GUYANA’S non-oil economy is undergoing significant expansion, with major growth recorded across the mining, construction, and hospitality sectors.
This is according to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh. Speaking at a recent graduation for trainees of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Minister Singh highlighted that increased activity in industries such as bauxite production, gold mining, and housing development is fueling growth, and creating an unprecedented demand for skilled workers.
He pointed to the scaling up of bauxite output, the planned reopening of operations along the Berbice River, and the emergence of a large-scale gold project as clear indicators of expansion in the extractive industries. At the same time, a surge in housing construction and the development of new international hotels is generating additional opportunities in trades and ser-
vices. Singh noted that as these sectors continue to grow rapidly, the government’s primary goal remains ensuring sustainable growth and opportunities for all Guyanese.
Speaking to more than 600 graduates at the National Cultural Centre on Tuesday, Minister Singh highlighted the remarkable growth in the bauxite industry over the last three years. “Let me give you one example. In the space of just three years, bauxite production has moved from one million tonnes per year to over four million tonnes per year,” he said. Emphasizing the implications for employment, he added, “If you are going to move production from one million tonnes per year to four million tonnes per year, you are essentially demanding four times as much labour as you previously did.”
On further development in the sector, he pointed to the reintroduction of bauxite mining in the Berbice River. Announced in this year’s budget, large-scale mining
operations are set to resume, with preparatory work beginning in 2026, and full production slated for 2027. “We gave a commitment that we will work with investors to reopen bauxite operations in Berbice,” Minister Singh said, adding: “I am pleased to repeat the announcement that I made in the budget speech: Bauxite op -
erations will recommence in the Berbice River. Preparatory work on the mines will start in 2026, and production will resume next year. Immediately, hundreds of jobs will be created.”
The gold sector is also experiencing unprecedented growth. Referring to a recent engagement with developers of a large-scale gold mine, Minister Singh shared that within the next four years, Guyana could see the opening of one of the largest gold mining operations in South America. “Before 2030, we could potentially see opening right here in Guyana one of the largest gold mines in all of South America,” he said. “This mine could produce up to 500,000 ounces of gold per year. This is a gold mine that will be bigger than Omai,” he added.
Housing has also been a key driver of economic expansion.
Minister Singh highlighted that during President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s first term, over 50,000 house lots were distributed, while more than ten new international hotels have
been introduced to the country. “Consider for a moment what 40,000 homes being constructed means for our country. Consider what that means for carpenters, for plumbers, for electricians. Consider the possibilities before us in this era of rapid expansion. And that is only in the residential housing sector,” he said. And, citing the hospitality sector, he added, “Over the space of a twoyear period, we will have about 10 to 12 brand new international hotels added to the country. Every single one of them, whether under construction or in operation, will need maintenance, electricians, and plumbers.”
The growth in these sectors reinforces the country’s overall economic expansion, which has averaged more than 36 per cent per annum over the last five years. Minister Singh emphasised that the growth of non-oil sectors is not just about numbers, but about opportunities for Guyanese to build careers and livelihoods.
THE Guyana Fire Service must become more modern, more responsive and more deeply rooted in communities if it is to meet the demands of a rapidly changing country, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said on Wednesday.
Addressing the Guyana Fire Service Annual Officers’ Conference on behalf of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Phillips said the Government’s vision is for a Fire Service that is not only better equipped, but also better positioned to respond to the wider range of emergencies now facing the country.
“If a citizen loses their home and feels that the response was slow, the statistics on response times mean nothing to them. They have lost everything. And it is for the Guyana Fire Service to ensure high levels of public confidence in its work,” the Prime Minister said, adding:
“We must not only be effective; we must be seen to be effective. We must not only be fast; we must be trusted to be fast.”
He told officers that more than $3.5 billion has been invested in capital acquisitions for the Fire Service over the past five years, signalling what he described as the end of an era in which the institution had to operate under persistent constraints and shortages.
The government, he stressed, is now laying the foundation for a stronger and more capable emergency response system.
“We have not merely bought vehicles; we have improved your capability. We have built a new architecture of firefighting. Fire-fighting vehicles, specialized equipment are the tools that will allow you to do what you swore to do: save lives and reduce losses,” he added.
He noted that in order for the fire service to reach a certain level of responsiveness, the service must fundamentally rethink how it deploys its service.
“The Guyana Fire Service must equally drive a new model of firefighting.
stations can significantly affect response times.
He said the future of firefighting in Guyana must involve a hybrid structure, one built around a professional national Fire Service supported by community-based units capable of early intervention.
“I trust that this con-
- $3.5B invested as Govt pushes hybrid emergency response model
how that vision can be translated into practical policy and operational reform.
He urged officers to recognise that as Guyana grows, the risks facing its people are also changing, and the Fire Service must evolve even faster to keep pace.
“Officers, I have spo-
It is merciless. Fire is a dreadful master.And it is therefore the task of the Guyana Fire Service to ensure that fire remains the servant and never becomes the master over our people.”
Echoing the Prime Minister’s sentiments, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond noted
that prevention and not just fast responses must define how effective a modern fire service can respond to emergencies, especially fires.
She noted that while response time remains crucial, effectiveness too can be measured by prevention, noting that the most effective fire service is the one that reduces how often that response is needed.
She further commended the officers and staff for their hard work, sacrifice, and service to the people of Guyana.
“As our country develops, safety in our communities must remain the foundation of national security.”
Consider our demography. Most of our population livealong our coast. Some areas are densely populated where minutes matter.”
Phillips said the Government would like to see each Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) equipped with a small fire tender that could be used to provide an immediate first response before larger firefighting units arrive. Such a system, he said, would be especially important in rural communities and other areas where the distance between fire
ference will pronounce on how best we can go about achieving this vision. I want you to think about the training, the protocols, the command structure,” he said, adding:
“We are moving toward a hybrid model: a strong, modern, professional core which you represent complemented by decentralized, community-based units, manned by the communities themselves.”
Phillips said the Officers’ Conference provides an important opportunity for the leadership of the Fire Service to examine
ken about equipment. I have spoken about modernization. I have spoken about essential services and decentralization. But let me end by bringing us back to the elemental truth of your profession. Fire is a powerful force. It cooks our food. It powers our energy. Fire is a good servant,” he said adding:
“But fire is also indiscriminate. It does not care if the building belongs to a millionaire or a pensioner. It does not care if it is destroying a business or a home. It is hungry. It is fast.
RESIDENTS of the hinterland village of Minab in the Matarkai Sub-Region are set to benefit from improved transportation and economic opportunities following the official handover of a new minibus on Wednesday.
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, presented the vehicle to the community, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen village economies and improve access to essential services in hinterland regions.
The minibus, sourced through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, is expected to play a critical role in easing transportation challenges faced by residents, particularly
The minibus, sourced through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, is expected to play a critical role in easing transportation challenges faced by residents, particularly schoolchildren who often travel long distances
schoolchildren who often travel long distances. It will also support greater access to healthcare, markets and other services, while enhancing economic activity within the community.
Officials noted that improved mobility is a key factor in advancing development in remote areas, where limited transportation options can hinder access to education and income-generating opportunities.
The handing over formed part of a broader community engagement exercise, during which residents were invited to raise concerns and discuss issues affecting the village. The outreach aimed
to strengthen communication between government representatives and residents while identifying priority needs.
Also attending the activity were Regional Vice Chairman, Paul Pierre and Prime Minister’s Representative, Margaret Lambert, along with other regional officials, who engaged residents on matters related to development and service delivery in the sub-region.
The initiative underscores the government’s continued focus on supporting hinterland communities through targeted interventions designed to improve quality of life and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
RESIDENTS of several hinterland communities in Region Nine are gaining critical digital skills as the
National Data Management Authority (NDMA) intensifies efforts to expand access to technology and
online services across Guyana.
The agency reported that 185 residents from villages in the South Pakaraimas recently participated in a series of e-services and cybersecurity awareness sessions aimed at improving digital literacy and online safety.
Communities visited included Taushida,
Tiger Pond, Pai Pang, Kakshibai, Yurong Paru, Tipuru, Rukumuta, Karasabai and Bina Hill. During the sessions, participants were guided on how to safely navigate the internet, create strong passwords, and confidently access government e-services.
The initiative forms part of the NDMA’s ongoing outreach to ensure
that hinterland populations are not left behind as the country advances its digital transformation agenda. Officials said the programme is designed to equip citizens with practical tools to engage securely in an increasingly digital society.
In addition to promoting safer online practices, the sessions also introduced residents to a range of government platforms intended to improve access to public services,
particularly in remote areas where physical access can be limited.
The NDMA noted that the outreach reflects its broader commitment to fostering digital inclusion and strengthening connectivity nationwide, with a focus on empowering communities through knowledge and technology.
Further engagements are expected as the agency continues to extend its reach into other hinterland regions.
GUYANA is intensifying its advocacy for continued access to concessional development financing, even as the country’s per capita income increases, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has said.
Speaking during a recent discussion on Guyana’s development partnership with the World Bank, on the National Communications Network, Dr Singh underscored that the country has long benefitted from high concessional financing through the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s arm for vulnerable countries.
He noted that IDA resources have played a “tremendously successful” role in financing critical social and economic investments over the years, including education, public health care, and transport infrastructural projects.
“I want to say at the onset that we have historically argued stridently against the use of per capita income for the purposes of determining eligibility for concessional resources. This has been an argument that we've been making for a long time, even
before we had the good fortune of rising per capita income,” the Finance Minister said.
Access to these funds are largely determined by per capita income, and Guyana’s rapid economic expansion driven in part by its emerging oil and gas repositions the country’s potential to access some concessions.
“We recognise that as our economy changes and goes through this rapid transformation, the engagement with the bank must necessarily change, and is changing,” he explained, noting that access to IDA is tied to per capita income.
“There is a discussion going on about possible loss of access to IDA resource, which is a challenge that we're facing with many other development partners. [As] our per capita income rises, our access to concessional windows has been contracting with some institutions.”
He stressed that Guyana has consistently opposed the use of per capita income as the primary criterion for determining access to concessional resources, arguing that it is too narrow a measure for development need and vulnerability.
While acknowledging that
Guyana may not ultimately prevail in changing the rules, Dr Singh made clear that the government will “continue to argue the case” for broader eligibility criteria that reflect structural vulnerabilities, climate risks, and development gaps.
Further, Dr Singh said Guyana’s relationship with the World Bank is deepening and diversifying.
“We recognise that as our economy changes and goes through this rapid transformation, the engagement with the bank must necessarily change, and is changing.”
He pointed out that, in line with the country’s rapid economic transformation, the nature of its engagement with the World Bank Group is shifting towards a wider suite of financial instruments and partnerships; these include private sector–focused financing and risk mitigation, via the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)
He noted that the private sector arm of the World Bank is now doing “a lot more” in
Guyana, in step with the pace of private sector growth, and that the government is actively encouraging the Bank to scale up its involvement.
“We recognise that as our economy changes and goes through this rapid transformation, the engagement with the bank must necessarily change, and is changing,” he said, stressing that Guyana is also determined to make full use of the broader toolkit available across the World Bank Group as it navigates a period of rapid transformation.
Looking ahead, Dr Singh characterised the World Bank as a longstanding and reliable partner, including during what he described as “considerably more difficult years” for the country.
He signalled that Guyana intends to remain an active
and engaged member of the World Bank Group, even as the structure of its financing and co-operation evolves.
The government’s overarching objective, he reiterated, is to translate strong economic growth into sustained improvements in the quality of life for all Guyanese citizens through better social services, high-quality jobs and modern infrastructure while continuing to leverage international
partnerships such as that with the World Bank.
“We see the engagement evolving into entering new dimensions. We see a continued strong partnership with the World Bank Group, even as we go through these changes, and even as the relationship changes, we have every intention of continuing to be active members of the World Bank Group,” he said.
AT a time when Guyana is undergoing rapid economic and infrastructural transformation, the call to modernize the Guyana Fire Service is not only timely, it is essential.
The government’s declaration that more than $3.5 billion has been invested in firefighting infrastructure over the past five years signals a clear shift from an era of scarcity to one of strategic development.
But while investment in equipment is necessary, it is not sufficient. The real test lies in whether this transformation delivers a more responsive, trusted, and future-ready fire service.
For decades, the Guyana Fire Service has operated under constraints, often forced to do more with less.
Today, with new firetenders, upgraded equipment, and expanded facilities, there is a tangible opportunity to redefine its role.
The ambition to build a “new architecture of firefighting” is commendable, but such a vision must extend beyond hardware to encompass training, systems, and culture.
Modern Guyana is no longer a low-rise, low-risk society. With the rise of high-rise construction, industrial expansion, and an emerging oil and gas sector, the risks facing the country have become more complex.
Fires are no longer confined to wooden
homes; they now threaten commercial hubs, industrial plants, and densely populated urban centres.
In this context, modernization must mean equipping firefighters not only with tools, but with the knowledge to navigate chemical hazards, structural complexities, and data-driven risk environments.
Equally important is the recognition that firefighting can no longer be narrowly defined.
Around the world, fire services have evolved into multi-hazard emergency responders, handling everything from road accidents to floods and hazardous material incidents. Guyana must follow this model.
A fire service that can extinguish flames but is unprepared to respond to a chemical spill or a major disaster is, by definition, incomplete.
Public education also deserves far greater emphasis. Too often, preventable fires result from a lack of basic safety awareness.
The absence of fire extinguishers in high-value properties and inadequate safety measures in new constructions point to a worrying gap between development and preparedness.
A modern fire service must, therefore, be as proactive as it is reactive, embedding safety culture in schools, workplaces, and communities.
However, perhaps the most critical issue raised is that of public confidence.
Perception matters. For citizens who have lost homes or livelihoods, response times are not statistics, they are lived experiences.
Even where firefighters perform admirably under difficult conditions, delays, whether due to traffic, distance, or infrastructure, can erode trust. Addressing this requires not only better equipment, but smarter deployment and a more decentralized approach.
The proposal to empower communities through decentralized firefighting units is both practical and necessary. Guyana’s geography makes it impossible to rely solely on centralized stations, particularly in rural and hinterland regions. Small, community-based fire units, supported by training and clear protocols, could significantly reduce response times and limit damage in the critical early stages of a fire.
Yet decentralization must be approached with caution. Community involvement cannot replace professional expertise; it must complement it.
Proper training, co-ordination, and safety standards will be essential to ensure that volunteers are effective without being put at undue risk. If implemented correct-
ly, this hybrid model, combining a strong professional core with community-based support, could become a blueprint for national resilience.
Ultimately, the government’s vision sets a high bar: to build the most professional, responsive, and trusted fire service in the nation’s history.
Achieving this will require sustained commitment, not just in funding, but in leadership, accountability, and innovation.
Firefighters occupy a unique space in society. They are the line between order and chaos, often risking their lives to protect strangers.
No amount of equipment can replace the courage, judgment, and humanity they bring to their work.
But it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that when they answer the call, they do so with every possible advantage.
As Guyana continues its rapid ascent, the demand for a modern, capable fire service will only grow.
The investments have been made. The vision has been outlined. What remains is execution.
If the country is to truly make fire its servant and never its master, then this moment must mark not just a promise, but a turning point.
HERE is what Nigel Westmaas wrote about me: “Despite Kissoon’s declared commitment to ‘class analysis,’ it is doubtful that he will focus on the massive gap between haves and havenots opening up, and the new elites emerging within Guyanese society through oil wealth and large-scale land acquisition.”
What follows is my reply. I start with a caveat. It is impossible to delineate class lines in Guyana in a mere newspaper column. Not even three columns will do it. What follows are extremely concise notes. In the remaining years of Forbes Burnham’s rule, all classes were demobilised or sharply reduced in functionalism. The middle class migrated. The petty bourgeoisie was severely reduced due to Portuguese migration and ubiquitous state control affecting the private sector.
Both the urban proletariat and rural proletariat were impoverished. The peasantry and the rural proletariat migrated in huge numbers. The landed Indian stratum was reduced to numbers you could have
counted on your fingers. Perhaps the class that escaped near dissolution was the lumpen proletariat. That class always thrives when an economy becomes moribund.
Guyana’s class structure was resuscitated but in amorphous ways when President Hoyte invented the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) based on structural adjustment. The traditional Portuguese petty bourgeoisie began to function again. The middle class became vocal. Both the landed Indian petty bourgeoisie and the rural Indian peasantry benefitted from the opening up of agriculture.
The lumpen proletariat was enlarged in substantial ways. This was because the narcotics trade provided huge sums to the lumpen elements which they could not get from banal, ordinary criminal activity. The urban proletariat, particularly state employees, were devastated by the ERP. If the urban proletariat was weakened by the collapse of the Burnhamite economy, then the Hoytean economy decapitated
the urban proletariat.
For a brilliant dissertation on the near disappearance of the urban proletariat under Hoyte, see Tyron Ferguson, “Structural Adjustment and Good Governance: The case of Guyana” One peculiar stratum that the ERC birthed was the nuveau riche class. This is a neo-Marxist concept that does not exist in classical Marxist analysis and is confined to countries in
the Global South.
The nuveau riche is not part of the lumpen proletariat. It is not part of the petty bourgeoisie. It is a class sandwiched between those two classes. It consists of people engaged in illegal activities and those trying to become embourgeoisified. The traditional petty bourgeoisie
–– public roads designation to improve upkeep, safety and national infrastructural management
ATTORNEY GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall has defended the government’s decision to designate a number of roads as public roads, maintaining that the move is lawful and firmly rooted in the interest of citizens.
Nandlall made this known while speaking during his Issues in the News show on Tuesday evening during which he explained that under the Roads Act, the State has clear authority to assume control of any public road through an official order executed by the Ministry of Public Works and the Chief Roads Officer.
“In compliance with these statutory provisions, those roads have been tak-
en control of and will now be repaired, upgraded, upkeept, and monitored by the Ministry of Public Works for the betterment of the citizens of Georgetown and the citizens of Guyana,” he said.
To this end, he dismissed suggestions of any hidden agenda behind the move, noting that the government’s actions are guided solely by national interest.
“The government has no ulterior motive. The government is acting in the public’s interest, in Guyana’s interest, and in the interest of the public health of Georgetown and Guyanese,” Nandlall stated.
His comments come amid ongoing disagree -
ment between central government and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council over the designation of several roads as public roads.
Just days ago the Ministry of Public Works rejected the Mayor’s claims as “legally flawed” and misleading, arguing that the Municipal and District Councils Act clearly distinguishes between council roads and public roads. Once a road is designated as a public road, it automatically ceases to fall under municipal jurisdiction.
According to the ministry, the Roads Act vests full authority for public roads in the Minister of Public Works, including the power to designate and manage them, without
limitation from municipal bodies.
It also refuted assertions that the government had “seized” assets, clarifying that roads are public infrastructure and not the property of the council, and that the move represents a lawful reassignment of responsibility.
The ministry in its statement at the time pointed to what it described as longstanding neglect of several city roads, noting that repeated appeals were made to the council to improve maintenance.
It argued that government intervention became necessary as some roads had fallen into disrepair and posed risks to public safety.
does not like the nouveausports, riche folks.
The only time they overlap is in the motor-racing sports which the nouveau riche currently dominates.
At the funeral service for Ricardo Fugundes, the murdered right-hand man of Roger Khan, at the motor-racing club on Albert Street, the descendants of the traditional petite bourgeoisie and nouveau riche personalities could not be distinguished. I was at the National Park looking at who was who at the funeral.
We come now to the oil economy of Guyana. Four class changes the oil economy has birthed. Parts of the middle class have become embourgeoisified, making for the expansion of an African business world. Secondly, the petty bourgeoisie is becoming a fully fledged bourgeoisie. Thirdly, the land-owning wealthy class has expanded tremendously. Fourthly, the proletariat, both urban and rural, is heading in the direction of future comfort.
Westmaas says it is doubtful I will focus on the last two class transformations. There is nothing to focus on. This is a natural phenomenon of class differentiations and class changes when a society becomes wealthy. There are three potentials in such a dialectical formation. One is the route of unbridled American capitalism, where the rich becomes super-rich and the state encourages such cruel class disadvantages.
The second is communist/socialist economics, where the state intervenes in the relations of production to alter the evolution of natural things.
This pathway means direct policies to alter the expansion of the wealthy classes. The third pathway is the Scandinavian direction. This is how I see Guyana at the present time, and this is how I see Guyana in the future despite which ever political party is in power.
In the Scandinavian model, there is no manmade tampering with the economy. What happens is
that the state does have an interventionist role but is to see that the proletariat, the middle class and the smaller petty bourgeois dimensions benefit from societal wealth through state spending.
It is ugly and immoral propaganda to assert as Westmaas did in his letter that in Guyana, the poor is getting poorer and the rich is getting richer.
I haven’t seen the statistics. I live in Guyana, Westmaas does not. I see where my country is going, Westmaas hasn’t. I don’t deny rich people are getting richer is Guyana. That is none of my business.
My business is to see the working classes benefit from oil wealth, and I think they are at the moment, and I hope it gets better.
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.
WORLD BANK’S Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc, has commended Guyana for its tangible investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, highlighting the country’s efforts to preserve the gains it has made.
Speaking during a recent discussion on Guyana’s economic transformation on the National Communication Network, Burunciuc said investments made in building resilience have already demonstrated their value during recent episodes of intense rainfall across Guyana’s capital and other regions.
She recalled being warned of widespread flooding in Georgetown shortly before her arrival in the country.
“When I was preparing to fly to Guyana, the country office here called me and said, ‘Guyana is flooded. Georgetown is flooded because there are heavy rains. Make sure you take appropriate shoes,’” she said.
“So I land in Guyana, I come to Georgetown, and I asked people, ‘Where is the flooding? Where is the water?’ And they said the Liliendaal pumping station worked so well that it actually pumped out the water faster than we thought. So the water receded much faster than we expected.”
She stressed that such investments remain crucial to economies as they preserve
susceptible to flooding,” he said adding:
“Any combination of heavy rainfall and high tides makes our low-lying coastal plain, very, very susceptible to flooding. And so for decades, in fact, perhaps for centuries, those parts of our population, the greater part of our population, which reside on this low-lying coastal plain, successive generations, have had to deal with the challenge of flooding, and we've recognised this for a long time.”
using climate revenues from the sale of carbon credits under Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy to fund further improvements, including upgrades to critical drainage structures and the construction of new canal systems.
Burunciuc further stressed that investment in resilience is essential to safeguarding Guyana’s recent development gains.
assets and gains that countries have made.
“You can build a lot of infrastructure. You can put in place new buildings, new roads, new houses, but if they are flooded, then you have to start building everything from scratch. So investing in resilience is very important.”
The Liliendaal “bullet” drainage pump which Burunciuc references, is located on the East Coast of Demerara, and forms part of a wider programme to strengthen drainage and irrigation systems and flood-risk management infrastructure across Guyana.
Joining the discussion, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, noted the facility has become an “invaluable” asset
in protecting Georgetown and its environs.
Dr Singh explained that, for decades, Guyana’s low-lying coastal plain, much of it below sea level, has been highly vulnerable to flooding due to the combination of heavy rainfall and high tides. Successive Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) governments have invested heavily in sea defences, drainage canals and irrigation structures, but progress was constrained by limited fiscal space.
“In particular our vulnerability to climate change was for a long time because of our topography, because of the fact that we have a low-lying coastal plain below sea level. Any combination of heavy rainfall and high tides make this low lying coastal plain very, very
The pump station was constructed in partnership with the World Bank as part of a broader effort to reinforce the East Demerara Water Conservancy and upgrade drainage and irrigation networks along the coast. The Government is also
Guyana is currently among the fastest-growing economies in the world, supported by oil production and expanding non-oil sectors. However, its government and development partners have consistently warned that climate vulnerability remains a central challenge.
The World Bank’s support to Guyana now com -
bines flood-risk management, climate-resilient infrastructure, and broader programmes aimed at strengthening human capital, including investments in education, digital skills and health systems. According to Burunciuc, the Liliendaal pump station is emblematic of how targeted climate investments can deliver immediate protection for citizens while underpinning long-term sustainable growth.
The modern infrastructure serves not only Liliendaal but also reduces flooding for Georgetown and nearby communities, including Turkeyen, Cummings Lodge, and as far as South Ruimveldt, due to the interconnected canals and drainage system.
(AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, has noted that Guyana’s digital identity card will initially rely on data already held by state agencies as the initiative gets underway following the operationalisation of the 2023 act.
The minister made these remarks during this week’s airing of his weekly show, "issues in the news" during which he affirmed that the
information to be collected at this stage is not new, but mirrors what is already accessible within the public domain through agencies such as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
He made the information known following the issuance of a commencement order by Prime Minister Mark Phillips, bringing the
- data protection act to also
be brought into force soon
Digital Identity Card Act of 2023 into full operation as of March 31.
“With the Act now fully operational, persons can begin applying for and receiving their digital identity cards,” Nandlall said.
He noted that, at present, the data being requested is consistent with what these agencies already collect. “The data that would be taken at this point in time remains the data that is acces-
sible in the public domain… the same type of data that GECOM has, the Guyana Revenue Authority has, and that NIS has,” he said.
However, he went on to add that with the digital identity card act being brought into force, whereas, before it was voluntary, now persons will have to apply to obtain their cards.
Nandlall emphasised that more sensitive personal information will only be collected once the country’s data protection framework is fully in place.
He disclosed that the government is actively working to operationalise the Data Protection Act, including the establishment of a Data Protection Agency.
“The government accords your private data and information the highest priority and wants to protect the integrity and confidentiality of that data,” he said while adding that private and confidential data will not be
requested until the necessary safeguards are implemented. Against this backdrop, Nandlall stated that a Data Commissioner has already been appointed and is in the process of setting up the administrative structures required for the Act to take effect very shortly. Meanwhile, the groundwork for distribution has already been laid with offices established across the country to facilitate applications for the new digital identity cards.
- Minister McCoy pledges continued support of nation’s children
Speaking to the more than fifty children that turned out on day one of the exercise, Minister McCoy pledged the government’s continued support of Guyana’s children (Elton John Photo)
CHILDREN of Leopold Street were all smiles on Monday afternoon as they took part in a vibrant kite-making workshop, hosted collaboratively by several government ministries. The activity is one of more than twenty similar workshops happening nationwide, including communities across Georgetown, East Bank, and along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. Hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Labour and
Manpower Planning, and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the event aims to strengthen community bonds while giving children a lively and engaging Easter experience. Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, speaking to the young participants, emphasised that events like this are part of a wider national effort to provide children with safe spaces for creativity, learning, and fun during the Easter period. As a first for the community, the workshop allowed children not only to design and decorate kites but also to cul-
BELIZE’S Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management, Honourable Orlando Habet, has described Demerara Distillers Limited’s (DDL) state-of-the-art dairy farm as “a visionary, innovative, environmentally sound and community-conscious initiative” that could serve as a model for the CARICOM region.
The declaration followed an extensive tour of the facility, which included over three hours of technical exchanges on farm design, feed cultivation, waste management, and environmental impact. Minister Habet, accompanied by Belize’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Ambassador Gale Garnett, was joined by Mr. Wilmot Garnett, Country Representative of the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA), and Dr. Steve Surujbally, a Guyanese veterinarian, both recognised experts
Dairies Inc., who emphasised the project’s role within DDL’s broader diversification programme.
agro-processing,” said Mr. Samaroo.
VALUE-ADDED
in dairy operations.
During the tour, DDL provided an overview of the project, highlighting its strategic objectives: strengthening local production capacity, reducing dependence on imported dairy products, and supporting national and regional food security. The tour was led by Komal Samaroo, Executive Chairman of Demerara
“This is a very important and innovative project for us, one that we have been developing over the past three years and where we have already made significant progress. We believe it will play a meaningful role not only in Guyana, but across the region, particularly as we advance shared food security goals and support the growth of agriculture and
FINAL touches are underway at the Ministry of Housing’s new headquarters at Plantation Houston, East Bank Demerara, a development set to enhance service delivery and working conditions.
Minister Habet praised
the scale and technical sophistication of the project, noting that it integrates primary production with value-added processing, a critical component for enhancing food security and economic growth. He also highlighted the project’s tangible community benefits, including the installation of electrical power lines, construction of a community centre by DDL, and government-supported infrastructural improvements such as a new bridge and paved main road. “This is an admirable demonstration of private-public co-operation,” he said.
The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between Guyana and Belize on shared priorities, including potential collaboration in agriculture, energy, and other sectors of mutual interest, while reinforcing the importance of regional integration under the CARICOM framework.
DDL remains committed to supporting Guyana’s agricultural transformation, emphasising innovation, technical partnerships, and long-term sustainability, with the aim of contributing to a more food-secure and economically resilient Caribbean.
Final touches are underway at the Ministry of Housing’s new headquarters at Plantation Houston, East Bank Demerara
The modern facility is designed to accommodate over 400 staff members, offering an environment that supports productivity, collaboration, and efficiency. Citizens can expect improved comfort and streamlined access to services once operations commence.
ficially begin operations at the new headquarters by the end of the first half of 2026, marking a significant step toward strengthening public service infrastructure and enhancing the delivery of housing-related services across Guyana.
The Ministry plans to of-
On Wednesday, Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, alongside Minister within the Ministry, Vanessa Benn and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bishram Kuppen, toured the nearly completed facility to provide updates on its progress. Senior management, including Director of Operations, Mrs. Denise King-Tudor and the Deputy Director of Projects, also joined the visit.
MENTAL health support for children and teenagers is taking centre stage at the Psychiatry Department’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, where a dedicated team works tirelessly to promote the well-being of young patients up to 18 years old.
The division provides comprehensive care for children and adolescents facing a range of mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and
conduct disorders. Services include therapy, counselling, psychological assessments, and, when needed, medication management. Care is delivered through outpatient clinics, inpatient services, liaison psychiatry, and emergency room support.
Recognising that a child’s mental health is shaped by family, school, and social experiences, the division emphasises a collaborative, family-centred approach.
Specialists work closely with parents, caregivers, and
schools to develop tailored treatment plans that address the needs of each child.
“Our approach focuses not only on the child but also on supporting families,” said the division, underscoring the importance of partnership in promoting mental well-being. Early intervention is encouraged, as timely support can significantly improve outcomes for children and adolescents.
The division’s team includes Child and Adoles -
cent Psychiatrists Dr Jenese
October an d Dr Baressa DeClou, who assess mental health conditions, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medication when necessary. Clinical Psychologists Ms. Karina Saad and Ms. Liset Cordovi provide therapy and psychological assessments, helping children navigate emotional and behavioural challenges. Clinical Social Workers Mr. Rodion McBean, Mrs. Ashwena Sutton, and Ms.
This multi-disciplinary team ensures that children receive holistic care designed to strengthen their emotional resilience, support academic success, and promote overall development
Persis Brummel offer family counselling, school collaboration, and connections to community resources.
Together, this multi-disciplinary team ensures that children receive holistic care designed to strengthen their emotional resilience, support academic success, and promote overall development.
Families concerned about a child’s mental health are encouraged to consult a General Practitioner at their nearest health centre for referral to specialised care. The division emphasises that mental health is as vital as physical health, and support is avail-
able for every family facing challenges.
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) expressed appreciation for the division’s dedication, noting that its work has a lasting impact on children, families, and the broader community.
“Early support can make a meaningful difference in a child’s life,” the hospital said, highlighting the ongoing commitment of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division to promoting the well-being of Guyana’s young population.
FROM PAGE 10
tivate imagination, teamwork, and self-expression. Minister McCoy highlighted the government’s continued support for children through cash grants, free school supplies, and enhanced learning resources, all aimed at nurturing the nation’s most precious assets. “We want our children all across the country to experience a good Easter and to be part of community activities such as this kite-making workshop,” he said. Highlighting the impact of ventures like these beyond the Easter season, Minister McCoy added, “We believe in the children of our country. We want you to have the best experiences growing up, to be protected and to be in safe spaces such as what we have here. The President ensured that we provide you and others across the country with the opportunity to experience this activity.”
Speaking to the children and their parents, Minister McCoy also highlighted the level of investment being made in the nation’s youth. Through targeted cash grants, educational initiatives, and resource investments, the government is cultivating the next generation of Guyana’s leaders. “Each of you is entitled to a cash grant for 2026, provided by President Irfaan Ali. We provide free exercise books and textbooks, and we work to create the right conditions in your schools,” he said. “We ensure you have the accessories and aids needed for learning. Classrooms are being equipped with ICT tools so you can learn using digital technology. We
want to ensure that you have every opportunity to grow into the best version of yourselves.”
Minister McCoy reminded the children of the importance of being seen, heard, and respected. “We want you to share your ideas and express yourselves freely, using your creative talents and energies for the positive growth of yourselves and your community. What I see here today represents a community of well-behaved children. Continue to cooperate with each other, your facilitators, and your community leaders. Respect your parents, listen to your teachers, and make use of every opportunity for learning and development.”
With the workshop slated to continue to Thursday, more than fifty children already gained a memorable experience. Pledging continued support to Guyana’s children, Minister McCoy stated that, “We want you to grow into the best men and women, making positive contributions to society and leading good lives where you can take care of yourselves and your families. We will continue to carry out activities in this community to ensure you are always engaged and have the best opportunities for growth and development,” he said. This workshop, along with the numerous others happening across the country, emphasises the government’s commitment to investing in children, empowering them to grow, express themselves, and contribute positively to their communities.
WOMEN in Guyana now have access to a new, convenient form of birth control with the introduction of the contraceptive patch by the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), marking the first time the method is being offered locally.
The organisation announced, on Tuesday, that the patch is now available at its Quamina Street clinic, positioning GRPA as the first healthcare provider in the
country to bring the transdermal contraceptive option to market.
The contraceptive patch is a small adhesive worn on the skin that releases a steady, low dose of hormones norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol over a seven-day period to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation. When used correctly, the method is up to 99 per cent effective.
Executive Director, Kobe Smith, described the rollout as a major advancement in reproductive healthcare access.
“This is a significant step forward for sexual and reproductive health in Guyana,” Smith said. “We are committed to expanding contraceptive choice and ensuring that women and girls have access to modern, safe and convenient options that suit their lifestyles.”
Unlike daily oral contraceptives, the patch is applied once per week for three consecutive weeks, followed by a patch-free week. It can be worn on areas such as the abdomen, upper arm, buttocks or upper torso, and is designed to remain in place during routine activities.
Health officials say the weekly application may improve adherence among users who find it difficult to maintain a daily pill regimen, offering greater flexibility and control.
The introduction of the patch forms part of GRPA’s broader push to widen access to modern contraceptive methods and reduce unintended pregnancies, while empowering women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
The new offering complements the organisation’s existing services, which include family planning, abortion care, HIV testing and treatment, cancer screening, laboratory diagnostics and adolescent-friendly healthcare.
The contraceptive patch is currently available at GRPA’s Georgetown clinic, with plans
to expand distribution through outreach programmes and partnerships in other regions.
Prospective users are encouraged to consult with trained healthcare providers to deter-
mine whether the method is suitable for their individual health needs.
GRPA, established in 1975, is one of Guyana’s leading providers of sexual and reproduc-
tive health services, offering affordable and accessible care nationwide.
THE Guyana Police Force has commenced full enforcement of the country’s newly implemented vehicle tint regulations, with Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mahendra Singh, warning that motorists must now comply as the law takes effect nationwide.
Speaking on the programme “Traffic and You” aired on Radio Eve Leary on Wednesday, Singh said the enforcement phase follows months of public education and preparation and marks a decisive shift toward stricter regulation on the nation’s roads.
He emphasised that the initiative is rooted in public safety, noting that the tint regulations are part of broader efforts to improve visibility, accountability, and overall security. According to Singh, drivers are now expected to fully adhere to the standards as enforcement is carried out in a structured and consistent manner.
The Guyana Police Force has begun the enforcement of the tint regulation. Under the rules, rear windows must not exceed 20 per cent visible light transmission, while front windows must allow at least 25 per cent (Radio Eve Leary Photos)
“The public interest is at the heart of each serving member of the Traffic Department,” Singh stated, noting that enforcement officially began at 06:00hrs on Wednesday.
Under the regulations, specific limits have been established for visible light transmission (VLT). The law permits 25 per cent VLT on the front windshield visor— measured at six inches—and the two front side windows. Rear side windows and the rear windshield may have a darker tint, with a minimum of 20 per cent VLT.
maintained that the Guyana Police Force remains committed to professionalism and accountability.
“This is not an avenue for misconduct,” he said, adding that the Force, which comprises more than 8,500 members, has evolved significantly and is focused on serving the public.
Prior to the enforcement phase, motorists were given opportunities to voluntarily comply. Tint metres were installed at key police stations across all regional divisions, allowing drivers to test their vehicles and make necessary adjustments. However, Singh expressed disappointment at the limited public response during that period, saying more motorists should have taken advantage of the resources provided.
Singh also outlined provisions for exemptions, noting that motorists may apply through the Ministry of Home Affairs in cases involving medical conditions, the transportation of cash, or other high-risk activities. He stressed that exemption certificates must be presented to police upon request, in accordance with Regulation One of 2026 under the amended Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act.
Addressing concerns about potential misuse of the new measures, Singh rejected suggestions that the enforcement drive could lead to harassment by officers. He
While acknowledging that officers may encounter unique situations on the road, Singh made it clear that discretion will not extend to compromising the law.
He noted that although some level of consideration may be given in certain circumstances, the regulations must ultimately be upheld.
As enforcement intensifies, motorists are being urged to ensure their vehicles meet the legal requirements. With the awareness phase concluded, the Guyana Police Force has signalled its readiness to fully implement the law as part of its mandate to maintain order and safety on the country’s roadways.
THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) met on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to strengthen strategies aimed at addressing noise nuisance across the country, in line with the Memorandum of Agreement signed in 2022.
The meeting, co-chaired by Mr. Surjpaul Singh, Head of the Investigations and Enforcement Department at the EPA, brought
together Deputy Commanders from all 10 regions to discuss coordinated approaches for managing noise complaints.
Officials focused on identifying noise hotspots within each division and developing a phased, collaborative strategy to address these areas effectively.
Emphasis was placed on enhanced training to boost enforcement capabilities, as well as capacity-building initiatives to ensure
- as Finance Minister continues to urge citizens to access self-registration portal - says $8.5 billion disbursed directly to eligible Guyanese citizens since portal launch
AN additional 23,816 persons will see their cash grants credited to their bank accounts within the next 24 hours, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has announced.
Delivering an update on the National Cash Grant Initiative, Dr Singh said this new batch of payments brings the total number of successfully processed cash grants to 85,842, representing more than $8.5 billion disbursed directly to eligible Guyanese citizens.
He explained that the first phase of the disbursement saw 48,858 central government employees including public servants, teachers and members of the disciplined services – receiving their grants via direct bank transfer.
Subsequently, the government opened an online portal to allow other eligible citizens to self register by submitting their personal details, proof of identity, and bank account information.
“You would further be aware that we established a portal through which eligible Guyanese citizens might be able to self-register, to register themselves by entering their personal information, their proof of identity, they do a simple liveness check and enter their bank account information,” he said.
As of March 30, 26,639 persons had completed self-registration, with 13,168 of them already processed for payment. Since then, registrations have climbed sharply, with 63,113 persons now fully registered and a further 25,879 at various stages of the process.
Dr Singh urged all eligible Guyanese to continue using the portal, even if they had encountered difficulties on earlier attempts, and encouraged those who have not yet registered to do so at cashgrant.gov.gy so they can receive their cash grants without leaving the comfort of their homes.
sustained management. The agencies also stressed the importance of public education and sensitisation, which will be rolled out through regional outreach activities.
The session concluded with both the EPA and GPF reaffirming their commitment to working together to reduce noise nuisance and promote a quieter, safer environment for communities across Guyana.
By Indrawattie Natram
RESIDENTS of Region Two are set to benefit from significantly improved access to government services following the official commissioning of the Government of Guyana (GOG) Service Centre, a major step toward modernising public service delivery in the region.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Hon. Zulfikar Ally, described the initiative as a “game changer” that will transform how citizens access essential services. He urged Essequibians to take full advantage of the numerous training opportunities available, noting that thousands have already benefitted from the Government’s GOAL Scholarship programme. According to the Minister, the strong response reflects a growing appetite among residents to further their education, as he re-
affirmed the government’s commitment to human development
Minister Ally also highlighted the administration’s aggressive push toward digital transformation, pointing to the rollout of the Electronic Identification (E-ID) system. He explained that the new service centre will facilitate E-ID registration, making government services more accessible in a digital format. “Gone are the days when persons had to travel long distances to access government services,” he stated, noting that decentralisation remains a key priority of the Government of Guyana.
The centre Minister Ally said will provide a wide range of essential services, including passport applications, birth certificate processing, legal aid, and other critical government functions. Similar centres have already been established in Regions Three and Five, with plans underway for Region Nine and eventual expansion to all
administrative regions
Further emphasising accessibility, Minister Ally revealed that each Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is equipped with help desks to assist residents, ensuring that no one is left behind. He also encouraged citizens to utilise digital platforms such as the Citizen Connect app to report issues and access services efficiently and free of cost. He extended gratitude to the Regional Democratic Council and all stakeholders for their support in making the initiative a reality.
The Integrated Service Centre Minister Ally said forms part of the government’s broader vision of equitable development under President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s “One Guyana” initiative, which aims to improve quality of life and ensure equal access to services nationwide. Since 2020, Region Two has seen significant investments in infrastructure, including upgrades to roads, bridges, drainage systems, and
agricultural facilities. Among the major projects is the $880 million Charity Wharf development, along with the commissioning of a 5-megawatt solar facility in 2025, marking a milestone in renewable energy advancement.
In the agricultural sector, he explained approximately 6,000 rice farmers are expected to benefit from a nationwide crop insurance programme introduced in 2025, designed to protect against climate-related losses. Meanwhile, the health and education sectors have also seen notable improvements, including the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital at Lima, plans for a healthcare training institution in Suddie, and the building or rehabilitation of 42 schools across the region
Speaking on Human capital development, such continues to be a priority, with over 4,500 GOAL scholarships awarded to residents of Region Two since 2021, alongside expand-
ed training opportunities for public servants. Additionally, digital platforms such as E-ID, SkillsConnect, CitizenConnect, and GovConnect are enhancing access to services, employment opportunities, and citizen engagement Director General of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Sonia Latchman, noted that Region Two is rapidly advancing and that the new service centre will complement ongoing development. She commended the government for bringing essential services closer to the people, emphasising that decentralisation is key to national progress and improved service delivery.
Regional Chairman, Devin Mohan, also underscored the importance of the centre, noting that it will significantly reduce travel time while providing faster, more efficient access to services. He described the initiative as a major step toward delivering convenient, responsive, and
people-centred services across the region, highlighting the continued development taking place under the current administration.
The facility brings together a wide range of essential agencies under one roof, including Digital Identity Card Registration, the Guyana Register Office, Small Business Bureau, Guyana National Bureau of Standards, Environmental Protection Agency, the Central Immigration and Passport Office, and the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic. With these services now centralised, residents no longer need to travel to Georgetown to conduct official business, resulting in reduced costs, time savings, and improved efficiency.
The commissioning of the GOG Service Centre signals a new era of accessibility, convenience, and progress for Region Two, as the government continues its push to deliver inclusive, people-centred services and strengthen community development.
THE Private Sector Commission of Guyana Limited has voiced strong support for the Government’s recently launched online registration platform for the 2026 National Cash Grant, reinforcing calls for citizens to embrace the digital initiative aimed at streamlining access to social support.
In an official statement, the Commission welcomed the rollout of the govern-
of the 2026 Budget’s social support measures.
Government officials, including Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, have encouraged citizens to sign up and also to open bank accounts to receive the grant directly into their accounts, a measure aimed at making disbursements quicker and more secure.
According to reports, thousands of Guyanese
ment’s digital portal, highlighting its potential to improve efficiency, reduce physical barriers, and make the registration process more convenient for eligible Guyanese adults. The online portal, launched late last week, allows users to register from their homes, at any time, eliminating the need to queue at physical centres across the country.
“Our endorsement of this platform underscores our belief in modern, people-centred public service delivery that responds to the needs of citizens,” the Commission said, stressing that the digital system aligns with broader efforts to enhance financial inclusion and support economic growth.
The online portal, accessible at https://cashgrant.gov.gy, was established as part of the Government’s phased rollout of the 2026 $100,000 National Cash Grant to every Guyanese citizen aged 18 and older, a flagship component
completed the registration process within the first 24 hours after the portal’s launch, demonstrating early interest in the digitally enabled system. Government data shows that significant numbers have already received their grants as the initiative progresses, with more than GY$6.2 billion disbursed to eligible citizens through various phases of the programme.
In its release, the Private Sector Commission urged all eligible citizens to take “full advantage” of the platform, describing it as an accessible and efficient tool for participating in one of the government’s most widely anticipated social support initiatives. “We encourage all eligible Guyanese to take full advantage of this accessible and efficient platform as we continue to advance financial inclusion and economic growth across Guyana,” the statement affirmed.
FOUR-time world champions Italy failed to qualify for a third World Cup in a row after a devastating penalty shootout defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina.
No previous winner of the tournament has missed three consecutive instalments of the competition, after they also failed to reach Russia in 2018 and Qatar 2022.
Pio Esposito - who fired over - and Bryan Cristantewho hit the underside of the crossbar - missed spot-kicks in the shootout after Gennaro
Gattuso's 10 men had held on amid a barrage of Bosnian shots to take the game to penalties.
Bosnia-Herzegovinaand 40-year-old captain Edin Dzeko - have now qualified for just the second time in their history and will face Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B this summer. But this was a woeful night for Italian football as the four-time winners failed again.
A tearful manager Gennaro Gattuso insisted his future "was not important" after the head of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Gabriele Gravina told reporters he had asked Gattuso to stay.
Gattuso said: "It hurts, because we needed it for us, for all of Italy and for our movement. A blow that's difficult to digest.
"I would have given up years of my life, money, for us to achieve our goal."
Gravina insisted he would not step down but admitted Italian football had now reached a "profound crisis".
Italy led when Moise Kean provided a fine finish from the edge of the area after Nicolo Barella pounced when Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj misplaced a pass in the 15th minute.
But the home side's hopes of a comeback were enhanced when Italy defend-
er Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for hacking down
Amar Memic with the Bosnia winger clean through on goal five minutes before the break.
Italy keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into a string of second-half saves but when he pushed out Edin Dzeko's header from Amar Dedic's 79th-minute cross, Haris Tabakovic managed to turn home the rebound to force extra time.
The hosts were then perfect from the spot with Benjamin Tahirovic, Tabakovic,
Kerim Alajbegovic and Esmir Bajraktarevic scoring to secure their place in the summer tournament.)
"Italian children will see another World Cup without Italy," said tearful winger Leonardo Spinazzola.
"I still can't believe that we went out like this, after playing with 10 men. With grit, we took it to penalties, we could have scored three or four goals and it's really a great disappointment for everyone." (BBC Sport)
The GMR&SC confirmed on Wednesday that while the technical variance existed, it was not the result of intentional tampering.
In a statement, the club noted that the error "stemmed from circumstances outside the competitor and the technical team," leading to the immediate reversal of the disqualification.
(From back page)
The ruling sees Steven Nobrega and Jared Ramnarayan move back to second and third place, respectively.
The GMR&SC reiterated that the appeal process remains a fundamental right for all competitors to ensure "technical and sporting fairness" across all disciplines at the Thomas Lands circuit.
LUKA Doncic had 42 points and 12 assists, and LeBron James scored 14 points in his NBA-record 1,229th career win, powering the Los Angeles Lakers to a decisive 127-113 victory over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.
Los Angeles (50-26) won for the 13th time in its last 14 games, clinching a playoff spot and the Pacific Division title earlier in the night when the Phoenix Suns lost. The Lakers sit third in the Western Conference, two games ahead of the Denver Nuggets.
James surpassed Hall of Fame centre Kareem Ab
dul-Jabbar for the most combined regular season and playoff wins. The all-time scoring leader added five rebounds and six assists against the Cavaliers, who he spent 11 seasons with over two stints.
MVP candidate Doncic returned from an automatic one-game suspension for picking up his 16th technical foul. He became the third-youngest player with 15,000 career points at 27 years, 31 days (James holds the mark at 25, 79).
Jarrett Allen scored 18 points for Cleveland (4729), which remained one
Lebron James scored 14 points in his NBA-record 1,229th career win
game behind the third-place New York Knicks in the East. James Harden had 17 points and Donovan Mitchell
chipped in 10 points and six assists.
The Cavaliers, whose magic number to make the
playoffs is one, have won six of their last eight and are 16-6 with Harden in the lineup.
Deandre Ayton had 18 points and nine rebounds, and Austin Reaves scored 19 for Los Angeles, which blew the game open by scoring 45 in the third to go up 110-83. It was the 100th victory for coach JJ Redick.
The Lakers carried a 6553 advantage into the half, fuelled by 20 points and seven assists from Doncic and 11 points and six rebounds from Ayton. Allen had 18 points on 9-of-11 field-goal attempts, but Mitchell only scored two for the Cavaliers.
Doncic wasted no time getting back in the flow, taking 10 shots and scoring 14 points while playing the entire first. Cleveland held a 34-32 lead behind nine points from Harden and eight points and three rebounds by Allen. Los Angeles guard Marcus Smart (right ankle bruise) missed his fourth game in a row, while the Cavaliers were without swingman Sam Merrill (left hamstring soreness). Cleveland forwards Jaylon Tyson (left great toe bruise) and Dean Wade (right ankle sprain) did not travel with the team on its three-game trip. (Reuters)
WITH an eye on winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Indian soil, Australia have added off-spinner Todd Murphy and retained Matthew Kuhnemann in the 21-man central contracts list for 2026-27.
The selectors have leaned into spin depth with Nathan Lyon, now 38, working his way back from hamstring surgery sustained during the home Ashes last year.
08:00 hrs Without Remorse 08:35 hrs Golden Operator
09:10 hrs Miss Hannigan 09:45 hrs Kensal Green 10:20 hrs Banff 10:55 hrs Mrs Stormia Trix
Fast bowler Brendan Doggett received his first full contract while opener Jake Weatherald kept his upgraded deal from last summer. Michael Neser also returns to the list after an impressive showing in the home summer.
Those missing out from the previous cycle include Usman Khawaja (retired), Sam Konstas, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson and Matt Short.
Australia men's contracts 2026-27: Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa.
The schedule ahead is dense. Australia are set to play 15 Tests across the next year: two at home against Bangladesh, three away in South Africa, four at home against New Zealand and a five-Test tour of India along with a one-off 150th anniversary match at the MCG. A World Test Championship final could follow, before a five-Test away Ashes tour in
mid-2027.
"The contract list strives to balance reward for performances over time with a lens to the upcoming schedule," said George Bailey, Chair of men's national selectors. "The next 12 months encompasses a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges - South Africa, India and England as well as the Top
End and home Tests across the summer.
"This is reflected in the contract list through a predominance of Test and multi-format players for this cycle. Given the upcoming schedule of series we know we will continue to need and utilise players outside of those contracted.
"This year, perhaps more than ever, it is essential we continue working closely with and collaborate with states to ensure players are developing and ready for international cricket when they get opportunities."
Players outside the list can still earn upgrades by featuring regularly in internationals over the next 12 months. As per Cricket Australia's agreement with the Australian Cricketers' Association, the initial list must include between 20 and 24 players. (Cricbuzz)
14:00 hrs Gino Bella
14:30 hrs World As One
AMERICAN RACING TIPS
AQUEDUCT
Race 1 Full Moon Madness
Race 2 Beira
Race 3 Grace Performed
Race 4 Noguchi
Race 5 Irish Jackson
Race 6 New York Scrappy
IMPACT substitute Sameer
Rizvi helped Delhi Capitals recover from a precarious position and claim a six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League.
Chasing 142, Capitals lost KL Rahul first ball and slipped to 26-4 halfway through the fifth over.
Rizvi was brought into the game at the fall of the second wicket and finished unbeaten on 70 off 47 balls as Capitals
won with 17 balls to spare.
He put on an unbroken 119 for the fifth wicket with South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs, who made 39 not out.
Earlier, Super Giants were bowled out for 141 with Abdul Samad (36) and Mitch Marsh (35) the only batters to pass 14.
Seamers Thangarasu Natarajan and Lungi Ngidi were the pick of the Capitals bowlers, picking up 3-29 and 3-27 respectively. (BBC)
MULTIPLE bidders have proposed investments of at least $1 billion in the startup NBA Europe league, The Athletic reported Wednesday.
Per multiple reports, there was interest from more than 120 investors ranging in price to Tuesday's midnight deadline for non-binding proposals.
"We have received significant interest from a range of prospective teams and investors for permanent franchise spots in a new league in Europe," NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum said in a statement to The Athletic.
"The level of engagement and the scale of the bids reflect the marketplace's belief in our proposed model and the enormous, untapped potential for European basketball. We will now review the bids in more detail and shortlist the partners who share our vision and commitment to accelerating the growth of the game across the continent."
The NBA reportedly is seeking between $500 million and $1 billion for a permanent entry into the league.
The reported targeted cities for 12 permanent franchises London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Rome, Milan, Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin, Munich, Athens and Istanbul.
Those 12 "licensed" teams would be joined in competitive play every year by four teams that earn their way into the top league via performance at smaller leagues throughout Europe.
Talk has increased recently about the potential for
a partnership between the NBA and the EuroLeague. The potential also is there for the sides to clash over the planned NBA Europe.
"I think for the betterment of European basketball, the best outcome would be if we came together with the EuroLeague here and that we came up with a systematic approach to growing the game throughout Europe,"
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said last week.
Silver's target remains an October 2027 launch for the NBA Europe league.
(Reuters)
Evin Lewis who has over 500 runs. We have Cephas Cooper, who has been scoring runs consistently in every single tournament that he played in.
“There’s also Ricky Jaipaul, who has the most wickets so far and still didn’t make the final 13, so it is very difficult. Navin Bid -
AMELIA Kerr's unbeaten 179 off 139 balls lit up the Basin Reserve as New Zealand pulled off the highest successful run chase in women's ODIs and levelled the series against South Africa.
Chasing 348 in the second ODI, New Zealand lost Suzie Bates early in the fifth over, leaving Kerr to steady things with a 52-run stand with Georgia Plimmer in the tall chase. At 130/4 around the halfway stage, after the fall of Brooke Halliday, South Africa still had a grip on the game, but Kerr found the perfect partner in Isabella Gaze, who struck 68 off 48 and injected the momentum New Zealand needed.
Kerr's 120-run partnership with Gaze came off just 81 balls and shifted the game decisively, with the New Zealand captain getting to her fifth ODI ton off 90 balls and then accelerating.
Kerr struck 23 fours and a six, playing the anchor and then the aggressor to keep up with the required run-rate even as wickets fell around her. It was fitting that she hit the winning boundary, sealing the result with a couple of balls to spare.
Earlier, Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch
added 132 for the second wicket to lay the platform for South Africa's 347. Tazmin Brits fell early, but the pair rebuilt steadily. Chloe Tryon then provided the late surge with an unbeaten 52 off 25 balls, pushing the total to what looked like a match-winning score. (Cricbuzz)
FAKHAR Zaman has been suspended for two matches of PSL 2026 after being found guilty of a Level Three breach of the tournament's Code of Conduct, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Tuesday.
aisee, one of the younger players coming through the system has not been in the final 13,” Emrit said.
“So, it was a bit of a headache. I think it’s a good headache to have when you have players on the bench who are just as good as the 13 selected. We had discussions with the guys who have been left out.”
(From page 23)
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO SQUAD: Joshua Da Silva (captain), Cephas Cooper, Evin Lewis, Amir Jangoo, Jason Mohammed, Yannic Cariah, Terrence Hinds, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip, Bryan Charles, Jyd Goolie and Joshua James.
score, he was a relentless force, leading all players with five shots, two on target, and eight touches in the opposition box.
For Jamaica, it was a heartbreaking end to their World Cup dream. Despite enjoying 52.5 per cent possession and completing more passes (437 to 389), they
failed to translate control into meaningful chances.
A dejected coach, Rudolph Speid, reflected on the fine margins that decided the contest.
“I think we lost concentration on a set play, and I think that made the difference between winning and losing,” Speid said. “The
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players gave 100 per cent. I thought the players played in a more relaxed manner. We had confidence and belief.
“The players, coaching staff, we tried our best. We got a few opportunities, but it wasn’t to be. We tried our best, and I think that is what most Jamaicans expected.”
The charge relates to a violation of Article 2.14, which deals with altering the condition of the ball, during Lahore Qalandars' fixture against Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium on March 29. The incident occurred in the closing stages of the match when on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars five runs and ordered a ball change ahead of the final over of Karachi Kings' innings.
Fakhar was charged by the on-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. He denied the offence and opted to contest the charge, which led to a full
Lucas Brothers Memorial,
disciplinary hearing.
Match referee Roshan Mahanama, who conducted the hearing, arrived at the decision after reviewing the evidence and hearing Fakhar's submission. Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana and manager Farooq Anwar were present during the proceedings.
A Level Three offence carries a sanction ranging from a minimum one-match ban to a maximum of two
took a bruising turn.
matches, with Fakhar handed the upper limit of the penalty. He will now miss Lahore Qalandars' upcoming fixtures against Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore and Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi. Under the PSL Code of Conduct, players have the right to appeal such decisions to the tournament's Technical Committee within 48 hours of receiving the match referee's written verdict. (Cricbuzz)
fused to pack it in, showing the kind of resilience that suggests he has the mental fortitude to match his physical engine. Cyclist Alexander Leung makes... (From page 23)
with a clinical win in the Junior three-lap event. However, the afternoon
Despite a crash in the six-lap race and a frustrating mechanical failure in the 500m Open, Leung re-
By Frederick Halley
PLAYING unbeaten
throughout the three days of intense competition, New York Softball Cricket Doctors maintained their supremacy to emerge winners of the Legends Over-50 category when the 18th edition of the South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) tournament ended on a successful note at Oswald Park last Sunday.
Clear favourites to take the title after turning back the challenge of Guyana’s Regal Legends in the semi-final the previous day at Brian Piccolo Park, Softball Cricket Doctors didn’t disappoint their many followers, winning comfortably by five wickets over Orlando Legends.
Set 151 for victory, after limiting Orlando Legends to 150 for three in their allotted 20 overs, which saw a few stoppages because of rain, Softball Cricket Doctors reached the required total with one over to spare, losing five wickets in the process.
Opener Harischandra Sahadeo led the way with a fine 60 off 46 balls, an innings decorated with six fours and
two sixes, adding 68 for the first wicket with Sunil Dhaniram (18) before departing in the 14th over.
The consistent Imran Ali, who also played a pivotal role in Saturday’s semi-final win, steadied the middle-order with a composed 33 which included two fours and two sixes but went via the run-out route with four needed for victory. Sham Veerasammy took two for 11 from his four overs.
Earlier, Orlando Legends, despite only losing three wickets, failed to accelerate
their scoring rate with former Guyana national player Bhim George hitting a top score of 47 with three fours and a six while facing 47 balls as he attempted to steady the middle order.
Opener Sharesh Sarran also laboured for 32 (one four and one six) off 37 balls before retiring hurt while extras were a healthy 29. Shashi Wilfred bagged two for 14. In what was considered the game of the category, Softball Cricket Doctors held their nerves to get the better of Regal Legends in a
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC )– Veteran opening batsman Evin Lewis has been surprisingly named in Trinidad and Tobago’s Red Force squad for the upcoming West Indies Championship.
The 34-year-old, who last played first-class cricket for T&T in 2017, was included in a 13-member squad that will travel to Antigua for their three matches against the Leeward Islands Volcanoes beginning April 12. Lewis has been rewarded for his outstanding performances with the bat during the ongoing Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board Premier Division Championships, where he has recorded scores of 232 not out against Merryboys, 113 against Powergen Penal and 106 against Prisons.
Lewis will replace the injured Lendl Simmons on
will
the West Indies team for the World T20 tournament. However, no room has been found for fellow opener Jeremy Solozano and leftarm spinner Ricky Jaipaul despite their impressive performances.
Solozano has scored 593 runs from 12 matches at an average of 74.1, while
Jaipaul is the leading wicket taker in the Premier Division.
The experienced team will be led once again by Joshua Da Silva.
Head coach Rayad Emrit said selecting the final team had been very difficult.
“Solozano, yes, he scored a double century. We have
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sixes (15 balls) and Imran Ali who was undefeated on 23 (two fours) when victory was achieved in 18.1 overs. Mahendranauth “Bobby” Parasnauth, who engineered the early collapse, ended with two for 27.
power-packed entertaining semi-final.
Needing to get 159, after Regal Legends stumbled to 158 for seven, looking well set for a score in excess of 200, Softball Cricket Doctors reached the target with 11 balls to spare.
Staring down the barrel at 98 for five in the 15th over, Softball Cricket Doctors were given a late surge with an electrifying undefeated sixth wicket partnership of 62 off a mere 23 balls from Latchman Mohan who blasted 38 with one four and four
Regal Legends were earlier given a rollicking start of 72 in 6.3 overs from openers Eon Abel and Uniss Yusuf (18), with the former slamming an entertaining 49 (32 balls) with seven fours and one six. They however suffered a middle-order collapse before Roy Persaud (41) and Richard Driffield (23) rallied them to 158 for seven. Wilfred (two form 12), Ghansham Persaud (two for 30) and Kundanlall Chickery (two for 38) were the main destroyers.
The other semi-final also saw the exit of debutants Parika Legends, ending any thoughts of having a Guyana outfit in the final.
Taking first strike, Parika Legends were blown away for 83 in 18.2 overs with only Oswald Chandla (29), Zameer Hassan (20) and Ganesh Prashad (14) reaching double figures. Deo Boodhan (three for 16), Deochand Ramjattan (two for 13) and
Maniram Boodhoo (two for 14) were responsible for the dismal showing.
Orlando Legends rushed to 86 for one in 14.3 overs with George unbeaten on 46 and Daniel Sahadeo not out with 29.
The winners took home US $3,000 and the winning trophy while there were several other incentive awards.
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the final award went to Harischandra Sahadeo while the overall MVP award was given to Vishwanauth Lutchman (Corriverton).
Lutchman also took home two other prizes for scoring the most runs (230) and registering a century (130). Other centurions were Yusuf (Regal Legends), Salim Amzah (Parika Legends), Dhaniram (Cricket Doctors), Samuel Kingston (Corriverton), Errapali Sahadeo (Softball Cricket Doctors), Dubraj Singh (Parika Legends) and Ravin Churaman (Ocala Legends). Ronald Evelyn from USA Legends was the lone player with a five-wicket haul while Dean Boodhan took nine wickets to top the bowling charts.
THE "Leung" name has long been synonymous with Guyanese cycling, but Alexander Leung is busy carving out a legacy all of his own.
Fresh off his Junior National Road Race title, Leung has transitioned seamlessly to the boards of Trinidad and Tobago, turning in a series of commanding performances at the Arima Velodrome Cycling Classics this past Saturday.
Leung’s dominance in the Junior category is becoming a familiar sight.
On March 28, the youngster looked untouchable, reinforcing his status as one of the Caribbean’s most exciting prospects.
It wasn’t a one-off, either; just seven days prior, Leung was busy outpacing his peers and—crucially—holding his own against seasoned senior riders.
Success hasn't come without its hurdles. At the
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His tactical maturity was on full display at the Southern Games. Leung secured a statement victory in the Devil Takes the Hindmost, a race notorious for testing both legs and nerves. He backed that up with a fifth-place finish in the Junior four-lap event and a sixthplace finish in the combined Elite (1, 2 & 3) and Junior 20-lap race.
through the off side during his top score for Guyana yesterday
By Sean Devers
AFTER a lengthy delay due to a soft area adjacent to the match pitch, Guyana beat Barbados by 76 runs at Police Sports Club ground Eve Leary yesterday, in the second game of the Guyana zone of the CWI Bilateral 50-over U-16 tournament.
Guyana won the toss in overcast conditions and elect-
ed to bat on a bowler-friendly track in a game that was reduced to 31 overs.
The home team reached 137-8 from 31 overs before demolishing the Barbadians for a paltry 61 from 20.1 overs.
The left-handed Lomar Seecharran and Asgaralli Nabbie added 29 for the first wicket before off-spinner Shawnico Sargeant had Seecharran
(11) caught behind with one that turned and brushed his edge as he pushed forward.
Jalan McAllister removed Nabbie (11) 10 runs later to leave Guyana 38-2 before dismissing Trever Reynolds for a duck to leave Guyana on 44-3 in the 14th over.
Makai Dowlin joined Nathan Bishop who was stroking the ball confidently but when well set for a big score Mi-
chael Bend sent him back to the packed pavilion.
His 37 lasted 46 balls and was decorated with three fours and a six. His demise left the host on 96-4.
Altaf Ali (1) did not last long, falling to Liam Sealy a run later, before Dowlin— watched by a raucous, partisan turnout that included his father, former Test batter Travis Dowlin—crafted a careful 20
GUADALAJARA, Mexico, (CMC) – The long wait is over. For the first time in 52 years, the Democratic Republic of Congo will grace the World Cup stage after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Jamaica in their intercontinental play-off final at Estadio AKRON here on Tuesday.
In a tense affair that stretched into extra time, it was defender Axel Tuanzebe who etched his name into Congolese folklore, poking home from close range in the 100th minute to spark wild celebrations and book their ticket to this summer’s tournament in North America.
The victory sets up a challenging Group F assignment for the Leopards, who will face Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia at the World Cup.
Congo started with in -
tensity, but early on, striker Cedric Bakambu was repeatedly frustrated by Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake. At the other end, Ethan Pinnock’s header was easily gathered by Lionel Mpasi. The woodwork was rattled twice before halftime, first by
Congo’s Meschack Elia, then by Jamaica’s Leon Bailey with a long-range effort, as the sides went into the break deadlocked.
Bakambu continued to be a menace after the restart, testing Blake again before Yoane Wissa fired wide. As
clear-cut chances remained elusive, the match appeared destined for extra time.
Congo thought they had snatched it in the 85th minute when Bakambu bundled the ball over the line, but the flag was swiftly raised, with Theo Bongonda judged offside in the buildup.
But with penalties looming, Tuanzebe delivered the decisive blow. In the 100th minute, Jamaica failed to clear an in-swinging corner, and the defender was on hand inside the six-yard box to fire home and send the DR Congo contingent into delirium.
The statistics underlined Congo’s deserved victory. Steve Kompany’s side generated 1.45 expected goals from 19 shots, while holding the Reggae Boyz to just 0.3 from six attempts.
Though Bakambu didn’t
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from 43 balls.
Guyana lost two quick wickets before Leon Reddy hit Kieran Gittens for a six and a four in the last over which yielded 19 runs.
McAllister took 3-24 and Sealy took 2-34 for the visitors who lost wickets in bunches.
Despite a fighting 35 from Oshea Francis, which included four boundaries—three
of them sixes—as he took a liking to leg-spinner Jaydan Ganpat, whom he deposited for three sixes in the same over, only opener Javion Batson, who struck three fours in his 13, reached double figures among the others.
Man-of-the-Match Reddy took 4-8 and got support from Grimmond who claimed 3-9.
The next match is set for the same venue today.
Calvin Ming reinstated as karting winner after successful appeal
THE Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has officially restored Calvin Ming as the winner of the Briggs and Stratton Light class following a technical investigation.
Ming, driving the #4 kart, had taken the chequered flag during Sunday’s MPS Kart Revival event at the
Thomas Lands facility in Georgetown. However, his victory was initially stripped after post-race scrutineering flagged a violation regarding clearance tolerances.
Following a formal appeal by the Ming team, officials conducted a secondary review of the technical breach.
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