Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 14-04-2026

‘No need for concern, panic buying, hoarding’

–– adequate fuel supplies entering Guyana as importers, authorities resolve temporary disruption, PM affirms

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, has assured the public that there is no need to worry about fuel availability.

He urged citizens to avoid panic buying or hoarding amidst a short and manageable disruption in fuel supplies.

“I want to stress that there is no need for concern, panic buying, or hoarding,” the Prime Minister said, adding that “sufficient fuel supplies are entering the system, and this temporary disruption is being resolved.”

The government recognised that public anxiety stemmed from reports of a supply delay. They confirmed that one major oil company faced a setback in the arrival of its shipment. However, officials clarified that the situation is already starting to improve after discussions with fuel importers. The delayed shipment has now arrived, and discharge

operations are currently happening.

Importers have assured the government that supply levels will stabilise quickly. Several consignments arrived earlier on Monday, April 13, and more shipments are set to come today and throughout the rest of the week.

Breakdown of fuel arrivals this week: Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil):

9,000 barrels of diesel expected on April 15, offloading Thursday morning 21,000 barrels of gasoline expected on April 15, offloading Thursday morning SOL Guyana Inc.:

3,000 barrels of gasoline — arrived April 13; discharge underway, distribution to begin Monday evening

14,000 barrels of diesel — arrived April 13; discharge underway, distribution to begin Monday

evening

12,000 barrels of gasoline — expected April 14

6,000 barrels of diesel — expected April 14

Rubis Guyana Inc.:

10,000 barrels of gasoline — arrived April 13

6,700 barrels low sulphur diesel — arrived April 13

4,500 barrels ultra-low sulphur diesel — arrived April 13

10,000 barrels of gasoline — expected April 14

18,000 barrels of diesel — expected April 14

3,000 barrels of aviation fuel — expected April 14

Prime Minister Phillips also used this opportunity to remind consumers not to stockpile fuel at home.

He emphasised that petroleum products are very flammable and must be handled and stored carefully.

“Storing gasoline in improper containers poses a serious fire risk and greatly increases the chances of inju-

ry, loss of life, and damage to property,” the Prime Minister warned.

The government has committed to continue monitoring the situation closely and will take all necessary steps to ensure stable and reliable

access to fuel across the country.

Earlier in the day, President Dr Irfaan Ali met with fuel importers to address the current fuel shortages due to shipping and logistics delays.

“I’ve been assured that shipments are expected as early as tonight, with additional supplies already being sourced to meet national demand.

We are closely monitoring the situation to ensure stability and continued supply,” President Ali said in a post on his Facebook page.

Private investor signals interest in building municipal airport in Region Three

A PRIVATE investor has signalled interest in supporting the construction of a municipal airport in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) in a bid to support emerging industrial opportunities.

This was disclosed by President Dr Irfaan Ali, during his address to residents at the opening of the Guyana–China Friendship Park at Schoonord, on the West Bank of Demerara, Region Three, on Sunday.

There, he spoke at length about ongoing and planned projects in the area. He listed the Del Conte Road, already under construction, and the four-lane road from Crane to Parika, alongside the design work for a four-lane road back to Wales.

He referenced progress on the Sand Hills Road and pointed to new ports and marine facilities expected

to bring substantial private investment to the West Demerara corridor.

“We have received a private sector interest in the building out of a municipal airport just like the one in Ogle, right here, in Region Three,” the President disclosed.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation issued a Request for Proposals for the design, construction, and financing of two new municipal airports in Regions Six and Nine.

Back in 2025, President Ali had said that the soonto-be-constructed municipal airports at Rose Hall, Region Six, and Lethem, Region Nine, will serve as regional hubs going beyond the country’s domestic needs.

The government, he said, is investing heavily in upgrading the country’s aviation infrastructure, building an

All Region Three NDCs now better equipped to manage solid waste

–– as gov’t continues to roll out measures to improve living standards at community level

THE handover of garbage trucks to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across Guyana is part of a wider strategy by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to uplift communities, improve living standards, and strengthen grassroots development, President Dr Irfaan Ali has said.

During a handing over ceremony in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Monday, President Ali described the initiative within a wider “care economy” agenda, focused on quality living, quality life and quality communities.

“One of the things that we want to focus on is, how do we build from the communities through quality infrastructure and a sense of awareness that allows each of us to be each other’s keeper in a real sense,” he said.

The President noted that while communities have benefited from improved streets, drainage and recreational facilities, unplanned, ad hoc development is creating new challenges.

“You have better streets than you had before. You have improved drainage, improved recreational facilities. You have also, coming with that, more ad hoc de-

velopment that are not in keeping with what we want to achieve…. We want them in a quality environment,” he said, adding: “We want them to be part of a quality infrastructure that ensures the safety of people, the safety of children, the well-being of families and the promotion of families and communities.”

The President noted that the government is working along with NDC’s to ensure that such spaces are created.

Among the planned investments are centres of care for children and the elderly, to be built in partnership with communities.

“We spoke about a new

initiative to support centres of care for children and the elderly. These centres, we are going to build in partnership with communities so that we can have common spaces through which our children and the elderly can enjoy a quality of life that gives them greater dignity, greater satisfaction and much more joy,” the President said.

He also said traditional markets would be transformed from “places of chaos” into hubs of tourism and entertainment.

“We want the markets not to be a place of chaos, but a place of tourism, a place of entertainment, a place of joy, a place of

family. So, you will see us reorienting even our markets under this umbrella of a care economy, an economy in which quality of life means something,” he said.

The 12 new garbage compactor trucks were delivered to the NDCs in Region Three.

This latest delivery follows the previous donation of two trucks to the NDCs of Wakenaam and Leguan. With this distribution today, every NDC in Region Three will now have its own dedicated garbage truck.

Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, reflected on

the broader transformation taking place across the country.

She pointed to recent developments such as the Guyana-China Friendship Park and the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, as well as improved road networks, which have contributed to better living standards.

The Government of Guyana has already distributed garbage trucks to Regions One, Two, Five, and Six. Combined with today’s handover, this brings the total number of trucks distributed nationwide to 46, as the government continues its nationwide rollout to all 70 NDCs.

President Ali warns of ‘pandemic of misinformation’ eroding understanding, critical thinking

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has warned that genuine understanding in society is being steadily eroded by a “pandemic of misinformation”, digital addiction, and a collapsing capacity for critical thinking.

Addressing the Rotary Club of Georgetown’s Annual World Understanding and Peace Dinner at the weekend, Dr Ali said the world is now grappling with a crisis in how people form judgments and make sense of reality, as distorted information and endless online distractions overwhelm traditional habits of reflection and reason.

“How do we create a true understanding of the world, a true understanding of a problem, a true understanding of our society when we have this real

problem before us? That is why concepts like data sovereignty, information sovereignty, are becoming real,” the President said.

He pointed to the United Nations’ own characterisation of misinformation and disinformation as a “global pandemic”.

Against this backdrop, Dr Ali said concepts such as data sovereignty and information sovereignty are no longer abstract policy phrases but “real” and urgent solutions that must be strengthened.

Using a vivid example, he reasoned how algorithmdriven feeds quickly identify a user’s interests and then bombard them with similar content.

This exposure, he warned, is “critically linked to understanding”, because it fragments attention and

encourages impulsive reactions.

The result, the Head of State argued, is not just lost productivity but a worsening mental health crisis and a population less capable of sustained focus.

“There is no ability to develop critical analysis.

It’s about your attention span to absorb information and in real time, to use your own ability to analyse that information that you receive, because of this pandemic; we are losing that critical analysis ability,” he said.

CHILDREN, DEVICES, AND DISAPPEARING FOCUS

Dr Ali extended his concern to children, noting that youths today are so fully captured by the devices that real-world interaction becomes secondary.

The long-term consequence, he cautioned, is a generation growing up with shortened attention spans, undermining their capacity for critical thinking and

critical analysis.

To illustrate how deeply this shift has penetrated public life, Dr Ali recalled his own experience in the Parliament of Guyana.

As a young politician, he recalled spending hours in the chamber, listening

attentively to “speeches after speeches” and taking detailed notes. That discipline, he suggested, helped to cultivate the kind of patience, concentration and analytical ability that serious debate requires.

Today, by contrast, he observed that attention in such settings often collapses after around ten minutes.

“Today, after ten minutes, [the] attention [is] gone,” he said, warning

that this erosion of focus makes it harder for leaders and citizens alike to grapple with complex issues.

The ability to develop critical analysis, he argued, depends on having the mental stamina to absorb information and, “in real time”, apply one’s own reasoning to it, but the current “pandemic” of digital distraction, he said, is robbing people of that capacity.

More than 11,000 small contractors apply for pre-qualification

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that more than 11,000 small contractors have applied to be pre-qualified across Guyana, with almost 1,500 coming from Region Three alone, as government moves to strengthen longterm maintenance of community infrastructure.

“More than 11,000 contractors applied to be pre-qualified across this country, these are small contractors, and that didn’t happen by accident. That happened because of the openness of the system, and because people know that there’s a chance in this system,” he said during the handing over of several compact garbage trucks to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across Region Three, on Monday.

These contractors will

play a central role in identifying and maintaining critical facilities in every community, forming part of a structured initiative. These contracts would vary from $5 million to $15 million projects.

“They will be identifying critical infrastructure in every single community; your play fields, your drains, the burial ground, the health centres, the health clinics, the schools, the administrative buildings, the public spaces, the recreational parks, so that we will have a long-term maintenance programme through which these places are kept in a good way,” the President said while engaging residents and other stakeholders at the ceremony.

According to President Ali, the move not only supports small contractors but is designed to ensure that

essential public spaces and services across the regions are consistently maintained and improved over time.

Meanwhile, the Head of State noted that the central government will work closely with NDC’s across the country seeking partnerships to clear road reserves and establish structured spaces for small businesses and vendors.

“And not only are we going to create these centres for small businesses, part of what we’re doing on the development bank will be to help you to upgrade facilities and to invest in your small businesses,” he added.

Last month, Dr Ali had announced plans for the development of commercial plazas to accommodate small businesses currently operating along public roadways, as part of a broader push to create a more structured and

sustainable environment for commerce.

These plazas are intended to provide a safer, cleaner and more organised setting for both business owners and customers, while enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of key economic zones.

He emphasised that the move is not about displacing small operators, but rather about creating long-term opportunities for growth in a more conducive environment.

The Ministry of Public Works recently announced new protocols for vendors plying their trade on the road shoulders along Sheriff Street.

Efforts are also underway to regulate the use of government reserve and other public spaces for vending.

–– President Ali says gov’t to roll out long-term maintenance of community infrastructure

Work progressing rapidly on new 99-acre Kwakwani housing scheme

WORK is progressing rapidly in Kwakwani, Region 10, as significant infrastructure works continue under a $1.6 billion housing investment, according to Minister of Housing Collin Croal.

According to information from Croal, the new 99-acre housing scheme is taking shape, with contractors actively working on laterite and

crush-and-run roads, as well as installing an essential pipe network.

“With 352 residential plots being developed, this project will offer housing opportunities for over 300 families, directly meeting the growing demand in Region 10, and promoting sustainable community growth across Guyana,” Minister Croal said.

Powering the future

GUYANA is at a turning point in its energy journey.

With oil money changing the economy, and climate commitments becoming more important, the country now has a very important question: How will it power its future in a way that is sustainable, reliable, and fair?

The growing push for hydropower suggests that the answer may be, quite literally, in its rivers. Mahender Sharma, Head of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), has recently revealed plans to build more than 11 small-scale hydropower projects across the country.

These mini-hydro projects, especially in remote areas, are a practical way to diversify energy sources.

They deserve both praise and careful study. As Sharma correctly points out, hydropower is more reliable than solar and wind power.

In communities that are far away, and have limited infrastructure, reliability is not a luxury; it is a need.

The first results are good. In less than two years, the Moco Moco and Kumu hydropower plants in Region Nine have already replaced more than 17,000 drums of diesel.

This has lowered both fuel costs and carbon emissions. This is not a small thing. It shows that small, focused investments can have real benefits for the whole country.

These gains are good, but they also show a bigger truth: Guyana’s energy transformation won’t happen with just a few small projects.

It needs to be big, well-organised, and, most importantly, politically consistent. That leads us to the long-debated Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, which has become a symbol of both political division and the desire to use renewable energy.

Amaila has been stuck in a cycle of proposals, withdrawals, and restarts for more than ten years. Bharrat Jagdeo’s LowCarbon Development Strategy first came up with the idea for the project.

It promised to provide 165 megawatts of clean, stable energy, which would have greatly reduced Guyana’s reliance on fossil fuels.

But just wanting it hasn’t been enough. Political gridlock stopped the project in its early stages, and opposition stopped important laws from being passed.

Later administrations weren’t able to get everyone on the same page to move it forward. Even recent attempts to bring

the project back to life have hit snags, like failed negotiations with developers and the need for multiple rounds of bidding.

This stop-and-go method has cost a lot of time and investor trust, as well as the chance to change the energy system sooner.

The Government’s renewed push to move Amaila forward under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model shows that they understand that large-scale hydropower is still important to Guyana’s long-term energy security.

New technology may even let the project go beyond its original 165-MW capacity, making it an even more interesting idea.

But Guyana needs to deal with the same problems that stopped Amaila from happening in the first place if it wants to finally make it happen.

First, there needs to be real agreement among politicians. This kind of energy infrastructure can’t, and shouldn’t, be affected by the changing tides of partisan politics.

It needs a national approach that puts long-term growth ahead of short-term gain. Second, it is important for people to be able to see what is going on and trust the government.

Big infrastructure projects have effects

on the economy, the environment, and society.

People need to know that decisions are being made in the best interest of the country, and that there are clear protections and ways to hold people accountable.

Third, it’s important to find a balance. Mega-projects like Amaila are game-changers, but they need to be paired with smaller, more decentralised solutions, like the mini-hydro plants that are being worked on now.

They can work together to make a strong, varied energy mix that can power both cities and rural areas.

Guyana’s rivers have a lot of potential. If used wisely, they can power industries, improve the lives of people in the hinterland, and make the country a leader in renewable energy in the Caribbean and beyond.

But just having potential isn’t enough. The real challenge isn’t putting up dams or installing turbines; it’s getting everyone on the same page, keeping discipline, and carrying out the plan with a clear goal in mind.

If Guyana can do that, hydropower won’t just light up homes; it will also show the way to a more sustainable and united future.

Asha Bhosle is gone but not to be forgotten

Dear Editor,

INDIA, the world’s fastest perpetual rising superpower, has lost another of her international artistic voices which represented an iconic era of eight generations of fulfilling nostalgic entertainment.

Despite not coming to Guyana nor the Caribbean, the 92-year-old singing sensation, Asha Bhosle, who departed her earthly abode on April 12, 2026, 11am, at Mumbai Breach Candy Hospital, was a household name well known for her classical to cabaret songs, including club, pop, ghazal, qawwali, sufi and bhajan.

In a country renowned for religions, cricket, songs, dances, foods and films, Bollywood runs parallel to Hollywood. Paying tribute

to Asha ji, international film star, Shah Ruh Khan, described her voice as “one of the pillars to Indian cinema.”

Guyanese would immediately recall one of her best party dancing hits, “Piya Tu Ab Tu Aja” from the movie “Caravan,” performed by the dancing bombshell, Helen. Also, in the loop is “Oh Mere Sona Re” from the movie “Teesri Manzil.”

Rising to overnight fame at the age of 10, the younger sister to Lata Mangeshkar (who also died at the age of 92 in 2022 at the very hospital), Asha Ji recorded her first song as a playback singer, “Chala Chala Nav Bala” for the Marathi film “Majha Bal” in 1943.

Hardly knowing what she was doing or what it meant in front of a microphone, she earned 100 rupees and never looked back,

venturing onto a scintillating musical adventure to become the world’s most recorded artiste, with over 11,000 songs in some 20 languages under her belt (Guinness World Record Book 2011).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to her as “one of the most iconic and versatile voices India has ever known.” He said her “extraordinary musical journey enriched the nation’s cultural heritage and touched countless hearts across the world.”

One of her patriotic songs include “Mere Bharat Ki Beti” with Arjit Singh from the 2020 movie “Gunjan Saxena.”

Singing to divas from Madhubala to Karisma with music directors from O.P. Nayar to Anu Malik, Asha Ji also spotted the talent of Adnan Sami when he was 10 years old. With

Adnan, she later made the romantic, photographic and fantastic video album, “Kabi To Nazar Milao.”

Hitting the hippy hallucination in the 70’s, in the movie “Hare Rama Hare Krishna,” Asha Ji sang “Dum Mara Dum” for the exciting Zeenat Aman, who was the first Indian to win the Miss Asia Pacific International Pageant in 1970 at the age of 19.

Born as Ashalata Dinanath Mangeshkar on September 8th, 1933, Asha ji grew up in the small hamlet of Goar in the princely state of Sangili (now Maharashtra).

Her Marathi and Konkani father was Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, an actor

New Mackenzie/Wismar bridge to be fully operational in June – Min Edghill

RESIDENTS and commuters of Region Ten can soon expect a seamless flow of traffic as the new US$35 million Mackenzie–Wismar Bridge is expected to be fully operational by June.

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill made the announcement during the opening of the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge Office Building on Sunday.

“The Mackenzie/Wismar bridge is going to be ready for June, and that is going to be a big day for Linden,” he said.

The 220-metre-long precast structure being built by China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co Ltd is designed to improve connectivity between the Mackenzie and Wismar communities.

Two access roads and

roundabouts are being installed to complement the bridge, while the connecting roads will be expanded into four lanes.

These will include a geo-carriageway, median, and traffic islands aimed at improving safety and traffic flow.

Roundabouts are being placed on both sides of the bridge, linking it to the Lin-

Asha Bhosle is gone but not to...

and classical singer, and mother, Shevanti from Gujarat. Her siblings included her singing sisters Lata and Usha and music director Meena, and her brother, Hridaynath, was also a musical director.

Asha ji and Udit Narayan sang, “Radha Kaise Na Jale” for the historical cricket movie “Lagaan” which won Best Foreign Language Movie at the 74th Oscar awards.

In 1948, Asha Bhosle got her first break in the Hindi movie “Chunariya” singing in chorus for the song “Saawan Aaya.” Her first solo recording came in 1949 in the movie “Raat Ki Rani” with the song “Hai Mauj Mein Begaane.”

Singing in a number of octaves unchallenged in India, Asha ji sang in countless high-pitched tone renditions. But her lowpitched tone resonated with “In Aakhon Ki Masti” in the 1984 “Umrao Jaan,” certainly demonstrating her deep classical precision for the teasing Rekha to dance.

Asha ji’s life and love affairs were as romantic as her songs.

At the age of sixteen, she eloped with her 31-year-old neighbour, Ganpatrao Bhosle, who was also her personal secretary. She was divorced in 1960 while pregnant with a third child. In 2022, she recorded her final filmy song “Rut Bheege Tan” from the Hindi film, “Life’s Good.”

In 1980, she married RD Burman who was six years her junior. One of her farewell recordings include “Saiyaan Bina” made in 2024 with her granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle, dedicated to her late husband, RDB, the mesmerizing musical director.

Her overwhelming divine, devotional and religious songs and mystic and sacred bhajans have accentuated an ambience of spiritual serenity and has now left a vacuum filled with both happy and sad memories.

Asha ji will be remembered for singing “Tora Man Darpan Kahlaye” from the 1965 “Kaajal.” Another popular soulful bhajan she sang was “Rom Rom Mein Basne Wale Ram” from the 1968 thriller “Neel Kamal”.

It is said of Asha Bhosle that she broke stereotypes with reinvention, resilience and relentless passion. Her uniqueness won her

many awards too many to mention.

Strangely, she won the 1974 Filmfare Best Female Playback Singer Award for the song “Chain Se Hum Ko Kabhi Aap Ne Jeene Na Diya” which was not featured in the movie “Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye,” composed by OP Nayar.

Of course, Asha Bhosle worked with many Western artists to record English songs, including Boy George (Bow Down Mister). But Asha Ji brought the curtain down with “The Shadowy Light,” a track from the British group Gorillaz’s India-inspired album “The Mountain” (Parvat). This album also featured sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar and vocalist Asha Puthil.

How appropriately Asha Bhosle concluded that “music is my breath.” She wrote, “On ‘The Shadowy Light’, my crossing this deep river signifies my life’s journey… my birth, my relationships, my dedication to music, my achievements and my duties as a daughter, mother, sister, wife and a Hindu Indian.

The boatman is my music, my guide across this river of life, and when I get to the other side, my journey shall be complete. I shall attain moksha (ultimate freedom), wherein I shall become one of the thousands of sounds floating all around us. If you put some of them together, they form a beautiful tune.

Therefore, I shall become one of those sounds, which shall eventually become a musical note in a beautiful song which shall be heard by several generations for thousands of years. This freedom to become one with nature is what awaits me on the other side of the river.”

Statistics cannot define the shape of a legend who refined the artistry of music with her tantalizing touch, her thrilling taste and yet her thriving talent. The world is thankful for Asha Bhosle’s talismanic gift to man. She is gone but not to be forgotten. The golden age is becoming less gleeful with her departure.

Thank you Asha ji.

Yours respectfully,

Jai Lall

den–Mabura Road and the wider highway network.

The project forms part of broader upgrades aimed at transforming infrastructure in the region, including upgrades along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

When completed, the bridge is expected to deliver long-term economic, social and environmental benefits, easing travel for residents and facilitating more efficient movement in and out of Linden.

The minister also highlighted other major bridge projects, including the proposed Kurupukari Bridge across the Essequibo River, which is set to replace the current pontoon crossing, which does not operate on a 24-hour basis.

Ongoing works on the Wismar-Mackenzie bridge project

He said sections of the old Demerara Harbour Bridge are being repurposed to create additional links, including the Timehri Sandhills to Bartica Road corridor, with geotechnical studies already completed.

Similar works are expected to be executed to support connections between Leguan and Wakenaam.

Minister Edghill added that an active task force is working to finalise designs and advance these projects.

Additionally, he confirmed that plans for a new Berbice River Bridge are progressing, with negotiations

and financing discussions ongoing.

“Once we get closure on the negotiations and financing, we are ready to sign a contract,” he said.

The minister said this level of development signals the government’s commitment to modernise Guyana’s transportation network and improve regional connectivity. (DPI)

Goodbye, Asha: Thanks for the memories and the music

IT has been 54 years since Asha Bhosle and music director, Rahul Dev Burman, gave the world two great songs, one of which would never have been recorded if it wasn’t for the modern mind of Asha Bhosle.

One composition was the featured song from a film about the hippie generation that swept the world in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was produced by a director and star that India will not see in another hundred years - Dev Anand. He made Hare Rama Hare Krishna with the former Miss Asia, Zenat Aman. Asha Bhosle voiced the song for Aman. It is Dum Mara Dum.

It remains one of the most iconic songs in India and one of the iconic Indian songs in Guyana. Asha Bhosle did the voice-over Helen for the song, “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja” from the movie about gypsies titled, Caravan. I will never forget those two songs and those two movies. Dum Mara Dum and Piya

To Ab To Aaja will never die in India and Guyana. The next generation in both countries that will be born will appreciate those two songs.

When I read that Asha Bhosle had died, memories came tumbling down. She reminds me of Guyana Oriental College and the days I spent in Indian culture and Indian music. I only mentioned this once and here I am printing it again. I once lived in an ashram on Craig Street, Campbellville. It was a source for food which was not available at home on D’Urban Street.

I didn’t go to high school. I studied for my GCE at Guyana Oriental College (GOC) which now stands, Eureka Labs. The principal of that school was from India and became a naturalised Guyanese, Shruti Kant.

Shruti is one of my heroes. If ever I have a personal moment of historical reflection with President Ali, I will ask him to rename, the western half of Thomas Street in Cum-

mingsburg as Shruti Kant Street; He was a very fine human.

The afternoon lesson system at GOC started early in the afternoon, so many of the students in lessons came to know the fulltime students at GOC. A group of us became friends, especially two of them from Bar Street, Kitty that became like my brothers to me. We would go every week to Liberty Cinema.

In those days, Liberty would run one movie for two weeks. This was unlike the cinemas that would put on a different movie three times a week. Plaza on Camp Street would run a different movie each afternoon.

It was at Plaza I saw some of the great political movies, two in particular were directed by Costa Gavras, “State of Siege” about the Tupamaros guerrillas in Urguguay.

One of those guerrillas, Jose Mujica, decades later became the President of Uruguay. He remains a hard act to follow from any country.

The other film was “Z” about the military dictatorship in Greece in the 1960s. Because Liberty would show one movie for two weeks, Empire formerly on Middle Street, got our patronage, since it ran an Indian movie once a week.

There are only four Indian movies I saw twice and two of them - Hare Rama, Hare Krishna and Caravan - was party because of those two songs that everyone of us in Guyana that loved Indian movies adored.

The other two were Janbaaz with Feroz Khan and Qurbani with Khan and Zenat

Aman, the lady from Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Strangely, for me, Khan was my favourite actor and director for Indian movies (partly because I think he was avant-garde and a maverick way ahead of his contemporaries). I think he was very much underrated by the Hindi screen.

If anyone Asha Bhosle reminds me is that of my mother. Strangely, Asha was her favourite over Asha’s famous sister, Lata Mangeshgar. The two had different ranges. Lata and Asha excelled in two different formats. Lata was the crooner, the lady that sang love songs that were soothing, maudlin, sentimental and romantically inviting.

Asha on the other hand was the up-tempo performer. I do not think up to this day that Lata could have done Dom Mara Dom and Piya Tu Ab To AaJa, and I believe the film directors knew that.

At the beginning, I mentioned that Dom Mara Dom would never have seen the light of day if it wasn’t for Asha.

There was adverse reaction to the song because since it was about the hippie generation, there was objection because it feared that it encouraged drug smoking. It was Asha that insisted and today the song has become immortal in India and Guyana.

Goodbye Asha! And thank you for the memories and the music.

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.

PAC condemns vandalism at newly commissioned Guyana-China Friendship Park

THE Protected Areas Commission (PAC) on Monday condemned acts of vandalism and misuse of sanitary facilities at the Guyana-China Friendship Park, warning that those responsible will face legal consequences.

In a statement issued, the Commission expressed profound disappointment and concern over the deliberate damage to the newly commissioned facilities, noting that the actions threaten the functionality and sustainability of the park’s amenities.

According to the PAC, recent maintenance inspections uncovered severe clogging of the sewage system caused by large quantities of industri-

Web

al-grade tissue.

In one instance, officials reported the discovery of a fish in a toilet bowl, an act which was described as both alarming and indicative of intentional misuse.

As such, the Commission cautioned that such behaviour could lead to major plumbing failures, and force the temporary closure of facilities, thereby inconveniencing the public.

The PAC also reminded citizens that the park is under 24-hour CCTV surveillance, and footage will be used to identify individuals responsible for acts of vandalism.

“Any individual found engaging in acts of vandalism or the deliberate sabo-

tage of park facilities will be reported to the Guyana Police Force immediately for criminal prosecution,” the statement said.

Beyond enforcement, the Commission issued a call for greater civic responsibility among park users. It emphasised that while it remains committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and functionality, the longterm upkeep of public spaces depends heavily on the cooperation of citizens.

Visitors were urged to dispose of waste in designated bins, use sanitary facilities appropriately, and report any suspicious behaviour or vandalism to on-site security personnel.

developer secures complimentary

registration

for SelectUSA Investment Summit

––– after winning Shark Tank-style pitching competition

THE US Embassy on Wednesday hosted a Shark Tank–style pitching competition, providing a platform for Guyana’s emerging ‘tech’ entrepreneurs to present innovative business concepts with the potential for expansion into the United States.

The SelectUSA Tech Pitching Competition, held at the Embassy, was supported by AmCham Guyana and Brand YOUth Global Inc, the US Embassy said in a post on its Facebook page.

The event highlight -

ed the growing strength and potential of Guyana’s technology sector, and its readiness to engage internationally.

“Congratulations to the winner- Raule Williams, founder of Caribbean Medical Examinations Prep (CMEPrep.me) who presented his pitch virtually,” the US Embassy said.

CMEPrep.me is a subscription-based Online platform (cmeprep.me) designed to help doctors prepare for Caribbean Medical Board exams, complement-

ed by e-books of frequently tested topics developed from firsthand exam preparation experience.

“Raule aims to expand the platform into the US market by offering preparation services for US medical licensing exams,” the US Embassy said.

As part of his win, Raule will receive complimentary registration to attend the SelectUSA Investment Summit, along with a one-year membership with AmCham Guyana.

The surveillance monitoring of the Guyana-China Friendship Park The Commission added that the Guyana-China Friendship Park was designed as a recreational haven for families, fitness enthusiasts and tourists, and plays an important role in promoting community well-being.

The Commission called on all users to treat the park’s facilities with respect and care, ensuring that the space remains accessible and enjoyable for future generations.

‘Safety, discipline of our children will not be compromised’ –– Minister

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security

Dr. Vindhya Persaud has emphasised that the safety and discipline of Guyana’s children will not be compromised.

The minister stressed this point during engagements with stakeholders across Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), according to information from the ministry’s official Facebook page.

While in Region Two, Minister Persaud made it

clear that addressing childcare issues in every village was a top priority, and Lima Sands was no exception.

At a community meeting held at the Lima Sands Play Park on Saturday, serious concerns were raised about children being on the road late at night by the residents.

Minister Persaud, along with Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) Director Levine Gouveia contacted the police and instructed that there must be a stronger,

more consistent presence in the area, with regular patrols throughout the night.

The police have also been directed to report these incidents directly to the Childcare and Protection Agency.

“In addition, the CPA will increase its presence in the village.

Clear measures are being put in place to ensure children are supervised and protected,” the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security said.

Persaud affirms

Williamsburg accident leaves Corentyne motorcyclist dead

By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

AN accident at Williamsburg Village, Region Six, has left a motorcyclist dead and a pillion rider seriously injured.

Dead is Haresh Gopilall, 31, of Lot 25 D Williamsburg Village, Corentyne. PillIon rider, Yedesh Singh, 27, of Fyrish Village, Corentyne, remains hospitalised at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

The accident, which occurred around 21:00hrs, involved motor lorry GVV 5043, owned by an Engineering Company of Timehri, East Bank Demerara, which was being driven by a 27-year-old of Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara, and motorcycle CR 1603, which was being operated by Gopilall, and pillion rider Singh.

According to the police,

initial investigations revealed that the motor lorry was proceeding east along the northern drive lane at a normal rate, while the motorcyclist was proceeding in the opposite direction at a fast rate. However, as the motorcycle was about to pass the lorry, the lorry driver made a sudden right turn (south) into the path of the motorcycle, which caused a collision on the southern drive lane.

As a result of the collision, the rider and the pillion rider were flung into the air and fell on to the road surface, where they received injuries about their bodies.

They were both picked up in a semi-conscious condition by public spirited citizens and were taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital.

Gopilall was pronounced dead on arrival, and his body was taken to the Ramoo

Dead: Haresh Gopilall

Funeral Home, awaiting a postmortem examination.

The pillion rider was treated and has since been transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he has since been admitted. He reportedly sustained a fracture to his left jaw and left clavicle.

Both vehicles were escorted to the Rose Hall Town Police Station and lodged to be examined by a licensing and certifying officer. The driver of the lorry was given two breathalyser tests, and the readings were of 31 and 32 microgrammes.

The police have confirmed that the motor lorry driver is in custody assisting with their investigations.

Body of ASL pilot recovered at crash site –– GDF special forces reach wreckage after days of challenging operation

THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), on Monday, confirmed that members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Special Forces have successfully reached the crash site of the Air Services Limited (ASL) Cessna 208 aircraft that went down near Imbaimadai, bringing a tragic end to days of intense search and rescue efforts.

Authorities, including the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, the GCAA, and the GDF, extended condolences to the family and loved ones of the pilot, Captain Rider Alberto Castillo, a Nicaraguan national with approximately two decades of flying experience.

According to an official update from the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC), the Special Forces team recovered the body of the pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft at the time of the crash. Up to press time, preparations were underway to extract the remains from the remote and treacherous location.

The aircraft, bearing registration number 8R-YAC, had been en route from Mahdia on Friday, April 10, 2026, when it failed to report its arrival, triggering a full-scale search and rescue operation.

The cargo flight departed Mahdia at 08:10h with only Castillo on board and was due to arrive at 08:40h at Imbaimadai. It failed to report arrival, prompting a flight progress check at 08:44h. Weather in the area at the time included heavy rainfall and reduced visibility.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, in a statement posted on Facebook on Monday, said she was deeply saddened by the tragedy.

“My heart bleeds for the family and friends of Captain Ryder Castillo, a Nicaraguan national who gave needed service to us here in Guyana, and whose aircraft went down in the mountains of Region Eight. May his soul rest in peace,” the minister stated.

She also commended the efforts of the GDF’s Special Forces, who navigated the dangerous terrain to reach the crash site.

“I offer my most sincere thanks to every single member of that Special Forces GDF team who dedicated themselves to reach the site of the crash. You are true

ALWAYS DELIVERED WITH EXCELLENCE AND RELIABILITY

ASL further described him as “one of our finest pilots, always delivering with excellence and reliability,” underscoring the significant contribution he made during his years of service.

“He will be profoundly missed by all of us,” the statement added.

The company extended condolences to his family and loved ones, stating, “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family and loved ones,” while affirming that it stands in solidarity

patriots,” she said.

The minister further acknowledged the families of the soldiers, noting that their support played a critical role in enabling the operation.

“I thank your families too, who would have been worried, for allowing us your soldiers’ skill and talent to be able to reach this site. May God bless you all,” she added.

In a statement on Monday, ASL expressed sorrow over the loss of Castillo, describing him as a dedicated pilot and valued member of its team whose death has left a deep void within the company.

The company said, “We mourn the loss of a great employee and friend, Captain Rider Alberto Castillo,” noting that he served ASL for eight years with “unwavering dedication and humility.”

The airline highlighted that Castillo was widely respected among his colleagues for his professionalism and calm demeanour, adding that “his professionalism, strength, and quiet leadership earned him the respect of everyone who worked alongside him.”

landing zones.

These conditions made it extremely difficult for helicopters to safely approach or hover above the wreckage. The veteran aviation professional explained that prevailing east-north-east winds further complicated manoeuvres, often creating strong tailwind conditions that reduce aircraft control during low-speed operations.

Even advanced helicopters, he noted, require stable airflow and adequate clearance to conduct rescue operations such as hovering or winching. In this case, the combination of steep terrain,

thick vegetation, and proximity to rock faces severely limited the margin for error.

Additionally, Gouveia explained that the risk posed by rotor downwash — the powerful downward force generated by helicopter blades — created further hazards.

Given these risks, Gouveia said authorities prioritised ground insertion as the safest and most effective method of reaching the site.

As a result, GDF Special Forces were deployed to navigate the difficult terrain on foot, working through dense vegetation and steep inclines to access the crash area.

Prior to Monday’s breakthrough, teams had struggled for days to reach the location, underscoring the severity of the conditions and the complexity of the operation. Despite the challenges, officials maintained that all decisions were guided by the urgent objective of locating the pilot and preserving life.

Meanwhile, the GCAA confirmed that an investigation into the crash is ongoing. Investigators have been deployed as part of efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

with them during this difficult time.

ASL also reiterated its commitment to employee safety, noting that it “remains committed to ensuring the safety of our employees at all times.”

The rescue mission brought together multiple agencies, including aviation officials and military personnel, with GDF helicopters playing a critical role in attempts to access the crash site.

However, rescue efforts were significantly hampered by what officials described as “very real aviation constraints,” particularly affecting helicopter operations in the mountainous and heavily forested terrain.

National Security Advisor to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Captain Gerald “Gerry” Gouveia, had warned on Sunday that the crash site’s location posed serious challenges for aerial access.

Situated on the eastern face of a steep mountain ridge in the Mazaruni at approximately 4,200 feet above sea level, he said the area is characterised by dense forest and a sharply inclined landscape with little to no safe

CSEC, CAPE May-June 2026 exams commence

–– over 13,000 candidates registered to sit CSEC

THE Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) May/June 2026 sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) officially commenced on Monday, April 13, with thousands of

candidates across Guyana beginning their assessment period.

The examination cycle, according to the official timetable, opened with CSEC students undertaking oral examinations in foreign languages, including Portuguese, French and Spanish.

Also timetabled were practical assessments for Physical Education and Sport, as well as Music.

According to information provided to the Guyana Chronicle by officials from the Ministry of Education through the Chief Education Officer (CEO), a total

of 13,032 candidates were registered for the CSEC May/ June examinations this year.

It was noted that these candidates represent both public and private institutions across the country.

Education officials noted that efforts to strengthen student performance across

subject areas, particularly math, are ongoing, with targeted interventions continuing throughout the examination period.

Specifically, the education ministry’s mathematics camps were introduced as part of a broader strategy to improve outcomes in the subject. Against this backdrop, it was noted that the Math camps will remain active until May 9, 2026.

Just last week, the ministry’s Chief Planning Officer Mischka White-Griffith stated that the Maths camps are structured to address specific topic areas rather than covering the entire syllabus

in a single session. She stated that it allows students to attend only the sessions where they need the most support.

White-Griffith noted that both students and teachers have responded positively to the initiative, particularly the targeted nature of the sessions.

“Because it’s focused, it means that we leave that class… understanding that particular math content, so the focus is what both the teachers as well as the students like,” she added.

The camps, she said, are being offered free of cost, with schedules made available on the ministry’s platforms, allowing parents to identify locations most convenient for their children.

White-Griffith emphasised that while the camps are already showing results, they form part of a wider, long-term strategy to address challenges in mathematics education.

WIIN, NAREI collaborate to launch new climate-smart agriculture course

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) recently launched its new Climate-Smart Agriculture course, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

According to the ministry, this initiative was part of a series of training programmes being rolled out across the regions, that are aimed at empowering women with practical, sustainable farming techniques. Participants will be equipped to plant smarter, contribute to national food security, and leverage skills to start and grow their own agricultural ventures.

They said that as part of the hands-on training, participants are already benefiting from practical exercises such as grafting and budding and are working with a number of fruit plants. They are grafting spice mango onto julie mango and combining grapefruit buds with lemon plants.

The ministry is encouraging persons to stay tuned, as they are planning to expand the initiative to other regions. To register, persons can use the link https :// form jotform com/260415249284054 or visits the ministry’s Facebook page.

The course is one of six being provided through the WIIN programme. The others include culinary arts, City and Guilds for persons with disabilities, paraprofessionals, professional ethics and communication, and leadership.

These and several other courses will be available both in-person and online.

Fyrish mother remanded for murder of daughter

A 26-year-old mother of Fyrish, Region Six, was, on Monday, remanded to prison after being charged with the capital offence of murder in connection with the death of her sevenyear-old daughter.

Sarah Elizabeth Shivpersaud appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was formally read. She was not required to enter a plea.

The court ordered that she be remanded to prison and adjourned the matter to May 12.

Shivpersaud is accused of suffocating her daughter, Isabella Dabadial, at their Fyrish home

two Sundays ago.

Post mortem results showed that the child was manually strangled at her home on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Investigators further reported that the woman also attempted to harm her infant son but was unsuccessful.

According to police, Shivpersaud told investigators that she had been experiencing significant emotional distress after her husband left the home several days earlier and refused to return. She also claimed that she woke up on the morning of the incident to find there was no food in the house.

Investigators said that following the alleged

act, the woman injured herself by slitting veins behind both of her ankles in what is believed to have been a suicide attempt.

She and the two children were taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where Isabella was pronounced dead on arrival. Shivpersaud received medical treatment and, upon discharge, was taken into police custody.

Hours before the incident, the woman reportedly posted a photograph of herself and her two children on Facebook with the caption: “Me and my babies last pic! I’m sorry! May God forgive me!”

T&T Chamber champions stronger business partnership with Guyana

THE Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce hosted its Annual Meeting and Outlook for 2026–2027 at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, on Friday, bringing together business leaders at a critical moment for regional competitiveness, investment and economic expansion.

According to a press release from the chamber, President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali, who delivered the feature address, underscored that the longstanding relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana must now advance into a more structured and results-driven economic partnership, grounded in shared prosperity, competitiveness and strong private-sector

leadership.

President Ali outlined Guyana’s aggressive push to strengthen its investment climate through targeted fiscal incentives, major infrastructure expansion and modernised government systems designed to support business growth.

He pointed to a clear national focus on diversification across energy, agro-processing, logistics and technology, supported by a stable and predictable policy environment.

“Our role as government is to create the conditions for business to succeed,” he stated, adding, “That means a framework that gives investors confidence, infrastructure that supports growth, and systems that allow the private sector to move quick-

ly and compete globally.”

Calling for decisive action, President Ali made it clear that the next phase of collaboration must be driven by execution.

“The partnership between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana is not new, but the opportunity before us is unprecedented,” he said. “If we are serious about advancing this relationship, we must remove the barriers that constrain trade, align our systems, and build a joint economic platform that allows our businesses to compete and grow at scale.”

He further stressed that “government must not hide behind bureaucracy, and the private sector must not hide behind inefficiency,” urging businesses to take the lead in shaping this new economic frontier.

The President encouraged deeper collaboration in key sectors including energy, agro-processing, infrastructure and technology, and called on regional businesses to pursue bold, long-term investments through partnerships and consortiums.

“The future requires scale, integration and vision,” he noted, adding, “By

working together, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana can build a powerful economic partnership that positions our region to compete globally.”

He continued, “Protectionism cannot and will not allow any of us to be successful in the new world.

The only formula is building our competitiveness, integrating our competitive advantage and building a common platform through which our products can first be competitive within the region and then extra-regionally.”

Newly elected President of the Chamber, Karen Yip Chuck, paid tribute to past leaders whose stewardship helped shape policy, guide industry and build confidence in Trinidad and Tobago as a place to do business.

She highlighted the rapidly shifting global landscape, noting that supply chains are being reconfigured, energy markets remain volatile, and the rising cost of trade continues to affect business viability.

Yip Chuck outlined key challenges facing the business community, including foreign exchange constraints, rising operating costs, weak

trade facilitation, skills and productivity gaps, and limited access to growth finance and market intelligence.

“These are real pressures facing our members,” she stated, noting: “I intend to ensure that these issues are actively pursued, addressed and, where possible, alleviated through structured engagement, evidence-based advocacy and practical recommendations that strengthen the business environment.”

The Chamber also introduced its newly elected Board for 2026–2027, led by President Yip Chuck, alongside Senior Vice-President Dr. Christian Stone; Vice-Presidents Bryan Ramsumair and Jean-Paul Dookie; and Directors Kiran Maharaj, David Hadeed, Marc Persaud, Camille Chatoor, Sacha Thompson, Ambikah Mongroo, Garvin Medera, Yogendranath Ramsingh and Dale Lutchman.

The newly elected Board signalled a renewed focus on driving private sector growth, strengthening advocacy and positioning Trinidad and Tobago for greater regional and global competitiveness.

Vet urges dog owners to get their pets vaccinated

–– as highly contagious, deadly ‘Canine Distemper’ cases rise

A LOCAL veterinarian has urged dog owners along Guyana’s coastal communities to vaccinate their animals as soon as possible, following a worrying increase in cases of Canine Distemper, a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease.

Dr. Steve Surujbally, in a letter on Monday, said that based on clinical signs and some diagnostic tests, there has been a significant rise in the disease among dog populations along the country’s coastline; however, cases have also appeared in non-coastal areas.

Canine Distemper is a serious illness. The virus attacks a dog’s respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system all at once, making it one of the most severe diseases a dog can get.

Early symptoms, such as fever, nasal and eye discharge, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhoea, can often be confused with less serious conditions. Hence, Dr. Surujbally highlighted the importance of seeking veterinary care quickly.

In advanced cases, the disease worsens, leading to seizures, paralysis, and a noticeable thickening of the paw pads, which veterinarians recognise as a sign of late-stage infection.

The situation is particularly concerning because the virus spreads easily. Canine Distemper is airborne and

Dr. Steve Surujbally

can also spread through direct contact with an infected dog or through shared food and water bowls. No dog can be considered completely safe if it interacts with infected animals or uses communal feeding equipment, no matter how little time it spends outside.

For dogs that do contract the disease, the prognosis is often uncertain, and recovery can be challenging.

There is currently no cure for Canine Distemper, and treatment mainly focuses on supportive care, including intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections, and anticonvulsants to manage seizures.

Whether a dog survives depends on how soon and consistently treatment is given, the dog’s overall health

before getting sick, and the specific strain of the virus involved. Time, Dr. Surujbally emphasised, is critical.

Regarding prevention, the veterinarian said vaccination is the most effective method for dog owners.

With cases increasing along the coast, Dr. Surujbally has appealed directly to the public to make sure their animals are vaccinated or that their vaccinations are up-todate.

Dog owners with any concerns should contact a licensed veterinarian as soon as possible.

April Criminal Assizes open with 138 cases on docket

THE April 2026 session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes officially commenced on April 7 at the High Court in Georgetown, ushering in a new cycle of criminal trials with 138 cases listed for hearing.

The opening was marked by a traditional ceremonial parade by ranks of the Guy-

ana Police Force, adding formality to the start of proceedings.

Justice Nicola Pierre took the salute and inspected the Guard of Honour. The ceremony was also attended by the Chief Justice, Puisne Judges, the Registrar, and Marshals of the Supreme Court of Judicature.

Four judges have been appointed to preside over matters during the session, each assigned to specific panels. Justice Sandil Kissoon will oversee Panel One, while Justice Nicola Pierre presides over Panel Two.

Panel Three falls under the jurisdiction of Justice Joy Persaud-Singh, and Justice

Justice Nicola Pierre took the salute and inspected the Guard of Honour

Jacqueline Josiah-Graham will handle matters in Panel Four, which is dedicated to the Sexual Offences Court.

The caseload for this session includes a range of serious offences, among them murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, sexual offences, attempts to cause explosions endangering life or property, and trafficking in narcotics.

Despite the substantial number of cases, the judiciary has reported improve-

ments in efficiency. The introduction of additional panels and the assignment of more judges have contributed to reduced waiting times for trials and more timely resolution of matters.

The developments highlight ongoing efforts within the judicial system to strengthen case management and enhance operational coordination, ensuring that serious criminal cases are addressed more effectively.

Friendship Park to enhance quality of life

- says R3PSInc Head

HALIM KHAN, Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), has warmly welcomed the commissioning of the Guyana–China Friendship Park at Schoonord, describing it as a transformative and forward-looking investment in the lives of residents across Region Three.

Khan expressed deep appreciation to President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana, along with the Government and people of China, for delivering what he called a “world-class recreational facility” that will significantly enhance community life on the West Bank of Demerara.

He noted that the park is more than just a physical space; it is a symbol of progress, unity, and opportunity for families, youth, and businesses alike.

According to Khan, the expansive and modern design, which includes sports facilities, cultural spaces, and areas for relaxation, provides a safe and inclusive environment where residents can connect, unwind, and thrive.

Khan further highlighted that such infrastructure plays a critical role in supporting economic and social development. He emphasised that improved recreational amenities not only uplift the quality of life but also make Region Three more attractive for investment, tourism, and residential growth.

The R3PSInc Head also commended the strong partnership between Guyana and China, noting that initiatives like the Friendship Park reflect a shared commitment to sustainable development and people-centred progress.

He praised the high standards of construction and the focus on green, modern design, describing the facility as a “legacy project” that TURN TO PAGE 19

Outgoing UG Vice-Chancellor talks about legacy built, leadership impact

IN 2020, the University of Guyana (UG) appointed Professor Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin as the institution’s eleventh Vice-Chancellor (VC) and the first woman to hold the post in its more than 50-year history.

It was announced in March that she was stepping down from the position at the end of her contractual period in the coming months.

Prior to becoming the VC, Professor Mohamed-Martin had led a critical process as Deputy Vice-Chancellor in 20182019, the university’s Blueprinting Process, which reviewed all studies done on the university for the past 30 years, which was then evaluated against the environmental scans of Guyana and the region, and mapped against the predicted changes in Guyana (like oil and gas) for the coming 20 years.

Asked about the vision she had for the university, and how far that vision has come, the well-respected professor recently told this publication that she was very clear about what needed to be done and put all her efforts into executing the plan.

“Having produced with my colleagues the Blueprint 2040 for the university, I could then immediately spend time once I became VC to implement the first phase from 2020-2025. Which is what we did. We set a north star, we followed it with laser focus, and those milestones have been met and then some,” she related.

In the last six years, she has been instrumental in several changes and developments at UG such as the addition of 30 new programmes, the implementation of 70 new policies, regional expansion, strengthening research, the addition of zoom rooms, new buildings, better sports facilities, among many other advancements.

She emphasised that the legacy of her work over this period might be those things that cannot be seen easily but felt.

A legacy of systems, integrity, fiscal discipline, technological agility and robust policy responsiveness, and institutional stability and dignity.

Professor Mohamed-Martin stated that when she was appointed as

the students who brought her back to Guyana. She said they inspired her and helped her to continue her work in the darkest times. “It helped to remember that if I gave up, I would fail thousands,” she related.

Continuing, the Professor revealed that the Early Childhood Centre and its expansion to a primary

centre, the RASSR stem acceleration programme for young children (which is set to begin its second cohort), an infrastructure and construction programme, and systems transformation in key service centres, are all initiatives that she was a part of.

As a hands-on Vice-Chancellor, Profes -

sor Mohamed-Martin said each of these initiatives have one thing in common: they are intended to stand in the breach, to bring people into the light, and uplift those who may not be easily noticed.

She shared that these are life-changing projects and models, which she hopes can be extended and built on in

the future. The outgoing Vice-Chancellor said that she wants to see UG thrive and become what it was meant to be: the home of excellence in tertiary education locally, and in the region, and a place that liberates the best potential of those who study and work there.

UG’s eleventh Vice-Chancellor in July 2020, it was a disruptive time with Covid-19 on the rise, political impasse, deaths of family members, and new responsibilities.

“I couldn’t think about being the first woman. I didn’t even know. It was brought to my attention by another woman. Then it was an additional ‘thing’ to carry. Now I understand much better what it means.” Dr. Mohamed-Martin said.

She recalled the challenges faced daily, describing them as hugely difficult. Covid-19, which saw UG transitioning rapidly from full face-to-face classes, to fully online, and then to hybrid learning, and the task of keeping the premier institution focused on its state role as a technical resource for Guyana, were among the challenges she encountered.

Apart from work challenges, Professor Mohamed-Martin noted that there were “intensely personal hurtful” things that she had to endure and overcome.

Throughout this six-year journey, she said she learned to be thankful for people who give the gift of the truth; that being a woman matters and is a blessing, and to be thankful for that as well.

She also learned to accept that sometimes you must lead from behind; to remain open to the fact that you will never stop learning and growing; that wisdom comes from the most unexpected places; and that challenges are sometimes gifts you don’t recognise, and only in humility can you truly thrive.

She said UG students are the reason for everything she does.

According to her, it was

Small areas, life-changing impact: Inside ENT care with Dr. Donyale Cappell

IN the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department, where some of the smallest structures of the human body can determine the biggest outcomes in a patient’s quality of life, medical registrar Dr. Donyale Cappell is part of a team delivering highly specialised and often life-changing care.

With more than nine years of experience in the

ENT clinic, Dr. Cappell’s journey into the specialty has been defined by persistence, growth, and what she describes simply as “God’s plan”.

From that point, her work has been centred on a field that, while focused on the ear, nose, and throat, often deals with complex, highrisk medical conditions.

“Working in ENT is both highly specialised and deeply impactful,” she notes, pointing out that even minor symptoms in these areas can quickly escalate into serious

After completing her internship, she joined the department when a vacancy became available, and has remained ever since, advancing her career through training completed between 2020 and 2024, which earned her her current post as Medical Registrar.

or life-threatening complications if left untreated.

Over the years, Dr. Cappell has witnessed steady advancements in the department, including the introduction of modern surgical equipment such as microdebriders used in sinus procedures.

These tools have expanded the team’s capacity to manage more complex cases and move closer towards in-

ternational standards of care.

A typical day in the ENT unit is fast-paced and unpredictable. Clinics operate throughout the week, often seeing large volumes of patients referred from primary healthcare facilities.

Surgical lists are commonly held on Thursdays and Fridays, with the team performing procedures ranging from routine interventions to complex operations requiring specialised expertise.

The department manages a wide spectrum of conditions, including severe ear infections such as complicated otitis media and otitis externa, as well as mastoiditis, where infection spreads to bone behind the ear and may require surgery.

Other cases include cholesteatoma, sinus disease that can progress toward the eyes or brain, and cancers affecting the throat, voice box, and nasal passages. ENT specialists also manage severe and recurrent nosebleeds that sometimes require surgical control.

Not all cases require surgery. Dr. Cappell also highlights the importance of medical management in conditions such as malignant otitis externa, a serious infection commonly seen in diabetic patients that requires prolonged antibiotic treatment.

This balance between medical and surgical care, she explains, is what makes the specialty both demanding and rewarding.

For her, the most meaningful part of the job is the visible difference treatment can make.

“Whether it is helping someone hear better, resolving chronic pain, or restoring the ability to breathe comfortably, these moments are what stand out the most,” she says.

She recalls patients who initially resist procedures like tracheostomies but later express gratitude once they experience the relief of improved breathing.

Beyond treatment, Dr.

Cappell is a strong advocate for early intervention and patient education.

She urges the public to take symptoms such as persistent nosebleeds, facial pain, loss of smell, or difficulty breathing seriously.

In children, warning signs like chronic mouth breathing, loud snoring, sleep apnoea, hyperactivity, poor concentration, and bedwetting may point to enlarged adenoids, which can affect development if left untreated due to reduced oxygen intake.

Her advice to the public is simple but important: begin with a visit to a primary healthcare provider.

“Not every condition requires specialist care, but general practitioners play a key role in identifying when a referral to ENT is necessary,” she explains.

She also stresses one basic preventive message, avoid inserting objects into the ears or nose, particularly in children, as this remains a common cause of injury and emergency visits.

Through years of dedicated service, Dr. Cappell continues to embody the blend of skill, compassion, and resilience required in ENT medicine, where treating the smallest parts of the body can lead to the most significant transformations in a patient’s life.

GPL rejects false notice claiming nationwide blackout due to low fuel supply

THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has advised customers and the public that a notice currently circulating on social media regarding a “nationwide blackout due to low fuel supplies” is completely false and was not issued by the company.

GPL, in a notice on Monday, categorically rejected this misinformation, noting: “There is no scheduled nationwide blackout as stated in the fraudulent post.”

“Customers are strongly urged to disregard this misleading notice, avoid sharing unverified information, and rely only on GPL’s official communication channels for accurate updates,” the utility company said.

“GPL takes this matter seriously and continues to monitor and address misinformation,” GPL said, adding that for verified updates, persons must follow GPL’s official pages and communication platforms.

Friendship Park to enhance...

future generations will benefit from.

Importantly, Khan echoed calls for public responsibility, urging residents to take pride in the park, utilise it fully, and safeguard it for years to come. He stressed that community ownership will be key to ensuring the space remains vibrant and well-maintained.

He added that the park complements the wave of development currently transforming Region Three, including new roads, hous -

FROM PAGE 16

ing projects, and industrial expansion, positioning the region as one of Guyana’s fastest-growing economic corridors.

Khan reaffirmed the private sector’s support for national development efforts, stating that investments like the Guyana–China Friendship Park demonstrate what can be achieved through strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and a shared vision for a better Guyana.

Crackdown continues as thousands of traffic violations recorded

THE Traffic Department has reported a total of 3,470 traffic violations for the period April 5 to April 11, 2026, with speeding accounting for the overwhelming majority of offences as authorities continue to ramp up enforcement and public education efforts nationwide.

According to the department’s weekly report, 1,121 cases of speeding were recorded, making it the most prevalent violation during the period under review. Other significant offences

included 134 cases of leaving a motor vehicle in a dangerous position and 123 instances of failure to wear safety helmets.

Police also documented 101 seatbelt violations and 31 cases of driving under the influence, underscoring ongoing concerns about driver compliance with basic road safety regulations. Additionally, 61 motorists were cited for carrying pillion riders without safety helmets, while 35 cases of faulty packing were recorded.

Further breaches includ-

ed 56 unlighted motor vehicles (front), 43 unlighted motor vehicles (rear), and 43 violations of traffic light signals. Authorities also recorded 49 cases relating to breaches of prescribed fitness conditions and 18 instances involving unlicensed drivers.

Tinted motor vehicle violations totalled 41 cases, specifically involving front windshields. The department noted that traffic ranks continue to utilise tint meters to enforce compliance, while also encouraging voluntary

Alongside enforcement measures, the Traffic Department continued its public education campaign through a series of lectures and outreach activities conducted across multiple regions

adherence to the regulations.

Alongside enforcement measures, the Traffic Department continued its public education campaign through a series of lectures and outreach activities conducted across multiple regions.

Sessions targeted drivers, patrons, bar owners, and community members in areas such as Ruimveldt, Al-

berttown, and along the East Bank Demerara corridor, as well as communities in Essequibo, Linden Highway, Mahdia, and the North West District.

Other outreach locations included the vicinity of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Parika, Suddie, Moblissa, and several hinterland villages, reflecting a

broad, nationwide approach to improving road safety awareness.

The department has reiterated its call for all road users to comply with traffic laws, warning that continued violations will result in stricter enforcement as efforts intensify to reduce accidents and promote safer roadways.

Nationwide rollout of Project FLOW imminent

PROJECT FLOW will soon be introduced in several schools across Guyana through a partnership involving Recover Guyana, The Greater Guyana Initiative and the Ministry of Education.

For several weeks, Recover Guyana, a non-profit organisation focused on creating opportunities that uplift lives while fostering environmental stewardship and long-term resilience, has actively been speaking about taking

Project FLOW to several schools including JC Chandisingh Secondary School, Corentyne Comprehensive High School, Manchester Secondary School, Central Corentyne Secondary School, Black Bush Secondary School, Winifred Gaskin Memorial Secondary School,

Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre, Tagore Memorial Secondary School, Skeldon High School, and the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School in Region Six; the Essequibo Islands Secondary School, Uitvlugt Secondary School, Leguan Secondary School, Vergenoegen Secondary School, Tuschen Secondary School, Parika Salem Secondary School, Zeeburg Secondary School, De Willem Secondary School, Stewartville Secondary School, Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre, Endeavour and The Commons Secondary School, Patentia Secondary School, Leonora Secondary School, Westminister Secondary School, and the L’Aventure Secondary School in Region Three, along with several others.

Recover Guyana’s mission is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive in harmony with their environment, and it works to connect resources, expertise, and compassion to drive meaningful change within these environments.

Project FLOW: National Water Purification and Sustainability Initiative for public secondary schools, Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions and Special Needs Schools in Guyana, was launched in October last year, with the aim of providing access to clean water for over 58,000 students across Guyana.

According to the organisation, FLOW represents a significant national investment in education and

environmental sustainability. Its overarching goal is to increase access to clean drinking water, promote reusable bottle use, and preserving the environment, while also positively impacting Guyana’s carbon footprint.

By the year 2030, it is projected to prevent some 25 million plastic bottles from entering local waterways and landfills and fostering a culture of environmental sustainability and stewardship among students and educators.

This June, several of the abovementioned schools will be implementing Project FLOW, providing clean water access to students.

Since its launch, Project FLOW has impacted 103 communities, saved over 60,000 plastic bottles, and trained 65 youths.

Anderson inspires Lancs to dramatic win over Derbys

LANCASHIRE’S skipper, James Anderson, took 4-18 to help his side defy the odds and defeat Derbyshire by 29 runs on a dramatic last day of the County Championship match at Emirates Old Trafford.

Having bowled out Lancashire for 160 in their second innings, Ben Aitchison taking 3-38, Derbyshire needed only 138 to record their first victory on this ground since 1996.

But Lancashire's fourman seam attack had other ideas and, despite skipper Harry Came's 30, the visitors lost their last nine wickets for 75 runs with Anderson taking 4-7 in his 4.5-over second spell. Lancashire take 21 points from the game to

Derbyshire's six.

The morning's play began in sensational fashion when Aitchison took two wickets in two balls in the first over. Paul Coughlin was caught behind by Brooke Guest without adding to his overnight 47, completely beaten by a fine delivery which bounced and moved away from him. Then Tom Bailey was late on a defensive shot and had his off stump knocked back by Aitchison's third ball of the day.

Mitch Stanley then dominated the strike to the extent that ex-Australia Test batsman Marcus Harris faced only six balls in the first six overs of the session. However, Stanley was eventually trapped lbw by Muhammad

Abbas for five and Harris was caught behind for 66 off Aitchison when trying to manufacture a single.

Derbyshire's pursuit of 138 began badly when Caleb Jewell chipped Bailey to Harris in the second over of the innings. Jewell's dismissal for five brought his aggregate against Lancashire in six completed first-class innings to 46.

But even more concerning for nervous visiting supporters were the dismissals of Matt Montgomery, caught by Michael Jones at first slip for 12, and Guest, pouched by Harry Singh at second slip for five, both wickets falling off the bowling of Coughlin, who continued his excellent Lancashire debut by reducing

Jangoo puts Red Force...

for one.

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Derbyshire to 39-3 15 minutes before lunch.

Came and Martin Andersson took their side to 52-3, still 86 runs short of their target, at lunch and the anxieties of visiting supporters were not soothed 15 minutes into the afternoon session when Came was caught behind for 30 pushing uncertainly at Bailey.

Twenty-one more runs

(From back page)

tinued to press on thanks to a 47-run partnership between

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Race 4 Awesome Sunday

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Brown and Javelle Glenn, who made 18.

They were seemingly cruising at 140 for three, before pacer Johann Layne had Glenn lbw and West Indies vice-captain and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican had Brown caught behind for a solid 61 off 141 balls, to see the Scorpions reduced to 177 for five.

And when Abhijai Mansingh was run out for 15, the Pride would have been smelling blood with half the top order back in the pavilion with just 211 runs on the board.

But Peat Salmon and Romaine Morris frustrated the Pride’s bowling attack in an unbroken partnership of 64 for the sixth wicket.

Salmon finished the day on 38 not out, while Morris was on 35, as the Scorpions reduced the deficit to 73 runs

had been scored via three boundaries and a ragbag of extras when that wicket fell but Came's dismissal slowed the scoring rate.

Anderson capitalised on the batsmen's uncertainty to take two wickets in an over and reduce Derbyshire to 776. Having made 15, Martin Andersson wafted uncharacteristically loosely outside the off stump and edged a

heading into the penultimate day of play.

Warrican was the Pride’s best bowler with 2-40.

At the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua: The Windward Islands Volcanoes and defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles are locked in an intriguing contest at the halfway stage.

The Harpy Eagles ended the day on 257 for nine, still trailing the Volcanoes by 29 runs on first innings.

In a match that swung back and forth all day, neither side was able to take advantage of promising positions, leaving the match in a deadlock.

catch to Jones at first slip. Then Anuj Dal was pinned lbw for a third-ball duck to leave Lancashire as warm favourites to win the game. That position was strengthened when Luis Reece was seventh out, leg before wicket to Mitch Stanley for 10 with 47 runs still needed for victory. Aitchison hit three boundaries in 10 balls but then fell lbw to Anderson, who also had Shoaib Bashir caught at slip by Harry Singh for two in his next over.

That left Derbyshire on 108-9 and a chaotic misunderstanding between Abbas and Zak Chappell resulted in the latter being run out for five to end the game and spark riotous Lancashire celebrations. (BBC Sport)

Skipper Tevin Imlach looked good for 23 before being trapped lbw by Ryan John, as the Volcanoes piled on the pressure at 65 for three. However, through the efforts of opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who made a fighting 70 off 179 balls and Kemol Savory, who has so far topscored with 77 from 153 balls, the Harpy Eagles recovered to a solid position of 164 for three.

At this stage they would have fancied their chances of gaining a healthy first innings lead, but John removed Chanderpaul and Tyson had Keemo Paul caught behind for just one, to give the Volcanoes the edge at 169 for five.

The Volcanoes asserted themselves in the morning session, with medium pacer Gilon Tyson dismissing Matthew Nandu and Kevlon Anderson cheaply, to reduce their opponents to 19 for two.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday, April 14, 2026)

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Virat Kohli-741 runs (RCB) (2) Harshal Patel-24 wickets (PBKS)

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who cracked the highest score in IPL 2024? (2) Who had the best bowling figures in a single game? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Gudakesh Motie and Savory then added 47 crucial runs for the sixth wicket, that took the Harpy Eagles past the 200 mark and once again left the match in the balance.

But Motie’s dismissal for 19 sparked a lower order collapse that saw the Harpy Eagles lose four wickets for 22 runs, to slump to 238 for nine.

Veteran Veerasammy Permaul’s unbeaten knock of 20 helped the Harpy Eagles close the deficit, but he has only the support of last man Raymond Perez, who is unbeaten on two, if they are to get the 30 additional runs needed to grab a lead.

Tyson has so far taken 4-64, Kenneth Dember 3-48 and John 2-52

Raptors top Nets to earn first post-season spot since 2022

SCOTTIE Barnes had 18 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists Sunday, and the Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets 136-101 to clinch their first playoff spot since 2022.

In recording his third triple-double of the season and the ninth of his career, Barnes helped the Raptors (46-36) secure the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. They face the fourth seeded Cavaliers in the first round, beginning on Saturday in Cleveland.

RJ Barrett scored 26 points, and Brandon Ingram added 25 points for Toronto. Ja'Kobe Walter and Jakob Poeltl each scored 11 points, while A.J. Lawson chipped in with 10 points. Immanuel Quickley had four points and five assists for Toronto and did not return for the second half because of a tight hamstring.

Chaney Johnson had 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Nets (20-62), who are in a lottery spot. Tyson Etienne scored 20 points, and E.J. Liddell had 17 points. Ben Saraf scored 15 points and also picked up six fouls.

CELTICS 113, MAGIC 108

Baylor Scheierman tossed in a career-high 30 points to lead Boston to a victory over visiting Orlando in the final regular-season

game for each team.

The Celtics, who had already secured the No. 2 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs, rested eight players, including their top seven scorers. Boston's first playoff opponent will be the team that earns the No. 7 seed in the play-in tournament, either the Magic or the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston's starting lineup was Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, Jordan Wash, Luka Garza and Scheierman.

The loss ended Orlando's five-game winning streak.

The Magic had won three in a row on the road. They will be the eighth seed in the play-in tournament and visit the seventh-seeded 76ers on Wednesday. The winner faces the Celtics, and the loser will host the winner of the 9/10 matchup on Friday.

HEAT 143, HAWKS 117

Bam Adebayo produced 25 points and 10 rebounds, leading host Miami to a win over Atlanta in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Miami also got 26 points and five assists from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and 25 points from Norman Powell, who returned from a groin injury. The Heat next will play at the Charlotte Hornets in the first game of the play-in round. The Heat, 5-10 over their past 15 games, are in the play-in round for the fourth straight year.

Atlanta, which had already clinched its first playoff berth since 2023, sat its entire starting lineup plus three reserves. Veteran Buddy Hield led the Hawks with a game-high ⁠31 points, and Corey Kispert added 21 points. (Reuters)

Record prize money pot announced for Women’s...

tum building across every aspect of women’s cricket, this event is shaping up to not only set a host of new attendance and viewing records in the sports and media ecosystems but also leave a lasting impact on the wider socio-cultural landscape across the world.”

Alongside this the ICC Trophy Tour with DP World also begins today and will run across Europe in the lead-up to the competition.

The Trophy Tour begins in London, where it will be displayed at the centre of the square of the venue of the

(From back page)

tournament’s final, the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. This will be accompanied by a dazzling projection of the trophy’s iconic silhouette onto the ground’s famous pavilion.

From there, the trophy will travel across qualified European member nations: the Netherlands, Ireland, and Scotland, before embarking on an extensive tour of the tournament’s host cities in England through May, building up excitement ahead of the opening day on June 12.

It will include visits to key locations with several opportunities for fan engage-

Yacoob 4/17, Budhram 3/16 Spin GCB Select XI U-19 to victory over Berbice U-19

GCB Select XI U-19 produced a disciplined bowling performance, led by Gibran Yacoob and captain Joshua Budhram, to defeat Berbice U-19 by 12 runs in the GCB Under-19 50-Over Inter-County Cricket Tournament, on Sunday last, at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

After winning the toss and batting first, GCB Select XI U-19 were bowled out for 103 in 23.1 overs. Yannick Newton top-scored with 42 from 30 balls, while Gibran Yacoob contributed 16.

Extras added a valuable 23 runs to the total. Berbice U-19’s bowling was led by Richard Ramdeholl, who claimed 5 wickets for 6 runs, while Micah Amsterdam supported with 4 for 26 and Feaz Baksh took one wicket.

Berbice U-19 appeared well placed to overhaul the target, but Yacoob and Budhram combined to turn the contest firmly in GCB Select XI’s favour with a superb display of spin bowling.

Yacoob was outstanding, finishing with 4 wickets

for 17 runs, while Budhram provided excellent support with 3 for 16. Together, they applied sustained pressure on the Berbice batting line-up and ensured that partnerships were repeatedly broken at key stages of the innings.

Berbice U-19 were eventually dismissed for 91 in 28.3 overs, with Romario Ramdeholl top scoring

with 22 and Antonio DePaul making 18. Roupie Rajaram supported the bowling effort with 2 wickets, while Jayhayden Rohlehr claimed 1. The victory was built on patience, discipline, and smart bowling from GCB Select XI U-19, with Yacoob and Budhram emerging as the chief architects of the win.

Dream debuts for Hinge and Hussain end with Rajasthan's first IPL loss

HYDERABAD, India — Hyderabad Sunrisers fast bowlers Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain made dream debuts as they gave Rajasthan Royals their first defeat in the Indian Premier League on Monday.

ment, particularly across the host cities, including Millenium Square (Leeds), St Peter’s Square (Manchester), Bullring (Birmingham), Cabot Circus (Bristol), Guildhall Square (Southampton) and Trafalgar Square (London).

Fans can follow the Journey of the Trophy Tour through its dedicated Instagram handle - @icctrophytour.

The tournament will kick off on June 12 with hosts England taking on Sri Lanka at Edgbaston in Birmingham in the opening fixture. (ICC Media)

Hussain picked up 4-24 and Hinge took 4-34 but enjoyed the more unforgettable performance as he became the first bowler in IPL history to grab three wickets in the first over of an innings.

Hyderabad emphatically won by 57 runs after Rajasthan was bowled out for 159 in 19 overs.

“They bowled beautifully," Rajasthan captain Riyan Parag said of the unheralded debutants. "The pressure they had, with the home crowd chanting their name, the way they bowled, it was beautiful.”

The lanky Hinge was playing only his second Twenty20 at senior level, and given the daunting job of opening the bowling against

Rajasthan's menacing openers Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

But Hinge broke Rajasthan's chase in that first over when he dismissed Suryavanshi to an edge behind off the first delivery, Dhruv Jurel when he dragged on, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius to a flick to deep fine leg.

Hinge shocked again when he returned and took out Parag and collapsed Rajasthan to 9-5 in the third over Meanwhile, Hussain, who was picked by Kolkata in 2024 but didn't play, bagged Yashasvi Jaiswal in his first over and took three late wickets, including Rajasthan top-scorer Donovan Ferreira on 69 off 44 balls.

“I manifested this,” Hinge said after receiving the player-of-the-match award. “I had written this somewhere that I will take four-five wickets on my debut. I thought of dominating

the powerplay. My favorite wicket was Suryavanshi. I told people that I would bowl a bouncer to him and get him out. I just wanted to get him out.”

Hussain said: “Every player wishes for a debut like this. It feels very nice.”

Earlier, Hyderabad posted 216-6 after captain Ishan Kishan's blistering 91 off 44 balls and late cameos from Nitesh Kumar Reddy (28) and Salil Arora (24).

Kishan smashed six sixes and eight boundaries and regained the momentum in the middle overs with Heinrich Klaasen, who made 40 off 26 balls.

Kishan looked set to score a century but skewed a return catch to fast bowler Sandeep Sharma in the 14th over.

Abhishek Sharma was out for a duck for the seventh time in T20s this year, slicing the first ball from Jofra Archer to deep backward point.

OMSCC to introduce Over-60 division in new season …Azeem Khan retains presidency

CREDITED with being the league for introducing Over-50 softball at both the local and “international” level several years ago, the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) is going one step further with the introduction of an Over-60 division when the 2026 season bowls off on Saturday, May 24.

This disclosure was made on Sunday when the OMSCC held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Barrows Hall Community Centre, Scarborough, Toronto, Canada.

The four teams vying for supremacy in the Over60 Division are Friendship Masters, Dirty Dozen, KC Stalwarts and Littles.

Plans are also in train to stage Canada Cup 3 at the end of August but according to re-elected President, Azeem Khan, it’s difficult to make a firm decision at this stage because of the cost

involve.

According to Khan, sponsorship is the key factor and unless the tournament could guarantee participation of at least 16 teams, it’s hardly likely the OMSCC would be in a position to host the eagerly anticipated tournament which was last held under the aegis of the Ontario Twilight Softball Cricket League (OTSCL) in 2024.

Meanwhile, Khan who returned to the presidency in 2024 following an extended absence, was re-elected unopposed in his position. Others re-elected at Sunday’s meeting were: Khem Singh, who was conferred in the Treasurer’s position after acting in the role following the resignation of Indira Singh and Booby Ramlagan who was retained as the Umpires’ Coordinator.

The experienced Khan, in his acceptance speech, disclosed that he’s pleased to

Wicket-keeper earns maiden Proteas call ahead of T20WC 2026

SOUTH AFRICA has named a 15-player squad for the five-match T20I series at home against India, in what will be their final official assignment before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Wicketkeeper-batter Tebogo Macheke has received her maiden international call-up, replacing the injured Karabo Meso, while all-rounder ElizMari Marx returns to the T20I setup in place of seamer Masabata Klaas.

Top-order batter Anneke Bosch retains her place after stepping in for Dane van Niekerk, who had suffered an injury during the New Zealand series.

Experienced all-rounder Marizanne Kapp remains unavailable as she continues her recovery from illness.

Ayabonga Khaka will continue to lead the pace department after scalping eight wickets against New Zealand.

Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sune Luus, and Nonkululeko Mlaba will be at the core of the Proteas setup in the shortest format. Another crucial change was in the coaching staff for the Proteas.

As a part of planned transition in the national setup, South Africa see departure of batting coach Baakier Abrahams, fielding coach Bongani Ndaba, and Strength and Conditioning coach Zane Webster following the imminent conclusion of their current contracts.

In their place, strength and conditioning coach Tumi Masekela, batting coach Andrew Puttick and fielding coach Mduduzi Mbhatha bring their experience to the squad. Their appointment will run through to the end of the T20 World Cup before permanent replacements are confirmed.

Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi highlighted the importance of continuity and growth heading into a crucial phase of preparation for the T20 World Cup in England & Wales, where the Proteas will look to go one up after finishing runners-up in the previous edition.

“It is a quick turnaround, for sure, but a T20I series against India at home will always be special.

“The group remains largely the same for this tour. While we have learnt a lot about ourselves as a team on the recent trip to New Zealand, we are

also very excited to get back on the field and express our eagerness to grow and improve with every game and training session.

“As a team, we are always looking to evolve, and the introduction of new voices brings fresh perspective and renewed energy to the group. This next phase gives us an opportunity to challenge ourselves further as we continue our preparations towards the World Cup.”

Squad:

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Tebogo Macheke, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon

Fixtures:

1st T20I - Kingsmead, Durban

2nd T20I - Kingsmead, Durban

3rd T20I - Wanderers, Johannesburg

4th T20I - Wanderers, Johannesburg

5th T20I - Willowmoore Park, Benoni (ICC Media)

be back as the leader of the OMSCC and expressed gratitude to the members for the trust entrusted in him once more to manage the league which consists of teams in Over-40, Over-50 and now Over-60.

Based on the OMSCC Constitution, the posts of Vice-president – Hardatt Ramcharran, Secretary –Amit Bacchus and Player Management/Statistician – Terry Mathura, weren’t up for grabs at this year’s AGM, hence all three were confirmed in their positions. However, the search is on for an Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer since no one accepted nominations at Sunday’s meeting.

The Disciplinary Committee, which is headed by the Vice-president, has five other members in Rudy Bhopaul, Mark Khan, Orin O’Neil, Patrick Shivrattan and Mohan Singh. (Frederick Halley)

Speid, Coley set to have contracts renewed by JFF

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC )– RUDOLPH Speid and Miguel Coley are expected to be reappointed to their respective positions by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) sometime next week.

Speid was appointed interim head coach of the Reggae Boyz from December 15, 2025, to March 31, 2026, following the resignation of Steve McClaren, while Coley was named as his assistant.

And even though they failed to lead Jamaica to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 1-0 to DR Congo in the Intercontinental Play-off Final in Mexico last month, they have been publicly supported by JFF president Michael Ricketts

According to a report by The Gleaner, both men are set to resume their roles following a meeting of the JFF’s technical committee

scheduled for April 19.

When contacted, Ricketts remained tight-lipped on the matter.

“I can’t answer that because that is a board decision and the board meets on the 19th of April. The technical committee will make recommendations, and the board will ratify it on the 19th of

April,” he said. Last week Ricketts revealed that the JFF would not be seeking the services of foreign coaches for the head coaching jobs.

During an interview with Jamaica Observer, Ricketts said he hoped Speid and Coley would continue in their respective roles.

Leading Edge Sports donates uniforms to GPF Officers cricket team

…COP T20 final set for Friday

THE Guyana Police Force Officers Cricket Team yesterday received complete uniforms for use in the upcoming Commissioner’s T20 Cricket Finals, scheduled for Friday, April 17.

The uniforms were handed over by proprietor of Leading Edge Sports, Christopher Barnwell, to Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Ravindradat Budhram, who also serves as captain of the Officers team, during a brief but meaningful presentation at his office in Eve Leary.

Also present at the handover were Superintendent Ronald Alli, vice-captain of the Officers team, and Police cricket coach Joel

Alleyne, whose presence added to the significance of the occasion as the team continues its preparations for the much-anticipated final.

Barnwell, a former national and West Indies all-rounder, said the contribution was made in recognition of the Officers team’s commendable role in promoting cricket within the Guyana Police Force and the wider community. He also acknowledged the team’s continued support of Leading Edge Sports.

Deputy Commissioner Budhram expressed sincere appreciation for the timely support, noting that the presentation comes at an

important moment as the team readies itself for one of the biggest matches on the tournament calendar. He said the gesture will serve as a source of motivation for the players as they look ahead to the final.

The Commissioner’s T20 cricket finals will see the Officers facing Headquarters in what is expected to be a competitive and spirited contest between the tournament’s top two teams.

With anticipation building ahead of the final showdown, cricket fans are being encouraged to come out to the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, and support what promises to be an exciting display of talent, discipline, and sportsmanship. (GPF)

Cricket officials in Barbados knew of CWI’s plans to skip Kensington Oval - Bassarath

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – CRICKET West Indies (CWI) vice-president, Azim Bassarath, said he is shocked by the response from Barbadian officials regarding Kensington Oval’s exclusion from hosting regional or international matches in 2026.

After it was recently revealed that none of the matches in the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan would be played at ‘The Mecca’, Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) president, Calvin Hope, both spoke out, saying they were disappointed by CWI’s decision.

CWI vice-president Assim Bassarath

games, we decided that the Pakistan tour would take place in Trinidad, we decided when Sri Lanka comes that they would play all the white-ball in Jamaica and the two Tests in Antigua… and Barbados’ representatives sat in the meeting and not a word of objection came from them.

Sprint legend predicts standout year for Thompson

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – FORMER Olympic 100m champion and world record holder, Donovan Bailey strongly believes that Jamaican track [LH1.1] star Kishane Thompson will dominate over the distance this season.

His comments have come following Thompson’s record-breaking performance last weekend, where the 24-year-old Olympic and World Championship silver medallist ran a world best 14.92 seconds in the 150m at the Miramar Invitational in Florida, bettering the 14.97 set by Jamaica-born British sprinter Linford Christie in 1994.

However, Bassarath has revealed that cricket officials in Barbados were informed months ago of CWI’s plans to host matches in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Antigua and Guyana. He said it therefore came as a complete shock to hear the complaints from both Mottley and Hope.

“Everyone knows the situation CWI is in at the present time financially. When the board sat and made the decision that we were going to host New Zealand in Guyana for all the white-ball

“So it was very surprising to us to hear afterwards about this talk about no games in Barbados. At the end of the meeting we thought that all the board members were happy and they are satisfied with the recommendations made and I think that we went away from the meeting very comfortable, not knowing that a few months down the road that we were going to hear something of that nature,” Bassarath said during an interview on Isports on i95.5 FM on Thursday.

Impressively, it was the first 150m event of Thompson’s career.

The burly sprinter has yet to open his season in the 100m, but starred in the 60m at last month’s World Indoor Athletics Championships in Poland, where he clocked a personal best 6.45 seconds to claim silver.

Bailey, who won 100m gold for Canada at the 1996 Olympics and the 1995 World Championships, said he’s impressed with Thompson’s early season form, especially given his physical build

“What I loved about what he’s done is his consistency – his consistency in relaxing, his consistency in getting out of his drive phase and knowing where his body position is, and this came through in the 150m,” Bailey said on his YouTube channel.

While this year isn’t a major championship year, Thompson will compete on the circuit in the Diamond League and potentially the Commonwealth Games in July, and in the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in September.

He is expected to face his biggest test of the season so far when he battles Botswana’s Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo, and American sprint stars Christian Coleman and Kenny Bednarek at the Xiamen Diamond League in

China next month. However, Bailey says Thompson will be hard to beat as he continues to perfect his sprinting technique.

“I think Kishane is ready. I think that he’s doing some speed endurance running or training for him to relax when he gets to that 75- 80m mark and let the race come to him.

“Although you’ll have someone like Christian Coleman, or some of the other shorter athletes that could probably match him over the first 30m, when he gets up, adjusts, and allows everything to come to him, he’s the best guy, top speed-wise,” Bailey said.

“He’s going to be good this summer. I just kind of like what he’s doing, and he’s kind of embracing his total speed and embodying who he’s supposed to be.”

Amir Jangoo ended the day on 133 not out for

West Indies Championship…

Jangoo puts Red Force in control

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Amir Jangoo’s unbeaten century spearheaded a strong batting response by the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and put them in a perfect position to push for victory against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the West Indies Championship.

Elsewhere, the Jamaica Scorpions have fought back against the Barbados Pride to leave the match evenly poised headed into today’s third day of play.

The match between the Guyana Harpy Eagles and

Windward Islands Volcanoes is also headed for an interesting finish with neither team having a clear-cut advantage.

At Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua: Amir Jangoo’s second first-class century has left Trinidad and Tobago Red Force as the clear favourites to defeat the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their opening round contest.

Jangoo ended the day on 133 not out, and together with half centuries by captain Joshua Da Silva and Terrance Hinds carried the Red Force to 380 for five – an already hefty lead of 242 runs – in

‒ Scorpions fight back against Pride

response to the Hurricanes’ paltry 138.

Resuming the day on 62 without loss, pacer Oshane Thomas grabbed the early wicket of Cephas Cooper without a run being added.

Justin Greaves claimed the wicket of Jason Mohammed for 17, while Thomas also dismissed Jyd Goolie for 14, to see the Red Force slip to 100 for three.

From thereon, the visitors seized complete control of the contest thanks to significant

contributions from the middle order.

Thomas grabbed his third wicket by bowling opener Evin Lewis one run short of a well-deserved half century, but Jangoo and Da Silva helped them tighten their grip on the match.

The two shared a 109-run partnership for the fourth wicket that took them past the Hurricanes’ total and gave them a platform on which to build a sizeable first-innings lead.

And when offspinner Rahkeem Cornwall trapped Da Silva lbw for 62 off 116 balls, Hinds made sure there would be no further success for the home side, as he finished the day unbeaten on 55 from 96 balls.

Jangoo has faced 209 balls and hit 13 fours and four sixes in his unbeaten knock.

For the Hurricanes, Thomas has so far taken 3-82.

At Chedwin Park in Jamaica: The Jamaica Scorpions’ lower order frustrated Barbados Pride’s bowlers in the final session to give their side an outside chance of

claiming first innings’ points. Their heroics allowed the home side to end day two on 275 for six in reply to the Pride’s competitive first innings total of 348 on the opening day.

The Scorpions were given a solid start by openers John Campbell and Kirk McKenzie, with the pair adding 65 runs for the first wicket.

Medium pacer Kyle Mayers broke the stand by having Campbell caught for 34, but Carlos Brown together with McKenzie took them to a comfortable position of 93

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Record prize money pot announced for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

WITH just 60 days to go until the start of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record prize money pool for the tournament set to be staged in England and Wales.

The overall prize pool for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 has been increased to US$8,764,615, marking a 10% rise from the 2024 edition. The figure surpasses the US$7,958,077 pot shared among the 10 competing nations in 2024, as the tournament prepares to expand to 12 teams for the first time in its history.

The winners are set to take home US$2,340,000, while the runners-up will receive US$1,170,000. Both losing semi-finalists will earn US$675,000 each, and every

group-stage win will fetch teams US$31,154. All 12 participating teams are guaranteed a minimum prize pot

of US$247,500. ICC CEO, Sanjog Gup-

ta, expressed his delight at the continued rise of women’s cricket and underlined the world cricket governing body’s commitment towards making the sport more global.

“The growth of women’s cricket continues to accelerate, and the expansion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to 12 teams, combined with a record prize pool, underlines our commitment to building a stronger, more competitive global game,” the CEO said.

“The continued rise of women’s cricket through increased investment and opportunity reflects the growing influence and impact of female athletes on the global stage.

“With that same momen-

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