Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 16-03-2026

- President Ali says, highlights plan for integrated health infrastructure to position Guyana as a regional medical hub

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips, recently met with the Chief Executive Officer of JAB Companies Guyana (JABG), Mr. Dave Badhwa, at his office on Camp Street. The engagement focused on the company’s technological platforms and opportunities to support Guyana’s digital transformation agenda. Areas of interest included solutions for time and attendance management, fleet monitoring systems, and electronic tracking platforms to improve operational efficiency in public-sector institutions. Founded in 2022, JAB Companies Guyana specialises in digitising manual and paper-based systems. The company develops platforms compatible with mobile devices, biometric technologies, and IoT systems to improve data access and administrative efficiency (OPM photo)

SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, held bilateral discussions with the Senior Vice President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr. Hiroyuki Kobayashi, and his team, on the margins of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank and IDB Invest, held in Asunción, Paraguay. During discussions, recent successful operations in both the public and private sectors, including a water treatment plant co-financed by IDB and JICA, were highlighted. Minister Singh expressed the desire for JICA to take on more projects in Guyana given the success of previous endeavours. He further reiterated that Guyana highly values its longstanding friendship with Japan, and invited JICA to expand its portfolio in the country to match its rapid national transformation (Photo: Ashni Singh/Facebook)

Skills training central to labour-market transformation IDB an ‘invaluable development partner’ to Guyana

- Minister Griffith says

— Finance Minister says, underscores government’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth that benefits all Guyanese

Human Services Minister urges greater global efforts to boost women’s presence in political roles

Kuru Kururu gets $5M shade house to boost agriculture

RESIDENTS

of

Kuru Kururu along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway are now benefitting from a $5 million shade house funded by the government, which is expected to strengthen community farming and improve access to fresh vegetables.

The shade house is now fully operational and provides a controlled environment for crop cultivation, allowing farmers to grow crops more efficiently while protecting plants from harsh weather conditions.

Community members have already begun cultivating crops such as thick leaf callaloo, celery, lettuce,

and pak choi, with plans to expand production and possibly establish a small plant nursery to support agricultural activities within the village.

Technical guidance for the project is being provided by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), which has been assisting residents with irrigation systems and crop management to improve yields.

The initiative forms part of the government’s wider shade house programme, which was introduced to promote modern, climate-smart agriculture and expand the production of high-val-

ue crops across the country.

Through the programme, hundreds of shade houses have been constructed nation-wide under the Agriculture Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), encouraging community groups, farmers and young people to become involved in agriculture.

Since the pro -

gramme was launched in 2021, more than 600 shade houses have been established across Guyana, supporting the cultivation of crops such as lettuce, peppers, herbs and other vegetables that can be grown year-round in a protected environment.

These structures help increase agricultural productivity, create income-generating opportunities for com-

munities and contribute to Guyana’s broader goal of strengthening food security while reducing the region’s food import bill.

The shade house at Kuru Kururu is expected to play a similar role by enabling residents to cultivate fresh produce, supply local markets and expand community-based agriculture in the area. (DPI)

Cancer-care expansion, cutting-edge treatments on Guyana’s health agenda

- President Ali says, highlights plan for integrated health infrastructure to position Guyana as a regional medical hub

AS part of the broader push to position Guyana as a regional healthcare hub, President, Dr Irfaan Ali recently disclosed plans to expand cancer treatment and accelerate advanced medical services.

The President highlighted the ongoing discussions during the recent commissioning of the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital’s new six-storey outpatient pavilion.

“…Dr Madhu and this family have already approached government in finding a solution for cancer care and investing in that solution and those are ongoing discussions,” the President said.

Importantly, Guyana’s investments in cancer care are reshaping how patients are diagnosed and treated. The country is now expanding access with the incorporation of new technologies and improved screening capabilities.

From a single radiation unit to plans

for a national oncology hospital, the advancements in cancer care not only reflect medical progress, but also a growing national will to ensure no one faces cancer without access to care.

Notably, Guyana’s Cancer Institute itself has gone through a number of phases and now offers CT scans, mammograms and X-rays. Soon, it will offer brachytherapy or internal-radiation therapy, to the Guyanese public.

Notably, approximately two years ago, mammography services were available only at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Breast-cancer screening has since expanded, with mammography machines now in place at Suddie Hospital in Region Two, New Amsterdam Hospital in Region Six, and the Linden Hospital Complex in Region 10.

Also, the government is working with Mount Sinai Hospi -

tal to establish an advanced oncology centre in Guyana, President Ali disclosed last year. This will bring cutting-edge cancer diagnostics, treatment and research to these shores, thereby reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for specialised care.

With this, the health transformation also includes the establishment of Guyana’s first stroke-rehabilitation centre, which is designed to support one of the country’s leading causes of death and disability.

Health services in Guyana have dramatically improved in recent years, with various health institutes receiving significant boosts to better serve cancer patients.

BUILDING AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM

The proposed cancer-care investment forms part of a wider transformation of the health sector, aimed at providing world-class treatment locally.

The President had also noted at the recent commissioning ceremony that the government’s international partnership with Northwell had integrated the local procurement system to focus on specialised stents, which will drastically enhance cardiac procedures.

“And because of that, we'll be reducing the procurement costs substantially, because of the relationship they have. And we want that partnership to be extended to the private sector. So, we have to find ways in which we can get the private sector also benefitting from that partnership, the President said.

“We were able, in

the last few weeks, to have a team come down at the Georgetown Hospital and perform 25 specialised cardiac surgeries,” he disclosed, before making it clear that his government is thinking at multi-layered levels to have an “integrated approach to national development.”

Alongside new infrastructure, the government is deploying technology to modernise the healthcare system.

Dr Ali listed Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics as key to the future of healthcare in Guyana and said that the government is working on acquiring the necessary technological tools to make

this possible.

“We want to be the first country, maybe in the Western Hemisphere, to have a transatlantic surgery performed through robotics here in Guyana. And I’ve already set that challenge to the team. We are going full robotics — no turning back.”

He also touted plans to have an integrated platform for pharmaceutical procurement and distribution, potentially including manufacturing medical supplies in Guyana for the Caribbean Region.

“We’re going to play in every sphere of the ecosystem,” he said.

Electric cycle rider, car driver die in accidents at Enmore, Greenwich Park

TWO men are now dead following separate accidents at Enmore, East Coast Demerara and Greenwich Park, East Bank Essequibo, on Saturday.

The police on Sunday said they are investigating a fatal accident which occurred at about 23:50hrs on the Enmore Public Road, East Coast Demerara, involving motor car PAN 5007 driven by a 25-year-old male of Blossom Scheme, Enmore, East Coast Demerara and an electric cycle ridden by Carlos Eliber, a 34-year-old Venezuelan national and construction worker of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (deceased).

“Initial enquiries revealed that the motor

car was proceeding west along the southern driving lane of Enmore Public Road when the rider of the electric cycle reportedly rode across the road from north to south into the path of the motor car. The driver of the motor car alleged that he swerved south and applied brakes in an attempt to avoid a collision; however, the right-side front portion of the motor car collided with the electric cycle.

“As a result of the collision, the rider of the electric cycle was flung into the air and onto the road sur face, where he sustained injuries about his body. Emergency Medical Technicians were summoned and the cyclist was examined by a doctor

attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and pronounced dead,” the police said in a press release.

The body was escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

A breathalyser test conducted on the driver detected 35 and 39 microgrammes of alcohol on his breath, respectively, the police said adding that the driver is presently in police custody assisting with investigations.

Meanwhile, an accident at Greenwich Park at about 21:10hrs has claimed the life of 55-year-old Deryck Singh, of St Lawrence, East Bank Essequibo. The accident involved

the motor car he was driving, a motor lorry driven by a 31-year-old male of Leonora, West Coast Demerara and motor lorry GAF 6756 driven by a 21-year-old male of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara.

Police said initial enquiries revealed that motor lorry GAB 5416 and motor lorry GAF 6756 were proceeding east along the northern side of Greenwich Park Public Road when motor car PXX 9053, which was proceeding west in the centre of the roadway between the northern and southern lanes, reportedly swerved north into the path of motor lorry GAB 5416 and collided with the right-side rear wheel of the said lorry.

As a result, the driver of the motor lost control of it and it ended up on the southern lane facing west. Motor lorry GAF 6756, which was also proceeding east along the northern side of the roadway, reportedly swerved onto the southern lane in an attempt to avoid the collision, but subsequently collided head-on with the motor car, the police said.

The body of the deceased is presently lying at the Ezekiel Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

A breathalyser test conducted on the driver of motor lorry GAB 5416 detected 071 and 072 micrograms of alcohol on his breath, while a breathalyser test conducted on the driver of motor lorry GAF 6756 detected 05 microgrammes.

Both drivers are presently in police custody assisting with investigations. The motor vehicles involved have been impounded pending examination, the police said.

As a result of the collision, the driver of the motor car was pinned inside the vehicle with injuries about his body. He was removed by public-spirited citizens in an unconscious condition and transported to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty and pronounced dead on arrival.

Roadside brawl leads to discovery of gun, ‘ammo’

THE police in Regional Division # 6 are investigating the discovery of a firearm and a quantity of ammunition during a police patrol along the Number 73 Pub-

lic Road, Corentyne, Berbice, on Saturday.

According to a press release, at about 17:32hrs, ranks on motorcycle patrol observed two men engaged in an altercation along the roadway. During the incident, one of the men was

seen holding a shiny object which appeared to be a firearm, while the other was armed with a piece of wood.

The ranks immediately intervened and ordered both men to cease fighting. The man with the suspected firearm reportedly jumped into a nearby drain and placed the firearm in the corner of the drain before he was apprehended by the ranks.

The suspected firearm was retrieved and observed to be a 9mm pistol with one 9mm round of am-

munition in the magazine.

The suspect, a 54-year-old male of Number 73 Village, Corentyne, Berbice along with the other male, a 25-year-old labourer of Number 72 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, were arrested and escorted to the Springlands Police Station along with the suspected firearm and ammunition which were lodged.

Both men were subsequently escorted to the Number 75 Regional Hospital where they were seen and examined by a doctor on duty, treated and sent away in police custody.

Investigations are ongoing.

The firearm and matching ammunition that were found on Saturday

Creatives awarded for outstanding performances in Mashramani competitions

THE Mashramani Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, brought together the nation’s creatives to celebrate the outstanding achievements from this year’s Mashramani competitions.

The evening honoured winners from the various song competitions and costume and float parade competitions, recognising the creativity, dedication and excellence displayed throughout the Mashramani season, the ministry said in a Facebook post.

Designers, performers and creatives were celebrated for the passion and craftsmanship they poured into their work, which helped make this year’s celebrations vibrant and memorable.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, and Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs emphasised the importance of the creative sector, commending the creatives for their hard work, dedication and commitment to their craft.

Minister Ramson noted that this year marked the biggest Mashramani season he has witnessed so far, expressing pride in the ministry’s team and the tremendous effort that went into delivering a successful and memorable celebration, the ministry said. The ceremony served as a fitting conclusion to the Mashramani season, celebrating the excellence, creativity and unwavering dedica -

tion of the individuals who continue to elevate Guyana’s national festival, it added.

Guyana’s Job Bank

GUYANA is a country awash with opportunities, yet it is struggling to fill the jobs that come with it. Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, recently promoted the government's National Job Bank.

This initiative is both timely and necessary. However, it also exposes a deeper challenge that no online portal can fix on its own.

The numbers Griffith mentioned deserve honest consideration. Since the job bank was launched in March 2022, the government has registered 16,922 vacancies

through the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency. This figure reflects real economic momentum. Yet, out of those thousands of openings, only 2,960 people were placed, and just 1,837 are in active employment.

This means the placement rate is less than 18 per cent, impressive as a start, but concerning when we look at the scale of needs and opportunities in a country experiencing dramatic development.

Griffith made a clever analogy, comparing the job bank to a bank: bring your qualifications, leave with

a job. In theory, this model works.

The CRMA has been operating since 1944, and it understands Guyana's job market.

The online platform at jobs.gov.gy eliminates geographical barriers and is free to use. The private sector is being involved, and major projects such as the gas-to-energy initiative— now 68 per cent complete and about to hire hundreds more workers at the Wales site—show real demand for Guyanese labour.

However, the minister acknowledged a difficult

Juman-Yassin’s faux pas: were the world questions hacked?

TODAY I will deal with two subjects: a matter concerning judicial appointments and the recent recording of BBC World Questions in Guyana.

Let me jump right in. During the course of the week Stabroek News (SN) apologised to Chief Justice Navendra Singh for publishing defamatory content surrounding his appointment. The kernel of its reporting originated from a letter written by former chief magistrate, Senior Counsel K. A. Juman-Yassin, which contained the original slanderous content.

SN published the letter and simply regurgitated the

contents as hard news. The gist of the offence involves the use of strongly implied language that CJ Singh either received direct instructions from, or was part of a plan hatched with the President to oust Chancellor Cummings-Edwards and bypass Justice Rishi Persaud to facilitate the appointment of Justice Singh. Mr Juman-Yassin also apologised, repudiated and recalled his letter.

The bug that bit SN was the hard-nosed, fanatical anti-government, anti-PPP paranoia that overcame the newspaper since the election of Dr Ali. SN was in an ever-ready status to sacrifice

good journalistic and editorial principles in order to jump on anything that will negatively sensationalise President Ali’s administration and present him as a tyrannical, undemocratic governor.

Mr Juman-Yassin harboured the bug, which may have very well bitten him. Perhaps he permanently sits or had a brief sojourn in that amoral seat that is occupied by many local experts who ought to be seized of the facts. Given his resume and professional profile, I find it hard to believe that Mr Juman-Yassin did not know how judicial appointments are made and that his knowledge is so de-

truth: Guyana has a labour shortage. President Ali made this even clearer in January when he revealed that average attendance at government project sites was below 35 percent in December 2025.

This statistic should concern everyone involved in the country's growth. You cannot register thousands of vacancies if the culture of showing up, staying on the job, and committing to national productivity is lacking. The job bank can connect workers to employers, but it cannot create the work ethic needed in this country.

This is why the government's $2.5 billion Budget 2026 allocation for skills training and technical and vocational education needs urgent attention, just like the infrastructure spending it aims to support.

Filling vacancies involves more than matching people to jobs—it requires ensuring those individuals are trained, motivated, and ready to work. Youth unemployment has dropped dramatically from 30.2 percent to 12.1 per cent since 2020, but it remains too high and represents untapped productive potential.

The job bank is a real public benefit, and Griffith deserves recognition for supporting it. However, Guyanese must also participate. With opportunities ranging from entry-level cashier roles to positions on one of the most transformative energy infrastructural projects in the Caribbean, the excuse of "there are no jobs" is no longer valid.

The pressing question is whether Guyanese are ready—in skills, attitude, and commitment—to take advantage of what this moment in history has to offer.

ficient to the point where he was prepared to throw such a tantrum of misdirection and misinformation.

I am usually peeved with professionals who are either recklessly careless with the facts or deliberately spew misinformation, which they know will mislead the public. I have seen and heard so many comments in the public space that suggest, when the President appoints judges, somehow, the independence of the judiciary is threatened and the sacred principle of separation of powers is violated. The letter

by Juman-Yassin adds fuel to this false notion lurking in the public space.

Nowhere in the world is the appointment of judges a judicial function. It’s an executive function steeped in a political process. There is no statute or endemic practice that dictates that the longest-serving judge be promoted to fill the next available senior position. It is a normal part of the political process to seek to appoint judges who have sympathetic political proclivities. On this score, I believe many politicians

have been hypocritical when communicating with the public. Some politicians paint a picture that suggests they are angels and the perceived political proclivities of a particular judge does not matter to them at all. They pretend as though all that matters is that the judge exercise competence, independence and good scholarship. Yes, these qualities may be highly sought, but that’s not all there is to it. Politicians should level with the public. I like the political openness we see in the Amer-

Kissoon and Westmaas politics: Part 2

THE material contained in this analysis has been covered before in several columns of mine. I will resort to its repetition in the future because it best explains my current politics, which is a complete break from the Frederick Kissoon I was before March 2020.

Just to let new readers know, I am responding to a huge bulk of accusations against me by Nigel Westmaas last Saturday in the Stabroek News. Part 1 was in the Chronicle yesterday (Sunday). I continue where I left off on the topic of the dynamic that transformed me permanently.

The letter pages of the newspapers and Facebook posts are replete with commentaries of who I was before 2020. The latest are Ubraj Narine, former Georgetown Mayor two weeks ago and Westmaas two days ago. Both men have quoted me from my previous political life.

No better example of how fast I am running from my previous political life is taken from Narine. He quotes me regarding what I

had to say in the past. But this very man has looked me in the eyes on three occasions and told me he does not know anything about rigged elections in 2020.

Westmaas and I shared an enduring camaraderie up to March 2020. That friendship was instantly dissolved when in an email request to him, I asked him to denounce the attempt to do what he and I saw Burnham and Hoyte did – deny Guyanese their right to elect a political organisation of their choice. He declined.

I had unlimited respect for Moses Bhagwan and Eusi Kwayana before 2020. Both men in email exchanges in April 2020 refused to denounce the election rigging. One cannot imagine what happened to my psyche. These were people who shaped my politics. These men were part of my pantheon of heroes. Remember this column when Bhagwan’s autobiography is out next month. He will not say one word, not even one word, about the elections disaster that lasted five months

in 2020.

I will never understand why people who comment on my political metamorphosis never mention or write about Bhagwan, Kwayana, Clive Thomas, Rupert Roopnaraine and Mike Mc Cormack of the Guyana Human Rights Association. Nigel Westmaas and hundreds like them have changed. We have all changed but they never mention their names. Why only me?

I knew all these people up, close and personal. These were the heroes of the long days and arduous nights for the right for Guyana to have free and fair elections. I have indelible moments in my relationships with these folks, especially Tacuma Ogunseye, whom I helped with an explosive chemical.

In 2020, my psyche was shattered and laid at my feet in scattered pieces. How could these personalities whom Guyana, the Caribbean Region and the world respected for over 30 years accept that Guyana should no longer have free and fair elections and that there are no philosoph-

ical consequences in one party in Guyana having permanent power?

I did not vote for the PPP in 2020. My ballot went to the Amerindian-based party of Lenox Shuman. But as the days unfolded in March 2020 and what I was seeing in Guyana, brought back painful memories of the long march of struggle against one-party rule under Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte. As the elections disaster crossed over from days to weeks to months, I was not in a mental mood to reflect on my troubles with the PPP.

Those troubles should not have allowed me to sacrifice my country because I had running battles with different PPP governments. I was not

prepared to allow narrow political thinking to cloud my judgement. I was not prepared to let my love for country, my moral conscience and my philosophical training be sacrificed on the altar of past events with the PPP. My country came first.

I had a daughter and a wife in March 2020 (still do) and I did not want them to experience the trauma that I went through when Guyana had permanent power.

I know how evil permanent power can be. I was thrown off a UG bus when coming home after confronting a rigged student election on the campus in 1975 and had to be hospitalised. A permanent President in Guyana banned me and my wife from working in Guyana. A permanent Pres-

ident prevented Walter Rodney from teaching history at UG. When I write on rigged elections, I think of how different Guyana would have been if there were no rigged elections in 1973. Cheddi Jagan would have been Prime Minister and Rodney would never have had a violent confrontation with President Burnham.

In Part 3, I explain why the people I so admired supported rigged election in 2020. Class and race are the answers.

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.

Skills training central to labour-market transformation

- Minister Griffith says

MINISTER of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, has noted that the government’s continued investment in technical and vocational training is playing a central role in transforming the country’s labour market.

The minister was at the time speaking on the ‘Starting Point’ podcast, during which he said that the country’s rapidly evolving economy has created a greater demand for skilled labour, which has prompted the government to expand training opportunities to ensure that Guyanese are equipped to participate in the nation’s development.

“Let’s take our minds back to 2015, or even preCOVID, and let’s just juxtapose that with what we’re

seeing now. Nobody can deny the amount of transformation that has taken place in a short space of time,” the minister said.

While noting that he would not describe the shift as a “labour shock,” Minister Griffith said the economy now requires “more intensified labour, strategic labour,” forcing the labour market to adapt accordingly.

To support this transformation, he noted that $2.5 billion has been allocated this year for technical and vocational training, with programmes being delivered across several ministries, including the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

Central to these efforts is the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). He explained that the board was established to ensure that Guyana develops a skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s growing industries.

One of the key initiatives undertaken in recent years has been the decentralisation of training services to ensure wider access across the country.

“One of the hallmarks of the Board of Industrial Training is that we have decentralised the service, and so in every single region we have programmes running today right now where men and women, young people can access these training facilities,” the minister said.

established their own businesses,” the minister noted.

According to Minister Griffith, the training programmes are not merely about issuing certificates, but are also about improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities for citizens.

“We are seeing not just a training certificate, but we’re seeing transformation in lives,” he said.

“The Board of Industrial Training seeks to ensure that we have skilled men and women who can complement the development that we’re seeing here today by providing adequate training,” he said.

Over the past five years, the programmes have trained thousands of persons in various technical disciplines, with the majority successfully transitioning into employment.

“Based on our tracer studies, about 77 per cent of all the persons trained in the Board of Industrial Training are in employment, most of them having

He added that the initiative ensures participants acquire recognised certification that enables them to secure employment or establish businesses.

“And so, there is impact being made by the Board of Industrial Training,” the minister said, noting that the programme continues to play a critical role in preparing Guyanese to participate in the country’s ongoing development.

Juman-Yassin’s...

ican system: the politicians say it plainly, as an example, whenever they are in charge, Republicans will forthrightly state that they are seeking a conservative judge to be appointed to the Supreme Court.

The selection and appointment of judges through a political process does not interfere with the separation-of- powers doctrine. Separation of powers is situated in the functions performed by judicial officers and the functional and legal mechanisms in place to give effect to the execution of those functions. I am sure I can think of at least five different ways in which politicians can have little or nothing to do with the appointment of judges, but whether you are from Middle Eastern, South Asian or Western culture or legal architecture, the civilisation of the earth has simply not evolved to that stage and to pretend that is has, is pure professional dishonesty and political burlesque.

And now a quick com-

ment on the BBC World Questions. I was in the audience for the recording. I do not know what went into the selection of the questions, but the chosen ones together with the general gait of the moderator’s follow-ups seem to lean towards a narrative of an imprudent, fiscally irresponsible and growingly reclusive government.

I am not making a claim of bias per se, but with all that is happening in Guyana’s current affairs, any fair-minded person will question whether there couldn’t have been at least one substantive question or follow-up which probed the political stewardship of the opposition.

The BBC’s event organisers named Dennis Chabrol as their local corresponding journalist and event chaperone. Did the quality of his work have anything to do with the skewed orientation of the World Questions? Was the BBC lavished with an anti-government perspective?

Given the circumstances, I think Minister Dr Ash-

ni Singh acquitted himself well. On the other hand, the usually politically banal MP Tabitha Sarabo-Halley found a gasp of life to mount the opposition’s one-horse pony. In usual opposition style, she found a way to flog the racehorse, even when the question was unrelated

On the debate stage, the opposition rep let the world know that the government is racially polarising the country, but not a single word about the open, raw, racist, dog whistling of prominent members of the opposition. The opposition rep found every conceivable thing wrong with the political economy of the country, but failed to articulate even a modicum of alternative; filled with rhetoric and monotony, but blank on actual implementable measures.

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.

Canadian Equality Newspaper celebrates 50th anniversary since first print edition

THE Equality Newspaper, a Canada-based newsprint, which also has an online presence, is celebrating 50 years as a weekly newspaper that has survived the test of time in a world that is evolving towards advanced technology and innovation.

Publisher/Founder/ Editor-in-Chief, Bhaskar Sharma, a Guyanese who migrated to Canada in 1976, told the Guyana Chronicle that the Equality Newspaper is based in Ontario, Canada.

He reported that his son, Nishad Sharma is the news editor/co-publisher for the newspaper which has 12 staff members. Its motto is “Maintaining the perfect balance.”

The younger Sharma is an English and Canadian attorney-at-law.

Together, the Sharmas operate one of the largest Canadian printing presses in Ontar -

io. The elder Sharma is well-known for his Indian-style classical music, which includes several international songs that were well-received some 16 years ago.

The newspaper’s founder, who recent -

ly celebrated his 77th birth anniversary, is well aquatinted with the current and past presidents of Guyana, whom he featured in his newspaper which promotes Guyana’s tourism industry and various business

opportunities.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that the print and online versions of the Equality Newspaper attract a wide readership in Canada, Guyana, the United States of America and the Caribbean.

The elder Sharma disclosed that recently, the Canadian airline Air Transat, which will soon commence flights to Guyana, has requested that copies of the newspaper be placed on

the aircraft for passengers to read.

He added that Sharma pointed out that Equality Newspaper has managed to sustain a 60 per cent allocation of its content to Guyanese and about 20 per cent to news from Canada and the Caribbean.

He related that Vic Insanally of Guyenterprise is his mentor and he was able to promote and support the longevity of Equality Newspa-

per. He added that he is very proud of the vision that President, Dr Irfaan Ali, Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and the other members of the cabinet have for Guyana.

He confidently said that the newspaper plans to remain a household name in both formats for a long time to come. He expressed his gratitude for the support he has gotten over the years.

IDB an ‘invaluable development partner’ to Guyana

— Finance Minister says, underscores government’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth that benefits all Guyanese

GUYANA has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to drive sustainable and inclusive growth that benefits every Guyanese citizen, according to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

He made this declaration in a Facebook post following a meeting with the President of the IDB, Ilan Goldfajn, during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors

of the IDB and IDB-Invest, held in Asunción, Paraguay.

During the engagement, Dr Singh expressed appreciation on behalf of President, Dr Irfaan Ali and the Government and people of Guyana, for the IDB’s role as an “invaluable development partner, noting that the bank has remained a constant and reliable partner to Guyana, providing consistent support through both challenging periods and our current era of unprecedented economic transformation.”

The post stated that Guyana’s delegation also included the Executive Director in the Caribbean Office of the IDB, Navita Ramroop, along with the Director of Projects, and Senior Economic and Financial Analyst at the Ministry of Finance, Bernard Lord and Ronette Hetsberger, respectively.

Notably, while speaking during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the IDB and IDB In -

vest, the finance minister commended the progress made by the IDB in advancing its reform agenda, emphasising that the institution was able to move decisively from reform discussions to implementation in 2025.

However, he stressed that greater consideratio n must be given to the specific challenges confronting Caribbean states.

“The countries in the Caribbean Region remain amongst the most vulnerable in the world to more frequent and extreme natural disasters, external shocks and global economic volatility,” Dr Singh said.

He added that despite demonstrating resilience, Caribbean countries continue to face limited access to financing and constrained fiscal space.

“Our access to resources and financing remains limited, while our fiscal space remains tight to support our development agendas. For these reasons, we wel -

come a bigger and better bank with relevant and appropriate support for our countries,” the minister explained.

Dr Singh, who also submitted a statement in his capacity as Chair of the Caribbean constituency, noted that decisions taken by countries in the Region will determine whether the Caribbean can transform its challenges into opportunities for stronger economic growth, expanded trade and greater investment in climate-resilient infrastructure.

Minister Singh then posited that the convergence between the Region’s development priorities and the IDB Group’s mandate continues to present ample opportunity for partnership, and that it was in this context that the IDBG remains a highly valued and the largest development partner for the Caribbean and that the Region is committed to strengthening that partnership.

Human Services Minister urges greater global efforts to boost women’s presence in political roles

Minister of Human Services and Social Security

Dr. Vindhya Persaud

MINI STER of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud has made a strong call for gender parity in political leadership, stressing the need for more deliberate action and less discussion.

“Women and girls must be encouraged to see politics as an avenue to effect positive change for their communities and country, and understand that this is not only the domain of men, but international and public pressure to have equal spaces for women,” she said noting that this will ensure women take their seat at every table.

The minister made these remarks last week, during the second session of the parliamentary event organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and United Nations (UN)-Women, on the margins of the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

Despite years of advocacy, in 2026, women only hold 27.5 per cent of parliamentary seats worldwide, and only 28 countries are led by a woman head of state, the minister pointed out.

“We, women and men, must be deliberate and decisive,” she said, emphasising the importance of political will within parties and systems to support the political aspirations of women.

Dr. Persaud stated that women must be equipped with the education, skills, community, sport, financial means, and the political environment to support their participation in public and political arenas.

The minister also called for the pushback against harmful cultural and social norms that discriminate against women.

Turning her attention to her homeland, Guyana, Dr. Persaud stressed that the

country’s track record has improved significantly over the years.

Although local law stipulates a quota of at least 30 per cent of women on political party candidates lists for elections, today, 39 per cent of Guyana’s parliamentarians are women, and 37.5 per cent of women hold ministerial positions across multiple sectors.

“More women are joining political parties. The work is ongoing, and the trajectory is positive,” the minister said.

However, although political, economic and defence considerations are dominating peace negotiations, too often, humanitarian, health, education and sexual and gender-based violence impacts are minimised in discussions, Dr. Persaud said.

The minister then put forth four actions that can contribute to meaningful change, greater political support for women's participation and leadership within their parties.

She called for the rising harassment social media abuse and violence faced by women in political life to be addressed.

Dr. Persaud said this is often a deterrent to women seeking office, and has forced some to leave positions.

The minister also called for movement for women beyond stereotypical portfolios of a nurturing nature, and said must be able to serve equally in any portfolio.

“Quotas below 50 per cent must be seen as the floor and not the ceiling. CSW 70, the Commission on the Status of women's 70 must galvanize countries to move this discussion from the confines of these rooms to the achievement of tangible results,” Dr. Persaud stated.

Revised essential medicines list to be rolled out soon

THE Ministry of Health is set to roll out a revised National Essential Medicines List (EML), aimed at strengthening access to vital medications across health facilities in Guyana.

The announcement was made by Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, during the Region Seven 2025 Review and Leadership Meeting, where health officials met to discuss challenges facing the health sector in the region and identify solutions to improve services moving, forward.

Dr Mahadeo was accompanied by a team from the Ministry of Health, including officials from the Regional Health Services.

During the engagement, the Director General explained that consultations are ongoing to determine which additional medications should be included in the updated list.

“Everybody knows that we have a list of essential medicines for patients. Based on that list, those medications are made available to manage patients,” Dr Mahadeo noted.

He explained that while the essential medicines list guides which drugs are routinely supplied to public health facilities, provisions exist to ensure patients can still receive specialised treatment when necessary.

“If a patient goes to see a super specialist and the medicine is not available in Bartica, but it is recommended for that patient, we could make it available,” he said.

The Director General further indicated that the new approach

being developed will allow medications to be more widely accessible across hospitals, particularly regional hospitals.

“The government is putting systems in place and is trying to provide and meet all reasonable

World Health Organization and supported through collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization.

The list prioritises cost-effective medicines for the treatment of infectious diseases, tuberculosis, malaria,

health facilities across the country.

Past updates between 2020 and 2021 saw the addition of several key medications, including antibiotics such as levofloxacin and moxifloxacin, anti-tuberculosis drug combinations con-

requests,” he added, noting that the health sector has seen steady improvements in service delivery in recent years.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability within the health system, explaining that daily morning meetings are held whereby departments from all 10 administrative regions present reports on their performance from the previous day, including updates on the availability of drugs and medical supplies.

Essential medicines form the backbone of Guyana’s public health system, ensuring affordable and accessible treatment for common and life-threatening conditions.

The Ministry of Health maintains a National Essential Medicines List modelled on guidelines from the

and chronic illnesses, while guiding procurement, distribution and availability in public

taining rifampicin and isoniazid, antifungals such as fluconazole, and antimalarial treat-

ments, including artemether-lumefantrine.

The ministry is now undertaking another revision to reflect new therapeutic options, improved drug formulations and evolving health needs, including the rise in non-communicable diseases and concerns surrounding antimicrobial resistance.

Officials also highlighted that the expansion of telemedicine sites and the introduction of drone technology are playing a crucial role in strengthening

healthcare delivery, particularly in remote areas. These systems help ensure that medicines and medical supplies can reach hard-to-access hinterland communities, including trail and riverine areas, in a significantly shorter time, improving patient care and emergency response.

These ongoing improvements form part of President Irfaan Ali’s vision to ensure that every Guyanese has access to equitable, world-class healthcare across the country.

Caria Caria undergoes massive transformation

UNDER the current administration, community-based projects in Caria Caria Village, Region Three, have spurred development and enhanced the living standards of residents.

Compton Klass has been the Chairman for the Caria Caria Community Development Council (CDC) for the past four years and was the driving force behind several of the projects.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that presently, work to construct a ramp

- lands to be cleared for farming, guest house and ICT hub among buildings commissioned last year

from the Community Centre to the Essequibo River is ongoing. When complete, it will ensure easier access whether the water is low or high. Klass explained that a bulldozer is being used to sandfill the area before the ramp is built.

He acknowledged the community’s transformation over the years, adding that some residents who had left are now returning.

Klass explained that late last year, they commissioned several new buildings, which included a guest house,

an administrative edifice, a sports bar, a Mess Hall for schoolchildren to have meals, ICT hub and a building in the burial ground for funeral services.

He stated that direct inputs from President, Dr Irfaan Ali have resulted in positive moves to have more lands cleared and prepared for farming.

Klass reported that farm-

ers are elated about this new prospect and some have already started their cultivation of crops.

Additionally, the community leader disclosed that late last year, he received solar-powered streetlights, which were installed at specific parts of the community.

Klass told the Guyana Chronicle that Caria Caria Village is being trans -

formed daily and they have six teachers, five of whom are qualified for the primary school and the annex.

He said they have a health post with two community health workers, but there is a desperate need to boost river transport for locals. Klass revealed that they have a boat with two 40 horsepower engines which are insufficient for the community.

Despite these challenges, the village continues to develop at a rapid pace and residents are very grateful for the elevated standard of living.

The community is bordered by Buck Hall, Saxacalli, Hogg Island and Troolie Island.

Meanwhile, the community leader added that the CDC has five active office bearers and all residents are members. Everyone has a say in matters concerning the community.

Caria Caria Village spans a six-mile stretch and has two creeks, Caparwarrie on the north and Awarria on the south. Some 300 persons live there.

Klass champions education as he believes it plays a vital role in development. Youth in the area have benefitted from life skills and language programmes.

Young entrepreneurs need support to turn ideas into businesses - GCCI head

- says chamber looking to expand mentorship, partnering with donors and financial institutions

By Shamar Meusa

PRESIDENT of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith, has said that young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas must be given greater support for their concepts to evolve into viable businesses.

Smith made this known during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, during which she said that the chamber intends to place a stronger focus on young entrepreneurs this year.

She noted that many have expressed concerns about not feeling adequately represented within the local business landscape.

“I really want to tap into the younger entrepreneurs,” Smith said, adding, “I’ve been hearing that they don’t feel represented in the business space, and we are trying to ensure space is there for them.”

According to the GCCI president, the chamber is seeking to collaborate with donor agencies and financial institutions to create programmes that would help young people develop and grow their business ideas.

Smith explained that while many youths have promising concepts, access to financing remains a major hurdle since financial institutions typically require established assets or businesses before offering support.

“I know the banking institutions have been saying they can’t in -

vest in ideas; they need to invest in something substantial,” she noted.

As such, she added, “But the youths are coming up with ideas, and if we don’t support the dream a little bit, they’re going to disappear.”

She warned that without adequate support, many aspiring entrepreneurs may abandon their ambitions and remain in jobs that do not align with their aspirations.

“And some of them will just think that they need to remain in some form of employment that they don’t feel happy about,” Smith said.

To address this challenge, she indicated that the GCCI plans to expand its mentorship programmes as a key mechanism to help transform innovative ideas into tangible products and services.

“What we’re going to do at the chamber is to ensure we extend mentorship programmes so that we can help to move that idea into some product or some service,” she explained.

Smith also emphasised that the private sector recognises the value of both entrepreneurship and traditional employment, noting that individuals will naturally gravitate towards the path that best suits their interests

She further maintained that young people with entrepreneurial ambitions should be given the support needed to pursue and develop their ideas.

Government ‘firmly’ committed to protecting citizens’ rights

— Minister Rodrigues says on World Consumer Rights Day

CONSUMER protection remains paramount in digital and physical marketplaces, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Ro-

drigues said on Sunday, emphasising her government’s commitment to protecting consumers’ rights.

This formed part of the minister’s message in observance of World Consumer Rights Day 2026.

“As our country advances along a rapid economic trajectory, the protection of our con -

sumers remains paramount. Growth must go hand in hand with fairness, transparency and accountability,” she said.

The minister stated that consumer education

A snippet of Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, giving her address on World Consumer Rights Day 2026, which was observed on Sunday

and protection are clear priorities of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government.

She noted that the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission conducts nationwide sensitisation programmes and school-outreach initiatives to ensure citizens understand their rights and know what steps to take if those rights are denied.

“But awareness alone is not enough -- enforcement is key,” Minister Rodrigues added.

In 2025, the commission conducted 1,331 inspections across the country to ensure compliance with the Consumer Affairs Act. Additionally, 259 compliance certificates were issued to businesses that met the required standards— recognising responsible and ethical operations.

Further, the minister stated that when consumers believe their rights have been violated, there is a system that works for them.

Highlighting statistics, she said in 2025 alone, 428 complaints, representing 85 per cent

of matters received, were resolved, securing $157 million in redress for consumers.

“These are real outcomes that deliver real relief to citizens,” she stated.

According to the minister, this year's theme, “Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” reminds the nation that safety in both physical and digital marketplaces is essential.

Through the work of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) including inspections, testing and monitoring at Guyana’s ports of entry, citizens continue to access safe and quality products.

The minister said: “We continue to ensure that unsafe and substandard products do not reach our people.”

“Let me assure every Guyanese citizen: you have a government firmly committed to protecting your rights. Together, we will continue building a marketplace that is fair, safe, and worthy of your trust,” she added.

Jay Anderson to represent Guyana at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament

GUYANESE artiste

Jay Anderson is set to represent his homeland on the international stage at an upcoming international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament, marking another milestone

derson will compete in the Jacare Grand Slam Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament in Brazil, proudly representing Guyana in another discipline on the international stage. Alongside his

in both his athletic and artistic journey.

According to a press release, after more than three years of dedicated training at 2nd Gear Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Anderson recently earned the rank of blue belt.

On March 21, An-

martial arts training, Anderson has been working on new music, with an Extended Play (EP) that is already 80 per cent complete and expected to be released soon as he continues expanding his brand as an artiste.

Pakistan lodge official complaint about Bangladesh's review at end of chase

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Pakistan have complained to match referee Neeyamur Rashid over the on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasena's decision to allow Bangladesh to take an lbw review off the penultimate ball of the third ODI in Mirpur. ESPNcricinfo has learnt the Pakistan management registered their complaint on the grounds that they believe Bangladesh took the review after a replay of the delivery flashed up on the big screen.

The decision to take the review, and its ultimate consequences helped Bangladesh assume an unassailable position in the game. Before

that delivery, Pakistan needed 12 to win off two balls. Rishad Hossain flighted one up onto leg stump that spun down the leg side, away from Shaheen Afridi. The umpire called it a wide as it went down leg. After brief discussions, Bangladesh decided to take a review for lbw, even though, to the naked eye, the ball was nowhere near Afridi's legs or any part of his body.

Normal protocols mandate that a decision about a review be made before any replays are visible to players to prevent them influencing the decision to review. However, with the assumption there was no case for a review as the said delivery was initially given a wide, Pakistan have argued those normal protocols were not followed, with the big screen at the stadium showing the ball passing the bat, and potentially giving Bangladesh enough information to suggest it may have made contact. Pakistan are also understood to be aggrieved at the possibility Bangladesh were allowed to review outside the maximum 15 seconds within which such a decision must be made. No timer appeared on the broadcast, so whether Bangladesh reviewed in time could not be independently confirmed.

However, the reason for Afridi's visible frustration became clear as soon as the DRS went to Hawk-Eye, with a spike at the moment the ball passed the bottom of his bat, suggesting it had kissed the toe end and could not, therefore, be a wide. Bangladesh lost the review, but the wide decision was reversed and the equation became 12 in one ball. Afridi was stumped off the final delivery and swung his bat over the stumps in frustration. It secured victory for Bangladesh by 11 runs, and a 2-1 series win.

It is not yet clear yet what action the PCB wants from the match referee, though it is believed they expect at minimum a public acknowledgment that an error was made.

The decision is the second in as many games Pakistan have felt they may have come out the wrong side of. Salman Agha was run-out after being caught outside his crease trying to hand the ball to Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the second ODI. Agha's frustration spilled over and he had heated words before throwing his bat and gloves down, earning him a demerit point and a 50% match fee fine. Mehidy was fined 20% of his match fee for that incident.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

March 16, 2026)

Spurs answer Tudor's call with show of fight in the face of crisis

(BBC) - Igor Tudor delivered a message of defiance amid Tottenham Hotspur's deepening crisis when he told his players before their visit to Liverpool: "You can stay and cry or you can fight".

The smart money was on more tears after four straight losses under the Croatian saw an alarming drop towards relegation, along with a loss at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 first leg that was nothing short of a fiasco.

Tudor came under heavy criticism, not just for replacing Antonin Kinsky after only 17 minutes following two mistakes in the 5-2 defeat, but for blanking the young keeper as he walked off.

And yet here, against all odds and without 13 players because of suspension and injuries, Spurs stood and fought every inch of the way at Anfield to earn a fully deserved point with a performance that may yet prove to be of wider significance as they fight against the drop into the Championship.

Will it be enough to buy Tudor more time? We shall see, the sense is he is not out of the woods yet, but at least Tudor can have the satisfaction of demonstrating he can get a reaction from Spurs players who had previously looked down and out.

At the heart of it all was Richarlison, every touch jeered by Liverpool fans because of his previous Everton

connections, but a constant menace as he gave Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez a torrid time.

Richarlison had already forced several saves from Brazil team-mate Alisson before finally striking gold in the 90th minute, after Randal Kolo Muani had shrugged off Van Dijk's feeble challenge and Andrew Robertson faltered.

He turned away after silencing the taunts, cupping his ear to The Kop, who were stunned into silence after his sixth Premier League goal versus Liverpool. It was his fifth at Anfield. Only Andrew Cole, with eight, has more away goals against Liverpool in the competition.

BCB two-day final ends in walkover as Albion ‘forfeit’ in protest

THE final of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) first-division two-day tournament ended in anti-climax on Saturday, with Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) declared champions via a walkover.

The scheduled showpiece at the Albion Community Centre Ground was aborted after the home side, Albion, failed to take the field in a direct protest against the BCB’s administrative handling of the tournament's semi-final.

The controversy stems from a stalemate in the semi-final between RHTYSC and Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC).

After two days of play had failed to yield a first-innings result, the BCB Competitions Committee ordered a full replay—a move Albion and YWCC have slammed as a departure from long-standing regional precedent.

Historically, in Berbice cricket, if a knockout multiday match ends without a definitive result, the team with

the superior record from the group stages—in this case, Young Warriors—advances.

However, the BCB defended its decision to order a replay, citing a lack of "explicit rules" in the current tournament regulations for such an eventuality.

The board pointed to a 1998 semi-final between YWCC and Port Mourant that famously stretched into a fourth day to find a winner as justification for prioritising a "played-out" result over group-stage standings.

"The multi-day format traditionally requires play to continue until a clear winner is determined," the BCB stated in a press release. "The Competitions Committee ruled that a replay was the fairest outcome, given the absence of explicit rules and the fact that neither team was at fault."

Albion, acting in solidarity with Young Warriors— who had already refused to participate in the ordered replay—released a scathing statement defending the "integrity of the game."

Antonelli claims maiden F1 victory with China win

(FORMULA1) Kimi Antonelli claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory in the Chinese Grand Prix, beating Mercedes team mate George Russell as Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton claimed his first Grand Prix podium for the Scuderia after a thrilling intra-team battle.

Having become the youngest Grand Prix polesitter on Saturday, Antonelli was only briefly headed at the start of Sunday's race in Shanghai, losing the lead to Hamilton who got the jump on both Mercedes from P3.

"The decision to replay the match represents a significant departure from established precedent and raises serious concerns regarding fairness," the Albion statement read. "The club will not participate in the final... unless and until the rightful opponent, Young Warriors Cricket Club, is allowed to advance."

The BCB Executive Committee, which upheld the replay ruling, noted that both captains had initially agreed to abide by the board's decision in the presence of umpires after YWCC declined a request to return for a third day of play.

With Albion sticking to their boycott, RHTYSC were awarded the title by default. The BCB has confirmed that the matter has now been referred to its Disciplinary Committee.

"No single club has the authority to independently determine which rules should apply," the BCB added, reaffirming its mandate to organise the sport in the "Ancient County."

Re-taking the lead before the end of the second lap, the 19-year-old Italian was never headed again, retaining first after his only pit stop under the sole Safety Car period early in proceedings.

Despite a nervous moment after running deep at the Turn 14 hairpin with four laps remaining, Antonelli finished 5.5 seconds clear of Russell to become the second youngest winner of a Grand Prix.

Russell, who had won Saturday's Sprint, fought back to second having found himself behind the squab -

bling Ferraris at the midpoint of the race after struggling for grip on the Safety Car restart, the Briton still in the lead of the Drivers' Championship.

Hamilton took his first rostrum for Ferrari in a Grand Prix at the same venue where he claimed his only victory last season in the China Sprint 12 months ago.

The seven-time World Champion had to fight team mate Charles Leclerc hard for the position, the pair running side-by-side at several points throughout the race as the Monegasque finished fourth.

Best of the rest was Ollie Bearman for Haas, who came fifth having had to take avoiding action on the opening lap as Isack Hadjar spun through the long righthander of Turn 13.

Alpine's Pierre Gasly claimed points for the second weekend in a row with P6, from the Racing Bulls of Liam Lawson and Hadjar (Red Bull), as the top 10 was completed by Carlos Sainz (Williams) and Franco Colapinto, the second Alpine having been hit into a spin by

Esteban Ocon at one stage. Audi's Nico Hulkenberg missed out on the points in P11, followed by Arvid Lindblad after the Racing Bulls driver suffered a spin on his own at Turn 14.

The final classified runners included the Cadillacs of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, the latter having spun at Turn 3 on the opening lap after contact with his team mate, while Ocon finished between the pair in P14 after serving his penalty.

Max Verstappen failed to reach the chequered flag, retiring just 10 laps from the end after running P6 with an issue for his Red Bull, with both Aston Martins of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll also retiring – the latter's stranded car causing the only Safety Car period. Reigning champions McLaren endured a miserable day, as both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri failed to start due to two different electrical problems on the power unit side, while Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto and Williams' Alex Albon also failed to start due to car problems.

Tanzid 107, Taskin four-for trump

Agha 106 to give Bangladesh series

(ESPNCRICINFO) - This was an old-fashioned classic disguised as 21st century cricket. Probably the best ODI match of the year so far, tucked away as a bilateral decider in Mirpur. Two batters, Salman Agha and Tanzid Hasan, played stellar knocks while everyone else struggled on a pockmarked pitch. Yes, this was old-fashioned: there was the tragic Pakistan collapse, the comical Pakistan running, and the tragicomic Pakistan finish.

At the end of it all, Bangladesh won their second successive bilateral ODI series against Pakistan, the two series being 11 years apart.

Let's start with just the last over: one wicket left, Shaheen Shah Afridi on strike, Rishad Hossain with the ball. 14 needed off six. Off the second delivery, Rishad ran back to collect a skier and spilled it at mid-on when he could have closed out the match. With 12 needed off two, a wide was given, then a sneaky review was tak-

en by Bangladesh to reverse it. With 12 needed off the last ball, Afridi ventured down the track and missed the ball all ends up, and could have been off for a stroll by the time Litton Das remembered to whip off the stumps.

However, the match was a long way away from being a heart-stopper, and had mostly been a one-way dogfight with Bangladesh calling the shots. Then, Agha made a belated entry to the middle at 67 for 4. They were chasing 291 on a pitch that turned when you slowed it down, and bounced when you speared it in.

Taskin Ahmed was the early wrecker-in-chief for Bangladesh, taking out Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Rizwan in the first and third over. Maaz Sadaqat departed to an edge off Nahid Rana in the one over in between. Yet, debutant Ghazi Ghori and two-ODIsold Abdul Samad got together to stem the bleeding: they poked and prodded, and sometimes middled one, as they laboured to a 50-run

partnership in 67 balls. The highlight of their stand was at least four run-out chances, with many yes-and-no calls as nerves gave way.

Bangladesh were poor in the field themselves, with misfields and balls parried away by the close-in fielders - twice against Ghori and Samad - letting Pakistan stay in the contest for as long as

they did. Ghori, in particular, rode his luck, smacking three fours and one eye-catching six into the deep-square boundary.

Ghori (29) and Samad (34) departed in quick succession. Having walked in with 224 needed off 36 overs, Agha built a case for Pakistan's chase from one end, while Saad Masood, the other

debutant of the day, kept the other end chugging along. Still, a rush of young blood was inevitable. They had put together a 79-run partnership for the sixth wicket when Masood rushed down the pitch, and Mustafizur Rahman rattled his stumps. Agha took off his gloves and helmet, and sunk to his haunches at the other end.

The pitch might as well have been laid out with Mustafizur in mind, as he kept angling balls away from the batters to finish with figures of 3 for 54. But Agha countered him - and the other pace bowlers - by mostly sticking to shots down the ground. His knock was peppered with nine fours and four sixes. This was as good a riposte as any with the bat, having been run-out in the previous game in rather unusual circumstances.

Here, he only kept the team's needs in mind as he dug deeper in the middle with Afridi. Even when he bashed Rana down the ground in the 45th over to bring up his century, they still needed 48 off 35 balls with just three wickets left. He did not indulge in much of a celebration.

Agha and Afridi compiled 52 runs in 49 balls, but Agha was the first to depart: skying a cross-batted shot off Taskin to become his fourth and final victim of the night in the 48th over.

Jumbo Jet National Chess and Diamond Fire women’s chess championships underway

THE Jumbo Jet Auto Sales National Open Chess Championships and the Diamond Fire Insurance sponsored National Women’s Chess Championships begin on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the David Rose Special School from 09.00hrs.

The battle for the championship crown has begun. In the National Open Championship’s defending

Champion CM Taffin Khan stands ready to face a formidable field of senior and junior challengers who have shown their experience and tactical brilliance throughout the qualifiers to secure

their spots in the top nine.

To retain his title, Khan must fend off seasoned players FM Anthony Drayton, CM Ronuel Greenidge, Keron Sandiford, Rolex Alexander, Jaden Taylor, and Leslie Campbell. Simultaneously, he faces the junior titans, including U16 Open Champion Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber, reigning National Junior Champion Kyle Couchman, and the determined Alexander Zhang, all of whom are eager to claim the championship.

On the Women’s side, a unique drama unfolds as defending champion WCM Aditi Joshi faces a gruelling double- edged challenge. Not only must she defend her prestigious title against a relentless field of challengers, but she is also locked in an intense battle with her academic examinations.

Standing in her way are

former champions WCM

Sasha Shariff and WCM

Jessica Callender, both determined to reclaim their former glory. They are joined by seasoned veterans Treskolé Archibald, Ciel Clement, Anaya Lall, and Italy Ton-Chung. Adding to the pressure is the formidable young chess prodigy Kataleya Sam, the reigning U14 and U16 Girls’ Chess Champion, while rising stars Parnita Kishun and Sana Sreebalakumar wait in the wings, eager for the chance to dethrone WCM Joshi.

Twenty players are locked in battle, including the defending champions, fighting to retain their respective titles, while a pool of determined opponents are threatening to unseat them.

The first four rounds of the nine-round Round Robin tournament will take place this weekend, on Satur -

day, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, 2026, before concluding over the next two weekends.

The tournament features a classical time control of 90 minutes per player plus a 30-second increment per move.

The Federation expresses its sincere gratitude to the Sponsors for coming on board to support the development of Chess in Guyana, and special thanks to the David Rose Special School for always providing the venue for our tournaments. All boards for each category will be live-streamed on lichess.org by John Lee, FIDE Arbiter and Technical Director for the GCF. Results and pairings will be published on Chess-results. com.

Visit guyanachess.gy to learn more about the GCF and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

NDCC beat Agricola in sole match played over the weekend

By Sean Devers

ON a rainy weekend in the city, the adverse weather significantly impacted the Georgetown Cricket Association’s Sherwin Williams second Division T20 cricket tournament, with only the reduced encounter between host Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Positive Foundation Agricola being played.

DCC won by 72 runs after making 172-9 off their allotted 16 overs before dismissing Agricola for 100 in 15.5 overs.

DCC batted first on a good track after the game was reduced to a 16-over affair due to a damp spot inside the 30-yard area from water from the covers.

Alphius Bookie and Na-

tional U-16 Captain Lomar Seecharran went after the bowlers with a brutal onslaught.

The pair posted the 50 in just 3.5 overs before the right-handed Bookie, who dominated the partnership, was dismissed by Joel Gilkes at 51-1.

Bookie’s pugnacious 44 was decorated with four scorching fours and four disdainful sixes. His innings lasted 17 balls. Bookie’s demise brought Nkosi Beaton to join the left-handed Seecharran. But with the score on 76-1 in the seventh over, Skipper Rickford Mohammed, one of the better leg-spinners in the tournament, induced the 14-yearold Seecharran (15) to mishit a pull off a short

ball and was caught at deep mid-wicket.

A run later and in the same over, Mohammed removed Beaton for a quickfire 16 with a four and a couple of massive sixes.

Jaden Dowlin and Nathan Bishop added 73 for the fourth wicket before Bishop fell for 41 from 24 balls with two fours and three sixes to leave DCC on 150-4 in 12.4 overs under a cloudy sky.

Watched by a fair-size gathering, which included his dad, former West Indies Test player Travis Dowlin, young Dowlin galloped to 34 from 16 balls with five boundaries, which included three sixes

Shaquille Leung removed Dowlin in the penultimate over at 167-5.

The home team, looking

to hit sixes, lost four wickets for five runs in the last 10 balls of their innings.

Shawn Thompson (321) and Mohammed (2-26) were the main wicket-takers for Agricola, who lost Neil Hutton for a duck at 2-1 and never recovered.

Lorenzo Chesney hit three fours and three sixes in a cameo 33 from 16 balls.

However, once Dowlin dismissed Chesney at 43-4, only Navin Mahadeo (17) of the other batters reached 15.

Ricardo Percival, son of former West Indies U-19 Captain Andre Percival, Kaylon Callender and Bookie had two wickets each.

GCA’s Competitions Committee Chairman Shawn Massiah informed that the washed-out matches will be replayed.

Herstelling defeat Lower Soesdyke; Kuru Kururu topple Agricola

COMPETITIVE football

action returned to the East Bank corridor after a long hiatus when the inaugural East Bank Inter-Village Competition kicked off at the Eccles EE Ground on Saturday evening, following a colourful march past of the villages. It was a history-making night on many fronts as it was also the first time that this ground hosted a competitive football match. This new facility, has been developed under the Government of Guyana Ground Enhancement initiative and jointly undertaken by the Ministry of Housing and the Ministry

of Culture, Youth and Sport. Apart from the march past before on-field action, there was also the distribution of equipment by the National Sports Commission to each village by Minister within the Office of The Prime Minister, the Hon Kwame McCoy, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, Vice Chairperson of the National Sports Commission, Cristy Campbell, and National Footballer Jerome Harrigan. Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, joined the others for the kickoff of the tournament’s first match.

The Soesdyke-Linden Highway based Kuru Kururu

suited up against one of the top villages in Agricola as Group ‘A’ play got underway. Teams are battling in a round-robin format with the top two from each of the four groups earning a place in the final eight, when the knockout phase will begin.

The highway boys came to the show to make their presence felt on a historic day and wanted to etch their names in the history books. They drew first blood 22 minutes into the opening half when Leroy Evans breached the Agricola defence and goalkeeper, Christopher Adams.

The half ended with Kuru

Kururu enjoying a slim lead and Agricola relishing the opportunity of levelling things up and even going ahead. In the 57th minute, Kuru Kururu doubled the advantage with a Kevin Scott strike.

Even though Agricola halved the advantage when Shemar Sampson found the back of the net in the 61st minute, veteran forward Marvin ‘Munro’ Joseph rolled back the years when he re-established their two-goal cushion on the stroke of full time.

Agricola has now found themselves in a must-win situation when they come up against Mocha, defeat will see them exiting the competition.

The feature game of the night pitted a young Herstelling side against Lower Soesdyke. It was a very intense encounter as the Lower Soesdyke boys used their height advantage to good effect, but Herstelling never backed down.

The first 35 minutes did not separate the two villages although chances were created either side of the pitch. It was the final four minutes of the clash that saw Herstelling scoring back-to-back goals that sealed full points for them in this Group ‘B’ clash.

Johenni Mendoza broke the deadlock in the 66th min-

ute and two minutes later, junior national and Elite League player Malcolm Hendricks knocked the wind out of the sail of Nijuan Hooke, caught out of position. The win for Herstelling has placed then in a good position to earn a quarter-final berth, while Lower Soesdyke will have to win their next clash against Swan if they are to stand a chance of advancing.

Grove and Circuitville collided on Sunday afternoon in the first of another double header, while Timehri engaged Kaneville in the feature. Action will continue this weekend.

Jumbo Jet National Chess and Diamond Fire women’s chess championships