*Agro-processing
*Training
*Co-investment
*Removal of corporate tax on companies providing childcare and elderly care services to encourage private investment in these businesses.
*Support for Amerindian enterprise via $5 billion Amerindian Development Fund and Presidential Grants for economic, eco-tourism and agricultural projects.
*Expansion of community-led and experiential tourism products in 56 communities, opening local hospitality and services opportunities.
By Feona Morrison
SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, has outlined major investments in security, economic diversification and electricity infrastructure as central pillars of Guyana’s $1.558 trillion Budget 2026.
The budget was presented under the theme “Putting People First.”
Speaking during an interview on Hits and Jams 94.1 Boom FM’s programme on Thursday, Dr Singh said the govern-
ment’s focus goes beyond headline figures and cash grants, and centres on creating a safe, productive and opportunity-driven society.
According to the minister, one of the most critical priorities of the 2026 budget is strengthening national security, recognising that economic progress must be matched with public safety.
“People want to be able to live in a safe society,” Dr Singh said. “When you work hard and accumulate savings, buy a home and a car, you want to know that those things are safe.”
The budget allocates significant resources to
as another important development, improving both accountability and citizen confidence.
“The body cam affords both the police officer and the citizen a level of protection and accountability that did not exist before,” Dr Singh said. “What we want is a citizen-friendly police force in whom citizens can have confidence.”
Beyond security, the finance minister placed heavy emphasis on strengthening the non-oil economy to ensure longterm stability. While Guyana continues to benefit from oil revenues, Dr Singh said lessons from other resource-rich countries show the danger of relying solely on one sector.
modernising the Guyana Police Force, including funding for new vehicles, training programmes, expanded bases and improved technological capacity.
Dr Singh explained that security planning now relies on a multi-layered approach, combining traditional policing with advanced technology and intelligence-led operations.
Among the initiatives highlighted is the Safe Country Initiative, which has seen the rollout of surveillance cameras across major roadways and junctions.
These cameras, he said, have dramatically improved law enforcement’s ability to track and intercept suspects.
“If you have somebody fleeing in a motor car from one location to another, you’re now able to trace that with technology at a speed that was never previously possible,” he noted.
The government is also expanding forensic and data analytics capabilities, allowing investigators to use scientific and technological tools to solve crimes more efficiently.
Body cameras worn by police officers were cited
room or a hamburger, there is more demand than we are currently able to supply,” he said, pointing to rising disposable incomes and a growing working population.
A major infrastructure focus of Budget 2026 is electricity generation and distribution, long considered one of Guyana’s biggest obstacles to industrial growth. Dr Singh acknowledged that unreliable power supply has plagued successive governments and limited manufacturing competitiveness.
“We have become an oil and gas producer with what I call late movers’ advantage,” he explained. “We can look at what other countries did that worked and what did not work.”
He stressed that oil revenues are being used to build competitive industries outside the petroleum sector, including gold, bauxite, agriculture and tourism.
Gold production remains strong, particularly with global prices exceeding US$5,000 per ounce, while bauxite production is expected to cross four million tonnes in 2026 with new projects in Linden and the Berbice River area.
“There are more jobs being created than we are able to find people for in Linden,” Dr Singh revealed, adding that the government is prepared to fund training programmes so that residents can take advantage of employment opportunities.
Tourism has also seen unprecedented growth, with new hotels operating at near-full capacity and increasing demand for restaurants, tour operators, transportation services and community-based tourism.
“Whether it’s a hotel
To address this, the government has already added 186 megawatts of generating capacity and is constructing a 300-megawatt Gas-to-Energy power plant at Wales. Once operational, the plant is expected to double national capacity and cut electricity costs by as much as 50 per cent.
“The cost of producing electricity will be dramatically less because we are harnessing our own gas instead of buying expensive fuel,” Dr Singh explained.
In parallel, major investments are being made to rebuild the transmission and distribution network and introduce a smart grid system to improve reliability and fault detection.
Dr Singh said these infrastructure investments will translate directly into higher disposable income for households and greater competitiveness for businesses.
From security reform to economic diversification and cheaper electricity, the finance minister maintained that Budget 2026 is designed to improve daily life while laying the foundation for sustainable development.
“What people want is opportunity,” he said. “A good job, a decent income, a safe community and the ability to live comfortably. That is what this budget is about.”
–– President Ali points to several indicators, says Guyanese paying 8.1 per cent less tax on every dollar
By Naomi Parris
GUYANESE are paying 8.1 per cent less tax on every dollar earned today compared to 2020, according to President Irfaan Ali, who, on Thursday, positioned the country’s 2026 National Budget as the latest step in a broader strategy to “shock-proof” and “future-proof” the national economy.
Examining the performance of the economy, President Ali said the effective tax rate, tax as a share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has fallen from 14.5 per cent in 2020 to 6.4 per cent in 2025, reflecting what he described as a more “people-oriented” and “predictable” tax system designed to spur investment and broaden opportunities.
“This is the average amount of tax paid on every dollar earned as income,” he explained adding, “We are paying less tax on every dollar or for that matter, Guyanese are paying almost 8.1 per cent less tax on every dollar when compared to 2020.”
The lower tax burden he said is part of a wider package of fiscal and structural reforms that, he noted, has strengthened Guyana’s resilience to global shocks while spreading the benefits of rapid growth more fairly across society.
Citing the Fragility State Index, a global annual ranking that measures how vulnerable a country is to instability, President Ali said Guyana’s scores have improved significantly between 2019 and 2025 across several key dimensions, including security, political stability, eco -
nomic performance, and human capital.
He noted that the security apparatus score improved from 13 in 2019 to six in 2025, reflecting in his view, stronger institutions, and a greater ability to manage internal and external security pressures without tipping into instability.
The factionalised elite’s indicator declined from 11 to five, which he said points to reduced power struggles and a more equitable political and economic environment.
The economy score dropped 10 to five, signalling greater stability, better capacity to withstand external shocks, and increased wealth and job creation.
Economic inequality fell from 9 to around 4.5, which he interpreted as evidence that growth is “fairer and more equitable, benefitting all, irrespective of race, ethnicity or religion”.
The human flight and brain drain indicator dropped sharply from 16 in 2019 to about 7 in 2025, which indicates that fewer skilled Guyanese are leaving and that capital flight has eased as investor confidence returns.
These international indicators he said validates the impact of what he termed successive People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) budgets that unlocked development, enhanced competitiveness, and built credibility in the global economy.
Turning to the Index of Economic Freedom, President Ali said Guyana has made “tremendous” strides in making
it easier for people and businesses to produce, trade, invest and build wealth.
He highlighted improvements in government integrity, with the score rising from 20 to almost 80, which he linked to better transparency, procurement systems, and judicial effectiveness.
The tax burden indicator, where Guyana’s score has increased reflects what he described as lower, more moderate and broad-based taxes.
“The increase in this point means that there is less tax burden. Our taxes are more moderate, broad- based and predictable, and this is important for investment. So, when we give all of these tax incentive that is how we have seen tremendous improvement in this indicator. We have a more predictable taxation system that is less dependent on human biases.”
He added: “We have a taxation system that is people oriented, people driven, that is moderate, that is broad-based, that is predictable, that investors can trust, that a system can trust. And then, of course, we have government spending, the increase in government spending is directly correlated with the efficiency that we have seen in the system, the growth in the system and the improvement in the system, and this investment in government spending is leading to more efficient and sustainable results with better value for money.”
President Ali contrasted Guyana’s performance with glob -
al trends, noting that world economic growth averaged about 3.3 per cent in 2025, with advanced economies at 1.7 per cent and developing economies at 4.4 per cent. In Latin America and the Caribbean, he said, average growth stood at 2.4 per cent.
By comparison, Guyana recorded real GDP growth of 19.3 per cent in 2025, which he described as almost six times the global average, more than 11 times the average in advanced economies; more than eight times the regional average in Latin America and the Caribbean and the non-oil GDP grew by 14.3 per cent, with notable expansions in agriculture which is up 11.5 per cent, bauxite with a growth of 53.4 per cent, gold and other mining which are up 11.6 per cent and 28.9 per cent respectively.
Meanwhile, manufacturing, construction and financial services are up by 20 per cent, 31 per cent
and 16.9 per cent respectively, while professional, scientific and technical services are up 35.7 per cent.
“That is because we are investing in the building out of human capacity and capability, the local content legislation, the local content policy that is now delivering results,” the President said adding:
“This speaks to structural resilience.
This speaks to structural transformation in our economy. And the results are there for us to see the development… the future proofing of our economy is being achieved …through the successive budgets and the policy making framework.”
SECTOR
The President also pointed to sustained improvements in the banking and financial sector; the balance of market securities climbed from $94 billion in 2020 to
$168 billion in 2025, an increase of 78.7 per cent. International reserves in 2025 stood at almost US$668 million above 2020 levels.
The capital adequacy ratio reached 16.36 per cent at the end of September 2025 more than double the 8 per cent prudential benchmark indicating that banks have sufficient capital to absorb shocks.
Non-performing loans fell from 11.1 per cent in 2019 to 1.42 per cent, suggesting borrowers are better able to service their debt.
“When you look at these indicators, it tells you a story that we have a solid and robust financial framework with the fundamentals in place to strengthen our economy, safeguard our economy, and shock proof our economy, making it more resilient; an increase in government deposit provides greater fiscal space to deliver on our commitment,” the President said.
RAGHUNANDAN Singh, an Upper-East Bank Demerara resident, on Thursday rejected claims by the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party that a WIN supporter was verbally attacked during the launch of the Hyde Park (Yarrowkabra) Homestead Project for single-parent women, saying the allegations are false and misleading.
In a statement, Singh said a video circulated on social media sought to
misrepresent an incident involving Ms Savitree Ali of Swan Turn, Soesdyke–Linden Highway. He explained that Ali presented herself at the pre-screening area for a housing initiative specifically designed for single-parent women, despite being ineligible.
According to Singh, public records show that Ali previously benefitted from state resources, having received government land through the Guyana
Lands and Surveys Commission, on which a Men on Mission house was constructed in 2025. He further stated that Ali is married, placing her outside the eligibility criteria for the programme.
“Ms. Ali presented herself at the pre-screening area for the single-parent women’s housing initiative, despite the fact that she is already a beneficiary of state resources. Pub -
lic records indicate that she received government land through the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, on which a Men on Mission house was constructed in 2025. Additionally, she is married, which places her outside the eligibility criteria for a programme specifically designed for single-parent women,” Singh said. He also accused the WIN party and its affili -
ates of mounting a massive campaign to spread lies and deflect attention, rather than uphold accountability and transparency in the management of public-interest.
“I condemn, in the strongest terms, this attempt to smear my name for performing a duty squarely aligned with safeguarding public resources and ensuring integrity in government processes. I acted in defence of the
public interest, the credibility of the housing programme, and the many single-parent women who genuinely qualify and depend on these initiatives.” Singh maintained that raising concerns about eligibility was neither improper nor unlawful, but a necessary step to protect public resources and ensure fairness and transparency in government programmes.
By Naomi Parris
THE European Union is deepening its partnership with Guyana through business missions and academic collaborations aimed at boosting agro-processing, improving food standards and creating new opportunities for young people, all while keeping climate goals in focus.
Speaking at a briefing on the EU–Guyana Partnership Initiative, on Thursday, EU Ambassador Luca Pierantoni outlined the wider vision to “foster more partnership between the European Union and Guyana,” with an emphasis on economic cooperation and business-to-business links between European and Guyanese companies.
According to the ambassador the initial mission has generated “a lot of interest
from both sides,” and three new business missions are planned for 2026, with itineraries now being discussed with EU member states.
“We are talking about partnerships that are mutually beneficial… for Europeans to increase their presence here, and for Guyanese to increase more presence in Europe.”
Joan Nadal Sastre, First Counsellor and Head of Co-operation at the EU Delegation explained that the mission back in November focused on agro-processing, which is “a top priority for Guyana.” To support this, the EU engaged Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading institutions in agriculture and food sciences.
“We had the opportunity last November to receive a
delegation from Guyana… and we were very much impressed by the efforts the government of Guyana is doing, especially regarding food production… and especially in the agro-processing part,” Ria Hulsman, an agronomist and Manager of International Co-operation with Latin America and the Caribbean at WUR.
The delegation stressed that agro-processing is aligned with Guyana’s ambition to become the breadbasket of the region and argued that technology transfer and joint processing could help raise standards and unlock new export opportunities.
From the academic side, Speaker Jouke Campen, an international project manager who specialises in protected horticulture said that within two years they would like to see Guyanese youth with higher-level expertise in areas such as food technology, food safety, food ingredients and food law with Wageningen helping to assess and harmonise standards with EU requirements.
“I would be a happy person if, after two years, there are people from Guyana that are really looking into this, to really push forward the production of Guyana… We love chocolate, we love cacao, we love avocado, we love banana. So, I think there is a huge potential for Guyana to enter the market in Europe,” he said.
The delegation strongly praised Guyana’s initiatives to involve youth and vulnerable groups in agriculture, including shade-house projects and entrepreneurship schemes.
“There’s a real empowerment of youth, and sometimes even specifically for women on gaining knowledge and to really set up your own business.
They really are empowered to become an entrepreneur,” Campen, who shared his enthusiasm and awe of the work Guyana has done, supporting youth and embracing climate-smart practises said.
THE government’s commitment to advancing a modern, digitally inclusive and secure economy was reinforced on Thursday by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, during his keynote address at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) Tech Conference, held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.
The Prime Minister, who is performing the functions of President, said that the
conference’s theme, “Operational Excellence through Digital Transformation,” aligns closely with the government’s ongoing Digital Guyana agenda.
He highlighted key elements of the ruling admin-
istration’s digital strategy, including expanding highspeed internet to 253 remote and hinterland communities, digitising licensing, registration and payment systems, and implementing broad ICT reforms to streamline public-sector operations.
“Our approach is deliberate. We are replacing fragmented processes with integrated ICT solutions and leveraging data-driven and AI-supported tools where they add clear value to our systems and institutions.”
Prime Minister Phillips also emphasised that realising the full benefits of digital transformation requires alignment from the
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali’s recent visit to the UK highlights that Guyana not just an environmental bystander, but rather a leader in global biodiversity.
The announcement of a Commonwealth Centre of Excellence on Biodiversity in Guyana, along with renewed support from King Charles III, indicates a transformative shift on the world stage.
With 87 per cent forest cover and a deforestation rate of just 0.05 per cent, Guyana has achieved what wealthier countries have struggled to do: economic development without harming the environment.
While the world has lost almost 60 per cent of its biodiversity in the last 50 years, Guyana has taken a different path.
King Charles’s active involvement in promoting Guyana’s work on climate, environment, and forestry elevates the nation from being an environmental steward to a recognised global authority.
The strategy behind this moment shows a level of sophistication that goes beyond traditional conservation. The Commonwealth Centre of Excellence will connect with similar institutions
worldwide, placing Guyana at the centre of a network that links ecosystem services to pharmaceutical development, indigenous knowledge, and market-based financing.
President Ali’s focus on creating a market-based biodiversity financing model represents fresh thinking aimed at addressing a critical global funding gap.
Traditional methods have fallen short; biodiversity credits, green bonds, and debt-for-nature swaps, those outlined in the Global Biodiversity Alliance’s five pillars, can effectively mobilise large amounts of capital.
The economic benefits are clear. Biodiversity is closely tied to pharmaceuticals, with global trade in medicinal plants exceeding $2.5 billion. Guyana, home to nearly 8,000 plant species unique to the Guiana Shield, holds a vast potential for pharmaceuticals.
By establishing a Centre of Excellence that connects biodiversity conservation with pharmaceutical research, the country develops an economic model where conservation yields real returns through bioprospecting and intellectual property development.
Incorporating indigenous peoples into this approach is not just about ethics or charity. Indigenous communities manage about 14 per cent of Guyana’s forest area and have protected these ecosystems for generations.
Their traditional knowledge is vital for effective conservation strategies. The Global Biodiversity Alliance makes this principle clear, dedicating one of its pillars to empowering indigenous peoples and local communities.
President Ali’s description of biodiversity and ecological services as “future proof” is significant. While global investment focuses on artificial intelligence, the President points to a parallel trend: the financialization of natural capital.
As climate change speeds up and pharmaceutical companies run out of traditional discovery methods, ecosystem services like climate regulation, carbon capture, and water purification shift from being public goods to assets that have value.
This fits perfectly with Guyana’s wider economic plan. The 2026 budget predicts 16.2 per cent growth while pur-
suing diversification in agriculture, manufacturing, and biodiversity services.
Oil revenues are funding clean energy infrastructure, laying the groundwork for producing value-added goods. Biodiversity financing is the next step, directing private investment into conservation while ensuring environmental protection.
The structure supporting this initiative the Commonwealth Centre of Excellence, the Global Biodiversity Alliance Secretariat in Georgetown, and the National Biodiversity Information System creates stability beyond individual governments while building local capacity. As the world approaches an “irreversible tipping point,” Guyana’s leadership becomes increasingly vital.
This is what strategic leadership looks like: identifying governance gaps, creating actionable solutions, building coalitions, and establishing institutions for long-term implementation. President Ali’s visit promotes every aspect, positioning Guyana not just as a participant in global biodiversity discussions but as a leader and key influencer.
Dear Editor,
WE are living in times where there is no dearth of data and information, yet we are exposed to a misinformation and misinterpretation overload fuelled by the usual suspects: the Opposition and its social media ‘influencers’.
When a political party creates a manifesto, it is a five-year plan. It can be defined as “a public declaration of policies and aims issued by a party or candidate before an election to outline their intended actions if elected.”
It serves as a campaign tool to persuade voters, highlighting key areas, such as economic, social, and local issues.
These documents are not legally binding, though they provide a framework for accountability and more often than not the people expect that the “promises” made therein will be delivered. The PPP/C Government delivered and, in some cases, “over-delivered” on its 2020 election promises unlike the previous coalition.
It was clearly understood by all, including the Opposition and its supporters, that there is a five-year window for the PPP/C to deliver on its promises contained in their manifesto. Therefore, why is it that there is now a new twist to the PPP/C’s manifesto?
Why is it that the opposition and its supporters expect that this government
must deliver everything now? I think this is a deliberate attempt to corrupt the minds of the gullible since they lacked any constructive criticism of Budget 2026.
Firstly, there was the misinterpretation of the pronouncements made by His Excellency, Dr Irfaan Ali with regards to the cash grant which I dealt with in my letter to the press captioned, “Weaponising the Cash Grant,” wherein I stated that, “it was an expectation based on what transpired in 2024, statements misconstrued during the election campaign and what the WIN political party fueled in the minds of people”. I think the dust is now settled on that one since the 2026 Budget has addressed that issue.
Secondly, the rate of socio-economic development unfolding in this country is unparalleled and Budget 2026 has lived up to its theme, “Putting People First.” The needs of each and every Guyanese have been addressed in this Budget, yet there are those, like the newly elected Opposition leader, who will do the usual nit-picking and conclude that it fell ‘woefully short’ of meeting citizens’ needs. Both the APNU and WIN selectively pointed to the increases in the “Because We Care” cash grant, the old age pension and public assistance as
SINCE 2020, housing has moved from being a distant dream for many Guyanese families to a tangible, reachable reality.
The allocations and measures outlined in Budget 2026 are not sudden promises, but the continuation of a deliberate, people-first housing policy that has steadily expanded over the last six years.
An allocation of $159.1 billion for housing in 2026 alone signals how central shelter and home ownership have become to national development. The government’s target of constructing 40,000 new homes over the next five years represents one of the most ambitious housing drives in Guyana’s history. These are not abstract numbers. They translate into roofs over heads, stability for families, and dignity for working people across income groups.
When viewed from 2020 to 2026, the growth of the housing sector is clear across every dimension. The Central Housing and Planning Authority has moved beyond simply
distributing house lots to accelerating turnkey home construction, responding directly to what citizens have consistently asked for: completed, livable homes. Tens of thousands of house-lots have been allocated since 2020, while the issuance of thousands of certificates of title has transformed families into legal landowners, giving them security, collateral, and peace of mind.
Housing infrastructure has expanded just as significantly. Roads, drainage, water, and electricity work in communities such as Cummings Lodge, Prospect, Great Diamond, Amelia’s Ward, Felicity and others reflect a shift away from poorly planned schemes of the past. These investments recognise that a home is more than walls, it is the environment around it.
Equally important has been the growth in housing finance access. In 2020, the low-income mortgage ceiling stood at $8 million. It was raised to $20 million during the last term, and Budget 2026 takes it further to $30 million.
This is not a symbolic increase; it directly responds to rising construction costs and allows ordinary wage earners a realistic chance at owning a home. Extending this ceiling to insurance companies further deepens access and competition, putting borrowers, not institutions, at the centre.
The housing improvement subsidies also tell a powerful story. Over the years, thousands of families have benefitted from steel and cement assistance and direct home construction. The $7.5 billion allocated in 2026 continues this support, helping families upgrade, expand, and strengthen their homes while supporting local building material industries and jobs.
What stands out most in Budget 2026 is the attention to quality of life. The $8 billion allocated for community enhancement, internal concrete roads, recreational facilities, green spaces, street lighting, and the relocation of disruptive businesses acknowledges that safe, livable communities are just as important as the houses themselves. This is a
recognition long overdue.
From 2020 to 2026, housing policy has evolved from backlog management to comprehensive community building. It reflects a government that understands that development must be measured by how people live, not just by economic statistics.
As Guyana continues to grow rapidly, especially with increased economic activity along the coast, this sustained housing expansion ensures that ordinary citizens are not left behind.
As we welcome these bold commitments, it is also important that the government continues to honour its promises, remain aligned with its manifesto, and ensure that implementation matches ambition.
If this people-centred approach is maintained, housing will remain one of the clearest examples of how development can truly put Guyanese families first.
evidence that the 2026 Budget failed to put people first. However, they conveniently ignored the rest of the Budget. In their books “people” is limited to the categories aforementioned.
They did not mention the $100 k for every new born nor the transportation grants. They failed to bring to fore the numerous benefits which these categories will enjoy.
In total, people will benefit from an approximately $150 billion in cash transfers-$150,000 per person, assuming a total population of one million persons. Is this meagre? Moreover, do people not include university students and those writing CSEC, and those benefitting from the school feeding programmes?
What the opposition and the naysayers fail to comprehend is that people refer to each and every Guyanese and we need to understand how the improvements in each and every sector will improve our lives and the Budget allocation from the $1.558 trillion ensures this.
Are these people myopic and suffer from tunnel vision? Let them do an indepth study of the Budget and they will appreciate that the Guyanese people will benefit as a whole. The Budget debate will conclusively affirm the theme of the 2026 Budget.
Let me digress a bit. I saw an opposition MP already complaining that he does not have enough time to study the budget, stating that six days is inadequate. Yet some of his colleagues were sleeping for six hours during the presentation. Furthermore, since they know so much about corruption then their debate should be easy-just provide evidences of your claims in Parliament.
Thirdly, do we want to be another Venezuela where the hyper-inflation rate is beyond calculation? Do we want another exodus of our people which occurred during the PNC dictatorship? Do we really want a situation where increasing cash transfers and wages reach a point where it is no longer sustainable?
Is it difficult to understand that oil prices are falling and may continue to fall in the near future? Is it difficult to understand that a budget must cater for changing economic realities now and in the predictable future? I do not think for a moment that the Opposition leader and the APNU leader do not understand the answers to these questions.
It is possible to promise your wife a diamond necklace on her birthday next year but financial circumstances may force you to consider a gold one instead. Should your wife be disgruntled to the extent of divorcing you?
Lastly, I could vividly recall that prior to 2015, the APNU+AFC was chanting the corruption mantra that every government contract awarded by the then PPP/C Government, contained a 20-25 per cent ‘kick-back’ element which must be delivered to the ministers. They had vowed that if elected this sum will be trimmed and the country will benefit.
But when they took office from 2015,
From page 6
we saw corruption taken to unprecedented levels. Immediately, the Durban Park comes to mind which is a stark example of corruption, lack of accountability, and financial mismanagement involving over $1.5 billion Guyanese dollars.
This is just one among the many affecting each and every sector and government agency during the Coalition’s tenure.
The irony is that no ample socio-economic development was discernible from over $1.5 trillion spent over their tenure in office. The current leader of the opposition is now echoing the corruption mantra.
In conclusion, the President has made it clear that, “…we got 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 to fulfil a series of commitments at a particular ceiling that was proposed in our manifesto that we promised the people.”
Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
THIS is the fourth installment of a series on the history of the PNC. For part one and two, see Tuesday, October 15, 2019 and Saturday, November 23, 2019 respectively.
For part three, see Saturday, July 31, 2021. All of these pieces were done for the Kaieteur News. We left off with Hoyte as the PNC leader in 1992. We now take up from that period.
Mr. Hoyte as PNC leader in 1992 was a brand-new PNC from the era of Burnham, Dr. Ptolemy Reid and Hamilton Green. Hoyte had purged the PNC of the Burnhamites when he came to power.
He did it in an extensive way so that there were no Burnhamite plotters left except Hamilton Green, and because of the maximum leadership syndrome embedded in the PNC’s psychology, Hoyte successfully expelled Green. If the PNC was a democratic party, Hoyte would have had a difficult time miniaturising Green.
Hoyte’s time as post 1992 PNC leader was fraught with nightmares for him. Even the new faces Hoyte brought in initiated guerrilla warfare against him led by Raphael Trotman. Hoyte’s staying power was sustained by slo- fyaah/ mo- fyaah (SMF). But even Hoyte’s bandwagon of SMF did not strengthen Hoyte’s power base in the PNC.
It is a misrepresentation to say that Hoyte’s created SMF. The street violence was not a plan hatched up by Hoyte himself. It started by some violence- prone younger PNC leaders of which Andy Gouveia was the main
protagonist.
It was Andy Gouveia and another person who years after became an AFC big wig (read between the lines and you would know who he is), who planned the grenade attack on channel 69 on Brickdam that killed the security guard.
The man who threw that grenade is someone I know. He was cleaning the inside of plane when Gregory Smith was about to board it after assassinating Walter Rodney.
Once the flames of MSF were burning, Hoyte’s position as leader was intact and the guerrillas were not interested in moving him. But Hoyte made a decision and with that came his downfall. The PNC went through another self-destructive stage of its life.
If Hoyte did not die, the PNC would have gone through internecine violence because a group of young Turks led by Trotman and Deborah Bakker were not prepared to have him continue as leader.
That decision was when, during the SMF, Hoyte decided to open dialogue with President Jagdeo. What happened to Hoyte when he entered his car to meet with the President was perhaps the lowest moment in the internal history of the PNC. Some PNC leaders encouraged party supporters to attack Hoyte and they almost upturned the car.
This was the first time in the history of the PNC since it was born in 1957 that there was an attack on the life of the party leader. The young Turks presented a position to Hoyte.
They came out against Hoyte meeting Jagdeo because as Raphael Trotman
put it to the PNC executives, it was not strategic to meet the President at the time because there was the possibility that the government could be consumed under the flames of SMF.
At this point, Hoyte’s life became endangered. There were quiet whispers around the leadership of the party that there were plans to hurt Hoyte.
One top executive told me this and I cannot name him because I am not sure if he would sue though I believe telling me 15 years ago that there was a plan to hurt Hoyte in 1997 is libellous. I believe Tony Vieira once publicly touched on that period in the recent history of the PNC.
From the attempt to upturn his car until he died, Hoyte ruled over a disunited PNC that the PNC never experienced before. The Young Turks finally got their way when Hoyte died. But it must be remembered the Young Turks were a creature of Hoyte. But they felt that Hoyte’s time had passed. A point for historical purpose needs to be noted.
It was during this period, Aubrey Norton became suspicious of the politics of Trotman and it was from that period, he harboured a dislike for Trotman. Once Trotman was in the AFC leadership, Norton would never have approved of AFC having a major say in renewed PNC-AFC Alliance.
Part five looks at the PNC under Corbin.
Part six will analyse the failure of the politics and power of David Granger. In part one, it was stated that there will be five parts. There will be parts six, seven and eight. In series seven, we will examine the PNC under Norton and series eight will analyse the comatose state of the PNC from September 2025.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.
GUYANA is emerging as a far more attractive destination for energy investment than neighbouring Venezuela, according to United States (U.S.) politician, Marco Rubio, who highlighted investor concerns over legal security and contract enforcement in Caracas.
Rubio noted that while Venezuela possesses vast oil reserves, international companies are increasingly inclined to channel capital into jurisdictions such as Guyana, where the business environment is viewed as more predictable.
“Venezuela has a lot of oil. They do, but there’s a lot of oil in other places too,” he said, warning that without credible guarantees, “companies are
only going to invest somewhere if they know we’re going to invest, we’re going to make our money back with a profit,” he said while responding to questions during testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday.
He noted that global energy firms will only commit funds where they can be confident of making a profit and where their assets are protected from arbitrary seizure.
“That’s what is part of this transition process, that’s part of this recovery process [which]is to normalise their industry, because, if not, they’ll just invest the money in Guyana, or they’ll just invest the money in some other part of the world that has oil.
They’re not going to risk it, “he said, adding that investors expect access to independent courts and enforceable contracts.
Rubio noted that Venezuela has fallen behind newer producers like Guyana, which has rapidly risen in prominence following major offshore discoveries.
Unless Venezuela can “normalise” its industry and strengthen the rule of law, he suggested, investors will continue to favour Guyana and other markets offering clearer legal protections and a lower perception of political risk.
Guyana’s Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Ashni Singh, told the country’s national assembly
on Monday that the extractive industries experienced some of the most significant gains, expanding by 21 per cent in 2025. Oil production for 2025 reached 261.1 million barrels, thanks to the startup of the One Guyana Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.
Dr. Singh was at the time presenting the country’s fiscal package for 2026.
He noted that the Stabroek Block, on average, produced crude oil at a rate of just below 830,000 barrels per day (bpd), with the Liza Destiny FPSO producing an average rate of approximately 134,300 bpd, the Liza Unity FPSO at 249,500 bpd, the Prosperity FPSO at a rate of 255,200 bpd, and the One Guyana FPSO at just under 191,000 bpd.
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manufacturing and services sectors, while underscoring that investments in digital resilience and skills are national priorities.
The need for a technologically skilled workforce was also emphasised as a key factor. Systems are already in place, including through ongoing training programmes such as thousands of GOAL scholarships in ICT fields and the ‘One Guyana’ Digital Initiative, which is equipping 2,000 citizens with software development and other in-demand skills.
The Prime Minister explained that digital transformation is enhancing workforce upskilling. He said that “Skills in information technology, robotics, digital finance, logistics, and systems management are increasingly essential. By investing in these skills, businesses ensure that Guyana’s labour force remains relevant and competitive in a changing global economy.”
Achievements such as the launch of Guyana’s first Internet Exchange Point (GYIXP), a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a 100-megawatt artificial intelligence data centre in Wales, the ICT Master Plan 2030, a cyber risk assessment workshop, and efforts to update the Cybercrime Act are aimed at bringing Guyana up to date with international best practices, while improving data security and strengthening the overall data ecosystem.
The importance of cybersecurity in digital transformation was also highlighted by Prime Minister Phillips. He noted that over the past decade, the government has prioritised energy, transportation, and telecommunications systems, while it has also recognised that strong cybersecurity is essential for digital resilience.
He stressed that greater digital uptake comes with associated risk, emphasising that cybersecurity must remain a central pillar of digital transformation.
“Cybersecurity is both a technical issue and a governance issue. It requires policies, procedures, training, and accountability. Our government is strengthening its cybersecurity frameworks and encouraging the private sector to do the same. A digitally connected economy is only as strong as its weakest link.”
The Prime Minister urged Guyana’s manufacturing and services sectors to fully leverage the country’s expanding digital infrastructure, highlighting that nationwide digital transformation should be matched by private-sector modernisation.
GMSA, AMCHAM Guyana and their partners were also lauded for organising the conference. Prime Minister Phillips described it as an essential forum for evaluating progress, identifying gaps, and exploring new opportunities for Guyana’s future.
He encouraged participants to engage actively, share insights, and consider practical applications of digital tools in manufacturing and services.
“Our government remains committed to creating an environment where digital innovation thrives and where the benefits of transformation are broadbased, inclusive and far-reaching… Collaboration across all sectors is vital as we strengthen resilience, improve efficiency, and position Guyana for longterm growth.” (OPM)
THE Hyde Park (Yarrowkabra) Homestead Project officially marked a major milestone on Thursday as the first twenty-seven beneficiaries received allocations for their new houses during the project’s launch.
The group, which according to the Ministry of Housing was comprised entirely of women, was allocated houses on site, signalling a strong commitment to empowering women through access to
safe, affordable housing.
The beneficiaries secured on-the-spot mortgage approvals from financial institutions present, allowing them to move swiftly toward homeownership.
The ministry said the allocations form part of the government’s broader housing drive aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities while supporting sustainable livelihoods and social inclusion.
Dozens of other persons received pre-qualification letters to follow up with financial institutions of their choice as they too move forward with the process.
The allocation of these units will continue at the ministry’s Brickdam Headquarters as the push for occupancy in the newest housing development along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway continues.
The Hyde Park Home -
stead Project places particular emphasis on creating stable communities and improving the quality of life for women-led households.
According to the ministry, the project is a holistic housing initiative designed to provide affordable homeownership while promoting sustainable living. Each unit features a shade house to support household food security and income generation, and the project prioritises women—particularly single mothers—selected through the Ministry of Housing database, as part of the government’s commitment to inclusive and resilient community development, the Ministry said.
The projects which were conceptualised by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali is being rolled out in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture and Duravilla Homes, the company responsible for the construction of the units.
A TRAGIC multi-vehicle collision on the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge claimed the life of Scott Dorwart, a 24-yearold taxi driver of Grove, East Bank Demerara, on Thursday morning.
Dorwart, employed with Safe and Reliable Cabs, was the sole fatality at the time of the accident, which also left one person in serious condition and two others with minor injuries.
All injured parties are receiving medical attention.
The Ministry of Public Works confirmed that the incident involved a total of six vehicles, including a cement-laden truck and a motorcycle.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident was caused by a mechanical failure on the truck while it was ascending the bridge’s high span. The ministry was quick to dispel speculation that the vehicle was overweight, stating that records confirmed it had passed the axle load limit prior to crossing.
“The ministry wishes to categorically dismiss any rumors or misinformation suggesting that the truck involved was overweight. Verification of records confirms that the vehicle was weighed prior to crossing and successfully passed the axle load limit. The cause of the incident has been identified strictly as a mechanical malfunction,” the ministry noted.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, emphasised the
mechanical nature of the accident. “It is clear that the truck was defective,” he said, adding that the vehicle was operated by a driver who was reportedly not properly licensed.
Minister Edghill also dismissed concerns that the bridge itself was at fault, stating, “Categorically, it was no fault in the bridge.”
He noted that 18-wheelers and long haulers, carrying heavy cargo of up to 100 tons of
equipment for the gas energy project, have crossed the bridge multiple times at slow speeds without incident.
Emergency services, including the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service, and ambulance personnel, responded promptly to the scene.
“I would like to express thanks to the various first responders—the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service, and the emergency medical teams operating with ambulances—who ensured that all individuals involved in this accident received prompt medical attention,” Minister Edghill added.
Specialised teams conducted a thorough cleanup of the bridge surface to remove debris and spilled cement, ensuring safety for motorists. Following the collision, the truck was moved to the western end of the bridge for further examination, with mechanical engineers and a senior ministry mechanic scheduled to produce an official report.
The minister expressed condolences to Dorwart’s family and extended thoughts and prayers to the injured. “Let me first of all express sympathy to the family of the individual that lost their life in this accident and also to express my thoughts and prayers to those who have been injured for their soon and speedy recovery,” Minister Edghill said. Authorities have reiterated the importance of vehicle maintenance and roadworthiness.
Minister Edghill stressed, “Defective motor vehicles that cause accidents will have a problem. Now, we’ve had a loss of life. We’ve had injuries to several persons and dam-
age to vehicles. Damage to public property will not go unnoticed. People who operate motor vehicles have a responsibility to ensure that their vehicles are serviceable, fit for road use, and is safe.”
He confirmed that any damage to the bridge caused by the collision
would be assessed and repaired at the expense of the truck’s owner and operator.
Minister Edghill has assured the public that the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge is safe and fully open for use.
“The Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge is
safe for use. It is open for use by all…,” he declared. The ministry is urging motorists to exercise caution as officials investigate the full circumstances of the accident to prevent future occurrences. Charges are expected to be laid against the truck driver.
GANESH Lewis, 46, a security guard of Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara), has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being convicted of the attempted rape of a fouryear-old boy. The conviction followed a trial before Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh in the Demerara High Court.
Lewis had faced two charges under the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03 — rape of a child under 16 years and attempted rape of a child under 16 years — arising from an incident that occurred on August 2, 2022, in a shed annexed to a barbershop.
After hearing the evi -
dence, the jury found him not guilty of the rape charge but unanimously convicted him of the alternative count of attempted rape.
In outlining the sentence, Justice Singh adopted a structured approach. A starting point of 20 years’ imprisonment was set, taking into account the gravity of the offence. Five years were deducted based on a favourable probation report, while three years were added due to the extreme youthfulness of the victim and the absence of remorse on the part of the offender.
This resulted in a final sentence of 18 years’ imprisonment. The court noted that
no time would be deducted for remand, as Lewis had been on bail throughout the proceedings.
The court also ordered that the Department of Social Services, or any appropriate counselling agency, continue
or resume counselling services for the child victim until such time as professionals determine that the support is no longer necessary.
The incident that led to the charges unfolded when a resident reportedly observed
Lewis and the child in a compromising position inside the shed near the barbershop. According to court evidence, both Lewis and the child had their pants down. The resident intervened immediately and questioned Lewis about what was taking place. Lewis then left the scene with the child.
The child’s family reported the matter to the police without delay. Lewis was arrested two days later, on August 4, 2022, and denied any involvement in the offence.
During the trial, Lewis testified in his own defence. He told the court that he had been asleep at home when the child came to him and called out. He claimed that he later went to the barbershop area to lift the child off a stool and that the resident who intervened had misinterpreted the situation. Lewis maintained that he did nothing inappropriate and that the allegations against him were untrue.
The prosecution, however, challenged his account, arguing that it would have been impossible for Lewis to hear any noise from the barbershop, as it was closed at the time and not within earshot of his home. Prosecutors contended that the resident’s testimony was credible and consistent with the physical circumstances observed at
the scene. Lewis was first charged on January 27, 2023. Following a preliminary inquiry, he was committed to stand trial on September 21, 2024, after a magistrate ruled that a prima facie case had been established. He was represented by attorney-at-law Ronald Bostwick, while the prosecution was led by State Counsel Simran Gajraj, along with State Counsel Christopher Belfield and State Counsel Geneva Wills.
A probation report presented to the court indicated that Lewis is single and has no children. It noted that he began his first romantic relationship three years ago, but it ended after two weeks due to alleged infidelity by his partner. Out of fear of a similar experience, he reportedly chose not to enter another relationship. The report further stated that Lewis has no prior convictions and continues to deny any involvement in the offence.
The victim, who was four years old at the time of the incident, is now six. In a victim impact statement read to the court, the child’s mother described the emotional toll the incident had taken on her family.
“When I first found out
LEADERS in the business sector, small business owners and entrepreneurs across Guyana are celebrating Budget 2026, which promises significant relief through tax eliminations, increased thresholds, and expanded financing options.
From agro-processors to retailers, entrepreneurs are expressing optimism about the budget's potential to strengthen their operations and boost growth.
With many Guyanese assessing their place in this year's national budget, President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce, Samantha Reid, highlighted the inclusiveness of the budget, stating that it caters for all Guyana and is equipped with tools to help build and sustain Guyanese businesses.
"As President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce, I welcome Budget 2026. The economic development that's going to derive from such a transformational budget, it is astounding. First, let me get into the economic stability that it will create, the business, the small businesses that are going to get enhanced help, and the communities that will foster growth and development," she said.
Moreover, she added that beyond businesspeople and direct impact, the budget caters for vulnerable groups and will see development outside of business, highlighting planned injection into infrastructure and care for vulnerable communities, along with cash support programmes that increase consumer spending, a key benefit for small businesses.
Recent years have seen massive growth in the number of agro-processors present in Guyana. Entrepreneur and agro-processor Doranie Camacho said the removal of corporate tax has been a highlight of the budget for her, emphasising
the strategic development outlined in the budget.
"As an agro-processor and business owner, I'm excited and thrilled with the announcement of the removal of corporate tax for agro-processors in the 2026 budget," she said.
Similarly, fellow agro-processor Daniel Anthony said the elimination of taxes for agri-businesses would have a profound impact on small businesses as this move would create more space for them to invest and grow alongside Guyana's economy.
"As a small businessowner, I want to welcome the 2026 budget due to the elimination of taxes on agri-businesses, and I really think that it complements the small businesses operation as a whole," he shared.
Small business owner Dawn Skepmire highlighted one of the pioneering additions to the budget, the increase of the tax threshold. The raising of the threshold will put money bac k in the pockets of Guyanese, and for business owners it improves investment capabilities.
"The 2026 budget has really helped me as a small business owner because of the threshold, they raised the threshold, it's more income in my pocket, so that would be very good for me," she shared.
Fellow entrepreneur and agro-processor Nickeisha Roberts expressed similar sentiments, sharing, "As a small business owner and agro-processor to be exact, because of the 2026 budget, I'm able to save more money in my pocket."
Policies like these would greatly benefit the business community. Lower taxes ensure more money can be invested back into the business, ensuring growth and a better quality of business and life.
Additionally, the budget’s support for local production and special development zones further strengthens opportunities for entrepreneurs to scale an d access wider markets.
THE Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) has announced the successful facilitation of a landmark local investment by Neurospine Services Inc., valued at almost G$1 Billion upon completion of all phases, which is expected to generate more than 50 new jobs and significantly expand Guyana’s advanced medical care capacity.
This strategic investment will establish a state-of-theart, internationally certified Institute of Neurological Sciences and Rehabilitative Centre, with a second phase to include a 150-room nursing home and a medical storage and logistics complex, press release from GO-Invest said.
It added that the facilities will provide advanced services in neurosciences, brain and spinal care, rehabilitative medicine, and geriatric nursing home care—further strengthening Guyana’s health-care ecosystem and improving access to highly specialised treatment.
At the helm of this transformative centre is renowned neurosurgeon, Dr Amarnauth Dukhi, whose expertise and dedication have been instrumental in elevating and pioneering neurosurgical care in Guyana.
The establishment of the first standalone neurological centre in the Caribbean is driven by its capacity to provide top-tier treatment to patients who previously had
to travel abroad for complex spinal surgeries and intricate brain procedures.
The release highlighted that beyond serving Guyana’s growing demand for advanced neurological care, the facility is strategically positioned to support regional referral needs, strengthening Guyana’s role as an emerging hub for specialised health services in the Caribbean.
The project, it added, aligns with the Government of Guyana’s unprecedented national healthcare transformation agenda, which includes the construction and upgrading of regional and specialty hospitals, ex-
pansion of diagnostic and treatment capabilities, major investments in digital health systems, medical education and training, and the decentralisation of services to ensure equitable access across all regions.
Peter Ramsaroop, Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, according to the press release, stated, “We are pleased to support Neurospine Services Inc. in bringing this transformative investment to Guyana.
Specialty health care is a vital and growing sector, and projects of this nature not only create meaningful employment but also elevate
the quality and availability of medical services for our people and the entire region. As Guyana continues to attract investments in advanced health care, we are building a healthier, more resilient future for all Guyanese.”
Further, it was pointed out that this groundbreaking institution will also include a dedicated rehabilitation centre and a paediatric care institute. Specialised diagnostic equipment will feature the region’s first GE Healthcare SIGNA Champion 1.5T wide-bore MRI machine, fully powered by AI technology.
Construction is progressing on schedule, with the facility expected to officially open by mid-2026.
This investment also supports the government’s broader strategy under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to modernise Guyana’s healthcare system through expanded infrastructure, technology adoption, and improved service delivery, the release noted.
President Ali underscored this vision stating, “We have invested heavily in infrastructure, in the modernisa-
tion of the healthcare system, and in developing our human capital. The focus now must be on service delivery, reliability, and ensuring that our citizens receive the type of care that we’ve invested in.”
The release added that the Neurospine Services Inc.’s project marks a significant milestone in expanding Guyana’s specialised medical capabilities and reflects the country’s growing appeal as a destination for high-value, knowledge-driven investments in the health sector.
FROM PAGE 12
what happened with my son, I felt extremely bad. I also felt hurt because the convicted person was close to us, so his actions were a betrayal,” she said.
She added that the experience brought shame and emotional distress to her child, not because of any wrongdoing on his part, but because of the attention the case attracted within the community.
“I also feel ashamed for my son, because persons in the community are aware of
what happened, and he has to live with the shame of the situation every day, even though he did nothing wrong and he was just a child,” she told the court.
The mother expressed relief at the jury’s verdict, saying the conviction brought a sense of closure and justice. “Now that Ganesh has been convicted, I feel satisfied with the decision. It has brought me significant relief, especially since the decision was not mine, but it was based on what the jurors believed happened to my son. I
think we have gotten justice,” she said.
During sentencing submissions, State Counsel Christopher Belfield urged the court to impose a custodial sentence, stressing the seriousness of the offence and the circumstances under which it was committed. He emphasised the extreme vulnerability of the victim, noting that a child of such tender years was legally incapable of giving consent.
The prosecution argued that the offence amounted to a gross abuse of trust and
authority. Belfield highlighted the psychological and emotional trauma suffered by the victim, pointing out that sexual offences against children often leave long-lasting scars that extend far beyond physical harm.
He further submitted that the crime was not a momentary lapse in judgement but a deliberate and conscious act that required intention and opportunity. This, he said, increased the gravity of the offence and justified a firm punitive response.
Belfield also underscored
the importance of general deterrence, telling the court that a strong sentence was necessary to send a clear message that sexual offences against minors would not be tolerated. Leniency, he warned, risked encouraging similar conduct and failing to adequately protect children in society.
In support of his submissions, the prosecutor relied on regional and international sentencing authorities, which consistently hold that courts must prioritise the protection of vulnerable victims over
the personal circumstances of offenders.
He concluded that the aggravating factors — the age of the victim, the breach of trust, the lasting trauma caused, and the need for deterrence — outweighed any mitigating considerations and warranted a significant custodial sentence.
After considering the submissions from both sides, the probation report, and the victim impact statement, Acting Chief Justice Singh imposed the custodial sentence.
THE Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning on Thursday welcomed the signing of a two-year Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) between Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) Inc. and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), which will result in significant wage increases and expanded benefits for hundreds of workers at the mining operation.
According to a press release, the agreement covers the period January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026, and follows extensive negotiations between the company and the union.
Discussions intensified after workers engaged in strike action over stagnant wages and concerns about working conditions at the company’s Region Seven operations. Wage adjustments were settled earlier in January, after which both parties continued working to finalise the full agreement, the press release said.
It added that under the CLA, workers will receive a 10 per cent across the board wage increase for 2025 and an 8 per cent increase for 2026. Provisions have been included to ensure that employees who may have already received increments for this year will receive reconciled adjustments.
Additionally, night shift workers will see improved earnings, with the night shift premium set at 160 dollars per hour in 2025 and 200 dollars per hour in 2026. Employees will also receive double overtime pay for work performed on Sundays and holidays.
According to the press release, the Agreement introduces enhanced welfare benefits, including increased meal allowances, eight paid sick days per year with compensation for unused days, and company paid transportation for workers travelling to and from the mining site when scheduled flights are cancelled. Hourly paid workers will also benefit from an improved vacation allowance, which has increased from four per cent to six per cent of the previous year’s gross earnings. The agreement further provides for paid severance in cases where workers are medically discharged after all other options have been exhausted.
Meanwhile, NAACIE General Secretary, Dawchan Nagasar, described the signing as historic, noting that it is the first comprehensive Collective Labour Agreement concluded between a Guyanese trade union and a gold mining company.
He explained that both parties had to adjust to new management structures and processes during the negotiation period, the press release said.
It added that the Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, welcomed the agreement and described it as timely and aligned with national labour objectives.
Also, he highlighted that its conclusion reflects the perseverance of workers, the Union, and the company and is consistent with the labour priorities outlined in Budget 2026. These priorities include strengthening collective bargaining, improving working conditions across
the productive sectors, and expanding institutional support for worker welfare.
Minister Griffith reaffirmed the Government of Guyana’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring that the mining sector continues to benefit from stable and constructive labour
relations.
AGM General Mana ger, Carl Chen, also expressed satisfaction with the conclusion of the Agreement and welcomed the strengthened provisions for employees.
The press release emphasised the ministry’s commitment to
Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith pose with representatives of Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) Inc. and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) following Thursday’s signing of a historic two-year Collective Labour Agreement (CLA)
promoting decent work, advancing orderly negotiation processes, and ensuring that workers benefit meaningfully from the continued growth of Guyana’s economy.
THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, has filed an appeal challenging the dismissal of fraud charges against David Patterson, the former Public Infrastructure Minister under the previous A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government, and the former General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), Rawlston Adams.
The joint charge stemmed from an alleged conspiracy to defraud DHBC of $162,635,015 between November 18, 2016, and February 1, 2018, as part of a feasibility study for a new Demerara River bridge. Patterson and Adams were accused of conspiring with each other and unidentified
individuals to misappropriate funds from the corporation’s Asphalt Plant account for a project that fell outside the DHBC’s mandate.
On January 17, 2025, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly of the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support allegations of a fraudulent agreement between Patterson and Adams. Consequently, both
were found not guilty of the charge.
In response to the ruling, the DPP has filed a Notice of Appeal with the Court of Appeal requesting that the decision be overturned. Additionally, the DPP seeks an order for Patterson and Adams to bear the costs of the appeal. The court has yet to set a date for the hearing of this case.
The fraud allegations
were triggered by findings from the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), which investigated the Auditor General’s Report for the 2016 fiscal year.
The report revealed that the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) had violated the Procurement Act by awarding a contract in 2016 to LievenseCSO Engineering Contracting BV, a Dutch company, for the
feasibility study and design of the new bridge, bypassing the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board’s (NPTAB) recommendation to retender the project. Despite the irregularities, the MoPI, under Patterson’s leadership, defended the decision to sole-source the contract, citing the urgency of completing the bridge and asserting that Cabinet had approved the selection of LievenseCSO.
The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) later launched an investigation into the matter, leading to the charges against Patterson and Adams in January 2021. Both men were granted bail in the amount of $200,000 pending the trial's outcome.
The PPC's 12-page report, titled Investigation into the Procurement of Consultancy Services for the
Feasibility Study and Design of the New Demerara River Bridge, concluded: “Based on practice, this award of a contract…to LIEVENSECSO ENGINEERING CONTRACTING BV, by the DHBC, should have been administered by the NPTAB. If, indeed, the MoPI had considered that this project was under its purview, the same requirements would have been applicable.”
According to the PPC, Section 17 subsection 1 of the Procurement Act states that NPTAB is responsible for exercising jurisdiction over tenders, which exceed the amounts prescribed in the procurement regulations. The regulations state that, for the MoPI, consultancy projects that cost in excess $5 million must be administered by the NPTAB, the PPC noted.
SENIOR officials from the Ministry of Education (MoE) carried out spot checks at several primary schools participating in the National Breakfast Programme, reviewing the quality of food served to pupils.
The ministry, on its Facebook page, said the impromptu visits by the officials add an additional layer of scrutiny for the programme, with them taste-testing, and inspecting the food and beverages.
Starting on Thursday morning, Deputy Chief Education Officer (DCEO) for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Ritesh Tularam, stopped by the Enterprise Primary School. At the time, the supplier was serving cereal with chocolate milk, along with boiled and fried channa and apple juice.
According to the MoE, the DCEO-
TVET’s checks revealed that the meals were fresh, tasty, had good portions and had proper packaging.
At the Friendship Primary School on the East Coast of Demerara, DCEO-Administration, Tiffany Harvey, reported positively on the packaging, menu compliance and the quality of meals being served.
However, a recommendation was made for the establishment of a properly organised area for the daily storage of breakfast items prior to distribution. It was stated that this will further strengthen safety, hygiene, and efficiency in the programme.
Checks were also conducted by the Director of the School Boards Secretariat, Volika Jaikishun, at the St. Stephen’s Primary School in Georgetown; Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO),
Devendre Persaud, at Smith Memorial Primary School; ACEO-Secondary, Sherwin Blackman; Director of the National Education Centre for Educational Resource Development, Oma Ramdin and Chief Schools’ Inspector, Renita Barnes who visited other schools on Thursday.
The Ministry of Education is urging persons, who notice that suppliers are not delivering as they should, to contact education official on 707-1199 and make a report.
- says it reflects strong policy continuity, responsible use of energy resources
THE President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber, Manniram Prashad, has welcomed the Government’s Budget 2026, noting that it reinforces a clear national strategy to responsibly monetise petroleum resources while driving energy transformation, industrial expansion, and long-term competitiveness.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the Chamber said the budget which was unveiled earlier this week, reflects strong policy continuity and a disciplined commitment to using oil and gas revenues as a platform for structural economic change, including energy security, lower production costs, and enhanced private sector growth.
The Chamber noted Government’s continued focus on strengthening the national oil and gas framework through robust regulation, improved technical capacity, and transparency, ensuring that the sector remains well governed and internationally credible.
It added that the budget also highlights the country’s sustained production out -
look and expanding development pipeline in the Stabroek Block, including continued progression of new FPSOs and regulatory review of additional projects that will increase national capacity over time.
This approach, it was pointed out, supports investor confidence while ensuring that petroleum wealth translates into long-term national value.
Meanwhile, the Chamber said it strongly welcomes government’s continued prioritisation of the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project at Wales, which remains one of the most transformative national infrastructure initiatives underway.
As outlined in the budget, Phase I of the GtE project is expected to deliver a stepchange in Guyana’s energy landscape—doubling electricity production and halving the cost of power, improving competitiveness and enabling industrial development.
Importantly, the budget confirms that $10.7 billion is budgeted for the Gas-to-Energy project, with Government targeting completion of crit-
ical components—including the 300 MW gas-fired power plant, control Centre, NGL plant, and transmission lines—before end of 2026.
According to the release, the Chamber views this as a pivotal step toward as it will lower electricity tariffs across the economy, enable manufacturing and agro-processing, strengthen national energy security, and position Guyana as a regional industrial and logistics hub.
The Chamber said it also notes government’s forward-looking emphasis on Phase II of the Wales GtE development, including procurement progress and the plan for an additional 300 MW plant and expanded NGL capacity.
”We further welcome government’s intention to expand gas infrastructure beyond Wales, including work toward a second natural gas pipeline to Berbice, supporting broader national development and downstream opportunities,” the release said.
Further, The Chamber said Budget 2026 also reinforces government’s commitment to expanding local participation
in the oil and gas value chain.
“The Chamber acknowledges progress under the Local Content framework, including registration of over 1,200 Guyanese businesses and recorded procurement exceeding US$1 billion across prescribed sectors.
“We particularly welcome efforts to improve efficiency and timelines in local content certification processes, which will support more predictable business planning and faster onboarding of Guyanese suppliers,” the release added.
The Chamber also welcomed the broader energy strategy in Budget 2026, including investments in grid stability, renewable integra -
tion, and transmission upgrades. The Budget confirms that Government’s energy expansion agenda is focused on affordability, reliability, and diversification—key pillars of sustainable development.
Notably, the Budget provides for $66.2 billion for upgrading the national transmission and distribution network in 2026, supporting efficient delivery of GtE power across regions.
“The Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber commends the Government for presenting a Budget that is strategic, investment-oriented, and focused on long-term national competitiveness. Budget 2026 strength -
ens Guyana’s position as a leading emerging energy economy—while ensuring that the oil and gas sector continues to support national transformation through infrastructure, industrial development, and sustainable economic expansion,” the release said.
MINISTER of Education, Sonia Parag, on Thursday hosted a public consultation focused on crafting national anti-bullying and anti-violence policies for schools across Guyana.
The engagement forms part of the ongoing national consultation process aimed at creating safer, more supportive learning environments for students nationwide.
The minister was accompanied by Chief Planning Officer, Ms Misckha White-Griffith; Director of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development, Ms Oma Ramdin; and National Coordinator of Health in Schools, Ms Jessica Anthony.
The consultation created space for open
dialogue, shared experiences, and community-driven input, ensuring that the voices of citizens directly inform the policies being developed.
“We are building these policies with the people, not just for the people,” Minister Parag said. “Every child deserves to feel safe in school, and every voice matters in shaping the systems that protect them.”
This engagement builds on the national consultation process already launched, reaffirming the Ministry of Education’s commitment to inclusive, people-centred policy development for safe, violence-free schools.
(MoE)
THE powerlifting fraternity joins its sports colleagues in applauding His Excellency and the Government of Guyana’s continued building out of sports and the attendant infrastructure with the 2026 Budget allocation of Six-Billion dollars.
Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh’s announcement was received with much excitement as the government demonstrated its commitment to invest heavily in the sector, expanding opportunities for athletes’ development and complementing broader development priorities in health and tourism, among others.
Athletes will be further encouraged to train harder knowing that, with the vision for development, prudent management and planning at the helm of their respective
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disciplines, they will be able to map out achievable plans for their strategic development.
It’s heart-warming to hear that support for professional coaches’ development would be available as there is urgent need for real investment in the technical area of sports to afford our athletes access to improved methods and techniques of preparation to challenge our competitors in the world.
The powerlifting fraternity is particularly pleased also to hear that there will be continued support for hosting other nations in Guyana as this is an area we will be pursuing to aid in the further development of our athletes as we seek to support the vision of Guyana becoming the sports tourism hub of the
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SOUTHWELL
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09:32 hrs Hale End
10:02 hrs Betties Bay
10:32 hrs Brazilian Rose
11:03 hrs Talis Evolver
11:38 hrs Military Cross 12:10 hrs Tine Runner
WOLVERHAMPTON
13:00 hrs Cardinal Point
13:30 hrs Dash Power
Caribbean.
Further, we are extremely happy to learn of the investment in the first ever dedicated powerlifting and high-performance facility in Guyana which we know will significantly improve athletes’ preparedness and maintain our regional and international competitiveness in the sport.
We would like to also congratulate Hon. Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports and Hon. Steven Jacobs Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for their exceptional leadership in crafting a genuine and open partnership with all sporting bodies which will see sports and our athletes attaining greater success.
11:43 hrs Notforalongtime
12:15 hrs Stone Bear
12:45 hrs Aurevoir Tristesse
14:00 hrs Laevayed
14:30 hrs Tommo’s Ginjaninja
15:00 hrs Toastmaster
15:30 hrs Epictetus
16:00 hrs Three Non Blondes
16:30 hrs Sam’s Hope
SOUTH AFRICA
RACING TIPS
FAIRVIEW
08:15 hrs Blame It On Me
08:50 hrs Zinovi
09:25 hrs Bad Medicine
10:00 hrs Mercantour 10:35 hrs Are You Sure IRISH RACING TIPS DUNDALK
13:15 hrs Picture This 13:45 hrs Daonethatgotaway 14:15 hrs Take Heart 14:45 hrs Nibras Rainbow 15:15 hrs Mapa
AMERICAN RACING TIPS
GULFSTREAM Race 1 Come On Poppi Race 2 Mcmullen Race 3 Noble Sky
THE first day of Guyana Cup nomination is upon us. More than 70 horses confirmed entry for the Banks Classic which is set for Sunday February 1, at Port Mourant Turf Club.
With more than G$ 15 million in cash and prizes up for grabs, all horses are motivated with the extra incentive being the nomination for Guyana Cup. For the feature race, it should be a spectacle with Olympic Kremlin returning to battle the top horse of recent, Dataman.
In addition to Olympic Kremlin, Slingerz Racing stables entered Ritorna Vincentori. Mapa Do Brasil, after a Boxing Day win is
also entered for the Banks Classic feature. In the Sprint race, the entries are One Sharp Cookie, Rei Da Brincadeira, Anthem King, Regal Man and John Bull.
The F Class & Lower Open To E Class Non Winners In Last Start & 4 Years Old Imported Maiden In Guyana have five entries. Order And Progress, Frontline Warrior, Barbara, Full Liberty and Nolo Contesto are the horses.
The three Year-old Guyana Bred Non Winners of two, has some 12 entries. All The Time, Granite Storm, Miracle Boy, Pleasure Star, Glory Queen, Little Tic Toc, She’s A Dancer, Isabella, Baby Gold,
‘Catalyst
VIDUSHI Persaud-McKinnon, President of the national Federation, Archery Guyana, has commended Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh and the Government of Guyana for the vision, balance and strategic foresight reflected in Budget 2026, particularly as it relates to the advancement of sport and athlete development.
With an overall national budget of $1.558 trillion and a dedicated $6 billion allocation for sport, Budget 2026 represents a calculated and necessary evolution, moving beyond heavy capital expenditure toward sustained investment in athletes,
Black Beauty, Monica time, and Torpedo Jet are the entries.
In the L Class Maidens & Open To First Time Starters, the six horses entered are; Perfect Trip, Doctor J, Citation, Fire Maker, Rude Boy II and Miss Simron.
The G Class & Lower Open To F Class Non Winners Last 3 Start Also Open To F Class Imported 3 Years Old Maiden is expected to see 11 horses battle. Pharaoh’s Empress, Milano Italy, Grande Rainha, Soca Harmony, Wild Texas Tom, Stormy Victory, Kanem, Mulan, Red Ruby, Theory Of Colours and Amicable Kate.
The I class & Lower to West
Indian Bred Non Winners in Last 2 Starts Classified H Class has seven entries. Sydney, Just Exhale Number 5, Supreme Leader, Afridi, Angry Bird, Blinding Lights and Top Gun are the horses in the mix.
I Will Have Another, Sarkar, Election, Heartland and She’s A Monica are the horses in the J3 and Lower. The L Class Non Earners For Last three Starts will see some 13 starts. Golden Buck, Secret Traveller, Damage Control, King Kang, Enemy Maker, Coco, Patriotism, Pheru, Storm Again, Angel storm town gate, Top Of The Cloud, Speedy Princess an Danstar are the horses entered in that race.
Earlier this month, the Guyana Cup Committee officially released the 2026 Guyana Cup Nomination Series, covering the Guyana Cup (Mile), Guyana Cup Sprint, and Guyana-Bred Derby.
Three races, four nomination days for the Guyana Cup, and one championship season.
The nomination days are February 1, 2026, at Port Mourant Turf Club; April 5, 2026, at Port Mourant Turf Club; May 3, 2026, at Bush Lot United Turf Club; and July 5, 2026, at Port Mourant Turf Club (final nomination day).
The Guyana Cup is set for August 23 at a venue to be announced.
coaching, technical development and federation support. “We commend Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh for presenting a budget that clearly understands sport as both a social good and a strategic national investment,” Persaud-McKinnon said. “This sports allocation is not a retreat, but a refinement, one that prioritises people, performance and long-term impact.”
For Archery Guyana, this policy direction has already translated into tangible, practical support. With the backing of Minister Charles Ramson
Jnr. and Minister within the Ministry, Mr. Stephen Jacobs, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission under the leadership of Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, the federation has secured critical institutional and logistical support to host two landmark events being the 2026 Caribbean Development Archery Championships and the 1st Caribbean Archery Games.
Both events will be hosted right here in Guyana at the National Stadium, Providence, from October 21–26, 2026, positioning Guyana at
the centre of regional archery development. “The support rendered to date, facility access, administrative coordination, and policy alignment, is exactly what was envisaged in the Federation’s agenda and reflected in Budget 2026,” Persaud-McKinnon noted. “This is how budgets should work: turning policy into performance.”
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle has described the 2026 allocation as an exciting time for sport and this has been reiterated by Archery Guyana. “This budget gives federations
the certainty to invest responsibly in athletes, officials and governance,” Persaud-McKinnon said. Building on strong regional performances and growing institutional support, Archery Guyana will represent the country at several regional and international competitions in 2026. “Budget 2026 sends a powerful message that Guyana believes in its athletes,” Persaud-McKinnon concluded. “We applaud a sports budget that is thoughtful, strategic and transformative. Archery Guyana stands ready to deliver results that justify this confidence.”
CMC – Windward Islands Women put themselves in prime position to capture this year’s CG United Women’s Super50 Cup title by defeating Leeward Islands Women by three wickets in the second and penultimate round here on Thursday.
Meanwhile, defending champions Trinidad and Tobago Women picked up their first victory by rolling over Guyana Women by nine wickets, while Jamaica Women got the better of Barbados Women to set up a pulsating last round on Saturday.
Qiana Joseph topscored with 44 and captain Jahzara Claxton contributed 25, but the Leewards lost their last six wickets for 39 runs after a solid start.
Aldith Gasper captured 3-28 and Shanel McKie claimed 2-12 for the Windwards. Glasgow then returned to score an unbeaten 54 off 71 balls, as the Windwards reached 126 for seven in 34.1 overs.
She received good support from McKie, who made 22, with the pair adding 51 runs for the seventh wicket to help rescue their side from 71 for six.
With the win, the Windwards lead the table on 20 points with one
At Cumberland Playing Field: Jannillea Glasgow produced a fine all-around effort to lead Windward Islands past the winless Leeward Islands. Glasgow took two wickets to help bowl the Leewards out for 125 in 34.5 overs after they elected to bat first.
round of matches to go, while the Leewards remained rooted at the bottom in sixth place on five points.
At Park Hill Playing Field: Anisa Mohammed grabbed an incredible eight wickets as Trinidad and Tobago Women made light work of Guyana Women.
Mohammed finished with the spectacular figures of 8-11 in 8.5 overs to skittle out Guyana for a paltry 31 in 16.5 overs.
The off spinner claimed seven of the last eight wickets to fall and bowled five of her victims in a mesmerising display of bowling.
T&T then lost the solitary wicket of Shunelle Sawh, before Djenaba Joseph and Samara Ramnath carried their team to a predictable victory, finishing on 32 for one
in 11 overs. The result catapulted T&T into third position on 12 points ahead of fourth placed Guyana, who have 10 points.
At Sion Hill Playing Field: Jamaica Women’s top order batters produced a solid showing which helped them to overcome Barbados Women in a competitive contest.
Captain Rashada Williams topscored with 43, fellow opener Chrishana McKenzie made 26, Stafanie Taylor cracked an unbeaten 23, and Chedean Nation added 19 to see Jamaica post 132 in 41 overs.
Their contributions carried Jamaica to 90 for one, before a collapse saw them lose their last nine wickets for just 42 runs, with no other batter reaching double digits.
For Barbados Naijanni Cum -
berbatch took 4-23, Theanny Herbert-Mayers 3-19 and Shamilia Connell 3-24.
Barbados also got a good start in their run chase and seemed on course for victory after reaching 75 for three in the 20th over.
However, led by a five-wicket haul by Celin Whyte and four wickets from Taylor, Jamaica staged a fightback to bowl Barbados out for 105 in 32.2 overs.
Opener Alisa Scantlebury made 43 off 87 balls and Trishan Holder made 24, but they received little other support.
Whyte ended with 5-18 while Taylor grabbed 4-17 for Jamaica, who now occupy fifth place on nine points, while Barbados remains second on 13 points.
THE Demerara Mutual Group of Companies will, this year, be providing incident and assurance coverage to youths set to take part in the several competitions to be hosted by the Petra Organization.
The company made the announcement at their Robb St commercial office on Thursday.
Sales and Marketing coordinator at The Demerara Mutual Group, Oceola Van Doimen, said, “After supporting and partnering with PETRA throughout 2025, we had the opportunity to truly understand the vision they’re working to materialise. We saw, firsthand, the impact these tournaments have on young
athletes across Guyana. So it gives me great pleasure to formally announce that The Demerara Mutual Group is continuing our partnership with the PETRA Organization for the entire 2026 football calendar.”
She informed those in attendance that, “The Demerara Mutual Group is providing sponsorship in the form of our Group Personal Accident insurance coverage for all registered participants across PETRA’s several major tournaments in 2026. This means hundreds of young athletes—from our Under-11 players right through to our senior youth divisions players—can compete with the protection they need
and deserve.”
Meanwhile Petra Co-director, Troy Mendonca, said, “What they did last year and their commitment for this year’s programmes are massive investment for us as an organisation to have coverage of all the players throughout the year.
On behalf of myself and Dr Cole, I want to say thank you to the team from Demerara Mutual insurance company. This relationship will firstly cover the tertiary institution tournament and then our Massy boys U-18 tournament, all of which are important to the development to nationwide football.”
The Petra organisation will get
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) applauds the government’s $6B budgetary allocation toward national sports development.
This significant investment reflects a sustained commitment to a sector that has seen remarkable growth in recent years.
By prioritising the development and administration of sports, expanding local and international participation, and decentralising training programmes, this budget aligns perfectly with the goal of providing every Guyanese citizen equal access to athletic opportunities. The GCF views this budget as a clear realisation of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s vision to regionalise sports access across Guyana. For the Federation, 2026 marks a
transformative milestone with the scheduled completion of a dedicated facility and the acquisition of a team bus.
The new building will provide the Federation with a much-needed home for competitive play, high-level training, and casual engagement.
This venue addresses a critical need, as securing consistent space has become increasingly difficult with the rising number of players.
The acquisition of a dedicated vehicle will be a catalyst for growth, enabling the GCF to mobilise coaches and equipment to outlying regions, bringing formal training and competitive opportunities directly to aspiring players.
In a recent meeting with National
their season off the ground next month with the MODEC tertiary football championship. The matches will be staged around the different regions where the tertiary schools are located with teams playing on a home and away round robin basis.
The top 7 and the next best team will make up the quarter final.
The competition will field Technical Institutes and University teams and is created to capture school population between juniors and seniors.
The top teams will be awarded 300,000, 200,000,100,000 and 50,000 for places 1-4 with proceeds going to a school project of their choice. The 14 competing schools
are University of Guyana Turkeyen campus, Tain campus, Cyril Potter College of Education, Government Technical Institute, Linden Technical Institute, Port Mourant Technical Institute, New Amsterdam Technical Institute, Mahaicony Technical Institute, Essequibo Technical Institute, Upper Corentyne Technical Training Centre, Texila American University, Guyana School of Agriculture, Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre and Guyana Industrial Training Centre. The tournament will officially kick off on February 8th and will conclude on March 8th at the Ministry of Education Ground.
Sports Commission (NSC) officials, the GCF outlined key areas for strategic assistance. The NSC has readily pledged its
support, and the
(ESPNCRICINFO) - SOUTH
Africa won their first T20I series under Shukri Conrad and chased down 222 with astonishing ease in the second T20I against West Indies at SuperSport Park. Quinton de Kock, playing in his first T20I at home in almost three years, scored his second century in this format, and second in Centurion. He reached his hundred off 43 balls, and finished on 115 off 49 balls, with 10 sixes and six fours. De Kock faced just eight dot balls including the one he was dismissed off.
The headlines will go to de Kock but there will be some plaudits for his second-wicket partner Ryan Rickelton. The pair put on
162 off 72 balls as Rickelton, in a new position at No. 3, reached his third T20I fifty, off 25 balls. He finished unbeaten on 77, his highest T20I score. South Africa won with 15 balls to spare, a sign of how conducive the surface was for run-scoring. It was, in fact, the fifth time a 200-plus T20I target had been chased down successfully at SuperSport Park.
De Kock’s innings was reminiscent of his penultimate knock at home before he took a sabbatical, when he also scored a 43-ball 100 as South Africa chased a record target of 259 against West Indies at the same venue.
Given the recent history, West Indies will be wondering how much
is enough, after they had a blistering start, with Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer powering them to 115 from the first 10 overs, and Sherfane Rutherford providing a sensational finish. They scored 76 runs off the last five overs as Rutherford smashed 57 off 24 balls. The five overs from the 12th to the 16th, however, bringing West Indies just 27 runs for the loss off three wickets. This phase, in effect, cost West Indies the series.
Welcome home Quinny De Kock had not played a home T20I in almost three years, since March 2023, and he could not have asked for a better return. In his 100th T20I innings (and 101st
match), he left records in his wake. His first boundary, a top-edge from a pull of Jayden Seales, took him to 12,000 runs in all T20s. His fourth six, still in the powerplay, made him the leading South African run-scorer in T20s, surpassing Faf du Plessis. De Kock went on to bring up fifty off 21 balls when he flicked Romario Shepherd through backward square and he seemed unstoppable. He went on to do everything from dab the ball past short third to picking the slower ball from Jayden Seales and sending it for six. His century came up when he sent a leg-stump half-volley from Jason Holder behind square for six.
De Kock’s celebrations were muted but the crowd made up for it with a
standing ovation at the milestone and when he was dismissed.
West Indies can’t hold on Holder couldn’t catch a break. After Akeal Hosein dropped Aiden Markram on 27 - he went on to a matchwinning 86* - in the first T20I off his bowling, Seales put down Rickelton on 17 and made a meal of a good plan. Seales was stationed at short third, waiting for Rickelton to slash at a wide ball, and he did at the start of Holder’s second over. The edge carried to the fielder but burst through his hands and trickled away for four. Holder was visibly disappointed, especially as that was West Indies’ only chance to dismiss Rickelton.
By Sean Devers
Politician Don Singh replaced Jonathan Yearwood as President when the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), established in 1884, held its AGM and elections earlier this month.
Singh outlined his plans for GCC, the home of the historic Bourda Cricket Ground, the venue for the West Indies first Test win in 1930, when they beat England.
The awarding of the 2007 World Cup to the Caribbean and the construction of the Providence Stadium saw the end of Bourda, the oldest cricket club in the Caribbean, as an international venue.
With Bourda, which hosted 30 Test matches and 10 ODIs, no longer hosting international matches, membership dwindled and when First-Class cricket was
removed, the venue suffered a rapid decline, resulting in the dismantling of dilapidated stands.
The Rohan Kanhai concrete stand at Regent Road or the southern end of the ground is the only surviving stand.
Singh and his executives have some ambitious plans to take GCC forward; the two main ones are installing lights and having regional cricket return to Bourda.
Under Yearwood’s Presidency, full Stadium lights were acquired at a huge cost to GCC as a major investment, and Singh disclosed that his first assignment will be installing the lights.
“The first thing would be installing those lights… putting down bases, getting the foundation and getting those lights up and running to start hosting night cricket. With the popularity of tape ball, we want to have those finals played
at our ground because I still believe we have the best ground in the Caribbean… It’s been well-maintained over the years.
That is my first task, but it is a challenge to solicit funds because clubs in 2026 are not what they were in the 80s or 90s.
Our major plans include changing Bourda into a multi-sport facility with lights, and ultimately having regional cricket return to Bourda’s sward. He said
emphasis will always be on cricket.
Making GCC into a multi-sport facility will be one of the major hurdles, but we are well on our way, thanks to paths paved by previous Presidents.” Singh added.
A lover of sports, Singh was the club captain of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club and Vice-President of the Guyana Tennis Association, so he is no stranger into sports Administration.
DEFENDING Champions, Georgetown, begin their campaign to retain their Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) 50-over Inter-Association cricket tournament with their opening game tomorrow against East Bank at the Lusignan ground from 09:30hrs.
The city side will start as the pre-tournament favourites and with be led by talented left-handed National U-17 batter, Lomar Seecharran.
The other game tomorrow will be played at LBI ground, also on the East Coast of Demerara and will feature host, East Coast, facing-off with West Demerara.
The tournament continues on Sunday with Georgetown coming up against West Demerara at Lusignan and Demerara Select X1 facing East Bank at LBI.
After a rest day on Monday the four-team tournament resumes on Tuesday with East Bank playing East Coast at Lusignan and West Demerara opposing the DCB Select X1 at LBI.
On Wednesday February 4, with GT playing East Coast at Lusignan and East Bank doing battle with DCB Select X1 at LBI.
The final round will see the DCB Select X1 doing battle with GT at Lusignan and West Demerara facing East Bank at LBI.
The team with the most points will be the winner (Sean Devers)
“Politics is about serving. I serve at the community level…I serve the constituencies of Alberttown, Queenstown, Kingstown, and Tiger Bay areas…so serving as GCC President is just switching hats. When you go there, you are a sports administrator… It’s all about giving back and service.
My ultimate plan in two years…because two years is a term, would be having GCC well on the way to hosting Regional Cricket once again.
We have not had that since 2008, that would be one of my plans,” continued Singh who revealed the GCC’s constitution does not limit how many terms someone can serve.
“We have not asked the Sports Ministry for lights, we took that on our own… the past President decided that…we did get some assistance from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport but being a private club would not entitle us to the benefits of the upkeep of the ground that public grounds would get.
I am enthused that there is a $6Billion budget for Sports and I am sure the Charles Ramson (Sports Minister) and Minister Steven Jacobs will do well for sports in Guyana.
I will ask them for help from time to time… for small assistances. I plan on asking the Ministry of works for help with the drainage because drainage has been one the biggest issues at Bourda for generations.
We will install the lights by ourselves and we already have some help and this will be done by May or June this year,” said Singh.
The new President ex -
plained that funds for club projects and maintenance comes from renting the ground, parts of the Rohan Kanhai Stand and proceeds from the Club’s bar. We are not where we are supposed be because six months out of year, we have rain and we lose rentals therein,” continued Singh.
The GCC Head disclosed that there has discussions with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) to have matches at Bourda.
“We are maintaining but not progressing. We scrap by with the help of past club members who still have an affinity for the place and also due to good Administration.
We will get by but we need to make GCC a full multi-sport facility since Bourda is located in heart of Georgetown and that is big plus.
This is not your grandfather’s club, the society of the 60s,70s,80s or 90s, we are diversifying, we are open to membership…there is a vetting period but that’s standard with any club… we are looking for younger members.
We are looking to rejuvenate our cricket get back to where we were and start churning out Test players once again.
Vishal Singh who made his Test debut in 2017, is the last Test player from GCC.
We have a very good coach in Peter Persaud and will ask the Ministry of Sport for help in coaching sessions and these sorts of things.
I have spoken to the cricketers at the first, second and youth division and I have challenged them to get us back to number one spot in Guyana” concluded Singh.
