GUYANA will intensify engagement with regional and international partners in the coming days as it moves to position itself as a transshipment hub and fast-track the building of a deep-water port and other gas infrastructure projects, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.
Speaking at the weekend, during the commissioning of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc. (GTTCI) at Port Mourant, he told stakeholders that decisions are expected before the end of the first quarter on key infrastructure to strengthen the country’s oil and gas sector.
“In the next coming days, you’ll hear us talking about phase two gas, and we have to get that done before 2030, before the end of this first quarter; all the critical decisions will be made as to what we’re doing,” the President said.
Today, Guyana’s Energy Conference Supply Chain Expo will see global leaders converging under the theme ‘Building To -
morrow’s Future Today’. It is anticipated that many discussions here will foster tangible outcomes and investments.
“Right now we have finalised with one of the top international companies, Bechtel, and they are now doing the financial feasibility for that port, and that, of course, will lead into the opportunities for investment and financing,” he explained further.
President Ali also revealed that a delegation led by the governor of Brazil’s state of Roraima is expected shortly to begin formal discussions on transshipment, with Guyana being positioned as a logistics gateway for northern Brazil. He said these talks form part of a broader master plan to transform the country into a regional trade and energy hub.
“We have a team led by the governor of the state of Roraima coming in to
kickstart conversation on transshipment and Guyana becoming a transshipment hub for the state of Roraima. So, a lot of things will be happening in the coming days,” he said, adding: “We want all of these things to be on point by 2030 for no other reason but that I feel this responsibility is on my shoulder as President; I do not want to pass this burden or this weight on to someone else. I would rather they inherit the fruits of the collective hard labour of all of us in this country.”
Emphasising the urgency of the timeline, he underscored the government’s commitment to having key infrastructure and development pillars firmly in place by 2030.
He further pointed to the need for a deeper national understanding of development planning and economic transformation, noting that effective policymaking requires an appreciation
of long-term strategy, regional integration, and the complex processes that drive national growth.
He cited the recent conclusion of contributions and debates to the national assembly during the scrutiny of the $1.558 trillion 2026 Budget from the parliamentary opposition.
“Now it’s also important for us to understand that this is a master plan, I’ve listened to presentations
in the budget, and I really believe that we should have some training in how national development works and how the process of development takes place. The type of simplistic narrative shows an immense lack of understanding of how national development takes place,” the President said.
“The (members of parliament) MPs, you know, they look at things in a very simplistic, narrow way, without understand -
ing economic implications and understanding how societies are structured … You know, especially from the opposition, mostly from the opposition, maybe completely from the opposition, on how these things work,” he added.
The president opined that it is optimal for Guyana to have a parliamentary opposition that can critically and analytically understand the trajectory of the country’s growth.
PRESIDENT Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has directed the Ministry of Health to launch an aggressive nationwide public health campaign within the next six weeks to address chronic health challenges confronting communities across Guyana.
The Head of State made the call during the opening ceremony of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc. at Port Mourant, Corentyne, on Saturday. He emphasised the need for the initiative to reach every citizen through collaboration with religious and community leaders.
“We want a public health campaign with flyers, pro-
grammes, reaching every single citizen,” the President urged. “We have to deal with this public health crisis.”
Dr Ali also outlined the government’s broader healthcare vision, highlighting the construction of a level-five teaching hospital in New Amsterdam. The facility, he said, will serve as a regional cardiac and research centre and represents a major leap forward in Guyana’s medical service capacity.
“This will be a teaching hospital very much different from a normal hospital, a hospital that will specialise in research and cardiac services, a cardiac centre for the whole region,” he said.
President Ali appealed for urgent action to address chronic health challenges across the country and called on the Ministry of Health to partner with faith communities to launch a national health campaign.
“I am happy the religious leaders are here, and I want the religious community to be critically integrated in this campaign, especially in our rural areas,” he said.
Under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration vision, Guyanese are set to benefit from health initiatives that are intended to improve lives and ultimately lead to a better standard of living.
(DPI)
DECLARING that the “wheels of justice will continue to turn in a timely manner,” Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday issued a stern warning to U.S.-indicted Azruddin Mohamed, saying she will not tolerate any excuses, and any further tardiness will result in his bail being revoked and his immediate remand to prison.
The magistrate made these remarks after Azruddin finally appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court after he failed to appear at 09:00am when his extradition committal matter was called.
His attorneys had requested a five-minute grace period, claiming he was running late, but he did not arrive within that window.
The warrant was issued at 09:05am.
Seeking to justify his lateness, Azruddin told the magistrate he had a “cough” but the main reason for his tardiness was that two of the tires on his driver’s vehicle were damaged earlier that morning.
He further told the court that he has been unable to use his personal vehicles, as the insurances have not been renewed, leaving him dependent on a driver for transportation.
“I will not tolerate your excuses. You have to be punctual,” the Magistrate
firmly told Azruddin.
According to Azruddin, he contacted one of his defense lawyers at 07:20am to indicate the delay and urged them to be on time.
However, Magistrate Latchman was unmoved.
“You were late on one occasion, and I warned you that nine o’clock is nine o’clock,” she firmly told him, reminding him of that prior warning.
“This is not monopoly, and there are no chances at this point in time,” the magistrate said, making it clear that she was “very much inclined” to revoke bail and remand him to prison.
Magistrate Latchman further told the U.S.-indicted businessman and newly minted opposition leader, who is currently facing extradition proceedings, that she will not tolerate excuses.
While Azruddin contended that his reasons for being late were “just,” the magistrate told him that is his view.
His legal team profusely apologised to the magistrate for Azruddin’s tardiness, and attorney-at-law Siand Dhurjon acknowledged that his client had indeed been late on a previous occasion.
When pressed by the magistrate for a concrete guarantee that what occurred would not happen again, Dhurjon gave personal assurances: “Madam, I would personally take steps to en-
sure it, even if I have to go for him myself…”
Still unmoved by the excuse for Monday’s lateness, the magistrate warned that if Azruddin is late once again, the court will not hesitate to revoke his bail.
Magistrate Latchman firmly stated, “This court will guarantee that the wheels of justice will continue to turn in a timely manner,” telling Azruddin: “On the next occasion, this court will be escheating the bail and remand you to prison. At this point in time, I will temper justice with mercy.”
The matter has now been adjourned to February 18 at 09:00am, and an update on the medical certification of the elder Mohamed is required.
The Mohameds—owners of Mohamed’s Enterprise— remain on $150,000 bail each, have surrendered their passports, and must report weekly to the Ruimveldt Police Station as the extradition proceedings continue. They were taken into custody on October 31, 2025, following a U.S. request for their extradition.
Notably, when Magistrate Latchman issued the
arrest warrant for U.S.-indicted Mohamed after he failed to appear before the court at the scheduled time, one of his attorneys, Roysdale Forde, pleaded with the court to refrain from taking that step.
But the magistrate declined. She stated: “As it relates to Mr. Azruddin Mohamed, he is very disrespectful, and an arrest warrant has been issued for him. He has to be punctual.”
U.S. prosecution, Terrence Williams KC, following the magistrate’s issuance of the arrest warrant, told reporters that, to his knowledge, there was no satisfactory explanation provided to the court for Azruddin’s absence.
He emphasised that: “You can’t expect the court’s business to be delayed because of your absence.”
Azruddin arrived approximately 35 minutes later than the scheduled hearing, and by that time, the warrant had already taken effect, and he was escorted in handcuffs.
However, shortly after, the matter was taken before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, where Mohamed’s defence attorneys made an application for bail.
Although Forde argued that there was no basis for the arrest and claimed that Azruddin has not been delinquent in his previous appearances, this was challenged by Prosecuting Attorney-at-Law
Glenn Hanoman, who maintained that Azruddin was previously disrespectful and “ought to be taught a lesson.”
Although stating that she did not initially intend to deal with the matter, after Magistrate McGusty listened to the arguments from both the prosecution and Mohamed’s defence legal team, she ordered Prosecuting Attorney Glen Hanoman to make contact with Magistrate Latchman to ascertain whether she refused to see Mohamed.
It was then that Magistrate Latchman agreed to entertain the application and recalled the arrest warrant, warning Azruddin to not repeat what happened Monday.
In October last year, a federal grand jury in Miami returned an indictment charging the father and son with participating in a multi-year scheme to evade millions of dollars in taxes and royalties owed to the Government of Guyana through fraudulent gold export practices and related money laundering activities.
According to court documents, Nazar Mohamed, 72, and Azruddin Mohamed, 38, were owners of Mohamed’s Enterprise, a gold wholesaler and exporter in Guyana that sold gold to buyers in Miami and Dubai.
Guyanese authorities impose approximately a seven per cent tax and duty on
exported gold. From about 2017 through at least 2024, the pair allegedly enriched themselves and defrauded the Government of Guyana by concealing the true quantity and value of gold exported by their company.
The indictment alleges that Mohamed’s Enterprise paid taxes and royalties on one shipment of gold to obtain official government seals, then reused those same seals on subsequent shipments to avoid paying additional taxes and royalties. Prosecutors further allege that empty boxes bearing Guyanese government seals were shipped from Dubai through Miami to Guyana and that bribes were paid to customs and other officials to facilitate the scheme.
In total, the pair allegedly exported at least 10,000 kilograms of gold through Miami, resulting in an estimated loss of approximately US$50 million to the Government of Guyana.
Nazar Mohamed is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and mail fraud.
Azruddin Mohamed is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud. The indictment also alleges that Azruddin Mohamed engaged in a separate scheme to evade more than US$1 million in Guyanese taxes in connection with the shipment of a Lamborghini from Miami to Guyana.
The indictment seeks forfeiture of approximately US$5.3 million in gold bars seized at Miami International Airport on June 11, 2024. Both men were sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control in June 2024.
GUYANA’S healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors are poised for further expansion as a Kuwaiti investment company has signalled strong interest in entering the local market, reflecting growing international confidence in the country’s non-oil economic potential.
Representatives of Kuwait-based Royal Group on Monday met with Chief Investment Officer and Head of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Peter Ramsaroop, MP, to explore opportunities for investment in healthcare and pharmaceutical development. The engagement comes ahead of the annual Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, highlighting how global attention generated by the country’s booming energy industry is increasingly spilling over into strategic sectors beyond oil and gas.
Government officials say the expression of interest aligns with ongoing national efforts to strengthen healthcare capacity through the establishment of biomedical hubs, modernisation of drug supply and distribution systems, and reforms to regulatory frameworks governing pharmaceuticals. These initiatives are aimed at improving access to medicines, enhancing national health security, and reducing reliance on imported medical supplies.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has repeatedly identified healthcare and medicine as central pillars of his Vision 2030 development agenda, emphasising the need to build domestic capability not only in the delivery of advanced medical services but also in the storage, supply, and potential production of essential medicines. The administration has underscored
that modern infrastructure, and internationally aligned standards, will be critical to achieving these goals.
Private-sector participation is expected to complement the Government’s multi-billion-dollar investments in expanding hospital networks, introducing specialised services, and advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing capac-
ity. Officials believe these combined efforts will help create a more resilient and self-sustaining national health system.
Beyond improvements in healthcare delivery, authorities view investment in the sector as a driver of wider economic transformation. Expanded pharmaceutical and medical industries are expected to
generate skilled employment, encourage technology transfer, and support Guyana’s transition toward higher-value economic activity.
Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has previously stressed that diversification into health-related industries
forms a key component of the Government’s strategy to ensure balanced and sustainable growth alongside continued oil and gas expansion. Investments that strengthen human capital and social infrastructure, he has noted, are essential to converting economic growth into long-term national development.
Officials say engagements with companies such as Royal Group reflect Guyana’s broader strategy of attracting responsible international partners whose investments align with national priorities, promote job creation, and contribute to building a more diversified and resilient economy.
Ramsaroop was accompanied at the meeting by Director of Economic Affairs Arvinda Ramcharan and Foreign Service Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Natala Anderson.
–– private sector body says award reflects leadership, regional vision and Guyana’s growing global profile
REGION Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc) has praised President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali following his receipt of a top Brazilian state honour, describing the recognition as a powerful endorsement of his leadership and a reflection of Guyana’s rising prominence on the international stage.
Head of R3PSInc, Halim Khan, said the conferral of the Order of Merit Fort São Joaquim, the highest award bestowed by Brazil’s northern state of Roraima, underscores the President’s success in strengthening regional partnerships while positioning Guyana as an increasingly attractive destination for investment and cooperation.
“Through his leadership, Guyana has been placed firmly in the global spotlight and marketed exceptionally well as a country open for investment, innovation and partnership.”
The honour was conferred on February 9 in Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima, in recognition of the President’s role in deepening economic relations between Guyana and Brazil and advancing cooperation with the border state. Known locally as the Medalha Forte São Joaquim, the distinction is awarded to individuals whose contributions have significantly benefited the development and people of Roraima.
Khan noted that the local private sector has directly experienced the results of the administra-
“This prestigious recognition is a testament not only to President Ali’s diplomatic acumen but also to his steadfast commitment to economic cooperation that delivers tangible benefits for businesses and citizens alike,” Khan said.
tion’s expanded diplomatic outreach, particularly through improved trade relations and growing cross-border opportunities.
“Guyana’s private sector has witnessed firsthand the positive impacts of his engagement with our neighbours,” Khan said. “This award reflects leadership that is not only
visionary but practical, creating new pathways for commerce, investment and regional integration.”
In accepting the award, President Ali described it as a “singular honour” received on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana , a sentiment Khan said symbolises the deepening partnership between
the two nations and shared ambitions for sustainable development and economic growth.
The President also highlighted the symbolism of Fort São Joaquim as a historic point of resilience and connection; themes he said mirror the evolving relationship between Guyana and Roraima.
He pointed to the Brazilian state’s growing economic dynamism, particularly in infrastructure, agriculture, energy and cross-border trade, as a foundation for expanded collaboration.
According to Khan, the recognition further affirms the President’s broader regional leadership at a time when Guyana is undergoing rapid transformation.
“His efforts to remove trade barriers, improve connectivity and create an enabling environment for private sector engagement are not just laudable,
they are essential,” Khan said. “Under his stewardship, Guyana is no longer viewed as a peripheral economy but as a strategic partner within the region and beyond.”
President Ali also underscored Brazil’s importance in advancing South American–Caribbean integration, describing the country as a natural partner given its economic scale and technical capacity. Against a backdrop of rising global protectionism, he emphasised the need for stronger South–South cooperation to ensure developing nations remain competitive in global trade.
Khan added that R3PSInc remains committed to working alongside government and regional partners to translate diplomatic achievements into sustained economic expansion and prosperity for local communities.
a decisive moment in its modern history.
The government’s renewed push to position the country as a regional transshipment hub, anchored by plans for a deep-water port, expanded gas infrastructure and stronger cross-border partnerships, signals an ambition that extends far beyond oil production.
It reflects a broader vision of economic transformation that, if executed wisely, could redefine the nation’s role in South America and the wider Caribbean.
Over the weekend, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali outlined an aggressive timeline for advancing critical infrastructure projects, emphasising that major decisions tied to the energy sector and logistics expansion are expected before the end of the first quarter of the year.
His remarks underscore a sense of urgency within the administration — one rooted in the belief that Guyana’s
current economic momentum must be converted into long-term structural advantage.
At the centre of this strategy is the proposed deep-water port, a project widely viewed as essential if Guyana is to evolve from an oil-producing state into a logistics and industrial hub. The engagement of global engineering firm Bechtel to conduct financial feasibility studies signals seriousness of intent and provides a measure of credibility to the undertaking. However, feasibility must ultimately translate into financing clarity, transparent procurement, and strong regulatory oversight to ensure national benefits outweigh risks.
Equally significant is the government’s effort to deepen regional integration, particularly with northern Brazil. Planned discussions with officials from Roraima point to a potentially transformative opportunity: Guyana serving as a maritime gateway for Brazilian trade. Such an arrangement could stimulate
investment in transport, warehousing, manufacturing and services, while creating employment opportunities that extend well beyond the oil economy.
Yet ambition alone does not guarantee success. Large-scale infrastructure projects demand disciplined planning, institutional capacity and sustained public trust.
The President’s assertion that Guyana must have its major development pillars in place by 2030 reflects commendable determination, but timelines must be matched by careful execution and inclusive national dialogue.
The broader point raised by the Head of State, the need for deeper national understanding of development planning, also deserves reflection. Economic transformation is rarely immediate or simple. Major investments often yield results over decades, not electoral cycles.
Still, constructive scrutiny from all sides of Parliament remains essential. A
strong democracy benefits not from unquestioning support, but from informed, evidence-based debate that strengthens policy outcomes.
Guyana’s emergence on the global stage has created unprecedented possibilities. The pursuit of a transshipment hub, integrated gas development and expanded regional trade links represents an opportunity to convert temporary resource wealth into lasting prosperity.
Success will depend not only on visionary leadership, but on transparency, competence and collaboration across political, private-sector and civil-society lines.
When managed prudently, the current push could mark the moment when Guyana transitions from an emerging oil economy to a diversified regional powerhouse.
The challenge now is ensuring that the promise of transformation becomes a durable national legacy rather than an unfinished aspiration.
MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony on Monday met with representatives from the HealthNext programme, implemented by Expertise France, to discuss initiatives aimed at strengthening Guyana’s health workforce.
The meeting took place at the Ministry’s Brickdam offices in Georgetown.
The visiting delegation included Luca Pierantoni, Ambassador of the European Union; Mário Machado, EU Programme Officer; Timothée Pocard-Kieny, Project Director; and Antoine Petibon, Head of Unit at Expertise France. Discussions focused on enhancing training and capacity building for
of
and
Union support for improving the accessibility, quality, and sustainability of healthcare services nationwide.
Attending from the ministry were Director General Vishwa Mahadeo, Advisor to the Minister Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Narine Singh, Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Mr. Robbie Rambarran, and other senior health officials.
The engagement underscores Guyana’s commitment to developing a skilled, well-trained health workforce capable of meeting the country’s evolving healthcare needs, while reinforcing international collaboration to advance public health initiatives.
TWO observations of Mr. Ralph Ramkarran need correcting for two reasons.
Those who only read Mr. Ramkarran will accept as factual the situation he has painted, though it doesn’t mean Mr. Ramkarran set out to leave out pertinent facts. The second reason is that the historical record needs to remain intact.
The first observation—Stabroek News, January 25, 2026. About the biography of Forbes Burnham by Professor Linden Lewis, Mr. Ramkarran wrote: “It has attracted no attention in Guyana even though two wellknown academics in the political science field have commended it.” This is not factual. I did a review, mostly critical of the book, in my Guyana Chronicle column. It is dated Tuesday, March 4, 2024, and captioned: “Book review: Burnham’s biographer omits Freudian methodology.”
The second observation was February 15, 2026. Mr. Ramkarran noted: “… the restoration of democracy in 1992 and its survival in 2020 would not have been possible without the Stabroek News.” This is not an accurate reflection on the role of the private media during the five-month election ordeal in 2020. I cannot understand how Mr. Ramkarran could have missed the monumental
role of Kaieteur News, which was far greater than Stabroek News’ during that crisis period.
Here now is the correction for the preservation of the historical record. A media house lays down a position that becomes the policy of the media house, and all staff—photojournalists, cartoonists, columnists, reporters, and letter writers—have to observe that policy. One such policy in Europe is not to carry opinions on the denial of the Holocaust. Another policy in global media houses is the rejection of open boasts of racial superiority.
At the present time, in the West, mainstream media organisations do not accept that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, and reporters are not allowed to use the word in their transmissions. Some news entities in the Western world, like the US, UK, selected EU countries, Australia, etc would not carry any item that is a condemnation of homosexual relationships.
During the five months of attempted election rigging of the three private newspapers – Guyana Times, Kaieteur News and Stabroek News – only Stabroek News refused to adopt a policy of excluding endorsements for the attempted rigging in its columns and letter section. Guyana Times and KN did not allow publication of opinions in favour of the
rigging in its pages.
At the time, SN had three weekly columnists, and all were writing in support of the rigging. I cannot understand Mr. Ramkarran’s praise when SN was carrying three weekly pieces from March to July that openly embraced five months of conspiracy to overturn the legal results of the election. To grasp what was happening in SN pages at the time, all the readers have to do is visit SN pages for that period.
Here now is a description of an eyewitness account of what happened at KN. At the time, Leonard Gildarie and I were doing a daily election analysis on Kaieteur Radio. Mr. Glen Lall invited us to an emergency meeting of the editorial section of the newspaper. Mr. Lall’s position was that the paper believes there is a determined effort to tamper with the results of the election, and the paper must expose and condemn such illegalities.
Two things happened after that. The then proofreader tampered with a line in my column to make it appear that I had opined that I do not know if there is any evidence of rigging. I objected to what she did, and she was upbraided. Secondly, Mr. Sase Gunraj, GECOM commissioner, was consulted by the paper on exactly what the role of the international observers was.
This happened because there was confusion as to the latitude the observers were entitled to, with the editor, Adam Harris, taking the view that they have no scope for intervening to correct anything they may want to correct; their role was to observe the process.
Mr. Gunraj read the law and pointed out that the observers have a crucial role in seeing that the process is proper and legal and are accorded the right to reject improprieties if they see that such incursions are illegal.
The next day, KN printed a letter by Vincent Alexander, which argued that the observers have no role to play in the election process but simply to observe.
I was present and got involved in the argument with Mr. Harris that the letter should not have been carried. Mr. Lall asked Harris to step down, and that was the last day of Harris as editor.
The SN played no crucial role over and above KN in preserving democracy in 2020. I hope Mr. Ramkarran duly acknowledges that fact.
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.
POLICE are investigating a fatal road accident that claimed the life of a motorcyclist following a collision along the Amelia’s Ward Public Road in Linden on Saturday night.
According to the Guyana Police Force, the accident occurred at about 22:40hrs within the jurisdiction of Regional Division #10 and involved motor car PXX 5812 and motorcycle CP 8031.
Investigators reported that the motor car, driven by a female resident of Central Amelia’s Ward, allegedly exited a northern parking area onto the public roadway at the same time that the motorcycle, operated by Trevor Daniels of Kairuni along the Soesdyke–Linden Highway, was proceeding east along the northern side of the road.
Dead: Trevor Daniels
Initial enquiries suggest that the motorcyclist was travelling at a fast rate of speed when the two vehicles collided, resulting in impact to the front portion of the motorcycle.
As a consequence of the collision, Daniels was thrown onto the roadway and sustained serious injuries. Public-spirited citizens reportedly assisted in transporting him, in an unconscious state, to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was examined by medical personnel and admitted in critical condition.
Police said the injured man later succumbed to his injuries at approximately 17:30hrs on Sunday while receiving treatment. A breathalyser test administered to the driver of the motor car recorded a reading of zero per cent alcohol, investigators confirmed.
Police have indicated that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident are continuing.
COMMERCIAL banks will commence a targeted outreach in Bartica, Region Seven, as part of the government’s push to integrate small and medium-scale miners into the formal financial system and reduce reliance on cash-based, informal credit arrangements.
Teams from Demerara Bank, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and Citizens Bank will commence on-site engagement with miners, facilitating the opening of bank accounts and providing guidance on documentation requirements, digital identification and basic financial services on Wednesday, February 18, at Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Station in Bartica.
During a recent outreach in Puruni Landing, President Dr Irfaan Ali, while dressing scores of miners and stakeholders in the hinterland, said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to ensure that miners not only operate legally but also participate meaningfully in Guyana’s financial ecosystem.
“We’re going to send the banks here,” President Ali told miners, adding that representatives from commercial banks will assist miners on the ground with opening bank accounts in Puruni, eliminating the need to trav-
el to Georgetown for basic financial services. Commercial banking services in Region Seven (Cuyuni–Mazaruni) are largely concentrated in Bartica, leaving miners and hinterland workers operating in remote mining districts with limited or no direct access to
formal financial institutions.
As a result, miners are often forced to travel long distances, frequently carrying large sums of cash, to access basic banking services, a reality that heightens security risks, exposes workers to robbery and violence, and reinforces reliance on informal cash-based transactions. However, according to the Head of State, the decision to take banking services directly to Puruni therefore addresses
COASTAL Rim Properties (CRP) officially announced the launch of TAJ Dream Ogle, its second major real estate development in Guyana, in partnership with NBA Hall of Famer and global business leader Hakeem Olajuwon as Co-Developer.
According to a press release, to ensure inclusive participation in Guyana’s rapidly expanding property market, and as a direct response to national pricing initiatives, all Guyanese citizens, both locally resident and within the diaspora, will be immediately eligible for a US$100,000 or (GY$20 million) discount on any unit reserved within the first 60 days of launch. For units starting at US$250,000 US, applying the US$100,000 US reduction will result in the units being sold for US$150,000.
This initiative is specifically designed to create an accessible luxury condominium for Guyanese families, young professionals, and returning diasporans before broader international demand accelerates pricing.
According to Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, “This Guyanese-first approach is exactly the private sector leadership we need at this pivotal time in our devel-
opment. Under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who has made it clear that prosperity must come to every Guyanese home, our citizens must be given every opportunity to participate in our country’s growth.
TAJ Dream Ogle’s commitment to accessible homeownership for Guyanese at home and in the diaspora reflects deep social responsibility and demonstrates confidence in our people and our future.”
The pricing initiative mirrors recent national leadership on making high-quality hospitality and lifestyle experiences more accessible for citizens. Minister Rodrigues recently championed a policy encouraging hotels to adopt capped nightly rates to benefit visiting and local Guyanese alike.
This national effort to moderate pricing in the hospitality sector underscores a broader commitment to inclusive access, and TAJ Dream Ogle’s condominium discount represents the real estate sector’s complementary response to those same national priorities. According to NBA Hall of Famer, Hakeem The Dream Olajuwon, “The Government of Guyana has cultivated a stable, investor-friendly climate characterised by signifi-
not only financial exclusion, but also a longstanding safety and governance challenge within the interior mining sector along with empowering miners to leverage their earnings productively, from securing housing loans to acquiring equipment like excavators, without being trapped by predatory, informal credit arrangements.
“Those declaration slips,” President Ali explained, referring to gold declaration documentation, “will help you get loans to grow larger and larger. You want to build your homes? Those declaration slips are important.”
As part of the banking outreach, the Government has also committed to rolling out financial literacy programmes in partnership with the Development Bank, aimed at helping miners better manage savings, understand credit, and build sustainable economic futures. President Ali acknowledged the entrenched “culture” in mining communities where quick returns often give way to expenditure patterns that undermine long-term stability. The new approach positions bank
cant infrastructure expansion, pro-development policies, strengthened governance, and measurable improvements in public safety metrics. Strong macroeconomic fundamentals reinforce TAJ Dream Ogle not only as a sound investment opportunity, but as a safe and secure community for families, professionals, and long-term residents.”
“TAJ Dream Ogle represents the next chapter of Guyana’s urban evolution,” said Giovanni Mola, Principal of Coastal Rim Properties in Guyana. “What we are building goes beyond simple residences. We are building a globally competitive, climate-resilient, walkable community that answers the call for accessible, world-class living for Guyanese at home and abroad. This project reflects our confidence in Guyana’s leadership, its economic trajectory, and its people.”
accounts, savings habits, and loan access as foundational to miners’ economic growth.
“We want you to have a bank account, so you can save your money, you can own your home,” President Ali said, adding that earlier practices where miners depended on informal credit for supplies and equipment often left them “like a slave unto them.”The deployment of banking services merges with the Government’s push for full compliance with gold declaration and registration requirements. President Ali stressed the importance of miners selling their gold through legal channels, particularly via the Guyana Gold Board, so that miners’ own production records can be recognised by financial institutions.
“Even if you make a hundred ounces of gold in a year, that’s a hundred ounces of income you show the bank … it unlocks opportunity for you to get a loan,” he said.
As such, the president expressed urgency in implementing the reforms, noting that within the next three to four weeks, teams will be working in Puruni to assist miners in obtaining documentation, digital IDs, and opening bank accounts signalling a rapid rollout rather than distant policy intent.
DEPUTY Speaker and Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, during his Budget 2026 presentation, cleared the air about telemedicine’s potential in Guyana in direct response to one of the two health shadow ministers from the opposite side of the House.
“Mr Speaker, I’d like to turn to Health. The honourable member who spoke in a disparaging way about telemedicine — that gentleman doesn’t have a clue about telemedicine. I’m glad the honourable member came back in, but he missed the part where I spoke about doing proper research and not being afraid to read, no mat-
ter how many pages you have to read,” Dr Mahadeo said. He went on to provide statistics on what telemedicine has achieved from 2022 to February of this year, noting that telemedicine was introduced in 2022 under the vision of President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, as a novel initiative. At the time, many persons were skeptical about its value and whether it could be effectively used in Guyana.
The Director General revealed that from 2022 to February, the number of telemedicine sites increased from four in 2022 to 130 by the end of February. He added that the Honourable Minis-
ter, Dr Frank Anthony, has assured that this number will increase to 150 by the end of this year under the 2026 Budget.
Additionally, over the last year, 15,000 persons accessed facilities equipped with telemedicine. A total of 6,363 patients used the telemedicine systems, and 1,293 video consultations were conducted.
“Let me explain a bit, Mr Speaker. There is internet connectivity and video connectivity, and some sites have ECG and ultrasound services. They can check your heart and provide patient monitoring, so the doctor who sits in Georgetown or at a regional hospital, or the spe-
cialist, can see the patients, communicate with them, and advise what to do next,” Dr Mahadeo explained.
He added that 250 referrals were made, 501 serious cases were managed at the telemedicine sites themselves, and 34 medical evacuations were conducted. A total of 159 mothers received care through telemedicine, 515 babies were treated, 533 chronic disease patients received care, and six mental health patients were assisted through the system.
“All the telemedicine sites are not only used by doctors for consultations but also for training, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.”
The Ministry of Health conducts monthly meetings with all telemedicine sites and Ministry of Health staff. Staff from the Ministries of Local Government and Amerindian Affairs also participate, along with village Toshaos, village representatives, and other councillors who are interested. The discussions extend beyond health matters to include issues for which villages may require assistance, with solu-
tions determined collectively during these meetings.
“Mr Speaker, today our telemedicine hub in the Ministry of Health is a place where persons from international organisations and other countries can come to model our system, and that’s what telemedicine is — a model
for others,” Dr Mahadeo told the National Assembly. Most telemedicine sites are located in Regions Seven, Eight, and Nine, while additional sites are also operating in Regions Four, Six, and Ten, where riverain and hinterland communities are present.
THE Small Business Bureau (SBB), in collaboration with the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) and the World Trade Centre Georgetown, hosted a focused training session on bid document preparation on Friday, 13 February 2026, equipping 115 small business owners with the skills to compete for government contracts.
The session provided participants with practical guidance on key stages of the tendering process, including interpreting bid documents, ensuring compliance, and structuring competitive submissions. Organisers said the hands-on approach was designed to build confidence and strengthen the capacity of small enterprises to pursue procurement opportunities.
Chief Executive Officer of the SBB, Mohamed Shazim Ibrahim, stressed the importance of enhancing procurement readiness among small businesses. “Access to government contracts can significantly transform small enterprises. By equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge to prepare compliant
and competitive bids, we are expanding their opportunities for growth and long-term sustainability,” he stated.
Participants echoed the value of the initiative. Robert Forrester noted, “They gave us a very comprehensive overview of the pitfalls to look out for in bid preparation, especially around compliance and proper documentation.”
The training forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through targeted capacity building, expanded
market access, and skills development. Officials say these efforts aim to create an enabling environment where SMEs can scale operations, access public procurement, generate employment, and contribute to Guyana’s sustainable economic growth. Through partnerships with agencies such as NPTAB and the World Trade Centre Georgetown, the SBB continues to enhance entrepreneurial capability and increase the participation of local businesses in public sector contracting opportunities.
WOMEN entrepreneurs preparing for the upcoming We Lift Women’s Expo were given an opportunity to expand business connections and explore new market opportunities on Monday.
The event was occasioned by the hosting of a major stakeholder engagement by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security linking vendors with local and international companies.
The networking session, held at the Grand Coastal Hotel, brought together women participating in this year’s exposition and representatives from government agencies, corporate entities, and private-sector organisations, as preparations intensify for the sixth staging of the initiative.
The We Lift Women’s Expo is scheduled for March 6–8, 2026 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre under the theme, “Let Her Bloom”.
Organisers say the engagement forms part of efforts to ensure participants are equipped with the networks and institutional support needed to scale their businesses beyond local markets.
Among the agencies participating were the Guyana Revenue Authority, National Insurance Scheme, and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, alongside shipping companies, hospitality representatives and other corporate stakeholders.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud told participants that this year’s expo is being positioned under the concept, “Made by Guyanese Women for the World”, re-
flecting a shift toward international market access after five years of steady growth.
She noted that the initiative has evolved alongside the entrepreneurs themselves, many of whom entered business for the first time through the programme.
“The intention is to pro-
Minister
of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud
vide support and to take you on a journey from micro to small, and from small to medium enterprises, so that not only Guyanese but the world can find you,” the minister said, while commending participants for overcoming challenges to build sustainable ventures.
During the second half of the engagement, vendors met directly with potential buyers and partners, including representatives from the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, hotel operators and exporters, aimed at helping women access supply opportunities within local, regional and international
markets.
Reflecting on the programme’s growth, Minister Persaud said the inaugural expo featured just 75 women-owned businesses, while the ministry is targeting approximately 400 participants for this year’s event — a significant expansion that underscores increasing interest in entrepreneurship among women.
The minister also highlighted new areas of focus, including the development of the care economy, which seeks to create paid employment opportunities for women while expanding childcare and related services. A dedicated Care Economy space will be introduced at this year’s expo.
In addition, participants were encouraged to explore opportunities within the creative or “Orange Economy”, as well as prepare to access financing through the soon-to-be-launched Guyana Development Bank, which is expected to provide interest-free and collateral-free loan opportunities supported by a US$100 million capital injection.
The We Lift initiative, one of the ministry’s flagship programmes, has been designed as a supportive ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can showcase products and services, build partnerships and strengthen their commercial capacity.
Officials say the programme continues to play a key role in advancing economic empowerment and gender equality by creating pathways for women-led businesses to grow and compete at higher levels both locally and internationally.
THE Ministry of Housing will launch a new online portal on March 1 for residents of Region Four who applied for house lots in 2021 and earlier, Minister of Housing Collin Croal announced.
The portal will allow the housing ministry to speed up processing for applicants in Region Four. Among other things, applicants will be able to update their phone numbers or addresses on the portal if any of the information has changed since applying. During a two-day out -
reach on Saturday in Corriverton, Region Six, Minister Croal said persons can check and verify whether their name is on the list, “because we’ll be pulling from that pool to be able to recognise persons who have prior applications.”
Additionally, Minister Croal told residents of Region Six that his ministry is determined to clear the backlog in their region.
However, he explained that the same cannot happen for Region Four applicants sooner, “because
REPUBLIC Bank (Guyana) Limited has unveiled a new residential mortgage offering designed to make homeownership more accessible for Guyanese families, featuring loans of up to G$60 million at a competitive 5 per cent interest rate with no lending ceiling.
The announcement, made on Monday, positions Republic Bank as the only financial institution in Guyana providing such high-value residential mortgages without a borrowing limit, aligning with the Government of Guyana’s 2026 housing agenda. The bank says the offer is part of its ongoing commitment to affordable, customer-focused housing solutions. In addition to the G$60 million option at
5 per cent, Republic Bank’s Low-Cost Mortgage package includes tiered interest rates for smaller loans: 3.50 per cent for amounts up to G$9 million, 4.25 per cent for loans between G$9 million and G$20 million, and 5 per cent for amounts between G$20 million and G$30 million. Officials highlighted other benefits, including extended repayment terms, fully amortized monthly payments, and up to 100 per cent financing, allowing borrowers greater flexibility in pursuing homeownership.
The bank said these strategic offerings underscore its leadership in the mortgage sector and reflect a proactive approach to meeting the evolving needs of customers
across all income brackets.
“As Guyana’s housing landscape continues to expand, Republic Bank stands ready to deliver affordable, strategic and customer-centred solutions that help more Guyanese achieve their homeownership dreams,” the bank said in a statement.
Interested customers are encouraged to visit their nearest Republic Bank branch or access further information online at www. republicguyana.com This initiative comes as the 2026 national budget prioritises housing development, with multiple public and private sector programmes underway to increase access to affordable homes across the country.
Minister of Housing Collin Croal at the Region Six outreach
Region Four itself has over 50,000 pending applicants.” (DPI)
THE Government of Guyana has moved to advance its aviation expansion agenda with the issuance of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the development of two new municipal airports at Lethem in Region Nine and Rose Hall in Region Six.
According to official tender documents issued by the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, the projects will be executed under an Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Finance (EPC+F) model, signalling the administration’s push to modernise regional air transport infrastructure while attracting private investment.
The first project involves the construction of a Code 4E Municipal Airport at Lethem, a major hinterland
gateway expected to support larger aircraft operations and strengthen connectivity between Guyana and neighbouring Brazil. The initiative forms part of broader plans to position Lethem as a key economic and logistics hub in the Rupununi region.
Meanwhile, the second RFP seeks proposals for a Code 3C Municipal Airport at Rose Hall, Canje, Berbice, aimed at enhancing air access along the Corentyne corridor and supporting economic growth in Region Six. The facility is expected to improve domestic travel efficiency and open new opportunities for commerce and tourism.
Both tenders outline that interested firms will be responsible not only for design and construction but also
for financing components of the projects, reflecting a public-private partnership approach to infrastructure development.
Pre-proposal engagements are being coordinated through the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation at its Main Street, Georgetown headquarters, while bid submissions and openings will be handled by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board at the Ministry of Finance.
The airport developments are expected to play a strategic role in strengthening regional integration, improving mobility for residents and businesses, and supporting Guyana’s expanding economy as demand grows for modern transport infra-
structure across coastal and hinterland regions.
Government officials have indicated that expanded aviation capacity remains a priority as the country seeks to unlock new investment zones, improve access to remote communities, and facilitate trade and tourism nationwide.
THE Ministry of Public Works has dismissed as misleading a report suggesting that the cost of the Government Office Complex has climbed to $19.6 billion, maintaining that the project remains within its approved contractual budget as presented to Parliament.
In a statement issued Monday, the Ministry of Public Works responded to a February 16 article published by Kaieteur News, asserting that the figure cited does not accurately reflect information disclosed in the National Assembly of Guyana.
According to the ministry, the total contract sum for the Government Office Complex stands at $15,874,143,298, which represents the full approved cost for execution of the project’s defined scope of works. Officials stressed that no increase to $19.6 billion has been established.
Financial data presented during the 2026 budget process show that $8.67 billion, or just over 53 per cent of the contract value, was expended during 2025, leaving
a balance of approximately $7.19 billion to complete the project.
The ministry said these expenditures reflect significant construction progress, including the completion of piling and foundation works, major advancement of structural components now estimated at 78 per cent completion, as well as site preparation and early procurement of long-lead materials aimed at reducing risks associated with global supply chain disruptions.
Officials further clarified that confusion arose from references to a broader budget line titled “Government Buildings,” which encompasses multiple programmes nationwide rather than the single office complex project. That allocation includes rehabilitation and expansion of existing state facilities, ongoing maintenance and management of government properties, and consultancy and operational services under the ministry’s wider portfolio.
“Attributing the entire allocation under ‘Govern -
ment Buildings’ solely to the Government Office Complex is factually incorrect and creates unnecessary public confusion,” the statement noted.
Looking ahead, the project is expected to transition fully into advanced structural works, followed by installation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, façade construction and interior finishing. The ministry projects overall progress to increase from about 49 per cent at the start of 2026 to roughly 85 per cent completion by the end of the year.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the ministry said financial and execution updates provided to Parliament clearly demonstrate that the development remains within its approved contractual and budgetary framework.
The Government Office Complex forms part of broader efforts to modernise public infrastructure and centralise government services, with officials maintaining that the project continues to advance according to plan.
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that the University of Guyana will soon have its School of Medicine and the full suite of engineering programmes fully operational at the Tain Campus in Berbice; this, he said, is a major expansion of tertiary education and specialised training in Region Six.
The Head of State made the disclosure while addressing the commissioning ceremony of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc. at Port Mourant at the weekend, where he outlined a broader strategy to decentralise higher education and strengthen the country’s health and technical workforce.
“The University of Guyana must ensure that all engineering courses are offered here in Berbice. We have all of the facilities here now. And the School of Medicine must be fully operational here in Berbice,” he said, adding:
“And if it is not fully operational, then I have serious difficulty with the Dean of Faculty of Engineering at the University of Guyana and all those who are given that mandate, because I said I
want it to be fully operational here in Berbice.”
He noted that the nursing school being developed in Region Six is expected to train thousands of residents in nursing and patient care, significantly boosting local capacity in the health sector.
Alongside this, all engineering courses offered by the University of Guyana are to be delivered in Berbice, supported by the facilities already established at the Tain Campus.
The President further indicated that the School of Medicine is mandated to be fully operational in Berbice, reinforcing the government’s push to ensure equitable access to medical education outside the capital. This expansion is expected to align closely with upcoming healthcare infrastructure projects in the region.
Central to this vision is the level five hospital currently under construction in New Amsterdam, which is slated to function as a teaching and research institution. The facility is also being designed as a specialised centre for cardiac services, positioning it as a regional hub for advanced medical
care and clinical training.
“I’ve also asked that the next hospital is the level five hospital that is being built in New Amsterdam, that is going to be a teaching hospital. So very much different from a normal hospital. It will be a teaching hospital and a hospital that will be specialized in research, and cardiac services, it will be the Cardiac Center for the whole region,” he said.
In addition to education and infrastructure development, the President highlighted plans for an intensive public health outreach campaign to be launched in the coming weeks. The initiative will involve direct engagement in communities across the region, with religious leaders playing a key role, particularly in rural areas, as part of efforts to address pressing health challenges.
Together, these measures form part of a wider national drive to modernise Guyana’s education and healthcare systems, build skilled human capital, and ensure that opportunities for advanced training and services are accessible across all regions of the country.
--over
3,200 cases recorded last week
THE Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force has reported a significant number of traffic violations for the period February 8 to 14, 2026, with enforcement operations resulting in a total of 3,257 cases nationwide.
According to the department’s weekly summary, speeding remained the most prevalent offence, accounting for 1,161 cases. Police also recorded 134 seatbelt violations and 29 incidents involving motorists driving under the influence of alcohol.
Motorcyclists continued to feature prominently among offenders, with 124 cases in-
cident saw a lorry tray collide with a government-owned CCTV camera along the Heroes Highway.
The Traffic Department stated that ownership of both vehicles has been established and legal proceedings are being pursued, including cost recovery for damages. Drivers and owners were warned to correct unsafe practices, while traffic ranks were reminded of their responsibility to enforce regulations within their areas of control.
Drivers and owners were warned to correct unsafe practices, while traffic ranks were reminded of their responsibility to enforce regulations within their areas of control
volving failure to wear safety helmets, and an additional 46 instances where pillion riders were not properly protected. Authorities also documented 56 unlicenced drivers, 100 cases of vehicles being left in dangerous positions, and 63 breaches related to prescribed fitness conditions for vehicles.
Other offences included faulty packing (16), unlighted motor vehicles at the front (44) and rear (41), and six breaches of traffic light signals. No cases involving tinted motor vehicles were recorded during the reporting period.
Police also raised concern about unsafe practices by operators of motor lorries transporting mud, debris and construction materials. Two recent incidents highlighted the risks posed by improper loading and securing of cargo. One case involved mud spilling onto the Rupert Craig Highway, disrupting traffic flow, while another in-
Alongside enforcement, the department continued its public education drive through school lectures and community outreach programmes conducted across several regions.
Road safety sessions were delivered at Angels Academy Primary (Region Three), Calcutta Primary (Region Five), Tucville Primary (Region Four A), White Water Primary and Nursery (Region One), No. 68 Primary (Region Six), Westminster Secondary (Region Three), and Greenwich Park Primary (Region Three).
Additional outreach activities targeted drivers, business operators and community members at locations including Sheriff Street, Turkeyen Police Station, Timehri, Charity, Anna Regina, Skeldon, Lombard Street, Annai Village, and the Giftland Mall access road, among others.
Police officials said the combined strategy of enforcement and education remains central to reducing road accidents and improving compliance with traffic laws nationwide.
THE trial concerning alleged irregularities during the March 2020 General and Regional Elections resumed on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, following a pause of more than two months.
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty is presiding over the proceedings which are being conducted under case-management guide -
lines with pre-scheduled hearing dates to ensure the efficient presentation of evidence and testimony. Several witnesses have already given evidence, and some have undergone cross-examination.
On Monday, Sasenarine Singh, a 2020 agent for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), returned to the stand.
Singh recounted events
from March 4, 2020, when former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers entered the tabulation room to inform officials that Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo had fallen ill.
Singh testified that he saw Mingo being taken out on a stretcher but could not confirm whether he was placed into an ambulance.
He noted that the room
remained fully occupied at all times with international and local observers, political party representatives, and Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) staff, describing the atmosphere as a “waiting game.”
According to Singh, Myers later confirmed that Mingo had been hospitalised. The following day, Mingo returned and
proposed accelerating the tabulation process by extracting figures from Statements of Poll (SOPs) and presenting them via spreadsheet. Singh said this suggestion was met with strong objections from those present.
He also recalled that GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh, advocated for consideration of exhausted staff,
suggesting a temporary pause to allow additional personnel to assist.
The tabulation process was subsequently suspended, with plans for shift work to complete the roughly 879 remaining SOPs.
Singh added that former GECOM employee Enrique Livan later returned to continue the work.
THE Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) is marking its 40th anniversary this year under the theme “40 Years of Strengthening Enterprises, Transforming Lives, and Supporting National Development”, while unveiling a new financial product aimed at boosting business liquidity across Guyana’s Oil & Gas and other productive sectors.
As part of its anniversary celebrations, IPED will host a Micro Exposition
and Micro Conference in March 2026, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their products, engage with industry experts, and explore growth opportunities.
In tandem with the anniversary, IPED officially launched its Invoice Financing Loan Product, designed to provide shortterm working capital to registered companies with executed contracts and verified invoices pending payment. The initiative seeks to address a common
challenge among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): liquidity constraints while awaiting settlement from large contractors and corporate clients.
The facility offers three flexible financing options: financing up to 80% of invoice value, financing up to 90% of collateral value, and unsecured loans of up to G$2.5 million. By bridging the gap between service delivery and invoice settlement, the product aims to improve cash flow, sustain operations, and enable businesses to meet contractual obligations without interruption.
“Access to timely capital is critical as Guyana’s economy grows, particularly in the Oil & Gas sector,”
an IPED spokesperson said. “This facility allows local businesses to meaningfully participate in the value chain while supporting expansion across other productive industries.”
The Invoice Financing Loan Product reinforces IPED’s longstanding mission to foster entrepreneurship, enhance economic resilience, and support sustainable private sector development. Eligible businesses are encouraged to contact IPED for application guidance and eligibility criteria.
For more information, businesses can reach IPED via phone at 225-8949 or 226-3827, or by email at iped@ipedgy.com
Additional details are available on the institute’s website at www.ipedgy. com.
The launch underscores IPED’s commitment to innovative financing solutions, complementing 40 years of efforts to strengthen Guyana’s enterprises and contribute to national development.
LEAGUE One side Mansfield Town will host 14-time winners Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round.
The Stags defeated Premier League stragglers Burnley 2-1 on Saturday afternoon, producing a remarkable second-half comeback at Turf Moor.
Elsewhere, Manchester City will visit Newcastle in one of two all-Premier League ties, in a repeat of one of this season's League Cup semi-finals.
Sunderland face a second successive away trip in the
competition as they were drawn against Port Vale or Bristol City - that fourthround tie was postponed until Tuesday, 3 March (19:45 GMT) because of a waterlogged pitch.
(From back page)
At the first CARIFTA Games trials, Christianburg Wismar Secondary Club’s Angel Jeffrey qualified for the Under-17 female 100m event, Upper Demerara Club’s Tesianna Harris also qualified for the 100m Under-17 females, Jevon Roberts for the 800m and 1,500m events, Police Progressive Youth ‘s Omari Welch for the Under-17 100m race and clubmate Tishawn Easton also for the 400m Under-20 event.
Athletes were drawn
Meanwhile, championship promotion chasers Wrexham welcome eighttime winners Chelsea.
The matches will be played across the weekend of 7-8 March.
(Tuesday, February 17, 2026)
COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD
83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) ZIM won by 23 runs
(2) Blessing Muzarabani (ZIM)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) What has been the result of ZIM’s only other T20 WC game against AUST?
(2) Who was declared Man of the Match?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
ENGLISH RACING TIPS
NEWBURY
10:15hrs Quebecois
10:45hrs Talakan
11:20hrs Swindon Village
11:55hrs Major Fortune
12:30hrs Glance Of Glory
13:05hrs Harmony Heights
MARKET RASEN
09:30hrs Senator
10:00hrs Getawhisky
10:30hrs Alltalknoaction
11:02hrs Madame Luna
11:37hrs Little Legend
12:12hrs Eric Carmen
12:47hrs Jessmarvel
WOLVERHAMPTON
12:22hrs Spaceage
Love Song
12:57hrs Forglen
13:30hrs Spendmore Lane
14:00hrs Free Yourself
14:30hrs Forever Noah
15:00hrs Filly Foden
15:30hrs Mr Nugget
16:00hrs Silkies Sib
16:30hrs Galaxy
AMERICAN RACING TIPS
MAHONING VALLEY
Race 1 Meadow Value
Race 2 Knicks Glory
Race 3 J J Valentin
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Race 5 Envelope
Please
Race 6 All Pepped Up
Race 7 Haut Les Coeurs
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FAIRGROUNDS
Race 1 Remi
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Race 3 Canal Street
Race 4 Mount Vernon
from several clubs across Guyana which included Police Progressive Youth, Running Braves, Hopetown Flames, Upper demerara, Christianburg Wismar Secondary, Guyana Defence Force, Mercury Fast Laners, Team Nice, Tytans and the Super Upcoming Runners.
AAG official Mark Scott indicated also that consideration is for overseas-based athletes be part of the Guyana contingent for this year’s CARIFTA Games. (Joe Chapman)
(From page 27)
The CCUA also used the occasion to present certificates to several of its members who were successful at different levels of its examinations. Three special awards, which were introduced for the first time last year: Rookie Umpire of the Year, Dedicated Umpire of the Year and President’s Award also formed part of the day’s programme.
Khan told members and special invitees that the aim of the CCUA “is nothing short of excellence, as we strive to produce top-quality umpires capable of officiating and those preparing for certification exams at the various levels. Remember, diligence and determination are the cornerstones of achievement. The CCUA stands ready to support you every step of the way.”
The CCUA President reminded members that being an umpire is no easy feat.
“You brave unpredictable weather, long hours on the field, and, at times, passionate appeals from players and spectators alike. It takes immense focus, knowledge, and patience to consistently make fair decisions, to maintain order, and to uphold the values that make cricket the gentleman’s game. Your professionalism is an example for us all, and your commitment ensures that the game is played in the right spirit.”
Khan also urged members to redouble their efforts “as we set our sights on the upcoming cricket season and beyond to elevate the standard of umpiring in the SCA and across Canada. “Increasing our umpiring pool and encouraging participation in CCUA certification exams,
also the West Indies Certification, are vital steps toward this shared goal. To that end, the CCUA is committed to providing comprehensive training and support to aspiring umpires.”
Khan described umpires as the “unsung heroes of cricket.” According to him, “when we watch or play a cricket match, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of big hits, wickets, and dramatic finishes. Yet, behind the scenes—and often, right in the thick of the action— stand the umpires: the guardians of fair play, the keepers of the spirit of the game. Without your dedication, sharp eyes, and unwavering integrity, our matches simply would not be possible.”
Selvarasa Sarangan, who was unavoidably absent, was adjudged the Rookie Umpire of the Year (2025). His plaque read: “With Deepest Appreciation for Your Unwavering Commitment and Service.”
The Most Dedicated Umpire of the Year Award, 2025, went to Calvin Aleaxnder and read: “With Heartfelt Gratitude for Your Unwavering Support and Exceptional Dedication.”
Assistant Secretary/Treasurer/PRO Frederick Halley was the recipient of the President’s Award, “In recognition of your distinguished and unselfish service to the CCUA while serving with outstanding vision and competence.”
All three plaques were donated by Trophy Stall, Canada, through its proprietor Roger Sunich, brother of Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Guyana. The day’s proceedings were eloquently chaired by CCUA’s Treasurer, Terry Mathura.
THE NBA has for years been seeking a fix for its broken All-Star Game.
Through one iteration of the new USA vs. World format, it appears that it’s found one. There’s no telling how this will play out in the long run. But it’s hard to argue that Sunday’s All-Star tournament was anything but a success.
Two teams of U.S. players and one team of World players played three 12-minute games in a round-robin format to set up a winnertake-all final. The two U.S. teams prevailed to meet in the final, and Team Stars beat Team Stripes 47-21 to claim the inaugural USA vs. World All-Star tournament championship.
The blowout final was not indicative of the rest of Sunday’s action. Each game of round-robin play was a verified thriller.
The Team Stars win in the championship round avenged a 42-40 win by Team Stripes in Game 2 in which De’Aron Fox secured the victory with a buzzer-beating do-or-die 3.
Game 1 required overtime and ended on a walkoff 3 by Scottie Barnes for a 37-35 Team Stars win over Team World.
And the third featured Kawhi Leonard going nuclear on his home court with 31 points in 12 minutes to rally Team Stripes to a 48-45 win to eliminate Team World.
Anthony Edwards was
GOLDEN State Warriors
star Stephen Curry said Sunday he will compete in the 3-point shooting competition during the 2027 All-Star Weekend in Phoenix.
Curry made the announcement from the NBC television set prior to Sunday's All-Star Game in Inglewood, Calif. As part of his appearance, Curry lofted a shot approximately 40 feet from the basket - to the right of the hoop and slightly behind the baseline -- and it swished through the net.
"One hundred per cent," Curry said of being an entrant in Phoenix. "I already scheduled it."
Curry is a two-time champion in the event but last appeared in 2021 when he claimed his second title. He also won in 2015.
Curry, 37, said he will attempt to persuade former teammate Klay Thompson to compete. Thompson now plays for the Dallas Mavericks.
Curry, who holds the NBA record of 4,233 regular-season 3-pointers and 650 postseason treys, did not
suit up for Sunday's All-Star Game due to a knee injury.
Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers won the 3-point event on Saturday to join Larry Bird (1986-88) and Craig Hodges (1990-92) as three-time winners. Lillard hasn't played since tearing his Achilles on April 27, but he had no issues while winning Saturday's competition. (Reuters)
named MVP. He tallied 13 points in Team Stars’ Game 1 win over Team World.
He posted 11 points in the Game 2 loss to Team Stripes. And he tallied 8 points, 4
rebounds and 2 assists in Team Stars’ decisive title game win.
In total, Edwards tallied 32 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists while shooting 13 of 22 (59.1%) from the field and 6 of 15 (40%) from 3 in the equivalent of three quarters of basketball. But he wasn’t the only star to shine on Sunday.
Victor Wembanyama, meanwhile, set the competitive tone and was making his own MVP case had his Team World managed to win.
In a game that’s long languished without competitive basketball, Wembanyama came out firing on both sides of the court, scoring Team World’s first seven points in Game 1 while contesting
every shot that was within his reach.
He finished with 33 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks while shooting 10 of 13 from the field and 4 of 5 from 3. Team World didn’t make the final, so he did this in 20 minutes across two games.
In his MVP victory speech, Edwards cited Wembanyama for sparking the competitive atmosphere in Sunday’s games.
“We chose to compete today, and we came out on top,” Edwards said. “I ain’t gonna lie, Wemby set the tone. He came out playing hard and we had to follow that. We had to pick it up as the red team, and we did that.” (Yahoo Sports)
NEW DELHI, (Reuters)Afghanistan clung to their fading hopes of making the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 World Cup after Azmatullah Omarzai's all-round brilliance fashioned their five-wicket victory against the United Arab Emirates in a Group D match on Monday.
The outcome sent group leaders South Africa, who have six points from three games, into the Super Eight alongside defending champions India and two-time winners West Indies.
New Zealand, with four points ahead of their final group match against bottom-placed Canada on Tuesday, look primed to claim the second Super Eight spot from Group D.
Sohaib Khan (68) led a spirited recovery to power UAE to a respectable 160-9 after being put in to bat.
Omarzai, who claimed 4-15 with the ball, returned to hammer 40 not out off 21 balls to secure 2024 semi-finalists Afghanistan's first win in this year's tournament with four balls to spare.
Omarzai starred in an all-round capacity
"Always important to have a win at the World Cup and let's hope for the best in the rest of the competition," Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan said.
"We still have a little bit of hope that we can make it to the next stage. We just need to come up with a positive mindset.
"Even if we don't make it to the next round, we want to play with the same brand of cricket and make our nation
proud."
Earlier, TV umpire Paul Reiffel found himself in the thick of action in the first four overs after Rashid won the toss and elected to field at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
UAE opener Aryansh Sharma edged the first ball from Omarzai but it was unclear if wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz had taken a clean catch. Reiffel went through umpteen replays before giving the benefit of the
doubt to the batter.
Three balls later, Reiffel was tasked with a similar job and this time the official decided that Aryansh was indeed out, caught behind for a duck.
Off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman trapped UAE captain Muhammad Waseem lbw for 10, a decision which Reiffel upheld after the batter reviewed it.
In the fourth over, Sohaib was initially given lbw to Mujeeb but he survived after replays confirmed the ball would have narrowly missed the leg stump.
The reprieve allowed Sohaib to combine with Alishan Sharafu (40) in an 84-run stand to steady the UAE innings.
Omarzai ended Sohaib's fine knock, which included four sixes and six fours. Afghanistan lost their inform opener Gurbaz in the first over but first Ibrahim Zadran (53) and then Darwish Rasooli (33) kept them in the hunt.
Omarzai finally sealed Afghanistan's win with a four off Junaid Siddique.
AUSTRALIA’S hopes of reaching the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup are all but over after Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka hit a brilliant unbeaten 100 to condemn them to an eight-wicket defeat in Pallekele.
Stunned by Zimbabwe in their second outing on Friday, Australia needed a win to keep their qualification fate in their own hands but it is Sri Lanka who march into the next round.
For Australia to sneak through as the second-placed team from their group, they now need Zimbabwe to lose both of their
remaining matches against Ireland and Sri Lanka and then to defeat Oman themselves which would bring net run-rate into play.
Australia’s predicament came from their inability to convert a good start from their openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh as they set the home side a target of 182 after a collapse in the second half of their innings.
Despite the feeling Sri Lanka could have a complicated chase on their hands because of a pitch which was slowing down, they eased to victory with the Australian bowling attack lacking any bite in the ab-
KOLKATA, India, (Reuters) - An unbeaten fifty by Will Jacks and three-wicket hauls for Sam Curran and Jamie Overton steered England to a nervy 24run win over Italy in the Twenty20 World Cup on Monday, as the twice champions progressed to the Super Eight stage.
Player of the match, Jacks, hammered 53 off 22 balls to help England score 88 runs in the last six overs and post 202-7, their highest total of the tournament.
Italy's Ben Manenti struck a rapid 60 to keep the T20 World Cup debutants in the game, but their efforts to pull off a huge upset all but ended when Curran dismissed Grant Stewart for 45 in the 19th over and they were all out for 178.
"A lot of the associates have put pressure on the big nations and that's exciting. We had no right to, really. Good for the game with 20 teams in the competition," said Italy captain Harry Manenti.
Batting first, England's Phil Salt (28 off 15) and Tom Banton (30 off 21) made starts but the latter was caught trying to hit Crishan Kalugamage for six in the 13th over, making way for Jacks at a precarious 105-5.
Jacks hit four sixes and three fours to get England to a commanding total, aided by Curran (25 off 19).
Italy slumped to 22-3 after four overs, as Jofra Archer took two wickets and Harry Manenti was caught trying to scoop Overton behind the wicket. Ben Manenti joined Justin Mosca (43) to add 92 runs in the next eight overs, giving Italy a chance of victory.
Manenti struck six sixes from 25 balls before he was caught at mid-on, and Adil Rashid dismissed Mosca to leave Italy struggling at 139-7.
Stewart plundered four sixes to leave Italy needing 30 runs off 12 balls but he
miscued Curran to short third man and Overton took the last two wickets to seal victory for England.
"We've been a bit static at times... (Ben) Manenti was playing incredibly well and striking better than any of us. Most important thing is we've qualified but we need to be better, simple as that," Jacks said.
England ended their Group C campaign with three wins and a loss to West Indies, who also qualified for the Super Eights.
Italy, already eliminated, will finish with a dead rubber game against West Indies on Thursday.
of Nissanka and Kusal Mendis took full advantage.
With wicketkeeper Mendis providing perfect support with a composed 51 from 38 balls, Nissanka brought up his century in 52 balls to take his side past the finish line with an innings that blended brute power and finesse.
Australia had Marsh return after recovering from a groin injury that forced him out of the first two matches and the returning skipper gave his side a solid platform batting alongside Head, who hit a long-overdue half-century off 27 balls.
They powered Australia to 104-0 in 8.2 overs before Head departed for 59 and it marked the beginning of dramatic downturn.
Marsh followed him shortly with a brisk 54 as they unravelled alarmingly to be bundled out for 181, losing their final five wickets in the space of just seven runs and 14 balls.
With Sri Lanka chasing down the target with ease, the Australians are left clinging to only the slimmest mathematical hope and will watch nervously as Zimbabwe face Ireland on Tuesday. (BBC)
GUYANA’S senior men’s basketball team will host their counterparts from Grenada in a three-match series from March 6–8 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, as preparations intensify for upcoming regional competitions.
According to a release from the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF), the engagement with the Grenada national basketball team follows Guyana’s recent participation in the Nations Cup in Suriname, where the Guyana men's national basketball team finished behind the host nation but ahead of French Guiana in the tri-nation series held in Paramaribo.
The upcoming home series forms part of what the federation describes as a packed calendar of activities for 2026, with a clear focus on preparing the men’s programme for this year’s FIBA Men's Caribbean Championship.
President of the GBF, Michael Singh, noted that consistent regional exposure is critical to the team’s development.
Singh stated that the series will provide the men’s side with much-needed competition as they continue to build cohesion and sharpen their execution ahead of the regional tournament, noting that early preparation is essential to achieving meaningful results
on the Caribbean stage.
He further highlighted the importance of the federation’s broader programme, explaining that the GBF is working deliberately to create balance between domestic and international commitments, while also ensuring equal attention is given to both the men’s and women’s game.
Singh pointed out that hosting international opponents in Guyana not only benefits player development but also helps to stimulate local interest in basketball, providing fans with opportunities to witness high-level regional
competition firsthand.
The GBF president also disclosed that preparations for the Grenada tour are already underway, with the federation expected to announce additional plans in the coming weeks for both the men’s and women’s national teams as part of its long-term strategic agenda.
The March series is anticipated to serve as a key benchmark for the national programme as Guyana continues its push toward regional competitiveness and sustained growth in the sport.
Off-spinner
By Sean Devers
AT the LBI Community Centre ground yesterday, Demerara beat Essequibo by 29 runs in the opening round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) U-16 Inter County 50over cricket tournament.
Nathan Bishop struck three fours and a six in his 41 from 45 balls and got support from Skipper Lomar Seecharran who reached the boundary five times during his 25-ball
Makai Dowlin hit a cameo 19 from 14 balls, and combined with a 43ball 22 from left-hander Proser Jacobus and a carefully constructed unbeaten 20 from 91 balls was the glue which held the innings together and led Demerara to 168 all out in 47.4 overs.
Off-spinner Devraj Persaud (3-26), DeMarcus Thomas (3-22) and Rondel Nurse (2-16) were the architects of the destruction
for Essequibo who were dismissed for 139 in 46.2 overs.
A vocal gathering watched in steaming heat as Ethan Silas (8) and Ravid Fredericks (17) provided the visitors a 31 runs foundation before Khan trapped Silas by LBW. Thomas returned with the bat to hit a four and a six in a 74-ball 33 but only Jonathan Barry, who stroked three fours in his 21 and Usain Fredericks’ (10) reached double figures.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Denzel Phillips wrote his name in Saint Lucia’s history books when he became the first athlete from his country to qualify for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in the discus event.
Competing on Saturday at the King of the Ring meet at Excelsior High School, the 18-year-old Phillips, a student at Jamaica College, threw the discus a personal
best 56.78 metres to cop gold in the Under-20 boys’ division.
It significantly bettered his previous personal best of 52.53m which he registered at last year’s Jamaica Athletics Association’s CARIFTA trials.
Phillips is now the first Saint Lucian ever to qualify for the World Junior Championships in his event. As of February 16, he is second on the World Athletics’ list,
behind only Jamaica’s Joseph Salmon.
Phillips, who trains with coach Rajive Ford, will try to become the first Saint Lucian to win an Under-20 discus medal at the CARIFTA Games in Grenada this Easter.
He will also be making travel plans for Oregon in the USA, as he will line up against some of the world’s best junior throwers from August 5 to 9.
struck three fours and six in his 41 yesterday
CCUA
Pacers Somesh Boyer, Aaron Persaud and Khan had two wickets each for Demerara.
Meanwhile, at Lusignan, defending Champions Berbice made light work of the GCB Select X1 by inflicting a sound eight-wicket trashing on the GCB who were bowled out for 29 in 22.5 overs as Wasim Ali top scored with seven.
Leon Reddy had 4-7 and got support from
Ravindra Persaud who captured 2-1 for Berbice who raced to 30-2 from just 4.5 overs.
Luck Amsterdam made 7 not out and Asgaralli Nabi was unbeaten on nine.
Justin Hicks (0) and Said Jumratty (3) were the batters dismissed.
The tournament continues today from 9:30hrs with Demerara facing the GCB X1 at LBI and Berbice doing battle with Essequibo at Lusignan.
By Frederick Halley
PRESIDENT of the Canada Cricket Umpires Association (CCUA), Azad Khan has called on members to enhance training programmes and expand the arsenal of skilled trainers and facilitators.
The Guyanese-born Khan, who is also the Honorary Secretary of the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA), made
the
Among those
THE ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL)
will be back for its third edition when it bowls off in July at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence.
Five elite T20 teams from across the globe will converge in Guyana for 10 days
from July 23 to August 1, to compete for a US$1 million prize pool.
The 2025 tournament marked a major milestone for the competition, with a soldout Providence crowd witnessing the Guyana Amazon Warriors lift the trophy by
KINGSTON, Jamaica,
(CMC) – Captain of Jamaica’s Under-17 Men’s team, Jahmarie Nolan has been named the Best Player of the recently concluded CONCACAF Men’s Under-17 World Cup Qualifiers.
His efforts helped Jamaica qualify for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, as they finished top of Group G after recording victories over Aruba, Cayman Islands and Canada.
Nolan, who represents Toronto FC, ended the tournament with four goals and two assists.
Jamaica’s assistant
defeating the Rangpur Riders.
Sir Clive Lloyd, chairman of the GSL, said he was eagerly anticipating the start of the tournament.
“It gives me immense pride as chairman of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, to officially
Jahmarie Nolan took home the award for Best Player in the Under-17 World Cup Qualifiers
coach, Vassell Reynolds, had high praise for Nolan, who was a member of the national team that failed to qualify for the 2025 FIFA World Cup.
“Both he and the entire coaching staff were very confident he would lead the team well both on and off the field. We didn’t hesitate to give him that responsibility, one which he accepted and performed very well.
“His performance on the pitch wasn’t a surprise to us, we saw glimpses of it last year, and also one can remember he got some useful minutes representing
Mount Pleasant Academy in last year’s JPL competition and held his own,” Reynolds said.
“During the camps leading up to the qualifiers, he was outstanding and that continued throughout the three games and this award is well deserved and provides a good face for Jamaica’s football. It should help to motivate other youth players in the country.”
Meanwhile, the Top Scorer award went to Malik Jakupovic of the United States. Jakupovic finished the tournament with eight goals for the Group E winners.
announce the dates for our third edition.
“In just two years, the GSL has established itself as a truly global club competition, showcasing outstanding talent and attracting tremendous support both locally and internationally,” Sir Clive
said.
“Last year’s final, played before a packed stadium, demonstrated the passion for cricket in Guyana and the strength of this tournament.
From July 23 to August 1, we look forward to welcoming five outstanding teams to
Providence once again, where they will compete fiercely for the title and a US$1 million prize purse.
The GSL is about excellence, opportunity and uniting fans from around the world through the game we love.”
A close finish to one of the races at the 2nd
LINDEN athletes performed creditably on home soil when the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) held its second CARIFTA Games trials last Saturday at the newly commissioned Bayrock National Stadium in Wismar, Linden.
In fact, from the six athletes who gained qualifying times for the upcoming CARIFTA Games at those 2nd CARIFTA Games trials, four were from the Upper Demerara Track Club and the others from the Police Progressive Youth Club and the Guyana Defence Force.
Last Saturday, Upper
Demerara Track Club athletes Gordon Thompson, Deuquan Farrel, Kaidan Persaud and Kemal Guishard along with Police Progressive Youth Club’s Jarel Campbell and the Guyana Defence Force’s Ebcosie Leitch all qualified.
Gordon Thompson running as an Under-20 athlete qualified with a time of 10.38secs in the 100m, with the qualification time being 10.54secs, with Deuquan Farrell clocking 21.09secs for the 200m where the qualification time is 21.50secs.
In the 400m for Under 20 males, Kaidan Per -
saud stopped the clock at 47.29secs, besting the qualifying time of 48secs flat, as Kemal Guishard’s long jump effort was 13.53m as against the qualification distance of 13.50m.
The Guyana Defence Force’s Under-20 athlete Ebcosie Leitch was also impressive in the long jump with a leap of 7.35m, the qualifying mark is 6.75m, while Police Progressive Youth’s Jarel Campbell, in the Under-17 long jump, made the qualifying mark jumping 6.93m, with the qualifying mark being 6.75m
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