Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 27-02-2026

Jamaica, Guyana advance bilateral discussions on energy, security, other areas

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PM Holness thanks President Ali for hurricane support

TAKING a decisive step in further bolstering economic and security co-operation, President, Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister of Jamaica Dr Andrew Holness on Thursday held bilateral discussions.

“President Ali reiterated Guyana’s continued support for the people of Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa and committed to strengthening the historical partnership between the two countries,” the post further read.

Additionally, Prime Minister Holness also lauded the discussions on further

President Ali, in a post on his Facebook page disclosed that the talks centred on continued co-operation in energy, agriculture, investment, technology transfer, regional security and infrastructural development.

co-operation in the several areas, writing in a post on his Facebook page: “I am confident that these discussions will yield tangible outcomes for both our peoples.”

He said that these discussions were aimed at deepening co-operation and expanding opportunities for mutual growth and development.

Jamaica and Guyana share a longstanding histori-

cal relationship, grounded in Caribbean “solidarity, shared democratic values, and a common commitment to regional progress,” Dr Holness highlighted.

“Today’s [Thursday’s] engagement reaffirmed our shared vision to build on that legacy by exploring new avenues for collaboration in trade, investment, energy, technology and infrastructure development,” he wrote.

He also stated that as the Caribbean region navigates a rapidly changing global environment, “partnerships such as with Guyana [are] essential to strengthening resilience and unlocking greater prosperity for our respective peoples.”

The 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) opened on Tuesday in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Guyana’s rapidly expanding energy and agricultural

sectors present new opportunities for further collaboration, particularly in strengthening CARICOM’s agenda in reducing the regional food-import bill and building capacity in food production.

The Government of Jamaica has repeatedly identified food security as a national priority.

The discussions surrounding the expansion of investment, improving technology transfer, and enhancing co-operation in regional security are critical amidst the growing regional confrontation of transnational crime and emerging geopolitical pressures.

On the sidelines of the ongoing CARICOM meeting in St. Kitts and Nevis, President Ali had noted that over the past few years, Guyana has engaged in “expressive amounts of bilateral revolution in social security” and emphasised ongoing efforts to coordinate on security challenges in the region.

He said the goal is to ensure better coordination among countries in addressing regional security issues.

The Jamaican Prime Minister also used the opportunity to express, on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, their sincere gratitude for the support Guyana extended to [Jamaica] following Hurricane Melissa.

“The deployment of Guyanese military personnel to assist with rebuilding efforts in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland stands as a powerful demonstration of Caribbean unity in action,” the Jamaican Prime Minister wrote.

Guyana was among several countries in the regional bloc that responded immediately, sending supplies in several tranches and even deploying ranks from the Guyana Defence Force’s 4 Engineer Battalion.

Later in November last year, CARICOM Heads of Government from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, and Guyana; CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett and leaders from other regional institutions visited Jamaica.

President Ali was on the ground in the hardest-hit areas of Jamaica, where he committed to the rebuilding of 200 roofs in communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. Guyana agreed to provide both manpower and materials to accelerate reconstruction.

Guyana’s deployment of the GDF forms part of its longstanding commitment to regional co-operation under the framework of the CARICOM. Over the years, Guyana has consistently provided humanitarian and technical assistance to sister CARICOM states during periods of natural disasters and national emergencies, a policy strongly championed by President Ali.

President Ali urges removal of ‘artificial’ trade barriers

–– emphasises importance of efficient flow, movement of goods in Caribbean region

GUYANA is pressing for the free movement of goods and removal of “artificial” trade barriers as President Dr. Irfaan Ali, earlier this week, emphasised the importance of efficient flow of exports across borders.

The 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of

the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) opened on Tuesday in St. Kitts and Nevis and although President Ali did not address the opening ceremony, he joined regional leaders for Wednesday’s plenary session and held several bilateral engagements, including talks with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister

Kamala Persad- Bissessar.

The President on the sidelines of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM told reporters that while energy security remains a cornerstone in bilateral engagements between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, it must go beyond this.

Guyana, Suriname committed to continuing strong partnership

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Thursday met with President of Suriname, Dr. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons on the sidelines of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government in St Kitts and Nevis. The discussions focused on continuing the strong partnership between both countries on energy and food security and cooperation towards regional connectivity (Office of the President photos)

“As I said previously, Trinidad’s private sector has benefited enormously from our energy sector, our construction sector, our consumers and I think that the bilateral for me must be far broader than energy,” Dr. Ali said, adding: “For us, food security is a major issue, and us getting our goods into Trinidad, without the bureaucracy, and without the type of delays that we that we face and I believe that the time has come for those barriers,

the artificial barriers, to be removed and the bureaucracy to be removed so that we can facilitate trade in a more efficient way, and we can facilitate the movement of goods in a more efficient way.”

He stated that he looks forward to bilateral engagements to be “very progressive and future driven,” with emphasis on trade expansion.

“The fact is that Guyana has had an open relationship with CARICOM. The entire private sector in CARICOM

is welcome on the same playing field like Guyanese; they invest and to work in Guyana,” Dr. Ali added.

Last year, President Ali underscored the urgent need to boost intra-regional trade as a driver of economic stability and growth within CARICOM.

In a commemoratory message to celebrate CARICOM Day, the President called on member states

See page 4

Entire Annandale North to be illuminated in two weeks

– Minister Edghill

RESIDENTS of Annandale North on the East Coast Demerara can expect the entire community to be illuminated within the next two weeks, as the government accelerates the rollout of 100,000 streetlights countrywide.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, made the commitment on Thursday during an on-site inspection of ongoing installations in the community.

The visit formed part of the government’s broader push to improve the community and citizen’s

security through enhanced street lighting, particularly in areas identified as highrisk.

Minister Edghill explained that the installation process is guided by certified electricians and licensed contractors. The assessments, including night audits to determine dark spots and security vulnerabilities, will also be done.

“The engineers and the technicians got to come to the communities in the night… see where it got dark spots, security risks, and come back with a

President Ali urges ...

From page 3

to harness the region’s collective potential, noting that stronger economic linkages will fortify the region’s resilience amid rising external pressures.

“We must vigorously strengthen and strategically expand intra-regional trade, aggressively advance our efforts toward long-term food security, and ensure resilient energy systems and sustainable environmental protections.,” the President urged, emphasising the need for collective action to overcome shared vulnerabilities and unlock the full potential of the Single Market and Economy.

He stressed that enhanced trade within the region is essential not only for economic resilience but also for advancing food security, energy sustainability, and regional self-sufficiency.

President Ali pointed to Guyana’s role in helping drive this agenda, citing the country’s growing food production capacity and emerging energy resources. He noted that Guyana stands ready to contribute meaningfully to regional food security initiatives, and to support energy diversification across the Community.

“Regional integration is no longer a lofty aspiration; it is an urgent necessity, and one that is now more critical and compelling than ever,” he stated, adding that his government remains “unequivocally committed” to this cause.

Beyond trade, President Ali called for deeper collaboration in several key areas, including climate change adaptation, regional security, and diplomacy.

He highlighted the need for CARICOM to act as a united front in global affairs, particularly as the region faces mounting threats from climate change, transnational crime, and external economic shocks.

plan,” he explained.

According to the minister, the main goal is not only to install lights, but to ensure the community is properly secured.

Beyond Annandale North, works are already being rolled out in neigh-

bouring communities, including Sections ‘C’ and ‘D’ of Non-Pareil, where multiple contractors are currently installing lights.

Minister Edghill emphasised that the initiative is being executed across the country, with dozens

of contractors engaged to speed up the process.

The need for community feedback was also underscored to ensure the initiative is a success.

“This is about community security and citizen security… we need feedback to know if the lights are working and if there is adequate coverage,” the minister stated.

The public works minister cautioned against improper practices, including the removal of functioning lights or attempts by indi-

viduals to influence placement of the light.

The street lighting initiative forms part of the government’s commitment to enhance community residents’ well-being by creating a greater sense of security and supporting more outdoor activities after dark.

“We are not just putting lights…we are ensuring people can come home safe… go to church, go to work, and return safely,” Minister Edghill added. (DPI)

Gov’t advances Amaila Falls Hydropower Project

– invites proposals by April

THE government is advancing the much-anticipated Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, setting an April deadline for proposal submissions from prospective firms or consortia under a revised Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model.

The project is designed to deliver a minimum of 165 megawatts (mw) of renewable energy to the national grid. It forms part of a broader energy mix strategy pursued by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.

Under the revised framework, the hydro facility will be executed through a Special Purpose Company.

The transmission network will be developed separately.

The government has also indicated that independent supervision will oversee the design and construction phases.

According to the Office of the Prime Minister, proposals will be evaluated based on the lowest power purchase agreement (PPA) price, overall project cost, completion timelines, and the bidder’s ability to secure financing.

Only firms or consortia with demonstrated experience in large-scale hydropower development will be considered. These include experience with building at least three large hydro projects, each at least 100 mw in the last 15 years.

Interested parties have until Thursday, April 9, at 09:00hrs to submit their requests to the Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) at Main and Urquhart Streets in Georgetown.

The administration has made it clear that the hydropower facility will form a central pillar

of Guyana’s long-term energy strategy, complementing the gas-to-energy project in Wales and the numerous solar power projects nationwide.

The Amaila Falls project was first proposed more than a decade ago, under a previous PPP/C government, but faced delays due to the lack of support in the National Assembly in 2013.

When completed, the facility is expected to deliver reliable, large-scale renewable energy to the national grid and support Guyana’s low-carbon development goals as set out in the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030. (DPI)

End the Silence

THE recent cases involving two teenage girls have once again forced the country to confront a difficult but necessary truth: adolescent pregnancy and exploitation remain pressing social concerns that cannot be addressed by policy alone.

These are not distant statistics.

They are lived realities unfolding in homes, schools and communities, often long before authorities become aware.

Data from the Pan American Health Organization confirms that while Guyana has made progress, adolescent birth rates remain above the Latin America and Caribbean average. The reduction from 80.5 births per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19 in 2010 to 66.6 in 2021 is encouraging, but it still signals an

ongoing public-health challenge. Behind those numbers are girls whose childhoods are cut short and whose futures are abruptly redirected.

The state has not been idle. Campaigns have been rolled out in schools, health centres and community spaces. Information on reproductive health, consent and support services is more accessible than ever before. Yet the uncomfortable question remains: how many families are actively engaging in these conversations? How many parents are asking the hard questions, setting clear boundaries and watching closely for warning signs?

Too often, these matters are still treated as taboo, whispered about rather than con-

fronted. That culture of silence allows predatory relationships to develop unchecked and leaves vulnerable girls without the guidance and protection they urgently need. Sweeping these issues under the carpet does not preserve tradition -- it perpetuates risk.

Communities must recognise that safeguarding adolescents is not solely the responsibility of schools, the police or social services.

Families are the first line of defence. Early intervention, questioning unusual relationships, addressing unexplained changes in behaviour and encouraging open dialogue can prevent situations from escalating into crisis.

These recent incidents are painful re-

minders of what happens when vigilance gives way to denial. Teenage girls should be focused on their education, personal growth and aspirations, not navigating motherhood or recovering from violence. Their safety and development must be treated as a shared national responsibility.

Ending adolescent vulnerability requires more than awareness campaigns. It demands honest conversations at home, collective vigilance within communities and the courage to report concerns before harm occurs.

The time has come to move beyond silence and confront this challenge directly, with the understanding that protecting our girls today safeguards the nation’s future tomorrow.

The words of PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar

AT the CARICOM Heads of Government confabulation presently taking place in St. Kitts, the Trinidadian Prime Minister made a complaint against CARICOM countries in relation to an enquiry made by Trinidad. She also criticised lack of democracy in Cuba.

On both counts, the PM can be seriously faulted. Let’s look at her complaint. She explained that one of her citizens was kidnapped, allegedly by state authorities of another country and flown to Trinidad. Here are her words:“I say [it] still concerns me, how one of my citizens was kidnapped in another CARICOM state and when I inquired, the Secretariat could not give me an answer up to today. That should never happen… I say to CARICOM, that response, non-response, it may be the result of poor management, lax accountability… so I want to reaffirm that the CARICOM should be the voice for all, not just for the governing parties….”

One is at a loss to fathom this thinking from the PM. Since the birth of CARICOM, Trinidad has endangered CARICOM by not playing by the rules. Successive Trinidadian PMs have treated Guyana flippantly, condescendingly and downright insultingly over the past 50 years as a member of CARICOM.

For over 50 years, Trinidad has not been abiding by the legal rules that hold CARICOM together. Trinidad has been violating the Single Market and Economy regulations since its inception. Guyana has borne the brunt of Trinidad’s intransigence. Years ago, I wondered out loudly how every Guyana leader from independence to the present time has allowed Trinidad to mistreat Guyana for over 50 years as a CARICOM member. It is not the ingrained habit of Trinidad violating CARICOM legal trading rules;

it is the unilateral action against Guyanese citizens the past 50 years. Every major Guyanese investor has faced insurmountable hurdles in Trinidad with a majority unable to endure the nightmares. I know a Guyanese businessman who tried to start a car- importation firm in Trinidad. He was literally run out of Trinidad. I will always remember his words when we discussed the issue. He said: “Boy, dem Trinis don’t want we in deh country.”

I went to film Joel Bhagwandin for the Freddie Kissoon Show at his office. It is a spanking four-level building on Camp Street. I asked Joel who owns the building. He said it is a Trinidadian. Show me a similar building owned by a Guyanese in Trinidad. He will get a nervous breakdown before his various permits are approved.

Unilateral action against Guyana was not confined to investment, but also to travel. For over 60 years, Guyanese airline passengers have faced horrendous mistreatment, first by BWIA which later became Caribbean Airlines. There should have been a one-off holiday in Guyana when Guyana accepted foreign airlines that do non-stop flights from Guyana to foreign countries without stopover in Trinidad.

The Trinidadian PM should be the last person on Planet Earth to talk about CARICOM insensitivities to member-states that complain. If one were to tally the number of complaints CARICOM members have made to the secretariat, over 90 per cent will come from Guyana against Trinidad.

Before we move to the PM’s complaint against Cuba, it must be recorded that CARICOM has to stop Trinidad’s daily violation of the fundamental planks the integration movement rests on.

Mrs Persad-Bissessar says that Cuba does not have democracy, but so are dozens of strategically placed countries in the world that Trinidad has trade relationships with. Israel is one of the worst countries in the world. Only one CARICOM Head has made an official visit to Israel and that is Patrick Manning of Trinidad in 2005. Trade between Trinidad and Israel has increased each year since 2022, when it stood at 3.38 million American dollars.

Why pick on Cuba? And since when democracy is a criterion by which we judge the nations of the world to have relationships with and what exactly does democracy mean?

I sat down three weeks ago in the home of Dr Mark Kirton, one of my friends over the past 50 years when we met as freshmen at UG, and I posed a question to him that has implications for traditional political theory

and post-colonial philosophy.

I asked Mark if a country could be a liberal, democratic state if that state participates in the perpetuation of genocide or goes around the world undermining freedoms in other lands by bombing and invading other countries.

Germany is a dyed-in-the wool supporter of Israel which it finances through arms transfers and actual cash. Germany refuses at an absolute level to condemn any action of Israel at any time.

I end by asking the Trinidad PM if she thinks that one of the most totalitarian governments in the world, Saudi Arabia, is democratic.

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.

Guyana’s regional leadership in agriculture is ‘trusted’

WITH Guyana successfully repositioning itself as the leading force in regional food security since 2020, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha has strongly rejected the opposition’s criticisms regarding the performance of the agricultural sector.

The minister during a recent airing of the ‘Starting Point’ podcast, issued a sharp rebuke to opposition critics stating that they have no clue what is happening as it relates to agriculture and blasted them for ignoring the significant strides made.

He emphasised that Guyana now sits at the forefront of food production in the Caribbean, crediting President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s prudent leadership following those previous years of steep decline.

“Let me be very frank with you, Guyana is leading the agriculture sector in the Caribbean,” the minister said.

Although historically Guyana always led regional food security, the minister stated that the nation lost its footing and placing from 2015-2020, the period when the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) held office.

Minister Mustapha noted that President Ali has reclaimed Guyana’s leadership position in agriculture and food security, pointing to Dr Ali’s ambitious plan to reduce the Caribbean’s food-import bill, a target which has since become the cornerstone of CARICOM’s development agenda.

“He [President Ali] has

not only taken up back responsibility for agriculture and food security, but he has also developed strategy now, for the first time in the history of CARICOM, we see the political will for CARICOM to adopt those

strategies that was [sic] put forward by President Ali. We saw President Ali put forward the position of reducing the food-import bill by 25 per cent and we have moved significantly in reducing that bill,” the

–– Minister Mustapha says, rejects opposition’s criticisms of sector

minister said.

The minister further stated that those “naysayers and doomsayers” would not want to recognise Guyana’s pivotal role in CARICOM.

As the chair of the CARICOM Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security, the minister said that the ideas and strategies that Guyana puts forth are welcomed by Caribbean counterparts and adopted because they know “without Guyana they cannot achieve this reduction of the food input.”

“They trust our leadership, and they’re looking forward for us to build the capacity in their country,” Minister Mustapha said.

Beyond policy leadership, the minister outlined Guyana’s technical support

to fellow Caribbean nations seeking to strengthen their agricultural sectors.

For instance, previously Barbados’ main economic pillar was tourism, Minister Mustapha said the island is now embracing agriculture and Guyana has already deployed technical officers to help them to transform their agricultural sector.

He also noted that Guyana played a major role in resuscitating the rice industry in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Last year, they started [to] produce back the rice. I am helping them to develop their coconut industry.

Places like Grenada, Antigua, Saint Lucia, all those areas, our technical officer went and we built shade house for them,” he said.

New parking lots at Diamond Hospital to improve access for patients, healthcare workers

PATIENTS, healthcare workers and visitors to the Diamond Regional Hospital on the East Bank of Demerara, Region Four can soon expect safer, easier access, as the Ministry of Housing-Central Housing and Planning Authority advances works on parking lot facilities to ease congestion and improve overall traffic

flow in the area.

“The Government of Guyana is constructing two parking lots on both the northern and southern fences of the hospital,” Minister of Housing Collin Croal said according to a press release.

Minister Croal was at the time conducting a site visit with Minister within

the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn, Deputy Director of Projects at the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Mr Intakab Indarjeet and engineers of the Projects Department.

The release said Minister Croal further stated that the project is expected to eliminate roadside parking and enhance order and

safety around the hospital’s perimeter.

He added, “when this is complete, persons will no longer be able to park on the road, and the Guyana Police Force - Traffic Department will be required to ensure enforcement is done in this regard.”

In addition to improving hospital access, the initia -

tive forms part of a broader strategy by the Ministry to utilise reserves and address issues across communities, caused by improper use of these areas, including kiosks and informal vending along street corners.

The scope of works for the Diamond Hospital parking facilities include site clearing and excavation, sub-

grade preparation and compaction, installation of base and sub-base layers, construction of drainage structures, and the installation of lighting to enhance safety and visibility.

With works having commenced in December 2025, the project is scheduled for completion in March 2026, the release added.

Minister Indar announces expansion of international cargo capacity

–– as Guyana’s freight volume nearly doubles since 2020

MINISTER of Public Utilities and Aviation

Deodat Indar has announced that Avianca Airlines will officially commence weekly cargo operations between Guyana and Miami on March 2, 2026.

The introduction of this scheduled service, utilising an Airbus A330243F aircraft, will provide 65 tonnes of dedicated cargo capacity per flight. This strategic expansion is a direct response to the massive growth in Guyana’s aviation sector, where international cargo volumes have nearly dou-

bled since 2020.

“The commencement of this weekly service by Avianca is a landmark achievement in our mission to modernise Guyana’s aviation and logistics infrastructure. Since 2020, we have overseen a near-doubling of international cargo movement, reflecting the unprecedented transformation of our national economy.

As the Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, my priority is ensuring that our infrastructure keeps pace with this demand. This additional 65-tonne weekly capacity

is a critical resource for both our business community and private citizens. It provides a reliable, high-volume link for the shipment of commercial goods, agricultural exports, and personal effects.

Furthermore, this service is a vital component of our strategy to establish Guyana as the premier ‘food basket of the Caribbean.’ By providing our farmers and manufacturers with direct, efficient access to the Miami trade hub, we ensure that Guyanese products reach global consumers quickly and reliably. We remain

committed to fostering an environment where both local businesses and individual shippers have the world-class logistics support they need to thrive,” he said.

This initiative reinforces the Government of Guyana’s broader commitment to attracting international carriers and positioning the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) as a central logistics and trade gateway for the region. (DPI)

Minister Griffith attends OAS Hemispheric Labour Workshop

MINISTER of Labour and Manpower Planning

Keoma D. Griffith is representing the Government and people of Guyana at the ‘OAS/RIAL Hemispheric Workshop on ‘Just Transition, Green and Blue Jobs,’ which is taking place in Nassau, The Bahamas.

The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning made the announcement on Thursday, noting that the workshop began on Thursday and will conclude today.

In a press release, the ministry said the event, convened by the Organization of American States (OAS) and its Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (RIAL), brings together Ministers of Labour, social partners and international institutions to discuss regional cooperation on labour and sustainable development.

Minister Griffith’s participation underscores Guyana’s commitment

Minister Griffith is currently in The Bahamas attending a two-day OAS/RIAL Hemispheric Workshop on ‘Just Transition, Green and Blue Jobs’ (Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning photo)

to growing the economy responsibly, creating green and blue jobs and preparing workers for new opportunities, the release

said pointing out that the ministry will provide additional updates following the conclusion of the workshop.

Over a billion fear losing land and homes within five years

DESPITE global progress in strengthening land tenure and governance, more than a billion people worldwide – nearly one in four adults – fear they could lose the rights to some or all of their land and housing within the next five years.

The finding comes in a UN-backed report that underscores the need for stronger political commitment and inclusive policies around land rights amid growing focus on climate change, biodiversity protection, gender equality and rural transformation.

Over the past two decades, governments have adopted national and international frameworks on issues such as land policy in Africa and responsible regulation of land, fisheries and forests – resulting in more than 70 countries undertaking efforts towards land reform.

‘LAND INSECURITY’ AND INEQUALITY

Yet, progress is lagging. Currently, the ownership, tenure or use rights of only 35 per cent of the world’s land is formally documented, according to the report produced by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Land Coalition (ILC) and the French agricultural research and cooperation organization, CIRAD.

Further evidence includes the more than 1.1 billion people who feel “land-insecure” because they consider it likely or very likely that they could lose their homes or property in the coming years.

“Land insecurity is one of the most damaging forms of inequality, paid for in lower productivity, weaker resilience, and poorer nutrition,” said Maximo Torero Cullen, FAO Chief Economist.

“Secure land tenure enables sustainable investment and is the difference between short-term survival and long-term food security.”

WHO OWNS THE LAND?

The Status of Land Tenure and Governance is

described as the first comprehensive global stocktake designed to track how land is owned, used and governed.

It reveals that States have legal ownership of more than 64 per cent of land worldwide, although this includes customary land with designated tenure rights but without documented ownership.

Just over a quarter of all land is known to be privately owned – whether by individuals, companies or collectives. Tenure status regarding the remaining 10 per cent or so is unknown.

Specifically, around 18 per cent of the world’s land, or 2.4 billion hectares, is owned by private individuals and corporations.

When agricultural land is considered – around 37 per cent of the global land area – the top 10 per cent of the largest landholders operate nearly 90 per cent of all land under cultivation.

DIVERSE OWNERSHIP SYSTEMS

The report also highlights how land tenure systems differ across regions.

For example:

In sub-Saharan Africa, 73 per cent of land is held under customary tenure though only one per cent is formally recognised as such, while most is undocumented and under State ownership

In North America, 32 per cent of land is privately owned

In Latin America, 39 per cent

In Europe, it’s 55 per cent, excluding Russia where State land dominates.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND WOMEN

Moreover, although Indigenous Peoples and other holders of customary tenure rights occupy 5.5 billion hectares – 42 per cent of the world’s land – only a billion hectares are documented with clear ownership rights.

Data also shows that in almost all countries, women are less likely than men to own or have secure rights to land whether for housing or agriculture, underlining the importance of formal

and legal documents for securing their land rights.

“Too many people still live with the fear of losing their land and homes, with women and young people remaining among the most excluded - a reality that undermines food security, climate action and biodiversity protection, and shows why secure land rights are foundational to achieving all three,” said Marcy Vigoda, the ILC Director.

ACCORDING TO CUSTOM

The report also provides a detailed examination of customary land systems, which are largely stewarded by Indigenous Peoples, pastoralists and tribal groups.

Customary lands include forests, grasslands, wetlands and fisheries, and their governance – once regarded as archaic or a relic of the past – is increasingly viewed as vital for both people and the planet, given their contribution to biodiversity and climate action.

Roughly 4.2 billion hectares of customary land have been mapped worldwide, representing over 32 per cent of the Earth’s total land mass excluding Antarctica.

CARBON RELEASE ALERT

These territories “hold an estimated 45 gigatons of irrecoverable carbon –which cannot be put back in time to avoid climate damage, found mostly in forest biomes – or 37 percent of the global total,” FAO said.

In other words – any carbon released can’t be reabsorbed quickly enough to prevent increased global warming.

The UN agency noted that customary lands are increasingly under threat from human activity such as urban expansion, largescale industrial agriculture, oil and gas extraction and mining.

“Paradoxically, some climate solutions geared to renewable energy, biofuels, conservation and carbon offsets are increasing such pressures, especially on lands which lack formal recognition or protections,” FAO added. (UN News)

Permanent Secretary defends after-hours submission of Mohameds’ extradition documents

By Feona Morrison

THE timing of the extradition process involving businessmen Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed came under sharp scrutiny on Thursday when a senior government official explained why key documents were delivered outside of normal office hours.

Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, told the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday that she delivered crucial extradition documents concerning both businessmen.

The witness explained that while the ministry officially closes at 16:30hrs, she is effectively on call 24/7, and that prompted her immediate action.

The extradition request from the United States Embassy was received on Thursday, October 30, 2025, after regular business hours, re-

lating to charges facing the Mohameds in a Florida court, including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.

The pair are contesting their extradition.

During cross-examination by defence attorney Siand Dhurjon, Roopchand-Edwards was questioned about why she did not deliver the documents the following business day, Friday, October 31, 2025.

She maintained that she “took it that night for a reason,” referring to Thursday night, October 30, 2025.

Although she admitted knowing that Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond was awaiting the documents, she insisted that she was not duty-bound to deliver them immediately.

Dhurjon pressed her on multiple points, asking, “You were duty bound to take it to her [Minister Walrond] that night,” before noting that only one day—Friday, October 31, 2025—remained before the court could convene and potentially issue warrants

or remand the defendants.

The Permanent Secretary repeatedly disagreed, stating, “I totally disagree. I did not know.”

Nazar and Azruddin were arrested by Guyana Police on October 31, 2025, following the United States’ extradition request and after the Minister of Home Affairs had issued her Authority to Proceed.

In extradition matters, an Authority to Proceed is a

the core copy of the depositions… while the court is not opposed to that application, I will suggest, at this point in time, that you have someone sit and look through the depositions, and the orderly or the clerk will be present. There will be no copying of the depositions, and no phones or devices will be allowed next to the depositions. That is for the security purposes of the evidence.”

ber 31, 2025, both father and son were taken into custody in Georgetown in connection with the extradition request from the United States of America.

The Mohameds—owners of Mohamed’s Enterprise— remain on $150,000 bail each as the matter progresses.

formal legal document issued by the government that authorises the court to begin extradition proceedings against a person who is wanted by another country.

The defence attorney put it to the witness that the United States had sent the extradition request for Ronley Floyd Bynoe on November 4, 2025, and that the minister had issued her Authority to Proceed three months later, to which she responded, “No, your honour.”

The attorney further questioned her about the pace of the Mohameds’ extradition proceedings, referencing Ronley Floyd Bynoe’s case. Attorney Dhurjon highlighted that the Mohameds’ extradition was moving at “breakneck speed” and suggested it was influenced by significant governmental and political considerations.

The prosecution witness acknowledged that she had read about Bynoe’s extradition in the media. Dhurjon suggested it was possible she knew the minister had executed the Authority to Proceed in relation to the Mohameds and forgot, to which she responded, “Maybe.”

The cross-examination also addressed the urgency of submitting the Mohameds’ extradition documents before Parliament convened on Monday, November 3, 2025, but Roopchand-Edwards maintained she did not consider it a critical factor.

During the afternoon session, defence attorney Dhurjon requested access to the court records, stating, “we wish to apply for a full copy of your depositions. Please Your Worship. After today's bundle is officiating.”

In response, Magistrate Latchman outlined strict conditions for reviewing the material, citing security concerns.

She said: “In relation to

The magistrate further explained that the restriction was necessary because “the defence would have been indicating, on numerous occasions, something was leaked that ought to have been confidential. What was it that was leaked?”

Attorney Dhurjon in response said that confidential medical information had been circulated online, stating, “We have every reason to believe that the medical, the personal medical report of Mr. Nazar Mohamed… found its way into the nether regions of social media personalities.”

In the end, the court ruled that the defence could examine the documents but “without cameras, without iPads, without iPhones, without smartphones, without any device with a camera,” and confirmed that “No copies of the deposition will be issued for security purposes.”

When Dhurjon inquired about the dates and contracts the government holds with United States lobbyist firms, the witness replied, “No, I can't recall that date,” adding that the contracts were likely signed by predecessors, though she could not say definitively.

The defence lawyer then requested disclosure of these contracts and communications regarding the Mohameds, but the prosecution stated there was no obligation to provide them and confirmed it did not possess the documents, noting the defence could subpoena them if necessary.

The court acknowledged that full disclosure had been made, declined to order the contracts and communications, and deferred further cross-examination of the Permanent Secretary.

Magistrate Latchman indicated that her court will be on vacation from March 2 to 9. Consequently, the extradition proceedings are scheduled to continue on March 12 and 13, and then on March 16, 17, and 18.

On the morning of Octo-

Conditions of their bail required them to surrender their passports and report weekly to the Ruimveldt Police Station, measures intended to ensure their availability for ongoing legal proceedings.

The father, 72, and son, 38, are facing an 11-count indictment in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. They are jointly charged on 10 counts, while Azruddin faces an additional count concerning the importation of a 2020 Lamborghini Roadster SVJ into Guyana. Court documents alleged that Azruddin and his father conspired to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting and customs-related violations connected to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.

The indictment was issued by a grand jury in October 2025.

According to the filings, Nazar owns 90 per cent of Mohamed’s Enterprise, with Azruddin holding the remaining 10 per cent. The two face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the most serious charge.

In June 2024, Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, along with their business entities, were placed under sanctions by the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) over allegations of gold smuggling and large-scale corruption, including claims that more than US$50 million in taxes owed to the Guyanese state were evaded.

U.S. authorities are believed to have launched their investigation into the Mohameds in the mid-2010s, supported by intelligence sharing and law-enforcement co-operation between Guyana and the United States that dates back to around 2016–2017.

The probe involved several U.S. agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

First Lady, Housing Ministers visit beautification sites in Georgetown

ACCOMPANIED by Ministers Collin Croal and Vanessa Benn of the Ministry of Housing, along with technical staff from the Ministries of Public Works and Housing, First Lady Mrs Arya Ali recently conducted site visits across key locations in Georgetown to assess the progress of ongoing beautification works.

This included the avenues along East and Waterloo Streets, and the Kingston Seawall Esplanade.

These works, according to the Office of the First Lady, along with the development of several public recreational parks, are being done under the National Beautification Project and is in alignment with the Georgetown Urban Development Framework Plan being implemented by the Government of Guyana, with support from the Kings Foundation.

Safe, inclusive, and accessible, public spaces are fundamental to human health, well-being, and development, and we want to ensure that access to quality public spaces remain a key component of our urban

and regional development plans, the First Lady’s Office said.

Last year, the First Lady’s Office made strides in revitalising a number of public spaces through the National Beautification Project. This flagship initiative is led by the First Lady and is aimed at enhancing the quality of life for families and communities across Guyana.

Since 2020, they have developed a number of recreational spaces under the project, with more underway or planned. These include facilities at Okum Beach, Leguan (Region Three), Bath Settlement and Bush Lot (Region Five), Number 63 Beach (Region Six), Kato (Region Eight), and Wismar and Spikeland in Linden (Region 10).

Some notable projects delivered under Mrs Ali’s leadership include the Independence Park in Anna Regina; the Children’s Play Park at the National Park; the Kingston Seawall Esplanade; Zia’s Play Park at Leonora; the Unity Beach Play Park and the May 26 Nursery Complex at Melanie Damishana on the East Coast of Demerara.

This year, an allocation of $35 million was provided in the national budget to continue the National Beautification Project and community support through her Office. This covers the construction and upgrading of children’s parks, and public parks, as well as the installation of play sets and bins, and the general improvement of public recreational spaces.

The project is set to extend financial assistance to vulnerable Guyanese through the provision of backpacks, school supplies and children’s toys and hampers.

Expansion of UG engineering programme attracts positive response

TWO University of Guyana students recently shared their thoughts on the expansion of the university’s Engineering Programme to the John’s Science Centre in Berbice, noting that offering Civil and Mechanical Engineering courses in Region Six eases the burden of travelling to the Turkeyen campus in Region Four to pursue their studies.

With President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s commitment to continuing the decentralisation of academic opportunities all across Guyana, students candidly spoke about the immense benefits they are expected to reap and the impact it will have on their lives and academic pursuits.

Devashree Dhanai, a first-year Civil Engineering student at the university’s Turkeyen Campus, hails from Cane Field, Canje, Berbice.

The young woman explained that when the first semester began, she was travelling daily. She was unable to afford this and decided to return to dorm accommodation.

“It was hard because like I've been with my family ever since I came here, so it was really hard for me to be away from my family. I missed my home-cooked food, and it was lonely at

some times, but I had to get used to it just for education purposes,” she said.

“It's going to be more effective when it comes to my comfort and it's going to help me. I have an environment that I'm used to here so I'm not going to be like, it's going strange to me. It'll help me focus better and there I have a mixed feeling with it because I got used to being at Turkeyen so much that now, it’s kinda heartbreaking. I have to leave there and come here now but it’s for the best for me,” Dhanai added.

Dhanai will be the first in her family to graduate from university and she is committed to make good use of the knowledge and experiences gained at the institution. Further, she hopes to give back to her country and community once she completes the bachelor’s programme.

Meanwhile, Samira Khan, a first-year Mechanical Engineering student from Nigg, Berbice, who is also enrolled at the Turkeyen Campus, similarly shared that travelling from Berbice to classes almost on a daily basis was hard. He recalled having to wake at 04:00hrs to reach on time for a 09:00hrs class.

“Well, it's definitely saving money in transportation, and we also have face-toface classes, majority faceto-face classes in the Tain Campus, so it's much better learning-wise as well,” Khan said.

Khan encourages anyone interested in attending classes at any of UG’s campuses to make that sacrifice to enrol.

According to the young woman, engineering is a great field to be in as it paves a pathway to careers in various fields.

The announcement of the expansion of UG’s Engineering Programme to the John’s Science Centre in Region Six and the Essequibo Technical Institute in Region Two has been described as a strategic move designed to fuel Guyana’s unprecedented infrastructural boom.

The Ministry of Education, at the time of the announcement, had said it is proactively closing the skills gap to ensure that Guyanese are the primary architects of the nation’s future.

Additionally, the MoE said that engineering is not the only programme being decentralised in this first phase. It said Education Minister Sonia Parag is also working actively with Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, and the UG team to expand the institution’s medical programmes to the various regions.

Cane harvester found dead after stabbing reputed wife

THE police in Regional Division Six are investigating an alleged wounding incident that occurred on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Number 76 Housing Scheme, Corentyne, Berbice, and the subsequent death of the suspect.

According to a police release, on the day in question, a 47-year-old woman of the said address ran to a neighbouring yard with visible injuries and reported that she had had a misunderstanding with her reputed husband, during which he allegedly stabbed her with a knife. The suspect reportedly fled the scene on a motorcycle.

The injured woman was

rushed to the Number 75 Public Hospital, where she was admitted as a patient. Her condition was initially listed as serious, but has since stabilised.

The following day, Monday, February 23, at approximately 10:45hrs, the lifeless body of the suspect, identified as Patrick Mahendra Singh, 46, a cane harvester of Number 76 Village, was discovered at the said address. He is suspected to have ingested a poisonous substance.

Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the suspect’s death are ongoing.

Old Age Pension, Permanent Disability increases to be given in March

- elders to get transportation allowance in May

THE Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, recently provided clarity to persons receiving permanent disability and old-age pension benefits through her ministry.

The minister stated that March will carry the increases mentioned for persons receiving permanent disability and old-age pensions in accordance with this year’s budgetary allocation.

She noted that all back pay from January and February will be given in March as well. Minister Persaud said that it will be equivalent to $56,000 for old age pension and $31,000 for permanent disability.

In addition to this, Minister Persaud related that persons can only stamp their vouchers at the Post Office. The ministry will be working to ensure that persons can have their vouchers stamped ahead of time.

Dr Persaud explained, “So in other words, when you go in April, they will stamp April, May, June. However, you will not be able to cash April, May, June. You will be able to cash April in April, May in May, June in June. So, you can't cash ahead. You can only encash the month that you are in.”

Moving to the $20,000 transportation allowance promised to old-age pensioners, Dr. Persaud mentioned that this will be available in May.

Encouraging persons to keep checking

the ministry’s page for updates on this, she stated that the transportation allowance will supplement the old-age pension, which has been increased to $46,000.

For those persons utilising Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) services, or the bank, they do not have to have anything stamped, and their monies will be paid either through their bank or MMG account, with the increases included.

Furthermore, Minister Persaud advised that if persons did not receive pensions for the month of November or December, they can set up an MMG account or open a bank account, so that their funds can be transmitted to them in a timely and convenient manner.

Former Home Affairs

Minister testifies in ongoing electoral fraud trial

THE trial concerning the alleged manipulation of Guyana’s 2020 General and Regional Elections continued on Thursday with former Minister of Home Affairs and Guyana Elections Commission Commissioner Robeson Benn taking the stand.

When the matter was called before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, the prosecution called the minister to the stand.

During his testimony, Benn recounted several things, including the attempt

by Clairmont Mingo to declare the results for Region Four while at the Ashmin’s Building.

Benn told the court that while this was occurring, he, along with many others, had raised objections to the declaration being made, even as he was unable to hear exactly what Mingo was reading out at the time.

His testimony further continued on to what he recounted several months after, in the lead-up to the recount process.

The hearing is expected

to continue today.

Those charged include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers; former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo; former Health Minister Volda Lawrence; and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Carol Smith-Joseph.

The list also includes former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) staffers Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Babb-Cummings, and Michelle Miller.

The defendants collectively face 19 charges, including conspiracy to defraud and misconduct in public office. Each has entered a plea of not guilty and was released on significant cash bail.

Since the allegations arise from the same set of events, the cases have been consolidated for trial, which is expected to continue throughout the week.

The prosecution maintains that each accused played a “critical role” in attempting to inflate votes for the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition and reduce votes for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Following the contentious March 2, 2020 elections, Guyana’s judiciary was inundated with applications and appeals from various political actors over the electoral process.

The dispute lasted five months, culminating in a national recount overseen by GECOM and a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) delegation.

The recount confirmed the PPP/C’s victory, with 233,336 votes compared to 217,920 for the APNU+AFC, leading to the swearing in of President, Dr Irfaan Ali on August 2, 2020.

The initial results, announced by former CEO Lowenfield, had controversially declared an AP -

NU+AFC victory, reporting 171,825 votes for the coalition and 166,343 for the PPP/C.

In the aftermath, criminal charges were filed against the defendants, and GECOM terminated the contracts of Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo in August 2021 after the allegations of fraud surfaced.

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events of the 2020 General and Regional Elections have found that there was collusion and collaboration between senior GECOM officials to divert votes to the APNU +AFC instead of safeguarding and preserving the integrity of the electoral system.

Universal access coming for eye testing, spectacles under voucher scheme

WITH Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed on Thursday to advance the voucher initiative, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony has said that the ministry is preparing to roll out universal access for eye testing, removing the current age restrictions.

The minister made this known during the signing ceremony, which took place on Thursday at the Herdmanston Lodge where several private clinics, health-service providers and hospitals signed on to provide services for the roll out of the government’s various healthcare grants.

It was during his address that he said the expansion follows strong public demand and encouraging data from the programme’s first two years.

“We started this programme by looking at

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony (Delano Williams photos)

two broad categories: persons under 18 and persons 60 and above, and then we moved it to 50 and above,” Dr Anthony explained.

However, he added that the feedback received from many persons was that those persons in the 18 to 50 age range also wanted to be a part of the programme. Since its launch in 2024, the initiative has seen rapid growth, with eye testing and spectacles vouchers accounting for a significant share of up-

take, particularly among school-aged children and older adults.

“We wanted to ensure that anybody who’s at school does not have an eye problem that can affect their learning,” Minister Anthony said, adding that vision changes among older citizens were also a key concern.

“With these numbers, I think you have seen that we have successfully covered quite a large percentage of the people in these two age categories,”

Free legal advice initiative supports nearly 150 citizens

- Minister Persaud says services quietly transforming lives through counselling, legal aid, economic support

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has assisted almost 150 persons through its free weekly legal advice programme, as it continues to expand support systems for vulnerable citizens across the country.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud, in a Facebook post on Thursday, said the initiative forms part of a broader network of legal, counselling and economic-empowerment services being provided, often behind the scenes, to survivors of violence and abuse.

Highlighting the weekly initiative, Minister Persaud explained the scope of the programme and the number of persons already assisted. She explained that the programme, which is hosted every Thursday at the ministry’s office, first began in October and has today grown into a service that more than 100 Guyanese have benefitted from.

“The Ministry of Human Services has embarked on a very impactful programme and that is the provision of free legal advice to members of the public every Thursday at the Lamaha Street office of the ministry. To date, we have seen almost 150 persons and helped and supported

them through this measure,” she said, adding, “This is done directly by our Attorney-at-Law at the Ministry of Human Services and it is something that we have been consistently doing from October to now and we will continue to do it.”

She encouraged members of the public to take advantage of the service, noting that it complements other legal support mechanisms already in place.

“Persons have been helped in a wide variety of cases, so we are really, really hoping that you will utilise this service.”

This service, she explained, is part of a wider framework of legal support and solutions offered by the ministry, adding, “This is in addition to our free legal services that are provided through our Legal Pro Bono Unit to persons who experience violence and abuse.

Hundreds of persons have benefitted from that programme.”

Referencing a recent public case involving a survivor, the minister outlined the layers of assistance provided through various ministry programmes. “I know you would have seen a case where one of the survivors would have posted and I want to let you know too, that person would have

been [sic] helped and supported through the ministry in numerous ways, including counselling through the Survivor Advocate Programme.”

Moreover, Minister Persaud added that the ministry provides support for domestic violence and gender-based violence survivors to rebuild, adding, “ That person is enrolled in our WIIN Programme and is also going to be helped with [a] small business. That person has been helped through the legal channels that we have, the Legal Pro Bono Initiative.”

Minister Persaud further emphasised that much of the ministry’s work is conducted discreetly due to the sensitive nature of the cases being handled. She noted however, that while done discreetly, it is a service that more Guyanese should take advantage of, adding, “Many times these things are done very, very quietly and these things are done consistently because of the nature of what these things are. They're very sensitive things, cases of abuse, cases of violence, especially involving minors.”

While emphasising the range of sensitive issues the ministry tackles, she said, “I assure you

Universal access coming for...

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he added.

Meanwhile, moving ahead this year, under the expanded policy, any Guyanese who requires eye testing will be eligible, and those found to need spectacles will be able to access them through the voucher system.

The health minister noted that this move would widen the programme to everybody in the population, allowing more people to benefit from early detection and intervention.

He went on to note that the universal eyecare expansion will form part of a wider push this year to strengthen preventive health services and reduce long-term disease burdens nationwide. The private hospitals, clinics and health-service providers signed the MoUs to provide services under the eye testing and spectacles voucher, cervical cancer screening and the universal health voucher programmes.

that behind the scenes, our processes and systems continue to work and we continue to work every day to improve them because wherever there are gaps, wherever there are inadequacies, wherever there are insufficiencies, no one is ignoring those things. We are making sure that we put all systems in place to be as helpful and supportive as we can.”

Regional Anti-Bullying Consultation opens at Charity Secondary

By: Indrawattie Natram

CHARITY Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast on Tuesday hosted the first day of a Regional Anti-Bullying Consultation, as the Ministry of Education in Guyana advances its nationwide effort to strengthen anti-bullying and anti-violence policies across Guyana.

The consultation was

Participants were encouraged to share personal experiences, identify gaps in existing systems, and propose practical recommendations to improve prevention-and-response mechanisms.

The session formed part of a broader series of regional engagements aimed at ensuring that national policies are shaped by on-the-ground perspectives and the lived

and to work together to address bullying in our schools. Creating safer, more supportive school environments requires all of us,” he stated.

A section of the audience

led by Dr Ritesh Tularam and was supported by Regional Education Officer Shondelle Hercules, along with officers of the Department of Education

The forum brought together teachers, students, parents and other key community stakeholders for open and structured discussions on the realities of bullying within schools.

experiences of school communities.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Tularam underscored the importance of collaboration in tackling bullying. He noted that the ministry’s approach is centred on listening and learning from stakeholders to create safer and more supportive learning environments.

“We are here to listen, to learn from you,

Attendees were also reminded that the ministry’s Anti-Bullying Reporting System (ABRS) remains active, providing a confidential and accessible channel for reporting incidents. The system is intended to strengthen accountability while safeguarding students’ well-being.

The Department of Education reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and fostering positive school climates, noting that consultations such as these are critical in building a comprehensive and responsive national anti-bullying framework.

GCAA probes two aircraft incidents at Mathews Ridge airstrip

THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has launched an investigation into two separate aircraft incidents that occurred on Thursday at the Mathews Ridge airstrip in Region One, both involving Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft.

According to the GCAA, the first incident took place at approximately 07:55hrs and involved a Jags Aviation aircraft, registration 8R-KAB. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft sustained a puncture to its left landing gear tyre while manoeuvring

in the parking area.

The second incident occurred about 20 minutes later, at approximately 08:15hrs, and involved an Air Services Limited (ASL) Cessna 208 Caravan, registration 8R-GCB.

The aircraft reportedly landed on the prepared surface but overran onto an unprepared section of the runway, resulting in a punctured tyre on the left landing gear.

Authorities confirmed that there were no injuries in either incident and no significant damage was reported to the aircraft.

The GCAA noted that

the Government of Guyana had issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) advising pilots to exercise heightened caution during approach, landing and take-off at the Mathews Ridge runway, which is currently undergoing upgrades. These advisories are included in pilots’ pre-flight briefings.

The aviation body said it remains committed to conducting a thorough investigation into both incidents as part of its mandate to maintain and enforce the highest standards of aviation safety.

Teen critical after alleged stabbing at Heatburn Village; suspect on the run

A 15-year-old female student is in critical condition after she was allegedly stabbed during a domestic altercation at Heatburn Village, East Bank Berbice, on Tuesday evening. The incident reportedly occurred around 19:40hrs on February 24, 2026, and involved a 28-year-old male, who has since gone into hid-

ing. Police said the suspect and the teen reportedly share a child.

Preliminary enquiries revealed that the suspect went to a residence where the teen was at the time, and an argument ensued. During the altercation, the teen received several stab wounds about her body. She was escorted to the

New Amsterdam Regional Hospital where she was treated and admitted to the Emergency Unit. Her condition has been listed as critical. The police are currently making efforts to locate and arrest the suspect as investigations continue to address all relevant offences arising from the incident.

Teen mother’s death

caused

by heart failure, anaemia

THE police in Regional Division Two are continuing an investigation into the death of 14-year-old Aleena Preetam of Supenaam, Essequibo Coast, whose sudden passing between Sunday night and early Monday morning has been medically attributed to heart failure and anaemia.

According to the police, preliminary enquiries revealed that the teenager, who lived with her parents and her one-month-old baby, was last seen alive at around 19:30hrs on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at her residence.

Family members reportedly attempted to wake her at approximately 05:30hrs on Monday, February 23, but found her unresponsive. She was immediately escorted to the Suddie Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival by the doctor on duty.

An initial examination of the body revealed no visible marks of violence. The remains were then placed at the Suddie Public Hospital Mortuary pending a post-mortem examination(PME).

The police said the autopsy was conducted on Thursday, February 26, 2026, between 10:30hrs and 10:45hrs at the Suddie Public Hospital Mortuary by

Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh. The official causes of death were given as heart failure and anaemia.

The body was handed over to the family for burial after the PME .

An investigation continues as the police continue to address all relevant legal and procedural matters arising from the circumstances surrounding the teen’s death.

Markram’s 82* downs West Indies by nine wickets

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Aiden

Markram’s 82 not out led South Africa to a nine-wicket victory over West Indies that, while not confirming

his side’s semi-final place just yet, underlined why many believe the Proteas could finally lift the T20 World Cup. In this meeting of the last two unbeaten sides at this tournament, South Africa were ruthless, maintaining their 100 per cent record with 23 balls to spare.

Markram’s third half-century of the tournament - his 22nd fifty-plus score in T20Is - made light work of a 177 chase. He and Quinton de Kock put on 95, their highest opening stand of the tournament, skewering whatever belief West Indies had picked up at the back end of a first innings that started disastrously.

Inserted on a tacky-looking Ahmedabad surface, West Indies were 83 for 7 in the 11th over, before a record T20I stand of 89 for the eighth wicket between Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd.

Lungi Ngidi (3 for 30) and Kagiso Rabada’s (2 for 22) were the chief architects of the early stages of that collapse, with Corbin Bosch (2 for 31) also chiming in, profiting from batters’ unrelenting pursuit of boundaries.

Shepherd’s unbeaten 52a maiden T20I half-century, sealed with an inside edge for four off the final ball of the

innings - and a well-managed 49 from Holder was a part change of tact. But even they focused on finding the fence throughout their 57 deliveries together rather than ticking over to bat time, even if West Indies were able to use all 20 overs.

South Africa were far from perfect, dropping four catches and being a little passive in the field. But they took it to West Indies’s bowlers. All six used by Shai Hope ended up wearing economy rates in double figures, as de Kock’s 47 off 24) and then Ryan Rickleton’s unbeaten 45 off 28 dovetailed neatly as left-handed foils to Markram’s belligerent march to the finish line.

Openers underpin South Africa’s batting brilliance

If Markram and de Kock had found five more runs between them, they would have become South Africa’s 8th opening pair to register a century stand. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a particularly meaningful stat. Because their 95 did what it was supposed to; hacking out more than half of the target inside eight overs. But it would have been an impressive milestone for a partnership thriving in its relative infancy.

The next innings will be Markram and de Kock’s 10th

at the top of the order since head coach Shukri Conrad threw them together after de Kock came out of international retirement. That will make them South Africa’s fifth-most frequent pair.

That de Kock features in all of the top three is a

nod to his legacy and class as the aggressor alongside the likes of Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma and Hashim Amla. Thus, the best testament to his union with Markram is how comfortable he seems playing the straight man.

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

GREYVILLE

10:15hrs Winter Belle

10:55hrs Wonderful Tonight

11:30hrs Wander Skitt

12:05hrs Mohave Prince

12:40hrs Dricus

13:15hrs Spinmyangelsspin

13:50hrs United Nation

14:25hrs Professor Lupin

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

DONCASTER

09:50hrs Ryebridge

10:20hrs Sign Again

10:50hrs Quay Item

11:22hrs Leaumec De Mee

11:57hrs Mr Griffiths

12:30hrs Rehill Relic

13:05hrs Sainte Doctor

NEWBURY

10:00hrs Guchen

10:30hrs Love You Back

11:00hrs Miami Magic

11:35hrs Talk To The Man

12:08hrs Kotmask

12:43hrs Benign Dictator

LINGFIELD

09:42hrs Muy Muy Loco

10:12hrs Henrythenate 10:42hrs Penelope Valentine

11:12hrs El Bodon

11:45hrs Roaring Legend

12:20hrs Wyld Bill

12:53hrs Apiarist

IRISH RACING TIPS

DUNDALK

11:50hrs The Liffey

12:25hrs Green Testimony

13:00hrs Incredible Army

13:30hrs Ocean Manifest

14:00hrs Blanc De Blanc

14:30hrs Baila Conmigo

15:00hrs Gaucher

15:30hrs Aurevoir Tristesse

Trophy Stall Canada supports fundraising horse-racing event on March 1

HORSE racing action returns to the Bush Lot Turf Club on Sunday, March 1, 2026, as the club stages a non-promotion horse racing fundraiser from noon.

Trophy Stall Canada has chipped in with their support, providing the prizes for the event. According to the proprietors, they are always trying to assist with sport in the country, supporting as many events as they can.

The event is expected to attract racing enthusiasts, owners, and supporters for a full afternoon of competitive action, with substantial cash prizes offered across five race categories.

Headlining the programme is the J Class & Lower race over seven furlongs, carrying a first prize of $150,000. The L Class Open, set for six furlongs, also offers a top prize of $150,000.

Three-year-old maidens will compete over six furlongs for a $100,000 first prize, providing an opportunity for emerging horses to showcase their potential.

Ranch and farm horses will also feature prominently. Group One and Two competitors will sprint over three furlongs with prizes of $30,000 and $25,000 respectively, while Group Three horses will contest a two-furlong race with a $25,000 first prize.

Organisers have indicated that the fundraiser is aimed at supporting the continued development of the race club and the sport locally.

Kevin Ramlochan, one of the organisers of the event collects one of the trophies from Devi Sunich

India win big to set up knockout clash with West Indies

(ESPNCRICINFO) - India set up a virtual quarter-final against West Indies on Sunday with a comfortable win against Zimbabwe on a night that Abhishek Sharma scored his maiden World Cup fifty and India made a small tweak in their batting combination to unleash the second-highest total in T20 World Cups, going two past the 254 Zimbabwe conceded in their last match.

Six men batted for India, their innings lasted 15 to 30 balls, and their strike rates ranged from 158.33 to 275. In all, they hit 17 sixes, the most for India in a single T20 World Cup innings.

Zimbabwe asked India to bat first expecting help for fast bowlers. Their reading of conditions was accurate, but the execution was much better from the much more experienced India bowlers, who kept them to 33 in five overs, post which there was hardly any way back.

Zimbabwe, now out of the tournament, dropped two costly catches, taking their tally in Super Eight to five in two matches after having missed just one in the whole first round.

A defiant unbeaten 97 from Brian Bennett was the only consolation for them.

Samson breaks up left-hand cluster India finally admitted their cluster of three lefthand batters at the top was giving offspinners a matchup to exploit, that Suryakumar Yadav was not going to be promoted to No. 3, and sacrificed some lower-order hitting of Rinku Singh to bring in Sanju Samson. Zimbabwe were anyway looking to open with their tall fast bowlers, both of whom Samson hit for sixes down the ground off the back foot in the first two overs.

He eventually fell for just 24 off 15, but he was part of India’s biggest opening stand this tournament:

48 off 3.4 overs.

Abhishek finds flow, others flair

Unlike earlier matches, Abhishek neither charged at the quick bowlers nor gave away his stumps. It took him only three balls to unveil an inside-out drive over extra cover for four. It turned out to be a no-ball as well, and he sent the free hit for a straight four. Abhishek got to 33 off 13 in the powerplay as Zimbabwe refrained from using spin before the field spread out.

As soon as the powerplay ended, Sikandar Raza and Brian Bennett bowled two overs without a boundary to Abhishek and Ishan Kishan.

Neither of them panicked, Ishan used power, Abhishek his feet, and both got past the hurdle.

It took only his 26 balls but Abhishek’s maiden World Cup fifty was the second-slowest of his 11 scores of 50 or above in T20Is.

Admission to the racetrack is set at $2,000.

The event has secured sponsorship from Kev, Jumbo Jet Junior, Big G Racing Stable, Ramroop Racing Stable, and Imran & Shockings Racing Stable.

With strong prize incentives and broad community backing, the fundraiser is anticipated to deliver an exciting day of racing at the West Coast Berbice Bush Lot Turf Club.

Former national pacer Calvin Belgrave passes away ...

and on Saturday developed a high fever and was taken to the GPHC on Wednesday evening and died yesterday morning.

A family member dis -

“No wake or funeral has been planned as yet. We are waiting on the autopsy from the hospital to see what was the cause of his death,” informed his brother,

Clemsford. Calvin has four siblings: Clemsford, Cleon, Hansel and Shellon, his only sister. He is the father of eight children.

Several of those who played with and against him sent condolences to Calvin when the news of his death was posted on Facebook.

- Fung-a-Fat, Arjoon in winners row

By Sean Devers

A SIZABLE gathering at the air-conditioned National Racquet Centre (NRC) on Woolford Avenue watched as the action continued on the second night of the six-night Bounty Farm Handicap Squash Tournament on Wednesday.

Bounty Farm Handicap Squash Tournament Government Ministers conduct critical assessment of South Dakota Circuit

An entertaining, high-quality encounter was seen in the match between the tall 27-year-old Taylor Fernandes-Henry and the 31-year-old Mary FungA-Fat, who defeated Fernandes-Henry 15-9, 15-5.

The pair had plenty of experience between them, but the match lasted just two games, with Fung-a-Fat playing the better squash on the night. Fernandes favoured the backhand drive while the diminutive Fung-a-Fat executed a more tactical game, playing clinical drop shots after fairly long rallies.

Another energy sapping match was between the left-handed Alex Arjoon who started with a handicap of negative 18 against Peter de Groot. This meant Arjoon had to get 33 points to win while de Groot needed 15 points. In the first game Ar-

joon scored 33 to de Groot’s four to win 15-4, however, with both players looking tired, de Groot pushed the experienced Arjoon hard.

At 14-13 to de Groot, the lesser of two players, seemed set to take the match to a third game. But Arjoon registered two consecutive points to take the match 15-14.

The tournament continues today and tomorrow at the NRC before culminating on Sunday at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street where the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) will host a barbecue to raise funds for the association.

Results.

Rising

Samara Sukhai def. [1] Nicholas Mohamed 13-15, 1513, 15-6

Rising

Aries Sukhnandan def. Aaran Sargeant 11-15, 15-14, 1513

Rising

[5] Fola Cadogan def. Zendaya DeFreitas 15-10, 15-10

Rising

[3] Jude Gobin def. Alexa Maikoo 15-14, 15-12

Rising

[4] Javon Daziel def. Tyler Rahaman 15-12, 10-15, 15-13

Rising

Sydney Cummings def. [7] Omar Shariff 13-15, 15-9, 15-9

Rising

Nyela Glasgow def. Skai Sukhai 14-15, 15-12, 15-8

Rising

[2] Azaria Proffit def. Ana DaSilva 15-11, 15-11

Rising

[6] Danté Atkins def. Eva Thakurdin 15-11, 15-13

Rising

Jadah Hughes def. Gabrielle Jeune 15-8, 15-8

Elite

Ashley Khalil def. [1] Sunny Seth (Barima-Waini) 15-14, 15-4

Open

Rylee Rodrigues def. Maxwell Viapree 15-9, 13-15, 15-12

Open

Brenno Da Silva def. Sunesh Maikoo 15-9, 15-6

Rising

Averi Simon def. Safeena Guptar 15-9, 15-9

Elite

[4] Ashante Smith def. Ben Mekdeci 2-15, 15-8, 15-8

Open

Sherwyn Caesar def. Lee Fung A Fat 15-9, 15-9

Open

[5] Egan Bulkan def. Erin Tucker 15-11, 15-12

Open

Zoey McDonald def. Anna Perreira 15-13, 15-13

Elite

Mary Fung-A-Fat def. Taylor Fernandes-Henry 15-9, 15-5

Open

[8] Lester Lewis def. Colin Wong 15-6, 15-12

Open

[2] Joshua Verwey def. Jibril Alli 15-9, 15-11

Open

[7] Blake Edwards def. Jacob McDonald 15-6, 15-7

Open

Richard Rodrigues def. [4] Emily Fung A Fat 15-9, 15-12

Open

[3] Ethan Bulkan def. Ella Fernandes 15-11, 15-11

Open

Tehani Munroe def. Giovanni Grant 15-8, 9-15, 15-12

Elite

[3] Alex Arjoon def. Peter de Groot 15-4, 15-14

Open

[1] Miguel Wong def. Kristian Viapree 15-13, 10-15, 15-7

Open

Paige Mendonca def. [6] John Maikoo 15-13, 15-13

Open

Kaiden Alli def. Nijad Bacchus 13-15, 15-12, 15-3

IN a decisive move to ensure the nation’s premier racing facility meets international standards, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, and Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, led a comprehensive site inspection of the South Dakota Circuit on Thursday.

The visit served as a final high-level evaluation of the track’s readiness for the highly anticipated GT Challenge de las Américas, scheduled for July 11–12.

The Ministers were joined by executives from the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), marking a deepened collaboration between the state and the sporting body to modernise motor-

sport infrastructure.

During the walkthrough on Thursday, Minister Indar specifically examined the utility and logistical framework required to support an event of this magnitude

The inspection highlighted recent track extensions and safety upgrades designed to accommodate the high-speed GT machinery.

The GT Challenge de las Américas represents a historic milestone, as Guyana will be the first English-speaking country to host the prestigious series.

This distinction is expected to place the country under a global spotlight, with officials projecting an influx of 4,000 to 5,000 international visitors.

GBA takes Developmental Tournament to Berbice in honour of Gregory Cort

THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will take its Developmental Tournament to Berbice on Saturday, as several of the country’s top amateur prospects converge on Rose Hall, Corentyne, for a special edition of the association’s flagship grassroots programme.

The event, which forms part of the Michael Paris/Pepsi Under-16 Championship series, is set to take place at the Rose Hall Primary School from 14:00hrs and is expected to attract fighters from gyms

across Guyana.

Talented boxers in various weight categories, many already regarded among the nation’s most promising amateurs, will collide in what is anticipated to be an action-packed showcase of skill and emerging talent.

President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, said the staging of the tournament in Berbice is particularly significant, as it fulfils a commitment he made at the funeral of the late boxing coach Gregory Cort.

“At Coach Cort’s funeral, I

made a promise that the GBA would bring a developmental programme to Berbice in his honour, and we are proud to fulfil that promise,” Ninvalle stated.

Berbice, Ninvalle said, “has always been fertile ground for boxing talent, and it is important that we continue to invest in the young fighters there.”

Ninvalle emphasised that the developmental tournament is a critical pillar of the association’s long-term vision.

“These programmes are not just

about competition; they are about building character, discipline and providing exposure for our young boxers.

Hosting this edition at Rose Hall Primary allows us to connect directly with the community and continue strengthening the foundation of boxing in Berbice,” he explained. “The GBA remains committed to creating opportunities for young athletes to grow and represent Guyana with pride.”

Over the years, the GBA’s developmental initiative has un -

earthed budding talent, particularly from Berbice, with several fighters going on to establish themselves among the best in the Caribbean. Cort was regarded as a central figure in that pipeline, playing a pivotal role in nurturing and guiding young boxers who later excelled at regional and international levels. Saturday’s tournament will therefore serve not only as a competitive spectacle, but also as a tribute to Cort’s enduring legacy and Berbice’s proud contribution to Guyana’s boxing landscape.

DCB Inter-Association 50-over U-19 cricket...

GT, West Demerara register victories in latest round

Shamar Apple hit a pugnacious 65 yesterday at the Police Ground

By Sean Devers

IN sultry conditions at the Guyana Police Force Ground in the city, Georgetown beat Upper Demerara as the action continued in the Demerara Cricket Board’s (DCB) Inter-Association 50-over U-19 Cricket Tournament yesterday.

On the back of 83 from 58 balls with 11 fours and three sixes from Dhanesh Persaud, 65 with six fours and three sixes from Shamar Apple, 45 with four fours and a six from Emmanuel Lewis, and 30 with a four and a six from Jonathan Men-

Dhanesh Persaud made 83 at Police Ground for GT yesterday

tore, Georgetown reached 317-8 in a match reduced to 40 overs due to the late arrival of the Region 10 team.

Upper Demerara started well when Errol Alder bowled 14-yearold debutant Lomar Seecharran (1), and Alex Ragabeer bowled Kush Seegobin (5) to leave the home side in a precarious position.

Lewis and Mentore carried the score to 92-3 with a delightful 86run third wicket partnership before Andy Ramgoolam removed the stubborn Mentore.

West Indies U-19 World Cup

left-hander Apple joined the well-entrenched Persaud, and the pair took the score from 107-4 to 243-5 as Apple, in particular, executed some pugnacious shots on a good track.

Talented off-spinning all-rounder Shaid Ramzan got rid of Persuad before Skipper Dave Mohabir, who was run out for 19 and Reyaz Latif, who clobbered two fours and a six in an unbeaten 16 from just five balls, helped the team surge past the 300-run mark.

Ramzan and Ramgoolam captured two wickets for the Upper De-

Former national pacer

Calvin Belgrave passes away at 55

By Sean Devers

GEORGETOWN, Demerara and Guyana fast bowler Calvin Belgrave passed away just before 01:00hrs yesterday at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was admitted with a fever. He was 55. Born in the East Coast Village of Mahaicony on November 2, 1970, to Cyril and Eileen Belgrave, Calvin attended North Georgetown Secondary School in the 1980s with four of his future National U-19 teammates Robin Browne, Shawn Holder, Paul Persaud and the late Neezam Hafeez. While going to school, he grew up in Robin’s Place in Bel Air and also loved

cricket. He joined GCC while at School. This writer was a member of the 1988 Guyana team with Calvin when we went to Barbados and again when we played at home in 1989.

Calvin also took 14 wickets, with his best figures being 3-23 from seven FirstClass matches between 1990 and 1993, the period he represented Guyana in nine 50over games, in which he took five wickets. Calvin played with the Sunrises from New York before migrating to the US in 1994. He got his first contract to play in Holland as an 18-year-old and also played TURN TO PAGE 21

Parmeshwar Ram had 4-14 to help bowl West Demerara to victory

merara side, which included several non-resident players.

Only the left-handed Ramzan, who hails from the East Coast, demonstrated any fight as wickets tumbled around him. Upper Demerara slipped to 13-3 before Ramzan and Makai Dowlin, who plays for DCC in the city, took the 46.

Lewis later removed Dowlin (3).

The visitors slumped from 46-3 to 58-7 with Ramzan playing a lone hand in a futile effort, as his team were eventually bowled out for 63 in 17.5 overs. Ramzan remained undefeated on 27 with four boundar-

ies. Jasane Craig, Revaldo Perriera and Samuel Ally were the pick of the bowlers with two wickets each. At Meten-Meer-Zorg, Manof-the-Match pacer Parmeshwar Ram took 4-14 and got support from Robin Seecharran (3-18) and Navindra Sankar as East Bank were dismissed for 60 in 22.2 overs despite 20 from Yeshua Hutson and 18 from Vinesh Kalpoo. West Demerara had earlier been bowled out for 82 in 24 overs, with only Arvin Suknanan (17) and Amit Persaud (13) reaching double figures.