globally: to match its economic heft vis-a-vis the Yanks in other areas of projecting power!!
And that’s what we gotta talk about. Isn’t it??
Azore, who read the narcotics trafficking charge to him. Upon hearing the allegations, Roberts entered a guilty plea. The Magistrate advised him that by doing so, he would forgo a trial and face a mandatory three-year prison sentence. Roberts acknowledged this before the court.
In his plea, Roberts expressed that he had been placed in a difficult situation, claiming he was driven to the act due to financial struggles.
During the proceedings, the prosecution detailed how law enforcement officers had approached Roberts at Merriman’s Mall and requested to conduct a search. He complied, and during the search, officers discovered a multi-colored shopping bag outside the building containing two bulky transparent parcels filled with leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be marijuana.
Upon his arrest, Roberts reportedly told police that he was in the process of transporting the parcels to a nearby club. He was subsequently taken to the Alberttown Police Station in Georgetown and formally charged.
The prosecution informed the court that one of the parcels had an estimated value of $1,230,000. Given the total weight of the narcotics found in his possession, Roberts was fined $3,690,000 in addition to his four-year prison sentence.
When questioned about any prior convictions, Roberts recalled being charged with damage to property in 2005.
Police also reported that another individual, identified as 51-year-old Gary Hartman, a bicycle repairman with no fixed address, was arrested alongside Roberts. Hartman remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Cause there’s a new Sherrif in town, who just got elected President of the US of A; he goes by the name of Trump, and he ain’t too pleased with those “Chinks” – his words!! They had the unmitigated gall not to remain as a dirt poor, shithole country while the said Yanks could continue exploiting their labour to manufacture all the fancy things they feel are absolutely necessary for them to live the good life!!
How dare the Chinks save from the miserable wages they were paid, and not only open up factories of their own to undersell the Yanks, but now actually move up the ladder to create technologies of their own!! The nerve!!
Anyhow, Trump hasn’t made it a secret that his mission is to roll back the “Yellow Tide” – specially in this neck of the woods, which the Yanks feel is theirs to have and to use as they see fit!! You think it was just a whim that made Trump unilaterally change the name of “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America”?? When Alice asked Humpty Dumpty whether he can change the meaning of a word at will, the latter was a prophet when he replied, “The question is who is to be master, that’s all.” Master Trump just brought out his Big Stick and compelled the sovereign nation of Panama to break the Chinese connections with their Canal. It was either that, or else…!!
So, the question for us in Guyana isn’t even how close we wanna get to China, but how close we may APPEAR to be getting!! Even Sleepy Joe’s administration has raised the matter directly with Pressie.
Imagine Trump!!
…on energy
The American company we contracted to set up the power plant at Wales think they got us by the shorts!! They know the Government has put its reputation on the line that the GtE project must be completed before this year’s end, yet they feel their demands for an additional US$50M must be met regardless. The “regardless”, of course, is that the Government has to get the land stabilized for the massive structures that would be erected to separate the gases and burn them to generate the electricity. Almost 2 million tons of sand, loam and crusher-run had to be hauled in!!
That caused the handing over of the land to be late; but rather than accepting the extension of time the Govt proposed, they want the US$50M in damages – and a LONGER extension!! Well, the matter is in the second stage of a two-part arbitration and mediation process, and we hope that good sense would prevail all around!
This project is critical to our development plans going forward!!
…around biometrics
Back in 2012, the Carter Center declared that “the election process in Venezuela is the best in the world.” Their system was replete with biometric features.
But the elections after Chavez passed have still been rigged by Mad Maduro!!
Jailed: Ronald Balgobin
Charged: Neville Roberts
“He
told me to drop to the ground with face down” – customer recalls restaurant robbery
Customers at a Chinese restaurant on the Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) were robbed of cash and jewellery worth in excess of $4 million.
Monday evening’s incident saw a fisherman and a contractor being the targets of the robbers who were masked and armed with handguns.
The robbery occurred shortly before 20:00h on Monday at Chong Quing Chinese Restaurant situated at Number 67 Village, Corentyne.
At the time of the robbery, only two customers were in the restaurant:Virvasha Ramdharry – a fish-
erman of Number 64 Village and Lakeram Singh – a contractor of Number 63 Village.
While the friends were waiting on their meals, two perpetrators entered the establishment.
Two shots were fired, one hitting the ceiling just above Singh’s head.
The friends were there to try the soup at the new restaurant which was opened two weeks prior and while waiting, were having a drink.
“By the time I was turning around to pick up the two beers from the counter, I heard a leaping sound and a shot fired in the air. The shot was fired above my head and
he told me to drop to the ground with face down. So I went to the ground and then I heard another shot fired in the corner. The guy was standing over me and he told me to take off my chain. So, I took off my chain and turned around to give him and he said ‘don’t look before I blow your (profanity) head off’. So, I turned my face downward and gave him the chain, then he said to take off all of my rings. So, I took them off and put them on the floor then, he asked me to take off the band I had on my hand and when he was finished, he pushed his hand into my pocket and took out my wallet,” Singh recounted.
The wallet had US$11,000, equivalent to about $2.4 million.
The 70-pennyweight chain is valued at $1 million while the 40-pennyweight
band is valued at $600,000.
The two gold rings each at 35 pennyweight are valued at $525,000.
“From then on he told me to lie on my face and not to
raise up before he blow my head off. So, I kept on the floor all the time.”
Meanwhile, Ramdharry said one of the bandits came directly to him after entering the restaurant.
“The guys just run in and start firing shots. They start cussing and say lie on the ground.” Ramdharry said nothing that at the time he was seated at a table.
“Before I could turn and look around the guy approached me and push me to lie down and put his foot on my back and press me down, so I did not get to see anything. He took me wallet, my phone and my watch.”
The fisherman said he had $223,000 in his wallet.
According to Singh, they did not know when the bandits left.
“I was on the floor for over ten minutes and we weren’t hearing any sound and then I heard persons coming in the restaurant and they say ‘like you all drunk and lie down’. It is then we know that the bandits probably gone. So I get up and saw my friend getting up too from the floor,” he added.
There are reports that moments before the robbery, a suspicious customer was in the restaurant and ordered food and a drink, but consumed only a small portion before leaving. At least one person has been taken into custody for questioning as the investigations continue.
He pointed out that he was waiting on his workers to arrive from sea with their catch and chose to wait at the restaurant with his friend.
(G4)
The restaurant where the robbery occurred on Monday evening
Robbed: Virvasha Ramdharry
Robbed: Lakeram Singh
“Not an admission of guilt” – CH&PA CEO resigns amid housing scandal
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Sherwyn Greaves has resigned from the position amid allegations of corruption and collusion within the agency, and following a complaint against him at the US Department of Justice.
In recent days, the operations of the CH&PA of the Housing and Water Ministry came under the spotlight amid mounting concerns over controversial land sales in Guyana and high-value property acquisitions in New York. Following the allegations, Greaves tendered his resig-
nation on Monday, with immediate effect.
In a statement on Tuesday, he denied any wrongdoing and attributed his resignation to personal reasons. He detailed that “this decision is a deeply personal one made after consulting with my family. It stems from various posts on social media directed at me personally. Let me be crystal clear: my resignation is purely a personal choice and in no way an admission of guilt. Everything I have achieved has been through hard work and can be fully justified.”
Greaves further stated that, the allegations have caused significant distress
to his family and impacted their mental well-being.
The former CEO added that he did not enter public ser-
vice to be subjected to such vilification.
Greaves’ resignation comes after a complaint was
filed with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) asking that they launch an investigation into his alleged purchase of a US$770,000 New York home last year.
The complaint was filed by franchise owner of Church’s Chicken in Guyana, Terrence Campbell, who alleged that the sale was facilitated by a close relative of convicted real-estate businessman Edul ‘Ed’ Ahmad. The Department of Justice was asked to investigate the seeming “quid pro quo” for favours to be granted in Guyana in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), in which Ahmad recently purchased prime real estate in
Guyana at alleged reduced price from the CH&PA. One such purchase had to do with the sale of 30 acres of land in Ogle – near ExxonMobil’s headquarters – to a company owned by Ahmad.
While Greaves has remained silent on his property acquisitions in New York, Housing Minister, Collin Croal, has defended the land sale in Guyana.
In a statement, the Housing Ministry explained that the transaction is above board and that the $30 million per acre price tag was standard and had been in place for years, even under the previous APNU/AFC Government.
Former Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Sherwyn Greaves
Law school in Guyana CLE to continue discussion in September – AG
During the consideration of the Budget 2025 estimates and expenditure on Monday, Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall provided an update on the progress of establishing Guyana’s first law school.
Guyana has already completed a feasibility study for the establishment of a law school and the findings were handed over to the Council for Legal Education (CLE), a regional organisation which operates the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad & Tobago, the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, and the Eugene Dupuch Law
School in The Bahamas.
With land already identified for the construction of the school, Nandlall revealed that the CLE will continue talks on its establishment later this year.
“We have already located approximately seven acres of land within the precincts of the University of Guyana (UG) Turkeyen, we have submitted a preliminary feasibility study to the council of legal education as requested by the council.”
He added, “last week Wednesday we met, well the council established a subcommittee of the council to specifically address the issue of the establish -
ment of another law school of the council in this time in Guyana and that subcommittee met only last Wednesday and certain time lines were agreed on for the submission of the entirety of the feasibility study in time for consideration by council at its September meeting.”
For nearly three decades, Guyana has been trying to establish a law school within its jurisdiction, because its law students are forced to attend the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad, where only the 25 top students are allowed each year into the programme.
Under the A
Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition Administration, attempts had been made to establish the Joseph Oscar Fitzclarence Haynes Law School, but the CLE had not been approached about the project initially, and when permission had eventually been sought, it was denied in late 2017.
Back in September 2022, the CLE had approved a new proposal from Guyana to set up its own law school. The CLE had subsequently outlined the requirements that the country needed to fulfil, including conduct of the feasibility study. (G2)
Attorney General Anil Nandlall
Essequibo Coast man jailed for breaching protection order
A43-year-old miner was sentenced to four months in prison after being found guilty of breaching a protection order involving his mother.
Ravi Nickram of Lot 17 Charity, Essequibo Coast, was charged with breaching a protection order, contrary to Section 32(b) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Chapter 11:09. The incident occurred on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the same address.
The complainant, Wanita Nickram, a 61-year-old security guard, had previously obtained a protection order against her son. Despite the legal re-
striction, Ravi Nickram violated the order, leading to his subsequent arrest and prosecution.
The case was heard on Monday at the Charity Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Tamieka Clarke. After reviewing the evidence, the Magistrate found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to four months’ imprisonment.
Nickram was the second person jailed for the particular offence on Monday. The other was 31-year-old taxi driver Ronald Balgobin who was jailed on Monday by Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court breaching an order of protection.
Jailed: Ravi Nickram
Ramsammy’s Ruminations
Political parties have starkly different track records in turning promises to reality
Making promises to people is the breadand-butter business of political parties. But when it comes to keeping promises, there are very few countries in the world like Guyana, where we see the kind of starkly different track records of turning promises into reality.
Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose; meaning: the more things change, the more they stay the same. This saying is attributed to French critic Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, and it applies to many things.
Dr Leslie Ramsammy
In every budget presentation and debate since 1992, the PPP MPs speak glowingly of the promises they made and kept. MPs from the PNC, AFC, WPA and other small parties make more audacious promises they never have kept when in government, and never intended to keep. In fact, the APNU and AFC political parties are most known for doing exactly the opposite of what they promise. That has been Guyana’s constant reality.
There are studies around the world which show that political parties keep between 45% and 67% of the promises they made once they are elected. It is a surprising finding, considering that most people think political parties do not keep their promises. Guyana’s experience reveals both sides to be true. The PPP has a sterling record of keeping most of its promises. The PNC, AFC, WPA and some small parties keep little to none of their promises.
Mongosuthu Buthelezi once said: “Others may make you promises, once again, and then, election after election, not deliver. We will not do this.” This summarizes the PPP.
In every election since its establishment, the PPP has outlined its promises in a manifesto, and frequently reported, including in its national budgets, to the nation how it has transformed its manifesto promises into public policy and into public action.
The PNC, AFC, WPA and other small parties in Guyana fall into a category described by Nikita Khrushchev, a former President of the former Soviet Union, who infamously said, “Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build bridges where there are no rivers.” A US Supreme Court Judge, Anthonin Scalia, once said that “campaign promises are - by long democratic tradition – the least binding form of human commitment.”
The PNC, AFC, WPA and other small parties hold this notion as sacred.
The track record of the PNC, AFC, WPA and the several “one-man” or “one-woman” political parties who banded themselves under the name APNU is that they promise everything under the sun, with no intention to keep them.
In Parliament, in closing the Opposition’s rebuttal of Budget 2025, the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, was in good form, making promises he knows he cannot keep. He adopted the “auction” strategy. Whatever the PPP promised or included in its public policy or in its work programme, he promised to do bigger. He promised, for instance, that his party would immediately start a programme of disbursing monthly $100,000 per family, in addition to an annual $100,000 per adult over 18 years old. Together, this promise, if delivered, would be almost 50% of Budget 2025. But his plan to do so also involves increasing the threshold from $130,000 per month to $400,000 per month, reducing the tax rate and reducing VAT.
This is the same group that increased more than 200 taxes between 2015 and 2020, and infamously told Guyana and the world that 33 is not more than 32. As if the above promises are not big enough, they would also give a 35% pay increase to every public servant, and more than double the pension: from $41,000 to $100,000 per month. We have to assume they believe that if you will falsely promise, go really big. Those who have no intention of keeping their promises, this is what they do. They promise you the sun, the moon and the stars, knowingly making false promises.
The PNC-led APNU/AFC complain that the PPP government is using up too much of the Natural Resource Fund. Yet, the “oil” fund is just 37% of Budget 2025. So, if they, as promised, would not use the “oil” money, and would reduce taxes and borrowing; where will they find money to pay public servants; to build roads and bridges; schools, hospitals and housing schemes; provide better electricity and water, etc.?
They condemn the PPP’s expansive physical infrastructure programme with the asinine argument that “people don’t eat roads and bridges”, but they then promise “whatever the PPP builds, we will do bigger”.
They now propose to build four bridges across the Essequibo River. These charlatans who squatted five years in Government, building only Durban Park and a few arches; not one road, not one bridge, not one housing scheme, not one school, not one hospital, now promise to build multiples river bridges and highways around Guyana.
The Opposition promised before to give public servants and sugar workers a 20% pay increase within 100 days of getting into Government, then they froze sugar workers’ wages for five years, and gave the public servants an average of about 6% annual salary increase. Now they promise 35% increase immediately, and that they would immediately increase the threshold to $400,000 per month. They did in 2015 also when they promised to double the threshold from $50,000 per month to $100,000 per month, or 100% within the first 100 days; then only increased it to $65,000 over five years, an average annual increase of 6%. They now promise to increase monthly old-age pension to $100,000 on day one, but had also promised to double the pension from $15,000 to $30,000 in 2015, a 100% increase on day one. When they had a chance in 2015, pension increased from $15,000 per month to $20,500 per month, an annual increase of 7%, compared to the 100% increase at day one.
Above all, else they promised never to rig another election, but gave the world the “most transparent election rigging attempt ever”. For almost five years now, they promised to show us their SOPs. Anyone holding their breath?
Mechanic gets 4 years jailtime for shooting at Police, gun possession
A26-year-old mechanic of D’Andrade Street, Kitty, Georgetown was sentenced to four years in prison after appearing before Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith Mc Gusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Lloyd Gittens, who had been before the courts in relation to an October 16, 2024, incident, was sentenced to 24 months. However, during his most recent court appearance, he was sentenced to four years.
The charges stem from an October 16, 2024, incident when police were investigating the theft of a black and red XR motorcycle, CH 6303, which had been reported stolen the night before by its owner, Omar Paris.
Paris’ brother, Odel Thomas, used a GPS tracking system to locate the motorcycle at a residence on D’Andrade Street, where Gittens and another individual, Dellon Accra, were staying.
Upon arriving, Thomas and police officers knocked repeatedly, but there was no response. Officers then moved to the back of the property, where they allegedly saw Gittens armed with a handgun.
According to the police report, Gittens fired several rounds at the officers. An officer returned fire, and Gittens attempted to escape by jumping through a window but was injured upon landing. Police later recovered a firearm that had fallen from his hands during the escape attempt.
Gittens was also accused of two robberies that occurred in September 2024.
The first incident took place on September 8 on Robb Street, Bourda, where Gittens and an accomplice allegedly robbed Josiah Holder at gunpoint, taking
his 18k gold chain with a diamond pendant, valued at $500,000.
The second incident occurred on September 16, when Gittens and another man allegedly confronted a motorcyclist on Robb Street, Georgetown. Gittens, reportedly armed with a handgun, grabbed the victim’s gold chains from his neck before fleeing on an XR motorcycle.
On October 17, one of the victims identified Gittens in a viral social media video showing his arrest, captioned “Two arrested following a shootout with police in Kitty.” The victim then reported it to the police, lead-
ing to further charges. When Gittens first appeared in court, he admitted to Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore that he fired a weapon but claimed he had been receiving threats on his life and thought someone was coming to harm him. However, the police maintained that he knowingly fired at officers.
He had also requested to be transferred to Timehri Prison, claiming that his life was in danger at Lusignan Prison.
He was however sentenced to 24 months in prison in connection with two of the offences and on Tuesday jailed again. (G9)
Jailed: Lloyd Gittens (front) being escorted by a Policeman
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5,
Over $2.7B
approved for upgrades to Bourda, other markets
…$800M allocated to build culture market in Palmyra, Berbice
The Government will be spending billions of dollars towards the upgrade and rehabilitation of a number of markets throughout the country, including works that will be done on the Bourda, Stabroek, La Penitence and Mon Repos markets.
According to the budget estimates, a total of $41.9 billion has been allocated for the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, of which $38.7 billion has been allocated this year for the Ministry’s capital projects. Volume Two of the estimates reveals that there are a total of 53 new infrastructures to be developed and 20 existing infrastructures that will be improved this year.
During the consideration of the estimates and expenditure on Tuesday, Local Government Minister Sonia Parag was asked by Opposition Parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul to list the markets that are being upgraded.
“We have the rehabilitation of the Stabroek Market, as well as the East Ruimveldt (Market)… we have the Bourda Green, the Bourda Market and we have a few more on board,” the Minister explained.
“We have the Bourda Green; we have the Bourda Market and it’s under the Georgetown Enhancement Programme. And we also have the East La Penitence Market and drainage and Albouystown, so, it’s actually in excess of.”
The Minister went on to explain that they have both a consultant and a contractor working on enhancing the Bourda Green area. According to Parag, it was decided following a consultation with the vendors that they will look to maximise the space. For instance, they will be constructing a two-story building to accommodate the vendors at Bourda Green.
It was explained that over $2.7 billion was approved for the market up-
grades, including $2 billion for work on the drainage network, $260 Million for phase one of the Bourda Green project and $40 million to go towards the design and consultancy for the Bourda Green project.
A sum of $800 million has been allocated towards the Culture Market in Palmyra, that was announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali last year, while attending the 186th Emancipation Day Celebration in New Amsterdam, Berbice.
“We have what we want to be able to, for the first time, and I know the residents of Region Six and those who have responsibility for Region six, will be happy to know that we will for the first time create what is called a culture market at Palmyra,” Parag announced.
Last year, the president had explained that this Culture Market would preserve the region’s cultural heritage and help boost tourism. President Ali had noted that this market would be the first of its kind in the entire region.
The head of state had further explained that the intention is to build the market in Palmyra, Berbice, where the Government is also building a stadium and several hotels and other major investments are being made.
Meanwhile, the budgetary allocations for rehabilitation include $50 million for the East Ruimveldt market, $100 million for the La Penitence market and $200 million for the Stabroek market. Additionally, she re-
Texila American University hosts lecture on vascular diseases
Dr
The College of Medicine at Texila American University (TAU), Guyana, successfully hosted an insightful guest lecture on "vascular diseases" on January 24, 2025. The session was led by Prof Dr Vijay Naraynsingh, a surgeon renowned for his contributions to vascular surgery.
During the lecture, Prof
Naraynsingh shared his extensive knowledge on vascular diseases, focusing on: Latest advancements in vascular surgery techniques, risk factors and preventive strategies, case studies highlighting clinical challenges and solutions and innovative treatment approaches and surgical interventions.
vealed that the Municipality of Linden has been asked to relook at its work programme, with a view of rehabilitating its own market.
“We want to be able to construct Port Kaituma market. Western sec-
tion of Mon Repos market. Rehabilitation of the market at Unity, Mahaica. Rehabilitation of the Rose Hall market. Construction of the Bath market. Construction of Rosignol railway line market.”
“Design and construction of Anna Regina market. Rehabilitation of Port Mourant market, Rehabilitation of Number 79 and Lethem Municipal markets,” Parag went on to say. (G3)
Labour Ministry probing mining accident in Region 7
The Labour Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has launched an investigation into a fatal workplace incident that occurred on January 28, at Thomas Island, Mining District No. Three, along the Puruni River in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
The session was well-attended by medical students, faculty members, and healthcare professionals, all eager to learn from Prof. Naraynsingh's vast experience. His engaging presentation style fostered interactive discussions, enhancing the learning experience for all participants.
The accident claimed the life of 68-year-old Emmanuel Jeffrey, a miner of 2121, One Mile, Parika, Region Three (Essequibo Islands -West Demerara).
Reports indicate that at about 11:30h on January 28, Jeffrey was working alongside two employees undercutting the pit face when the eastern wall of the 12-footdeep pit collapsed, burying him completely. Despite rescue efforts, his body was recovered approximately an hour later and later pro-
nounced dead at the Bartica Hospital.
Following the incident, OSH Officer Naipaul Persaud, along with Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Safety Officer Stokley Roberts and Mines Officer Andrew Gibson, conducted an on-site assessment. Preliminary findings suggested that unsafe mining practices were in use at Jeffrey’s operation, which involved a four-inch land dredge.
In response, the OSH Department reminded pit operators to adhere to recommended safety measures, including maintaining appropriate slope angles, ensuring proper ingress and egress points, and carefully managing the use of water jets to prevent unpredictable collapses.
Labour Minister Joseph
Hamilton has extended condolences to Jeffrey’s relatives, co-workers, and friends. He also reiterated the importance of enforcing safety and health practices in mining operations to prevent further loss of life.
Prof
Vijay Naraynsingh (far left)
Local Government Minister Sonia Parag
Bourda Market, one of the markets that will be upgraded
Dead: Emmanuel Jeffrey
The site where the incident occurred
$80M approved to advance revision of Amerindian Act
…consultations to begin in 2nd half of 2025 – Sukhai
As part of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration’s commitment towards the recognition and protection of the collective rights of Amerindian Villages and Communities, this year’s budget will allocate over $80 million have been approved for the revision of the 2006 Amerindian Act.
In its manifesto in the 2020 General and Regional Elections, it had promised a review of the Amerindian Act after a process of extensive public consultations.
On Monday during the Budget 2025 Estimates and Expenditure in the National
Assembly Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai was pressed by several Opposition Members to provide updates on the status of the revision of the act. In response, Minister Sukhai told the house that the Government is actively working to revise the important piece of legislation.
“The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is currently addressing the issue of the revision of the Amerindian Act we are not yet completed… It’s a work in progress. We are still addressing the education and awareness component of the activity. As soon as we start the consultation and the full
length of the consultation is over, I am pretty sure that those responsible will be providing us with a draft.”
In fact, she revealed that this year over $80 million in funds have been allocated to facilitate the process. “The allocation this year is $80,590,000.”
When asked for a completion date, the Minister explained that she would not be able to say, noting that the PPP/C Administration had promised to consult with Amerindians from all administrative regions a process which the Minister revealed will take some time.
“That’s a very good but tough question. The
Guyana’s Amerindians are located across the ten administrative regions and logistically we would love to have it finished tomorrow but we have to ensure that we stand to the commitment this Government made, the People’s Progressive Party Civic Government, to consult in every Amerindian village. So that will take us a pretty long time but we have efficient facilitators.”
However, she noted that consultations on the revision of the act, will begin in the second half of the year.
“With respect to the measures we continue to do public awareness and of course as long as we can cover by
mid or a little beyond mid of this year, we will hopefully launch the full fledge consultations.”
The Amerindian Act of 2006 is the primary legislation that governs the affairs of the Amerindian peoples of Guyana. It provides for the recognition, and protection of collective rights of Amerindian villages and communities in Guyana and the promotion of good governance.
One Communications calls for collaboration ahead of ‘‘Gigabit Society’’ goal
President of International Operations at One Communications Damian Blackburn has championed the cause for a One Gigabyte Society in which he believes collaboration is the cornerstone for regional progress.
Speaking at the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organisations (CANTO) gathering in Curaçao, Blackburn, delivered an address focused on the collective mission to achieve the “Gigabit Society.”
During his speech, Blackburn used a famous African proverb to invoke the true meaning of his collaborative vision: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” he stated – highlighting a call to action for industry stakeholders.
A release from the company on Tuesday, it was stated that Blackburn discussed the efforts that led to developing the CARICOM Working Group’s 2024 report, “Towards a Caribbean Gigabit Society 2030.”
The report outlines a plan to create a sustainable, digitally integrated, globally competitive region.
This vision promises significant benefits, including enhanced connectivity, improved business opportunities, and a more competitive global presence.
Central to this vision is universal access to the internet through 5G networks and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections, with a baseline speed of 100 Mbps scalable to 1 Gbps.
The report also highlights three key pillars for achieving the Caribbean Gigabit Society, which span across 5G and FTTH Coverage Targets – defining measurable goals for infrastructure deployment; Addressing the Funding Gap – calling for contributions from Big Tech Over-The-Top (OTT) providers to help fund broadband infrastructure that carries their data; and Regulatory Harmonisation – developing a unified regulatory framework to support the Single ICT Space, including digital trade, Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, cybersecurity, and more.
One has already taken significant steps toward realising the goals of the Caribbean Gigabit Society. Blackburn proudly highlighted the com-
pany’s rebranding to One Communications, which reflects its investments in fibre, 5G, and a premium customer experience. He also underscored the importance of Brava, an enterprise solution brand offering mission-critical business services, cybersecurity, and cloud-based solutions, a testament to the company’s commitment and capabilities.
“We know we cannot achieve this vision alone,” Blackburn stated. “Collaboration is essential, and we must innovate together to serve the people of the Caribbean in new and transformative ways.”
In Guyana, there is the Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) Digital Payments supporting top-up payments for all network operators; Shared Network Infrastructure – partnering to make fibre assets accessible to improve resilience for the population and bolster independent wireless ISPs.
Meanwhile, Blackburn expressed gratitude to CANTO for its longstanding commitment to advocacy, capacity building, regulatory support, and promoting digital transformation across
the Caribbean. He highlighted One Communications and its parent corporation, ATN International’s, deep ties with CANTO, dating back over two decades when its founder, Cornelius B. Prior, Jr, played a pivotal role in navigating the organisation through transformational times.
“The group’s commitment to CANTO is deeply rooted,” Blackburn said, acknowledging the organisation’s critical contributions to advancing the telecommunications sector. “CANTO has provided a platform for advocacy, knowledge sharing, and fostering digital innovation. It is a vital partner in bringing the Caribbean Gigabit Society vision to life.”
Blackburn acknowledged the significant contributions of Lisa Agard and the CANTO C9 Steering Group
in leading these efforts. “Her ingenuity, intelligence, and focus have been instrumental in shaping this vision,” he said.
In a release by CANTO, headlined “USD 9 billion+ Needed to Support Caribbean’s Transition to a Gigabit Society,” Agard highlighted that data capacity investment is required by network operators because 70 per cent of network data arises from OTT services provided by the largest Big Tech companies, and data demand is forecast to require a huge expansion in data capacity. The Big Tech companies do not contribute to network deployment investment or maintenance within the Caribbean region.
Meanwhile, reflecting on his 17 years of service in the Caribbean, Blackburn shared his inspiration from
collaborative efforts across the region, including a memorable experience working with President Jimmy Carter and Habitat for Humanity in Haiti.
To conclude his remarks, Blackburn invoked the iconic lyrics of John Lennon’s Imagine, symbolising the shared hope for a unified and sustainable digital future:
“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only ONE. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as ONE.” Blackburn reaffirmed the company’s steadfast support as CANTO transitioned to a new chairman, Dr Delreo Newman. “We stand ready to collaborate and serve, ensuring that no one in our region is left behind in the journey toward the Caribbean Gigabit Society.”
Texila American University...
Naraynsingh has an illustrious career spanning over four decades in various surgical disciplines, including general, plastic, vascular, pediatric, and urological surgery. He has held esteemed positions at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine, such as Senior Examiner
and Acting Dean. He is a fellow of several institutions, including the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and England, the International College of Angiology, the International College of Surgeons, and the American College of Surgeons. Throughout his career, Prof. Naraynsingh
has pioneered numerous surgical procedures, such as the lateral approach to the profunda femoris and the "Swiss roll" operation for giant breast lumps. He has also been credited with being the first surgeon in the Caribbean to perform various advanced surgical techniques.
Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai
President of International Operations at One Communications, Damian Blackburn
Stench of Haags Bosch landfill being addressed – Parag
…section to reduce smell 95% complete, other landfills being developed
Following questions raised in the National Assembly, Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Sonia Parag, has assured that a range of measures will be used that will help address the infamous stench and potential environmental impact at the Haags Bosch landfill.
For some time, complaints have been made about the Haags Bosch landfill at Eccles, East Bank of Demerara (EBD), where mounds of garbage are dumped. During the examination of the budget estimates on Tuesday, the Minister was questioned about what actions Government is taking to mitigate the stench.
Asked whether the
Ministry is budgeting for staff to be posted at Haags Bosch to keep watch in case waste is dumped, Parag informed the house that four
of the Ministry’s staff are already posted at the site.
“And we have a senior Environmental Officer and a junior Environmental
Labourer remanded for felonious wounding
A29-year-old labourer from Queenstown Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has been remanded to prison after being charged with felonious wounding.
Navindra Latchman, also known as "Rockey," appeared before Magistrate Tamieka Clarke at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The charge, laid under Section 57(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences)
Charged: Navindra Latchman, also known as "Rockey"
Act, Chapter 8:01, alleges that Latchman inflicted serious injuries upon Khemraj Ramesh, a 41-year-old labourer from the same village.
It is alleged that the incident occurred on Saturday at Queenstown Public Road, Essequibo Coast. Latchman has since denied the offence. The prosecution objected to bail and he was remanded to prison. The case has been adjourned to February 11.
Officer, who are well qualified to work in this particular area,” Parag also said, going on to detail the various plans being implemented.
Parag meanwhile assured that with the Government’s plans to develop landfills around the country, all these landfills will be double liner sites that meet robust sanitary standards. Meanwhile, Opposition Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul raised the question of waste being dumped by the oil companies.
“The Honorable Member has, I’m not sure if he’s spent some time at the actual land fill site. Seems so, but we are catering in our budget for the environmental monitoring of the landfill site’s water, air and quality testing. And a very small amount
of treated waste goes to the landfill... from Exxon, let me be clear.”
“A very small amount. So irrespective of your view, that Exxon is dumping a lot of its waste there, that is not so. So, we don’t want that to be misled or misinformation going out into the public that that is so,” Parag said.
According to Parag, one of the strategies that they are following to mitigate the stench at Haags Bosch is to ensure that there are other available landfills. She explained that decentralising landfills around Region Four will ease the strain on the Haags Bosch dumpsite. In response to criticisms from the opposition about the Lusignan Landfill, Parag denied the landfill was not being utilised effectively.
“I don’t know that the Lusignan Landfill site is underperforming. I mean, very often the Ministry is in contact with the contractors to ensure that even if you do hear of something, that they rectify it immediately. And I know they have been doing that. And I know they have been in operation,” Parag explained.
“When I say we’re going to create a new landfill site, it’s not adjoining the current landfill site. It’s going to be a whole new area down at the back of Lusignan, an extended portion. So that is going to be hundreds of acres of land that will be able to take off that waste. And the idea too is to take off the
burden of Haags Bosch.” It was meanwhile explained that the Haags Bosch site itself is being upgraded, with both a waste and hazardous waste cell being developed. The Minister explained that Cell C, for which construction started last year, is almost complete.
The cells are part of a strategic plan devised by the Ministry to eliminate the stench emanating from the dumpsite, which affects residents in surrounding areas and commuters utilising the Eccles to Mandela and Heroes highways. In total, the Committee of Supply would go on to approve a total of $41.9 billion for the Local Government Ministry. Since assuming office in August 2020, Government has made significant investments to enhance awareness of sanitation practices and solid waste management countrywide. The approach is in keeping with the PPP/C Administration’s commitment to promoting integrated sanitation management to safeguard human health and the environment.
Already, the Government has held a number of consultations to create a strategic plan to strengthen and develop the country’s solid waste management system. And President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured that solid waste management at the community level will receive particular attention this year. (G3)
La Belle Alliance man remanded for alleged ecstasy trafficking
A22-year-old labourer of La Belle Alliance, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) has been remanded to prison following a charge of drug trafficking.
Regelo Jeffers was charged with the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking under Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10. The charge stems from an incident on Friday, January 24, at the Anna Regina Old Market, where Jeffers was allegedly found in possession of five grams of amphetamine (ecstasy). Jeffers appeared on
Tuesday at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Tamieka Clarke and he denied the offence.
The prosecutor objected to bail and Jeffers was remanded to prison. The matter has been adjourned to February 25.
Charged: Regelo Jeffers
The amphetamine (ecstasy) that was found by Police
The Haags Bosch landfill
OOIL NEWS
Oil mixed as Trump restores pressure on Iran, China tariff drama caps prices
il prices diverged at settlement on Tuesday amid tariff drama between Washington and Beijing, and after US President Donald Trump restored his "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran, in a bid to drive Iranian oil exports to zero, per a US official.
Trump signed the presidential memorandum ahead of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ordering the US Treasury Secretary to impose "maximum economic pressure" on Iran, including sanctions and enforcement mechanisms.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled down 46 cents, or 0.63 per cent, at US$72.70 a barrel.
Global benchmark Brent crude futures settled up 24 cents, or 0.32 per cent, to US$76.20.
Oil came under pressure early as new 10 per cent US tariffs on Chinese imports took effect on Tuesday, spurring retaliatory tariffs by Beijing. At its session low, US crude was down more than three per cent, the lowest since late December.
Trump had driven Iran's oil exports to near zero during his first term after reimposing sanctions. They rose under former President Joe Biden's tenure as Iran succeeded in evading sanctions.
Iran, the third-largest producer in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), extracts about 3.3 million barrels of oil per day, or around three per cent of global output.
"The reason why oil was down near the lower end of the trading range was the China retaliation, and it went back up because of the 'maximum pressure' on Iran," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group.
Tariff drama
Traders had been eyeing efforts to schedule a call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, but the US President said on Tuesday he was in no hurry to speak to his Chinese counterpart.
Trump said "that’s fine" when asked about China's decision to issue retaliatory tariffs on US imports.
Earlier, Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro had said the two leaders would speak, suggesting to investors there was scope for China to receive a temporary reprieve like Trump granted to Mexico and Canada on Monday.
"Oil was down on the China retaliation, I think it's the expected Trump-Xi call that brought us back up, and we kind of know how those go now, in terms of walking this all back," said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital in New York.
On Monday, Trump suspended his threat of steep tariffs on Mexico and Canada, agreeing to a 30-day pause in return for concessions on border and crime enforcement.
Ongoing trade tensions between the US and China may dampen demand for oil, further pressuring prices.
"The tit-for-tat measures out from China may not stop at just the 10 per cent tariffs on crude oil from the US, which can also see a deliberate attempt to weaken the yuan if the US fires back with more tariffs on China exports to the US," said Kelvin Wong, senior market analyst at OANDA.
"Overall such actions are likely to give rise to a stronger US dollar that in turn weakens ... oil prices, given that OPEC+ members are still on track to increase oil supply gradually from April."
China's 2024 crude oil imports from the US accounted for 1.7 per cent of its total crude imports, customs data shows.
"The Chinese are smart targeting crude oil and liquefied natural gas, because that's effectively going to knock them out of the US market as you're adding US$5-US$7 a barrel, depending on pricing and that's just not competitive," said Kilduff.
Meanwhile, US crude oil and gasoline stocks rose last week while distillate inventories fell, market sources said, citing American Petroleum Institute (API) figures.
Crude stocks rose by 5.03 million barrels in the week ended January 31, the sources said on condition of anonymity.
Gasoline inventories rose by 5.43 million barrels, and distillate stocks fell by 6.98 million barrels, they said. (Reuters)
Around the World Trump, in shock announcement, says US wants to take over Gaza Strip
President Donald Trump vowed on Tuesday that the US would take over the war-shattered Gaza Strip after Palestinians are resettled elsewhere and develop it economically, a move that would shatter decades of US policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Trump unveiled his surprise plan, without providing specifics, at a joint press conference with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
That followed Trump's proposal earlier on Tuesday for the permanent resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza to neighbouring countries, calling the enclave a "demolition site".
"The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too," Trump told reporters. "We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site."
Netanyahu said Trump was "thinking outside the box with fresh ideas" and was "showing willingness to puncture conventional thinking".
But Trump did not directly respond to a question of how and under what authority the US can take over the land of Gaza and occupy it in the long term.
"If it's necessary, we'll do that, we're going to take over that piece, we're going to develop it, create thousands and thousands of jobs, and it'll be something that the entire Middle East can be very proud of," Trump added.
Asked who would live there, Trump said it could be-
US freezes funding for security mission tackling Haiti’s gangs
More than $13 million in US funding for an international security force helping fight armed gangs in Haiti has been frozen under President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on foreign aid, the United Nations said on Tuesday.
Powerful gangs, armed with weapons largely trafficked from the United States, have united in the Caribbean country’s capital Port-au-Prince under a common alliance and now control most of the city and are expanding to nearby areas.
The international security mission, while approved by the UN Security Council, is not a United Nations operation and currently relies on voluntary contributions. The mission has so far made little progress toward helping Haiti restore order.
There are around nearly 900 Police and troops from Kenya, El Salvador, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Belize. More
than US$110 million has been paid into a UN trust fund for the mission, more than half of it from Canada, according to UN data.
“The US had committed US$15 million to the trust fund; $1.7 million of that had already been spent, so US$13.3 million is now frozen,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters. “We received an official notification from the US asking for an immediate stop work order on their contribution.”
Just hours after taking office on January 20, Trump ordered a 90-day pause so foreign aid contributions could be reviewed to see if they align with his “America First” foreign policy.
Trump said on Tuesday he thinks he will wind down the US Agency for International Development, in what would be a dramatic overhaul of how the world’s largest single donor allocates foreign assistance. (Excerpt from Reuters)
State Dept orders shutdown of USAID overseas missions, recalls staff – sources
The US State Department has ordered the shutdown of overseas missions of US Agency for International Development and is working to recall thousands of staff worldwide, two sources familiar with the discussions said on Tuesday.
The move comes as the Administration of President Donald Trump is moving to merge USAID, Washington's primary humanitarian agency that distributes billions of dollars’ worth of aid abroad, with the State Department and effectively dismantle the agency as an independent entity.
State Department officials
on Tuesday were told by Peter Marocco, a Trump appointee who was on Monday tasked with overseeing the agency's operations, that all USAID staff and their families should be recalled by Friday, one of the sources said.
A second person said the deadline could be delayed.
The move was first reported by ABC News. Separately, USAID staff in many bureaus at the agency's headquarters in Washington were put on administrative leave on Tuesday evening, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters. The memo was also signed by Marocco.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
come a home to "the world's people".
Trump earlier repeated his call for Jordan, Egypt and other Arab states to take in Gazans, saying Palestinians there had no alternative but to abandon the coastal strip, which must be rebuilt after nearly 16 months of a devastating war between Israel and Hamas militants. (Excerpt from Reuters)
El Salvador offers to lock up US criminals in its mega-jail
El Salvador has offered to take in criminals deported from the US, including those with US citizenship, and house them in its mega-jail.
The deal was announced after US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio met Salvadorean President Nayib Bukele during his visit to the central American nation.
Bukele – whose iron-fist approach to gangs has won him plaudits from voters but been heavily criticised by human rights groups – said he had offered the US “the opportunity to outsource part of its prison system”.
Rubio said the US was “profoundly grateful” to Bukele, adding that “no country’s ever made an offer of friendship such as this”.
Rubio told reporters: “He
has offered to house in his jails dangerous American criminals in custody in our country, including those with US citizenship and legal residency.”
Referring to two of the region’s most notorious transnational crime gangs, Rubio added that El Salvador would also take in deported migrants and “criminals from any nationality, be the MS-13 or Tren de Aragua”.
Bukele later confirmed the offer on X, specifying that “we are willing to take in only convicted criminals (including convicted US citizens) into our mega-prison (CECOT) in exchange for a fee”. He added that “the fee would be relatively low for the US but significant for us, making our entire prison sustainable”. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Sir Ronald Sanders addresses US deportation concerns, trade war impacts
Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, sought to allay fears over the US Administration’s revamped deportation policy while warning of potential economic challenges in the event of a global trade war.
Speaking on Observer AM Monday, Sir Ronald said that legal Caribbean residents in the United States have nothing to fear from the new deportation measures, despite widespread concern.
“People who have entered the United States on a visa that allows them to be a Green Card holder and, or to be there on a work permit and to undertake legal activity have nothing to fear,” the Ambassador stated, addressing growing anxiety within the Diaspora community.
According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) documents, approximately 110 Antiguans and Barbudans are among those listed for possible deportation.
However, Sir Ronald contextualised these numbers, comparing them to figures from Central American countries.
“If you look at the list that everybody has seen … the numbers for the Caribbean pale in significance when you look at the numbers for Guatemala and El Salvador, Honduras,” he explained.
He detailed how those people could be located through entry records and sponsor information provided during their initial arrival.
When asked about potential Caricom responses to these challenges, Sir Ronald emphasised the need for perspective, noting that Caribbean nations also use similar immigration enforcement measures, making it difficult to challenge such policies from a regional level.
Beyond immigration concerns, he warned of potentially far-reaching consequences from the trade tensions between the United States and countries including China, Canada, and Mexico.
“Nobody wins from a trade war and that would include the country that starts it,” he said, explaining how increased tariffs could lead to higher costs for both businesses and consumers in the United States. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a joint press conference in the East Room at the White House in Washington, US, February 4, 2025 (Reuters/Leah Millis photo)
Ask, and you shall receive as well as gain respect and an opportunity. Refrain from pondering your next move for too long. Ideally, the quicker you take the initiative, the better the results.
Change begins with you. Be inventive, show discipline and start putting your plans in motion. Your drive will determine how well and how much you achieve.
Think twice before you trust someone hyping something you know little about. Get the lowdown and research before you participate in something foreign to you. Avoid excess.
Take better care of yourself, your reputation and your position. Trying to please everyone is impossible. Strive to achieve your expectations, and you'll maintain your status quo.
Think twice before you bend to someone's whims. It's up to you to choose opportunities that can help you get ahead. Let your intuition lead the way, and your experience help you ward off interference.
Reluctance to acknowledge what others want will prevent you from getting your way. Indulge others by listening, observing and offering valid alternatives. When uncertainty arises, take control, ask questions and lead the way.
Draw from your reserves and participate in something that offers a unique perspective. Immerse yourself in conversations, events and research that provide insight. Personal growth is favored.
Ignore the riffraff you hear in the background. Taking charge and getting things done will have a much grander effect on you than someone pontificating on the sidelines. Choose the people you want to associate with.
Stick to the script. Any deviation will lead to trouble. Someone will be eager to send you on a wild goose chase. Trust and truth will help you find the best way forward.
Pay attention to what's happening at home. Someone is experiencing emotional changes that can alter your life. Your reassurance will make a difference.
Know and use the rules to your advantage. Refuse to let suggested changes scare you. Listen, revise and use your charm to bend others to see things your way.
Concentrate on what you want to accomplish and forget everything else. Refuse to let anyone or anything stand between you and the victory you deserve. Positive change is heading your way.
ARCHIE
England Tour of India 2025: Start of 3-game ODI Series…
Batsmen’s form in focus; decision still pending on wicketkeeper
The ODI series against England is the last opportunity for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to find form ahead of the Champions Trophy. Both batters had difficult tours of Australia, and neither made any substantial score in their one-off Ranji Trophy appearances since returning to India. Rohit was out for 3 and 28 against Jammu & Kashmir in Mumbai; while Kohli, playing his first match for Delhi since 2012, was bowled for 6 in his only innings against Railways.
The pattern of Kohli's dismissals in Test cricketnicking outside off frequently - was of particular concern in Australia, and he had been seen working with former India and RCB batting coach Sanjay Bangar at a training facility before his Ranji Trophy match.
ODI cricket, though, is India’s best format, with Rohit providing power as an opener and Kohli being prolific at #3. Rohit made 157 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 141.44 in Sri Lanka in August, his last productive outing before his slump in form. Kohli did not fare as well in that series, although he had broken records in his previous ODI appearance - 765 runs at an average of 95.62 and strike rate of 90.31 during India's run to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Kohli is also on course to score 14,000 ODI runs in
the fewest innings. Sachin Tendulkar (350 innings) and Kumar Sangakkara (378) are the only ones to have achieved the landmark so far; Kohli is 94 away after only 283 innings. Can he get there against England?
Pant or Rahul as wicketkeeper?
With Rohit and Shubman Gill likely to open, Kohli and Shreyas Iyer at #3 and 4, and Hardik Pandya at #6, the wicketkeeper-batter is likely to be slotted in at #5. The choice is between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, against England and the Champions Trophy.
Rahul has been India's in cumbent wicket keeper in ODIs since August 2023, when Pant was re covering from his car ac cident. On the tour of Sri Lanka in August 2024, after Pant had made his comeback from injury, Rahul kept wick et in the first two match es, and scored 31 and zero, while Pant played the third match and made 6. In terms of recent form, there's little to separate the two. Rahul scored 276 runs in ten innings in the Test se-
ries in Australia, while Pant made 255 in nine innings. Rahul then scored 26 and 43 in Karnataka's Ranji Trophy match against Haryana, while Pant scored 1 and 17 for Delhi against Saurashtra. Neither player was part of the T20I squad for the five matches against England. If India decide to
Does Jadeja fit into the XI? Ravindra Jadeja had not been picked in an ODI squad since the 2023 World Cup, until he was selected for the upcoming series against England and the Champions Trophy. While he was rest-
Lanka, where Washington also impressed with five wickets in three innings and an economy of 3.88. Axar took four with an economy of 3.86.
Washington has the edge of being an offspinner, while both Jadeja and Axar are left-arm, if India are looking for a varied bowling attack. Washington, however, bowled only two overs in two T20Is against England, while Axar bowled in four out of five games, and claimed six wickets in 14 overs with an
while Pant, at #5, gives them that variety, if they deem it necessary. They could, of course, choose to play both, with Rahul as a specialist bat, but that would mean leaving Shreyas out of the XI.
ing from the format, India invested in Axar Patel and Washington Sundar as spin allrounders.
Axar was a key member of the ODI squad in Sri
Jadeja was in superb form for Saurashtra after returning from Australia, taking 12 wickets in their Ranji Trophy match against Delhi. However, he did not bowl at all in their next match against Assam, and is believed to have experienced minor back spasms. If he is fit, the team management have tough choice to make between Jadeja, Axar and Washington.
Bowlers’ fitness in focus
Three of India's bowlers are returning from injury layoffs. Jasprit Bumrah hasn't played, since he couldn't bowl
during Australia's second innings in the Sydney Test. He's been included in the squad for only the final ODI against England, in order to see if he would be match-fit for the Champions Trophy.
Kuldeep Yadav was out of action since October last year, after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia. He made his comeback only last week, and took 3 for 124 for Uttar Pradesh against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy. He was part of India's previous ODI series in Sri Lanka, where he took four wickets in 30 overs with an economy of 3.40.
Mohammed Shami's previous ODI was the 2023 World Cup final, after which he had ankle surgery followed by a long period of rehabilitation. He made his comeback for Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but India picked him for only two out of five T20Is against England. Shami took no wicket while 25 runs were scored against him in one match, and he took 3 for 25 in the other fixture, while bowling only 5.3 overs across both matches.
While Arshdeep Singh, who is only eight ODIs old, and Shami will be India's first choice quicks in the first and second matches against England, one of them is likely to be benched if Bumrah plays the third game. (Adapted from ESPNCricinfo)
Former Wimbledon champion Simona Halep announces retirement
Simona Halep, two-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one, has retired from tennis. She announced her decision on court at the Transylvania Open following her 6-1 6-1 first-round loss to Lucia Bronzetti.
The 33-year-old Romanian had recently said she was considering retirement because of a knee injury that had forced her to withdraw from the Australian Open qualifying rounds last month.
This week's event was just her fifth tournament since returning to the WTA Tour, following a doping ban in a case which had gone on for almost two years.
Making an emotional statement, external to the crowd, Halep said: "I'm making this decision with my soul. It's a beautiful thing. I became world number one, I won Grand Slams, it's all I wanted. Life goes on.
“There is life after tennis, and I hope that we will see each other again. I'll come to the tennis here as often as I can, and of course I will continue to play; but to be competitive, it requires much more, and at this moment it is no longer."
Halep memorably won her first major title at the French Open in 2018 by defeating Sloane Stephens, after having lost her previous three Grand Slam finals. She then won at Wimbledon in 2019, committing just three unforced errors in a stunning final victory over Serena Williams.
She won 22 other WTA Tour titles, and spent 64 weeks as world number one.
Halep was given a four-year ban for two separate doping offences after initially testing positive for a banned substance in August 2022.
She always maintained her innocence, and appealed against the ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2024.
The panel ruled that "on the balance of probabilities", Halep had not taken Roxadustat intentionally, and her ban was reduced to nine months. She subsequently returned to the WTA Tour in March 2024, but played just six matches through to 2025, and won only once.
"I've always been realistic with myself and with my body," Halep said. "Where I probably was, it's very hard to get there, and I know what it means to get there." (BBC Sport)
The respective forms of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been hot topics
Simona Halep triumphed in the 2019 Wimbledon final against Serena Williams
for PAHF Junior challenge
Snapshots from the National U21 teams’ preparation for the PAHF Junior Challenge
The Guyana boys’ and girls’ under-21 hockey teams are hard at training for the upcoming 2025 PAHF Junior Challenge, scheduled to be staged in Bridgetown, Barbados from March 8th to 16th, 2025.
The Challenge is the regional qualifier for the second-ever Junior Pan American Games, scheduled to be contested in Asuncion, Paraguay from August 9th to 22nd.
boys face Guatemala in their opening match, before they face Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela, Brazil, and complete the pool round against Barbados.
Final selection for both squads is expected to be completed by Sunday, February 9th. The teams continue to train at the GCC Ground in Bourda during the week, and at the Providence stadium on weekends.
The girls’ competition is set up as one pool comprising hosts Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico, Guatemala and Puerto Rico. Guyana would be featured in the opening match of the competition, playing against Guatemala in a game which starts at 10:00hrs on the morning of March 6th. The two teams have never previously faced each other, but Guyana has the superior world ranking of 36, while Guatemala is unranked.
Guyana’s toughest challenge.
After a rest day, Guyana would then face Puerto Rico and then hosts Barbados, before rounding out their pool matches verses Trinidad & Tobago.
Barbados are the highest seeded team in the competition with a world ranking of 33.
Chris Dehring begins his tenure as CEO of Cricket West Indies
The Guyanese girls will face Mexico the following morning, and despite Mexico’s world ranking of 40, they are expected to be
The single-pool competition in the boys’ division features Brazil, Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Guatemala and Venezuela.
As with their female counterparts, the Guyanese
Brandon Solomon moves from Santos FC to Police FC
Embracing the opportunity offered by the January players’ transfer window, Brandon Solomon, former midfielder and right–back player of the Santos Football Club, has moved to the Guyana Police Force Football Club to strengthen that club’s defensive line in their attempt to restore their championship pedigree after a second consecutive third-place finish in the KFC Elite League tournaments.
Solomon was phenomenal in the defensive unit of the Santos Football Club in the 2024 Elite League season, and would now hope to have similar success with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) defensive unit.
Solomon joined the Santos Football Club at the tender age of 14 years, and during the seven years he spent with the club, he moved up the ranks from junior level to senior level under the astute management of Trevor Burnette.
In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, he spoke about the positive im-
line
pact that club has had on his development on and off the field, and of the impact he anticipates he would have on his new team going forward.
“I think I'll make a great impact because of the experience that I have and the quality (of that experience) also. Going forward and defending, I think I'll be a great asset and also make a great impact for the Police defensive line,” he declared.
“Well, I think the transfer has impacted me positively, because of what I've learned with Santos. I know it's a different playing style at Police, but I think I can use some of the stuff that I've learned with Santos and bring it into the Police team. So yeah, it has impacted me both on and off the field positively,” he confidently asserted.
Brandon Solomon would again be pairing with Sealon Sue and Devon Padmore, with whom he played at both school and international levels. He indicated that the chemistry is there to attack and defend.
“Well, pairing up with Sealon Sue: him on the right,
me on the left, I know it will be marked by memories from the national team. And also, you know, (I am) confident for the team, both right and left going forward and defending. So, yeah, the chemistry is going to be up there!” an eager Solomon has declared.
Interestingly, Ryan Hackett, who was part of the 20–man squad of the Guyana Defence Force Football Club, two-time champions of the KFC Elite League, has also embraced an opportunity to be transferred to the Guyana Police Force Football Club, and would be in a team that includes Brandon Solomon, Sealon Sue and Devon Padmore as the Police FC look to regain their championship status. (Omar McKenzie)
and CWI
Cricket West Indies (CWI) officially welcomed Chris Dehring as he began his tenure as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on February 3, 2025.
As he takes up the mantle to lead Cricket West Indies into its next chapter, Chris Dehring was greeted at the CWI Headquarters at Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) by CWI President Dr Kishore Shallow, Vice President Azim Bassarath, and Chief Operating Officer Lynford Inverary.
With West Indies Cricket standing at a pivotal crossroads, Dehring’s arrival signals a commitment to renewal and progress. As the regional game navigates an evolving global cricket landscape, CWI is looking to redefine its approach by balancing tradition with innovation, restoring competitiveness, and strengthening the deep connection between the team and its people.
CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow, in emphasising the transformative nature of this appointment, has said, “The appointment of Chris Dehring as CEO is not just a change in leadership; it is the start of a new
era for West Indies Cricket. We recognize that the game is evolving, and so must we. His vision, experience, understanding of the region, and deep-rooted passion for cricket make him the right person to guide us through this period of transformation, both on and off the field. The road ahead requires bold decisions, fresh perspectives, and an unshakable belief in what West Indies Cricket can be, and I am confident that Chris will help steer us toward that future.”
Stepping into the role with a clear sense of purpose, Dehring, reflecting on the responsibility before him, has said, “West Indies Cricket has always been more than just a sport; it is a symbol of identity, resilience, and excellence that has united generations across the region. I take on this role fully aware of the weight of that legacy, but also with the conviction that we must not stand still; progress requires both continuity and change. My aim is to build on the foundation laid by those before me while charting a new course — one that embraces
modern realities, reignites our competitive spirit, and ensures that West Indies Cricket is not just remembered for its past, but celebrated for its future.”
With Dehring now at the helm, CWI is set to embark on a renewed push towards strengthening its cricketing structure, enhancing commercial opportunities, and deepening engagement with players, fans, and stakeholders across the region.
(CWI)
Brandon Solomon
Incoming CWI CEO Chris Dehring (second right) with CWI President Dr Kishore Shallow (second left), CWI Vice President Azim Bassasrath (left)
COO Lynford Inverary
With three experienced players adding reinforcement to the squad, the Guyana Harpy Eagles will continue their defense of the West Indies Championships’ title when they head into Round 2 today.
The Harpy Eagles will be taking on the Combined Campuses and Colleges at the Guyana National Stadium (GNS) at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) -
So, it’s good to see the guys in good form and they hit the ground running in this tournament,” a beaming Imlach shared.
The wicketkeeper-batsman added, “Obviously, momentum was a big thing in this cricket. So, it’s always important to start well; and against a good opposition like Barbados, it feels good. I know the guys will take a lot of heart from it, and, hopeful-
GHE riding momentum into CCC clash today
they didn’t end up winning the tournament. So, for us, it’s important that we play a game at a time and focus on that, and the end result will take care of itself.”
Alongside Imlach, Kevin Sinclair returns from West Indies duty, while Shamar Joseph is back from injury.
In articulating the potential of Joseph to have a massive impact on the team’s performance, Imlach has said,
“In terms of Shamar Joseph, happy to see him back. You know, he hasn’t played in a while. He’s im-
the same venue where they whipped Barbados by 10 wickets inside three days last week. On the eve of that encounter, Captain Tevin Imlach has said he is happy to return with the team being off to a good start, and noted that it is ideal for their momentum.
“(In) any tournament, it’s important that you start well.
ly, they can build on it going forward.”
Imlach, who lifted the trophy in 2024 during his first year as captain, shared that the GHE would be taking the 2025 season one game at a time.
Responding to questions about whether the GHE are under pressure to retain their title, Imlach said, “Not really!
The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) have agreed to attend the Cricket West Indies special meeting scheduled for later this week, a missive from the Boards revealed on Tuesday.
The BCB and GCB, in a joint statement, shared that they would be attending the “February 9, 2025 meeting, set by CWI to discuss the proposed resolutions to amend the Articles of Association despite their disappointment in the way in which the matter has been handled by CWI. The BCA and GCB have continuously added their voices to governance reform and at the last AGM tabled suggestions
aimed at moving the matter forward.
“We asked for further dialogue but, instead, our concerns were referred to the Integrity & Dispute Resolution Committee. The committee, chaired by a CWI Director, rejected our position.
“It must be pointed out that no committee has the authority to overrule a request of a representative of the shareholders and furthermore, any Ethics or Integrity or Disputes Committee should be independent and should not be chaired by a sitting CWI Director.
“Dr. Shallow chaired two forums just prior to the AGMs of 2023 and 2024 which allowed members to
portant. He obviously is a big part of Guyana cricket, and, moving forward, I’m sure he will have a massive impact in this competition.”
Joseph himself has spo ken of how happy he is to be back in the Harpy Eagles camp.
“It’s actually been great for me. Coming out off of an injury is not the best way we would’ve wanted to start back
4-day cricket, but it’s good to be back out here among the men, and a great bunch of guys (they are),” Joseph told this publication during Tuesday’s training session.
Joseph last played red ball cricket at Providence in August 2024, when he took a five-wicket haul against South Africa, and he expressed an intention to replicate his stellar performance and take as many wickets as he possibly can.
“Just need to remember what I did in the last Test match here. It’s just to come back and put the ball in good areas, because that worked well for me back home. I know red ball cricket is just (about) good areas. Be consistent, and (get) the support from the men in the Guyana team here,” the fast bowler explained.
“As for me, I think my purpose in this team is to come and get wickets. I just want to keep supporting (the team) going forward. Bowling the first, second, no matter what over I come in, and just to come and help them
are hot on their tails with 22.6 points. Jamaica Scorpions sit at third place with 22.4 points, while Leeward Islands Hurricanes also have 22.4 points. The 4-day contest between the Harpy Eagles and CCC will bowl off at 10:00hrs on Wednesday morning. Elsewhere, the Jamaica Scorpions would
and the Windward Islands Volcanoes take on the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines from
articulate their positions on various resolutions without having to vote, thus allowing Shareholder Representatives to consider arguments (for and against) and report back to their Territorial Boards prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM). However, in this case, CWI is not holding a discussion forum, but is instead holding a Special Meeting to vote on the proposed resolutions.
“Why are we being denied a forum which would allow us to ventilate what we consider to be fundamental to be the way forward for CWI? Why the indecent haste?
“The narrative has also been sent that BCA and GCB are against governance re-
form. This is entirely misleading. We have voted in favour of most resolutions, inclusive of some that are now revealing to be questionable. In light of no dialogue, BCA and GCB have written the CARICOM Secretary General, setting out our concerns and proposed way forward as it relates to the items being tabled surrounding amendment of the section changing the tenure in office of the President and Vice President from two years to three years with term limits of three consecutive terms. It is hoped that this matter will be elevated at the next CARICOM Heads of Government meeting scheduled to take place February 19-21, 2025 in Barbados.
“It was further disrespectful to the BCA and GCB that CWI Directors have publicly admonished us for not attending the last meeting despite our known position. In fact, it is unprofessional and a breach of the
Code of Ethics.
“The BCA and GCB will attend the CWI Special Meeting and make our submissions to be minuted, and will exercise our vote accordingly.”
Tevin Imlach has returned from international duty to lead the defending champions (Jemima Holmes photo)
Another look at the Guyana Harpy Eagles’ training session on Tuesday (Jemima Holmes photo)
Hurricanes at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua (10:00hrs); Barbados Pride battle West Indies Academy at the Kensington Oval in Barbados (13:00hrs);
