Pres. Ali presses for formation of small Speakertotask
…submitsmotiontorestorefull accesstoParliamentbylocalmedia stabbed during response to Mahdia unrest
…Opposition leader rebukes Govt. for hiding latest U.S. extradition requests
…submits motion to restore full access to Parliament by local media DuncantakesSpeakertotask
Taking up Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir on his challenge, A Partnership for National Unity Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan on Friday formally submitted a motion to the house, calling for the restoration of full, transparent, and nondiscriminatory media access t o p a r l i a m e n t a r y proceedings.
Duncan made the announcement on the final day of budget debates at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
According to a release, the motion is co-sponsored by MP Saiku Andrews and reaffirms the National Assembly as the People’s House and seeks to ensure that duly accredited media are able to independently observe, record, and report on sittings, in keeping with democratic norms, public accountability, and the constitutional right of citizenstoinformation.
The motion titled “media access to the proceedings of the National Assembly”
details that the National Assembly is the People’s House and its preceeding must be conducted in a manner that guarantees openness, transparency, accountability and public confidence.
“And whereas, duly accredited media houses serve as dispensable
d
on democratic function by independently observing, recording and reporting on the proceedings of the NationalAssemblyonbehalf of the Guyanese people,” the motionstates.
On Tuesday, during his contribution to the budget debate,Duncancriticisedthe decision of the House Speaker to restrict media access to the National Assembly The Speaker challengedDuncantobringa formal motion if he wished thepolicytobechanged. Duncan condemned the limitation placed on media coverage of parliamentary proceedings of the 13th Parliamentandhadcalledon the Speaker to immediately lift the restrictions, arguing
that they undermine press freedom and democratic norms.
He strongly condemned the policy during his contribution, accusing the government of hypocrisy on pressfreedom.“Nowthisisa government who will tell you about press freedom and Press Freedom Day and how muchtheyrespectthemedia, but they continue to lock out the media from the People’s House,” Duncan said. He added, “This is a troubling move and a clear break from democratic norms and longstanding parliamentary
practice. This House must immediately rescind the restraints and restore full unfettered access to all accreditedmedia.”
Before Duncan could continue,SpeakerNadirrose to his feet and without stopping the MP’s speaking time, read aloud from the Standing Orders governing media access to the National Assembly He stressed that under Standing Order 110, the authority to grant or revoke permission for media representatives to attend sittings rests solely with the Speaker, subject to rules
made by the Assembly “I want to turn your attention and the clock is working, to page 59 of Standing Order 110. The Speaker may grant general permission to representatives of any media to attend sittings of the Assembly under such rules as the National Assembly maymakefromtimetotime. I
revoked.”
Addressing Duncan directly, Nadir urged him to pursue the matter through a motion. “You can bring a motion to this House, have it debated and passed, and I will implement it,” Nadir said “Until then, what existed in this House up to the end of the last sitting of the 12th Parliament has been expanded. That position was established in consultation with the Guyana Press Association (GPA) So, when you speak of full unfrettedaccesstothemedia be careful. You have an option, you can mislead persons who want to go down that road or you can
bring a motion,” Nadir stated.
Nadir rejected claims that the media had been locked out of Parliament, maintainingthatbothprivate and state media continue to have access “I will continue to ensure that the media the private media as well as the state media have access. No one is being restricted from covering the proceedings of this house,” thespeakersaid.
Duncan, however, strongly condemned the p o l i c y d u r i n g h i s contribution, accusing the government of hypocrisy on press freedom The controversy follows a decision by Speaker Nadir on Monday to reinstate pandemic-era restrictions on media coverage of the 13th Parliament Journalists arriving at theArthur Chung Conference Centre for the opening of the Budget Debate were informed that only five reporters would be a l l o w e d i n s i d e t h e parliamentary dome at any given time, on a first come firstservedapproach.
APNU Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan
MOHAMEDRIPSINTOBUDGET
demands tougher oversight of oil fund slams falling birth rate, soaring cost of living flags chronic power outages warns fishing industry in sharp decline
By Renay Sambach
Newly-elected Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed in his maiden budget debate speech on Friday evening launched a blistering critique of the 2026 National Budget, outlining that its record size of $1 558 trillion masks weak oversight of oil revenues, worsening living conditions, persistent power outages and a sharp decline in the fishing industry, while failing to address critical issues.
Opening his speech, Mohamed the leader of We InvestinNationhood(WIN), outlinedtheparty’srapidrise in Guyana’s political arena.
“Despite the name calling, calling me sanction man, gold smuggler, international fugitive, despite the delay, resistance, and every effort to keep me out, I stand as the youngest Leader of the Opposition because over 109,000 voters chose hope over fear and gave WIN a chance,”hesaid.
He accused government speakers of focusing on political attacks rather than substance, cautioning that the size of the $1.558 trillion
budget should not be mistaken for success Pointing to government parliamentarians, Mohamed said,“…sizeisnotameasure of success This year’s budget represents a 12.7 per centincreasefromlastyear’s budget and is five times larger than the PPP’s first national budget in 2021 Every year they come to this h o u s e w i t h h i s t o r i c groundbreaking numbers, but where is this money going and who really benefits.”
The opposition leader who is currently before the local court battling an extradition request made by t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s government and is also sanctioned, made his contributions during the budget debates amid heckling from government parliamentarians, at times exchanging words across the floor as he pressed on with hispresentation.
DuringMohamed’smore than one-hour contribution, Minister of Parliamentary
AffairsandGovernanceGail Teixeira rose more than five times to cite Standing Order 38(6), which bars members from reading speeches instead of debating, outlining that Mohamed has been reading rather than debating.
Pressing ahead with his p r e s e n t a t i o n , h e acknowledged projected growth figures outlined by thegovernmentinrelationto the economy, but stressed thatthosefiguresmeantlittle tohouseholdsgrapplingwith risingprices.
He argued that a bigger b u d g e t d o e s n o t automatically translate into better lives “These are impressive numbers, they look good on paper, but they do not help a mother who stands in the market and finds that the salary she earned this month buys less than it did last month,” Mohamedasserted.
Oil and Gas
Turning to oil and gas sector, the opposition leader cited that Guyana’s oil production has surpassed 900,000 barrels per day, reaching record numbers but alargesectionofsocietystill livesinpoverty
Mohamedchallengedthe government’s claims of strong oversight of the Natural Resources Fund (NRF). In fact, he insisted that parliamentary approval underagovernmentmajority d o e s n o t a m o u n t t o independentscrutiny
Mohamed insisted that, “Real oversight requires transparent audits done by internationally recognised firms, not reports filtered t h r o u g h t h e s a m e government withdrawing andspendingthemoney.”
He added, “At present, the same executive that requests the money controls the vote, the agencies, and the reporting system. That is not accountability That is self-supervision You can’t putacattowatchmilk.”
He contended that government is treating Guyana’s oil wealth as routine income rather than a once-in-a-generation opportunity, arguing that outcomesonthegroundtella differentstory
Further, he questioned
transparency in the sector, demanding answers on outstanding audits and project costs, including the gas-to-energy project and ExxonMobil Guyana Limitedexpensereviews.He rejected claims that reports need not be public, insisting citizens have a right to understand how billions are spent.
Gold Mining
On mining, Mohamed accused the government of failingsmall-scaleoperators, whom he described as the backboneofthesector
“Honorable Vickram (Bharrat) I would like you to make land available for small miners, viable lands. Ensure you focus on the small miners,” Mohamed urged the natural resources minister
Hefurtherstatedthatgun men are terrorising small minersintheminingregions, and he urged Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond to ensure that systems are in place to ensure security for the small miners.
Mohamed, noted that declarations from licensed dealerships declined by 21.5 percent to 121,883 ounces in 2025, adding, “But when I was in the business the declarations were higher Whereisthegoldgoing?’
“An average of US$2 billion leaking out of our banking system, causing a heavy rate…if you go to any of the banks, you can’t get U.S…” he said, noting that because of his business not being in operation, the e x c h a n g e r a t e h a s skyrocketed.
“We need the small miners, the gold price is US$5,000 an ounce, you check if $2 billion come in back to the system, y’all withdraw US$2 4 billion from the NRF, just imagine US$2 billion leaking out the system and you guys turning ablindeye…”heoutlined.
Fisheries
“The honorable minister of Agriculture wants us to believe all is fine and dandy over there. But our sugarworkers,ourfarmersandour fisherfolk are crying out,” Mohamed said as he shifted his attention to the agriculturesector
In relation to the fishing sector, he outlined that for decades there were three fishing companies operating inGuyana:NobleHouseSea Foods, Pritipaul Singh InvestmentsandRupee.
“Ten years ago, sea bob shrimp catches were about 45 million pounds per year Now in 2026, the catch is only three million pounds, why?”hequestioned.Tothis end, he highlighted that Noble House and Rupee are now closed with only PritipaulSinghinoperation.
“ T h i s c o m p a n y (Prittipaul) has been the largest seafood company in Guyana and the Caribbean, with catches reaching a maximum of 28 million pounds in 2013 In 2025, catches are down to three millionpounds annually,” he noted.
GPL Mohamed also criticised the long-standing problems in the utilities sector, particularly electricity supply, despite billions allocatedtotheenergysector year-after-year
“After almost 30 years in office, the PPP has failed to effectively address our electricity supply woes. Two power ships later and we are st
y supply,”hesaid.
He pointed out that in the 2026 budget the sum of $119 4 billion has been allocated to enhance the country’s electricity supply and energy infrastructure
However, he argued that the PPPadministration is unable to find real solutions to the country’selectricitywoes.
Guyana's President Irfaan Ali has a reputation for inconsistency,hypocrisy,andinadequacy. Hehascultivated theartofsayingtherightthingsbeforetherightaudiencesto inspiretherightreactions. Anapprovingnodfollowedbya round of applause, represent the stuff on which he thrives. Ontheotherhand,hisfollow-upactionshavetobesearched forliketheproverbialneedleinahaystack. Theusuallackof successiswhatresults. BeforeajointsessionoftheBelizean parliament, PresidentAli urged small states to unify in the fightagainstcrime,andworktoovercometradebarriers. No questionthatthosearegoodcallsfromGuyana'spresident, andwegivehimahand. Butthisunityofwhichhestoodfor so boldly, this combating of transnational crime that's his priority, how is it that he is seen as so wanting right here when developments inside Guyana require that same unity fromhim?
Uniteagainstcrime,saidthepresident. Butthereitwas thatseniorsintheGuyanaPoliceForceareunderscrutinyor sanctions, or some pall of doubt, for alleged crimes that crossesborders,impactthelivesofmanyfortheworst. Itis notjustamatterofseniorpoliceofficersfindingthemselves in hot water, but how President Ali's PPPC government is clueless,andseeminglyunabletoshedthatcondition. Fact isthatittooktheconsiderableeffortsofUSlawenforcement agencies, working in combination, to unearth and deal a blow to a massive drug shipment out of Guyana's interior TherewassuchalackofconfidenceinGuyana'sleadinglaw enforcement body that US government counterparts bypassed it. The fear that leaks could have scuttled what turned out to be a major operation that yielded a harvest of illegal drugs. If the US was compelled to that sort of protective action, due to palpable security concerns, then which small state is going to be so brave, so reckless, as to heedPresidentAli's callandunitewithGuyanainthefight againsttransnationalcrime? WhenGuyanamovestocorrect itsownweaknessesfirst,thenhismessagecouldgainsome tractionbeyondpolitenodsandproformaapplause. When Guyana's PPPC Government can prove that it is a genuine partnerinthewaragainsttransnationalcrime,itisprobable that some small states may trust this country, and see it as worth uniting with to combat crime. Transnational crime that is a cancer on the regional environment, and that other cancer:governmentofficialsthatcolludewithcriminals,but arecoddledbythePPPCGovernment.
It was interesting that the president also urged for the removaloftradebarriers,openeconomies. Again,wefind nofaultwiththepresident'splea,actuallyendorseit. Butwe will be remiss if we did not remind President Ali of the barriers that his government has erected to stifle Guyanese anddemocracy,throughdifferentmeans. Howcouldthere beabarriertoaccessinginformation,whenthelawsaysthat suchmustbeaccessible,andmadeavailable? Thepresident cannot pretend to ignore the barriers erected by one of his government'shandpickedappointees,bysteppingasideand sayingthatisnothisbusiness. ThegovernmentledbyIrfaan AlichoseaSpeakerfortheNationalAssemblyofGuyana,so thepresidentcannotfeignahands-offposture,whilebarrier after barrier was erected to stonewall and frustrate the selectionofanOppositionLeader Thelatestemergingfrom Guyana's parliament, while ironically Guyana's president wasaddressingtheBelizeanparliament,wasthatGuyanese journalists were running into a new barrier that limited the numberofthemwhocanenterGuyana'sparliamenttoreport onthisyear'sbudgetdebate.
The removal of trade barriers leading to more open economiesisasoundcall. PresidentAlihasadutytofixhis ownhousefirst. Hemustusethepowervestedinhisoffice to remove barriers to access to information. To remove media barriers that inhibit media coverage of the budget debate. To remove barriers that coverup long unsolved crimes, including the murders of Monica Reece, Courtney Crum-Ewing, and Ricardo Fagundes. Then he could progresstoaddresstransnationalcrimesandtradebarriers.
When Lawlessness Becomes the Law
DearEditor,
T h e v i d e o n o w circulating from Guyana — showing a man being brutally beaten by a mob — should disturb every person who believes in justice, humanity,andtheruleoflaw
Letmebeclear:ifachild was harmed, that is evil. It demands swift, serious, lawful consequences But what we witnessed in that clip was not justice. It was rage. It was vigilantism. It was a public execution attempt.
You could have restrainedthesuspect.
Youcouldhavecalledthe police.
Youcouldhaveprotected the child while preserving humanlife.
Instead, you chose violence.
You took the law into yourownhands.
And in doing so, you crossed the same moral line youclaimtocondemn.
What if that man had died?Wouldyouthenjustify it by saying “an eye for an eye”? Who gave you the authoritytodecidewholives and who dies? That power belongsonlytothecourts— not to angry crowds fueled by emotion. This is exactly howsocietiescollapse:when citizens replace due process with fists, when mob justice
replaces legal justice, and when anger overrides humanity
Make no mistake everypersoninvolvedinthat beating exposed themselves to serious criminal liability: assault, grievous bodily harm, and even attempted murder Aprosecutorwillnot view this lightly These are offences that carry real prisontime.Somemayargue thatemotionsrunhighwhen childrenareinvolved.Thatis true.Butemotionisnotlaw Anger is not evidence Violenceisnotjustice.
J u s t i c e m e a n s investigation.
Justicemeansarrest.
Justicemeanstrial.
Justicemeanssentencing byacourtoflaw
Justice does not mean dragging a suspect into the street and beating him into unconsciousness while phones record and bystanderscheer
Whattroublesmemostis what this incident reveals aboutadeepersickness—a growing acceptance of lawlessness. When people believethesystemhasfailed them, they turn to brutality Butstreetjusticeonlycreates more victims, more trauma, andmorecriminals.
My heart goes out to the innocent child. That child deserves protection,
counseling, and real justice — not chaos masquerading as righteousness Guyana must decide what kind of societyitwantstobe.
Onegovernedbylaws— or one ruled by mobs. I s
enforcement acts decisively, not only against the alleged offender, but also against thosewhoparticipatedinthis s
Accountability must be
universal, or it means nothing.
We cann
ety by inflictingmoreviolence.We healitbystandingfirmlyon law, order, and human dignity Justice must live in the courtroom — not in the streets.
Regards TonyMarkRamjewan
Mohamed vs Jagdeo
DearEditor,
Without being prejudicial, or expressing a view, on the Magistrate`sdecisionnottoadjourntheAzruddinMohamed extradition matter to accommodate his attendance in Parliament, on the occasion of the 2026 Budget Debate, here`s how the High Court ruled when a similar request, by BharratJagdeo,foranadjournmentwasmade.
In the case of Alexander vs. Jagdeo et al, which was scheduled for hearing approximately two years after it was filed, including two postponements, an adjournment was granted at the request of Jagdeo on the ground that he was scheduled to attend Parliament to participate in the 2025 budgetdebate.
Therecordswillrevealthathedidnotattendthatsittingof Parliamentonthedayforwhichhesoughttheadjournmentto accommodatehispresenceinParliament,anddidnotattend the hearing when it was subsequently scheduled, approximatelyfourmonthslater
It was heard in his absence, for which no excuse was tendered.
These are but examples of how similar matters are handled,ordifferentpeopletreated,byourjudicialsystem,in itsdispensationofJustice.
Yourstruly VincentAlexander
Parliament is a disgrace
DearEditor,
What transpired in the National Assembly this week and previously on November3,duringtheswearing-inof Opposition Members before the nation andbeforetheirGod,wasnotpoliticsby any credible or honourable measure. It was a spectacle of institutional debasement, a profound dereliction of parliamentary decorum, and an affront tothecivicintelligenceoftheGuyanese people.
Thiswasnotadversarialdebate,nor was it spirited political contestation. What do they call it? Ah political theatre. No, it was coarsened theatrics, bordering on moral vandalism, carried out by Members of the People's Progressive Party, among them individuals who routinely cloak themselvesinthelanguageofprogress, justice,andgenderadvocacy,including seniorfemaleMembers.
I will not retreat into euphemism, because euphemism is the accomplice ofmisconduct.
The conduct of Ministers Gail Teixeira, Dr Vindhya Persaud, Sonia Parag, Oneidge Waldron, and other female Members of Parliament constituted a lamentable abdication of responsibility For those who assert legal acumen, impartial judgment, or ethical authority, this behaviour was especiallyegregious.
The conduct of the Minister of Home Affairs was particularly concerning, given that she is currently involved in a court matter against the Opposition Leader In such circumstances, one would reasonably expectrestraint,orattheveryleast,the careful observance of impartiality She failedeventhatbasicstandard.Instead, she repeatedly and openly engaged in heckling and ridicule against the OppositionLeader,renderinganyclaim to neutrality untenable and her bias unmistakable.
Minister Waldron, one cannot credibly profess neutrality while actively participating in derision, calumny, and orchestrated disparagement of the Opposition Leader Takenote.
As for Priya Manickchand, her posture was neither anomalous nor unexpected; it was entirely consonant with a longstanding pattern of intemperance. What unfolded during the Budget Debates was not parliamentary discourse in the least. Sanctioned disorder by the Speaker unsurprisingly included a torrent of innuendo, vulgarity, and defamatory insinuations, including flippant references to RAPE, DV, and abuse against women These are most alarming to me personally It was disturbing to sit and watch senior and
older government Members, women included, responding with levity, amusement, and open laughter to such dangerousinsinuations.
To Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, entrusted with Human Services in a nation afflicted by one of the highest suicideratesglobally,andscarredbythe murder of 35 women through intimate partner violence in the past two years: sexual violence is not comedic fodder Domesticabuseisnotrhetoricalsport!!! These are existential crises, and to trivialize them is a form of moral negligence.Onthatnote,whenwillyou declarethisanationalemergencyinour country!?
To Sonia Parag, is it a source of mirth that over 8,000 cases of child abusehavebeenrecordedinthelasttwo years?Whenthesystemicvictimization of Indigenous women in the hinterland was raised, your inability or unwillingness to engage suggested not ignorance, but moral detachment. One is compelled to ask whether genuine representation for the children of Guyana is your purpose in the Assembly
Most alarming of all was the utterance of language that amounted to a sexualized threat against a WIN Member of Parliament. In a country ravaged by rape, femicide, and (Continuedonpage6)
Thoughts on the Penalizing Poor People Budget 2026
DearEditor,
The $1.558 trillion 2026
National Budget, presented last week and now being debated in Parliament, has been described by President Irfaan Ali and his administration as “propoor.”
However, for those Guyanese who are struggling daily, the 58% of the population who recent estimates show to be living inpovertyinoilrichGuyana,
those for whom the minimum wage remains at $60,147 per month, those public sector workers who will not see any wage increase,thisclaimdoesnot matchourreality
It is one thing to make thesegrandclaims.Butwhat we need to see is how this breaks down at a grassroots level for those who this
people's budget is supposedly meant to prioritise.
Let us just take one group, pensioners, among the most vulnerable in our society
We are told that this group is about 91,000 persons. According to the finally released preliminary Censusreport,thisiscloseto 10%ofthepopulation.
It was announced in the budget that the old age pensionwillbeincreasedby the grand sum of G$5,000,
from$41,000to$46,000per month, effective January 1, 2026. Additionally, pensioners will be provided withatransportationgrantof $20,000, an electricity grant equivalent to $30,000 per year (based on our own experience of bills, that covers an average and basic light bill for approximately threeandahalfmonths)and awatersubsidy
These figures are being presentedbythegovernment as meaningful relief for whichweshouldbegrateful. Thefewatthetopdon'thave toconsiderhowthisholdsup against a sharply rising cost ofliving.
The few at the top don't have to count their money when they go to the market, aswedidtodayforexample, when we got four green plantains for $880 00, $220.00 for each (let us put this $5,000 increase into perspective,itwillbuyabout 24greenplantains).
The few at the top don't havetodealwiththefarethe taxi driver called, $2,000.00 for a drop from Stabroek Market to Campbellville (if youcallataxifromhome,it runsabout$1200-$1500).
Stabroek News has been running a cost of living series and we have also issued several letters and statements comparing earnings in oil rich Guyana
with basic expenditure to make the case for a living wage.All of this has clearly fallenondeafears.Soletus go again, for those sitting comfortably in what really should be the people's parliament, those in parliamentwhohavethegall to tell us about a people's budget.
Below we break down thecostofweeklymealsfor an old age pensioner, who we are told should now be grateful to the government forincreasingtheirpensions by the grand sum of $5,000 00 This budget below is based on prices in Georgetown–intheinterior thepriceswillbehigher Caseforoldagepensioner
Hereiswhat$11,500can provideinmealsforaweek–and this is for just breakfast andlunch.
This is the cost for a week.Foureggsandoneloaf of bread has to work for the week.Andthisbudgetisjust for breakfast and lunch Thereisnoadditionalmoney for dinner So the budget above has to stretch for twenty-one meals. Make it makesense.
We are not counting transportation – for which there is a $20,000 annual grant–orlightsorwater(for
Urgent attention on foreign companies
DearEditor,
I write to place on the public record a matter
concerning process, professionalism, and the treatment of local stakeholders within foreign-
linked commercial arrangements operating in Guyana.
From the beginning of November 2023 to the present (January 2026), I was engaged by a company operatinginGuyanathrough ajointventureorpartnership
involving Chinese commercial interests and localentities.
Duringthisperiod,Iwas promised a formal contract of employment, yet no written contract was ever provided.
Despite this, the company paid a fixed monthly sum into my bank account throughout the engagement.
A formal job letter confirming my employment
s t a t u s a n d s t a t e d remuneration was also issued to my bank and remainsonrecordthere.
Duringthissameperiod, I submitted formal correspondence in good faith relating to matters of public interest, including National Insurance Scheme (NIS) issues and a Power of Attorney (POA) That correspondence was r e c e i v e d , y e t n o acknowledgment, response, or clarification was provided.
I understand that in professional settings, acknowledgement of correspondence is standard practice.
In this case, heads of accounts and operations verbally indicated receipt withstatementslike“gotit,” but nothing substantive followed,despitemyclearly stating in a personal communicationthatIwould betakingfurtheraction.
Further, during this engagement, my personal vehicle was made available for company use for approximately eight to nine months. Upon its return, it was in deplorable condition — lacking fuel, emitting
which we are told there is a subsidy). But we will note thatmanypensionershaveto make regular medical clinic visits,forwhichtheyhaveto find a return fare The $46,000 that is now allocated to pensioners is fully budgeted for meals. Wherearepensionerstofind rent,phone,basicnecessities (toilet paper, soap etc ), additional money for transportation and utilities?
Many pensioners also need assistance at home – where are they to find money for the caregiving they may need at home, work that as usual ends up being unwagedandfallsmainlyon w
pensioners do not live with family members or even have family members they canrelyonregularly
We invite readers to do theweeklymathforthoseon public assistance (this includes people with disabilities who face mobility challenges, limited job opportunities, higher medical costs, some requiring extensive if not roundtheclockcare).
In this case the grand increase is $3,000, moving monthly public assistance from $22,000 to $25,000!
Dividethatbyfourandthen try taking $6,250 to the market to find food for a week.
Weekly Budget for two meals/day BREAKFAST
One loaf of bread (quality whole wheat) $460
Four eggs
1 pack of milk
LUNCH
Four pints rice
small bottle oil
3 small heads pakchoy
3 bundles bora (12 strings) $1000
1 lb. potatoes
1 tin tomato paste
1 lb onion $300 ½ lb garlic
8 cubes
5 Gallon water (refill) $260
This is not compassion. This is blatant neglect ad eyepass.
The message is clear, this budget continues and deepens poverty and dependency
The 2026 budget is called 'Putting People First,' but the question we should ask is, which People are comingfirst?Therearethose who stand to benefit handsomely from the big infrastructure contracts (paying people the same starvation wages at the b o t t o m , w i t h n o transparency in awarding contracts,andwithroadsand bridges and hospitals and schools breaking down and leakingandmore,callingfor newcontractsforbigonesall overagain).
And then there are the rest of us who keep being told to wait. It's clear who wasatthetablemakingthese decisions.
Callingthisbudget“propoor”isnotonlydishonest,it is a slap in the face of ordinary Guyanese catching their hand, trying to find a way This budget should be called Penalizing Poor People, or Punishing Poor People, because to be clear, that is what it does. Who feelsitknowsit.
Sincerely
WintressWhite
SusanCollymore
HalimaKhan
RoshawnaPilgrim
MaeveRamsay JoyMarcus
strong odors, with the interior and exterior deteriorated, and with the engine performing poorly I had to arrange for someone else to collect it due to the conditionitwasleftin.
Silence, dismissal, and disregard toward local stakeholders — particularly t h o s e p e r f o r m i n g documented work, fulfilling financial arrangements, and attempting lawful engagement raise an important question of equity:
Whenforeigncompanies operate in Guyana through partnerships with local entities, what standard of responsiveness and fairness s h o u l d G u y a n e s e stakeholders reasonably expect?
This letter is not an allegation or attack. It is a request for transparency, clarity,andaccountabilityin how local voices are engaged and respected within commercial and publicdiscourse.
Respectfully Anonymous
5-6
VanessaRoss,pensioner
Human development is Guyana is rising by any measure
DearEditor,
In his call for a datadrivenanalysisofthehuman development condition in
Guyana, Dr Ramesh
Gampat states that meaningful discussion must be rooted in objective
evidence rather than anecdotal observation. We will utilize the most recent
reports from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to demonstrate Guyana's trajectory as one of historic structural improvements in livingstandards.
To understand this shift, it is essential to first define the frameworks used by the international community to
measure human progress
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite score designed to shift the focus of development from pure economic growth to human capabilities (in the traditionofAmartyaSen).It evaluatesacountrybasedon the dimensions of longevity, measuredbylifeexpectancy
at birth; knowledge, measured by years of schooling; and a decent standardofliving,measured by Gross National Income (GNI)percapitaadjustedfor PurchasingPowerParity ComplementingtheHDI
i s t h e O x f o r d
Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which identifies acute deprivations at the household level by
education, and living standardsthatapersonfaces simultaneously
These two indices are conceptually linked and should be viewed as complementaryindicatorsof the same development process.
WhiletheHDImeasures
the average national attainment in development, theMPImeasuresindividual and household shortfalls Mathematically and logically,itisimprobablefor a nation to achieve a rapid, broad-based rise in average
attainm
without a corresponding decrease in acuteshortfalls.Highhuman development and high
structural poverty are generallymutuallyexclusive inthisstatisticalframework, as rising averages typically indicate that pockets of deprivationareshrinking.
The data points for Guyana indicate that the country has undergone a radical shift in human welfare over a very short period.
In 2017, Guyana ranked 125th out of 189 countries, placing it in the Medium Human Development category By 2023, the country moved to the 89th spot,climbing36spacesinto t h e H i g h H u m a n Development category This leapissupportedbyspecific gains across all dimensions.
Life expectancy rose from 68.5 years in 2017 to 70.2 years just six years later, while mean years of schoolingincreasedfrom8.3 to 8.7 years. Most notably, GNI per capita shot up by 299 074%, moving from $11,767 to $46,959 in constant 2021 PPP dollars. This upward movement is reflected in the MPI results; as of the most recent reporting, only 1.8% of the
population, approximately 15,000 individuals, is classified as experiencing multidimensional poverty, withanother54,000persons classifiedasvulnerable.
Ultimately, the objective UNDPdatasuggeststhatitis logically inconsistent to argue that Guyana suffers from high structural poverty while recording one of the most rapid human development climbs in modernhistory.
While critics may point to transitory income shocks – like those that occur in 2021 due to the pandemic –the structural or long-term indicatorsoflifeexpectancy, educational attainment, and per capita GNI point to a permanent shift in the nation'swelfare.
Following Dr Gampat's demand for a data-driven approach, the evidence indicates that Guyana is successfully transitioning into a state of high human development
d deprivationsofitspast.
YoursFaithfullys, Prof. Tarron Khemraj andProf.RandyPersaud
Parliament is a disgrace
Frompage4 normalized violence, such language is dangerously corrosive.Who, precisely, is expected to treat these matters with seriousness whentheyaredebasedinthe nation's most supreme legislative chamber? The Speaker's acquiescence to even this invites an unavoidable question: has the Assembly been reduced to a theatre where impunity
expression?
Compound
n
this disgrace is the deliberate secrecy imposed by a media blackout, sustained through antiquated and indefensible prohibitions within the Chamber and the allowance of only state media to spin the narratives of the governing PPP This is the nation's Budget, not the PPP budget. A legislature that
recoils from transparency has already forfeited its claim to moral legitimacy Letthepressin!
Givenallofthis,onefact remains incontestable. WIN Parliamentarians alone yesterday demonstrated composure, restraint, and civic maturity throughout thiscircus.Itisnothingshort ofastonishingthatMembers boasting two, three, even f o u r d e c a d e s o f parliamentary tenure, many venerating their own experience, exhibited such a profound atrophy of judgment that none could have summoned the resolve to restrain their colleagues and utter the simplest rebuke:Enough. But the public is not deceived. The people are observant. Memory is long. Guyana is hemorrhaging from violence, abuse, despair, and institutional decay And its citizens deserve leaders who elevate theRepublicandnotdragits highest institutions into ignominy The Guyanese people truly do deserve better.And if all of this was yesterday, the trajectory for today and the remaining weeks of Budget is deeply foreboding.
Enough
Sincerely HanaK.Mohamed
THENATIONNEEDSTOKNOW!
…Opposition leader rebukes Govt. for hiding latest U.S. extradition requests
Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed, who is currently before the local courts battlingan extradition request by the United States,
used his maiden budget debate speech on Friday evening to urge government Members of Parliament (MPs) to release details on a
second extradition request received from the U.S. last year.
“Let the nation know about the extradition request
that came here… that is t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability. There is an extradition request since November and up to now, (they) cannot charge and bring these persons ” Mohamed said in the NationalAssembly
Earlier on Friday, the extradition proceedings involving the newly elected opposition leader and his father, Nazar “Shell” Mohamed, continued at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts Under crossexamination by attorney Siand Dhurjon, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, S h a r o n R o o p c h a n d acknowledged that another extradition request for a Guyanese was received on November 25, 2025 However, no information was given in court as to the identity of that person or whether the police had acted on the request In the National Assembly, amid heckling from government parliamentarians, Mohamed took aim at Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd, and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, S.C., urging them to disclose details of the other extraditionrequest.
“A matter of national
importance, we have an extradition request here since in November 2025, please make it known to the public please make it known to the public,” Mohamedsaid.
On the morning of October 31, 2025, Azruddin and Nazar were arrested by ranks of the Guyana Police Force, acting on a warrant issued by a Georgetown magistrate following a formal extradition request from the United States. The father-son duo came one day after the extradition request was transmitted to the Guyana Government on October30,2025.
The request followed the Mohamed’s indictment in a U.S. federal court in Miami, Floridaon11chargesofwire andmailfraud,conspiracyto commit money laundering and the importation of a Lamborghini luxury car – all stemming from accusations of massive tax fraud committed against Guyana. The indictment, unsealed on October2,2025,accusedthe Mohameds of orchestrating an elaborate fraud and money-laundering scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and the evasion of millions in taxes and royalties owed to Guyana.
A police corporal attached to the Mahdia PoliceStationsustainedstab wounds to his lower abdomen and right arm in the line of duty, while responding to an unrest in the vicinity of the Mahdia Primary School In a statementFriday,policesaid that an investigation has been launched into the alleged stabbing and shooting incident that occurredonFridayFebruary 6, 2026 about 01:45hrs at 111 Miles, Mahdia, PotaroSiparuniRegion.
“Enquiries disclosed that ranks from the Mahdia Police Station responded to a report of a street disturbanceinthevicinityof
Mahdia Primary School Street. Upon arrival, several males were observed engaged in a violent altercation and were instructed to desist The individuals reportedly ignored the instructions and began hurling objects in the direction of the police and the police vehicle,” police said.
It was during efforts to restore order that the corporal was attacked by two males who attempted to relieve him of his weapon, one of them armed with a sharp instrument. It was in the midst of the altercation that the rank sustained the injuries to his lower abdominal area and right arm. “In the process, the rank discharged his service weapon, which caused the armed male to sustain injuries.Theinjuredmale-a 22-year-oldpork-knockerof Campbelltown Village, Region8andthepolicerank were escorted to the Mahdia District Hospital, where they were examined by a doctor on duty and admitted in stable condition,” the police said. Two 9mm spent shells recovered at the scene along with a pair of scissors which were lodged. While the injured pork knocker remains under police guard. No further arrests have been made as investigations continue.
Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs
Anil Nandlall, S.C
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd
Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond
Don't believe everything you hear
A man convicted for murderwasmakingapleafor apardonfromthegovernorof thestate.Wordofhispleagot around to the family of the person the convict had m u r d e r e d
This family was raving mad that the convict would even dare to apply for clemency and they were determined to see him spend the rest of his d a y s i n p r i s o n
As such they decided to spreadrumorsandlies.They passed the word from mouth to mouth but in a way that it wouldreachthegovernorand so influence his decision to pardon the convict
Theconvictlearntaboutwhat was taking place. He learnt that the governor was in receipt of a great deal of hearsay information about
him and he decided that he had to write to the governor urging him to ignore the hearsay stories that were beingpeddledabouthim.He wrote a small note, “Dear Governor, if you have heard whatIhaveheardyouheard, youheardalie.”
Thatnote,shortasitwas, probably caused more headscratching in the governor's office than the entire pardon application. One imagines thegovernorreadingitonce, twice,thencallinginanaide andasking,“IsthisEnglish?”
The aide, not wanting to look foolish, nods confidently and says, “Yes sir,veryadvancedEnglish.”
By the third reading, the governor is wondering whether the convict should be pardoned on the basis of
creativityalone.Anyonewho can twist a sentence into a linguistic pretzel like that deserves at least a weekend pass.
But jokes aside, the little note carries a big message, onethatisasrelevantoutside prison walls as it is inside them.
Hearsay has always been a powerful thing Long before social media, WhatsApp broadcasts and anonymous Facebook pages with patriotic names, people were spreading stories the old-fashionedway:mouthto mouth,eartoear,withalittle seasoningaddedateachstop. Bythetimethestoryreaches its destination, it no longer resembles the truth. It is bigger, louder, uglier, and usuallywearingadisguise.
DEM BOYS SEH
Entry-level ain't breadwinner level
Dem boys seh if yuh taking home
$91,000 a month and four hungry eyes watchingyuhwalkthroughthedoorlikeyuh is a delivery truck, something wrong somewhere. Either yuh eyes playing tricks on yuh, or yuh life plan buss a U-turn and drivestraightintoconfusion.
Entry-levelsalaryisnotfamilypackage. It is survival package. It is for you to be living with Ma and Pa. Not to have to pay schoolfees,rentandprovideforafamilyof yuhown.
Entry-level employment is not suitable fordependents Whenyuhjuststartwuk,yuh jobdescriptionsupposedtobelearning,not providingfuhafamily Whenyuhstartingat the bottom, yuh salary supposed to stretch fromminibusfaretolunchandmaybeonelil Fridaybeer Itwasneverdesignedtostretch to rent, grocery, gas, school shoes, diapers, anddinneratdeMarriott.
Yetsomehow,mantakinghome$91,000 and feel he ready to be the Minister of Household Affairs. One salary No partner working.Andrentduelikeitrunningarelay race.Demboyssehthatisnotbravery;thatis arithmeticabuse.
Let we be real. Dem boys work out a living wage at $138,380 a month( with two partiesworking).Anddemboysknowsome private sector firms now paying $150,000 forentry-leveljusttogetpeopletoshowup. Thataloneshouldtellyuhsomething.Ifyuh not touching $138,380 and yuh partner not working, marriage should remain in draft form, and having children should be postponed.
Dem boys seh when yuh young and just startwuk,yuhsupposedtoliveatMaandPa. That is not shame; that is strategy That is called buffering yuh life. Yuh save money, yuhbuildyuhself,andyuheatfoodthatdon't require a loan. If yuh insist on moving out early, be prepared: rent not cheap, food far from cheap, and furniture? Lawd. Unless yuhinheritingabed,atable,andasofa,yuh bank account going to cry before yuh mattresstouchthefloor
So dem boys seh: entry-level is not breadwinnerlevel.Waityuhturn.Buildyuh income. Then build yuh household. This is notwickedness.Thisisthelawoflife—and unlikerent,itdon'tnegotiate.
Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
The family in the story believed they were doing justice by spreading rumors. After all, they were hurting, angryandconvincedthatthe convict deserved no mercy Emotion has a way of dressing up gossip as righteousness. Once we feel morally justified, anything goes. We can exaggerate, invent, and speculate freely, all in the name of a “good cause.”
The governor, like many people in positions of authority, found himself swimming in a sea of information. Some of it was sworn testimony, some of it official reports, and some of itpurebacchanal.
The challenge, then as now, is separating fact from fiction. In today's world, the governor's inbox would probably be flooded with forwarded messages beginning with “A reliable source told me…” which is usuallycodefor“Imadethis up but please don't question me.”
The convict's note is funny because it exposes howridiculoushearsayreally is. “If you have heard what I have heard you heard, you heard a lie.” In other words,
what you heard is not what happened;itiswhatsomeone saidsomeoneelsesaidabout what they think might have happened. By the time it reachesyou,thetruthislong dead and buried, probably withoutaproperfuneral.
Weseethisplayoutevery day A public figure coughs, andbyeveningheiscritically ill, by morning he is dead, andbylunchtimehehasrisen again, depending on which group chat you are in. A simple misunderstanding becomes a national scandal.
Thereisalsoalessonhere about how easily we are influenced.
Thefamilyknewexactly what they were doing: planting seeds and trusting that they would grow into doubt.Doubtispowerful.
You don't even need to proveanything;youjustneed to make someone unsure.
Once doubt takes root, facts havetoworkovertime.
The convict, ironically, showed more clarity than many of us. He understood that the battle was not just about what he did or did not
do, but about what people were saying he did He confronted hearsay directly, not with a long defence, but with a simple reminder: checkyoursources.
And so we come to the moralofthestory Beforeyou believewhatyouhear,repeat what you hear, or forward what you hear, pause. Ask yourself whether you are dealing with facts or with echoes of other people's opinions.
Hearsay can ruin reputations, influence decisions, and inflame emotions,allwithoutashred of evidence Or, as the convict might put it more elegantly: if you hear what you heard you heard, make sure it isn't just a lie you heard.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the authoranddonotnecessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
H@RD TRUTHS
Budget2026:Atrilliondollars,amillionwords
Day One of the 2026 budget debate in parliament produced the regular hohum, humdrum, and the hums from politicians having a good time pretending to be for the people. Threecaptionsfrom Tuesday’s edition of SN told thestory SNlimiteditselfto two verbs, which led to one i n t e r p r e t a t i o n a n d conclusionfromme. It’sallI havetooffer First up was my call for a boycottofthebudgetdebate, to facilitate the PPP Govt sideowingandpatrollingthe floor Itdid. Thefirstdayof the debate produced the usual. “MPs feud over the impact of the budget.” And “‘Two faced governance versus ‘transformational progress’ Minister Persaud and Singh-Lewis clash over budget.” Then, “La Cruz, Flue-Bess clash over impact of sports budget”, with all three captions compliments of SN’s budget coverage. It’s either the editors got bored and repeated one verb (clash), or they ran out of words and settled for one noun (impact) to signal that effect on Guyanese from mediamasterstothoseliving in misery Or, to be safe, SN usedrepetitionforemphasis. About how bad things are with Guyanese. About how badthebudgetisforthelittle poorpeopleofGuyana. Whatever it was, those three budget related captions conveyed the stark. The 2026 budget is not a relief measure, or plan, to alleviate poverty among deprived, distressed Guyanese. The 2026 budget is another PPP Govt blueprint to reward its insiders, believers,
followers Government superstars Edghill, Persaud, and La Cruz can wave their v e r b a l w a n d s a n d congratulate themselves, the budget master, and their supreme master (in Belize), but Guyanese live daily with the harrowing Nothing further needed to be said on that score; harrowing says it all Shadow opposition stars, with no takedown intended, Mr Jordan, Ms. Flue-Bess and Ms. SinghLewis all held good cardsthe pain of the people-but they don’t have enough hands. A fatal deficit in any budget verbal scramble When all the negatives are assailed, all the points scored, it all comes down to the numbers for the passing of the budget. Atrillion and a half plus dollars it is, and more than a trillion words
and countless tears could be shed over that fatal budget, and not one damn thing is evergoingtochange. Th debate is an exercise in futility The Honorable Edghill, Persaud, and La Cruz, and whoever follows them know this. So, what Guyanesearespectatorstois a set of amateur actors in actiononthebiggeststagein Guyana Any citizen looking for scintillating flares of Shakespeare from thatparliamentarymudflatis walking in the wrong alley, needs to correct and look right here. In this column. Anywhere, but parliament. Parliament, the house of the Guyanese people, is reduced tosoggytheater,withablend o f t h e a t r i c s f r o m longstandingpractitionersof that superficial art. Whether a Guyanese presence before a Belizean parliament, or those in Guyana’s Arthur Chung battlefield, it is all sound and fury representing
absolutely nothing
Give me one changed mind,onechangedlineitem, onechangedvote,andIleave theseshores. Foratime. For somefreshLosAngelesair Day One of budget 2026 debate was spirited. The hope is that it stays so, doesn’t deteriorate into the scurrilous, the frivolous, and the ferocious A little personal snippet: I have never looked at a budget debate, or listened to a fraction of a session of any parliament. Don’t intend to start now, risk disturbing my serenity When slapstick is needed, the Three Stooges meet Hercules (or Dracula) is good enough for me What is a debate if not about research, the flame of intellectual powers brought to bear with concentrated heat, and flecked with the l i g h t n i n g b o l t s o f shimmering eloquence of blinding intensity? And what do Guyanese get for their money and their hopes and their pain? They get a recycled PPP, a reinvented (with scotch tape and toothpaste) PNC, and a reviving WIN, with all putting on a game face while they engage in a fixed gameshow The $64,000 question is which group is about truth, democracy, and a better way for Guyanese, particularly the poor Instead of better, what the people get from the PPP is bitter Which man if his son asksforbreadwillgivehima stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? In both instances, the PPP Govt budget for 2026 did. Therestisjabber,jabber…. (The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
ICJ to begin oral hearings on Guyana–Venezuela border case on May 4
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has announced t h a t o r a l a r g u m e n t s i n t h e Guyana–Venezuela border controversy before the International Court of Justice (ICJ)willcommenceonMay4,2026.
The announcement was made on Friday during his contribution to the National Budget debates. Attorney General Nandlall disclosed that Guyana has already filed two written pleadings on the merits of the case, while Venezuela has also submitted two pleadings,themostrecentofwhichwasfiled in August 2025 While outlining developments within the legal system, Nandlall stated that the Attorney General’s Chambers,incoordinationwiththeOfficeof the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is actively preparing Guyana’s legal team and materials for the upcoming ICJ hearingconcerningthe1899ArbitralAward.
“Iampleasedtoinformthishousethaton January 27, 2026, all parties to the case were notified by the court that the hearing on the meritswillopenonMonday,May4,2026.A detailed schedule for the hearings will be communicatedshortly,”Nandlallsaid.
Guyana instituted the case in March 2018, following a determination by United NationsSecretary-GeneralAntónioGuterres thattheInternationalCourtofJusticewasthe appropriate mechanism for resolving the longstanding controversy between the two countries. Guyana is seeking the court’s confirmation that the 1899 Arbitral Award, whichestablishedtheinternationalboundary between Guyana and Venezuela, is legally valid and remains binding on both states underinternationallaw Although Venezuela recognised the
validity of the Award and accepted the establishedboundaryformorethan60years, itreverseditspositionontheeveofGuyana’s independence, rejected the Award, and asserted a claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, encompassing the EssequiboRegion.
Venezuela previously sought to have the case dismissed, filing two objections to the court’s jurisdiction in 2019 and 2022, respectively Both objections were rejected bytheCourtbyoverwhelmingmajorities.
In December 2023, following Guyana’s request prompted by Venezuela’s threats to seize and annex Guyana’s territory, the ICJ ordered both parties to refrain from any actions that could disturb Guyana’s administration and control of the disputed territorywhilethecaseremainspending.
In a subsequent statement, the Government of Guyana expressed full confidence that it has demonstrated in its Reply that Venezuela’s challenges to the Arbitral Award and the international boundary outlined in its CounterMemorial—are entirely without merit, and that the Court will ultimately affirm the validity, finality, and legally binding nature of both the Award and the established boundary
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC
…focuses on solid waste management, NDC’s, public spaces and recreation
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, on Thursday rolled out a detailedplanonhowthe$36.6billionallocatedtoherministry willbespenttoimprovethelivesofcitizens.
Supporting the 2026 budget, Manickchand relayed that each Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) will receive $30millionandmunicipality$50million.Intotal,$2.1billion willbepumpedintoNDC’sandmunicipalities$500million.
“This is where we expect some level of autonomy where these local government bodies, through consultation with theircommunities,willdeterminewhatmightbebestfortheir neighborhoodstobeabletodevelopandtobeabletoevolve,” she explained. Going deeper into how the funds will be dispersed,theministersaideightnewNDC’swillbebuiltand five will be rehabilitated to the tune of $480 million. An additional $150 million will be used to rebuild the Rose Hall, Mahdia,andNewAmsterdamTownCouncils.
Speaking on solid waste management, Manickchand said there will be new efforts to ensure clean communities and predictablecollectionofwaste.
“To this end, we are building eight new landfill sites, and all the landfill sites will also have significant lights, while the constructionofroadswillcostabout$1.2billion.Everysingle NDC and every single municipality is going to get a garbage compactor truck, and additionally, we are buying bins, shredders,andcompactorsformarketplaces,”sheadded.
Manickchand informed the House communities such as Providence, Prospect and Windsor Estates that complained about the foul stench from the Haags Bocsh Landfill site are nolongerexperiencingtheissue.Thescentexperiencedonthe Hero’sHighwayisfreshgarbage,andsheexplainedthatthisis duetoadesignissueasthelandfillsiteis200ftawayfromthe roadway Nevertheless,thescentisnotreachingresidents,but the experts within the ministry are currently exploring possiblesolutions.
“Thisyear,Mr Speaker,$4.9billionwillbespentoneither rehabilitating, rebuilding, or constructing new markets. Two billion dollars will be dedicated towards the reconstruction or therestorationoftheStabroekMarketandtheBourdaMarket. The intention is for vendors to operate in a wholesome, organised space where they can earn for themselves and their families and for shoppers to have a pleasant experience,” the politiciantoldtheHouse.
Manickchand in excess of 20 recreational spaces will be constructed this year, alongside the 14 the housing ministry will undertake, in efforts to beautify public spaces and make them safe. Another $11.7 billion will be spent on the community enhancement working programme, providing employmentopportunitiesacrossthecountry
“Between2020and2024,wespentcloseto$10billionon health care in Region Nine. New facilities and upgraded facilitieswereconstructed,andtheRegionNinehealthstoryis asuccessstorywherepeoplefromBrazilarenowcomingover to us for service,” she beamed. In support of educational development there, four new secondary schools will be constructedinRegionTen,withonecostingsome$2.6billion.
Over 40 bills to be tabled as Govt. advances sweeping legislative agenda - AG Nandlall
More than 40 bills and regulations are expected to beintroducedintheNational Assemblyasthegovernment
regulatory framework, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall S.C., announced on Friday during his contribution to the Budget2026debates.
legislative programme will address areas including finance, business regulation, public security, justice
environmental management andsocialservices.
Among the financial and economic measures to be introduced are the Fiscal
Development Bank Fund Bill, Guyana Natural Gas Bill, Virtual Assets Bill, and amendments to strengthen security interests in movable property Thesemeasuresare
investment,expandaccessto financing and advance the country’s energy and digital economyinitiatives.
Several bills are also aimed at improving the business environment and commercial regulation, including a new Companies
Bill, Business Names Registration Bill, Hire Purchase (Amendment) Bill, and legislation addressing the sale of depreciating assets and the establishment oftrusts.
In the justice sector, the government plans to table several reforms designed to improve efficiency and access to justice These include the Evidence Bill, Judge Alone Trial Bill, Alternative Sentencing Bill, Rehabilitation of Offenders Bill, amendments to the High CourtAct, and changes to the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act. Additional legislation will address i n t e r n a t i o n a l c h i l d
abduction, recovery of child support, and measures to strengthen protections against harassment and sexualoffences.
Public security and defence will also be addressed through the Firearms Control Bill, Prisons Bill, Border Patrol Bill, and the Guyana Defence Force Training Institute Bill, along with amendments to immigration laws and new regulations governing emergency lights, sirens and speed-limiting devicesformotorvehicles.
Several bills will focus on health and social protection, including the Telehealth Bill, Medicines
Regulation Bill, Ambulance Services Bill, Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill,SocialWorkersBill,and regulations governing human organ and tissue transplants.
In agriculture, food safety and environmental management, the legislative agenda includes the Food SecurityBill,amendmentsto the Food Safety Act, P
regulations related to plant protection and rice farmers’ securityoftenure.
The government also planstointroducelegislation to strengthen national development and heritage preservation, including the N a
Preservation Bill, Solid Waste Management Bill, Port Authorities Bill, and amendments to support electricitysectorreform.
The Attorney General said the legislative programme forms part of the government’s broader effort to modernise institutions, improve governance and create a legal framework suited to Guyana’s rapidly expandingeconomy
He emphasised that the measures are designed to strengthentheruleoflaw,
Continued on page 15
Guyana heading towards financial instability - MP Campbell
...says
rising debt service, slowed non-oil growth dangerous for economy
Wi t h l o w e r earnings from b o t h t h e petroleum and non-oil
s e c t o r s , A P N U parliamentary lead, Dr Terrence Campbell said Guyanastandsthemaximum risk of sliding into financial instability in the near future, particularly with the current rate of borrowing by the government.
Campbell sounded the alarm during his heated contribution to the 2026 BudgetDebatesonThursday intheNationalAssembly
The lead APNU MP in h i s 2 0 - m i n u t e s l o t , questioned the heavy borrowing by government, which he suggested is impacting exchange rates This year’s $1 558 trillion budget is being financed by US$2.6billioninnewloans.
APNU MP, Terrence Campbell
“Total public debt is rising with more than half of that public debt being financedwithforeigndebt.A rising external debt load becomes dangerous and will lead to a depreciation in the Guyanadollar.”
When it comes to
repayingthose loans, the MP pointed out that debt service as a percentage of revenue is projected to climb to 6.8 per cent. “In the last year, he (Minister Ashni Singh) is projecting that it would have risen from 1.3 per cent. Here is what you do not know on
that side...at this rate, in six years, we will exceed 15 per cent and Guyana will enter a r e g i o n o f f i n a n c i a l instability,”thefirsttimeMP warned.
Furthermore, he said that slowed growth in the non-oil sector is particularly worrying, as he called for greater focus on expanding thisarea.Campbellinformed the National Assembly, “Economic growth declined, and he did not say this, from 43.8 per cent in 2024 to 19.3 per cent in 2025 and is projected to fall further to 16.2 per cent. This growth is being driven primarily by oil Sir, non-oil economic growth will decline from 14.3percentto10.2percent. This is a dangerous trend because what we need to be focusingoninthiscountryis Continued on page 17
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall S.C.
Mohameds’ court case heats up…
PS reveals another extradition request; new lawyer joins defence, maintains political motive
By Shania Williams
Theextraditioncaseinvolving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father businessman, Nazir Mohamed continued on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, with several signi
developments emerging during cross-examination.
The proceedings were held before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.
During cross-examination of the prosecution’s first witness, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, revealed that Guyana received another extradition request from the United States in November last year However, it remains unclear whether any action was taken on that request or whether it was publicly disclosed, unlike the extradition request involving the Mohameds.
federal court in Miami, Florida. A 25-page indictment, unsealed on October 2, 2025, alleges that they orchestrated an extensive fraud scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and the evasion of millions of dollars in taxes and royalties owed to Guyana. The extradition documents were received by Guyanese authorities on October 30, and on October 31, Nazar
enforcement following a formal extradition request from the U.S.
Leader and Businessman,
Other pressing questions were raised regarding the credibility of her role in handling the U.S. extradition request documents.The defence also examined her relationship with President Irfaan Ali, suggesting that her actions as permanent secretary in processing the extradition requests were politically influenced by the president and other officials. The defence further placed on record its contention that the extradition proceedings against the Mohameds are not only politically motivated by the Government of Guyana, but that such political motivation also extendstotheUnitedStates.
subsequently brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where each was granted bail in the sum of $150,000. The extradition request arises from an 11-count indictment filed in the U S Southern District Court of Florida, which includes charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and customs-related offences connected to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax evasionscheme.
The Mohamed’s family is facing criminal charges in a U.S.
Another major development was the expansion of the
Mohameds’ legal team. Trinidad and Tobago Senior Counsel Fyard Hosein has joined the defence after being called to the local bar on Friday
He joins Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde along with attorneys Damian DaSilva and Siand Dhurjon, who continue to representthebusinessmen.
Cross examination Proceedings on Thursday and Friday continued with the crossexamination of Roopchand-
Edwards. The prosecution is being led by Jamaican attorney Herbert McKenzie, while the defence cross-examination is being conductedbyDhurjon.
During cross-examination, Dhurjon questioned RoopchandEdwardsonwhethertheextradition request involving the Mohameds was the first such request she received in October during her tenure as Permanent Secretary She respondedintheaffirmative.
As Phase One of the Gas-toEnergy (GTE) project continues to drag to the finish line, government is pressing ahead with PhaseTwo of the development at Wales, West Bank Demerara.
On the final day of the 2026 Budget Debate, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips revealed that five Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) companies have been shortlisted already to bid for the project.
He said, “Five EPC bidders were shortlisted for the Phase Two expansion, with bids due by March 31, 2026. Progress was also made on operational readiness, with negotiations for the Power Plant operations and maintenance contract advanced and the NGL (Natural Gas Liquids) Facility tender completed and submitted for Cabinet consideration.”
operation of an NGL facility to produce at approximately 5,800 barrels per day (bpd) of NGL products (propane, butane, and C5+), utilising70MMCFDof“richgas”.
The prime minister added that following the evaluation of bids and the securing of necessary approvals, the selected contractor will be mobilised to commence construction withintheyear
Phase Two of the gas project involves the constructionandoperationofa300megawatt (MW)combined-cyclepowerplanttodeliver 2,600 gigawatt hours (GWH) of electricity per annum. The power will be sold to the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) via a 20yearPowerPurchaseAgreement(PPA).Inits previous RFP, government requested a 250 MWpowerplant.
Additionally, Phase Two of the GTE project includes the design, construction and
Notably, the contractor will be expected totransfertotheGoG,atnocost,excess“lean gas,”estimatedatupto20MMCFD.
Beyond the core facilities, PM Phillips told the NationalAssembly that procurement advanced for the storage and offloading infrastructure, the Gas Bottling and Logistics Project,theAmmoniaandUreaPlant,andthe Amaila Falls Hydropower Project under a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model.
In the meantime, he pointed to the progress recorded on Phase One of the gas project,stillunderconstruction.Accordingto him, the construction will remain on an accelerated schedule, with the programme progressingtowardsimple-cyclefirstpower Continued on page 18
Trinidad and Tobago Senior Counsel Fyard Hosein
Opposition
Azruddin Mohamed Nazir Mohamed
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips
Pres. Ali presses for formation of small miners’ consortium consor
…promises support for basic testing, technology, and mining education
As part of government’s efforts to formalise the small and medium-scale mining sector, improve traceability and reward compliance, President Irfaan Ali has pledged state support for land, trucks and other areas to miners who form consortiums.
He made the disclosure during an engagement in Puruni, Region Seven on Friday The head-of-state also noted that the administration wants miners to succeed while ensuring their operations align with nationaldevelopmentgoals.
“We are not trying to make regulations to make things difficult. We have to justify the operations across the region and that is linked directly to declarations, and there are enormous benefits that come to you when you declare your gold legally,” shesaid
Ali stressed that
government investment in the sector comes with an expectation that miners comply with the law, including selling gold through approved channels preferably to the Guyana GoldBoard(GCB).
“The only fair thing when we invest in you is for you to follow the laws and to ensure that your operations are all in keeping with the regulationsandtoensurethat you sell the gold to the rightfulplaces.”
He further explained that legal declarations not only support transparency, but also unlock financial opportunities for miners, including access to bank loans for business expansion and easier access to home ownership.
“When you need to go to the bank, those declarations slipswillhelpyoutogetloan to grow larger and larger You want to get a loan to
build your homes, those declaration slip are important. So, we want you to be empowered,” Ali said. He also reminded foreign workers operating in Guyana’s mining industry of their obligation to comply withlocallaws.
Moreover, President Ali announced plans to address land access challenges by clustering small miners in designated areas under a consortium model, allowing shared use of equipment and services.
“I know land for small miners is the big issue. But listen to me carefully, it is uneconomical for a hundred small miners to be in a h u n d r e d d i f f e r e n t locations if you’re together in one locality, instead of a hundred trucks, we can help you invest in five trucks, you can then come together and have one setofequipmentthatsupport
A section of the gathering.
all of the operation…all we ask in return is for you to do the right thing, do not go down the wrong road,” he stated.
President Ali noted too that government intends to h a v e t h e s e g r o u p s formalised within the next twomonths.Healsopledged government support to help with some of the basic testing, technology, and miningeducation.
“I want these groups to be formed so within the next two months, in the first quarter We can have those allocations directly to these smallminersconsortiumand we can help you through the financial system, write up your proposal and get the backingforyou,”Alinoted.
G u y a n a ’ s g o l d declarationsreboundin2024 and 2025, rising by a combined 52,208 ounces after years of decline. The gold sector recorded a
nominal increase in 2024, with declarations rising by 1,954 ounces from 432,113 ounces in 2023 to 434,067
o u n c e s I n 2 0 2 5 , declarations rose by 50,254 ounces to reach 484,321
o u n c e s L a s t y e a r, declarations from licensed golddealersdeclinedby21.5 per cent in 2025 to 121,883
o u n c e s H o w e v e r , declarations from the country’s lone large-scale producer, Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd, operating through its subsidiary Aurora Gold Mine (AGM), increased by 15.5 per cent to 167,005 ounces and declarations to the GGB also rose by 45 6 percent to 195,432ounces.
F o r 2 0 2 6 , t h e government has projected declarations of 510,450 ounces as mining activity accelerates across all operatorcategories.
President Ali stressed that government wants to work with miners to achieve and possibly surpass the targets. “That is why we are going through this phase of
having everyone become compliant. We want you, whether you are foreign worker or foreign dredge owner, we want you to have documentation,” President Alinoted.
A m o n g o t h e r commitments, the president said teams will be deployed to Puruni to assist miners with regularisation, documentation and digital identification. “So do not look at this period of getting things right, of regularising your operation as a period of difficulty This is a period that will benefit you tremendously in the long term,”henoted.
Moreover, the president also announced plans for the Puruni area including improved infrastructure and services, including the establishment of a forestry office, a mining community policing group, completion of the Puruni Bridge, and
ambulance.
“Also,oneofthemining Continued on page 17
Opposition Chief Whip Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, on Friday submitted a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir reporting allegations of sexual harassment and threats, to We Invest in N a t i o n h o o d ( W I N )
Members of Parliament (MP’s) Toshana FameyCorlette and Deon LaCruz by Minister of Government KwameMcCoy
effect that he would “do to her what he does to little boys.” The chief whip said thatthestatementconstitutes sexual harassment, one of an egregious nature and wholly incompatible with the standards expected of a member of this honourable house.
In addition, Minister McKoy also allegedly threatened MP Deon LaCruz, pointing in his face, stating “you don’t know me, I will deal with you”. The letter described this kind of conduct as menacing, i
The report states that during the course of proceedings, the minister
In the letter, SaraboHalley reported a serious incident of misconduct allegedly involving a government minister which occurred within the “precincts of the National Assembly on Tuesday February 3rd, 2026, and which raises grave concerns regarding parliamentary decorum, member safety, anddignity.”
threatening statement at WINMemberofParliament, M
To
Corlette,statingwords tothe
n particular one who is a memberoftheexecutive.
“Honourable Speaker,
these alleged actions undermine: the dignity of members, the safety of the parliamentary environment, and the authority and integrity of the national a s s e m b l y i t s e l f I respectfully request that this matter be: 1. Formally noted ontherecord;2.Investigated or referred in accordance with the standing orders and any applicable codes of conduct; 3. Addressed in a manner that reaffirms this assembly’s commitment to respect, safety, and proper c o n d u c t a m o n g a l l members,”the letterwent on tosay Sarabo-Halley reasoned that the national assembly must remain a place where
women, can discharge their duties free from harassment, threats, or intimidation, therefore she is urging that the report be given urgent attention followed by the appropriateactions.
During her budget debate presentation, MP FameyCorlette made reference to allegations against members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on sexual misconduct saying that she “knew how the (victims) felt” as she herself suffered sexual harassment from a colleague, subsequently calling the minister’s name The speaker then challenged the MP to produceherevidenceandshe told him “I have witnesses,”, to which the speaker told her “wellproducethem ”
President Irfaan Ali in Puruni on Friday
Minister of Government, Kwame McCoy.
Over40billstobetabledasGovt.advances...
From page 11
improve public services and ensure that the country’s legal system keeps pace with economicandsocialtransformation.
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA:
Ÿ FiscalEnactmentsBill
Ÿ DevelopmentBankFundBill
Ÿ GuyanaNaturalGasBill
Ÿ CompaniesBill
Ÿ EvidenceBill
Ÿ DepreciatingAssetsSaleBill
Ÿ TrustBill
Ÿ RehabilitationofOffendersBill
Ÿ JudgeAloneTrialBill
Ÿ AlternativeSentencingBill
Ÿ BusinessNamesRegistrationBill
Ÿ FoodSafety(Amendment)Bill
Ÿ NationalHeritagePreservationBill
Ÿ HighCourt(Amendment)Bill
Ÿ Immigration(Amendment)Bill
Ÿ VirtualAssetsBill
Ÿ CompaniesBill
Ÿ Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Emergency Lights and Sirens) Regulations
Ÿ NationalHeritagePreservationBill
Ÿ Security Interests in Movable P
Validation)Bill
Ÿ Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill
Ÿ Guyana Defence Force Training InstituteBill
Ÿ Marriage(Amendment)Bill
Ÿ HirePurchase(Amendment)Bill
Ÿ Integrity Commission (Amendment) Bill
Ÿ Motor Vehicle (Speed Limiting Device)Regulations
Ÿ Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Regulations
Ÿ International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance (Hague Convention) Bill
Ÿ InternationalChildAbductionBill
Ÿ BorderPatrolBill
Ÿ Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) (Amendment)Bill
Ÿ FoodSecurityBill
Ÿ
(Amendment)Bill
Ÿ SexualOffences(Amendment)Bill
Ÿ ProtectionfromHarassmentBill
Ÿ SocialWorkersBill
Ÿ FirearmsControlBill
Ÿ PrisonsBill
Ÿ FoodSafety(Amendment)Bill
Ÿ Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals (Amendment)Bill
Ÿ PlantProtectionRegulations
Ÿ Rice Farmers (Security of Tenure) (Amendment)Regulations
Ÿ TelehealthBill
Ÿ MedicinesRegulationBill
Ÿ AmbulanceServicesBill
Ÿ SolidWasteManagementBill
Ÿ PortAuthoritiesBill
VACANCY WANTED
Job opening:Site Supervisor,OfficeAssistant. To apply send application viaWhatsApp:689-1111/ 608-2114.
GME Realty Vacancy: An assistant Agent,Carpenter,Janitor/ Cleaner,2 day a week.Call 618-7483.
OneclerkforTSIEcclesofficeEnglish1,Maths2call 615-9132oremail application to techserigy@gmail.com
Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age23-50,Car/Vanlicence Call615-9132.
Maid for East Bank area call615-9132.
Tiler to lay small numbers oftilescall-615-9132
VacancyexistforRefrigeration/Air Condition Technician.Bilinguality is anasset.Tel:592-333-4686.
Babysitter/Housekeeper (age35-45)for3boys.Monday-Friday,occasional weekends.Salary starts at $8000.Located Canal #2 PolderWBD.Call:702-9612
Vacancyexistsfor1 female cook,fulltimeMonday-Friday for a private residence,Please call: 7045054.
LEGALNOTICE
INTHEHIGHCOURTOF
THESUPREMECOURTOF
JUDICATURE
OFGUYANA
COMMERCIALJURISDICTION2022-HC-DEM-CIVFDA-754
BETWEEN: GUYANAWATERINCORPORATED,acompany incorporated in Guyana under the CompaniesAct 1991oftheLawsofGuyana and having its principal place of business at VlissengenRoad&Church Street, BelAir,Georgetown, Demerara Applicant -and-
JESSICAEDWARDS Respondent NOTICE
TO:JESSICAEDWARDS Lot 7 FirstAvenue Bartica
TAKENOTICEthataFixed DateApplication,wasfiled against you on the 1st day of June, 2022 in the HighCourtoftheSupreme Court of Judicature of GuyanaatGeorgetown, DemerarabyGUYANA WATER
INCORPORATED,a company incorporated in GuyanaundertheCompaniesAct1991oftheLawsof Guyana and having its principal place of business at Vlissengen Road & ChurchStreet,BelAir, GeorgetownDemerara,in whichtheApplicantclaims:
a)Thesumof$230,567.00 (two hundred and thirty thousand, five hundred and sixty-seven dollars) being the sum due, owing and payable by the Respondent to the Applicant;
b) Interest in the said sum at a rate of 6% per annum and 4% thereafter until the full sum is paid;
c) Costs;
d) Such further or other Order as the Court may deemjust.
UPONAPPLICATIONin
LEGALNOTICE
copies of the Fixed Date Application,filedherein, will be delivered or sent to you.ANDTAKENOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must forthwith withintwenty-eight(28) days after the second and final publication of this notice,prepare anAffidavit inDefenceinForm10C prescribedintheCivil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on the applicant’s Attorney-atLaw,AnansaSwain, Attorney-at-Law for the Applicant, whose address for service and place of business is C/o Guyana Water Incorporated, CorporateComplex, Vlissengen Road and ChurchStreet,Bel-Air, Georgetown,Guyana,Tele No.592-225-0471ext.2300/ 2302Email:anansas@gwi.gy and file it with proof of service at the Registry of the Supreme CourtatGeorgetown, Demerara,notlaterthan4 days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorney-atLaw must appear at the hearing.ANDFURTHER TAKENOTICEthatifyou failtofilesuchaffidavit and or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you not withstanding your absence.IT IS FURTHERORDEREDthat this matter stands adjourned to the 20th March, 2026,at10:30am.FOR REGISTRARDatedthis 21stdayofJanuary,2026
V/Hoop front lot building andlandnexttoKFC.Lot8 New Road,W.C.D.Investmentfor businesses Tel#227-4377.
person to Anansa Swain, Attorneys-at-Law for the Applicant, whose address for service and place of business is at C/o Guyana Water Incorporated, CorporateComplex, Vlissengen Road and ChurchStreet, Bel-Air,Georgetown, Guyana,TeleNo.592-2250471ext.2300/2302Email:anansas@gwi.gy or the SupremeCourtRegistry,
PS reveals another extradition request; new lawyer ...
From page 12 Dhurjon then asked whether she had received any additional extradition requests from the United States since that time. RoopchandEdwards replied, “Yes, I received one on November 26, 2025.”Hefollowedupbyasking whether she was aware if those proceedings had been brought before the court. However, prosecutor McKenzie objected to the question, challenging its relevance.Inresponse,Dhurjon stated that the defence’s position is that the extradition proceedings are politically motivated and that the question was intended to demonstrate whether other requests had been treated with similar urgency. “Partofthedefence is that the proceedings have been politically motivated. It goes to show whether other requests had been put to speed.”
Magistrate Judy Latchman subsequently disallowed the question.
listen to or see on social media or in the press does not represent a lot or most of what relates to the Mohameds.”
While questioning the witness about her affiliations withthegovernment,defence counsel explored whom she follows on Facebook and her awareness of public pronouncements made by government officials.
Roopchand-Edwards stated that she follows President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister of HomeAffairsRobesonBenn, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd, and Minister of FinanceAshni Singh.
answer
In response, Dhurjon defended his approach, stating that political motivation is a central contention of the defence.Hearguedthatthewitness had adopted the political positions of government leadersandhadcompromised her role in office to advance the government’s agenda. “She is being dishonest becauseofpoliticalmotivation,” Dhurjon asserted.
questing state and that the questionswerethereforepermissible.
Roopchand-Edwards’ government roles
Meanwhile, RoopchandEdwards maintained that her involvementintheextradition process was limited to notifying the Ministers of Home AffairsandForeignAffairsof the request and handing over the relevant documents. She also denied claims that she wasinstructedbyMinisterof ForeignAffairsHughToddto urgently deliver the extraditiondocumentstoMinisterof Home Affairs Oneidge Walrondforexpeditedaction. Politicalinfluenceallegations
During further cross-examination, RoopchandEdwards was questioned about her awareness of public pronouncements made by governmentofficials,including the president, vice president,andattorneygeneral,as well as statements allegedly made about Azruddin Mohamed’s intention to contestthe2025GeneralandRegionalElections.
Dhurjon then asked whether she was aware of a live statement made by the President in July 2025 in whichheallegedlydescribed the Mohameds as a national security threat. She responded,“Icannotrecall.”He further questioned whether she recalled statements by the President describing Azruddin Mohamed as a “gold smuggler” who had “defrauded the state of millions of dollars in taxes,” to whichsherepliedthatshehad seen statements of that nature.
Atthispoint,aheatedexchange ensued after McKenzieobjectedtotheline of questioning, arguing that it sought to establish politicalmotive,whichhesaidwas inappropriate for the witness and unfair to require her to
He further placed on record that the defence contendstheextraditionproceedings against the Mohameds are not only politically motivated by the Government of Guyana, but that such politicalmotivationalsoextendsto the United States.
Magistrate Judy Latchman questioned whether the defence wished to have that assertion formally recorded, to which Dhurjon responded in the affirmative.
He referred to the reports that the government had paid aU.S.lobbyingfirmtoinvestigatetheMohamedsandlink themtoVenezuelanPresident Nicolás Maduro allegations that surfaced in late 2024 through tweets by an American diplomat and supporting documents.
Despitecontinuedobjections from the prosecution regarding relevance, Magistrate Latchman allowed the line of questioning, stating thatthedefencehad“castthe net wide” to include the re-
Continuing his line of questioning,defencecounsel examined RoopchandEdwards’ involvement in government outreach activities and political rallies. She acknowledged that she participated in government outreachesleadinguptotheelectionsatwhichPresidentIrfaan Ali was present.
The defence then probed the nature of her relationship with the president, asking whether she had known him fromayoungage,priortohis assumptionofoffice,whenhe served under her father, a formerChiefPlanningOfficer at the Ministry of Finance. Roopchand-Edwards responded in the affirmative.
She was further questioned about the positions she has held within state agencies since President Ali assumed office. RoopchandEdwards stated that she served as a director of the GuyanaGoldBoardfrom2021 until the end of 2025, noting that she no longer sits on the board because its statutory lifehasexpired.Shealsoconfirmed that she is a council memberoftheGuyanaBureau ofStandards,amemberofthe Guyana Real Estate Authority,andthatsheservedfortwo yearsasamemberoftheCustoms Tribunal at the Guyana Revenue Authority
During her tenure at the Guyana Gold Board, Roopchand-Edwards acknowledged that she was aware the Mohameds were among the largest gold dealers in the country. She also confirmedthatshewasaware ofU.S.sanctionsimposedon theMohamedsin2024.When questionedaboutwhetherthe Gold Board renewed the Mohameds’golddealingand export licences following those sanctions, she stated that she became aware through media reports that the licences were not renewed.
Roopchand-Edwardsfurther stated that she approved gold export licences during her tenure, noting that approvals could have been granted by her or another competentauthority.“Itcould havebeenmeoranothercompetent authority,” she said. She confirmed that she played a role in the issuance ofgoldexportlicencesrelated to the Mohameds between 2020and2025.
Cross-examination was eventually deferred after the witness acknowledged that the President had made public statements regarding taxrelatedissuesandgoldsmuggling involving the Mohameds, and that government leaders had referred to them as gold smugglers and tax evaders.
The matter was adjournedtoFebruary9,11,and 12,2026.
Guyana heading towards financial...
From page 11 on our non-oil economy and that10.2percentisdrivenby construction and other mining, which is quarrying and sand.” He said if those are eliminated,Guyanamayvery wellendupwithfivepercent growth in the non-oil economy
“Bricksbeforepeople”
Earlierinhispresentation, Campbell stressed the need for a reorganisation of state priorities as he pointed to the collapse in health care services, despite billions being spent to construct more hospitals. He argued, “The honourableministerofhealth says that he has adequate nurses and adequate doctors but, let’s speak of, Onessa Andrews, is not alive today She died on December 12, because she could not get timely treatment at the Enmore Regional Hospital, andattheGeorgetownPublic Hospital.”
Further, he informed that the party has reports of citizens being forced to wait inordinate delays to see a doctor at the Diamond Hospital, East Bank Demerara while nurses at the Bath Regional Hospital,WestCoastBerbice
complain of burnout and beingtreatedunfairlycompared to foreign nurses.
The MP claimed that foreign nurses enjoy a bigger salary, transportation, food and accommodation, unlike locals. He said, “I am confused by your numbers. You are building regional hospitals, but you have a nurse shortage. The budget says that the number of nurses per 10,000 has gone down from 34.4to32.5.”
Campbellsaidheisaware ofplanstotrainandhiremore nurses from abroad, as he begged for a disaggregation of how many will be brought in versus trained locally
He noted, “Mr. Speaker, bringing foreign nurses to this country, as we chase our own out is not putting our people first. We must put our people first, and there is no way foreign nurses will take careofusasthewayourown willdo.”
In addition to the lack of nurses and doctors, Dr Campbell told the National Assembly that the budget puts“bricksabovepeople”as hequotedacommentfromDr Mark DeFrance who shared concerns over the failure of
health institutions to fulfill medicalprescriptions.
“Wehavehadbillion-dollar budgets and our healthcare system still lacks. Why are we still short of so many needed meditations?
Don’t come for me. Go outside East Street and ask every patient that leaves whetherornottheirprescriptionwasfulfilled.Yes,weneed infrastructure,butinfrastructure only benefits a certain
subsectionofourpopulation. Our pensioners, our single mothers,ourdifferentlyable, needwaymorethanhasbeen offered,”CampbellquotedDr DeFrance as saying.
On the other hand, he argued that there are reports of “unsuspecting patients” being given expired drugs to use.As such, he noted, “This is unacceptable. There is no putting people first when we dispense expired drugs.”
Pres. Ali presses for formation of small miners’ ...
From page 14 groups is about to conclude arrangement to build their own airstripincloseproximitytoPuruni,wearegoingtonegotiate so that airstrip can also be used by miners here and used for emergency,” he noted.
Hefurthernotedthatwithinsixweeksgovernmentexpects everyone to be fully complaint and declaring their gold to through the correct channels.
Overthepastfewmonths,theGuyanaGeologyandMines Commission(GGMC),theMinistryofNaturalResourcesand the Guyana Police Force have been cracking down on illegal miningoperationsacrossthecountry.Severaloperationswere dismantled, gold and equipment seized and persons prosecuted.
Government has a mandatory local bank account requirements and compulsory updates of personal records for all miners and stakeholders, combined with other measures to curb unlawful practices that weaken declarations.
Suicide bomber kills 31 in Shi'ite mosque in Pakistan's capital
(Reuters) - An attacker opened fire at the gates of a Shi'ite Muslim mosque in Islamabad on Friday before setting off a suicide bomb and killing at least 31 people in the deadliest attack of its kind in Pakistan's capital in morethanadecade.
More than 170 others were wounded in the explosion, detonated after guards challenged the attacker as he made his way into the Khadija Tul Kubra Imambargah compound on the outskirts of the city, officialssaid.
Images from the site showed bloodied bodies lying on the carpeted
mosque floor surrounded by shards of glass, debris and panicked worshippers
Dozens more wounded were lying in the gardens of the compound as people called forhelp.
Survivorssaidtheyheard gunshots and seconds later the blast, soon after the prayersbegan.
The man blew "himself up in the last row of worshippers," Defence
MinisterKhawajaAsifwrote onX.
Hesaidthebomberhada history of travelling to Afghanistan and blamed neighbouring India for sponsoring the assault,
withoutprovidingevidence.
India's foreign office condemned the attack and di
Pakist
n's statementas"baseless".
"It is unfortunate that, instead of seriously addressing the problems plaguing its social fabric, Pakistan should choose to delude itself by blaming others for its home-grown ills,"itsaidinastatement.
'BLOOD EVERYWHERE'
At Islamabad's largest public hospital, family members in waited outside and in crowded corridors for news.
Sarfraz Shah, 46, said he
People were in shock after the bomb exploded at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad on Friday. (AP Photo:
had gone to the mosque with his younger brother Manzar, 39,ashedideveryFriday "Iheardthegunshotsand I was just trying to make sense of what had happened when there was a massive explosion," Shah said at the PakistanInstituteofMedical Scienceshospital.
"Itthrewpeoplehereand there. There was smoke. No one knew what had happened. Then there was bloodeverywhere." He added through tears that there was no sign of his brother anywhere but when he came to the hospital, he discovered that Manzar was amongthosekilled.
Five contractors shortlisted for Phase... MOHAMEDRIPSINTOBUDGET
From page 12 by the end of 2026. He said, “in 2025, the programme moved firmly from planning into large-scale execution. At Wales, Phase One construction advanced materially under the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) works programme. Approximately 67 per cent of foundation piling was completed; more than 3,000 cubic metres of structural concrete were poured; all four gas turbines were transported and positioned on their foundations; six power transformers were placed; and structural foundations for four heat recovery steam generators were completed Large-scale equipment transportation to the site also commenced, sustainingconstructionmomentum.”
Meanwhile, the prime minister noted that works to the national grid also progressed rapidly By the end of 2025, transmission and substation infrastructure reached about 90 per cent completion, positioning the system for partial commissioning by the end of the first quarter of 2026 and full commissioning in thesecondquarter,heexplained.
To this end, he said, “The first priority for 2026 is the completion and commissioning of the national grid evacuation infrastructure Transmission
lines and substations will reach partial commissioning by the end of the first quarterof2026,establishingimmediategrid readiness. Full commissioning is scheduled forthesecondquarterof2026,ensuringthat the national grid is prepared to receive and distribute new generation capacity as it comesonline.”
HeaddedthatnegotiationswithSiemens Energy for the Power Plant operations and maintenance (O&M) contract will be concluded in the first quarter of 2026. Additionally, for the NGL Facility, Cabinet consideration and execution of the O&M contract will be advanced during 2026 to ensure readiness for commissioning and sustainedoperations.
With regards financing for phase one of thegasproject,thePrimeMinisterreminded the House that the United States Export Import (EXIM) Bank in 2025 approved a US$527M loan to support the NGL and powerplant.
Consequently, he explained that the first loan disbursement of US$224M will be made in the first quarter of 2026. The remaining US$285 million dollars will be drawn down during the second and third quartersoftheyear,alignedwithequipment shipment schedules and verified project milestones.
From page 3 was particularly critical of the budget’s treatment of public servants Mohamed stated, “Our nearly 70,000 hardworking public servants got nothing in this budget. Notevenasmallsalaryincrease,notabonus, nothingplannedforthemintheyear’sbiggest budget,nothingatall.”
He continued, “Our public servants carry this nation on their backs. But this budget turns its back on them. They come here and praise them with words. Sell big dreams on thecampaignplatform;inturn,theypaythem withcrumbs.”
Cost of Living
He also raised concern about Guyana’s declining birth rate, noting that despite cash grants,manywomenarechoosingnottohave childrenduetoeconomicpressures.
M o h a m e d u n d e r s c o r e d t h a t understanding the plight a regular citizen faces would show what is needed to put people first He insisted that increasing salaries for public servants, decreasing costof-living by implementing measures even if temporary like across the board subsidy or foodbanks.
“What we need to do, is to invest directly in people, not just projects. Many people still cannot afford food, rent, transport, and utilitieswithsalariesalone,”hestated.
Mohamed asserted, “There is little
evidence that the 2025 social services measures provided any transformational relief to citizens, especially when you pay a visit to the palms, or theAmerindian hostel. I visited, so I know.” To this end, he called on the government to address the declining birthrate, contending that fewer women are making babies in Guyana, with 2025 recording the lowest birth rate in years Mohamed noted that this has happened despite the introduction of a $100,000 newborn grant by the administration “I askedafewwomen,why
The same sound reverberates; the cost of living is too high. You can’t raise children comfortablyinthiseconomy,”theopposition leaderstated.
He outlined that budget 2026 expanded spending in some areas, but social services barely increased. He shunned the $5,000 increase for pensioners, $3,000 increase in public assistance and the $85,000 children’s grantwhichhenotedislessthanthe$200,000 that the PPP government promised on the campaigntrail.
Throughout his presentation, the opposition leader maintained that while the oppositiondoesnotopposedevelopment,the spending must be tied to tangible benefits for ordinary citizens and for the improvement of their lives at a time when the country has tremendousoilandotherresources.
Anjum Naveed)
BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT
FacebooklivePrezzie
President Irfaan Ali’s dawn Facebook monologues have become a poor substitute for democratic accountability. Each morning, the Guyanese leader appears live on social media, energetically defending his government’s $1.5 trillion budget, as though his own ministers and MPs are incapable of doing so in Parliament.Yet the president steadfastly refuses to hold proper news conferences, where independent journalists can question him in the full glare of the nation.
When he does subject himself to questioning, it is safely choreographed—before schoolchildren or a gallery of sycophants parading as journalists. This is not transparency; it is performance. Facebook Live offers control, comfort, and applause, not scrutiny. A confident president does not hide behind a camera and a comment section. He stands before the press, defends his stewardship, and answers hard questions. Governance by monologue may be convenient, but it is no replacement for leadership tested by accountability.
Sooryavanshi 175 makes India six-time Under-19 world champions
India
celebrate winning the Under-19 World Cup for the sixth time (ICC/Getty Images)
(Cricinfo) - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gave the latest demonstration of his prodigious talent with a record-breaking innings in Harare as India completed a dominantrunattheUnder-19 World Cup, swatting aside England'schallengetoliftthe trophyforthesixthtime.
Sooryavanshi, the 14year-old opener, showcased hisfullrangeofscoringinan audacious knock of 175 off just80ballstoalmostsinglehandedly extinguish England's hopes after India hadoptedtobat.
When he was third out, India were 251 for 3 in the
26th over and hypothetically ontracktoscore500.Noone could keep up with
Sooryavanshi's rate, but cameos down the order from Abhigyan Kundu and Kanishk Chouhan did take India past 400 for the first timeinaYouthODIbetween FullMembernations.
For England, Caleb Falconerstruckascintillating 63-ball hundred in response, buttherewastoomuchleftto doandhewaslastoutasIndia regained the Under-19 title, having lost the final to Australiatwoyearsago.
Although England struck early,AaronGeorgecaughtat
point off Alex Green, the game quickly ran away from them. Sooryavanshi put on 142 in 15 overs alongside India's captain, Ayush Mhatre,andthen78outof89 forthethirdwicketalongside VedantTrivedi as the innings wentintooverdrive.
ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19
It'sagreatdaytoexploreyour creativity, Aries This probablyisn’tanewthingfor you,sinceyou’reartistic.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Taking the easy way out won't tempt you in the least today, Taurus. This isn’t to saythatyouusuallyfavorthis approach, by any means; yet it'ssafetosaythateveryoneis temptedfromtimetotime.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Practicality and planning willworkwellforyoutoday, Gemini. It's a good time to take a long look at your financial situation. Are you whereyouwanttobe?
CANCER(June21–July22)
It's a super day to make decisions,Cancer Youcansit on the fence for a little too longwhenitcomestoserious choices.Seizetheenergythat flows from today's planetary aspects, make a list of things thatneedtobedecided.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
It'sagreatdaytosetsomeof your ideas into motion, Leo Thecourageyouneedtoforge ahead is available to you with thisday'splanetaryaspects All youneedtodoisuseit
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
A renewed sense of values andintegritymaybepresentfor you today, Virgo. Connecting with this can be extremely uplifting,asitcanputeverything intoperspectiveforyou.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Settlingadisputemaybeon your agenda today, Libra. You may find yourself getting caught smack in the middle of the stew if you aren’tcareful.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)
You're likely to be feeling pretty energetic today, Scorpio, making it an opportune time to do some much-needed cleaning and organizing
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)
Seeaboutgettingasactiveas possible today, Sagittarius. This could really give your overall health a boost, especially if you've been sedentarylately
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Good decision making will be a prominent asset today, Capricorn. It's an excellent time to make a list of things thatyou’veeitherput off or haven't been able to settleon.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Your ability to concentrate will be enhanced today, Aquarius If you have studying or detailed work to tend to, this will be an opportunetimetogettoit.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
It's time to get up and get moving,Pisces.Ifyourjobor home life leans toward the sedentary, your health can suffer if you don't engage in somephysicalactivity
Having cruised to fifty from32balls,hetookjust23 more to bring up his first century of the tournament, then another 16 to progress past 150. Sixes rained down around the ground, as England's spinners, Farhan Ahmed and Ralphie Albert, were treated with disdainalthough arguably no shot wasmoreoutrageousthanthe forehand smash off a Green bouncer than somehow went straight back over the bowler's head into the sightscreen He fell completely against the run of play, gloving behind when aiming a slog-sweep at Manny Lumsden, and India's innings stuttered - at least relative to what had gone before. James Minto bagged three-forasEnglandstroveto keep the score below 400, a markthatwasbreachedinthe final over.Set a record chase in Youth ODIs, never mind Under-19 World Cups, Englandneededanexplosive start. Instead, India began with two maidens, as Ben Dawkins and Joseph Moore struggled initially to lay bat on ball. RS Ambrish bowled Mooresoffaninsideedge,but the arrival of Ben Mayes brought about the required increaseintempoasEngland racedto64for1attheendof thefirstpowerplay Mayes struck seven fours andtwosixesbutfelltheball after retaking top spot from Sooryavanshi on the tournament run-scorers' list. Thomas Rew, England's captain, blazed out of the blocks with 31 off 18 and Dawkins notched a 49-ball fifty-butthelatter'sdismissal sparkedacollapseof4for3in nine balls as India's grip tightened. England were well up with the rate, despite wickets falling, and were given hope by a stand of 92 between Falconer and James Minto. Falconer found the boundary regularly on the way to his maiden hundred, but the requirement had ballooned above10anoverandEngland werestill100runsshortwhen hewasfinallydismissed.
Linden celebrates Grand Opening of long-awaited track and field stadium
ByRawleToney
After nearly a decade of anticipation, Linden today proudly unveils its stateof-the-art Track and Field Stadium, a facility being hailed as the town's newest crown jewel and a transformative addition to Guyana's sportinglandscape.
Originally commissioned in 2016 under the APNU+AFC Government, the project faced years of delays despite an initial completion target of 2019. Now, in 2026, the doors are finally open, marking a significant milestone not only for Linden but for nationalsportasawhole.
The modern facility boasts a full track and field complex along with a FIFA-standard football pitch, positioning it as one of the most versatile sporting venues in the country
Its completion represents a major stepforwardinprovidingathleteswith the infrastructure needed to train and compete at higher levels, while also creating new opportunities for community engagement and entertainment.
Today, the venue will host the highlyanticipatedreturnofthehistoric
Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr during his latest visit to the Linden facility ahead of tonight's opening
Linden versus Georgetown football clash,rekindlingoneofGuyana'smost passionateinter-cityrivalries.
Track and field athletes will also taketothesurfaceinashowcaseevent symbolizingtherebirthofcompetitive athleticsintheminingtown.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the celebrations will conclude with a major concert featuring several of Guyana's top artistes and deejays, blendingsportandcultureinawaythat reflectsLinden'svibrantidentity.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., played a
pivotal role in bringing the project to completion.
Upon assuming office during President Irfaan Ali's first term, Ramsonmadeapubliccommitmentto ensure the long-stalled facility would befinished.
Beyond simply completing construction, he pushed for enhancements designed to elevate the stadiumtomodernstandards,ensuring it could serve athletes and spectators foryearstocome.
Thestadiumisexpectedtobecome a hub for regional and national competitions, while also serving as a training base for emerging athletes from Linden and surrounding communities.
Its FIFA-standard pitch opens the door for hosting top-tier football matches, while the track provides a long-needed boost to athletics developmentoutsideofGeorgetown.
Forresidents,thereopeningcarries emotional weight Generations of Linden athletes have produced outstanding performances on makeshift or aging facilities. Now, youngsportsmenandwomenwillhave access to a venue that matches their talentandambition.
Harshit Rana ruled out of T20 World Cup; Siraj called up as replacement
Mohammed Siraj last played a T20I in July 2024
(AFP/Getty Images)
(Cricinfo) - India allrounder Harshit Rana has been ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026 after sustaining a kneeinjuryduringthewarmup match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday Mohammed Siraj has been brought into t h e s q u a d a s h i s replacement.*
"Following consultations with a specialist and subsequent scans, the BCCI medical team deemed him [Rana] unfit to participate in the tournament," the BCCI saidinarelease.
Earlierintheday,captain Suryakumar Yadav had said Rana "doesn't look good". "He's being assessed by the physios. But I think, today we'll know what's going to happen. But it doesn't look good,it'snotthatgreat."
Rana had bowled just the oneoveragainstSouthAfrica before walking off the field. He was later seen with a strappedknee.
Siraj last played a T20I forIndiainJuly2024.Hehas played only 16 T20Is, in which he has picked up 14 wicketswithaneconomyrate of7.79,buthasplentyofIPL experience under his belt. In all,hehasfeaturedin160T20 games, picking up 183 wicketswithaneconomyrate of8.25.
Rana, apart from his fast bowling, also brings lowerorder ability with the bat, whichhedemonstratedwitha boundary-laden 52 off 43 balls in a recent ODI against New Zealand Siraj, meanwhile, is a genuine tailender India prioritise batting depth in T20Is, but Rana's unavailability may not cause toomuchconcernifallother players are fit, with allrounders Hardik Pandya, AxarPatelandShivamDube
giving India plenty of bowling depth alongside three specialist bowling options. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are set to be the two main fast bowlers, with Siraj in reserve, and VarunChakravarthythemain wristspinner ahead of KuldeepYadav
"Don'tworry,wehave11 players for tomorrow," Suryakumar said with a laugh. "But it's a big blow obviously because you make a squad of 15 players with a lot of combinations in mind. So we made it with the same thought. And if he [Rana] is not available for us going forward, then we will set othercombinations,however we can do it. But we have enough players, enough combinations, which we can makeagainstalltheteamsfor this tournament. But if we miss him, we will definitely misshim"
Rana played three of the fiveT20Isintherecenthome series against New Zealand, which India won 4-1. India had not named any reserve players while announcing theirsquadof15sincethisis a home World Cup, and playerscanbeflownintothe squadatshortnotice.
Suryakumar had said batting ability would not be the primary concern if India neededtopickareplacement forRana.
"We will see which fast bowlershavedonereallywell forthelastoneortwoyears," Suryakumar said "And whichbowlercanbataswell. But there is no hard-and-fast rule that he has to bat Because if you are expecting someone at No. 9 or 10 to comeandhitasix,thenwhat doyouhavethetopeightfor Butwewillseewhomtopick. Wedohaveafewoptionsbut wewillpickthebestone.”
Ivan Madray T20 cricket final set for Sunday in Berbice
The Ivan Madray T20 first division knockout cricket competition for teams in Berbice bowledoffonSaturday,withoneof the two scheduled matches. The other scheduled match was called offduetorain.
The final of the Ivan Madray Memorial T20 1st division cricket competition will be played on Sunday, February 8, at theAlbion
Community Centre ground beginningat13:00hrs.
The finalists are defending champions Albion Community CentreCricketClub(ACCCC)and TucberParkCricketClub(TPCC).
The two teams, which are among the top cricket teams in Berbice Cricket are expected to boostseveralBerbice,Guyanaand West Indies players in the lineups.
A keenly contested affair is in the making.
Albion, playing at home and being the defending champion, is expected to start as favourites. TucberPark,ontheotherhand,has been playing good cricket this season and can defeat anybody on theirday Bothteamsarebrimming with confidence and anyone of the
championshiphonours.
Thecompetitionisbeingplayed in memory of former Berbice, Guyana and West Indies player Ivan Madray. Madray, who was a product of the Port Mourant CC, wasthethirdBerbiciantoplayTest CricketfortheWestIndies.
The Tournament is sponsored by the Madray and Chintamani familiesinMemoryofthelegacy
Atotalof10teamsparticipated in the competition, they are the U
Association,RoseHallTownYouth and Sports Club, West Berbice Cricket Association, Young Wa
Community Centre, Police Cricket Club, Skeldon Community Centre and Berbice River Cricket Association.(SamuelWhyte)
2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup… Windies aiming to win games says Hope ahead of opener
By Clifton Ross
On the eve of their T20 World Cup opener, a poised
West Indies skipper Shai
Hope said among the items on the team's to-do list, winning games and making their fans back home in the
Caribbean proud, are among thetopprioritiesas;theylook tosecuretheirfirstWagainst the Scottish today at Eden Gardens,Kolkata.
Daren Sammy was West Indies captain when they last won the T20 World Cup in 2016 (Getty Images)
Windies skipper Shai Hope during the captain's virtual press conference yesterday, said the Windies will be representing their people back home, who he added are usually up at all hours of the day/night watchinggamesandshowing their support for the Caribbeanteam.
The long-distance love from their thousands of fans across the Caribbean is enough to fuel the Windies boys, who will be playing withaimofnotonlybringing joy to their supporters, but also a possible third T20 WorldCupchip.
Hope pointed out briefly thattheiraimistowingames a n d p u t o n g o o d performances and believed thatT20inawhole,willmost certainly continue to evolve andbelievesmoreinnovation withregardtobattingstrokes and bowling tactics; could continue on its evolutionary trajectory as the format continuestoredefineitself.
A win in today's game could be a good way to start their redemption tour after losing to Afghanistan and South Africa over the past fewweeks.
Arguablythebiggestplus
Guyana
is the return of their best batsman in Shimron Hetmyer, who arrived in India late on Friday following his delay due to what was explained as a minor visa issue, will have a big role to play as his late integration shouldn't phase hiscurrentformwiththebat.
Bowlingoptionscouldbe tricky for theWindies, given the variables, it is possible that fast-bowling allroundersRomarioShepherd, Jason Holder and Matthew Forde who hit a fifty in the warm-ups; might likely end upinthefinalXI.
Left-arm spinners Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie are almost certain to feature alongside each other given the conditions, backed by 4 important overs from the veteranRostonChase.
West Indies should also tinker with the possibility of dropping Johnson Charles for an extra bowler, which effectively frees up the lone fast-bowling option and makes room for either speedsters Jayden Seals or ShamarJoseph.
Hetmyer, Hope, Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford and Shepherd are the engine
room of the batting department and will need to fully capitalize on this opportunity to find some form ahead of their battle againstEngland.
Scotland on the other hand, will relish their chancesofplayingonsucha big stage after being sent a late invitation due to the fiascoinvolvingBangladesh.
Twenty six year-old medium-pace all-rounder Brandon McMullen, with 7 T20I fifties under his belt, will be a huge factor for the Scottish.
Alongside seasoned players like George Munsey, skipper Richie Berrington, glove-man Matt Cross and Tom Bruce will be tasked with doing majority of the heavy lifting; given the lack of experience in the bowling department.
West Indies Group C challenges vary with Englandbeingtheirtoughest but will need the confidence and form by beating lesser ranked teams should they look to not only beat the English but emerge as the possibletopteamwithintheir group.
Match bowls off from 5:30am.
National Rifle Association meets...
Frompage27 theGNRA'sabilitytofullyparticipateinthat pathway An indoor range, he noted, would significantlyboosttrainingopportunitiesand talentidentification.
AccordingtoSampson,withAirshooting being an Olympic Sport, having their own indoor facility will enable the GNRAto not onlyenhancetheirskillsinthesport,butalso scoutnewtalent.
Sampsondescribedthemeetingmoreasa family gathering that allowed for free and frankdiscussions.
Governanceandadministrationwerealso ontheagenda,withtheGNRAprovidingan update on its upcoming elections scheduled forFebruary19.
Sampsonindicatedthatcurrentpresident, GuyanaDefenceForce(GDF)ChiefofStaff Brigadier Omar Khan, is expected to return tothepost,noting,“hehasbeendoingagood job.”
Lookingaheadtocompetition,Sampson revealedthattheGNRAispreparingtohosta 23-member team from the English Rifle AssociationfromApril13–20. Thevisitwillserveaspreparationforthe Wes
The meeting formed part of the NSC's broader effort to engage sporting bodies, assess their needs, and support structured developmentacrossdisciplinesinGuyana.
Guyana National Rifle Association meets with NSC
The Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) met with the National Sports Commission (NSC) on Thursday as part of the Commission's ongoing consultations with national federations and associations, with infrastructure development emerging as a key priority for the sport'sgrowth.
Sampson, and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Lennox Braithwaite.
Central to the discussions was the urgent need for an indoor shooting range, which GNRA officialsidentifiedascriticaltothe sport's long-term development in Guyana.
Leading the NSC delegation were Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and Assistant Director of Sport Franklin Wilson, while the GNRA was represented by Vice President Col (Ret'd) Enoch Gaskin, Honorary Secretary Ryan
According to the association, their usual indoor facility at the Guyana Police Force's Tactical Service Unit (TSU), Eve Leary, was removed, forcing the body to rely on the outdoor range at Temehriforbothhandgunandrifle shooting.
Swing, Style and Spritz: ANSA McAL Aperol Spritz Tournament tees off Sunday
Golfers and fans can expect a lively blend of competition and flair this Sunday as Lusignan Golf Club hosts theANSAMcAL
“Sopresently,we'reinneedofa building, where we'll have indoor shooting and this will enable us to have Air Rifle and Air Pistol shooting, where we'll be able to train persons who are interested in thesport,”Sampsonsaid. Sampsonexplainedthatairrifle andairpistolshootingareOlympic disciplines, and the absence of a dedicated indoor facility restricts (Continuedonpage26)
Aperol Spritz Golf Tournament,afeaturedevent on the club's tournament calendarthatpromisesstrong play, attractive prizes, and a vibrant sponsor presence on thecourse.
The one-day tournament will bring together players acrossthefieldforan18-hole showdown, with top honors and specialty prizes up for grabs. Competitors will be aiming not only for podium finishes but also for standout performances on key holes, adding extra excitement throughouttheround.
Prize categories will include Best Net – 1st – 3rd Place, Overall Best Gross, NearesttotheFlag–Hole#4 andLongestDrive–Hole#5.
LGC PRO Dr Joaan Deo welcomed the partnership behind the event, noting its value to the local game Ahead of the presentation ceremony, she shared her support for the initiative, “Events like the ANSA
McAL Aperol Spritz Tournamentareimportantfor the continued growth and
visibility of golf in Guyana. They create competitive opportunities for our players while also bringing a fresh, engaging atmosphere to the sport. We are pleased to see corporate partners investing in the game and helping us build a stronger golfing community.”
The tournament sponsor, ANSA McAL, is one of the region's most established distribution and beverage companies, known for supporting major sporting andlifestyleeventsacrossthe Caribbean and Guyana Through its Aperol Spritz brand, internationally associated with social, stylish, and celebratory experiences, the company adds a distinctive hospitality element to this weekend's competition.
The tournament will be played on Sunday, February 8, 2026, with tee-off at 8:00 a m The presentation of prizes is scheduled for approximately 12:30 p m following the completion of playRegistration closes at 1:00 p m on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Interested players can register by contacting Lusignan Golf Clubat620-0093.
LGC PRO Dr. Joaan Deo receives the sponsorship cheque from ANSA McAL's Brand Manager Kristoff Stoll - Registration closes today
Executive members of the GNRAflank the Director of Sport (DoS) in a photo op following their meet.
Linden celebrates Grand Opening of long-awaited track and field stadium
Today, the venue will host the highly anticipated return of the historic Linden versus Georgetown
2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup…
Windies aiming to win games says Hope ahead of opener
