Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 01-03-2026.

‘Healthcare

First Lady’s Promenade to be replicated across Georgetown — President Ali

‘Healthcare must have no distinction between public and private’ – President Ali

— says commissioning of Balwant Singh’s six-storey outpatient pavilion advances integrated national health ecosystem

By Shaniya Harding

GUYANA’S healthcare sector has received a significant boost with the commissioning of the Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital’s new multi-million-dollar outpatient pavilion, a six-storey facility aimed at expanding capacity and enhancing patient care.

The pavilion was unveiled on Saturday evening at its East Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown location, directly opposite the original Balwant Singh Hospital.

Delivering the keynote address, President Dr. Irfaan Ali described the investment as another important step in raising the standard of care, and strengthening the integration of public and private healthcare services across the country.

The Head of State highlighted the advancement and transformation taking place across Guyana’s healthcare system, pointing to the progress in technology, facility expansion, and overall system capacity, which, he said, Balwant Singh Hospital plays as a key part of that transformation.

“This hospital and this family are an important part of this transformation. They are not only improving the level of service, but are also investing in the facilities and infrastructure that will allow them to develop and deliver world-class service.

I am pleased to say to you

Speaking at the commissioning of the Balwant Singh Hospital Outpatient pavilion, President Dr Irfaan Ali highlighted the importance of the venture and its role in Guyana’s advancing healthcare system (Sachin Persaud Photos)

that we have been engaging the private sector along with the rest of the avenues. And soon we will be signing on with a number of other private sector entities. What you see here will be the norm across all of Georgetown; that is the standard we want to set,”

President Ali said.

Citing the unified vision for the healthcare system pioneered by the Government through the Ministry of Health, President Ali explained that investments like the pavilion form part of a cohesive national health ecosystem.

ALL

PART OF OUR HEALTH ECOSYSTEM

“As we celebrate your investment, it is all part of that health ecosystem. Because we want healthcare to have no

distinction between public and private. You go to public or private as a choice,” he said.

Moreover, the president added that the facility highlights sustainable steps towards creating a solid healthcare system for now and for years ahead. As he put it: “It is evident from what I have already seen that we are building and upgrading health facilities in the public and private sector to meet the needs of our country 40, 50 years from now. And that is what is extraordinary.”

Reflecting on his visit to the new pavilion, the President praised its infrastructure and quality.

“As to the level of infrastructure, the facilities, the cleanliness…it feels as if you are passing through a quality

facility,” he said.

Moreover, the President noted that the dedicated outpatient pavilion reflects a forward-looking philosophy of care.

“When you have a dedicated space, a pavilion for outpatient, it tells you the mindset behind care, behind service, where you can invest in the comfort of those who will pass through these doors. It tells you that the institution is forward-looking,” Ali said.

Also addressing the audience was Chief Executive Officer of the Balwant Singh Hospital, Dr. Madhu Singh, who spoke on the institution’s development throughout the years, where the hospital has evolved into a comprehensive multi-speciality medical centre, achieving several

milestones in specialities and technology.

She explained the need for expansion and the vision behind the new pavilion, noting that it is a much-needed facility, with patient numbers continuing to grow and outpacing the hospital’s original building.

“Three years ago, we embarked on an ambitious project to rehabilitate and expand our existing facility. It became clear that our original building could no longer accommodate our increasing daily patient volume.

UNIQUE PATIENT EXPERIENCE

More importantly, we sought to create a space that would offer a unique and comfortable patient experience. From that vision, the concept of the Outpatient Pavilion was born,” she said.

Dr. Singh outlined that the six-storey building is constructed with international accreditation standards in mind, and prioritises patient-care efficiency while ensuring staff comfort.

“The pavilion stands six stories tall, and was constructed with international accreditation standards in mind. Each floor is thoughtfully designed to optimise patient care, incorporating clean and soiled utility areas as well as dedicated staff lounges to ensure quality, safety and professional efficiency,” she said.

Recognising different patient demographics and their distinct healthcare needs, the facility, which was locally financed by Demerara Bank and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) was structured to house each speciality within its own ded-

icated floor.

COMPREHENSIVE WOMEN’S SERVICES

She further explained that the first floor offers comprehensive women’s services and the second floor houses a dermatology and cosmetic laser centre. The third floor is dedicated to ophthalmology and the optical centre, while the fourth floor provides general surgical and medical outpatient services and the fifth floor features a brand-new idea centre built to international standards.

Dr. Singh described the pavilion as pioneering within the local context and shared current patient figures, noting that in addition to being among the first of its kind locally, the facility is already serving hundreds of Guyanese.

“This facility is truly among the first of its kind in Guyana and we are humbled by the overwhelming response from our community. We are currently serving an average of 400 patients a week within this new pavilion,” she said.

Continuing on the note of collective and collaborative development within the healthcare sector, Dr. Singh credited the President’s leadership for fostering private-sector growth in healthcare.

“At the foundation of this progress has been His Excellency’s steadfast commitment to encouraging private sector investment and advancement within the healthcare industry,” adding, “We are fortunate to have a national leader whose vision continuously promotes robust development in the health sector.”

100 persons to be trained as medexes

- every region represented

ONE hundred persons from across Guyana have completed an orientation exercise to begin a four-year Medex programme, marking the start of their training to strengthen the country’s healthcare services.

A simple ceremony was held at the Health Science Education Building in Kingston on Friday.

The Medex Programme, known as the Medical Extension Officers (Medex), brings together trainees from

all across Guyana, representing every region.

The trainees who complete the programme will receive an associate degree.

A student from Region Five, Nikhil Cummings, said he chose the programme because it would benefit him and enhance the Guyana Prison Service medical department.

The prison officer noted that his passion is to help others and plans to use the associate degree to further his studies.

Additionally, another participant also highlighted her commitment to serving her community.

Another student, Iniki Bartolomeu from Region Nine, said she admires her grandfather who is a medic and wants to follow in his footsteps. The 16-yearold aspires to further

her studies to become a doctor or surgeon.

Similarly, Kimberly Jonas of Region 10 said she applied after recognising the need for more health professionals in her community.

Jonas added that she hopes after four years she will be “able and efficient to do my job

and to be a contribution to the healthcare system in Guyana.”

During the orientation, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony emphasised that mentorship is key to helping trainees overcome challenges and graduate.

He stated that over the last few years, 5,000 young people have been brought into the ministry through training initiatives.

The health minister encouraged the cohort to remain disciplined,

stressing that education requires sacrifice.

“We want to see some of you moving from being medics to becoming doctors. We want some of you to move from becoming doctors to become a specialist,” Minister Anthony noted.

Medical Extension Officers continue to play a vital role in expanding healthcare access and bridging service gaps in remote communities. [DPI]

Guyana condemns Iran attacks on Gulf states, calls for de-escalation

THE Government of Guyana has strongly condemned Iran’s attacks on several Gulf states, describing the strikes as unjustified and in breach of international law, while urging all parties to pursue immediate de-escalation in the interest of regional peace and stability.

In a press release issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reiterated Guyana’s longstanding position in support of diplomacy and stability in the Middle East saying that the “unprovoked attack by Iran on the Kingdom of Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait is unjustified and in breach of international law,” the release stated.

Guyana’s Foreign Ministry further condemned the attacks on

the affected sovereign states and called on “parties to de-escalate in the interest of peace and stability in the region.” said.

The release also conveyed Guyana’s solidarity with the gov-

ernments and peoples of the affected nations, noting that Georgetown stands firmly with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait in the face of the aggression.

The statement aligns

Guyana with a growing list of countries and international bodies urging calm and dialogue, as fears intensify that continued hostilities could spiral into a broader regional conflict with far-reach-

ing geopolitical and economic implications.

According to the Associated Press, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly died following a major coordinated strike by Israel and the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the development hours earlier, describing it as a pivotal moment that could give Iranians their “greatest chance” to “take back” their country.

Officials indicated that the joint U.S.-Isra-

el operation had been planned for months and was executed on Saturday during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and at the start of the Iranian workweek. The strike came after stalled negotiations and repeated warnings from Washington.

Trump, who had previously claimed success in weakening Iran’s nuclear programme, framed the latest operation as necessary to prevent any potential resurgence of Tehran’s nuclear capabilities.

Unified Healthcare Vision

The steady expansion of Guyana’s healthcare infrastructure, both public and private, points to a deliberate and coordinated national effort to erase the traditional divide between the two systems. The commissioning of the new outpatient pavilion at Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital must therefore be read not as an isolated private-sector achievement, but as part of a broader transformation that is reshaping the country’s entire healthcare landscape. Across the country, significant state-led in -

vestments are already redefining access and capacity. New regional hospitals at Diamond, Enmore, Bath, De Kinderen, Lima Sands and Number 75 Village have introduced modern operating theatres, advanced imaging services and specialised care in obstetrics, cardiology, orthopaedics and paediatrics. These facilities, delivered under the government’s healthcare modernisation programme, collectively expand the reach of advanced medical services beyond Georgetown and into regional communities that historically relied on

limited primary care.

The ongoing construction of new hospitals in New Amsterdam and at Number 75 Village in Region Six, alongside a stateof-the-art nursing school designed to accommodate up to 1,000 students, further illustrates the scale of public investment being deployed. These initiatives are expected to create employment for hundreds of healthcare professionals while strengthening long-term clinical capacity across the regions. When completed, the new Level Five teaching hospital in New Amsterdam will

significantly elevate the standard of tertiary care available outside the capital.

It is against this backdrop that private-sector advancement in healthcare must be assessed. The expansion of facilities such as the Balwant Singh outpatient pavilion comple ments these public investments, reinforcing a unified system where patients benefit regardless of the institutional setting in which they seek care. Rather than functioning in competition, both sectors are increasingly operating

as parallel engines of national health delivery.

This convergence is important. A modern health system cannot depend solely on public hospitals to absorb all demand, particularly in a rapidly growing economy with rising expectations for specialised and timely services. Private-sector expansion helps absorb patient loads, introduces new technologies and encourages a culture of efficiency that ultimately raises standards across the entire system.

The broader policy

direction is therefore unmistakable. Guyana is constructing a healthcare framework in which public hospitals provide universal access and specialised state services, while private institutions expand capacity, introduce innovation and support the overall continuum of care. The emphasis is not on choosing between public or private, but on ensuring that both function at a level where quality, professionalism and patient comfort are consistent across the board.

OPM backs East Bank Inter-Village Football Competition with sponsorship

THE Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has thrown its support behind the upcoming East Bank Inter-Village Football Competition, providing financial backing to advance youth development and community cohesion along the East Bank Demerara corridor.

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, on Friday handed over a sponsorship cheque to Sports Extra’s Franklin Wilson, underscoring the government’s continued investment in grassroots sports and national talent development.

The tournament, which features a prize pool exceeding $3 million, is aimed at identifying emerging football talent while promoting healthy rivalry among participat-

ing communities.

The winning team will receive $1 million, with second, third and fourth-

place finishers set to earn $500,000, $250,000 and $150,000 respectively. Individual awards will

also be presented for Best Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player and Highest Goalscorer.

In highlighting the broader impact of the tournament, Minister McCoy said the initiative aligns with the government’s ongoing investment in youth development and social cohesion.

“The East Bank Inter-Village football tournament can further create a structured space to refine raw ability, discover future national players and promote healthy rivalry that strengthens community bonds along the East Bank Demerara corridor,” he said.

“Inter-village competitions provide a safe and

positive outlet for energy, keeping our young people focused, motivated, and inspired to transform our playfields into stages of opportunity.”

Participating villages include Agricola, Grove, Friendship, Soesdyke, Timehri, Kuru Kururu, Swan, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Circuitville, Samatta Point, Kaneville, Mocha, Herstelling, Diamond, Hauraruni and Yarrowkabra.

The tournament is expected to serve as a key platform for identifying the next generation of national football talent, while strengthening community engagement across the East Bank corridor.

Chuck Negron is dead

I BELIEVE my obsession with music preserved my mental stability in the midst of abject poverty when I lived on D’urban Street, Wortmanville. I really liked all genres of music in my growing-up days, whether it was Hindi movie music; rocky steady, ska; reggae, soul, rhythm and blues, mainstream pop, and soft rock.

I simply devoured music growing up in Wortmanville. I came to like some artistes across genres very much like B.E. King, Engelbert Humperdinck, the Drifters, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Gary Puckett, Fausto Papetti, Burt Bacharach, Boris Gardiner, Ken Lazarus, Three Dog Night, among others.

I didn’t go for the Beatles because, outside of three deeply philosophical songs they made (Eleanor Rigby, Nowhere Man and the Fool on the Hill), I found their other hits too mainstream. I didn’t fancy the Rolling Stones.

In my days growing up, there was a stiff competition between Mohamed Rafi and Kishore Kumar. Most people thought Rafi had a far greater reach than Kishore’s. That was undoubtedly true, but I preferred Kishore because the voice was more attrac-

tive and saccharine. My wife thinks Rafi was way, way ahead of Kishore.

My second-best song of all time, from which I will never change, was sung by Kishore, “Oh Mere dil ke chain.” I can never get over the reality of how a human mind can compose such a phenomenal song.

My number one song that will always remain my favourite is Barry White’s instrumental phenomenon, “Love’s Theme.”

To fully grasp the inner beauty of “Love’s Theme” the circumstance has to be inviting. Either you are alone and you let the music seep into your mind, or you are driving for long hours on a lonely stretch and Love’s Theme is on the car stereo. I taught at the Berbice Campus for two years and on that long, lonely trip, I discovered what is unique in Barry White’s extraordinary song.

I played it on every trip I made to the Berbice Campus. The third circumstance is to dance to Love’s Theme with the woman you are absolutely, extraordinarily and deeply in love with.

Bizarrely, I never danced to Love’s Theme with my wife. I am still hoping to do that, but

somebody has to teach me to dance.

Music can be soothing and ethereal, but its memories can taunt and haunt you. Memories of music invoke the opportunities

Jazz in the car stereo and didn’t know that one of the cuts was Grover Washington’s brilliant jazz composition, “Black Frost.”

I wished I didn’t hear Black Frost. I don’t want

raine, who was cremated this morning, has a greater grasp in the classroom. For the story of the mental torment of Bill Carr, see the book by his song, titled “In My Father’s House.”

missed, the loved ones you missed and the moments when you first discovered yourself. Music has some painful memories for me, as I experienced last Thursday.

This week, two painful memories of music riveted my soul. The first was last Wednesday. I have a collection of CDs named “Smooth Jazz” in which various artistes put an upbeat jazz interpretation to some of pop music’s greatest hits. So, I put Smooth

to hear Black Frost. It brings back memories of one of UG’s greatest professors, Englishman, Bill Carr, who was one of the world’s largest sympathisers of the post -colonial Caribbean.

Each afternoon, during my student days at UG, Bill would go to the staff lounge, drink his problems away and each time I visited him there, Black Frost would be playing. Despite his brilliance as a literature professor, Rupert Roopna-

Last Thursday, the lead singer of Three Dog Night, Chuck Negron, died. I would leave Wortmanville, where there was nothing for me and go to Dowding Street, Kitty, where I had a friend and listen to Three Dog Night whole day. Our favourite was “Just an old-fashioned Love Song.” Three Dog Night’s music was part of my life growing up in Wortmanville.

I left poverty in Wortmanville by seeking attachment in the PPP, where

I worked at the Michael Forde Bookstore. Years after my return from studies abroad, I was jogging in the Botanical Garden, and I stumbled upon this gentleman who was sleeping on the grass with his wife and three children. It was my friend with whom I spent almost a year listening to Three Dog Night. He told me he had nowhere to live, but I was helpless to help him. I never knew what became of him. But years later, I discovered a deeply moving, philosophical song by Three Dog Night titled “Going in Circles,” which was the theme from the Richard Burton/Elizabeth movie, “X, Y and Zee.” That song, like no other song, reminds us that maybe we think we know who we are, but we really don’t.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

Beyond the Communiqué: Why 2026 must be CARICOM’s year of action

PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said a whole lot at the recent 50th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in St. Kitts and Nevis. She spoke frankly, passionately, and unapologetically.

I understand how Trinidad views CARICOM. I understand, in this instance, why it is hard for the prime minister to swallow the pill that the

‘Caribbean must remain a zone of peace', given her and Guyana’s most recent experiences with Venezuela.

I support Persaud-Bissessar, in principle, because I think that our region is far from a zone of peace, given the mounting levels of gang violence in Haiti, crime and security issues in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, the dictatorship in Cuba, and the

spiralling threat to annex Essequibo from Guyana.

The prime minister’s appeal that Caricom must work for all citizens, and should be the voice for all citizens is right.

On the other hand, I am a slave and student of history, so I cannot ever agree with the PM blindly and in direct contrast to my conscience. History is replete with examples of how badly

and improperly Trinidad and Tobago, as a Caricom nation, has behaved in the past on straightforward issues related to the bloc, regional integration, the free movement of people, regional trade, regional cooperation and regional politics.

While it sounds nice when the PM asserts that CARICOM should not be the voice for incumbent parties and governments alone, it would be prudent for her to state whether her party and government had sent political and other people to interfere in the elections of St. Vincent and the Grenadines or Barbados. I wholeheartedly agree with the PM that CARICOM should not be misused for political gain by anyone or anyone close to the incumbent government.

I even support the statement that CARICOM and CARICOM Governments should not involve themselves in the domestic politics and political affairs of its members.

But the reality is while a large amount of Caribbean and CARICOM countries can abide, a few big ones cannot abide honestly by these principles.

That aside, there is more to complain about these things we call regional integration, regional unity, a community, and common destiny.

For many decades, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been a master of the "aspirational". We have been searching and seeking the “ideal”.

Our summits conclude with polished communiqués promising a "reinvigorated partnership", reenergised commitment

and "lofty objectives".

Yet, as we stand in 2026, the rhetoric of regional unity is increasingly colliding with the hard reality of national survival. I think this is what the T&T PM was alluding to when she complained of regional governments not having each other's backs when faced with an external threat. Those governments prioritise their individual goals and security, not realising that if, for instance, Guyana can have its borders threatened with annexation, then their borders are not safe and secure.

If CARICOM is to truly evolve this year, it must finally move from the conference table to the tarmac, the shipping dock, and the legislative floor.

The time for talk is over. To remain relevant in a global order dominated by shifting power dynamics, CARICOM must prioritise three pillars of tangible progress.

It must start by realising the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). This remains our most vital yet elusive goal. While four nations—Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—pledged to implement full free movement by late 2025, others have lagged, citing legislative framework delays.

In 2026, a unified economic space cannot remain a dream; it must be a lived reality where capital and labour flow as freely as our shared culture.

They must place infrastructure over ideology. Someone must tell CARICOM that integration is impossible without connectivity.

Leaders are finally discussing a "regional Ferry

project" and expanding air routes to bridge our archipelagic divide. These are not just transport issues; they are the lifelines of regional trade and food security.

Without a reliable way to move goods and people, our ‘unity’ is merely symbolic.

CARICOM needs to engage in decisive collective diplomacy. Whether responding to the ongoing crisis in Haiti or providing humanitarian aid to Cuba, CARICOM must speak with a single, potent voice.

We cannot afford to operate in silos when facing global challenges like climate change or the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence.

As Prime Minister Andrew Holness recently noted, we must be "disciplined enough to convert these dreams... into reality".

The 50th Regular Meeting of Heads of Government in St. Kitts and Nevis this February served as a reminder of our potential. However, the citizens of the Caribbean are no longer satisfied with "strategic focus"; they demand "tangible results".

In 2026, CARICOM’s evolution depends on a simple shift from the eloquence of the podium to the efficacy of the policy.

We have talked for fifty years. It is now time to build. It is time for action. Talk is over!

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

New wars, old ghosts and a pragmatic president

A FULL-SCALE war has erupted in the Middle East and all indications are that life and society in the region are about to deteriorate. The usual experts will line up on global television networks to speculate how long this conflict will last and what an endgame will look like. The truth is that no one can accurately predict the real impact of “Operation Epic Fury.”

Governments in the UAE, Qatar, Jordan and Bahrain, all hosts to US military bases, are warning citizens to stay indoors and avoid public gatherings. The cruel irony is that, for the vast majority of people in the region, this crisis is unfolding in Ramadan, a time when families and communities normally come

and uphold Burnham’s legacy, stating that his party will conduct a series of public education exercises to contradict the leader’s negative image.

I hope Norton and his team, so enamoured of Burnham, will include in that public education, the findings of the 2016 Commission of Inquiry (CoI), which concluded that the killing of Dr Walter Rodney on June 13, 1980, was organised by the PNC government and that Burnham “knew of the plan and was part of the conspiracy to assassinate Dr Rodney.”

As a student at Queen’s College in the late 1970s, we were aghast at the horrific killing of Jesuit priest Bernard Darke by the House of Israel members closely

brat of a billionaire who can’t seem to find his way out of Magistrate Judy Latchman’s courtroom came along and, in three months, convinced core supporters of the PNCR that he is more worthy of their vote. One hundred and nine thousand of them dropped the PNCR and voted for We Invest in Nationhood (WIN). Teach that.

Meanwhile, President Ali marked Guyana’s 46th Republic anniversary with a speech that affirmed to the nation that the PPP/C is determined to create as many pathways to prosperity for every Guyanese as necessary. Under the leadership of President Ali, thousands of those who fled Burnham’s “totalitarian” and “racialised” state have returned home, with

together to break the fast and worship at night.

Guyana has no direct stake in this conflict or the one that is engulfing Pakistan and Afghanistan, yet we are not fully insulated from its fallout. Disruptions to trade and commerce are almost certain, and those will ripple through our economy and affect our livelihoods.

I am grateful that we have a pragmatic president and an experienced cabinet at the helm, steady hands to steer our national ship through rough seas. I don’t mean this as a partisan flourish, but a sober question.

Even if you. had voted for the opposition, can you seriously imagine Azruddin Mohamed, Terrence Campbell, or Aubrey Norton credibly safeguarding Guyana’s security and economic interests in an increasingly hostile world?

Consider Norton’s unreserved praise for Forbes Burnhman during the PNCR’s commemoration of his 103rd birth anniversary. Norton pledged to honour

associated with the PNC. Norton’s PNC should explain as well why the best and brightest of our country fled to greener pastures. Why is it that there are as many Guyanese abroad as there are at home?

Include this nugget as well: Burnham was head of government when soldiers killed two opposition polling agents in 1973. We remember them as “Ballot Box Martyrs,” which is why, not surprisingly, fear gripped our nation in the days, weeks and months following the March 2, 2020, elections. And it is why, six years later, we are still hearing shocking eye-witness evidence in Magistrate Faith McGusty’s courtroom about the extent to which the PNCR and its partners were willing to go to tear up democracy in Guyana.

While Norton and Campbell are busy resurrecting the ghost of a dictator, whom Dr Rodney had described as being responsible for the country’s “darkest period” after independence, a spoiled

ic and energy security within the renewed US-CARICOM partnership. President Ali and Trinidad’s PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar accepted an invitation to participate in a meeting in Miami on March 7 with President Donald Trump.

In an uncertain world, that’s what political prag -

matism looks like. President Ali is not a leader in thrall to ideology. He is prepared to test ideas, discard what fails, and scale up what works, rather than gamble Guyana’s future on slogans or strongmen. In the months ahead, as wars rage abroad and the vanguard of the PNCR stirs old ghosts

at home, a steady, disciplined cast of mind may prove to be our greatest asset.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

many more to follow in the coming years.

President Ali then left Guyana to attend the 50th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St. Kitts and Nevis.

On the sidelines of that meeting, he met with the President of Suriname, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, still reeling from Hurricane Melissa, and the leadership of the host country.

And since President Ali is observing the fast of Ramadan, he even took time out to visit the St. Kitts Islamic Centre in Basseterre, opening his fast and praying with the community, describing the immense strides Guyana has made and inviting Guyanese expats there to return home or to consider investing in Guyana.

And to illustrate just how committed this president is to the best interests of Guyana, he met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for discussions that focused on regional security, narco-trafficking, irregular migration, and co-operation on econom-

The Real Impact of ExxonMobil’s $100 Million STEM Push in Guyana

OVER the past few years, Guyana’s offshore discoveries have captured headlines, with talk of transforming the national economy almost overnight. However, beneath the impressive growth figures lies a challenge shared by every oil resource-rich nation: how to ensure that citizens not only benefit from newfound wealth but also help shape how that wealth transforms society in a self-sustaining way. This is where long-term human capacity development becomes just as critical as production targets, linking today’s oil boom to tomorrow’s national resilience.

ExxonMobil’s recent announcement of a US$100 million commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in Guyana is more than a corporate social responsibility initiative; it is a signal that the country’s future depends on people, not just oil. It reinforces the idea that long-term partnership means investing in the capabilities of citizens, not only in production infrastructure. The decade-long initiative, launched in February, represents a bold step in realising national potential and a shift towards inclusive development rooted in education and opportunity.

The STEM initiative tackles this challenge directly by building local talent rather than simply handing out scholarships. It invests in a system that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving from early education through to students’ career journeys. At the core of the programme are two STEM centres with satellites nationwide, s designed to bring practical learning to life. These will not be classrooms in the traditional sense. Rather, they will be modern facilities where students can code, experiment, build prototypes, and see how mathematics and science apply to real-world problems.

The first centre is planned for the University of Guyana, Turkeyen campus in 2029, with the other facilities to follow across the country. The cross spread of these hubs within communities means that students from central

Georgetown to hinterland areas will be exposed to STEM disciplines, creating a more level playing field of opportunity. Equally important is the focus on teacher training. Recognising this, in September, the ExxonMobil Foundation will partner with the Ministry of Education, University of Guyana, and the University of Houston to deliver specialised STEM teacher training. This is critical because lasting STEM advancement depends not only on infrastructure, but on educators who are confident and competent in delivering modern, technique-based instruction.

Framing the US$100 million STEM initiative as a 10-year journey allows for measured growth, refining curricula, building lasting partnerships with universities and creating career pathways that link classroom learning to employment opportunities in sectors poised for growth, particularly oil and gas. Over the next decade, the programme is expected to train thousands of educators and reach tens of thousands of students across Guyana, creating one of the most comprehensive private sector education investments in the country’s history. By aligning STEM education with Guyana’s broader agenda for innovation, entrepreneurship, and human capital development, the initiative helps lay a foundation for the future. As Guyana positions itself as a modern, competitive, and innovation-driven economy, strengthening STEM capacity becomes not optional, but essential.

In practical terms, that means more than knowledge being shared and cultivated; it means fostering

critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, and creativity, all qualities that global employers value. When students have the chance to engage with real STEM challenges and to see themselves as problem solvers and innovators, we begin to build a workforce ready to lead, not merely participate. That, in turn, can attract new investment, support entrepreneurship, and help diversify Guyana’s economy in ways that make it more resilient and inclusive. For many families across Guyana, the promise of careers in engineering, technology, and science, fields once perceived as out of reach, suddenly feels attainable. When young students glimpse a future in which they can design solutions, start companies, or contribute to cutting-edge industries, it raises aspirations and broadens horizons.

ExxonMobil’s STEM initiative sends an important message about the role of the oil and gas sector in society. Too often, resource development is criticised for benefiting a narrow segment of the population. This initiative demonstrates that investment is not only in energy infrastructure, but also in the talent capacity that will shape the next generation of leaders. If managed well, initiatives like this show how resource wealth can be converted into human capital, the one asset that sustains a nation long after the oil wells decline.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

Digital X-Ray commissioned at Kumaka

- to strengthen advanced diagnostic care in Region One

DIAGNOSTIC services

in the Moruca Sub-District have entered a new era with the commissioning of a $60 million state-of-the-art digital X-Ray system at the Kumaka District Hospital, expanding access to advanced diagnostic testing in Region One.

The advanced imaging system marks a major transformation for residents of Kumaka and surrounding communities in Region One (Barima-Waini), many of whom previously depended on outdated film-based equipment, or were required to travel long distances for essential diagnostic services.

At the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony underscored the government’s commitment to modernising health -

care infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to world-class medical services across Guyana.

“For many years, we struggled with old X-ray equipment, some as old as 25 to 30 years, which relied on films and darkroom processing. We, therefore, made a deliberate decision to phase out all analogue X-Ray units and standardise modern digital systems across the country,” he said.

The new digital system delivers clearer, faster, and more reliable imaging, significantly improving the speed and accuracy of diagnoses.

For residents, transportation can involve lengthy river travel and having this service closer to home means fewer costly and stressful referrals outside the com-

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony speaking at the commissioning

munity.

“We are training the team here to fully operate and manage the system. Once the unit is fully operational, patients will no longer need to leave the sub-region for X-rays. The images produced will be of the highest quality,” the minister stated.

To ensure uninterrupted service, special -

ised electrical wiring, voltage stabilisers, backup power systems, and a modern generator were installed to support the highly sensitive equipment, safeguarding operations even during power outages.

In the coming months, the ministry will also install a Picture Archiving and Communication System

(PACS), enabling digital images to be transmitted to specialised radiologists in Georgetown for expert interpretation within minutes.

“This capability ensures that doctors here can access specialist support whenever needed. It significantly improves diagnostic accuracy and patient care,” the minister added.

These upgrades are expected to enhance patient outcomes by enabling earlier detection of conditions such as fractures, infections, chest illnesses, and other medical complications, reducing delays in treatment and strengthening overall healthcare delivery in the hinterland. [DPI]

First Lady’s Promenade to be replicated across Georgetown — President Ali

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali announced Saturday that the beautification feature unveiled at Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital will be replicated across Georgetown as part of a broader cultural and urban transformation agenda.

The newly developed promenade at East Street, which was constructed by the hospital under the National Beautification Project, was commissioned by First Lady Arya Ali on Saturday.

The project, which is spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with the Ministries of Housing, Public Works and Local Government, enhances the hospital’s exterior with landscaped greenery and pedestrian-friendly design.

President Ali, while delivering the feature address at the commissioning of Dr Balwant Singh Outpatient Pavillion, said the initiative is not merely aesthetic, but is also psychological and cultural in its intent.

“The environment does something to you psychologically,” he stated. “It is very difficult to walk down and see these trees and decide to throw a bottle alongside them.”

He explained that the government is thinking at “multi-layered levels,” using infrastructure and beautification to fast-track cultural and mindset changes while raising national standards.

“This is the standard we want to set,” the president said, adding that similar projects will be rolled out across Georgetown.

He commended the First Lady and the supporting ministries for their collaborative effort, noting that as Guyana builds rapidly, development must be guid-

ed by clear standards and a forward-looking vision.

“We are not only building infrastructure,” President Ali remarked, before stating that, “We are building a culture. We are building a society that works for everyone.”

Since 2020, a number of recreational spaces under the beautification project have been developed, with more underway or planned.

These include facilities at Okum Beach, Leguan (Region Three), Bath Settlement and Bush Lot (Region Five), Number 63 Beach (Region Six), Kato (Region Eight), and Wismar and Spikeland in Linden (Region 10).

Some notable projects delivered under Mrs Ali’s leadership include the In-

dependence Park in Anna Regina; the Children’s Play Park at the National Park; the Kingston Seawall Esplanade; Zia’s Play Park at Leonora; the Unity Beach Play Park and the May 26 Nursery Complex at Melanie Damishana on the East Coast of Demerara.

This year, an allocation of $35 million was provided in the national budget to continue the National Beautification Project and community support through her office.

This covers the construction and upgrading of children’s parks and public parks, as well as the installation of play sets and bins and the general improvement of public recreational spaces. [Modified from DPI]

Guyana, St Kitts to deepen ties through new development framework

--MoUs to target food security, security co-operation, technology exchange and smoother movement of goods and services

GUYANA and St Kitts and Nevis are set to formalise a deeper bilateral partnership through an official development framework grounded in a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at advancing joint priorities in food security, security co-operation, technology exchange and the seamless movement of goods and services.

This was announced by President, Dr Irfaan Ali during an engagement with the Guyanese community in St Kitts and Nevis on Friday, where he reaffirmed that the long-standing relationship between the two CARICOM states is poised to enter a more structured and strategic phase.

“We have decided that this long historic relationship of our two countries must now take deeper roots and greater structure and because of that decision… we will have an official development framework grounded in a number of MoUs, identifying a number of priorities that we will pursue together in the interest of the development of our countries and the people of our countries,” President Ali said.

The Head of State said that Guyana’s rapid transformation must translate into broader regional prosperity, noting that the country sees itself as an engine of growth for the wider Caribbean Community.

“As you know, Guyana is going through an extraordinary phase in our national development and I said very clearly that our development must lead to the prosperity of the region, because we see ourselves as an instrument that can allow our region to grow and prosper stronger and together,” he stated.

President Ali pointed to energy, agriculture, tourism, education and healthcare as key pillars of collaboration, with particular focus on strengthening regional energy and food security.

“For example, if you look at our energy strategy, our energy strategy is also linked to ensuring that we have energy security in this region… so that the energy security of the region can be met from

within the region,” he noted.

On agriculture, the President said Guyana is positioning itself to become a major supplier of food across CARICOM, leveraging its vast arable lands and abundant freshwater resources.

“We have identified some priorities for development –food security and ensuring that we invest in an agricultural ecosystem that will position Guyana as the main supplier of food across the region,” he said.

The bilateral framework will also encompass enhanced co-operation in security and defence, including expanded training opportunities and collaboration between the Guyana Defence Force and St Kitts and Nevis.

President Ali revealed that Guyana is exploring the establishment of a commer-

President said.

He added that Guyana’s free university education policy and the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme will also be extended as part of regional integration efforts, enabling greater access for Caribbean citizens.

“Our nursing programme also will be available online to all of the Caribbean, so that is how we are ensuring that the region is developing with us,” President Ali said, while stressing that the country does not want to create

a “push and pull factor” for skilled workers within the region.

Meanwhile, St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew welcomed the deepening partnership and signalled that a high-level delegation will soon visit Guyana to formalise several of the agreed initiatives.

“In a few weeks, I’m taking a contingent to Guyana to visit with his Excellency President Ali, who formalised a number of MoUs and agreements that we think will be down to the benefit of your community, specifically

in St Kitts and Nevis,” Prime Minister Drew said. He added that discussions have already identified “about seven things that we’re going to work on together,” all aimed at strengthening integration between the two nations and improving opportunities for the Guyanese diaspora residing in the twin-island federation.

The enhanced framework, according to both leaders, represents a deliberate effort to translate long-standing friendship into structured economic and social

TURN TO PAGE 15

cial wing within the defence force that would be integrated into CARICOM’s supply-chain architecture, with St Kitts and Nevis among the first beneficiaries.

“That will allow some direct connection between Guyana and St Kitts and Nevis. So that is a very important area that we’re working on,” he explained.

Technology and digitisation will form another major pillar of the partnership, as Guyana accelerates investments in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence to modernise governance and service delivery.

“We have been investing heavily in these areas because we are trying to leapfrog into the new world in the shortest possible time… building the population up to that on education,” the

My ‘Mash’ weekend

AS groups of colourfully costumed children disgorged onto the roadway in front of Mae’s school in Subryanville last Friday, I was right there in the throng. Along with teachers, parents and friends, I ‘tramped’ beside my grandson, his classmates and behind his teacher in her splendid butterfly float.

Leading the ranks of pupils around a predetermined route was the music truck, whose deejay urged them to wave their Guyana flags in the air and dance to the pounding soca music. And the enthusiastic children, led by the nursery group, responded, jumping and pranc-

ing. In costumes of electric blue trimmed with silver, neon yellow with golden crowns, multi-coloured feathered headdresses, skirts and short pants reflecting the colours of the flag and a myriad other colours and styles, the ‘mashers’ were cheered on by onlookers lining the route

As the parade made its way back into the school compound, the various groups dispersed. Many headed to the playground where trampolines, bouncy castles and a giant, inflated play area awaited them. My grandson chose to go on one of the trampolines, where he joyfully jumped and bounced around with friends, while

I watched on, wondering where they found the energy. Later, in the car on the way home, he declared it had been fun, to which I smiled and nodded my weary head in agreement.

CULTURE SHOCK

The Mash mood continued as I was invited by Breakthrough Ministries International, located in Campbellville, to be a judge at their Mashramani cultural competition, entitled ‘Culture Shock’. The church is run by Prophetess Dr. Pamela Benjamin, who was stunning in her African outfit and other members of the congregation similarly decked out in

wear reflecting our various ethnic groups. Individuals representing all six races of Guyana put on a wonderful show, depicting the dress, music and dance of each of them.

Their presentation was preceded by a narrator, who gave a thorough overview of the historical arrival of each race and it’s contribution to the development of the country. A unique part of the competition featured tables laden with the foods brought here by each race, along with items of interest, which on the ‘Amerindian table’ included nibbi and tibisiri craft work.

Competitors were judged on creativity, information (which included the content of these tables and their display), cultural presentation, coordination and the proper

representing the Europeans.

Clearly, a great deal of thought and effort went into this first cultural show by the Church. Plans are afoot to make it an annual event and I look forward to next year’s presentation.

MASH DAY

I spent last Monday, Mash Day, at my daughter’s food and beverage stand,

calling out, chatting or guiding young children along the way.

It was a perfect Mash Day, sunny and breezy, with even a brief shower of rain to cool things down close to the end of the evening. Though revellers began to disperse when the rain came, they quickly regrouped when it stopped. Our food sold out - jerk chicken, ‘rasta pasta’,

representation of the ethnic group. With their spirited dancing, drumming, colourful dress and the comprehensive nature of their table and its surrounding display, the ‘African’ group won, in a close contest.

However, the dances of the Indian, Chinese, Portuguese and Amerindian competitors were well-executed, featuring a creative ‘fan dance’ by the ‘Chinese’. A young man in a dress suit delivered a witty poem in clipped English, accurately

which she shared with a friend, on the western side of Vlissengen Road. Our location enabled us to see the Mash Parade as it moved north along the parallel Irving Street, lined with throngs of spectators.

Guyanese turned out in their thousands to celebrate our 56th Republic Anniversary, moving in a tightly packed and constant, colourful stream past our stand, some stopping to buy and then moving on. The air rang with music, laughter, voices

two types of peas and rice, sweet potato and green salad - and drinks continued to sell until the music stopped and the festivities ended on a high note. Mashramani celebrations continue this weekend in Buxton, Linden and Berbice.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

Gov’t to deploy teams to clear diaspora documentation backlog

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has assured members of the Guyanese diaspora that the Government of Guyana will take direct action to address any significant delays in the

necessary to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure that citizens abroad are not disadvantaged.

“I know for you, access to services, passport services, birth certificate

ed into the entire national ecosystem,” he explained, noting that discussions are ongoing with international partners to bring in a data integrator that will allow the unique digital ID to be used

processing of key documents, including passport renewals.

During an engagement with the Guyanese community in St. Kitts and Nevis on Friday, the Head of State acknowledged persistent concerns raised by overseas Guyanese about access to essential services such as passport renewals, birth certificate replacements and identification cards.

He made it clear that the administration is prepared to intervene directly where

replacement, your ID card replacement, all of these things are critical issues that you raise from time to time,” the President told the gathering.

He added that the government has already begun moving towards a fully integrated digital identification system that will streamline access to services, both locally and abroad.

“We are now moving towards a digital ID. We have already launched the digital ID that is being integrat -

across multiple platforms for business and official transactions. The President said that where significant delays exist in passport renewals and other documentation processes, the government will act quickly to resolve those issues.

“What I can assure you is that if there is a major backlog in passport renewal and documentation, we are going to set up a special team to come here, if they have to spend a week to come here and to work on

Guyana, St Kitts to deepen ties through new development ...

cooperation, positioning Guyana and St Kitts and Nevis to jointly capitalise on emerging opportunities within the evolving CARICOM landscape. Previously, Dr Drew had indicated that the wider region can draw lessons from Guyana’s innovative and technology-driven approach to crime-fighting and national security.

He made the observation on February 22 following a visit to the National Command Centre in Georgetown, which serves as the

nerve centre for Guyana’s intelligence-led and coordinated crime-fighting operations.

He noted that crime is a transnational issue that demands modern, tactical and collaborative responses across CARICOM.

In a statement on his official Facebook page, Dr Drew said: “In Guyana, I had a productive and forward-looking meeting with His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and senior members of his government.

Our discussions focused

clearing up that backlog, we can do that,” he assured.

According to President Ali, clearing these administrative hurdles will not only allow Guyanese in St. Kitts and Nevis to regularise their status more easily, but will also strengthen their ability to participate in the expanding economic opportunities available in Guyana.

The move forms part of a broader framework being developed between Guyana and St. Kitts and Nevis to deepen co-operation and

provide structured support to the Guyanese community in the twin-island federation.

President Ali noted that the government is working to build systems that will give diaspora members easier access to services and opportunities back home, as Guyana continues to experience rapid economic expansion and increasing demand for skilled labour.

He highlighted that many Guyanese abroad are being encouraged to reconnect with the local economy,

even as the administration works to ensure that the necessary administrative and legal mechanisms are in place to facilitate their seamless engagement.

The engagement also saw discussions on immigration regularisation, labour mobility and enhanced bilateral co-operation with both governments signalling their intention to strengthen institutional support for Guyanese living and working in St. Kitts and Nevis.

FROM PAGE 13

on deepening collaboration between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Guyana and the wider CARICOM.”

He added, “As Chairman of CARICOM, I remain committed to strengthening these bilateral relationships, because when we work together, we build a stronger, more resilient Caribbean for our people.

The future of our region depends on partnership, practical co-operation, and unity of purpose, and that is exactly what we are advancing.”

1,500 jobs for Region Six as new hospitals, nursing school expand health services

SOME 1,500 jobs are expected to be created in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) through the construction of two regional hospitals in New Amsterdam and No. 75 Village, according to Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh.

Dr. Singh made the

disclosure during a recent broadcast interview, during which he outlined the expansion of services in the region, and the new opportunities being opened for hundreds of Guyanese.

The two new hospitals, along with a new nursing school in New Amsterdam, are expected to significantly strengthen the region’s healthcare capacity

while creating employment across a wide range of professions.

“We’re building a brand-new nursing school in New Amsterdam. We have built a brand-new hospital in the village of Number 75, and we are going to be building a brandnew hospital in New Amsterdam too,” he said.

He added, “If you build

two new hospitals, that’s 1,500 jobs; 1,500 jobs for doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, electricians, lab technicians, you name it, a whole range of pharmacists and pharmacy assistants. And we are looking so aggressively for nurses, nursing assistants, pharmacists and pharmacy assistants. We want to recruit them; we want to train them and give them jobs to be able to develop them-

care workers.

Additionally, construction of the new New Amsterdam Hospital is underway. The existing New Amsterdam Public Hospital currently serves as the primary healthcare institution for Region Six, providing medical, surgical, maternity and paediatric services to residents of the region and surrounding areas. It is the second-largest hospital in Guyana after

selves professionally.”

Construction of the new state-of-the-art nursing school in New Amsterdam is progressing steadily at Charles Place, with works advancing smoothly and on schedule. The facility is being designed to accommodate up to 1,000 students and will serve as a centralised hub for nursing education, featuring lecture halls, advanced simulation rooms and fully equipped laboratories to support both practical and theoretical training.

The initiative is aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare services by ensuring that nursing professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, while also addressing the growing demand for trained health -

the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The facility will be replaced by a US$161 million Level 5 hospital designed to accommodate between 230 and 256 beds, and to offer advanced diagnostic and clinical services, including MRI scanning, CT imaging, digital X-rays, a cardiac catheterisation laboratory, five operating theatres, a 12-bed Intensive Care Unit, and an 11-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The four-storey hospital will function as a hub-and-spoke centre, linked via telemedicine to regional clinics, and the Georgetown Public Hospital, allowing for more coordinated and specialised care.

Last year, President Dr. Irfaan Ali officially commissioned the new regional hospital at Number 75 Village, East Berbice-Corentyne. During the commissioning, the President noted that in less than three months of operation, the five new regional hospitals that were recently opened processed some 25,000 patients, delivered 220 newborns and conducted close to 100 surgeries.

The Number 75 Village facility was the sixth new hospital delivered under the government’s broader programme to modernise healthcare, following the commissioning of hospitals at Diamond and Enmore (Region Four), Bath (Region Five), De Kinderen (Region Three) and Lima Sands (Region Two).

Collectively, these facilities have introduced 18 new state-of-the-art operating theatres, offering advanced medical care in internal medicine and surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, cardiology, mental health and psychiatry, orthopaedic surgery, inpatient and outpatient care, advanced laboratory and imaging services,

Guyana’s digital future wired for security, expansion

— President Ali outlines technology-driven governance and modern security architecture powering Digital Guyana

By Trina Williams PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan

Ali’s plans for a national “digital backbone” as Guyana undergoes rapid transformation is aimed at securing and expanding the country’s future, linking economic growth, smarter governance and enhanced security through a modern, technology-driven framework.

On the eve of Guyana’s 56th Republic Anniversary, the President said, “We are laying a digital backbone, wiring our nation for the future, ensuring that every Guyanese can participate in the digital economy of the future.”

In this year’s national budget, funds have been set aside to advance the national digitisation drive. From new e-ID cards and AI-powered virtual assistants to integrated service systems, the government is continuing its aggressive push for a “Digital Guyana” under Budget 2026.

The government’s ambitious digitalisation agenda is aimed at modernising the way public services are delivered, leveraging technology for improved efficiency and transparency.

The national Electronic Identification (e-ID) system will facilitate a more coordinated approach to publicservice delivery and allow for biometric verification and validation of individuals through a single identifier that enables more efficient interactions with all agencies across government.

Registration commenced for the national e-ID cards, enrolling over 4,700 persons in 2025. There are two types of e-ID cards: one for citizens and another for resident non-citizens. The resident non-citizen card will be issued to persons who have valid work permits.

In 2026, several initiatives will be advanced toward the realisation of Digital Guyana, ensuring that client and user experience with government agencies is both timely and responsive.

The GovConnect app will offer online scheduling of appointments and queue

management to reduce waiting times, while the Citizen Connect App will allow the public to submit complaints or concerns to the government, while ensuring accountability in the resolution of issues.

On March 2, CitizenConnect will be launched. This mobile application is designed to give every citizen a direct voice in governance, making it easier than ever to report grievances, track progress and receive timely updates.

Additionally, AskGov, another initiative on the cards, will be a 24/7 AI assistant that answers questions and guides users through government transactions.

The government is also planning to develop a MyGuyana Citizen Portal, a whole-of-government single central gateway that will allow every citizen to access government services. The portal, in conjunction with the e-ID card system, will enable efficient, citizen-centred interaction.

The overall objective is to improve the delivery of public services to every citizen, regardless of where they reside, through the decentralisation of government services.

Additionally, as Guyana accelerates its transition from paper-based systems to secure digital platforms, the government is crafting legislation for electronic transactions and the strengthening of data protection.

The proposed electronic transactions law will provide full legal recognition for digital transactions, ensuring their validity even when conducted without traditional paper documentation, although certain limited exceptions will apply.

Complementing this will be comprehensive data-protection legislation designed to establish a robust framework for the collection, storage and management of data across multiple sectors as Guyana deepens its digitalisation drive.

ENHANCED SECURITY

President Ali, during his address, also focused

on falling crime rates and improved public-safety outcomes.

“Our republic is becoming safer. A comparison of serious-crime statistics between the periods 2016 to 2020 and 2021 to 2025 reveals a decisive and dramatic shift. In the earlier period, we averaged 2,827 serious crimes per year; since 2021, the number has come down to just 1,441, an almost 50 per cent decline,” he disclosed, commending the men and women in uniform for their hard work.

Dr. Ali said that a security sector that will “secure, protect and prevent, through a perfect blend of technology, human capital, intelligence and partnership,” is being built.

Since assuming office in 2020, the government has pursued a transformative approach to national security, recognising the critical role of a modern, technologically advanced police force in safeguarding Guyana’s burgeoning economy.

As such, efforts continue to modernise the Guyana Police Force (GPF). This strategy represents a comprehensive reimagining of security infrastructure, transitioning from traditional investigative methods to an

intelligence-driven model powered by cutting-edge technology. A prime example is the

evolution from time-consuming, witness-based investigations to rapid, data-driven solutions.

The “safe city to safe country” programme stands at the heart of this transformation, incorporating real-time CCTV monitoring, advanced analytics and regional command centres.

This strategic approach promises businesses faster investigations, enhanced prevention of criminal activities and superior asset protection.

Previously, President Ali had outlined eight strategic pillars, including justice-system integration, digital transformation of policing, border and national-security modernisation, crime prevention and social intervention, and strengthened community partnersh ips for public safety.

‘You are the leaders of tomorrow’s environment’

- Minister Parag charges Saxacalli pupils at rainforest book launch

MINISTER of Education Sonia Parag on Friday reaffirmed the critical role of young Guyanese in safeguarding the nation’s natural heritage, as she addressed pupils at the launch of the Saxacalli Rainforest Activity Book at the Saxacalli Rainforest Centre, on the Essequibo River.

According to a release from the ministry,

the publication, developed by the EMC Foundation, the non-profit arm of Environmental Management Consultants (EMC), is aimed at strengthening environmental literacy among

students, and represents a notable private-sector investment in Guyana’s education and conservation agenda.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister Parag told the pupils that they are not merely observers of environmental change but active participants in shaping the country’s sustainable future.

“You are the leaders of tomorrow’s environment,” she said, adding: “A leader doesn’t always look like the President or a Minister;

Walrond oversees voluntary tint testing ahead of full enforcement

MINISTER of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, on Thursday oversaw a voluntary tint-testing exercise at the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary, as part of the national rollout of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Tint) Regulations 2025.

The exercise saw several motorists presenting their vehicles for examination to determine the current Visible Light Transmission (VLT) levels of their window tints ahead of full enforcement

of the new regulations.

Testing was conducted exclusively by specially trained officers of the Guyana Police Force using approved and calibrated tint meters. During the process, officers guided motorists through each step of the examination, demonstrated how readings are obtained, and advised whether adjustments would be required to meet the prescribed legal standards.

Minister Walrond was briefed on the operational procedures, calibration protocols, and public-

A certified tint meter used by trained Guyana Police Force officers during voluntary vehicle tint testing at Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary, ahead of full enforcement of the new tint regulations (News Room photo)

engagement strategy being utilised. She noted that the use of certified equipment and trained personnel ensures that compliance determinations remain objective and consistent.

The voluntary testing initiative forms part of a three-month amnesty period, during which motorists can have their vehicles examined free of cost at identified locations nationwide. The exercise is intended to promote early compliance, raise awareness, and facilitate a smooth transition before full enforcement begins. Currently, 47 testing sites have been established across all Police Regional Divisions.

Minister Walrond emphasised that the government’s approach during this phase is education-focused, encouraging motorists to utilise the available testing sites to verify compliance and make necessary adjustments in advance.

She also announced that applications for tint exemptions will soon be facilitated through an online portal to be estab-

lished by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The exemptions will be guided strictly by the categories outlined in the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act (Cap. 15:02), with approved certificates to be issued digitally and transmitted via email.

Under the new regulations, motorists are permitted to install tint within the legally prescribed VLT limits without applying for an exemption. Front side windows must maintain a minimum of 25 per cent VLT, while rear side windows and the rear windscreen must maintain at least 20 per cent VLT.

Following the conclusion of the amnesty period on March 31, 2026, non-compliant vehicles will be subject to enforcement action, including a fine of $30,000 as provided under the law. The Ministry of Home Affairs said it will continue monitoring implementation activities nationwide to ensure uniform standards, procedural integrity, and public confidence in the new regulatory framework.

Gov’t charts strategic path for transition into ‘green’, ‘blue’ economies

THE government is charting a course to strategically manage its transition in the green and blue economies, to ensure that Guyana’s economic expansion is balanced with sustainability and longterm resilience.

This was the sentiment expressed by Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith in his address to a meeting convened by the Organisation of American States (OAS) and its Inter-American Network for Labour Administration.

In Minister Griffith’s

are experiencing new-found wealth and exponential growth within traditional energy industries,” he said.

The labour minister stated that Guyana’s oil discovery places a responsibility on leadership in light of accelerated national development, positing that there is a need to ensure that growth would not create environmental or economic dependency.

“We, therefore, took it upon ourselves to ensure that this period of growth does not lock us into a future that is environmentally unsustainable or econom -

steady while simultaneously prioritising climate sustainability and resilience,” the minister explained.

This simultaneous prioritisation of climate sustainability and resilience is what indicates a commitment by this government to diversification and sustainability.

“We are helping to safeguard workers, expand decent work opportunities, and ensure that our transition towards a low-carbon future is inclusive, equitable, and leaves no one behind,” Minister Griffith said.

A Just Transition means

address at the ‘OAS/RIAL Hemispheric Workshop on Just Transition, Green and Blue Jobs’ on Friday, which has been underway for the past two days in Nassau, The Bahamas, he explained that transitioning to a sustainable, climate-friendly economy requires a targeted approach, given its newfound wealth.

“It is undeniable that making this transition to a climate-friendly economy is a challenge for every government, especially for developing countries which

ically narrow but instead serves as a foundation to diversify our economy and invest in our people,” Griffith posited.

In the face of this reality, Minister Griffith explained that the development of fortified thinking and policy is what sets Guyana apart in economic growth.

“Despite the challenging global context, our government’s robust policy framework has enabled us in Guyana to demonstrate consistently that economic growth can be strong and

moving to a green economy in a way that is fair to everyone.

This means creating decent jobs, protecting workers who may be affected, and supporting them through social dialogue and social protection.

It focuses on expanding opportunities in green jobs (environmentally friendly, low-carbon work) and blue jobs (sustainable ocean-based industries) to build a strong, inclusive, and resilient economy. [DPI]

You are the leaders of...

it looks like you, whether you are six or eleven years old.”

She highlighted that even as Guyana advanc-

es through rapid economic transformation, the nation’s biodiversity and people remain its greatest assets.

“When we are protecting our country and

preserving our environment, we are protecting our wealth and our own self,” the Minister stated.

Minister Parag also referenced Pres -

ident Dr. Irfaan Ali’s launch of the Global Biodiversity Alliance, noting that Guyana is positioning itself as a global champion for ecosystem protection and sustainable development.

deepen scientific engagement with the rainforest ecosystem.

Managing Director of the EMC, Shyam Nokta reflected on his two-decade relationship with the Saxacalli

Through these clubs, teachers and students work directly with the Foundation to implement the E-STEM curriculum using a “learn by doing” model that transforms the rainfor-

The event highlighted the EMC Foundation’s Environmental STEM (E-STEM) programme, which encourages students to use modern technologies such as camera traps and digital applications to study the flora and fauna of the Essequibo region. The initiative is designed to promote hands-on learning and

community, commending the leadership of Toshao Helen Williams and educators for maintaining a delicate balance between development and conservation.

Central to the Foundation’s approach is a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education to establish environmental clubs in primary and secondary schools nationwide.

est into a living laboratory.

The EMC Foundation continues to support these initiatives through the Rainforest Centre, ensuring that the next generation of citizens and scientists are equipped to manage and protect Guyana’s globally significant environmental assets.

Among those in attendance were Commissioner of the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC), Alona Sankar; Guyana STEM Initiative Lead at ExxonMobil, Suzanne DeAbreu; former West Indies cricketer and EMC Foundation Patron, Ramnares h Sarwan; and Sasha Lall of Hyde Park Conservation.

Guyana’s economic growth more than just numbers

By Trina Williams

GUYANA’S rapid economic expansion, President, Dr Irfaan Ali says, is not just reflected in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures, but in the growing jobs, opportunities and inclusive prosperity being delivered to citizens across the country.

On the eve of Guyana’s 56th Republic Anniversary, President Ali said his government is laying the foundation for long-term prosperity, highlighting that economic expansion is not about one sector lifting the others but about a balanced and coordinated growth model across industries, even as the oil and gas sector continues to attract global attention.

He described Guyana as “a rising sun in the hemisphere,” noting that the country stands as a compelling example of the power of vision, economic prudence and good governance.

“We are committed to ensuring that growing prosperity means better lives for our citizens. We’re enriching the lives of our people through targeted investments in education, forging the minds of tomorrow; in health care, healing the bodies of today; and in infrastructure, building the roads, bridges, buildings and ports that will catalyse production for generations. Through these investments in social services, we are doing more than just providing; we are actively reducing inequality and ensuring greater inclusivity,” the President said

He added that his administration is “weaving a nation where no one is left behind,” with policies aimed at empowering all Guyanese regardless of their geographic locations or backgrounds.

Highlighting recent performance, President Ali noted that the non-oil economy grew by 14.3 per cent, with agriculture expanding by 11.5 per cent; bauxite increasing by 53.4 per cent; gold production rising by 11.6 per cent; manufacturing growing by 20 per cent and construction recording a remarkable 31 per cent growth.

Global institutions have also recorded and commended Guyana’s rapid development.

According to the January 2026 Global Economic Prospects Report released by the World Bank Group, Guyana’s unprecedented economic growth is expected to continue surging this year and in 2027.

Guyana’s economy is projected to grow by 19.6 per cent in 2026 and 21.9 per cent in 2027. In the Caribbean, sub-regional growth is set to increase to 5.2 per cent in 2026 and 6.6 per cent in 2027, driven largely by Guyana’s ongoing oil boom.

The report noted that, ex-

cluding Guyana, the sub-region is projected to grow by about 2.9 per cent and 3.7 per cent, supported mainly by tourism and related services.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has highlighted Guyana’s macroeconomic stability and praised the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and inclusive growth. In its Staff Concluding Statement for the 2025 Article IV Mission, the IMF pointed to Guyana’s impressive economic performance, driven by rapidly expanding oil production, robust non-oil output and substantial public infrastructure investment.

SOUND FINANCIAL SECTOR

President Ali also touched on the financial sector, which he said is at its “soundest ever,” with services growing by 16.9 per cent and technical services by 35.7 per cent.

Dr. Ali stated: “This, my people, is a picture of an economy that is not just hot, but healthy. This phenomenal record is not a historic accident. It is the blueprint of our tomorrow, expected to continue through 2026 and beyond. Our economic fundamentals are solid, but we are not stopping there.”

Recently, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a far-reaching transformation of Guyana’s financial sector, signalling a decisive shift from outdated banking practices towards a modern, technology-driven system.

He emphasised that the reforms will be structural rather than superficial, targeting the foundations of the banking system to support long-term economic modernisation.

Central to this transformation is the planned launch of a national electronic payment platform, alongside the introduction of electronic wallets (e-wallets) to enable seamless, cashless transactions for everyday activities.

This, he explained, will allow Guyanese to make payments electronically, including through mobile devices, while operating on common platforms supported by robust security features. The development of this system, he noted, requires significant investment in infrastructure and an enabling environment capable of sustaining modern financial services.

— President Ali says rapid expansion translates into jobs, opportunities and inclusive prosperity nationwide

To support these changes, the government intends to strengthen the regulation and oversight of the commercial banking sector by enhancing the regulatory and monitoring capabilities of the central bank. In collaboration with financial institutions, new mechanisms will be created to advance the development of the banking sector while reducing systemic risks.

The shift towards electronic payments is also aimed at reducing Guyana’s reliance on cash-based transactions. The President had highlighted the inefficiencies associated with citizens having to physically visit banks, often spending lengthy periods waiting to with-

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

draw or deposit funds. The loss of productive time, he argued, represents a tangible economic cost that can be mitigated through modern electronic platforms.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The President, while zoom-

ing in on how Guyana’s economic expansion has reached households nationwide, noted that the government is building future sectors with today’s investments and creating an environment that fosters innovation, creativity and human ingenuity.

“That is what will drive the future. That is what will drive

our economy. That is where the new jobs, the high-skilled jobs and the higher-paying jobs will be created and we are positioning our republic to be at the forefront of this phase of international change and transformation,” Dr Ali said.

Additionally, the President disclosed that between 2020 and 2024, more than 104,000 new jobs were created, emphasising that “never in our history has there been such a surge in employment, placing disposable income directly into the hands of our people.

“Through our housing programme, we are not just giving shelter; we are giving equity through cash grants and tax reliefs. We’re empowering citizens. When we say we are creating wealth, we mean wealth for the pensioner, the farmer, the small-business owner, the public servant, the labourer, domestic workers and a new homeowner.”

Five arrested after cheese theft at LBI supermarket

FIVE men were detained on Friday after police intercepted a motorcar at Triumph Public Road, East Coast Demerara, following a reported simple larceny at a supermarket along La Bonne Intention (LBI) Public Road.

According to a police release, the incident reportedly occurred around 13:25hrs on February 27, 2026, when two males entered the supermarket and one allegedly removed eight

packs of cheese valued at $8,640 and concealed them on his person. The act was reportedly captured on the establishment’s CCTV system.

Police ranks responding to the report intercepted the vehicle with the suspects and other occupants shortly after they attempted to leave the area. The five men were detained and escorted to the Beterverwagting Police Station.

Those in custody include a 48-year-old construction work -

er of Campbellville, Georgetown, who was the driver; a 35-yearold construction worker of Stevedore Housing Scheme, South Ruimveldt; a 28-year-old of Section ‘C’, Sophia; a 35-year-old gold miner of Princes Street, Lodge; and a 19-year-old stevedore of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

During a search of the vehicle, a cutlass was recovered and has since been lodged as part of the investigation, which is ongoing.

Fish vendor shot, robbed by gunmen at West Ruimveldt

A 36-year-old fish vendor has been hospitalised after he was shot and robbed by two gunmen at River View, West Rui-

discharged several rounds in the vendor’s direction, causing him to sustain gunshot injuries to his upper right thigh and right hip.

mveldt, Georgetown, on Thursday morning.

The incident reportedly occurred around 10:00hrs on February 27, 2026, when the victim was standing in front of his yard and was approached by two unidentified males, one of whom was armed with what appeared to be a handgun.

The police said the armed suspect allegedly

The other suspect then relieved him of an undisclosed quantity of jewellery and cash before both men fled the scene on foot.

The injured vendor was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he is receiving medical treatment. His condition has been listed as stable.

Investigations are ongoing.

PAS Cargo launches

Guyana’s first GRA-approved off-port customs logistics hub

THE country’s logistics and trade sector has entered a new phase of modernisation with the launch of a first-of-its-kind commercial off-port customs logistics hub by PAS Cargo Guyana Inc., a development expected to significantly improve cargo- processing efficiency for businesses nationwide.

The facility, located at Rome, East Bank Demerara, has received approval from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), making it the country’s first commercial off-port customs operation — a milestone officials and industry stakeholders say represents a major upgrade to Guyana’s growing trade infrastructure.

MAJOR BOOST FOR TRADE EFFICIENCY

The new hub allows cargo clearance and delivery to occur at a single private facility rather than through traditional waterfront transit sheds, a shift aimed at reducing congestion and accelerating processing times for importers and exporters.

Executive Director Shridat Naraine said the investment reflects local private sector confidence amid the country’s rapid economic expansion.

“We are a prime example of a local content provider stepping up to the government’s call for local investment,” Naraine noted, describing the complex as a “one-stop ecosystem” designed to deliver international-standard logistics services locally. The bonded

facility introduces container-height loading docks that protect cargo and customers from weather exposure, real-time RFID cargo tracking for inventory monitoring, and modern vertical racking systems supported by 24-hour physical and CCTV security.

INTEGRATED CUSTOMS OPERATIONS

A key feature of the development is the integration of off-site customs services, enabling GRA officers to operate directly from the facility. Combined with an in-house licensed brokerage team, the arrangement allows commercial clients shipping less-than-container loads (LCL) to complete clearance and collection at a single location.

Industry observers say the model eliminates several longstanding logistical bottlenecks that have historically slowed cargo movement in Georgetown’s port environment.

Despite its international capabilities, the company emphasised its local ownership, noting that it has operated in Guyana’s shipping industry for more than 14 years, predating the country’s oil boom.

Through partnerships with global freight organisations such as WCA and Lognet International Freight Networks, the company connects local businesses to more than 800 cities across 190 countries.

Company officials said this combination of global

access and local expertise positions the facility to handle shipments ranging from small commercial consignments to oversized industrial cargo.

PAS Cargo is expected to formally showcase the new logistics hub during an official launch event scheduled for March 25 at the Georgetown Marriott Hotel.

The company said the project represents more than a private investment, describing it as part of a broader transformation of the “infrastructure of commerce” in Guyana as trade volumes expand alongside economic growth.

Sunday, March 1st, 2026

CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) ENG won by 51 runs (2) Will Jacks (ENG)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What has been the result of the IND/SA Super 8 game of the current T20 World Cup? (2) Who was voted Man of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue.

ENGLISH RACING

TIPS

FFOS LAS

10:00 hrs Owl Of Athens

10:30 hrs Inishcorker

11:00 hrs Sparkling Duke

11:30 hrs DJ Pete

12:00 hrs Ionity

12:30 hrs Bouquet De Paris

13:00 hrs Jimmy Gatz

HUNTINGDON

09:45 hrs Thewoodcorner

10:15 hrs Zamek

10:45 hrs Icare

Grandchamp

11:15 hrs Diamand De

Vindecy

11:45 hrs Castanea Breeze

12:15 hes Kally Des Bruyeres

12:45 hrs Hidden Mountain

SOUTH AFRICA

RACING TIPS

SCOTTSVILLE

08:20 hrs Terminator

08:55 hrs Roland Garros

09:30 hrs Littleblackgem

10:05 hrs Gortress Of Fire

10:40 hrs Queen Braganza

Holmgren, Thunder topple Nuggets in

feisty OT affair

CHET Holmgren produced 15 points and a career-high 21 rebounds and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 36 points in his return from injury, lifting the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 127-121 overtime victory over the visiting Denver Nuggets on Friday.

Gilgeous-Alexander, playing his first game since sustaining an abdominal strain on Feb. 3, helped the Thunder dig out of an early 16-point deficit.

In overtime, though, Gilgeous-Alexander remained on the bench.

It didn’t matter, as Alex Caruso continued his strong play from the end of regulation.

With the Thunder up by three and just more than a minute remaining in OT, Caruso picked off Tim Hardaway Jr.’s pass and finished with a layup.

Denver’s Jamal Murray hit a trio of 3-pointers in the final 30 seconds to finish with 39 points, but Oklahoma City hit all eight of its free throws during that span to hold on.

The Thunder have won six of their past eight games while the Nuggets have dropped seven of their past 11. Caruso hit a pair of big 3-pointers late in the fourth quarter, including one with 1:23 remaining that put the Thunder up 107-105.

After Denver’s Nikola Jokic turned the ball over, Oklahoma City missed two chances to extend the lead before Jokic tied it on a hook shot with 38 seconds remaining. Caruso’s drove to the basket in the final seconds, but his floater bounced off the rim at the buzzer to send the game to overtime.

With Gilgeous-Alexander having played 34 minutes, the Thunder kept the reigning Most Valuable Player on the bench in overtime. Jokic finished with 23 points, 17 rebounds and 14 assists while teammate Christian Braun also scored 23.

Early in the fourth quarter, after Jared McCain’s jumper put the Thunder up by two, Oklahoma City’s Luguentz Dort knocked Jokic to the floor by stepping in front of Jokic as the Nuggets star moved up the court.

As Jokic popped up and confronted Dort, the Thunder’s Jaylin Williams got into Jokic’s face. Jokic wrapped his hand around the back of Williams’ neck briefly and Williams grabbed Jokic’s jersey.

After a review, Dort had his foul upgraded to a flagrant-2, and he was ejected. Jokic and Williams were each assessed a technical foul. Just a few minutes later, Oklahoma City’s Isaiah Hartenstein was called for a flagrant-1 foul after making contact with Murray’s eye area. It didn’t take long for the game to get chippy in a rematch of last season’s seven-game second-round playoff series.

Less than three minutes into the game, Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander were at the center of a quick clash when Gilgeous-Alexander took exception after Jokic collided with Hartenstein.

Jokic was called for a foul, and in the continuation of the play, Gilgeous-Alexander threw the ball off of Jokic, earning a technical foul. (Reuters)

Richard

Pybus

exclusive: ‘I don’t have any issues working in Afghanistan’

AFGHANISTAN’S newly appointed head coach Richard Pybus has insisted that he does not have any problems working in the war-torn nation.

International cricket is yet to start in Afghanistan due to their political climate, which has prompted their foreign coaches to be based outside their country and only work with the cricketers ahead of their international campaign in the United Arab Emirates or India, considering Greater Noida, Dehradun and Lucknow have all hosted Afghanistan’s “home” international matches apart from the UAE, where they play their home matches at present.

Cricbuzz earlier reported that unlike the past, the Afghanistan Cricket had decided that their new head coach and coaching staff will have to work in Afghanistan, even as they were looking to get a replacement for long-serving coach Jonathon Trott, who departed following their campaign in the ongoing T20 World Cup, completing a nearly four-year stint.

When ACB announced Richard Pybus as their new head coach quite a few eyebrows were raised whether he would agree to stay in Afghanistan and work. When asked by Cricbuzz regarding the matter, he sounded excited about the prospect of working in different provinces inside Afghanistan.

“No (didn’t have any second thoughts about coming and working in Afghanistan). I don’t have any issues with it,” Pybus told this website as he prepares to take charge for the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka, scheduled from mid-March.

“You know, I’ve lived in lots of different parts of the world and so I am fine with it,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to that and I’m really looking forward to coming and seeing the talent that is in the country,” he said.

“I’ve heard fantastic things about it (Afghanistan) and you know I love the fact that you’ve just got this really incredible cricket culture. I mean, to see the evolution of cricket within the

country, how they’ve moved so quickly to be able to play at a level where they are equal to, and on their day better than, the top sides in the world,” he said.

“We’ve seen that over the last couple of World Cups. And to have a look at this talent, you know, it’s quite exceptional,” he said.

“So, I’m looking forward to getting out into the provinces and being able to scout players and work with the selectors and get busy on the development of the players and that isn’t necessarily, you know, you’re not necessarily developing players when you’re in series,” he said.

“The development of the players is the work which you do behind the scenes outside of the series,” he said.

“The side’s really developed over a period of time so, as we would have seen at the last couple of World Cups, they’re a really serious cricket team now and so yeah very excited,” he said.

Pybus said that, for now, his major focus will be on developing relationships with the cricketers but more importantly know the depth chart as he feels that will make all the difference in the long run.

“So for now it’s getting to know the players, getting to know the leadership, settling with the team,” said Pybus. Cricbuzz)

BCB eyes Indian participation in inaugural Women’s BPL

A BANGLADESH

Cricket Board official has said that the board is ready to welcome Indian women cricketers for the inaugural edition of the Women’s Bangladesh Premier League, scheduled to be held from April 4 to April 14.

The BCB, which had previously failed to launch the tournament despite multiple promises, earlier announced that it would finally stage the competition this season with three teams.

The BCB officially set the ball rolling for the first-ever WBPL after holding its first coordination meeting at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Rubaba Dowla, chairperson of the BCB Women’s Wing and the WBPL Governing Council, told reporters that they would be more than happy to have Indian women cricketers take part in the competition.

While Indian men’s national team players do not feature in overseas leagues apart from the Indian Premier

League, the same does not apply to women cricketers, who also participate in the Big Bash and The Hundred.

Rubaba’s announcement suggests that the BCB is keen to mend its relationship with the BCCI, which is believed to have deteriorated after Bangladesh opted out of the ongoing T20 World Cup citing security concerns.

“Several international players have already shown interest,” Rubaba told reporters following the coordination meeting at Mirpur.

“The teams will then contact the players and finalize recruitment. There are some well-known star players who

have expressed interest,” she said.

When asked specifically about Indian players, Rubaba did not rule out the possibility of their participation.

“We are open to all,” she said about Indian players taking part in the tournament.

“There is no country-specific restriction. Whoever shows interest, and whichever teams want to bring such players, they can do so. It is open to all, so we will see,” she added.

“All arrangements for the Women’s BPL are currently underway. We are holding regular meetings. The Governing Council and the work-

ing committee are planning together how to execute the tournament in the best possible way,” she added.

The WBPL chairperson said the tournament is likely to begin in Chattogram and conclude in Dhaka. She added that the BCB will follow the widely used IPL model regarding the limit on overseas players in the playing XI and confirmed that the WBPL will adopt a draft system instead of an auction for player selection.

“The draft process will be followed for player selection, and we will organize a proper event for it.

“Each team must have a minimum of two overseas players, and possibly three to four,” she said.

It is understood that five categories have been created for local cricketers, with icon players set to receive BDT 10 lakh.

‘A’ category players will receive BDT 7 lakh, ‘B’ category BDT 5 lakh, ‘C’ category BDT 3 lakh, and those in the ‘D’ category BDT 1.5 lakh as remuneration. (Cricbuzz)

Bounty Farm Handicap Squash tournament shifts to GT Club today

AFTER five nights of Squash at the air-conditioned National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue, action in the six-day Bounty Farm Handicap tournament shifts to the Georgetown Club (GT Club) on Camp Street, where the GSA will hold its fundraising Bar-B-Q from 11.00hrs.

Some competitive matches were contested on Friday, with the Rising (Beginners) showing rapid improvement.

Friday night’s Results:

Rising:(Beginners): Emma Singh def. Alexa Maikoo 15-14, 14-15, 15-12

[6] Danté Atkins def. Layla Rahaman 15-13, 15-13, Aaran Sargeant def. Nikisha Allen 15-13, 15-14

Open: Juan Velazquez def. Kalani Howard 15-9, 15-14, Open: Zahara Belle def. Teija Edwards 15-3, 15-6

Rising :(Beginners) Jadah Hughes def. Tyler Rahaman 15-2, 15-10,Eva Thakurdin def. Ana DaSilva 15-10, 15-13: Zayne SAMI def. Safeena Guptar 15-10, 15-11, [4] Javon Daziel def. Sydney Cummings 15-14, 14-15, 15-13

Rising: Beginners [2] Azaria Proffit def. Nyela Glasgow 11-15, 15-8, 15-13,[1] Nicholas Mohamed def. [8] Aderemi Simon 12-15, 15-11, 15-10

Open: Tianna Da Costa def. Giovanni Grant 15-14, 14-15, 15-13

Open [4] Emily Fung A Fat def. Max-

well Viapree 15-11, 15-14

Elite: Jason van Dijk def. Taylor Fernandes-Henry 14-15, 15-7, 15-11

Rising: Beginners Samara Sukhai def. Aries Sukhnandan 15-9, 15-8 g [5] Fola Cadogan def. [3] Jude Gobin 15-5, 15-3

Liverpool put five past West Ham to move fifth

A CLINICAL Liverpool performance helped them beat battling West Ham in the Premier League and move level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United.

The hosts were 3-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister.

West Ham pulled one back early in the second half through Tomas Soucek before Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool’s three-goal lead in the 70th minute.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side scored again through Taty Castellanos, but an Axel Disasi own goal ensured Liverpool hit five goals in a league game for the first time this season. All three of the Reds’ first-half goals came from set-pieces - with Arne Slot’s side now leading the table in 2026 when it comes to goals from setplays (excluding penalties).

In the fifth minute, Ryan Gravenberch teed up Ekitike, who finished smartly to beat Mads Hermansen at the near post for his 16th goal of the season.

West Ham threatened to equalise, but against the run of play Liverpool doubled their advantage when Van Dijk headed in Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner.

The visitors failed to take advantage of Liverpool’s complacency with Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jarrod Bowen

and Soucek all wasting chances.

And just before half-time, Mac Allister’s superb volley took a deflection and ended in the back of the net. That was the cue for sections of the travelling support to head for the exits.

From there, Liverpool should have put the game to bed - but they struggled to exert control on proceedings.

West Ham gave themselves a lifeline early in the second half when Soucek got on the end of a delightful delivery from El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Gakpo then made up for missing a sitter when his deflected effort left Hermanse n with no chance, to calm the nerves inside Anfield. Castellanos scored West Ham’s second to give the visitors hope again, but Jeremie Frimpong’s cross was deflected in by Disasi to complete the scoring.(BBC Sport)

Liverpool move above Chelseawho play leaders Arsenal on Sundayinto fifth, while West Ham remain 18th, two points behind Nottingham Forest

Open: Jibril Alli def. Sunesh Maikoo 15-13, 15-11

Elite: Ben Mekdeci def. Larissa Wiltshire 15-10, 15-7

Open: [3] Ethan Bulkan def. Tehani Munroe 15-7, 15-13

Open:[5] Egan Bulkan def. Brenno Da Silva 15-14, 15-11

Rising:(Beginners):Averi Simon def. Emma Singh 15-8, 15-10

Open: Zoey McDonald def. Jacob McDonald 15-3, 15-4

Elite: Peter de Groot def. Regan Pollard 15-9, 5-15, 15-11

Open: [7] Blake Edwards def. Richard Rodrigues 13-15, 15-8, 15-9

Open: Malia Maikoo def. Colin Wong 15-2, 15-10

Open: Medhi Ramdhani def. Paul McAdam 15-11, 15-8

Open: [8] Lester Lewis def. [1] Miguel Wong 15-12, 15-10

Open: Ella Fernandes def. Mechaela Hohenkirk 15-10, 14-15, 1511

Brentford survive Burnley comeback in seven-goal thriller

RELEGATION-threatened Burnley mounted a stirring comeback to overturn a 3-0 deficit, but were denied a remarkable point as Mikkel Damsgaard struck a dramatic 93rd-minute winner to give Brentford a 4-3 victory at Turf Moor.

It looked like the visitors were heading for a comfortable win after goals from Damsgaard, Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade inside 34 minutes before Burnley dragged themselves back into the game.

Jaidon Anthony initiated the comeback as his driven cross was turned into his own goal by Michael Kayode in the dying seconds of the first half, before another strike from Anthony was helped on its way into the goal by Kayode less than two minutes after the restart. Zian Flemming then restored parity for the second-from-bottom Clarets by powering a header past Brentford goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson in the 60th minute, turning the half-time boos from the Burnley supporters into a surge of renewed belief.

The hosts thought they had claimed all three points when Flemming, who scored late in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea last week, bundled home in the 78th minute only for the goal to be ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee (VAR).

But it was Damsgaard who made the all-important contribution in the game as he scored the stoppage-time winner from a Rico Henry cross.

There was a final twist in the tale as Ashley Barnes sent Turf Moor into raptures with a 99th-minute goal, only for it to be ruled out for an accidental handball by the Burnley striker in the build-up after a lengthy VAR check.

With the win, Keith Andrews’ side strengthened their push for European football and sit seventh in the table with 43 points - only two less than Chelsea above them and five behind fifth-placed Liverpool - while Burnley remain 19th with 19 points. (BBC Sport)

Guyana Police Force lends support to national blind cricket team

IN a gesture highlighting the intersection of sport and community responsibility, the GPF Officers’ Cricket Team, led by Deputy Commissioner Ravindradat Budhram, has provided financial support to aid the blind team’s preparations for their upcoming regional assignments.

The funds were presented to Leroy Phillips, the Guyana Blind Cricket Team’s captain and all-rounder, who has been a vocal advocate for the growth of inclusive cricket in the Caribbean. Phillips noted that the contribution would be channelled directly into the team's training camps and the strengthening of their overall developmental programme.

Deputy Commissioner Budhram, a frequent presence in local cricketing circles, emphasised that the initiative was born out of a desire to foster inclusivity within the sporting fraternity.

"Sport remains a powerful tool for empowerment, unity, and national pride," Budhram said, adding:

"The Guyana Police Force is committed to supporting initiatives that promote resilience and equal opportunity for all athletes, ensuring that every cricketer, regardless of physical challenges, has the chance to excel."

The Guyana Blind Cricket Team has been working to modernise its training structures, and this injection of support from the Police Force's executive sporting arm is seen as a key step in stabilising its calendar.

Current GCB executives clear air on ‘disputed investment’

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has issued a firm clarification following social media allegations regarding a historical “receipt trail,” stating that the financial matters in question predate the current administration by five years.

In a detailed response to a social media report captioned “RECEIPT TRAIL SUGGESTS CRICKET BOARD FUNDS USED IN DISPUTED INVESTMENT”, the GCB executive has moved to decouple the board’s current operations from a civil dispute involving businessman Dorwain Bess.

The clarification concerns a Scotiabank transfer of US$250,000 dated February 5, 2016. The GCB noted that the transfer—purportedly signed by an official identified as A. Kalladeen—originated from a private entity, Cricket Guyana Inc., and was directed to a Trinidadian oil company, PETROTRIN.

Central to the GCB’s defence is the timeline of its current governance. The board noted that the current executive body was elected on March 30, 2021, under the Guyana Cricket Administration Act.

The GCB further stated that the individuals mentioned in the report—including former senior administrator Anand Sanasie and A. Kalladeen—hold “no connection, affiliation, or relationship whatsoever” with the current, legitimately elected board.

“The present Executives categorically state that the matters referenced relate to a period prior to the current administration and do not reflect the governance, financial controls, or operational practices instituted since March 2021,” the statement read.

Since the 2021 transition, the GCB has emphasised a shift toward statutory transparency. Under its current mandate, the board is required to submit Audited Financial Statements (AFS) to the National Sports Commission.

According to the GCB:

Audit Submissions: Financial audits have been prepared and submitted to the National Sports Commission through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Institutional Alignment: These compliance documents were also utilised during the board’s successful application for affiliation with the Guyana Olympic Association.

The GCB concluded by reiterating its commitment to “transparency and accountability,” signalling a desire to move past the legacy issues of previous administrations while adhering to the fiduciary requirements of the Guyana Cricket Administration Act.

Kane scores twice as Bayern beat rivals Dortmond

the top of the Bundesliga.

The England striker took his tally to 45 goals in all competitions this season as Bayern became the first team to inflict a home league defeat on Dortmund.

Kane, who passed 500 career goals this month, scored twice in 16 minutes to put Bayern ahead after Nico Schlotterbeck’s opener.

Dortmund thought they had snatched a point when Daniel Svensson’s thump-

ing volley sent Signal Iduna Park into pandemonium. But that was until Joshua Kimmich’s strike three minutes from time kept Bayern in pole position to win a 14th title in 15 seasons.

Schlotterbeck headed Dortmund ahead in the 26th minute when he rose highest in a crowded penalty area to connect with Svensson’s free-kick from the left.

Dortmund had the chance to double their lead later in the half when Fabio Silva squared the ball to Maximilian Beier, who was denied by the onrushing Jonas Urbig.

Despite dominating possession in

the first half, Bayern - playing with a front three of Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz - were unable to test Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

But Kane equalised early in the second period with a poacher’s effort from inside the area at the end of a slick move involving Kimmich and Serge Gnabry.

Both teams missed chances before Kane scored a penalty - a record 10th in a Bundesliga season - after Josip Stanisic was floored by Schlotterbeck.

Dortmund levelled when Svensson volleyed past Urbig, but Kimmich all but ended their hopes of winning a first title since 2012. (BBC Sport)

Sherwin Williams 2nd Division T20 Tournament

Dindyal, London, and Permaul hit fifties

...As Police, GDF, and Everest prove victorious

By Sean Devers

IN sweltering heat, Police beat El Dorado, Everest battered Bel Air Rubis, and GDF defeated GCC in the last round in the Sherwin Williams Second Division T20 Cricket tournament as the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) resumed cricket in the City yesterday.

At the Police Sports Club ground, Everest decimated Bel Air Rubis by eight wickets in the 09:30hrs game. Rubis were dismantled for 54 in 14.4 overs on a good track and fast outfield as only Darren Mohohar reached double figures with 22 with a six and a fours as four batters failed to score in poor batting performance.

Narendra Persaud (3-13) and Arial Tilku (2-4) did the damage for Everest who galloped to 56-2 in six overs.

Persaud (32) and Varun Mangla (20) led the Camp Road team to an emphatic win.

In the afternoon game at the Police ground, the home side defeated El Dorado by six wickets in a high-scoring encounter.

Euan Blair took 2-38 for the Lawmen who employed their heavy artillery to reach 186-4 with 24 balls to spare.

Pernel London, who clobbered eight fours and a six, shared in a 91-run opening partnership with Andrew Lygth Jnr, who reached the boundary six times and cleared it once in 35.

Troy Drakes chipped in with 26.

Stephon Wilson (2-32) and Mohamed Nassir (2-46) were the wicket-takers in a losing effort.

At the iconic Bourda, GDF beat GCC by 22 runs after making 128-9 in 20 overs.

Christopher Deonarine hit three boundaries in 31 and Randy Lindore had a four and a six in 31. Zaheer Nazeer (17), Richard Gaffur (15) and Shamal Angel (10) were the other batters to reach double figures.

Darsham Persaud and Rivaldo Phillips captured two wickets each for GCC who were restricted to 109-9.

Navindra Persaud (31) and Timothy Mcamont (18) offered token resistance.

Leon Swamy took 3-30 and got support from Angel who had 2- 24 to bowl GDF to victory.

Voll ton helps Australia win Healy’s last ODI series

Georgia Voll struck her second international century as Australia beat India by five wickets in the second ODI to complete the series win with a game to spare.

The 22-year-old top-scored with 101 from 82 balls, including 13 fours and one six, although she was aided in reaching the milestone by India's dismal fielding. She was dropped on 19 by Kranti Gaud and 53 by Smriti Mandhana before a fumble from wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh when she was on 99 allowed her to sneak through for a single.

(Scores:)India 251-9 (50 overs): Kaur 54 (70); Gardner 2-39 vs Australia 252-5 (36.1 overs): Voll 101 (82), Litchfield 80 (62)

Voll and Phoebe Litchfield, who smashed 80 off 62, broke the back of Australia's chase

of 252, putting on 119 runs for the second wicket after captain Alyssa Healy was bowled for six by Kashvee Gautam.

She added a further 82 (67) alongside Beth Mooney before becoming Gautam's second victim in the 31st over.

Deepti Sharma accounted for Mooney and Annabel Sutherland before Ash Gardner completed Australia's victory with 83 balls to spare, with the win sealing series victory in Healy's last in charge before her retirement.

Earlier, Pratika Rawal (52 off 81) enjoyed a 78-run opening stand with Mandhana before four wickets in 7.4 overs saw India slump to 103-4.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur produced an anchoring 54 (70) at number four to help India post 251-9.

Gardner, Sutherland and Alana King took two wickets apiece. (BBC Sport)

KINGSTON, Jamaica– Franco Miller poured in a game-high 32 points to lead Bahamas to a thrilling 99-96 win over the Jamaica JamRockerz in the opening match of the FIBA Americas World Cup Qualifier here on Thursday.

Playing at the National Indoor Sports Centre, Bahamas used a strong fourth quarter performance to edge past the home side and begin their campaign on a winning note.

Jamaica started slowly and trailed 14-8 early on, but turned things around in the final four minutes to hold a slim 28-26 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Bahamas started the ensuing period on a 12-0 run to lead 38-26, before Jamaica’s Chase Audige scored 10 of his 19 first half points to give Jamaica a narrow 55-53 advantage at half time.

Both teams battled intensely in the third

quarter, but Jamaica, through the efforts of Audige and Kofi Cockburn, managed to extend their advantage slightly to 81-77 heading into the final period.

However, costly turnovers and offensive struggles down the stretch allowed The Bahamas back into the game and they eventually went on to win the contest.

Spain-based Audige led Jamaica with 27 points, while Cockburn, who is based in Japan, added 20.

Jamaica will next face Canada at the same venue today.

The top three teams from the group will advance to the second round of the Americas Qualifiers, where they will be placed into two groups of six. From those groups, the top three teams will qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, while the two fourth-place finishers will contest a playoff for the final spot.

Pakistan knocked out of T20 World Cup as New Zealand reach semis

SAHIBZADA Farhan made a superb century as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by five runs in the T20 World Cup Super 8s but missed out on a semi-final spot on net run-rate.

Farhan's 100 off 60 balls featured nine fours and five sixes as Pakistan posted 212-8 - their highest-ever total at a T20 World Cup. Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 runs or fewer in their reply to ensure their net run-rate was better than New Zealand's in Group 2.

(Scores: Pakistan 212-8 (20 overs): Farhan 100 (60) Fakhar 84 (42); Madushanka 4-33

Sri Lanka 207-6 (20 overs): Shanaka 76* (31); Ahmed 3-23

However, Sri Lanka managed to scrape past the figure in 15.5 overs for the loss of five wickets which saw the Black Caps progress to the knockout phase.

It ensured New Zealand finished with a net run-rate of +1.390 as they claimed second spot ahead of Pakistan (-0.123).

Sri Lanka came up just short of pulling off the second-highest chase in World Cup history after some late big hitting from captain Dasun Shanaka as Pakistan's players went through the motions.

With 28 needed off the final over Shanaka, who made an unbeaten 76 off 31 balls, crashed a four and three sixes.

But with six required for a Sri Lanka victory, Shaheen Afridi switched back on and bowled two dots with wide yorkers.

Earlier, a 176-run stand between Farhan

Mahendra Persaud: The marksman who transformed Guyanese rifle shooting

WHEN the London, Middlesex team toured Guyana in 1994, they arrived to find a local talent whose potential was immediately undeniable. That year, a young Mahendra Persaud made his full-bore debut in Barbados; by the end of the opening day, he had been promoted from Junior to X Class.

He hasn’t looked back since. Elected as Rifle Team Captain in 2002, Persaud held the post for 20 years—a tenure defined by unprecedented success. Under his leadership, Guyana became the undisputed king of West Indian shooting.

The statistics tell the story: 12 Short Range Championship titles and only two losses in the Long Range Championship across two decades. Individually, Persaud’s trophy cabinet is just as crowded, boasting four West Indian Individual Grand Aggregate prizes and the prestigious Wogart Trophy.

Persaud’s reputation extended far beyond the Caribbean. He became a familiar face at Bisley, England—the spiritual home of full-bore shooting—where he amassed a collection of individual and team gold medals.

His international pedigree is underscored by appearances in five consecutive Commonwealth Games, spanning from Kuala Lumpur in 1998 to Glasgow in 2014. In 2017, he reminded the world of his class by finishing in the top 10 at the Commonwealth Shooting Championships, competing against an elite field preparing for the Gold Coast Games.

Mahendra Persaud: Career Highlights Captaincy: 2002–2022 Commonwealth Games: 1998, 2002,

2006, 2010, 2014 International Finals: St George’s Final, Queen’s Final, and three-time DCRA finalist (Canada)

THE MASTER COACH

Perhaps Persaud’s greatest contribution, however, is his tactical mind. Known as a “wind whisperer”, he acted as the coach for the late Ransford Goodluck during every one of his major victories.

Though illness in early 2018 forced him to step back from the firing line, his influence remains undimmed. Today, Persaud has pivoted from competitor to architect, centring his efforts on mentoring the next generation.

and Fakhar Zaman had given Pakistan hope of delivering what had seemed a big ask on paper.

Farhan fantastic as Pakistan fall short

In what has largely been a trying World Cup for Pakistan, Farhan has stood as a beacon of hope at the top of the order.

The 29-year-old produced a stellar knock at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium to take his

tally at the tournament to 383 runs in six innings at an average of 76.60.

Nobody has scored more runs at a T20 World Cup as he eclipsed Virat Kohli's total of 319 at the 2014 event.

Farhan also now tops the six-hitting charts with 18 - one more than West Indies' Shimron Hetmyer.

This innings combined the best of his aggression and elegant strokeplay as he became the first batter to make two centuries at a World Cup following his unbeaten 100 off 58 balls against Namibia.

Off the first ball of 19th over - and with a new batter at the non-striker's end - he bunted Shanaka down the ground for a single to bring up his century.

From the non-striker's end he watched two wickets, failed to get on strike, then drilled the first ball of Madushanka's final over into the hands of cover.

Had Farhan turned down the single, kept the strike, and looked to hit more boundaries off the final 11 balls then Pakistan potentially could have got some valuable extra runs that might have made a difference.

Ifs, buts and maybes. A neat precis of Pakistan's World Cup campaign, overall.

Dates finally announced for 2026 IPL season

NEW DELHI, India, (CMC) – The 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to bowl off on March 28, two days later than the original announced date by the BCCI.

According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, the IPL had informed the franchises on December 15, 2025, that the 2026 edition would start on March 26, but a decision was subsequently made to change the start date to March 28 and have the final on May 31.

It is understood that the IPL Governing Council will meet next week to finalise the plan for releasing the schedule, which has been delayed because the dates for assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have not been announced yet.

While Kolkata (in West Bengal) and Chennai (in Tamil Nadu) are the home bases

for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) respectively, Assam’s capital Guwahati is the second venue for Rajasthan Royals (RR). The IPL Governing Council is also expected to discuss where the opening match of the tournament will be played, as it will feature defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Following the stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium last June, which resulted in the death of 11 fans, RCB has been involved in discussions with the Karnataka State Cricket Association on whether the team’s seven home matches would be played at the venue or be moved somewhere else. RCB had shortlisted a few alternate venues, including Navi Mumbai, Raipur and Pune.

Guyana cruise past Dominica in CONCACAF Women’s Qualifiers

GUYANA remained on the hunt at the 2025/26 Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers on Friday, securing a 3-0 victory over Dominica in their Group B encounter at the National Track and Field Centre.

The win keeps Guyana in contention for the top spot in the group, the only position that guarantees advancement under the current tournament format.

Only the six group winners will progress to the eightteam CONCACAF W Championship, where regional heavyweights, the United States and Canada await.

Guyana opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Otesha Charles outpaced the Dominican defence to beat the goalkeeper from close range.

Despite controlling the majority of the possession, the hosts had to wait until the 75th minute to double their lead, as Adelina Ritchie converted a cross from Annalisa Vincent.

Sandra Johnson added a third just two minutes later, capitalising on a defensive lapse to seal the result.

The stakes for the qualifying cycle are high, as the final CONCACAF W Championship serves as the primary qualifying route for both the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 and the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

Antigua and Barbuda will host Guyana in the next match on March 5 from 18:00h.

It will be another David versus Goliath showdown, says Sammy

KOLKATA, India, (CMC) – Similarly to when they met in 2016, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy knows his side will be the underdogs here on Sunday when they take on India in their must-win Super Eights contest at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The two teams will face off at Eden Gardens in a clash that will see the winner advancing to the semifinal stage and the loser eliminated from the tournament.

Sammy was captain of that West Indies side that defeated India by seven wickets at the Wankhede Stadium 10 years ago, where they eventually went on to capture their second successive T20 World Cup title by downing England in a thrilling final.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference on Saturday, Sammy told reporters that while it featured two completely different teams at a different venue, he was hopeful of the same outcome from a decade ago.

“There is a saying that history could repeat itself, although it was a different venue. But it is two different teams, two teams trying to move on in the tournament.

I still think to win this tournament you have to go through India at some point and tomorrow is that day for us and we have to play a good game of cricket in order to come out victorious,” Sammy said.

“…I’m pretty sure they’re going to have another 80, 000 [fans] here tomorrow and then another 1.4 billion supporting India, so it will still feel like another David versus Goliath showdown, but like I said in 2016, David did defeat Goliath so that’s what I’m going to tell my boys tomorrow.”

Sammy said his troops had moved on from their nine-wicket loss to South Africa in their previous game, their first of the tournament.

He, however, acknowledged that the Windies would have to be at their best against the home side.

“We’ve left that game against South Africa in Ahmedabad, and our focus has been solely on what we have to do tomorrow against a strong Indian team…It still boils down to execution and one loss in a tournament doesn’t say you’re a bad team. You see how India responded after their loss to South Africa and we have to respond after that loss as well.

“Like I said we have to play a complete game. The team has quality; they have match winners just like we do and it’s a battle of who executes with both bat and ball

and the fielding as well,” Sammy said.

“I expect it to be an exciting game, but as usual I want my team to win and that’s what we’re focusing on, on how we can get an advantage versus all the matchups and play the brand that is effective enough to bring us the victory tomorrow.”

Sammy said both he and his players understood the importance of the match.

He said the spirit in the camp was high and gave the assurance that they were fully prepared for the task at hand.

“…I do understand what this games mean. It’s a knockout game; you win you go through; you lose and then you start thinking about all of the what ifs that could have happened, and that’s what makes an athlete, that’s what makes competition, that’s what makes a World Cup the pinnacle of your sport.

“We’re going to come out there, we have the mindset, we prepared well, we’ve planned well. It all comes down to the execution and that’s what I’m going to be channeling into the boys, and I know they’re ready to deliver,” Sammy said.

“…It would be a massive celebration for us to get through to the semifinals. We’ve not been there in 10 years so that would be an achievement for the group, and it means that our mission is still possible.”

Sri

Rain saves Windies Women after abysmal batting performance

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, (CMC) – West Indies Women were saved from almost certain defeat by the rain after producing one of their worst-ever batting performances in the opening T20I against Sri Lanka Women here on Saturday.

In an embarrassing showing, the home side was skittled out for just 49 in just 13.3 overs after they chose to bat first at the National Stadium in a match that was reduced to 18 overs per side due to early showers.

It was their second lowest total in T20Is, with only their 2022 performance against England where they were bowled out for 43 being worst.

So pathetic was their batting display that no player got into double digits, with the highest individual score being seven.

The home side was entangled by Sri Lanka’s spinning quartet of Kavisha Dilhari (3-5), Sugandika Kumari (2-8), Malki Madara (2-9) and Inoka Ranaweera (2-16).

Qiana Joseph’s struggles from the preceding ODI series continued into the T20Is when she was dismissed

by Kumari for six with 10 runs on the board. Matthews, fresh off a match-winning century, was then bowled by Ranaweera to leave the score 18 for two in the fourth over.

Jahzara Claxton was then needlessly run out, and when Deandra Dottin was dismissed for a first ball duck by Kumari, West Indies were in real trouble at 22 for four.

It soon became 28 for six following the cheap dismissals of Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry and when Madara claimed the wicket of Jannillea Glasgow for four, the West Indies slumped to 32 for seven and were in real danger of being bowled out for a record total.

However, Aaliyah Alleyne scored an unbeaten seven to guide them past that score before Dilhari claimed the last three wickets of Shemaine Campbelle, Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack to complete the rout.

Luckily for the West Indies, only 2.5 overs were possible in Sri Lanka’s run chase before heavy showers brought a premature end to the match with the visitors on seven without loss.