Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 05-02-2026

High Court throws out Mohameds’ ‘bias’ claim as extradition proceedings move ahead

THE High Court has dismissed the legal challenge brought by United States-indicted businessman Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, who accused the Minister of Home Affairs and the Government of Guyana of bias in the extradition proceedings.

Examining the ruling delivered on Wednesday by Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall explained during an interview that the court found no substance to the claim that political rivalry had tainted the decision to issue an authority to proceed under the Fugitive Offenders Act.

“We put out our arguments, we see the question of bias does not arise, that in any event, the Mohameds entered politics long after the extradition process would have been activated, long after they were afflicted with OFAC sanctions.

“They choose to go into politics after these events and therefore to erect a defence of politicisation and political bias is simply manufactured and that is not the law that the question of bias and those persons who are the tribunals that are to be independent, are the judicial tribunals that are all part of the exhibition pro-

cess, that the question doesn’t arise,” the Attorney General explained.

The Mohameds had mounted a two-pronged legal challenge in the High Court, alleging bias and invalidity of the authority to proceed.

In the matter, the fatherand-son duo asked the court to determine that the Minister of Home Affairs, the President, the Attorney General, the Vice-President, President and the government as a whole were biased against Mr Mohamed because of his role as a political competitor in the September 2025 elections.

On that basis, they argued that the authority to proceed with the extradition process was tainted and unlawful, including the arrest warrant and the ongoing extradition proceedings before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, which they contended should be quashed. In the substantive matter, the Mohameds are challenging the constitutionality of parts of the Fugitive Offenders Act, particularly amendments made in 2009. That case remains before the court, with a ruling expected around February 16.

During the hearing of the bias case, lawyers for the State, including Attorney General Nandlall and Senior

Counsel Douglas Mendes, who appeared for Magistrate Latchman, argued that bias does not arise in relation to the Minister of Home Affairs because the minister is performing an executive function, not a judicial or quasi-judicial function, when issuing an authority to proceed.

Nandlall reminded the court that the younger Mohamed entered politics after the extradition process had already begun and after sanctions had already been imposed.

Accepting political bias as a defence, he argued, would allow anyone facing extradition to simply enter politics

scheduled on Thursday and Friday.

The second High Court matter, which challenges the constitutionality of parts of the Fugitive Offenders Act, remains pending, with a ruling expected around February 16.

“All arguments have also been heard by the judge from all sides, and written submissions made by all sides, and that is scheduled for ruling, and that will dispose of your second proceedings in the High Court, whichever way the court rules,” Nandlall said.

SANCTIONS AND INDICTMENT

and then claim to be targeted for political reasons. The State also relied on case law from across the Caribbean, the Commonwealth and England.

According to the Attorney General, the court accepted these arguments. In its final decision, the Chief Justice dismissed the Mohameds’ claim that the Minister of Home Affairs and the government were biased, finding that the minister acted as an executive officer carrying out a duty assigned by Parliament under the Fugitive Offenders Act.

The court also awarded $500,000 in costs to each respondent—the Attorney General, the Minister of Home Affairs and Principal Magistrate Latchman.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Extradition proceedings in the magistrates’ court are set to continue, with hearings expected to proceed as

In October last year, a federal grand jury in Miami returned an indictment charging the father and son with participating in a multi-year scheme to evade millions of dollars in taxes and royalties owed to the Government of Guyana through fraudulent gold export practices and related money laundering activities.

According to court documents, Nazar Mohamed, 72, and Azruddin Mohamed, 38, were owners of Mohamed’s Enterprise, a gold wholesaler and exporter in Guyana that sold gold to buyers in Miami and Dubai.

Guyanese authorities impose approximately a seven per cent tax and duty on exported gold. From about 2017 through at least 2024, the pair allegedly enriched themselves and defrauded the Government of Guyana by concealing the true quantity

and value of gold exported by their company.

The indictment alleges that Mohamed’s Enterprise paid taxes and royalties on one shipment of gold to obtain official government seals, then reused those same seals on subsequent shipments to avoid paying additional taxes and royalties. Prosecutors further allege that empty boxes bearing Guyanese government seals were shipped from Dubai through Miami to Guyana and that bribes were paid to customs and other officials to facilitate the scheme.

In total, the pair allegedly exported at least 10,000 kilograms of gold through Miami, resulting in an estimated loss of approximately US$50 million to the Government of Guyana.

Nazar Mohamed is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and mail fraud.

Azruddin Mohamed is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud. The indictment also alleges that Azruddin Mohamed engaged in a separate scheme to evade more than US$1 million in Guyanese taxes in connection with the shipment of a Lamborghini from Miami to Guyana.

The indictment seeks forfeiture of approximately US$5.3 million in gold bars seized at Miami International Airport on June 11, 2024.

Both men were sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control in June 2024.

‘Foreign policy never stops’

- Minister Todd says, rejects opposition’s ‘fluff’ politics - Highlights Guyana’s expanding international standing, safeguarding of sovereignty and borders

GUYANA’S sovereignty and foreign policy cannot be determined by an elementary textbook, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd said on Wednesday, as he set the record straight about the nation’s sovereignty, international credibility, and diplomacy.

The Minister during the budget debates pushed back against the opposition’s distortion of Guyana’s growing regional and foreign footprint and the national foreign policy.

During Member of Parliament (MP) Amanza Walton-Desir’s presentation, she stated that when it comes to foreign relations, the government’s rhetoric does not match the architecture.

However, Minister Todd rebutted her arguments on Guyana’s foreign policy as “fluff,” emphasising how they lacked depth, experience, and understanding of how foreign policy is conducted.

In his robust defence, the minister stated that Guyana’s foreign policy is being aggressively executed under the leadership of President Dr.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd

Irfaan Ali. Todd further commended President Ali’s ability to confidently articulate Guyana’s developments to foreign leaders and stated that it has been well-received, as he then pointed to recent diplomatic engagements and the strengthening of ties with traditional and non-traditional partners.

As evidence, the minister cited President Ali’s recent meeting with King Charles.

British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, highlighting that the United Kingdom (UK) has now signed on to the Global Biodiversity

domestic indicators such as the growth of small, medium and large-scale enterprises, as proof that the government understands governance at home and effective diplomacy abroad.

is a crucial economic driver, and as such $64.7 million has been set aside to ensure strong representation at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other trade forums.

Alliance, a move that he described as a “stellar representation” of Guyana’s standing.

“We have hit the ground running for this year; foreign policy never stops. You have to continuously work at it. Keep developing it and executing it. The international environment is never static,” he told the House.

The government’s foreign policy has become central in national development, the minister said, pointing to social progress, the positive trajectory of the economy, and Guyana’s international standing.

The government’s policies, according to him, can be supported by data and, in some cases, by science and empirical evidence backed by ownership of the people.

The Minister noted that every sector- both traditional and non-traditional- have witnessed remarkable transformation and pointed to the

On national security, Minister Todd noted that $100 million has been allocated to safeguarding Guyana’s borders and highlighted the deepening engagement with Guyana’s neighbour Brazil, which he described as a strategic regional partner that has consistently respected Guyana’s territorial boundaries.

He also pointed to the trilateral cooperation with Brazil and Suriname on energy, food security, and climate resilience under the Guiana Shield framework.

“Conducting foreign policy is not only at the policy level. A lot of the execution happens at the technical level, and that is how we're operating as a ministry,” the minister added.

At the multilateral level, the minister praised Guyana’s performance on the United Nations (UN) Security Council, reaffirming the country’s commitment to the UN Charter.

This year, the government has allocated $140 million for multilateral representation, including upcoming high-level UN meetings and the campaign for the director position at UNESCO, Todd said.

The minister also noted that trade policy promotion

As it pertains to diaspora engagement, he said, it remains a central pillar of the government’s development strategy, and between 2020 and 2025, more than 2,162 Guyanese were assisted in returning home, and his subject ministry has engaged approximately 3,000 persons in the diaspora across the USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Canada.

$35 million has been earmarked this year towards diaspora engagement.

Also, nearly 17,000 passports have been processed for Guyanese abroad over the past five years, Minister Todd disclosed, noting that this improvement was aided by the implementation of new technology to accelerate issuance.

REPRESENTATION LO-

CALLY AND ABROAD

Todd further defended the expanded Budget 2026, branding it as proof of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)’s competence.

As he underscored how the record shows, he defended the governing party’s capabilities and said, “We as a party in government has represented this country for decades, we have kept the flag flying high. We have done all of the heavy lifting, and we have convinced the people of Guyana, election cycle after election cycle, that we are capable of representing each and every individual citizen at home and abroad.”

Central to his rebuttal was the allocation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which has increased by 88 per cent over the past five years, noting that the current earmarked funds are evidence of sustained growth and effective governance.

CREDIBILITY AND MORAL AUTHORITY

While the parliamentary opposition attempted to criticise the government on its international representation, Minister Todd used the opportunity to question their quality of democratic representation, highlighting that they elected an Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed, who has been indicted by a court of law in Florida, United States of America (USA).

The move to support an opposition leader who is facing legal challenges in a foreign jurisdiction under existing treaty obligation was scrutinised by the minister.

U.S. prosecutors allege Mohamed and his father Nazar conspired to commit fraud and launder money through their gold exporting firm, Mohamed’s Enterprise, to enrich themselves and defraud the government of Guyana.

They are contesting the extradition proceedings in court.

The Minister then highlighted the hypocrisy from the minor opposition, noting that while they boldly speak about credibility, the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), even after the no-confidence motion passed in 2018, resisted General and Regional Elections.

Police probe deaths of four crew members on cargo vessel at Water Street wharf

POLICE have launched an investigation into the deaths of four crew members who were found unresponsive aboard a cargo vessel docked at a wharf along Water Street, Cummingsburg, Georgetown, on Wednesday evening.

The incident reportedly occurred around 6:30 p.m. on February 4, 2026, while the men were on board the vessel carrying out duties in the engine room area.

The deceased have been identified as Brandon Deonarine, 18, a seaman of Support, East Bank Demerara; Nerwaine Persaud, 57, a boat captain of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara; Dominic Alexis, 33, a seaman of De Kendren, West Coast Demerara; and Getindra Sanchara, 25, an engineer of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the

men were inspecting a dry space located in the lower section of the engine room when they were reportedly exposed to suspected noxious fumes and collapsed. An alarm was subsequently raised by other crew members on board.

Emergency Medical Technicians and personnel from the Guyana Fire Service responded to the scene. The four men were removed from the vessel and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where they were pronounced dead by a doctor on duty.

The bodies have since been taken to the hospital’s mortuary, where post-mortem examinations are pending to determine the exact cause of death.

Police have stated that investigations are ongoing and that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

‘This gov’t is not managing the present, we are building the future’

MINISTER of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, has outlined an ambitious slate of digitisation initiatives aimed at transforming how citizens interact with the state, arguing that modern governance demands modern systems.

Ally was at the time contributing to the ongoing national budget debates, during which he said the government has been investing in digital platforms to simplify citizen access to services, improve efficiency within the public sector, and expand economic and employment opportunities.

These initiatives, he told the National Assembly, are part of a wider strategy to position Guyana as a modern, future-ready state.

Among the key initiatives highlighted was the Skills Connect application, which he said is designed to

strengthen the labour market through digital innovation by directly linking skilled and semi-skilled workers with employment opportunities and businesses across the country. Since becoming operational, the platform has already registered more than 1,600 users.

The minister also pointed to the development of an AI-powered government chatbot and digital platforms intended to simplify citizen engagement with state services. The chatbot, he explained, is being designed as a 24-hour virtual assistant to answer government-related questions and guide users in accessing services.

Added to this, Ally referred to GovConnect, which functions as the official government appointment application.

He told the house that through this platform, citizens would be able to schedule appointments with minis-

tries, departments, and agencies in a secure and efficient manner.

He went on to add that several ministries have already begun phased implementation, with full integration across government targeted for this year.

Ally revealed that another

initiative, Citizen Connect, is expected to be launched in the coming weeks. According to the minister, this one will allow citizens to report issues, provide feedback, and receive real-time updates on actions taken by government agencies, enhancing transparency and accountability

Jobs, protections and opportunity

MINISTER of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, on Wednesday, highlighted Budget 2026 as a people-centred blueprint designed to ensure that the country’s growth turns into tangible benefits for workers and communities across the country.

The minister made this known while making his contribution to the national budget debates, during which he said that the theme of “Putting People First” reflects more than political messaging but captures the core principles guiding the government’s labour and social policies.

“The theme of this year’s budget, putting people first, is not merely a rhetorical slogan… It embodies the guiding principles of our administration and the very foundation upon which the People’s Progressive Party government has structured

- Public Service Minister tells House

in service delivery.

Against this backdrop, the minister argued that these reforms are necessary given the scale and complexity of government operations in a rapidly expanding economy.

“Guyana is now managing larger budgets than ever before and more simultaneous and more complex projects,” he said.

The minister further added, “A government that manages billions can no longer rely on paper files and disconnected systems.”

Firing back at members of the opposition, the minister said efforts to modernise the public service are essential if Guyana is to function effectively in the 21st century.

“The Honourable opposition members speak as though we can run a 21st-century economy using a 20th-century system,” he told the House.

To this end, he said that

the ministry’s expanded mandate to drive efficiency and implementation reflects a deliberate and forward-looking approach to governance.

“When we look at the scale and the scope of these digitisation initiatives, combined with this ministry’s expanded mandate to drive efficiency and implementation, one thing becomes clear: this government is not managing the present. We are building the future.”

Ally added that while the government has been advancing digital transformation, service modernisation and institutional reform, the opposition has offered little by way of constructive alternatives.

He reaffirmed that the government is preparing Guyana for the demands of a rapidly evolving global environment, which requires sustained investment in systems, technology and institutional capacity.

define Budget 2026

- Labour Minister outlines people-first approach to development

its economic and social policies,” he said. It was then that he said that the government’s approach recognises that growth must be inclusive, noting that development should be measured by improvements in employment, access to public services, and support for vulnerable groups.

As such, Griffith added that budget 2026 serves

as a roadmap for development rooted in people-focused outcomes rather than abstract economic indicators.

Against this backdrop, the minister sought to reflect on the government’s record on job creation, to which he told the house that more than 104,000 sustainable jobs were created between 2020 and 2025, significantly sur-

passing the administration’s manifesto promise of 50,000 jobs.

“These are not just numbers… These are real people, real jobs in construction, mining, quarrying, transportation, agriculture, health, education, and the emerging service industries.”

Griffith added that these employment gains were supported by sustained public investment, private sector confidence, and a labour policy framework aimed at ensuring decent work, skills relevance, and workforce adaptability.

Meanwhile, the minister turned to skills training and workforce development, to which he said the government has adopted a robust and inclusive approach to skills development through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), which has trained more than 16,300 persons across all regions between

2020 and 2025.

These efforts, he notes, also ensure inclusion, particularly for women and persons living with disabilities.

To this end, Griffith added that 615 women have been trained in traditionally male-dominated fields such as welding, heavy-duty equipment operation, and electrical installation. He also noted that over 400 persons with disabilities have benefited from training opportunities over the last five years.

“Over the last five years, more than 400 persons living with disabilities in this country have benefited from the programmes and skills through the work of the Board of Industrial Training,” Griffith said, adding that further support is planned for 2026.

Meanwhile, the minister then pointed to manpower planning as a key

pillar of the government’s employment strategy, noting that labour planning has played a role in major national development projects.

Further to this, Griffith said the ministry has also strengthened labour market matching through the National Job Bank, and by 2025, more than 11,000 job seekers were registered on the platform, with hundreds successfully placed in employment, many of them young people.

However, the labour minister said the government has worked to rebuild labour institutions and restore dignity to working people.

“This is what putting people first is all about,” Griffith said.

“This is what it looks like beyond the opposition’s rhetoric and beyond their empty promises,” he added.

President Ali to engage small-scale miners during visit to Region Seven on Friday

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali will visit the mining communities of Puruni and Bartica on Friday, February 6, 2026, as part of continued efforts to strengthen engagement with small-scale miners and address key issues affecting the sector.

According to a notice from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the visit is aimed at facilitating direct dialogue with miners on a range of mining-related matters, including operational challenges, emerging opportunities, and ongoing government initiatives within the industry.

The engagement in Puruni, Region Seven, is scheduled for 10:00 hours at the Trevor Williams Shop, Puruni Landing. This will be followed by

a second engagement in Bartica, also in Region Seven, at 11:30 hours at the Bartica Community Centre Ground.

The outreach forms part of the administration’s broader strategy to maintain close consultation with stakeholders in the mining sector, which remains a critical pillar of Guyana’s economy and a major source of employment, particularly in hinterland and riverain communities.

The engagements will provide miners with an opportunity to raise concerns directly with the Head of State, while also receiving updates on policy direction, regulatory initiatives, and support measures being rolled out to improve sustainability, compliance, and productivity in the sector.

For the month of January, 53 individuals were arrested, charged and convicted as the government intensifies its nationwide crackdown on illegal mining operations.

The convictions stemmed from a range of illegal activities, including mining without a licence or permit; operating licensed dredges on mining properties without the permission of the property holder and the use of unregistered or unlicensed dredges.

President Ali had previously urged all gold miners to make a full declaration of gold produced in 2025, adding that registered dredges with no declarations will be deregistered, while illegal foreign miners must be identified for prosecution and expulsion. These issues were raised

by the President during a meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) at State House.

“During the meeting, the President directed that immediate action be taken to ensure that all gold miners fully comply with their obligations to declare all gold produced in 2025.

“Further, all registered dredges with no declarations will be deregistered, and all foreign miners operating illegally in Guyana must be identified for prosecution and expulsion. It was also noted that some Brazilian miners operating in Guyana have had very low or no declarations.

In December 2025, President Ali had said that his government would

pursue and shut down delinquent operators who continue to exploit state incentives while failing to declare their gold.

According to the Ministry of Finance’s 2025 mid-year report, gold declarations are up by 10.9 per cent this year, but Dr Ali stressed that this remains below the government’s expectations.

He had emphasised at the time that miners who profit from the sector have a legal responsibility to ac-

curately declare their gold, reminding them that this duty is “not by choice, but by law.”

The President added that the government intends to overhaul systems that have enabled chronic under-declaration and illegal exports, stating that the state must stop facilitating “those kinds of people.”

One gold smuggler alone stole more than $190 billion from the Guyanese economy, he had disclosed.

Azruddin misreading the law – Minister Teixeira rebuffs Opposition Leader’s entitlement claims

MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, has pushed back against the claims by newly-elected Opposition Leader, U.S.-indicted Azruddin Mohamed, stating that he is demanding privileges he is not legally entitled to.

Mohamed, after one week of assuming office, told Kaieteur News that he has not been provided with official state security or a government vehicle, benefits guaranteed under law, which he says signals continued political discrimination against him.

The Minister clarified that former presidents, by law, under the former President’s Benefits Act, are entitled to security and vehicles and such privileges are not granted to the leader of the opposition.

The minister noted that former president Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo previously received such support while serving as Opposition Leader strictly because of his status as a former head of state.

“Mr. Azruddin is not a

former president and therefore is not entitled to the things that a former president would be entitled to,” she said, noting that the Act, which covers the leader of the Opposition’s benefits, includes the fact that he will receive the same as a minister.

“So Mr. Mohamed will receive, and has received, the salary benefits, allowances and entitlements of ministers, which includes security at his home, and so that is paid for by Parliament,” she said.

Teixeira further stated that Mohamed is not entitled to personal security. However, there is security at the office of the leader of the opposition whenever he designates the office and based on the rental threshold that has been set by Parliament.

“So this issue that he’s entitled to these benefits that he sees former presidents being able to access do not apply to the leader of the opposition, and therefore do not apply to Mr. Mohamed,” she said.

Minister Teixeira also rejected Mohamed’s claims

regarding duty-free concessions and transportation, stating that he receives no special dispensation beyond what is granted to all members of Parliament.

“As all 71 parliamentarians in the house are entitled to duty free concession. So he doesn’t have any special dispensation to do with duty-free; he has a duty free concession based on being a parliamentarian; he has no entitlement to a vehicle assigned to him, no entitlement

to close men. If he wishes to have that, he can hire them himself. But that is not part of the day benefits of the ministers of government and allowances, and therefore it’s not his entitlement,” she said.

Further, the Minister highlighted Mohamed’s contradiction, where he said during the campaign trail he said he would refuse a salary if elected.

“Mr. Mohamed is receiving his salary, and he has designated a particular mem-

ber of this party to collect his salary and cash. Because, of course, you know, Mr. Mohamed has no bank account nor several members in the House. So I just wanted to clarify those points that they are misinforming the public.

And clearly, Mr. Mohamed seems to have a vision of himself, which is much bigger than what he’s entitled to by law. So he needs to be familiar with the laws of Guyana, and that is the leader of opposition’s benefits,” Minister Teixeira said.

In June 2024, the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Azruddin Mohamed, his father Nazar Mohamed, and their company, Mohamed’s Enterprise, under anti - corruption and anti - money - laundering provisions.

The sanctions cited alleged under - declaration of more than 10,000 kilograms of gold exports to evade Guyanese taxes totalling over US$50 million, bribery of customs officials, and other corrupt practices.

Since the OFAC listing, there have been wider implications: local banks have reportedly severed ties with individuals and entities linked to Mohamed’s political activities, raising concerns among financial regulators and dignitaries about potential impacts on Guyana’s banking sector.

In October 2025, a U.S. grand jury in the Southern District of Florida indicted both Azruddin and his father on multiple charges, including wire fraud, mail fraud, gold smuggling, money laundering, conspiracy, customs violations and related offences tied to alleged schemes dating from 2017 through June 2024. Each count carries potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison.

Following the indictment and extradition request from the U.S., Guyanese authorities arrested the father and son in Georgetown and initiated extradition processing under existing treaty provisions.

126 cases listed for January 2026 Demerara Criminal Assizes

- as backlog continues to decline

A TOTAL of 126 criminal cases have been listed for trial at the January 2026 sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes, according to the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana. The latest figure reflects a continued and steady decline in the number of matters before the Assizes over the past four years, signalling

improved judicial capacity and operational efficiency within the High Court.

In January 2023, the Demerara Criminal Assizes listed 308 cases, which were

overseen by three judges. That number fell to 259 cases in January 2024, dropped significantly to 134 cases in January 2025, and now stands at 126 cases for the January 2026 session. The upcoming Assizes will be managed by four judges.

The reduction in the caseload follows key institutional strengthening measures, including the June 2024 appointment of 10 new puisne judges—the largest single judicial appointment in Guyana’s history. These appointments have expanded the High Court’s capacity to hear both civil and criminal

matters, allowing for more cases to be processed within shorter timeframes.

The Supreme Court noted that while the Demerara Criminal Assizes continue to manage a substantial volume of serious criminal cases, the enhanced judicial complement and improved case management systems have contributed to reduced

trial waiting times and more timely adjudication.

Overall, the downward trend in listed cases underscores the impact of strategic investments in judicial resources and highlights the importance of effective operational coordination in strengthening the administration of justice in Guyana.

Guyana’s 2026 Budget positioned as

‘bedrock

of future growth’ – PS Rogers

THE 2026 National Budget has been hailed as a strategic blueprint for sustained economic growth and people-centred development, according to Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (MINTIC), Roger Rogers.

Speaking on the Government’s fiscal direction, Rogers emphasised that under the leadership of His Excellency, the Government of Guyana approaches each national budget with deliberate intent and strategic focus. Rather than being a standalone annual exercise, he explained, each budget is a cumulative policy instrument, building annually toward a long-term economic vision.

“This approach prioritises sustained growth, strengthens economic resilience, and progressively improves the lives of all Guyanese, ensuring that national development remains both people-centred and for-

ward-looking,” Rogers said. He cautioned that no single budget, regardless of its size or ambition, can address every economic or social challenge a nation faces. Instead, he said, a National Budget should be understood as a deliberate step within a longer developmental journey. The significance of the 2026 budget, he added, lies in how it strengthens the foundation for sustained growth, resilience, and shared prosperity in the years ahead.

“To fully appreciate Budget 2026, it must be viewed within Guyana's broader macro-economic context,” Rogers explained. “Guyana continues to operate in a complex and uncertain global environment. Volatile commodity prices, persistent inflationary pressures, geopolitical tensions, climate-related shocks, and tightening global financial conditions have tested economies across all income levels. Yet, de -

spite these external challenges, Guyana’s economy has demonstrated exceptional resilience and buoyancy.”

According to Rogers, B udget 2026 advances a balanced and integrated policy framework, emphasising inclusion, empowerment, productivity, and fiscal responsibility as mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable development. The budget also prioritises inclusivity, targeting social investments, support for vulnerable groups, and measures to ease cost-ofliving pressures, including government cash transfer programmes.

“Budget 2026 provides a comprehensive framework for advancing Guyana's long-term development objectives,” Rogers said. “While it sets the macro-economic direction, it is equally important to understand how these priorities translate at the sectoral level.”

From 35 days to 24 hours: GPHC’s Pathology Laboratory transforms in two years

- raising the standard for public diagnostics in Guyana

TWO years is a short span in the life of a public institution, but long enough to reveal whether ambition has translated into action. Since its commissioning in February 2024, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) Pathology Laboratory has quietly crossed that threshold, shifting from a long-awaited facility to a dependable pillar within Guyana’s public healthcare system, where precision is not optional and delays can carry life-altering consequences.

Today, the laboratory stands marked by more than new walls and modern equipment. It has earned national certification under Guyana’s GYS 170:2021 standard and, more recently, secured

ISO 15189 Plus accreditation from Accreditation Canada Diagnostics—an international endorsement of quality, competence, and consistency in medical laboratory services. These recognitions are not symbolic.

They signal systems that work, processes that withstand scrutiny, and a culture committed to getting results right, even when the work unfolds far from public view.

To appreciate the weight of these milestones, one must look back. In 2021, pathology services at GPHC were identified as a critical priority. The laboratory operated out of an ageing, cramped facility, ill-suited to modern diagnostics. Equipment was limited, workflows strained, and turnaround

times averaged 35 days— an eternity for patients waiting on answers that guide treatment decisions.

Initial efforts focused on stabilisation: essential repairs, targeted equipment purchases, and protocol reviews. But it soon became evident that incremental fixes would not deliver the transformation required. What followed was a decisive shift—expanded staffing, upgraded systems, and the construction of a purpose-built pathology laboratory, supported by a Government of Guyana investment exceeding $474 million.

The results have been measurable and profound. Turnaround times steadily declined—from 35 days to 21, then 14, then 10—and now sit within seven days, with urgent cases complet-

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Pathology Laboratory earned national certification under Guyana’s GYS 170:2021 standard and, more recently, secured ISO 15189 Plus accreditation from Accreditation Canada Diagnostics

ed within 24 hours. For patients and clinicians alike, this reduction represents more than efficiency; it means earlier diagnoses, faster treatment decisions, and improved outcomes.

The transformation was further strengthened through strategic partnerships and forward-looking investments.

Modern diagnostic equipment, overseas train-

ing for medical staff, the introduction of telepathology for expert consultations, frozen section services for rapid intraoperative diagnosis, and environmentally responsible chemical recycling have collectively redefined what public pathology services can deliver in Guyana.

Yet international accreditation, formally received on December 17, 2025, often carries a misconception. From the outside, it can appear as a single defining moment—a finish line. Inside the laboratory, it reflects something far less polished: sustained effort, repeated audits, corrective actions, and the discipline to maintain standards under constant operational pressure.

This is where the story turns from systems to people.

Standards do not enforce themselves. Certificates do not guarantee quality. Behind every validated process and successful audit is a team navigating uncertainty, troubleshooting gaps, documenting relentlessly, and holding the line on consistency even when the work is demanding and largely invisible.

Laboratory leadership has been candid about the long hours, repeated checks, and persistence required to maintain momentum—acknowledging that it is this dedication, more than any plaque on the wall, that underpins the laboratory’s growing reputation for reliability and excel-

lence

That commitment matters because service is at the heart of the laboratory’s mission. For many patients, GPHC’s Pathology Laboratory is not a fallback option—it is the only point of access to diagnostic testing. When private services are financially out of reach, the accuracy and timeliness of public pathology results become critical, shaping clinical management and influencing the possibility of earlier intervention. In that context, certification and accreditation take on deeper meaning. They are pursued not for prestige, but because a patient waiting on pathology results is waiting on answers that determine what happens next. The seamless appearance of the laboratory is built on coordination, accountability, and a shared understanding that every result carries weight.

As the GPHC Pathology Laboratory marks its second anniversary—coinciding with the observance of World Cancer Day—its impact on cancer diagnosis is unmistakable. Through precise histopathology services, it supports earlier detection and informs treatment decisions that can change lives.

The milestones matter. The standards matter. But it is the team behind the results—their persistence, professionalism, and quiet commitment to doing the work well—that g ives those achievements their true meaning.

Guyana Digital School launches nationwide school outreach programme

THE Guyana Digital School (GDS) has begun a nationwide school outreach programme aimed at increasing student awareness of its digital learning platform and expanding access to flexible, technology-driven education.

The initiative, which officially commenced this week, involves direct engagement with secondary school students to explain the opportunities available through the GDS, respond to questions, and facilitate on-site registration for those who are not yet enrolled.

As part of the rollout, a GDS outreach team recently visited Cummings Lodge Secondary School, where students participated in an interactive session focused on how digital learning can complement their existing classroom studies. During the visit, students were guided step by step through the registration process and provided with practical information on how to access and use the platform effectively.

The outreach programme forms part of the Ministry of Education’s broader strategy to expand access to quality education through innovative and flexible learning models that support student development and academic achievement.

According to the Ministry, the GDS team is expected to continue visiting schools across Guyana in the coming weeks, strengthening engagement with students, educators, and local school communities while promoting the benefits of digital education.

The Guyana Digital School, a national initiative conceptualised under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, is designed to provide accessible, high-quality education through online platforms. The institution offers flexible learning opportunities intended to complement traditional schooling and promote academic excellence among learners nationwide.

‘We don’t

come and talk theory,

we are here

practicing it every single day’

- Minister Anthony fires back against opposition, highlights advancements in healthcare

FROM expecting mothers, newborns, children, and adults, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony has stated that Budget 2026 caters for further expansion of universal healthcare, dismissing the claims that the budget has nothing for the people.

The Minister during Wednesday’s budget debate issued a fiery response in the National Assembly and stated that despite new faces being present on the opposition benches, “the practice is the same tired politics- divisive, backward, backward-looking, and utterly bankrupt of ideas.”

We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Member of Parliament (MP), Ryan Richards, during his presentation claimed that Budget 2026 has nothing for the people, but Dr. Anthony pushed back against these claims and said, “Check the facts,” as he pointed to the advancements made in the health sector since 2020 under the

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government.

Focusing on mothers, the minister said 14,000 mothers now benefit annually from comprehensive antenatal care with 11 waiting homes that provide safe accommodation prior to delivery.

These facilities currently house 100 beds across the country.

Additionally, he pointed out how the newborn baby grant of $100,000 was introduced by the PPP/C, further noting that every mother in the interior that gave birth at one of the facilities would get a postnatal hamper.

Over the last couple of years, the Ministry of Health has distributed close to 3,000 postnatal hampers to mothers, Dr. Anthony said.

As the minister further detailed the sweeping list of initiatives for citizens, from newborns to adults, he turned his attention to the children.

Children also benefit from

comprehensive health screenings, as Minister Anthony stated that nursery and primary school students undergo hearing, vision, dental, and general check-ups.

Over the last two years, 18,374 nursery school children and 55,717 primary school children were screened free of cost, and since the universal healthcare voucher was introduced, 13,112 children across this country have been screened.

So far, 6,508 secondary school students were screened, the minister said, noting that “When you look at this budget, these are the kinds of initiatives that are in this budget that our people across this country would benefit from.”

The 2026 Budget prioritises the Guyanese people, he said, noting that “this is real people getting real benefit from the budget and from this government.”

In addition, the government has upgraded its HPV vaccination

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony

programme, Minister Anthony said, noting that last year, 26,000 children between the ages of nine and fifteen received the new vaccine.

Dr. Anthony further stated that women’s health has also been a top priority for the PPP/C, and there has been the implementation of screening and treatment programmes, including for cervical and breast cancer and family planning, which have benefited thousands of women.

“This is what equity looks like. We don't come and talk theory. We are here practicing it every single day,” he said.

Men’s health has also improved, as prostate cancer, which is the leading cancer in men, is now being detected early and treated.

The Health Minister also highlighted the efforts for longterm care in regard to chronic disease management.

The minister further stated

that the dental sector, which was once without a single CT scan, now has more than five nationwide, including improved dental services in Linden.

However, following the criticisms by Richards regarding patient care, the minister challenged his claims and further revealed his record of low patient numbers.

The minister said: “But you know, Mr. Speaker, we heard how some people are getting burnout, and I'm wondering whether the honourable member is one of those persons, because in the last month, when he's supposed to be at the clinic, he only saw 17 patients for the month, and I don't know if seeing less than one or two patients a day would be tantamount to burn out.

“I hope that he would improve seeing the patients of Linden so that they can get the service for what these taxpayers of this country is paying for.”

‘Your character will define your impact’

- DG Dr. Mahadeo tells AUOPS graduates

- 35 students graduate in mental health and human services training

THE American University of Peace Studies (AUOPS), in association with AUOPS Research, USA recently celebrated the graduation of 35 students from its diploma and degree programmes. The ceremony was held under the theme “Understanding Minds, Transforming Lives through Critical Thinking.”

Delivering the keynote address was Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Health and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo. In his address, the Director General reminded graduates that they are stepping into a rapidly transforming Guyana, a country that has experienced one of the fastest economic and healthcare transformations in modern history.

Dr. Mahadeo emphasised that the graduates’ fields, psychology, counselling, clinical practice, child psychology, forensic studies, and human resource management, are not only essential to individual wellbeing but also align directly with the government’s commitment to holistic, people-centred healthcare. He highlighted that their skills are critical in supporting this national vision, ensuring that care is ethical, compassionate, and accessible to all.

Over the past six years, Guyana’s economy has grown at record rates, allowing the government to invest heavi -

Some

of the graduates from AUOPS

ly in healthcare infrastructure and services. The Ministry of Health has launched initiatives to strengthen regional hospitals, expand digital health networks, introduce advanced diagnostic technology, and scale up medical training, all part of President HE Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali’s vision of delivering world-class healthcare to every citizen, coast to interior.

“This is where you fall into this grander plan, your degrees reflect your knowledge, but your character will define your impact. The way you treat people, the integrity with which you work, and the compassion you show will matter just as much as your qualifications. Use your training wisely, your

authority gently, and your voice responsibly. Today, you wear your academic regalia with pride. Tomorrow, you wear responsibility. You now carry the ability to influence minds, support healing, and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of individuals, organisations, and communities.”

Stressing the importance of thoughtful leadership and evidence-based decision-making, Dr. Mahadeo encouraged graduates to remain grounded and human in their professional lives, stating that, “I would also encourage you not to lose your sense of humour as you move forward. You will quickly discover that real life does not always follow textbook exam-

ples, and theory does not always arrive neatly packaged in practice. A sense of humour, paired with humility, will help you navigate challenges with grace. You will meet individuals who resist help, deny difficulties, or insist they are only present because someone else made them attend. Approach these moments with patience and humanity, remembering that trust often develops slowly.”

Meanwhile, President and Chief Executive Officer of AUOPS, Dr. Eton Simon, in his address, reaffirmed the institution’s long-standing commitment to advancing psychology and mental health education in Guyana.

“We have been fostering

psychology in Guyana for 25 years. Think about it, why are we pushing psychology? Because we believe when you understand the mind, you reduce suffering. All suffering starts from the mind.”

Delivering the charge to graduates, Dean, Faculty of Technology at the University of Guyana and Adviser on Tertiary Education at the Office of the President, Dr. Kofi Dalrymple, reflected on the role of education in Guyanese society.

“Education has never been ornamental in Guyana. It was never about prestige. It was survival, it was a necessity. It was the quiet decision of our parents who believed that if they could not change the world

with their hands, perhaps their children could change it with their minds.”

Certificates and instruments were presented to the 35 graduates, while tokens of appreciation were presented to speakers Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Dr. Kofi Dalrymple, and Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, the latter received on his behalf by Senior Superintendent Sonia Herbert, Director of the Guyana Police Force Academy, as the Commissioner was unable to attend the ceremony. Loreen Warde was awarded Valedictorian for the Diploma programmes, while Shadel Paul was awarded Valedictorian for the Degree programmes.

Hussain touts massive development across Berbice in support of 2026 Budget

By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

MEMBER of Parliament, Zamal Hussain, came out swinging on Tuesday evening in his maiden speech during the debate for budget 2026, as he corrected the opposition members of parliament for sharing inaccurate information to the National Assembly.

Hussain, in response to WIIN Member of Parliament Gobin Harbhajan, who had said that only 63,000 out of 73,000 acres of rice land are under cultivation, corrected him and stated that in actuality 70,030 acres of rice land are under cultivation.

In fact, Hussain noted that he was “shocked” that the Opposition MP had the audacity to come to the National Assembly and speak about rice when in fact during the 2015-2020 period, Harbhajan, who was the representative of the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, in Region Six, supported a government that said rice is a private business.

“Region Six didn’t even know we have an agriculture Minister (under APNU+AFC); the Minister come to Berbice three times, and the three meetings he had in Berbice were in the Nand Persaud boardroom with AC, where only fifteen farmers attended, and now he comes to this house to lecture about helping rice farmers.”

In contrast, Hussain stressed that the PPP/C has always supported rice farmers: “We have been supporting rice farmers, not only the last crop, we have been supporting rice farmers since we are in government from 1992 to 2015 when APNU+AFC made it a private business, and then we start to support rice farmers back from 2020 to present.”

He further noted the transformational work the Ministry of Agriculture continues to do in Berbice as he pointed out that thousands depend on agriculture in the county. “The honourable member come here and say fertiliser raised, but what he didn’t tell the house was that fertiliser was subsidised, given to farmers one bag per acre.”

The PPP/C Member of Parliament, who hails from Region Six, in representing his people, pointed out that Harbhajan in the last five years was given an opportunity in the form of employment to solve the issues he has come to raise now in the house, “to fix all those problems that he raised here, but he did nothing in five years,

Member

absolutely nothing.”

According to Hussain, the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission changed the land rental from $2,000 to $1,000, “that is an intervention this government made.”

He continued, “Mr. Speaker, 20,000 acres of land at the 52/74 savannah were surveyed and are made available for cattle farmers in Berbice, right where Harbhajan lives, but Harbhajan doesn’t know that.”

Moving along, Hussain noted that Harbhajan spoke about agro-processing but is unaware that in Black Bush Polder there is in fact an agro-processing facility operational.

Turning to land availability, Hussain noted that “we are engaging in a number of land clearing in the entire Berbice” as he pointed out that one of the largest projects is the Hope-like canals currently under construction in the region, “which will ensure we have thousands of acres of land protected from the floods.”

“We have lands right now that we are making available at Molsen Creek; we are doing an all-weather road there to open about 300–500 acres of land there and even more.”

Furthermore, taking the National Assembly on a journey through the development that has taken place in Region Six, Hussain started with pointing out that the government has made the Berbice Bridge toll-free.

“Every car that travels over that bridge, they give him a bill, and they say take $1900; every minibus operation takes $1900; every double cab pickup or SUV, $3600; the business people with trucks, $5800. That is the way we’re helping the residents of Region Six, putting people first.”

Going over the bridge, Hussain said you can either turn right or left or even go straight ahead, and there will be noticeable development.

“As we go into Palmyra, there is a spanking new stadium, a spanking new stadium, a world-class facility” that brings a feeling of pride to

an area named Tannery.” Hussain then called on the APNU members to “ease the people” and give them their title to the lands. “They deny them their title, but beside that we transform Tannery, we put in roads, we put in electricity, we put in water, we give them solar panels; that is what we are doing in New Amsterdam.”

Berbicians and Guyanese.

He noted that a tarmac is being constructed there, which will host the Berbice expo that attracts thousands of people; “that is putting people first.”

Hussain pointed out that the PPP/C government had to ensure the Indian Arrival Monument at Palmyra was “fixed,” as the base had collapsed while being constructed under the previous administration.

He then turned to the Centre for Equity, Opportunity, and Innovation, which caters to persons with disabilities and is the first of its kind in the Caribbean, currently operational, and employs persons with disabilities.

“Mr. Speaker, every neighbourhood democratic council in Region Six has experienced notable improvements in the last five years, from upgrading internal roads to enhancing drainage networks,” as he stressed that the local authorities have also been equipped with machinery to carry out their work and garbage collection.

According to Hussain, in New Amsterdam, “we had in this last election, we had the largest amount of votes ever in New Amsterdam… We have the East Canje main road now doing a four-lane highway, a four-lane highway going to the new municipal airport at Rose Hall Canje, that will improve so much, commerce, tourism, etc.”

Narrowing down on the transformation this government has done in the APNU+AFC township of New Amsterdam, Hussain stated, “Angoy’s Avenue, in 1999, the then President, (Vice President now) Honourable Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, went in with long boots. Mr. Speaker, now the honourable opposition leader can drive his Lamborghini through Angoy’s Avenue. We have transformed the entire Angoy’s Avenue with concrete roads; we have made tracks and put in lights on the community ground. We have transformed

He said farmers on the East Bank of Berbice and in other areas of Berbice have received assistance to clear five acres of land each “to do farming.”

Heading to the Corentyne, Hussain said that there are two 3-megawatt solar farms, one in Prospect and one in Hampshire.

Turning to the East Bank Berbice, Hussain noted that “massive transformation” has also been done there with the installation of electricity for the very first time in the country’s history from Lighttown through Mara to Jermaniah.

In Black Bush Polder, he stressed that there has been the implementation of a major pump station and another under construction, which has helped and will continue to help irrigate the area.

In supporting the passing of the 2026 budget, Hussain stressed that it was crafted

from the interactions of citizens on the ground. “That is how we craft this budget with the people; that is how you do it.”

Meanwhile, APNU Parliamentarian, Ganesh Mahipaul heckled Hussain and accused him of being a former member of the PNC, but Hussain, in a strong response, stated, “I never went in PNC, if I do that, something is wrong with me, something is really wrong with me, Mr Speaker that is one party I will advise nobody to join, the PNC, that is a sinking ship.”

‘We will not let you down’

- Minister McCoy says, emphasises Budget

MINISTER within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy, on Wednesday, blasted the opposition for being “impoverished of ideas” and only representing a narrow slice of society, contrasting this with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, which continues to work for all Guyanese.

Minister McCoy, during the third day of the budget debates, fired back at A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Parliamentarian David Hinds, who insinuated that Afro-Guyanese do not equally have access to certain initiatives and programmes.

Minister McCoy, while defending Budget 2026, stated that it will positively impact the lives of all Guyanese and will “advance our national development and make sure that our development covers every sphere of our society, and it targets strategic outcomes, and it prepares our society for another wave

‘This

of success and successes in 2026.”

He emphasised that from public servants to small-business owners, youths, and persons living with disabilities (PWDs) will all continue to benefit from this year’s national fiscal plan, as they did under all previous PPP/C budgets.

The Minister said that governance is not magic but continuous work of development and a continuous programme that brings value to citizens’ lives.

While firmly stating that Budget 2026 is an “investment in lives,” Minister McCoy said that the PPP/C understands the needs of citizens and it is a plan that works for all.

While defending Budget 2026, Minister McCoy said that the comprehensive plan targets protecting households against global inflation, supporting families, and facilitating economic resilience, pointing to fiscal measures that amount to $307 billion

2026 focuses on the needs of the people, building out national development

in relief, tax removals, and targeted transfers.

“This budget is a budget for all the people. It does put people first,” the Minister firmly stated.

He further pushed back against the opposition’s attempts to ridicule the budget, branding them as “empty”

and having “no substance,” as he then shared a story of a young woman who has turned her food-selling business into a taxi service, underscoring that “every dollar in this budget has a human face.”

Minister McCoy also rejected the opposition’s criti-

cisms of the allocation directed to infrastructure, noting that beyond the physical benefits, there are opportunities for employment, especially for small contractors.

The Minister used the results of the 2025 General and Regional Elections to further lament how the Guyanese voters rejected the opposition because they are knowledgeable of their true nature.

“At the end of the day, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic is the best of what they have to offer,” the minister said, noting that compared to contenders, who are a bunch of “rejects,” the governing party stands out.

The minister said unlike the opposition, the PPP/C is not manufacturing outrage but focused on governing with substance and constructing pathways to positive outcomes.

He even told the opposition that despite their rejections, the very programmes and initiatives that are within the budget will also positively impact their lives.

But the minister did not stop there; he also blasted the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN)’s leader U.S.-indicted Azruddin Mohamed, for dodging accountability and challenging the extradition proceedings.

U.S. prosecutors allege Mohamed and his father, Nazar, conspired to commit fraud and launder money through their gold exporting firm, Mohamed’s Enterprise, to enrich themselves and defraud the government of Guyana.

The men, who were indicted in Florida were briefly detained in October. They are contesting the extradition proceedings in court.

Minister McCoy: “The bottom line is that there is no one with any such tattered image and blemishes that is capable of holding this government accountable, because we stand on integrity and credibility, and we have good moral standing.”

is not theatrics, this is real performance’

HOUSING Minister Colin Croal has set out an ambitious plan to address the housing backlog, defending regional allocations as fair and needs-based rather than politically driven.

During his contribution to the 2026 budget debate on Wednesday night, he addressed accusations of favouritism, particularly towards Region 10, made by opposition members of parliament.

Croal insisted that the pattern of allocations reflects demographic reality and inherited backlogs, not bias.

He noted that while Region 10 had received 2,315 allocations, other regions, especially Region Four, were facing a far heavier strain.

Region Four, he stressed, is both the most

populous region and the one with the largest pool of pending applicants at 52,142.

This, he argued, is a direct consequence of historic under-allocation, where the previous A Partnership for Unity (APNU) administration did not keep allocations in line with demand, and we are now forced to start by clearing a backlog that should never have been allowed to build up.

“Previous administrations did not keep allocations in line with demand, and we are now forced to start by clearing a backlog that should never have been allowed to build up,” Croal said.

The Housing Minister detailed the housing backlog across the regions, stating that Region Four has the largest pool

of pending applicants at 52,142, while the government is also moving to clear backlogs of 187 in Region One, 2,000 in Region Two, 10,000 in Region Three, 3,500 in Region Five, 8,000 in Region Six, 300 in Region Seven, 700 in Region Eight, 900 in Region Nine and 3,000 in Region Ten.

These, he said, would be addressed in full as part of the current programme, alongside a more complex, multi-year push in Region Four.

“Development will not wait for permission from those who failed to deliver it. The future will not be postponed because the opposition is uncomfortable with success,” he said. “This budget recognises that every human being deserves a safe home, a

- Croal defends gov’ts housing gains, outlines plans to address backlog, build new homes, support young professionals, women

secure title, a community to belong to and a future to build, and that is what this budget will deliver.”

The minister confirmed that Region Four’s backlog would be tackled over an expanded set of

view, rather than dealing with only the most recent files.

In addition to aggressively reducing the backlog of housing the government plans to build 8,000 new homes for low-, mod-

years, with the government now increasing the period for which applications are being processed.

The ministry will accelerate the clearance of applications by widening the year range under re-

erate- and high-income earners, including young professionals.

At least 7,000 land titles and transports are to be issued, while informal settlements such as areas in Mocha Arcadia will

be further regularised to provide residents with secure tenure and improved living conditions.

The housing drive will be supported by innovative programmes such as the Yarrowkabra Homestead Programme for lowand middle-income, female-headed households, continued steel and cement subsidies, VAT relief on locally produced materials, and higher mortgage ceilings, alongside a Single Window Approval System to speed up processing.

“Guyanese are tired of your theatres; your theatrics, they want performance. They want real performance. They want measured in homes built, titles delivered and community development,” Croal said.

India outclasses Afghanistan to...

was laced with nine fours and four sixes as India raced to a total of 90 in 9 overs before Nooristani eventually removed the big hitter, helping slow down the scoring rate.

Skipper Ayush Mhatre then joined the well-set

lead.

opener Aaron George, and the pair went about steadily. The duo put together a commanding 114-run partnership to gain back control from Afghanistan. Mhatre scored a composed 62 off 59 balls before Nooristani struck again in the 27th over to claim his

second wicket of the game. Aaron George was the star batter for India in the semi-final as he led from the front scoring a stellar century, taking India to victory. He scored 115 off 104 balls which included 2 sixes and 15 fours. The 96-run partner-

(From back page)

ship of George and Vihaan Malhotra ( 38* off 47) helped India race to victory as they chased down the target in 41.1 overs.

India will now take on England in the final on February 6 at the Harare Sports Club. (ICC)

GT win DCB 50-0vers U-15 tournament...

East Coast elected to bat on another lightning-fast outfield and were skittled out for 57 in 39.1 overs, as only Ashton Collins, who laboured for a 61-ball 17, reached double figures.

Afraz Khan (3-3 from 8 overs), Jasane Craig (3-15 from 9.1 overs). Prosper Jacobus and Mickel Johnson supported with two wickets each for the city side which reached the target in 6.5 overs without losing a wicket.

The 14-year-old National U-15 and U-17 left-hander shared in third consecutive 50-run opening partnership with Neerav Persaud (5), who played the supporting role.

Seecharran, with scores of 130 and 72 not out, took

his run tally to 240, and started the run chase with a six in the first over off Skipper Somesh Boyer.

The pugnacious Seecharran majestically stroked Boyer for four in his next over before depositing Aaron Persaud over the ropes in the fourth over.

The Transport Sports Club batter brought up the fifty in the sixth over and finished the one-sided contest with consecutive boundaries off Boyer.

Earlier, Samuel Hirelall (1) was caught and bowled by Khan at 1-1 in the second over and never recovered, although Collins and Jayden Kissoon (8) staged a mini fight back, taking the score 18-5 to 46 before Johnson removed Kissoon.

Makhaya Jones benefits from...

(From page 22)

a solid education and also took the opportunity to say thank you to Cricket Equipment Guyana for its ready and continuous support.

The project will continue to improve the lives of youths in every community and is pleased to be part of the development of young cricketers in Guyana.

Total cricket related items received/purchased so far: $786,146 in cash, 13 coloured cricket uniforms, one set of stumps, two trophies, 36 pairs of cricket shoes, 40 pairs of batting pads, 49 cricket bats, 48 pairs of batting gloves, 29 thigh pads, three pairs of wicket-keeping pads, six arm guards, two chest pads, two boxes, 15 gear bags, 13 bat rubbers, seven helmets, one fiber glass bat, one pair of floppy hat, 16 boxes and four of white cricket balls,

13 boxes of red cricket balls, one bat cone, one batting inners and 28 footballs.

To date, 105 players from all three counties of Guyana have benefitted directly from cash, 10 gear bags, two trophies, four arm guards, 42 bats, four boxes, six helmets, 38 pairs of cricket shoes, 22 pairs of batting pads, 25 thigh pads, one bat grip, 41 pairs of batting gloves, one pair of wicket-keeping pads and four pairs of wicket-keeping gloves. Many others benefitted indirectly.

Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify same. Progressive and well managed cricket clubs with a youth programme will also benefit.

Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

And when Johnson sent back Collins a run later, the last five wickets tumbled for 11 runs. The final round is

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

CARLISLE 09:30 hrs It's Top 10:00 hrs Della Casa Lunga 10:35 hrs Future Bucks 11:05 hrs Celestial Fashion 11:35 hrs Medieval Gold

12:04 hrs Rob Roy Macgregor 12:34 hrs Masterfield

TAUNTON

09:40 hrs Kings Champion 10:12 hrs Wandering Ego

10:45 hrs Beauty In The Park 11:15 hrs Courageous Strike 11:45 hrs Brave Kingdom 12:15 hrs Nedzor 12:45 hrs Our Dylan

WOLVERHAMPTON 13:30 hrs How's The Guvnor 14:00 hrs Dyrholaey 14:30 hrs Harlequin Bay 15:00 hrs Skycutter 15:30 hrs Eupator 16:00 hrs Grey Horizon

(From page 22)

scheduled for tomorrow, with GT facing DCB Select X1 at Lusignan and West Demerara coming up against East Bank at LBI.

16:30 hrs Bergamo Gold

IRISH RACING TIPS

FAIRYHOUSE

09:15 hrs Dunsy Rock 09:50 hrs Springhill Warrior 10:25 hrs Oldschool Outlaw

10:55 hrs Sound As A Bell

11:30 hrs Folly Master 12:05 hrs Our Uncle Jack

12:40 hrs Green Hint

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

FAIRVIEW 08:15 hrs Aethelwulf 08:50 hrs Back For More

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday, February 3, 2026)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) PAK won by 8 wickets (2) Abdul Subhan (PAK)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What has been the result of the SA/SL Super Six match in the current Under-19 WC?

(2) Who was voted Man of the Match? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Guyanese match officials appointed to CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Qualifier

GUYANA has been proudly represented by four match officials at the just concluded 2026 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Qualifier, which took place from January 24 to February 3, marking another important milestone in the continued development of the nation’s football officiating programme.

According to a release from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), the appointed officials were Micah Erskine and Denisha Isaacs (Match Officials), Lenval Peart (Referee Assessor and Head of Referees at the GFF), and Natasha Lewis (CONCACAF Technical Instructor). All four received official appointments from CONCACAF to serve at the prestigious regional tournament.

Denisha Isaacs

Panama, Bermuda, Suriname, and Bonaire. In this role, she oversaw technical sessions and provided technical instruction and guidance to match officials throughout the competition.

SCA Vice-President laments absence of new facilities to complement growth

VICE-PRESIDENT of the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA), Bisham Singh, has lamented the absence of new facilities to complement the growth of cricket in the association.

Delivering his report at last Sunday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the Royal Crown Academy, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, the Guyana-born Singh pointed out that “it has been very difficult. It is important that our members be proactive in working with their councillors in their wards in Scarborough and Durham Regions for improvements of existing facilities and getting new ones built to accommodate this growth.

marked by two contentious proposed bylaws changes sent in by a member which were allowed to proceed despite breaching the mandatory deadline and other requirements.

In the end, after much back and forth, which lasted for close to two hours, both were put to a vote and failed to get the needed majority to succeed

Erskine officiated in Group A, comprising the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Belize, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Dominica, with fixtures played in Nicaragua.

Meanwhile, Lewis served as Technical Instructor for Group B, hosted in Bermuda, which included

Peart and Isaacs were assigned to Group F, which featured El Salvador, Trinidad and Tobago, Curaçao, Barbados, and Guadeloupe, with matches hosted in Curaçao.

The GFF pointed out that appointment of Guyanese officials across multiple functional roles, match officials, referee assessor, and technical instructor, at a CONCACAF championship underscores the continued strengthening of Guyana’s refereeing infrastructure and reflects growing regional confidence in the quality and professionalism of the country’s officials.

“This achievement further highlights Guyana’s commitment to developing high-quality football officiating and contributing meaningfully to regional and international competitions within the CONCACAF region,” the GFF disclosed.

“Simply put, cricket has been left behind for many years and it is about time more resources are set aside by the City to accommodate this growth as the SCA continues to attract many teams.”

The vice-president, under whose portfolio disciplinary hearings fall, extended sincere thanks to the members who gave their time and effort to be part of the hearings while pointing out that some members of the committee failed to attend which made it difficult for the committee to function. “This must be addressed for the coming year. We have to get dedicated members for this com-

mittee.”

Touching on the Rules Committee, which he also chairs, Singh said they will revisit the playing rules from the last playing season and make any necessary changes/ additions. “I would also like to remind members to get acquainted with the SCA Playing Rules in the respective divisions. The updates will be communicated to the members at the Captain's Table.”

Meanwhile, the SCA Board has decided to revert to the CricClubs App for the 2026 season following complaints by several teams about the functioning of the CricHeroes App which was introduced in 2024.

Sunday’s meeting was

The member sought to amend the following two bylaws: 4.5 Officer Eligibility – To be eligible for election as President, Vice President or Treasurer, an individual must have served at least two (2) terms as a Director and be a current Director and 4.16 President Term Limit – The President may only serve for six (6) consecutive terms but may be re-elected as President after being out of office for at least one (1) term.

The protracted delay also resulted in the postponement of the election of office bearers to March 29 due to a lack of quorum when the roll call took place. The positions up for grabs are President, Secretary, Treasurer, Grounds Coordinator, Registrar/ Statistician, Webmaster, and Assistant Secretary/Assistant Treasurer, the latter resigning after only serving one year of his two-year term. (Frederick Halley)

McCullum praises 'tough lad' Brook's response to NZ controversy

ENGLAND head coach, Brendon McCullum, is impressed with white-ball captain Harry Brook for his deft handling of a recent controversy and leading the team to a series victory in Sri Lanka ahead of their campaign in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup.

Brook has been in the eye of a storm since news emerged of his altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand late last year. The 26-year-old apologised last month for the October 31 incident, which he felt caused embarrassment to him and his team.

Under Brook, England won the one-day international series in Sri Lanka 2-1 and swept the T20 series 3-0, a timely boost as they build toward the global tournament.

"He's had a hard time of late off the field, but he's a tough lad to be able to put that aside and still lead these

boys in the manner that he did, and show the tactical nous that he has as a cricketer

was outstanding," McCullum said after England's victory in the final T20 match on Tuesday. "I do sometimes think that people think that Brooky's

not that clever. I couldn't disagree with that more. He wears his intelligence lightly. He's got a very good tactical cricket brain."

McCullum said Brook, who has been fined by the English cricket board for his conduct in New Zealand, needed to improve his behaviour but stressed the mental-health pressures players face in a relentless schedule.

"He's a work in progress off the field," the coach said. "He's not alone with that and that's our job to help shepherd him through. But on the

field, he's certainly excelling at the moment."

"Cricket is such a unique game because it's 12 months of the year ... It can be challenging mentally for a lot of guys and cricket's got a history of issues in that space. So, our job as leaders and our job at English cricket is to make sure we look after these boys."

England will begin their campaign for a third 20-overs World Cup title with a Group C match against Nepal in Mumbai on Sunday. (Reuters)

Panthera Solutions donates $400,000.00

of cricket gear to RHTYSC Developmental Programme

OVER the last thirty-six years, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) has worked hard to become one of the best in Guyana and it is our aspiration to continue doing so in the future.

Our aim is to produce ten youth players for Guyana over the next five years and two more

Test players for the West Indies. This investment by Panthera Solutions today would play a major role in assisting us to achieve our objective. Those were the words of RHTYSC

Secretary, Hilbert Foster, at the official handing over ceremony of cricket gear by Panthera Solutions Ltd., to the management of the club.

The presentation took place last Saturday at the St. Francis Community Developers and was

witnessed by senior managers of the company, RHTYSC officials and members of the club’s junior cricket teams. The donation included a large amount of cricket balls, four junior cricket bats, batting pads, batting gloves, wicket- keeping gloves, helmets and wicket-keeping pads.

Foster, the former President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), stated that since its foundation in 1990 by the St. Francis Club, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club has produced one hundred and thirty-one players for Berbice at all levels, with seventy six going on to play for Guyana.

Fourteen of them have played for the West Indies and the United States including

Asad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Kevon Sinclair, Kelvon Anderson, Shemaine Campbelle, Shebika Gajnabi, Eva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond, Akshay Homraj and

GT win DCB 50-0vers U-15 tournament with a game remaining

By Sean Devers

IN steaming hot conditions at the Lusignan Community Centre ground on the East Coast Demerara yesterday, pre- tournament favourites, Georgetown, whipped home team East Coast by 10 wickets, to end the penultimate round of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) 50-over U-15 Inter- Association tournament, as the only unbeaten team.

wickets

an emphatic 10-wicket win over

Showing the disparity in the standard between the City side and the four other teams, GT go into tomorrow’s final round with an unassailable

Dominic Rikhi.

He expressed gratitude to Panthera for their assistance which would assist the club to organise developmental sessions for dozens of exciting talents in the afternoons and on Saturdays at the Area H ground.

Cricket Manager, Robby Kissondial, stated that the club has a wide range of cricketing talents with players like Jayden Ganpat, Rafael Mekenzie, Tameshwar Deonandan, Daniella Mauns, Danielle Hicks, Trisha Hardat, Munesh Rampersaud, Leon Reddy, Jonathan Hicks, Akeem Fraser and Disham Le Cruz. The long serving Cricket Manager stated that nine-year-old Eion

Dhuppat is one of the most exciting batting talents in the club and he is receiving special

emphasis from the coaching staff.

As part of its developmental programme, the club handed over a total of $300,000.00 worth of cricket gear to promising players. The gear included cricket bats, cricket balls, helmets, batting pads, thigh pads and batting gloves.

Receiving the equipment were Jayden Coupet, Khemraj Bharat, Jonathan Hicks, Leon Reddy, Asteir Narine, Dinesh Singh, Disham Le Cruz, Azad Ali, Ronaldo Roberts, Ezekiel Horry, Jahleel Grant, Joshua Dhuarraj, Shamar Thompson, Eon Dhuppat, Anthony Sirkisson and Randy Williams.

Kissonlall urged the players to take proper care of the donated gear and to dedicate themselves to the club’s training programme. The

RHTYSC also rewarded Jayden Ganpat who in December was named the Best Guyanese Bowler in the Goodwill Under-13 tournament versus Barbados. He received a large trophy, medal of excellence and a box of white cricket balls to work on his bowling at home.

General Manager of Panthera Solutions, Andrew Dinsdale, stated that his company was very impressed with the work, the RHTYSC was doing and noted that they have been supporting the club since 2019.

Incoming General manager, Tony Turnbull, who takes over in May, hailed the RHTYSC as a perfect role model for other cricket clubs and pledged further assistance in the future.

Makhaya Jones benefits from ‘Project Cricket Gear’

MAKHAYA Jones is the latest recipient from “Project Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers,” the initiative of Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA.

The 14-year-old received a pair of cricket shoes, compliments of Cricket Equipment. Jones is currently participating in the Demerara Cricket Board inter-association Under-16 competition which will be used to select the county squad.

The Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) fast bowling

all-rounder is a student of Campbellville Secondary School. Jones, who is benefitting for the second time from the project, was very

thankful for the metal spike cricket shoes. The initiative encouraged him and all young cricketers to strive for

Nurse satisfied with Under-19s’ World Cup performance despite Super Six exit

World Cup at the Super

WIPA congratulates Leewards’ Women and Jamaica’s Women on 2026 regional titles

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) -THE West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) has extended its congratulations to the region’s newly crowned women’s cricket champions following thrilling competitions in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Leeward Islands Women’s team secured the Women’s T20 Blaze title in a nail-biting final on January 23rd, edging out a formidable Barbados Women’s side by just 6 runs (DLS).

The victory capped a flawless campaign for the Leewards, who remained undefeated throughout the tournament, which ran from January 13-23.

Just over a week later, Jamaica Women stormed to victory in the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup, after

edging out the Windward Islands and Guyana by a single point.

The Super50 Cup was a compact, high-stakes affair played over three intense rounds from January 27-31.

WIPA President and CEO, Wavell Hinds, hailed the achievements of both squads. “Whole-hearted

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (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.

congratulations to the Leeward Islands Women on an undefeated run and taking the 2026 Women’s T20 Blaze title,” Hinds said.

“Congratulations as well to the Jamaican Women on winning the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup. We wish you all continued growth and success.”

Afghanistan topples West Indies in warm-up clash

BENGALURU, India, (CMC )– Another dominant display with first, bat, then ball, saw Afghanistan secure a comprehensive 23run victory over the West Indies in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup warm-up fixture here at the BCCI Centre of Excellence on Wednesday.

intent defined Afghanistan’s innings as the explosive opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 43, and Ibrahim Zadran set the tone, amassing 90 runs in a blistering 8.5-over stand.

The momentum barely wavered as Zadran, after a fluent 50, and later contributors Darwish Rasooli with 27 and Azmatullah Omarzai 35, all chose to retire out, in a strategic move to give the

middle order crucial time in the middle before the real action gets going in the tournament.

Despite Roston Chase removing Sediqullah Atal for 12, Afghanistan’s depth ensured a formidable total of 182-6 was on the cards.

The West Indian reply never found its footing against a relentless Afghan attack. Seamer Azmatullah Omarzai struck early to remove captain Shai Hope for five, setting a tone of dominance.

Afghanistan’s bowlers applied unyielding pressure, reducing the visitors to a precarious 54-5 within the first eight overs.

The crucial wicket of the set batter, Rovman Powell, who scored 32 off 27,

claimed by the experienced Mohammad Nabi, effectively snuffed out any realistic hope of a revival.

A late, spirited cameo from Matthew Forde, who smashed an unbeaten 52 from just 26 balls, and Jason Holder’s 25 not out provided some respectability to the total. However, the target proved insurmountable, with the West Indies finishing at 159-7.

Omarzai shone as the premier all-rounder, contributing a rapid 35 with the bat and taking two key wickets.

The bowling effort was a united front, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman also claiming two scalps, while Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ziaur Rahman, and Nabi each chipped in with a wicket.

BENGALURU, India, (CMC) – IN a concerning development ahead of the T20 World Cup, West Indies’ batting powerhouse Shimron Hetmyer finds himself stranded in South Africa, unable to join his teammates in India due to unresolved visa issues.

The delay has thrown

Linden

a spanner in the works for the Caribbean side’s preparations, with their opening warm-up fixture against Scotland just two days away.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has issued a brief statement, assuring that “the matter will be dealt with soon.”

set for

However, with the clock ticking down to the team’s first preparatory clash, the assurance is doing little to alleviate concerns within the camp and among fans.

The logistical snag is particularly frustrating given that the rest of the squad is in match mode, following their warm-up loss to Af -

transformative

Bayroc Stadium opening on February 7

ON Saturday, February 7, the town of Linden will unveil its latest sporting crown jewel: the Bayroc National Stadium.

At 18:00hrs local time, the floodlights will flicker on to mark what the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport describes as a "transformative milestone" for a nation currently undergoing an unprecedented sporting revolution.

The opening ceremony isn't just a ribbon-cutting; it is a full-scale demonstration of the facility’s versatility with

an athletics championship, a football match (Georgetown vs. Linden) and a 'Pre-Mashramani' concert featuring local heavyweights Samuel Medas and Diana Chapman. While the synthetic track has already seen competitive use, Saturday marks the full activation of the complex. From high-capacity spectator stands to professional-grade player facilities, the stadium has been engineered with international certification in mind, according to officials,

Hetmyer’s visa woes cast shadow over the Windies’ World Cup preparations

ghanistan on Wednesday.

The absence of the Guyanese left-hander is a significant blow. Hetmyer arrives in scintillating form, having just tormented the South African bowling attack on their home soil.

In the recently concluded three-match T20 series, the hefty hitter was the

standout performer, amassing a series-leading 171 runs.

His knock included a top score of 75, blasted at a breathtaking strike rate of 178, reminding the world of his devastating capabilities in the middle order.

The incident raises familiar questions about

administrative readiness ahead of global tournaments. For Hetmyer, who has had chequered history with team commitments in the past, this unforeseen delay is an unfortunate hurdle as he looks to cement his role as a linchpin of the West Indies’ title challenge.

India outclasses Afghanistan to reach U-19 World Cup Final

INDIA knocked out Afghanistan in the second semi-final to book their place in the final of the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup.

A view of the new facility at Bayroc

The Ministry aims to achieve global standards that will enable world-class international athletes to compete in Linden within the next two years.

The Bayroc project—one of five regional stadiums currently under construction across the country, all of which is expected to be open in 2026.

More so, the facility paves the way for the return of the National Schools’ Track and Field Championships.

Heading into the contest, India looked set to continue their unbeaten run, while Afghanistan aimed to reach the final for the first time in the tournament’s history. India will now take on England in the showdown on February 6 after England beat Australia in the first semi-final earlier.

This will mark a record 10th appearance for the Asian giants in the U-19 World Cup final, where they have lifted the trophy five times before and will be eager to add a sixth title.

Winning the toss, Afghanistan elected to bat first, and what followed was a steady opening partnership between Osman Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai. The pair put together a 53-run stand before D. Deepesh broke the partnership by dismissing Ahmadzai for 31 off 39 balls in the 13th over.

Sadat was then joined by Faisal Khan, who once again rose to the occasion. The duo added 64 runs for the second wicket before Kanishk Chouhan got the better of Sadat, who departed for 39 off 70 balls after struggling to find fluency.

New batter Uzairullah Niazai and Faisal Khan stitched together a brilliant 148-run partnership, during which Faisal brought up his second century of the tournament before being dismissed by D. Deepesh for 110.

Niazai carried the momentum forward, taking Afghanistan’s total past the 300

mark and registering a fine century of his own. Afghanistan eventually finished with a formidable 310 on the board, with Niazai remaining unbeaten on 101. For India, D. Deepesh and Kanishk Chouhan were among the wicket-takers, picking up two wickets apiece.

In the chase, India showed their intent from the very first ball, with Aaron George cracking it away for four. That attacking momentum was carried forward by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who blasted 68 off 33 balls to give India a flying start.

The innings

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