Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 29-04-2026

Education Minister extends well

Final touches were made to school auditoriums all across the country to be able to comfortably accommodate more than 15,000 pupils who will be doing this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) today and tomorrow (Ministry of Education)

backs Guyana, rejects use of platforms to legitimise Venezuela’s

Bloc

The first 2500 feet of the Matthew’s Ridge airstrip in the Matarkai sub-district has been completed. This sees the previously earthen runway, now upgraded to a reinforced eight-inch-thick concrete surface and outfitted with a parking space for aircraft (Ministry of Public Works)

CARICOM backs Guyana, rejects use of platforms to legitimise Venezuela’s claims

-Bloc reaffirms “unequivocal support” for member state, backs ICJ process

THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has issued a firm statement cautioning against the use of regional engagements to advance Venezuela’s claim to

Guyana’s Essequibo region, reinforcing its long-standing support for Guyana’s sovereignty.

In a statement dated April 28, 2026, the regional body acknowledged recent engagements within CARICOM where material asserting Venezuela’s

claim was publicly displayed, while also noting correspondence from President Irfaan Ali raising “grave concern” over the development.

CARICOM made it clear that while member states retain the sovereign right to conduct bilateral relations, those engagements must align with the Community’s legal and diplomatic obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

“At the centre of those commitments stands the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas… [which] commits Members to the preservation of the Community’s integrity and cohesion in their external relations,” the statement outlined.

Critically, the regional bloc drew a red line on the use of its platforms in the ongoing border controversy, which is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“Community platforms and engagements should not be used, whether directly or indirectly, to advance or appear to legitimise claims that are the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings before the International Court of Justice,” CARICOM stated.

The organisation reiterated that its position on the matter remains unchanged, underscoring full backing for Guyana’s territorial integrity and the judicial process as the legitimate pathway to resolution.

“The Community’s longstanding and unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana… remains firm and unchanged.”

This stance is consistent with CARICOM’s historical position, which has repeatedly emphasised adherence to international law and peaceful dispute resolution through the ICJ.

CARICOM further stressed that member states must balance sovereign decision-making with collective responsibility, particularly in sensitive geopolitical matters that could impact regional stability.

“CARICOM remains

committed to unity, to the rule of law, and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law,” the statement read.

President Ali, in his earlier correspondence, had also warned that Venezuela’s actions, particularly the use of maps and official displays, seek to “normalise… what it has failed to establish in law,” adding that such conduct undermines confidence in peaceful resolution and international legal processes.

He further reminded CARICOM leaders of their longstanding and unequivocal support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging vigilance in maintaining the Community’s principled stance.

The Head of State also referenced the ICJ’s December 1, 2023 order, which requires Venezuela to refrain from actions that would alter the status quo in the territory involved in the controversy or aggravate the situation.

Reaffirming Guyana’s position, Ali pointed to the 1899 Arbitral Award as the legal basis for the country’s borders, describing it as a “full, perfect and final settlement.”

Guyana, he said, remains fully committed to the judicial process and expects all states, including Venezuela, to act in accordance with international law.

“At the same time, Guyana expects all states, including Venezuela, to act consistently with the principles of the United Nations Charter, refrain from provocation, and respect the ongoing judicial process,” he added.

President Ali raises alarm over Venezuela’s ‘provocative assertions’ during regional engagements

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has formally written to CARICOM’s Chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Michael Drew, raising “grave concern” over what he described as a troubling development involving Venezuela’s territorial claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region

In the correspondence dated April 28, 2026, President Ali flagged the public display of a map by Venezuela’s Acting President, Delcy Rodríguez, during official engagements in CARICOM member states, which purportedly depicts the Essequibo as part of Venezuela.

“I note with grave concern the public display… of a map purporting to incorporate Guyana’s Essequibo region as part of Venezuela,” the President wrote, warning that such actions, particularly within CARICOM settings, risk being

interpreted as tacit acceptance of Venezuela’s claim. While reaffirming Guyana’s respect for the sovereign rights of CARICOM

states to engage bilaterally with partners, including Venezuela, Ali made it clear that the use of regional platforms to advance territorial claims is unacceptable.

“The use of CARICOM engagements to project or promote a territorial claim against a Member State risks being interpreted as acquiescence or tolerance,” he stated.

The President characterised the m ove as a deliberate and calculated escalation.

“This is not a matter of symbolism alone. It is a calculated and provocative assertion of a claim that Guyana has consistently and lawfully rejected, and which is before the International Court of Justice for final adjudication. Venezuela cannot, while the

case is before the Court, seek to normalise by symbols, maps, legislation, appointments or official display what it has failed to establish in law. Such conduct does not strengthen Venezuela’s case; it undermines confidence in its stated commitment to peaceful settlement, international law, and good neighbourly relations,” the President asserted.

He further reminded CARICOM leaders of their longstanding and unequivocal support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging vigilance in maintaining the Community’s principled stance.

The Head of State also referenced the ICJ’s December 1, 2023 order, which requires Venezuela to refrain from actions that

would alter the status quo in the territory or aggravate the situation.

Reaffirming Guyana’s position, Ali pointed to the 1899 Arbitral Award as the legal basis for the country’s borders, describing it as a “full, perfect and final settlement.”

Guyana, he said, remains fully committed to the judicial process and expects all states, including Venezuela, to act in accordance with international law.

“At the same time, Guyana expects all States, including Venezuela, to act consistently with the principles of the United Nations Charter, refrain from provocation, and respect the ongoing judicial process,” he added.

PM calls for stronger psychosocial safety as Guyana advances

- urges holistic workplace standards to protect workers’ mental, physical well-being

By Shaniya Harding

THE importance of strengthening psychosocial safety alongside general workplace protections in keeping with Guyana’s ongoing transformation were among the main points highlighted by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, as he opened the Occupational Safety and Health Symposium at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Tuesday.

Celebrated under the theme, “Good psychosocial working environments: a pathway to thriving workers and strong organisation,” the event hosted a number of participants and stakeholders from the private sector and the International Labour Organization, along with occupational safety professionals, who all focused on advancing safer and healthier workplaces across Guyana.

Delivering the feature address, Prime Minister Phillips

emphasised the importance of psychosocial safety and why the collective, holistic development of Guyana’s standards in the sector should be up to international standards, especially as the country continues to see new horizons.

Noting the significance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work and this year’s theme, the Prime Minister stated that no outcome in the workforce, industry or any sector is worth

the cost of a single human life. Moreover, he cited the International Labour Organization, which he said established World Day for Safety and Health at Work to remind industry leaders and governments that even in aiming for excellence and development, it must not be done recklessly.

PM Phillips in noting the importance of this year’s theme said, “This year’s global theme is both timely and transformative. Usually, we focus on how to protect ourselves and our workplaces physically, but this year the theme asks us to look inward into the invisible architecture of the workplace itself.”

He added, “It asks us to examine workload and working hours, role parity and autonomy, the fairness of processes, and the quality of relationships between those who lead and those who labour.”

The benefits of strengthening these relationships go far beyond just creating happier workplaces. As Prime Minister Phillips highlighted, workers who are afforded the space to rest, engage with their families, and maintain a sense of personal stability are healthier, more focused, and far less prone to error. In this way, work-life balance becomes a critical safeguard, directly improving the state

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Tuesday, highlighted the importance of strengthening psychosocial safety alongside general workplace protections, as he opened the Occupational Safety and Health Symposium at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (Delano Williams photos)

of the workforce at large.

‘WORK-LIFE BALANCE IS VITAL’

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister noted that work-life balance is vital.

“It strengthens morale, reduces burnout, and creates environments where individuals can perform at their best without compromising their mental and emotional health,” he said, adding, “Therefore, the International Labour Organisation is leading the charge of a very important message, psychosocial hazards at work. Stress, burnout, harassment, poor communication, lack of control over one’s work are among the leading contrib-

utors to workplace accidents and illness and death worldwide.”

Furthermore, Prime Minister Phillips revealed that these factors are directly linked to 840,000 deaths worldwide each year. Calling these numbers ‘staggering,’ he added that Guyana has heard the call and is ready to act on it.

Speaking candidly about the journey of Guyana’s labour force and safety, he noted that a decade ago, Guyana was a different country in all aspects. As he explained, in occupational health and safety, the safety culture in many industries was often reactive, with a focus on responding to incidents rather than preventing them. Moreover, the idea of psychosocial well-being in the workplace was, for many employers, an afterthought, if it was a thought at all. With Guyana seeing more development than ever before, Prime Minister Phillips reinforced that every Guyanese employer and employee must uphold the highest internationally recognised standards of worker protection.

As he shared, “Our energy sector alone is driving demand for thousands of skilled and semi-skilled workers across construction, logistics, marine operations, engineering, and other services. And with that growth has come a firm realisation that the energy industry does not for-

Minister Anthony tells court 2020 recount figures were consistent with official records

HEALTH Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Tuesday told the court that during the 2020 national recount, he verified that the figures recorded on official Statements of Recount matched what was displayed and entered into tabulation systems.

He was at the time giving evidence in the ongoing elections fraud trial. Testifying before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, Dr Anthony said his role as a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) candidate and agent during the recount placed him in a position to directly observe the verification and tabulation of votes.

Under examination by prosecutor attorney Latchmie Rahamat, he outlined that during the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, he later acted as a recount agent for his party.

He explained that the recount process began on May 7, 2020, and was conducted at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

Dr Anthony described a structured process involving 10 workstations where ballot boxes from across all 10 electoral districts were recounted. From these recounts, official Statements of Recount were generated and forwarded to a tabulation area where he was stationed.

He told the court that in the tabulation room, multiple stakeholders were present, including members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) high-level team that supervised the recount. The CARICOM team comprised Cynthia Barrow-Giles, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill; John Jarvis, Commissioner of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission; and Sylvester King, Deputy Supervisor of Elections of St Vincent and the Grenadines. He said that Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials, party representatives and international observers were also present, adding that each Statement of Recount was projected onto a screen for all in the room to view the recorded

Defendant Denise Babb-Cummings

figures.

Dr Anthony testified that he personally compared the projected statements with copies in his possession.

“I looked at what was being projected and verified that what was being projected was the Statements of Recount that I had in my possession,” he said.

He further explained that once the figures were displayed, GECOM officials would call out the numbers and input them into an Excel spreadsheet, which was simultaneously projected on a separate screen.

Minister Anthony said he was able to observe this process clearly, noting that the officials were within his line of sight.

“I was able to see how they were entering the information on the computer, and as they entered that information, it was being displayed on the screen,” he told the court.

According to Dr Anthony, he also verified that the numbers being called and entered into the spreadsheet matched both the projected Statements of Recount and the copies he held. He said there were no discrepancies in what he observed during this process.

The court heard that each

Statement of Recount remained displayed for a period estimated between 10 to 15 minutes, allowing sufficient time for verification before the process moved forward.

The witness further testified that once the tabulation process for each district was completed, a certificate of recount was prepared by GECOM officials. He said he examined the figures on these certificates before signing them as a representative of the PPP/C.

“I then looked at the numbers, verified that those numbers were accurate… and then signed the certificate of recount,” he stated.

He explained that the Certificates of Recount included a section listing each political party, as well as a section for GECOM officials to sign, and another that allowed representatives of parties who witnessed the recount to sign. As a representative of the PPP/C, Dr Anthony said he

was permitted to sign on behalf of the party.

He confirmed that he signed certificates for all 10 electoral districts and that his signature appears on each of those documents. Minister Anthony added that after signing, he collected copies of the certificates and accompanying spreadsheets, which were stamped and signed by GECOM officials to authenticate them.

These documents, he said, were then handed over to the PPP’s Chief Election Agent, now Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustafa, in keeping with the party’s internal procedures.

The witness maintained throughout his testimony that he had an unobstructed view of the tabulation process, including the projection screens and the officials entering the data. He also stated that he was present in the room during the signing and stamping of the official documents.

During cross-examination by defence counsel Nigel Hughes, Dr Anthony was questioned about the scope of his knowledge. Hughes challenged him on whether he could speak to events outside of the tabulation room, including alleged irregularities.

In response, Dr Anthony clarified that his testimony was strictly limited to what he personally observed.

“My knowledge is limited to what happened in the tabulation room,” he said, adding that he could not speak to processes or occurrences outside that setting.

When asked whether he was aware of any missing poll books or statutory documents during the recount, Dr. Anthony stated that he could not recall and reiterated that his knowledge was confined to the materials and processes within the tabulation area.

The court also heard that Dr Anthony had previously submitted a signed statement in the matter.

His testimony forms part of the prosecution’s case in the ongoing elections fraud trial, which continues before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The trial is set to resume on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with further cross-examination of the health minister.

Those on trial include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers; former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo; former Health Minister Volda Lawrence; and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Carol Smith-Joseph. Also facing charges are former GECOM staffers Michelle Miller, Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, and Denise Babb-Cummings.

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

The prosecution, led by King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani, has argued that the defendants each played a “critical role” in attempts to inflate votes in favour of the then-incumbent A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, while reducing votes for the PPP/C.

Initial results announced by Lowenfield had declared an APNU+AFC victory, with 171,825 votes against the PPP/ C’s 166,343. However, after five months of litigation and a Caribbean Community (CARICOM)-supervised recount, the PPP/C was declared the winner with 233,336 votes to APNU+AFC’s 217,920, paving the way for Dr. Irfaan Ali’s swearing-in as president on August 2, 2020.

The fallout from the election controversy led to the termination of Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo’s contracts at GECOM in August 2021.

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

THE Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is inviting bids for a series of major market infrastructure projects across Regions Three and Four, signalling continued efforts to modernise public vending spaces and improve conditions for vendors and consumers.

According to an official invitation for bids, the projects include the rehabilitation of the East Ruimveldt Market, the construction of a new market at Pouderoyen in Region Three, the development of the Buxton/Friendship Market in Region Four, and the supply and delivery of a multi-purpose mobile waste shredder to support solid waste management.

The tender process, which is being administered through the National Procurement and Tender Administration

Bids open for major market infrastructure works PM calls for stronger psychosocial safety as Guyana...

FROM PAGE 3

give negligence, nor does it tolerate complacency.”

Regarding the development of the framework and policies that shape workers’ health and safety, the PM said much has been done and much more is in the pipeline.

Further, he said Guyana’s occupational safety systems and policies have been reviewed and strengthened as the government continues to assess improvements at the policy and legislative levels.

The aim and emphasis

Board (NPTAB), is currently open, with bids scheduled to be submitted and opened on May 20, 2026. Interested contractors are required to purchase bidding documents from the Ministry, and all submissions must meet established procurement guidelines, including a 120-day bid validity period. Late submissions will not be accepted.

The East Ruimveldt Market project has been divided into five lots, indicating a phased or multi-component approach to rehabilitation. Works are expected to target structural upgrades, improved sanitation facilities, and enhanced layout to better accommodate vendors and customers. The market, which serves a densely populated area of Georgetown has long been identified as requiring upgrades to address issues such as congestion, drainage,

and general wear. Meanwhile, the proposed Pouderoyen Market forms part of efforts to expand access to organised vending spaces along the West Bank Demerara corridor. The project, divided into three lots, is expected to deliver a modern facility with designated vending areas, improved storage, and essential amenities. The initiative is likely to benefit vendors operating in informal settings and support economic activity in the growing community.

Similarly, the planned Buxton/Friendship Market in Region Four is aimed at strengthening economic opportunities along the East Coast Demerara. The new facility is expected to provide a structured environment for small-scale traders while contributing to community development.

In recent years, government has emphasised the importance of revitalising village economies, with market infrastructure playing a central role in enabling commerce and improving livelihoods.

In addition to market construction and rehabilitation, the procurement of a multi-purpose mobile waste shredder highlights a parallel focus on environmental management. The equipment is expected to support the processing of bulk waste, reducing landfill pressure and improving overall sanitation in market areas and surrounding communities.

While specific timelines for commencement and completion are expected to be determined following the award of contracts, officials have indicated that these projects form part of a broader pro-

gramme to upgrade municipal and community infrastructure. Oversight mechanisms are also expected to be in place to ensure contractors adhere to quality standards and delivery schedules.

The announcement aligns with previous commitments by the government to enhance market facilities across the country.

Authorities have underscored the need to create safer, cleaner, and more resilient spaces for vendors, particularly in the wake of ongoing urban expansion and increased demand for commercial hubs. Upgraded markets are also seen as critical to improving food safety standards and supporting small businesses.

Additionally, efforts to improve drainage, sanitation, and waste management have featured prominently in na-

tional development plans, with agencies working collaboratively to address longstanding challenges affecting communities. The integration of infrastructure upgrades with waste management solutions reflects a more holistic approach to public service delivery.

The current tender process represents a key step in translating policy commitments into tangible projects.

Once contracts are awarded, the ministry is expected to move towards implementation, bringing long-anticipated improvements to several communities.

As the process unfolds, further details regarding project costs, timelines, and contractor selection are anticipated to be disclosed, providing greater clarity on the scope and impact of the planned works.

on developing standards go beyond energy sector workers, he said noting the importance of workers in the extractive and construction industries. However, even in these fields, he emphasised that psychosocial safety is important.

“High pressure environments where the cost of error is catastrophic, and they carry the psychological weight of working in environments of physical risk day after day often far from loved ones. These are real pressures that

affect judgement and concentration, and most critically, they can accumulate silently until they exceed a limit, we are often unaware of,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted, however, that psychosocial working environments are built on policy and leadership at every level.

In a passionate appeal, Prime Minister Phillips called on every employer in every sector and industry to make a genuine commitment to psychosocial safety as a

pillar of quality, health, safety, and environment frameworks. He further called for workplace audits to identify physical and psychological hazards, adding that managers should also be trained to lead with empathy.

He noted that his vision for worker safety standards will see rules clearly de -

fined and workers feeling that the processes governing their work are fair and transparent. The Prime Minister said these steps are not only achievable at all levels, but necessary for continued progress, noting that the backbone of Guyana’s success is its workforce. “Guyana’s trans -

formation is powered by people, the men and women whose hands and minds are building our country’s future, often at great personal sacrifice. Therefore, as much as we owe them wages, we also owe them safe environments, physically and psychologically.”

Fixing The Mindset

THE Guyana Police Force Traffic Department has released its latest figures, which are both encouraging and troubling.

Encouraging, because 331 driving under the influence (DUI) convictions in just the first months of 2026 show enforcement is alive and well and offenders are being held accountable.

Troubling, because the same figures point to a continuing, and dangerous, culture of indifference to road safety that continues to endanger lives.

Fines of more than $21.8 million might sound like a badge of success, but they’re not revenue to celebrate.

It is instead a yardstick for how common and

deeply rooted dangerous behaviour is on Guyana’s roads. Each conviction is a choice, a choice which could have easily turned tragic.

The truth is clear, alcohol-impaired driving is not just a bad decision, but a decision with consequences that can never be reversed.

It’s not new science and it’s not debatable. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time and reduces coordination. It can cause blurry vision and make it difficult for drivers to gauge distance and motion. In practice, this means late braking, bad lane discipline and an inability to react to sudden hazards. Even more worrisome is the fact that impairment

can occur below the legal limit of 35 microgrammes. Meaning, many drivers are impaired well before they think they are “over the limit.”

The law is plain. It is an offence under section 39A (1) to drive or attempt to drive a vehicle above the prescribed alcohol level. However, the continued presence of DUI cases indicates that legislation is not sufficient. Enforcement has to be visible and consistent, but has to be supported by a cultural shift that makes drinking and driving socially unacceptable – not just illegal. No less alarming is the prevalence of disregard for traffic laws in a wider area, as evidenced by such offences as parking motor vehicles in dangerous

places.

The number of tickets issued for this infraction, 1,875 in the first quarter alone, speaks volumes about the behaviour of drivers, especially in and around Georgetown.

While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, improper parking has real-world implications.

That adds to congestion, increases the risk of accidents and causes daily frustration for thousands of road users.

This is not just a question of poor infrastructure, although the lack of adequate parking in a growing urban environment is undeniable. And it’s a matter of attitude.

Too many drivers think they are entitled, and they do not follow the rules

until they are forced to by enforcement.

The tendency to seek “cover” or escape accountability when caught only reinforces a culture of indiscipline on our roads.

So the solutions have to be more than just ticketing.

As vehicle ownership continues to increase, investment in structured parking, both flat and multi-level, is a practical necessity.

Meanwhile, the likes of towing services, tiered impound fees and alternative commuting strategies such as carpooling and parkand-ride schemes deserve serious consideration, and more importantly, public buy-in.

But infrastructure and policy can only go so far. It's behaviour that counts.

Road safety is a matter of

individual responsibility. A decision by a driver to get behind the wheel after drinking, or to leave a vehicle where it can be a hazard to others, is a decision about much more than their own convenience.

The cost of these decisions is not only measured in fines, wasted fuel, or lost time. It is also measured in injuries, in lives cut short, in the lasting trauma of families and communities.

The message from authorities is simple and bears repeating, careful driving saves lives. It’s not when they’re being watched, but in that quiet moment, before they make a choice that could change everything. The question is whether drivers will listen.

UAE to leave OPEC and OPEC+ oil producer groups

THE United Arab Emirates said on Tuesday it was quitting OPEC and OPEC+, dealing a heavy blow to the oil exporting groups and their de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, at a time when the Iran war has caused a historic energy shock and rattled the global economy.

Here are some analyst reactions to the news:

GARY ROSS, CEO OF BLACK GOLD INVESTORS AND VETERAN OPEC WATCHER:

"They (UAE) have ignored quotas for the last few years and pursued a near-maximum-production policy. At the end of the day, Saudi Arabia was essentially OPEC -- the only country with spare capacity. It is nice having Russia involved to somewhat constrain its supply development."

MICHAEL BROWN, SENIOR RESEARCH

STRATEGIST, PEPPERSTONE:

"While, undoubtedly, a

pivotal event for the global energy market, the near-term implications of the move are likely to be relatively limited. As the U.S.-Iran conflict continues, and the Strait of Hormuz remains impassable, the most significant issue for the crude market is not production, but actually shipping product to where it is needed. Today's announcement does not change anything on that front.

"Still, the UAE's pre-conflict output ⁠target of 5 million barrels per day in 2027 could now prove more likely to be achieved, in turn helping crude benchmarks to normalise in shorter order once the ongoing Middle East conflict comes to an end."

OLE HANSEN, SAXO BANK

"In the short-to-medium term, the market should be able to absorb additional UAE barrels given depleted global inventories and the need to rebuild reserves. Over time, however, the departure raises a broader strategic question: if other

A view shows the logo of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) outside its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, May 28, 2024 (REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger/File Photo)

producers begin prioritising market share over quota discipline, OPEC’s ability to manage orderly markets through coordinated supply adjustments may increasingly be called into question."

JAN VON GERICH, CHIEF MARKETS

ANALYST, NORDEA, FINLAND

He said the UAE wants to produce more oil, so the move should be negative for oil prices.

When the Iran conflict ends, OPEC will not be able to control prices the way it

did in the past, he said. MONICA MALIK, CHIEF ECONOMIST AT ADCB:

"This opens the door for the UAE to gain global market share when the geopolitical situation normalises."

The exit should be positive consumers ⁠and the broader global economy, she said.

JORGE LEON, ANALYST AT RYSTAD:

"The UAE withdrawal marks a significant shift for OPEC. Alongside Saudi Arabia, it is one of the few mem-

bers with meaningful spare capacity - the mechanism through which the group exerts market influence."

"While near-term effects may be muted given ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the longer-term implication is a structurally weaker OPEC. Outside the group, the UAE would have both the incentive and the ability to increase production, raising broader questions about the sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s role as the market’s central stabiliser⁠and pointing to a potentially more volatile oil market as OPEC’s capacity to smooth supply imbalances diminishes."

AJAY PARMAR, DIRECTOR OF ENERGY AND REFINING AT ICIS:

"The UAE has been in disagreement with general OPEC policy for quite some time. So it's not a surprise, but it will certainly have a significant impact in the long term. It also signifies the general drift in ⁠the histori-

cally strong alliance between the UAE and Saudi Arabia."

SERGEY VAKULENKO, CARNEGIE RUSSIA EURASIA CENTER, FORMER GAZPROM NEFT EXECUTIVE

"The UAE has been planning to grow oil production by up to 30%, and it would be difficult to do so within the limitations of OPEC and OPEC+.

"Now is probably the least damaging time to announce it - oil ⁠prices are high, and there are genuine shortages because of Hormuz closure. After Hormuz reopens, there will be elevated demand as countries will be replenishing reserves that were drawn down since February, so prices will stay high."

"Without the UAE, OPEC will be much weaker. Other major producers, Iran and Iraq, did not maintain any substantial spare capacity. It was mostly done by UAE and Saudi Arabia." (Reuters)

Clive Thomas and Nigel Westmaas are political low-lives

LAST month, Professor Clive Thomas achieved 90 years. As part of this milestone, UG’s Faculty of Economics hosted a panel discussion. I haven’t got access to the presentation of the other panellists only that of Nigel Westmaas. I read his delivery because it was posted on Facebook.

The speech was 2,700 words. I will warn readers that if you are faint-hearted do not read Westmaas’s output. It is an incredible piece of immoral intellectualism.

Westmaas’ presentation portrays an incredibly barefaced outlook that is ugly, vulgar and dangerous. If you cannot locate Westmaas’s sickening distortion of history, please contact me at 614-5927 and fredkissoon@yahoo.com.

Westmass began his presentation with these words: “My focus today is on the economist as humanist, as public intellectual, and as political activist. I want to reflect not only on the importance of Clive Thomas’ intellectual and economic output over time, but on the concurrent deeper moral and political orientation that has guided his work for more than five – I daresay six decades.”

Westmaas spent 2,700 words tracing the politics and scholarship of Thomas over 60 years. He looked at the very beginning of Thomas’ academic life and how such a life was fused with politics. He travelled over the long years of Thomas’ political sojourn, examining his contributions to political organisations and trade unions. Here are the final words of Westmaas as he ends his presentation: “His body of work and his scholar activism continue to challenge us to think critically about development, democracy, and the responsibilities of intellectual life.”

If you come from another planet and you soaked in Westmaas’ presentation, you would never believe that on the canvas on Thomas you can find the following imprints:

1- Merge his party with the PNC that refused up to this day to apologise for atrocities committed on Thomas, himself, the WPA and Guyana as a nation

2- Became the Economic Adviser to President David Granger in the APNU+AFC government from 2015-2020

3- Became the head of Guyana’s sugar industry in the APNU+AFC regime

4- Became the head of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA)

5- Became embroiled in the racially oriented direction

of WPA since 2015

The reader of Westmaas’ offering has to be stunned by these omissions. Westmaas was so barefaced that there is not even one word in reference to the powerful figure Thomas was in the APNU+AFC government.

At the end of reading this brutal insult to Guyanese history, the reader has to ask what the reason was for cutting out five years of politics in Thomas’ life in which he became a power-wielder in the state.

It was under Clive Thomas’ chairmanship of GuySuCo that 7,000 sugar workers were instantly dismissed. Three very intimate comrades of Thomas in the WPA wrote a terrible condemnation of his attitude to the sugar workers – Andaiye, Moses Bhagwan and Eusi Kwayana. In condemning Thomas, they severely damaged his legacy which Westmaas shamelessly overlooked.

I quote from the condemnation of the three: “As foundation members of the WPA, we have watched from the sidelines and with growing unease as the government committed error after error. We were shocked beyond belief recently when severance notices were handed out to hundreds of sugar workers at the start of the Christmas season, without a plan regarding the future of the workers, their families, their communities, and the wider economy of the country.

“This disastrous decision cannot be explained away with reference to inexperience. It is callous, foolish, ill-advised and economically unfeasible. The economy of Guyana has revolved around sugar since 1815. As a country we can do better. The certainty that we could do better was the reason for the formation of the Working Peoples Alliance in 1974, and to see a government which includes the WPA falter on the most basic of ideals, gives us cause to pause and question.”

Clive Thomas chose not to apologise for what he did as GuySuCo chairman but in fact was abusive to his three WPA comrades. This is what the Stabroek News wrote about the fallout between the three WPA stalwarts and Thomas: “Their criticisms will be seen as even more damaging to the WPA whose co-leader Dr Clive Thomas is the current Chairman of GuySuCo and is clearly backing the retrenchments.”

Clive Thomas became intoxicated with the modicum of power that the PNC handed in

2015 and so smitten by power, he destroyed his legacy. His lifelong friend, Dr Maurice Odle, who spent QC days with Thomas and remained his closest political comrade right up to their time in government in 2015, wrote about him in devastating terms. Thomas, up to last year, was involved in racially charged politics. He is

no hero but a political lowlife.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions ex -

pressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily re -

flect the official policy or position of the Guyana

tional Newspapers Limited.

Over 15,000 pupils to sit NGSA today

- Education Minister extends well wishes

MORE than 15,000 pupils across Guyana are today beginning the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), with Minister of Education Sonia Parag extending well wishes ahead of the two-day exam.

Minister Parag, in a video message on the eve of the exams, extended well wishes to candidates and urged them to approach the assessment with confidence and composure.

Just days ago, the ministry confirmed that a total of 15,938

pupils were registered to sit the National Grade Six Assessment.

The minister said, “I just want to wish you all the best on behalf of myself [and] on behalf of the Government of Guyana, and I also want you to go into those exams feeling confident. Believe in yourself because we believe in you.”

Minister Parag reminded candidates that their preparation has equipped them for success.

“I know you would have been preparing for quite some time to

supply the knowledge that you would have learned all the way from grade one… in the last few months, you would have put in a lot of effort in relation to these exams,” she said.

She also sought to ease anxiety among pupils, encouraging them not to be overwhelmed by the significance of the exams. “Do not be nervous. I know it's very important… but do your best,” she urged.

Against this backdrop, Minister Parag underscored the importance of focus and careful attention during the examination process, advising pupils to read

instructions thoroughly and review their work.

“Make sure that you review your work after you're finished. Make sure that you read your questions properly and over and over and look at the instructions that the invigilators will give you as well as what's on the paper,” she said.

She further encouraged the pupils to remain calm and well-rested, noting that a clear mind is key to performing well. “Remain focused, though it's easier said than done, but don't be distracted,” she added.

The minister also highlight-

Minister of Education, Sonia Parag

ed the support system surrounding each candidate, pointing to the expectations of parents, teachers and the wider society.

“I know that your parents are looking forward to you doing very well. All of us are looking forward to you doing well,” she said.

She went on to reassure pupils of the nation’s confidence in their abilities. “We love you. We want you to do well, and I just know that you will do it.”

Complete overhaul for ‘South Road’ Dorothy Bailey Health Centre

- to deliver modern, expanded care

THE Dorothy Bailey Health Centre in Georgetown is set for a comprehensive overhaul as part of the government’s wider push to modernise primary healthcare facilities across Guyana.

The project will see the complete demolition of the existing structure and the construction of a new, modern facility de -

signed to deliver an expanded range of services, including dental, laboratory, imaging, and specialised care.

According to the construction plan, the current ageing building will be fully removed to make way for a purpose-built health centre that meets contemporary standards for safety, infection control, and patient comfort.

Site preparation will include demolition, relocation of utilities, excavation, and grading to support new foundations and upgraded infrastructure.

The new structure will feature reinforced concrete foundations, columns, and slabs, along with specialised structural elements such as radiation-protected walls for an on-site X-ray room.

These upgrades are intended to support a broader range of

diagnostic services within the community, reducing the need for patients to travel to central hospitals for basic imaging and tests.

The decision to rebuild rather than simply repair the ex -

isting facility stems from the limitations of the current building, which was not designed to accommodate modern medical technology or expanded service offerings.

The outdated infrastructure

also poses challenges for infection prevention, accessibility, and efficient patient flow, making it difficult to deliver the level of care expected in a growing urban community.

The new layout is expected to improve privacy, reduce waiting times, and create a safer environment for both patients and healthcare workers.

The Dorothy Bailey upgrade is part of a broader government investment in healthcare advancement.

Officials have indicated that these works form part of a national drive to decentralise services and bring more advanced care closer to communities.

Gov’t defends major gains in hinterland healthcare

The following is the full text of a statement from the Ministry of Health:

“The Ministry of Health notes with alarming concern the statement recently made by the President of the Amerindian Peoples’ Association, Mr Lemmel Thomas, at the recently concluded United Nations Meeting.

The Health Ministry viewed the statement as most unfortunate, disinformation, misleading and disappointing.

Mr Thomas is aware and has ready access to information from the Ministry of Health, which will prove that the Government of Guyana has made significant strides and progress in improving health for all persons in Guyana, including its First People, the indigenous Population.

One of the most recent efforts by the government to further modernise the health care system in the

hinterland was actually prevented by Mr. Thomas and his agency; the Amerindian Peoples Association, who discouraged the community leadership of Kanarang, Upper mazaruni, from approving to construct a modern hospital in the community, which would have taken access to specialised surgical and specialists care, reducing referral of indigenous patient to the city of Georgetown, creating at least four hundred additional jobs for young Amerindian youths, and improving patients’ outcomes.

That stalled project would have required community participation, materials from the communities, which would have generated much-needed revenue and would have improved the livelihood of the Amerindian people in the upper Mazaruni, Region Seven.

Here is an overview of the current health care system in the indigenous

communities. In 2010, a sub-programme was created within the ministry to coordinate health in the hinterland regions, which are predominantly inhabited by the country’s indigenous population.

There is a total of 106 Amerindian villages, 64 satellite communities and several Community Development Councils, and the ministry has a health facility in each Amerindian village and satellite communities. These health facilities are staffed and managed by residents of the villages and are supported

by other skilled personnel from the coastland, where applicable.

Improved infrastructure and diagnostics

From 2020 to 2026, the Ministry of Health has retrofitted, renovated and modernised all 172 of its existing health facilities across the regions, including those in the hinterland regions. Investment in infrastructure upgrade in the

hinterland regions alone was done at an approximate cost of $21,210.754,476 GYD.

Several facilities were upgraded from Level Two to Level Three, while others were upgraded from Level One to Level Two,

There are currently four modern Level Four facilities being constructed in Regions Two, Seven, Eight & Nine. While the govern-

ment looks at other options to build a similar facility in the upper Mazaruni district, an initiative which the Amerindian Peoples Association discouraged the community from approving the land for construction, stalling the entire process and depriving the Amerindian communities in that area of access to higher-level health care.

Gov’t defends major gains in hinterland...

CROSS-BORDER/ FRONTLINE HEALTH CARE

Guyana shares borders with Suriname to the East, Venezuela to the west, and Brazil to the south, and we do provide border/frontline health services to all nationals without exception.

Over the past five years, the Ministry has intensified community participation by decentralising its training programme to attract more indigenous persons (especially youths) to participate in the delivery of healthcare to their communities. This strategy provide a better opportunity for indigenous people to participate in managing health in the hinterland, creating more space for a greater number of persons to be trained at any given time, reduce the need for indigenous youths leaving their homes to travel to the city of Georgetown to acquire a health education, while providing

a fully paid scholarship to persons on any of the training programme, along with a stipend and a guaranteed opportunity of employment upon the successful completion of the programme.

A total of 840 people trained over the past five years, from regions 1,7, 8 and 9, have been deployed to their respective regions and are serving the people of their communities.

Speaking their native language where applicable, reintegrating with their community without any difficulty, and the ministry is satisfied that they continue to learn on the job, through the process of Continuing Medical Education and as seen on the table above, there has been an increasing number of persons being trained each year, and this trend will continue.

There are also efforts being made to have indigenous people trained at the level of medical doctors, and doctors who would

have been serving well are also allowed to specialise and return to their respective regions to serve subsequently.

In 2026, there will be an additional 434 persons enrolled in various programmes and will be deployed to their respective regions upon the successful completion of their courses.

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

The Ministry has introduced telemedicine in the hinterland regions. From December 2022 to date, the ministry has installed 130 telemedicine systems in indigenous community health facilities, bridging the gap in access to specialised consultation and general care. Through this medium, patients also have access to telepsychology and psychosocial support services.

The Ministry is also initiating the process to further expand the tele -

medicine access to the hinterland communities/ indigenous communities, to an additional 100 sites. If we do a simple comparison between the number of health facilities in Amerindian communities and the number of telemedicine sites after the installation in 2026, it tells a clear story of the status of access to health care by the Amerindian community in Guyana.

This will set Guyana apart as the leader in improving access to health care through telemedicine in this part of the world. This technology is predominantly available to Amerindian staff in remote communities, who provide health care for their people.

REFERRAL OF PATIENTS

Guyana's health care system has a clearly defined hierarchical model of health care delivery. It consists of five levels, with 1 being the lowest level at which comprehensive primary care is delivered and 5 being the highest level where tertia-

ry health care is delivered. Because of the closeness of the state of Roraima in Brazil to some of our border areas and the interrelationship of families on both sides of the border, between Guyana and Brazil, some patients will choose to ask for a referral to Brazil instead of being referred to our premier health facility, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Notwithstanding that fact, when time is of the essence, the hospital in Lethem, Region Nine, will refer a patient to Brazil for higher than a Level Four type of care, such as a CT scan, an MRI, or a neurosurgeon consultation or intervention. Once time permits and a patient is not critical, the system would refer that patient to Georgetown.

MEDICAL EVACUATION

Guyana has a medical evacuation programme which is accessible to all patients in the hinterland. Once the medical personnel have determined that a patient is critical and

needs a specialised intervention to save that life, a request is made through the established health system, and the Ministry of Health would charter and dispatch an aircraft along with an appropriate medical personnel/team to extract that patient.

This is a programme specifically designed to help patients in the hinterland regions. At no time does any patient in need of specialised care, even in an emergency, no patient is required to travel over any border, nor walk for miles without being able to access care or get a referral to higher care.

The Ministry has an annual allocation of $220,000,000 to support Amerindian emergency evacuation services.

“The Government of Guyana will continue to engage in consultation with our Am erindian communities in relation to all projects and initiatives to benefit the people of Guyana, and especially those designed for Amerindian population benefit.”

Gov’t accelerating digital shift to remove barriers to public services -

-online platforms will expand access, reduce corruption, boost accountability

MINISTER of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira has noted that the government’s digital transformation agenda is accelerating rapidly to remove long-standing barriers to public services, improve transparency and strengthen accountability.

The minister made this known while addressing a national stakeholders forum, which was hosted by her ministry, focused on strengthening access and accountability through digital platforms.

Teixeira outlined a sweeping push to modernise how citizens interact with the state, reducing geographic and economic hurdles.

The forum, which was held at the World Trade Centre, Georgetown, brought together civil society organisations, religious bodies and trade unions to examine the ongoing efforts to improve access to public services and enhance government accountability.

The minister during her remarks stated, “We are removing the structural and geographic barricades or hurdles that people face across the country.”

She went on to note that as systems are expanded, citizens will increasingly be able to access services such as passport applications and official documents online.

Teixeira said the gradual rollout of digital platforms is already helping to address longstanding issues, including access to birth registration services, which historically required travel to central offices.

As systems improve, she added, more citizens, particularly in hinterland and remote communities, are being brought into formal structures and gaining access to

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira (Elton John photos)

essential documentation.

Further to this, the minister highlighted the role of technology in reducing opportunities for corruption, citing initiatives such as the single-window system, which has streamlined processes that previously required citizens to navigate multiple agencies.

“It has removed the opportunities, in the main, for persons to request bribes or to pay bribes,” she noted.

Importantly, Teixeira said digital platforms are also improving government responsiveness by allowing real-time data collection and analysis. This enables authorities to identify community-level issues more quickly and allocate resources more effectively, moving beyond reliance on anecdotal feedback from public meetings.

While emphasising that traditional outreach efforts will continue, she described digital systems as an additional layer that allows the government to engage citizens more consistently and efficiently.

Building on this vision, Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Zulfikar Ally, said the government has already rolled out several integrated digital platforms aimed at transforming public service delivery.

He stated that efforts are now focused on creating a more customer-oriented public service,

Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally

where citizens can access services efficiently and with dignity.

“People must leave any government office in a very dignified manner,” he said.

Ally noted that key initiatives include platforms such as Citizen Connect, GovConnect, Skills Connect and an oversight monitoring dashboard, which provides real-time updates on thousands of government projects across the country.

Through this dashboard, he disclosed that officials can monitor progress, expenditures and project status without the need for costly site visits, improving both efficiency and transparency.

“We can now see in real time what is happening with projects across every sector,” he said.

He added that the decentralisation of services is also underway, with integrated service centres already operational in Regions Two, Three and Five, allowing residents to access services such as passport applications, tax payments and registration documents closer to home.

Minister Ally emphasised that these initiatives are being supported by major investments in education and digital literacy, including free training programmes and online learning platforms, to ensure that no citizen is left behind in the transition.

Further to this, Minister of Housing Collin Croal highlighted

progress on the planning and development single-window system, describing it as a “transformative initiative” aimed at streamlining approvals and improving the ease of doing business.

Previously, applicants often had to navigate as many as 13 agencies, facing delays that could stretch for months. Under this

system, approvals are being processed in a fraction of the time, with average timelines now just over a month.

Minister Croal said the platform also enhances transparency and accountability by enabling applicants to track the status of their submissions and ensuring that all stakeholders operate within clearly defined timelines.

While acknowledging challenges such as digital literacy gaps and incomplete submissions, he said the government has already reduced backlog levels significantly and continues to refine the system through ongoing monitoring and public engagement.

Two homeless after fire guts house at Johanna Cecelia

A FIRE on Sunday afternoon has left two persons homeless after completely destroying a wooden dwelling at Johanna Cecelia, Essequibo Coast.

The fire was reported around 17:54hrs at Lot 29 and ½ of 30, Okou Quarters. The structure involved was a single-flat timber building covered with corrugated metal sheets. Due to the nature of the materials, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing the house within a short period.

According to reports, the Guyana Fire Service from Anna Regina responded to the emergency, logged as Fire Call Number 58.

Firefighters acted swiftly, and as the operation progressed, Light Pump A-5 was also brought into use, drawing water from an open source nearby to assist in containing and eventually extinguishing the blaze.

Despite the coordinated efforts of the fire service, the building was complete-

ly destroyed, with all contents lost.

Residents in the area looked on as thick smoke and flames consumed the structure, with some attempting to assist before emergency responders arrived.

The property is owned by the late Vastiti Skeete and was occupied by 69-year-old Gale Dowding and 47-year-old Carlos Dowding. Both occupants managed to escape un -

harmed but were left with only the clothes on their backs. All their documents were destroyed.

They are now seeking temporary shelter as they come to terms with the situation. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, residents were urged to remain vigilant and to practice fire safety measures in their homes to prevent similar incidents.

New UK High Commissioner commits to strengthening Guyana partnership

NEWLY appointed British High Commissioner to Guyana, Joseph Fisher, has signalled his intention to deepen ties between the United Kingdom and Guyana, declaring that he is “committed to further

a visit along the Mahaica River where he observed Guyana’s biodiversity.

“I’ve also had my first glimpse of Guyana’s extraordinary biodiversity… where I had my first encounter with Guyana’s

strengthening the modern partnership between the United Kingdom (UK) and Guyana.”

In remarks following his arrival, Fisher said, “I’m delighted to be here in Georgetown,” while thanking those he met “over these first few days for their warm welcome to this beautiful country.”

The envoy confirmed that he has already presented his credentials to President Dr Irfaan Ali and is eager to begin his work.

“Now it’s time to hit the ground running,” he said, noting that he has started engaging with UK-backed initiatives locally.

Fis her highlighted early engagements with British-supported projects, explaining that he has been “meeting UK companies delivering key infrastructure projects in partnership with the Government of Guyana and supported by UK Export Finance.”

He also spoke of his early experiences exploring the country, including

from 2024 to 2025.

He previously held the position of Deputy Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary between 2022 and 2024, and served in the Cabinet Office National Security Secretariat from 2020 to 2022.

His earlier diplomatic career includes several roles within the Foreign,

Commonwealth and Development Office, including assignments in the Europe Directorate in London, the British E mbassy in Yangon, Myanmar, and with the NATO Provincial Reconstruction Team in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Outside of government service, Fisher worked as

International Development Liaison Officer in the Office of Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar between 2014 and 2017. He later served as Policy Director at the conflict resolution non-governmental organisation Inter Mediate in London.

Fisher holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in

Geography from University of Cambridge. He subsequently attended Harvard University as a Herchel Smith Fellow and held an Honorary Research Fellowship at Imperial College London. He is also a graduate of the UK Defence Academy’s Higher Command and Staff Course.

national bird, the Canje Pheasant” he said.

Fisher added that he has been sampling local cuisine, noting he has tried “fish choka, beef soup, boulanger, to mauby juice,” and expressed enthusiasm about discovering more of Guyana in the coming weeks.

He succeeds Jane Miller, who previously served as the UK’s top diplomat in Georgetown.

Guyana and the United Kingdom established official diplomatic relations in 1966 following Guyana’s independence.

According to GOV. UK, Fisher assumed office as British High Commissioner to Guyana in April 2026. He also serves as Non-Resident Ambassador-Designate to the Republic of Suriname and Ambassador-Designate to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Prior to his posting in Georgetown, Fisher worked at 10 Downing Street as Private Secretary to the National Security Adviser

‘No worker should lose life, health or dignity on the job’

- Labour Minister cautions as workplace fatalities rise, highlights need for stronger OSH framework, culture of prevention

By Shaniya Harding

MINISTER of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, has sounded a

stern warning over workplace safety, declaring that no life should be lost on the job as he highlighted the worrying rise in fatalities

so far this year.

Delivering remarks at the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Symposium on Tuesday, the minister

revealed that between January and April 2026, Guyana recorded 13 workplace deaths and 64 non-fatal incidents, describing the trend

as “deeply troubling” and unacceptable.

While acknowledging strides made in strengthening inspections, training and legislative frameworks, Griffith emphasised that the country must now move beyond reactive compliance to a culture rooted in prevention, accountability and zero tolerance for unsafe practices.

Addressing the gathering of stakeholders, the minister underscored that despite ongoing progress in occupational safety and health, recent figures point to serious gaps that must be urgently addressed.

He noted that the numbers in fatalities and incidents highlight the need for stricter adherence to safety protocols, while calling for a decisive shift in how safety is approached across all sectors.

“While we have made significant strides, the statistics for the period of January to April 2026 are deeply troubling. For this period, there have been 13 workplace fatalities and 64 non-fatal incidents,” he said adding, “This increase is unacceptable and underscores the urgent need for stricter compliance on health and safety protocols. We must therefore confront this conundrum head-on, and it demands from us a decisive paradigm shift, one that moves us beyond reactive compliance to a culture of

proactive prevention, accountability, and zero tolerance for unsafe practices.”

However, the minister noted that Guyana has already taken meaningful steps to strengthen its occupational safety and health systems.

Minister Griffith pointed to legislative frameworks and expanded enforcement activities as key pillars of progress. He also highlighted that the re-establishment of the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning has played a critical role in driving improvements, particularly through inspections and targeted interventions across all 10 administrative regions.

Speaking on the success of the bolstered framework, he noted that the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the National Occupational Health and Safety Policy of 2018 provided the legal and policy framework for safe and healthy working environments, particularly in climate-sensitive sectors.

Building on this foundation, the ministry has expanded inspections, sector-specific training, offshore inspections, and outreach activities.

“Between 2020 and 2025, the ministry conducted 6,186 occupational health and safety inspections across high-risk and low-risk sectors,” he shared before noting that during that period,

No worker should lose life...

FROM PAGE 14

more than 27,000 workers benefitted from OSH inspections nationwide, which has led to measurable improvements, including a 12.78 per cent decline in work-related fatalities and a near 50 per cent reduction in non-fatal incidents. These steps have been further strengthened through the signing of Guyana’s Third Decent Work Country Programme for 2025 to 2030, in partnership with the International Labour Organization and national social partners.

NATIONAL CONVERSATION NEEDED

Turning his attention to this year’s theme, Minister Griffith stressed that the national conversation around occupational safety and health must evolve to include psychosocial risks,

which he said are increasingly recognised as major contributors to workplace harm. He explained that issues such as stress, burnout and poor organisational culture are just as dangerous as physical hazards and must be addressed with equal urgency.

Minister Griffith noted, “For far too long, occupational safety and health has been viewed primarily through the lens of physical hazards. Today we recognise that psychosocial risks, stress, burnout, harassment, job insecurity, excessive workloads, and poor organisational culture are just as real and just as dangerous.” This is reflected globally as well, with 12 billion working days lost annually due to depression and anxiety at a cost of approximately United States dollars 12.1

trillion in lost productivity each year.

Minister Griffith also emphasised that achieving meaningful improvements in occupational safety and health requires strong leadership and a fundamental shift in workplace culture. He noted that compliance alone is not enough, and that organisations must adopt proactive strategies that identify and eliminate risks before they result in harm. As he explained, “Compliance alone does n ot protect workers. Prevention does. Prevention essentially means identifying risks before they occur, designing systems that eliminate hazards, creating environments where workers can thrive and not just survive,” he added. “OSH must not sit in the margins of organisational operations. It must be em-

bedded in our boardrooms, executive priorities, and managerial accountability.”

Looking ahead, the minister highlighted a clear vision for Guyana’s future, one in which every worker is protected and workplaces are safe, inclusive and supportive.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening enforcement and ensuring that occupational safety and health standards are applied consistently across all sectors, adding, “Our vision is clear. A Guyana where no worker loses their life, their health, or their dignity because of their work. A Guyana where workplaces are safe, inclusive, and supportive. A Guyana where organisations thrive because their people thrive.”

Further noting the lead-

ership in this vision, he added, “Under the leadership of His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, this government will continue to strengthen enforcement, and I say this unreservedly to all of our partners here today, we will continue to enforce, we will continue to strengthen enforcement and compliance in health and safety.”

Moreover, he noted that this year’s observance has been marked not only by dialogue, but by action across the country.

On Sunday the 26th, the ministry through the Occupational Health and Safety Department, hosted what has now become the largest occupational safety and health walk to date, with participation from over 51 agencies and more than 2,000 individuals united

in a powerful display of commitment to promoting a culture of safety and health. This momentum was mirrored across several regions where similar walks received strong support from both public and private sector agencies, reinforcing that safety is a shared national responsibility.

As the ministry continues a week of activities, the minister is encouraging all Guyanese to participate in the ministry’s upcoming occupational safety and health village on Main Street, as well as a job fair.

This initiative not only advances awareness and practical engagement with occupational health and safety, but also provides real opportunities for employment, with agencies on site prepared to recruit qualified individuals.

Latchman champions direct financing for Indigenous Peoples at UN Forum

GUYANA has used a prominent platform at the United Nations (UN) to highlight its model of ongoing government-supported Indigenous participation, and to urge the international community to change how multilateral institutions fund Indigenous Peoples' work and representation.

Director General of the Ministry of Amerindian Af-

fairs, Toshao of Bethany Village, and Vice-Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Sonia Latchman, presented the statement at the 25th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).

This event is taking place at UN Headquarters in New York from April 20 to May 1, 2026. She spoke during a thematic dialogue focused on

the financing of Indigenous Peoples' participation within multilateral and regional systems.

As both an Arawak leader and a senior government official, Latchman emphasised a fundamental belief that meaningful Indigenous participation at the global level cannot happen without first securing support at the national level.

- calls for systemic reform

“We cannot expect the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples at the regional and multilateral levels if they are ignored at the national level,” she told the Forum.

Latchman noted that Guyana differs from many nations because its government actively funds the participation of Indigenous leaders in international discussions.

Director General of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Toshao of Bethany Village, and ViceChairperson of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Sonia Latchman

Guyana's delegations to groups like the UNPFII, the UN Climate Change Conference (COP), and the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) include representatives from the National Toshaos Council. The NTC serves as the statutory body representing elected Indigenous leaders from over 200 Amerindian communities in Guyana.

This formal inclusion is strengthened by an annual state grant provided directly to the NTC for its operations.

Latchman described this measure as a sign of a real and ongoing partnership between the government and Indigenous Peoples, rather than a one-time or symbolic gesture.

A key point of Latchman's address was Guyana's approach to sending funds directly to Indigenous villages, avoiding bureaucratic middlemen that often slow down or dilute development financing.

She explained that, in addition to the national budget for education, health, food security, economic projects, and support for women and youth, funds are deposited straight into the bank accounts of every Indigenous village through Guyana's Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

This model, based on the LCDS 2030 framework, has already produced significant outcomes. Carbon credit revenues from Guyana's vast rainforest have provided GY$14.4 billion (about US$69 million) directly to Indigenous communities over three years.

Between 15 and 26 percent of annual carbon credit revenues have been transferred directly from the government to these communi-

ties, with those funds going into Village Sustainability Plans made and approved by the villages themselves.

In the past two years alone, $9.5 billion in climate revenues has been distributed to over 242 villages, funding roughly 1,700 economic and social projects.

While celebrating Guyana's achievements, Latchman also offered a critical perspective on the international system.

MULTILATERAL LEVEL

She acknowledged that at the multilateral level, funding for Indigenous Peoples is still fragmented, hard to access, and often flows through intermediary systems that limit speed, scale, and the direct control that communities need to drive their own development.

On behalf of Guyana, she urged the international community to establish dedicated and reliable funding for Indigenous Peoples, provide direct access to climate and biodiversity finance, and formally recognise Indigenous governance systems as legitimate and effective channels for managing and delivering development outcomes.

These requests support a broader discussion at UNPFII 25, where member states and Indigenous representatives have been looking at how structural barriers in multilateral financing continue to marginalise Indigenous Peoples.

Latchman concluded her statement with a powerful realisation drawn from experience, which also challenged multilateral institutions that are still hesitant to grant direct financial ownership to Indigenous communities.

“Guyana's experience has shown that when Indigenous Peoples are trusted with resources, we deliver,” she said.

CARPHA, Caribbean Airlines sign agreement to streamline transport of public health specimens across region

THE Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) have signed a new international cargo rate agreement aimed at improving the speed, affordability, and reliability of transporting public health laboratory specimens across the Caribbean, in a move officials say will significantly strengthen regional health security.

The agreement, signed on April 17, 2026, establishes standardised and preferential international cargo rates for the shipment of medical specimens between CARPHA Member States and the agency’s specialised laboratories. It is expected to reduce long-standing logistical and cost barriers that have hindered timely laboratory referrals across the region’s geographically dispersed 26-member countries.

Under the arrangement, specimens will be transported more efficiently to CARPHA’s referral laboratories in Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, and Jamaica, where advanced diagnostic services—including antimicrobial resistance (AMR) testing, clinical analyses, and rapid PCR testing for human, animal, and environmental samples—are conducted. Initial transport costs under the system will be supported through CARPHA’s Pandemic Fund project.

Officials say the agreement addresses persistent disparities in shipping costs and delays that have historically affected surveillance systems and outbreak response capacity. By improving predictability in specimen movement, the initiative is expected to enhance early detection of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and support faster public health interventions.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, CARPHA Executive Director, Dr Lisa Indar, said the part -

nership represents a critical advancement in regional health preparedness.

“Strong laboratory referral systems are essential to regional health security,” Dr Indar said. “This agreement with Caribbean Airlines supports faster, more reliable movement of specimens for specialised testing, helping our Member States to strengthen surveillance and respond more quickly to public health threats.”

She added that the initiative also advances equity in access to diagnostic services across the Caribbean.

Dr Gabriel Gonzalez-Escobar, Head of the CARPHA Medical Microbiology Laboratory, highlighted the operational benefits, noting that reduced delays in sample transport will directly improve surveillance continuity.

“In public health, time matters,” he said. “When specimens can be shipped more efficiently and at predictable rates, national laboratories are better able to refer samples for specialised testing and maintain continuity of surveillance.”

From the aviation sector, Caribbean Airlines Head of Sales, Cargo Division, Brian Broomes, said the airline is committed to supporting regional health systems through secure and reliable logistics services.

“Caribbean Airlines is proud to partner with CARPHA on this important initiative,” he said. “By providing a structured, reliable and secure cargo solution, we are supporting the timely transfer of critical samples… which is essential for effective testing and surveillance.”

CARPHA continues to work with its member states to strengthen laboratory capacity, surveillance systems, and coordinated outbreak response mechanisms across the region, with its medical microbiology laboratory playing a central role in specialised testing and referral coordination.

Guyana, Brazil commit to advancing energy, agriculture and infrastructural projects

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Hilton Todd, met with Laudemar Gonçalves de Aguiar Neto, Secretary for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture, at Brazil’s foreign ministry, along with Maria Cristina and Counsellor Paulo Valença

GUYANA and Brazil are moving to deepen economic and infrastructural ties, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to closer bilateral co-operation during high-level talks held last week.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Hilton Todd, met on April 24 with Laudemar Gonçalves de Aguiar Neto, Secretary for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation and Culture at Brazil’s foreign ministry, along with Maria Cristina and Counsellor Paulo Valença.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, discussions centred on strengthening bilateral relations, with particular focus on expanding trade and economic co-operation, as well as advancing road, air, and electrical infrastructural interconnection between the two countries.

Minister Todd reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to deeper integration with Brazil, highlighting the strategic importance of northern Brazil as a gateway for trade and economic exchange. He noted that improved connectivity

between the two countries could significantly enhance cross-border commerce and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Both sides also agreed to advance co-operation initiatives in key sectors, including infrastructure, energy and agriculture, signalling a shared interest in broaden ing the scope of their partnership.

Guyana and Brazil have, in recent years, strengthened diplomatic and economic relations, with increased attention on cross-border infrastructural projects such as road linkages and energy integration. The Linden–Lethem road corridor, for example, has long been identified as a critical route for facilitating trade between the Caribbean and northern Brazil, while discussions on energy co-operation have intensified as Guyana expands its power generation capacity.

Brazil remains one of Guyana’s largest regional partners, and ongoing engagement at the diplomatic level reflects a wider push by both governments to enhance regional integration, improve connectivity, and stimulate economic development across their shared border.

Technical teams mobilised as Gov’t pushes for more resilient energy infrastructure

MINISTER of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, on Tuesday, convened a high-level meeting with key power sector stakeholders to strengthen crisis management and improve responses to electricity disruptions, amid ongoing efforts to stabilise Guyana’s energy supply.

The meeting brought together executives from Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), Power Producers and Distributors Inc. (PPDI), and representatives from Wärtsilä, along with technical teams responsible for power generation, transmission, and distribution.

According to information released, discussions focused on enhancing coordination during emergencies, improving communication systems, and ensuring continuous training of personnel to better manage power-related crises.

Director General Alfonso De Armas and GPL executive management committee team leader Kesh Nandlall were among senior officials participating in the engagement.

The meeting forms part of broader government efforts to address persistent challenges in the electricity sector, including system failures, infrastructure constraints, and increasing demand.

Guyana’s power grid, managed primarily by GPL, plays a critical role in supporting economic growth but has long faced reliability issues, including periodic outages and technical faults.

Recent incidents, including system disturbances and infrastruc -

tural damage, have underscored the need for improved emergency response mechanisms and more resilient operations.

More recently, the administration has been advancing a series of expansion and modernisation projects aimed at strengthening grid resilience, including new substations, upgraded transmission lines, and the integration of smart technologies. These initiatives are intended to improve efficiency and reduce disruptions across the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS), which supplies power to the majority of the population.

Tuesday’s meeting, officials indicated, is part of a continuing push to ensure that as infrastructure expands, systems are in place to respond effectively to emergencies and maintain stable electricity supply nationwide.

‘Top Cop’ visits Fort Island ahead of historic Jubilee Flag-Raising

COMMISSIONER of Police , Clifton Hicken, on Tuesday, led a high-level team to Fort Island in the Essequibo River as preparations intensify for Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary flag-raising ceremony, a landmark event set to take place at the historic location.

The visit comes as Guyana prepares to mark its Diamond Jubilee under the theme “The Homecoming,” with

national activities expected to culminate in a symbolic ceremony at the island, long regarded as a site of deep historical significance.

Accompanying the Commissioner were Deputy Commissioner of Police ‘Operations’ Errol Watts; Commander of Regional Police Division #3, Mahendra Siwnarine; Officer-in-Charge of the Tactical Services Unit, Brian Lowenfield, and other senior officers. The team’s visit forms

part of ongoing coordination efforts to ensure security and logistical readiness for the national observance.

Located approximately 16 kilometres from the mouth of the Essequibo River, Fort Island once served as the capital of the Dutch colonies of Essequibo and Demerara during the 18th century. The island is home to the historic Fort Zeelandia, constructed in 1744, and the Court of Policy Building, erected in 1752—

Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken and team visited the historic Fort Island in the Essequibo River, ahead of the national Flag-Raising Ceremony which is set to be held there

both enduring symbols of Guyana’s colonial past.

Speaking during the visit, Commissioner Hicken said hosting the flag-raising ceremony at Fort Island carries “profound national meaning,” describing the site as a powerful representation of the country’s history, resilience, and sovereignty.

“As we prepare to cel -

ebrate Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee, Fort Island stands as a powerful symbol of our history, our resilience and our sovereignty. It is only fitting that such an important national ceremony be hosted in a place of such historic value,” he stated.

The Commissioner also emphasised the significance of staging the event in the

Essequibo region, noting that it reaffirms the area’s integral place within Guyana.

The upcoming ceremony is expected to be one of the defining highlights of the country’s Independence celebrations, with authorities working to ensure that all arrangements are in place for a seamless and memorable national event.

GPHC interns capture top regional honours for groundbreaking dengue study

A TEAM of young medical interns from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has earned regional acclaim after winning the prestigious Donald Simeon Prize at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Annual Health Research Conference, marking a major achievement for Guyana’s medical research community.

The group also secured the award for Best Guyanese Paper with their study, “From Bite to Insight: Clinical, Demographic and Laboratory Predictors of Severe Outcomes in Adult Dengue Fever Patients,” highlighting their contribution to tackling one of the region’s most persistent public health challenges.

Conducted in collaboration with the University of Guyana School of Medicine, the research was led by interns A. Amichand, O. Arjun, A. Muthu, A. Parsaud, A. Pasha, D. Raghubansi, and T. Walrond, under the supervision of R. Dubraj and R. Gobin.

Focusing on dengue fever, which remains endemic across Guyana and the wider Caribbean, the study analysed 289 adult patients with laboratory-confirmed infections who sought care at GPHC’s Accident and Emergency Department between July 2023 and January 2025. Using a retrospective and analytical approach, the researchers aimed to address a critical question faced daily by frontline clinicians: how to quickly identify patients at risk of developing severe illness. Their findings point to platelet count as the most significant predictor of severe dengue, with lower levels strongly linked to worse outcomes. Additional risk factors included older age, delayed medical attention—particularly in cases where symptoms persisted beyond eight days—and the presence

of warning signs identified by the World Health Organization. Conversely, a normal white blood cell count was found to have a protective effect.

Notably, other commonly considered factors such as gender, vital signs, liver enzyme levels, haematocrit, and pre-existing conditions like hypertension and diabetes showed no significant impact on patient outcomes within the study’s model.

The implications of the research are substantial. The findings suggest that simple, widely available laboratory tests can play a crucial role in early risk assessment, enabling better triage and faster clinical decision-making in busy emergency departments. This is particularly important in resource-limited settings, where timely intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The study also reinforces the importance of early laboratory testing and supports the strengthening of existing dengue management protocols across the healthcare system.

For the interns, presenting at the CARPHA conference marked their first opportunity to showcase their work on a regional platform. The experience provided exposure to leading public health experts and fostered meaningful dialogue on shared challenges within Caribbean healthcare systems.

Their success underscores the growing impact of young healthcare professionals in advancing evidence-based medicine. By bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, the team has demonstrated that effective solutions to complex health issues can often be found through the strategic use of accessible data.

The achievement represents a significant milestone not only for the interns but also for GPHC, the University of

Region 10 intensifies vaccination drive during Vaccination Week 2026

THE public health system in Region 10 joined with the rest of Guyana, and by extension the wider Region of the Americas, in observing Vaccination Week 2026 under the theme “Prevention is Protection, Vaccinate Now.” The local observance was also supported by the campaign message “Your Vision Makes a Difference,” which guided outreach activities across communities.

The week of activities was officially launched on April 24, with health authorities deploying vaccination teams across multiple communities within their respective catchment areas. The initiative involved coordinated walkthrough campaigns aimed at increasing awareness and improving vaccine uptake across the region.

Healthcare workers, dressed in vaccination jerseys, were stationed across villages, remote settlements, and high-traffic community areas to promote immunisation and educate residents on the importance of vaccines in preventing communicable diseases.

As part of the wider campaign, handbills containing detailed information on Vaccination Week activities were distributed, allowing for direct engagement with the public while highlighting available services and schedules. Teams also partnered with key stakeholders and organisations, expanding outreach into sawmills, schools, workplaces, mining camps, and other industrial sites.

Special focus was placed on reaching com-

munities with large migrant populations, where teams conducted both awareness sessions and on-site vaccination. In addition, school-based engagements and houseto-house campaigns were carried out to ensure broader coverage across all demographic groups.

A range of vaccines was made available throughout the week, including the HPV vaccine, which forms part of the region’s long-term strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. The vaccine was administered to persons between the ages of 9 and 45, with emphasis placed on children aged 9 to 16. Other vaccines offered included yellow fever, MMR, tetanus, and hepatitis B.

Outreach efforts also extended to interior locations such as Frenchman Backdam and the Mabura Trail, where vaccination teams collaborated with companies like Omai to deliver services directly to workers in mining operations and surrounding communities.

According to Kerene Mitchell, Vaccine Representative of Region 10, continued progress from recent interventions are being made, noting that a mop-up campaign had been successfully conducted. During that exercise, 261 doses of the HPV vaccine were administered to children within the 9 to 16 age group. Health teams also reinforced outreach through household visits and school-based awareness sessions, including recent activities along the Berbice River.

Despite ongoing chal-

lenges, particularly resistance in some sections of the population, Miss Mitchell said efforts remained consistent and focused on sustained engagement.

“We are not giving up the fight even though the resistance is still there in some sections. We will still continue to work, still continue to raise awareness. So we are making some strides in this regard,” Miss Mitchell stated, underscoring continued commitment to expanding vaccine coverage.

She added that vaccination activities will continue across the region as part of sustained efforts to strengthen immunisation coverage and public health protection.

Minister Persaud moves to improve delivery of social assistance benefits

THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is moving to strengthen the delivery of key welfare programmes, as efforts intensify to address delays and improve service to beneficiaries.

On Monday, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud, met with staff of the ministry to review gaps affecting the efficient distribution of Senior Citizens’ Pension, Permanent Disability and Public Assistance benefits.

The meeting focused on identifying challenges within the system and implementing

measures to ensure that persons in need receive their support in a more timely and reliable manner.

As part of these efforts, the ministry is advancing a new system designed to reduce the time it takes for beneficiaries to access their payments. Authorities say the initiative is expected to streamline processes and improve overall efficiency.

Minister Persaud emphasised the importance of accountability and transparency in managing public assistance programmes, noting that staff must be properly guided to uphold these standards. The

push, she indicated, is aimed at ensuring that services delivered to the public meet a higher level of efficiency and responsiveness.

Also present at the meeting were Permanent Secretary Erica Forte and other senior officers, who are expected to play key roles in overseeing the implementation of the improvements.

The ministry’s intervention comes amid ongoing efforts to enhance social protection systems and ensure that vulnerable groups receive timely and effective support.

EPA issues fines for littering as enforcement drive intensifies

THE Environmental Protection Agency Guyana has ramped up enforcement of the country’s litter prevention regulations, issuing fines to several individuals for offences committed across multiple regions.

In an enforcement notice dated April 28, 2026, the agency said the action forms part of its ongoing efforts to protect public health, safety, and the environ-

Among those listed, some offenders have complied with the penalties issued, while others remain in breach. The agency indicated that failure to comply with enforcement measures can lead to further legal consequences.

The EPA noted that incidents were recorded in several areas, including the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara, West Coast Demerara, Linden, and Mahaico -

ment, while holding offenders accountable for improper waste disposal.

According to the EPA, the individuals were cited for littering from motor vehicles— an offence that continues to pose a growing concern as roadside dumping contributes to environmental degradation, blocked drainage systems, and increased flooding risks, particularly in low-lying communities.

contributes to clogged drains, a persistent issue during Guyana’s rainy seasons.

The agency’s latest enforcement push comes amid increasing public calls for stricter action against environmental offences. Over the years, the government and environmental bodies have

intensified awareness campaigns, but compliance has remained inconsistent.

The EPA is urging citizens to adopt more responsible habits, emphasising that littering is a punishable offence under the law. Officials stressed that enforcement will continue

alongside public education initiatives aimed at changing behaviour and promoting cleaner communities.

As urban expansion and population growth place additional pressure on infrastructure and waste management systems, authorities say individual responsibility

will play a critical role in maintaining environmental standards.

The agency’s message remains clear: protecting the environment is a shared duty, and violations, no matter how small they may seem, will not be ignored.

ny, highlighting that the issue is not confined to a single locality but reflects a broader national challenge.

Environmental authorities have long warned that littering, especially from moving vehicles, not only defaces public spaces but also creates hazards for other road users.

Debris discarded onto roadways can lead to accidents, while improper waste disposal

NDMA hosts interactive sessions to launch young women into ‘tech’ leadership

YOUNG women across Guyana were encouraged to see themselves as future innovators and leaders in technology during a series of interactive sessions hosted by the National Data Management Au -

and worked in teams to design mobile application concepts, using artificial intelligence tools to develop solutions to real-world problems.

A highlight of the programme was the Women in

thority (NDMA) to mark Girls in ICT Day 2026.

Observed globally on April 23 under the theme “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future,” the initiative brought together more than 255 students and teachers from six Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions for hands-on engagement activities aimed at promoting careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The sessions, held from April 21 to 23, targeted participants from the Craft Production and Design Division, Carnegie School of Home Economics, Guyana Industrial Training Centre, Government Technical Institute, Leonora Technical Institute, and Linden Technical Institute. Organisers said the programme was designed to inspire young women while addressing the persistent gender gap in the digital sector, particularly in areas such as innovation and cybersecurity.

Participants were introduced to ICT concepts through a series of engaging activities, beginning with a “Tech Truth or Myth” icebreaker that challenged common misconceptions about the field. This was followed by collaborative exercises where students reflected on their interests

ICT Power Panel, where industry professionals shared their personal experiences, career journeys, and practical advice. The panel aimed to provide insight into the diverse opportunities available within the technology sector while encouraging participants to pursue both technical and non-technical roles.

The sessions concluded with interactive ICT and cybersecurity games, which focused on raising awareness about digital safety while showcasing the dynamic nature of careers in the field.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with students and teachers expressing interest in further career development, mentorship opportunities, and the importance of soft skills in ICT professions. Non-technical students, in particular, welcomed the message that success in ICT does not require a traditional technical background, and were encouraged to use digital tools to enhance their work and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.

The NDMA said the initiative forms part of its ongoing efforts to build digital capacity and foster greater inclusion of women in Guyana’s growing technology sector.

Ferreira, Shubham, RR openers hand PBKS their first defeat

(ESPNCRICINFO) - Shubham Dubey underlined the importance of an Impact Player, Donovan Ferreira proved why Rajasthan Royals were keen to have him traded in, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued their stellar run as RR handed Punjab Kings their first defeat of IPL 2026.

In another run-fest in New Chandigarh, where 222 played 228, Ferreira and Dubey added 77 runs off 32 balls for the fifth wicket to turn what looked like a tricky chase at one point into a cakewalk and secured victory with four balls to spare.

Yuzvendra Chahal picked

up 3 for 36, while Marcus Stoinis bludgeoned an unbeaten 62 off 22 balls but their returns weren’t enough as RR moved to third place on the points table.

Archer’s pace, Arya’s fearlessness

Priyansh Arya was coming into the game with a powerplay strike rate of 260.27. Within his first five balls, he showed why he is one of the most fearless batters going around.

He started with a spliced pull off Nandre Burger, before flat-batting him through midwicket and then following up with two of the most audacious strokes. Burger

bowled a back-of-a-length ball outside off stump and Arya stood tall and played a nonchalant on-the-up aerial back-foot punch over covers for a clean six.

The next ball was carved over backward point, before some luck got him another four. RR had raced to 29 for 0 after two.

At the other end was Jofra Archer. He started the third over with a hard length outswinger, which Arya edged to the vacant slip area. Archer

Jadeja. Through overs seven to 16, PBKS scored 95 runs, while losing Connolly and Prabhsimran.

‘The Hulk’ arrives Coming into this game, Stoinis had faced 26 balls this IPL. But he showed off once he got his chance. He smashed Archer for two sixes in the 19th over but reserved his best for the last.

Fast bowler Brijesh Sharma had gone for just 18 runs off his first three overs, his

145.1kph scorcher over deep midwicket and then going straight down the ground for six more. RR crossed 50 in just 19 balls but Arshdeep’s around-the-wicket worked as Sooryavanshi sliced him straight up and Shreyas Iyer ran back from mid-off to take a comfortable catch.

Yashasvi Jaiswal was all this while the silent spectator. As soon as Sooryavanshi departed, he went on the offensive against Arshdeep as RR raced to 66 for 1 after four

nearly yelled at his captain for not having a slip but soon got his reward as Arya sliced a 150kph thunderbolt for mid-on. Prabhsimran Singh took on Burger but wasn’t his fluent self. Despite that, PBKS raced to 65 in the powerplay.

RR’s middle-overs control Cooper Connolly was off quickly, scoring 30 off 14 balls but he misread a Yash Raj Punja googly and shanked him straight up. Prabhsimran, meanwhile, reached his fifty off 35 balls, but the RR bowlers controlled the middle overs, majorly through their two spinners, Punja and Ravindra

slower balls were gripping and hard to hit. But Stoinis smashed the bowler for 24 to power PBKS past 220 as they scored 62 in the last four overs.

RR’s Jai-Soorya on the charge

Sooryavanshi was quick off the blocks (again), smashing 43 off just 16 balls. After jamming two yorkers, he went 6, 4, 4 against Arshdeep Singh to close the opening over in style. Lockie Ferguson, playing his first match of the season, took time to find his rhythm. Sooryavanshi wasn’t giving him the time. He got a thick outside edge over slip before whipping a

overs. Harpreet Brar, the Impact Player, bowled a two-run fifth over, but Ferguson was taken for runs again with RR racing to 84 for 1 after six.

Yuzvendra Chahal strikes!

With the early punches in, PBKS fought back with the help of their spinners. Brar’s four overs cost just 25 runs, which included just one four and one six. Chahal removed Dhruv Jurel with a juicy full toss that was mistimed only as far as wide long-on. Jaiswal reached his fifty off 26 balls but soon sliced Chahal straight to long-off. Riyan Parag also started well but also holed out off Chahal for 29 off 16.

ENGLISH RACING TIPS

PONTEFRACT

08:43 hrs Or Another

09:13 hrs Infraad

09:48 hrs Jojo Rabbit

10:23 hrs On The River

10:58 hrs The Good Biscuit

11:33 hrs Finlaggan

12:08 hrs Powerful Response

SOUTHWELL

09:20 hrs Betelgeuse

09:55 hrs Bellatina

10:30 hrs Magician Of Riga

11:05 hrs Wondrous Light

11:40 hrs The Spotlight Kid

12:15 hrs Timely Affair

12:45 hrs Gold Star Gazing

13:15 hrs Tabby

BATH

11:10 hrs Savannah Smiles

11:45 hrs Dowman

12:20 hrs Binadham

12:50 hrs Eutropia

13:20 hrs Signcastle City

13:55 hrs Dash Of Class

14:30 hrs Brinton

15:00 hrs Oasis Sunrise

IRISH RACING TIPS

PUNCHESTOWN

09:30 hrs Aguellid

10:05 hrs L’evangeliste

10:40 hrs Bunting

11:15 hrs The Passing Wife

11:50 hrs The Mourne Rambler

12:25 hrs Nouvotic

13:05 hrs Gaelic Warrior

13:35 hrs Glens Anthem

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS

SCOTTSVILLE

08:20 hrs Lady Jean

08:55 hrs Flamethrower

09:30 hrs Winter Waves

10:05 hrs Phutulicious

10:40 hrs Siberian Winter

AMERICAN RACING TIPS

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Race 1 Charbon Race 2 Highly Flammable Race 3 Bush

Race 4 Turbo Launch

Race 5 Diagram

Race 6 Skara Brae

Race 7 Shoot It True Race 8 Dhsrons Beach

Riddim Squad kick off GFA KO tournament with winning start

RIDDIM Squad opened their Georgetown Football Association (GFA) knockout football tournament with a comfortable win when action kicked off on Sunday at the Plaisance Community Centre.

Mocha’s Riddim Squad eased to a 4–2 victory over Order and Discipline FC.

Kelvin Gordon starred, leading with a brace, Demani Cort and Seon Grant added the other goals.

Ken Wilson and Orin Singh scored the consolation goals for Order and Discipline.

While Campton drew with Eastveldt 1-1 in their 90-minute contest.

The next playing days are Thursday, April 30; Saturday, May 2; Sunday, May 3; and Tuesday, May 5.

The semis are set for Thursday, May 7th, and the grand finals will be on Saturday, May 9th.

The competition features 12 teams divided into four groups of three, with the top side advancing to the semi-finals.

The teams are competing for over $1 million in prizes, with $500,000 for first place, $300,000 for second, $200,000 for third and $100,000 for fourth, along with trophies and medals.

The competition is sponso red by Nalico/ Nafico Insurance and concludes on May 9th, with all games played at the Plaisance Community Centre ground.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday April 29, 2026)

83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel:225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Gujarat Titans (2) Rajasthan Royals

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored the most runs in IPL 2022? (2) Who took the most wickets in IPL 2022?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

K&S/UDFA Linden Town Week Inter-Ward football...

Finalists to be decided after tonight’s double header

FOLLOWING Monday night’s results, Blueberry Hill and One Mile half Mile teams are highly favoured to come out as the finalists, following this evening’s double header of the year’s Kashif and Shanghai Organisation/Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) Linden Town Week Inter-Ward football championship.

Set for 19:00hrs at the Bayrock National Stadium, Blueberry Hill takes on Block 22 and at 20:00hrs 30, One Mile /Half Mile will match skills with Amelia’s Ward.

Monday night’s matches at the same venue saw Amelia’s Ward and Central Mackenzie playing to a goalless draw in Group A, while Silvertown battered Block 22,

4-1, in a Group B encounter, After the first game Amelia’s Ward and Central Mackenzie played to a 0-0 draw, Slivertown blasted their way past Block 22, 4-1, as Shane Haynes got two goals, and one apiece by Shemiah Samuels and Azainneo Benjamin for the winners.

The drawn Group A encounter between Amelia’s Ward and Central Mackenzie, means that One Mile Half Mile only needs a draw to move into the final, and a draw would allow Amelia’s Ward to play for third position as the number two team in that group, at the expense of Central who were blanketed 5-0 by One Mile Half Mile in their previous clash.

Central now can only qualify should One Mile Half Mile be beaten by a six-goal

margin, to qualify to play for third and/or fourth place, come Friday night.

However, such a result is hardly likely as One Mile Half Mile only needs to win to advance to the final on Friday night.

At the same time Blueberry Hill playing in Group B with a win tonight means they will reach the final, as a loss by Block 22 effectively places Silvertown as the second team. This is based on the fact that Silvertown whipped Block 22, 4-1 on Monday night, after losing to Blueberry Hill 4-0 on the first night of this tournament, last Friday night.

The battle for the $1M prize is set for Friday after the top two teams in the groups are determined tonight.

Harpy Eagles fancying chances of win against Volcanoes

side after they resumed the day on 22 for one.

Left-arm pacer Jediah Blades struck early to dismiss Kirk McKenzie for just 12 and when Bishop accounted for the wicket of Javelle Glenn, Scorpions were in trouble at 65 for three.

Brad Barnes made 16 before he was bowled by Chase and Romaine Morris contributed 17 runs until he offered a return catch to Brathwaite to leave them precariously placed at 128 for five.

When Warrican trapped Brandon King lbw to bring his fighting innings of 63 off 144 balls to an end, the match seemed all but over at 158 for six.

However, the Scorpions were given a boost by their lower-order batters, led by an impressive half century by Odean Smith.

After Bishop prised out Peat Salmon for 28, Smith teamed up with Abhijai Mansingh to add 86 runs for the eighth wicket.

Their efforts looked set to ensure the Pride would have to bat again until Warrican dismissed Mansingh for 35. Six runs later, Smith’s ag-

gressive innings of 73 off 45 deliveries, which included seven sixes and five fours, finally ended when he was outfoxed by Bishop to leave the Scorpions 286 for nine.

The match came to an end in the very next ball, with Bishop bowling Khari Campbell for a first-ball duck.

He finished with figures of 5-72, while Warrican took 2-39.

At the Antigua Recreation Ground: Despite playing their best cricket of the competition, the Leeward Islands Hurricanes are in a struggle to avoid defeat against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

Replying to the Red Force’s mammoth first innings total of 522 for nine declared, the Hurricanes were forced to follow on after being dismissed for 345, despite a dogged century by Jahmar Hamilton and a superb knock of 90 by Karima Gore.

Pacer Anderson Phillip then ripped through the home side’s top order to leave them 160 for four in their second innings, an overall lead of just 17 runs.

GOA committee welcomes home Youth Games team

- Medal winners collect grants for performance

THE Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) on Monday welcomed back the medal laden Youth South American Games contingent from Panama.

The team was officially welcomed back to Guyana with grant awards also presented to medal-winning athletes from their campaign in Panama City.

GOA President Godfrey Munroe called on them to continue striving for success.

FROM BACK PAGE

Phillip accounted for the wickets of Kofi James for three, Gore for two and Mikyle Louis for 20, to reduce the Hurricanes to 55 for three early on.

Keacy Carty, who ended the day on 84 not out, stemmed the fall of wickets by adding 42 runs with Jewel Andrew, before the latter was dismissed by Bryan Charles for 27 to leave the score 97 for four.

Carty and skipper Justin Greaves then shared an unbroken partnership of 63 to ensure the Red Force will have to bat a second time.

Phillip has so far taken 3-30. Earlier, Hamilton smashed 121 off just 119 balls, while Gore made 90 off 98 deliveries, and were the mainstay of the Hurricanes’ first innings total.

Hamilton’s fluent inning included nine sixes and nine fours, while Gore hit 16 fours.

The Hurricanes were also supported by lower-order batters Rahkeem Cornwall, who made 38 and Cameron Pennyfeather who scored 29.

Phillip took 4-92 and Terrance Hinds 3-49 for the Red Force.

“We are pleased, from the Guyana Olympic Association side with the team’s performance. Overall, we had eight disciplines participating at these games which was quite a unique feature because not much of the countries were able to, some stronger nations. But the evolving nations had so much discipline participating, it is testimony to our strength, athletics ability and the work that you guys put in; we are here not to be critical but even in success, it is crucial for us to reflect and see even for the medal winners where we can

improve.”

He said, “Ultimately the goal is to make sure you become the best you could be, fulfilling the greatest potential with the resources available.”

Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) President, Amanda Hermonstine, says this was another demonstration of the standard of Guyana’s track and field athletes.

“As Jesse Owens said, we all have dreams but in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort; DeQuan, Ezekiel and every athlete lived that quote in Panama; to the coaches, parents, members of the GOA and by extension the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Government of Guyana, we are proud of you.”

Guyana finished 10th on the medal table with seven medals including three gold, three bronze and a silver medal.

The country fielded athletes in tennis, table tennis,

badminton, archery, chess, 3x3 basketball, boxing and athletics.

Boxing saw them collect one bronze medal by way of Ken Harvey who won his quarter-final bout against Paraguay’s Edgar Miranda in the 60kg category. In the semi-final he lost to Brazil’s Malcon Dos Santos to settle for bronze.

In track and field, Guyana won the 4x100 relay gold as well as the men’s 100-metre gold after a fabulous run from Ezekiel Millington.

Dequan Farrell also took gold in the men’s 200 metres race and set a new South American record in the event of 21.18 seconds beating the old mark of 21.28 seconds set in 2022 by an athlete from Argentina.

Gordon Thompson collected silver after finishing behind Millington in the 100-metre final.

Ebo McNeil also took bronze in the men’s 1500 metres while Guyana also grabbed bronze in the men’s 4x400 metre relay.

Fung finishes second at IFBB Pro Show in Malta

GUYANESE bodybuilder

Rosanna Fung secured a silver medal at the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) Malta Pro Show last weekend, maintaining her momentum on the professional circuit following her 2025 world championship title.

Competing in a deep field of international elites, the IFBB Elite Pro athlete delivered a performance characterised by technical precision and stage presence. While the second-place finish at the IFBB Diamond Cup narrowly

Yarrowkabra Secondary secure championship win in Pure Diamond Inc. schools tape-ball cricket

THE Yarrowkabra Secondary School along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway won the prestigious Pure Diamond Inc. Secondary Schools Tape-ball Cricket Competition, which was played on Sunday last at the National Park tarmac.

Yarrowkabra Secondary disposed of Diamond Secondary in semi-final one, while St. Joseph High got the better of Christ Church Secondary in semi-final two.

In the final, St. Joseph High won the toss and selected to bat first, they scored 47 for 6 in their allotted overs, Savir Narine top scored with 28 while Leon James took 3 wickets for 19 runs. When Yarrowkabra replied, they scored 49 for one in 3.2 overs with their captain Leon James top scoring with 31 runs while Nicholi Morris added 11, both unbeaten.

The winning team won the trophy with medals along with Leon James being judged the player of the tournament. Other sponsors of the tournament were Mike’s Pharmacy, Cummings Electrical and the

National Park’s Commission.

The next major secondary schools’ boys’ competition is set for Indian Arrival Day, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, on the National Park tarmac from

09:00hrs.

The organisers are still trying to get some sponsors to come on board.

The G.O.A.P.C. can be contacted on 672-6179.

missed the top spot, Fung’s technical team said the result provides critical data and competitive rhythm for her 2026 campaign.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport issued a statement on Monday commending Fung’s performance,

citing her role as a primary ambassador for the nation’s growing athletic profile on the European stage. Government officials noted that her consistent presence on the podium at major IFBB events has bolstered the sport’s profile in the Caribbean region.

Fung is expected to return to regional competition almost immediately. She is scheduled to headline the Roger Boyce Pro Show in Barbados, set for May 1418, where she is currently favoured to contend for the gold medal.

Cricket West Indies Championship...

Harpy Eagles fancying chances of win against Volcanoes

TABLE leaders and defending champions Guyana Harpy Eagles will be fancying their chances of recording a third consecutive victory against the Windward Islands Volcanoes heading into Wednesday’s last day of the Cricket West Indies Championship at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Resuming the day on 44-2 in their second innings, the Harpy Eagles recovered from a tricky position of 129 for six to be bowled out for 299, setting their opponents 318 for victory.

They then struck early to claim the wicket of Ackeem Auguste, as the Volcanoes ended the day on 17 for one.

The Harpy Eagles owed their fightback to opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who anchored the innings in an unbeaten knock of 117 off 297 balls.

The Volcanoes were in the ascendancy early on after capturing the wickets of skipper Tevin Imlach for 32, Kemol Savory for 12, Keemo Paul for 11 and Richie Looknauth for one, to see the Harpy Eagles collapse to 129 for six.

However, Chanderpaul and Gudakesh Motie combined in a partnership of 91 to change the momentum of the match.

And when Motie was dismissed by Kavem Hodge after scoring a crucial 53 off 66 balls with eight fours and one six, Chanderpaul added a further 52 runs with veteran Veerasammy Permaul, who made 29.

Those partnerships along with a helpful knock of 17 from Shamar Joseph helped them to carry their overall lead past the 300 mark.

For the Harpy Eagles

Kenneth Dember (3-52) and Ryan John (3-58) led the way while Gilon Tyson claimed 2-53.

The Barbados Pride gave themselves a good chance of qualifying for the playoffs in the West by demolishing the Jamaica Scorpions by an innings and 11 runs inside three days.

The Scorpions entered the third and final round in third position with a 9.8-point lead over the Pride, but will now have to wait and see if they did enough to secure the third and final qualifying spot.

Meanwhile, the Trinidad

and Tobago Red Force are well-positioned to defeat the Leeward Islands Hurricanes on Wednesday’s fourth and final day, while either the Windward Islands Volcanoes or the Guyana Harpy Eagles can snatch victory in their enthralling encounter.

At Sabina Park in Jamaica: Barbados Pride’s spinners were once again at the forefront of the Jamaica Scorpions’ demise, grabbing nine wickets in the second innings to bowl their team to an innings and 11-run victory on Tuesday’s third day.

Having been asked to fol-

low on by 297 runs, the Scorpions put up a better showing in their second innings, but it still wasn’t enough to make the Pride bat again, as they were bowled out for 286 in 70.4 overs.

Left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop grabbed five wickets to add to his four-wicket haul in the first innings to be the main destroyer, while Jomel Warrican grabbed two wickets and off spinners Roston Chase and Kraigg Brathwaite claimed one wicket apiece. It was always going to be an uphill battle for the home

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GOA committee welcomes home Youth Games team

- Medal winners collect grants for performance