as LAMAT mission lays foundation for deeper Guyana–US healthcare collaboration
Linden–Mabura unpaved stretch to be graded for Easter weekend ––– Public Works Minister says, as all roads lead to Lethem for Rupununi Rodeo Guyana, Belize positioned for stronger regional, global climate action ––– with new MoU, Foreign Affairs Minister says
Easter weekend travellers making their way to the Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo in Lethem, Region Nine, can expect a noticeably improved ride this year (Ministry of Public Works photo)
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd (left) and Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet (right) signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation and collaboration in the forest sector
interest to designate 22 public roads –– Public Works Ministry says; dismisses claim that gov’t seized Council assets as ‘fundamentally flawed’
Leopold Street residents to benefit from community development initiatives ‘Vibrant mixture’ of activities planned for Guyana’s ‘Diamond Jubilee’ celebrations Gov’t acted lawfully, responsibly,
Gov’t acted lawfully, responsibly, in public’s interest to designate 22 public roads
–– Public Works Ministry says; dismisses claim that gov’t seized Council assets
–– points to Central Government’s $40.7B injection into Georgetown’s roads,
THE Ministry of Public Works has firmly rejected the statements issued by the Mayor of Georgetown regarding the designation of
22 roads as public roads, as legally flawed, misleading, and an attempt to misinform the public.
According to a press
statement from the ministry, the Government of Guyana has acted lawfully, responsibly, and in the public interest, and therefore, will not be dis-
tracted by assertions that distort both the law and reality.
“At the core of the Mayor’s position is a fundamental misinterpretation of the Mu-
as ‘fundamentally flawed’
supporting infrastructure
nicipal and District Councils Act, Cap. 28:01. The Act expressly defines a “council road” as any road other than a public road. This is decisive.
“Once a road is lawfully designated as a public road, it ceases, by operation of law, to be a council road. The notion proffered that these roads remain permanently within the Council’s jurisdiction is wholly misconceived,” the Public Works Ministry said.
The ministry went on to note: “Indeed, Section 274 of the Act, upon which the Mayor relies, clearly states that the Council’s powers are subject to other written laws, one of which would be the Roads Act, Cap. 51:01. This critical limitation subjects the municipal authority over roads to the broader national legal framework.
“The Roads Act, Cap. 51:01 vests responsibility for public roads in the Minister of Public Works, including the authority to designate and manage such roads. This power is not subject to or limited by the City Council under any other law. Therefore, the Minister, on behalf of the Central Government, has the lawful authority to take over and designate any road as a Public Road.”
The claim that there was
an absence of consultation is not only false but is without legal foundation, the ministry said.
“In many previous engagements with City Council as well as by public pronouncements, Central Government has appealed to the City Council to upkeep, maintain, and manage these streets diligently and in the best interest of residents and businesses.
“Unfortunately, these constant appeals were ignored. Central Government owes a duty to the public in such circumstances to do that which is necessary to remedy this situation, as these roads have been wholly neglected, are in disrepair, and in some cases are hazardous to public use,” the Public Works Ministry said.
FUNDAMENTALLY FLAWED
Equally, the assertion that the government has “seized” council assets is fundamentally flawed. Roads, the ministry clarifies, are public infrastructure, not private property owned by municipal bodies.
“What has occurred is a lawful reallocation of
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill
Field hospital, expanded services planned for Essequibo, Region Nine
––– as LAMAT mission lays foundation for deeper Guyana–US healthcare collaboration
PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has announced plans to significantly expand healthcare services in hinterland regions, including the establishment of a field hospital in Essequibo, along with targeted programmes for Region Nine.
The Head of State made this known while speaking at the closing reception for the Southcom-supported medical outreach, and noted that it builds on the gains of the recently concluded Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) mission.
Dr Ali noted that the government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of the mission translate into long-term improvements in access to care for underserved communities.
Referring to a US$1 million field hospital donated to the Guyana Defence Force, President Ali indicated that the facility will be deployed to Essequibo, with a clear focus on enhancing service delivery in the region.
“I’ll tell you the next time you come, we’re going to establish that field hospital with all of the services inside
in Essequibo,” the President said, while underscoring the importance of expanding care to communities that need it most.
Against this backdrop, he stated that additional attention will also be directed towards Region Nine, with plans to roll out structured programmes aimed at strengthening healthcare access and support systems there.
“These are two regions that I think I really want you to go to and to help the people there and to work with our enormous local team,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Ali highlighted that the LAMAT mission has gone beyond shortterm medical interventions, contributing meaningfully to the strengthening of Guyana’s healthcare system and
its long-term development trajectory.
Over the course of the mission, he disclosed that dozens of Guyanese benefitted from specialised services, including life-changing procedures such as vision restoration.
According to the President, more than 29 persons were able to regain their sight, an outcome he described as
extraordinary.
He stressed that the impact of the mission must be understood not only in terms of clinical outcomes, but also in the way it has touched lives and strengthened communities.
“Your work has moved beyond hospitals, health centres, clinics and consultation rooms, and into the lives of our people,” he told the vis-
President, Dr Irfaan Ali hosted a closing reception for the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT)- Southcom Military Medical Mission at State House, on Friday
GPL exceeds target for voltage regulation, average power availability in 2025
THE Public Utilities Commission (PUC) conducted its annual review of the Guyana Power and Light Inc.’s (GPL) Operating Standards and Performance Targets (OSPT) on March 27, 2026, at Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown.
In keeping with the amendment to GPL’s Licence dated October 4, 2010, the commission is required by March 30 to review GPL’s performance against the target as was set for the power company in its approved Development and Expansion Programme 2025–2029 and to determine whether GPL would have achieved or failed to meet those standards, a press release said. It was further explained that the OSPT framework
established the minimum service standards that GPL was required to achieve in the delivery of electricity services to consumers. The eight standards assessed were customer interruptions, voltage regulation, meter reading, issuance of bills, accounts payable, accounts receivable, system losses, and average availability. Representing GPL were Mr Kesh Nandlall, Team Leader, Management Committee; Mr Bharat Harjohn, Deputy Chief Executive Officer- Strategic Operations; Mr Parsram Persaud, Divisional Director, Loss Reduction; Ms Rhonda La Fargue, Divisional Director, Customer Services and Ms Shaun Hamlet, Divisional Director, Transmission & Distribution.
According to the press release, GPL reported during its presentation that six of the required standards were not achieved: these included customer interruptions, meter readings, accounts receivable, accounts payable, system losses and the issuance of bills for the non-maximum demand customers.
The company indicated that it had exceeded the targets for voltage regulation and average availability, the release said, adding that in its presentation, the company noted that it faced challenges in attaining a number of standards and these included sourcing skilled labour, external interferences with their network and feeder trips.
The proceedings were chaired by Dr Nanda Gopaul, Chairman of the Commis -
sion, who indicated that the commission would in due course issue its Order, as provided for under the licence, on or before April 30, 2026. That document will outline its findings and any directives issued to the licensee.
In attendance at the hearing were Maurice Solomon and Verlyn Klass, Commissioners of the PUC together with members of the public and media.
For further information on the OSPT, consumers may visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.org.gy and its Facebook page at www. facebook.com/pucgy. Alternatively, they can contact the Commission during business hours at telephone numbers 226-7042/2272182 and via WhatsApp on 623-3222.
iting team.
Dr Ali added that each patient treated represents a life made more secure and represents someone who now enjoys a better quality of life.
Importantly, the President highlighted that the collaboration has also facilitated knowledge transfer, training and capacity building for local healthcare professionals, which is critical to ensuring sustained improvements in service delivery.
President Ali further positioned the initiative as a model of effective international partnership, noting that it reflects a shared commitment between Guyana and the United States to advancing human well-being.
“What we have witnessed is partnership, genuine, purposeful and rooted in mutual respect and values,” he said.
Looking ahead, President Ali signalled his intention to see the LAMAT mission institutionalised as a regular feature of Guyana’s healthcare landscape, ensuring continued collaboration and expanded outreach to communities across the country.
Team Leader of the Executive Management Committee of Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL), Kesh Nandlall makes a presentation during the Public Utilities Commission’s annual review of its Operating Standards and Performance Targets (Elton John photo)
Thousands complete registration for cash grant within first 24 hours
–– Dr Singh says
THE government’s national $100,000 cash grant initiative has received a strong, early response, according to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh.
The Finance Minister noted that thousands of Guyanese completed registration within the first 24 hours of the online portal’s launch.
Speaking shortly after the rollout, Dr Singh shared that thousands of applicants had already completed self-registration, while many more were in the process of finalising their applications.
He described the initial response as “tremendous,” acknowledging that heavy web traffic temporarily affected the system’s speed
during peak periods.
“In the initial hours, the volume of traffic has been tremendous, and in some instances, it has affected the speed with which the system has been responding,” Dr Singh said.
He added that the system’s performance would continue to improve as activity stabilises, particularly during off-peak hours.
The digital registration platform was developed to simplify the process by allowing eligible citizens to register from home.
Applicants can create an account, provide personal details, upload identification, complete a facial-recognition test, and submit bank account information to facilitate payment.
Dr Singh encouraged Guyanese to use the online system and remain patient if
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr
they experience any delays.
“There is absolutely no need or reason for worry. The system will remain open for you to try again,” he said, noting that a dedicated help desk has been established to provide assistance.
The government has reiterated that submitting bank-account details remains the most efficient method for receiving the grant, as funds can be deposited directly without recipients having to leave their homes.
However, Dr Singh assured citizens that those without bank accounts will still be accommodated through alternative arrangements, which may require in-person collection.
The minister’s remarks
follow the initial phase of the distribution process, which began with payments to public sector employees.
Thousands of central government workers, including public servants, teachers, and members of the disciplined services, have already received the cash grant directly into their accounts.
Dr Singh urged all eligible citizens to complete their registration through the online portal, especially during less busy periods, to ensure timely processing.
The $100,000 cash grant is part of the administration’s broader programme aimed at providing direct financial support to Guyanese households across the country.
Gov’t acted lawfully, responsibly, in public’s interest to designate...
responsibility within the statutory framework, not an acquisition of property.
What is particularly revealing is the attempt to wholly ignore the scale of Central Government investment in Georgetown’s infrastructure over recent years,” the Public Works Ministry said. It said it has not been a passive observer, but a principal driver of development and maintenance within the city. Between 2020 and 2025, approximately G$19 billion was expended on the rehabilitation of main access roads within Georgetown.
In addition, approximately G$5.3 billion was invested between 2020 and 2025 in urban roads across the city. A further G$4 billion was direct -
ed towards maintenance works, approximately G$7.4 billion towards drainage interventions, and an estimated G$5 billion towards enhancement works within Georgetown.
In total, this represents an investment of approximately G$40.7 billion by the Central Government into Georgetown’s roads and supporting infrastructure.
“It will be noted that the G$100 million subvention that the government disbursed for renovation of City Hall itself is not included in the sums above,” the Public Works Ministry clarified.
“These figures are not incidental; they demonstrate sustained, substantial, and necessary national intervention to support the city’s infrastructure. It is therefore disingenuous to now suggest that the
Central Government is improperly intruding into an exclusively municipal domain when, in reality, it has long been required to stabilise and improve critical infrastructure for the benefit of all citizens.
“Moreover, the designation of these roads is not arbitrary. It forms part of a deliberate and ongoing response to public concerns regarding traffic congestion, road conditions, public health concerns, and the need for more coordinated and efficient management of key transportation corridors. The Government has consistently engaged with the public on these issues, and this measure reflects that continued responsiveness,” the ministry affirmed.
The ministry added: “The attempt to frame this matter as an erosion of
local democracy is misplaced. What is at issue is the Government’s obligation to ensure that infrastructure is managed safely, efficiently, and in a manner that supports national development. That responsibility cannot be subordinated to a misinterpretation of the law.
“The Ministry of Public Works remains open to engagement with the Georgetown City Council. However, such engagement must be grounded in legal accuracy, good faith, and a shared commitment to the public interest, rather than rhetoric that seeks to mislead.
The Government of Guyana will continue to act decisively, lawfully, and in the best interest of the people of Georgetown and Guyana as a whole.”
Ashni Singh
Guyana, Belize positioned for stronger regional, global climate action
with new MoU, Foreign Affairs Minister says
By Shamar Meusa
GUYANA and Belize, on Friday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will bolster regional integration and elevate climate-action efforts.
The benefits of the MoU were outlined by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd, in brief remarks during the signing ceremony, which was held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s Ramphal House location in Georgetown.
The minister described the agreement as “a very important step forward,” and underscored that the partnership between the two heavily forested nations signals deeper co-operation within the Caribbean community and beyond.
“This is a very important sign… in strengthening our bilateral relations between Guyana and Belize, and it lends itself naturally as a good fit for strengthening of our regional integration,” he said.
“We are two small states reaching above and beyond… You really need strong leadership, and small states that are inherently vulnerable cannot do it alone. You need partnership… at the national, regional and multilateral levels,” he said.
Against this backdrop, Todd said that the agreement reflects a broader push to ensure that forests remain central to global climate negotiations, particularly at the level of international forums.
“I think this is a very good signal for the regional community and by extension, for the global community… to ensure that we play our role… as a carbon sink,” Todd added.
He further emphasised that the initiative aligns with Guyana’s environmental leadership, even as the country advances its oil and gas sector, noting that the government remains committed to sustainability and biodi-
Todd noted that both countries, with forest cover of approximately 85 per cent in Guyana and up to 75 per cent in Belize, are uniquely positioned to play a leading role in global climate discussions.
versity protection.
Todd added: “This is not the end. This is the beginning of a very interesting journey… one that will be relevant for a very long time.”
Meanwhile, Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, described the MoU as the culmination of a growing partnership rooted in collaboration and shared ambition.
“Today, we are not just celebrating the signing of a memorandum of understanding; we are celebrating a story,” Habet said
He related that the relationship began through technical exchanges and co-operation on climate-related initiatives.
Todd noted that engagements on issues such as measurement, reporting and verification systems, REDD+ and national climate commitments revealed common challenges and goals between the two countries.
“In those conversations, something powerful happened: they realised that despite being in different countries, they were facing similar challenges and
holding similar ambitions… that moment of connection became the seed, and importantly, it did not end there,” Habet said.
The Belizean minister added that the agreement now formalises co-operation in key areas, including forest conservation, biodiversity protection, climate resilience and carbon-market opportunities.
“This Memorandum of Understanding is more than a document… it represents collaboration… and what is possible,” he said.
Habet stressed that the partnership demonstrates how sustained dialogue can evolve into meaningful co-operation, noting that Guyana and Belize now stand not just as neighbours within CARICOM, but also as part-
ners in safeguarding their forests and shaping a more sustainable future.
Following the signing, it was noted that the agreement will remain in force for an initial period of five years, even as it was added that implementation of various aspects of the MoU will be carried out in accordance with each country’s national laws.
Leopold Street residents to benefit from community development initiatives
–– after ministers conduct assessment of issues
MINISTER of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand on Friday conducted a community engagement at Leopold and Breda Streets, together with Cabinet colleagues Kwame McCoy, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, and Keoma Griffith, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning.
The visit, according to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, forms part of Minister Manickchand’s continued outreach efforts across Georgetown, aimed at strengthening direct engagement with residents, and gaining a first-hand understanding of the challenges affecting communities.
During the exercise, the minister, her colleagues and her team interacted with residents, listened to their concerns, and assessed issues related to infrastructure, sanitation, and overall
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand on Friday conducted a community engagement at Leopold and Breda Streets, together with Cabinet colleagues Kwame McCoy, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister; and Keoma Griffith, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning
community development.
Residents were given the opportunity to raise matters impacting their daily lives, including drainage, waste management, and the condition of internal roads.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these concerns in a structured and timely manner, noting that community engagement remains a critical component in shaping responsive and people-centred policies.
Minister Manickchand emphasised the importance of collaboration between citizens and local authorities, underscoring that sustainable development can only be achieved through collective responsibility.
She encouraged residents to play an active role in maintaining their surroundings, particularly in keeping communities clean and reporting issues that require intervention.
The ministers also used the opportunity to outline several ongoing and upcoming initiatives aimed at improving municipal services,
and enhancing the quality of life for citizens within Georgetown.
Minister Manickchand reiterated that her outreach will continue across
other communities, as the ministry works to ensure that the voices of residents are heard and reflected in national development efforts.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd (left) and Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet (right), signed an MoU to strengthen co-operation and collaboration in the forestry sector (Elton John photo)
Climate Reckoning
AT the 124th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo delivered a message that should resonate far beyond the conference room:The Caribbean can no longer afford to treat climate policy as an exercise in eloquence.
The time has come for realism, urgency, and, above all, action.
For too long, regional and global climate discourse has been trapped in a loop, well-crafted speeches, repeated commitments, and limited tangible progress.
Jagdeo’s intervention cuts through that cycle. His warning is stark but grounded: The world is not ready to abandon fossil fuels, and pretending otherwise risks undermining both economic stability and climate resilience.
The popular framing of climate policy as a binary choice: Fossil fuels versus renewables, may be politically appealing, but it is fundamentally flawed.
Caribbean economies, already fragile and import-dependent, cannot afford ideological rigidity. As Jagdeo rightly argued, a balanced approach is not a compromise; it is a necessity.
Renewable energy must be accelerated, yes, but alongside pragmatic energy planning that acknowledges current global realities.
The recent geopolitical tensions involv-
ing Iran, Israel and the United States have demonstrated just how quickly energy markets can destabilise. Fuel shortages, inflation, and social unrest are not abstract risks; they are present dangers with direct consequences for small-island and coastal economies.
For the Caribbean, where tourism and trade are highly sensitive to global shocks, the fallout could be severe. Climate policy cannot exist in isolation from these economic truths.
Jagdeo’s criticism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process, and by extension the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings, reflects a growing frustration shared across the developing world.
Year after year, the same problems are restated, the same promises are made, and the same obstacles persist.
This is not merely fatigue; it is a failure of the international system to deliver meaningful support to those most vulnerable.
When accessing funds from mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund becomes an exercise in bureaucracy, the credibility of global climate cooperation is called into question.
The Caribbean must, therefore, rethink its dependence on external solutions. International partnerships remain important, but they cannot be the sole pillar of regional
climate strategy.
What makes Jagdeo’s message particularly compelling is its focus on actionable priorities.
First, energy independence is no longer optional.
When countries spend significant portions of GDP on fuel imports, development itself is compromised. Scaling up renewables is as much an economic strategy as it is an environmental one.
Second, disaster resilience must be treated as a core development issue.
The Caribbean’s history of hurricanes, floods, and extreme weather events is well documented, and worsening. Investing in resilient infrastructure is not a climate luxury; it is a safeguard against economic collapse.
Third, biodiversity offers an underutilised pathway for consensus-building. Even in politically divided spaces, conservation can attract broader support, opening new avenues for funding and cooperation.
Finally, institutional reform is critical. Without faster, more accessible financing mechanisms, even the best plans will stall. The region must advocate not just for more funding, but for smarter systems that deliver results.
Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy stands as a notable example of what deliberate action can achieve.
By monetising forest carbon and reinvesting in national development, the country has demonstrated that climate policy can yield real economic and social benefits.
Yet, this model also highlights a broader truth: Success requires initiative. It demands that countries move ahead, even when global systems lag behind. The Caribbean cannot wait indefinitely for perfect international alignment.
Jagdeo’s reference to artificial intelligence adds a forward-looking dimension to the conversation. Technology, when used effectively, can enhance environmental monitoring, improve resource management, and support evidence-based policymaking. But innovation must complement, not replace, political will. Tools alone will not solve structural challenges.
The Vice-President’s closing warning should not be dismissed as mere frustration. It is, instead, a call to a new generation of Caribbean leaders: Do not inherit the inertia of the past.
The region stands at a crossroads. It can continue along the well-worn path of declarations and dependency, or it can embrace a more grounded, self-directed approach to climate and development.
The choice is not between ambition and pragmatism.
It is between stagnation and survival.
Five Brazilians fined, ordered to leave Guyana after illegal mining charges
FIVE Brazilian nationals were on Friday fined and ordered to leave Guyana within 24 hours after pleading guilty to charges of illegal entry and illegal mining at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court.
The men, Antonio Isal Das Soura, 49; Michael De Souza Martin, 26; Clinton Martins Fernandes, 19; and Matheus Sere Martins, 20, all of Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil, appeared virtually before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse, where the charges were read to them. Each pleaded guilty to both offences. For illegal entry, the court imposed a fine of $30,000, with an alternative of six weeks’ imprisonment if unpaid. They
were also fined $30,000 each for illegal mining, with a similar default sentence. The court further ordered that all four men depart Guy-
ana within 24 hours. In a related matter, a fifth Brazilian national, Taiane Macedo Peixoto, a 33-yearold cook, also appeared be-
fore Magistrate Nurse via Zoom. She was charged with illegal mining and similarly entered a guilty plea. Peixoto was fined
$30,000 or six weeks’ imprisonment in default of payment. The charges stem from ongoing enforcement efforts by authorities to curb illegal mining activities and unauthorised entry, particularly in Guyana’s hinterland regions.
Antonio Isal Das Soura
Michael De Souza Martin
Clinton Martins Fernandes Matheus Sere Martins Taiane Macedo Peixoto
Why doesn’t Iran finish the job?
IN modern warfare, it is technologically impossible for a country of 8,000 square miles with eight million people to go into war with a country of 93 million people and 700,000 square miles and win.
Here is a list of individual regions in Guyana that are either the size of Israel or far bigger than Israel. The size is listed in square miles. Region One (Barima-Waini), 8,000; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 14,000; Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 18,000; Region Eight (Potaro- Siparuni), 8,000; Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), 21,000; and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), 7,000.
Just a small region in Guyana is the size of Israel. How is it possible in the age of drones and missiles that 8,000 square miles could survive a week of attacks? So, the three-week-old war between Iran and Israel raises the esoteric question as to why Iran has not destroyed, without civilian casualties, the 8,000 square miles that is Israel.
The answer is simple: Israel would not have attacked Iran without American involvement. It is impossible for Israel to survive in a war between itself and Iran. The scientific/ technological fact is that 8,000 square miles is a tiny spot that will be demolished in modern technological war between nations.
So, what Israel hoped is that the simultaneous bombing by Israel and the US would have defeated Iran. But Iran proved a nightmare for Israel. It is three weeks into aerial bombing and Iranian retaliation has destroyed large parts of Israel. But the world does not know that, because the Western media are not writing about it.
Long before technology became ultra-modern, the satellite system by the two superpowers -USSR and USA - monitored military installations in their respective countries. So, the superpowers knew where the nuclear sites of each country were. Today China, France, Germany, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Japan, Australia and Canada have sophisticated satellite systems that can detect nuclear sites and military infrastructures around the world.
Israel is 8,000 square miles. It is impossible now and forever for a country of 8,000 square miles to hide its nuclear infrastructure without being detected by satellites. It means that Israel knows where Iran’s nuclear hardware is located which was provided to them by NATO powers – the US and Europe.
Iran knows where the bomb is located is Israel. You cannot hide a nuclear facility in a radius of 8,000 square miles. That can only
happen in comic books. Since the war started, the question arose as to why Iran does not wipe out the nuclear warehouse of Israel.
I have asked several persons this question and the answers from all of them are identical.
If Iran hits Israel’s nuclear plants, the deaths will be in the millions in all the countries bordering Israel. So, can the Israeli structure be hit without the civilian population dying?
If that cannot be done, then I think Iran should devastate all the general infrastructure of Israel except hospitals and schools.
So far, Iran has been doing an excellent job that has taken the entire world by surprise. The world felt that a joint operation by Israel and the US would have crippled Iran. That has not happened. What is happening is that Iran is destroying Israel and the entire world is not seeing the reports because the Western press is not reporting the destruction of Israel.
Once more the world has seen the psychotic nature of journalism in the West. We first saw it when Israel began committing genocide in Gaza. The reporting took two forms – carry the reports coming out of the Israeli government and do not report on Israeli casualties.
So, during the two and a half years of Israeli bombing of Gaza, the Western media would carry the fatalities of Hamas, but not the deaths of Israeli soldiers. We would read that a Hamas ambush resulted in 17 Hamas ranks being killed but just one fatality and three injuries to the IDF – Israeli Defence Force. From the time the war against the Palestinian people in Gaza started up to the present time, every major Western media house reported and reports on the conflict have been based on releases from the Israeli government.
The identical thing is happening with the war with Iran. Pick up any newspaper in any EU country and the world reads which places Israel has bombed in Iran. Pick up any newspaper in Canada, the US and Australia and it is the same old, story – Israel is on top.
Israel is nowhere on top at the moment. Israel is being hammered every day. Tel Aviv is being destroyed. But the world does not know that because Western journalism is not reporting it.
Maybe they will when Iran finishes the job-- which it ought to.
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.
Local Gov’t Ministry places waste bins along Kitty Seawall
–– to combat littering
THE Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development on Friday undertook a targeted san- itation initiative along the Kitty Seawall, with the placement of waste bins aimed at promoting prop- er garbage disposal and enhancing the cleanliness of the area. The exercise was led by the ministry’s Deputy Per- manent Secretary, Dr Josh Kanhai, who oversaw the installation process along- side a technical team.
The initiative forms part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen waste-management systems and encourage responsible public behaviour in high-traffic recreational spaces. The ministry has confirmed that the bins will be serviced and cleaned on a daily basis to ensure contin- ued usability and hygiene. Citizens are being strongly encouraged to make full use of the newly installed bins as part of a collective effort to eliminate littering. The ministry emphasised that public co-operation is essential in maintaining a clean and welcoming environment
along the seawall. Additionally, the ministry reminded the public that surveillance cameras are installed along the Kitty Seawall.
These systems will be used to identify individuals who engage in littering, and the ministry is prepared to collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that offenders are held accountable.
The Ministry of Local Government and Region- al Development said it remains committed to fostering a culture of clean- liness and environmental responsibility across Guyana.
Voir dire continues in electoral fraud trial
as
prosecution closes case for February
THE long-running electoral fraud trial continued on Friday with a voir dire proceeding that centred on the admissibility of video evidence and statements linked to one of the accused, Sheffern February, before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Policeman Sheldon Harvey testified that he had recorded a video of the interview conducted by two police detectives with February, which was later presented as evidence during the voir dire.
Additionally, a police witness gave evidence relating to the arrest of February.
Following the conclusion of testimony in relation to February, the prosecution formally closed its case on the voir dire. February has since been sworn in to give evidence in her defence.
Police Lance Corporal Christopher Douglas testified that on August 31, 2025, he functioned as a photographer during an interview he recorded of two police detectives interviewing Denise Babb-Cummings, another defendant.
The prosecution is continuing to present its case in the voir dire in relation to this defendant as the court determines the admissibility of the evidence.
The broader case in -
volves multiple former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials and political figures, including former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers and former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.
Others named include former Health Minister Volda Lawrence, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Carol Smith-Joseph, and former GECOM staffers Enrique Livan, and Michelle Miller.
The accused collectively face 19 charges, including conspiracy to defraud and misconduct in public office, all of which they deny. They remain on significant bail as the consolidated trial continues.
Additional hearing dates have been scheduled, with the court set to resume on April 20 and 24, followed by sittings from April 27 to 30. Further dates have also been fixed for May 18 to 22 and June 15 to 26, with final hearings expected between June 22 and 26.
The charges stem from allegations surrounding the contentious March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections, which triggered months of legal battles and a national recount overseen by GECOM and CARICOM observers.
The recount ultimately confirmed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C’s) victory, leading to the swearing-in of President
Dr Irfaan Ali on August 2, 2020.
The prosecution, headed by Darshan Ramdhanie, KC, with attorneys Latch-
mie Rahamat and Madana Rampersaud, alleges that each of the accused played a significant role in attempts to inflate votes
for the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, while suppressing support for the PPP/C.
Suriname-Guyana Chamber urges continued dialogue amidst Corentyne River charges
“THE Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce has taken note of the recent
The following is the full text of a statement from the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce: Guyana and the Republic of Suriname regarding the matter of charges related to activity on the Corentyne River.
public statements issued by the Governments of the Co-operative Republic of
“As a chamber committed to strengthening trade, investment, and private-sector co-operation between both countries, SGCC believes this issue should be addressed through continued diplomatic dialogue and direct engagement between the two governments.
“Matters of this nature have implications not only for bilateral relations but also for the businesses, operators, and communities whose livelihoods depend on predictable and stable cross-border commercial activity.
“Suriname and Guyana share a long history of neighbourly relations, growing economic ties, and a common interest in advancing regional co-operation. It is therefore important that any differences or areas of concern be managed in a spirit of mutual respect, open communication and constructive problem-solving.
“The chamber is particularly mindful of the impor-
tance of minimising uncertainty for the private sector.
“For businesses to operate effectively, there must be clarity, consistency, and confidence in the framework governing cross-border trade and transport. Prolonged uncertainty risks disruption to commercial activity and may affect the wider climate for investment and co-operation.
“In this regard, SGCC respectfully encourages both governments to continue engaging each other directly, with a view to achieving a practical and mutually acceptable understanding on the way forward.
“The chamber remains hopeful that this matter can be resolved in a timely and amicable manner, consistent with the strong relationship between Suriname and Guyana and the shared objective of supporting trade, development and private sector growth in both countries.
“SGCC remains encouraged by the broader history of co-operation between our two nations and trusts that this same spirit will guide the resolution of the present issue.”
–– to sell at reduced prices, support local producers
THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has announced the launch of countrywide farmers’ markets, starting next week.
These markets, according to information from the Sabha, will give households access to fresh produce at lower prices while providing more opportunities for local farmers.
Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), along with its member companies like NAMILCO, Sterling Products, and the Beharry Group of Companies, this initiative aligns with the government’s effort to expand farmers’ markets as a way to reduce food costs and increase farm incomes.
The first market will take place on Tuesday, March 31, from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Leonora Stadium on the West Coast of Demerara.
Residents can buy a variety of fruits and vegetables directly from farmers at special reduced prices.
A second market will
follow on Saturday, April 4, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Dharmic Rama Krishna School compound in Pattensen, East Coast Demerara, next to the Giftland parking lot.
This will extend the benefits to coastal communities. According to the Sabha, shoppers can get ingredients for vegetarian meals at prices of about 25 per cent lower, providing important relief during a time when many families are dealing with higher food costs.
The farmers’ markets are being promoted with the theme “discover freshness and community spirit”. This reflects the Sabha’s long history of contributing to cultural and social outreach as it celebrates over 50 years of service to Guyana.
Officials say these events connect farmers directly with consumers, helping to eliminate unnecessary middlemen. This approach supports recent national policy goals aimed at creating a network of permanent farmers’ markets and using smarter technologies to stabilise pric -
es and reduce post-harvest losses.
Analysts believe these markets are vital to Guyana’s effort to boost production, improve market access, and strengthen the country’s position as a regional leader in food security.
Leonora has already shown itself to be a successful location for these activities.
A Ministry of Agriculture market day at the National Track and Field Centre in 2023 attracted large crowds, earning praise from both farmers and consumers for providing items like meat, eggs, fruits, and vegetables at significantly lower prices.
At that event, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had emphasised that farmers’ markets are a direct answer to public concerns about rising food prices. He promised to continue these events across the country so that both producers and consumers can achieve fair prices.
The Dharmic Sabha’s new partnership with the ministry and private sector is viewed as a communi -
Cyclist killed in Rome Access Road crash
–– lorry driver in custody
A 24-year-old construction worker lost his life on Thursday afternoon following a tragic collision with a motor lorry and trailer along the Rome Access Road, East Bank Demerara, police have confirmed.
Dead is Shawn Roache of Agricola, who was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining severe injuries in the incident, which occurred at approximately 13:50 hrs on March 26, 2026.
According to preliminary investigations, the motor lorry, bearing registration GAK 7143 with trailer TYY 9718, was
proceeding west along the southern carriageway of Rome Access Road, behind the cyclist who was travelling in the same direction.
Police said that as the vehicle approached the vicinity of Farm/Supply, the 30-year-old driver, a resident of Little Abary, Mahaicony, reportedly attempted to overtake the cyclist. During the manoeuvre, the left-side rear wheel of the trailer allegedly collided with the rear wheel of the bicycle, causing Roache to lose control and fall beneath the trailer.
The trailer subsequently ran over the cyclist’s left foot, resulting in critical
ty-based effort that supports national agricultural policy and strengthens social ties at the grassroots level.
With the government launching a five-year ag-
injuries.
Emergency Medical Technicians were summoned to the scene, and Roache was examined by a doctor from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, who pronounced him dead.
His body has since been transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Police said a breathalyser test administered to the driver showed no trace of alcohol. He remains in custody as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
ricultural modernisation plan that includes new regional food hubs, mega food parks, and increased arable land, community farmers’ markets organ -
ised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha are expected to play an important role in connecting small and medium-scale producers with consumers.
GPHC’s multidisciplinary team saves mother, baby
in complex, high-risk pregnancy
A 37-year-old pregnant woman with a complex medical history experienced a successful maternal and neonatal outcome following coordinated multidisciplinary care at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
The patient, in her seventh pregnancy at 35 weeks’ gestation, presented to the hospital with a two-day history of abdominal pain, painful urination, fever, and nasal discharge, the GPHC said in a press release on Friday.
Upon admission, her vital signs showed a mild fever and elevated heart rate. An obstetric assessment confirmed a viable pregnancy, and initial tests revealed severe anaemia with a haemoglobin level of 5.4 g/dL, far below the normal range for pregnancy.
Given her history of anaemia requiring transfusion in a prior pregnancy, the internal medicine team was immediately engaged to
help optimise her condition, while obstetricians planned for foetal maturation and safe delivery.
On the second day of hospitalisation, the patient’s condition worsened when she developed chest pain radiating to her left arm; this is an alarming sign that prompted cardiac evaluation.
“Test results showed elevated troponin levels, leading to a diagnosis of myocardial injury consistent with a Type Two myocardial infarction, likely secondary to severe anaemia.
“Further investigations detected a positive Helicobacter pylori test and vitamin B12 deficiency, suggesting a possible gastrointestinal source of blood loss. The patient received antibiotics, stomach-protective medication, iron therapy, and vitamin B12 supplementation. Over her hospital stay, she received seven units of packed red blood cells, which gradually improved her haemoglobin
levels to 9.1 g/dL,” GPHC said.
Recognising the complexity of her condition, specialists from cardiology, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthesiology, and intensive care collaborated to design a comprehensive care plan.
Their goal was to stabilise her blood count and cardiac status, while allowing additional time for safe foetal maturation. However, on the ninth day of admission, both the mother and foetus developed elevated heart rates, prompting the team to perform an emergency caesarean section.
The procedure, carefully planned and executed, resulted in the safe delivery of a healthy infant with minimal blood loss. Both mother and baby recovered well, with post-operative investigations showing improved cardiac markers and haemoglobin levels reaching 10 g/dL prior to discharge.
The GPHC emphasised that this case illustrates the
A 37-year-old pregnant woman with a complex medical history experienced a successful maternal and neonatal outcome, following coordinated multidisciplinary care at the GPHC
importance of early detection and proactive management of severe anaemia in pregnancy, particularly among women of advanced maternal age, or those with multiple previous deliveries.
The hospital urged expectant mothers to attend antenatal clinics regularly, as early screening for anaemia and nutritional deficiencies—especially iron and vitamin B12—can prevent life-threatening complications.
The institution also reminded the public that heart
attacks can occur even in younger individuals and that chest pain should never be dismissed as a simple stomach issue.
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation acknowledged the exceptional teamwork of its multidisciplinary staff involved in this case.
The obstetric team included Dr Guy Low, Dr La Toya Shury, Dr Daniel Odongo and Dr Leticia Samuel; internal medicine was led by Dr Kamela Bemaul-Sukhu, Dr Girish
Rambarran and Dr Vedika Latchmi Panday; cardiology support came from Dr Jesus Valdes Alvarez and Dr Omal Owner; and anaesthetic care was provided by Dr Althea Robertson.
The patient also received dedicated nursing care from Sister George and the nursing team.
She was discharged in stable condition on post-operative day three, with follow-up appointments arranged for haematology, gastroenterology, and post-partum care.
Linden–Mabura unpaved stretch to be graded for Easter weekend
–– Public Works Minister says, as all roads lead to Lethem for Rupununi Rodeo
EASTER weekend travellers making their way to the Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo in Lethem, Region Nine, can expect a noticeably improved ride this year, thanks to targeted grading works being undertaken on the remaining unpaved section of the Linden to Mabura Hill Road, complementing the 100 kilometres of asphaltic concrete surface already in place.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, confirmed that while the roadway now carries an asphaltic concrete surface on approximately 83 per cent of the full 121-kilometre alignment, the remaining 17 per cent will be graded ahead of the Easter holiday period to ensure smoother and easier travel for all road users during the busy stretch.
The grading works are designed as a deliberate, temporary measure to supplement the already-completed asphaltic sections, bridging the gap for the
Easter weekend travellers making
a noticeably improved
thousands of Guyanese expected to travel the corridor over the holiday weekend.
The decision to grade the outstanding section reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the road is as serviceable as possible while full construction continues.
Though paving works on that remaining corridor are ongoing, grading the surface will significantly reduce the rough riding conditions historically asso-
ciated with the interior trail, which was once notorious across the country for mud, slush, and unpredictable terrain.
Travellers who have made the journey to Lethem in previous years will find the difference stark, with 100 kilometres of smooth, modern asphalt now seamlessly giving way to a properly graded passage for the balance of the route.
Brazilian firm Álya Construtora, which is man-
aging the US$190 million road construction project, had deployed a workforce of approximately 900 personnel and over 300 pieces of heavy equipment to maintain the pace of works.
An additional 100 workers were recently brought
on to help accelerate progress, ensuring that both the paving and supplemental grading can be carried out concurrently and on schedule ahead of Easter. Construction is expected to be fully completed by August 23, 2026.
The Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo 2026, set for April 3 to 5, promises to draw visitors from across Guyana and the wider Caribbean for a celebration of savannah culture, horsemanship and hinterland heritage.
their way to the Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo in Lethem, Region Nine, can expect
ride this year
Guyana advances Cervical Cancer elimination through multi-stakeholder partnership
GUYANA has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to eliminate cervical cancer with the completion of a week-long, in-country mission of the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), and experts from MD Anderson Cancer Center in support of the Ministry of Health (MoH).
According to a press release, the mission, held from March 17–21, strengthened
national capacity for HPV vaccination, screening, diagnosis, and treatment, as Guyana works towards achieving the global 90-70-90 targets for cervical cancer elimination.
Cervical cancer remains one of the most significant public health challenges in Guyana and across the Caribbean. Driven mainly by the human papillomavirus (HPV), the disease is the second leading cause of can-
cer deaths among women in Guyana, with a mortality rate of 30.3 per 100,000 women in 2022.
With the rollout of the universal HPV DNA testing voucher programme in 2024–2025, more women than ever before were able to receive free, high-quality HPV testing close to home. This initiative resulted in 20,853 women being screened, which reflects growing national awareness
Guyana has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to eliminate cervical cancer with the completion of a week-long, in-country mission of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), and experts from MD Anderson Cancer Center in support of the Ministry of Health (MoH)
and engagement in cervical cancer prevention.
Although work continues to reach global targets, these achievements demonstrate a clear, positive shift towards earlier detection, greater equity in access, and improved long-term health outcomes for women across all regions of Guyana.
The visiting PAHO/ WHO and MD Anderson team led by Dr Mauricio Maza, Regional Advisor for Cancer Prevention and Control conducted stakeholder meetings, facility assessments, and clinical training sessions. Experts, including Dr Kathleen Schmeler, Dr Melissa Lopez Varon, Dr Sarah Berger Dr Mila Salcedo and Ms Reina Guerrero, worked alongside national counterparts to strengthen Guyana’s cervical cancer programme.
• Clinical Training: Providing hands-on training in colposcopy, thermal ablation, and LEEP to expand treatment capacity at primary and secondary levels.
• Vaccination Support: Identifying strategies to increase uptake of the nonavalent HPV vaccine in schools and communities.
• Data Strengthening: Supporting integration of HPV testing data into national health information systems to improve tracking and decision-making.
The mission culminated in a stakeholder consultation to review Guyana’s cervical cancer elimination strategy and outline a roadmap for scaling high-impact interventions.
The Ministry of Health, PAHO/WHO, and MD Anderson reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Guyana in achieving the WHO goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public-health problem.
IICA initiates CDB-funded intervention for AgriMSE Business, Regional Market Integration
–– with support from CPSO
THE Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), introduced the AgriMSE Business Development and Regional Market Integration Project during a virtual event held on March 11, 2026.
This project is funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). It is designed to strengthen the competitiveness, operational efficiency and market access of Agricultural Micro and Small Enterprises (AgriMSEs) in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.
In opening the event, Diana Francis, Representative of the IICA Delegation in Trinidad and Tobago, underscored the importance of strengthening AgriMSEs as key drivers of agricultural value chains, rural livelihoods and food security.
Francis emphasised that integrating AgrMSEs into the economy and markets required strong and continuous partnerships among regional institutions, development partners, the private sector, and most importantly, the consumers.
The engagement and support from distribution, marketing and logistics firms will also be critical to ensure that products from the AgriMSE sector can be successfully moved within domestic markets and to markets across the region and abroad.
While the initiative is being implemented through three specialised consultancy streams designed to deliver targeted technical support to participating enterprises, IICA will ensure team integration and coordination and provide technical backstopping, stakeholder outreach and engagement support.
These consultancy streams include EconoTech Ltd., leading on AgriMSEs business and production operational efficiencies for scale-up and market access,
Jai Rampersad, leading on intra-regional marketing and export facilitation, and GBest Consulting, leading on AgriMSE credit worthiness, readiness and financing accessibility.
Working inclusively with national entities, these workstreams are expected to improve enterprise performance, enhance export readiness and facilitate greater access to financing and investment opportunities for AgriMSEs in the participating countries.
Complementary initiatives funded by the European Union were also presented by Janet Lawrence, Agricultural Health, Food Safety and Quality Specialist for the Caribbean at IICA, Barbados.
Lawrence noted that the European Union has been a long-standing partner in supporting agricultural development in the Caribbean, providing funding for projects addressing sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues and related capacity-building initiatives across the Region for more than a decade.
She highlighted that the EU projects complement the IICA-CDB project and will support stakeholders across the wider Caribbean region. These initiatives will provide additional resources to support not only AgriMSEs themselves, but also policymakers and institutions responsible for strengthening the enabling environment necessary for agricultural enterprises to thrive.
The EU projects also focus on areas such as agricultural health, food safety, quality assurance and regulatory frameworks, all of which are essential to enabling AgriMSEs to compete effectively in regional and international markets.
Patrick Antoine, Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director of the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), also addressed participants and
emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration
See page 14
The initiative aims to help micro and small enterprises improve their business performance, enhance their export readiness and facilitate greater access to financing and investment opportunities
IICA initiates CDB-funded intervention...
between small agricultural enterprises and larger regional firms to address common constraints related to scale, logistics and processing.
He shared that the CPSO is establishing a Regional Agribusiness Working Group which will support the continuation of the project’s objectives beyond the life of the consultancy.
“The intention behind the Regional Agribusiness Working Group is to bring together the experience, networks and technical capabilities of larger regional enterprises to directly support the growth of AgriMSEs.
“Through collaboration in areas such as shared processing, logistics and packaging, we can help smaller enterprises overcome scale constraints and position themselves more effectively for regional and even inter-
national markets,” Antoine said.
Speaking on the growing engagement between Caribbean and African private sectors, Antoine went further to share that the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) recently increased its investment commitment to the Caribbean from US$3 billion to US$5 billion, signalling expanded financing opportunities for regional enterprises.
He noted that the Working Group will allow the CPSO to leverage partnerships such as these, alongside tools like the Regional AgriMSE Database being developed under the project, providing targeted support to enterprises beyond the project’s lifespan, while contributing to the CARICOM 25 by 2025 plus 5 food-security agenda.
The AgriMSE Business
Development and Regional Market Integration Project will be implemented over an 18–24-month period and will engage agricultural enterprises in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago through diagnostic assessments, technical-support programmes and market-development initiatives.
According to an AgriMSE participant, the introductory session was interesting and provided hope and an extra sense of purpose, offering a combination of all the things that AgriMSEs have been asking for in one place.
Francis emphasised:
“This has to be seen as more than just a project. While it is similar to several past and possibly future projects, it is overpoweringly focused on ensuring that agri-food
products from micro and small agribusinesses (AgriMSEs) meet the quality and price-competitive requirements to enter and establish presence in domestic and export markets.”
She further stated that the project also intends to
strengthen the base for continued organised and collaborative engagement in support of AgriMSEs through the IICA-CPSO partnership and other like-minded collaborators.
AgriMSEs interested in participating in the project,
including those who may have missed the launch session, are encouraged to contact the project team to ensure they are included on the mailing list for upcoming project activities at agrimse.exchange@iica. int. (IICA)
Oil prices gain but set for first weekly decline since start of Iran war
OIL prices rose on Friday reflecting scepticism about prospects for a ceasefire in the month-old Iran war, but Brent was set for its first weekly decline since February 9, after U.S. President Donald Trump said talks with Iran were going well while offering no details.
yanka Sachdeva, analyst at Phillip Nova.
While Trump extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face the destruction of its energy infrastructure, the U.S. has also sent thousands of troops to the Middle East, with Trump weighing whether to use forces to seize Iran’s strategic oil hub of Kharg Island.
wind down soon, but still remain above pre-conflict levels. However, prices could rise to $200 if the
war drags on until the end of June, they added. Elsewhere, Russian oil producers have
warned buyers that they could declare force majeure on supplies from major Baltic Sea
ports after Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. (Reuters)
“We look for the oil
A worker operates valves at the Rumaila oil field, as the country cuts nearly 1.5 million barrels per day of output amid halted exports, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, in Basra, Iraq, March 4, 2026 (REUTERS/Essam Al-Sudani/File Photo)
Brent crude futures rose by $2.65, or 2.45%, to $110.66 a barrel by 11:46 a.m. ET (1546 GMT). U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures were up $3.17, or 3.4%, at $97.65.
The Brent benchmark has jumped 53% since February 27, the day before the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran, but was down nearly 1% this week. WTI, up 45% since the war began, was down over 0.5% week-over-week.
Traders are cautious about Trump’s statements about the Iran talks. An Iranian official told Reuters that a U.S. proposal conveyed to Tehran by Pakistan was “one-sided and unfair.”
“Despite talks of de-escalation, oil is trading on war longevity, not just headlines. Any direct damage to oil infrastructure or prolonged conflict could force markets to rapidly reprice higher,” said Pri-
market to develop an immunity to Trump’s conciliatory comments and optimistic tone regarding a deal, especially given apparent intentions to send an additional 10,000 troops toward Iran,” oil trading adviser Ritterbusch & Associates said in a note to clients.
The Iran war has taken about 11 million barrels per day out of global oil supply, with the International Energy Agency describing the crisis as worse than the two 1970s oil shocks combined.
“Every-day flows through the Strait remain restricted, more than 10 million barrels of oil are missing ... tightening the oil market further,” said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.
Analysts at the Macquarie Group said that oil prices will fall quickly if the war begins to
$7M theft probe at Durban Backlands
–– four held, over $4M recovered
THE police in Regional Division 4 ‘A’ have launched an investigation into an alleged simple larceny at Durban Backlands, Georgetown, which has resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the recovery of millions in cash.
The incident reportedly occurred around 17:30hrs on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, and involved a 35-year-old Chinese businesswoman who operates in the area.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the woman had left a black plastic bag containing a large sum of money on the front passenger seat of her motor bus. The vehicle was reportedly left unlocked while she supervised the offloading of a nearby container.
During that time, a 16-year-old labourer from the area allegedly entered the vehicle and removed the bag, which
Acting on information, the police conducted a series of searches in Durban Backlands, leading to the recovery of $4,390,000 in Guyana currency
is said to have contained approximately $7 million. Authorities said that CCTV footage retrieved from the vicinity showed the suspect entering the vehicle and later exiting with what appeared to be a bulky black plastic bag.
Acting on the information, police conducted a series of searches in Durban Backlands, leading to the recovery of $4,390,000 in Guyana currency. Four persons were subsequently arrested in connection with the incident. Those in custody include a 16-year-old male labourer, a 46-year-old female vendor, a 40-year-old female kitchen assistant and a 38-year-old male labourer.
They were all taken to the East La Penitence Police Station where the recovered cash was counted in their presence and officially lodged.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing as police continue efforts to recover the remaining money and determine the extent of each suspect’s involvement.
SBB equips 89 small businesses with tax-return preparation skills
–– ahead of filing deadline
THE Small Business Bureau (SBB), in collaboration with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the World Trade Centre Georgetown, successfully hosted a training session on Tax Return Preparation, attracting 89 participants.
The session, according to a press release from SBB, provided entrepreneurs with practical guidance on understanding their tax obligations, ac-
Participants also benefitted from direct engagement with representatives of the Guyana Revenue Authority, who provided clarity on tax requirements and addressed key questions from business owners.
One participant, Natasha Marks, shared that prior to the training, filing her tax returns felt confusing. However, after attending the Tax Return Preparation train-
DCEO of the Small Business Bureau, Simon Pollard, delivers remarks at the Tax Return Preparation training, reinforcing the bureau’s commitment to building financially responsible and compliant small businesses
curately calculating tax returns and ensuring compliance ahead of the April 30 filing deadline.
The hands-on training was designed to help small-business owners avoid common errors, meet statutory requirements and strengthen their overall financial management practices.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau, Simon Pollard, underscored the importance of tax compliance for business growth and sustainability.
“Timely and accurate tax filing is essential for maintaining a credible and sustainable business. Through this collaboration, we are ensuring that entrepreneurs are better equipped to meet their obligations while strengthening their financial practices,” he said.
ing and structured support.
“By improving financial literacy and promoting compliance, the government continues to create an enabling environment for sustainable business growth and development.
Through strategic partnerships, the Small Business Bureau remains committed to enhancing the capabilities of small businesses across Guyana,” SBB said.
ing, she said she now feels more confident in her ability to accurately prepare and submit her returns.
This training forms part of the Bureau’s broader capacity-building efforts. Since the start of 2026, the Small Business Bureau has trained over 1,000 entrepreneurs across Guyana in key areas, including Small Business Management; Financial Management and Record Keeping; Business Plan Writing; Marketing Fundamentals; Label Design; Bid Document Preparation; Food Safety Prerequisites; Quality Management; Import and Export and Digital Readiness.
“This initiative aligns with the government’s continued commitment to supporting small enterprises through targeted train-
Tanisha Wright, Manager of the Tax Advisory and Publication Unit at GRA, provides practical insights into tax-return preparation during the training session
‘Vibrant mixture’ of activities planned for Guyana’s ‘Diamond Jubilee’ celebrations
–– Minister Rodrigues says
MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, on Friday held a planning meeting for Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations, with Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, at the Railway Courtyard in Georgetown.
The two ministers and their teams talked about important logistical and programme arrangements for what promises to be a significant national event.
The celebrations will take place under the theme, “The Homecoming – Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee.”
This theme pays tribute to a nation celebrating six decades of independence on May 26, 2026. It also serves as a call for Guyanese both at home and abroad to gather and celebrate together.
Reflecting on the importance of this occasion, Minister Rodrigues mentioned that the programme will include a lively and inclusive mix of activities.
These will feature cultural and heritage showcases, religious observances, the popular Guyana Carnival, and the traditional flag-raising ceremony. This diverse lineup shows the government’s commitment to honouring Guyana’s multicultural identity as the nation enters its seventh decade of independence.
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations are part of a broader, year-long schedule of national events revealed by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce earlier this year.
President, Dr Irfaan Ali has called the 60th anniversary “a grand homecoming,” a
Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, at the Railway Courtyard in Georgetown
year filled with events aimed at bringing Guyanese from around the world back to their roots. All Guyanese, whether living locally or overseas,
have been invited to take part in this historic moment as the country comes together in reflection, pride, and celebration of 60 years of independence.
THE increasing use of obscure and modified licence plates on Guyana’s roadways is undermining traffic enforcement and posing a growing risk to public safety, according to Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mahendra Singh.
In a recent interview with this publication, the senior officer raised concern over what he described as a widespread and escalating trend of drivers altering or concealing vehicle-identification marks—often under the guise of style or personal expression. He warned that such practices significantly impede law enforcement’s ability to identify vehicles involved in traffic violations and criminal activity.
“Licence plates are critical identifiers for all categories of vehicles and play an essential role in traffic management and law enforcement,” Singh noted, adding that the deliberate obscuring of these markings creates opportunities for offenders to evade detection.
Among the most troubling practices highlighted are the installation of tinted covers and the application of reflective materials to licence plates. These modifications can render registration details illegible, particularly under certain lighting conditions or when captured by surveillance systems.
Singh explained that tinted covers often darken
plates to the point where characters cannot be clearly read, while reflective coatings—commonly silver in appearance—can distort visibility and frustrate identification efforts.
The Traffic Chief stressed that such alterations are unlawful and warned of strict consequences for non-compliance. Vehicles equipped with adjustable or obscure licence plates will not be issued a Certificate of Fitness, he said, while police officers found approving such vehicles could face disciplinary action, including removal from their posts.
He further pointed to provisions under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02, which make it an offence to operate a vehicle with identification marks that are not properly affixed, clearly visible, or easily distinguishable.
The law outlines specific requirements for licence plates, including the size, spacing, and arrangement of letters and figures, as well as the prescribed
The identification mark of the vehicle must be arranged in conformity with arrangement of letters and figures shown on one or other of the alternative diagrams
colour scheme. Plates must display white characters on a black background (or red on white for dealers), with all markings permanently inscribed and compliant with regulated dimensions.
Singh urged motorists to adhere strictly to these standards, warning that continued violations will attract enforcement measures as authorities move to curb the trend and enhance road safety.
The Guyana Police Force has signalled its intention to intensify monitoring and enforcement in response to the issue, as part of broader efforts to maintain order and accountability on the nation’s roads.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, on Friday held a planning meeting for Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations, with Minister within the Ministry of
Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mahendra Singh
Mac & Cheese Junior Skill Set Squash
Tournament
Ethan Bulkan among 3rd night winners
By Sean Devers
WITH rain pounding on the roof of the National Racquette Centre (NRC) on Woolford Avenue, national U-15 Squash and Badminton competitor
Ethan Bulkan was among the winners on night three of the Mac & Cheese Junior Skill Set Squash tournament last Thursday.
The 13-year-old Queen’s College student defeated his older opponent, Justin Goberdhan, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4.
The crafty Bulkan, who played a key role in his school’s Squash Club being formed, displayed impressive tenacity and excellent use of the court. Bulkan, with silver medals in Junior CASA and Junior Pan-Am games, demonstrated an array of bril-
RESULTS:
Alexa Maikoo def. Ethan Bisshun 11-9, 11-9, 11-6
A - The Cheesiest Ethan Bulkan def. Justin Goberdhan 11-5, 11-5, 11-4
liant shots to dominate the match from start to finish with superior Squash skills. Gorberdhan had his moments to impress, but they were few and far apart. His best performance was in the first game, when he scored two quick points from powerful drives, which Bulkan failed to retrieve.
But the talented Bulkan
Alex Arjoon (Demerara-Mahaica) def. Louis Da Silva 11-4, 11-2, 11-6
B - Spiral
Nijad Bacchus def. Ella Fernandes 11-2, 11-7, 11-5
Aderemi Simon def. Danté Atkins 7-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7
D - Thick and Creamy
Darren Dublin def. Zain Alli 11-1, 11-9, 11-1
Tehani Munroe def. Kristian Viapree 11-7,
would up the ante with a series of well-placed shots off the glass to win 11-5.
Gorberdhan would only manage nine points in the next two games to lose the second game, 11-5, and the next one, 11-4. The match between Tehani Munroe and fellow QC player Kristian Viapree was very entertaining and showed the level of
G – Original Layla Rahaman def. Alex Bisshun 13-11, 11-6, 11-8
improvement of the School’s Squash Club in under 10 months on the court.
Munroe showed her speed across the court and won her first two games 11-7, 11-9. Viapree increased the intensity of his play in the third game and matched Munroe shot for shot in battle. But Monroe played with great determination, falling flat on the floor
as she dived full length to keep the ball in play.
Viapree and Munroe were engaged in an epic finish with both players tied at 10-all. It was game point when Viapree pushed Munroe to 13-13, and he looked set to take the match into a fourth game.
However, it was Munroe who would win the game and match 15-13.
Yusuf, Abel power Regal Legends to brink of semis
From Frederick Halley in Fort Lauderdale
GUYANA’s lone representative team at this year’s Florida Cup Softball Cricket League (FCSCL) tournament were well placed to enter today’s semifinals after two wins on the opening day in the Over-50 category in the Sunshine State.
After brushing aside USA Legends in the day’s opening encounter by 43 runs, Regal Legends destroyed South Florida Softball Cricket Club (SFSCC) by a comprehensive 252 runs to enhance their chances in what is considered the “group of death,” which also features Corriverton and Softball Cricket Doctors.
Needing a massive 359 for victory, after Regal Legends had plundered 358 for five in their allotted 20 overs, SFSCC huffed and puffed their way to 106 for seven when their 20 overs expired.
Led by a pugnacious 147 from opener Uniss Yusuf and 94 from fellow opener Eon Abel, Regal Legends reached an unbeatable 358 for five in their allotted 20 overs.
In a batting display rarely seen in softball, the two openers added a remarkable 207 in a mere 10.2 overs, pulverising the South Florida team to all parts of the Brian Picollo field. Looking well set to complete a well-deserved 100, after resuming at the 10-over break on 94, Abel failed to add to his score after smashing five fours and 11 sixes in his fine knock. Yusuf, in the meantime,
continued on his merry way and by the time he departed at 309 for three in the 17th over, had counted 17 fours and 11 massive sixes. Earlier, Regal Legends, taking first strike against USA Legends, reached a challenging 175 for nine in their 20 overs before limiting their opponents to 132 for three when their 20 overs expired.
Middle-order batsman Nandram Samlall led the way
with a top score of 49, spiced with one four and five sixes, while Rohan Fazil took four for 31 in his five overs. USA Legends were never up to the task despite only losing three wickets. Regal Legends reached will oppose Ocala Legends in their final preliminary-round game this morning with their sights set on playing the semi-finals in the afternoon.
The tournament climaxes tomorrow (Sunday) with the finals in the Open, Masters Over-40 and Legends Over50 at Oswald Park.
Saturday, March 28th, 2026
Openers Eon Abel (94) and Uniss Yusuf (147) added a remarkable 207 in a mere 10.1 overs.
Massy U18 Schools’ Football Competition
Round two kicks off this weekend
THE sparks are set to fly on Saturday and Sunday as the Petra Organisation stages round two of the Massy U18 Schools Football Tournament at the Queen’s College Ground.
The first day of round two will see eight clashes involving 16 teams.
Anna Regina Secondary will battle East Ruimveldt Secondary, with New Campbellville Secondary meeting Ann’s Grove Secondary, with both matches set for 10:30hrs.
The next round of clashes will see Zee-
burg Secondary and Yarrowkabra Secondary taking to the field, then Charlestown Secondary clashing with New Amsterdam Secondary.
Also set to lock horns are West Ruimveldt Secondary and St Stanislaus College, as well as Good Hope Secondary coming up against St John’s College.
The final matches on Saturday will feature Santa Rosa playing Brickdam Secondary and West Ruimveldt playing Hope Secondary.
Sunday concludes round two with another eight fixtures. Charity Secondary will play Lodge, as well as Patania Secondary, meets President College.
The next round of games features Mackenzie High School playing Bartica Secondary, with New Central High meeting Vryman’s Erven Secondary.
St Joseph High School then plays the Bishops’ High School, while Dolphin battles Belladrum Secondary, and Carmel comes up against Annandale, and defending champions
Chase Academic Foundation takes on Westminster Secondary.
This tournament is played on a round-robin/knockout basis, consisting of 32 secondary-school teams divided into eight groups of four.
Two teams from each group will advance to the round of 16, with the four third-placed finishers also advancing.
The winning team will collect $300,000, with $200,000 for second and $100,000 for third, along with a trophy and medals.
Format changes for CWI championship
(CWI) - CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has confirmed the format for the 2026 edition of the West Indies Championship, as the organisation continues its comprehensive review of the structure and delivery of regional cricket tournaments for the 2026–2027 cycle.
The revised format forms part of CWI’s broader strategy to strengthen player pathways, and ensure the sustainable management of resources across regional cricket. The review involved extensive consultations with the Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee, Cricket Department, Finance Department, and Executive Leadership Team.
Guided by a purpose-first approach, the review assessed what each tournament must achieve – whether talent identification, selection finalisation, tour preparation, or pathway progression – and redesigned formats to preserve relevance and competitive impact while managing operational costs.
Under the new structure, the four-day first-class tournament will feature three concurrent, three-match bilateral series played across the region, with the traditional West Indies Championship points system being utilised.
The six regional franchises will be seeded 1–6 based on their final standings at the end of the 2025 edition of the tournament with the winners of each bi-lateral contest to be ranked first through third, based on total points accumulated, with the top-ranked team advancing directly to the Grand Final.
During the play-off round, the firstplaced team will take on the West Indies Academy to maintain match readiness and ensure fairness of preparation ahead of the
final, while the second-and third-ranked teams will meet in a play-off match to determine the second finalist.
CWI has intentionally scheduled this year’s tournament closer to the start of the international home series, which commences against Sri Lanka in June, allowing players to achieve optimal match readiness just ahead of a packed summer.
While the revised structure represents a shift from the previous format, participating territories have embraced the change with focused preparation for what is anticipated to be a highly competitive tournament, maintaining the intensity and standards expected of the region’s premier first-class tournament.
Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, said that the new format will still deliver on performance objectives.
“Despite the reduction in matches, we anticipate keen contests. The change in dates has allowed for an extended preparation period, with most franchises holding multiple trial matches, setting up intense internal competition for places.”
He added, “The West Indies Championship will form a key part of talent identification and preparation for the home series, and the bilateral-series format will add an interesting dimension, closer to mirroring the Test cricket format.”
As part of its continued modernisation of regional cricket, CWI is also exploring the use of ball-tracking technology during the championship to support the talent-identification process and strengthen performance analysis.
A complete list of the respective squads will be provided once selected and confirmed by all six franchises.
Pres Ali backs expanded One Guyana T10 Blast
PRESIDENT Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his commitment to the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, meeting with organisers at State House to ‘greenlight’ the roadmap for the competition’s fourth edition.
Since its inception, the tournament has evolved from a local pastime into a premier fixture on the national sporting calendar.
President Ali, serving as the tournament’s patron, lauded the initiative for its role in talent identification—most notably fast-tracking the likes of recent West Indies selectee Quentin Sampson from the tapeball circuit to the regional stage. The 2026 edition, set to bowl off in early August, will maintain its footprint across all counties.
To manage the growing number of entries, the tournament will be contested across four primary zones: Berbice, East Bank / West
Demerara, Essequibo and Georgetown / East Coast Demerara.
In a significant shift following a presidential mandate, this year’s schedule will feature a robust expansion of the female category. More matches have been integrated into the primary schedule, ensuring the women’s game receives equal billing and prime-time exposure.
For the first time, the tournament’s climax will shift locations for a grand spectacle.
The National Finals are scheduled for mid-October at the Anna Regina National Stadium in Essequibo, a move aimed at decentralising major sporting events and celebrating the tournament’s nationwide reach.
“The expansion has made this tournament a true breeding ground for talent,” President Ali noted during the briefing. “It’s about
Minister Croal gives support to two promising cricketers
IN a move designed to bridge the gap between grassroots promise and professional excellence, Minister of Housing Collin Croal has underscored his commitment to the next generation of Guyanese cricketers.
Acting in his role as Honorary Patron of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC), Croal presented full premium cricket kits to rising stars Leon Reddy and Jayden Ganpat.
The intervention comes at a critical juncture for the duo, who were recently fast tracked into the Guyana national Under-16 squad. For young players in the Caribbean, the financial hurdle of “professional-grade” equipment can often be as daunting as a pacer’s bouncer, a reality Croal sought to address via the RHTYSC Patron’s Fund. The two teenagers have been tearing up the regional circuit, reinforcing Berbice’s reputation as a conveyor belt for elite talent: Reddy, 15, was the Most Valuable Player of the Guyana Cricket Board’s Inter-County Under-16 Tournament.
As a fast-bowling all-rounder, Reddy captained Berbice to the title, showcasing
the kind of temperament that suggests he is being groomed for leadership roles at higher levels, as he has also been named vice-captain of the national team for the upcoming series against Barbados.
Ganpat, 14, is a crafty left-arm orthodox spinner who recently caught the eye of scouts during a youth series against Barbados, where he walked away with Best Bowler honours in the Under-13 category.
The presentation wasn’t just about willow and leather; it was also about the mantle of responsibility. Flanked by RHTYSC Secretary Hilbert Foster and Cricket Manager Robby Kissoonlall, Croal issued a stern but supportive reminder to the boys.
“The talent is evident, but the equipment is only a tool,” Croal noted. “Stay focused, maintain your discipline, and always give your best. The investment we make today is an investment in the future of Guyana’s cricket.”
The donation further cements RHTYSC’s status as a powerhouse of development. Secretary Hilbert Foster pointed to the club’s staggering track record— producing 76 national players since Neil Williams first broke through in 1995.
giving notoriety to the nation’s best, while fostering unity through sport.”
Beyond the domestic trophy, organisers briefed the President on a “marquee” International Tapeball Tournament slated for later this year.
The proposed event seeks to pit the standout performers of the One Guyana Blast against invited teams from Asia, North America, and the Caribbean.
This move is designed to solidify Guyana’s burgeoning reputation as a hub for sport tourism, while providing local tapeball specialists with a platform to compete against global opposition.
In 2025, the tournament was a resounding
success and received support from: Kares Engineering Inc, the Office of the President, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, KFC Guyana, Star Party Rentals, Banks DIH, ENet, the Guyana Lottery Company, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Trophy Stall, Impressions, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal, Shawn’s Mini Mart, Giftland Group of Companies, Kris Jagdeo Construction Company, Montra Restaurant & Lounge, Windsor Estate, GuyOil, ANSA McAL, SuperBet Guyana, Digital Technology, Camille’s Academy, Navin and Sons Construction, Demerara Mutual Life Assurance, Continental Transportation and Environmental & Technical Solutions.
From left, Cricket Manager Robby Kissoonlall, Jayden Ganpat, Minister Collin Croal, Leon Reddy, and Hilbert Foster.
Windies Women regrouping to face Australia at Warner Park
FOLLOWING three competitive T20 Internationals in St Vincent, the West Indies Women now turn their attention to the ODI format to close out the series against the Australia Women at Warner Park in St. Kitts.
The Maroon Warriors went toe to toe with the world’s top-ranked side at the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground in a series that showcased both resilience and emerging promise. While Australia’s experience proved decisive across the series and resulted in a 3-0 victory for the visitors, the West Indies produced phases of cricket that underlined their growth and intent in a crucial year of white-ball competition.
Captain Hayley Matthews once again led from the front, contributing with both bat and ball, including a hard-fought half century in the second T20, while Deandra Dottin delivered impactful performances that reminded everyone of her match-winning pedigree, while veteran Stafanie Taylor added stability to the batting.
Coming out of the contest, West Indies’ opener Qiana Joseph was a major climber in the ICC Women’s T20 Batting Rankings, moving up 14 places to 33rd in the charts, with Taylor also moving up two places to 48th.
There are three changes from the T20 squad for the three upcoming ODIs, with Realeanna Grimmond, Ashmini Munisar and Shunelle Sawh joining in place of Eboni Brathwaite, Zaida James and Mandy Mangru.
Ahead of the opening match,
• West Indies Women’s ODI Squad vs Australia: Hayley Matthews (captain), Chinelle Henry (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector, Qiana Joseph, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Shunelle Sawh, Stafanie Taylor,
• Team Management Unit: Head Coach: Shane Deitz, Team Manager: Sheena Gooding, Assistant Coach: Ryan Austin, Assistant Coach: Damien Wright, Assistant Coach: Shane Dowrich, Physiotherapist: Ashley Stephens, Strength & Conditioning Coach: Hector Martinez Charles, Performance Coach: Dr. Nadine Sammy, Media & Content Officer: Nicholas Maitland
• Series Schedule: (All games played at Warner Park commencing at 2 PM each day)
1st ODI – Friday, March 27, 2nd ODI – Sunday, March 29 3rd ODI – Thursday, April 2
head coach Shane Deitz spoke about the team’s preparations and the challenge that lies ahead, adding,
“It’s great to be back in St Kitts for this ODI series against Australia.
We had a wonderful series against
Bangladesh here at the start of 2025 and have fond memories of this ground.
“Australia is the number one ranked team in ODI cricket and that’s a format where they’ve been
dominant for a long time, so it’ll be a fine challenge for us. We’ve been rebuilding our ODI team in preparation for the 2029 World Cup, which is a long way off, but first, we’ve got to qualify through this champi-
onship series so it’s important we get a win and some strong results here against Australia.”
Reflecting on the T20 series, Deitz highlighted several encouraging performances despite the result: “The T20 series didn’t go the way we hoped, but I saw some strong performances, particularly from the younger players. Jahzara Claxton bowled important overs and showed that she’s a capable international cricketer.
“Some of the senior players were also back to their best. Afy Fletcher bowled brilliantly at times, and she’ll have an important role to play here. Deandra Dottin was back to her big-hitting best and with the ball, bowled some important overs and took crucial wickets, so it’s good to have her back at her best again.
“Against Sri Lanka and in the T20 series against Australia, we were behind the game at times, but we fought back well and never gave up. That’s a good sign for the culture in the team, but we’ve got to execute our skills for longer periods of time.”
The ODI series in St Kitts presents a fresh opportunity for the West Indies to apply lessons learned, build longer innings and refine their execution against a dominant Australian unit.
Fans in St. Kitts are urged to come out in their numbers, with admission to all matches free of charge. While supporters throughout the region can follow each match of the thrilling series live on ESPN’s Disney+.
Lusignan Golf Club to host SBM Offshore Golf Tournament
THE Lusignan Golf Club will host the highly anticipated SBM Offshore Golf Tournament this Sunday, March 29, 2026, with a strong field of golfers expected to compete in what is anticipated to be an exciting and competitive day of golf.
The tournament will be played over 18 holes in a Medal Play format with a shotgun start scheduled for 08:00hrs.
Players will compete in two flights based on handicap, with the flights set at 0–14 handicap and 15–36 handicap, ensuring competitive play across the field.
A number of prizes will be up for grabs, including Best Net prizes
in each flight with trophies awarded for first, second and third places. Players will also compete for Overall Best Net and Overall Best Gross, along with special prizes for Nearest to the Flag on Hole #4 and Longest Drive on Hole #5.
Registration for the tournament is currently open, and interested players can contact the Lusignan Golf Club on 620-0093 to register. Registration will close at 13:00hrs on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Club PRO, Dr Joaan Deo, expressed appreciation to SBM Offshore Guyana for sponsoring the tournament and supporting the development of golf at Lusignan. She noted that corporate support
continues to play an important role in the growth of the sport and the club’s ability to host competitive tournaments for its members and invited players.
SBM Offshore Guyana is part of the global SBM Offshore group, a company specialising in floating production, storage and offloading vessels within the offshore oil and gas industry. The company continues to play a significant role in Guyana’s energy sector and has been supportive of community and sporting initiatives.
The presentation of prizes is expected to take place at approximately 12:30hrs following the conclusion of the tournament.
The West Indies Women are getting ready to face their Australian counterparts in three ODIs.
Lusignan Golf Club Captain Ayube Subhan (left), shares a handshake with Country General Manager of SBM Offshore Guyana, Martin Cheong, ahead of the upcoming SBM Offshore Golf Tournament.
Grassroots football key to long-term development – Coach Devnon Winter
WITH the Grassroots Football Programme at the Eccles EE Ground set to continue Saturday from 16:00hrs, facilitated by Coach Devnon Winter, the experienced national and club coach has stated that this introductory segment of the game is vital for long-term development.
The programme started two weeks ago as part of the ongoing inaugural East Bank Inter-Village Football Tournament organised by Sports Extra, which has seen the welcome return of competitive football to the East Bank and Soesdyke-Linden Highway corridors.
It’s been growing from the first week, which means that the youths are eager to learn and to be involved in something that is exciting.
“I do understand the importance of this segment of development and I can honestly say that this is very encouraging and exciting for me. Once this continues consistently, you are creating a base for any football development in Guyana. We need to encourage lots of grassroots programmes across the country.”
Winter stated that with Guyana’s population touching one million persons now, we
should have at least one hundred (100) grassroot programmes around the country.
Going forward, Coach Winter shared that the quantity and quality of players would increase and improve over time, but consis-
tency is required. He also alluded to the fact that proper management must be the standard.
“The pool of coaches would have to increase based on the number of players, to have a manageable player-to-coach ratio
which would ensure maximum impact and ensure quality and attention for each player.”
It was also noted that parents, former players and volunteers are important pillars to be added.
“I would like to also state that you cannot give development a break, once you have started, you have to keep going. The best teacher is the game and repetition is development. If you don’t repeat 1,000 times something you are not good in, then you would not develop.
“Equipment is also another important component of the programme and I am confident that this will grow into something big across Guyana with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, its sister ministries and the National Sports Commission, all partnering.”
Meanwhile, former Guyana Football Federation Technical Director Ian Greenwood, who now works with FIFA, dropped by the session on Saturday last and commended Winter for the programme, which he said is a positive move and should be supported.
Eleven races set for Port Mourant Easter Cup showdown
THE Port Mourant Easter Cup will now see the inclusion of the K & L Maiden race which will run at 5.5 furlongs.
A total of 11 races, including the jockey dash is set for Sunday April 5. It will be a race of great importance as it marks the second nomination day for the Guyana Cup, which is slated for August 23 at a venue to be announced.
According to the provisional programme, horses will run at approximately one mile, in the feature race and the total purse for this is $4 million. The winner will be rewarded $2 million in the Premium Asphalt Easter Cup feature.
Other races on the provisional programme are the Easter Sprint, open to all horses four years and over; the Three-Year-Old Imported; and the ‘F’ Class and Lower, open to four- and five-year-old imported horses that have not raced within the last six months, as well as six-year-olds and older that have not raced for over a year.
Additionally, other races in the programme include the Three-Year-Old and Over West-Indian Bred; the Open Three-Year-Old Native Bred; the ‘H’ Class and Lower for West Indian-bred horses that have not won in Guyana in 2025; the Three-Year-Old and Over I/J/K Class; the Open ‘L’ Class; and the Jockey Dash.
Racing will be conducted under the new Guyana Rules of Racing. Entries for the Easter Cup opened on March 25, and will close on March 27.
The Ancient County of Berbice has had mixed weather conditions, but the track in Port Mourant remains in immaculate condition. Horses have been in preparation mode ahead of the all-important Easter Cup.
Coach Devnon Winter taking the kids through the paces on Saturday, March 21st at the Eccles EE Ground.
Eleven races are on the cards for Easter Cup at Port Mourant.
From left, Akeem Greene, President Dr Irfaan Ali, Yusuf Ali and John Ramsingh at State House.
