Kaieteur News

Guyana rejects

Venezuela’s opposition

...Govt. last press conference held in December 2025 ‘85 days of silence’

It is now 85 days since the Government of Guyana (GoG) last held a press conference to update the nation of its planning and execution of national policiesandstrategies.

Thelastpressconference by government was held on December 18, 2025 by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo Priortohisengagementwith members of the media, PresidentIrfaanAlihosteda press conference on November 21, 2025. Since these events last year, reporters have not been afforded the opportunity to deeply question government on the rollout of its developmentagenda.

This issue has caused a blackout in the media fraternity with journalists being forced to utilise other avenues to hold the governmenttoaccount.This would usually take the form of limited queries on the sidelines of events, often hurriedly addressed to facilitate “another engagement” or the casual “please keep questions on today'sevents.”

With transparency and accountability under question, government continues its daily routine with major projects in the pipelineandinitiativesbeing rolledout,costingtaxpayers

billions. In fact, questions continue to linger surroundingthefinalcostof the Gas-to-Energy pipeline for instance, a major component of a project that will impact the lives of thousandsofGuyanese.

The government is also silent on the audits conductedofExxonMobilto date, amounting over US$28.5B in costs claimed by the operator To date government has refused to publish the third report handed over by the audit team which reviewed US$19.6B for the company thatGuyana'soilmustrepay

Beyond the oil and gas sector, government is yet to addressseveralothermatters includingthedeadlyGuyana

BELGRADE, March 12 (Reuters) –Serbia'sRussian-ownedoilcompanyNaftna IndustrijaSrbije(NIS)hasrequestedanother sanctions waiver from the United States to continueimportingcrudewhilenegotiations continue over the sale of the company to Hungary's MOL Group, according to a companystatementonThursday

Therequesthighlightsthebroaderglobal oil supply network that includes emerging producers such as Guyana, which has become one of Serbia's crude suppliers in recentyears. NISoperatesSerbia'sonlyoil refineryinthenortherntownofPancevo,and supplies 80% of the Balkan country's fuel needs. The ​U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on NIS ​in October as part of broader measures targeting Russia's energy sector over Moscow'swarinUkraine.

Last December, OFAC gave NIS ​until March 24 to negotiate the sale of majority stakes held ​by Russia's Gazprom Neft (SIBN.MM), opens new tab and Gazprom (GAZP.MM),opensnewtab.Italsogranted a waiver allowing NIS to import crude that

Defence Force (GDF) helicopter crash and the report it promised to release and matters of foreign policy including the Guyana-Cuba relationsandtheshortageof certain medical specialists, amongothers.

In an invited comment, veteran Journalist, Denis Chabrol complained against thelackofpressconferences and post cabinet briefings.

The former President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA) said, “Guyana has perhaps become notorious for being the lone CARICOM member state where there are no postcabinet or periodic press conferences by the Head of Government or Ministers.

expiresonMarch20.

"The request (to OFAC) emphasises the importance of the company's regular operations for the (Serbian) economy, especially in light ​of global developments andthesituationontheworldoilmarket,and points ⁠advanced negotiations to change NIS's ownership structure," NIS said in a statement.

OnJanuary19,MOLsaidithadsigneda binding agreement with Russian companies to buy their stake in NIS. Gazprom and Gazprom​Nefthold11.3%and​44.9%stakes in NIS, respectively The Serbian government has a 29.9% stake, while the remainderbelongstosmallshareholders​and employees.KazakhstanwasSerbia'slargest crude supplier last ​year, accounting ⁠for nearly60%ofimports,followedbyNigeria and Guyana. Iraq was previously the main supplier with over 50% in 2022, but ⁠that situation ​changed due to market conditions. All​importedcrudearrivesviatankerstothe Croatian island of Krk and is then transported​throughtheJANAF(JANF.ZA), opensnewtabpipeline.

and selective” as he argued that brief interactions with themediaonthesidelinesof publiceventsareinsufficient andcannotbesubstitutedfor press conferences or press briefings.

This represents a woeful degradation of an important public accountability mechanism by the elected representatives.”

HenotedthatGuyanahas moved from a stage of unprecedented media openness dating back to 1992 to a situation of no press conferences not even by the General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party (PPP) and Vice PresidentBharratJagdeo. Chabrol also addressed what he described as recent “ s i t d o w n p r e s s engagements” facilitated by none other than the Head of State.

The Journalist and Publisher said these events appear“quitechoreographed

In its New Year's message, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) addressed the reduced interaction with media by government.Atthetime,the body said the weekly post Cabinet media briefing has been substituted with a weekly diatribe by the GeneralSecretaryofthePPP at his political party's headquarters.

“In fact, journalists must now formulate new strategies and tactics to access information for the public good in an era of creepinginformationcontrol by the Guyana government. Theveneerofpressfreedom is being presented as one in which there is media plurality and supposed accesstoofficials,”theGPA stated. It argued that the only objectiveistoavoidasmuch as possible searching questions as a phone interview or face-to-face semi media scrum on the side-linesofamajoreventis no substitute for a free and unrestricted press conference that allows for a

widevarietyofsubjectstobe addressed.

Last week, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) raised concerns about what it describesasasteadyerosion of transparency in Guyana, warningthatthetrendcomes at a time when the country's oil sector is expanding rapidly and public spending is reaching unprecedented levels.

Member of Parliament (MP) Sherod Duncan pointed to replacement of year-end press conferences by the administration with mere statements on the performance of respective ministries in December 2025.Duncanreasoned,“All ofitistoavoidscrutiny Now ifyouaredoingallthiswork and you are putting people first wouldn't you want to engage the public?Wouldn't youwanttoengagemembers ofthemediafraternitytotell of all this goodness that you aredoingoutthere?”TheMP believes that government is deliberately avoiding meaningful engagements with credible media houses like Kaieteur News as is evidentintheshiftfrompost cabinet briefings and now silence from Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who held regularpressconferenceson Thursdays.

KaieteurNews

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210

EDITORIAL

UNspeaks,nobodylistens

TheUNsummonedthestrengthandwilltocommission an independent probe into rights violations in Iran. The report that came out of that probe painted with a broad brush,withnonespared. FromIrantotheU.S.toIsrael,all cameinforagooddaubing,leftallthreecountrieslooking sickanddisgracefulbeforetheworld. Theirinsensitivityto thehumanelementinvolved,andnotcaring,astheybarge ahead with fists raised and a stomach full of rage. The reportspeaksofmanyhumanrightsviolations,butthereisa crisis: none of the three countries is listening, with both sides now fully committed to inflicting as much crushing forceontheother,andevenneighbourspounceduponand bruised.

Article 2(4) of the UN Charter states: “All members shallrefrainintheirinternationalrelationsfromthethreator use of force against the territorial integrity or political independenceofanystate.”

There is no denying that the U.S. and Israel struck massive blows at Iran, blows which have not stopped but expandedacrossawidertheaterofwar Identically,thereis no denying that Iran, for reasons of its own, unleashed its own weapons of destructive force on uninvolved noncombatant sovereign states. It seems that the UN’s Article2(4)isnownothingbutatoytobeplayedwithand cast about according to the whims of decisionmakers in Washington,TelAviv,andTeherantrappedintheblindred rageofwar

FordecadesIranhasbeenabonestuckinthethroatof the U.S. and Israel, one not easily removable. Now a concertedeffortismadeundertheumbrellaofajointU.S.Israelefforttoremovethatboneonceandforall. Likethe U.S.responsetothat‘DayofInfamy’PearlHarbor,thereis adrivegoingontoflattenIranintodust. Thereislittleleftto the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school but the ruins from a bombing that went terribly wrong, and 160 girls between theagesof7and12dead. Itisahumanrightsviolationof unimaginableproportions,andarallyingcauseforbesieged Iran. Thatdevastationhasoccurred,butnosideispulling back, all willing to slug it out in what could be a long and costlybattle.WeatthispapertakethepositionthattheU.S. andIsraelhavebeenmorethanadventurous,gonepastthe reckless. ThesamealsoappliestoIranwhichhasliberally sprayedtargetsindifferentcountriesacrosstheMiddleEast with a hail of missiles. Reports are of thousands of casualtiesinIran,anditissurprisingthatmorevictimshave not been reported from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other countries in the arc of the Gulf States. In war life is cheapened,andalreadythereismuchofthisondisplay

Inside of Iran itself, there are tens of thousands of protestors imprisoned in torturous conditions, with the death penalty hanging over the heads of many of them. Reportscomingfromdetaineesspeakofanintensifyingof theirfearsintheformofexplosionsaroundtheEvinprison. Infact,awingoftheprisonhasbeendamaged,addingmore dreadtothoseheldcaptivethere. Iranisnotexpectedtodo anythingthatchangesthatdangeroussituation.

ItispracticallyinvitingtheU.S.andIsraeltoattackthe prison, and create a public relations nightmare for themselves. Ablown-upprisonwithmanymangledbodies toexhibitgloballywouldbeaboonforIran.

Whether a school for young girls, or a prison holding protestors, or other civilian victims in Iran and other countries ranging from Israel to other neighbouring states, the bottom line is that human rights violations have multipliedacrosstheboard. Thereislittlehopeatthispoint thattheseviolationswillstop.

Thehumantollinwarisneverheroic,alwaysreflective ofthedarksideofman. Evenamongwinners,thereareno realwinners. Withoutadoubt,therearebraggingrightsand thespoilsofwartothevictors.

The other side of that deformed coin is the damage to civilians, the count of human rights violations. The UN speaks,nobodylistens.

Transparency and the Guyana MediaAcademy

DEAREDITOR

Withtherecentintakeof the fourth cohort of the Guyana Media and Communications Academy (GMCA) it appears as though this state operated entity has enjoyed remarkably little public scrutiny Yet,ifonepausesto reflect on the broader context of Guyana’s contemporary media environment, the existence and trajectory of this institution ought to provoke s e r i o u s n a t i o n a l conversation.

At present, the Guyanese media landscape is already characterisedbyapronounced imbalance On one side, the statemaintainsownershipand operational control of several mediaoutletsthatarescarcely reluctant to make known, either implicitly or explicitly, their alignment with the governing administration On the other side, a significant portion of the private media sector operates within an economic ecosystem heavily influenced by government; whileenjoyingthelionsshare in state advertising. This reality inevitably raises questions about editorial independence and the subtle pressures that accompany financialdependence

Compounding this dynamic is the proliferation of online platforms whose operatorsfrequentlyassume the mantle of “journalists,” yetwhoseactivitiesareoften sustained through state advertisingorotherformsof

direct and indirect political patronage In such an environment, the distinction

advocacy, and government communication becomes increasinglyblurred.

Itispreciselywithinthis fragile ecosystem that the Guyana Media and Communications Academy has emerged. In principle, the establishment of an institution dedicated to strengthening media professionalism is not inherently problematic Indeed, in many democratic societies, similar academies exist with the primary purpose of improving the communication skills of public servants, state media personnel, and government public relations officers Theseprogrammestypically emphasise transparency, crisis communication, public information management, and ethical engagement with the press. In such models, the academy’sroleissupportive and technical rather than ideological.

The troubling aspect of the GMCA, however, lies not merely in its existence but in the apparent orientation of its mandate. Rather than focusing predominantlyonenhancing t h e p r o f e s s i o n a l c o m p e t e n c i e s o f government communicators and public relations practitioners, the academy appears to operate within a

framework more closely resembling institutions found in states where media systems function under strong governmental direction.

In countries such as China and Vietnam, as well as in certain Middle Eastern and African jurisdictions, comparable academies are oftendesignednotsimplyto train communicators but to cultivate a particular ideologicalalignment.Their centralobjectiveistoensure that journalists and public communicators function as instruments of the state, advancing national political and economic narratives while reinforcing the legitimacy of the governing authority

The concern, therefore, is not abstract It is structural When the state becomes directly involved in shaping the training and professional formationofjournalistswithin an already politically imbalanced media environment, it inevitably raises questions about the integrity of the boundary between government public relations and independent journalism Journalists emerging from such systems may find themselves navigating an inherent tension: whether their professionalloyaltylieswith thepublicinterestorwiththe institutional frameworks thatfacilitatedtheirtraining.

The result can be subtle but consequential. Rather than functio

independent arbiters of information,journalistsmay graduallyassumetheroleof amplifiers of official narratives, effectively transformingthepressintoa conduit for governmental messaging rather than a platform for critical inquiry History offers numerous examples where such institutions,whileoutwardly framed as professional training bodies, ultimately serveasinstrumentsthrough which governments consolidate influence over the media landscape. The risk is that instead of strengthening journalistic independence, they contribute to the gradual normalization of narrative management, where the

comes increasingly aligned with political priorities rather thanobjectivereporting.

For a country like Guyana, still in the process of strengthening democratic institutions amid rapid economic transformation, such developments warrant careful examination A vibrant democracy requires a media environment that is pluralistic,independent,and capable of holding power to account without fear or institutionalentanglement. IftheGuyanaMediaand Communications Academy is to truly contribute to national development, its purpose must be clearly definedandpublicl

(Continuedonpage06)

TRUMPWANTS TO END “DICTATORSHIP OF THE PROLETARIAT IN CUBA”

DEAREDITOR

The prompt for this commentaryistheSNarticle titled, “Singh pressed on Cuba policy change” (SN March11th).Hereitfollows: Presidents IrfaanAli and Kamla Persad-Bissessar attended“America’sShield” confab with Secretary of State Rubio and President Trump. That meeting was unmistakably about RC, Regime Change, in Cuba. President Trump spoke in crystal clear terms about his desire to end the MarxistLeninist government in Cuba.

At the BBC World Questionspaneldiscussions, spokesman Ashni Singh seems to be denying

President Ali’s position or deliberately trying to enter a nuanced position. President Ali must make up his mind onthismatter:Youhavetobe either against RC or for RC. No ambiguity Here is my advice to President Ali: Be bold; stand up and be counted for RC. It is long past time for the Cuban Experiment with MarxismLeninism (“dictatorship of the proletariat” and “Command economy”) to come to an end The economy has already collapsedandisnowwaiting for the government to fall. Let the government fall, the soonerthebetter Thiswaypetrol and food and billions ofdollarsininvestmentswill

flow quickly to rebuild Cuba.

Thewholepurposeofthe U.S. embargo on Cuba was to pressure the Cuban government to end the M-L Experiment. Now they have reachedtheendpoint.Those CaribbeanLeadersandlocal politicians (Clement Rohee, Donald Ramotar) who feel guilty about receiving aid from Cuba and now call for solidaritywithCubaarevery misguided They are not helping; they are dragging out the agony of Cuba. The solution:Nofoodandpetrol. The faster the government falls, the sooner the rebuilding of Cuba starts.

Note: China and Russia, bastions of Marxism-

Leninism have long ended “Commandeconomics”;and now largely practice some forms of free market economics. Why not Cuba?

All Caricom countries have multi-party election democracy WhynotCuba?

Cabinet officers like MinisterAshniSinghshould encourage President Ali to come out and say unambiguously: “I am all-in with Rubio’s and Trump’s plan;timetoendthatCuban Experiment that began in 1958–1961".LettheCuban people be free. And, they’ll be free without a shot being fired. As VS Naipaul would say,“Can’tbeatthat!”.

Regards MikePersaud

DEAR

E

Lackofinformationonrape allegationsagainstDharamlall VIVACUBA

DEAREDITOR

,

On February 18, 2026, a request was hand delivered

to the office of the

C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information,JusticeCharles R. Ramson, SC., at 34 East Street, for access to official documents(pursuanttos16) pertaining to the criminal investigation of rape allegations against then

Minister of Local

Government, Nigel Dharamlall.

On March 2, 2026, we received the following

response from the Commissioner, which we reproduceinfull:

“Your application for assistancedated18thultimo was receivedas indicatedin yourlettertoStabroekNews

o f t h e 1 9 t h Contemporaneous resort to the Media will not elevate y o u r a f o r e s a i d correspondence beyond the legitimateexpectationsofan otherwise appropriate response.

However, treating this Office as if it were located on a roadside vendor’s stall hawking goods for profit has not gone unnoticed, compelling protocols notwithstanding! Perhaps, had you made the requisite

effort to familiarise yourself with the ramifications of theAccess to Information Act 2011, you may have been better persuaded to approach the identified “Public

Authority” , the sole

r e p o s i t o r y o f the informationyouseek.

The intervention of my Office is predicated upon the failure/omission of that agency to satisfy your enquiries after due deliberations

S 5 of theAct advisedly declares the Commissioner as a “clearing house”, not a n a p o t h e c a r y o r warehouse/storagebondfor y o u r i m m e d i a t e convenience “Service” to the Public is too often

mistaken for “servility”, (historically resisted by the free) by some uninformed. indolent taxpayers, the source of emoluments of their tenure, as asserted by yourkithandkin.”

We h a v e s i n c e

r e s p o n d e d t o t h e Commissionerandaskyour permission to publish this letter so that there is a publicrecord

In fact, with respect to first approaching the

‘identified Public

Authority,’ on 17th October, 2023, Mr.Andrew Pilgrim, S.C. from Pilgrim & Associates (Barbados), acting on behalf of Red Thread,sentalettertoMrs Shalimar Ali-Hack, S C , Director of Public Prosecutions

The letter emphasised that in the exercise of the DPP’s functions and discretion, it is accountable to both the public and subject to review by the Courts,andthereiscaselaw that decisively makes this clear

As a civil society

organisation whose members serve the general interest of the public, Red Thread therefore has the right to seek the accountability of public officialsfortheperformance oftheirconstitutionalduties. Theletterrepeatedarequest for disclosure from the DPP – a request that was first made onAugust 22, 2023 –and specified eight questions:

1.Whether your request for further investigations in this matter involved an instruction for the victim to bequestionedfurther,andif so,towhatend?

2 If no further questioning of the victim was required, kindly elaborateonthenatureofthe further investigation that was required by you at that stage.

3 Why did you not proceedwiththecomplaint?

4 Would you be amenabletoreconsideryour decisionnottoprosecute?If not,whynot?

5 Prior to the investigation, whether an appropriate risk assessment wasmade,giventheposition of power of the alleged perpetrator?

6 Were adequate measuresofprotectiontaken to ensure that you did not face pressure to discontinue prosecution?

7. On learning of the recantation, did you seek a statement from the complainant explaining her reasons for recanting and whethershedidsounderany duress,coercionorforce?

8.Did you consider any other pursuing prosecution for any other possible chargesthatmayariseonthe evidence, including sexual grooming?

Having received no response, on March 7, 2024, Red Thread issued a press release to share this request with the public, because (1) this is a public matter, not a Red Thread matter and (2) we hoped that public disclosure in the clear light of day might prompttheDPPtorespond to our query without having to submit a request for official documents pursuant to s 16 of the Access to Information Act 2011

We were mistaken Our February 18, 2026 letter to the Office of the C o m m i s s i

d precisely because, two and a half years later, there has to date been no response from the Office of the DPP, and because our understanding of the scope of the Commissioner’s responsibilitiesmatcheshis, n a m e l y t h a t “ t h e intervention of my Office is predicated upon the failure/omission of that

agency to satisfy your enquiries after due deliberations.”

We repeat our request to the Commissioner of Information for the following documents (electronicorhardcopy):

A n y a n d a l l documents which contain information relative to t h e c r i m i n a l investigation of rape allegations against M i n i s t e r N i g e l Dharamlall.

A n y a n d a l l documents which contain information and/or insight as to why the Director of Public Prosecutions changed her decision to Prosecute Minister Nigel Dharamlall in light of the rapeallegationsagainsthim. Any and all documents which contain information relevant to the victim’s recantation of her allegations of rape against MinisterNigelDharamlall.

A n y a n d a l l documents which contain i n f o r m a t i o n o n i n v e s t i g a t i o n s undertaken for other possible charges arising from the rape allegations against Minister Nigel Dharamlall

Once again, we remind the public that the Commissionerisaservantof andthereforeaccountableto the taxpayers of Guyana who fund this Office. Once again, we emphasise that thismatterbeaddressedwith urgency, given the seriousness with which matters of sexual and gender-based violence must be treated in Guyana, (a seriousness emphasised by theGovernmentofGuyana), and especially given recent newspaper reports of Nigel Dharamlall’s return to official Government of Guyana duties.Action must matchrhetoric.

Sincerely

KarendeSouza RedThread

DITOR

TheCubanRevolutionis under enormous pressure. Since the failed CIA invasion in 1961, Cuba has been living under an economic blockade that has cost her trillions of dollars. Thissituationhasintensified since the dissolution of the SovietUnionin1991.

Why is this hatred for Cuba so profound in the ruling class of the United States? They are not afraid of Cuba as a military threat thatmuchisclear However, they were terrified of the example that the Cuban system can become, if not stopped.

After all, despite the mostinhumaneblockadefor more than sixty years, Cuba’s achievements are impressive.

This country has the highesteducationalstandard intheAmericas.Itistheonly country in which every familyhasadoctorattached toit.Itisacountrywithone of the highest life expectancy in the world. It has the human capital to develop rapidly had it not beenfortheU.S.aggression onpeople.

This island is one of the very few third world states that has independent discoveries in medicine Recall during the covid pandemic Cuba developed more than two vaccines to combat the dreaded virus that caused 1 2 million deaths in the USA. It has recently developed medicinestocombatcancer, includinglungcancer

TheCubanworkershave been keeping their factories going by manufacturing theirownparts.Theirability to innovate is second to none.

Morethanthis,Cubahas been sharing its experience with all other countries. At every disaster in the world, Cuban doctors and other

workers are among the first to offer assistance. During the outbreak of Ebola in the Congo, Cubans were the first to go to stop the spread of that deadly illness. The examples are too numerous to list. However, they are wellknown.

Solidarity has been one of the pillars of the Cuban revolution. In 1960, just months after the victory of the Revolution, Cuban doctors, though limited, wenttoassistChilethathad experienced a very destructive earthquake. In 1963,whentheFrenchwere forcedtoleaveAlgeria,they took with them most of the doctors. Cuba went to the rescue of the Algerian people. From the beginning we saw a most humane and generous country and people.

If the Cuban people could have achieved so much and done so much for others under such difficult conditions, then can you imagewhattheywouldhave been able to do in normal conditions? The sky would havebeenthelimit.Itcould have been a model state of prosperity

TheU.S.isafraidofany system that can compete successfully against capitalism. They see their principal task is to maintain its dominance to exploit the world’s resources for the rich and idle.As far back as 1947,PresidentTruman,in (Continuedonpage06)

PresidentAli’s call for changes in Cuba

DEAREDITOR

So, our illustrious President,itisalleged,stated publicly that there must be changes in Cuba to ensure democracy. Coming from Guyana this is an unfortunate, sad, and sorry statement. Is our President aware of the economic embargo imposed on Cuba, thelongestinrecenthistory In spite of that Cuba has helped the people in southernAfrica, in their just struggle against apartheid. They have assisted in the vital area of human developmentofpeopleinthe Caribbean, Africa and elsewhere, by providing top class training in medicine, engineeringandotherskills, not measurable in dollars

andcents.Andonemaypose thequestion;isthePresident aware of what took place in Cuba in 1959, that has been

historians as a popular uprising, that freed millions

suffocation and being second-classcitizens. Our President must knowtheoriginsofthisword “democracy”, a chameleon term meaning different things to different people. Withthemightofarmies,the power of propaganda, and economic interest great

determined and defined democracy Iamthesurvivor ofthemostbrutalandsavage system of hundreds of years

ofslavery,duringtheseyears the European colonisers in their places of worship and palaces, proclaimed that t h e y w e

democracy. In the colonies

manumitted Africans and indentured labourers were thought about democracy, even as they sought to get a biggersliceofthecake.

The powerful nations proclaimedtheywereviable democracies,asanexcuseto wage war and plunder resourcesofotherpeople,in every corner of the globe. Thanks to the machinations of the imperial masters, we havebeenpersuadedthatthe hallmarkofdemocracyisthe holding of periodic

elections. We have seen in action, this fallacy, this deception, here and elsewhere. Thismayseema smallmatter,butinavibrant democracy a government using its awesome authority and boundless resources, would have ensured that a newspaper, Stabroek News for example, would have remained open, so that we benefit from the essence of

democracy,whichistohave all sides of a story available to“JohnPublic”.

Wewerethoughtthatthe voice of the people, is the voice of God. Unless PresidentAliisregurgitating the expressions of other folks, he should give the peopleofGuyanahisversion ofdemocracy

Recall one smart alec said,“thedemocracywesee

in action, is demons gone crazy”.Mr Presidentyouare duty-boundtotellus,inclear words, what should happen, or be done to make Cuba qualify to be labelled a democracy, and not a client state. I avoid the tedium of naming dictatorships, m a s q u e r a d i n g a s democracies.

Sincerely

ElderHamiltonGreen

VIVACUBA...

Frompage05

fighting against the Eastern European countries states that “... the whole world should adopt the American system...”Hewentontosay that“...theAmericansystem could survive in America only if it became a world system...”

Therefore, they have to crush any system that they feel threatens the American way

I am often amazed by those who speak about free and fair elections in Cuba without calling for the total ending of the blockade and non-interference in the affairs in Cuba In my

opinion they are just repeating, parrot like, U.S. slanderofCuba.

After all the United Nationshasaprincipleofthe “Right of Nations to SelfDetermination.”

Thosecriticsshouldnote that Cuba has its own Constitution which was widely discussed by the populationandareferendum before it was adopted by their legislative body The Cuban people chose their system.

It is shameful and cowardly for leaders of states that benefited from Cuba’sgenerosity,ataheavy cost to themselves are now

Transparency

Frompage04

y interrogated Its governance structures, curriculum, and institutional independence should be transparent and subject to scrutiny. Without these safeguards, the academy

turning their backs on Cuba initstimeofneed.

Now too, Cuba is facing anenergy(fuel)blockadeby theU.S.

Yet those who speak of change in Cuba are not mentioningthattheimposed blockade is a clear violation of all international laws That is what deserves our region’scondemnation!

For the governments in our region which so easily break contracts they signed withtheCubanauthorities,I urge them to respect the sanctityofcontracts.

Regards DonaldRamotar

FormerPresident

and the Guyana...

risksbeingperceivednotasa guardian of journalistic excellencebutasyetanother mechanism through which the boundaries between the state and the press become increasingly indistinct. In a societywhere thecredibility of information is already contested, Guyana cannot afford institutions that deepen those ambiguities. The media must remain a watchdog,notamouthpiece.

Regards

ClayonF.Halley

Magistrate blocks new evidence in Mohameds' extradition

...tells prosecution justice is not measured by length of case

ByShaniaWilliams

The extradition proceedings involving Opposition Leader AzruddinMohamedandhisfather, Nazar Mohamed, continued on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court, where the presiding magistrate made it clear thatthelengthofthemattershould not influence how justice is administered.

The case resumed before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman with continued testimony from Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sharon RoopchandEdwards.

During the proceedings, Magistrate Latchman stated that shedoesnotneedtoberemindedof how long the case has been ongoing,stressingthattheduration of a matter has no bearing on ensuring that justice is properly executed.

Herremarkscameafterdefence attorney Siand Dhurjon made an application seeking to introduce copies of documents from the United States relating to lobbying firms allegedly paid by the GovernmentofGuyana.

Dhurjon argued that the documents relate to U.S. lobby firms hired by the government targetingtheMohamedsandwould supportthedefence'sclaimthatthe extradition proceedings are politically motivated “The Guyanese government went as far asspendinghundredsofthousands of U.S. dollars,” Dhurjon told the court. “It is this office holder who would have taken the necessary steps to facilitate these payments during her tenure as Permanent Secretary within the ministry The documents we seek to introduce speak to the political prosecution abuse which has triggered the extradition.”

The defence's request came after the magistrate had already ruledduringaprevioushearingthat nofurtherdisclosureofdocuments would be allowed, as both the prosecution and defence had been giventimetosubmitalldocuments before witnesses began their testimony

Prosecutor Herbert McKenzie objected to the request, emphasising that the court had already ruled on the issue and that

theU.S.documentswereirrelevant totheextraditionproceedings.“All these things are completely irrelevant; they have no bearing,” McKenzie argued. “You can't fish for evidence to support your case. Theseextraditionproceedingshave been going on for quite some time now,fordays.”

In response, Magistrate Latchman spoke firmly about the prosecution's repeated references to the length of the proceedings. Prosecutorshave,sincethestartof thecase,expressedtheirdesirefora speedy hearing with minimal delays. However, the magistrate cautioned that the pace of the proceedings must never take precedenceoverjustice.

“Counsel,justicehasnothingto do with that,” the magistrate said. “Thelengthofthecaseisthelength of the case. It must never be sacrificed to alter the speed. You need to stop fishing for that line. Stop letting others know how long the matter has been going on for I do not need to be reminded of the lengthoftime.Itisunnecessaryfor youtoremindthecourtabouthow longthematterhasbeenbeforethe court.” After hearing arguments

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards

from both sides, Magistrate Latchman maintained her earlier ruling and denied the defence's request to submit any additional documents.

Speaking with the media after the hearing, prosecutor Glenn Hanoman said the case appears to beprogressingsteadily “Ithinkthe matter has to take its course,” Hanomansaid.“I'mhappytoreport today that the matter seems to be moving apace. Mr Dhurjon has finally completed his crossexamination,sowearemoving.”

When asked how long the case might take to conclude, Hanoman saiditisdifficulttopredict.“Itisso hardtopredict,”heexplained.“The

Principal Judy Latchman

defence has demonstrated various filingsinthesuperiorcourts.Their intentionreallyistotrytodelaythe matterasfaraspossible.Iseetheir strategy ButIthinkhavingrunout of High Court applications, they have resorted to non-legal reasons fordelay.”

He added that prosecutors remain alert to any developments that could cause further delays. “I amlookingtoseewhatoccurrences might take place that could occasion further delays. We are looking out for them. We have enoughcourtsessionsoverthenext four days to complete all the evidence in this case,” Hanoman (Continuedonpage16)

H@RD TRUTHS

Thinking like Iranians, latching on the strategy

I'm getting a better handle on Iran,nowcorneredandtrappedina warthatpummelsitfromallsides. Airandsea;andwithtanksmassed at its border for the first steps in a potentialgroundoffensive.

American technological power unleashed from many angles, with theIsraelisdemonstratingthatthey arenoslouchesinthedeadlygame of war and destruction. What couldbeIran'sstrategy?

Whattogainashammerblows rainfromtheoutside,whileitmust keep an eye on threats from the inside? ThinklikeanIranianismy advice; how I proceed to answer thosequestions.

It is obvious that the Iranians are in a war that they cannot win. Not a snowball's chance in a wildfire. They know that, their enemies know that, and the world knowsthat,too. Butithasacrucial weaponinhand.

A cluster bomb for the profusionofcripplingeffectsthatit can inflict. Oil, it is. Iran doesn't have to withhold supplies from its oilstocksthatitcan'tsellasfreely,

as wished. Sanctions neutralised, damaged. But this country that is embattled from all sides works doggedly to make others think deeply, twice, about their oil, and the threats to getting refineries functioning at full capacity, and tankersreachingtheirdestinations. Instead of the sophisticated armaments of war, which it either lacks the knowhow to produce, or isrunninglowonwhatithad,Iran's strategy seems to focus on the economicsofwar

Iran holds on against the odds, absorbs rolling barrages of pain, and readily sheds the blood of its sons and daughters. But it makes others feel their pain in different ways.

Oilsuppliesunderdistress. Oil prices soaring to new heights, striking dependent national economies, and hitting others that needoiltolubricatetheirprogress.

I see sharing of physical and psychological and infrastructural painfeltbyIran,withtheobjective of making oil-flush neighbours, and others dotted around the map,

cry out in agony Iran bends its mind to take its blows, grimace with teeth-locked from its dripping, scars, as long as it can. It'sadifferentformofmartyrdom, a kind that is in keeping with the Iranian national and spiritual psyche.

From my perspective, the strategy of Iranian thinkers and planners is two-pronged. The decadent West is known for being soft, not quite up to taking much punishment.

Whatever form, and it doesn't havetobetoointense,therippleof resentment against an unwanted, unsanctioned war grows in strength. Score an advantage for thePersians.

Teheran is also aware that there are countries whose economies are tender to the touch, could be held hostage by oil, and any prolonged disruption of oil supplies, and blasting through priceresistancelevels,canbefatal to their calculations. Or, at least, hurry those countries into a coma. Pain at the pump. Pain at the pot.

Nooneshouldforgetthat thick, viscous crude oil h a s o v e r 6 , 0 0 0 derivatives. Oildevelops a cough, and most, if not, all of those products get bashedbytheequivalentofa severe attack of coronavirus. Economic stringencies soon become the buzzwords that make an impression, dig deeper, and make worldwide nuisances of themselves.

ThebottomlineisthatIranhas been lashed, and will continue to get battered into a dumpsite Smashed silly, yes; but smashed out of existence is out of the question From current indications, it doesn't appear that Iranisgoingtoyield. Becausethegreaterandlonger that Iran gets broadsided and bulldozed,themoreothersbeyond its borders are made to hop from onefoottotheother,andreducedto adelicate,dangerousbalancingact. Recall the economics of war A newoneisnowintroduced. Think oftheeconomicsoftime. Iranison

its way to being reduced to a scrapheap. But, let there be the clear-headednesstodiscernthatthe economies of vulnerable countries could be limping towards a pile of ashes. Itwouldbeapyrrhicvictory for Iran, but what nonetheless countsasavictory,intheeyesofits leaders. WannamesswithTehran, come prepared with an armorplatedeconomy

Hormuz is locked. Producers cannot produce. Shippers circle around Prices takeoff Economiesstumble. War!Bringit on. Pain!Haveanestheticready (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Miner beaten to death, two others injured at Siparuni River camp

A32-year old miner was beaten to death on Tuesday morning while two others wereinjuredoverthealleged theft of gold at a mining camp along the Siparuni Riverregion8.

Dead is Rowell La Cruz, called“Kabaloo,”,aminerof Warapoka Village, North WestDistrict.

The incident occurred around10:00hrs.

AccordingtotheGuyana PoliceForce(GPF),LaCruz and another male worker, whowerebothemployedata dredging operation, were in thecamp'skitchenareawhen they were approached by threemenwhoaccusedthem ofstealinggoldfromasluice box The men were then ordered to go to a nearby watch camp where they met another male. “It is alleged thatthesuspects,armedwith a handgun, cutlasses and a mattock handle, dealt the men several blows about their bodies, causing injuries, after which they left,”policesaid.

The injured men were later assisted by publicspirited citizens and taken towards the riverfront However, La Cruz reportedly succumbed to his injuries while being transportedandhisbodywas subsequently placed at a nearbycamp.

Probe deepens into death of teen mom

...father charged for allegedly raping her, DNA test ordered to determine child's father

La Cruz's body

La Cruz's body (A screengrab of a video posted by Joseph Allen)

“ P o l i c e r a n k s subsequently visited the scene where the body of the miner was found lying motionless with marks of violence about his body,” policesaid.

Thebodywasescortedto the Linden Hospital ComplexMortuarywherehe was pronounced dead on arrival. His body has since beenplacedthereawaitinga post-mortemexamination.

Meanwhile,thetwoother injuredmen—a36-year-old man of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara and Fair View Village, North Rupununi,anda25-year-old miner of Paramakatoi Village, North Pakaraimas — were taken to separate medicalfacilitieswherethey weretreatedandadmitted. Police are currently searchingforthesuspectsas investigationscontinue.

Yarrowkabra man nabbed with ganja at Bartica

A24-year-old

m a n o f Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke-Linden Highway was arrested on Thursday after he was found with a quantity of suspected cannabis at Bartica, Region Seven.

According to police reports, the discovery was made between 11:10hrs and 11:30hrsduringanoperation conductedatBartica.

During the operation, ranksconductedsearcheson an incoming speedboat travelling from Parika to Bartica. Upon the vessel's arrival at the Bartica Stelling,allpassengerswere taken to the Bartica Police Station where they were searched along with their personalbelongings.

The Ministry of Human ServicesandSocialSecurity o n T h u r s d a y s a i d investigations suggest that the father of 14-year-old Aleena Preetam's baby girl may be a teenage boy under theageof18.

In a statement, the ministrysaidthatthroughits Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), an in-depth investigation was conducted following Pretam's death between February 22 to February 23, 2026, weeks aftergivingbirth.DNAtests havebeenscheduledtoassist with the determination of paternity It was also disclosed that the baby has been placed into the foster caresystem.

“CPA is following up with the Guyana Police ForceandOfficeofDirector ofPublicProsecutiononnext steps,” the ministry stated. TheministrystatedthatCPA wasmadeawareofPreetam's pregnancy in September 2025, where a Forensic Interview was conducted withAleena at Blossom Inc. during which she made certain statements. “She received medical care at the regional hospital. A referral was submitted to Blossom Inc requesting victim support, court preparation support and trauma focused counseling,” the ministry said.

Further, the ministry revealed that back in 2024, the teen was the subject of a

previous intervention by the CPA following reports that she was allegedly being physically, verbally, and sexually abused by her father The ministry said the girl was removed from her parents' home in Region 2 and placed in the temporary care of her older sister in Region 3. The matter was reported to the Guyana Police Force and following investigations,thefatherwas charged.

On November 11, 2024, the matter was heard at the Suddie Magistrate's Court andthefatherwasremanded to prison. According to the ministry, on December 6, 2024,upontheapplicationof Preetam's mother, the Essequibo High Court granted bail to the father in the sum of $350,000. The High Court Order stipulated that the accused and anyone on his behalf, including the applicantmother,shouldnot m a k e a n y c o n t a c t whatsoever with the teen or go within 100 feet of her It was further ordered that Preetamshouldremaininthe

care and control of her elder sisterinRegion3orwithany otherpersonthattheCPAso directs. This matter is still pending.

In late February a post mortem examination carried out on the body Preetam determined that her cause of death was heart failure and anaemia Preliminary enquiries revealed that the teen, who resided with her parents and her one-montholdchild,waslastseenalive on Sunday evening, February 22. On Monday morning family members attempted to wake her but found her unresponsive. She was escorted to the Suddie Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Preetam's body was examined and no marks of violence were observed Kaieteur News had reported that the teen was found unresponsiveinherbedroom after her baby was heard crying for a prolonged period. Concerned relatives went to check on the infant and found Preetam motionlessonherbed.

U p o n f u

h e r examination, the parcels were found to contain leaves, seeds and stems suspectedtobecannabis.

Police reported that ranksconductedasearchon the 24-year-old man and while searching a bag in his possession,sixbulkyparcels wrapped in brown paper werefound.

Police said he was arrested and taken to the Bartica Police Station along withthesuspectedcannabis, which was weighed in his presence and amounted to 682 grams.An investigation isongoing.

Venezuela rejects Guyana's offshore seismic exploration plans

The government of Guyana on Thursday firmly rejected Venezuela's objection to Guyana's decision to advance a three-dimensional multi-client seismic exploration programme within Guyana's Exclusive EconomicZone(EEZ).

Guyana announced its decision to partner with a company to conduct a 3D multiclient seismic survey covering approximately 25,000 square kilometres offshore on Monday The Ministry of Natural

Resources announced a partnership with Viridien to conduct the offshore survey aimedatde-riskingthebasinand attracting investment.According to the ministry, the survey will coverall11blocksfromthe2022 LicencingRoundlocatedsouthof theStabroekBlockandextending totheGuyana–Surinameborder

In a communiqué issued on March 11, Caracas said it “categorically rejects” Guyana's decision to proceed with exploration activities in areas Guyana considers part of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“Once again, Guyana

reiteratesitsintentiontocarryout unilateral exploration activities over part of the maritime spaces that are pending delimitation, in

fundamental principles of

Venezuelangovernmentsaid.

The Spanish-speaking nation called on Guyana to refrain from unilateral actions that could violate principles of customary international law governing relations between coastal states, particularly measures that could create or aggravate differences anddepartfromtheframeworkof internationallaw

Caracas also warned that it does not recognise any concession, licence or activity related to the exploration or exploitation of natural resources in maritime areas it considers undelimited. The long-standing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela is currentlybeforetheInternational Court of Justice (ICJ) after VenezuelalaidclaimtoGuyana's resource-richEssequiboregion.

However, in response to Venezuela, the Ministry of ForeignAffairsandInternational

Cooperation on Thursday said it “categorically rejects the assertions contained therein, which are legally unfounded, i

y inconsistent with established principlesofinternationallaw.”

“The Ministry wishes to remind the Government of the B

Venezuela that the Government of Guyana has the authority to grant permission for any activities within the maritime areas appurtenant to the coastal territoryofGuyana,asdefinedby theArbitralAwardof1899,which established the frontier between BritishGuianaandVenezuela.In such maritime areas, Guyana enjoys sovereignty up to 12 nautical miles in the territorial sea, and sovereign rights beyond 12nauticalmilesintheExclusive E

e continentalshelf.”

Further, the statement said that the maritime areas in which the seismic survey will be conducted lie unequivocally within Guyana's Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf, over which Guyana (Continuedonpage16)

World taps emergency

oil reserves

TheInternationalEnergy Agencyhasagreedtorelease a record 400 million barrels ofcrudeoilinresponsetothe disruption caused by the U.S.-IsraelwaronIran.

In a statement the 32MembercountriesoftheIEA on Thursday unanimously agreed to make 400 million barrels of oil from their emergency reserves available to the market to address disruptions in oil markets stemming from the war in the Middle East. The decision to take emergency collective action was made following an extraordinary meeting of IEA Member governmentsonWednesday, convened by the IEA Executive Director to assess market conditions amid the conflict in the Middle East and consider the options to address supply disruptions.

“The oil market challenges we are facing are

unprecedented in scale, thereforeIamverygladthat IEAMember countries have

responded with an emergency collective action of unprecedented size,” said IEA Executive Director FatihBirol.“Oilmarketsare global so the response to major disruptions needs to be global too Energy security is the founding mandateoftheIEA,andIam pleased that IEA Members areshowingstrongsolidarity in taking decisive action together.”

The emergency stocks willbemadeavailabletothe marketoveratimeframethat isappropriatetothenational circumstances of each Membercountryandwillbe supplemented by additional emergency measures by

s

IEA members hold emergency stockpilesofover1.2billion barrels, with a further 600

million barrels of industry

stocks held under government obligation. The coordinated stock release is thesixthinthehistoryofthe IEA, which was created in 1974 Previous collective actions were taken in 1991, 2005, 2011, and twice in 2022.

The conflict in the MiddleEastthatbeganon28 February 2026 has impeded oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, with export volumesofcrudeandrefined products currently at less than 10% of pre-conflict levels This is forcing operators across the region to shut in or curtail a substantial amount of production.Anaverageof20 million barrels per day of crude oil and oil products transited the Strait of Hormuz in 2025, or around 25%oftheworld'sseaborne oil trade. Options for oil

A foreign tanker carrying Iraqi fuel oil damaged after catching fire in Iraq's territorial waters, following unidentified attacks that targeted two foreign tankers, according to Iraqi port officials, near Basra, Iraq, March 12, 2026.

REUTERS/Moha mmed Aty

flows to bypass the Strait of Hormuzarelimited.

Meanwhile, AL Jazeera has reported that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary GuardCorps(IRGC)saysits navy fired on and stopped two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz after they ignored warnings Meanwhile, explosionsrockedTehranon Thursday as Iran says U.S. and Israeli forces have bombed nearly 10,000 civilian sites in the country H o w e v e r, I r a n i a n counterattacks continue, while several Gulf states –including Kuwait, Qatar,

SaudiArabiaandtheUAE–report missile and drone interceptionsinrecenthours. Iran said it will fight on and keep the Strait of Hormuz shut as leverage against the U.S. and Israel, new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said ​in defiant first comments since hesucceededhisslainfather "The popular demand is to continue our effective defenceandmaketheenemy regret it," according to remarksattributedtohimby statemedia.StateTVoffered no explanation for why the message was ​read out rather

thandeliveredinperson.

Hours later, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his first press conference since the start of the war to issue a veiled threat to kill Khamenei and defend the militaryassaultonIran.

"I wouldn't issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organisation," Netanyahu said. Inside Iran, residents said ​security forces were increasing their presence to demonstrate continued (Continuedonpage17)

2nd theatrical production of 'From Whence We Came' series set for Cultural Centre this weekend

In celebration of Guyana's rich ethnic tapestry, GEMS Theatre Productionswillbestagingthe2nd installment in the 'FROM WHENCEWECAME'series.

Infor2ndproduction,GEMSis teaming up with NRITYAGEET Dance Theatre for the 'FROM WHENCEWE CAME- the Indian Experience' slated to happen on March 14, and 15, 2026 at the National Cultural Centre. Their first production was held on January 11-13, 2025 depicting the ChineseExperience.

This year's performance is based on the book written by Dr Seeta Shah Roath entitled 'KisnaFrom whence we came, British India to British Guiana.' Shah Roathdidthehistoricalresearchfor the play which paints a vivid tapestry of the challenges met, sorrows endured, and fleeting joys through cultural and religious retentions, bringing to life the indomitable spirit of those who lived through this chapter of history

It's a story of survival, resilience, and the unyielding

A scene from rehearsal for the 'From Whence We Came' play set for the National Cultural Centre

humanspirit.Atthesametime,this play provides an educational journey through the whys, where, when, and how of the Indian Indentured System from British India to British Guiana and highlights important cultural retention patterns that led to becoming Indo-Guyanese and making important strides in

Probelaunchedafter claimsofdumpedwater removedfromHaagsBosch landfillforhumanconsumption

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Developmenthaslaunchedaninvestigationfollowingclaims onsocialmediathatcasesofwaterdumpedattheHaagsBosch Landfillwerelaterremovedfromthesiteforpossiblehuman consumption.In a statement onThursday, the ministry said it hastakennoteoftheallegationandistreatingthematterwith the “utmost seriousness,” as it suggests that several establishedprotocolsmayhavebeenbreached.

Accordingtotheministry,animmediateinvestigationwill beconductedtodeterminethecircumstancessurroundingthe incident. The ministry explained that liquid waste is not accepted at the landfill and that any waste requiring special destruction must receive prior approval before being transportedtothesite.Itaddedthatanofficialdestructiondate isusuallyscheduledtoensurethatsuchprocessesarecarried outunderpropersupervision.

The performance centers around young Indian men and women were brought into the Demerara Depot in Garden Reach, Calcuttaof1856,fromwhencethey shared the arduous journey across twooceanstoreachastrangeland, strange people, and challenges

never envisaged kidnapped, lured by high-paying jobs, and seeking refuge.

A full-length historical drama, it captures the geographical and human elements of the Indian Indentured System from British IndiatoBritishGuiana.

It focuses on the accounts of circumstances surrounding deaths, beatings, conflicts, uprisings, and cultural retentions are real and not imagined These accounts are wovenwithinthestoryandbecome a part of the characters' lives, challenges met, sorrows, and joys experienced.

Setinthe1800s,events,places, people's attitudes, and behaviours are as described by governors' reports,newspapers,courtrecords, otherarchivalrecords,oralhistory, and transcripts of interviews with survivors and descendants of the system.

The protagonists are recruited inmultiplewaysandexperiencethe long agonising wait at the depot in Calcutta. This is the place where the long arm of the law sometimes reaches, where marriages of

convenience are common, medical examinations are not always as thorough as regulations require, and an attempt is made to acclimatise recruits to the kinds of food most often used on sailing shipscarryingIndianlabourers.

Theprotagonists'livesshowthe composite experiences of the Indianindenturedlabourers.

Antagonistsaretheofficersand (Continuedonpage16)

Trinidadian man arrested for murder of wife in Queens

ABC7News-NewYorkCitypolice said Wednesday that 75-year-old Rupchand Simboo killed his wife, and thenreportedhermissinglastJuly The police arrested the husband after her remainswerediscoveredintheJamaica BayWildlifeRefugeinBroadChannel.

Thevictim,34-year-oldSalishaAli, waslastseenalivebyarelativeduringa FacetimecallonJuly13.Thesameday, Simboo filed a missing person's report. Detectives now believe he did that to coverhistracksafterkillingher

It also noted that anyone found to have violated the requiredprocedureswillbeheldaccountable.

The water that was reportedly removed from Haags Bosch landfill.

Thetwometin2023whenshelived inTrinidad.Ali,aGuyanesewomanby birth moved to Queens in 2024 to live withSimbooandtheymarriedthatsame year Police sources told Eyewitness News;the75-year-oldwasthe34-yearold'simmigrationsponsor

After her torso was discovered in Queens last September, family members in Trinidad feared the worst. Police found Ali's severed head, legs, and arm last week in the Jamaica Wildlife Refuge after GPS data from Simboo's phone showed he was in the swampy area last summer – a day after hisyouthfulspousewaslastseenalive, prosecutorssaid

Thediscoveryofherheadinanother partofQueenslastThursdayconfirmed their worst fears. Simboo was arrested Wednesday on charges of murder, obstructing governmental administration and tampering with physicalevidence.RelativesofSimboo showed up to the house Wednesday night. They did not want to offer any comment, but one of them did say they havejustasmanyquestionsaswedo.

For months, neighbours have been haunted by what happened to Ali. Eyewitness News asked neighbours if they noticed anything alarming about

thecouple'srelationship.

"Theywouldsitoutsideontheporch inthesummertime.Sometimeswe'dsee themhavingabeerandjusthangingout playingmusic,butotherthanthat,they seemed normal to me," one neighbour said. Hasiena Dwarika had no idea she was living across the street from an accusedkiller,butshestartedtowonder

On Sept 22, pieces of a decomposing torso were found in a garbage bag by sanitation workers picking up trash at a Queens Park near JFKAirport.

Department of Sanitation workers doing roadside cleanup called police afterfindingthegarbagebagcontaining awoman'sremainsnear149thAve.and BrookvilleBlvd.ontheedgeofIdlewild ParkinRosedale.

Inside the bag was a woman's partially skeletonized decomposing torso, with the head, arms and legs missing. Police used drones to canvas the area but no other body parts were immediatelyfound.

The garbage bag containing the body was found in some brush “about 100 feet south of the street,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters following the discovery Sanitation workers had just thrown it into the truck's hopper when they smelled a foul odor and alerted the police,hesaid.

$100k cash grant payout to begin next week

Distribution of the $100,000 National CashGrantforcitizensaged18andolderwill commence shortly with central government employees, Minister of Finance Dr Ashni SinghannouncedonThursday

Announcing the start of the programme, Dr Singhsaid,“thefirstcohortwillcomprise those central government employees who have previously provided their bank account information and are receiving their governmentsalariesintotheirbankaccounts. We anticipate that these government employees will receive their $100,000 cash grantbytheendofnextweekandwewillbe following up with subsequent cohorts of eligiblebeneficiariesthereafter”.

The payout through the banking system alignswithPresidentIrfaanAli'spreviouscall for citizens to open bank accounts as part of the government's digitisation agenda. With active bank accounts, the government would be able to transfer cash grants swiftly, securelyandefficiently,asiscurrentlybeing doneforcentralgovernmentemployees.

“A central pillar of this initiative is to promote financial inclusion. This is why we are urging all Guyanese to utilise the formal banking system,” Minister Singh stated. “To initiate a seamless distribution, we are leveragingexistingfinancialinfrastructureby directlydepositingthegrantintotheaccounts ofabout50,000publicservants,teachersand membersoftheDisciplinedServicesbynext week. It is our intention that this efficiency encourages the wider public to embrace modernbanking.”

To facilitate payments to other eligible

citizens,thegovernmentsaiditwilllaunchan online digital platform to allow for registration. Details of the platform and guidanceonitsusewillbeannouncedsoon.

The Ministry of Finance said it has been

workingwithfinancialinstitutionstosimplify the process of opening bank accounts, including facilitating online applications. Demerara Bank Limited, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited and Scotiabank Guyana Incorporated are among the institutions currently facilitating the online opening of accounts.

Inlate2024,thegovernmentlaunchedthe first$100,000NationalCashGrantforevery Guyanese citizen aged 18 and older, which resulted in more than $60 billion being transferredtoover600,000citizens.Citizens in the same age category are expected to benefitagainfromthesecond$100,000grant thisyear,withmorethan$60billionprojected to be distributed when the initiative is completed.

ScotiabankdeploysadvancedATM technologytoelevatebankingexperience

Scotiabank has completed the rollout of its new enhanced ATMs, also known as Intelligent Deposit Machines (IDMs) at its branchlocations.

Theseadvancedself-serviceterminalsare designed to make everyday banking faster, safer, and more convenient for clients, the banksaidinapressrelease.

The introduction of IDMs represents a major step in the Bank's ongoing commitment to modernising its service channels and expanding 24/7 access to essentialbankingsolutions.“Theseenhanced ATMs allow us to deliver a smoother, more efficient client experience,” said Nafeeza Gaffoor - Country Manager, Scotiabank Guyana Inc. “By investing in intelligent deposittechnology,wearegivingclientsthe ability to complete transactions quickly, securely, and at their convenience” she continued.

Smarter, Faster, More Convenient Banking

The new Intelligent Deposit Machines provide a suite of upgraded features, including:

Envelope-Free Cash and Cheque Deposits

Customers can now deposit cash and cheques directly into the machine no envelopes required. IDMs automatically count cash, scan cheques, verify deposit amounts, and provide printed images on receipts.

Real-TimeDepositProcessing

Cash deposits are available instantly or

within minutes, while cheque images are transmitteddigitallyforfasterclearing.

ExpandedSelf-ServiceTransactions

IDMs offer a wider range of functions, including transfers, loan and credit card payments, bill payments, and balance inquiries-creatinga“mini-branch”available 24hoursaday

EnhancedAccessibility

Machines feature large touchscreens, tactile keypads, audio navigation, multilingual prompts, and accessible height designtosupportcustomersofallabilities.

Supporting Digital Transformation across GuyanaThe installation of Enhanced ATMs strengthens the Bank's wider digital transformation strategy, providing clients with flexible, technology-driven options beyond the traditional branch network Businesses, in particular, will benefit from the ability to make secure, after-hours depositsthroughIDMs.

“As client needs evolve, we are committed to meeting them with solutions that blend innovation, convenience, and security.Thesemachineshelpreducebranch wait times, improve deposit accuracy, and give our clients more control over how and whentheybank”addedGaffoor.

The first phase of Intelligent Deposit Machines has been deployed strategically at branches and with additional installations planned for the near future. Clients can visit gy scotiabank com or follow @ScotiabankGuyana on Facebook for furtherupdatesonthenewATMs.

WANTED

Wanted drivers and porters to work in warehouse,experience is an asset.Attractive salary: Tel:673-7373.

Wanted skilled carpenters,mason & labourers to work in Linden.Long term work.Skilled workers

$15,000 per day. Labourers $ 10,000 per day . Call: 6157526/602-9469.

Sales Rep needed, ages 1830 years. Knowledge of vehicle model will be an asset. Contact: 619-1237.

Famous Flavours:Wanted 1 cleaner,1 kitchen assistant 709-8131/676-5534.

Domestic (Live in option available), female cook and male & female workers for the interior :660-9093 / 674-9999 / 661-5992.

SERVICES

Visa Application:U.S.A, Canada & UK:Graphics design, advertisements, wedding arch rentals.Tel:6267040.

N-Tech computer & cell phone repair,we repair all brands of laptops & Desktop computers and cell phones.Call: 645-3184/6522019.

For all spiritual help 3 persons free work done.Every month free reading with card call:724-2177.

Need a bus,call us,Matthew's Bus Service & Tours at 639-2663/689-6661 for your airport trips,Suriname etc.

PEN PAL

A afro Guyanese man is interested in a single woman between the ages of 45-55 years old.Call: 633-1492.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Barr street Kitty, Subryanville,La Penitence Public Road,Norton Sreet,Charlestown.Contact Ray's Realty: 627-9685.

FOR SALE

T RUCK TIRES 295 / 75R22.5 $40K EACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL / WHATSAPP:+592-6883201.

Venezuela rejects Guyana’s offshore seismic exploration plans...

From page 12 exercises sovereign rights. “These rights include the exclusive authority to explore, exploit, conserve and manage natural resources within its maritime jurisdiction. As such, Guyana’s decision to facilitate the acquisition of high-resolution seismic data through a 3D Multi-Client Seismic Survey represents a legitimate

VACANCY

General Domestic (4 day work) & experiened handyman, apply at Keyfood Trading Mc Doom next to the post office.

TM Truck Drivers,excavator operators and cook to work in the interior.Contact: 223-5273/ 4,621-5907.

Buxton Friendship Gas Station hiring Pump Attendants, Cashiers, Supervisor, Manager & Western Union CSR. Apply now:274-0144. Domestic worker needed at Providence.Call 608-3126.

Looking for kitchen assistant,and take food orders.8am-5pm.Kitty area.Light work.Call 6125739 for more details.No Whatsapp.

Driver with Larry license is needed in Diamond/Grove EBD.For more information contact:677-6620

LAND FOR SALE

Spring Gardens ( Dora) 21 acres, Silver Hill 20 acres,Craig 9 acres,La Grange,Bagotville W.B.D both public road to river,Long Creek and voorzigtiheid Mahaica.Contact Ray's Realty: 627-9685.

TOURS

Easter weekend trip to Suriname,call Matthew Bus Service & Tour for info 6392663/673-2348/6896661.Leaving 2nd April.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage, PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.

and lawful exercise of its rights and is entirely consistent with international law and established state practice.”

The Government noted too that the seismic acquisition initiative forms part of Guyana’s broader national strategy to strengthen the scientific understanding of its offshore petroleum basin, enhance transparency in resource management, and improve the attractiveness of Guyana’s offshore acreage to responsible international investors.

The programme will employ advanced geophysical techniques to generate highresolution subsurface imagery that supports exploration planning and strengthens the long-term governance of Guyana’s offshore energy sector, the statement said.

Accordingly, Guyana firmly rejects Venezuela’s attempt to characterise these lawful activities as occurring within “undelimited maritime areas.”

The ministry said that “Such claims constitute a de-

liberate misrepresentation of both the geographic and legal realities governing Guyana’s maritime jurisdiction. The Government of Guyana has consistently exercised peaceful administration and jurisdiction over its maritime spaces, including the licensing and regulation of offshore exploration activities. These actions are undertaken in strict conformity with international law and with due regard to the rights and entitlement of other States.”

Additionally, Guyana reminded that when the boundary between the two States was definitively settled more than a century ago by the 1899 Arbitral Award, Venezuela accepted and benefited from that settlement and the legal certainty it provided.

That Award brought finality to the territorial boundary and enabled both States to exercise the full rights and advantages arising from their respective territories and maritime projections.

However, Caracas later claimed the award was null and void. In 2018, Guyana

filed a case at the ICJ seeking a ruling that the award is valid and legally binding.

“It is therefore particularly incongruous that Venezuela, having historically benefited from the stability and legal clarity afforded by that settlement, now seeks to challenge Guyana’s sovereign right to utilise and develop the resources contained within the territory and maritime areas that lawfully appertain to Guyana.”

As a result, Guyana rejects the protest by Venezuela and the notion that any portion of its maritime space or continental shelf appertains to Venezuela.

Guyana also reminded that the Geneva Agreement of 1966 governs the resolution of the controversy which has arisen because of Venezuela’s contention, first made in 1962, that the Arbitral Award of 1899, which settled the land boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela, is null and void.

That Agreement imposes no obligation on Guyana to refrain from economic devel-

opment activities in any portion of its territory or in any appurtenant maritime areas.

“Moreover, Venezuela’s assertion that it will not recognise concessions, licences or activities authorised by Guyana in its maritime domain is wholly without legal effect.

Under international law, no State may arrogate to itself the authority to invalidate the lawful sovereign decisions of another State within its own territory or maritime zones.

Venezuela’s statements therefore represent an unwarranted attempt to interfere with Guyana’s sovereign right to pursue its economic development and manage its natural resources for the benefit of its people.”

The government of Guyana called on the government of Venezuela “to refrain from issuing inflammatory and misleading statements that seek to undermine Guyana’s sovereign rights or discourage legitimate economic activity within Guyana’s maritime domain.”

2nd theatrical production of ‘From Whence...

From page 14 agents of the East India Company, the exploitative planter class in British Guiana, the Creole police who were once slaves, and Indian drivers or field supervisors who, over years of acculturation, carried out the wishes of the planters and estate managers.

Often these drivers give

way to greed and opportunistic endeavors that were not always in the best interest of their fellow Indians. Bullying and intimidation are not uncommon.

The play culminates with the storyteller recounting to students’ prominent figures in Business – Banking, Manufacturing, Agriculture; Poli-

tics; Education, Public and Civic, and other areas.

The Grand finale includes Nadira Shah, M.S. of Nrityageet fame and popular international Guyanese chutney singer with the song –‘Desi from Guyana’ backed by Berbice Delight chutney dancers.

Tickets to the play writ-

ten by Dr. Seeta Shah Roath and directed by Sonia Yarde are available at$3,000 & $2000 at the Box Office of the National Cultural Centre. There will be five school shows from 9.00a.m from Monday 16th to Friday 20th. All schools attending will be coordinated through the Ministry of Education.

Magistrate blocks new evidence in Mohameds’...

From page 8 said. Meanwhile, the remainder of the proceedings focused on the continued cross-examination of Roopchand-Edwards. Much of the questioning centered on contracts between the Government of Guyana and two United States-based lobbying firms — Continental Strategy LLC and DR Consulting.

During cross-examination, the Permanent Secretary confirmed the names of two lobby firms which previously reported, spent a combined US$90,000 per month to represent its interests abroad. When asked whether her office signed the contract with Continental Strategy LLC, Roopchand-Edwards clarified that the contract was signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dhurjon then questioned whether she facilitated payments to the firms in her capacity as the accounting officer and Permanent Secretary of the ministry. She confirmed that she did.

However, when Dhurjon attempted to ask whether hundreds of thousands of

U.S. dollars had been paid to the firms during her tenure as Permanent Secretary, the magistrate disallowed the question.

Roopchand-Edwards acknowledged that she is privy to the contracts involving Continental Strategy LLC and DR Consulting.

When asked whether she was only aware of the contracts themselves, she explained that the contracts are accompanied by requests for payment, which she signs off on in her role as Permanent Secretary.

“The contracts come with requests for payment, which I sign off on,” she told the court. However, she stated that she is not privy to communications exchanged between the government and the lobbying firms.

When Dhurjon asked who communicates with the firms, prosecutor McKenzie objected, arguing that the witness’s role as Permanent Secretary does not necessarily mean she would be aware of such details.

The magistrate allowed the question, and Roopchand-Edwards re-

sponded that she was not aware of who communicates directly with the firms. She also told the court that from time to time she raises financial matters with the minister regarding the reasons funds are being disbursed.

Dhurjon further questioned whether she was aware of the circumstances surrounding the government’s agreement with the lobbying firms. She responded that her knowledge relates primarily to the contracts themselves.

Additional questions were posed about her awareness of the operations of the lobbying firms and whether they are run by American agents who act on instructions, as well as documents she received from the United States Embassy.

However, several questions were disallowed by the magistrate, who ruled that they were irrelevant to the proceedings.

Among the questions not allowed were those relating to whether there had been any disclosure of statements from individuals who could support her testimony regarding the receipt of the extradition

request documents. Roopchand-Edwards was also asked about how the extradition request documents were delivered to her office. She explained that the envelope containing the documents was opened by a U.S. Marshal in her presence before it was handed over to her. She admitted that upon receiving the document she did not mark it and further acknowledged that she has not seen the document since handing it over to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Cross-examination later continued with defence attorney Roysdale Forde, SC, who questioned the witness about the statement she provided in relation to the case against the Mohameds. Forde’s questions focused on how the statement was made, when she was contacted to provide it, and whether she consulted with anyone before giving the statement. The matter is expected to continue on Friday. Prosecutors indicated that at most two additional witnesses remain to be called before the court, as the extradition case continues.

MOE seeks consultant to help develop framework for secondary school dropout prevention

The Ministry of

Education has receivedfivebids from consultancy firms that have expressed interest for the development of a National Standard OperatingProcedure(SOP), Early Warning System (EWS) and Reintegration

Framework for Secondary School Dropout Prevention inGuyana.

The ministry in its tender notice had stated tha

the government received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Guyana Strengthening Human

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:

MinistryofEducation ExpressionofInterest(EOI)fortheDevelopment ofaNationalStandardOperatingProcedureEarly WarningSystem&ReintegrationFrameworkfor SecondarySchoolDropoutPreventioninGuyana.

RehabilitationandConstruction ofEquipmentShedETI.

OfficeofthePrimeMinister ProvisionofSecurityServicesfor thePublicAffairsDepartment.

Capital through Education Projectforwhichpartofthe proceedswillbeusedtofund thisconsultancy It was reported that the Guyana Government in 2022

US$44 million loan agreement with the World Bank as par

Strengthening Human Capital through Education Project

The project focuses on the expansion of

improving technical and vocational training

MinistryofHumanServices&SocialSecurity SupplyandDeliveryofCookedMeals-Residents attheEastLaPenitenceNightShelterLot1-3.

Observer: China is injecting greater stability into the world

With the two sessions, one of the most significant events on China’s political calendar, running from March 4 to 12 in Beijing, China is injecting greater stabilityintotheworld.

China’s annual two sessions, the country’s top legislature and political advisory meetings, serve as bothapoliticalweathervane andaneconomicbarometer Thesegatheringsofferakey window into China’s developmenttrajectory

This year, a major focus of the two sessions is China’s15thFive-YearPlan (2026-2030), which will outline the economic, social and technological priorities oftheworld’ssecond-largest economy over the next five years. You may have seen expertsandreporters,bothat home and abroad, use the term “stability” when analysing this year’s sessions.Whatdoesitmean in the current global context?

Stability in China’s economicresilience

Global growth is projected at 3.3 percent for 2026 and 3.2 percent for 2027, slightly revised up since the October 2025 World Economic Outlook, a c c o r d i n g t o t h e International Monetary Fund Amid mounting geopolitical tensions, unilateralism, protectionism and a sluggish global economy, China stands as a pillar of stability and confidence, with its growth providingacrucialanchor

During the 14th FiveYear Plan period (20212025), China’s economy grew at an average annual rate of 5 4 percent, contributing roughly 30 percent of global growth, more than the combined contribution of the G7 economies This year’s growth target of 4.5 to 5 percent aligns with the goal

Frompage12 control. The war is creating the biggest oil supply disruption in history, the International Energy Agencysaid.Oilpriceswere up about 9% to $100 a barrel.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump continues to playdowntheimpactofthe war on oil prices. “The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, byfar,sowhenoilpricesgo up,wemakealotofmoney,” Trump wrote on social media. On another front,

of maintaining steady growthduringthe15thFiveYearPlan,acriticalstagefor China to basically realise socialist modernisation by 2035.

China is a major trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions and hasbeentheworld’ssecondlargestimportmarketfor17 consecutive years. The country aspires not only to be the world’s factory but also the world market. This mega-market is expected to p r o v i d e b r o a d e r opportunities for products and services from all countriesin2026.Thetopics discussedbylawmakersand political advisors, such as high-quality development, scientific and technological i

l opening-up, are not only central to China’s own development but also carry globalsignificance.

Stability guides China’s diplomacy

Over the years, China has pursued a development path that balances progress with stability The country’s robusteconomicgrowthand contributions to the world serve as the foundation for its independent foreign policy of peace and commitment to peaceful development. While some countries make arbitrary decisions or withdraw from international agreements, China positions itself as a responsiblemajorpower At apressbriefingonSundayin Beijing, Foreign Minister WangYiemphasisedChina’s openness and confidence, callingontheUS andChina to expand cooperation while narrowing disputes, and invitingEuropeanpartnersto move beyond protectionism andengagewiththeChinese market

Amidescalatingconflict (Continuedonpage18)

Israel intensified its defensiveagainstLebanon’s Hezbollah after it fired its biggest volley of rockets into Israel since the start of thewar

Sofar,thewarhaskilled more than 2,000 people, including almost 700 in Lebanon.

Undermining U.S. and Israeli claims to have knocked out much of Iran’s stock of long-range weapons, more drones were reportedflyingintoKuwait, Iraq, the UAE, Bahrain and Oman.

GPHC receives US$6000 grant to enhance paediatric nephrology services in Guyana

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation on Thursday officially received an international grant from the University of Calgary in Canada, under the International Society of Nephrology (ISN), to

enhance paediatric nephrology services in the country

Accordingtoinformation providedbyGPHC,thegrant was awarded through a competitive application submitted by Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist, Dr Areefa Alladin at GPHC. The grant was awarded in February2026andisvalued

at approximately US$6,000 under the ISN Sister Renal Centres Programme, beginning at level C for the period2026-2027.

GPHC stated that the programme will support the development of specialised kidney care services for paediatric patients at the h o s p i t a l , t h e r e b y establishing an official link between its institutions and enabling collaboration t h r o u g h t r a i n i n g , mentorship, and capacity building over an initial twoyear period, with the p o t e n t i a l f o r t h e collaborationtocontinuefor uptosixyears.“Thisgrantis

part of GPHC’s ongoing e

meaningful partnerships,

healthcare services and enhance patient outcomes.

Over time, the programme aimstopositionGuyanaasa regional leader in paediatric nephrology, capable of supporting other Caribbean nationsindevelopingsimilar services,” GPHC said in a release.Speakingonthegrant, Dr Alladin clarified that the initiative represents a significant move towards establishing a comprehensive paediatric kidney care system inGuyana

“ To d a y, w e a r e announcing the launch of the International Society of Nephrology – University of Calgary–GeorgetownPublic Hospitalcollaborationtobuild paediatricnephrologyservices in Guyana Our goal is to develop a multidisciplinary paediatric kidney care team that includes physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers and psychologists to ensure childrenwithkidneydisease receive comprehensive care,”shesaidonThursday

Dr Alladin further noted thattheprogrammewillfocus on enhancing diagnostic capacity, increasing access to specialised medications, and developing both peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis services specifically tailored forchildren.

Sheaddedthatattheend oftheprogramme,theaimis to establish a national registry of children diagnosed with kidney disease, enhance diagnostic capabilities, and implement measures to slow or prevent the progression of kidney diseasewherepossible.

It was shared by the

hospital that to support the programme’s implementation, a mentor team from the University of Calgary is currently visiting Guyana to conduct a needs assessment an

commence collaborative p

healthcareprofessionals.

Paediatric nephrologist, Dr Julian Midgley from the University of Calgary at the launch stated that the institution is pleased to support the development of paediatric nephrology servicesatGPHC.

“Caringforchildrenwith kidney disease is incredibly importantforfamilieswhose children are born with or develop kidney conditions. Throughthispartnership,we hopetoshareourexperience andsupportthedevelopment of these services for the children of Guyana, “Dr Midgleysaid.

Part of the visiting delegationisJennyWichart, a clinical pharmacist specialising in nephrology, dialysis, and transplant medicine, who emphasised the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treating children with kidneydisease.

Wichart disclosed that childrenwithkidneydisease often face complex medical challenges, which require the support of an entire h e a l t h c a r e t e a m Pharmacists, nurses, dietitians, psychologists and social workers all play an important role in ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients and their

families.Shementionedthat this partnership will help s t r e n g t h e n t h o s e collaborativeefforts.

Chief Executive Officer of GPHC, Mr Robbie Rambarran, commended the initiative and expressed his appreciation to the international partners supporting the hospital’s effortstoexpandspecialised healthcareservices.

“We are very grateful to Dr Alladin for her dedication in securing this grant and to our partners from the University of Calgary for supporting us in thisendeavour Ourpartners are leaving the comfort of their homes and families to help us build capacity and improvehealthcarehere,and we must never take that lightly,”theCEOexpressed.

During his remarks, he noted that although adult kidney disease is often associated with lifestyle factors, children more commonly develop the condition due to congenital issues or infections, emphasising the importance of specialised paediatric care.

The CEO related that there are over one hundred paediatric patients in Guyana currently registered withkidneydisease.

H e s a i d t h a t strengthening paediatric nephrology services will allow them to detect and manage these conditions earlier, slow disease progression, and, in many cases, prevent the need for dialysisortransplantation.

Observer: China is injecting greater

Frompage18 intheMiddleEast,whichaddsanewlayerof geopoliticaluncertainty,Chinaisadvocating for dialogue and negotiation to resolve differences. This consistency in foreign policy has been met with international recognition. Since the start of 2026, several state leaders have visited China, signing cooperationagreementsintrade,cultureand education.

Lookingahead,PresidentXiJinpingwill

host guests from around the world, lead major events such as the APEC Economic Leaders’MeetingandthesecondChina-Arab States Summit, and undertake important foreign visits These engagements will deepen China’s international relations, open newavenuesforbuildingasharedfuturefor humanity, and allow the country to make greater contributions to global peace and development.

Stabilitystrengthensculturalconnections

Opposition flags dormant Parliamentary oversight committees at BBC forum

Transparency and accountability in governance was spotlighted on Tuesday evening during the BBC Wo r l d Q u e s t i o n s p

G

,

e opposition Member of Parliament Tabitha SaraboHalley highlighted that several key parliamentary oversight committees are still not activated months after lawmakers were sworn in.

Jonny Dymond, a BBC correspondent, relayed a question from the audience on the importance of transparency as Guyana attracts increasing internationalinvestment.

Dymond said, “The question, with increasing international investment comingintothecountry,how important is it for political leaders to demonstrate t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability in their decisions?

Andithastobesaidthat thecomplainthasbeenmade that the government has become less and less transparent. Complaints that the president does not face questions from journalists anymore, weekly postcabinetnewsconferencesno longer happen, that end of year news conferences don't happen, that ministries don't release figures and don't respond to questions from journalists in the way that theyusedto.”

Responding, Finance Minister Ashni Singh said the administration firmly agreesthattransparencyand accountability are essential and pointed to measures takenintheoilandgassector and the legal framework governing the country's

Section of the gathering during the recording of BBC World Questions Guyana

sovereign wealth fund as

commitment.

Singh pointed out that thePeopleProgressiveParty government legislated the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act, outlining that it hasveryrobustrequirements in relation to transparency, including publication of every single receipt of revenue received He also noted that Guyana subscribes to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) standards.

“So, in that sector alone, for example, we have gone beyond the extra mile to ensure compliance with international standards on the transparency front,” he noted.

While Dr Singh, did not directlyrespondtothepartof the question on the absence ofweeklypost-cabinetpress briefings and end of year press conferences, the minister posited that the government is accessible to membersofthelocalmedia.

He added that any event President Irfaan Ali attends he won't ever refuse to accept questions from membersofthemedia.

However, Sarabo-Halley argued that transparency must also be reflected in the functioning of Parliament's

oversight bodies “The ministerrattledoffanumber of things that they're very transparent in. But I would liketogotothelegislature,” shesaid.

The MP noted that several months have passed th sincethe13 Parliamentwas convenedandtodate,critical parliamentarycommitteesto ensure transparency and oversight is still not established.

Sarabo-Halleynotedthat she has even written to the Speaker of the National AssemblyManzoorNadiron thetopic.Sheoutlinedsome of the committees: Public Accounts Committee, the Natural Resources Committee, and the Social Services and Economic ServicesCommittee.

“Those committees, that iswheretherealworkofthe parliament is done to hold the government accountable and ensure that things are done in a transparent manner Those things are still yet to be activated four or five months after parliament has been in place,”shesaid.

The Opposition MP also highlighted that the Public Accounts Committee has still not reached to go through the audit reports of the PPP administration's

Police found ganja during operation at Mahdia

PoliceinRegionEighton Thursday morning discovered a quantity of suspected cannabis during an operation carried out at theMahdiaArcade.

The cannabis which was found during an operation at the Mahdia Arcade, Region Eight.

2020 to 2025 term in office, asthecommitteeisstillatthe 2019AuditReport.

“So, we're in 2026, and wehavenotgottentothelast five years of PPP government in office actually going through their numbers, auditing to see exactly what is happening with all of the money that havebeenspentoverthelast five years. So that is where transparencyis,andwhatthe parliament's work actually is,”shesaid.

The MP noted that the reasonforthatisbecausethe work is stalled. “Over 40 meetings they had to cancel becausemajorityofthetime the government ministers were not coming to the meetings to actually go throughtheprocessofgoing through those audit reports and that happened over the lastfiveyears,”shenoted.

Alsospeakingduringthe discussion were Ayodele D a l g e t y - D e a n , businesswomanandactivist,

and Clinton Urling, Secretary of the Private Sector Commission, who both emphasised the importance of strong governance systems as Guyanacontinuestoexpand itseconomy Notably, Urling cited remarks made by the Opposition MP and noted that if those committees are indeed not getting to function in the parliament, reform of the parliamentary systemisneeded.

According to a release, during the exercise, ranks were conducting searches in and around the Mahdia Arcade, during which a quantityofleaves,seedsand stems suspected to be cannabis was found in a garbagebag,agarbageheap andanearbybushinthearea. The suspected cannabis was taken to the Mahdia Police Station where it was weighed and amounted to a total of 755 grams before beinglodged.Thepolicesaid no arrest was made and investigationsareongoing.

Hamilton Green Cup resumes this weekend -Additionalprizesonoffer

As the race intensifies to determine the quarterfinalists, organisers of the Hamilton Green Inter Ward/Village Nine-a-Side

Knockout Football Tournamenthaveintroduced anexcitingnewincentivefor any team desirous of being partofthisyear’sexhibition matches.With the round-of16fixturesalreadyconfirmed, exhibitionteamsnowhavean additional opportunity to compete for a $50,000 cash

prize during the quarterfinal stage of the competition The quarterfinalsarescheduledfor March 20 at the Plaisance Ground on the East Coast of Demerara

Thisweekend’sactionwill decide the eight teams advancingtothatstage Atotal of eight matches are scheduled,withfourgameson Saturday, March 14, and the remaining four on Sunday, March 15, all at the same venue The tournament champions will walk away

withthetopprizeof$500,000, while the second- and thirdplace finishers will earn $200,000 and $100,000, respectively

Duetotheoverwhelming interest and support for the competition, tournament coordinator Lennox Arthur hasalsointroducedafourthplace prize of $50,000, furtherincreasingtheoverall rewards associated with the event.

From an initial pool of 32 teams, only 16 teams

remain in contention following the completion of the opening round. Teams still in the championship hunt include West Side Alliance, Zeelugt, Buxton Stars, Golden Stars, Mocha, Plaisance, Victoria, Mahaica, Melanie, No1 All Stars,Liliendaal,BlackPearl, Pouderoyen‘A’, Pouderoyen ‘B’, Team Order and Discipline,andBeavers.

Among the notable round-of-16 fixtures are Buxton Stars vs Order and Discipline,Pouderoyen‘B’ vs Golden Stars, Mocha vs Black Pearl, and Victoria vs No 1All Stars Matches on both days will kick off at 7:00 pm Following the round-of-16 clashes, the quarterfinalswillbeplayed on the following Friday, while the semifinals and

grandfinalaresetforApril 2 The event is supported by former Mayor of Georgetown Hamilton Green and coordinated by former national football coach Lennox Arthur Several corporate sponsors have also hopped onboard to ensure a successful hosting of the annual ninea - s i d e k n o c k o u t tournament.

Balgobin fifty headlines decent opening day...

Frompage24 led by dynamic young allrounder,RichardRamdheol who tapped into his offbreakspintosnare3-29.

Friday March 13, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

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.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

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.

CANCER(June21–July22)

If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

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(Aug.23–Sept.22)

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.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra. Ther

opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

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.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

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.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb.

18)Mixyourrealitywithabit of fantasy today, Aquarius. Allowyourfeettocomeoffthe ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

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.

Leg-spinner Zeynul Ramsammy claimed 2 wickets for no runs while medium-pacer Aryan Persaud claimed 2-57 after putting in a good workout

with some 20 overs under his belt during the first innings.Afteracalmdayof action, apart from

Balgobin’s first day fifty and few starts from Imlach and others, Nandu XI carriedthescoreto6-0after 3overs.

CaptainMatthewNandu (2*) and Navindra Persaud

(4*), were steady by the closeofplaywiththeirteam trailing by 174-runs going into the second day of action, with lots of time remaininginthematch. Meanwhile, play will resumetodaywithactionon the second day set to bowl off from 9:30h. (Clifton Ross)

GuyaneseOlympianJasmineAbrams...

Frompage25 recognisable track athletes, her ability to represent the nation in World Athleticsgoverned events could come under scrutiny depending on how antidoping authorities respond to her participation in the Enhanced Games. So far, theAthleticsAssociationof Guyana has not issued an officialstatementregarding Abrams’involvement.

The governing body’s position may ultimately prove critical, given that nationalfederationsoperate withintheframeworksetby World Athletics and global anti-dopingregulations.

Asthecountdowntothe inaugural staging of the E n h a n c e d G

participationplacesGuyana at the centre of one of the mostcontentiousdebatesin international sport, one that challenges long-standing principles of fairness, athlete safety, and the very

promoting the shared

throughout the region,” Mills said in an invited comment.

According to Mills, the tournamentwillprovidenot only competitive matches, butalsoanenvironmentthat

friendship and cultural

g participants.

Petra launches 12th Annual Massy U18

Schools Football Tournament

The Petra Organisation, in collaboration with title sponsorMassyDistribution, officially launched the 12th AnnualUnder-18Secondary

S c h o o l s F o o t b a l l Championship on Thursday at the company’s Montrose locationontheEastCoastof Demerara.

Among those attending the ceremonial launch were MinisterwithintheMinistry ofCulture,YouthandSport, Steven Jacobs; Massy

D

Ch

f Executive Officer Troy

Beharry; Petra Organisation co-directors Marlan Cole and Troy Mendonca; Senior EducationOfficerwithinthe Ministry of Education

Sheldon Granville; and representat

ves of participatingschools.

Nowinits12thyear,the tournament continues to grow in stature, with Massy Distribution stepping forward as the title sponsor for this year’s edition of what is widely regarded as one of the country’s most impactful school football

competitions. With strong corpo

ing, organisersanticipateanother exciting tournament when actionkicksoffonMarch21 inGeorgetown.

Withmorethanadecade of history, the tournament hasconsistentlyproventobe one of the most anticipated events within the schools’ sports calendar For many student-athletes, the competition opens the door to an extended football season, as the top eight schools advance to a league

formatlaterintheyear That league also provides the opportunity for two schools to represent Guyana at P e t r a ’s y e a r - e n d international tournament, theKFCInvitationalSeries.

Speaking at the launch,

Petra director Troy Mendonca highlighted the tournament’s significance withintheeducationsystem.

“The Massy U-18 Football Tournament is not just another fixture, but one that is embedded within the schools’ curriculum,” Mendoncasaid.

According to him, the competition serves as the starting point in a pathway for young footballers to develop and potentially representthecountry

“This tournament provides the opportunity for the top eight finishers to compete in our Secondary Schools League At the completion of that league, the top two schools will go on to represent Guyana in o u r i n t e r n a t i o n a l programme. In essence, this tournament represents the first step of the journey for our young footballers t o w a r d n a t i o n a l representation, whether throughthenationalteamor through our schools’ programme,”heexplained.

M e n d o n c a a l s o emphasized the importance of corporate support, noting that Massy’s involvement represents more than

sponsorship.

“Thisisnotonlysupport foracompetitionbutalsoan investment in the youth and the future of our young peopleacrossthenation,”he added.

MassyDistributionCEO Troy Beharry also spoke about the tournament’s broader impact on youth development “Today is much more than just football It’s about opportunity, youth development, teamwork, discipline, and investing in young people. That is why Massy is proud to be associated with this programme,” Beharry stated.

He further expressed satisfaction with the partnership between Massy Distribution, the Petra Organisation, and the MinistryofEducation.

“Weareproudtopartner with the Petra Organisation and the Ministry of EducationbecauseatMassy we believe that corporate socialresponsibilitymustbe meaningful and must create real impact. Over the years we have seen that impact

through the Petra-organised tournament, making it easy for us to come on board as theypreparetohostthe12th edition,”Beharrysaid.

The Government of Guyana has also continued to support Petra’s programmes During the launch, Minister Jacobs s p o k e a b o u t t h e government’s plans to strengthenandelevatesports programmesnationwide.

In an invited comment, JacobscommendedMassy’s commitment to supporting youth sports while stressing the role discipline plays in athletic success. “Discipline is the driving factor in becoming a well-rounded sportsman or sportswoman, hence, players should grab the opportunity with both hands,”henoted.

The tournament is set to kick off later this month, featuring schools from Regions One through Seven as well as RegionTen.With the launch now completed, teams are preparing for the openingmatches,whichwill be played at the Queen’s College Ground in Georgetown.

GuyanaHarpyEagles4-Daypracticematch Game1…NanduXIvs.ImlachXI

Balgobin fifty headlines decent opening day, as Regional 4-Day preparations heighten

The Guyana Harpy Eaglesbowledoffthefirstof several practice games yesterday with the Matthew NanduXItrailingopponents TevinImlachXIby174-runs

with tons of action earmarked for today’s second day at the Everest CricketGround.

Players will be revving uptheirmindsetaheadofthe upcoming CWI Regional 4Dayseason,whichbowlsoff April 12, leaving just a few weeks for the defending champions Guyana Harpy

Eagles to fine-tune themselves ahead of what

could be one of their toughest seasons yet given the increased talent pool fromtheircompetition.

Left-hander Ushardeva

Balgobin, a strong competitor at this level over therecentyears,duginfora grittydayone,asolid59off 140 balls with 6 fours and 2 sixes after his skipper won the toss and chose to have a bat under some watchful weather

The opener, alongside his partner, senior opener RaymondPerez(20)whohit four fours before he was dismissedearly,theircaptain

Tevin Imlach, who also got going with 36 (2x4) and Mavindra Dindyal (24); were the main top-order scoringcomponentsfortheir side.

Tommani Ceasar hit three fours in his 44-ball 21 tohelpconsolidateforafew untimely losses, like that of key all-rounders in JohnathanVanLange(2)and Richie Looknauth (0) who wentcheaply,whichinresult played into the 1st innings score of 180-10 from 74.2 overs.

NanduXIbowlingwas (Continuedonpage23)

2026 National Schools Track & Field C’ships – Day 2…

Glen, Speede, Austin excel on penultimate day day

Day two of the Ministry of

Education’s (MoE) 2026 National Schools Track and Field Championships did not disappoint as athletes assembled once again at the National Track and Field Facility in Edinburgh, West Coast Demerara, to vie for glory

The morning session kicked off on the track with the Boys’10 – 14 (Grade 7) 1000m-showdown, which was immediately followed by the 800m finals in all divisions, then the 200m preliminaries, while the 3000m battles set the programmefortheafternoon session.

Linden Technical

Institute’s (LTI) Kaidon Persaud(1:59.64s)turnedin an impressive performance to win the Under-20 Boys’ 800m finale ahead of Government Technical Institute’s (GTI) Jonathon Bristol (2:01.54s) and Mahaicony Technical and VocationalTrainingCentre’s (MTVTC) Quency Marks (2:01.68s).

North Georgetown’s

Adanya Glen (2:22 59s) added the U20 Girls’ 800m title to the U20 1500m title when she comfortably defeatedthefield,yesterday Finishing second was Christianburg/Wismar’s (C/W) Alkila Blucher (2:31 41s) and Kaymayra Lacon (2:36.57s) of North Georgetownwasthird.

The U17 Boys’ 800m wasfast-pacedwithOrlando Thomas (2:04 39s –Maruranau) copping Gold ahead of Corey Speede (2:07.00s – Tutorial) and Jadel Liverpool (2:07.39s –Christ Church). In Girls’ event, Zeeburg’s Ayesha Austin(2:36.72s)didwellto improveonthe1500msilver to claim the 800m Gold. St. John’s Jakada McRae (2:42 33s) and C/W’s Natasha Albert (2:46.15s) were second and third, respectively

Other Gold medal performances in the 800m races came from South Ruimveldt’s Alysa Jacobs (2:32 17s – U15), Charlestown’s Jada Schultz (2:32.05s – Grade 7) and

Part of the action in the Boys U20 4x400m. (Photo: MoE)

Campbellville’s Eyeon Glasgow(3:09.48s–Grade7 1000m).

IntheBoys’U173000m, Speede executed his plan excellently to dominate the field and win in a time of 10:07 11s, while Nashan Rigby (10:44.85s – Bush Lot) and Rashaad Changlee (11:07.15s) claimed silver andbronze,inthatorder

The U20 Girls’ 3000m was won by Uitvlugt’s E s t h e r M c K n n o n (11:54.14s)aheadofVanesia Daniels (12:54 38s –Waramuri) and Larissa Peters (12 58 39s –

Paramakatoi).

AfternoonSession

The entertaining afternoon session was stacked with only relays as the 4x400m finales were contested along with the 4x100mprelims.

Christianburg/Wismar was the first to taste relay gold when they won the Girls’U15 4x400m with a time of 4:22 60s, but Christ Church was on point in the Boys’ U15 4x400m to secure thegold inatimeof3:54.54s).

Mackenzie High won the Girls’ and Boys’ U17

4x4

and stopped the clock at 4:33 05s and 3:41 76s, respectively In the Girls’ U20 finale, C/Wturned in a time of 4:32 62s for the victory

M ean w h ile, th e tournament culminates today at the same venue, with the scheduled starting time set for 9:00hrs Today’s card features the finals for the 400m, 200m and 4x100m events

For full results visit: https://vro akf mybluehost me/TempoSports/Results/

2026 Commissioner of Police T20 Cup … Region #3 vs. Region #4…

Fifties from Jobe, Hughes pilot Region #3 to 99-run win - Persaud bags 5

Region #3 racked up a 99-run win yesterday against their fellow lawmen. (GPF photo)

HMichaelJobeguidedRegion #3toahuge99-runwinover Region#10whenMatch3of the Commissioner of Police T20 Cup continued at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve-Leary A belligerent innings from Region #3 saw them notch up an imposing 218 for 7 from their allotted 20 overs, during the opening game of yesterday’s second round.

Top-order batsmen Hughes, who punched 59 with 3 fours and 4 sixes and opener Jobe, who carved 5 fours and as many sixes in his 58 runs, carried their team to a hefty first innings total.

BowlingforRegion#10, Michael Frederick bagged 3 wickets despite being a bit expensive, leaking 47 runs fromhisquotaof4overs. But his team buckled underthemassivetargetand were eventually mowed down for just 119 in 17.1

overs,withTyrickHenrythe topscorerwith29. Region #3’s equalled theirexcellentbattingouting by following up with an exceptional bowling exhibition led by Hemraj Persaud, who snared 5-20 runsfromhisfourovers. Meanwhile, Vibert Johnsonlentsupportwithan excellent spell returning 311runsfromonlytwoovers, which helped to seal a brilliant win by almost a 100-run deficit. (Clifton Ross)

2026 National Schools Track & Field C’ships – Day 2…

Glen, Speede, Austin excel on penultimate day day

Day two of the Ministry of

Education’s (MoE) 2026 National Schools Track and Field Championships did not disappoint as athletes assembled once again at the National Track and Field Facility in Edinburgh, West Coast Demerara, to vie for glory

The morning session kicked off on the track with the Boys’10 – 14 (Grade 7) 1000m-showdown, which was immediately followed by the 800m finals in all divisions, then the 200m preliminaries, while the 3000m battles set the programmefortheafternoon session.

Linden Technical

Institute’s (LTI) Kaidon Persaud(1:59.64s)turnedin an impressive performance to win the Under-20 Boys’ 800m finale ahead of Government Technical Institute’s (GTI) Jonathon Bristol (2:01.54s) and Mahaicony Technical and VocationalTrainingCentre’s (MTVTC) Quency Marks (2:01.68s).

North Georgetown’s

Adanya Glen (2:22 59s) added the U20 Girls’ 800m title to the U20 1500m title when she comfortably defeatedthefield,yesterday Finishing second was Christianburg/Wismar’s (C/W) Alkila Blucher (2:31 41s) and Kaymayra Lacon (2:36.57s) of North Georgetownwasthird.

The U17 Boys’ 800m wasfast-pacedwithOrlando Thomas (2:04 39s –Maruranau) copping Gold ahead of Corey Speede (2:07.00s – Tutorial) and Jadel Liverpool (2:07.39s –Christ Church). In Girls’ event, Zeeburg’s Ayesha Austin(2:36.72s)didwellto improveonthe1500msilver to claim the 800m Gold. St. John’s Jakada McRae (2:42 33s) and C/W’s Natasha Albert (2:46.15s) were second and third, respectively

Other Gold medal performances in the 800m races came from South Ruimveldt’s Alysa Jacobs (2:32 17s – U15), Charlestown’s Jada Schultz (2:32.05s – Grade 7) and

Part of the action in the Boys U20 4x400m. (Photo: MoE)

Campbellville’s Eyeon Glasgow(3:09.48s–Grade7 1000m).

IntheBoys’U173000m, Speede executed his plan excellently to dominate the field and win in a time of 10:07 11s, while Nashan Rigby (10:44.85s – Bush Lot) and Rashaad Changlee (11:07.15s) claimed silver andbronze,inthatorder

The U20 Girls’ 3000m was won by Uitvlugt’s E s t h e r M c K n n o n (11:54.14s)aheadofVanesia Daniels (12:54 38s –Waramuri) and Larissa Peters (12 58 39s –

Paramakatoi).

AfternoonSession

The entertaining afternoon session was stacked with only relays as the 4x400m finales were contested along with the 4x100mprelims.

Christianburg/Wismar was the first to taste relay gold when they won the Girls’U15 4x400m with a time of 4:22 60s, but Christ Church was on point in the Boys’ U15 4x400m to secure thegold inatimeof3:54.54s).

Mackenzie High won the Girls’ and Boys’ U17

4x4

and stopped the clock at 4:33 05s and 3:41 76s, respectively In the Girls’ U20 finale, C/Wturned in a time of 4:32 62s for the victory

M ean w h ile, th e tournament culminates today at the same venue, with the scheduled starting time set for 9:00hrs Today’s card features the finals for the 400m, 200m and 4x100m events

For full results visit: https://vro akf mybluehost me/TempoSports/Results/

2026 Commissioner of Police T20 Cup … Region #3 vs. Region #4…

Fifties from Jobe, Hughes pilot Region #3 to 99-run win - Persaud bags 5

Region #3 racked up a 99-run win yesterday against their fellow lawmen. (GPF photo)

HMichaelJobeguidedRegion #3toahuge99-runwinover Region#10whenMatch3of the Commissioner of Police T20 Cup continued at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve-Leary A belligerent innings from Region #3 saw them notch up an imposing 218 for 7 from their allotted 20 overs, during the opening game of yesterday’s second round.

Top-order batsmen Hughes, who punched 59 with 3 fours and 4 sixes and opener Jobe, who carved 5 fours and as many sixes in his 58 runs, carried their team to a hefty first innings total.

BowlingforRegion#10, Michael Frederick bagged 3 wickets despite being a bit expensive, leaking 47 runs fromhisquotaof4overs. But his team buckled underthemassivetargetand were eventually mowed down for just 119 in 17.1

overs,withTyrickHenrythe topscorerwith29. Region #3’s equalled theirexcellentbattingouting by following up with an exceptional bowling exhibition led by Hemraj Persaud, who snared 5-20 runsfromhisfourovers. Meanwhile, Vibert Johnsonlentsupportwithan excellent spell returning 311runsfromonlytwoovers, which helped to seal a brilliant win by almost a 100-run deficit. (Clifton Ross)

Vantull/Williams crack fifties, as Regions

Regions 1, 7, 8, & 9 Combined secured a huge 53-run win yesterday

Led by a pair of fifties,Regions1, 7 , 8 & 9

1, 7, 8, & 9 Combined

crush Regions 4A & 4B by 53-runs

four to guide his team’s innings after winning the toss and posting 174 all out in16.3overs.

Top-order batsman, Lynsford Williams also playedadevastatinghandas hemuscled51off25,with4 fours and 5 sixes, steering the innings alongside

franchiseplayerVantull.

Chasing a stiff target for victory, Regions 4A & 4B Combined clawed their way to 121 in 16.2 overs with Troy Drakes offering some resistance with 41, not findingtherighthelpforthe chase.

Defending their total

turnedouttobeaneasytask for Regions 1, 7, 8 & 9

Combined,beingindebtedto the pair of Kevis Mendonca (3-33) and Marlon Lord (335); who kept the pressure mountingontheiropponents duringthechase. Actioncontinuestoday ©.Ross)

Combined romped to a 53runvictoryoverRegions4A & 4B Combined in match 2 of the ongoing 2026 CommissionerofPoliceT20 Cup hosted at the Police SportsClubGround.

Veteran player Damian Vantull was the headliner, hammeringa29-ball64with 7 maximums and a solitary

VMFA to host regional youth tournament ‘Exchange Cup 2026’

The Vurlon Mills FootballAcademy (VMFA) hasannouncedplanstohost theinauguralExchangeCup 2026, a regional youth football tournament set for March29toApril1atCamp Ayangana Ground The four-day tournament is expected to bring together several of the Caribbean’s promising youth academies and clubs, with invited teams from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda and SaintLucia.

According to Vurlon Mills, the competition will feature 62 matches over the course of the event, providing a platform for youngfootballerstodisplay their ability while gaining valuable exposure to regionalcompetition.

M i l l s s a i d t h e tournament forms part of VMFA’s broader mission to strengthen youth football development in Guyana by givingplayersopportunities to compete against teams with varying playing styles andfootballcultures.

The former national player and youth coach explained that such exposure is critical for the growth of young athletes, particularly in a region where opportunities for consistent international competition at the youth level can sometimes be limited.

Mills believes that testing local talent against regionalopponentswillhelp

players better understand the demands required to perform beyond Guyana’s domestic environment, while also sharpening their technical, tactical and mental approach to the game.

He emphasised that the ExchangeCupisdesignedto bemorethansimplyayouth tournament. Instead, it is envisioned as a key component of a long-term developmentstrategyaimed at creating meaningful pathways for aspiring footballersinGuyana. By facilitating these regional exchanges, Mill said, through his academy, he hopes to strengthen ties b e t w e e n f o o t b a l l communities across the Caribbean, encouraging collaborationbetweenclubs and academies while opening doors for future tournaments, training p r o g r a m m e s a n d developmentinitiatives.

“Events such as the ExchangeCuparealso (Continuedonpage23)

Petra launches 12th Annual Massy U18 Schools Football Tournament

Massy Distribution announces sponsorship. Petra in collaboration with Massy Distribution launches 12thAnnual Secondary School Football Tournament.Attending the launch were Director of Petra Troy Mendonca, Minister Steven Jacobs (third from right), Massy CEO Troy Beharry (second from right), MoE SEO Sheldon Granville (extreme right) along with other Massy and Petra staff.

Glen, Speede, Austin excel on penultimate day