…APNU calls for resumption of Parliament, election of LOO late payment of wages, incentives
Albion Estate workers bemoan during meeting with WIN leader
Police
Suspect in Barakat Landing Duo in 50lb cocaine bust jailed, fined Executive should not interfere with constitutional mandates governing judiciary
$33.9 million murder arrested APNUwarns:
Leader of WIN Azruddin Mohamed listened to concerns raised by disgruntled workers of the Albion Sugar Estate on Friday (Team Mohamed photo)
Leader of WIN party, Azruddin Mohamed
Albion Estate workers bemoan late payment of
wages, incentives during meeting with WIN leader
Workers attached to the Albion Sugar Estate, Corentyne, Berbice on Friday vented their frustrations about not receiving timely payment of wages and incentivespromisedtoleaderofthe We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) partyAzruddinMohamed.
Mohamed was invited by the workers to hear their grievances after what they say has been a failure of the estate’s management to fulfil promised made by PresidentIrfaanAliduringavisitto theestate.
Several workers confirmed an arrangementinplacethatgivesfour daysout-of-cropinsteadofsix.
“(President) Irfaan (Ali) come and tell us $6,000 for six hours work Now the management coming and tell us 6-4 hours work for the same $6,000. And a next thing:theygaveusanincrease,and the $6,000 wuh (President) Irfaan (Ali)giveus,theystillgivingusthe $6,000 without the increase. They tek back the increase,” a worker lamented Another male worker bemoaned the unfavorable
economic impact of the unstable paymentsystem.
“For the whole holiday we didn’t get no money GuySuCo providesfourdays’workaweekfor you.$6,000.Theysaid9%addinto the same &6,000, we still getting $6,000. We got to pay NIS, got to pay tax, you got to send your childrenschool,yougottogetfood inyuhpotbuddy,”hesaid.
In addition to that, he highlighted that the workers had anticipated their one-week holiday withpay,buttheyareyettoreceive their pay slips and are wholly uncertainastotheirwagestoday
The workers stated that management communicated its lackofsufficientfundsfortheoneweek holiday and the four-day work.
Anotherissueraisedwasthatof canes not being retrieved from the designated area after their harvesting. In addition to this, the workersmentionedthattheyarenot afforded a precise figure of the weight to be able to assess their performance.Assuch,theybelieve their wages are determined by
management’sdiscretion.
“Mostofthetimewhenyoucut cane at estate, you don’t know exactly what you’re working for You just cutting this cane, leffin’ this cane on the ground, them men thiscomeandpickupthecaneand load it and carry it there and they give you what they feel like. So, you don’t know exactly what you’re working for in this place them men giving cane cutterswhattheyfeellike,”another frustratedcaneharvesterexplained.
Other concerns mounted pertained to being injured on the job and not receiving due compensation, and collection less than what was toiled for One worker said that his peers are not lazynotingthatwiththerisingcost ofliving,theyshouldbeadequately compensated.
“Indeed,thathavesomepeople who want to work and some who don’twanttowork.Pointtaken,but thepeoplethatwanttowork,whyis it that you’re underpaying the people them? Cost of living going up every day You want to pay people$5,000aday...thatcan’tpay
APNU questions integrity of 2022 census data
APNU Member of Parliament Corretta McDonald on Friday raised concerns about the credibility of the preliminary results of Guyana’s 2022 National Population and Housing Census which was recently released, arguingthatthethree-yeardelayin releasing the preliminary findings has compromised their accuracy andusefulness.
Speaking at an APNU press conference,McDonaldsaidthelate release has implications for representation,servicedeliveryand the allocation of resources, particularlyforcommunitieswhose populations may no longer be accuratelyreflected.
“The preliminary census has been released three years late and its integrity is in question.Without prompt and accurate data, communities are miscounted, services are inadequate, and resources are poorly allocated Every citizen deserves to be counted in a timely manner and represented appropriately,” McDonaldsaid.
She added that APNU is concerned the effectiveness of the data may already have been undermined and called on government agencies to modernise their operations to prevent similar delaysinthefuture.
“Against this backdrop of extreme late delivery of the preliminarycensus,itisofgrowing concerntoAPNUthataccuracyand its efficient and effective use may have already been compromised. We encourage the appropriate
government agencies to revamp and modernise to achieve timeliness for all future censuses,” shesaid.Pressedonwhatprompted APNU’s assertion that the data could no longer be considered accurate, McDonald pointed to the lengthoftimethathaselapsedsince CensusDay
“Well, the accuracy of the census,wehavebeenwaitingthree years to have this census and three years later means that it can’t be accurate because what transpired a year before will not be the same thing this time around and so this data that they’re giving us, which should represent three years ago is not accurate and that’s our reason for making this statement that was madethismorning,”shesaid.
The remarks come after the BureauofStatisticsonJanuary12, 2026 released the preliminary findings of the 2022 census which offersacomprehensivesnapshotof the country’s demographic and housinglandscapeinadecade.
According to the Bureau, Guyana’s population stood at 878,674onCensusDay,September 15, 2022, reflecting an increase of 131,719 persons or 17.63 per cent compared with the 2012 census. Accounting for natural growth and net migration since 2022, the population is estimated to have risento956,044bytheendof2024, placingthecountryclosetotheonemillionmark.
Thepreliminaryreportincludes data on population size and distribution, household composition, population density,
people,”hecontended.
In response to the concerns raised, Mohamed told the workers that they deserve to be properly compensated while noting that he remembersthepromisesmade.
“I can recall, the president visited the estate atAlbion, and he promisedsixdaysout-of-crop,they promised the retroactive from January to August, they promised incentives, they promised to raise salaries, and presently, all the promises are false promises,” the
sex ratios, local and foreign-born populationsandbuildingstock.The Bureauhasacknowledgedthehigh level of public anticipation surrounding the census data but stressed that adequate time was required to ensure accuracy and reliability
The 2022 census preliminary findings show that of the 878,674 persons counted in 2022, males accounted for 50 18 per cent (440,882) and females 49.82 per cent(437,792).
This resulted in a sex ratio of 101 males per 100 females, reversing the 2012 position when there were 99 males per 100 females. It also revealed that the foreign-born population increased from 1.20 percent in 2012 to 3.07 percent in the 2022 census Foreign-born nationals include persons not Guyanese at birth who reside in Guyana, including those who later became citizens through naturalisation.
I
committingtocontinueadvocating fortheworkers.
Gobin Harbhajan, WIN’s representative in Region Six told theworkersthatthematterneedsto be properly ventilated in Parliament.
“As you know, what’s happeningrightnowinParliament, we can’t go to represent you there, we have to come in the streets and do it elections finished in September, up to date we have not gone into Parliament to even represent any of you here,” the WINMPstressed.
Meanwhile, Albion Estate’s Manager Yutishwar Manna and Agriculture Manager James Thomas arrived while Friday’s meeting was underway and informed that the workers will receive their retroactive, holiday pay and other outstanding payments soon. Albion, like many other communities along the Corentyne corridor, is a prime People’s Progressive Party (PPP) supportbase.
E f f o r t s t o c o n t a c t representatives of the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU)wereunsuccessful.
Suspect in Barakat Landing murder arrested
The suspect in connection to themurderatBarakatLandingwas onFridayarrestedbypolice.
Accordingtoastatementfrom police, the incident which occurred on Sunday January 11, 2026, at Barakat Landing, Cuyuni River, resulted in the death of Matthew Ramlichan, a 27-yearoldpork-knockeroftheSoesdykeLindenHighway.
Police, acting on information went to Barakat Backdam where they contacted a 38-year-old gold miner of Half Mile, Wismar, Linden.Thesuspectwasinformed of the allegation, cautioned and subsequentlyarrested.
“Two Venezuelan nationals, bothfemalesaged37and27years respectively, who were present at thelocation,werealsoarrested.All three individuals are currently in
police custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation,” policesaid.
OnMondaypolicesaidthatan investigationhasbeenlaunchedin Region Seven into an alleged stabbing incident which involved two brothers. One was critically injuredandtheotherdead.
“Inquiriesrevealedthatthetwo brothers, who are employed as porkknockersinthearea,became involved in a heated altercation with another male at the landing during the evening hours,” police said.
It was reported that during the altercation, the suspect armed himself with a pair of scissors, dealingbothsiblingsseveralstabs about their bodies. Subsequent to the attack he fled the scene, makinggoodhisescape.
Thursday’srevelationsthatprivatesecurityfirmshave been arming guards with airsoft weapons while collecting payments for “armed security” services should send shockwaves through every level of society This is not a minor regulatory breach. It is a betrayal of public trust, a deceptionofclients,andadirectthreattonationalsecurity
The Guyana Police Force’s intelligence-led raids in Sophia and Lusignan exposed what many had long suspectedbutfewhadproventhatsomesecuritycompanies arecuttingcorners,endangeringlives,andcashinginonthe illusionofprotection.
Guards stationed at supermarkets were found carrying toy guns designed for recreational use, not crime deterrence.Evenmorealarming,a12-gaugeshotgunwitha filed-off serial number and live ammunition was discoveredinthehandsofanotherguard.Thiscombination of fake weapons and illegal real firearms paints a deeply troublingpicture.
Over the past five years, Guyana has witnessed an explosionofprivatesecuritycompanies.Thesefirmsnow guard government buildings, Chinese-owned supermarkets, commercial banks, warehouses, and other high-valuetargets.Billionsoftaxpayers’dollarsarebeing spent annually on contracted security services for state agencies. Yet Thursday’s bust raises a critical question: Howmanyofthesecontractsarebuiltonfraud?
Businesses pay a premium for armed guards because criminalsfearfirearms,notplasticreplicas.Whenaguardis equippedwithanairsoftrifle,thebusinessownerisnotjust beingcheatedfinancially theyarebeingplaceddirectlyin harm’s way Worse still, criminals who become aware of this scam may feel emboldened to strike with greater confidence,knowingresistanceisweakornonexistent.
This scandal exposes serious lapses in regulatory oversight.Are security firms being properly vetted before receiving licenses? Are routine inspections being conducted on weapons issued to guards? Are serial numbers, firearm permits, and storage practices being audited regularly? Or has the industry been allowed to operateona“trustme”basiswhileprofitssoar?
Thepolicedeservecreditforuncoveringthisracket,but oneraidisnotenough.Thismusttriggeranationwideaudit of private security companies. Every firearm issued to guards must be inspected. Every license verified. Every contractreviewed.Anyfirmfoundissuingfakeweaponsor operating illegally should have its license revoked immediatelyandfacecriminalprosecution.
This matter also extends beyond private businesses. Government agencies must now answer uncomfortable questions.Howmanystatefacilitiesareguardedbyprivate firms using unverified weapons? Are ministries, public offices, and strategic infrastructure being “protected” by guards carrying toys? If so, then taxpayers are being defraudedonamassivescale.
The presence of a shotgun with an obliterated serial number further deepens the crisis. This is not mere negligence,itsuggestspossiblelinkstotheillegalfirearms trade. It raises red flags about where these weapons are sourced, who is supplying them, and how deeply this problemmaybeembedded.
Security is not theatre. It is not about uniforms, shiny badges,orintimidatingpostures.Itisaboutrealdeterrence, proper training, lawful equipment, and professional standards. When companies fake this responsibility, they gamblewithhumanlives.
Thegovernmentcannotremainsilent.TheMinistryof HomeAffairs,thePoliceForce,andregulatorybodiesmust jointly establish stricter compliance mechanisms. There must be random inspections, mandatory quarterly firearm audits, and tougher penalties for violations. Security contracts funded by public money should include strict verificationclausesandindependentmonitoring.
Public safety and airsoft firearms
DEAREDITOR
,
Recently,Ireadonsocial media about the find of airsoft firearms on an employee of a private security company and more found at sites the company was guarding and in the building in which the company was operating Reading the comments, opinions seem divided on whether these firearms were lethal. One group posited that the firearms were toys whileothersopinedthatthey weredangerous.
In this situation of uncertainty, the Guyana Police Force needs to act. Thepoliceneedtotestthese airsoftfirearmstodetermine how lethal they are and depending on the effective range to kill, maim or do serious bodily harm to humans the results ought to be c
t
d to government to be dealt with as a policy issue for consideration as to whether any category of airsoft firearmsneedtobelicensed. Whether they are licensed,theirimportationor entry through our porous borders deserves close attentionbyallconcernedto ensure there is a record
numberpersonsofwhohave possession of airsoft firearms, licensed or unlicensed.
Priorityneedstobegiven to public safety, the protection of unsuspecting citizens against criminal elements,citizenswho,with littleeffort,canacquirethese firearmsandcommitserious crimes If these airsoft firearms are toys, they look real and are capable of scaring persons under threat of armed robbery Therefore, as a matter of policy,itmustbedetermined what legal status to give thesefirearmsor,whetherall andsundrycanpossessone.
In the issue which brought these firearms to notice, a private security companyseemstohavebeen issuingairsoftfirearmstoits guards on duty at fixed points.
Assuming that airsoft firearms are toys, those on duty, so armed, are at an immediate disadvantage if confronted with an armed robbery at their posts. Such a n a c t s m a c k s o f irresponsibility by those involved as it can result in the loss of an innocent life, theguardnotbeingproperly
a b l e t o d e f e n d himself/herself and the property he/she is placed to protectwhileunderattack. There is another aspect of this issue which has manifested itself for scrutiny Were these airsoft firearms deployed at posts requiring armed guards Should this happen, is the calibre of the firearm appropriate for such duty? Regardless of the lethal nature of these airsoft firearms, what if the management of the security company uses airsoft firearmswherebatonguards shouldbeposted.Onemight contend that this is an issue between the contractor and his client but it exposes irregular practices by the securitycompany
Nowthatairsoftfirearms have come to notice, I wish to make a recommendation but before doing so, I noted that the police narrative in their social media report claimed that the firearms were found during a search on an ‘intelligence led’ operation on Tuesday 13th January, 2026 but on the photograph of the firearms recovered had a date 12/1/2026, suggesting that
the firearms were seized before the search was conducted. Couldthisreally happen? I would not now comment on the several mishaps occurring in the police press releases but I would leave that for another time.
My recommendation is that this matter be treated as a policy issue by the police and they should have their professional staff examine all these airsoft firearms to pronounce on their lethal capacities, then make a recommendation (s) to the Hon Minister of Home Affairs for policy to be formulated around these airsoftfirearmsastowhether or not they should be licenced.
Those not lethal, should theyberegisteredbypersons possessingthem?Myviewis that,inappropriatecases,the police ought to stamp or markthemthatinfuturethey (thepolice)knowwhoarein possessionof‘toys’. These ‘toys’lookrealandbynight theycanscarethelifeoutof thepersonontheotherside.
TheABC EU call for election of Leader of the Opposition
DEAREDITOR, The prevailing view in thecountryisthatthePPPis afraid of Azruddin Mohamed, the WIN party leader, and that this is responsible for their not allowinghimtobeelectedto
theconstitutionalposition. I have taken the position, as stated in a previous letter to the Editor and on Dr David Hinds’Politics101program, thatthePPP’sactionsinthis matterarenotdrivenbyfear of Mohamed and his Win party, with their 16 parliamentaryseats.
Business owners also bear responsibility Some knowingly cut costs by hiring cheaper firms without asking critical questions. Others simply assume the guards are properly armed. That era of blind trust must end.Businessesmustdemandproofoflicensing,firearm registration, and insurance coverage before signing contracts.WhathappenedinSophiaandLusignanisnot an isolated embarrassment it is a warning siren. If this schemewentundetectedforthislong,itisalmostcertain thatsimilaroperationsexistelsewhereacrossthecountry
Guyana is facing rising criminal sophistication. Banditsarenotarmedwithtoys.Theycarryrealguns,real ammunition, and real intent. Sending guards into that reality with airsoft weapons is reckless, unethical, and criminal.
This is a moment for decisive action. Either authorities clean up this industry now, or Guyana risks allowingadangerousillusionofsecuritytocontinue,one thatprotectsprofitsbutleavescitizensexposed.
The public deserves better Taxpayers deserve accountability And criminals must never be allowed to benefitfrominstitutionalnegligence.
Thisscandalmustnotfadequietlyfromtheheadlines. It demands sustained scrutiny, prosecutions where warranted,andrealreform.
Anythinglesswouldbeabetrayalofpublicsafety
I urged that the PPP knows it is capable of n e u t r a l i z i n g t h e parliamentary opposition, whether led by either the WINortheAPNU,giventhe nature of our governance system and its winner-takealllogic.Withamuchlarger majority,theirdominationof parliament is a foregone conclusion. My contention has been that the PPP was being“supercautious”given the US request for the extradit
he American authorities that they are fully on board with the US request and were doing everything in their power to ensure that the extradition is not held up by governmentinaction.
Now that the Americans have spoken on the matter, urging the election of a parliamentary opposition Leader,thePPPwillnowfeel free to allow the election of theOppositionLeader.
Unlike what many believed, the PPP’s
have difficulties/be embarrassed to have to roll back their position on this matter now that the US has spoken, seeing it as a blow to its credibility as a sovereign government To attribute those considerations to the PPP is to under-rate the politicalbold-facednatureof Vice President Bharrat Jadgeo,themakerandmover of PPP politics. He and the PPP leadership would insteadfeelvindicatedinthe correctness of their “super cautious” approach in defenceofpartisaninterests. For Jadgeo and the PPP leadership, survival is the nameofthegame.Itisbetter to wait for the US clearance thantotakeariskthatcould be potentially costly It is bettertobesafethansorry,a Guyanesesaying. Itisworthnotingthatthe US and its Western Allies expressed their position on the matter of the election of the opposition leader after the US intervention in Venezuelaandthecaptureof itsPresident,Nicholas (Continuedonpage0)
Development must be anchored in transparency, competitive fairness, institutional oversight, and long-term national interest
DEAREDITOR,
The rapid proliferation of large-scale hotel and commercial projects across Guyanasince2020continues to raise serious questions
about transparency, sustainability, and equity in the country’s development and investment framework
These concerns are now compoundedbytheoperation of the Government’s Single Window Programme, which appears,inpractice,tofavour well-connected investors whilemarginalisingordinary citizensandlocalauthorities
While the Government celebrates an unprecedented hospitality “boom,” the Guyanese people remain largely uninformed as to who the real owners and beneficial owners of these developments are, what concessions were granted, and whether feasibility and sustainability studies were undertakenbeforeapprovals wereissued.Inseveralcases, hotelbrandsareprominently advertised, yet branding is not ownership Who ultimately owns these assets? Who exercises controlling interest?Are the companiesregisteredlocally or offshore, and in which jurisdictions? These are not academicquestions;theygo totheheartofaccountability andnationalinterest. These concerns are especiallyrelevantinlightof sh
scaled down over time Against this backdrop, one mustaskwhetherthecurrent waveofhotelconstructionis grounded in realistic demand projections or in o
i c assumptions that may soon unravel Ifdemandcontracts, who bears the financial risk, and what exposure does the Guyanese state face through concessions,landallocations, orguarantees?
realities. With the United States now signalling renewed engagement with Venezuela and the possible return of major oil investors to that market, it is entirely plausible that oil-related activity in Guyana could be
Go-Invest, as the statutory body charged with receiving and evaluating investment proposals, owes the public far greater disclosure Who are the principal shareholders and beneficial owners of these projects?Whatcriteria were applied in approving them? Whattaxholidays,duty-free concessions, land leases, or preferential financing
The CH&PAcannot be seen to be selectively upholding the law
DEAREDITOR, Citizens who reside in Subryanville have noted the recentactionsbytheCentral Housing and Planning Authority in BelAir Village as reported in the Guyana Chronicle of 13 Jan 2026 “CH&PA halts operation of unauthorisedsupermarketat BelAirVillage”.
Wenoteinthearticlethat the CH&PA has said that “The authority remains committed to upholding the law “ We call therefore on theCH&PAtoexplaintothe public how they intend to uphold the law in Subryanville, where there is aprivatebusinessentitythat has constructed a building on the Farnum Playground. The CH&PAcannot be seen to selectively upholding the law as it regards businesses and their operations in Guyana.We repeat our calls
to the CH&PA, Mayor and CityCouncilofGeorgetown and other government and regulatory bodies to restore Farnum Playground to its use as a community recreationalspace. Yourssincerely, IngridClarke
AmritaSingh
ShadFernandes
PaulVallidum
StuartGonsalves PatrickDeGroot
arrangements were granted? Were politically exposed persons involved directly or indirectly? Instead, the people of Guyana are left in the wilderness, expected to accept grand announcements without access to the facts thatunderpinthem Equally troubling is the use of state lands for several o f t h e s e m a s s i v e developments. Were these landspubliclyadvertisedand independently valued? Were competitive bidding processes undertaken, allowing local and foreign investors to compete openly forprimelocations?Orwere lands allocated through discretionary arrangements to entities whose ownership structures remain opaque? State assets are not private property and must be managedtransparentlyandin thepublicinterest
of Guyana, it raises a legitimate and unavoidable question: is this the outcome of open, competitive procurement, or the result of informal trade-offs, tied financing, or bundled arrangements between the Government and Chinese companies? Furthermore, do
construction firms, financiers, and owners overlapinwaysthathavenot beendisclosed?
The operation of the Single Window Programme further intensifies these concerns Wasthismechanism deliberately designed to bypass local authorities and traditional oversight bodies, thereby allowing plans and permitsformajorinvestorsto be fast-tracked without meaningfulscrutiny?Ifso,this representsaseriousdistortion of administrative fairness.
institutions and fosters the perception that access to speed and efficiency is determined n
compliancewiththelaw,but byproximitytopower
Between 2020 and 2025, Guyana has witnessed or planned hotel investments running into hundreds of millions of US dollars, involving internationally branded properties such as Courtyard by Marriott (Timehri), AC Hotel (Ogle), Aiden by Best Western, and
construction or proposed Yet public disclosures on ownership, beneficial ownership, land valuation, procurement processes, and
JohnetteGonsalves
RyaadBacchus
LuanaFernandes
ClairPestano
RaphaelDeGroot
RobertFernandes
RonaldLuckhoo
DeborahNunes
RenéEdwards
PaulNunes
ElizabethDeane-
Hughes
DominicFernandes
VidyarathaKissoon
A clear and disturbing pattern has also emerged in the construction of these projects The Marriott at TimehriwasbuiltbyChinese contractors, as was the recently commissioned AC Marriott at Ogle Privately ownedpropertiessuchasthe Aiden by Best Western in BourdaandKing’sHoteland related developments were likewise constructed by Chinese firms When this pattern is viewed alongside the rapid expansion of C h i n e s e - o w n e d supermarkets, hardware stores, and fast-food operations across all regions
Whilelargedevelopers,many with opaque ownership structures, appear to move seamlessly through approval processes,theordinarycitizen and small business owner continue to endure prolonged delays,repeated requests for documentation, and bureaucratic inertia when seeking approvals for far moremodestprojects.
Such unequal treatment erodes trust in public
Development must be more than concrete, glass, and brand names. It must be anchored in transparency,
institutional oversight, and long-term national interest Without these, Guyana risks entrenchingatwo-tiersystem; oneforthewell-connectedand opaque, and another for everyone else The people of Guyana deserve answers, not platitudes
Yourssincerely,
AnnetteFerguson
TheABC EU call for election of Leader...
Frompage04
Maduro. While it is not known if the success of the Venezuela operation had anything to do with their timing, of breaking their silence on the Guyana matter, we are forced to ponder whether their decisionisinfluencedbythe geopolitical situation in the regionandtowhatextentthe failure to elect the oppositionleaderinGuyana is linked to regional concerns not relayed to the Venezuelan issue.Whatever their motivation, it frees the PPP from its self-imposed restraint on the election of theoppositionleader
However, if the prevailingviewthatthePPP is afraid of Mohamed, becoming the Leader of the Opposition,sincehecanuse that role to influence their support base, is the real reason for their attempts to deny him the constitutional position.
Then the American position on the issue has pushed them to the “wall”. One would have to ask why the US would go public, givendiplomaticchallenges, the PPP has proven to be morethanareliableUSallysomewillsaysubservient.It is hard to believe that they wanted to demonstrate that Washington is in control of bothVenezuelaandGuyana. Some may say I am trivializingtheissue.Tothat view,Ioffernocontestation.
In conclusion, in objectivepoliticalterms,the neo-colonial intervention of theUSanditsalliestoforce a resolution of the impasse over the election of the Opposition Leader, while diminishingournationhood, will be seen by sections of theGuyanesecommunityas a welcome intervention in therightdirection.
This is the state of our belovedGuyana.
TacumaOgunseye
Duo in 50lb cocaine bust jailed, fined $ 33.9M
The duo that was caught with almost50pounds of cocaine on January 14 wereonFridaychargedwith thecrime.
DyalSimonandAdonayi Hoyte appeared before Magistrate Weever at the Wales Magistrates’Court to answer “charges related to the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, to wit, 22.394 kilogramsofcocaine.
Hoytepleadednotguilty and was granted $200,000 bail while Simon pleaded guilty and was sentenced to fouryearsimprisonmentand fined G$33,951,000, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit(CANU)saidonFriday On January 15, Kaieteur News reported that CANU seizedthecocaineduringan operationatLaGrange,West
BankDemerara. The unit said CANU
information, conducted
vicinity of the La Grange
Public Road where they interceptedamotorvehicle.
The suspects were arrested and taken to the
along with the narcotics, which was weighed
Adonayi Hoyte on $200k bail (right) and Dyal Simon jailed and fined
LET“GOOD-SENSEPREVAIL”
…APNU calls for resumption of Parliament, election of LOO
The A Partnership
for National Unity (APNU) is hoping that “good sense prevails” and President Irfaan Ali will soon name a date for the sitting of the National Assembly to facilitate the election of an oppositionleader.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, PNC General Secretary Sherwin Benjaminsaidtheprolonged absence of parliamentary
sittings breaches the constitution and weakens democraticoversight.
“The constitution of Guyana requires a functioning parliament Whenthereisnofunctioning parliament, the constitution is breached and the entire society suffers,” Benjamin said.
Henotedthatithasbeen more than two months since the first sitting of the 13th Parliament and no subsequent sitting has been convened, resulting in reduced scrutiny of government actions and weakenedrepresentation.
The13thParliamentwas
convened on November 3, 2025,whengovernmentand opposition members of parliament (MPs) were sworn in. However, no date hassincebeenannouncedfor asittingtoelecttheleaderof theopposition.
Notably, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) led by Azruddin Mohamed, holds 16 opposition seats in the National Assembly, APNU holds 12, and the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) holds one With WIN
holding most opposition
Mohamed is the presumed oppositionleader
Duringthequestion-andanswer segment, Benjamin
provides clear guidelines on how the opposition leader is elected, noting that the government must be held accountable.
“Failing which the affected parties should take theresourcetothecourt,”he said,outliningthepossibility
of the combined opposition takinglegalaction.
Further, Benjamin rejected claims that the absence of Speaker of the NationalAssemblyManzoor Nadir from Guyana is preventing progress, stating that the deputy speaker can facilitatetheprocess.
For months now there have been calls for the speaker to convene the meeting to allow for the election of the leader of the opposition.
However, Nadir is currently in India attending the conference of speakers andPresidingOfficersofthe Commonwealth (CSPOC) His trip comes amid calls from western diplomats for parliament to reconvene and the meeting of opposition parliamentarians to facilitate the election of a leaderoftheopposition.
“So,thereisnoreasonto say that this meeting cannot be done because the speaker has traveled. The question becomeswhetherwewantto honor the constitution of Guyanaornot,”hesaid.
He added that while APNUandWINhavenotyet met to discuss legal action, the option remains on the table. “No, we have not contemplated that. But it doesn’tmeanthatthataction
willnotbetaken.Wewantto explore this to the natural end.Wearehopingthatgood sense prevails on the part of the government and failing which, then a decision will havetobemade,”Benjamin said.
While President Ali recently denied delaying parliament to prevent the election of the opposition leader, APNU MP Coretta McDonald at the press conference accused the government of deliberately delayingtheprocess.
“Theissuehereisthatthe government is doing what theywanttodo.It’sawhole lot of delaying tactics, and the government is just bent on delaying that process,” McDonald said. She cited the bypass of constitutional consultation with an opposition leader and pointed to the recent swearing-in of the teaching service commission by
occurred without the required consultation with anoppositionleader
“The whole fact of h
assembly, the government has to be able to say to Speaker of the National Assembly, we are ready to have a sitting. These are the issues that are going to be discussed on that day and with that, the clerk would send the necessary information out to all members of parliament, and then we’ll have a sitting of Parliament During that sitting of the national assembly is when the speaker will now summon a meeting of the opposition members and have that process completed. But here again, it’s the government who’s delaying the process, and I can say, in collusion with this Speaker of the nationalassembly.”
APNU MP Coretta McDonald
APNU General Secretary Sherwin Benjamin
Guyana’s 2022 Census figures demand independent scrutiny
The recently released preliminary report of Guyana’s 2022 Population
and Housing Census presents a demographic picture that, on the surface, signals a dramatic national resurgence. The population has leapt from 746,955 in 2012 to 878,674 an increase of 131,719 people, or17.63%.
More startling, however, is the claimed surge in the locally-born Guyanese population by approximately 114,165 individuals, a 15 48% growth over the
decade While the governmentmayhailthisasa sign of thriving national vitality, a sober examination
of Guyana’s recent demographic history and migration patterns renders thisfigurenotjustsurprising, but deeply questionable It clashes with established pre-
2
he observable realities of mass emigration and regional immigration, raising serious doubts that necessitate an independent,expert-ledaudit ofthe2022censusdata
For decades prior to 2 0 1 2 , G u y a n a ’ s demographic story was one of stagnation and outflow
Theperiodbetweenthe2002 and 2012 censuses recorded a near-zero average annual population growth rate of0.06%.Thiswasnotduetoa low birth rate alone but was overwhelmingly driven by sustained and significant emigration. Generations of Guyanese, seeking economic opportunity and stability, left for the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
TheU.S.alonehasbeen a primary destination; data fr om the U S Census
consistentlyshowshundreds of thousands of Guyaneseborn individuals residing in the United States, with a steady flow continuing through the 2010s This exodus created a scenario where natural increase (births minus deaths) was largely offset or negated by net outward migration, leadingtotheflatpopulation curveobservedupto2012.
On average some 5,000 persons emigrated permanently to the United States. This means that to that country alone, some 50,000 persons would have emigrated legally and permanently during the period2012to2022.Tothis you can add another 10,000 who emigrated permanently to Canada or self-sponsored tothatcountry
DEM BOYS SEH
Fire does cause much destruction
Dem boys seh when de furniture warehouse start to blaze up, nuff people nearly drop dem phone. The owners tek a serious hit, yes, but dem boys seh is only luck—and maybe a lil prayer—that save half de neighbourhood from turning into extrakindling.
Becausewhendemvideostartcirculate pun Facebook, is then people really wake up.Thewarehousewasn’toutdeyminding itownbusinessinsomeindustrialzone.No sah.Itwasrightupamongpeoplehouses.
Dem boys seh this raise one big question:whodecidethatwarehousefullof wood, foam, glue and Lord-knows-whatelseshouldbelivinglikeitrentingaroom inahousingarea?Sincewhenaresidential area become a “try ya luck” zone for industrialadventure?
InGuyana,demboyssehzoninglawsis like manners everybody know about them,butnoteverybodyusethem.Soyou could find a welding shop next to a bedroom, a nightclub sharing wall with a church. Fire ain’t respect nobody It don’t
care if is business investment or family home. One spark, one bad decision, and wholestreetcouldendupondesixo’clock news. And when that happen, everybody startaskingquestions—afterdeashescool. Dem boys seh this ain’t about stopping business. Business must grow, yes. But business must also have sense. Industrial and heavy commercial places come with danger fire, noise, chemicals, trucks—and dem things got no business mixingwithpeoplewhojustwanttosleep peacefulandwakeupalive.
The authorities need to stop playing catch-upwithdisaster Enforcezoning.Tell people plain-plain: residential is residential, and industrial is industrial. Is notrocketscience;iscommonsense.
Demboyssehifwedon’tactnow,next time it might not be furniture burning alone. And when house start burning too, everybodywillbecrying,pointingfingers, andaskingwhynobodydidn’tactsooner
Butbythen,ashescan’ttalk.
Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
It is within this context that the reported 15.48% explosion in the local-born populationbecomesdifficult to reconcile Did the fundamental drivers of G u y a n e s e migration—economic push factors suddenly and completely reverse between 2012and2022?
The evidence suggests otherwise. While Guyana’s economic fortunes began to changewiththeadventofoil production post-2019, the transformative effects on widespread job creation and living standards were nascent and not yet felt nationwide by 2022
Furthermore, the sociopoliticalandeconomiccrisis in neighbouring Venezuela, intensifying from around 2015, triggered a massive influx of migrants into Guyana, not an end to emigrationfromit.
This brings us to the second pole of doubt: the suspect handling of migrant numbers in the census. The report itself admits the foreign-born population is “understated due to r e l u c t a n c e a n d undocumented migration ” It records only 12,654 Venezuelans,afigurestarkly contradicted by UN estimates of approximately 40,545 by mid-2024 Similarly, significant but unquantified communities of Cuban and Brazilian migrantsareknowntoreside in the country If the census missed a large portion of
these immigrants, then the overall population growth attributed to “locals” is artificially inflated The methodology for adjusting “no-contact” households appearstohavebeenapplied inconsistently,usingsatellite estimationincoastalregions but not in the hinterlands where many migrants may reside This technical shortcoming likely led to a significantundercountofthe foreign-born, thereby misallocating their numbers intothe“local”category
A more plausible demographic narrative for 2012-2022 is not a miraculous 15% growth in locals, but perhaps slowed, emigration of Guyanese citizens,offsetandsurpassed by a much larger-thanreported influx of immigrants, primarily from Venezuelaand Cuba.
The reported local growth of 114,165 seems inconceivable when weighed against the persistent emigration trends and the limited time for a new,largegenerationof“oil babies” to have been born andcounted.
Theirmandateshouldbe to: 1 Audit the methodology for counting and adjusting for migrants a n d “ n o - c o n t a c t ” households. 2. Reconcile census figures wi
independent migration data from destination countries like the U.S. 3. Cross-
administrative data (birth
g permits) 4 Provide a revised, evidence-based estimate of the resident population, disaggregated bybirthorigin.
A nation planning its future on the foundation of
y deservesacensusitcantrust. Blind acceptance of these incongruousnumbersdoesa disservicetohonestplanning and public accountability Only through transparent, independent validation can Guyana build its future on a foundation of facts, not fictions.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the a
hor and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Given these profound discrepancies and their i m p l i c a t i o n s , t h e government’sdatacannotbe accepted at face value. The stakes are too high. There should be an immediate commissioning of an independent, international demographic assessment of the2022census.Thispanel, comprising experts from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and renowned statistical institutes, must be grantedfullaccesstotheraw data, methodologies, and adjustmentmodels.
Activiststakeastand,willPres.Alipleasestand
The band may be small, but its members spokewithbigvoices,gaveeveryimpression of big hearts. Spirits that will not be extinguished.
Atimelessboldnessthatispriceless,and of which this country needs so much. GuyanacoulduseafewmorelikeDanutaand VandaRadzik,sistersofthesoil,sistersunder the sun in front of the US Embassy on Duke Street. AlongsidestoodSherlinaNageerand CandacyMcEwan,thelatterofTransUnited Guyana.
And,toroundoffthegroup,therewasthe ubiquitous and tireless, Chris Ram. A tiny settingpopulatedbyGuyanesemadeofsteel. Where is Pres. Ali? What has the PPP Government said, stood for, other than
emptiness,whatismeaningless? Thisisthe first call: Pres.Ali, please stand up, sir Say something of substance, Excellency Anything that reinforces the feeling that Guyana is still a sovereign nation, with its ownvoice.Partisansmayrailatthebunchin front of the American Embassy Who are they, why are they rattling cages best left alone? Permit me. Those same names also came out publicly to protest (peacefully) againstRussianaggression.
If against Russia, why not the USA? I have grown jaded by words like colonialism and imperialism, but not when uttered by VandaRadzik. Thosetwowordswithalong, abominable history for colored peoples sounded just right considering the
Police seize firearm from unlicensed security guard
Police on Thursday seized a firearmfromasecurityguardattached toaGoodHope,EastCoastDemerara supermarketaftertheydiscoveredthat hewasnottheholderofalicense.
According to reports, ranks led an intelligence operation around 19:30 hrs to the facility “During the operation,ranksonmobilepatrolmade contactwithasecurityguardwhowas observed in possession of a shotgun. The individualwasquestionedbytheranks,and a12-gaugeshotgun,alongwithfive(5)live 12-gauge cartridges, were found in his possession. Upon enquiry, it was revealed that he was not in possession of a firearm licenceorprecept,”policesaid.
The firearm found on the security guard’s person by police at the supermarket.
The suspect, a 24-year-old male of LusignanEastCoastDemerara,wasarrested andescortedtotheVigilancePoliceStation. The ammunition and firearm were processed and subsequently lodged as investigationscontinue.
circumstances next door, and the way that intrusionsandencroachments,andinsertions andextractions,haveallplayedout. Ifthatis notimperialismminustophatandcloak,then what is? It was imperialism and aggression mostnaked. Forthesecondtime,myappeal goes out: will President Ali please step forward, take the microphone? For a leader prone to rushing rapids of verbal pugnaciousness, he has been curiously reticent. It’sunliketheleaderthatGuyanese have come to know, so numb they have become from his salvos of rhetorical bombast.
Despite the fiery representations, the protestwasalwayscalmandcool,andnever less. Thesecurityflotillacirclingroundand round that city block expanse was largely overdone. Since it was before the US Embassy, US security assets had to be engaged.
NowitisMs.Radzikagain:“Trumpdoes notcareaboutGuyanaorthegovernmentor us the people of Guyana. It is only the oil that he is concerned about and he wants to do everything to protect his interests in our oil; Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the whole world and he is determined to pocket those for the USA. What right have they to our sovereignty and our resources? Theybelongtous!”
Spokenlikeawarrior,atrueactivist;one thatpoursherheartintoanissue. Onetaking the lead and registering the positions of the others in that short line of women (and one man)withplacardsthatdrawattentiontothe abominations that happened just out of Guyanesesightandearshot.
SincetheremovalofMaduroisallabout oil,andinthebrazenmanneralmostcavalier mannerinwhichitexecuted,Guyananeedsto bealert(andsmart),giventhatitprobablyhas moreoilthanhasbeendisclosedtoit,anditis a minnow compared to Venezuela. CitizenactivistsaresharingtheiroutrageathowPlan Madurowasexecuted.
Why this time of all times has Pres. Ali created space to put on a voiceless disappearing act. Not even a courtesy word thathehasallbutabandonedthedemandsof courageous democratic leadership at this hour of test. Word came to me that Guyana attended an OAS meeting convened for the express purpose of discussing Venezuelan developments.The Guyana representation notonlysatontheirhands;theysayontheir mouths. It is a startling irony that men like AliandNandlallarealwaysscreechingabout international law, yet when push comes to shove,theywraptheirtailsaroundtheirlegs, slinkaway
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflecttheopinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Mr Ram, the lone male, in the protest line, spoke to international law and democ racy “I d o n ’ t think one has anydoubtthat this is about democracy. In fact, if it was democracytheUSgovernmentwouldnotbe doing what it is doing. They have admitted that this is about oil and we have to be mindful that we ourselves are a newly developingoileconomy.”
Edghillwarnsstreetlight thieveswillbeprosecuted
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill
MinisterofPublicWorks,Bishop Juan Edghill issued a stern warningonFriday,thatanyone caught with stolen street lights will face the fullforceofthelaw
The minister issued the warning while visiting a crush and run stock pile site at Providence, East Bank Demerara, where a number of containers containing lights are stored.
The minister noted that while the lights arepartofanationalprogrammetoimprove security of citizens and enhance the conditions of communities countrywide, there have been some concerns with theft afterthelightsarebeinginstalled.
“There are some concerns that I need to bring to the public’s attention. Let me just giveyouanexample,thetrafficchief,afteran accident took place at the roundabout on Heroes Highway, brought to my attention thatafemaledriverwithherchildrenhitinto oneofthebarriers,andthatcouldhavebeen as a result of inadequate lighting I immediately contacted our team at the ministry and ask them to do a night audit so that we can improve lighting. They went,
(and)theyinstalled10additionallightsatthe roundabout to ensure that safety is number one priority As I stand here, three of those lights have already been stolen,” he explained.
Urging persons to desist from removing thelights,theministerstated,“AndIwantto make it very clear, anybody who’s been caught with stolen government of Guyana lights,youwillfacethefullforceofthelaw.”
“Citizens, Guyanese, while we’re trying toimprovethelivesofeverybody,securityin this country is everybody’s business Persons have called us and indicatedtousthelightshavegoneup.They haveenjoyeditfortwothreedays,andwhen theycomeoutontheverandathethirdnight, the light is not there, it’s gone. So, we are improving on our marking, because in order forustoprosecutepeoplewhoarefoundwith theselights,weneedtoensurethatwehavea securemarking,”theministersaid.
MinisterEdghillalsoappealedtocitizens whoseeandhaveinformationofpeople Continued on page 17
The A Partnership for National Unity(APNU)saiditwillbetabling amotiontointroducecopyrightlaws to facilitate the monetisation of innovators’skills.
Member of Parliament (MP) Nima Flue-Bess said creatives in Guyana continue to experience hardships, while the ‘orange economy’ remain an untapped element of economic growth. The MP blasted the government saying thatthisisa“directfailure”ontheir partbynotprioritisingtheeconomic well-being of all segments of society “APNU in its manifesto 2025, stated that we will introduce intellectual property laws, inclusive of copyright laws to facilitate the monetisation ofskillsforinnovators.APNUhassubmitted a motion in parliament to give effect to this untappedeconomicopportunity,”shesaid.
Member of Parliament (MP) for APNU, Nima Flue-Bess
Flue-Besssaidtheconstitutionplacesthe power in the hands of the people of Guyana and that power must be used. APNU is therefore imploring that the standard of governance oversight must be raised by askingthetoughquestionsofthoseinPPP/C government. Back in September 2024, followinglawsuitsfiledbyGuyaneseartistes
Jackie ‘Jackie Jaxx’ Hanover and Ivan ‘D’Ivan’Harry, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said it was time the country’s copyrightlawsbemodernisedtoallowforthe protection of local artistes and other works whichfallunderthecopyrightact.
Healsoacknowledgedthiswasanage-old issue and that the government has been
looking to update the laws. “There are citizens who are of the opinion that the country should have an appropriate legislationtogovernitscopyrightandprotect itscitizens.ButIbelieveourartistsshouldbe protected.Ihopethatwecanadvanceitnow we are also part of the World Trade Organisationandsomecountriesexpectusin the new dispensation they are not going to bringcertaintypesofbusinesshereunlesswe haveprotectionforthemsointhemodernera aswegoforward,Ithinkthehistoricposition mayhavetochange,”hesaid.
Emphasising that things are becoming more modern, Jagdeo voiced his strong supportfortheevolutionoftheframeworkto protectlocalartists,eventhoughheadmitted tohavingadifferentviewsomeyearsago.“I support protection of local copyright strongly Historically I might have had anotherviewbecauseIthoughtthedeveloped world at that time maybe you know…they werenotprotectingalotofourstuff.”
3-megawattsolarfarmcommissioned atCharity
The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) on Friday commissioned the fifth of eight solar projects at Charity on the EssequiboCoast.
Altogether, the eight projects areworthUS$83.3M.
In a statement via its Facebook page on Friday GPL said that the three-megawatt solar photovoltaic farm at Charity, Essequibo Coast, marks the fifth utility-scale solar facility “to come online under the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar
Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL) in less than three months.”
This addition will be building on the success of the previously commissioned farms at Onderneeming, Hampshire, Prospect, and Trafalgar, which collectively are now contributing 15megawattsofrenewableenergy to the national grid. Charity now coming online brings that total to 18 megawatts of total installed solarcapacity
GPL highlighted that this is, “ reflecting a sustained and coordinated effort to expand clean energy generation and support the GovernmentofGuyana’svisionfor a low-carbon, diversified energy future.”
Inhisaddresstotheaudienceat the ceremony, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, took the time to highlight the “strategicimportanceofrenewable energyinvestmentsfornationaland regional development, noting that the combined solar facilities at Onderneeming and Charity significantly strengthen Region Two’s power supply and reduce long-termgenerationcosts.”
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar in his addresssaidtheCharitySolarFarm formspartofalong-term,carefully planned national programme to modernise Guyana’s power sector and expand renewable energy generationacrossmultipleregions. He made mention that the investment was funded through
Highlighting that money was not borrowed for the project, the minister said Region Two has received a proportionate share of national investment thereby reducing diesel dependence, while stabilizing the grid and lowering operatingcosts.
ChiefofOperationsoftheInterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), Iván Gaviria, described the projectasalong-terminvestmentin reliableenergyforcommunities.
“He said the solar farm will provide dependable electricity to more than 16,000 homes, support schools and communities, and contribute meaningfully to Guyana’slow-carbondevelopment goals equivalent to removing approximately 100 cars from the road each year He also noted that the project has created jobs and built technical skills through
training and apprenticeship programmes,”GPLsaid.
Regional Chairman Devin MohannotedthattheCharitySolar Farm represents a landmark investment for the region, as it is a cleardemonstrationofdeliveryand progress.
Noting that the region is undergoingtangibleimprovements in reliability, productivity and service delivery, the expanded and dependable energy capacity will provide energy security and at the same time create opportunities for investment, particularly in agroprocessing, manufacturing, and tourism.
Further,Mohansaidtheproject delivers employment, builds local capacity,andpositionsRegionTwo as an increasingly competitive destinationforinvestors.
Thanking the government, programme partners and the local communities for their support GPL’s Team Lead Kesh Nandlall
’s
commitment to have programmes and policies that are aligned with Guyana’snationalenergypriorities implemented.
Nandlall also explained that “the Charity Solar Farm is a stateof-the-art facility built on a 10.8acre site, featuring 4,928 solar modules, eight solar PV inverters, and a 2.25 MW, two-hour (4.5 MWh) Battery Energy Storage System. The 3 MWp system is capable of delivering up to 2.64 MW of solar power and 2.25 MW from battery storage, providing critical support to the Essequibo Coast grid A new 13 8 kV transmission line connects the facility to the North Feeder, enhancing grid stability and reliability.”
Onayearlybasis,itisexpected that the facility will generate approximately4,600MWhofclean energy, which will translate to GY$267 million being saved on fuel costs in addition to offsetting nearly 3,500 tonnes of carbon
dioxide emissions each year The Charity Farm complements the 5 MWp Onderneeming Solar Farm commissionedinNovember2025.
Combined they will contribute eight megawatts of solar capacity and 12 megawatts of battery storage to the Essequibo Coast Grid.Thecombinedcapacityofthe facilities is expected to generate more than 12,300 MWh of energy annually, meeting over 20 per cent of Region Two’s projected 2026 electricity demand and significantly reducing dependence onimportedfuel.
“Funded through the GuyanaNorway partnership with an estimated investment of US$83.3 million, GUYSOLis delivering 33 MWp of solar capacity across Regions Two, Five, Six, and Ten. Upcoming installations in Region Tenwilladdanadditional15MWp to the grid, further advancing Guyana’s transition to a resilient, diversified,andlow-carbonenergy sector,”GPLadded.
The newly commissioned solar farm.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips (2nd left), GPL’s Team Lead Kesh Nandlall (4th left), Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar (5th left) and other officials pose with students of Charity for a photo.
‘Opening of day and night care facility cannot be rushed’ -
Human Services Minister
...WIN says comments confirm clear political agenda
The opening of the country’s inaugural day and night care facility, at Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara cannot be rushed, Minister of Human Services andSocialSecurity,Vindhya Persaudhassaid.
The facility was commissioned since August 2025,buthasnotyetopened its doors to the public Highlighting concerns over the state of the building this week was the main political opposition party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN)
Leader of the movement, AzruddinMohamedrecently visited the building which remains closed with vegetation taking over the fenceandcompound.
He described the initiative as an elections gimmick, commissioned daysbeforeelectionsbutnot serving the people The leader also raised questions about the whopping $94 million price tag attached to thefacility
Notably,governmentdid notaddressconcernsrelating to the cost of the one-story building, but assured that parentswillbenefitsoon.
Twoarrestedfor ganjapossession
The marijuana that was seized.
An elderly woman and a 26-year-old fisherman were on Thursday arrested for a quantity of marijuana found in their kitchenatUnity,Mahaica,EastCoastDemerara.
“Duringanintelligence-ledoperationataresidenceatthe saidaddress,ranksconductedasearchanddiscoveredablack plastic bag concealed in the kitchen area containing several small zip-lock plastic bags with leaves, seeds and stems suspectedtobecannabis,”policesaid.
TheduowasescortedtotheCoveandJohnPoliceStation alongwiththenarcotic,whichwasweighedintheirpresence, amountingto82.11grams.Itwasthenprocessedandlodged, while the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
Minister Persaud, during an event on Thursday eveningontheWestCoastof Demerara, did not give a specificdatefortheopening, butindicatedthatthefacility will come on stream within the first quarter of this year She added that registration hascommencedforchildren, while staff at the facility continue to ensure the environmentissafe.
“The staff within the buildingcontinuestoworkto ensurethatwhenthatfacility opens it will be a safe, t r a n s f o r m a t i o n a l
environment because when weputchildreninafirstofits kindbuilding,wewanttoget itrightthefirsttime.Itmust notandcannotberushed.”
President Irfaan Ali, whileatthesameevent,also responded to Mohamed “When we commissioned that school, we said that not long within the first quarter, the operationalisation of the school will come into effect because we have to train people specifically for the staff that is required for that school,”Aliexplained.
For instance, he noted that the security has to be differentsincetheinstitution will be catering to the needs
of a very special age group.
The president added that the facility was designed for about 50 children with enrollmentalreadyongoing.
Meanwhile,inaninvited comment, the WIN leader questioned why the necessary systems were not implemented prior to the launchofthefacility
“Ifthegovernmentknew that critical systems such as teachertrainingandsecurity were not in place, then the obvious question is why the facility was rushed to be commissioned in the first place,” Mohamed told this newspaper
He maintained that the
opening was not driven by genuine readiness but by political timing. Shifting his attention to government’s silence on the extraordinary cost of the building, the leadersaid, “It is tellingthat the government chose not to address our concerns about the price tag. That silence speaks volumes. A singlestory building of that size doesnotcost$94million.”
H e a r g u e d t h a t government simply cannot provide a full and independent accounting of the cost, leaving questions about the true value and where the remaining sum went.
The state of the facility, highlighted by WIN Leader, Azruddin Mohamed
Guyana cements bridge of cooperation
th with UAE as 49 special school launched
Guyanahasestablisheda bridge of cooperation with the United Arab Emirates h (UAE) through the 49 Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) facilityatCrane,WestCoast Demerara.
The world class facility, launched on Thursday evening, according to PresidentIrfaanAliwillhelp children with special needs realisetheirfullpotential.
The ‘Yas School of Inspiration’, priced at US$100 million and financed by the UAE will benefitsome50children,the Department of Public Information (DPI) said Threebuseswillbeattached to transport children enrolled.
The enrollment process hascommencedalthoughthe facilitywillnotbeoperation untilanotherfewweeks.
During the launching ceremony,thepresidentsaid,
“It is important that we understand today is a celebration of friendship Today is a celebration of cooperation. Today is also thecelebrationofdiplomacy atwork.Itisacelebrationof two states coming together w i t h a c o m m o n understanding as to what value system we measure developmentby.”
Tothisend,henotedthat the presence of the UAE Minister State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy was testatment to the bridge of cooperation beingbuiltwiththestate.
The president pointed outthatbilateralcooperation between the countries has evolved over the past five years into a dynamic and strategic partnership, anchored in shared economic ambition, mutual respectandaforwardvision.
Further, he described the
Unlicensed firearm, ammunition seized from Plaisance security guard
The weapon and ammunition discovered on the security guard by police.
UAE as a “pivotal ally” in Guyana’s transformative developmentagenda.
“Our relationship was cemented by consistent high-level engagements, along with meetings at international forums The Guyana/UAE relationship is a model of south-south cooperationbetweenarising global economic force and
an emerging hemispheric leader,” the leader pointed out.
Meanwhile, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Vindhya Persaud boasted that government “without doubt continues to place the lives, the hopes, thedreams,theaspirationsof persons living with disabilities on the front
burner Today is another testamentofthat.”
Shewaskeentonotethat thefacilitywillnotonlybea modern in infrastructure but will fea
red programmes to meet the needs of every child, especiallythosewithautism, a special condition that affectsthewaysomepersons communicateandbehave.
The minister added that thefacilitywillbeofbenefit to children who are nonverbal, tackling physical challenges for children through education and awareness.
Meanwhile, in a direct message to the teachers of the facility, she urged, “You are the soul of this building. Treat every child with compassion,giveeverychild the best education that you possiblycan.”
Over the past five years Guyana has significantly increased the number of SEND facilities across the country, as alluded to by Minister if Education, Sonia Parag. In 2020, 13 such facilities were operational across the country, with 48
learners.
“Thatrepresentsan
Continued on page 17
A new multipurpose auditorium funded by the Gafoors family, Sattaur and Ameena Gafoor, was officially commissioned on ThursdayattheUniversityof Guyana(UG).
The facility, which costs approximately $1.7 million, willaccommodatemorethan 3,000students.
It will be used to host major university events, including annual graduation ceremonies, as well as several sporting disciplines suchasfootball,cricket,and basketball.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported Friday that ranksseizedunlicensedfirearmandammunitionfroma37year-old-male security guard on duty at a supermarket in Plaisance.
Inastatementtothemedia,policesaidaninvestigation has been launched into the discovery, which was made around19:30hrsduringanintelligence-ledoperation.
“Duringtheoperation,ranksonmotorcyclepatrolwent toasupermarketlocatedinPlaisance,wheretheyobserveda security guard on duty with what appeared to be a firearm tuckedinthefrontwaistbandofhispants,”policesaid.
Theguardwasapproachedandquestionedbytheranks, during which the 9mm pistol and a magazine with three matching live rounds were found on his person. Enquiries revealedthathewasnottheholderofafirearmlicensenora precept.
The suspect of South Ruimveldt Georgetown, was subsequently escorted to the Sparendaam Police Station, where the firearm and ammunition were processed and lodgedpendinginvestigation.Heremainsinpolicecustody
Theuniversityalsoplans to utilise the auditorium for e x a m i n a t i o n s f o r programmes that attract largestudentenrolment.
Construction of the multipurpose auditorium spanned two years and was undertaken by the Gafoors family in partnership with the University’s Office of Philanthropy, Alumni and CivicEngagement(PACE).
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, ProfessorPalomaMohamed, inherremarks,describedthe new space as the largest and most expensive single gift everconstructedanddonated to the university She noted that the facility would significantly reduce the university’s long-standing dependence on rented venuesandtentstohostlarge
events.
Professor Mohamed explained that UG previously spent millions of dollars to rent tents for graduations, often paying between $8 million and $15 million for five to six days, only to face challenges such as leaks and obstructive support posts “We were spending thousands, millions of dollars, any time we had an event here to rent tents.Justtogiveyouanidea of the scope of what we would pay just on renting tents, it would be for graduations between $8 million dollars and $15 milliondollarsjustforfiveor six days, and of course the tents would leak and we would have post in the middle,”Mohamedsaid.
Registrar of the
University of Guyana, Dr Nigel Gravesande, also praised the Gafoors family f o r t h e d o n a t i o n , highlighting the impact the facility has already had on the university’s graduation exercises. He noted that the most recent graduation saw seven ceremonies with over 3,000graduates,allhostedin one location for the first time. “It was the first time that many students were seeing their peers whether from Linden, Essequibo, Bartica, New Amsterdam in the same space to celebrate theirsuccess,andDrGafoor that allowed our students to understand the value of interaction in a common space,”hesaid. Meanwhile, Dr Sattaur
Gafoor, in his address, said the initiative for the project was first conceived by his latewife,aformerlecturerat theuniversity,forwhomUG held a special place. He said hetookuptheresponsibility tocompletetheprojectinher honour, noting that the auditoriumnowensuresthat students can celebrate their achievements on their own campus, regardless of weatherconditions.“Wecan see the advent of this choice taking vibrant shape, first, it hadbroughtUG’sgraduands back home. This, the largest institutioninGuyana,which can seat 3,500 persons, now guarantees that our graduands can come to the stage on their own campus come rain or sun,” Sattaur stated.
The ‘Yas School of Inspiration’located at Crane, WCD (Photo credit: DPI)
WANTED
Sales Rep needed, ages 18-30 years. Knowledge of vehicle model will be an asset. Contact: 619-1237.
Wanted house lot to buy & land with unfinished building. We pay cash. Call: 2160671 / 692-8464. Whataspp 622-0267.
Job opening: Truck Driver, AC Technicians, Excavator and Skid Steer Operators. To apply send application via WhatsApp: 689-1111/ 608-2114.
Male & female needed to work at supermarket in the Interior. Must be 18 years & older. Call: 674-9999.
Live in Domestic wanted. Must know to cook and clean. Call: 699-8486.
Reputable transportation service is seeking experienced Chauffeur with mini bus and hire car license. Call: 645-0025.
Live in Maid wanted. Robb St. Call: 762-3155
Wanted one Maid. For more information please Call: 680-1282.
Wanted to work in the interior;Jetman, Marrackman,Cook . Call 660-5010 .
Wanted experience & reliable sales girls,cook,porters physically fit and dependable.Contact:6941170.
Male & Female to work at a car wash located in Campbellville. Call: 669-4676 / 604-1980.
VEHICLES FOR SALE
Mercedes Sprinter food truck for sale. In excellent condition, spacious, clean & well maintained. Price: 5.5M neg. Contact:6201857.
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage, PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.
VISA Application for USA, Canada, UK, ETA, ETC. Naturalisation guidance + application filling & Building Plans. Tel: 626-7040. SERVICES
For low cost repairs for AC units, refrigerators, freezers, gas stoves, washing machine, dryers, etc. Call: 629-4946, 225-4822.
VACANCY
General Domestic (4 day work) & experiened handyman, apply at Keyfood Trading Mc Doom next to the post office.
Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence Call 615-9132.
One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@gmail.com
COOK/BAKER AND PITMEN for interior location . Applicants must be experienced. Call: 2312250.
1 to 4 bed rooms furnitured,short term $50 USD, $600 monthly Parking 6 cars . E.C.D Whatsapp & Cell ; 622-8985 , 609-1191 , 648-1787.
ENTERTAINMENT
Family Fun Aracari Resort! Crystal clear pool, safe kids & adult sections, Music & food. W.B.D. Call: 2642946-9.
AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.
AND FURTHER TAKE
LEGAL NOTICE
2025/1188-FD-PET-DEM
THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE
LEGAL NOTICE
FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION BETWEEN: Petition No. FD-1188 (HINCKSON) LEAMA ABADE nee PERREIRA Petitioner/Applicant -and(HINCKSON) GODFREY Respondent TO: GODFREY HINCKSON UNKNOWN
Wales Public Road, W.B.D, Parcel 21 (0.467 acres) 20,342 sq ft. Available Long term 2025 years. Sign on property. Phone/Whatsapp: 615-2270/ 628-8619.
Wales Public Road, W.B.D, Parcel 25 (0.494 acres) 21,388 sq ft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/ Whatsapp: 615-2270/6288619.
Malgre Tout, W.B.D, (South of Masjid)-Lot "C" (1.347 acres) 58675 sq ft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/Whatsapp: 6152270/628-8619.
Versailles, W.B.D, (South of Aracari Hotel)-Lot 167 (4.6606 acres) 203,016 sq ft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/Whatsapp: 6152270/628-8619.
T RUCK TIRES 295 / 75R22.5 $40K EACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL / WHATSAPP:+592-6883201. FOR SALE
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Prime Property for Sale. Supenaam Public Road Essequibo Coast. Close to the Speedboat Landing. Contact Agent 592-7044645 / 592-680-0236.
LAND FOR LEASE ACCOMMODATIONS
LEGAL NOTICE
2025/667-FD-PET-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE
TO: ISAAC CABRAL Nafari, Wakapou, Pomeroon, Guyana.
TAKE NOTICE that on the 24th day of June, 2025 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by HAIMWATTIE CABRAL nee JAGERNAUTH, the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.
AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 11th day of December, 2025, the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur Newspaper, a newspaper of general circulation in Guyana.
NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition and Application, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition via the e-litigation Platform (online) https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is PPmdZo.
TAKE NOTICE that the Directions Hearing is refixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 20th day of March, 2026 at 9:15 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin Lincoln via zoom or in person at court8 Zoom ID:882 1097 6231 Passcode: Court12.
IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.
The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown,Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Dated the 12th day of January, 2026
TAKE NOTICE that on the 30th day of October, 2025 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by LEAMAABADE HINCKSON nee PERREIRA, the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 22nd day of December, 2025, the Petitioner/ Applicant was directed to effect service of Petition on you by publication of Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of daily a newspaper printed, published and circulated in Guyana and on the world wide web (online). AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Divorce,then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgment of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition Via the e-litigation Platform (online)https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days
LEGAL NOTICE from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is FGtc4A TAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 2nd of March, 2026 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Justice Peter Hugh in Court 7 in person. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Dated the 23rd day of December, 2025 FOR REGISTRAR
IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE
FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION
FAMILY DIVISION Between: Application No. FD-1372
Aracari Hotel Renovated rooms, A/C, TV, Restaurant, Bar, Pool, Gym. Stay 7 nights, 1 FREE! Call: 264-2946.
Edghill warns persons who steal
APNU warns: Executive should not interfere with constitutional mandates governing judiciary
Israel continues deadly Gaza attacks as deal moves into phase two
(AL-JAZEERA)Israeliforceshavecontinued deadly attacks across Gaza despite a United States announcement about the launchofthesecondphaseof the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
PalestiniansinGazaCity say they are not optimistic about the prospects of the recently announced second phase of the ceasefire agreement, with so many of the promises of the first yet tobefulfilled.
“It’sasifwe’restillinthe first phase,” said one man.
“The crossings were supposed to open, prices were supposed to fall, and Israeli attacks were supposed to stop. Nothing has changed except we have moved from the south to the northoftheStrip.”
The situation in Gaza “remains unchanged”, said one woman “Let us seriously complete the first phase properly before announcing the transition to thesecond.”
Anothermansaidhewas “not optimistic” as the promises of the first phase
Hospital in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, January 15, 2026 [Abdel
hadnotbeenfulfilled.
“Aid and food didn’t arrive, and the ceasefire has not been implemented as required,”hesaid.“Withthe bombing and killing continuing, we can’t find shelterorevenatent.”
At least 12 Palestinians have been killed and 18 injured in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, up to 09:00
GMTonFriday,accordingto the enclave’s Health Ministry.
Two more bodies were recoveredfromtherubbleof previous Israeli attacks, the ministry said in a statement publishedonTelegram.
Israeli settlers have stormed villages south of NablusintheoccupiedWest Bank.
Quoting local sources,
the Wafa news agency reportedthatsettlersstormed the village of Beita, chasing Palestiniancitizensoutofthe area.
Clashes involving gunfire also broke out when settlers stormed nearby Huwara.
Theincidentscomeaday after Israeli forces shot and wounded a Palestinian man anddetainedanothernearthe
entrancetoBeita.
The Israeli military acknowledged it killed a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank,
hours after
emerged that a 14-yearold had been shot dead nearRamallah Mohammed Saad
Na’san was killed by Israeli gunfire in the village of al-Mughayyir,
east of R
ah, according to the Wafa newsagency
InastatementonX,the Israeli military said its forces ente
d alMughayyir after receiving reports that Palestinians had thrown stones, burned tyresandblockedroads
ItsaidtheIsraeliforces fired in the air several times and then killed what it described as a “terrorist who was holding the rock” Palestinian sources said the 14-year-old was shotinthebackandchest
Pilesofbrokenconcrete, twisted metal and the remains of shattered homes, asfarastheeyecansee.This isn’t an isolated pocket of
destruction – it’s a pattern repeated across the Gaza Strip.
Satelliteimagesshow80 per cent of buildings have been at least partially damaged or completely razedbymorethantwoyears ofIsraelibombardment.
The destruction has created an estimated 61 milliontonnesofrubble.
ThatwouldfillNewYork City’s Central Park with debris 12 metres (about 39 feet) deep. It’s roughly the same weight as 13 Great PyramidsofGiza.
The rubble isn’t just an obstacle – it’s dangerous. Aid groups warn it may contain unexploded ordnance, toxic materials and unstable structures that could collapse at any moment.
Atleast463Palestinians have been reported killed since the ceasefire took effectinOctoberlastyear
Since Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza broke out in October 2023, at least 71,455 Palestinians have been killed and 171,347 injured, the ministry
Venezuela opposition leader sees eventual transition to free elections
(Reuters) - Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said on Fridayshewasconfidentthe remnantsofwhatshecalleda “criminal regime” would eventually be dismantled in the SouthAmerican country and there would be an orderly transition to free elections.
Machado spoke to reporters in Washington a day after meeting President Donald Trump, where she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to him as she sought to sway him to give the opposition a role in determining Venezuela’s future after the U.S. ousted longtime leader Nicolas Maduro.
Trump has backed formerMaduroloyalists,led by interim President Delcy Rodriguez, to govern the OPEC nation for now instead of Machado, whose movement was widely seen as the winner of a 2024
election that Maduro was accused of having rigged in hisfavor CONFIDENTOF ORDERLYMOVETO ELECTIONS
Since the January 3 lightning raid that toppled Maduro, Trump has prioritized gaining access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, not restoring democracy to Venezuela, and made clear he sees the current government as the best bet for maintaining order “I am profoundly, profoundlyconfidentthatwe will have an orderly transition (to elections),”
Machado told a press conference at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank with close ties to the Trump administration.
Butshestressedthatitwasa delicate and complex processthatwouldtaketime tounfold.
“This has nothing to do
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado speaks during a press conference in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 16, 2026. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
with tension or relations between Delcy Rodriguez and myself,” she said, but insisted that a “criminal structure” that has dominated Venezuela for years would eventually dismantle itself. She did not elaborate, however, on how
thiswouldhappen.
Coinciding with
Machado’s White House visit on Thursday, CIA Director John Ratcliffe flew
to Caracas and met Rodriguez, the highest-level known U.S. visit since the toppling of Maduro and
anothersignofthetwosides jockeying for favor with the Trumpadministration.
Machadomadeapointof praisingTrumpandavoiding any direct criticism of his approach to post-Maduro Venezuela, which has frustrated many in the country’sopposition.
Machado handed her NobelmedaltoTrumpinthe Oval Office on Thursday, sayinghedeserveditandthat it was recognition of what shecalledhiscommitmentto the freedom of the Venezuelanpeople.
The Norwegian Nobel Institute has said the prize cannotbetransferred,shared orrevoked.
Trump had openly campaigned for the prize
before Machado was awarded it last month and complainedbitterlywhenhe wassnubbed.
He wrote on his Truth
Social platform that Machado was a “wonderful
woman who has been through so much” and that givinghimherNobelwas“a wonderfulgestureofmutual respect.” The White House laterpostedaphotoofTrump and Machado with the presidentholdingupalarge, gold-colored frame displayingthemedal.
Machado’s attempt to win Trump’s favor in their first face-to-face meeting cameafterhedismissedthe idea of installing her as Venezuela’s leader to replace Maduro, who was whiskedawaytoNewYork to face prosecution on “narco-trafficking” charges.
During the visit, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had looked forward to meeting Machado, but stood by his “realistic” assessment that she did not currently have the support needed to lead the country intheshortterm
Palestinians mourn Saeed al-Jaro, who was killed in an Israeli military strike, during his funeral at Al-Aqsa
Kareem Hana/AP]
ICC officials to meet BCB in Bangladesh to solve T20 World Cup impasse
ESPNcricinfo -The ICC hasdecidedtosendofficials to Dhaka this weekend to meettheBCB’stopbrassina bid to resolve the impasse over Bangladesh travelling to India for the T20 World Cup that starts in three weeks.
The ICC’s team is expectedtoprovidetheBCB
s including an independent
assessment as part of the d i s c u s s i o n s . T h e development comes days after the BCB reiterated its stance of not sending Bangladesh to play in cohosts India’s venues owing to “security concerns.” So farmeetingsanddiscussions have taken place via video conference; this will be the firsttimethetwopartieswill meetinperson.
During the January 13 virtual meeting, the BCB asked the ICC to move Bangladesh, who are placed in Group C, outside India. However, the ICC said it wouldnottweaktheoriginal schedu
he tournament start dateFebruary 7 - less than a monthaway Bangladeshare scheduled to play on that opening day, against West Indies,inKolkata.
Saturday January 17 2026
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Youshouldenjoytheintense energy of today, Aries. The mud is finally beginning to clearaway Exposethetruthin every issue and get ready for the gremlins that may be unearthed.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Todaymarksthebeginningof a new cycle for you, Taurus. Collect and consolidate your recent ideas and focus them outwardly The time is right foryoutoact.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Take a cold shower to jumpstart yourself today, Gemini. It'sfineifyoulazearoundabit in the morning, but by evening, you should be working at full capacity. You will be called into action whetheryouwanttobeornot.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Today may start out sluggish foryou,Cancer,butbytheend of the day the energy will move fast and furious. Your thoughts will be buzzing around your head like bees aroundahive.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Enjoythecalmmorning,Leo, because things are going to getcrazierandmoreenergetic as the day goes on. Emotions willrunhigh,andpeoplewill be more opinionated than usual.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
You will experience an intense amount of energy today,Virgo.Yourdreamstate willbemoreactivethanusual, and you will find that people aredrawntoyoulikemothsto light.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
It's time to get up and get moving, Libra You have tremendous ideas and vision forthefuture.Youhaveallthe informationyouneed.Nowall youhavetodoisact.Stepupto the plate and hit one over the fence.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)
Theearlypartofthedaymight find you sluggish and indecisive, Scorpio, but later youshouldbepsychedupand ready to go. Today marks the beginning of a new period in which you should set your ideasinmotion.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)
Today's energies will get progressively more intense as the day goes on In the morning, you may be in an easygoing, dreamy state, Sagittarius.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
For the past several weeks you've felt like you've been dragging your heels, Capricorn Decisions may have been hard to make and people may have seemed wishy-washy.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) The morning might find you sitting like a stick in the mud, Aquarius. People might begettingdownonyoufornot contributing, but tell them to bepatient.Youwillberaringto gobynightfall.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20)
Things are moving your way, Pisces.As the day progresses, you will find that the energy intensifies.Conflictsmayarise nearsundown,butdon'tworry aboutittoomuch.
With relations between India and Bangladesh tense inrecenttimes,theBCBsent a letter to ICC on January 4 stating it would not be safe for Bangladesh to travel to India for the World Cup whereitsfourgroupmatches are scheduled. That was in response to the BCCI “authorising” Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. Nospecificreasonwasgiven forthatdecision.
A Risk Assessment report for the World Cup, compiled by an independent security agency, and accessed by ESPNcricinfo, says the threat to teams playing in India is in the
Canadian sprinter
DeGrasse...
Frompage26
supervision — De Grasse said he was unaware of the competition specifics but that he believed in clean sport.
“I’mnotexactlysurewhatit is,butIguessonlytimewill telloncewefigureoutfrom the first competition what it is,”hesaid.
“I’ve always competed as a clean athlete, so it never crossed my mind of using performance drugs I believe in clean sport and fairplay,”headded.
“That’swhatI’vealways prided myself in and why I dowhatIdo.
I want to try to be the bestIcandoingitclean.”
moderate-high band but there is “no information to indicate a direct threat againstparticipatingteams.”
The ICC shared that security assessment report with the BCB in their last call, which indicated no specificorheightenedthreat to the Bangladesh cricket team in India The assessment was shared with theBCB’ssecurityteamand concluded there was no overallthreattotheside,but pointed to low to moderate risksinsomevenuesandlow tonilinothers-standardICC categorisations around the world that do not ordinarily constitute sufficient reason tomovegames.
KARCC pedals into 2026 with seventh Annual Guyana-Suriname Group Ride
Flashback! Several Cyclists assembled at the Albina border, following the completion on 2025 edition.
Attack
Racing Cycle Club (KARCC) is set to ignite its 2026 calendar of activities with the ultimate test of endurance and grit, the s e v e n t h a n n u a l Guyana–Suriname CrossCountry Cycling Group
Ride, scheduled for January 22–27 This highly anticipated event will see cyclists embark on an epic journeyfromGeorgetownto Albina (French Guiana border), covering four grueling legs that will push both skill and stamina to the
limit. The ride continues to grow in stature each year and remains one of the region’s most demanding and wellsupportedcyclingchallenges. The assembly point for the ride is Sheriff Medical Centre on Sheriff Street, where cyclists are required
to gather from 3:00 am on Thursday morning
Departure is set for 4:00 am to ensure a smooth and fair start.
The opening leg begins in Georgetown, with riders pedaling across borders to reach Nickerie, Suriname. From there, the second leg takes the peloton from Nickerie to Coronie, followed by the third leg fromCoronietoParamaribo. The final and decisive stage will see cyclists depart Paramaribo en route to Albina, the Cayenne border, where the journey culminates.
Organisers have assured
participants that the event is fully supported, featuring medical personnel on standby throughout the ride, s u p p o r t v e h i c l e s , predeterminedreststopsand regular refreshments to aid recovery and performance alongtheroute.
P a r t i c i p a t i o n requirementsincludeavalid passport with at least six months’ validity, a yellow fever vaccination card, and personal and vehicular insurance.Cyclistsunderthe ageof16mustalsopresenta written permission letter from a parent or guardian in ordertotakepart.
The Guyana–Suriname
GroupRideismadepossible through the support of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Coronie Travel, Men on a Mission (MOM), Volkan Engineering, KGM Security Service Inc., the Ministry of Tourism, COMDA/JACOO, and the Surinamese Wielren Unie With its blend of international camaraderie, physical challenge and scenic routes, the Guyana–Suriname Group Rideonceagainpromisesto beafittingandthrillingstart tothe2026cyclingyear For further information, interested cyclists can contact 592-666-2500 or 592-621-3249.
2026 CWI Women’s Blaze T20 Championships Round 3…Guyana vs. Jamaica
Guyana will look to shake their demons underlights,astheypreparefortheirsecond night encounter versus an out-of-sorts Jamaican team, when action continues tonight at the Arnos Vale Playing Field Ground. After suffering a horrific loss on Thursday night, Guyana will be keen on reboundingtonightagainstJamaica.
The Jamaicans have been suffering a series of bad luck, losing both of their encounters but will desperately need a win comethisround,shouldtheyaimtoremainin thecompetition.TheGuyanesespinnershave been magnificent thus far, with Ashmini Munisar and Plaffianna Millington leading the charge, while veteran seamer Sheneta Grimmondhasbeenplayingherrole.
GuyanawillwantabitmorefromKaysia Schultz, while Shabika Gajnabi’s part-time bowlinghasprovedeffectiveintoughtimes.
The Guyanese have also been trying to find their groove with the bat, as Gajnabi
remains the key, while players like Munisar continuetostabilizethelower-order Skipper Shemaine Campbelle, Mandy Mangru, Realeanna Grimmond or the Williamssistersareyettohaveanimpact;but remainkeyplayersespeciallyagainstanoutof-formJamaica.WhileChedeanNationhas been the best player to date in both departments, should veterans like Rashada Williams or Stefanie Taylor find their form, theGuyaneseshouldbeinforafight.
Jamaicahasbeenonamixedbowlingrun aswellbutwithGuyanaplayingshakyagainst Leewards,whoplayasimilarmixedbowling style to that of the Jamaicans; both sides will need to tighten up in their respective departments Meanwhile, the opening round willseeLeewardIslandsplayingTrinidadwith both teams fresh off wins at 9:30h, while BarbadoswilllooktoboxouttheWindwards, whohavealsohadaroughstarttotheseason; from14:00h. (CliftonRoss)
The Kaieteur
U-19 World Cup: Afghanistan stun SA; Australia, England post wins
ESPNcricinfo - Halfcenturies from Faisal
Shinozada, Khalid Ahmadzai and Uzairullah
Niazai along with a combined bowling effort helped Afghanistan stun SouthAfricaintheUnder-19 WorldCupinWindoek.
In the 267 chase, South Africa were 175 for 5 at the end of the 40th over, with Jason Rowles on 97 But he was run out in the next over for98,followingwhichSouth Africa struggled to keep up with the scoring rate, with a coupleofbighitsfromCorne Botha bringing the equation down to 39 off 24 balls But Khatir Stanikzai had Botha caught at the end of the 47th over to leave SouthAfrica at 237 for 8, following which theylosttheirlasttwowickets in the 48th over to hand Afghanistanawin.
For Afghanistan, opener Ahmadzai and Shinozada laidasolidplatformafterthe early wicket of Osman Sadat, adding 152 for the second wicket Bayanda Majola broke through in the 35th over removing Ahmadzai for 74, while Shinozada too departed in the next over, leaving Afghanistan at 183 for 3. Niazai did not let the momentumslipashemadea
run-a-ball51evenaswickets fell around him to lift Afghanistan to 266. Majola and Botha finished with threewicketseach.
South Africa lost their openers early but Rowles kept their hopes up, without muchsupportfromtheother batters, as they fell 28 runs shortintheend.
steadily and found the boundaries occasionally, before departing for a 98ball 79 in the 49th over, helping push Ireland’s total to235.
Scores:Afghanistan 266 for 8 (Shinozada 81, Ahmadzai 74, Niazai 51, Botha 3-45) beat South Africa238(Rowles98,Aziz 2-49, Stanikzai 2-46) by 28 runs Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf lacked support even as he fought back from 85 for 6 in their chase of 211 against England. Yousaf scored 65 off86deliveries,butthenext highest score from Pakistan
was Momin Qamar’s 18*. Eventually, they were bowled out for 173 as England started with a 37run win after themselves being rescued by Caleb Falconer England’s No. 5 arrivedat67for3inthe16th over,whichsoonbecame90 for4after19onaslowpitch where the ball kept low But Falconer then added 80 for thefifthwicketwithRalphie Albert, and dominated that partnership.Hescored50of those runs, and on the way, broughtuparun-a-ballhalfcenturyinthe29thover Four overs later, Ahmed Hussain broke that partnership by bowling Albert for 25, and finished with 3 for 38 off his ten overs.Falconerfellfor66off 73 deliveries soon after, and
England’s tail folded quickly In the chase, Alex Green and James Minto reduced Pakistan to 28 for 3 intheninthover Therewere only brief recoveries thereafter: Hussain and Yousaf added 26, while Yousaf and Huzaifa Ahsan had a stand of 23. Batting with the tail, Yousaf kept Pakistan’s faint hopes alive. But once he was caught off Minto, Pakistan needed another 67 to win with two wickets remaining That turnedouttobetoomuchfor theirtailenders.
186-run stand with Nitesh Samuel, helped Australia brush aside Ireland for an eight-wicket win in Windhoek.
Afterbeingputintobat, Ireland openers James West andFreddieOgilbywereoff to a slow start, before John JamesstrucktoremoveWest for 11. Sebastian Dijkstra was the next one to go, with Charles Lachmund pinning himinfrontinthe18thover ThatbroughtRobO’Briento the crease, who then slowly rebuilt the innings in Ogilby’s company to put up a43-runstand.
Ashepreparesfor his clash in the C a r i b b e a n BoxingOrganization(CBO) in conjunction with Bris-O Promotions debut PRO/AM boxing show down card set fornextSaturdayattheCliff Anderson Sports Hall, Linden boxer, Edmond
DeClou, is seriously thinking of getting past Desmond Amsterdam in what is the main event in a light heavyweight bout, and then avenge the loss he suffered last October to KeithlandKinginBarbados.
DeClou now training in his home town of Linden, was seen doing his workout at the ‘Inspire Fitness By Kevin’s gym in Blueberry Hill, Wismar with coach Orlon ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers,saidthismainevent
showdown with Desmond Amsterdamistopreparehim for a return bout against the Saint Vincent and The Grenadines-born boxer King.
The bauxite mining pugilist,whopresentlyholds the WBC CABOFFE Middleweight crown and NationalMiddleweighttitle, isveryconfidentthathewill win his fight against Amsterdam in their sixrounderclash.
The 39 years old Edmond DeClou is looking forward after this bout against Amsterdam as he remarked, “What I have my eyes on and I would always say, in my career with 19 yearsbeingaboxer,ifIlose twofightsinastretch,Iquit boxing.WhichmeansIhave no intention of losing next
week, no matter what, I am notlosingnextweek.”
Amsterdamhasbeenone of Guyana’s best amateur boxers of recent and this would be his second professional fight, after winninghisonlyfightsofar With that unfortunate loss against King, DeClou has 20 wins from 25 fights, he said winning is the only thing on his mind w h e n h e f a c e s Amsterdam, “because I want to fight back Keithland King on the upcoming Dharry card, and so I am preparing also for that That is the guy whobeatmeinOctober,and I want to get a rematch next month, so I got to win this fight.
According to DeClou, “I was not fully prepared
Scores: England 210 (Falconer 66, Hussain 3-38, Subhan 2-24) beat Pakistan 173(Yousaf65,Green2-21, Minto 2-23,Albert 2-23) by 37 runs. Steven Hogan’s century, which included a
to fight King, due to how everything happened, it was a big back from all angles I was not mentally orphysical prepared ”
An optimistic Rogers said,“Hehasbeenworking, doingthemorningworkand gettingthegymwork.”
According to Rogers, “That fight in Barbados has been a set back because of hisweight.
If you are a fighter and did not each lunch and barely had something for breakfast, and have to wait until 6 30 to 7 00pm to weigh,andgoingtofightat 9 you would not have the energy”
Hesaidthathisfighteris stronger now and will be ready for this clash with Amsterdam on Saturday next.
Australia got off to a strongstartinthechase,with Malajczukhittingafourand six in the first over After he fellinthethirdover,Samuel and Hogan continued to build towards the target, scoring their half-centuries off 62 balls and 50 balls respectively Their 100-run stand came up in the 21st over, and Hogan continued to find boundaries, bringing up his ton off 97 balls in the 32ndover
Medium-pacer Luke Murray provided the breakthroughinthe36thover, having Hogan caught behind for 115 In his 111-ball stay, Hogan hit 11 fours and a six Bythen,Australianeededonly another 20 runs to win Ollie Peake then joined Samuel, whofinishedunbeatenon77, and together they completed the chase with 62 balls remaining to getAustralia off toarollickingstart
Offspinner Will Malajczuk, however, denied Ogilby his half-century, having him caught behind for 49 in the 29th over O’Brien continued to build
Uzairullah Niazai celebrates his fifty. (ICC/Getty Images)
Caleb Falconer scored 66 after England were 67 for 3. (ICC/Getty Images)
Edmond DeClou goes through his paces in the gym.
NSC reaffirms commitment to inclusive sport with renewed support for Blind Cricket
The National
S p o r t s
Commission (NSC) has renewed its commitment to the developmentofblindcricket in Guyana, reaffirming its support for inclusion and equitable access to sport during a recent engagement with the National Blind CricketAssociation.
The renewed pledge followed a meeting on Wednesday between representatives of the Association and the NSC’s Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle.
The meeting was held at the Commission’s office on Middle Street, Georgetown,
andformedpartoftheNSC’s ongoing series of discussions with national sports associations and federations across the country
According to Ninvalle, the engagementprovided an important platform for the Commission to reiterate its vision for inclusive sport, whilealsolendingsupportto theinitiativesandlong-term plans of the National Blind CricketAssociation.
“The National Sports Commissionfirmlybelieves in the equitable distribution ofitsresourcesandsupport,”
Ninvalle said “More importantly, we are committed to ensuring that
there is a sense of solace, purpose and opportunity in sports for the differently abled.”
He noted that blind cricket continues to play a vital role in empowering visually impaired athletes, offering not only competitive opportunities, but also social inclusion, confidence-building and personal development throughsport.
Ninvalle emphasized that the NSC views such engagements as critical to strengthening relationships withallgoverningbodiesfor sportinGuyana,particularly those representing underserved and special-interest groups.
“These meetings are ongoing, and they are essential They allow associations to share their challenges, outline their programmes, and work with the Commission to find meaningful ways forward. Ultimately, this process helps to solidify the relationship between the NSC and the relevant governingbodiesforsportin Guyana,”Ninvallesaid.
The National Blind Cricket Association
Commission’s continued support,asitlookstoexpand its programmes, improve access to equipment and facilities, and create more competitive opportunities locallyandregionallyforits athletes.
TheNSChasmaintained that inclusion remains a cornerstone of its national sports development agenda, with blind cricket standing as a key example of how sport can unite, uplift and inspire, regardless of physicallimitations.
Canadian sprinter De Grasse eyes LA2028 as final Games
(Reuters) - Seven-time OlympicmedallistAndreDe Grasse has set his sights on competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as his final Games, aiming to regain top form in the 100 metersevent.
The 31-year-old Canadiansprinter,whotook bronze in the 100m at both the 2016 Rio and 2020 TokyoOlympics,missedout on qualifying for the 100m final at the 2024 Paris Games.
“I want to do one more Olympics-LA2028. I want to try to get back competitive in 100 meters,” De Grasse, the international event ambassador for Tata Mumbai Marathon, told reporters ahead of the event onSunday.
“The100metersisoneof myfavouriteevents.Iloveit more than the 200 meters, even though I won the 200 metersattheOlympics.
“Iwanttotrytogetback
competitive in that race and trytogetbackintofinalsand bring back some medals again.”
De Grasse, who anchored Canada to men’s 4x100m relay gold at the Paris Olympics, plans to work on reducing his time, setting personal best goals forLosAngeles.
H o w e v e r , h e acknowledged the importance of securing qualificationfirst.
“I stillhaveto qualifyto trytogetthere.
That’swhatI’mworking hardtowards.Ikindofwant that to be my final Games, kind of near close to home soil,”DeGrassesaid.
ENHANCEDGAMES
When asked about the Enhanced Games a controversial event set for May in Las Vegas where a t h l e t e s m a y u s e performance-enhancing substancesundermedical (Continuedonpage23)
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle (2nd left) and members of the Blind Cricket Association following their meeting.
Sporting fraternity mourns passing of former
GBBFF
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, has joined the local sporting fraternity in mourning the passing of former President of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), Donald Sinclair, who died on Thursday evening after losing his battletocancer.
I n o f f e r i n g condolences, Ninvalle paid glowing tribute to Sinclair’s contribution to sport,describinghimasan innovative and forwardthinking administrator whose leadership helped position bodybuilding among the top sports in Guyanaduringhistenure.
“Donald Sinclair was innovative in his approach to the governance of sport and played a critical role in placing bodybuilding at the forefront of Guyana’s sporting landscape, ” Ninvallesaid.
According to Ninvalle, Sinclair’svision,structure and commitment elevated the sport locally and regionally, and his impact w i l l b e f e l t f o r generations
Ninvalle further noted that Sinclair’s influence extended well beyond bodybuilding, highlighting his willingness to work closely with other disciplines in a personal capacity to assist with improving both on-field p e r f o r m a n c e a n d administrativesystems.
President Donald Sinclair
“Hewasalwaysreadyto share his knowledge and experience,”Ninvalleaded.
“Whether it was helping athletes improve their performance or guiding associations on governance and administration, Sinclair gave freely of his time and expertise for the betterment of sport,” the Director of Sportnoted.
S i n c l a i r w a s a towering figure in both sport and tourism in Guyana
Widely regarded as one of the country’s leading tourism experts, he served in several capacities within the tourism sector, where his vision and commitment helped advance Guyana’s profile as a destination for sportandleisure.
Within bodybuilding, Sinclair leaves behind a legacy of dedicated and transformative leadership He is remembered as one of the longest-serving presidents of the GBBFF, during which time he played a pivotal role in elevatingthesport.
Among his most notable achievements was being instrumental in Guyana hosting the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships for the first timein2004.
Sinclair was also the owner of the Fitness Paradise Gym, which became a hub for athlete
development across
multiple disciplines and a strong symbol of his advocacyforhealthyliving.
He was known for his unwavering support of
sports associations to
embrace sports tourism as apathwaytogrowth.
Ninvalle stated that Sinclair ’s passing represents a significant l o s s t o G u y a n a ’s sporting and tourism communities
Donald Sinclair (Newsroom)
Steve Ninvalle
Sports Champs looking to rebound following tough loss
U-19 World Cup: Afghanistan stun SA; Australia, England post wins Captain Yousaf’s 65 not enough for Pakistan; Australia’s Hogan and Samuel (77*) brush Ireland aside -PreparationforCBOpro/amcard nextSaturdayatCASHwindsdown
Edmond DeClou and Trainer Orlan Rogers goes through their paces in the gym.
