Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 09-03-2026

‘We

are committed to building a better Guyana for women, girls’

- First Lady urges collective action to end violence, break toxic cycles ‘Fruitful’ talks pave way for enhanced Guyana-Dominican Republic co-operation

Thousands of persons of all ages and from all walks of life joined First Lady Arya Ali and cabinet ministers on Sunday for an International Women’s Day Walk. A sea of purple was visible as far as the eye could see as the enormous crowd made its way along Main Street towards the Kingston Seawall Esplanade. The event was held to honour women, recognising the important roles they play in strengthening our communities and country. It also allowed for reflection on the progress made towards gender parity, which is a challenge that undermines progress and the solutions needed to create a better, safer world for our women (Photo: First Lady Arya Ali/Facebook)

Washington looks to Guyana to power regional energy future

- scores of women entrepreneurs benefit from starter kits, other empowering initiatives

-U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright says ‘well-governed’ nation is key to boosting production across the Western Hemisphere - Minister Teixeira says, reflects on nation’s progress

Guyana is in its ‘golden era’

- Minister Teixeira says, reflects on nation’s progress

MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, has said that Guyana is now experiencing what she has described as its “golden era,” while urging younger generations to understand the difficult struggles that shaped the country’s political and social journey.

Speaking during Sunday’s airing of the ‘Starting Point’ podcast, the minister reflected on the political environment she encountered after returning to Guyana decades ago and the hardships endured by many activists and citizens during that period.

Recalling one of her

earliest political experiences, she spoke of attending a meeting at Merriman Mall that was disrupted by violence.

She further reflected on the conditions

many Guyanese faced during earlier decades, describing widespread hardship and deprivation.

“The levels of malnutrition… it was just bad,” she said, adding

that the younger generation must understand those realities.

“If we don’t know where we’ve come from, you could repeat all this, what we went through.”

According to Minister Teixeira, many activists and supporters demonstrated resilience during those years, often operating quietly to assist striking workers and communities.

“In strikes… we had to go into the backdam at night to carry food to the sugar workers, and the military at that time would seize all our rice and stuff, so you had to do things secretively or quietly,” she said, while noting that she was often the only woman

among those carrying out such work.

Against this backdrop, she noted that it is important to honour those who endured the hardships of both the colonial and post-independence periods, and those who contributed to political change over the decades.

“For me… it was to honour those people who stuck it out in very difficult days,” she said.

Looking at where Guyana is today, Teixeira expressed pride in the current generation of leaders and the progress being made under the administration of President Irfaan Ali.

“I’m so proud of my Cabinet that I

work with and the MPs that [sic] I’m working with,” she said, adding that young leaders must continue building the country.

Reflecting on the present moment, she added that Guyana is now in a period of unprecedented optimism.

“We are in a good place now. We are in what I keep saying is our golden era. This is our… the golden era of Guyana,” she said.

“Now people have hope. People are saying, ‘I’m getting my house and getting a car and doing this.’ Hope and optimism, whereas before… people would say, ‘I’m waiting for my visa to come through.”

‘We Lift 6’ ends with a bang

- scores of women entrepreneurs benefit from starter kits, other empowering initiatives

By Faith Greene

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s flagship ‘We Lift’ event for 2026 officially ended on Sunday night with a series of presentations, and announcements that will directly benefit several of the women-owned businesses that participated in the expo.

The highly anticipated event opened last Friday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, and continued until Sunday under the theme, ‘Let Her Bloom’. Over 400 women-owned businesses participated, allowing Guyanese women to showcase their locally made products and services to the world.

In addition to distributing starter kits to a number of

participants who had topped their respective courses under the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) training programme, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Vindhya Persaud launched a new partnership with FloPay, a digital payment platform aimed at helping women entrepreneurs seamlessly conduct business and receive payments electronically.

The starter kits will support the women as they progress in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Moreover, a selected number of women entrepreneurs signed agreements with large-scale companies that have chosen them as suppliers, creating new market opportunities for their products.

One of these companies is Zoon Logistics, which has partnered with the ministry to offer an entrepreneurship programme designed to support and empower women-led TURN TO

‘We are committed to building a better Guyana for women, girls’

- First Lady urges collective action to end violence, break toxic cycles

By Naomi Parris

FIRST Lady Arya Ali has reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to advancing the rights and protection of women and girls, calling for sustained collective action to dismantle patriarchal structures and end violence against women.

She was at the time de livering the feature address following an International Women’s Day Walk held on Sunday under the global theme, ‘Give to gain’.

them, improve safety and expand economic opportuni ties,” she said.

The First Lady outlined a series of initiatives undertak en in recent years to support women and girls in Guyana. These include the provision of free sanitary pads to more than 3,000 schoolgirls, and scholarships for over 200 women, with at least 100 beneficiaries coming from hinterland regions.

In addition, millions of dollars have been invested in women‑led start‑ups, while

frameworks such as the con vention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Bei jing Platform for Action,” she added.

However, she cautioned that institutional weakness es and entrenched cultural norms that reinforce patriar chy continue to undermine progress.

“Our efforts have not been without challenges, institutional weaknesses and cultural norms which rein force patriarchy continue to

“Our efforts must con tinue if we are to create an equitable and just world for the women and girls, who are going to come after us here in Guyana. At the level of both government and civil society, there is no doubt that we are committed to building a bet ter country for our women and girls through legislative reforms, policy initiatives, programmes that empower

homes have been constructed for women‑headed house holds. She also pointed to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s ongoing ‘WE LIFT’ Expo, which is currently supporting more than 460 women‑led enter prises.

“These efforts aligned with Guyana's constitution al commitment to gender equality and international

undermine the gains we have made over the years.

Intimate partner violence, for instance, continues to rob families of mothers, daugh ters and sisters, leaving grief that reverberates across our communities and our nation,” she said.

Highlighting the grave toll of domestic and inti mate partner violence, the First Lady said such violence

“continues to rob families of mothers, daughters and sisters, leaving grief that reverberates across our com munities and our nation.”

She referenced the Family Violence Act 2024 as a key legislative step taken over the past five years to better protect women in vulnerable situations and hold perpetra tors accountable.

In a particularly emotion al passage, she invoked the memories of victims such as Shonette Dover, Kenisha Vaughn, 14‑year‑old Aleena Preetam, who died short ly after giving birth, and 15‑year‑old Tiana Chapman, who was stabbed 25 times, cases she said underscore the “difficult circumstances that little girls, not women, con tinue to endure at the hands of violent men.”

Despite these tragedies, Mrs. Ali insisted that “hope is not lost,” urging Guyanese to use the occasion of Interna tional Women’s Day not only

to celebrate progress but to reflect on their individual and collective responsibilities.

She called on citizens to take action in their homes, schools, places of worship, and communities, and to support existing systems de signed to protect and empow er women and girls.

“Once we continue to raise our voices like we are today, and with brothers like those of you who are here today, who understand our plight and have chosen to join our fight, we will be able to dismantle those structures and break the toxic culture that undermines the dignity of our women and girls,” she added.

A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of women and girls who were killed and injured at the hands of domestic abusers.

Meanwhile, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Vindhya Persaud appealed to the public to

open their homes and hearts to survivors, offering shelter, listening ears, good advice and simple gestures.

“Let the women know that they do not stand alone, because you, all of us, are with each one of them,” she said.

Minister Persaud did not shy away from the harsh realities many women face. She highlighted the continu ing scourge of gender‑based violence, family violence and domestic violence, stressing that women are dispropor tionately affected. She in sisted, however, that society must “never give up” the fight to eradicate such abuse.

She stressed that solidar ity between women and men is vital in creating safer, more inclusive communities across the country.

Crucially, she called on communities to match words with action by offering tangible and emotional support to survivors.

‘We Lift 6’ ends with a...

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businesses across Guyana.

This initiative, according to a Zoon representative, focuses on reducing operational costs, improving efficiency and increasing the overall profitability for hardworking women who are building and expanding their enterprises.

Through this programme, participants will benefit from preferential shipping rates, reduced service costs and direct support for catered businesses. Zoon intends to remove as many barriers as possible so that the women entrepreneurs can scale up their operations, access international markets, and in-

crease their earning potential.

Minister Persaud also used the occasion to relaunch the upgraded WIIN App, which was developed in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The platform is designed to function as an Online marketplace that is similar to Amazon. This upgraded app allows women to showcase and sell their products digitally.

Speaking at the event on Sunday, Minister Persaud said for her, it has always been about dismantling barriers, especially for women

who have the potential, women who raise families, who have careers, and women who do both simultaneously.

“And today, as I celebrate and commemorate International Women's Day, I wish every one of them all that they wish for themselves and so much more. Together, we'll do it, and we'll continue to make things happen over and over, and more than we thought we could have done every year,” the minister expressed.

Shedding light on the relaunch of the app, she said the aim was to ensure that

there are paperless opportunities for women to ensure their products reach markets safely, and to track their businesses.

Minister Persaud remarked, “And they can definitely have the opportunity to step into a digital world of commerce and industry. And then, the marketplace. I'm telling you, when the WINN App was started, this was the real reason behind it. But they say everything comes in the right time. So, it took us to, We Lift6, 75 women, and we lift one, and 400 plus now, to really achieve what we are trying to do. And I would really like to thank the team, because with a digital marketplace, the power is in your hands.”

According to the minister, they have every intention of increasing support to women, ensuring that when they grow, their hearts grow fuller.

For more details regarding the app, persons can follow the ministry on Facebook.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Chronicle engaged three entrepreneurs at the expo on Sunday, each producing unique products. They shared their experience at ‘We Lift6.’

Jamila Huntley, the owner of Exotick Hands Studio said: “It has been a very good experience. I mean, I got to meet new customers and also got to meet a lot of government Ministers that are interested in my products, and that feels very awesome.”

For over two years, Jami-

la has been producing handmade products, including soaps made with sea salt, turmeric, meringue and charcoal. Additionally, she has lotion bars, which, according to her, was a hit at the expo. Persons can contact Exotick Hands on WhatsApp 6281357, or check them out on Facebook for more information.

This publication also visited Veronica’s Unique Creations, a plant business, owned by Natasha Raffarty, “When I was growing up, I never really had interest in plants, but my mother, she loved plants. Especially the cactus. She was a lover of cactus, so when she passed, I started with that,” she said. Her business is named after her mother. Raffarty said it is very good that women can be a part of an event such as this.

According to the entrepreneur, although many women there do not work in an office setting, they still have talents, and ‘We Lift’ has allowed them to showcase them.

Guyana Chronicle also visited Charmed by Chelseah, a craft business owned by 11-year-old Chelsea Williams. “I do bracelets, jewellery, crafts, and also flowers which I made out of pipe cleaners.” Chelsea started crafting items at the age of five, beginning with ponytail bands.

The creative 11-year-old said persons can follow her on TikTok as well as Instagram: chelseascharm.

Washington looks to Guyana to power regional energy future

- U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright says ‘well-governed’ nation is key to boosting production across the Western Hemisphere

THE United States (U.S.) is looking to deepen its energy partnership with Guyana, as U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright identified the rapidly growing oil producer as a critical partner in the broader strategy for energy production across the Western Hemisphere.

In a video posted on the Guyanese Head of State Dr Irfaan Ali’s Facebook page, Wright signalled the U.S’ strong interest in expanding energy production.

This video was posted following a Friday evening meeting between Wright and President Ali in Miami.

“The Trump administration’s goal is to grow the production of energy and other natural resources right here in the Western Hemisphere. This is our backyard. We want strong partners, strong nations and strong energy production. Guyana is a huge part of this strategy, a very well-governed country with great energy resources that's starting to produce them…That's a win for Guyana. That's a win for the United States. It's a win for the Western Hemisphere,” he said.

Additionally, President Ali emphasised that regional energy security is important for Guyana, noting that part of his government’s objective is to expand the country’s energy footprint and build sustainability in the energy portfolio, not only petroleum, but also gas.

Speaking on the meeting with Wright, Dr Ali stated that they discussed how Guyana could be positioned to ensure regional energy security

other partners within the region. So, those were some of our discussions. “

He stated that the U.S. has a “strong interest” in building out the relationship and maximising U.S. investments and investors into this ecosystem.

“The Secretary is very keen on the development in Guyana and opportunities there. So, I think it was a great meeting,” he said, noting that they examined the future pillars of co-operation.

The U.S. and Guyana have enjoyed long-standing diplomatic ties, which have been strengthened further in recent years through security co-operation, investment initiatives, and shared interests in regional stability. Guyana gained independence from Britain on May 26, 1966.

including for both countries, and to ensure that within this hemisphere itself, “we can fill out the infrastructure and the system through which we can be energy secure,

and we can build out the opportunities that come with energy.”

President Ali went on to say: “Guyana has tremendous opportunities ahead of us in which

we could utilise energy to add value in our natural resources, whether it's bauxite; building out our capacity for fertiliser to support the rest of the region; data centres

and other investments in manufacturing, industrial development, LNG plan and be that first mover in terms of the infrastructure that will be able to accommodate gas from

The U.S. recognised Guyana’s independence and the American Embassy in Georgetown was subsequently established.

Shield of the Americas

GUYANA’S strong support for the United States at the "Shield of the Americas" summit is a crucial step in our fight against transnational crime.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali fully backs President Donald Trump's initiative to break up drug cartels and narco-terrorist networks. This isn't just about diplomacy; it's essential for Guyana's security and well-being. By joining this coalition of over 17 nations, Guyana shows its commitment to eliminating the problems that have long taken advantage

of our airspace, exclusive economic zones, and borders, harming our region's reputation and hindering development.

President Ali's comments to Fox News cut through years of diplomatic hesitation. They confirm what Guyanese have known for too long: Cartels are not a thing of the past but a continuing threat, causing violence, corruption, and economic harm.

Trump's straightforward approach, which includes military action, modern weaponry, and improved intelligence-sharing, provides

the decisive steps our region urgently needs. "We'll knock the hell out of them," Trump announced, promising U.S. support to allies at risk. Guyana's involvement raises our status from victim to leader, showcasing our proven efforts as noted in the U.S. State Department's 2025 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report.

That report highlights Guyana's strong actions: Over four tonnes of cocaine seized in joint operations near Venezuela, 2.3 tonnes taken from a semi-submersible vessel,

and the launch of the National Defence Institute in 2024 to strengthen cooperation with CARICOM and U.S. partners. Our National Drug Strategy 2022–2026 already provides direction for interdiction, prevention, treatment, and anti-money laundering. This alliance enhances our efforts.

Leaders like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stress the importance of action over words: Sharing intelligence, conducting joint military operations, and promoting "peace

through strength" to protect our Western Christian values.

This partnership offers more than just safety; it opens doors to prosperity. Free from cartel dominance, Guyana can invest oil revenues into sustainable growth, education, and health—a system based on free commerce and the rule of law, as Trump pointed out.

Critics might argue against militarisation, but history shows that half-measures do not work against sophisticated enemies equipped with military-grade

weapons. Guyana's government agencies, from Home Affairs to Human Services, are united, demonstrating our strong commitment.

President Ali's leadership puts Guyana in a powerful position within the hemisphere, turning our vulnerability into strength.

The Shield of the Americas is not optional; it is our defence against lawlessness. With U.S. support and regional determination, we will dismantle these networks once and for all, securing a brighter future for our people.

India’s impressive incredulity in the world of cricket

Dear Editor, INDIA blasted its way with the smashing bats, the scorching balls and their scintillating fielding when they made history in claiming a number of firsts as they celebrated the win as ICC 2026 Men T20 Champion.

Resoundingly beating a flustered but fighting New Zealand team, India pulverised all its ammunition to defend a humongous 255 for 5 from 20 overs. They eventually but evidently dis-

missed not a submissive but a surprised team which caved in at 159 all out from 19 overs.

India continues to storm the international stage as a country not only known for religious beliefs, eco-friendly tourism, wonders of the world, its colourful festivals, foods, peace , truth and non-violence, but a nation progressively challenged to surpass its economic growth (fourth wealthiest nation), its technological advancement in the spectrum of Artificial

Intelligence (AI), computer literacy, improvising social media platforms and its space programmes(first nation to successfully land on the southern part of the moon).

O vernight, India has once again reminded the world that the country earns the right to be regarded as the Mecca of cricket, replacing Lord’s and the land where to become a cricketer is a major past dream for a number of boys’ and girls’ ambition! Not so much for

the lucrative pay, but hugging the camera, being in the limelight, touring the world, and being afforded a chance to be in the eyes of the world, is of paramount importance as it is to be a patriotic citizen to make India proud as a person given an opportunity to play and serve the country.

India became the first nation to win back-to-back championships (2024 and 2026) and the first to do so while playing at home. They have carved a niche

as the first team as a threetime champion in the T20 game. They have smacked the highest team total with 255 runs as the first team to attain this figure. With Jasprit Bumrah’s match- winning bowling figures of 4 for 15 off his allotted 4 overs, India secured another first as the team with a bowler for the highest wicket-taker in a single ICC men’s T20 World Cup final.

Congratulations to India for its perpetual attack and defence, Captain

Suryakumar Yadav’s astuteness, the rest of the players’ perseverance, the resilient support from an entire management team and of course, a roaring and overwhelming, exuberant crowd which loyally continued to fill the pavilions, match after match. India has won the world’s appreciation for making the game of cricket exciting, entertaining and envious.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall.

There will be missing links in Bhagwan’s autobiography

MOSES Bhagwan, a Guyanese overflowing with rich, political experience, will publish his autobiography in May. Moses is someone I had immense respect for. That admiration lasted until April 2020, when, after his correspondence with me (he lives in New York), I parted mental company with him over his refusal to condemn the attempts to derail the results of the 2020 general election.

Moses was the quintessential working-class element in the WPA leadership from 1976, when it was born, until he left Guyana in the early 21st Century. He and Rupert Roopnaraine were the two diametrical opposites in the WPA. One, a simple, modest man without middle class characteristics, as against Roopnaraine, the conspicuous Mulattto/Creole personality that wore his Indo-Saxon saturation on his shirt sleeve.

I was closer to Moses than all the leaders of the WPA. He was the person all the second and third-tier young people in the WPA were more comfortable with, even more than Kwayana, who had his peculiar snobbish ways. Moses had none. His memoir has to be exciting and stimulating, because of the 70 years he has had in Guyana’s politics. Sadly, I don’t think the book will be an all-encompassing one; it will not be a holistic work. Remember this column when the book is out, and then judge me as an analyst. I may be wrong, but I am 100 per cent certain Moses will leave out an ocean of episodes, events, incidents, upheavals, esoteric moments and disturbing occurrences from the time the WPA was born until he left the WPA to migrate. Two reasons explain this. First, the book is the work of Alissa Trotz and Nigel

Westmaas. They have compiled it and edited it, and were responsible for Ian Randle publishing it.

These are two of the most unapologetic custodians of the Mulatto/Creole culture, and two of the most dyed-in- the-wool devotees of the WPA; not the WPA in the 20th Century, not the WPA then and now, but simply the WPA, period!

Westmaas **and Trotz will not allow even a paragraph of criticism of Rupert Roopnaraine and the WPA. Trotz and Westmaas are not going to let even a line of criticism of the failure of the WPA in the book to be passed. The second reason why the memoir will be disappointing is because of the eerie, ghoulish, inexplicable mind of Moses that sees the WPA as a faultless organism. Sadly, Bhagwan is a staunch believer in the current politics of the defunct WPA, and a devotee to the politics of Roopnaraine and Kwayana.

I think all of those people who are waiting for the deep thoughts of Moses on a river of things, from the birth of the WPA in 1974 to the 2020 general election will endure painful moments of piercing chagrin. I had been corresponding with Moses since he left Guyana 25 years ago, and in those emails, I saw where his mind went.

The curiosity is whether the book will be as boring as the autobiography of Clement Rohee. When Rohee wrote his own, I don’t believe there was a Guyanese who didn’t want to read it. Rohee was one of the most experienced politicians in the Caribbean when he published his memoir. From an 18-yearold Metropole Cinema limer in 1969, Rohee rose to become the PPP leader.

All the major, sensitive, ethereal and bizarre moments in Guyanese politics for over four decades Ro-

hee had exposure to. But in his autobiography, not even half a page is devoted to the endless things that Rohee was witness to. I would say that as an autobiography, it failed to capture one’s imagination even at 10 per cent. I have a funny feeling that though Moses’ publication will be intriguing, the omissions of the crucial dimensions of Guyana’s political life will not be there.

I am writing this column on the same day (Sunday) that Ravi Dev has published his unflattering column in Guyana Times on Rupert Roopnaraine. Dev, in that article, cited a whole-page advertisement Moses took out in the Stabroek News accusing Dev’s party of being Indian tribalists. Now, if Moses can call Dev an Indian tribalist, one wonders how he feels about Tacuma Ogunseye and David Hinds.

But here is where the degeneration of Moses’ politics occurred. I don’t believe he is critical of the politics of Ogunseye and Hinds, but let us say he pushed in a paragraph; Trotz and Westmaas will take it out. Moses is 91, and I heard my old folks in Wortmanville saying that at such an age, you must make

peace with your Maker. I hope Moses does so by cleansing his soul.

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.

Dear Traffic Chief, CommissionerGeneral and Attorney-General

THE vehicle density in Georgetown and traffic flow on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) is growing faster than our ability to build roads and bridges or provide parking facilities. At any given daylight hour in downtown Georgetown, the

traffic congestion, together with the number of parked vehicles, seems like we have a city with one of the highest density of vehicles in the world. I have not done the studies, but judging merely from my own experience travelling to every continent on the planet, going only by the sheer feel of

it, Georgetown has to be up there with the highest vehicle density.

I recognise the government’s efforts at making acquisition of vehicles for families and small businesses more accessible by changing the tax policies. This is consistent with a growing economy, especially with a

public transportation system that remains at the mercies of the informal economy aided by a lax and poorly regulated system. So, government policy to make small private vehicles more accessible is actually commonsense. The spillover of that is being felt in the streets of Georgetown more than anywhere else in the country.

A small suggestion to aid people with improved access to family transport and assist with the ECD, Georgetown and EBD traffic is to regionalise number plates. For example, you get a certain discount of taxes on importation of vehicles if they are intended to be used outside Region Four. This envisages two types of registration, a national registration where at full taxes and licensed to drive anywhere in Guyana, including the Capital City. Then another category that pays, let’s say, 60 per cent of taxes, but must be confined to places outside a certain boundary in Region Four. Applicable to small family or business vehicles designated for Mahdia, Lethem, Kwakwani, Crabwood Creek or Essequibo Coast, and intended to be kept and used in those locations and not venture past Kuru Kururu from the north, Vreed-en-Hoop from the west, and Victoria from the east. Getting into the city will force people to car-pool or use public transportation, which, under this plan, will be greatly improved.

The city also begs for multi-story car parking solutions. I have two suggestions: Condemn and remove that old building on Camp Street, opposite GRA, that houses the Valuation Division. Build a modern multi-story parking facility. The second can be in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market area, and should take in the old GNCB building, the former Fire Service headquarters, possibly the building that currently houses some offices of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and ‘Donkey City’. That edifice will tie in nicely with the planned redevelopment of the entire Stabroek Market area and

riverfront.

I also recognise that the government is making an effort to move some essential government services outside the centre of the city.

For example, the Ministry of Housing to Houston, a multi-building, high- rise government complex in then Eccles-Haggs Bosch area, along with a number of hospitals with a range of services comparable to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), a number of major international hotels, a children specialty hospital and several other things that are expected to make certain trips to the city unnecessary.

The public transportation system needs urgent fixing; this will require deep forethought and commitment. No half measures can fix our public transportation; any intervention must be comprehensive. I would like to advocate for a dedicated road transport, safety and traffic management agency.

The current system was designed in the 1930s, with minor reforms in the 1970s when there were only three dozen cars in Georgetown. Since then, we’ve only built on the same administrative structure which I believe has outlived its usefulness to be an effective and holistic transportation administration. The system worked well for the simple ancient structure it was intended to serve, and that structure is not simple anymore. Currently, four or five agencies handle vehicle and transportation administration.

Why is the GRA, our premiere revenue collection and tax management agency, still made to be issuing provisional and permanent driver’s licences, managing motor vehicle colour, engine modification, ownership management, road service licence and issuing of number plates.

The Guyana Police Force is responsible for managing driver’s tests, vehicle fitness, enforce traffic laws, implement and monitor a growing number of traffic technologies and more recently tint certification. The Ministry of

Commerce is responsible for authorising public transportation routes and fares. The Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for vehicle security accessories such as special tint and bullet proofing. Then the Ministry of Public Works is responsible for traffic flow studies, designation of public parking areas and curbside management. The City Council also has some responsibilities for vehicle and transportation administration.

Since the 1970s, the Guyana Police Force has only processed application for vehicle fitness from 08:30hrs to 10:00hrs each day. In 1975, a typical certifying officer had to process no more than a peak of about 2 fitness certificates per day. The very arrangement from 1975 is still in operation today in 2026. Can you imagine that you cannot make an application for fitness certificate at 10:30hrs in the morning? In closing, let me take the time to appeal to the Traffic Chief, and by extension, the Commissioner of Police together with the Commissioner-General of theGRA and possibly the Attorney-General to please adjust the requirement for motor vehicles to be adapted for the purpose of carrying goods. On account of safety, the requirement to panel the back glass with metal should be stopped. These small vans are designed to use a cabin rearview mirror, unlike trucks and some of the bigger minibuses with wide side mirrors set in a fashion to triangulate rear traffic and reduce blind spots. The small buses and vans are not so equipped, and depend on the cabin rearview mirror for enhanced safety. By all means, panel the sides, but a panel to the back compromises safety. I entreat those entrusted with the responsibility to end this practice right away.

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.

Stabroek News, Juman-Yassin apologise to Chief Justice Singh

- retracts previously published letter

IN an official statement on Sunday, Stabroek News issued a public retraction and an apology to Chief Justice Mr Justice Navindra Singh for inaccuracies published in its December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, editions.

The statement followed the publication of a letter by Mr K Juman-Yassin S.C. and an article headlined "Juman-Yassin raises spectre that gov’t-orchestrated plot ousted Cummings-Edwards as Chancellor."

“The letter and article gave accounts of the elevation of Justice Singh to the Office of Chief Justice which included elements that Stabroek News has since learned are not true. These include an assertion that according to protocol, the judiciary’s most senior judge should have been appointed, and a claim that another judge with more tenure had therefore been ‘bypassed.’

Stabroek News acknowledges that seniority is not the sole or even the central criterion of selection, abjures any inference that Justice Singh was improperly appointed on these grounds, and apologises for any unfair and undeserving inferences that may have been drawn against the Chief Justice’s reputation,” the newspaper said.

According to the newspaper, the letter and article contained false claims, particularly regarding the protocol and criteria for judicial appointments.

“Having been informed that this characterisation of the facts is not accurate, Stabroek News hereby corrects the record, and any underlying inference that can be drawn from it, that Chief Justice Singh acted discourteously to a judicial colleague,” the statement read, adding:

“Finally, Stabroek News retracts the suggestion that Chief Justice Singh would not have excluded Chancellor George “unless he was instructed to do so.”

As pointed out repeatedly in the original letter, in the absence of a transparent process and clearly established facts in a judicial appointment of this magnitude, any inference of influence by the executive over the actions of the Chief Justice cannot amount to more than speculation. Stabroek News further retracted the suggestion in the letter and the article that Chief Justice Singh was involved in, aware of, or acted pursuant to any “plan” to

remove the former Chancellor Cummings-Edwards, or that any such “decision” was communicated to him.”

The newspaper offered an unqualified and unreserved apology to the Chief Justice, acknowledging the harm caused by the misleading information.

“In view of the above-mentioned inaccuracies, Stabroek News retracts the referenced statements and seeks to dispel any claims arising from them. It offers an unqualified and unreserved apology to Chief Justice Singh.”

Meanwhile, Juman-Yassin also apologised to the Guyanese public and the Chief Justice.

“Upon further reflection and after being made aware of the true facts, I acknowledge that several statements and implications in my publication were false and unjustified, and I deeply regret the distress and reputational harm caused to Justice Singh,” he said.

Specifically, he retracted and apologised for the following:

“The assertion and implication that Justice Singh knowingly participated in, acquiesced in, or acted pursuant to an improper executive “plan” designed to influence the administration of justice or the handling of politically sensitive litigation. I now recognize that there is no factual basis for any such allegation, and I did not intend to suggest that Justice Singh was involved in any improper conduct or scheme.

“The suggestion that Justice Singh’s appointment as Acting Chief Justice was irregular, improper, or contrary to established judicial norms, including any implication that his elevation was motivated by political considerations or that he was selected to serve an improper executive or partisan purpose. I accept that Justice Singh’s appointment was constitutionally valid and consistent with established practice. I did state that he was given an opportunity to serve as Chief Justice and could not fault him for accepting it.

“The allegation that Justice Singh excluded or locked out Justice Roxane George from the Chief Justice’s Chambers,

or acted on instructions to do so. I now understand and accept that Justice George was never locked out of the Chambers by Justice Singh or otherwise, and that Justice Singh acted properly and courteously at all times. In fact, there was a meeting at 8.30 a.m. on the morning and both Justice George and Justice Singh decided that they would await the decision of His Excellency Irfaan Ali as to the continuation or not of their respective acting appointments and as a result Justice George did not seek to occupy her former chambers.

“Any imputation that Justice Singh subordinated his judicial independence or integrity, behaved discourteously or improperly toward a Judicial colleague, or placed personal advancement above constitutional duty and the rule of law. I recognise that these insinuations were wholly unfounded. I sincerely apologise to Justice Singh for the distress, embarrassment, and reputational injury that may have been caused by my statements. I further apologise to the Judiciary and the public for any undermining of confidence in the administration of justice that may have resulted from my publication. I undertake to refrain from making any further statements of this nature and to ensure that this retraction and apology is published with the same prominence and frequency as the original publication.”

Faith groups, employers enlisted in push for nationwide health screening

FAITH-BASED

organisations and major employers are being enlisted to help expand Guyana’s national health voucher programme, as the Ministry of Health moves to bring screening services directly into communities and workplaces.

This was according to Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, who said that the initiative forms part of a broader effort to increase participation in preventive healthcare and reach citizens who may not routinely visit clinics or laboratories for testing.

of Health Dr. Frank Anthony

Dr. Anthony explained that the ministry has begun engaging religious organisations, and plans to formalise partnerships to facilitate community-based health screenings.

“We have started a new thing,” the minister said. “I met with a lot of faithbased organisations, and we are going to work with them and sign MoUs so that we can go to their institutions and screen the people there.”

Under the proposed arrangement, churches, temples and mosques will host screening exercises for members of their congregations, allowing health teams to reach large groups of people in familiar settings.

“So, maybe you go there on a Sunday after the service and organise screening so that everybody can get tested,” Dr. Anthony said, adding that

- Minister Anthony says community partnerships key to expanding voucher programme

similar initiatives could be organised at mosques and temples across the country.

Added to this, he said, the ministry is also seeking to partner with public and private sector employers to host workplace screening days, bringing medical teams directly to offices and industrial sites.

“We are also going to be working with workplaces… Let’s take ministries for example. They can organise a day and we come in and screen the persons working in that ministry. The same can be done with big private sector entities,” he said.

According to the minister, the strategy is intended

to make screening more convenient and accessible, particularly for individuals who may face time constraints or other barriers to visiting health facilities.

This outreach model, he noted, could also help address gaps in participation identified through the voucher programme, including lower screening rates among certain groups.

“There are different ways that we can reach people and get them on board,” he said, adding, “Ultimately, what we want is for people to be screened, and if we find something that is wrong, we bring them into care and treat them.”

GRA’s first CommissionerGeneral passes away

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) said its management and staff are deeply saddened by the passing of the authority’s first Commissioner-General Mr Edgar E Heyligar, CCH, on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Mr Heyligar served the authority as Commissioner-General from 2000 to 2003.

In a press release issued on Sunday, the GRA extended its deepest condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues of the authority during this time of loss.

“Mr Heyligar’s contribution to revenue administration in Guyana began long before the establishment of the Guyana Revenue Authority. After returning to Guyana from the United Kingdom in the early 1970s as a qualified Chartered Accountant, he entered the Public Service and devoted his professional life to strengthening the country’s fiscal institutions.

“In 1978, he was appointed Commissioner of Inland Revenue, where he provided leadership to the Inland Revenue Department during an important period in the development of Guyana’s tax administration. In that role, he helped shape systems, professional standards, and administrative practices that would later inform the creation of the Guyana Revenue Authority,” the release said.

It added that the establishment of the Guyana Revenue Authority marked a

significant milestone in the modernisation of revenue administration in Guyana.

“As the inaugural Commissioner-General, Mr Heyligar played a pivotal role in guiding the early development of the authority, laying the foundation for the systems, policies and institutional culture that continue to support the organisation today.

“Under his leadership, the authority began the important work of strengthening tax and customs administration, enhancing accountability and building a professional institution dedicated to supporting national development through effective revenue collection.

“Mr Heyligar was widely respected for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public service. His

leadership helped shape the early direction of the authority and contributed meaningfully to the advancement of revenue administration in Guyana. Many officers who now serve within the authority benefitted from the standards and institutional framework established during those formative years,” the GRA said as it reflected on his commendable and invaluable contributions during his stint at the organisation.

It added that the authority joins the nation in mourning his passing and honours the legacy of service he leaves behind.

“His role in the early history of the Guyana Revenue Authority will remain an important part of the organisation’s institutional memory,” the release said.

‘Fruitful’ talks pave way for enhanced Guyana-Dominican Republic co-operation

GUYANA and the Dominican Republic have advanced bilaterial talks to strengthen cooperation on the sidelines of the Shield of the Americas Summit being held in Florida in the United States of America.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and President Luis Abinader of the Domini-

creasing cooperation in various sectors.

In 2023, President Ali and President Abinader took significant steps to enhance bilateral relations. During an official State visit to the DR, agreements for the establishment of an oil refinery, a petrochemical plant, and a study for participation in

their plans to support the country’s growing cocoa industry.

The company indicated plans to collaborate with the government and local farmers to develop Guyana into a cocoa-producing nation.

First established in 1905, Rizek Cacao is said to be an expert in process-

can Republic held a productive meeting to discuss enhancing bilateral relations.

In a Facebook post, the Guyanese leader said those discussions focused on mutual efforts to tackle regional challenges, and deepen cooperation.

President Ali described the exchange as "fruitful," emphasising the importance of continued collaboration between the two nations.

The growing partnership between Guyana and the Dominican Republic has been marked by in -

Guyana’s Oil Exploration Block were signed by the countries’ respective representatives.

Agreements were also signed to enhance the two nations’ agriculture, tourism and trade industries.

Just last week, Rizek Cacao, a renowned Dominican Republic (DR) processing and export company of cocoa and its byproducts, expressed interest in expanding its operations to Guyana.

The team, led by the Ambassador of the DR, Ernesto Torres Pereyra, made a presentation on

ing and exporting cocoa and its products, adhering to international norms and standards to satisfy the needs and expectations of consumers.

Guyana and the DR had inked an agreement to establish approximately 200 acres each of coffee and cocoa in Region One (Barima- Waini) as part of the country’s broader efforts to boost economic diversification, enhance rural livelihoods, and expand regional trade.

That agreement underscored the importance of sustainable ag-

riculture and technical co-operation, and will support the development, cultivation, processing and marketing of both crops. It will also pave the way for joint research and development programmes, as well as value-added production and trade facilitation in the cocoa and coffee sectors.

Back in 2023, the two leaders signed several agreements to strengthen co-operation

HerVenture Summit 2026 celebrates power of women entrepreneurs

THE Her Venture Summit and Expo2, held on Sunday at the National Cultural Centre, celebrated innovation, resilience, leadership, and the extraordinary power of women entrepreneurs.

The Summit was inspired by the remarkable success of the Heritage Venture mobile learning app, which continues to transform how women access entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.

More than this, it represents a movement that empowers women to not merely participate in the economy, but to shape it, lead it,

and transform it.

Chairman of Action Invest Caribbean, Dr. Vishnu Doerga said that March 8 is more than a date on a calendar. It is a global reminder that when women move, economies move, and when women lead, communities rise, he said.

As a training institution, Dr. Doerga said Action Invest knows that when women are equipped, entire nations expand their possibilities.

Reflecting on the launch of the Heritage Venture App in 2021, he said that the idea was simple, yet very powerful.

“It's a practical,

world-class business learning app in the palm of a woman's hand, whether she's in Georgetown, Linden, Lethem, or any of our many communities,”

Dr. Doerga said. Meanwhile, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud, in her feature address told attendees that the

achievements and successes of Her Venture required changing the mindsets of women to a more digitally inclined one, where they were able to self-learn, and to learn at a pace that worked for them.

She noted that women who would have been trained through Her Venture, would have been able to use that learning to change their circumstance and to move from one state to another- from micro and small enterprises to medium enterprises.

Minister Persaud said that over 100 years ago, International Women's Day was declared as a day to celebrate women and

commemorate women’s progress. She emphasised that the work is not yet done. She said that in 2026, we are having a slightly different conversation; one that surrounds the whole phenomenon of women entering unconventional domains and women taking the challenge, leading industries, enterprises, and sectors, and women creating a world that will be one where girls no longer have to fight to break any ceiling. She said it will be a world where girls will reimagine and redefine the spaces that they are assigned to hold.

Tuschen CDC dedicated to improving the community, lives of residents

CHAIRMAN of the Tuschen Community Development Council (CDC), Arvindo Krishnalall has been doing a lot behind the scenes to improve the lives of residents in the community over time.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that every four months they would host a hamper distribution exercise for elders, shut-ins, single parents and differently abled persons living in Tuschen.

Krishnalall added that he has been the Tuschen CDC Chairman for the past four years, and he along with the 15 members, who are very active, host fund-raising events and other activities to garner funds for community-based projects and to improving lives of its people.

He reported that their focus includes clean-up campaigns in Tuschen, which stretches from north to south from the main road deep into the backlands area. It is a large village that is home to about 5,000 persons.

targets vulnerable residents

The community representative added that based on their interactions with villagers, they have made an informed decision to select the most vulnerable folks for the grocery hampers to assist them in their daily lives.

Krishnalall explained that about 100 persons in Tuschen depend heavily on the hampers, especially since they find it difficult to offset personal expenses or gain employment.

He disclosed that most of them are elderly, sick, bedridden, or in wheelchair and there are a lot of single mothers. These are the groups of persons who benefit from the hamper

drive, thanks to donations from businessman Sattaur Gafoor.

Krishnalall told the Guyana Chronicle that apart from the hamper drive, they have also repainted the pedestrian crossings in all school zones in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo.

He related that six pedestrian crossings were painted by the Tuschen CDC within recent times, based on request from the schools.

The CDC Chair said they have also had successful partnership with locals to have the parapets cleaned.

He pointed out that another project to be rolled out within the next six weeks is the installation of 60 solar-powered streetlights.

Additionally, grocery hampers valued at $40,000 each will be distributed to 20 residents.

GEMS Theatre Productions to stage ‘FROM WHENCE WE CAME - The Indian Experience’

IN celebrating our various ethnicities, GEMS Theatre Productions in collaboration with NRITYAGEET Dance Theatre will be staging the production, ‘FROM WHENCE WE CAMEThe Indian Experience,’ on March 14 at the National Cultural Centre starting at 20:00hrs and March 15 at 16:00hrs.

According to a press release, the production is based on the play, ‘Kisna-From whence we came British India to British Guiana,’ and is written by Dr Seeta Shah Roath and directed by Sonia Yarde.

Tickets are $3,000 & $2000 and are available at the Box Office at the National Cultural Centre.

There will be five school shows from 09:00hrs on March 16 to 20. All schools attending will be coordinated through the Ministry of Education.

Further, the release said that this play represents the second in the series of such a production. The first being held from January 11-13, depicting the Chinese Experience.

Roath did the historical research for the play.

It was explained that the stage play is based on the book written by Dr Seeta Shah Roath titled, “Kisna: From Whence We Came

SYNOPSIS

LOGLINE

Kidnapped, lured by high-paying jobs, and seeking refuge from prosecutors, young Indian men and women were brought into the Demerara Depot in Garden Reach, Calcutta of 1856, from whence they shared the arduous journey across two oceans to reach a strange land, strange people, and challenges never envisaged.

A historical drama, this full-length stage play captures the historical, geographical, and human elements of the Indian Indentured System from British India to British Guiana. Set in the 1800s, events, places, people’s attitudes, and behaviours are as described by governors’ reports, newspapers, court records, other archival records, oral history, and transcripts of interviews with survivors and

descendants of the system. Accounts of circumstances surrounding deaths, beatings, conflicts, uprisings, and cultural retentions are real and not imagined. These accounts are woven within the story and become a part of the characters’ lives, challenges met, sorrows, and joys experienced.

The protagonists are recruited in multiple ways and experience the long, agonising wait at the depot in Calcutta. This is the place where the long arm of the law sometimes reaches, where marriages of convenience are common, medical examinations are not always as thorough as regulations require, and an attempt is made to acclimatise recruits to the kinds of food most often used on sailing ships carrying Indian labourers. The protagonists' lives show the composite experiences of the Indian indentured labourers.

Antagonists are the officers and agents of the East India Company; the exploitative planter class in British Guiana; the Creole police who were once slaves, and Indian drivers or field supervisors who, over years of acculturation, carried out the wishes of the planters and estate managers. Often, these drivers gave way to greed and opportunistic endeavours that were not always

in the best interest of their fellow Indians. Bullying and intimidation were not uncommon.

The release said that this play paints a vivid tapestry of the challenges met, sorrows endured, and fleeting joys through cultural and religious retentions, bringing to life the indomitable spirit of those who lived through this chapter of history. It’s a story of survival, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit, it said, adding that at the same time, it provides an educational journey through the whys, where, when, and how of the Indian Indentured System from British India to British Guiana and highlights

important cultural-retention patterns that led to becoming Indo-Guyanese and making important strides in building a strong multicultural Guyana.

The play culminates with the storyteller recounting to students’ prominent figures in Business – Banking, Manufacturing, Agriculture; Politics; Education, Public and Civic, and other areas.

The grand finale includes Nadira Shah, M.S. of Nrityageet fame and popular international Guyanese chutney singer with the song – ‘Desi from Guyana,’ backed by Berbice Delight chutney dancers, the release added.

Chris Elliman embraces volunteerism in Paruima Village

By Michel Outridge

WITHOUT hesitation or thinking about himself, Chris Elliman, 37, a native of Paruima Village in Region Seven, has decided to dedicate his life to full-time volunteer initiatives.

Elliman, a gifted individual who possesses communications, videography and photography talents, has in the past been exposed to

Elliman stated that from 2023 - 2025 he had the opportunity to participate in the photography competition that was held under the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, in which he placed in the top 25, top 15 and top 10 respectively.

“As human beings, we tend to experience good life as well as bad life and no one can be bold enough to say that they have never

training to enhance his skills which he is now using to teach voluntary afternoon classes to youths and fellow residents.

Elliman disclosed that he had the opportunity to travel to countries such as Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia and Venezuela, experience their beauty, different cultures and way of life.

“I have seen the beauty of the countries, and I felt the passion to use my phone to see how I can capture and promote the interesting sites within my village,” he said.

experienced such lifestyle. One thing that I’m always grateful for is the fact that we have a creator who loves and forgives each one of us.

Now this takes me to have the opportunity to continue to showcase the livelihood within my community through photography and videography, which I have been doing for several years,” he said.

He pointed out that that platform gives him the courage and confidence to also travel locally within his district to capture the beautiful

landscapes via the camera.

“As a volunteer within my community, I also conduct basic Community Information and Communication Technology Training with a few community service officers every Friday, so that they can become knowledgeable in the field of communication through photography and videography,” Elliman said.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that he would like to encourage young people, even adults too, who are passionate about telling stories about their communities to capture as much as they can even with a cheap camera or with their smartphones.

“When you develop a beautiful story, people will always be interested in view-

stumbles, but then you learn from those errors and move on positively,” he said.

Elliman is of Arekuna and Akawaio descent and lived in Paruima Village, which is the only Arekuna-speaking

ing and even asking you to use your stories to educate others. Do not bow down to the negative comments that people will always throw at you. Just tell yourself that you are one of a kind who

ing and the history behind his village’s name, he said it derives from the word plantains which in the Arekuna language is ‘paruru’ and ‘Imo (eemo)’ which is pronounced ‘parurumo’ and means farm

on as residents are primarily farmers and hunters and they are industrious people who find ways to make an honest living through selfstyled efforts within the village.

THE VILLAGE

Paruima Village is a small indigenous settlement located along the right bank of the Kamarang River in Region Seven.

The village is home to the Arekuna (Pemon) Nation of Indigenous peoples.

Paruima Village was founded about 100 years ago as a mission of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. It is the only Pemon-speaking community in Guyana, Paruima Village has a primary school, a nursery

community in Guyana.

During the interview, he stated that the origin of Paruima Village was derived from the fertile area that produces plantains bountifully.

In explaining the mean-

in English. Because coastlanders had a difficulty with the pronunciation, the village was called Paruima.

Paruima Village is a scenic hotspot, and is home to about 960 Indigenous people, who earn their livelihoods from farming, fishing, handicraft and other skills.

Elliman disclosed that to get to Paruima Village from the capital city, you must take a direct flight from the Eugene Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara, which takes approximately one hour and 25 minutes, or a indirect flight from Ogle to Kamarang and then travel up the Kamarang River by boat.

He described living in Paruima Village as a blessing, but like any remote community, there are some advantages and disadvantages in terms of high cost of living and very little employment opportunities. However, life still goes

school, and a secondary school. The village also hosts the Paruima Mission Academy, a college for missionaries.

The main economic activities include farming, especially cassava farming, and the production of cassava-based products such as cassava bread, farine, and cassareep.

The village is accessible by air via the Paruima Airport. The nearest village is Waramadong, which is accessible only by boat. It is surrounded by pristine rainforests and mountains such as Marpak Tepu (Bat Mountain), Konok Tepu (Rain Mountain), and Warima Tepu (Eyebrow Mountain).

Nearby attractions include the Uchi Falls, a stunning waterfall that drops from a height of about 240 metres.

Paruima Village is a hidden gem with rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty.

India crush New Zealand for third T20 World Cup title

(ESPNCRICINFO) - It was a sea of blue at the Narendra Modi Stadium, and a blackand-blue beating for the luckless nearly-men of world cricket, as India - the hosts and pre-tournament favourites - delivered their third T20 World Cup title, and second in a row, with a ruthless 96-run victory over New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

Just as had been the case in their epic semi-final over England, India were asked to bat first but responded to the challenge with a fast-forwarded display of power-hitting. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan both topped 200 strike rates in a brace of otherwise contrasting fifties, but it was Sanju Samson who again seized the plaudits. He capped an epic late run of form with his second score of 89 in consecutive innings, to take his tally to 275 in 138 balls since finding his range in India's pivotal win over West Indies.

By the time they had piled on a massive total of 255 for 5 - two better than they had managed in the more cramped environs of the WankhedeNew Zealand were in need of a display even more eye-popping than they had produced in their own semi-final against South Africa, where Finn Allen had belted a tournament-record 33-ball hundred.

Instead, they ran into that man Jasprit Bumrah, who served up the unanswerable figures of 4 for 15 in four overs - each of those wickets delivered with that delectable dipping offcutter that every player in the sport knows is coming, but none has yet

The India team celebrates with the World Cup trophy (Mar 08, 2026 ICC/Getty Images)

found a means to combat.

It was left to Tilak Varma to seal victory with another well-judged take at long-on off the lesser-spotted spin of Abhishek, as India became the first team to retain their title in T20 World Cup history, and give Ahmedabad the home coronation that had eluded them against their previous Antipodean opponents, Australia, at the 50-over World Cup in 2023.

For New Zealand, alas, it was a familiar tale of last-hurdle woe. This was their fifth final across ICC events since they first broke their semi-final hoodoo in 2015, but this was the most emphatic beating of the lot.

ABHISHEK

BATTERS THE BEST-LAID PLANS

New Zealand's battleplan was to be elusive, to burgle cheap overs through a churn of rotating options and hope that India's batters would fail to line each new man up before it was time to assess another one. For precisely two overs, the ploy worked a treat. Matt Henry trusted himself to aim full for four consecutive dot balls to Sanju Samson, who then pumped a shorter ball over long-on, as if to prove the point. And in the absence of Cole McConchie, whose solitary over had wrecked South Africa in the semi-final, Glenn

Phillips' offspin filled the void instead, with three singles and a two in the first powerplay over of his T20I career.

But then, as quickly as the plan had taken shape, it unravelled. Jacob Duffy bowled the third over, but lost his radar after being called for a marginal wide, and Abhishek pounced with two fours in as many balls. Lockie Ferguson bowled the fourth, but was launched for 24, with Abhishek slicing him over the covers for six, before Samson launched a leading edge over deep third. Neither stroke was remotely timed, but both carried the ropes comfortably to confirm the true nature of this mixedsoil surface.

Henry returned for the fifth change in as many overs, but by now India's horse was bolting. A diet of slower balls and wides - four in six balls, out of a total of eight in the powerplay, the most they've ever conceded in a T20I - confirmed that New Zealand were already trying to hide their deliveries outside of the hitting arc. But after the tournament he has endured, Abhishek wasn't in the mood to play cat and mouse.

By the end of Duffy's second over, Abhishek had hacked his way to an 18-ball 50, the fastest ever in a T20 World Cup knockout game. True to his tournament

form, Abhishek still hadn't truly found the middle of his bat despite smacking 20 runs in five balls, including a top-edged swing that just eluded Mark Chapman before rolling away for four.

But the "how many" mattered significantly more than the "how." On his watch, India had racked up 92 for 0 in the powerplay, 80 of which had come from its last four overs.

Russell wins season opener in Australia

GEORGE Russell claimed victory in the 2026 season-opening Australian Grand Prix, the Briton leading team mate Kimi Antonelli to secure a Mercedes 1-2 ahead of the Ferrari duo in an action-packed event that saw the Silver Arrows make a one-stop strategy work in their favour.

A thrilling start to the race saw Charles Leclerc surge forward from P4 on the grid, seizing the lead from Russell before the two continued to swap positions over the next few laps. Both Mercedes cars subsequently pitted when a Virtual Safety Car was deployed due to Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar pulling off the track – while the Ferraris opted to stay out.

Another VSC phase followed, owing to the retirement of Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas, during which Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton again remained out on track. When the Scuderia’s drivers later made their stops, Russell and Antonelli returned to the front, leading to questions over how each team’s strategy calls would unfold, given that Ferrari looked likely to run until the end of the race while Mercedes may potentially have to stop again.

Despite their ageing tyres, the Silver Arrows appeared to be staying out until the chequered flag, with the Scuderia pair having not closed in enough to pressure the leading duo into making another stop – and the plan worked, with Russell cross-

ing the line 2.9s ahead of Antonelli to secure a sixth career victory.

Leclerc and Hamilton were forced to settle for third and fourth, with reigning World Champion Lando Norris following in fifth for

McLaren – the Briton acting as the squad’s sole runner after Oscar Piastri spun off track en route to the grid before the race had started, meaning that the local favourite could not participate in his home event.

Max Verstappen – also the only car in his team to take the chequered flag following Hadjar’s retirement – climbed up to sixth, marking an impressive recovery for the Red Bull driver from 20th place, while Haas’ Ollie Bearman took seventh and rookie Arvid Lindblad secured points on his debut, the Racing Bulls driver claiming eighth place.

Gabriel Bortoleto was ninth in Audi’s first race as a works outfit, with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly claiming the final point on offer in 10th. The Frenchman’s countryman Esteban Ocon just missed out in 11th for Haas, ahead of Williams’ Alex Albon and the Racing Bulls of Liam Lawson.

Franco Colapinto placed in P14 for Alpine, with

Carlos Sainz in the Williams and the Cadillac of Sergio Perez rounding out the classification, the latter marking a milestone moment by completing the American outfit’s maiden Formula 1 race.

Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso both retired for Aston Martin before each rejoining the race at different stages, while Bottas and Hadjar each failed to make the finish after their aforementioned retirements.

There were also two drivers who did not participate at all, with Piastri’s incident prior to the start putting him out of the event, while Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg was wheeled off the grid before the race owing to a technical issue.

Police spring surprise arrest to capture inaugural Elite League Cup title

THE Guyana Police Force FC became inaugural champions of the Guyana Football Federation Elite League Cup after a surprise win over front runners Slingerz FC on Saturday evening at the National Training Centre at Providence.

The men in blue beat strong favourites and previously unbeaten Slingerz FC 2-1 in a climatic encounter in front of hundreds of supporters who braved adverse weather to see the final minutes.

Despite showing aggressiveness and mental fortitude even with the underdog tag, it was not until the second half that the men in blue’s hard work was rewarded.

Beveney McGarrel capitalised on a touch pass in the 30-yard box in the 63rd minute to hit the back of the net before a calamitous Slingerz own goal off the boot of Romaine Brackenridge made their work all the harder, gifting the Police a 2-nil lead.

In the dying minutes of the contest with Slingerz hopes quickly fading with each passing minute, skipper Quincy Adams converted a goal-mouth scramble as they scored to make it 2-1 in the 90th minute.

The league champions, who had also choked in the GFF Super 16 year-end competition final against Western Tigers after a flawless run, could not mount a full comeback as the five minutes of added time expired, leaving

GCA’s U-17 Eline Security Logistics 50-over competition…

the triumphant Police FC to celebrate a crucial win against the top side on the grandest stage.

Earlier, Police FC showed greater intent after the opening whistle with several shots on goal, but Elite League Champion Slingerz settled down to put Police on the back foot as the clash went into the half nil-all.

Police Head Coach Wayne Dover who came up against his mentor Jamaal Shabazz, says they set a plan

Malteenoes and GCC play to thrilling tie at Eve Leary

By Sean Devers

OVERNIGHT and early-morning rain at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, resulted in the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA) U-17 Eline Security Logistics 50-over game between Malteenoes and GCC being reduced to 30 overs last Saturday.

When the dust had settled in brilliant sunshine, both teams had notched up 150 to end the pulsating contest in a thrilling tie.

Malteenoes were bowled out for 150 in 28 overs despite a fighting 31 with four boundaries from Nathaniel Ramkallawan.

Joshua Budram hit three fours in 21 before Julian Craig made an unbeaten 20, but no batter pushed on to a substantial score as they were dismissed before their 30 overs expired.

Revaldo Perriera had 3-14, Trilok Nanan took 2-19, and Ethan Roopnarine also 2-19.

The Bourda Boys then

enjoyed a promising start as Nanan reached the boundary five times in a responsible 46. He shared in a 48-run partnership with Neerav Persaud (7).

Persaud’s demise triggered a mini collapse by GCC as they slipped to 53-3 before Perriera (26) and Nanan took the score 87-4, when Budram trapped Perriera LBW.

Budram dismissed Nanan when four short of his 50 to leave GCC on 104-5

When Shane Kissoondeo bowled Jair Cossiah (3), GCC were 137-8, and Malteenoes were scenting victory.

However, a useful ninth-wicket partnership between Balashankar Narine, who struck three fours in his undefeated 25, and Jayden Ramraj (5), helped GCC level the scores when their allotted 30 overs ended.

The burly Ramkallawan returned with the ball to take 3-37 while off-spinner Budram had 2-14.

in motion coming into the game and executed to grab the first title in years.

“We had a structure and we saw the players came in and maintain it and executed what we practised in our preparation, which help us to cross the line tonight [Saturday]. We spent the entire preparation dealing with out of possession, to get behind the ball, pressure the first touch, to come across, we were planning all the principles of defending, which came

out in the game, hence, why we were victorious.”

Meanwhile, the thirdplace contest saw Western Tigers taking a 2-1 victory over the Guyana Defence Force.

The league featured nine elite league sides competing in the round robin/ knock-out competition.

Police will walk away with a million dollars first prize with $700,000 for Slingerz and half a million for Western Tigers.

Apple, Latif siblings shine in draw as TSC make final

By Sean Devers

ON a sunny day at the Transport Sports Club (TSC), West Indies U-19 World Cup batter Shamar Apple and the Latif siblings were in a destructive mood against Police in the semi-final of the GCA and Friends second-division two-day cricket match, which ended in a draw.

Police were bowled out on Saturday for a paltry 120 in 26 overs, with only Pernell London (27) and Hanzel Williams (24) offering token resistance to Emmanuel Lewis (3-19), Jeremiah Hohenkirk (3-10), Riaz Latif (2-38), and John

an even 100

help TSC to the final

Persaud (2-18).

The home side responded with 353 as Riyad Latif reached the boundary six times and cleared it on nine occasions in a carefully constructed 117, while Apple scored his second consecutive century.

The left-handed Apple hit 10 fours and sixes in an even, shot-filled 100 from 106 balls.

Mickel Johnson (36), Lewis (35), and Persaud (29) helped the Thomas Road team pass the 300 mark as Ameer Mohamed had 3-116.

After Euan Blair trapped Hohenkirk for a duck, Latif and Johnson added 104 for the second wicket with John-

son before he was run out.

Lewis and Latif put together 129 before David Ikel removed Latif. Apple joined Lewis and together they took the score to 309 before Ikel got rid of Lewis at 309-4

Blair bowled Apple at 316-5 before TSC lost their last five wickets for 35 runs.

Mohamed had 3-16 while Blair took 3-29 for Police, who reached 184-8 when bails were lifted as the game ended in a draw.

Chemroy Kendall (44) and London (35) added 50 for the first wicket.

Michael (25) and Mohamed, unbeaten on 43, teamed up to ensure that Police batted out the day.

Mahaicony Technical Institute crowned MODEC Tertiary League Champions

WINSTON Hartman scored a double to guide the Mahaicony Technical Institute to an impressive 6-3 victory on Sunday over the Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre.

Hartman’s brace came in the 71st and 82nd minutes to cap off the win after a heated clash.

Yohance Farrid scored the opener for Mahaicony in the 17th minute to get things going before Omar Williams in the 43rd and Tyrel Delph in the 45th extended the advantage.

Niron Thom made it

4-nil.

Upper Corentyne got back into the contest after strikes from Johann Marshall, Reavon Lebron and Mark Jacobs, but Hartman’s pair of goals settled the contest to give Mahaciony the comfortable victory 6-3.

Meanwhile, in the thirdplace contest, Essequibo Technical Institute thrashed New Amsterdam 6-2.

Essequibo had five different goal scorers with Jim Carter scoring a brace and the other goals coming from Deangelo Davidson, Jamaal smith, Austin Hernandes and

Morris Henry.

New Amsterdam had a double from Amare Ceasar.

The matches were hosted in the different regions where the tertiary schools are located, with teams playing on a home-and-away, round-robin basis.

The top seven and the next-best team made up the quarter final.

The winning side collected 300,000, with 200,000 for second place and 100,000 for third, with all the proceeds going to a school project of the school’s choice.

Mahaicony Technical Institute crowned MODEC Tertiary League Champions