Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 04-05-2026

Media central to democracy, development

- PM Phillips says, reaffirms government’s commitment to free and responsible

Guyana’s media professionals gathered at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown on Sunday for

luncheon in observance of World Press Freedom Day 2026, under the theme, ‘Shaping a future at peace: Promoting press freedom for

Goberdan and Francis Quamina Farrier were given Lifetime

- says support will ease production costs, push re-investment in rice crops - PPP/C drove Guyana’s transformation, set stage for sustained global investors’ confidence and growth - Finance Minister says

From the ‘brink of bankruptcy’ to global leader

- PPP/C drove Guyana’s transformation, set stage for sustained global investors’ confidence and growth - Finance Minister says

By Shaniya Harding

GUYANA’S current economic success is owed to leadership that Minister with responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, Dr Ashni Singh, said has brought the nation “from the brink” of bankruptcy to the world’s fastest-growing economy.

Speaking on the most recent episode of the ‘Starting Point’ podcast on Sunday, Minister Singh attributed Guyana’s development and economic success to the leadership and vision of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), noting that this leadership and vision is what has driven unprecedented development and the uptick in foreign direct investment and economic success.

Speaking on the most recent episode of the ‘Starting Point’ podcast on Sunday, Senior Finance Minister Ashni Singh credited Guyana’s economic success to the leadership and vision of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) (Starting Point podcast photo)

Recounting Guyana’s economic history, Minister Singh shared that during the 1970s and 1980s, and

towards 1990, Guyana had gone ‘beyond the brink of bankruptcy.’

He noted that when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government assumed office in 1992, the immediate task at hand was to bring Guyana back from this struggling economic state. This involved restoring the nation’s standing amongst the global community of nations, rebuilding the institutions of state, and restoring fiscal solvency as a country. Sharing insight into the work the governing body did during that time, he noted, “We went through several years of initially, IMF programmes, structural adjustment programmes, mobilisation of concessional financing,” adding, “At that time, putting ourselves in a position that would make us eligible for debt relief, making ourselves eligible and qualifying ourselves for additional financing,

all within the context, like [sic] I said, of restoring fiscal solvency and the effort to achieving fiscal sustainability. And those were tough years, but we did the hard work.”

Noting the work done by the PPP/C leaders, both past and present, Minister Singh added that this signalled the first change in how Guyana was viewed and engaged with on the international stage.

He highlighted that Guyana’s engagement with the international community at the time was characterised by the implementation of significant structural reforms and mobilising primarily concessional financing.

He noted, “We implemented a lot of very tough reforms. We did a lot of hard work to make Guyana an attractive place for international investors and

also domestic investors to invest their capital.”

The senior government official in noting the impact of this work said, “It is that work that led us to this point where we are today. And we must never forget that period and the effort involved and the work that was involved in getting us to that point or getting us to the point where we are today.”

Since then, Minister Singh noted that Guyana’s economy has developed into the world’s fastest-growing economy, an accomplishment that is reflected in national interest and investment in Guyana. This effort and work by the party have made Guyana an attractive destination for investment, having attracted investors, including in the oil and gas industry, which led Exxon-

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Media central to democracy, development

- PM Phillips says, reaffirms government’s commitment to free and responsible press

PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips underscored the government's commitment to protecting and strengthening press freedom in Guyana. This, he explained, must be done with responsibility, accuracy, and integrity within the media profession.

During his address at the Media Appreciation Brunch held on Sunday, Prime Minister Phillips highlighted the impor-

tance of a free, vibrant press in a democracy.

He said this year's observance carries special significance as Guyana celebrates its 60th Independence, and reflects on the institutions that have anchored it.

"Foremost among these institutions is the press, not merely as a channel of information, but as a foundational pillar of a democratic society. The Fourth Estate's influence extends beyond reporting, into

shaping public consciousness, enabling accountability, and safeguarding public interest," he said.

The Prime Minister, who is performing the functions of President, also spoke about modern challenges facing the press, including misinformation, disinformation, digital disruption, artificial intelligence, and the growing tension between speed and accuracy. He warned that these

realities place greater responsibility on journalists, institutions, and citizens to protect truth in the public domain.

Prime Minister Phillips also said that the relationship between the State and the Press has evolved, and that the country has made meaningful progress in expanding civic space, and strengthening democratic norms.

From a policy perspective, the Prime Minister said the government's role is to ensure that conditions for press freedom are protected and continuously improved. This, he noted, includes investing in institutional capacity, such as through the Guyana Media and Communication Academy, which is preparing media professionals to operate within a professional, rapidly evolving global information landscape.

"Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic life, but its strength lies in its responsible exercise. The credibility of the press, and by extension, the quality of public discourse, depends on adherence to standards of accuracy, fairness, and integrity," he said.

He also addressed Guyana's continued engagement with global press freedom assessments, including those produced by Reporters Without Borders. While such reports play an important role in highlighting trends and areas of concern, he explained that they may not always fully capture the nuances of individual national environments or the progress made over time.

This, he added, underscores the impor -

tance of ongoing dialogue, reflection, and clarification so that such assessments can be better understood alongside the reality of Guyana's media landscape.

He added that the future envisioned by this year's theme cannot be achieved without a media that is both free and responsible, and affirmed that the relationship between the Government and the media must continue to evolve through constructive engagement, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to national development.

"As Guyana enters its next chapter beyond 60 years of Independence, the media will remain central to shaping our collective future. Your work will continue to influence how we see ourselves, how we engage with each other, and how we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead."

World Press Freedom Day 2026 was held under the theme "Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security". (OPM)

Serious crime down as GPF ramps up intelligence-led operations – Top Cop

SERIOUS crime in Guyana has declined by 10 per cent, with significant reductions recorded across major offence categories, as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) intensifies intelligence-led operations nationwide.

Speaking on Sunday’s episode of ‘Police

Round-up’. Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken said murders have decreased by 18 per cent, rape by 49 per cent, and break-andenter and larceny by 15 per cent.

Robbery has also seen a reduction, while law enforcement has removed 51 illegal firearms from circulation.

The gains come amid a coordinated push across multiple divisions, combining targeted investigations, increased patrols, and rapid response strategies.

The commissioner said these efforts are being guided by a strategic plan aimed at sustaining reductions in crime, and improving overall public safety.

A major driver behind the improved outcomes is the expanded use of technology, particularly command centres equipped with surveillance systems.

These have enhanced the Force’s ability to detect and respond to criminal activity in real time, including robbery prevention in Georgetown through live camera monitoring.

“For those persons who are inclined to do the wrong thing, the cameras will find you. We are going to find you, and you’re going to be charged, and you’re going to go before the court,” the commissioner affirmed.

The initiative is part of a broader national shift from a “safe city” model to a “safe

country” approach, with plans to establish command centres in all regions.

Community partnership also remains central to the Force’s strategy. The ‘Top Cop’ highlighted the decentralisation of the community relations department, placing officers directly within communities to strengthen trust, and improve information sharing.

Additional outreach is being supported through sports development programmes aimed at engaging young people.

Commissioner Hicken underscored that public cooperation continues to play a critical role in crime prevention, noting that timely reporting of suspicious activity has helped to disrupt criminal acts and support investigations.

The police commissioner said the combined focus on intelligence, technology, and community engagement is positioning the force to achieve even greater reductions in crime in the coming months. (DPI)

New health post opens at Eyelash

RESIDENTS of Eyelash in Region One are now benefitting from improved access to primary healthcare following the commissioning of a new health post, even as the government accelerates efforts to deliver equitable services countrywide.

The facility was commissioned by Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony on Friday last. It features a clinical section for patient care and living quarters for healthcare workers, ensuring round-the-clock access to services within the mining community.

The medical centre also provides vaccinations, maternal and general healthcare, as well as treatment for common illnesses, significantly reducing the need for residents to travel long distances.

The initiative forms part of a wider national push to strengthen healthcare deliv-

ery in underserved areas.

“We don’t want any community to be left out. Our goal is to ensure that wherever you live, you can access the care you need right in

your community,” Minister Anthony stated.

He also urged residents to take ownership of the facility, noting that its longterm success depends on

Essequibo’s ‘Aunty May’ celebrates 100 remarkable years

A LIFE of service, resilience, and global impact was celebrated as Essequibo’s beloved centenarian, Madalene Hill, marked her 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers from near and far.

Born in Good Hope on the Essequibo Coast, Hill’s journey took her beyond Guyana’s shores to England, where she dedicated many years to healthcare. Her work not only supported countless individuals, but also earned her deep admiration and respect within the communities she served. During her time abroad, she travelled extensively, embracing cultures and experiences across the world. Despite her international journey, Hill eventually returned to Guyana where she lived an active and fulfilling

life. Even at 100, she is said to maintain strong cognitive health, a testament to her vibrant spirit and enduring strength.

Affectionately known as “Aunty May” by many in Guyana, Hill is remembered for her kindness and generosity. She played a significant role in nurturing and caring for children during her years in England, leaving a lasting impression on countless lives. Though she has no children of her own, she is surrounded by a large extended family of nieces and nephews who hold her dear.

Relatives shared that Hill is deeply loved and appreciated, not just locally, but also internationally. Persons travelled from various parts of the world to celebrate the milestone with her, reflecting the far-reaching impact of her life.

Her sister, Marjorie Hill, described her as a loving and compassionate individual who has always put others first. Another sibling, Bill, now 90, also expressed joy at seeing so many people gather to honour her century of life.

The Prime Minister’s Representative, Arnold Adams, was also present at the celebration. He expressed his appreciation in sharing the special moment with the centenarian and extended birthday greetings on behalf of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), wishing her continued health and happiness.

Hill’s century-long journey stands as a powerful reminder of a life well lived—one defined by care, connection, and a legacy that spans generations and continents.

community care and use.

The minister also commissioned a new digital X-ray wing at Pakera District Hospital at Matthews Ridge.

The advanced system

is among the best produced globally. It delivers higher-quality imaging with reduced radiation exposure, while integration with artificial intelligence will allow

near-instant diagnosis of conditions such as fractures and pneumonia.

According to Dr Anthony, these investments are part of a broader transformation of Guyana’s healthcare system, combining infrastructure, technology, and human resource development.

“Not because you’re living here means you must get a different quality. Our philosophy is that the same level of care available on the coast must be accessible right here in your community,” he stated.

The ministry has also ramped up training programmes for nurses, medex, and technicians, while expanding telemedicine and constructing new hospitals across hinterland regions. Together, these initiatives signal a decisive shift towards a modern, inclusive, and world-class healthcare system for all Guyanese. (DPI)

The Basic Truth

VICE-PRESIDENT Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo recently shared a straightforward economic truth: If Guyana does not grow enough food for its people, they will end up paying more for it. This is not just a political catchphrase. It reflects the basic logic of supply and demand, and it should be taken seriously.

At a farmer consultation led by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, VP Jagdeo was direct when answering a farmer’s question about rising food prices.

He pointed out that the country is not producing enough of what Guyanese

are eating, and this gap in production is a major reason why households are feeling the pressure of higher living costs.

This issue is not happening in a vacuum. The global situation is making it worse. The recent conflict between the United States and Iran has created shockwaves in global oil and shipping markets, adding more strain to an already fragile international supply chain. With rising oil prices and shipping disruptions likely to increase the cost of imported goods, countries that rely heavily on imports are particularly at risk. Guyana needs to face this reality before it becomes unmanageable.

What makes VP Jagdeo's comments particularly persuasive is that he used everyday examples that regular Guyanese can easily understand. He observed that as living standards improve, more people are consuming meat — more chicken, beef, and mutton — but local production has not matched this increase in consumption.

The statistics are striking: A pound of mutton costs about US$4.99 in the United States, but can sell for as much as US$11 here.

This price difference exists not due to some mysterious market force, but because Guyana does not produce enough, so suppliers set the prices higher. When

there is a shortage, sellers have more control.

The situation with cassava provides another clear example. When the government offered farmers $40 a pound, and promised to build a processing mill, prices jumped to $125 a pound almost overnight, making the entire project financially unfeasible before it could even start.

This highlights a structural weakness: Well-intentioned policies can be quickly undermined when speculation takes advantage of low domestic supply. The solution, as the VP wisely pointed out, is to tackle the supply issue at its core.

Speaking about rice —

the nation’s key staple — VP Jagdeo provided a realistic but concerning outlook. Increasing labour costs might someday threaten this staple’s reliability, marking diversification and higher yields as essential, not optional. The message is clear: Small-scale, low-productivity farms are not enough for a country at this stage of development. Agriculture and livestock must be considered legitimate industries that are organised, financially supported, and competitive.

The VP wrapped up his remarks with a clear point that should resonate throughout the sector: "If they go into it as an industry, I'm sure we can compete with any

part of the world. But if you do it at a low-productivity level, then the country suffers. Ordinary people suffer." This is the heart of the issue. Increasing domestic production is not just an agricultural plan; it is a social and economic necessity. Ultimately, VP Jagdeo's message emphasises urgency and possibility, rather than blame. Guyana has the land, water, and capacity to feed itself and even more. The call to produce more is a call to tap into that potential before the costs of inaction fall on ordinary Guyanese at the market.

Reading Ivelaw Griffith at Optique Eye Hospital

I THINK almost 99 per cent of the world’s people know that if you are going to wait at a hospital anywhere in the world for the patient to be discharged after surgery, it would never be less than two hours. There is the registration, then preparation, then post-surgery examination. Then there are many persons in front of you.

So, I took a book with me at Optique Eye Hospital last Saturday while waiting to take my wife home. A very quick digression. I went in 2020 to Bascom Palmer Eye Hospital to do a surgery. What I saw at Optique in terms of ambience, facilities and staff attitude exceed what I saw at Bascom Palmer. Guyana has come of age.

The book was Ivelaw Griffith’s “Oil and Climate Change in Guyana’s Wet Neighbourhood: Probing Promise and Potential Peril.” Another brief digres-

sion. I sat in the gallery among 25 persons and not one of them had a book or newspaper or any reading material in front of them.

Every person sitting in the waiting room was on their phone. I looked at them and my mind zeroed in on the bleak future of reading.

Three months ago, I planned a review of Griffith’s work but in Guyana, even with a daily column, there is simply too much to take in. But Saturday gave me the chance to relook at Griffith’s text. I spent three hours reading Griffith and my interpretation is as follows. The book is neither bad nor good. The book is both good and bad. It is good in the sense that it is a library of material on Guyana’s topography, geography, climate and related issues. The book is disappointing when it comes to the political umbrella Griffith used to describe the promise and peril of oil production.

I would not question the academic competence of Griffith. That competence is well known in Caribbean academia. But in his latest book, Dr Griffith’s research capacity can be questioned. I can only think of one answer for the faulty research. It certainly does not lie in Griffith’s scholarly ability. It resides in Griffith’s political perspectives.

The omissions and interpretations harm the academic wholesomeness of the text. First, Griffith does not mention that his sources on the danger of oil production are exclusively anti-government people, few of whom have any training in environmental science, climate science, petroleum engineering and international political economy.

Griffith fails to mention that these people have a long track record of opposing the PPP government based on their ideological orientation of co-

lour and class. In dealing with the political environment, Griffith omits details of these very anti-oil critics who had supported five months of attempted rigging of the 2020 elections or remained silent. Griffith ought to know that you have to be careful in how you approach these people’s judgements.

Secondly, there are extensive quotes from these people, but he does not quote from a long letter. His sources wrote to President Ali in November 2020, demanding the end to oil production. In that letter there were racist overtones.

Thirdly, Griffith finds it convenient to quote people whose scholarship is absent. Take for example, Melinda Janki. He makes use of her pronouncement but failed to mention that the lady is a mere lawyer and not a scientist and her adumbrations are weird and extremist.

Ms Janki argued exten-

sively that oil is bad for Guyana and at a Moray House seminar, titled her presentation, “Oil will make Guyana poorer.”

Such persons Griffith relied on for his book.

Fourthly, Griffith refused to demarcate the lines separating anti-government civil society and independent civil society. For example, he highlights the concerns of “civil society” and cites a dozen court cases they have filed against the oil industry. But he chose not to mention that every one of those litigants is a rabid, irrational anti-PPP activist. In this context, Griffith’s book is misleading.

Fifthly, Griffith looks at the Natural Resource Fund and reproduced the condemnation of its critics, but he omitted that one of the world’s leading authorities on sovereign wealth funds, Andrew Bauer, noted that Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund is one of the finest he has examined so far.

Sixthly, Griffith very briefly mentioned William Mao of Harvard who speaks of the immeasurable and never-ending carbon credits of Guyana’s forest, but gave extensive coverage to Janet Bulkan denying such vast carbon credits.

Finally, Griffith did not touch on the fact that a majority of people are afraid to talk about. The EXXON investment is so large that the company may yet to recoup its investment. People are afraid to mention that lest they are accused of being pro-Exxon. But academics cannot be bothered with what people say. Griffith knows their job is to write.

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.

From the ‘brink of bankruptcy’ to global...

FROM PAGE 2

Mobil to do exploration.

Minister Singh noted that this growth is not just impressive at the regional level, but at the international level as well.

“Having done that work, we are today in a place where Guyana is and has been the fastest-growing economy in the world, has been growing, has been outperforming. Not only outperforming all competitors, but has been dominating global economic growth performance and global economic growth projections.”

Citing the recent economic outlooks published by the International Monetary Fund for the Western Hemisphere, the World

Economic Outlook published also by the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN ECLAC), he said shows that Guyana is outperforming every other country in the hemisphere in terms of real economic growth.

PROSPECTIVE AND IMPACTFUL

Minister Singh further noted that this outlook is not just historic, but it is also prospective, adding that this reflects more than simple growth statistics, but a reality that is being lived and felt by the Guyanese people. This, he added, is change and a reality that

the global community recognises and has tremendous respect for, adding, “The international community knows that this story is about a sustained effort to build an attractive destination for investment, a sustained effort to build a conducive policy framework to preserve not only macroeconomic stability, but to be able to realise sustainable macroeconomic growth, and to preserve and protect our macroeconomic fundamentals for long-term sustainability.”

Further, he said, “The international community knows this because they too have been in this journey. They have seen the journey that Guyana has travelled from very

tough times to now these very different economic circumstances.”

This development has also been proven to be impactful in sectors outside of oil and gas, Minister Singh said, noting that the international investment community sees Guyana as one of the most attractive places to put their investment dollars.

He noted that this is being seen across sectors, and certainly not just in oil and gas. He explained that while Guyana has seen massive interest and support from some of the world’s biggest oil and gas agencies, equal development is happening across sectors.

Citing the agriculture

and tourism sectors, he added, “In the agricultural space, you have international investors like [sic] Blumberg Grains coming to partner with us in the development of the regional food hub,” he said adding, “In the tourism and hospitality space, you have global and regional investors coming to invest in the tourism and hospitality space.”

This change also translates directly to the Guyanese people. While Guyana has become an investment destination for foreign investment, it has also fostered new investment opportunities for local entrepreneurs and businesses.

He shared, “More and more Guyanese investors and more and more Guyanese entrepreneurs are also seeing Guyana as the most attractive place to live, invest, work, and like [sic] I said, even potentially to learn, retire. More Guyanese people are recognising this. And you see this with the growth of Guyanese entrepreneurship.”

This is evident in the number of Guyanese businesses that are establishing themselves or growing, raising capital, growing their businesses, enteri ng strategic partnerships and entering joint ventures with international companies.

The predicament of the Mohameds: is there a comparison? Part 3

IN this, and the last two columns, I examined the nature of the criminal legal troubles facing the Mohameds and the nature of the criminal allegations against PPP officials.

To the eyes of the regular citizenry and political observers, it appeared as if the PPP government had no interest in prosecuting the Mohameds. For example, following the well-publicised murder of ‘Paper Shorts’ on Main Street, certain allegations were made against Azruddin Mohamed, together with serious police corruption. It was also alleged that the ruling PPP political apparatus, at the time, seemed to be in a non-interventionist mode.

Further, even though credible international press reported the existence of active U.S. government investigations into the business practices of the Mohameds, there were no publicly reported steps by government to curb their business activities. In fact, during that period, their business empire seemed poised to rapidly expand. The media reported that the family made massive investments in oil and

gas and quarry-related activities along with at least two large government contracts.

I believe that this initial casual approach to dealing with the Mohameds attracted heavy behind-the-scenes diplomatic flak from the U.S. government. As it would seem, the same quiet but firm pressure was applied to elements in the U.S.-linked business community.

As reported, our major oil extractor had signalled that it would not do business with a major shore-base facility if the Mohameds remained as investors. They were forced to divest their financial interest in the facility. Then came OFAC sanctions.

As it seemed, on the surface, there was initial resistance by the Government of Guyana (GoG) to act against the Mohameds. I could imagine the government pointedly saying to the U.S., “you cannot expect us to act against our own citizens based on allegations originating in a foreign land; you have to share sufficient credible intelligence with us.” The GoG formally requested the dossier of transgressions, which

contained a long trail of local and international violations. That said, once OFAC sanctions were announced, followed by the U.S. federal grand jury indictment and formal extradition request, the GoG was compelled to act.

The government also came under intense pressure and scorching criticism from the opposition, civil society, and ordinary citizens for what seemed, at the time, to be hesitancy. Further, there were international treaty obligations that could not be shirked without attracting severe adverse geopolitical consequences. Further, owing to the structure of international financial architecture, everything that moves, moves based on rules dictated by the U.S. It is of such, that a majority of the consequences of U.S. sanctions can take effect without direct government participation.

There are a few things to note. Long before the OFAC sanctions, the Mohameds were under U.S. visa sanctions. It was reported that they hired a U.S. law firm to find ways to remove the

sanctions. It is believed that two major pieces of advice were tendered: one, take swift and decisive steps to sanitise public image and two, get involved in politics – ‘reformed’ prominent politicians get back their visas faster than obscure, ordinary citizens. It is believed that this advice led Nazar Mohamed to run for local government office and Azruddin, the face of their imagesanitisation project, to go on a public-charity blitz. I believe that during the pre-OFAC politico-charity blitz, Azruddin did not have plans to run for office using his own political outfit. The Mohameds were still in the business mainstream together with a seemingly passive, affable government. The idea was to make some clean investments, cultivate a clean public image, get back the visa, and move on with life.

Nevertheless, the OFAC financial sanctions came. The advice reiterated that sanctions are usually removed when the sanctioned individual attains significant political office. I believe, originally,

that Azruddin wanted to simply run for parliamentary office under the PPP banner and receive shelter and political protection. Playing out on the geopolitical stage, Maduro was enemy number one in the hemisphere and the U.S. government believed that the Mohameds had direct, friendly relations with agents of Maduro. They soon realised that they were not going to get political coverage - animosity was born. Azruddin had no choice but to summon his full regalia of pretence and run for office; his freedom and business interest were at stake – bitter rivalry ensued.

There is a brigade of political pretenders who argued that, if Dr Irfaan Ali and Anil Nandlall can run for office while charges were pending against them, then Azruddin can also run for and hold high constitutional office. These same political hypocrites who had earlier lambasted the government and accused it of protecting the Mohameds, called for independent international investigations and involvement of the FBI.

When sanctions and indictments came from an independent international investigation, involving the very FBI, and Azruddin became an enemy of their political enemy, he suddenly became their poster-boy for political persecution. It must be remembered that Dr Ashni Singh was charged by the APNU+AFC government and at the time, he was working and living in Dubai, a place that does not extradite people to Georgetown. Being sure of his innocence, he voluntarily returned to Guyana, went through the court process, and was exonerated. Azruddin is entreated to do likewise, face his accusers, clear his name and be back in Guyana minus the cloud of suspicion and take his proper place as ‘president’ in 2030-31.

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.

Guyana ready to defend sovereignty as oral hearings begin

THE long-standing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela will enter a decisive phase today, as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) begins public hearings on the merits of the case concerning the 1899 Arbitral Award.

The hearings, which will be held at the Peace Palace in The Hague, The Netherlands, are scheduled to run from May 4 to May 11, 2026, and will see both countries presenting their oral arguments on the merits before the court. This stage represents a critical turning point in the proceedings, moving beyond preliminary objections into the substantive examination of the case, which is widely regarded as one of the most significant legal proceedings in Guyana’s history.

At the centre of the case is the validity of the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899, which established the boundary between what was then British Guiana and Venezuela. The controversy dates back decades, with Venezuela formally rejecting the award in 1962 after having accepted it for many years. Guyana initiated proceedings before the ICJ on March 29, 2018, seeking a final and peaceful resolution to the controversy in accordance with international law. Since then, the case has progressed through several stages, including written submissions and preliminary objections raised by Venezuela.

In 2020, the court confirmed that it has jurisdiction to hear the case, and in 2023 it dismissed Venezuela’s preliminary objections, allowing the proceedings to advance to

again on April 6, 2023, both times affirming its authority to hear and determine the case. The court also rejected Venezuela’s objections, confirming that it could proceed to consid-

in the disputed territory, where Guyana exercises administration and control.

ments from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and again from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Venezuela will then present its first round of arguments on Wednesday, May 6, during the same

While the outcome of the case carries profound implications for Guyana’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and economic future, the Government of Guyana has

the merits stage. With the written phase now complete, the oral hearings mark the first time both sides will present their comprehensive legal arguments in open court before the panel of judges.

The ICJ has already ruled twice on its jurisdiction in the matter, first on December 18, 2020, and

er the substantive issues raised by Guyana.

In addition, the ICJ has issued provisional measures aimed at preserving the status quo while the case is pending. Most recently, in its December 2023 Order, the Court directed Venezuela to refrain from any action that would alter the current situation

The hearings will unfold over several days, with each country presenting two rounds of oral arguments.

Guyana is expected to open the proceedings today with its first round of presentations, followed by Venezuela later in the week.

According to the court’s schedule, Guyana will open the proceedings on Monday, May 4, with its first round of oral argu-

time slots of 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The second round of oral arguments will follow on Friday, May 8, when Guyana will present from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., while Venezuela will conclude the hearings on Monday, May 11, also from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

said it is approaching the hearings with “full confidence in the strength of its case,” grounded in historical evidence and established principles of international law. The proceedings are expected to bring the decades-old controversy closer to a final judicial determination.

Youths sensitised about malaria following training session

MEDEX Kavita Moses from the Annai District Hospital recently delivered an engaging and informative presentation on malaria to students and lecturers of the Youth Learning Centre of the Bina Hill Institute, Annai, North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo).

Medex Moses emphasised the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of malaria, highlighting the importance of early detection and proper care.

Attendees were encouraged to take proactive measures to pro-

The session also included Community Service Officer (CSO) trainees, making it a well-rounded and impactful educational gathering.

tect themselves and their communities from the disease.

Following the presentation, mosquito nets were distributed to participants, reinforcing the key message of prevention and providing a practical tool to help reduce the risk of malaria transmission.

The initiative was well received, as it combined education with di-

rect support, contributing to ongoing efforts to promote public health and awareness in the region.

The Youth Learning Centre (YLC) participated in an engaging Malaria Awareness Month presentation led by health professionals from the Annai District Hospital, which included Medex Moses; Microscopic Personnel Ms. Finola Oswald; and Environmental Officer Sir Everson David.

The Bina Hill Insti -

tute, established in 2001 through the vision of former Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs and Vice-President, Sydney Allicock, provided technical and life-skills training for Indigenous youths aged 18 to 25 from Regions Seven, Eight, and Nine.

The Institute, which receives a subvention from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, currently has 26 students and five staff members under Abraham’s leadership.

A native of Santa Rosa, Moruca, Region One, Abraham has long been engaged in youth development work in Aishalton, South Rupununi, before assuming his current role.

Once successful at their training, students are encouraged to return to their villages to apply their new skills— creating and marketing craft products that generate income while preserving Indigenous traditions.

Two arrested following discovery of firearm at BV business place

The firearm and ammunition that were retrieved from a Beterverwagting business place on Saturday

THE police in Regional Division #4 ‘C’ are investigating the discovery of a firearm and ammunition on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at approximately 18:30hrs, during a patrol conducted in the vicinity of Granville Park, Beterverwagting Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

According to a police report, enquiries revealed that ranks on patrol stopped motorcycle CR 439, which was being driven by a 30-yearold male of the Sparendaam Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara. His documents were checked and found to

be in force, and a search was conducted on his person.

“During the interaction, the suspect reportedly stated that he was a security officer attached to a business place at Beterverwagting and that a firearm was with a colleague at his workplace.

“Ranks then escorted him to the location, where a 34-year-old security officer was contacted. The second suspect then went to a fence area in front of the business place and retrieved a 9mm Taurus pistol with 10 live rounds of ammunition in the magazine, which had been hidden between lumber and

covered with a tarpaulin.

“The suspects were asked for their precepts and they stated that they did not have them in their possession. They were then arrested. No firearm licence for the weapon had been produced as investigations continued,” the police said.

The suspects were escorted to the Beterverwagting Police Station along with the firearm and ammunition, which were lodged pending investigation.

Both suspects remain in police custody assisting with the investigation.

GPA emphasises role of press as Guyana progresses

THE following is the full text of the statement issued by the Guyana Press Association on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2026:

“On World Press Freedom Day 2026, the Guyana Press Association joins the international community in affirming that a free and independent media is the cornerstone of peace, human rights, and sustainable development.

“Thus, the theme for World Press Freedom Day 2026 “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security”, is not only timely but relevant.

“In Guyana, where our democracy continues to evolve press freedom is not only a professional duty but a national imperative for stability and progress.

“The Access to Information Act must be fully and properly operationalised. The public is entitled to credible information and

transparency. It is through the dedicated work of journalists that citizens can get the information needed to demand accountability.

“The Guyana Press Association wishes to encourage journalists to be fearless in pursuit of their craft to shape a future that will be at peace. Equally, we urge government, opposition, civil society, individuals, and other non-State actors to join hands in unison to create an enabling environment for officialdom and official documents to be made available.

“This will allow Guyanese at all levels an opportunity to make informed and rational decisions that can redounded to the benefit of our beloved country.

“The public is entitled to transparency, and so every effort must be made to have a user-friendly Access to Information mechanism as one of the avenues through which information can be provided in a timely manner.

“Technological advancements must not be utilised as tools of information restriction as that can, as experience currently shows, result in the dampening of freedom of expression, a fundamental human right in itself. Accurate, timely and relevant information is intrinsically critical to the appreciation and realisation of other human rights, human development, and multi-faceted security.

“Bear in mind that journalism is beyond news but extends to features, documentaries, dried discussions and other forms of current affairs content that dissect challenges and offer potential solutions.

“The GPA, therefore, urges the Guyana government, opposition, academia, civil society, and other credible nonState actors to work harmoniously towards this common objective that will benefit Guyana regardles s of which party governs.”

Cannabis found during Surama police operation

THE police in Regional Division # 9 are investigating the discovery of a quantity of suspected cannabis, which was found on Saturday, May 2, 2026, about 19:00hrs, during an operation conducted at Surama Village, North Rupununi.

During the exercise, ranks acting on information contacted a 20-year-old male of Surama Village, North Rupununi. Searches were conducted on the man and a side bag he was carrying, during which 17 transparent zip-lock plastic bags containing seeds, leaves and stems suspected to be cannabis were found in the bag.

The suspect was arrested and escorted to the Annai Police Station along with the suspected cannabis, which was weighed in his presence and amounted to 34 grams before being lodged.

The suspect remains in custody as an investigation continues. (GPF)

A 20-year-old Surama resident is in police custody after 34 grams of cannabis was allegedly found in his bag (GPF

Media workers celebrate

World Press Freedom Day

Guyana rising as investment destination, global leader

- Minister Singh underscores, says recent IMF/World Bank engagement reflected expanded influence, respect, evolving international partnerships

By Shaniya Harding

GUYANA now occupies a place of considerably more influence and respect globally, hemispherically, and regionally on almost all subject matters.

This was the sentiment expressed by Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh, during his appearance on the ‘Starting Point’ podcast on Sunday.

Speaking following his participation in the International Monetary Fund (IMF)/ World Bank Group (WBG) Spring Meetings, Minister Singh said the engagement, coupled with growing interest from international investors, have reinforced Guyana’s growing role of leadership on the international stage.

Speaking during the interview, Minister Singh said the recently held IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings were

the most recent example of Guyana’s growing role and influence on the international stage.

Noting the shift that the meetings highlighted, he shared, “Those meetings are a good example of how, not only how we are viewed and perceived, but also the interactions that we have, and the contributions that we can make, and how those have evolved over time.”

He further noted that over the years, Guyana’s engagement with the international community, and particularly the international financial institutions, have improved drastically, and at an unprecedented rate.

He said this engagement has changed due to Guyana’s growing contribution and economic success.

“The engagement has changed significantly because we are a significant contributor now to regional economic growth. We are

a significant contributor to aggregate output in the oil and gas, well, in oil in particular, thus far,” he said adding, “The mere fact that we are now an economy that is growing rapidly, that economic outcomes in Guyana matter so much more significantly for aggregate Caribbean economic outcomes and the overall Caribbean economic outlook, that alone has contributed to a significant change in the engagement.”

More importantly, Minister Singh noted that Guyana’s governance has gained just as much traction and attention.

He noted that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government continues to gain the support for its progressive leadership, with Head of State President Dr. Irfaan Ali setting an example through policy creation, implementation, and execution that has made Guyana a model in many regards.

“The international com-

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, alongside International Finance Corporation Vice-President for Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Alfonso García Mora, during engagements at the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Washington, DC (DPI

munity also recognises that in this government, in successive People’s Progressive Party Civic/Governments, and in this generation of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the international community has found a political leadership that has provided a good example to the world of policy making and policy implementation and execution that is worthy of emulation.”

Moreover, he noted that beyond building a policy framework and implementing it, Guyana’s leadership is also equipped with strong intellectual and thoughtful leadership. This, he added, has made Guyana a voice on a number of critical and pressing matters that face not just the region, but the world.

“The whole engagement has changed significantly, with greater interest in what is happening in Guyana, not necessarily from the standpoint of what assistance and advice can be provided to Guyana,” he said.

However, Minister Singh was keen to emphasise that Guyana continues to take a collaborative approach, noting that the nation is still open to assistance from partners, receiving advice and listening to alternative perspectives. Collaboration, the minister added, is just as important as expertise in comprehensive successful governance. “We are a listening government, and we are always open to listening, and particularly listening to the opinions of others and the advice of others.”

SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS

This robust leadership that has achieved sustainable success in a number of areas has significantly shifted Guyana’s engagement on the international stage.

As Minister Singh noted, more members of the international community continue to seek out Guyana’s views.

He explained that in recent years, these engagements have evolved, going from matters of assistance and aid to seeking the country’s views on pressing global issues and challenges. “The engagement has changed now significantly, with more people seeking out Guyana's views, more members of the international community seeking out Guyana's views, seeking out a kind of engagement and a kind of partnership that is not so much characterised by assistance, official development assistance, aid and those historic modes of engagement, but more recognising Guyana as a destination for investment, a country in which economic and commercial ties have great promise for deepening,” he added, “In fact, seeking our views on some of the pressing issues that confront the world and some of the pressing issues that confront the region.”

Ultimately, Minister Singh underscored that Guyana, despite its small size and population, has gained a growing international presence that is not only about economic figures, but about the country’s expanding voice and visibility on the global stage. This, he added, is being highlighted in a number of recent engagements, citing the nation’s participa-

tion in global forums.

“Small Guyana, tiny little Guyana, occupying such positions of leadership, whether it is in the sale of carbon credits for aviation offset targets to be met, or Guyana taking centre stage at OTC, or Guyana taking centre stage in the food security agenda in CARICOM, or Guyana taking centre stage as the physical and economic bridge between northern Brazil and the Caribbean and the rest of the world,” he said.

He added that these are just a few examples and a clear indication that a country can develop at unprecedented rates even when coming from dire financial situations.

Minister Singh noted that Guyana has moved beyond a period when the nation was facing heavy national debt to being the robust and bustling economy it is today.

“There are so many examples of Guyana demonstrating that it is possible for a country to lift itself out of being, from being a heavily indebted poor country where we were in the early 1990s, to being the fastest growing economy in the world where we are today.”

He added that while some may say the country is “punching above its weight”, Guyana is proof that through good leadership, collaboration and strong policies, small nations can become global leaders. As he added,

“Guyana has for a very long time been punching above our weight. And what we are witnessing taking place in Guyana today is the result of precisely that.”

Farmers applaud government’s timely cash-grant initiative

- says support will ease production costs, push re-investment in rice crops

THE Government of Guyana is once again showing that its work goes beyond ministries and has a direct impact on the lives of Guyanese, with its most recent initiative aimed at ensuring the continued success of the agricultural sector and those who drive it.

Rice farmers across the country are expressing strong support for the measure, describing it as a timely intervention that will help them navigate low paddy prices and rising production costs.

The initiative, launched last week, will provide direct cash payments to farmers based on acreage, a significant factor for both smalland large-scale farmers

It is aimed at offering farmers immediate relief while enabling them to re-invest in ongoing and upcoming crops. As the Head of State, President, Dr Irfaan Ali outlined options during the unveiling of the initiative, including direct cash

support, fertiliser assistance, subsidies, and acreage-based payments, which are being considered.

The government’s approach remains consultative and data-driven, backed by engagement with farmers, and forms part of broader efforts aimed at stabilising the local rice industry amid global market pressures.

Speaking after the announcement, a number of rice farmers said the initiative is particularly important given the current challenges within the sector.

Dexter Thomas noted that with prices remaining low, any form of assistance provides a much-needed boost. He explained that the cash grant now allows them to return to their fields with some level of financial backing.

Sharing how the change in prices has impacted him and how this grant will aid, Thomas said, “I think it is a very good initiative because

of the way the price is, and the government assisting the farmers is very good. I remember we did not get any good prices before, so they are doing something good,” he added, “It will benefit me because, at the price where it is, when you get some assistance, you can go back into the crop, right, and buy your fertiliser.”

This is among the main aims of the intervention, designed specifically to cushion farmers against declining earnings while ensuring production is maintained.

For others, the support comes at a very critical time. Sharing her views on the initiative, Brigitte Smith highlighted an issue that many farmers face and how the grant will help. As Smith noted, many farmers still have crops in the field and are facing delays in harvesting due to hurdles such as limited access to combines and the time required to process paddy at mills.

She said the cash grant offers an opportunity to reinvest before the crop cycle is fully completed, rather than waiting for payments after sales, noting, “For me as a rice farmer, our crops are still in the field, and we don’t know when we will be getting the combine to cut.”

She added, “The President made a good point there and set a good way for us to collect the money and go back into the field. A great help, a very great help, for me and my children also, because we are poor people now trying to move up and get by. So that is our survival.”

Meanwhile, Omesh Omaw, also welcomed the initiative, noting that it brings

a sense of hope to rice farmers, who have faced significant setbacks in recent months.

He pointed out that heavy rainfall and other challenges resulted in losses for many, while ongoing issues with millers have added further strain.

“It is a good initiative. Our rice farmers had some hope that they would expect something from the government,” he said adding, “Because of the rainfall and whatever happened, a lot of people lose rice. With the situation with the millers and everything, I mean it is a good thing that you can go back into the crop and at least start back the crop.”

Omaw said the support

offers hope, allows farmers to return to their fields and restart cultivation, providing a pathway to recover and continue production. Under the initiative, farmers cultivating up to 50 acres are expected to receive $15,000 per acre, while those with larger holdings will receive $10,000 per acre, a tiered approach aimed at ensuring broad-based support across the sector.

The views of these farmers, and hundreds of others across the country, reflect growing optimism, with many viewing the initiative as a much needed and necessary step to sustain livelihoods while maintaining output in a changing economic landscape.

Sisters sustain Dharm Shala’s 106year tradition of community service

By Michel Outridge

THREE generations have chosen service over self. Now, Kella and Pamela Ramsaroop are ensuring that the Dharm Shala’s pledge — ‘Home of Benevolence for All Races’ — endures.

The Dharm Shala, Guyana’s oldest charity, marked 106 years this year. Its legacy endures because the Ramsaroop family gave up careers abroad to continue what began as one man’s vision in Albouystown.

Founded in 1921 by Pandit Ramsaroop Maraj at 128 James and King Streets, Georgetown, the charity was born from his travels as a gold dealer.

Moved by the poverty he witnessed across Guyana, the deeply spiritual 32-year-old abandoned his lucrative trade to serve

others.

He began with alms and a soup kitchen, then built five wooden structures with his own funds and community donations.

The Dharm Shala’s aims remain unchanged: To shelter, feed, clothe, and attend to the medical and spiritual needs of residents — entirely free of charge.

That mission is now upheld by Maraj’s granddaughters.

Kella Ramsaroop, a former banker in Guyana and municipal worker in the U.S., serves as the Managing Head. Pamela Ramsaroop, a retired UK barrister-at-law, is President. Both women returned to Guyana to continue the charity after their father, Harry Ramsaroop, died in 2013. Their father had made the same sacrifice decades

earlier.

In his 30s, with four young daughters, Harry left a senior government post and a promising cricket career to lead the Dharm Shala after Pandit Maraj’s death in 1950, days before his 60th birthday.

HANDS-ON LEADERSHIP

“We have a hands-on approach to all matters,”

Kella says. She visits the Georgetown Home daily, checking residents’ health, needs, and the facility’s upkeep.

The charity operates 11 buildings — six in Georgetown and five in Canje, Berbice. Twenty-four residents are housed in Georgetown, while the Canje location is home to fifty persons.

Under the sisters, structures have been modernised with improved sanitation, updated rules, and renovated living quarters.

Funding comes from a $2million annual government subvention, public donations, and the sisters’ inheritance.

President Irfaan Ali donated $1M during his traditional Christmas Day visit in 2024 and pledged continued support.

FROM JEWELLER TO SERVANT OF HUMANITY

Pandit Maraj, born November 3, 1889, at Friendship, Wakenaam, relocated to Georgetown and founded the Hindu Religious Society.

The first Dharm Shala building opened in 1929 at King Edward and Sussex Streets. A feeding space served 200 people daily.

Realising many needed shelter not just meals, he built a wooden dormitory, which would be the first Dharm Shala.

In 1939, he added a

vice: The structures were dismantled and replaced with two ferro-concrete buildings, with separate male and female sections.

In 1963, a medical dispensary was added to serve residents and the Albouystown community. In Berbice, he replaced the L-shaped building with two separate dormitories for men and women.

A FAMILY COMMITMENT

Christian chapel and a priest’s quarters next to his colonial-style home on James Street and opposite the Dharm Shala.

Below the house stands a Shiva mandir.

The chapel was re-dedicated to St. Francis in 1957 by Archbishop Alan John Knight.

Expansion to Berbice followed in 1941, with colonial government support. There, Maraj built another Shiva mandir, an Anglican chapel, and an L-shaped structure for residents, plus a school.

Maraj’s service made history. In 1934, he became the first Indian in the West Indies to be honoured twice by King George VI with the Silver Jubilee Medal. He was later appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Harry Ramsaroop also received an MBE for charitable work, along with Guyana’s Medal of Service and Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH).

The Dharm Shala welcomed Princess Mary, the Princess Royal, on January 30, 1960, during her tour of British Guiana. Prince Charles, now King Charles III, visited in February 2000.

When Harry assumed leadership, contractors warned that repairing three aging colonial buildings would be costly.

He heeded their ad -

Kella recalls her grandfather’s daily visits to discuss the Dharm Shala with her father as she did homework. “That made a great impact… This is noble work. We don’t take money from there. God has blessed us with what we have.”

Their mother, Anna Callie Bansgopal of Corentyne’s prominent Hanuman family, also supported the charity. Two other sisters, Ula and Pauline, volunteer when able.

At Harry’s request, his death was not announced until after a simple cremation. Wreaths sent afterward were distributed to the Dharm Shala’s temples and churches.

At his funeral, an Anglican priest said, “You don’t need a recommendation to where you are going” — a tribute, Kella notes, “for someone who spent a lifetime serving humanity.”

The sisters recount one notable episode: A government official once asked Harry to temporarily house Indian immigrants awaiting the MV Resurgent — the final ship to repatriate indentured labourers to India.

It left Guyana on September 4, 1955, arriving October 12, ending the indenture system.

As documented in their book ‘A Labour of Love,’ the Dharm Shala’s humanitarian journey continues without pause.

“We pray God blesses and sustains those who support the charity and its beneficiaries,” the sisters say, “as we continue to serve and keep the charity alive.”

Firearm found at Regent and Light Streets during police patrol

THE police in Regional Division # 4 ‘A’ are investigating the discovery of a firearm on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at approximately 20:00hrs, during a patrol conducted at Regent and Light Streets, Georgetown. Enquiries revealed that

attempted to remove what appeared to be a firearm from the right side of his pants’ waist. A .38 revolver containing five spent .38 shells in the chamber, was immediately taken from him.

The suspect was asked if he was the holder of a

ranks, while on mobile patrol duty in Regent Street, received information regarding an individual with a suspected firearm. Acting on the information, they proceeded to Regent and Light Streets, Georgetown, where they contacted a 26-year-old Venezuelan.

Upon seeing the police, the suspect allegedly

valid firearm licence and stated that he was not. He was then arrested and escorted to the Alberttown Police Station along with the suspected firearm, which was lodged pending investigation.

The suspect remains in police custody assisting with investigations. Investigations are ongoing. (GPF)

Antonelli wins thrilling Miami Grand Prix from Norris and Piastri

(Formula 1) Kimi Antonelli has taken victory in an action-packed Miami Grand Prix, the Italian resisting pressure from Lando Norris to seal his third consecutive win of the season.

A dramatic start ensued when the race got underway, with polesitter Antonelli facing a three-way scrap alongside Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc before both the Mercedes and Red Bull cars locked up into the first corner. Verstappen then dropped down the order after spinning out shortly after.

The lead changed hands numerous times from there, with Antonelli later overtaking Leclerc while Norris, Oscar Piastri and Verstappen all enjoyed stints at the front. Separate crashes for Isack Hadjar and Pierre Gasly, meanwhile, saw the Safety Car deployed in the opening laps.

But it would ultimately prove to be a two-horse battle between Antonelli and Norris as the race wore on,

the McLaren remaining on the tail of the former during the latter stages. Despite that tension, Antonelli held on to score his third victory of the campaign, making history as the first driver to convert their maiden three pole positions into wins. Norris crossed the line 3.264s back in P2, while Piastri snatched the final spot on the podium from Leclerc

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

KEMPTON

09:00 hrs Bin Waary

09:35 hrs Thunder Call

10:10 hrs Trincolo

10:45 hrs Hamaleel

11:20 hrs Valentine Boy

11:55 hrs Dust Cover

12:30 hrs Dojin

13:00 hrs Now The Eagle

BEVERLEY

08:57 hrs Brandenburg

09:30 hrs Lady Dublin

10:05 hrs Donna Rumma

10:40 hrs Showtown

11:15 hrs Copper Knight

11:50 hrs Freddy Robinson

12:25 hrs Suddenly I

See 12:56 hrs Evelyns Phoenix

WINDSOR

08:53 hrs Escape Plan

09:23 hrs Roxelina

09:58 hrs Decade Of Time

10:33 hrs Crazee Icon

11:08 hrs Strike

11:43 hrs Overbudget

during a chaotic final two laps. Leclerc subsequently spun and managed to keep on going, but the Ferrari man was overtaken by Mercedes’ George Russell for fourth while Verstappen grabbed fifth from Leclerc at the line.

Leclerc was hit with a 20-second penalty post-race in lieu of a drive-through for repeatedly cutting the

12:18 hrs Bridge

12:53 hrs Gone Rogue

IRISH RACING TIPS

CURRAGH

08:15 hrs Belicoso

08:50 hrs Star Prospect

09:25 hrs Causeway

10:00 hrs Green Carrera

10:35 hrs Drop Dead Gorgeous

11:10 hrs Minnie Hauk

11:45 hrs Pinar Del Rio

12:20 hrs Reposado

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

VAAL

08:05 hrs Lolly Willowes

09:40 hrs Ubermensch

09:20 hrs Master Buddy

09:55 hrs American Rebel

10:30 hrs Tracksuit

Dave

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

THISTLEDOWN

Race 1 Sight Unseen

Race 2 Trouble Or Nothing

Race 3 Ineedyoubabe

Race 4 Bobber's Rocket

Race 5 Its Browns Time

Race 6 Glory

track on the final lap, dropping him to eighth behind Ferrari team mate Lewis Hamilton.

Franco Colapinto scored some valuable points for Alpine in seventh, and there was also a good return for Williams, with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon completing the top 10.

Haas’ Ollie Bearman just missed out in P11, as did Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto in P12 and the other Haas of Esteban Ocon in P13.

Racing Bulls’ Arvid

Lindblad followed in 14th, while the Aston Martins of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were 15th and 17th respectively, the Cadillac duo of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas sandwiched between in 16th and 18th.

Hadjar and Gasly were two of the four retirees following their earlier crashes, with Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson bringing his car into the pits following contact with Gasly while Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg also pitted to retire his car.

GCC beat Transport...

Latif’s bowling.

Latif had 4-33 and was supported by Khan and Jacobus, who took two wickets each for TSC, who lost their last six wickets for 20 runs as they batted in T20 fashion.

When TSC began their reply, a ‘no ball’ from Kalpu, which eluded the ‘keeper,’ gifted them five runs from no balls.

Lewis jumped into Persaud and blasted him for four, six off a ‘no ball’ and ended the second over, which cost 20, with four more.

After two overs TSC were 20 without loss.

Lewis smashed Kalpu for three fours in the next over before stroking him for a couple of glorious boundaries as 50 came up in five overs.

Mikel Johnson was a spectator at the non-strikers’ end as Lewis continued to flay the hapless bowlers to all parts of ground.

Lewis hit Ethan Roopnarine for six to reach his 50

(From page 22)

from 20 balls before he was bowled by Kalpu at 76-1. His blistering 64 lasted 26 balls and was decorated with nine fours and three sixes. Johnson had contributed just three runs to the opening stand.

Roopnarine bowled Johnson (6 from 19 balls) at 82-3, and West Indies U-19 World Cup left-hander Shamar Apple got going with a huge six off Pereira as the 100 came up in the 11th over.

But when on 22 in overcast conditions with seven wickets in hand, the pugnacious Apple was caught at long-off playing an ill-advised shot off Ramzan to leave his team on 109-4.

Apple’s dismissal of Ramzan, in the middle of a frugal spell, meant TSC suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their six wickets for 20 runs.

Perriera had 2-18 and Ramzan 2-10 from six overs.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday, May 4, 2026)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 8 centuries (2) 222/2 (20) - RR vs DC, Wankhede Today’s Quiz: (1) How many teams are contesting the IPL 2026 title? (2) How many matches were scheduled

Holder and Washington star in Gujarat Titans' nervy last-over win

(ESPNCRICINFO) - The top half of the IPL 2026 points table is an utter logjam. Punjab Kings (PBKS), unbeaten through their first seven games, have now lost two in a row. And the team that beat them on Sunday night, Gujarat Titans (GT) have won three in a row. All around the IPL, teams that had led secure lives in the top four have endured setbacks over the last few days.

And so the big squeeze. PBKS remain at No. 1, but they're only one point above GT at No. 5. GT, however, are the only team in the top five with a negative net run rate (NRR). This may have something to do with their style of play: they rely on their bowlers to ensure their batters don't have to score at the frenetic rates of some other teams, but that means their margins of victory tend to be less emphatic.

On Sunday, their margin was wafer-thin - one ball remaining - despite the fact that they dominated virtually from start to finish. Their Test-match pace trio of Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder bowled hard lengths on a pitch that offered steep bounce and plentiful seam movement from those lengths, and reduced PBKS to 47 for 5.

Suryansh Shedge and Marcus Stoinis ensured that PBKS recovered to post 163 for 9, but this was still very much a GT kind of target, perfect for their style of top-order play.

A measured half-century from B Sai Sudharsan laid the perfect platform, but GT's scoring rate remained somewhere in the region of their original required rate right through their chase. And suddenly, they ended up needing 11 off the final over. Washington Sundar sealed victory with a penultimate-ball six, but on another day, this could

have so easily been the story of GT sleepwalking to defeat.

But the major story was this: for the third match in a row, GT pulled off the trademark GT victory. Straightjacketing their oppositions with the ball, and chasing down sub-170 targets with significant contributions from one or two of their top three.

This was a black-soil pitch with a healthy covering of grass, and it was evident from ball one that it would reward bowlers who hammered away on hard lengths. Ball one from Siraj almost produced a chance, with extra bounce leading to a miscued pull from Priyansh Arya that fell just out of reach of Jos Buttler, who had chased from his spot behind the stumps to the edge of the 30-yard circle at backward square leg. Ball two produced the first wicket: a bit of width for Arya to free his arms, but extra bounce once more to take away his control and bring about a

slice to deep third.

Siraj struck again with his next ball, going slightly fuller, getting a bit of swing into the left-handed Cooper Connolly to produce an inside-edge to the wicketkeeper.

Rabada matched Siraj's excellence from the other end, as the two bowled

three overs each in the powerplay, beating the bat multiple times as Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer struggled to match their usual rates of scoring. Then, Rabada bowled an outstanding sixth over, which included the wicket of Prabhsimran with a 152kph length ball that

cramped him for room on the on-the-up punch, and four straight dots to Nehal Wadhera, including one that zipped past the edge and a bouncer that zipped past the helmet. A wicket maiden completed PBKS' least productive powerplay since the start of IPL 2025: 35 for 3.

Varun and Narine push Sunrisers Hyderabad's off switch

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine thrived on a slower-than-usual Hyderabad pitch to halt Sunrisers Hyderabad's five-match winning streak in IPL 2026. Varun and Narine took five wickets between them to have SRH tumbling from 105 for 1 in the ninth over to 165 all out in 19 overs. Along the way, Narine joined the IPL's 200-wicket club.

Kolkata Knight Riders shaved 71 runs off the target in the powerplay and eventually sealed their third successive win, with seven wickets and 10 balls to spare. Angkrish Raghuvanshi anchored the chase with a career-best 59 off 47 balls.

SRH'S HEADSTART

Travis Head flew out of the blocks as usual, clattering Vaibhav Arora for four fours in the second over, after SRH had opted to bat. Head didn't let the momentum let up against Narine, slog-sweeping him for six over square leg and then pumping him over mid-on for four in the

third over. Narine's opening over was much tighter. Bowling the first over for only the fourth time in his IPL career, he kept Abhishek Sharma to nine runs.

Head also lined up Cameron Green and went onto bring up his half-century off

22 balls. Kartik Tyagi bested Abhishek with a hard-length delivery that was clocked at almost 145kph, but Head maintained a high tempo, which was central to SRH passing 70 in the powerplay for the sixth time in 10 innings in this IPL. Head thumped Varun for

17 off five balls before the mystery spinner hit back to have him holing out in the ninth over. Head's dismissal triggered an irreparable SRH collapse. Varun proceeded to dismiss debutant R Smaran, who had come in for the unwell Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Aniket Verma.

Once the ball grew older, it wasn't easy to hit through the line. But that didn't stop SRH's batters from staying true to their uber-aggressive philosophy. Both Smaran and Aniket fell while trying to find the boundary or clear it.

After enduring a tough end to the T20 World Cup and an equally tough start to the IPL, Varun has found some form, picking up at least two wickets in each of his last four games.

Heinrich Klaasen started brightly for SRH, but a one-handed screamer from Rovman Powell, a bona fide contender for the catch of the season, stopped him on 11.

Narine then became the first overseas bowler - and third overall after Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar - to 200 IPL wickets when he knocked over Salil Arora with a beauty that drifted in and swerved away to hit the top of off stump. In the same over, Narine removed Ishan Kishan for 42 off 29 balls with a regulation offbreak, leaving them on 148 for 7 in 16 overs. SRH added 17 to their tally before

they were bowled out for the first time this season.

KKR SCRAP HOME

Finn Allen, who had replaced his New Zealand compatriot Tim Seifert, came out attacking in the chase, smacking Pat Cummins for three fours and two sixes. Cummins, however, had the last laugh, having Allen caught at deep midwicket with a delivery that stopped in the pitch.

Allen's early assault carried KKR to 71 in the powerplay - only twice have they scored more runs during this phase in IPL 2026. Rahane and Raghuvanshi could afford to sit back and just bunt the ball into the gaps. They forged an 84-run stand for the fourth wicket before SRH's Impact Player Sakib Hussain bounced Rahane out for 43 off 36 balls. Left-arm wristspinner Shivang Kumar created another opening by snagging Raghuvanshi with a wrong'un. Rinku Singh, however, got the job done for KKR along with Green.

Beacon FC shines as GFA league continues

L-R, Beacon’s scorers Ronaldo Abrams, Jecuan Cole, and Stayon Murray

BEACON FC grabbed a comfortable win on Saturday evening at the Plaisance Community Centre ground when they clashed with Motherland FC.

Beacon left the venue with a 3-1 victory.

Ronaldo Abrams scored the opener for Beacon in the 25th minute, but Shamar Adams equalised in the 30th.

Jecuan Cole broke the deadlock just before the half as Beacon held the lead, 2-1.

A second-half goal from

Stayon Murray in the 70th firmly put the game in the Beacons' hands as they got a comfortable win.

In the other contest, Black Pearl and Pele played to a 1-all draw.

Pele’s Orlando Lovell gave Pele the lead before Orlando Joe scored for Black Pearl to tie the contest.

As the game progressed, the score remained unchanged as the contest ended in a draw.

The semis are set for

GCA U-17 Eilin Security Logistics 50-over cricket GCC beat Transport by seven runs

By Sean Devers

ON a day with mostly sunny weather, Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) defeated the home team Transport Sports Club (TSC) by seven runs in the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA’s) U-17 Eilin Security Logistics 50over cricket yesterday.

The Bourda Boys opted to bat on a good track and fast outfield and had an inauspicious start when pacer Afraz Khan trapped Neerav Persaud (1) lbw in the first over with five runs on the board.

Shaid Ramzan got off the mark with a double and took his time to tuck the ball into gaps for singles, as he and Trilok Nanan took the score to 14 before Khan removed Ramzan (10) in the fifth over.

The next boundary came off the bat of Nanan in the sixth over as Hezekiah Hohenkirk bowled a rare loose

Thursday, May 7th, and the grand final on Saturday, May 9th.

The teams are playing for a million in prizes, with half a million up for grabs for first place, $300,000 for second, $200,000 for third, and $100,000 for fourth, along with trophies and medals.

The competition is sponsored by NALICO/ NAFICO Insurance, with all games to be played at the Plaisance Community Centre Grounds.

to 5th title

THE Chase Academic Foundation's brutal and clinical play again delivered as they captured their fifth Massy Distribution Schools U18 football title on Saturday.

Chase went up against the 2023 champions from Region One, Santa Rosa Secondary, at the Ministry of Education Ground in the final.

It was a raid on Santa Rosa’s uprights from the opening whistle as Chase scored in the third minute off the cleat of Dimani Hardy to the roar of the crowd.

Chase, one of the most storied schools' football teams, was not done, as they were then gifted a penalty

after a tackle by Santa Rosa's custodian, which Shaquan David converted for his first goal of the night.

A second penalty kick followed and David did not disappoint, burying it into the back of the net in the 16th minute to make it 3-nil.

Chase's David was not done, scoring a beauty of a strike on the verge of the break from just outside the box to give them their fourth goal of the contest and complete the hat-trick. After the resumption, a simple header by Onesi Dunn would add to Chase's advantage; 5-nil.

A quiet period followed before Chase’s Mark

Glasgow made it 6, which took the Georgetown side to the victory.

David, for his heroic showing, took the MVP and highest goal-scorer awards, with his team-mate Flavio LaRose taking the best goalkeeper award.

Chase collected $300,000 which will go towards a school's project of their choice, with $200,000 for Santa Rosa.

Meanwhile, in the thirdplace game, West Ruimveldt beat Charlestown 4-2 on penalty kicks.

The competition is sponsored by Massy Distribution and Demerara Mutual.

delivery.

Nanan and Aaron Persaud were kept in shackles as the new-ball bowlers maintained good control, and although Hohenkirk conceded a couple of wides in the 10th over, those were the only runs in the over.

After 10 overs GCC were 29-2.

Emmanuel Lewis was introduced in the 11th and released the pressure as Persaud, who had managed just three runs from 19 balls, got his innings going with consecutive boundaries in an over that cost 18 runs.

Riaz Latif was brought on and started with a wide to Nanan, who posted 50 with a double in the 12th over.

Persaud hit the fifth four of the innings, but Latif had the last laugh when he bowled Persaud (23) with his next ball to leave GCC on 64-3 as the 50-run stand was broken.

Lewis bowled Nanan six

Young athletes, coaches...

competed with courage, discipline, and excellence, representing Linden and Guyana with honour on the regional and international stage. Your achievements are a testament to your hard work, your sacrifice, and your unwavering determination. As we celebrate you, we must also acknowledge a significant step forward: the government's completion of the Bayroc Stadium. This is just not a facility; it is a symbol of investment in your future.”

Mayor Dominic Blair noted, “Today, our youths proudly represent us at the CARIFTA Games and the Junior South American Youth Games in 2026; we are witnessing the continuation of greatness. Linden has always produced champions. Our legends laid the foundation across every sport imaginable, and today our athletes carry the same flame burning with passion, pride, and determination. As we celebrate 56 years as a town, we celebrate our athletes who embody the future of Linden.”

Member of Parliament Sharma Solomon remarked, “But it is our individuals, our people, our boys, our girls, our athletes, who have done Linden proud, and have placed Linden on the map and as [we] commemorate 56

runs later after his 24 runs had taken 29 balls with one four. His demise triggered a mini-collapse as the GCC lost three wickets for one run.

Vijai Kalpu joined Ravaldo Pereira at 71-6 and clobbered Latif for a humongous six off his first ball.

Pereira dumped Latif for two more sixes in an over, costing 21, before Kalpu stroked Lewis for four to post the 100 in 17 overs.

Pereira took a liking to Latif and deposited the leg-spinner for six before smashing Prosper Jacobus for two boundaries in the 21st over.

Kalpu lofted Latif for six before Latif removed Pereira at 128-7 to break the 57-run partnership. Pereira’s cameo 35 included two fours and three sixes.

The four wickets tumbled for eight runs, including Kalpu, who was ninth out to

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years, it was only fitting for the Mayor and Town Council and also Department of Education and us all in Linden, to commemorate 56 years Linden as a town.”

Those athletes honoured were South American Youth Games 200m Gold Medalist Dequan Farrell, who in the process broke the event record in the 200m with a time of 21.18s.

He also snagged a Gold Medal in the 4 x 100m relay team and a Bronze Medal in the 4 x 400m relay. His team-mate Ebo McNeil, who won a Bronze Medal at last year’s CARIFTA Games in the 3,000m race, took another

Bronze Medal in the South American 1,500m this year, while Gordon Thompson took Silver in the 100m South American Games and Bronze medals in the 4 x 100m and 4 x 400m relays were also recognised. Other athletes honoured were sprinters Tessianna Harris and Angel Jeffrey, middle-distance athlete Kaidon Persaud, field event specialist Rodell Greene, and high and triple jumper Kemal Guishard, along with coaches Johnny Gravesande of the Upper Demerara Track Club and Moses Pantlitz of Christianburg Wismar Secondary School Club.

Exxonmobil Guyana Regional Inter Schools kayaking competition

‒ President’s College retains title to be first repeat champions

PRESIDENT’S College, with 69 points, retained the ExxonMobil Guyana Regional Inter Schools Kayaking title as they staved off the challenge of New Silvercity Secondary during the Friday event in the Demerara River outside the Watooka Guest House Landing in Linden.

PC finished ahead of New Silvercity by 12 points, with Kwakwani Secondary grabbing third place at this year’s competition, which attracted 11 schools.

In the process, President’s College became the first to repeat as champions in the five-year history of this relatively new sport, which was introduced on the local scene by Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours headed by Dr Deon Anderson.

To ensure they repeated as champions, PC took the lead by winning the first event, with Chelsea Lyte and Shane Johnson winning the Mixed Under 14 short-distance race and setting their team on course for a successful defence.

From there, they would also take top spots in the Under 16 Mixed race, through Johnson and Nalini Larose, and in the Under 16 Female Single race, through Lyte.

Their toughest rivals were last year’s runner-up, also the New Silvercity Secondary, who raked in first-place finishes in the Male Relay through Prince Alexander, Zidane Johnson, and Keifer Young.

The Female Relay Long distance, compliments of Nadia Williams, Princess

Fletchman, and Andella France, and the Open Mixed short-distance race with Keifer Young and Andella France.

Kwakwani Secondary finished third on 57 points with Collin Williams scoring their only win in the Open Single Male race.

Leonora Secondary, despite not winning any events, scored enough points to take fourth place with 45 points, relegating Linden Foundation Secondary to fifth with 36 points. They were followed by Mackenzie High on 30 points, Hururu Secondary with 27 points, Harmony Secondary with 21, Christianburg Wismar Secondary 11, Wisburg Secondary two and Queen’s College still to record a point. (Joe Chapman)

Jumbo Jet/Master Z wins double at Labour Day Cup

THE Jumbo Jet Racing Stables/ Master Z Racing Stables completed two astonishing victories at the Labour Day Cup at Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club on Sunday afternoon. Stat powered to a crushing gateto-pole win in the feature race while Barbra won the sprint classic in a record time of one minute.

Jockey Colin Ross again showed his class, winning the two big races. Stat overpowered Mapa Do Brasil (second) and Ritorna Vincentori (third) in the feature race which ran at nine furlongs. Ross ensured that Stat stopped the clock in one minute and 55 seconds, displayed the diversity and skill of Stat, in a longer distance race.

It was surely a dash for the cash in the penultimate five furlong race of the day. Jumbo Jet’s Racing Stables Barbra stopped the clock in exactly one minute, a record time in the Arrival Day Sprint.

The race was surely a need for speed as Barbra, piloted by Jockey Colin Ross outclassed a crowded field.

Companheiro Lea finished second while Hot and Lucky finished third. Night Beacon ended the sprint in fourth.

After a drizzle across the track, the race day began in scintillating heat from GT

Boss who took the top spot in the ‘L’ Class event. Doctor J finished second while Secret Silence and Secret Traveller ran third and fourth respectively.

Three D Movie displayed a timely run to clinch the ‘I’ Class race, while Top Gun finished second. Bin Laden finished third while Country Rock ran fourth.

The ‘G’ Class and Lower WI Bred non winner since August 2024 ended with a tense finish. Fourteen-yearold jockey Arvin Dhanraj showed great promise to pilot Soca Synergy to a memorable win. Daring Move ran second while Burbon Blitz ran third. Supreme Leader finished the race in fourth.

In race four, the Guyana Bred three-year-old horses, Summer Time won by seven lengths in an easy win, while Monica Time ran in second. Miracle Boy covered great ground to end in third while Manisha finished fourth.

Here Comes Hedi made it three in three, winning the Three-year-old and over WI Bred with a remarkable win from behind. After moving from the Jagdeo Racing Stables, Here Comes Heidi found a new home at the Biso Racing Stables. Mulan was leading the race early but had to settle for second while Amicable Kate finished third

The second half of the race-day programme was a masterclass produced by Grande Rainha in the ‘F’ Class and Lower race.

Owned by the Appadu racing stables, trained by Winston Appadu and piloted by Jockey Ronaldo Appadu, it was a clinic from Grande Rainha, who has now chalked up three wins in as many outings.

Royal Rocks had to sit five lengths behind to finish second while Kanem ran in third position.

The prodigy jockey, Arvin Dhanraj continued his dream day, winning in the K & L Maiden open to firsttime starters for Fillies and Mares. He piloted Country Gold to an early start and a dominant finish. Easy Star advanced to second while She’s a Dancer claimed third and Black Beauty finished fourth.

In race eight, the K & L Maiden open to first time starters for Colts and Geldings, Storm Again took pole position while Top Rankin finished second. Patriotism ran third, while Damage Control finished fourth.

This race was sponsored by Js Supermarket, Jumbo Jet, Premium Asphalt, AJM and Slingerz Racing Stables. The next race day will be on May 31 at the Rising Sun Turf Club.

Young athletes, coaches honoured by Region 10 Education Department

TO commemorate the 56th anniversary of Linden becoming a town, the Department of Education of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice) on Wednesday last honoured several athletes and coaches. The event was kept on the date that the town became known as Linden, and

the evening ceremony held at the Georgetown/ Linden Minibus Park was organised by the mining communities of Wismar, Christianburg, and Mackenzie. The occasion followed the annual Linden Torch Run and Victory Walk, celebrating Linden's 56th anniversary as a town.

Those town officials who spoke at the special occasion were Regional Education Officer, Ms Lashanna Anderson; District Education Officer (Secondary, Ms Dawn McCammon Barker; Mayor of Linden Dominic Blair, and Member of Parliament Sharma Solomon. District Education Officer

(Secondary), with responsibility for sports in the region, Ms Dawn McCammon-Barker, in her address, offered, “We are here to [honour] our outstanding athletes, young men and women who have represented Linden and Guyana with distinction at the CARIFTA Games and the South American Youth

Games. Your dedication, discipline, and achievements have brought pride to our future generations.”

Regional Education Officer (REDO) Ms Lashanna was among those who gave brief remarks, saying, “Today is truly special as Linden celebrates its 56th birthday, a proud milestone of resilience,

unity, and growth. And on this remarkable occasion, we place our spotlight on you, our outstanding athletes.”

The REDO continued, “We are immensely proud to celebrate your exceptional performances at CARIFTA and the South American Youth Games. You have

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Jumbo Jet/Master