WIN, APNU at speakers for budget debates Regional leaders in alcohol tariffs from Indian Govt. loggerheads over must seek reduction
–SamaroourgesCARICOMleaders
Truck driver, owner
River Bridge accident
Twenty-three-year-old
Jomel Kenny was on Friday remanded to prison in connection with the fatal multi-vehicleaccidentonthe BharratJagdeoRiverBridge thatclaimedthelifeofataxi driver
Kenny, of Lot 48 Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, appeared before MagistrateDylonBessatthe Diamond Magistrates’ Court. He was charged with driving without a licence, breach of insurance and
faultypackingofaload.
On January 29, Kenny was driving a motor lorry that suffered a mechanical failure while ascending the bridge and rolled into oncoming traffic The incident resulted in a sixvehicle collision and the death of 25-year-old taxi driver Scott Dorwart of Grove,EastBankDemerara.
Kennypleadednotguilty to the charges and was remandedtoprison.
The owner of the
Johnson of Lot 6C Anna Catherina was also charged.
He pleaded not guilty to breaching insurance and permitting an unlicensed drivertooperatethevehicle.
He was placed on $50,000 bail.
Accordingtoreports,the accident occurred around 9:30 hrs along the bridge.
Theincidentinvolvedmotor lorry GAC 296, which was
travellingonthewesternside of the bridge en route to RegionThree.
The truck, which was transporting a load of cement, reportedly experienced a mechanical failure while ascending the bridge and began rolling backwards at high speed. The out-of-control vehicle slammed into five other vehicles before eventually comingtoahalt.
Regional leaders must seek reduction
alcohol
from Indian Govt.
– Samaroo urges CARICOM leaders
Chairman of the World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG)KomalSamaroois calling on regional governments to negotiate with the Indian government for a reduction in the tariffs for alcoholic spirits from CARICOMmemberstates.
According to a press release issued by the World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG)onFriday,thetariff stands at 200 per cent followingtheIndia’scutting tarrif rates on alcoholic beve
he EuropeanUnionandBritain aspartofnewtradedeals.
O n We d n e s d a y, Samaroo who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), issuedthecallduringapanel discussion at a forum in Guyana on Perspectives on Global Trade: Challenges andOpportunitieshostedby the World Trade Centre Georgetown(WTCG).
The forum examined strategies for navigating the current global geopolitical
Chairman of the World Trade Centre Georgetown (WTCG) Komal Samaroo
and business landscape which has seen a shift away from World Trade Organization (WTO) rules to a system of fluctuating tariffs within weeks based on“majorpowers”.
“Our governments have very good relations with India which is slashing tariffs on alcoholic spirits from the European Union andBritainbyhalfto75per centfrom150percent, Continued on page 19
Justice Sandil Kissoon hasgrantedinjunctiveorders restraining Banks DIH
Holdings Inc from enforcingorputtingtoavote anewby-lawthatwouldcap shareholdervotingrightsand ownershipat15percent.
The ruling handed down on Friday, comes just one day ahead of the company’s scheduled Annual General Meeting(AGM).
The proceedings were b
Americas Merchant Bank
According to the court document seen by this publication, the decision
he implementationof“NewBylaw 8 Share Ownership,” which was adopted by the company’s directors on November20,2025,andwas slated to be presented to
confirmation at the AGM scheduled for January 31, 2026.
In his ruling, Justice Kissoon granted a series of interlocutory injunctions restraining Banks DIH, its directors, officers, and agents from presenting, tabling, proposing, or permitting any vote at the AGM to confirm or give effecttothenewby-law
Thecourtalsosuspended theoperationandlegaleffect of the by-law pending the final determination of the substantiveproceedings. Additionally, the court restrainedthecompanyfrom invalidating or discounting votes attached to issued ordinary shares by reference to any 15 percent ownership or voting limitation, and fromissuingoractingonany notice, investigation,
ownershipandvotingrights, amovehesaidraisedserious legalconcerns.
divestmentrequest,orforced sale process purportedly authorised by the new bylaw
The issue arose from the directors’decision to amend the company’s by-laws to introduce a cap on share
Justice Kissoon noted that the proposed by-law went further by authorising the company to invalidate votesheldinexcessofthe15 percentthreshold,determine whether shareholders were acting in concert to circumvent the cap, appoint a special registrar for that purpose,andcompelthesale of shares held above the limit.
The judge in his ruling highlighted that courts are generally reluctant to interfere in the internal affairs of companies or restrain the holding of an AGM. However, he stated
intervention was warranted inthiscaseduetotheserious implications for shareholder rights.
“This Court in the exercise of its discretion, is cognizant,firstly,thatCourts are ordinarily reluctant to intervene, to restrain the convening of an Annual General Meeting or to intervene in the internal affairs of a company and do so as a matter of exception only in clear cases where there is a real risk of harm,” JusticeKissoonstated.
He further noted that Banks DIH, a public company listed on the Guyana Stock Exchange withasingleclassof Continued on page 6
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Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456
Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS
Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210
WhenDavidGrangerlostthe2020elections,hedidnot simply exit office he was politically dismantled by sustainedinternalagitationfromtheverypeoplewhonow sit comfortably atop the ruins of the People’s National Congress Reform. Among the loudest voices calling for Granger’sremovalwasAubreyNorton.Today,ironystares thepartyintheface.Themanwhochampioned“renewal” has delivered stagnation, contraction, and near political irrelevance.
Yet Norton continues to cling to the leadership with a brazennessthatdefieslogic.Worsestill,heparadesbefore news conferences pronouncing on national budgets, governance and policy as though his stewardship has inspired confidence either within his party or among the electorate. For a leader who has presided over the steady disintegrationofwhatwasonceGuyana’smostformidable political machine, this level of audacity requires a special blendofpoliticalstubbornnessandshamelessness.
Under Norton’s watch, the PNCR has suffered an unprecedented decline. Once the backbone of national oppositionpolitics,thepartynowsitsreducedtoa12-seat parliamentarypresencenotbecauseofsomeoverwhelming electoral tsunami, but largely because of poor leadership, internal fractures, and the haemorrhaging of support. The emergence of We Invest in Nationhood, which siphoned votes away from the PNC at the last elections, was not accidental.Itwasadirectconsequenceofvoterfrustration, organisationaldecay,andtheperceptionthatthepartyhad lostitsmoralandstrategiccompass.
Leadership is measured not by rhetoric, but by outcomes. Norton’s outcomes speak loudly Scores of capable and promising party members have walked away Some departed quietly, others publicly, citing frustration withhismanagementstyle,lackofvision,andinabilityto unify the organisation. Instead of consolidating after electoral defeat, Norton presided over fragmentation. Insteadofmodernisingtheparty’soutreachandmessaging, heisallowingittodriftfurtherintoirrelevance.
Whatmakesthisdeclinemorealarmingisthepolitical environmentinwhichitisoccurring.ThePNCRisnotonly contending with a politically entrenched PPP/C administration,butwithanevolvingoppositionlandscape where the new WIN movement is capitalising on dissatisfaction with traditional parties.At such a moment, the PNCR cannot afford weak leadership, indecision, or ego-driven politics. Yet that is precisely what it has received. Norton has not inspired confidence among supporters, donors, grassroots activists, or the wider electorate. His public performances often lack coherence andstrategicdepth.Hisresponsestonationalissuessuchas the oil and gas sector are reactive rather than visionary Insteadofofferingacompellingalternativegovernment-inwaiting, he presides over a party trapped in perpetual complaint mode, unable to articulate a modern, forwardlookingagenda.
Ironically,Nortonhasassembledaparliamentaryteam that includes competent, articulate, and politically agile individuals. That makes his continued dominance even more problematic. Rather than empowering this team to chart a new direction, he has remained front and center, overshadowing the very renewal the party desperately needs. If the PNCR is serious about rebuilding, it must allow these MPs to lead policy engagement, public outreach,andorganisationalreform.
At minimum, Norton should have the humility to step backintotheshadowsuntilthenextcongress.Leadershipis not only about holding the microphone. Sometimes it requires knowing when your presence has become a liabilityratherthananasset.Therealityisstark:thelessthe public sees of Norton, the better the party’s prospects become. The PNC has reached a crossroads. Either it confronts the uncomfortable truth about its leadership failures or it continues on a slow march toward political
Many of us have posed thisconundrumearlierbutit needsbeingrepeated,evenat the risk of being considered tedious. In Guyana today witharrogantandbombastic language some members of our ruling elite declare that they were elected by the people and therefore do as they please. I will deal with thiscorrosiveattitudealittle later
Fornow,Irefertorecent power outages many of us experienced on Thursday 29th January, and similar experiences for much of the year Ourgovernmenthasan abundance of money, much more than any previous, pre and post Independence administrationhadtospend. Yet, on Thursday morning where I live, and from a survey,manyotherareashad
“blackout”inexcessofthree hours,followedbytheusual facile explanation from the “top brass” of GPL, treating citizens as though we are all noncomposmentisorasthe boyswouldsaywhereIgrew
upinthesouth,treatingusas abunchofidiots.
To maintain a reliable supply of electricity one requires the traditional three M’s money, machinery, and management. Since we are not short of money, we should not be short of machinery, what with the millions expended daily on Turkish ships, the only deficiencythereforemustbe management. This, fellow Guyanese is the burden we carry, an unnecessary burden, as is the case with the state-controlled sugar industry We can not get the current administration to recognise that all that is necessary,istoputanendto this nonsensical, unpatriotic practice of putting square pegs in round holes, to manage important areas, while paying them supersalaries.
By now, post 2020, the spending spree should have satisfied them, the minority, and therefore given the majorityofusanopportunity toenjoythebountyfromoil, gas, gold, bauxite, diamonds, good agricultural
land,foodsufficiencythanks toearlierpoliciesofproduce or perish by Burnham. We are blessed with favourable weatherthroughouttheyear, unlike friends of ours who are now facing severe winters elsewhere. Give the restofusachancetobenefit from our boast and a truism that we are the fastest growing economy in the world.Acountrythatisapart of a beautiful, peaceful Caribbean.
Aboveandbeyondletus just not talk about transparency, let us just not declare war on corruption, letusdoitandembraceacall made nearly four decades agoforamoralandspiritual revival.
That is the only answer that can translate into benefits for all of the people inthisregion.
Today we have the money, let us use it to produce a generation that knows its history, and can advanceasapeopleproudto be who we are. One of several initiatives is, to ensure that in every educational institution the
ungarnished truth about our past, is passed on to our children. The system must teach us to love who we are irrespective of race, colour, orcreed.Itisdifficulttolove others, unless we first learn to love and appreciate who we are. Another important roadtofollowistoensureall schools have a music, arts, and sports department. This alonewillinsulateouryouth from the evils and harm of drink,tobacco,illegaldrugs, and the influence of selfserving propaganda
Because their time and creative energies will be consumed with helpful, nation-building activities
Believeitornotwehavethe money but we need leadershiponallsidesofour politicaldividewithavision andapassionforoneness. Years ago, we posed the rhetorical question; can we doit?
From president to peasant, from the disadvantaged and poor, to theprivilegedandelite,said; Yes,wecan!
Sincerely,
ElderHamiltonGreen
Budget 2026:APowerful signal of government’s commitmentto tourism growth
, The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) warmly welcomes the presentation
of Budget 2026 and commends the Government of Guyana for delivering a bold and forward-looking development agenda that firmlypositionstourismasa keypillarofnationalgrowth, diversification, and communityempowerment.
While tourism is not always named directly in every budget line, Budget 2026 clearly demonstrates that the sector is being actively supported across multiple ministries through infrastructure investment, fiscal reform, skills development, cultural promotion, and improved national connectivity Together, these measures create a strong enabling environment for sustainable tourismexpansion.
THAG particularly applauds the following policy and fiscal measures thatwillhaveimmediateand tangiblebenefitsfortourism operators:
• The removal of all duties and taxes on AllTerrain Vehicles (ATVs), strengthening the adventure tourismsector
• The removal of all dutiesandtaxesonoutboard engines up to 150 horsepower, reducing operating costs for river transport,touroperators,and eco-lodges.
•Theintroductionofflat tax rates for double-cab pickup vehicles, making essential tourism transport moreaffordable.
•Thereductionofthe14day residency requirement for destination weddings, unlocking Guyana’s potential in this rapidly growing niche tourism market.
extinction. History will not be kind to leaders who place personalambitionaboveinstitutionalsurvival. If Granger was forced out after electoral defeat, then basic political fairness demands that Norton face similar accountability Thepartycannotcontinuerewardingfailure withextendedtenure.Renewalcannotbeselective.Itmust beconsistent.Forthesakeofitssupporters,itslegacy,and its relevance in Guyana’s democracy, the PNCR must act, not tomorrow, not at some distant congress, but now Nortonmustgo.Thesurvivalofthepartydependsonit.
• The removal of corporate income tax on agriculture and agroprocessing, reinforcing the agri-tourismvaluechain.
• The establishment of a GuyanaDevelopmentBank, offering 0% interest financing to small and medium-sized enterprises, including tourism businesses.
• The upgrading of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, strengthening Guyana’s capacity for Meetings, Incentives, ConferencesandExhibitions
(MICE) touri
nd busines
avel The Association also strongly welcomestheGovernment’s strategic investment in culture, creativity, and sport as drivers of tourism Allocations supporting the Orange Economy, including flagship projects such as the Palmyra Cultural Market andtheNationalArtGallery and Museum, along with funding for cultural and sporting infrastructure, significantly enhance Guyana’s cultural tourism andsportstourismofferings.
From an infrastructure standpoint, Budget 2026 delivers transformative support for tourism through major investments in connectivity:
• Expansion and rehabilitation of hinterland and coastal airstrips, improving access to interior a n d e c o - t o u r i s m destinations.
•Continuedconstruction of the new arrivals terminal at the Cheddi Jagan InternationalAirport(CJIA), strengthening Guyana’s internationalgateway
• F u n d i n g f o r navigationalaidstoimprove thesafetyofdomesticairand maritimetravel.
• Major allocations for roadsandbridges,including the Linden–Mabura Road and Kurupukari Bridge, the Mabura–Lethem Corridor, a n d t h e N e w Amsterdam–Moleson Creek Highway, reducing travel timeandtransportcosts.
•Hinterland
THAG further notes that urban development initiativesundertheMinistry of Local Government and Regional Development, including the Georgetown Enhancement Programme andtheSolidWasteDisposal Programme, will directly improve city aesthetics, cleanliness, destination image,andtheoverallvisitor experience.
(Continuedonpage06)
DEAREDITOR,
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions
of Guyana (FITUG), representing a wide crosssection of the working class acrossmultiplesectorsofthe economy, formally endorses the2026NationalBudget.
FITUG welcomes the strong emphasis placed on direct cash transfers and income support measures that will tangibly improve the daily lives of workers, pensioners, and vulnerable households Of particular note is the $100,000 cash grant to all Guyanese aged 18andabove,ameasurethat provides immediate, broadbased financial relief. This initiative, alongside the increase in the school-age child grant, the introduction of a school child transportation grant, the increaseinoldagepensions, the introduction of a pensioner transportation grant, and the increase in public assistance, represents a comprehensive approach to supporting families at everystageoflife.
FITUGunderscoresthat these direct transfers are separateandapartfrom,and in addition to, the Government’s substantial investments in healthcare, education, housing, water, and social services, which together aggregate to hundreds of billions of dollars. These parallel
streams of spending demonstrate a deliberate strategy to combine immediate household relief with long-term national development.
The Federation also recognises the continued improvementstotheincome taxthreshold,notingthatthe gradual adjustments over recent years have removed tensofthousandsofworkers from the tax net, placing
billions of dollars in additional disposable income into the hands of workers and their families.
FITUG notes that the 2026 income tax adjustment builds on earlier pro-worker tax measures, including the child grant, medical and life insurance tax relief, and enhanced mortgage interest relief,allofwhichcollectively strengthen household financialresilience
Further, FITUG highlights the anticipated reduction in electricity tariffs flowing from the Gas-toEnergy Project, which is expected to further enhance disposable income while improv
Federationalsoacknowledges ongoing efforts to curtail imported cost-of-living increases, particularly in an uncertain global economic environment
The2026NationalBudget reflects a clear focus on solving today’s challenges while simultaneously addressing tomorrow’s priorities This balance between present needs and futureplanningisasignificant testamenttopoliciesaimedat improving the well-being not onlyofthecurrentgeneration of Guyanese but also of generationstocome.
As a federation with a broad and diverse workingclass membership, FITUG affirms that the measures containedinthisBudgetwill touch the lives of all Guyanese workers, families, pensioners, and youngpeoplealike.
FITUG therefore stands in support of the 2026 NationalBudgetandcallson stakeholders across society to work collectively to ensure its effective implementation for the benefitofthenation.
FITUG
DEARE
, G
ined nationals from India in
Georgetown on January 26. They participated in two programs organized by the Indian High Commission that brought together the Indian diaspora and friends ofIndia.
The Indian diaspora, dressed in vibrant traditional dresses,celebratednotonlyin Guyana but also at all of the country’smissionsandcultural centers including in Trinidad, Suriname, and Jamaica The eventsinGuyanaweremarked by pomp and splendour and patriotic sons The festivities resonated with national fervour as Guyanese and Indians from India (Embassy staff and Indians living in Guyana) partook in patriotic tunesanddancesandcheering speeches saluting India’s achievements over the last eightdecades
The High Commissioner Dr Amit Telang unfurled India’s tricolour flag with a salute at the Cultural Center in Georgetown early morning and read out President Murmu’s address to the nation. The event was attended by a couple hundred In the evening, there was a reception at the Pegasus Convention Center also attended by a few
government officials, other invitees, and the Indian diaspora (local Guyanese Indians and those from India) The celebrations brought back memories of this writer organizing celebrations at City College during the late 1970s and early 1980s as an activist. Indo-Caribbean students saluted India’s enduring commitment to democracy since it became a nation in 1947andarepublicin1950.
At both events in Georgetown, students from t
performed dances played to traditional patriotic songs amidst applause by the guests. There were also the national anthems of both GuyanaandIndia.
Vande Mataram and BharatMataKiJairesonated in the celebrations among those seated under a tent at Anira Street as the national songwasrenderedwithpride andaspiritofunity
Attorney General (AG) andMinisterofLegalAffairs Anil Nandlall represented PresidentIrfaanAliwhowas traveling in England ForeignMinisterHughTodd was also in attendance on stage. They joined the High Commissioner Dr Amit Telangandhiswifeinatoast. The celebrations were held on the afternoon of the reading of the budget in Guyana’snationalassembly, and as a result, other
members of the parliament and cabinet ministers could not attend the reception. Mr Nandlall and Mr Todd represented the President who was traveling in England Nandlall read r e m a r k s f r o m t h e government of Guyana saluting India on the occasion. As the AG noted, thi
n celebrates India’s inspiring journeyandreflectstheclose bonds and shared values betweenourtwonations.He stressedthestrengtheningof relations between the two countries.InIndiaandaround the globe, Republic Day was alsocelebrated Worldleaders or their representatives joined
commemoratetheanniversary Indiahostsaprominentworld leaderforRepublicDay
Thisyear,Presidentofthe European Council Antonio Costa and President of the EuropeanCommissionUrsula von der Leyen were Chief Guestsatthisyear’sRepublic Daycelebrations Atradedeal was signed with the European Union They witnessedadazzlingdisplayof India’s military might and culturaltableauxinaparadeat Kartavya Path nea
(President’s home and government’soffice),nearthe parliament,featuringmilitary displays and cultural tableaux The parade showcased India’s advanced military defense and space systems and highlighted India’sculturaldiversity The
w dignitaries, political leaders, and people from across the countryandtourists
Around the globe, there was the reading of the speech delivered by the President of India on the occasion of Republic Day Some Embassies also hosted receptionsintheeveningasin GuyanaandTrinidad
Separately, world leaders, including President Trump, IrfaanAli, PM Kamla Persad Bissessar, President Xi of China, President Macron of France, among others extended greetings, highlighting their strong friendshipwithIndia
Guyaneseareproudtobe a part of this annual celebration with fellow nationals of India to showcase their culture and supportforIndia.
Yourstruly, VishnuBisram
TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF)hasconfirmedthatan investigationisongoinginto thedeathofRupununitourist guide, Leon Baird called ‘Rasta’,notingthatnoarrest hassofarbeenmade.
In an official report on Friday, the police said the partially charred human remains of Baird was found alongtheeasternbankofthe Rupununi River in close
proximity to Wichabai Ranch, South Rupununi on January25,2026. Investigations revealed that a burnt vehicle was discoveredonthebankofthe river with what appeared to be partially charred remains ofahumanbodyinside.The policestatedthattheremains were removed and transported to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where
doctorsconfirmedhisdeath.
“A post-mortem examination conducted on Tuesday January 27, 2026, by government pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as burns and indicatedthatthevictimwas alive prior to the fire. The body was subsequently handed over to relatives for burial. DNA samples were also obtained as part of the
ongoing investigation,” the policereported.
The police noted that during subsequent enquiries inthearea,investigatorsalso discovered the remains of two cattle nearby, suspected to have been shot. “Items of evidentialvalue,includinga knife and spent shotgun shells, were recovered and lodged as part of ongoing examinations,” the police saidinitsstatement.
According to the police, investigations are continuing as they work to establish the full circumstances surrounding theincident.
Kaieteur News had reported that 38-year-old Baird was a well-known tourist guide and cowboy in theRupununiregion.
Clos
nd
colleagues of Baird had told this publicat
on on WednesdaythatBaird (Continuedonpage19)
DEAREDITOR, Iamsoheartbrokenoverthenumberof people dying on our roads. I am even more heartbroken at the number of young people dyingonourroads.
Many of these deaths seem to be senselessandavoidable.
Whatisreallyhappeningonourroads?
Thissituationonourroadsisbecominga crisis.
Condolences to the families and loved onesofthosedeceased.
We need solutions, solutions, solutions, RIGHTNOW!
Sincerely,
CitizenAudreyannaThomas
Frompage3
common shares, had operated for more than 50 yearswithoutanyrestriction onshareownershiporvoting rights. He pointed out that under the Companies Act and the company’s Articles ofAssociation,shareholders areentitledtooneshare,one vote, and that no cap was expressly or impliedly providedfor
It was also outlined that theby-lawsofacompanyare incidental to its Articles of Association and cannot be used to erode or unlawfully
shareholder rights Justice Kissoon held that the procedure used by the directors to adopt New BylawEightwasnotcapableof lawfully achieving the intendedoutcomeandcould notbecuredorratifiedbyan ordinary resolution of shareholders.
He further noted that allowing the by-law to proceed could result in irreparable harm to shareholders, including the potential invalidation of votes and forced divestment
of shares, affecting not only
c o m p a n y
s w i d e r shareholderbase. In concluding, the judge granted the injunctions that willremainineffectuntilthe hearinganddeterminationof thesubstantiveaction.
Senior Counsel Stephen Fraser, Shantell Scott-Lall and Sydney Fraser, represented the claimants while Senior Counsel Neil Boston, along with Senior Counsel Claude Denbow and Ms. Denbow, appeared forBanksDIHHoldingsInc.
Frompage04
electrification and water supply projects, enhancing sustainability and business viability in remote tourism communities.
THAG also welcomes the allocation of G$2 2 billion to complete and equip the Hospitality and Tourism Institute, a landmark investment in tourismhumancapital.
This complements the work of institutions such as the Carnegie School of Home Economics and strengthens service quality, professional standards, and workforce readiness across thesector
The Association further notes with appreciation that Budget 2026 is financed without the introduction of new taxes, reinforcing a
stable, predictable, and i n v e s t o r - f r i e n d l y environment for tourism development.
In simple terms, Budget 2026 strengthens tourism by:
AreaImpactonTourism
Roads & bridges Easier accesstodestinations
Airports & airstrips
Expansionofhinterlandand eco-tourism
Training institutions
Higherservicequality
Culture & events Richer visitorexperiences
Conference facilities
GrowthofMICEtourism
C o m m u n i t y development Expansion of Indigenous and cultural tourism
Energy&waterStronger
operationalsustainability
Urban enhancement
Improved destination image andvisitorsatisfaction
THAG believes Budget 2026 sends a powerful and unmistakable message: tourism is a crosscutting nationalpriority
Even where projects are not explicitly labelled “tourism,” they collectively build the ecosystem that allowsthesectortothrive.
The Tourism and Hospitality Association of
Guyana thanks the Government of Guyana for itscontinuedcommitmentto building a resilient, diversified, and inclusive economy and looks forward to deepening collaboration to ensure tourism remains a central driver of national developmentandprosperity Tourism and Hospitality ofGuyana
(AL-JAZEERA) TheUS Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions on seven Iranian nationals and one entity, according to an updatefromtheUSTreasury Department’swebsite.
Iran has threatened to instantlystrikeUSbasesand aircraft carriers in response toanyattack.
This comes after US President Donald Trump warnedtimewasrunningout forTehrantomakeanuclear deal and the EU blacklisted its Revolutionary Guards as a“terrorist”organisation.
The US president has beenrepeatingforweeksthat Iranneedsto“makeadeal”.
On Thursday, Trump spoke about how the US seemed quite close to some sortofmilitarystrikeonIran afewweeksago,onlytopull back.
Trump is continuing to weigh his options militarily and has not ruled out the possibility of US forces attackingsitesinsideIran.
Heisstillconsideringall options and continuing his threat of some sort of militaryaction inthehope thatthismightbringIrantoa deal to limit its nuclear programme.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, President Trump says Iran “wants to make a deal” but did not elaborate about the chances ofsecuringone.
HealsosaidUSwarships heading towards Iran form a much larger “armada” than the fleet sent before the US attack on Venezuela earlier thismonth.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump renewed threats of US military intervention in Iran if it does not reach a deal to curb its nuclear programme and ballistic missile capacity
“A massive Armada is heading to Iran,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Socialplatform.TheUSfleet of warships includes the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
US Central Command (CENTCOM)confirmedina postonXonMondaythatthe USS Abraham Lincoln had beensenttotheMiddleEast to “promote regional securityandstability”.
The vessel, which departeditshomeportofSan Diego, California in November and had been operatingintheSouthChina Seauntillastweek,isoneof
At a January 24, 2026 demonstration in Berlin under the slogan ‘Help Iran. No Business With The Mullahs’, a protester holds a banner reading ‘All eyes on Iran’, after officials admitted more than 5,000 people were killed in the recent nationwide crackdown on protests [Omer Messinger/Getty Images]
the US Navy’s largest warships.
Trump first issued a threat to militarily intervene in Iran earlier this month during protests against the country’s government. The protests had begun in late December 2025 over the country’s worsening economic conditions. They escalated into a broader challenge to the country’s clerical leadership, which has been in power since the 1979Islamicrevolution.
Trump initially backed down from his threat to attack Iran after receiving assurances that protesters would not be executed, he said. But he has since renewedthem.
Tehranhasstatedthatitis not willing to negotiate underthethreatofattackand hassignalleditsreadinessto defendIran.
“Tehran’s priority is currently not to negotiate withtheUS,buttohave200 percent readiness to defend our country,” Kazem Gharibabadi, a senior member of the Iranian negotiating team, told Iranian state media on Wednesday He said messages had been passed to the US through intermediaries, but statedthatevenifconditions became suitable for talks, Iran would remain fully preparedtodefenditself.He pointed out that the US launched an assault on its nuclearfacilitiesinJunelast year – just as negotiations wereabouttobegintoendits 12-daywarwithIsrael.
During that conflict, there were few Israeli casualties, but Iranian missiles did manage to
breach Israel’s muchvaunted “Iron Dome” defence system, causing alarm in Tel Aviv and Washington.
OnThursday,theIranian armyannouncedithadadded 1,000new“strategic”drones to its forces, including oneway attack drones and combat, reconnaissance and cyber-capable systems designed to strike fixed or mobiletargetsonland,inthe airandatsea.
“Proportionate to the threats facing us, the agenda of the army includes maintaining and improving strategic advantages for fast combat and a decisive responsetoanyaggression,” army commander Amir Hamati said in a short statement.
At the same time, however, Iran is pursuing diplomatic channels in a bid tode-escalatethesituation. What diplomatic efforts aretakingplace?
Turkiye Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Istanbul to hold high-level talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and President Recep Tayyip ErdoganonFriday While announcing Araghchi’s meetings with theTurkish leaders, Esmaeil Baghaei,IranianMinistryof F o r e i g n A f f a i r s spokesperson, said that Tehran aims to “constantly strengthen ties with neighbours based on shared interests”. While the exact agenda for these discussions has not been revealed, the talks come amid Trump’s threats of military interventioninIran.
Continued on page 9
L e a d e r o f t h e
Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed, has argued that Budget2026failstoaddress the fundamental problems confronting the Guyanese people. That claim is not difficult to understand or to support.
The government may appear to be living in an alternative reality, but the everyday challenges facing ordinarycitizensareplainto see. They are experienced daily,notdebatedintheory
Thefirstandmostvisible problem is traffic
Thousands of Guyanese spend an inordinate amount of time commuting to and fromworkandschool.Long hours are lost daily in congestion What makes mattersworseisthemassive increase in vehicles on the nation’s roadways without a corresponding improvement in road networks, traffic management, or public transportation.Thisproblem affects productivity, mental
health, and family life, yet Budget 2026 offers little reassurance to the average commuter
Second, there remain pocketsofpovertyacrossthe country Despite rapid economic growth and rising national revenues, many communities continue to struggle with poor housing, unemployment, and limited access to essential services. Growth figures alone do not p
Development must be felt
Frompage8
Araghchi’s meeting will take place while similar discussions between Iran’s leadership and representatives of other countriescontinue.
Pakistan
On Thursday, Araghchi spoke with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on a phone call.According to a news release by the Iranian government, Dar reiterated Islamabad’s position on respecting state sovereignty, rejecting interference in other countries’ internal affairs and condemning “terrorism”.
On the same day, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Sharif wrote in an X post that the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening tiesbetweenPakistanandIran.
Egypt
Egypt’s Ministry of ForeignAffairs said on Wednesday that its top diplomat, Badr
Abdelatty,hadspokenwithAraghchiandUS Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff separately in a bid to “work toward achievingcalm,inordertoavoidtheregion slippingintonewcyclesofinstability”.
SaudiArabiaandGulfnations
On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a call withIran’sPresidentPezeshkianandsaidthe kingdom would “not allow its airspace or territory to be used for any military actions againstIranorforanyattacksfromanyparty, regardlessoftheirorigin”.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has madesimilarpledgesnottoallowaUSstrike onIranfromitsterritoriesorairspace.
On Wednesday, India’s deputy national security adviser, Pavan Kapoor, travelled to Tehran for meetings with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali LarijaniandDeputyforInternationalAffairs AliBagheriKani.
Long ago, dem boys seh,youain’tneednoGPS when you passing through Diamond. Your nose does alert you long before your eyes catch the sign. One whiffandyouknow:“Aye, Diamondreach.”Thesmell used to hit you like a slap from a wet hand—strong, unforgettable, and entirely unsolicited If you was sleeping in the car, the smellalonecouldwakeyou up and remind you exactly where you was on the East Bank.
Back then, Diamond had a brand. Other places hadnames;Diamondhada scent It was olfactory geography
Even if you blindfold a man and spin him round threetimes,oncethatsmell reach he nostrils, he would tellyouconfidently,“Boss, leh me down, we in Diamond.”
But times change
Development come Progress march on. And now, visitors to Guyana no
longer experience that famous Diamond aroma. DemboyssehDiamondget deodorised The smell gone, wash away by m o d e r n i s a t i o n , infrastructure, and maybe one or two strong prayers. So now when tourists passing through, they confuse.Theywatchingleft andrightwonderingifthey miss the place, because their nose ain’t confirming nothing.
Butprogress,demboys
seh, never remove smells progress just relocatedem.
Because further up the road, a new fragrance now greetyou.Apowerful,freerange, organic bouquet of fowldung.Notjustasmell, mind you a full experience. This is not a casual passing scent. This one cling to you. It follow you.Itsitinthecarwithyou like an uninvited relative whorefusetogetout.
Dem boys seh is modern agriculture Big
wherepeoplelive,andmany Guyanesedonotfeelityet.
Third,crimecontinuesto plague the society Even where there has been some reduction, crime still representsamassivetransfer of wealth each year from law-abiding citizens to criminals. Businesses suffer losses, households feel unsafe,andfearpersists.The resurgenceofbicyclegangs, particularlyinurbanareas,is deeply troubling. A budget that does not clearly outline how public safety will be strengthenedisdisconnected fromlivedreality
Fourth, there is the persistent and unresolved p
nal Insurance Scheme (NIS) records failing to properly r
ibut
’ payments.Workersroutinely d i s c o v e r m i s s i n g contributions when they apply for benefits This situation is worsened by employers who deduct NIS from wages but fail to remit those funds. Budget 2026 does not convincingly show how this long-standing injusticewillbecorrected.
Sixth, there is growing chaosanddisordercausedby the unchecked spread of illegal vending Many people now feel entitled to set up vending operations anywhere on pavements, roadways,andpublicspaces. Thisproblemismadeworse by weak enforcement and the near absence of zoning. Without order and planning, the country risks becoming increasingly disorganised andunmanageable.
Seventh, inequality across Guyana is widening. The rich are getting richer, while the middle and lower classesstruggletokeeppace.
Government policies, including measures contained in Budget 2026, appear to favour those who already have capital and influence. An economy that consistently rewards the top while leaving others behind cannot remain socially stable.
Eighth, the high cost of livinghasbecomeoneofthe most pressing concerns for households. Prices for food and basic goods continue to rise,stretchingincomesthin.
skyrocketing, making it increasingly difficult for young people and working families to find affordable accommodation.Atthesame time, the cost of building a home has risen sharply due to high material prices and labour costs Home ownership is drifting out of reach for many, yet the budgetofferslimitedrelief.
Itmustbeacknowledged that a budget is a one-year financial plan. It is not a long-term or even mediumterm development strategy. However, during the budget debates,thegovernmenthas a clear opportunity to demonstrate clearly and irrefutablyhowthemeasures in Budget 2026 will help to alleviate these very real problems.
chicken farms, big investment, big smell. So while Diamond retire from the scent business, poultry take over It is the smell of GDP growing. When that fowl dung hit you, that is foreign exchange you smelling.
Somepeoplecomplain, butdemboyssehyoumust lookatthebrightside.That smell mean eggs cheap. That smell mean chicken plentiful. That smell mean development happening, rightunderyournostrils.
Istrue,Guyananowfull of new smells. Oil smell, asphalt smell, garbage smell, and now fowl dung smell. Dem boys seh if smell was currency, we wouldberichalready
So next time you driving and your nose wrinkle up, doh complain tooloud.Justsmileandtell yourself:“Thisisthesmell of progress even if progress coulda bathe lil bit.”
Talkhalf.Leffhalf
Fifth,Guyanafaceshigh labourcostsandacutelabour shortages, particularly in productive sectors such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. These shortages have led to a growingrelianceonmigrant labour While migrant workers may be necessary, their large-scale importation increasessocialcosts,places pressure on housing and services, and raises questions about long-term workforce planning. These issues are insufficiently addressedinthebudget.
For many families, budgeting has become an exercise in survival. Budget 2026 does not adequately explain how it will ease the pressure of spiraling prices. The measures announced such as an increase in the income tax threshold and a cash grant for adults do not fundamentally address the cost-of-living crisis The existing measures such as thereliefontaxesonfreight charges have not brought any relief. Ninth, the cost of housing has become prohibitive Rents are
If the government can show how traffic will be reduced, poverty tackled, crime contained, NIS fixed, labour shortages managed, disorder addressed, inequalitynarrowed,thecost of living eased, and housing madeaffordable,itwouldgo a long way toward pulling therugfromunderitscritics’ feet.Untilthen,thecriticism that Budget 2026 is out of touch with the everyday reality of Guyanese life will continuetoringtrue.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
When President Reagan went to the White House, Bedtime for Bonzo, gained a new home and renewed fame The forgettable B-grade film, featured a chimpanzeeasReagan’scostar
Afineteam,somewouldsay So,athome was Mr Reagan with his cinematic companion, that he never really rose above thatstation. Apresidentialprecedentwasset 75yearsago.
From America, it’s to Guyana Considering his love of theatrics, Guyana’s Pres.Ali has a choice of costars: leopard or chameleon. Astepupfromachimp,butstill an Animal Farm environment, even when lookedatbenevolently
A leopard and its spots are as old as the forests, as unchanging as the tides that influence the streams of life. There’s something about Pres. Ali and spots. He blowsandglows,thenslows. Toacrawl. He blinksandrightbeforetheeyeshetransforms from smooth, silky Dr Jekyll into the unimaginable, something unrecognizable. One position ran with in January, words that deeply touched Guyanese hearts, only for a changetocomeoverhim,andthebigpromise
of December held over to January 2026. Morerealistically,fulfillmenthappensbythe firstquarter’sclose,ifnotlateApril.
Theleopardanditsspots;thelatterdulled byage,andovertakenbythegrowthofarich mane that pushes characteristic spots even deeper beneath the surface. There is something that nags, that is unshakeable, relative to how spotted and speckled the president can be. Ronald Reagan had his chimpanzee. Irfaan Ali has his gaggle of leopards. Spareonesarenecessary,sincehe goesthroughthemsorapidly
Still,Ithinkthatinthetossupbetweenthe choice of local presidential costars is one that’sunsettled. ForPres.Alicanalsobelike thatotherfabledstruttingcreatureoflegendthe chameleon. Instead of laser technology thatcapturesimagesofspotschanging,there is the mystery that baffles natural scientists and political science. It is of the chameleon changing colors. President Ali has run through the rainbow, left no hue untouched, so versatile he is; almost like shifting winds that curl and swirl, circle around and have difficultystraighteningout.
He can be red in the face, which is PPP
rapture when among insiders and those who have made a man of themselves as hustlers. HiscomplexionchangestocrimsonPPPfury whenforcedtointeractwiththecompanyof those who made it into his party’s enemies lists. Yes,there’smorethanone. Theyspeak to more than a long history They are of a longermemory Onethatanelephantwould partwithtusksandtrunktoclaimashisown.
IhavewatchedasPres.Alistoodtallwith one posture; think of money for the poor peopleofGuyana. Iwatchwhenthepeople shrank in disbelief when he crumpled into a ballandrolledforanydarkplacetohidefrom the public eye. From bright green (cash) to dismalgrey(nothingdoing[yet]). Brightand beautiful have been some of his words, only forhimtograbthemback,swallowthem,and pretendthattheyneverexisted.
Oy vey! Misinformation and disinformation made the headlines. Now they are strangers to the president. In the hands of his people, from the mouths of his own, misinformation and disinformation, howevermalevolent,countasprimenews,if notgospel. GodforbidaGuyanesefromthe government’s enemies list slipping and
m a k i n g thatmistake.
It would be guillotine time. Law and order, respect for it, and a Guyana Police Force suddenly finding energy, and ready to get at alleged lawbreakers.
It surprises that given some of the promises walked back by the president have not been blamed on AI creations, or the fabrications of fakirs, with the objective of attaching His Excellency to what was not said. A year ago, a defense of sorts, or a dodge, may have been offered in the public domain. Now that there is an unassailable seven seat advantage, there is not even the condescensionofclearingtheairtomakethe president look whiter and shinier Now he pronounces, as though from on high, then sometimes breaking, sometimes mocking, what he himself said. Presidential spots switching,orcolorschanging? Guyaneseget theprivilegeofweighinganddeciding.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflecttheopinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Accused: Travis Fraser
A man was on Friday granted $100,000 bail after he was found with 46 grams 0f cocaine.
The accused, Travis Fraser appeared Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Leonora Magistrates’ Court to answer possession of narcotics for the purpose of traffickingcharges.
Fraser pleaded not guilty, a press release bytheCustomsAntiNarcoticsUnit(CANU) said.
ThematterhasbeenadjournedtoApril22, 2026.
With recent developments
i n neighbouring Venezuela,
American oil major ExxonMobil,thatoperatesin Guyana says it is optimistic that changes there could eventually create a more favourable environment for thecompanytoexploreparts of Guyana’s Stabroek Block
that have long been inaccessible due to the border controversy between thetwocountries.
The comments were made by ExxonMobil
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Darren Woodsduringthecompany’s fourth-quarter earnings call onFriday
Woods was asked about the future of the Stabroek Block exploration licence, which expires in 2027, and thelargeportionoftheblock currently under force majeure because it lies in
Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone but it is an area that Venezuela claims. He was also questioned on
ExxonMobil Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Darren Woods
whether that area could qualify for an extension and what milestones would be required before work could begintoevaluateitsresource potential.
Woods first explained that ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has been using seismic data and lessonsfromitsdevelopment drilling programme to identify additional exploration targets in areas of the Stabroek Block that are currently accessible. He added,“Westillthinkthere’s opportunity in that space to exploretheblockthatwecan currentlyaccess.”
Addressing the issue of relinquishment, Woods said decisions on returning acreage are based on a wellinformed understanding of the geology and opportunity set.
Last July, Exxon
relinquished a portion of the Stabroek Block to the State.
The government had announceditagreedwiththe company that a minimum area of 2,534 square kilometresmustbereturned. The Stabroek Block spans approximately 6 6 million acres, or about 26,709 square kilometres, making the agreed relinquishment a minimum of 9percent of the total area. However, the relinquished section did not include any discoveries or production activitiesandexcludedareas Exxon could not explore because of the GuyanaVe n e z u e l a b o r d e r controversy
Moreover, Woods noted that the disputed portion of the block remains under force majeure, a mechanism he said preserves Exxon’s rightsintheacreage.“Ithink
one of the advantages of forcemajeure,isitpausesthe clockandsowewillhavean opportunity to do what we need to do in that portion of theblockwhenit’savailable tous,”hesaid.
Referring to recent developments in Venezuela, Woods added, “Obviously, with the developments in Venezuela,perhapswe’llsee an opportunity to, with less naval patrols, that’ll make it a little more friendly environment. So, we’ll see howthatgoes.”
He also pointed out that the ruling of the border controversy case by the InternationalCourtofJustice (ICJ) will be a key development. “So, I think that’ll be a critical milestone,”hesaid.
“Butwe’vegotplentyof workaheadofushereinthe short term and then longer term, we’ll get into that additional acreage and see what the opportunity looks like We’re pretty optimistic,”Woodsadded.
His remarks came against the backdrop of recent developments in Venezuela.OnJanuary3,the U.S. military conducted an operation in Caracas that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife,CiliaFlores.
Both are now facing narco-terrorism charges in
the U S Following
Maduro’sremoval,President Donald Trump announced plans for the U.S. to “run” Venezuela until a proper transition takes place, while also outlining ambitious plans for the oil-rich country’sresources.
The Stabroek Block spans6.6millionacresandis
estimated to 11 6 billion barrelsofoil.Currently,oilis only being produced from the Stabroek Block, where four developments are producing more than 900,000barrelsperday
EMGL is the operator and holds a 45 percent interest in the 6.6-millionacre block, which is
Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Patrick Findlay has died. The announcement was made by his daughter, SuelleFindlay-Williams.
“ItiswithaheavyheartthatI,onbehalf of my family, announce the passing of our belovedfather,husbandandbrother,Bishop PatrickAnthonyFindlay
Dad’s passing is sudden, and he will be greatlymissedforhiskindnessandenduring faith.
I love you, Daddy, always and forever,” SuellewroteonherFacebookpage.
PresidentIrfaanAliinatributepostedon his Facebook page said that “With the unexpected passing of Pastor Patrick Findlay, our nation has been robbed of a decent, honourable, and deeply respected son of our soil. His death leaves our nation thinner,pooreranddiminished.”
The Head of State who is currently overseas said that Findlay’s life was a quiet sermoninservice.
“He gave of himself from conviction rooted in faith, guided by principle, and sustainedbyabeliefinthecommongood.In publicservice,hestoodasamanofbalance
estimated to contain 11.6 billion barrels of oil CNOOC holds a 25 percent stake, while Hess owns 30 percent.
Chevron acquired Hess last year, giving it indirect accesstotheStabroekBlock. Since 2015, Exxon has unlockedover40discoveries intheblock.
Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Bishop Patrick Anthony Findlay.
and conscience, bringing to every responsibility a steady hand and a moral compassthatdidnotwaverwiththewindsof convenience.”
PresidentAli noted that as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Findlay carrieda“heavyandsensitivemandatewith dignity,restraint,andfairness.Inthatrole,he exemplified calm leadership and moral seriousness.”“Yetbeyondtitlesandoffices, Continued on page 17
The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and A Partnership for NationalUnity(APNU)partiesare yet to agree on the number of personsfromeachsidewhowillbe allowed to speak for 30 minutes duringnextweek’sbudgetdebates.
On Friday, Leader of APNU Aubrey Norton told reporters that his party has no qualms in discussing how the presentations will be made by the opposition membersofparliament.
AcknowledgingthatWINisthe main opposition party, Norton in response to questions on its ‘shadowcabinet’saidtheconstruct is a conventionand has no basis in constitutionorstandingorders.
“While we are disposed to negotiatingandtalking,wehaveto represent the people who would haveelectedus.Theydidn’telectus totalkjusttooneissueortwoissue. Theyelectustotalktoalltheissues thatareaffectingthem,andwetook a decision that we will identify shadowstodothat.Nowthemajor reason is representation, (and) that doesn’t prevent any other speaker oranyothermemberofparliament on the other side from doing the sameandrepresenting,”hesaid.
The politician reminded that APNUhas12representativesinthe national assembly and each person is compelled to address all sectors addressedinthe2026budgetwhich was read by Dr Ashni Singh on Monday
In like fashion, Opposition member of parliament Ganesh Mahipaul said that with its 12 members APNU will be focus on
thebudgetaryallocationsforall20 ministries.Hesaid,thegovernment islikelytohave27membersspeak for 30 minutes (plus five, if an extension is requested and granted). This he said must be matchedbytheopposition.
According to Mahipaul, 20 oppositionMPsoughttopresentfor 30minuteswhiletheotherswillbe afforded15minuteseach,barringa five-minute extension- once approved.
“The APNU reached out to WIN in good faith and that was becausewedowanttoseeasmooth flow of the budget presentations, and we also want to not deprive members of the opportunity to utilizethemaximumavailabletime sothattheycanbeabletospeakon thebudgetwithgreatclarity
Unfortunately, the discussion between WIN andAPNU and is at an impasse because WIN wants to take 13 of the 20 allotted 30 + 5 times or as we want may want to term it as shadows, and they uh want to give Amanza one also whichmakesit14,andtheywantto give APNU five and the leader of theoppositiongettingonetheonehourperiod,”Mahipauldisclosed.
Asaresult,hesaidAPNUspoke to the concept of proportionality
“Proportionality has given the People’s Progressive Party 36 seats.IthasgivenWIN16seats.It hasgivenAPNU12seatsandFGM one seat; proportionality
Therefore,andIshouldgoforward and say proportionality is also the basisonwhichwewillbesittingon the various committees of the N
proportionality gives in a 10membercommitteeasweknowthe PPP six members the APNU two members and the win party two members in a 10-member committee In a nine-member committeethePPPwillgetfive,the APNU will get two and the WIN will get two. So, proportionality decided on all of that,” he explained.
APNU strongly believes that the proportionality should dictate the speaking time for opposition parties. This Mahipaul proffered would see 11 of WIN’s MPs speakingfor30minuteseachwhile four other MPs will speak for 15 minutes each. The Leader of the Opposition will maintain his hourlongpresentation.
Further, Mahipaul told reportersthateightofAPNU’sMPs will speak for 30 minutes and four memberswillspeakfor15minutes while Amanza Walton-Desir of Forward Guyana Movement (FGM)willspeakfor30minutes.
However, the APNU MP said that WIN does not agree with the
formulacausinganimpasse.
“I am guided having communicatedwiththeChiefWhip of the People’s Progressive Party Gail Texieria that no list has been submitted to her as yet from the opposition with reference to the order of speaking nor the time allocated for speaking,” Mahipaul toldreporters.
Notwithstanding, he assured thatAPNU’slistofspeakerswillbe submitted by close of business on Friday should efforts to negotiate withWINfail.
Meanwhile, WIN’s leader Azruddin Mohamed told Kaieteur News on Friday hypothetically questioned what will occur should both parties decide they want to shadow the Ministry of Education andnoagreementismet.
Mohamedsaidhewasinformed that with no consensus, the parties will most likely have to split the time.
“That is what we are hearing. So,Idon’tfinditasa,youknow,as a problem. I don’t see it as a problem,”hesaid.
Upon further probing on whether there were ongoing discussions between APNU and WINthenewlyelectedOpposition Leader said, “I reached out to Ganesh in terms of the speakers, and so, yes, I did…No, it’s not settled as yet, but as I mentioned, they can shadow and we can shadow is just the time like reducinghalfyouunderstand?”
Further, Mohamed said that opposition Chief Whip Tabitha Sarabo-Halley will submit WIN’s listofspeakersaheadofMonday’s debates.
On the question of proportionality, Clerk of the NationalAssemblySherlockIsaacs told Kaieteur News in an invited comment that the concept of proportionality applies to parliamentarycommittees. He said, “I think they have to work that out between themselves, as far as I am aware” while remindingthatasfarasheisaware there is no proportionality formula fortheallocationoftimetobudget presentations.
ByShermonHawker
Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) is poised for exponential advancements encouraged by a sturdy foundation laid by its administrationoverthelastseveral monthsacrosscriticalsectors.
The region, led by Chairman Recardo Phillips, has returned favorable reports of its performance in administration and finance, agriculture, public works, education, and health services Phillipsstatedthattheseareashave each recorded significant upward trendsservicequality
Thechairmanrecentlyengaged journalists at his office, where he offered a review of the region for the last year, particularly from the commencement of his tenure as regionalchairman.
RegionalAdministration andFinance
Phillips noted that prudent fiscalstewardshiphasresultedinan enhanced performance of policy implementation.
“Region Five, which spans fromtherightbankoftheMahaica River to Itacha on the left bank of the Berbice River, has seen tremendous development in every single sector, and those are infrastructure, social services- and thosesocialincludehousing,water distribution,andservicesdelivered from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.They arefar-reaching,andtheyarewideranging.”
The RDC’’s 2025 budget (recurrent) across the five programmes totaled $6.3 billion, with 773.4 million set for the capitalprogramme.
Services
On the health sector, Phillips told media operatives that the region has made vital inroads in strengthening health services over the last year. These include dev
, improving access to care, and strongerfront-linecapacity
Oneofthemajorhighlightswas theJuly30,2025commissioningof the $6 6 billon Bath Regional Hospital, a 75-bed facility which supplements the Fort Wellington Hospital and the Mahaicony CottageHospitalintheprovisionof health care. This latest addition to the medical system brought on stream services that were unavailable to the region, some of which include Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), CT scan, expanded surgical capacity, and increase in operation theatres in the region. Telemedicine was also introduced to the Amerindian community of Moraikobai.
Referring to transformation in the region, the chairman also attributed the successes to strong inter-agency collaboration, and a balanced coordination between central government, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), and the Neighborhood DemocraticCouncil(NDC).
Additionally, an estimated 6,000residentsofRegionFivewill
now benefit from three newly installed health centers at District No.10,JacobandEsau,andAbary, thechairmandisclosed.
“We also had improved access tomedicinesandtransportservices. Our drug availability increased to over 90 per cent at hospitals and over93percentathealthcenters.... we also had expanded medical services, and these are with the introduction of specialist clinics in urology, nephrology, nutrition and psychiatry.”
Presentingfiguresfromtheroll out of the national health voucher programme, Phillips disclosed that more than 13,000 received eye testing vouchers, over 9,000 received spectacles, over 3,000 benefited from cervical cancer screening,andover9,000benefited fromtheuniversalhealthvoucher
In 2025, construction commenced for the first ever SimulationTrainingCenter Nowat 85percentcompletion,itiswellon tracktobeopenedthisyear
The chairman also stated that 119 nursing assistants, 38 patient care assistants, and 15 laboratory
technicians graduated in 2025 and nowhelptosustainthesector PublicWorks
Upgrades for the region’s infrastructure concentrated primarily on internal drains, roads and bridges (inclusive of concrete structures), which are all community projects. The larger projectsareexecutedatthelevelof theMinistryofPublicWorks.
“For the public works programme, we have seen the constructionofconcretedrainsand sidewalk at Bygeval Secondary School,FirstCrossStreetBushLot, SecondCrossStreetBushLot,and we’veseensignificantconstruction of concrete bridges in various communitiesinRosignolandNo.8 Villages We have also seen upgradesinalotoffarm-to-market roads,andthoseareatAbary,Jerry Narine Canal, Seafield, Blairmont andCottonTree,”Phillipsoutlined.
Education
A critical sector, the regional chairman noted the government’s emphasisoneducation.Hestressed thatqualityeducationisessentialto theupliftmentofthepopulation.
Within Region Five, there are 72 education facilities, including 31 nursery schools, 30 primary schools, nine secondary institutions,fiveSpecialEducation Needs Centers, and one practical instruction center Of these, the enrollment figures for male are 5,531,whilefemalestandsat5,249.
For the proper accommodation of learners, the regional administration has over the last year undertaken multiple projects that saw newly constructed facilities as well as upgrades to existingones.
“Some notable infrastructural improvements to educational facilitiesinRegioninclude...anew school in Augsburg, extension of the Cotton Tree Primary, major renovations at Rosignol Primary andMorticePrimary,andthereare extended spaces at Woodley Park Primary, No 29 Primary, Belladrum Primary, and MahaiconyPrimary.”
Highlighting further advances in the sector, the chairman said there is an increase in the matriculationrateforthatregion.
TheGuyanaEnergyAgencyhasreceivedsixbids
for the - design, supply, installation and commissioning of 10 Solar Carport for EV ChargingStationstobeplacedacrossthecountry
This is according to the tender minutes released by the National Procurement and Tender Board (NPTAB) on Thursday
CompaniesincludeGreenPowerSolutionsInc.,Andrect Engineering and Construction, DM Family Trade and Digital Services, Green Energy Electrical Services, Smart EnergyLimited,andGeneralProcurementandConstruction Inc.
According to GEA’s tender document, the 10 locations wherethecarportswillbeinstalledareat50/50SportsBar, Vreed-en-Hoop, Region Three; Ogle Airport, Giftland Office Max, KK Service Station on the East Coast of Demerara; and at the Providence Cricket Stadium (at two sites),EastBankDemerara,RegionFour
The other locations are at Rosignol Fisherman’s Coop SocietyLtd,YasKaranSinghServiceStation,NandPersaud Company Ltd., Tain in Region Six, and at the Linden TechnicalInstituteinRegionTen.
This publication understands that the carports will provideshelterforvehicleswhileproducingelectricity
Below are the companies and their bids:
GuyanaEnergyAgency Design,Supply,InstallationandCommissioning of(10)SolarCarportforEVChargingStations.
Transportation,InstillationandCommissioningofSolar Photovoltaic(PV)Systemat(14)SitesintheHinterland.
SupplyandDeliveryofSolarBatteries andInverterfor(7)SitesLots1&2.
The government has allocated a sum of $15.1billiontotheMinistryofPublicWorks to advance the Palmyra to Moleson Creek fourlanehighwayinRegionSix.
This was announced by Senior Minister withtheresponsibilityforFinance,Dr Ashni SinghonMondayashepresentedthisyear’s $1 558 trillion budget Highlighting a number of key road projects which monies have been allocated for, the senior minister saidthisyeargovernmentwillbe“advancing construction of the Palmyra to Moleson Creek four lane highway, for which $15.1 billionisbudgeted.”
TheprojectispeggedatUS$604million.
According to a recent Department of Public Information article, the project has
beensegmentedintothreelots.Lotonespans from Canje Bridge to Johns, while Lot two commences from Bloomfield to Number 54 Village.LotthreecontinuesfromNumber55 VillagetoMolesonCreek.
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, during a recent visit to the project, said the highway will feature wider carriageways, improved geometry, safer parking, street lighting, and modern safety standards. “Minister Edghill noted that the project is closely linked to other major infrastructureplansoutlinedinBudget2026, including a new four-lane high-span bridge across the Berbice River and continued discussions with Suriname on a bridge over theCorentyneRiver,”DPIreported.
Frompage12
he was first and always a man of faith. A devout Christian, Pastor Findlay lived the valueshepreached—humility,compassion, patience, and hope. His faith was not loud, but luminous; not performative, but practical.Itshapedhisdealingswithpeople, his understanding of power, and his insistence that authority must always be temperedbymercy
He was also a devoted family man, anchored by love, guided by responsibility, and sustained by the quiet strength that comes from a life lived with integrity at home as well as in public view,” the presidentstatedasheextendedsympathyto Findlay’s family, loved ones and congregation.
“Their loss is immeasurable, and their grief is shared. For when a man such as PatrickFindlayiscalledhome,itisnotonly afamilythatmourns,butapeople.
We mourn him as a nation. We remain evergratefulforhisservice,inspiredbyhis example, and humbled by the legacy he
leaves behind. Though his voice is now stilled,theechoofhislifewillremain.May hissoulrestinperfectpeace,andmaylight perpetualshineuponhim.”
Similarly, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security extended its sympathytoFindlay’sfamily InaFacebook post, the ministry said, “Bishop Findlay served with distinction as a member of the Support and Heal Network and previously held the positions of Permanent Secretary and Deputy Permanent Secretary when the Ministry operated as the “Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security”in2015.“
The ministry said that his dedication, leadership,andservicetothenationwillbe rememberedwithgratitudeandrespect.
“OnbehalfofMinisterVindhyaPersaud andtheentireteamattheMinistryofHuman ServicesandSocialSecurity,weextendour deepestandmostsincerecondolencestothe family,lovedones,andcolleaguesofBishop Patrick Findlay on his passing,” the short statementsaid.
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2025/953-FD-PET-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-953 BETWEEN: JEWEL SOOKNARINE Petitioner/Applicant -and- JAHAIDA SOOKNARINE nee
ABLBERTS Respondent TO: JAHAIDA
SOOKNARINE nee
ABLBERTS Unknown
TAKE NOTICE that on the 29th day of August, 2025 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by JEWEL SOOKNARINE, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 5th day of January, 2026, the Applicant was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of daily a newspaper printed, published and circulated in Guyana and on the world wide web (online). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certificate copy of the Petition together with related documents AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend
this Divorce, then upon Receipt of the certified copy of the Petition and Application, you must file an Acknowledgment of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition Via the elitigation Platform(online)https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is LLp3N5. TAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 16th day of March ,2026 at 9:00 a.m. in-person before the Honourable Justice Peter Hugh in Court 7. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service. Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 6th day of January, 2026 FOR REGISTRAR
LEGAL NOTICE
IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA COMMERCIAL JURISDICTION 2022-HC-DEM-CIVFDA-754
GUYANA WATER INCORPORATED, a company incorporated in Guyana under the Companies Act 1991 of the Laws of Guyana and having its principal place of business at Vlissengen Road & Church Street, Bel Air, Georgetown, Demerara Applicant -andJESSICA EDWARDS Respondent NOTICE TO: JESSICA EDWARDS Lot 7 First Avenue Bartica
TAKE NOTICE that a Fixed Date Application, was filed against you on the 1st day of June, 2022 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana at Georgetown, Demerara by GUYANA WATER INCORPORATED,a company incorporated in Guyana under the Companies Act 1991 of the Laws of Guyana and having its principal place of business at Vlissengen Road & Church Street, Bel Air, Georgetown Demerara, in which the Applicant claims:
a) The sum of $230,567.00 (two hundred and thirty thousand, five hundred and sixty-seven dollars) being the sum due, owing and payable by the Respondent to the Applicant;
b) Interest in the said sum at a rate of 6% per annum and 4% thereafter until the full sum is paid;
c) Costs;
d) Such further or other Order as the Court may deem just.
UPON APPLICATION in person to Anansa Swain, Attorneys-at-Law for the Applicant, whose address for service and place of business is at C/o Guyana Water Incorporated, Corporate Complex, Vlissengen Road and Church Street, Bel-Air, Georgetown, Guyana, Tele No. 592-2250471 ext. 2300/2302 Email:anansas@gwi.gy or the Supreme Court Registry, copies of the Fixed Date Application, filed herein, will be delivered or sent to you.
AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith within twenty-eight (28) days after the second and final publication of this notice,prepare an Affidavit in Defence in Form 10C prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on the applicant’s Attorney-atLaw, Anansa Swain, Attorney-at-Law for the Applicant, whose address for service and place of business is C/o Guyana Water Incorporated, Corporate Complex, Vlissengen Road and Church Street, Bel-Air, Georgetown, Guyana, Tele No. 592-2250471 ext. 2300/2302 Email:anansas@gwi.gy and file it with proof of service at the Registry of the Supreme Court at Georgetown, Demerara, not later than 4 days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorney-atLaw must appear at the hearing.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file such affidavit and or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence.IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this matter stands adjourned to the 20th March, 2026, at 10:30 am. FOR REGISTRAR Dated this 21st day of January, 2026
LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA COMMERCIAL JURISDICTION
2022-HC-DEM-CIV-FDA1052
BETWEEN:
Guyana’s senior men’s national basketball team tips off its regional season todayastheycompeteinthe Nations Cup tri-nation tournament in Suriname, marking an important first stepinwhatpromisestobea demanding and defining yearfortheprogramme.
TheGuyanesesideopens the tournament on January
31 against French Guiana before matching up with hosts Suriname on Sunday, February1.
For the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF),thetournamentisthe launchpad for preparations ahead of this year’s Men’s Caribbean Championship and the beginning of a packed2026calendar
Head Coach Adrian
Hooper, assisted by Marlon Rodrigues, will guide the squad, whileWarrenWilson servesasteammanager
The roster reflects a deliberatemixofexperience andyouth,featuringDomair Gladstone, Zian Gray, Nikkoli Smith, Travis Belgrave, Shelroy Thomas, Oquacey Shortt, Kimmol Grimmond, Akil Hughes, Domitre Rankin, Jermaine
SlaterandDanielBenjamin.
AccordingtoHooper,the squad’s composition signals a transition period for the nationalprogramme.
He explained that the team blends established seniorplayerswithemerging talents who recently made strong impressions in the O
tournament.
“We have senior players who understand t h e d e m a n d s o f international basketball, and we’re also bringing in younger players who have earnedtheiropportunity
You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries. Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.
When faced with ten entrees onthemenu,itmightbehard for you to choose just one. Feelfreetoordertwoormore, Ta u r u s D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down.Atthesametime.
Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.
If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.
Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.
VIRGO
Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.
Frompage25 matches unfold on February 2 with Guyana versus St. Vincent and the Grenadines at 15:00 hrs and Honduras versusJamaicaat18:00hrs.
On Thursday evening, Guyana romped to a commanding2–0winover Aruba to boost their confidence after their opening match ended in a draw
It was an eventful first half which saw Anaya Joseph put the Junior Jags ahead in the 26th minute, following an exchange of shots on target from both sides.Josephwaslefttobeat the custodian only after receiving a crucial assist on the move from Alexaudria Chasles, who also kept
Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra. There's an incredible opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.
Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.
Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.
Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.
Mix your reality with a bit of fantasytoday,Aquarius.Allow your feet to come off the ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.
Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dreamasbigasyour mindallows.
Their performances locally showed they are ready to take this next step,”Hoopernoted.
Preparation, however, has not been without its challenges
Hooper admitted that the availability of several key players affected the team’s build-up, but he remains confident in the groupselected
“While we didn’t have everyone we would have liked in camp, the players here have worked hard, andIbelievethisteamcan give a good account of itself,”hesaid
Facing French Guiana presents a unique test, according to Hooper, who pointed out that Guyana is not accustomed to playing them at the senior level outsideoftheInterGuiana Games, which is primarily ayouthtournament
Meanwhile, GBF
President Michael Singh explained that the Nations Cup is part of a broader visionforthesport.
With an ambitious year ahead, the Federation is balancing development acrossgendersandformats.
Singh highlighted that whilethemenprepareforthe Caribbean Championship, the women’s national team will soon assemble for the CentroBasket tournament later this year, building on their runner-up finish at last year’s regional tournament hostedinGuyana.
probingtheArubadefense.
Chasles also played a roleinGuyana’ssecondgoal in the 88th minute, with another good assist that found Adrianna Chin in the centre of the 18-yard box, where she produced a qualitytouchforthefinish.
Guyana U17 Squad: Jasmine Solomon-Ross (GK), Alexis Mars (GK), Sara Ernest (GK), Aliyah John, Ella Yhip, Kuleni Springer, Lily Biffin, Avril Pasvolsky,LailaRoss,Laila So, Caraleena Elliston, Sydney Glean, Kimora Edwards, Arianna Chin, Carissa Lombardi, Ellie Biffin, Ayah Stewart, Alexaudria Chasles, Tanya De Vair, Anaya Joseph and EleannaIsaacs.
The Junior Lady Jags put forth a n o t h e r exceptional performance to record their first win of the
2026 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers on ThursdaynightinAruba. Today, they are back in actioninanotherencounterat the Guillermo Prospero TrinidadStadium,Oranjestad, as they battle the Group D runner up, Honduras, from 15:00hrs
After Thursday’s matches, Jamaica has
assumedtheleadofGroupD with seven points while Honduras is second with six pointsandGuyanaisthirdon four points. Aruba and St. Vincent and the Grenadines areatthebottomofthegroup withnopointsonthetable.
However, Jamaica has one more Group match to play, while Guyana and Honduras both have two
matchestocome.Thismeans thatashiftinpointsatthetopof tableisquitepossibleforthe top three with the fixtures remaining Only the six
Groupwinners(A,B,C,D,E and F) and the best two second-place finishers will advance to the Concacaf Women’sUnder-17Qualifiers
FinalRound
Following today’s round of matches, the final Group D (Continuedonpage24)
F o l l o w i n g a disappointing second round loss, Guyana will be desperateforawinagainsta formidable Windward Islands team, as the final round of the Women’s Super50bowlsofftoday
After being dismantled by seasoned spinner Anisa Mohammed, Guyana enter today’s final round as somewhat easy pickings for the Windwards; who are fresh off a commandingwin INroundtwo.
Guyanawillneedtorally behindtheirkeyplayerslike Shemaine Campbelle, Plaffianna Millington, Ashmini Munisar, Shabika
Gajnabi and Sheneta Grimmond for something special today The bowling for Guyana has never been bad, but their batsmen will need to focus against the likes of veteran players like Afy Fletcher, Janiella Glasgow, Earnisha Fontaine andothers;shouldtheylook to erase round two’s horror andendonahighnote.
TrinidadandTobagowill also look to keep their momentum going against Barbados while Leewards should be keen on bouncing back from their recent loss when they face a confident Jamaica. Matches bowl off from9:30h.
The Guyana Amateur P o w e r l i f t i n g Federation (GAPLF) held a very productive engagement with the Director of Sport (DoS) Steve Ninvalle and his AssistantDirectors, Melissa Dow-Richardson andFranklinWilson. The GAPLF delegation was led by the General Secretary Roger Rogers and included Vice President
Gordon Spencer and Executive Member, Bjorn Williams.
T h e F e d e r a t i o n provided a comprehensive overviewofitsperformance for 2025, this included performances at local, regional and international competi
The discussion also addressed the cha
accountability, and the need f
a t e improvements. It was recognised that 2025 was not one of the
Tucber Park Cricket Club U16 team whipped Mount Sinai CC by an innings and 61 runs when play in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) U16 Cricket Competition got underway in the New Amsterdam Zone The competition format being played is a One-day with two innings a side.Inthegamewhichwas played at the Mount Sinai Ground inAngoy’sAvenue, Mount Sanai were asked to take first strike and were bundledoutforamere74. Doing the damage with theballforTucberParkwas Berbice under-13 allrounder Lemuel DeJonge, whopickedup4-15.Hewas supported by Niquan Fraser and Ashton DeJonge with two wickets each, while
Adriel Samuels picked up one.
In reply, Tucber Park raced to 171-5 before declaring. Opening batsman Ryan McPherson led the charge with a polished 63. HegotsupportfromLemuel DeJonge (27) and Dequan Lewis(15).
Facing a deficit of 97, Mount Sinai in the second turn at the crease had no answer to the Tucber Park pacersandwereblownaway forapaltry36.
The destructive opening bowlers for Tucber Park, Kelvin Henry and Jeremiah Fraser, were unplayable as they bowled with pace and control, to both end with fifers. Fraser ended with figures of 5-16 while Henry hadfiguresof5-18.
better performing years in r
T h e engagementwascordial
(Cricinfo)-Englandand Afghanistan sealed their passagetothesemi-finalsof the Under-19 World Cup clinically, brushing aside New Zealand and Ireland respectively
A five-wicket haul from Manny Lumsden helped England bowl New Zealand outfor169inpursuitof235, while Faisal Shinozada’s 163 off 142 balls led Afghanistan to a 191-run dismantlingofIreland.
New Zealand kept Englandonaleashformuch of the first innings, but the batters didn’t throw wickets away as the pressure built, and backed their bowlers to defend whatever total they endedupwith.
For large periods, the innings remained in a holdingpattern.
ButEnglandfoundways tokeeptheirrunrateticking above four an over, and assembled a competitive score.
The first two wickets produced 48 each, with a half-century from Ben Mayes and 42 from Ben Dawkins establishing a soundplatform.
Snehith Reddy and SelwinSanjaychippedatthe wickets through the middle overs, but six of England’s top seven crossed double figures, and contributions camefromeveryone.
Facility, which is a first in Caribbeanandpossiblyallof LatinAmerica.
He assured that the Government of Guyana is committed to development of sport as is evident in the suite of measures being supported by the Ministry ofCulture,YouthandSport andthemassiveinvestments insportinfrastructure.
T
n expressed appreciation for the engagement with the DoS and assu
commitment to strengthen t
federation and the sport overall
The DoS shared that powerlifting is reputed for outstanding, regional and international performances. He noted this has not gone without recognition, as the sport will soon benefit from a High-Pe
Faisal Shinozada’s 163 came off just 142 balls (ICC via Getty Images)
The total was beefed up by Farhan Ahmed’s unbeaten 29 off 23, which wascappedwithasixoffthe lastballoftheinnings.
New Zealand took a different approach to pacing theirinnings.
Three fours from Aryan Mann in the first two overs setthetone,buthefellearly to a sharp catch from Caleb Falconeratshortcover New
Zealand,however,remained ahead of the asking rate, at leastuntiltheintroductionof Lumsdenintheeighthover
He found the outside edge twice in his first six balls, and suddenly New Zealandwere46for3.
The next nine overs produced just 19 runs with thepressureproducingarunout, Brandon Matzopolous’ struggleendingat7off25.
NewZealandkeptlosing wickets,butkeptthemselves in with a sniff, entering the last 12 overs requiring 67 withthreewicketsinhand.
L u m s d e n ’ s reintroduction put an end to those hopes, with three wickets in five balls putting an exclamation mark on an o m i n o u s E n g l a n d performance.
There was much less jeopardy for Afghanistan, for whom Shinozada and captainMahboobKhan,who scored 89 off 79, combined for a 188-run fourth-wicket stand. It helped Afghanistan pileon315.
Reuben Wilson and OliverRileychippedinwith three wickets each, but Ireland could never get Afghanistan’s scoring rate undercontrol.
Abdul Aziz removed bothIrelandopeners,andthe chase self-destructed with two of the first four wickets fallingtorun-outs. From 41 for 4, the innings became an exercise in damage control Legspinner Aqil Khan ripped through the middle orderwiththreewickets,and bythe41stover,Afghanistan had put Ireland out of their miseryandmarchedintothe semisforthethirdtimeinthe last five editions of this tournament.
