Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 07-05-2026

Home Affairs Minister meets Chinese Ambassador and business representatives

- reaffirms commitment to inclusive public safety

THE Ministry of Home Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all communities in Guyana feel safe, supported, and valued, following a high-level meeting between Minister Oneidge Walrond, Chinese diplomatic officials, business representatives, and the Guyana Police Force leadership.

Minister Walrond recently met with Chinese Ambassador H.E. Yang Yang, representatives of the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana, and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Clifton Hicken, to discuss ongoing co-oper-

ation and community relations, as the country continues to experience economic expansion and increased foreign investment.

The engagement forms part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to maintain open dialogue with all communities and stakeholders, with a focus on strengthening trust, safety, and inclusivity across Guyana’s diverse population.

Guyana and China continue to maintain a longstanding relationship grounded in mutual respect and shared development priorities.

In this context, Minister Walrond acknowledged the contribution of Chi-

nese nationals and enterprises to national development, particularly in key sectors of the economy.

She also reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Home Affairs, along with the Guyana Police Force, to ensuring equitable and professional service delivery to all residents, regardless of nationality or background.

The meeting comes amid continued emphasis by the government on community engagement and public safety, as Guyana navigates rapid economic growth and an increasingly diverse social landscape.

Guyana targets U.S. financial support to fuel transformation into regional industrial hub

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, with senior officials of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Senior Director of Investment at Guyana Office for Investment, John Edghill

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has held talks with senior officials of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) as the Government continues to pursue expanded international support for major national infrastructure and energy projects.

The recent meeting took place on the margins of the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland, United States, where Singh engaged the DFC’s Chief Policy Officer, Caroline Vik, and her delegation on areas of potential collaboration to support Guyana’s development agenda.

Discussions focused on the role the DFC could play in financing key projects tied to Guyana’s long-term growth

strategy, particularly in infrastructural development and energy infrastructural expansion.

During the engagement, Singh outlined the Government’s priority investment projects, which he said are aimed at transforming Guyana into a regional logistics and industrial hub.

Among the flagship initiatives highlighted were the proposed deep-water port along the Berbice River, a major road link connecting northern Brazil to Guyana’s Atlantic coast, and the development of an industrial complex powered by the ongoing Gas-to-Energy project.

Officials said these projects are central to the Government’s broader strategy of diversifying the economy, improving regional connectivity, and positioning Guyana as a key trade and manufacturing centre in northern South America and

the wider Caribbean. The DFC engagement forms part of Guyana’s wider efforts to secure blended financing and private-sector partnerships to support large-scale infrastructural development.

Also present at the meeting were Executive Director for the Caribbean at the Inter-American Development Bank, Navita Ramroop; Adviser to the Embassy of Guyana in Washington, D.C., Wazim Mowla; and Senior Director of Investment at Guyana Office for Investment, John Edghill.

Guyana’s participation at the SelectUSA Investment Summit comes amid sustained efforts by the Government to attract international capital to support its rapidly expanding development programme, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and logistics.

Guyana could be at the centre of regional energy, data network

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has outlined that Guyana could play a pivotal role in regional energy and digital integration and positioned the country as a strategic hub within the Western Hemisphere.

Dr Ali made this known while delivering the keynote address at the Baker Institute’s Center for Energy Studies conversation series at Rice University in Houston, Texas.

He stated that global shifts in energy demand and technological advancement present a unique opportunity for countries in the region to build more secure and interconnected systems.

It was then that he pointed to recent global developments which have exposed vulnerabilities in existing infrastructure, particularly in relation to energy supply and digital capacity.

“One of the things we have learned the last

- President Ali tells Houston-based centre for energy

three years in the world is not only about the production of energy, it is how much of that energy you can consume yourself to add value and create multiplier effect within your countries,” President Ali said.

Against this backdrop, President Ali stated that Guyana is seeking to harness its growing energy capacity to support not only domestic development but also regional expansion, particularly in areas such as data processing and digital services.

He noted that significant investments in data centres across other regions, including the Middle East, have highlighted the risks associated with limited geographic redundancy.

“In the Western Hemisphere, we have also seen how exposed the US investment and other investment from this hemisphere was, and continue to be in data centres in the Mid-

dle East, with no redundancy,” he said.

To this end, President Ali underscored the importance of building a more resilient and integrated regional framework, supported by energy resources and modern infrastructure.

“Today, with Brazil, Guyana, and in this region where you have strategic gas exploration, we now must retain this strategy,” he added.

The President said

the current global environment presents an opportune moment for countries within the hemisphere to collaborate more closely, particularly as major economies place increased emphasis on regional partnerships.

He called this shift both timely and necessary, noting that greater coordination could unlock significant economic potential while strengthening energy security.

“It is time we in the

Western Hemisphere maximise and optimise our potential in creating a common system with common infrastructure that would allow us to grow together in a secure environment,” President Ali said.

As such, he noted that Guyana is already laying the groundwork to support this vision through targeted investments in infrastructure, including energy generation, transmission networks and digital systems.

These efforts, he explained, are aimed at positioning the country to capitalise on emerging opportunities in areas such as data services, industrial development and cross-border integration.

President Ali highlighted that building internal capacity is essential if countries are to compete effectively in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.

“You cannot position yourself to compete in this sector if your country does not demonstrate to the world that you are applying the output of this sector to improve your own efficiency and competitiveness,” he said.

With this, he said that Guyana’s approach is designed not only to strengthen national development but also to contribute meaningfully to broader regional growth.

Venezuela again argues against ICJ’s jurisdiction in Essequibo border case

- despite World Court previously ruling it has authority to hear the matter - case was referred to the ICJ by the UN Secretary-General under the 1966 Geneva Agreement

VENEZUELA, on Wednesday, again used the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stage to once again argue against the court’s authority in the case involving the Essequibo border controversy.

The country’s agent and Permanent Representative of Venezuela to the United Nations (UN), Samuel Moncada Acosta, insisted that the decades-old controversy should not be resolved through a binding judicial ruling.

Addressing judges at the World Court, headquartered at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, Acosta repeatedly maintained that the 1966 Geneva Agreement— not the ICJ—should guide efforts to resolve the controversy.

The ICJ has already addressed the issue of jurisdiction on two occasions—first on December 18, 2020, and again on April 6, 2023—each time confirming that the court has the authority to hear and

decide the case on its merits.

The court, among other things, held 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 ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations that settles legal disputes between states, with its rulings being binding on the parties involved. Enforcement of its judgments falls under the responsibility of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The Geneva Agreement established a framework for resolving the controversy, including the use of a United Nations Good Offices process if bilateral talks failed. The case was referred to the World Court because the Good Offices process and other diplo-

Venezuela’s Samuel Moncada Acosta appears before the ICJ wearing a lapel pin featuring Venezuela’s map inclusive of Guyana’s Essequibo

matic efforts under the 1966 Geneva Agreement failed to produce a mutually acceptable resolution, prompting then UN Secretary-General António Guterres to choose judicial settlement as the next step.

Despite participating in the proceedings, Acosta maintained that Caracas does not recognise the jurisdiction of the ICJ, even as the matter was referred to the court by then UN Secretary-General.

“Venezuela will reiterate that its participation does not imply recognition of the court’s jurisdiction,” Acosta told the judges, describing the appearance as merely an exercise of Venezuela’s “sovereign right to defence.”

The latest submissions come as Venezuela continues to challenge the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, the internationally recognised ruling that legally established the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela more than a

century ago.

Guyana has consistently argued that the award is valid, final and binding, noting that Venezuela accepted the border for decades before reviving its claim to the Essequibo region.

Throughout his presentation, the Venezuelan agent attempted to cast doubt on Guyana’s sovereignty over the Essequibo, arguing that the territory remains “subject to dispute,” and insisting that the matter can only be resolved through direct negotiations and compromise.

During opening remarks before the court on Monday, Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, told judges: “At stake is more than 70 per cent of our sovereign territory, which has been recognised to be an integral part of the country [Guyana] for more than 126 years, includ-

ing the past 60 years since independence.”

During his submissions on Wednesday, Acosta accused Guyana of pursuing what Venezuela views as a “winner-takes-all” strategy by seeking a definitive ruling from the ICJ.

However, on Monday, Guyana’s agent Carl Greenidge told the court that Venezuela has failed to demonstrate any meaningful presence in the Essequibo region. Instead, he said, it relied on abstract and outdated assertions rather than concrete proof.

“In asserting this claim, Venezuela did not point to any military bases or to settlements it had built, officials it had posted, or taxes it had collected. It pointed to the heavens, quite literally,” Greenidge submitted.

The Venezuelan representative also dismissed Guyana’s warnings about threats to its territorial integrity, describing such claims as misleading. He additionally argued that Venezuela has historically supported Guyana through regional cooperation initiatives and maintained that Caracas does not pose a threat to regional peace or stability.

Minister Todd, however, told the court on Monday that Venezuela has repeatedly sought to obstruct the proceedings before the court.

He pointed to Venezuela’s earlier objections to the court’s jurisdiction and the admissibility of the case, both of which were dismissed by the ICJ in 2020 and 2023.

According to Todd, Venezuela later escalated its actions by staging a referendum in 2023 aimed at rejecting the court’s authority and asserting sovereignty over the Essequibo region.

On December 3, 2023, Venezuela held a non-binding referendum, in which officials claimed that Venezuelans supported creating a Venezuelan state in the oil-rich Essequibo region, controlled by Guyana.

Despite provisional measures issued by the court to prevent such steps, he said Venezuela proceeded with actions that directly contravened those orders. These included executive decrees, legislation, and plans to integrate the territory into its administrative framework.

Todd pointed out that these developments have had serious implications for Guyana’s security and development.

The minister pointed to increased military activity near the border, including the construction of bases and deployment of troops, describing the situation as a growing threat.

“This has been a blight on our existence as a sovereign state from the very beginning of our existence. It has been a threat to our peace and security, exacerbated in recent years by the ominous growth of Venezuela's military activities, including the construction of new bases and airfields, and the deployment of aircraft, heavy weapons, and troops to the border area.”

The minister said the controversy has also hindered economic progress, noting that uncertainty has discouraged foreign investment.

As the case enters its final phase, Todd expressed hope for a definitive resolution grounded in law. Guyana, Minister Todd said, remains steadfast in it s commitment to the judicial process and to upholding the rule of international law.

Brazil–Guyana trade surges to US$1 billion as economic ties deepen

- to strengthen regional trade push ahead of key business forum

GUYANA’S trade relationship with Brazil has expanded dramatically, with bilateral commerce rising from approximately US$58 million in 2020 to an unprecedented US$1 billion in 2026, according to Brazil’s Ambassador Maria Cristina de Castro Martins.

The sharp increase underscores deepening economic integration between the two South American neighbours, as both countries prepare for a high-level business forum aimed at expanding investment and trade links and advancing Guyana’s engagement with the regional bloc MERCOSUR.

Speaking in an interview on 104.1 Guyana Lite FM on Wednesday, Ambassador Castro Martins described the growth as a “significant expansion” in trade flows over the past four years, driven largely by complementary economic sectors and rising demand linked to energy, mining, and infrastructure development.

She noted that Guyana’s exports to Brazil remain heavily concentrated, with crude oil accounting for approximately 98 per cent of shipments. In contrast, Brazil’s exports to Guyana are dominated by industrial inputs, with roughly 80 per cent comprising machinery and equipment for construction, extractive industries, oil production, and mining.

“The trade relations between both countries have been expanded significantly in recent years. The trade flow, which was around US$58 million in 2020, now reached US$1 billion,” the ambassador said.

The remarks come ahead of a high-level business forum scheduled for Monday, May 11, hosted by the World Trade Centre Georgetown in collaboration with the Embassy of Brazil. The event is expected to spotlight new trade and investment opportunities while reinforcing Brazil’s support for deeper institutional and economic

engagement between Guyana and MERCOSUR.

According to Castro Martins, a visiting Brazilian delegation will attend the forum to demonstrate support for strengthening bilateral relations and encouraging structured dialogue on Guyana’s potential deeper integration with MERCOSUR. Guyana currently holds associate status within the bloc.

Brazil, she added, would support exploratory discussions between MERCOSUR member states and Guyana aimed at developing a balanced and mutually beneficial trade arrangement should Georgetown pursue closer integration.

“The seminar next week will be held to better understand the trade and investment opportunities that MERCOSUR can offer to Guyana’s businessmen,” she said, adding that the initiative is intended to broaden awareness among the private sector.

Beyond immediate trade considerations, the ambas -

sador framed the growing partnership within a broader strategic context, highlighting the geographic positioning of both countries. She described Guyana as a “gateway to the Caribbean” and Brazil as a natural bridge to wider South American markets, arguing that both economies stand to benefit from improved connectivity and diversification of trade flows.

“We need to profit from this position, which is very strategic for both countries,” she said, noting that trade relations have historically been concentrated in limited regions and sectors. “It’s time to expand, to have new provinces in our trade relations.”

Castro Martins also pointed to the importance of broader international cooperation, referencing Brazil’s longstanding relationship with the United States while emphasising respect for differing political systems and the need for continued collaboration across the Americas.

The World Trade Centre in Guyana in collaboration with the Embassy of Brazil will host a high-level business forum on May 11, designed to bridge the gap between Guyana’s private sector through forums with other MERCOSUR member countries

However, she stressed that regional diversification remains a priority, with increased emphasis on strengthening ties within South America and the Caribbean through enhanced commercial and institutional engagement.

The upcoming forum is

expected to serve as a key platform for advancing these objectives, with both governments and private sector stakeholders anticipated to explore new pathways for investment, logistics integration, and market expansion between the two rapidly evolving economies.

Over 3,000 hinterland residents empowered with ICT training

MORE than 3,000 residents across Guyana’s hinterland communities have discovered new confidence, and for some, an entirely new relationship with technology, after completing information and communication technology (ICT) training made possible by the government.

The Office of the Prime Minister has been rolling out a series of ICT workshops across hinterland regions, equipping teachers, students, and community leaders with foundational digital skills ranging from basic computer literacy to Microsoft Word and Excel.

Among those who participated was Charlene Ritchie, a teacher at Karaudaurnau Secondary School, who completed a three-day session.

“From this training, I learned about the basics of Microsoft and Excel, which will also benefit me in my profession,” Ritchie said.

For chemical engineer Susan Joseph, the training introduced her to digital

tools she had never used before, a gap she said is now firmly closed.

“I felt confident and comfortable using these

said.

The training is being facilitated under the ICT Access & E-Services for Hinterland, Poor & Re -

tools,” Joseph said, adding that she hopes more such programmes will follow.

Aaron Stephen, a student and village councillor from Karaudaurnau Village, said the skills he picked up will have direct practical value in his community role.

“I will be able to be more equipped now in my council work,” Stephen

mote Communities project and forms part of a broader strategy to equip Guyanese citizens with the relevant skills to thrive in a world driven by technology.

The government plans to train 8,000 more Guyanese this year under the Industry and Innovation Unit, which offers essential digital skills. (DPI)

Investment diplomacy signals ambition

GUYANA’S high-level participation at the recent SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland sends a clear and increasingly confident message from Georgetown.

Guyana is not just riding an oil-fuelled economic wave but is actively positioning itself as a diversified investment destination with regional ambitions.

Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, has been at the centre of these discussions, meeting with influential actors including the United States Chamber of Commerce and Caroline Vik of the United States International Development Finance Corporation

(DFC).

These engagements collectively demonstrate a conscious strategy to boost investor confidence, broaden capital inflow and solidify Guyana's position within global investment networks.

On its face, the message is persuasive. Minister Singh has repeatedly said Guyana is “open for business,” while showcasing opportunities that extend well beyond oil and gas.

Priority sectors identified under the government’s diversification agenda include infrastructure, healthcare, technology, logistics and industrial development.

Simultaneously, discussions with the DFC focused

on financing of major national projects, including a proposed deep-water port along the Berbice River, a road leading to northern Brazil and an industrial complex with the Gas-to-Energy project at its core.

They are not incremental ventures; they are transformational in scope and purpose. When realised, they would reposition Guyana as a logistics and manufacturing hub for northern South America and the broader Caribbean, fundamentally altering the country’s economic geography.

The presence of institutions such as the Inter-American Development Bank and the Guyana Office for Investment at these discussions

A question for the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana

I DO not agree with a widely held view that foreign diplomats should not pronounce on political matters of the host country to which they are accredited. Of course it depends on the particular issue. But outside of very sensitive developments, I think it is strategically wise for the host country to let these diplomats speak because it provides a forum for local academics, editors and political actors to ask questions of these diplomats.

The current High Commissioner to Canada, Mr. Sebastian Sigouin, ran into some chastisement at the beginning of this year when he stated that the Guyanese people should interface with the Guyana Government to get it to accept the EU Observer Mission Report on the 2025 election. In such advocacy Mr. Sigouin noted: “Democracy belongs to the Guyanese People. So speak up, call on your elect-

ed representatives, on your National Assembly, on your Government to take action and make the changes needed so that your electoral process is truly free and fair. It’s your right and your responsibility.”

Please see my comment on the High Commission’s opinion in my column of Thursday, November 27, 2025, “Canadians must hold their government accountable.” In that piece I didn’t reject the High Commissioner’s intervention.

I asked Mr. Siguoin if Canadians hold their government accountable as he wants the Guyanese to do.

And I went further to ask Mr. Sigouin about whether the Canadians are asking their government about its pro-Israeli position on genocide in Gaza. In my article of November 27, I noted that I called to speak to the High Commissioner for his thoughts on the Gaza genocide. His office said they will get back to me.

They never did. I regard that as rudeness. I want the High Commissioner to know that I am perhaps the longest-serving newspaper columnist in the Caribbean and some courtesy was in order. But of course I wasn’t surprised. I am not a fan and will never be a fan of a fictional construct called Western democracy.

Guyanese should allow Western diplomats to speak on local issues because it offers them a chance to direct questions about the double standards and hypocrisy in Western countries that profess to be more democratic than nations in the Global South, and that was exactly my pursuit when I replied to Mr. Segouin last November.

Now here is a question for Mr. Segouin. I will not call his office for his comment because I simply don’t have time for the reception you get. It is impossible to get through to the High Commissioner’s Office.

further signals an eco-system approach to development financing, one that blends multilateral support, bilateral engagement and private sector investment.

That model is increasingly needed in a global environment in which infrastructure financing is capital intensive and competitive.

Yet for all the promise of the rhetoric and outreach, the challenge for Guyana now is in the execution.

Investment summits and diplomatic engagements are only as good as the projects they translate to.

The challenge with big infrastructure projects like ports, highways and energy-linked industrial zones is not just fi-

nancing, but also governance, transparent procurement, environmental safeguards and institutional capacity for delivery.

Diversification away from oil is a wise and necessary focus for the government. Resource-driven growth, while important in the short term, is inherently volatile.

Building resilience through logistics, manufacturing and services will be critical for Guyana to avoid the pitfalls experienced by other resource-rich economies.

At the same time, investors’ confidence will depend on policy consistency, clarity of the regulatory framework and efficient conversion of announcements into shov -

el-ready projects.

Institutions like the United States Chamber of Commerce and the DFC have expressed their willingness to support the country’s ambitions, including the provision of technical support and the establishment of private sector linkages. But that support is contingent on demonstrating readiness and credibility on the ground.

Thus, Guyana’s engagement at SelectUSA is not just symbolic diplomacy. It is part of a wider attempt to re-situate the country in global capital flows at a time of rapid economic expansion. The opportunity is huge; so too is the responsibility to make sure that ambition is matched by implementation.

The Canadian Government has refused visas for the three top officials of the Palestine Football Federation and the Iranian Football Federation.

These people were not visiting Canada for a holiday. They were going to a FIFA meeting as part of the upcoming World Cup, of which Canada is a co-sponsor. Israeli football’s officials were given visas. This is not only a despicable act by the Canadian government but also a violation of international norms that separate politics and sports.

Iran did not start a war with any country. Palestine has been under violent bombing the past two years by Israel. By what logic can Canada refuse these countries’ football officials? Where is the democracy that Canada is supposed to be?

Let’s quote Mr. Segouin once more for emphasis: “Democracy belongs to the Guyanese

People. So speak up, call on your elected representatives, on your National Assembly, on your Government to take action and make the changes needed….”

My question to Mr. Seguoin is, does he accept that democracy belongs to the Canadian people and they should call on their government to reverse this despicable decision that may have racist determinants? Does Mr. Sigouin believe on this issue the Canadian people should speak up?

This column here has given me the opportunity once more to address the Guyanese people on democracy that the West purports to embody. If Mr. Segouin had never commented on a topic in Guyana, I could not have done two previous commentaries on his remarks on the EU Observer Mission report and this column here. So we should not reject remarks

by Western envoys when they centre on the political developments in Guyana. Their viewpoints provide us here in Guyana with a platform to speak to Guyanese about the hypocrisy inherent in the so-called democracy in the West. How many Guyanese knew that the Canadian government denied visas to Iranian and Palestinian officials? Sadly, if this visa atrocity continues then Iranians and Palestinians will not be allowed to see games in Canada. And what is FIFA doing about this state of affairs? The solution is for the Canadian people to speak up.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.

President Ali calls for equitable financing to support global energy transition

- tells OTC developing countries face widening investment gap

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has called for a more equitable global financing framework to support the energy transition, noting that developing countries risk being left behind despite experiencing the fastest growth in energy demand.

The Head of State was at the time delivering remarks at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, during which he underscored that while global investment in energy is increasing, it is still unevenly distributed, among other things.

Dr. Ali stated that total global energy investment reached approximately US$3.3 trillion in 2025, the highest level ever recorded, with a majority directed towards clean energy.

However, the distribution of this investment, he noted, reveals deep structural imbalances.

“Global clean energy investment is highly concentrated,” President Ali said. He added that the United States, China and the European Union continue to account for more than 80 per cent of total spending.

However, regions with rapidly growing energy demand, specifically in the global south, only receive a fraction of that financing.

Africa, he noted, accounts for less than three per cent of global clean energy investment, while Latin America, South Asia

and the Middle East also lag significantly behind.

This disparity, the President said, presents a fundamental challenge to achieving a truly global and inclusive energy transition.

“The regions with the fastest-growing energy demand are not the regions receiving the largest share of investment,” he stated.

Dr Ali noted that this mismatch between demand and financing risks deepens inequality within the global energy system, potentially leaving developing economies reliant on outdated or less efficient energy infrastructure.

“This raises a fundamental question. Can the energy transition succeed if the regions with the greatest need have limited access to capital?” he asked.

According to the President, the financing gap facing developing countries is substantial.

He noted that estimates indicate that emerging markets and developing economies, excluding China, will require approximately US$2.5 trillion annually by 2030 for energy and climate-related investments, rising to about US$3.3 trillion annually by 2035.

“This is not a marginal gap. It is a structural financing deficit,” he emphasised.

Against this backdrop, he stated that public financing alone cannot bridge the divide as many developing nations depend on multi-

lateral development institutions and concessional funding to support their energy transitions.

“The central and unavoidable question is from where, and on what terms, will the financing gap for the global energy transition be secured?” he said.

As such, Dr. Ali told the conference that without deliberate efforts to address these disparities, the global transition could become fragmented, meaning it would progress rapidly in developed economies while moving slowly in developing regions.

He warned that an outcome like this would undermine the broader objectives of climate action and sustainable development.

To this end, President Ali urged governments, financial institutions and private sector stakeholders to adopt a more inclusive approach, ensuring that capital flows align with global demand patterns and development needs.

He further championed the importance of co-operation over competition in addressing the energy challenge, noting that the transition must not be approached through narrow or exclusionary policies.

“We must find a balanced approach to the energy needs of the world and not be fighting as to which is better than the other,” he said.

Human Services Ministry

moves to improve accountability through direct citizen feedback

- rolls out “FRENO” chatbot to improve service delivery and reduce delays

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is rolling out a new digital feedback system aimed at improving service delivery and reducing administrative delays, as government continues to expand the use of technology in public service management.

Minister Vindhya Persaud recently announced the launch of “FRENO,” a virtual assistant designed to engage citizens via WhatsApp and gather real-time feedback on ministry programmes and services across Guyana.

The initiative, introduced at the end of April, targets beneficiaries of key social protection programmes, including pensioners, persons receiving public assistance, and individuals living with disabilities. Officials say the data collected will be used to

identify service gaps and improve delivery to vulnerable groups.

According to the Ministry, users can access the system by messaging 723-4592 on WhatsApp. The platform is designed for messaging only and not voice calls.

Explaining the system, Persaud said the chatbot sends surveys directly to users’ WhatsApp accounts, allowing beneficiaries to provide feedback on their experiences with ministry services.

“If you are already receiving that, we want you to complete the survey. So we ask that you reach out to us so that we can improve and serve you better,” she said.

The Minister added that individuals who have applied for assistance but are not yet registered beneficiaries can also use the platform to

provide feedback on their experiences with the system.

Officials noted that the tool includes an option for users to submit additional details beyond structured survey responses, allowing them to highlight specific issues such as delays, missing documentation, or service-related concerns.

“You didn’t get your book, you lost your book, something that is not captured in the survey and you want to give us more detailed, extra information, just type it in that space,” Persaud explained.

She said the initiative is intended to provide the Ministry with clearer, more specific data on service challenges in order to address bottlenecks more effectively.

“We do have an idea, but when you are very specific on what the areas of the prob-

lem are, we want to know what they are,” she said.

Persaud emphasised that the Ministry intends to use the feedback to strengthen systems, improve accountability, and reduce delays in the delivery of social services.

However, she noted that

technology alone is not sufficient without trained personnel to implement reforms effectively, stressing the importance of staff training and improved service standards.

“We have to train them, we have to make sure they understand how to serve you respectfully and efficiently

and that there are no delays,” she said.

The Minister encouraged eligible citizens to participate in the survey before it closes on May 8, adding that public input is essential to improving service delivery. “Let’s talk to FRENO,” she urged.

Labourer pleads guilty to killing ‘Sir Mars’

TWENTY-SEVEN-YEAR-

OLD labourer, Brian Richards, on Monday, admitted to the 2023 murder of entertainer and educator Kirwyn Mars, widely known as “Sir Mars”, during proceedings before Justice Joy Persaud-Singh at the High Court in Demerara.

Richards entered a guilty plea to the murder charge in a case being prosecuted by State attorneys Padma Dubraj, Nelissa Peterkin and Aliyah Heywood. He is represented by defence lawyer Ronald Bostwick. The matter has been adjourned for sentencing on June 2, 2026.

The guilty plea concludes the trial stage of the matter, which was previously sent to the High Court after a preliminary inquiry at the Diamond/ Grove Magistrates’ Courts.

At the conclusion of those proceedings, Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce ruled that enough evidence existed for Richards to face trial at the Demerara Criminal Assizes.

The Director of Public

Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali Hack, SC, had recommended that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) charge Richards with the capital offence of murder in relation to Mars’ death. Richards, who is from John Fernandes Squatting area, in Georgetown, had initially appeared before the Diamond/ Grove Magistrates’ Courts on May 12, 2023.

Mars was stabbed eight times with a knife before being pinned between his car and a fence of an apartment building in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

According to a police report, the incident occurred at approximately 10:30 hrs on the night of May 7, 2023, at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), where Mars was in the company of Richards in his grey Mitsubishi RVR vehicle, registration number PZZ-6438.

Enquiries into the incident revealed that Mars and Richards had a “misunderstanding” that escalated, and both parties armed themselves with knives, resulting in injuries to both

Mars attempted to escape from the vehicle, but the suspect reversed the car, hitting the victim and pinning him against a fence on the eastern side of the street, which runs north to south.

His body was found trapped between his vehicle and a concrete fence.

Richards then exited the vehicle and fled on foot in a southern direction. He was arrested two days later at his workplace in Georgetown. Investigators had relied on surveillance footage that reportedly showed Richards and Mars leaving a bar together shortly before the fatal encounter.

A post-mortem examination determined that Mars suffered eight stab wounds to areas including his chest, collarbone, shoulder, elbow and hand. The official cause of death was listed as crushing injuries to the chest together with multiple sharp-force injuries.

US Chamber pledges technical support to bolster private sector investment in Guyana

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Ashni Singh, has held high-level discussions with officials of the United States Chamber of Commerce aimed at strengthening investment ties and expanding American private sector participation in Guyana’s rapidly growing economy.

The meeting took place on the margins of the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Maryland, United States, and brought together Vice President for the Americas Programme at the United States Chamber of Commerce, Anne McKinney, along with several chamber members. The engagement was facilitated in partnership with AmCham Guyana, a local affiliate of the US Chamber.

During the discussions, Singh outlined what he described as Guyana’s unprec-

edented economic trajectory, pointing to expanding opportunities for foreign investment beyond the oil and gas sector.

He emphasised that the country is actively seeking partners in infrastructure,

healthcare, technology and other non-oil industries as part of its diversification agenda.

He also reiterated that Guyana remains “open for business,” encouraging US companies to take advantage

Preparations intensify for Guyana Festival 2026 as National Stadium transforms for major cultural showcase

PREPARATIONS are accelerating for the highly anticipated Guyana Festival 2026, with works now underway at the Guyana National Stadium as the country readies itself for a three-day national celebration scheduled for May 15–17.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, was on site this week, engaging with organisers and technical teams as coordination efforts intensify ahead of the major event.

According to officials, preparations at the stadium include staging and logistical arrangements, vendor coordination, and the setup of cultural exhibition spaces, as the venue is being transformed to host what is being promoted as a largescale showcase of Guyana’s cultural identity and creative industries.

The festival is expected to highlight local cuisine, entertainment, arts, entrepreneurship, and cultural performances, with

organisers describing it as a platform designed to promote national unity while celebrating the country’s diversity and talent.

one of the key highlights on the national events calendar, with stakeholders anticipating strong participation from vendors, performers,

Preparations are accelerating for the highly anticipated Guyana Festival 2026, with works now underway at the

Government officials said the event forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the tourism and creative sectors by creating flagship national events capable of attracting both domestic and international audiences.

The Guyana Festival 2026 is being positioned as

and exhibitors from across the country.

As preparations continue, organisers are urging the public to stay tuned for further updates leading up to the event, which is expected to deliver three days of cultural celebration, entertainment, and national pride.

of the country’s evolving investment climate and longterm development plans.

The US Chamber of Commerce, in response, expressed its commitment to supporting increased Ameri-

can private sector investment in Guyana. Officials indicated that the Chamber would provide technical guidance and institutional support to help facilitate stronger business linkages between

US firms and the Guyanese market.

The meeting was attended by several other key officials, including Executive Director for the Caribbean at the Inter-American Development Bank, Navita Ramroop; Advisor to the Embassy of Guyana in Washington, D.C., Wazim Mowla; Senior Director of Investment at Guyana Office for Investment, John Edghill; and Executive Director of AmCham Guyana, Richard Leo. Guyana’s participation at the SelectUSA Investment Summit forms part of a broader diplomatic and economic outreach strategy aimed at attracting international capital and strengthening bilateral trade and investment partnerships, particularly as the country continues to experience rapid economic expansion driven largely by its energy sector.

Gov’t commissions $233M Sophia Primary School wing to ease overcrowding, expand learning space

THE Government of Guyana, on Wednesday, commissioned a new $233,097,074 wing at the Sophia Primary School, a development aimed at reducing overcrowding and improving the learning environment for students and teachers in the expanding Sophia community.

The new facility, officially opened by Minister of Education Sonia Parag, adds nine classrooms, a headteacher’s office, two washroom

blocks, and an auditorium to the school’s infrastructure, significantly increasing its capacity to accommodate pupils.

Officials said the investment is part of a broader national programme to expand and modernise educational infrastructure, ensuring that children across Guyana have access to safe, comfortable and conducive learning environments.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Parag

said the expansion reflects the government’s continued commitment to education and community development, noting that schools, alongside health centres, are central to building strong communities.

She emphasised that the new wing will provide much-needed relief from overcrowding and create a more suitable environment for teaching and learning.

“Parents don’t have to struggle with far distances to ensure that their children get

an education; and education is very important,” the minister said, underscoring the importance of accessibility in the education system.

Parag also encouraged students to view themselves as ambassadors of their school, urging them to take responsibility for maintaining the facility and building a positive legacy for future pupils.

She told pupils that education remains a key driver of national development, stressing that what is learned in the classroom must be reinforced by discipline, curiosity and personal effort.

“Education is the core of

any national development.

Beyond that, no one can take education away from anyone who has it,” she said, likening education to a support system that helps individuals recover and progress in life.

According to the minister, more than 100 schools have been constructed and commissioned over the past five years as part of the government’s ongoing education infrastructure drive. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding access to education for children in communities across the country.

Parag also noted that while schools provide the

foundation for learning, students must take responsibility for maximising their own potential, saying that classroom instruction accounts for only part of their development.

The minister further urged pupils to maintain discipline within the new facility, calling on them to keep classrooms clean and free from litter, violence and bullying.

“Be encouraging. Maintain the space… because you are the future of our country,” she told pupils, adding that continued investment in modern educational facilities would remain a priority.

Over 2,000 persons prosecuted for speeding since safe road initiative implemented

MORE than 2,000 persons have been prosecuted for speeding offences to date following the rollout of the government’s safe road initiative in April, 2025.

Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the “chief speedster” was identified as an Inspector of Police with 61 tickets to his name. He is being prosecuted for the offence.

“I can tell you that there was one specific driver for the offence of dangerous driving flagged 13 times, 13 different occasions. He was charged…and placed before the Georgetown Magistrates Court for eight of those dangerous driving matters. He’d be going to court shortly again for the others,” the senior officer disclosed.

In addition, he noted that more than 1,200 cases of dangerous driving have been recorded.

“Then I’ll tell you that

Traffic

Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh

each week in the Georgetown Magistrates Court and Sparendaam Magistrates Court, we have multiple cases filed and are being heard for dangerous driving. The system is working; that system is a plus for us, it helps us to achieve smart traffic management,” the traffic chief stated.

Guyana’s drive to improve road safety has recorded a significant milestone, with more than 51,000 e-tickets issued since the

rollout of the initiative to strengthen traffic enforcement and reduce road fatalities.

The system was designed with safeguards to prevent bias and compromise, while ensuring violations are detected and addressed efficiently.

“This safe road initiative is technologically driven. It is one which has at its core, safeguards built in to prevent any biases, any interference, or any form of compromise.”

More than $205 million has been collected from fines, with over 52 per cent of the 51,000 tickets issued paid by offenders.

The system is currently active along major corridors, including the Heroes Highway, the Mandela-to-Eccles interlink, the East Coast Public Road, and parts of Region Three, where noticeable reductions in serious and fatal accidents have been recorded. (DPI)

NGSA results expected by end of June or early July -

MORE than 15,000 pupils who recently sat the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) are expected to receive their results by the end of June or early July, according to Minister of Education Sonia Parag.

Parag made the announcement on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the commissioning of a new wing at Sophia Primary School, noting that the marking of examination scripts has already begun.

She said that with the examinations now completed,

students can look forward to a brief period of rest before preparing for the next academic phase.

“I know that I saw persons asking what’s next after NGSA. What is always next after NGSA is that students can now relax a bit. Parents can relax even more because I know they’ve been more wound up than the children. But it’s looking forward to the results, and then September begins a new term,” the minister said.

The NGSA remains one of the most significant ex-

Education Minister says

aminations in Guyana’s education system, serving as the basis for placing primary school pupils into secondary schools across the country.

Held over two days, this year’s assessment tested pupils in the four core subject areas, Science, English Language, Mathematics and Social Studies, using the national Grade Six syllabus.

In preparation for the examination, the Ministry of Education introduced a series of support measures aimed at improving pupils’ readiness and performance.

Among those initiatives were the expansion of the national breakfast programme to provide meals for pupils in Grades Three to Six, the introduction of an online quiz platform featuring NGSA-level questions, and the continued expansion of the Guyana Learning Channel.

The ministry also provided financial support to parents to assist with the purchase of school supplies and, more recently, launched the Guyana Digital School, an initiative designed to broaden access to digital learning resources.

Lanaballi residents raise community concerns during ministerial outreach

RESIDENTS of Lanaballi, on Tuesday, engaged government ministers and technical officials during a community outreach aimed at addressing local concerns ranging from land issues to agricultural drainage and infrastructure works.

The outreach was led by Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar and Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vikash Ramkissoon.

During the engagement, residents raised both community-related and personal matters, with officials providing responses and guidance on issues involving the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the drainage of agricultural lands, and procedures related to bidding for infrastructural works.

Technical officers accompanying the ministers also examined concerns raised by residents and outlined possible solutions, as part of efforts to ensure that matters affecting livelihoods and community development are addressed promptly.

Community outreaches of this nature have become a regu -

lar feature of the government’s engagement strategy, particularly in rural and agricultural communities where land administration, drainage and irrigation, and public infrastructure remain central to economic activity and daily life.

In Region Three, where farming and small-scale enterprise remain important sources of income, effective drainage and timely infrastructure works are often regarded as critical to sustaining agricultural production and improving living conditions.

Officials said the Lanaballi outreach formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen direct engagement

with citizens and ensure that government agencies remain responsive to concerns at the community level.

Education officials have said these interventions form part of the government’s wider strategy to strengthen foundational learning and improve pupil outcomes at the primary level, particularly as the NGSA continues to play a decisive role in determining pupils’ transition to secondary education.

GDF patrol comes under fire twice along Cuyuni River, no injuries reported

A GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) patrol conducting border security operations along the Cuyuni River came under hostile fire on two separate occasions Tuesday afternoon in Region Seven, but all ranks and civilians were safely evacuated without injury, according to the military.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the GDF said the incidents occurred at approximately 4:10 p.m. and 4:50 p.m. while the patrol was escorting civilian vessels at known points along the river. On both occasions, ranks returned fire in keeping with established operational procedures before manoeuvring safely out of the area.

The military said no member of the patrol or any

civilian aboard the escorted vessels was harmed.

The latest confrontation unfolded during routine security operations in Region Seven, where the GDF has maintained an intensified presence along Guyana’s western frontier amid ongoing efforts to secure border communities and monitor activity along the country’s riverine boundary with neighbouring Venezuela.

In its statement, the force

reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Guyana’s territorial integrity and protecting residents living in border communities.

Tuesday’s incident comes against the backdrop of heightened vigilance along the western border. In February last year, a GDF resupply patrol travelling from Eteringbang to Makapa also came under fire from armed men positioned on the Venezuelan bank of the Cuyuni River, leaving several soldiers injured and prompting a high-level security review by the Government.

At the time, President Irfaan Ali said authorities were treating the attack with utmost seriousness as part of broader efforts to protect national sovereignty.

NCERD launches online English Language training for Grades 7–9 teachers

- Region One leads first session

The initiative, led by NCERD’s English Unit, focused on practical classroom strategies for teaching vocabulary, reading and comprehension and summary writing, three areas regarded as central to improving literacy outcomes at the secondary level

THE National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), on Tuesday, began a new series of online professional development sessions aimed at strengthening English instruction for Grades Seven to Nine teachers across Guyana, with educators in Region One participating in the first round of training.

The initiative, led by NCERD’s English Unit, focused on practical classroom strategies for teaching vocabulary, reading and comprehension, and summary writing, three areas regarded as central to improving literacy outcomes at the secondary level.

Teachers from schools across Region One, including St. Nicholas Primary Top, Santa Rosa, Kwebana, Waramuri, Baramita, Hosororo, Port Kaituma and North West Secondary, took part in the inaugural session.

The training was facilitated by English Unit officers Jeniffer Nicholson, Tamika Johnson and Desa Liverpool, who guided participants through approaches designed to strengthen students’ language development and critical reading skills.

NCERD said the online sessions form part of a broader nationwide effort to support teachers in delivering more effective English instruction, particularly in hinterland and remote communities where access to continuous professional development can be more limited.

The programme comes as the Ministry of Education continues to place renewed emphasis on literacy improvement at both the primary and secondary levels.

In recent years, national education policy has increasingly focused on rais -

ing reading comprehension standards, expanding teacher training opportunities, and reducing learning gaps between coastal and hinterland schools.

Region One, which includes several riverain and hinterland communities, has been a key focus of these interventions.

Education officials have repeatedly stressed that strengthening literacy at the lower secondary level is critical to improving performance in later national examinations, including the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate.

The ongoing NCERD training series is expected to continue in other regions in the coming weeks as part of the agency’s wider effort to enhance classroom delivery and improve student learning outcomes nationwide.

UK envoy presents credentials as ambassador to CARICOM

BRITISH High Commissioner Joe Fisher, this week, formally assumed his role as the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the Caribbean Community after presenting his credentials to CARICOM’S Secretary-General, Carla Barnett.

The accreditation marks a new phase in the longstanding partnership between the United Kingdom and the regional bloc, a relationship built on trade, security co-operation, climate resilience, and deep people-to-people ties.

According to information released following the ceremony, the United Kingdom continues to expand two-way trade and investment with the Caribbean, with UK-backed activity in the region now exceeding £800 million. Those investments have supported projects in infrastructure, energy and private-sector development across CARICOM member states.

Security co-operation also remains a major pillar of the partnership. The United Kingdom has committed approximately £30 million to

maritime security, efforts to combat organised crime, and initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security institutions.

On climate issues, the UK has provided more than £500 million in recent years to support adaptation and resilience efforts across the Caribbean, where rising sea levels, extreme weather events and other climate-related threats continue to pose serious challenges to regional development.

Fisher said he looks forward to working closely with

Thirty-two CSOs graduate from garment-construction programme

Thirty-two Community Support Officers (CSOs) from across Guyana have graduated from a three-week garment construction programme, receiving certificates after completing training, the training focused on garment construction, sewing, design and basic production techniques

THIRTY-TWO Community Support Officers (CSOs) from across Guyana have graduated from a three-week garment construction programme, receiving certificates after completing training designed to strengthen practical skills and expand economic opportunities in hinterland and riverain communities.

The training, facilitated by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and hosted at the Hinterland Tertiary Dorms, focused on garment construction, sewing, design and basic production techniques.

Officials said the initiative forms part of the ministry’s continuing programme of capacity building aimed at equipping Community

Support Officers with practical, income-generating skills that can be transferred to their communities.

Over the three-week period, participants received hands-on instruction in garment making and were exposed to techniques intended to help them pursue small business opportunities and strengthen household livelihoods.

At the close of the programme, each participant received a certificate of completion, marking what organisers described as an important step toward entrepreneurship, self-reliance and economic empowerment.

Community Support Officers play a key role in hinterland and Indigenous communities, often serving as

the CARICOM Secretariat and member states to further deepen co-operation and strengthen the UK-CARICOM relationship in the years ahead.

CARICOM, headquartered in Georgetown, remains the principal regional integration mechanism for the Caribbean, bringing together member states on matters of economic integration, foreign policy coordination, human and social development, and regional security.

CARICOM’s Secretary-General, Carla Barnett

links between government services and local residents.

In recent years, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has expanded training opportunities for CSOs in areas such as technical and vocational education, small business development and community leadership as part of broader efforts to promote sustainable development in remote areas.

The latest garment construction course reflects the government’s wider push to enhance livelihood opportunities beyond traditional sectors by encouraging skills development, entrepreneurship and greater economic participation among residents of hinterland and riverain communities across Guyana.

Prime Minister Phillips envisions regional expansion for Guyana’s Premier Dominoes Tournament

TEAMS from every administrative region converged on Amelia’s Ward on Tuesday as the Prime Minister’s Annual One Guyana Dominoes Tournament drew competitors from across the country, with Team Shooters emerging champions after a fiercely contested final at Shanghai’s Residence.

The tournament, attended by Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Mrs. Mignon Bowen-Phillips, brought together 48 teams from all 10 regions, including three female teams, to compete for more than $2.5 million in prizes.

Competitors travelled from as far as Mahdia, Barti-

ca and Lethem, underscoring the tournament’s expanding national footprint and growing popularity as a unifying sporting event.

In comments during the event, Phillips said the annual competition has evolved into one of the country’s premier dominoes tournaments, noting that it continues to bring together people from diverse backgrounds in a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition.

He said the interaction fostered by the tournament reflects the broader national vision of building unity, adding that sport remains an important avenue through which Guyanese can strengthen social bonds

while competing.

Phillips also disclosed that organisers are considering broadening next year’s programme to include a dedicated women’s competition, citing the participation of female teams this year. Looking ahead, he said the tournament has the potential to grow beyond the national stage into a regional, and eventually international, competition.

The event was coordinated by the Georgetown Dominoes Association and veteran organiser Aubrey “Shanghai” Major, who annually hosts the competition at his Amelia’s Ward venue in Linden.

Major expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s

continued patronage, saying the tournament has expanded significantly over the years under Phillips’ support and has helped raise the profile of dominoes as a competitive sport in Guyana.

The final rounds delivered a tense battle among Team Shooters, Team Saddam and Team Turning Point before Team Shooters secured the championship title.

Team Saddam finished second, Team Turning Point placed third, while Team Bottom End claimed fourth place.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips disclosed that organisers are considering broadening next year’s programme to include a dedicated women’s competition, citing the participation of female teams this year

Additional honours were also presented, with Team Storm taking the prize for Best Dressed Team, while Navindra

Kooblall of Team Shooters was named the Most Valuable Player of the final for his standout performance.

Vriesland allottees move closer to homeownership with lot-identification exercise

A NUMBER of prospective homeowners in the Vriesland (Block Two) section of the Wales Housing Development in Region Three have moved a step closer to homeownership following a recent lot identification exercise conducted by the Ministry of Housing’s Central Housing and Planning Authority.

The exercise, carried out by the CH&PA Surveys Unit, allowed allottees to identify the boundaries of their respective house lots, marking a key milestone as beneficiaries prepare to begin construction of their homes.

Officials said the exercise forms part of the government’s ongoing housing drive and is being conducted in phases across developing housing schemes nationwide as first-phase infrastructural works continue.

Lot identification is regarded as a critical stage in the allocation process, as it gives beneficiaries a clearer understanding of their land boundaries before building activity commences.

The Vriesland initiative

ownership opportunities.

Authorities indicated that persons who were not contacted during the latest round of exercises will be accommodated in a subsequent batch.

The Ministry of Hous-

forms part of the wider Wales Housing Development in Wales, one of several expanding residential communities in Region Three aimed at addressing growing demand for house lots and increasing home-

ing, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority, has been undertaking similar lot identification exercises across the country as infrastructural works advance in newly opened housing areas.

Guyana targets digital transformation, infrastructural resilience at International Transport Forum

MINISTER of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, is representing Guyana at the 2026 Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum (ITF), the world’s largest gathering of transport ministers, as the country seeks to strengthen international partnerships and align its rapidly expanding infrastructural programme with global standards.

Edghill is attending the three-day summit in Leipzig from May 6 to 8 as an honorary guest of the Government of Guyana.

Held under the theme, “Funding Resilient Transport,” the summit has brought together more than 1,000 delegates, including transport ministers, industry leaders and policy experts from around the world, to examine strategies for building transport systems capable of withstanding economic, environmental and technological pressures.

This year’s discussions focus on infrastructure resilience, digital connectivity and financing mechanisms needed to future-proof transport networks, areas that have growing significance for Guyana as it undertakes one of the most ambitious infrastructural transformation programmes in its history.

The Ministry of Public Works said Edghill’s participation reflects Guyana’s commitment to ensuring that domestic development

keeps pace with international standards of safety, efficiency and sustainability.

Among the key issues expected to engage Guyana’s attention at the summit are infrastructure resilience, financing strategies and digital transformation, themes that mirror the government’s current development agenda, which includes major investments in roads, bridges, ports and other public works aimed at supporting long-term national growth.

During the summit, Edghill has already participated in a panel discussion alongside representatives from the Dominican Republic and Brazil, where the focus was on financing resilient transport systems.

He is also expected to take part in several high-level ministerial roundtables and bilateral meetings aimed at deepening Guyana’s international co-operation in the transport and public works sectors.

The International Transport Forum is an intergovernmental organisation comprising 66 member countries and serves as a strategic policy platform for global transport issues. Its annual summit is regarded as the premier international forum for advancing transport policy and examining how global transport systems can remain resilient amid mounting economic and environmental challenges.

Connolly ton in vain as batting muscle fires SRH to top of the table

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Catches win matches is probably one of the oldest and most overused clichés in cricket. But it couldn't have been truer on Wednesday. Punjab Kings (PBKS) dropped three catches and missed a stumping; Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) dropped two but held onto most of the important ones. The final result? SRH, despite a maiden Cooper Connolly century, marched on to defeat PBKS by 33 runs and displace them at the top of the points table. Travis Head (38 off 19) and Abhishek Sharma (35 off 13) got SRH off to a flying start. Heinrich Klaasen (69 off 43) and Ishan Kishan (55 off 32) made use of the

missed chances, smashing quick fifties, while fit-again Nitish Kumar Reddy provided the finishing touch with 29 not out off 13 as SRH finished on 235 for 4.

SRH had never lost defending a 220-plus target in the IPL and that stat remained intact. Connollywho had two lives - smashed his maiden century in any format, finishing unbeaten on 107 off 59 balls, but got little support from the rest as PBKS were handed a third straight defeat. With the win, SRH are now leading the table with 14 points, while PBKS remain on 13.

TRAVISHEK AT IT, AGAIN

SRH came into the game

with a powerplay run rate of 11.75. They went at 13.16 on Wednesday evening, amassing 79 in the first six overs. There is no shifting of gears with Travishek - they were at it almost from the get-go. Abhishek defended the first ball of the innings off Arshdeep Singh, and then effortlessly lofted the second ball over extra cover for a six. He then lay into Marco Jansen, who was given the new ball, going 6, 4, 6, 0, 4. Head, a silent spectator till then on 2 off 4, was at his pulling best, hitting back-to-back sixes off Arshdeep, peppering the deep-square-leg boundary before nudging a full toss down leg.

SRH raced past 50 in 3.2 overs but Lockie Ferguson

got PBKS back, inducing a top edge of Abhishek's blade that spooned straight up with Shreyas Iyer doing the rest coming in from mid-off. Head, though, rattled along as SRH ended the powerplay on a high.

PUNJAB BUTTERFINGERS KINGS

"It's been a bit of a virus for us" was how Ricky Ponting described PBKS' catching during a mid-game chat. It became worse as the evening progressed. Yuzvendra Chahal struck in his first over, right after the powerplay, deceiving Head with a wrong'un that was miscued to long-off. He could have had at least two

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more if not for the fielding bug that hit PBKS. Kishan was given three chances - two drops and a missed stumping - on 9, 18 and 19. Klaasen should have had his first single-digit score of the season, but he was dropped on 9. They made PBKS pay. Kishan was hardly at his fluent best; he had a control percentage of just 65.43 but hung on. After the early chances, he settled in, getting his timing back, stitching an 88-run stand with Klaasen in eight overs. He thumped Vijaykumar Vyshak for three straight sixes in the 14th over to raise a 28-ball fifty. By the time he fell, SRH's run rate had gone past 11.50.

National Top Flight Golf League…

Videsh Persaud claims opening honours

THE National Top Flight Golf League (NTFGL) Tour No. Two teed off in impressive fashion at the Lusignan Golf Club, delivering high-level competition, dramatic finishes, and a strong statement of intent for the new season.

With the continued support of gold sponsor Promotech Guyana Inc. and silver sponsor Danny Auto Sales, the league’s second tour opened under excellent course conditions, setting the stage for elite amateur golf. Despite the absence of several familiar contenders, the field was bolstered by emerging talent, adding a fresh dynamic to the competition.

Patanjilee “Per” Persaud established early control of the tournament with an impressive net 35 on the front nine, setting the pace and positioning himself as an early contender.

The back nine saw intensified competition, with five players returning net 35s. However, Spencer Hutchings distinguished himself with a standout net 33, the best performance on the back stretch, securing a strong position on the leaderboard.

The tournament culminated in a tightly contested finish between Rohan Albert and Videsh Persaud, both posting identical net scores of 70. The result was ultimately decided at the third level of tiebreakers, where

Videsh Persaud delivered a composed finish, playing the final three holes at two under par to secure victory over Albert, who finished level over the same stretch.

Videsh Persaud with a Net 70 won via tiebreaker over Rohan Albert who also had a Net 70, Spencer Hutchings (Net 73), Mohanall Dinanuath (Net 73) and Anand Persaud.

The successful staging of the opening round under-

scores the growing stature of the NTFGL, with corporate support playing a pivotal role in elevating the standard and visibility of competitive golf in Guyana.

With strong performances already recorded and rivalries beginning to take shape, the stage is set for an exciting continuation of tour no. two as players look to build momentum in the upcoming rounds.

Wallace questions CWI’s decision to rest players ahead of Sri Lanka series

CMC – Former West Indies opening batsman Philo Wallace is not in agreement with the decision by Cricket West Indies (CWI) to rest some of its players ahead of next month’s home series against Sri Lanka.

The Windies are scheduled to play Sri Lanka in three ODIs, three T20Is and two Test matches, with the first match of the ODI series slated for June 3.

Speaking during the Mason and Guest radio show on Tuesday, Wallace, who played 33 ODIs and seven Tests for the West Indies, contended that players should have been participating in the West Indies Championship.

“All that we’re hearing

is that we’re resting players.

Shamar Joseph now is dealing with an issue, so that’s more down time hoping to come back for the finals.

“We have Sri Lanka at our doorsteps but yet our main players are being given more down time when we should be loading them up for the series because we’re playing six matches in Jamaica against Sri Lanka and then they come down to Antigua for two Test matches. So, it’s a lot of cricket and the guys’ muscles need to work into that cricket, if not they’re going to find themselves struggling,” Wallace said.

However, CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe responded by saying almost all of the players were currently playing cricket.

“Shai Hope is the only person who has not featured so far. Alzarri [Joseph] I think returned following the end of the first round, so we will work with him to ensure that he is ready for the international season.

“And remember that what we’re looking at is ensuring that we have all our players for the start of the international home series and Shai Hope has a huge role to play in that,” Bascombe said.

“All the strength and conditioning training they’re doing, the actual conditioning is going to come during playing time.”

Why resolute Arsenal will believe prolific PSG can be

(BBC) - "There are moments in the Champions League when somebody has to deliver a magic moment - and he delivered that again," Mikel Arteta said after Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid to reach their first major European final in 20 years.

You might be forgiven for thinking the Arsenal manager was referring to Bukayo Saka, whose all-important goal secured their semi-final triumph on Tuesday.

But that "magic moment" on a famous night in north London came from centre-back Gabriel as Atletico were probing for a response to Saka's opener.

William Saliba's poor defensive header had gifted Giuliano Simeone a chance to level as he surged past goalkeeper David Raya with the goal at his mercy.

But an alert Gabriel put in a last-ditch effort, applying just enough pressure to distract Simeone as he got his shot away and save Saliba's blushes.

Arsenal's defensive resoluteness been often criticised, with them being labelled as dull and over-prag-

beaten

matic, but it has been fundamental throughout their unbeaten run to the final.

However, their biggest test yet will come on 30 May in Budapest against Paris St-Germain, who reached the final with a 6-5 aggregate win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Champions League MOTD analyst Nedum Onuoha, said: "I was so impressed with PSG. Their work-rate was incredible.

"As much as we can be led by the statistics in talking about how PSG have got an incredible attack, you don't get this far in this competition without having something in defence as well.

"While we can see how special their attack is, they have worked very hard to get here as a unit and I think as the season has progressed, they have got better and better."

'Arsenal certainly have a chance against PSG' Late Bayern pressure not enough as PSG return to Champions League final

Someone who knows all about winning the Champions League is Clarence Seedorf.

The only player to lift the trophy with three different clubs, the former midfielder believes Arsenal's defence could be the difference against free-scoring PSG.

"We have seen a team like Arsenal making the difference this year with so many clean sheets and coming all the way," Seedorf recently told Amazon Prime.

"If I had to point out one team that would be capable of bringing it home because of that capacity, it is actually Arsenal. Tell me one sport you can win without a proper defence. I don't think it exists."

Tuesday's 1-0 win was Arsenal's ninth clean sheet in 14 matches in Europethey have only conceded two goals in six knockout games - and their 30th overall this season.

They have allowed their opponents an expected goals (xG) of just 0.84 per game, and seven of the past 13 Champions League winners conceded fewer than 1.0 xG per game on average during their successful campaigns. In comparison, PSG's average xGA - expected goals against - in Europe this season is 1.38.

GFA KO football competition

Only four teams remain in contention

BEACON, Eastveldt, Riddim Squad and Vengy are the four teams still in reckoning after the final round of the Georgetown Football Association knockout football tournament played at the Plaisance Community Centre Ground on Tuesday evening.

In the latest round of action North Star completed their slew of games with a 4-1 defeat of Motherland FC.

North Star was led by Charles Chester, who recorded a hat-trick of goals.

However, it was Shaquan Deen that got the ball rolling with his opener in the 8th minute of the contest.

Motherland FC's Lonsdale George equalised in the 24th to keep his team in the contest.

Chester then came to the fore, scoring in the 27th and 30th minutes to extend their advantage before completing his triple in the 60th minute of the second half.

The scorer had no further trouble as the game ended 4-1 in favour of North Star.

The second clash between Vengy and Pele FC ended nil-all as Vengy edged into the semi as the second-best team in their group in the round-robin

stage. The semi-finals are set for Thursday, while the final will be played on Saturday.

The teams are playing for a million in prizes, with half a million for the firstplace prize, $300,000 for second place, $200,000

for third and $100,000 for fourth place along with trophies and medals.

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

James ‘Uprising’ Lewis 2026 Challenge Trophy

Diamond Secondary School, Bishop’s High emerge winners

THE Diamond Secondary School and The Bishops’ High School won the two trophies in the finals of the James ‘Uprising’ Lewis 2026 Challenge Trophy competition on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, at the National Park Tarmac.

In the first final, Diamond Secondary School defeated Christ Church Secondary School. Diamond Secondary won the toss and opted to bat and scored 69 runs for three wickets in their allotted overs, with Paul McTurk top scoring with 32 runs.

When Christ Church Secondary batted, they scored 58 for four wickets

in their allotted overs, with Jarad Ramlcarun top scoring with 28 runs. He was awarded a trophy for his allround performance. Ravin Singh was awarded the Most Valuable Player trophy in the competition.

In the segment of the competition featuring second and third form students, The Bishops’ High School won the J.S. Lewis Challenge Trophy. They defeated Westminster Secondary School in their final. The Bishops’ High batted first and scored 49 runs for one in their allotted overs. Aryan Persaud top scored for the team with 16 runs. Westminster batted but they could

only score 22 for three in their allotted overs, with Anthony Hoyte top-scoring with six runs. Aryan Persaud took two of the three wickets for eight runs. Aryan Persaud of The Bishops’ High won the prizes for best batsman and best bowler.

The competition was highly competitive with all the matches keenly contested throughout both competitions.

The next competition for the secondary school boys will be the “One Guyana Independence Cup” to be held later this month and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Grove tackles Agricola, Herstelling battles Kuru Kururu

THE battle lines have been drawn and it’s all to play for when the semi-finals of the inaugural MCYS/East Bank Inter-Village Football Tournament are contested on Thursday night at the Eccles EE Ground. Organised by Sports Extra, this tournament has rekindled the competitive flame of football on the East Bank with the final four now in the mix having commenced with 12 villages. Grove, led by their Captain Domini Garnett who has scored in all three of their matches so far and has six (6) goals, the most by any player, will put all on the

line when they face Agricola in Thursday’s first semi-final.

Grove has been clinical in their matches to date, defeating Circuitville (72), Upper Soesdyke (2-0), and Kaneville (3-0). Grove will be aiming to maintain this record against Agricola which did not have such an easy time reaching this stage.

The task at hand for both villages would be victory which is the only pathway forward. Garnett will depend on the Padmore siblings, Kevin Jr. and Devon, Rayfield Hilliman, Akeem Jarvis, and Jamal Cordis to secure a place in Saturday’s final.

Agricola’s charge for a similar result will centre around the likes of Shemar Sampson, Demanie Cort, Jamal Fiffe, Solomon Austin, Samuel Garnett, and Dennis Alexander who have all registered goals for their village.

Organiser, Sports Extra expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Housing, National Sports Commission, Bounty Farm Ltd., Fitness Express, Star Rentals, Trophy Stall, NAMILCO and Republic Bank for their partnership which has made this tournament possible. MCYS/East Bank Inter Village Football semis…

The Agricola lads suffered a 1-3 loss in their opening match at the hands of Kuru Kururu but rebounded to beat Mocha by a similar scoreline before moving on to win an epic clash against Swan in their quarterfinal, 5-3 in extra time.

Thursday night’s feature game will see Kuru Kururu,

boasting a record three wins in as many matches coming up against a determined Herstelling side. The Soesdyke-Linden Highway-based Kuru Kururu team have won against some of the more seasoned villages, Agricola, Mocha (2-1), and Upper Soesdyke by a similar score. They will want to preserve this run and will depend on their most experienced player and leading scorer, Mervin ‘Munro’ Joseph who has scored a goal in each of their wins so far. He will hope to get support from Leroy Evans, Kevin Scott, and Seith Adams, among others.

Herstelling started their campaign on a high when they blanked Lower Soesdyke 2-0 but was jolted in their next game by Swan 1-4 before rebounding to upstage Timehri on Tuesday night 4-0 via kicks from the penalty mark after a 0-0 stalemate in regulation and extra time.

Herstelling will fancy their chances of booking a place in the final.

They have been putting in the work and have been seeing positive results. They will now have to step it up a notch in order to be in the final and will turn to their Captain Jonathan, Malcolm Hendricks, Johenni Mendoza,

Candel Hazel,

and

Gomez to deliver another win and secure a place in the championship match. Fans are encouraged to come out and support their teams as admission is free.

GHB set to host Diamond Jubilee Cup from May 23

‒ At National Stadium

THE Guyana Hockey Board is gearing up to host a threeday field hockey tournament in celebration of Guyana’s Independence Diamond Jubilee.

The first division tournament runs from May 23 to May 24, with the finals set for May 30.

The competition will feature both male and female teams: Hickers, GCC, Old Fort, and Saints.

The opening day will see six matches, starting at 09:00 hours with Pepsi Hikers women facing GCC ladies, followed by Old Fort men taking on Saints seniors.

Head of the Guyana Hockey Board, Phillip Fernandes, says the organisation is ready to stage one of its most exciting competitions yet.

“The Diamond Jubilee

Cup is going to be an exciting tournament for hockey, and we are really pleased to be part of this great initiative of celebration of 60 years, and we are happy that the Ministry of Sports has made the absolute best surface available to hockey, which is the national stadium.”

He notes that the venue will allow for a high-quality hockey tournament featuring

the nation's top teams.

“It ensures that the quality of hockey is being played and our top players are excited to match their skills in this exciting tournament. We really look forward to this, and I think it will be quite an exciting celebration of good hockey.”

The tournament is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports.

GBF Independence 3x3 Championship set to ignite Diamond Jubilee celebrations …tournament set for May 17 at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

AS Guyana continues its month-long celebration leading up to the nation’s Diamond Jubilee Independence Anniversary, the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, will stage the highly anticipated Independence 3x3 Championship on May 17 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The one-day tournament will feature 10 of the country’s top teams battling for supremacy and a lucrative winner’s purse of $300,000, in what is expected to be one of the marquee sporting events on the Ministry’s Independence calendar.

The championship forms part of a wider series of sporting activities being hosted throughout May as Guyana celebrates 60 years as an independent nation.

The Ministry of Culture,

Youth and Sport has thrown its full support behind the tournament, covering all prize monies for the event.

The second-place team will receive $200,000, while the third-place finisher will pocket $100,000. Additionally, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) will earn a cash prize of $25,000.

The competition will showcase talent from across the country, with four Linden-based clubs Amelia’s Ward Jets, Retrieve Raiders, Victory Valley Royals and Block 22 Flames set to compete against Georgetown sides Ravens, Colts, Pacesetters and Eagles.

Rounding out the field are a combined Berbice team and Guyana’s national under-23 team, both expected to add further intrigue and competitiveness to the tournament.

According to the tournament format, the 10 teams will

VNet to power ‘Track Point Time Out’ at One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast

THE Caribbean’s most lucrative tapeball tournament is set for a tactical shake-up as VNet Technologies Inc. partners with FL Sport to debut the 'Track Point Time Out' in its upcoming fourth edition.

Named after VNet’s flagship asset tracking and fleet management service, the feature will grant teams a 90-second strategic window at the conclusion of the eighth over in each innings.

be divided into two groups, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the semi-finals. The winners of those encounters will then move on to the championship game, while third place will be determined based on standings accumulated on the FIBA 3x3 platform.

Beyond the Independence festivities, the tournament also carries significant importance for the GBF’s long-term international ambitions.

The federation views the championship as a critical opportunity to fine-tune preparations for Guyana’s national teams ahead of upcoming appearances at the Central American and Caribbean Games and the Commonwealth Games.

Guyana is set to make its debut in 3x3 basketball at both events, marking another major milestone in the continued development of the sport locally.

This high-stakes pause is designed to allow captains and coaches to recalibrate and finalise their blueprints for the final two overs, which often determine the outcome of the fast-paced T10 format.

Safraz Sheriffudeen, Chief Executive Officer of VNet Technologies, noted that the partnership feels like a homecoming as the company’s connection to the event dates back to the inaugural year, when they competed as the V-Net Vipers, reaching the final at the National Stadium, Providence, before falling to Eccles All-Stars.

Sheriffudeen expressed pride in supporting the tournament’s evolution after witnessing its rapid growth nationwide.

TrackPoint is a stateof-the-art, easy-to-use asset-tracking and fleet-management service that gives you a user-friendly way to detect and monitor your ve-

hicle's location and activity.

The system helps you identify ways to cut costs and improve response time, security, and customer service.

Tournament director John Ramsingh welcomed the integration of the Track Point brand, suggesting that the timeout adds a sophisticated layer to the competition.

"This new feature will add a competitive touch to planning and execution," Ramsingh said. "In a format as rapid as T10, having that moment to breathe and strategise could be the difference between winning a national title and going home early."

The stakes for the 2026 Blast have never been higher, with organisers announcing a significantly bolstered prize pool. In a move to reward consistency, every team reaching the quarter-final stage or beyond is guaranteed a cash payout.

Financial incentives begin at $25,000 for losing quarter-finalists and rise to $500,000 for zonal winners.

The ultimate prize at the National Finals stands at a staggering $2,000,000 for the champions, with the runners-up taking home $1,000,000.

Beyond the domestic rewards, the four teams that qualify for the national finals will earn the distinction of representing Guyana at the upcoming Global T10

Tapeball Blast.

Registration is scheduled to go live this Friday, May 8, and officials are urging interested squads to act immediately to secure a spot in the 80-team, straight-knockout competition.

The entry fee is set at G$35,000 per team.

To ease the process, Singh clarified that teams do not need to submit their full player lists at the time of registration. Instead, a phased approach will allow squads to be finalised closer to their specific zonal start dates.

The tournament is scheduled to bowl off on the weekend of August 8–9 in Berbice with a 16-team cap.

The action will shift to the East Bank/West Demerara and Essequibo zones before a brief hiatus to accommodate the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Following the CPL conclusion, the tournament resumes in Georgetown and the East Coast, culminating in the national grand finale on October 11.

For the first time, the final will be hosted at the brand-new Anna Regina National Stadium in Region Two.

The tournament MVP is set to receive $150,000 and a motorbike, while the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker will each walk away with $100,000 and a new television.

Connolly ton in vain

Connolly ton in vain as batting muscle fires