Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 07-02-2026

Success and compliance must go hand in hand

–– President Ali tells small miners; commits govt’s continued support to stakeholders –– encourages formation of consortiums to maximise benefits

–– affirms Budget 2026's ability to benefit all Guyanese as debate wraps up –– says gov't has infinite faith in soundness of judgement of Guyanese people to not be ensnared by parliamentary opposition Finance Minister blazes Azruddin Mohamed,

‘Accountability is not optional’

–– Nandlall

challenges U.S.-sanctioned WIN leader to explain his federal indictments, sanctions to citizens

ATTORNEY GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, called on Opposition Leader, U.S.-indicted Azruddin Mohamed, to tell Guyanese citizens why he is facing serious federal indictments abroad, underscoring it as a matter of national concern.

During Friday’s budget debate, the Attorney Gen -

eral said that when someone takes public office as a parliamentarian, especially as leader of the opposition, “then some aspect of your private business becomes our business, the people business and the public business.”

While further highlighting that the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) opposition built a platform on

anti-corruption, Nandlall said: “When you do that, you must know that it is not a one-way street,” emphasising that accountability must go both ways.

It is in this regard that the Attorney General demanded: “I call upon him [Opposition Leader] to explain to this Honourable House and by extension, the people of this country,

why he was sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States of America.

“Accountability is not optional. He must come here and account to the people. He must come here and tell us… I call upon the Honourable Member to also explain why he’s a subject of federal indictments in the United States of America on serious

charges of money laundering and fraud.”

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 goldexport practices and related money-laundering activities.

According to court documents, Nazar Mohamed, 72, and Azruddin, 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 sevenper 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 Guyana 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 is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and mail fraud.

Azruddin is charged

with conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud. The indictment also alleges that Azruddin 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.

The Attorney General further pointed out that the opposition leader is “strenuously resisting the expedition process as he’s entitled to do.”

He made it clear that he will continue doing all that is lawfully possible to ensure that the U.S-indicted businessman is accorded all the safeguards that the law and the Constitution guarantee to him.

“But I have to call upon him, in my capacity as a member of this House, to explain to the people of Guyana and this house why he’s unwilling to surrender, to go to the U.S., face his accusers and vindicate his innocence. I call upon him to do so…The people of Guyana deserve those explanations,” he said.

From the gold smuggling to tax evasion, Nandlall said: “These are serious and damning matters, and that is why we cannot play politics with national matters. That’s what we were saying and they were saying that we were being political.

We are saying that this is the highest representative institution in this country and when you come here, this is the, I have to say, I don’t want to sound immodest, this is the big league.

If you are not qualified to represent the people of this country, don’t come here.”

Success and compliance must go hand in hand

–– President Ali tells small miners; commits govt’s continued support to stakeholders

–– encourages formation of consortiums to maximise benefits

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has assured small miners that the government is committed to supporting stakeholders in the industry.

In his address to miners in Puruni, Region Seven, on Friday, the President described the government’s approach as a “partnership” aimed at ensuring miners’ long-term prosperity while strengthening the country’s economy.

“We want you to be successful. We want all of you to be successful, but we want you to be successful and at the same time, contribute to the development of our country,” the President stressed, warning full compliance with mining regulations must be adhered to.

“The only fair thing when we invest in you is for you to follow the laws and to ensure that your operations are all in keeping with the regulations, and to ensure that you sell the gold to the rightful places, the Guyana Gold Board (GGB),” President Ali said.

He repeatedly stressed the importance of selling gold through legal channels, particularly the GGB, and making accurate declarations.

He related that official declaration slips would be crucial for miners seeking to access the banking system and expand their operations.

“When you need to go to the bank, those declaration slips will help you to get a loan to grow larger and larger… you want to get a loan to build your homes, those declaration slips are important,” the President said.

The Head of State also announced that teams would be sent into the mining area within the next three to four weeks to help both Guyanese and foreign workers regularise their status.

In addition, the government has already engaged commercial banks, which will be brought directly into the area so miners can open bank accounts on site.

“We want to help you so that you can have your bank account, you can save your money, you can own your home, we want to help you in this process,” he said.

Also, to ensure that miners can fully capitalise from the development bank, the government will spearhead financial literacy training.

He urged miners to form

consortiums to further benefit from government incentives.

To this end the President proposed a small-miner consortium, with groups of miners co-located in defined areas so the government can provide shared services, technology and infrastructure more efficiently.

“We are going to work in identifying one area, bring a consortium of small miners, and have you located in that area so we can provide better services to you, so you can

come together 100 miners, don’t need 100 trucks …if you’re together in one locality, instead of 100 trucks, we can help you invest in five trucks. You can then come together and have one set of equipment that support all of the operation,” he said.

Meanwhile at Bartica, the President suggested creating a unified contract for small miners to prevent complaints of being disadvantaged by larger operators.

Border Controversy Case: ICJ to hear merits on case come May

THE International Court of Justice (ICJ) will, on Monday, May 4, 2026, begin hearings on the merits in the long-running border controversy case between Guyana and Venezuela.

This was disclosed by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, during the final day of the budget debate in the National Assembly.

The Attorney General said that the ICJ notified parties on January 27, 2026.

“I am pleased to inform the House that on the 27th of January, 2026, all the parties in that case were notified by the court that the hearings on the merits of the case will open on Monday, May 4, 2026 and a detailed schedule for the hearings will be communicated shortly,” Nandlall said.

Back in August 2025, Venezuela filed its rejoinder in the ongoing case concerning the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899.

The filing, made on Monday, August 11, 2025, comes within the deadline set by the court’s order of June 14, 2024. The rejoinder responds to Guyana’s reply, which was submitted in December 2024, and marks the

conclusion of the written phase of the proceedings.

These hearings will be followed by the court’s deliberations and the delivery of its final judgment. The decision, once issued, will be binding on both Guyana and Venezuela under international law.

The Government of Guyana had welcomed Venezuela’s filing, stating that it ensures the court will have “all the factual and legal arguments of both parties” before rendering its judgment.

This, the government noted, will make the ruling “fully authoritative and incontestable.”

Guyana reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the long-standing border controversy peacefully and in accordance with international law.

The ministry emphasised that the matter is now in the hands of “the world’s highest and most respected judicial authority.”

The case before the ICJ concerns Venezuela’s contention that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the boundary between the two countries, is null and void. Guyana has maintained that the award is a valid and binding legal instrument

that settled the border over a century ago.

In accordance with the Geneva Agreement, Guyana and Venezuela engaged in over two decades of Good Offices efforts on the border controversy under the United Nations’ (UN) Secretary-General’s auspices, in an attempt to find a peaceful diplomatic resolution.

However, on January 30, 2018, after the process failed to produce meaningful progress, the UN Secretary-General concluded that the Good Offices initiative had run its course.

In accordance with Article IV (2) of the Geneva Agreement, he exercised his authority and selected judicial settlement by the ICJ as the next method of resolution.

Guyana, in accordance with the Secretary-General’s decision, filed an application with the ICJ on March 29, 2018, seeking a ruling on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the boundary it established.

Venezuela, rather than co-operate, challenged the court’s jurisdiction, once again arguing that the Geneva Agreement did not allow for judicial proceedings.

After receiving extensive

ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY

He stressed the need for small miners to consolidate into groups for economic efficiency.

President Ali further disclosed that the government will support the establishment of a community policing group and provide concessions for vehicles. The group will also be armed and integrated to work with the local police to ensure miners’ safety.

The President urged miners there too to comply with the regulatory processes, noting that: “This is not about fighting with you. This is about preparing you for a necessity in the future. This is preparing you for what the future demands.”

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat informed miners of several measures outlined in the 2026 national budget to support them.

He pointed to fiscal incentives such as the reductions in duties on four-door pickup trucks and the removal of duties on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), which are widely used in hinterland regions and mining districts.

4

written submissions from both parties and holding oral hearings in June 2020, the court issued its judgment on jurisdiction on December 18, 2020.

The court found that: “Guyana and Venezuela mutually conferred upon the Secretary-General the authority to choose the means of settlement of the controversy, and on 30th January 2018, the Secretary-General exercised this authority by choosing judicial settlement before the Court.”

The court affirmed its jurisdiction to hear Guyana’s application regarding the validity of the Arbitral Award, and the related issue of the definitive settlement of the land-boundary controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.

Guyana has gained international backing, with CARICOM, The Commonwealth, the European Union (EU), the Organisation of American States (OAS), and other global partners reaffirming support for its position.

They have condemned Venezuela’s recent aggression against Guyana’s sovereign territory, warning that it heightens tensions and jeopardises peace and stability across the region.

that supports the mining sector,” the minister said.

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.

“That is savings on almost $10 million on duty, and this is in keeping with our commitment that we will continue to incentivise the mining sector in our country because mining is important, mining contributes significantly to the development of our country, and you have a government and a President

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.

The President added that the government intends to overhaul systems that have enabled chronic under-declaration and illegal exports.

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

Finance Minister blazes Azruddin Mohamed, exposes his 'shallowness'

–– says gov't has infinite faith in soundness of judgement of Guyanese people to not be ensnared by parliamentary opposition

–– affirms Budget 2026's ability to benefit all Guyanese as debate wraps up

By Naomi Parris

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh dismantled the presentation of Opposition Leader U.S.-indicted Azruddin Mohamed, who had to be warned several times for in breaching the National Assembly's standing orders by reading a prepared speech.

Bringing the budget de bate to a close just after midnight, Dr Singh warned that political leadership must be earned and not assumed, as he took aim at the parlia mentary opposition.

The minister unleashed a blistering broadside against the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), whose respective members left before the close of the session in the National As sembly.

Dr Singh said: “He who is not willing to be a foot soldier is not entitled to be a general,” a barb directed at APNU’s Terrence Campbell, who, Dr Singh said, had not proved he could serve at the grassroots before seeking higher office in the house.

Contrary to the oppo

sition, the Senior Minis ter pointed to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C’s) expansive and profound engagements with various sections of the Guy anese populace. He remind ed that the government’s fiscal record and its ap proach to formation of the 2026 national budget and broader economic plans for the country, is guided by the input of the people.

Dr Singh lauded his par ty’s parliamentary cohort, praising both long‑serving figures and newly elected MPs for their contributions to the debate.

He contrasted their unity and experience with what he described as a ‘fragmented and weakened’ opposition, arguing that such disunity undermined any claim to be an effective alternative government.

Responding directly to comments made by the opposition, Dr Singh de fended the administration’s economic stewardship, pointing to a markedly low debt‑to‑GDP ratio and con tinued investment in social services as evidence of pru dent management.

He rejected criticism that government consul

tations with stakeholders were merely token gestures, saying engagement had been extensive and ongoing.

‘GUYANESE WILL BE WISER’

The minister then shifted his attention to the contro versial Opposition Leader, U.S. sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed, who was warned several times by the Speaker of the National Assembly for reading a speech during his maiden presentation to the House; this action is against the established Standing Order of the House.

Singh referenced the sto ry of Pablo Escobar as a reminder of the dangers that Guyanese face.

Azruddin and his father Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed face 11 criminal counts in the U.S. Southern District of Florida involving alleged wire fraud, mail fraud, mon ey laundering, conspira cy, and customs violations tied to what authorities de scribe as a US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.

The U.S. Treasury’s Of fice of Foreign Assets Con trol (OFAC) sanctioned both men in June 2024 for alleged gold smuggling and public corruption.

The U.S. investigation dates back to the mid 2010s and involved mul tiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of In vestigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Department of Homeland Security.

“I beg of the leader of the opposition, do not en snare innocent, vulnerable Guyanese people in this ef fort to save yourself. If you are innocent, you will prove that innocence in court,” Minister Singh said.

In his maiden contribution to the National Assembly, the opposition leader was repeatedly cautioned for reading extensively from a prepared speech, as he attempted to criticise the PPP/C government for the fiscal measures outlined in the budget.

VASTLY SUPERIOR

Dismantling both the WIN and APNU’s arguments that Budget 2026 is not people-centred, Dr Singh said the government’s investments are guided by the needs of the people, ranging from the improved delivery of health care to education and other social services.

He reminded that the government has an estab lished economic strategy to propel and build a modern Guyana over the next five years, and the $1.558 trillion budget will set the pace for massive developments.

“Not every problem has been solved in the education sector, the health sector, but nobody can’t stand up with a straight face and say that the quality of health care and the quality of education they get today is not vastly superior, vastly superior to what they benefitted from five years ago,” the minister said.

He added: “We will not always get it right, but we get the overwhelming ma jority of things right and we will continue to spend every single day, Mr Speaker, for the next five years to ensure that the people of Guyana see steady and sus tainable improvements in their lives and to ensure that their country doesn’t end up down an abysmal path.”

Dr Singh said that the PPP/C’s track record has placed it to be superior to other political players across the country, pointing to the significant improvements in various sectors in Guyana.

He reminded the House that tens of thousands of Guyanese have already ben efitted from improved ser vices, including elective and emergency surgeries, as well as the distribution of hearing and other assistive aids.

Dr Singh further under lined the government’s com mitment to the productive sectors, particularly farming communities.

He pointed to ongoing efforts to modernise the sugar industry and to sup port rice farmers through ex tension services and inputs such as paddy and fertiliser.

Cash crop farmers are expected to benefit from the construction of new Hope like canals designed to reduce the risk of flooding in several regions, while over 100,000 acres of new lands is being opened up for cultivation.

He reminded too of the forthcoming US$100 mil lion SME Development Bank, which will offer ze ro interest, zero collateral loans to small entrepreneurs and help them secure addi tional concessional financ ing from commercial banks.

Dr Singh vowed that not a single day in the next five years would be wasted in proving to all Guyanese that the PPP/C remains, in his words, “the vastly superior alternative” among competing political options.

‘False, misleading and without factual foundation’

ATTORNEY-AT-LAW,

Glenn Hanoman has dismissed “entirely false, misleading, and without factual foundation” claims circulating on social media that a socalled “bombshell revelation” was made in open court during the ongoing extradition proceedings involving U.S.-indicted businessmen Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed.

In a statement issued on Friday, Hanoman, who is the Counsel for the Requesting State, addressed a Facebook post published earlier that day, on a page operating under the name “Hana Khamelia,” which is associated with Hana Mohamed, who is the sister of Azruddin.

The post purported to report on so-called evidence allegedly given by Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during her testimony before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

According to Hanoman, the claims were wholly fabricated.

“The contents of that publication are entirely false, misleading, and without factual founda -

–– Attorney-at-Law Hanoman rejects false claims from the Mohameds on court proceedings

tion,” he stated. Hanoman made it clear that no evidence was given relating to extradition requests involving persons other than the Mohameds, nor were there any references to narcotics offences or so-called “massive drug shipments.”

“No evidence was given of any extradition requests concerning ‘massive drug shipments,’ narcotics offences, or drug-related matters generally,” the statement stressed.

He explained that the Permanent Secretary’s testimony was limited and routine, noting that “the witness merely referred

to the receipt, in November, of documents in relation to a request from the United States of America, without attributing those documents to any offences or individuals beyond the matters already before the court.”

Contrary to claims made online, Hanoman said the proceedings were neither disrupted nor delayed as a result of the testimony.

“The testimony was entirely innocuous, routine, and unremarkable,” he stated, adding that “there was no adjournment, temporary or otherwise, arising from the witness’s evidence.”

He further rejected assertions that the courtroom was stunned by any revelations.

“No person in the courtroom was visibly shocked and proceedings were not disrupted or halted in any way,” the statement said.

Hanoman described claims of a “bombshell revelation,” selective prosecution, or undisclosed drug-related extradition requests as “fabrications.”

“The dissemination of false reports of judicial proceedings is irresponsible, undermines public confidence in the administration of justice, and risks misleading the pub-

lic on matters of serious national importance,” the statement warned.

Members of the public were urged to rely on accurate court records and credible reporting, rather than what the state-

ment described as “sensationalised or politically motivated social media content.”

The extradition proceedings are continuing before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

Gov’t housing investments translating into real empowerment, net-wealth creation

–– President Ali

CUMMINGS Lodge has been hailed as a model of modern community development, following the transformation of 700 acres of swamp and forest lands into what is now a vibrant residential community and commercial space.

Speaking from the balcony of a young beneficiary’s home on Friday, President, Dr Irfaan Ali, during the first episode of ‘Tea on the Terrace,’ said the government’s investments in housing development has seen hundreds of families now owning their homes in the area, many for the first time.

This, he said, speaks directly to efforts to promote empowerment, upliftment, and dignity for all Guyanese.

“We can lose track of the real development, the real changes and the ways in which people’s lives are being improved every single day in this beautiful country,” he said, adding: “Today, I

am here in Cummings Lodge, all of this development you see around me here was not here less than five years ago… when we came into office, this entire area, covering 700 acres of land, was all swamp and forested land, and there is no exaggeration in this.”

The development comprises more than 458 completed and allocated homes. Housing types include 327 two-bedroom homes, 82 three-bedroom homes, and 49 elevated three-bedroom units, representing a substantial public investment in both infrastructure and home construction.

The development is said to be transforming the lives of at least 1,600 families, when both houses and allocated house lots are taken into account.

“And what does this development translate to? It translates to empowerment. It translates into families, building stronger families. It translates into economic

wealth, building wealth at a household income, it translates into creating additional net worth for our Guyanese families,” the Head of State said.

Beyond housing, Cummings Lodge has been designed as a fully functioning community. The layout includes 16 acres of commercial land, 26 acres designated as a medical zone, and 22 acres earmarked for commercial and industrial activities.

Key public infrastructural features include a police station, a recreational facility currently under development, and approximately 16 kilometres of newly constructed roads, alongside 6.2 kilometres of upgraded roadway with reinforced concrete structures.

To support reliable access to basic services, 6.2 kilometres of water pipelines have been installed, complemented by a comprehensive street-lighting network. The total expenditure to convert the area from “forested swamp” into a liveable, well-serviced

community exceeds $3 billion, with $19.7 million spent on the electricity network alone.

The featured homeowner, 29 - year- old policeman in the Guyana Police Force, recounted how he previously owned nothing, but now has his own home, vehicle and a property that has been significantly upgraded through refinancing

Initially, the house and land cost about $7.5 million, with the government assisting him in obtaining

the loan.

Within two years, he was able to refinance the property to about G$20 million, using the funds to make several upgrades.

A recent bank valuation requested to test the impact of these investments placed the property at $55 million, a dramatic increase in equity over a short period.

The officer now services a 15-year loan with a monthly repayment of about $100,000.

Calling the young of-

ficer’s experience “the story of tens of thousands of young Guyanese,” he underlined that such initiatives are central to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government’s strategy to change “real lives” through access to housing, infrastructure and opportunities.

“That is empowerment. That is a financial empowerment. That is what this investment by this government is producing,” President Ali stressed.

Historic investments made to strengthen security sector

–– Minister Walrond says, vows tough stance on financial crimes

MINISTER of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, on Friday said the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration has made historic investments in the security sector since taking office, with tangible returns now being seen in falling crime rates and improved public-safety outcomes.

The minister made this known during her contribution on the final day of the 2026 National Budget debate, during which she rejected claims made by opposition members regarding domestic-violence statistics, insisting that the data being cited was inaccurate.

“We are in fact experiencing in 2025, a decrease in the reports of domestic violence and an increase in the proportions as it relates to being reported,” the minister said.

She added that overall, the country is actually seeing improvements in the domestic-violence statistics, with official reports available to support the data.

Minister Walrond told

the National Assembly that the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service and the prison system have benefitted from unprecedented levels of investment between 2020 and 2025, with further allocations planned for 2026. According to the minister, these investments are now yielding measurable results.

“On every level we are seeing return[s] on investment. Crime is down historically by 25.5 per cent,” she said, noting that serious crime had declined significantly by the end of 2025.

To this end, she highlighted improvements in youth engagement and rehabilitation within the security sector, as she disclosed that when compared to the region, Guyana has made significant progress.

According to her, the country’s recidivism rate stands at14 per cent.

The minister attributed the downward trend in crime to several targeted interventions, including intelligence-led policing, expanded surveillance infrastructure, increased police presence, community

policing partnerships, and sustained investment in training and human capital.

These measures, she said, demonstrate that security is a critical component of national development.

“Security is the pillar of development… security and crime-fighting is [sic] a matter of national development,” Minister Walrond told the House.

During her presentation, she spent some time on financial crimes, cautioning that weak enforcement of anti-money laundering laws could have serious consequences for the country’s economy, including threats to correspondent banking relationships and international financial transactions.

“If Guyana weakens on its anti-money laundering enforcement… the entire economy pays a price,” she said.

It was against this backdrop that the minister stated that the government remains committed to protecting Guyana’s financial system.

“We will continue to take financial crimes se -

Police probing stabbing, shooting incident at 11 Miles

THE police in Regional Division # 8 are investigating an alleged stabbing and shooting incident which occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026, at about 01:45hrs at 111 Miles, Mahdia, in the Potaro-Siparuni Region.

In a statement, the police said enquiries disclosed that ranks from the Mahdia Police Station responded to a report of a street disturbance in the vicinity of Mahdia Primary School Street. Upon arrival, several males were observed engaged in a violent altercation and were in -

structed to desist. The individuals reportedly ignored the instructions and began hurling objects in the direction of the police and the police vehicle.

During efforts to restore order, a police corporal was attacked by two males who attempted to disarm him; one of them was armed with a sharp instrument. During the altercation, the rank sustained stab injuries to his lower abdominal area and right arm. In the process, the rank discharged his service weapon, which caused the armed male to sustain injuries.

According to the police, the injured male, a 22-year-old pork-knocker of Campbelltown Village, Region Eight and the police rank were escorted to the Mahdia District Hospital, where they were examined by a doctor on duty and admitted in stable condition.

A pair of scissors and two 9mm spent shells were recovered at the scene and lodged.

The injured pork-knocker is under police guard. No other arrests have been made.

Investigations are continuing.

riously. We will continue to enforce our anti-money laundering laws,” she said.

With this, Minister Walrond noted that Guyana is on a trajectory of import-

ant nation-building and as such, the safeguarding of the country’s financial regime is critical.

“We will continue to protect it from crime and proceeds of crime and anything that would derail the trajectory of growth and national building that we are on,” she affirmed.

‘We manage for the improvement of all Guyanese’

–– Prime Minister Phillips says; points to massive progress in energy, digital connectivity, disaster preparedness

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Friday told the National Assembly that Budget 2026 is designed to benefit all Guyanese, regardless of their political affiliations.

PM Phillips underscored major investments in energy, digital connectivity, and disaster preparedness, highlighting what he described as the government’s continued focus on development that benefits all Guyanese.

Presenting in his capacity as Prime Minister with responsibility for several key sectors, Prime Minister Phillips said his office oversees areas including disaster preparedness, energy, ICT connectivity, and public communications, noting that these sectors are central to Guyana’s transformation.

“We manage for the improvement of all the people. We don’t care who you voted for… we manage for all the

people in Guyana,” the prime minister stated in the National Assembly.

A significant portion of the prime minister’s presentation focused on the landmark gas-to-energy project at Wales, which he described as “the most consequential investment undertaken by this government” aimed at transforming Guyana’s economic foundation.

He reported that construction has advanced steadily, with key infrastructure already installed, including turbines, transformers and major structural works.

According to Phillips, the project is expected to deliver reliable, low-cost electricity by the last quarter of 2026.

“We will have electricity from that project… reliable and low-cost electricity, enabling heavy manufacturing, anchoring the Wales Development Zone, and attracting local and foreign investors,”

he said.

Phase two of the initiative, he added, will include a fertiliser plant, a gas-bottling facility, a glass factory, and a data centre to support the digital economy, all of which are expected to further reduce costs and stimulate industrial growth.

The prime minister also highlighted progress in renew-

He also pointed to major investments at Linden, where a 15-megawatt solar farm and an additional private sector-supported 10-megawatt facility are expected to deliver a combined 25 megawatts of renewable power by the end of 2026.

Significant gains have also been made in digital access, the prime minister reported, noting that 253 hinterland villages are now fully connected to the internet.

able energy, noting that between 2020 and 2025 the government invested billions of dollars in solar and other renewable projects, expanding installed capacity from 5.35 megawatts to more than 37 megawatts and creating over 4,500 jobs.

In 2026, the government plans to install new solar photovoltaic mini-grids, upgrade existing systems, and construct a three-megawatt solar plant at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. These interventions, Phillips said, will particularly benefit hinterland and riverain communities, with more than 12,000 residents expected to gain improved access to reliable electricity.

He said connectivity in schools increased from 23 per cent in 2020 to 96 per cent today, while internet access in health facilities rose from 10 per cent to 88 per cent over the same period.

“This is progress, and this is what the people of Guyana have been looking forward to for a long time,” PM Phillips said.

The Office of the Prime Minister has also constructed 172 ICT hubs across the country, with another 18 under construction and a target of 200 facilities by the end of the year. More than 2,000 persons have already been trained to manage and maintain these centres.

The prime minister also updated the National Assembly on the rollout of the

national digital identification system, explaining that the current pilot phase is voluntary and is governed by legislation.

“This process is governed by law… ensuring no citizen is compelled before the full commencement of the act,” he said, adding that the recent appointment of a Data Protection Commissioner ensures oversight and adherence to international privacy standards.

Prime Minister Phillips further announced that $73 billion has been allocated to disaster preparedness and management, emphasising that planning for emergencies is essential to safeguarding development gains.

“If you’re talking about development, you have to plan for disasters, because a disaster… disrupts the development process,” he stated.

Commending the Ministry of Finance for crafting a budget that he said prioritises citizens across the country, PM Phillips said that “All the people in Guyana will benefit from this budget, the people who voted for the opposition, the people who voted for the government, and even those who did not vote.” [DPI]

Mohameds’ extradition proceedings adjourned to next week

THE extradition proceedings involving U.S. indicted businessmen Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed were on Friday adjourned to next week following the further cross-examination of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards.

When the matter was called on Friday, the Permanent Secretary was recalled to the stand for attorneys representing the Mohameds to continue their cross-examination.

Defence attorney Siand Dhurjon continued questioning Roopchand-Edwards on the extradition documents she received late last year.

When asked whether she was instructed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to urgently take the documents to the

Minister of Home Affairs, Roopchand-Edwards told the court that she was not, but was, however, following the necessary protocols that she was advised about upon taking the job at the ministry.

Following intense cross-examination by the defence attorney, the magistrate adjourned the matter to February 9 for the cross-examination of the Permanent Secretary to continue.

The Mohameds—owners of Mohamed’s Enterprise— remain on $150,000 bail each, have surrendered their passports, and must report weekly to the Ruimveldt Police Station as the extradition proceedings continue. They were taken into custody on October 31, 2025, following a U.S. request for their extradition.

U.S. prosecutors have accused the father and son of running an international

criminal network with alleged links to high offices in Venezuela and the Middle East.

The pair face 11 criminal counts in the U.S. Southern District of Florida involving alleged wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and customs violations tied to what authorities describe as a US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.

The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned both men in June 2024 for alleged gold smuggling and public corruption.

The U.S. investigation dates back to the mid-2010s and involved multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Department of Homeland Security.

‘They left for work and never returned’ –

Families mourn men killed in wharf tragedy

By Michel Outridge

FAMILIES

of men who died following suspected chemical exposure aboard a cargo vessel docked at the Water Street, Georgetown wharf on Wednesday night, are grappling with sudden and devastating loss, remembering their loved ones as humble, hardworking men who went to work as usual and never returned home.

One of the deceased, 33-year-old seaman Dominic Alexis of Lot 1 De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara, was described by his brother as a humble, hardworking man and a devoted father.

a nurse, and was the father of five children, two from his marriage and three from prior relationships.

Meanwhile, two of the other men who died were uncle and nephew, 57-yearold Nerwanie Persaud and 25-year-old Getindra Sanchara, both of Sixth Field, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

Nerwanie’s daughter, Yeanjeie, said her father, the captain of the vessel, left home about 04:00hrs on Wednesday morning, and was expected to return later that day, but was delayed due to issues with his vehicle.

family’s residence, relatives were gathered under a tent erected outside the home, as the family struggled to cope with the loss of both men. A black flag was nailed to a pole outside the yard.

Nerwanie was the father of three and had 12 grandchildren. He was described as well-known and respected within the marine community.

attempted to go down to help but immediately felt stiffness in his chest and began experiencing difficulty breathing. Fearing for his life, he retreated to the deck and ran to the radio room, where he made an emergency call for assistance.

Emergency Medical Technicians and the Guyana Fire Service responded, and

the four men were removed from the vessel and transported to GPHC, where they were pronounced dead by a doctor on duty.

It is reported that the engine room could not be immediately processed, as it had not been declared a safe zone. The area was secured and is expected to be revisited as investigations

continue.

An initial examination of the bodies revealed no visible marks of violence. Samples were taken and submitted to the forensic laboratory for analysis.

Post-mortem examinations, which were scheduled for Friday, were postponed to Monday, relatives were told.

“Dominique was a very humble and hardworking man,” his brother, Darrel Alexis, told the Guyana Chronicle.

“Daddy had called to say his car was having problems and so he was not sure if he would come back home that day. Because I told him I would send someone to look at the vehicle but before we could

His nephew, Getindra was unmarried and was said to have been very close to his uncle. He reportedly switched careers from aviation engineering at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle, to marine engineering so he could work alongside his uncle.

He was described as a willing and humble individual who enjoyed his work,

Alexis said his brother, a former member of the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, exited the service about a year ago and later began working with Pritipaul Singh Jr. at Guyana Port Inc., using his maritime experience to earn a better living.

He recalled that Dominic left home early on Wednesday morning, as he usually did for work, but never returned.

Alexis related that at about 19:30hrs on Wednesday night, he received a phone call from a cousin who said a staff member of Pritipaul Singh Investments Inc. had reported that Dominic had fallen down and was not breathing properly.

He was told that his brother was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), but when he arrived at about 20:55hrs that same night, Dominic was already dead.

Alexis said police informed the family that the matter is under investigation and that they are awaiting post-mortem results.

Dominic Alexis was married to Jeneva Alexis,

further enquire if he was coming home, we had no contact with him which was unusual. We knew something was wrong when both me and mom tried calling Getindra too, and they both were not answering our calls,” she said.

She described her father as a dedicated, jovial, family-oriented man who started working at sea at the age of 14 and had more than 35 years of marine experience.

“Daddy was a very good person, always putting smiles on our faces, always happy to be home and he showed it by bringing us joy. He even bought water coconuts for mom and had it in the car but he didn’t get to give it to her,” she said.

Persaud said the family later received a call from a company staff member informing them that something had happened on the vessel and that her father was being taken to the hospital.

She noted that they were initially told he was being taken to Woodlands Hospital, but were later informed that he was instead taken to GPHC.

During a visit to the

and often spent one to two weeks at sea with his uncle.

The fourth deceased man was identified by police as 18-year-old Brandon Deonarine, a seaman of Support, East Bank Demerara.

HOW THE INCIDENT UNFOLDED

Police and investigators said the incident occurred at approximately 18:00hrs on Wednesday.

Information reaching the Guyana Chronicle indicates that Persaud and Deonarine were the first to enter the engine room, located in the lower section of the cargo barge, to conduct a dry inspection.

Moments after entering the confined space, both men reportedly collapsed. On seeing this, Dominic Alexis rushed into the engine room in an attempt to rescue them. He also collapsed shortly after entering.

In a final effort to assist, engineer Getindra ran down into the engine room but likewise lost consciousness.

Investigators were told that a 66-year-old seaman

AGM Inc. introduces paid paternity leave for male employees

AURORA Gold Mine (AGM) Inc. has introduced a paid paternity leave benefit for its male employees.

This initiative, the company said, reinforces its commitment to employee well-being, family support, and inclusive workplace policies.

According to a press statement issued on Thursday, the company said the new policy took effect on January 1, 2026, and allows all eligible male employees to get one week of paid

paternity leave. The benefit applies to employees whose child is born or legally adopted on or after that date.

AGM said the initiative recognises the critical role fathers play in early childcare and family bonding, while also supporting a healthier work-life balance for employees during major life milestones.

“The introduction of paid paternity leave recognises the important role fathers also play in early childcare and family bonding,” the company stated,

adding that the policy is intended to support employees “during a significant life milestone while promoting a healthy work–life balance.”

The mining company noted that inclusive workplace policies are central to its human resource strategy, particularly as Guyana’s labour market continues to evolve.

“AGM firmly believes that inclusive workplace policies support employee well-being, help employees balance professional and

personal responsibilities, and enable them to thrive at work,” the statement said.

The company further described the initiative as part of its broader efforts

to foster a more supportive and progressive work environment that values the well-being of employees and their families.

AGM operates under the motto “Mining for a Better Society” and has in recent years placed increased emphasis on corporate responsibility and workforce development.

Gov’t moves forward with allocating house lots to Mocha squatters

INFORMAL settlers (squatters) in Mocha on the East Bank of Demerara were recently allocated house lots, supporting the government’s drive to improve the living standards for families in that area.

Several of these persons, according to the Ministry of Housing, are now celebrating new beginnings.

According to a press release, the first batch of informal settlers from the community who occupied a road reserve in the recently regularised Fields One to Three, as well as persons squatting on lands at Fields Four to Six have received official house lot allocations, enabling them to transition from illegal squatting to improved living conditions.

Housing Minister Collin Croal along with the Director of Community Development at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Gladwin Charles were present on Thursday to share

in the milestone moment with the newly allocated beneficiaries and to assist with the house lot selection process.

The section of Fields One to Three where some of the informal settlers are being relocated was recently regularised by the ministry, following acquisition of the land from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

Construction is now underway for a new access road, as government wants to ensure that residents in the regularised section of Mocha have proper infrastructure and access to essential utilities.

Around 21 persons occupying the area designated for the road are being relocated to vacant house lots within Fields One to Three.

At the same time, 50 informal settlers from Fields Four to Six, which are not identified for regularisation, will also be moved to available lots in Fields One to

Three, the ministry said.

The housing ministry invited the first 17 beneficiaries to begin the house lot allocation process.

At the time, Minister Croal expressed appreciation to the allottees for their co-operation throughout the relocation process, despite

attempts by political figures to dissuade them from doing so.

“This government is interested in ensuring that all citizens have access to proper housing, have a comfortable space, a comfortable environment where they can live, and to also ensure that

the next generation and their children can have a secured environment,” the minister stated.

Several beneficiaries from the first batch shared their sentiments following the allocation exercise, highlighting that the relocation will significantly improve their lives.

“I can’t really explain how this is great for me,” Leron Griffith ecstatically said, adding, “I’m very thankful for what the government has done.”

Shemele Moore, who has also resided in the community for about five years, said the process has been seamless and welcomed the improved living standards made possible through government’s intervention.

“I’m grateful that I can actually own a piece of house lot for myself and my children and I want to say thanks to the government,” shared Ms Moore.

Kendes Dias, another beneficiary, stated that he is a lifelong resident of the Mocha area, but he lived in the informal settlement for around seven years. He described the ministry’s relocation process as smooth and expressed his happiness to have a better living standard.

Single mother loses ‘everything’ after Queenstown fire

By Indrawattie Natram

LIFE changed in an instant for Vanlisha Warrick, a single mother of Parcel 362 Mocha Sandreef, Queenstown Village, after her home was destroyed by fire around 17:30hrs, on Thursday night.

Warrick, who works full time at the Suddie Public Hospital as a tuberculosis outreach worker, had stopped by her mother’s small salon when the devastating news reached her.

She was preparing to attend to a client when her sister-in-law called with the alarming message that her house was on fire.

“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. By the time I got there, everything was already gone,” Warrick said.

The woman occupied the house with her seven-yearold child, who was with her at the time of the fire. The blaze spared nothing. She said she lost all her household items, including her refrigerator, chair set, washing machine, clothing, important documents, and even her passport.

“We have nothing left,” she said.

With her home reduced to ashes and nothing salvaged, Warrick is now staying at her mother’s residence as she tries to come to terms with the sudden loss and determine her next steps.

The cause of the fire remains unknown. Warrick said she has no enemies and has always focused on working hard to provide for her son, noting, “God is in control.”

Since the incident, Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region Two, Devin Mohan and Deputy Regional Executive Officer Omesh Sasenaryan visited the scene and spoke with the family.

Efforts are underway to determine how best to assist the single mother during this difficult time.

NBTS encourages eligible Guyanese to donate blood

VOLUNTARILY donating blood is a small act that makes a big difference in the lives of persons who are in need of blood transfusion and components, as well as in the lives of persons donating.

It is an important task that comes with several benefits. This includes reduced stress, improved emotional well-being, and benefits to the physical health of donors. Donating blood regularly may lower iron stores, reducing the risk of heart attack, stimulating new blood cell production, and detecting hidden health issues.

Promoting blood donations to the blood bank, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), Dr Pedro Lewis on a recent broadcast of ‘Health Matters’ said that donating blood guarantees that blood is [in] the blood bank and that [it]

is safe for those who need it.

“For the individual of course, it helps to take out cholesterol. At this point of time, we’re eating a lot of fast food and so on. It helps to remove those bad fats out your system, triglycerides and cholesterol out of your bloodstream and make persons healthier; prevent cardiac arrest; prevent other heart complications; regulate your blood pressure, very important, and blood donation does that for the individual who donate[s] blood,” Dr Lewis said.

He explained that blood donations are needed for recipients who might suffer from haemorrhaging, or those who need orthopaedic surgery, cardiac surgery, maternity patients and occasionally those patients who are diagnosed with dengue and may need platelets.

Dr Lewis revealed fur-

ther that any person aged 16 and older can become a donor at any blood bank close to them.

In addition to the Central Blood Bank, located in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation compound, similar facilities can be found at regional hospitals in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine and 10.

The Guyana Red Cross Society, Empire Medical Centre Inc., or private labs such as the Eureka Medical Laboratory or New Vision Labs Inc are also donation locations.

Three arrested after police find cocaine in car at Suddie

POLICE in Regional Division #2 are investigating the discovery of a quantity of suspected cocaine which was found on Thursday February 5, 2026, about 17:05hrs during a stopand-search operation along the Suddie Public Road, Essequibo Coast. During the operation, ranks stopped a motor car with three male occupants. A search was conducted on

the vehicle, during which a multi-coloured haversack containing two black plastic bags with several whitish rock-like substances suspected to be cocaine was found on the back seat of the car, police said in a press release.

The occupants - a 29-year-old taxi driver of Spring Garden, Essequibo Coast; a 45-year-old mason of Beterverwagting, ECD

and a 34-year-old fisherman of Good Hope, ECD were arrested and escorted to the Suddie Police Station along with the suspected cocaine.

The suspected cocaine was later weighed in the presence of the suspects and amounted to 1,539 grams (3.392 pounds) before being lodged.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, police said.

Minister Ramson, MP Primus clash over MCYS 2026 budgetary allocation

ON Thursday it was a war of words over the allocation for Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports as Opposition Member of Parliament Odessa Primus called for more support for youths during day four of the 2026 Budget Debates.

Opposition Member of Parliament Odessa Primus in a fiery contribution criticised the government for putting on shows for returning athletes instead of putting together policies that will assist their growth.

“We go to the airport and the honourable member put on a fantastic show, where they have all the steel pans beating and all these sorts of things.

“If we had a policy in place, it would have informed what those people will be getting, if you come home with a medal if you will get a house lot or a house or if we going to give you a car but there is nothing that informs that, so when that grandeur is finished for that one day, it is finished. That cannot be acceptable.”

She also called for more support for coaches who go above and beyond to help athletes achieve success.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. in his rebuttal says the progress made is undeniable before outlining initiatives by the PPP/C government designed to improve the sectors under his purview.

He announced that work has gone into an extensive sports policy which he says is scheduled to be presented to cabinet for approval this year. He said they have provided millions to sports associations which has indirectly financed athletes.

“We have spent over a billion dollars on sports associations and teams leaving this country in the last five years.

“We obtained something for the first time that we have wanted, the Caribbean Premier League finals and semi-finals and we also won at no cost to the treasury. Our cricketers are now being scouted and playing international franchise leagues,” the minister added.

He said the impact of the work being done is reaching young people in sports.

“We were able to get our elite programme going, including last year, we had Olympic gold medal winner Filex Sanchez come and coach our athletes here, a hall of famer come to this country, we never thought that could happen, Hakeem Olajuwon and again no cost to the ministry or government, our football team is or was in a League ‘A’ for CONCACAF. We had 15,000 participants in the learn to swim programme including persons with disabilities, 15,000 persons, and I want to commend Steve and all the team from the National Sports Commission.

“We constructed for the first time, and it is now the best doubles court in the entire region for squash.” Ramson made it clear that work on all five stadia will be completed this year with the first in Bayrock, Linden to be commissioned on Saturday (today) along with $1.2 billion to be invested in community grounds nationwide.

The minister added that they will also unveil the Palmyra International Stadium, the Anna Regina Stadium and the Mackenzie stadium later this year.

Saturday, February 07th, 2026

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) ENG won by 19 runs (2) Thomas Rew (ENG)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What has been the result of the IND/AFG Under 19 WC Semifinal game? (2) Who was voted Man of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue.

Upgrades for South Dakota race track ahead of GT Challenge de las Américas series

THE Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) is set to transform the South Dakota Circuit into a world-class racing venue.

President Mahendra Boodhoo officially confirmed today that a suite of intensive infrastructure works will commence in the coming days, specifically designed to prepare the track for the highly anticipated GT Challenge de las Américas series.

This massive undertaking marks a pivotal moment for local motorsport, aiming to elevate the facility to meet rigorous international standards for high-performance racing.

At the heart of the renovation is the construction of a brand-new, active pit lane and the installation of advanced safety fencing.

According to Boodhoo, the new pit lane will be strategically integrated along the main straight, a move that aligns the South Dakota layout with those of premier international circuits. This redesign is expected to streamline race logistics

and significantly enhance safety for both drivers and pit crews during high-speed transitions. Additionally, the project includes the extensive rehabilitation and extension of track curbs to ensure the circuit can handle the increased demands of GT3class machinery.

President Boodhoo emphasised that these upcoming works represent only the first phase of a broader, continuous upgrade programme for the facility. The long-term vision for the GMR&SC is to systematically improve the circuit’s infrastructure until it achieves official FIA accreditation. This phased approach ensures that while the track meets the immediate needs of the GT Challenge, it remains on a steady trajectory toward becoming a globally recognised, certified racing destination.

Technical oversight of the project is led by Executive Member Ritesh Singh, who serves as the technical consultant for the upgrades. Singh revealed that the planning phase is already complete, noting that engineers

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

NEWBURY

09:00hrs Sober Glory

09:35hrs Kapal Layar

10:10hrs L’homme Presse

10:45hrs Lulamba

11:20hrs Un Sens A La Vie

11:56hrs Knight Of Allen

12:30hrs Risky Obsession

WARWICK

08:40hrs Just Golden

09:15hrs Jubilee Alpha

09:50hrs

Mambonumberfive

10:25hrs Knappers Hill

11:00hrs White Noise

11:35hrs Le Yacht

12:10hrs Fingle Bridge

12:45hrs Jota’s Gold

SOUTHWELL

13:30hrs Himself

14:00hrs So Sassy

14:30hrs Dakota Breeze

15:00hrs Brodie’s Boy

15:30hrs Chancellor

16:00hrs Blueaway

16:30hrs True Promise

have spent the last several days on site conducting final surveys.

“Engineers have already been on the ground to carry out the necessary assessments, and the mobilisation of heavy equipment to South Dakota will begin immediately,” Singh stated. He emphasised that the focus is on precision and durability to ensure the track remains a crown jewel for Caribbean racing for years to come.

As the GT Challenge series approaches, these upgrades are expected to solidify Guyana’s position as a premier destination for sports tourism in the region.

By modernising the circuit’s footprint and safety apparatus, the GMR&SC is not just preparing for a single event but is building a sustainable foundation for future international championships.

Fans can expect a flurry of activity at the Timehri facility starting this week, as contractors race against the clock to deliver a theatre for speed.

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

TURFFONTEIN

08:25hrs Taxi To The Moon

09:05hrs Lowveld Lily

09:40hrs Tin Pan Alley

10:15hrs Greaterix

10:50hrs Errol Flynn

IRISH RACING TIPS

NAAS

09:05hrs Saratoga

09:40hrs Grey Dude

10:15hrs Jalon D’oudaries

10:50hrs Moudan

11:25hrs Todo Bien

12:00hrs Dinoblue

12:35hrs Hunters Yarn

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

TAMPA BAY DOWNS

Race 1 Fidelightcayut

Race 2 R Delray

Race 3 Create Trouble

Race 4 Mystic.Lake

Race 5 Zany

Race 6 Powershift

Race 7 Souper Williwaw

Race 8 Ajaayb

the National Sports Commission (NSC) and National Rifle Association (NRA) pose for a photo following the meeting

NRA, NSC wrap up fruitful meetings

THE Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) met with the National Sports Commission (NSC) on Thursday as part of the commission’s ongoing consultations with national federations and associations, with infrastructural development emerging as a key priority for the sport’s growth.

Leading the NSC delegation were Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and Assistant Director of Sport Franklin Wilson, while the GNRA was represented by Vice President Col. (Ret’d) Enoch Gaskin, Honorary Secretary Ryan Sampson, and Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Lennox Braithwaite.

Central to the discussions was the urgent need for an indoor shooting range, which GNRA officials identified as critical to the sport’s long-term development in Guyana.

According to the association, their usual indoor facility at the Guyana Police Force’s Tactical Service Unit (TSU), Eve Leary, was removed, forcing the body to rely on the outdoor range at Timehri for both handgun and rifle-shooting.

“So presently, we’re in need of a building, where we’ll have indoor shooting and this will enable us to have Air Rifle and Air Pistol shooting, where we’ll be able to train persons who are interested in the sport,” Sampson said.

Sampson explained that air rifle- and air-pistol shooting are Olympic disciplines, and the absence of a dedicated indoor fa-

cility restricts the GNRA’s ability to fully participate in that pathway. An indoor range, he noted, would significantly boost training opportunities and talent identification.

According to Sampson, with air shooting being an Olympic sport, having their own indoor facility will enable the GNRA to not only enhance their skills in the sport, but also scout new talent.

Sampson described the meeting more as a family gathering that allowed for free and frank discussions.

Governance and administration were also on the agenda, with the GNRA providing an update on its upcoming elections scheduled for February 19.

Sampson indicated that current president, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, is expected to return to the post, noting, “he has been doing a good job.”

Looking ahead to competition, Sampson revealed that the GNRA is preparing to host a 23-member team from the English Rifle Association from April 13–20.

The visit will serve as preparation for the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Championships, which are set for April 25 to May 3 in Antigua and Barbuda.

The meeting formed part of the NSC’s broader effort to engage sporting bodies, assess their needs, and support structured development across disciplines in Guyana.

Hetmyer arrives in India after visa delay

CMC– Following a nervous few days, Shimron Hetmyer has joined his West Indies teammates in Kolkata hours ahead of their opening ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match against Scotland.

The powerful left-hander had been stranded in South Africa at the conclusion of the Windies’ three-match T20I series late last month because of visa issues.

It resulted in him missing the team’s lone warmup match against Afghanistan on Wednesday, which they lost by 23 runs, as well as the official photoshoot.

However, Hetmyer, who comes into the tournament in blazing form, was posted on Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) Instagram page on Friday, sporting the team’s new-look kit for the tournament.

In the recently concluded series against South Africa, Hetmyer 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.

When the incident was initially reported, CWI issued a brief statement, assuring that “the matter will be dealt with soon.”

MODEC Tertiary Football Championship kicks off on Sunday

ROUND one of the MODEC Tertiary Education Football Championships kicks off on Sunday at Queen’s College ground with a double header.

The action commences with University of Guyana playing Guyana Industrial Training Centre in the first of the clashes on the day before Texila American University plays Government Technical Institute.

Games then continue on Tuesday with Upper Corentyne Technical Training Centre meeting University of Guyana Tain Campus and Port Mourant Technical Institute coming up against New Amsterdam Technical Institute with both clashes at the Scouts Association Ground, Woolford Avenue.

The other playing day for the first round is on February 12 with Linden Technical Institute playing Cyril Potter College of Education at the new Bayrock Stadium and Mahaicony Technical Institute facing Guyana School of Agriculture at Number Five Ground in Berbice.

Petra Director Troy Mendonca says works are ongoing at the different grounds ahead of game day.

“We had a really good turnout at the team briefing and ball distribution. All the institutions were represented and from our communication, all the teams are ready and rearing to go for the first time around. All in all, we think it is a good look, we as the organisation, we are paying keen attention to all the logistics for all concerned because we want to make this tournament a really massive

tournament next time around.”

The matches will be played in a homeand-away, round-robin basis, with the top seven teams and the next best team qualifying for the quarter-finals.

The competition will field technical institutes and university teams and was created to capture the school population between the junior and senior levels.

The top teams will be awarded $300,000, $200,000,$100,000 and $50,000 for the top four places with proceeds going to a school project of their choice.

The tournament concludes on March 8th at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

The main sponsors of the competition are MODEC, MACORP, Demerara Mutual, MVP Sports, Skytec, Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Education.

GDF and Fruta Conquerors to kick off Elite League Cup on Valentine’s Day

THE Guyana Football Federation released fixtures for the newly formed Elite League Cup competition set to kick off on Saturday February 14th.

The opening day sees a double header with Guyana Defence Force (GDF) playing Fruta Conquerors before Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC tackle Den Amstel in the feature clash.

The competition’s next playing date is on Wednesday, February 18, with Santos meeting Den Amstel and elite league winners Slingerz FC facing off with Ann’s Grove.

Then on the 21st, Ann’s Grove locks horns with Monedderlust and Western Tigers battle Fruta Conquerors.

On February 25, GPF FC will play Santos and Western Tigers meet GDF before the final group play on the 28th of February with Slingerz and Monedderlust taking to the field.

The top team in each group plus

the best second-place side will advance straight to the semi-finals on March 3rd followed by the third-place match and final on March 7th.

The tournament features nine teams organised into three groups.

Group ‘A’ features Slingerz, Monedderlust and Ann’s Grove United football clubs, with GPF, Santos and Den Amstel football clubs in Group ‘B’ while Group ‘C’ features Guyana Defence Force, Western Tigers, and Fruta Conquerors Football club.

The GFF says The Elite League Cup is part of a year-round developmental strategy which will see the federation also hosting a newly introduced Federation Cup in April, after which the Elite League season will run from August to April.

The Women’s Division One League and other regional tournaments will also be adjusted to the new season.

DCB U-16 Inter Association 50-over Cricket Tournament

GT romp to 8-wkt win to take inaugural title

By Sean Devers

GEORGETOWN (GT) played unbeaten to dominate the Inaugural Demerara Cricket Board’s (DCB’s) U-16 Inter-Association 50-over cricket tournament.

The side beat the DCB Select X1 by eight wickets in a truncated encounter in the final round yesterday at the Lusignan Community Centre ground on the East Coast.

The match was reduced to 35 overs because of seepage under the covers, which resulted in the game starting after lunch and GT reached 67-2 in 5.3 overs in reply to the paltry 66 all out in 28.5 overs made by the DCB X1.

Noel Madramootoo hit two fours in his 17-ball 10 before he was removed by Brandon Browne at 15-4 in the 17th over, but nobody else reached double figures.

Mario Singh (4-12), Afraz Khan (3-19) and Browne (2-27) did the damage with the ball for

the city side.

Leading run-scorer and MPV of the tournament, Skipper Lomar Seecharran made an unbeaten 24 with four boundaries. Makai Dowlin scored an undefeated 25, which was decorated with two fours and a six.

Nathaniel Madramootoo (3) and Nathan Bishop (1) were the batters dismissed.

Seecharran (130) and Bishop (154) scored the only centuries

in a substandard tournament, where the level of GT’s cricket was much higher than that of the other teams.

The leading wicket-taker was Shane Dewa of East Bank, who captured 15 wickets. Seecharran scored 264 runs.

This tournament will be used to select the Demerara team for the GCB’s Inter-County U-16 tournament, scheduled to commence on February 14.

Williams, Archibald among special invitees as Bayrock Stadium opens today

GU YANA’S 24-year-old sprinter Daniel Williams as well as Olympian and national longjump record holder Emmanuel Archibald, both Lindeners, are among the list of athletes expected in the mining town of Linden today as the Bayrock Stadium is opened.

Williams had flashed his way to a South American indoor 200m record one year ago in a time of 20.48 seconds at the NAIA Championships representing Life University (Georgia).

Williams yesterday afternoon had an interactive session with the young athletes from the mining town who are coached by national coaches Moses Pantlitz and Johnny Gravesande.

He reminded all in attendance of his early beginnings which did not feature the use of such a facility, and encouraged them to stay in school and be committed to the

Some of the

sport, which can open avenues for them to be granted scholarships. Muhammed, while introducing Williams, told them they have

the chance to earn scholarships to further their athletic careers but emphasised that they must stay focused on doing well at school.

West Indies here to win World Cup - Sammy

CMC – ON the eve of their opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy did not mince words when asked what he felt his team’s chances were of winning the tournament for an unprecedented third time.

“We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe we could win. It feels like the same scenario 10 years ago where everything that was against us, nobody gave us a chance and I’m looking at the guys and the calibre of talent that we have in that dressing room,” Sammy said in a pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of their match against Scotland.

“If we go out and execute with both ball and bat, and also in the field, we are in it to win it…We’re here at the World Cup and we believe that we can have an impact and that impact will take us to win it. It will take a massive effort from everyone, but one that is not impossible.

“…It’s going to be a fun tournament, but we really have to be on the ball…I watch these guys played that series in South Africa, I watched them here, and yes, the results haven’t been good, but there is something in those guys’ eyes that makes me believe that we can go all the way.

“We’re here, starting at Eden Gardens, a place with so many memories and history and I’m pretty sure that will inspire the guys so I’m looking forward to tomorrow and taking it one game at a time,” the twotime World Cup winning head coach added.

Sammy, however, admitted that their first opponents in the competition could not be taken lightly.

In fact, he said he did not consider the West Indies, who are ranked seventh in the ICC’s T20 rankings as favourites against 14th ranked Scotland.

He said while Scotland had beaten the Windies at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, the team was not focused on past results.

The long-awaited opening of the rubberised synthetic track is expected to be the centrepiece of sports activities, as track-andfield events featuring the brightest stars across Guyana will be on display from 18:00hrs.

There will also be a football game between Linden and Georgetown teams being featured with the evening expected to be graced by gospel artist Samuel Medas and reigning soca Monarch Ms Diana Chapman.

Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr., along with other government officials including Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle and Chairman of the National Sports Commission Kashif Muhammad, along with Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) and Guyana Football Federation (GFF) officials are also expected to attend.

“Scotland has always been a tricky opponent, but when you go in a tournament you trust in the preparations that you’ve put in and when you prepare well you give yourself the best chance of performing.

“If you’re going to go in and doubt and think of the past, ‘Oh they’ve beaten us before in the tournament’ then you’re already behind the eight[h] ball. I think the way these guys have prepared, the way we’ve managed to have guys who are in form, and the belief that you have in yourself and the team is that you deserve to win and you go out and play like you deserve to win,”

Sammy said.

“But like we’ve seen in T20 cricket, the shorter the games the closer it brings the teams. So I will not sit down and say that we are favourites. We have to execute a good game of cricket every single time for us to win and that’s what we’ve come to do.”

Just as they did in 2016 to lift their second title, Sammy said he believed the West Indies would have to go through India to win a historic third trophy.