President, Dr Irfaan Ali and President of Panama José Raúl Mulino held a constructive meeting focused on deepening bilateral ties, with Panama announcing plans to open an embassy in Georgetown, while reaffirming diplomatic and multilateral support. Guyana highlighted opportunities for partnership in oil and gas, logistics, agriculture, climate action, and security, and invited Panama to join the Global Biodiversity Alliance as a founding member, which Panama accepted. Both leaders agreed to strengthen private-sector collaboration, enhance connectivity and energy integration, and pursue continued engagement to advance shared prosperity and regional co-operation (Office of the President)
President Ali observes operations of Belize’s Santander Sugar Limited
President, Dr Irfaan Ali visited the operations of Santander Sugar Limited in the Cayo District, Belize, to get a first-hand look at the manufacturing processes and how mechanisation is improving efficiency and yields. During the visit, the President also had the opportunity to view several varieties of sugarcane being cultivated as part of the company’s agricultural programme.Santander is currently partnering with Guyana’s private sector to establish a modern sugar refinery in Guyana (Office of the President)
–– Minister Browne lambastes WIN MP Hastings for silence amidst atrocities against Amerindians from 2015-2020 –– points to ‘real progress’ being achieved under PPP/C
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday hailed significant improvements in Guyana’s labour market, attributing the most recent gains to a diversified economic strategy and targeted government policies.
Addressing recent data from the Bureau of Statistics during a live broadcast on Facebook, Dr Ali said unemployment had dropped sharply from 12.8 per cent in 2020 to 6.8 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024.
He highlighted a reduction in female unemployment from 14.4 per cent to under nine per cent and said the gains were evident across both urban and rural areas, signalling more equitable regional development.
“Unemployment rates are also fairly balanced across regions. So, it is not to say that the jobs are only created in urban centres,” the President said, adding: “When you look at the distribution of jobs and the analytics
behind unemployment rates, you will see that it is evenly distributed in rural and urban centres, which speak to the fact that government growth and private-sector growth is [sic] following the development agenda of the country that is driven by infrastructure, that is driven by policies to push agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, agro processing.”
The President pointed to robust employment growth between early 2020 and late 2024, with more than 104,000 new jobs added and total employment approaching 370,000. He said the decline in youth unemployment demonstrated improved integration of young people into the workforce and reflected stronger job absorption as the economy expands.
He said: “So, there is a correlation between the policies, employment, growth, development and investment. But we hear a lot of persons parroting a narrative that is far from the reality, but is a
Guyana to host CTO State of the Tourism Industry Conference in October
narrative that is only politically opportunistic for their own purpose.”
Dr Ali emphasised that rising earnings were not confined to the oil and gas sector. He cited large increases in average wages across multiple industries: agriculture, forestry and fishing up 84 per cent; information and communication up 88 per cent; construction, 71 per cent; and arts, entertainment and recreation 114 per cent, among others.
“The steady improvement in the unemployment rate reflects stronger absorption. The reduction in youth unemployment signals better integration of young workers into the labour force. Unlike the past, unemployment rates are now almost the same across rural and urban areas,” the President said, adding: “We speak to the equity of our development, the balanced nature of our development and development across all segments of our economy. The average earnings across the major sectors
also grew exponentially between the first quarter of 2020 and the fourth quarter of 2024. It says not just that employment has improved, the average earnings across every sector has also improved drastically.”
The President also referenced international assessments warning of labour shortages as the country grows.
He referenced an International Organisation for Migration (IOM) analysis that estimates Guyana will require as many as 160,000 workers to meet medium-term development needs, and a local study pointing
President, Dr Irfaan Ali
to a gap of about 52,396 workers.
Dr Ali said the findings underscored the need for workforce planning, skills development and targeted recruitment to sustain the country’s expansion.
“It follows the distribution of [resources], the diversification of the economy and the structure of our employment over the last four years. There is no other economy that is more diversified. There is no other structural growth in employment and earning[s] like we have in Guyana; these are the facts,” he said.
Defending his ad -
ministration’s economic agenda, Dr Ali rejected critics whom, he said, reduced the national story to oil and gas alone.
He urged attention to the broader range of sectors driving growth from agriculture and manufacturing to tourism, health services and green technology, and called for constructive engagement with the facts.
“Don’t let the parrots sing their negativity like the kiskadee wake up this morning with a beautiful song of prosperity in a country that is rising and rising at a rapid pace,” the Head of State said.
will host the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO)’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) this October, according to Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, during her contribution to the 2026 National Budget debates on Tuesday. She stated that the conference is the premier gathering for tourism leaders of the Caribbean and attracts hundreds of regional and international delegates.
Rodrigues added that this position sees Guyana as “a major player in the development of tourism that is meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.”
GUYANA
Guyana stands on winning track record
- with successes registered because of PPP/C’s prudent, transparent management of natural resources, Natural Resources Fund, Minister says
THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C)’s prudent management of Guyana’s natural resources has resulted in much success for the nation and its citizens, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat said in his firm contribution during day two of the budget debate in the National Assembly, on Tuesday.
Bharrat, while re jecting the opposition’s criticisms of the gov ernment’s manage ment of the country’s resources, credited “sound, visionary lead ership” and deliber
ate policy choices for what he described as one of the world’s fast est‑growing economies.
“There is no doubt that our country is mov ing forward. There is no doubt that Guyana is a hot spot globally for investment. There is no doubt that Guyana is certainly one of the fastest growing econo my [sic] in the world, and that is not by mis take. It is because of sound, visionary lead ership,” he said, add ing: “It is because of good policies and pro grammes designed to ensure that we put our Guyanese brothers and sisters first and fore
most.”
Turning to the petro leum industry, Bharrat described oil and gas as the “catalyst” of Guy ana’s wider econom ic expansion, boosting sectors such as tourism, manufacturing and con struction
He insisted that Guyana’s framework is now held up interna tionally as an example of good practice.
“Guyana’s oil and gas sector… is regarded as one of the best man aged oil and gas sectors in the world among new world‑producing countries. Every single new world‑producing country is looking at Guyana as an example when they are draft ing their framework to manage the oil and gas sector,” he said.
On production, Bharrat underscored the speed and scale,
reminding the National Assembly that output is now over 900,000 barrels per day; this is an expansion [that] is rare for a new producer roughly a decade after first discovery.
Bharrat strongly de fended the administra tion against opposition
criticism on transpar ency.
He recalled that within one year of tak ing office, the govern ment piloted and passed a new Natural Resource Fund (NRF) legislation.
“One year in gov ernment we had a prop er Natural Resources Fund in place, ensuring that the finance minister is not the one who dic tates how funds should flow… the only way
funds can flow from that Natural Resources Fund is that there must be approval from the National Assembly,” he stressed.
Bharrat reminded that the country’s fi nance minister would face dire consequences if he fails to declare revenues paid into the fund, saying: “That is where we place ac countability. We place
Shuman slams opposition’s record on Amerindian development
MEMBER of Parlia‑ ment (MP) Lennox Shuman levelled crit icism at the opposition for what he described as “interesting and very distasteful” crit icism of government programmes aimed at uplifting Amerindian communities.
of wasteful spending in Amerindian areas, pointing to investments in education, aviation, roads and other critical infrastructure as part of a broader strategy for inclusive development.
to continue to build for the next five years so that all of those roads, all the infrastructure will be dealt with,” he said.
vestments, emphasising that the government continues to prioritise Indigenous inclusion.
Speaking during an interview, the MP said the opposition’s comments were particularly troubling given the APNU+AFC Administration’s role in failing to deliver meaningful support for Indigenous peoples.
Member of Parliament (MP) Lennox Shuman
Shuman stated that the criticism of current programmes ignores both the historical re-
cord and the current realities on the ground in these hinterland communities.
The PPP/C MP also rejected claims
He said investing in secondary schools and basic services in Indigenous communities should not be viewed as unnecessary expenditure.
“We are building on a foundation that was laid in the last five years, and we are going
According to Shuman, infrastructure development in hinterland regions presents unique challenges, including labour shortages that drive up costs due to the need for air and river transport.
However, he maintained that these realities do not diminish the value of such in -
“The People’s Progressive Party Civic continues to see value, real value, in investing in those communities,” he said.
The MP added that these efforts are de signed to ensure Am‑ erindian communities are fully integrated into Guyana’s eco nomic development. (DPI) accountability on the front row.”
Guyana stands on winning track...
FROM PAGE 4
Bharrat credited the Local Content Act and the work of the Local Content Secretariat, established in January 2022, with ensuring that Guyanese businesses are not “bystanders” in the oil boom.
He reported that the framework has already channelled substantial sums into the local economy.
MINING, FORESTRY AND CARBON CREDITS
Beyond oil, Bharrat pointed to what he called a “resurrection
of the gold-mining sector,” driven by improved access to land and major investments in hinterland roads.
“Since we took office in 2020 to date, over 1,000 small Guyanese miners have benefitted from access to land, and the accessibility to the land through the expenditure of over $10 billion on hinterland infrastructure,” he said, while defending stricter enforcement as necessary to tackle illegality.
In forestry, he said production has increased significantly since 2020, and he po-
sitioned Guyana as a global leader in sustainable forest management.
He reminded the House that Guyana is among the very few countries to have signed a jurisdictional carbon-credit deal, and is the only country in the world that has already earned revenue for legacy credits and is certified to sell credits to the airline industry.
Bharrat stressed
that this success stems from prudent man agement of the for estry sector and com mitments under the Low Carbon Devel ‑ opment Strategy, and he assured indigenous communities that they will continue to re ceive revenue from the sale of carbon cred its for the next seven years under the exist ing 10‑year agreement with Hess Corpora ‑ tion.
Unemployment down, opportunities up
PRESIDENT Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s announcement this week that Guyana’s unemployment rate has been slashed by more than half since 2020 is more than a statistical milestone; it is a signal of how profoundly the country’s economic landscape has shifted in just a few years.
According to the Bureau of Statistics’ latest Labour Force Bulletin, unemployment fell from 12.8 per cent in 2020 to 6.8 per cent by the fourth quarter of 2024, a drop that places Guyana among the stronger performers in the region at a time of global economic uncertainty.
The headline figure alone is striking, but the deeper story lies in what is driving this change. Between 2020 and 2024, more than 104,000 new jobs were created, pushing total employment from roughly 264,000 to nearly 370,000 people.
This expansion reflects not a narrow boom confined to oil and gas, but a broadbased growth pattern tied to economic diversification, infrastructure investment and sectoral expansion across agriculture, construction, services, tourism and manufacturing.
Crucially, the gains have not been limited to one segment of the population.
Female unemployment, long a stubborn challenge, declined from 14.4 per cent in 2020 to below nine per cent by 2024.
This points to improved access to employment for women and a labour market that is gradually becoming more inclusive.
At the same time, unemployment rates are now relatively balanced across regions, countering claims that job creation has been concentrated solely in Georgetown and other urban centres.
Expanded road networks, housing programmes and investment in hinterland and rural communities have clearly played a role in spreading opportunity more evenly.
Rising employment has been accompanied by rising wages, another key indicator of economic health. Data cited by the president show average earnings increasing by between 50 and over 100 per cent across most sectors over the last four years.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing saw earnings rise by 84 per cent; construction by 71 per cent; wholesale and retail trade by 69 per cent; and information and com-
munication by 88 per cent.
Particularly notable are gains of over 100 per cent in professional, scientific and technical services, arts and entertainment, and other services, sectors that underscore the changing structure of Guyana’s economy.
Importantly, these wage increases have not been eroded by runaway inflation. Guyana has managed to maintain comparatively low inflation rates, suggesting that higher earnings are translating into real improvements in living standards rather than being swallowed by rising prices.
That balance, growth without destabilising inflation, is one of the central tests of sound economic management, especially for a rapidly expanding economy.
Perhaps the most telling shift, however, is that Guyana is now confronting labour shortages rather than mass unemployment.
Studies by the Centre for Local Business Development and projections by the International Organisation for Migration indicate a shortfall ranging from 52,000 to as many as 100,000 workers in the
coming years.
This reality reframes the national conversation: the challenge is no longer simply creating jobs, but ensuring that Guyanese are trained, skilled and supported to fill them.
That task will require sustained investment in education, technical and vocational training, and workforce planning, alongside policies that attract skilled migrants where gaps cannot be filled locally.
Without this, labour shortages could become a bottleneck that slows growth and widens inequality.
President Ali is right to stress that this is not merely an oil-and-gas story. While petroleum revenues have provided fiscal space, the employment data suggest that diversification is doing the heavy lifting in job creation and wage growth.
The real measure of success will be whether this momentum can be sustained, deepened and made resilient to global shocks.
For now, the numbers tell a largely positive story: unemployment down, earnings up, and opportunities spreading more widely across the country.
An appeal to President Ali over Rudy Collins
HERE I am, once more appealing to the relevant authorities to do something so the present generation and the next can know and remember the people who contributed to the sociological, cultural and political evolution of Guyana. I appeal to the present authorities: please let us name something after Rudy Collins.
Does the name ring a bell? No, it does not because Rudy Collins saved Guyana’s democracy a long time ago in 1992. That is 33 years ago. Look at the demographic shape of Guyana at the moment. More than half of the population was not born in 1992, and almost 70 percent were too young to know what Rudy Collins did.
Mr Collins had an illustrious career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and accepted the position of chairman of GECOM. He was given the task of administering the first free and fair election since 1968. The GECOM head office was located on Croal Street and Sendal Place. The election achieved finality by a coat of varnish.
Every effort was made to destroy the administrative functionalism of the work of GECOM and its chairman Rudy Collins. Hamilton Green was hardly an innocent actor in the affairs. Dr Ptolemy Reid was bent on scuttling the 1992 election.
I was a columnist at the time with the Catholic Standard. Me, Father Andrew Morrison, the paper’s editor and its deputy editor, Colin Smith, spent the entire day at GECOM observing the attempts to stop the first free and fair election since 1968.
On that day of voting, it was the third
time in my life I escaped death. The first was the night of student’s election at UG in 1975 when I was thrown out of the moving UG bus at the junction of Lamaha and Irving Streets. The second time was during the protest that led to Father Darke’s death, and the third time was outside GECOM on polling day in 1992.
The crowd outside GECOM was bent on destroying the building and, in the process, the election machinery. I arrived with Father Morrison and Colin, and a large crowd called out my name and sought to harm me. But I ran into the GECOM building. For an account of that incident and how tall Rudy Collins stood and saved a free and fair election in 1992, see the fantastic book by Father Morrison, Justice: The Struggle for Democracy in Guyana, 1952- 1992.
Another brilliant description of the heroic role of Rudy Collins could be found part in two of the autobiography of Yesu Persaud.
I quote from Yesu on page 193: “Bricks began to rain on the Command Centre… the personnel inside were advised to vacate the premise through the back door. Chairman Collins, however, refused to leave his command post and to show he was not afraid, came out of the front door to confront the crowd.”
Yesu used the singular ‘crowd,’ but it should have been plural, ‘crowds.’ There were terrifying numbers and the ambience was pregnant with evil. I was there and I thought that Rudy Collins could not have survived that violent tsunami. He did. He oversaw the GECOM-administrated election and saved Guyana on October 5, 1992.
I saw Rudy in Massy Supermarket early
last year and I appealed to him to come on the Freddie Kissoon Show to let Guyanese know that he is a hero. He told me ill-health was the factor in refusing. Again, I met him in Massy Supermarket late last year. This time my imploration was energetic and emotional. I told Rudy I saw with my own two eyes how he could have died to save democracy in his country. The response was the same – health issues.
I watched as Rudy walked through the automatic door of the supermarket and sadness ran over me. I know him. I know how he saved Guyana in 1992. I saw it firsthand. I survived the violence outside GECOM on October 5, 1992, so I could write about the heroism of Rudy Collins. But how many people knew
what he did? How many Guyanese know him?
There would not have been Presidents Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Sam Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar, David Granger and Irfaan Ali if it weren’t for the valour and patriotism of Rudy Collins. Two of those presidents have passed. Five are still alive. They owe it to Rudy Collins to write an indelible inscription of him somewhere in Guyana. A country cannot be so insensitive to its heroes. Please Guyana! Do not be so forgetful of Rudy Collins.
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.
‘This is how you empower people’
- Minister Rodrigues defends PPP/C’s housing programme, rebukes opposition critics, slams
MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Ro-
drigues, delivered a forceful defence of the People’s Progressive
Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s housing programme in the
National Assembly on Tuesday, taking direct aim at opposition MP Sherod Duncan for what she described as uninformed and hypocritical criticism.
Confronting Duncan’s claims head on, Minister Rodrigues said the former APNU+AFC administration “systematically dismantled” Guyana’s housing sector between 2015 and 2020, overseeing the allocation of barely 7,000 house lots and building, in her words, “just a handful of homes.”
“That is their record,” she declared. “By contrast, this PPP/C government has delivered over 53,000 house lots, and 46 per
cent of those allottees are single women. That is what empowerment looks like.”
The minister emphasised that the housing programme is not a stand-alone initiative, but part of a broader development framework that drives employment, expands infrastructure and promotes economic stability across Guyana.
Turning the opposition’s critique back on its messenger, Rodrigues questioned Duncan’s credibility, noting that his own tenure in government was marred by accountability issues.
“He was cited in the audit reports of the Guyana National
Printers and the Guyana National Newspapers Limited for spending contrary to tender board rules, and his own government fired him,” she told the Assembly.
Rodrigues said Budget 2026 exemplifies a government that delivers on its commitments, pointing to the administration’s track record of transforming its 2020–2025 manifesto promises into reality.
“This is how you empower people. This is how you deliver housing,” she concluded, dismissing personal attacks as a distraction from the PPP/C’s record of results. (DPI)
President Ali says ‘differences, plurality’ in CARICOM strengthen regional bloc
PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has said that the diversity of views and respectful disagreement within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are sources of strength, not division, as the regional bloc looks to position itself more effectively in a rapidly changing global environment.
Addressing the Belizean National Assembly earlier this week, President Ali underscored CARICOM’s longevity and resilience, noting that the Community has endured for more than 50 years.
“The Caribbean Community has stood the test of time; I repeat that the Caribbean Community has stood the test of time for more than 50 years. CARICOM has remained intact, resilient and relevant in a changing global environment. This speaks to the strength and value of the regional ideal, it is now incumbent upon us to make the community stronger, more responsive and better equipped to serve both the collective and national in -
terests of our peoples,” the Guyanese Head of State said.
He emphasised that while consensus remains an important objective, differences of opinion should not be viewed as inherently divisive.
“While we must strive and strive earnestly for consensus, a plurality of views and at times, divergence in perspectives are essential to the vitality of our deliberations. Such diversity sharpens analysis, strengthens decision making, and ensures that outcomes are more inclusive and reflective of our lived realities,” he added.
He further said: “Respectful disagreements is not a source of fragmentation; it is often a wellspring of collective strength.”
President Ali also pointed to broader global trends to illustrate the importance of cooperation and strategic engagement.
He referenced the recently concluded partnership agreement between the Eu-
ropean Union and Mercosur as an example of how inter-regional collaboration can expand market access, bolster economic resilience and enhance the influence of participating states.
President Ali noted that countries across the world are increasingly deepening economic partnerships, both within and across regions, as practical and forward-looking responses to global uncertainty and change.
In this context, he said, CARICOM must renew its commitment to shared purpose and work to make the Community more responsive and better equipped to serve both collective and national interests.
“This agreement forms part of a broader and accelerating global trend across regions. Countries are deepening economic partnerships, both within regions and between them, as practical and forward-looking responses the uncertainty and change,” the Head of State said.
The President stressed, too, that at a time when the
international environment itself is marked by heightened uncertainty and rapid change, small states must reinforce the importance of
stable institutions, predictable rules and co-operative approaches to global problem solving. He reiterated the need
for the region to decisively address the existing trade barriers, strengthening the collective footing on the global stage.
President Dr Irfaan Ali during his address at the Belizean National Assembly
Discussions on the potential of the internet for Guyana take centre stage
- as first-ever ‘ICANN Near You’ Conference opens at UG
THE Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has collaborated with the University of Guyana and the Internet Society to host its inaugural “ICANN Near You” conference from Tuesday, February 3 to Thursday February 5, 2026, at UG’s College of Medical Sciences, Turkeyen Campus, Georgetown, Guyana.
The event which opened on Tuesday, is aimed at
strengthening technical capacity and internet resilience across Guyana and the wider Caribbean region.
This event is part of ICANN's ongoing efforts to engage with stakeholders in Latin America and the Caribbean, bringing technical training and policy outreach directly to local communities.
It follows a history of similar internet-focused gatherings in the region, such as "Internet Week Guyana"
University of Guyana’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, representatives of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), Internet for Society, CARICOM, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), UG’s Technical Team and other participants of the ICANN Near You Conference
previously held in 2017.
It involves a wide-cross section of stakeholders, both from the public and private sector agencies, including the Caribbean Community Secretariat (CARICOM), the Office of the Prime Minister of Guyana, the Latin American and Caribbean Regional At-Large Organization (LACRALO), the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), members of the university community, local and regional internet governance experts, students and others.
In her opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, expressed gratitude to ICANN for selecting UG as the host institution for the region’s inaugural event.
She highlighted the university’s long-standing role in Guyana’s digital ecosystem and its commitment to ensuring that students across all regions remain connected and educated.
Professor Mohamed Martin commended UG’s technical team for effectively using available resources to support online learning during the pandemic, noting that the internet had become an essential tool for national development and educational continuity.
She also acknowledged that universities globally, including UG, have increasingly become targets for cyber threats, facing challenges such as phishing attacks, impersonation of staff and students, and system intrusions.
Professor Mohamed Martin emphasised that while society largely engages with the internet as end-users, there is now a greater need to understand how it works and how it can be protected and leveraged for inclusivity, efficiency and national progress.
Chair of the Latin Amer-
ican and the Caribbean Regional At-Large Organization (LACRALO), Lance Hinds, reflected on the evolution of internet governance in the region and the importance of expanding participation beyond technical experts.
He noted that for many years, only a small number of Caribbean professionals were actively involved in internet policy discussions, but has since changed as ICANN increased its focus on reaching new communities and stakeholders.
Hinds stressed that as Guyana continues its development trajectory, the internet will become increasingly critical for education, business, governance and daily life.
He highlighted the importance of integrating internet governance into academic spaces, particularly universities, where knowledge in engineering, policy and systems design can shape future national and regional leaders.
QUALIFIED AND EQUIPPED
“We need to be qualified and equipped to sit at the table where decisions about the future of the internet are being made,” Hinds said.
ICANN Vice-President for Stakeholder Engagement and Managing Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Rodrigo de la Parra, noted that the Caribbean premiere of “ICANN Near You” reflects strong regional collaboration and the effectiveness of the multi-stakeholder model.
“The Caribbean premiere of ICANN Near You in Guyana reflects the strong regional and national collaboration that makes the multi-stakeholder model work (...) We are grateful for the contributions of community leaders such as Lance Hinds and Claire Craig. Their leadership and support underscore a shared commitment to
strengthening technical capacity and internet resilience across Guyana and the wider Caribbean” de la Parra said.
Representative of the Internet Society (ISOC) Russel Bean, in his remarks, described the conference as a truly multi-stakeholder platform.
He explained that
“ICANN Near You” is designed for everyone, including lawyers, accountants, engineers and policymakers, and aims not only to share knowledge but also to gather feedback and ideas from participants to strengthen internet development in the region.
“This is about learning from each other and understanding what communities actually need, so we can grow and train together,” Bean noted.
UG Engineering student Bimal Balaram, who spoke on behalf of the student body, thanked ICANN and the University of Guyana for making the conference possible.
He described the initiative as an investment in the future of UG students and the wider Guyanese digital community.
“We will be walking away more informed, more connected and better prepared to contribute to the global digital space,” Balaram said.
The “ICANN Near You” conference brings ICANN’s technical expertise directly to local stakeholders through hands-on workshops on the Domain Name System (DNS), DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) and internet security best practices.
Sessions during the conference will explore how local law enforcement, government agencies and students can engage with ICANN’s processes and contribute to a stable, secure and unified global internet. (UG)
Budget 2026 delivers across key sectors
–– Dr Westford says, highlights investments in health, fisheries and women’s empowerment
THE government’s fiscal plan for 2026 delivers tangible benefits across key sectors, according to government member of parliament, Dr Jennifer Westford, who pointed to major investments in healthcare, sustainable livelihoods and women’s empowerment.
Dr Westford was at the time contributing to the budget debate, during which she described as a critical step in fulfilling the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C)’s five-year development roadmap, which, she said, had been clearly outlined to the electorate ahead of the last general elections.
“This 2026 budget is our first compass to reaching to the end of this road, which will take us to the next five years,” she told the House.
The former minister said the budget was formulated through the collective input of government members and public servants, and was designed to improve the lives and livelihoods of citizens across all sectors.
She argued that claims suggesting the budget offered little for ordinary Guyanese were not supported by the measures contained in the estimates.
A major focus of her presentation was the health sector, which she described as one of the principal beneficiaries of Budget 2026.
She stated that the allocation will support the transformation of Guyana’s public health system into one that is modern, efficient and capable of delivering specialised care.
It was against this backdrop that Dr Westford indicated that the budget provides for the completion of training for 160 specialist doctors, along with 5,000 ancillary healthcare workers, in -
Government MP, Dr Jennifer Westford
cluding nurses, laboratory technicians, X-ray technicians and orthopaedic technicians.
These measures, she said, would directly address concerns about staffing levels at newly commissioned health facilities.
“This budget is going to see our health sector as one of the most modern, efficient and effective health sectors,” Westford said.
She also pushed back against claims that new hospitals were being opened without adequate staffing, citing Diamond Regional Hospital as an example where misinformation had been circulating.
To this end, Westford said the government had been employing qualified specialists to ensure health institutions functioned efficiently in the interim.
Turning to livelihoods, Westford spoke on the allocations for fisherfolk, explaining that reduced capital spending in the sector reflected the completion of major infrastructure works rather than a withdrawal of support.
She said the 2025 allocation was intended to establish the industry and make it economically viable— a goal which was achieved.
“The resources there
now are for the maintenance and technical assistance of that industry,” she said, adding that fisherfolk were now operating within a viable framework.
Dr Westford further highlighted government support for women as a key feature of Budget 2026, rejecting claims that women were being sidelined.
In agriculture, she pointed to initiatives that have enabled women to participate meaningfully in economic activity.
She said women farmers had received support to operate on par with their male counterparts, while younger women were being trained as agricultural extension officers to serve farming communities along the highway.
In addition, she noted that more than 35 female contractors were registered with the Ministry of Public Works and were benefitting from government-backed opportunities.
“This government has ensured that all of those women get the necessary support,” Dr Westford said.
Meanwhile, she said Budget 2026 reflects a people-centred approach, with improvements expected across all sectors.
‘Where was your voice?’
––– Minister Browne lambastes WIN MP Hastings for silence amidst atrocities against Amerindians from 2015-2020 –– points to
MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne, on Tuesday, lambasted former APNU+AFC minister and current WIN MP, Dawn Hastings, for her silence
‘real
progress’ being achieved under PPP/C
amidst the atrocities faced by Amerindians during the coalition’s term from 20152020.
The minister was at the time making her contribution to the 2026 budget debate, during which she said Hastings sat silent at the time, when several issues were affecting Indigenous Peoples and villages.
“Dawn Hastings, who was in government for five years as a sitting government minister, the highest as the Minister of State and also the general secretary of her party, the
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne, on Tuesday, lambasted former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) minister and current We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Member of Parliament (MP), Dawn Hastings, for her silence during the atrocities faced by Amerindians during the 2015-2020 period
People’s National Congress reform, she sat as quiet as a mouse,” Browne said.
She noted that Hastings sat quietly when land tenure issues sat dormant for five years, and when more than 2,000 Community Service Officers (CSOs) were sent home and while her colleague minister also said that Amerindians should not receive money from the resources of oil.
She said: “Where was her voice then, Mr Speaker? What were the recommendations and interventions towards improving the Amerindian hostel then? What was done to improve the Amerindian hostel?”
Against this backdrop, Browne further told the House of the tremendous changes that have taken place in Amerindian communities and the further rehiring of CSOs and direct cash transfers to villages through the country’s LCDS programme.
As such, she added, “You have a chance to do the right thing now, and that is to support Budget 2026 as presented before this National Assembly”
Meanwhile, Browne turned her attention to comments made by another WIN MP, Deon LaCruz, who made comments about Amerindian housing.
Against this backdrop, she referenced a WhatsApp message she received in the early hours of the morning from a young Patamona woman
of Region Eight, who took offence to claims suggesting that traditional housing symbolised poverty or backwardness.
The minister stressed that these views were dismissive of Amerindian culture and identity, noting that traditional homes reflect generations of indigenous knowledge, sustainability and adaptation to the environment.
The Amerindian Affairs Minister further underscored that development should expand choices for people, not erase cultural heritage, and warned against framing indigenous lifestyles as inferior.
To this end, she said that real progress in Amerindian communities must be measured by access to clean water, free healthcare, free education, improved road networks and opportunities to strengthen livelihoods.
These priorities are being advanced by the PPP/C administration, rather than imposing a single definition of development on all communities.
She further pointed out that the government’s housing programmes in Region Eight were implemented following consultations with residents, many of whom deliberately opted to maintain traditional housing styles.
It was then that she declared that their choice must be respected, as Indigenous Peoples have lived in such homes for generations.
‘You can’t defend your record’
- Mustapha raps Panday on colossal failures at GuySuCo
IN a blistering broadside against the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN’s) Member of Parliament (MP), Vishnu Panday, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Tuesday, defended the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s spending on the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).
Panday, who served as the Agriculture Director at GuySuCo until 2024, opened day two of the budget debate, and sought to criticise the agriculture minister and the management of the sugar corporation for poor performance.
Lashing back at Panday, Mustapha accused him of presiding over failures at GuySuCo and now seeking refuge in political theatre.
Waving what he called an irrefutable record of decline in his hand, Mustapha said Panday was in no position to lecture the House, pointing to collapsed programmes, falling production and missed targets during Panday’s tenure as Agriculture Director.
Mustapha lamented that the WIN parliamentarian left the sugar industry weaker, poorer and burdened by the consequences now confronting the nation.
“Because of his incom-
petence, because of his below par performance, he received a letter from GuySuCo in December of 2024 that his contract will not be renewed by the corporation because he’s ineffective and he’s performing below par,” Mustapha told the National Assembly.
He said: “The board said that he cannot continue because he’s not an effective Agriculture Director and he has failed the corporation. And that is his legacy.”
Panday, while serving as the Agriculture Director of GuySuCo, was tasked with developing a five-year plan to enhance mechanisation efforts and expand production targets; however, according to Mustapha, not only did he fail to deliver a clearly defined strategy, but GuySuCo also recorded its lowest production output under his guidance.
Following Panday’s dismal, GuySuCo increased its production by 26 per cent.
“The Honourable Member, when he planted cane, he had the lowest tonnes [of] per hectare, 66 tonnes of cane instead of 70 tonnes and more…that is his legacy…the Honourable Member portrays himself as the champion of accountability, but ac-
countability begins with honesty.
“He cannot defend his record in the sugar industry,” Mustapha said.
The government has budgeted some $13.4 billion for 2026 to speed up mechanisation, efficiency, and value-added production.
Over the past five years, the PPP/C administration has reopened the Rose Hall Estate and improved factory and field operations at Albion, Blairmont, Rose Hall, and Uitvlugt.
These actions have helped energise sugar-producing communities in Berbice and West Demerara. The government also changed GuySuCo’s marketing approach from bulk sugar exports to higher-value products and provided economic support to more than 5,200 workers laid-off by the former APNU+AFC administration.
The government aims to convert over 3,000 hectares of land to facilitate machine-based harvesting. They will replace three sugar boilers, buy five more cane harvesters, and build a new conveyor system for billet canes at Albion.
Additionally, new sugar dryers will be installed at Rose Hall and Uitvlugt, along with billet cane feeder tables to enhance processing efficiency.
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha on Tuesday launched a blistering broadside against the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN’s) Member of Parliament (MP) Vishnu Panday
‘GuySuCo will return to profitability by 2030’
GUYANA’S sugar industry is on a path back to profitability, driven by renewed government investment, mechanisation efforts and a comprehensive five year
- Minister Mustapha predicts
strategic plan, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha told the National Assembly during his contribution to the 2026 budget debate, on Tuesday.
The minister said that after years of decline and estate closures, sugar production has begun to rebound, citing a 26 per cent increase in sugar output in 2024 following the
non renewal of the contract of former agriculture director at Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), now We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Member of Parliament, Vishnu Panday. He argued that this turnaround reflects the impact of “planning, investment, and standing with the farmers,” rather than what he described as the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) administration’s mismanagement and abrupt dismissal of thousands of sugar workers.
A central pillar of the recovery, he noted, is the mechanisation of GuySuco’s fields, with more than 41 per cent of the corporation’s agricultural operations now mechanised and over 113,000
metric tonnes of cane harvested mechanically.
Land that was previously underutilised, such as the 5,000 hectares at Skeldon, is now being planted, reversing what the minister called “years of failure to put the land into production.”
Holding up the new five year strategic plan for GuySuCo, the minister said the blueprint will guide the corporation back to profitability by 2030, supported by sustained government funding.
The 2026 budget allocates $13.4 billion to the sugar industry, alongside broader investments in other crops, livestock, and fisheries, as part of a wider “people-centred” approach to agricultural
development.
He noted, too, that sugar production had increased to more than 59,000 tonnes in 2025, compared to just over 47,100 tonnes in 2024.
Framing the budget as a “contract with the people,” the minister said the government’s support for sugar is about more than output and balance sheets, but improving jobs, rural livelihoods, and community stability in traditional sugar growing regions.
He challenged the opposition to “stand with the sugar workers” and back the allocations, insisting that the sector’s revival is both underway and central to Guyana’s long term efforts for sustainability.
A 21-year-old gold miner of Mongrippa Hill, Bartica, has been charged and fined after pleading guilty to multiple traffic-related offences committed under the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act.
Keon Johnson appeared before the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 2, 2026, where he was charged with Dangerous Driving, Breach of Conditions of the Prescribed Certificate of Fitness, and Driving a Motor Vehicle while His Breath Alcohol Level Exceeded the Prescribed Limit. The matter was heard before His Worship Magistrate Teriq Mohamed.
During the court proceedings, the charges were read to Johnson, who entered guilty pleas to all three offences.
For the offence of Dangerous Driving, Johnson was
fined $40,000 or, in default of payment, one month’s imprisonment. He was also fined $10,000 or two weeks’ imprisonment for breaching the conditions of the prescribed certificate of fitness. Additionally, for driving while his breath-alcohol level exceeded the prescribed limit, he was $200,000 or four weeks’ imprisonment.
The court imposed a total fine of $250,000, with an alternative sentence of 10 weeks’ imprisonment should the fines not be paid. The charges were brought under the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02, as authorities continue to enforce road-safety laws in the Bartica district.
Keon Johnson
Gold miner charged, fined for multiple traffic offences at Bartica
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha
‘Balwant Singh’ becomes first local private hospital to launch mobile patient portal
IN a major step towards improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency in Guyana, the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital has announced the availability of its patient portal mobile application, becoming the first private hospital in Guyana to launch a comprehensive digital platform that allows patients to access their medical information and manage healthcare services online.
The application, according to a press release, enables patients’ to book and manage appointments; view their medical records; access test results; view prescriptions and stay connected with the hospital through a secure, user-friendly system
designed to improve patient experience and service delivery.
According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the hospital, Dr Madhu Singh, the launch of the patient portal reflects the hospital’s commitment to improving access to healthcare through the practical use of technology.
“This application is designed to make it easier for patients to interact with our services,” said Dr Singh, adding: “By providing secure digital access to medical records and appointment management, we are improving convenience for patients while supporting more efficient healthcare delivery.”
Existing patients of Dr Balwant Singh Hos-
pital can begin using the application immediately.
Patients whose mobile numbers are already registered with the hospital can download the app, enter their mobile numbers, receive a one-time password (OTP) and gain
immediate access to their medical records, without the need for additional registration.
“Our focus was on simplicity and security,” Dr Singh said, adding: “Patients should be able to access their information quickly and
confidently, knowing their data is protected.”
The patient portal supports broader efforts within the healthcare sector to enhance service delivery through technology, while maintaining strict standards for patient con-
fidentiality and data protection.
The application is currently available for download on the Google Play Store & Apple App Store with additional features expected to be introduced over time.
Transportation boost for learners across Region Two
By Indrawattie Natram
LEARNERS across Region Two received a timely transportation boost, as the regional administration secured two new 30-seater buses and a new boat.
The boat and vehicles are aimed at improving safe and reliable access to education for children in riverine and hinterland communities.
The regional administration recently received
the buses, which will be used to transport students from Mainstay Lake and Tapakuma villages to and from school.
The acquisition forms part of the Region’s 2025 budget allocation, and reflects ongoing efforts to remove transportation barriers that affect student attendance and punctuality.
The contract for procurement of the buses was
awarded to FH Computer and General Merchandise through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) procurement process.
A new school boat was also handed over to the community of Wakapau, further strengthening transportation support for students who depend on river travel to access education.
During the simple handing-over ceremony, Regional Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Two, Devin Mohan, expressed gratitude to the government for the timely intervention, noting that the buses arrived at an opportune time when transportation needs for students were most pressing.
He said the government is investing heavily in education and ensuring that it is accessible to hinterland and riverine communities.
Regional Education Officer Shondelle Hercules also highlighted that both the buses and the boat will greatly benefit students, as reliable transportation is expected to significantly boost school attendance and punctuality. She thanked the Government of Guyana for responding to the request made by the Department of Education.
Also present at the event were Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oodit; Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Omesh Sasenaryan and the Prime Minister’s Representative Arnold Adams.
Regional Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Two, Devin Mohan, hands over the boat
Regional officials standing in front of one of the buses
Countdown to Mash 2026 underway as City Council marks vending spots
AS the countdown to Mashramani 2026 gathers pace, the Mayor and City Council has begun early onthe-ground preparations, moving to mark designated vending areas along key sections of the Mash route.
Town Clerk Candace Nelson confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle that vending spots are currently being demarcated along Vlissengen Road, from Guyana Water Inc (GWI) to Barr Street, Kitty. She explained that while the exercise is still ongoing, all road markings are expected to be completed by Thursday, weather permitting.
Nelson noted that the exact number of vendors to be accommodated cannot yet be determined, as the marking exercise remains incomplete. However, she emphasised that the coun -
City workers mark designated vending spots along Vlissengen Road, as the Mayor and City Council ramps up early preparations for Mashramani 2026 (Sachin Persaud photo)
Mashramani experience, as Georgetown gears up for one of its most anticipated national celebrations.
Fresh road markings along Vlissengen Road signal designated vending areas as preparations intensify for Mashramani 2026 (Sachin Persaud photo)
cil is working methodically to ensure an orderly and well-managed vending layout ahead of Mashramani Day on February 23, 2026.
In addition to Vlissengen Road, Merriman Mall will again be utilised for both vending and picnic activities, which fall under the direct management of the City Council. Games and other recreational elements will also be facilitated as part of the council’s responsibilities.
Beyond logistics on the day, Nelson reminded that post-Mashramani cleanup also falls under the remit of the City Council, with teams assigned to clear all garbage along the route once celebrations conclude.
She added that, at this stage, there are no changes to the traditional Mashramani route.
With just weeks to go, the early start to preparations signals the City Council’s intent to deliver a more structured and organised
The Town Clerk explained that strict controls are being applied along the parade route itself. The side of the road along which floats and masqueraders will pass will be closed to vendors, with vending restricted exclusively to the opposite side to ensure smooth movement of the procession and public safety.
Guyana secures 9M CORSIA-eligible carbon credits for 2023
THE Government of Guyana on Tuesday announced ART’s issuance of 9,085,923 high-integrity TREES carbon credits for the year 2023, marking another major milestone in the country’s long-standing leadership in sustainable forest management, climate action and jurisdictional-scale carbon markets, for the third consecutive year since 2021.
The government, in a press statement, said credits have been labelled as CORSIA-Eligible, confirming their alignment with the highest international standards for environmental integrity, transparency and accountability.
The issuance reflects the measurable outcomes of consistent work by Guyana’s government and forest communities in ensuring verifiable emissions reductions
flects the continued advancement of these systems over time.
The CORSIA label attached to these credits confirms that Guyana’s TREES credits meet the eligibility requirements of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), making them among the most rigorously assessed credits available globally.
This enhances their credibility and usability for international aviation and other compliance-oriented buyers seeking verified, jurisdictional-scale emissions reductions.
For global carbon markets, this issuance reinforces the viability of jurisdictional REDD+ as a cornerstone of high-integrity climate finance. It demonstrates that large-scale, government-led approaches—anchored in
through forest stewardship, robust national monitoring systems and consistent policy commitment to low-carbon development.
“This issuance is both a validation of Guyana’s long-term vision and a signal of confidence to global markets,” the government said, adding: “It demonstrates that countries and communities can benefit from making forests worth more alive than dead – by valuing sustainable management of forests.”
Guyana’s forests cover more than 85 per cent of the national territory. As part of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), first launched in 2009, Guyana has invested heavily in forest governance, national Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems, Indigenous land titling and benefit-sharing mechanisms that ensure forest communities are direct beneficiaries of climate finance.
The ART issuance to Guyana of 2023 vintage TREES credits builds on previous issuances and re-
national policies and transparent data—can deliver real, measurable climate outcomes while safeguarding biodiversity and supporting livelihoods.
For Guyana, the issuance strengthens the country’s ability to mobilise results-based finance to support national development priorities, including climate-resilient infrastructure; Indigenous community development; forest conservation and biodiversity protection. It also underscores Guyana’s role as a global leader in shaping credible, equitable and scalable solutions for forest-based climate mitigation.
The Government of Guyana said it remains committed to advancing high-integrity carbon markets, improving environmental and social safeguards, and working with international partners to ensure that forest conservation delivers tangible benefits for the Guyanese people, while contributing meaningfully to the global fight against climate change.
Tickets for CPL 2026 final go on sale February 7
Trinbago Knight Riders are the defending champions of CPL scribers will receive an exclusive early-access link on Wednesday, February 4.
TICKETS for the highly anticipated Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 Finals will go on general sale from Saturday, February 7 and will be available online at www. cplt20.com.
Cricket fans will have an opportunity to secure early access to tickets ahead of the general sale.
CPL mailing list sub -
Visa cardholders will be able to purchase tickets during a dedicated presale window on February 5 and 6.
All four knockout matches, including the CPL Final, will be staged at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados, promising an unforgettable climax to the 2026 tournament. As an added incentive, fans who purchase tickets for all four knockout matches will be automatically entered into a prize draw
to have their tickets for the CPL Final upgraded to a fully inclusive VIP experience.
Pete Russell, CEO of the Caribbean Premier League, said: “The CPL Finals are always a special occasion, and bringing all four knockout matches to Kensington Oval gives fans the chance to experience an incredible week of world-class cricket in one of the game’s most historic venues.
We’re delighted to offer multiple early-access opportunities for supporters and to add something extra with
the VIP upgrade prize draw for those attending all four games.”
Republic Bank CPL 2026 Knockout Schedule: Wednesday September 16, 2026 – Eliminator (3rd place team vs 4th place team); Thursday September 17, 2026 – Qualifier 1 (1st place team vs 2nd place team); Friday September 18, 2026 – Qualifier 2 (Winner of Eliminator vs Loser of Qualifier 1); Sunday September 20, 2026 – CPL Final (Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2)
Farfan and Mendes Ltd. renews RHTYSC U-15 sponsorship...
of Farfan and Mendes Ltd. is one of the main reasons why the RHTYSC rose to become the leading youth and sports organisation in Guyana with an unmatched list of achievements and activities per year under a wide range of sub-headings. In 2019 the club received a national award, the Medal of Service, for its outstanding work among youths.
The long-serving secretary stated that the Farfan and Mendes Under-15 team since 1997 has undertaken over one thousand activities under the name of the sponsorship. They include tributes to
teachers and students, the Basil Butcher Trust Fund, Mother’s Day tributes, Grade Six summer camps, cricket academy, medical clinics, youth job fairs, Say No campaigns and tributes to heroes.
Marketing Executive of the company Savannah Mendes in brief remarks noted that Farfan and Mendes Ltd. was pleased to be associated with the RHTYSC.
She noted that the company was pleased with the high standard that has been upheld over the years and the positive impact made on the lives of the youths across the ancient county.
She committed Farfan and Mendes Ltd. to continuing supporting the club in the future.
The RHTYSC was established in 1990 by three-time Commonwealth Youth Service Awardee, the St. Frances Community Developers and has produced a combined 131 players for Berbice with 76 going on to play for Guyana.
Eight of the Farfan and Mendes Ltd. players have gone on to play international cricket. Founder of the company Mrs. June Mendes served as the Patron of the club for over a decade.
GCB praises $6 billion budget allocation for sport development
THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) extends warm congratulations to the Government of Guyana (GoG) on the presentation of the National Budget for 2026, which, once again, underscores Government’s unwavering commitment to national development.
Of particular significance is the allocation of $6 billion towards sport development, including $1.3 billion earmarked specifically for the maintenance and upgrading of sport grounds across the country. This substantial investment reflects Government’s continued recognition of sport as a vital pillar for youth development, social cohesion and national pride.
The GCB commends this significant investment, which reinforces the Government’s strategic vision for the holistic development of sport across all ten administrative regions.
This allocation provides continued opportunities for both infrastructural advancement and human resource development, ensuring that athletes at the grassroots, developmental and elite levels can benefit from improved facilities, structured programmes and enhanced support systems.
As the governing body for cricket in Guyana, the GCB is especially apprecia-
tive of the positive implications this allocation holds for the continued growth of the nation’s premier sport. Investments in the construction of new facilities and the upgrading of existing grounds across the counties will allow for the expansion of local, regional and international cricket while simultaneously fostering increased community participation and inspiring a new generation of cricketers.
In an invited comment, Head of the GCB, Mr. Bissoondyal Singh, noted that the tangible results of Government’s sustained investment are already evident. He highlighted the increasing number of Guyanese male and female cricketers representing the West Indies at various levels as well as those participating successfully in international franchise leagues.
Recently, two players were selected in the West Indies under-19 team for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Youth World Cup 2026 presently being played in South Africa and Zimbabwe while six players have been selected for the West Indies senior men’s team set to participate in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup which will be played in India and Sri Lanka in February 2026. Mr. Singh further pointed to the growing emergence
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of talent from hinterland and riverain communities, signalling a more inclusive and nationally-representative cricket landscape.
His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s consistent advocacy for sport, cricket in particular, continues to set a strong example.
His visionary leadership has been instrumental in positioning Guyana as a rising hub for sporting excellence in the Caribbean. Initiatives such as the establishment of modern training facilities and academies, alongside youth-centred programmes, reflect a long-term commitment to sustainable sport development.
The Guyana Cricket Board therefore takes this opportunity to express its sincere appreciation to the Government of Guyana, and, in particular, His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Honourable Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, for their continued support, investment and steadfast commitment to the advancement of cricket and the wider sporting fraternity.
The GCB looks forward to deepening its partnership with the Government as together we continue to elevate cricket as a cornerstone of national development.
Nurse satisfied with Under-19s’ World
Cup performance despite Super Six exit
CMC – While admitting that he was disappointed not to have made it further in the ongoing ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup in Africa, West Indies head coach Rohan Nurse said he is generally satisfied with the team’s overall performance.
The Joshua Dorne-led side lost one match in the group stage to Afghanistan on their way to finishing second overall.
They advanced to the Super Six phase where they defeated Ireland in their opening match, before a loss to defending champions Australia saw them eliminated from the tournament.
In an interview following the team’s return to the Caribbean, Nurse said the team would have hoped to make it further in the competition.
“Ultimately there is a little tinge of disappointment, knowing we would have had our stated goals, and we fell
short in that regard.
We probably struggled a little bit to find the consistency of performance you need in a tournament of such,” he said.
However, Nurse said he was not disheartened by the team’s overall performance.
“But be that as it may, we did see very good performances throughout the tournament individually, as well as a team, and we also discussed that we didn’t play our best cricket based on what would have transpired leading up to the World Cup in the two previous series.
“But it was a very good opportunity, good exposure for the players, different environments, different conditions, and the nature of a World Cup is quite different to that of a series, and for them to have that understanding and exposure is really
great for their future endeavours,” Nurse pointed out.
“From that initial series against Sri Lanka to the end of the World Cup campaign, we would have seen improvements in terms of their resilience, their ability to play together as a team, understanding the importance of their routines both on and off the field, especially in preparation for matches, and over the period we would have seen players start to emerge in terms of their performances and their understanding of the game.
“I think that come the end of the campaign, when we look back, I am certain we have identified some players who we can definitely say ‘this guy is worth the investment of West Indies cricket going forward’ and I’m quite happy with that,” he added.
Powerade brand on board for MODEC Tertiary School Football Competition
- Petra conducts team briefing and ball distribution
BEVERAGE giant Banks DIH, through their Powerade brand on Tuesday, became the latest company to provide tangible support to the MODEC Tertiary School Football Championship.
Petra organization representative, Troy Peters, thanked Banks DIH for their valuable support during a presentation ceremony at the National Library auditorium yesterday.
“I would like to take this special opportunity to welcome onboard as co-sponsors, the renowned sports drink Powerade distributed by our local bottling giant, Banks DIH Limited, Powerade is known worldwide and is produced by the coco cola company,” Mendonca said.
MODEC Technical Manager, Joao Soares, added, “This tournament that we are sponsoring unites football and education and is aligned with MODEC’s company values. I wish all the players and teams a good tournament that you play well and fair, following the rules and enjoy it as a good opportunity to
impress in sports.”
Assistant Director of Sports, Franklyn Wilson, told the youth gathered that, “This is history in the making for you guys, so grab it with both hands and as you know there is a shortage of workers in this country, so you who were aiming to get jobs, do your best and once you have the discipline, I’m sure companies that you associate with may more than likely want to hire you. Play fairly and with discipline.”
The Petra team provided competing schools with balls which will be used for training and preparation for matches.
The matches will be staged around the different regions where the tertiary schools are located with teams playing on a home and away round robin basis.
The top seven and the next best team will make up the quarter final.
The competition will field technical institutes and university teams and is created to capture school population between juniors and seniors.
The top teams will
be awarded 300,000, 200,000,100,000 and 50,000 or place first to fourth with proceeds going to a school project of their choice.
The 14 competing schools are University of Guyana Turkeyen campus, Tain campus, Cyril Potter College of Education, Government Technical Institute (GTI), Linden Technical Institute (LTI), Port Mourant Technical Institute, New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI), Mahaicony Technical Institute, Essequibo Technical Institute, Upper Corentyne Technical Training Centre, Texila American University, Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre and Guyana Industrial Training Centre.
The tournament which officially kicks off on February 8 will conclude on March 8 at the Ministry of Education Ground.
The other sponsors of the competition are MACORP, Demerara Mutual, MVP Sports, Skytec, Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Education.
Js Racing Stable lauds Guyana Cup nomination process
THE road to Guyana Cup has already begun with the first of four nomination days completed. Js Racing stables created history, being the first stable to secure their spot in the Guyana Cup sprint classic.
It was Regal Man who claimed the sprint win at the Banks DIH Classic on Sunday last at the Port Mourant Turf Club. According to owner of Js Racing Stables, Jermaine Sripal, the nomination process to Guyana Cup brings a new dimension to Guyana’s horse racing.
“Super excited, super proud to be the first entrant to be in the Guyana Cup. The Guyana Cup is everyone’s goal and we all work towards that.” “I love the process. It’s
something that Junior came up with and it’s something that brings a whole new dimension to Guyana’s horse racing, and it can only do great things to racing,” Sripal said.
Regal Man has been in fine form since his time in Guyana. According to Sripal, Regal Man has a lot more to offer and Guyana Cup could be another spectacle for the Js horse.
“This is his fourth win. The crowd know the horse very well. He had a stumble at Kennard’s and we know that once he run the race without any stumble he is going to win. We are very confident in him. He proved why we are confident in him. He will prove it many times more,” Sripal said.
Js was easily the most consistent stable across races last year, and the owner continued to express gratitude to his team for their continued support and guidance.
“Importing horses is one thing but assembling the right team that we have here [is another]. I just bought the horses, the team that work behind these horses are the true winners of the races,” Sripal highlighted.
The next nomination day for Guyana Cup is April 5, 2026, at Port Mourant Turf Club; followed by May 3, 2026, at Bush Lot United Turf Club; and July 5, 2026, at Port Mourant Turf Club (final nomination day).
The Guyana Cup is set for August 23 at a venue to be announced.
Minister Jacobs and Flue-Bess clash on support for sports in 2026 budget
MINISTER within the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, Steven Jacobs, in adding his voice in support of the 2026 Budget has defended his ministry’s track record as well as the initiatives outlined in the 2026 allocations for the sector.
The Minster was at the time responding to opposition Member of Parliament Nima Flu-Bess during the opening week of the debates on the 2026 Budget, themed ‘Putting People First’.
The opposition MP lamented the lack of completion of multiple stadia and multipurpose centres around
the country. Jacobs said that the MP’s comments are disingenuous and not based on facts but instead pointed to billions expended that will transform the lives of youth and revolutionise the sports sector for decades to come.
“Criticism must be grounded in facts Mr Speaker and not rhetoric and not fiction.
The reality on the ground is different. They want to talk about an elite programme, well, you will see one pretty soon, where a group of athletes, who have the potential to go to the Olympics will form part of an elite programme, already in the
making and Mr. speaker you look at the number, you look at the numbers, over 130 regional and international events hosted.
So what is going to happen in 2026 (is that) we are going to surpass that because we are going to have the necessary facilities and that is what happens when you work hard for Guyana to become a sporting destination and to propel sports tourism that is what we do.”
This year is set to mark the completion of several major sporting facilities, including the Palmyra International Stadium, the Anna Regina and McKenzie multi-purpose
sports facilities, as well as the New Amsterdam Synthetic Track.
The government will also move to initiate construction of a powerlifting facility, along with Cricket Academies at Albion and Good hope as well as chess facility at Providence, and a boxing gym in Berbice. This year’s allocation also sees $1.3 billion towards the ground enhancement programme.
The Opposition MP also believes that the percentage of the budget dedicated to Youth, Sports and Culture is inadequate as youths and sports cater to a large segment of the population.
Farfan and Mendes Ltd. renews RHTYSC U-15 sponsorship for 29th successive year
THE Providence East Bank Demerara based Farfan and Mendes Ltd. has renewed its cricket sponsorship of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Under-15 team for the 29th successive year.
The renewal of the sponsorship took place at the company’s head office and was attended by senior officials of the club and company.
Organising Secretary and Cricket Manager Robby Kissoonlall stated that the relationship between the RHTYSC and the company started in 1997 when Farfan and Mendes Ltd. became the first official sponsor of the club. He noted, however, that the Georgetown-based company first assisted the Corentyne Berbice-based club in 1995, with a grass cutter for the Area H ground.
The Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15 team over the years has won six Berbice wide championships and was the runner up six times. The team also reached the semi-finals ten
times over the twenty-five years.
Dozens of players from the RHT Farfan and Mendes team has gone on to play for their county and a total of sixty six has played for Guyana at different levels. Assad Fudadin and Kevlon Anderson former captains of the team have played test cricket for the West Indies while Royston Crandon, Shemaine Campbell, Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneeta Grimmond, Trisha Hardat and Donielle Manns have also played for the West Indies at different levels. Additionally, Dominic Rikhi played international cricket for the United States of America. Other national players produced include Delbert Hicks, Clinton Pestano, Junior Williams, Sylus Tyndall, Abdel Fudadin, Shawn Perriera, Khemraj Mahadeo, Eon Hooper, Pluffina Millington, Jonathan Rampersaud and Matthew Pottaya.
Club secretary Hilbert Foster stated that the support TURN TO PAGE 26
Savannah Mendes hands over the sponsorship cheque to RHTYSC Cricket Manager Robby Kissoonlall
Guyana to make Commonwealth Games debut in Men’s 3x3 Basketball
GUYANA is set to make sporting history after its men’s 3x3 basketball team officially qualified for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
While the Commonwealth Games will run from July 23 – August 3, the 3x3 component is scheduled for July 24–29 at the Scottish Event Centre (SEC).
The qualification marks the first time Guyana will compete in basketball at a major multi-sport event outside of regional competition, a landmark achievement for the sport’s development in the country.
The announcement, confirmed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), places Guyana among 12 nations entered in the men’s 3x3 tournament.
The Glasgow edition will feature an expanded field compared to the eight-team format used at the Birmingham 2022 Games, further underlining the growth and increasing global appeal of the discipline.
Guyana will be joined by fellow Caribbean nations, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. The rest of the field includes Singapore, Kenya, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia,
Fiji, host nation Scotland, and Nigeria, ensuring a highly competitive lineup from across the Commonwealth. This qualification signals the country’s first appearance in basketball at a major multi-sport Games, with the Commonwealth Games regarded as the second most prestigious global multi-sport event after the Olympics.
Guyana’s presence in the tournament draw is therefore not just symbolic, but it is evidence of the sport’s steady rise locally and the success of deliberate development efforts in recent years. Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) President Michael Singh described the milestone as “a monumental occasion for Guyana basketball,” emphasising the federation’s commitment to building the 3x3 format.
“This qualification shows that the hard work the GBF has done in 3x3 basketball is being recognised internationally. It’s a historic moment for our federation and for Guyanese sport,” Singh said.
According to Singh, the breakthrough is the result of sustained work done in the format by the GBF, strategic planning and in -
creased international participation. He noted that while the qualification itself is historic, the federation’s ambitions do not stop there.
“We’re committed to a robust plan now to not only select the best players, but also to prepare Guyana for the competition ahead, giving our players a real opportunity to compete for a medal,” Singh stated.
Preparation plans, Singh said, will include strengthening domestic tournaments, increasing international exposure, staging targeted training camps and potentially integrating overseas-based talent.
The president said the goal is to ensure Guyana’s squad arrives in Glasgow well-prepared, confident, and capable of challenging higher-ranked opponents. The event will feature both men’s and women’s competitions, reflecting the continued expansion of the sport across the Commonwealth.
The GBF president added that for Guyana, the tournament appearance is a historic breakthrough that places local basketball on the global stage and signals a bold new chapter for the game at home.
…GBF hails historic milestone for the sport
Pitamber, Clement overall winners of I-CEE Chess Grand Prix Three
FOLLOWING two weekends of intense competition at the David Rose Special School, CM Sachin Pitamber and Ciel Clement emerged as champions of the I-CEE-sponsored Grand Prix 3 in their respective categories. Concluding on February 1st, 2026, the tournament saw Pitamber dominate the open category to secure vital Grand Prix points, while Clement clinched the top spot in the female category.
CM Pitamber finished the eightround tournament unbeaten, scoring an impressive 7.5 points. He once again showcased his tactical brilliance, most notably securing a victory over FM Anthony Drayton in the fifth round. His draw against Alexander Zhang in the sixth round prevented a perfect score.
FM Anthony Drayton finished in second place with 6.5 points. He demonstrated his experience and knowledge of the game throughout the tournament. He only lost in the fifth round against CM Pitamber, while he drew his third-round game against Keron Sandiford.
In third place was Alexander Zhang, who finished with a solid 6 points. Despite his second-round loss against FM Drayton, he showed
his talent and resilience in the remaining rounds by drawing his games against top seeds CM Pitamber in the sixth round and Kyle Couchman in the final round of the tournament. Zhang’s win against the formidable Sandiford in the seventh round secured his top spot victory.
In the open division, Couchman’s talent shone through as he tallied 5.5 points. He was followed closely by Sandiford with 5 points, and a determined Gilbert Williams, who rounded out the top group with 4.5.
In the female category, Clement scored 6.5 points, showcasing her years of experience and disciplined training over the chessboard. Clement secured draws against WCM Jessica Callendar in the third round, WCM Sasha Shariff in the fifth round, and Treskolé Archibald in the seventh round.
Former Women’s Champion
WCM Shariff also finished with 6.5 points, but due to the tiebreaker, she finished in second place. Her only loss came against WCM Callendar in the second round, while she drew the fifth round with Clement.
WCM Callendar, Former Women’s Champion, secured third place with 5.5 points after a shocking loss
to young Amaya Sharma in the seventh round, along with three drawn games throughout the tournament.
Notable performances in the female category include Archibald, who impressed with a strong 5.5 points; Kataleya Sam, demonstrating consistency and skills to finish with 4.5 points, and Sharma, who made a mark with 4 points, including a stunning victory over WCM Callendar.
The top three winners in each
category were presented with cash prizes totalling $100,000.
The Grand Prix 3 is part of a series of qualifying tournaments to select players for the Guyana Team for the 2026 Chess Olympiad, which will be held in Uzbekistan in September 2026.
The FIDE-rated tournament was overseen by FIDE Arbiter John Lee, who live-streamed the top twelve boards for viewers at home. Results were published on chess-results.
com. The Guyana Chess Federation would like to extend its gratitude to I-CEE for its continued support of Chess in Guyana and to the David Rose Special School for generously providing the venue for the tournament.
For persons interested in chess, they can follow GCF on Facebook and Instagram. All information about chess clubs and registration can be found on guyanachess.gy.
Travis Belgrave in action for Guyana at last year’s FIBA 3x3 Americup in Mexico
Prize Winners ( L to R) Alexander Zhang, FM Anthony Drayton, CM Sachin Pitamber, Ciel Clement, WCM Sasha Shariff, WCM Jessica Callendar
Powerade brand on board for MODEC
Js
Js
Racing
Stable
Stable
lauds Guyana Cup nomination process
Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Steven Jacobs
(Seated from left to right) Assistant Director of Sports, Franklin Wilson; Jackie Boodie, Petra Secretary; MODEC Technical Manager, Joao Soares; Petra Director Troy Mendonca and Petra Representative, Troy Peters, flanked by players and teachers
Connections of the Js Racing stables at the Banks Classic with Regal Man
