Kaieteur News

U.S. turns up heat on Venezuela with threat to indict new leader Delcy Rodriguez

Siblings drown while playing

Phagwah

Family suspects security guard found dead in Sophia was electrocuted

IDB projects Latin America and Caribbean to grow 2.1% in 2026

Welfare officers suspended for dragging schoolgirl through city bus park

U.S. and Israel

pound Iran

U.S.andIsraelpoundIran

...as oil price soars and markets slump

DUBAI/TEL AVIV, March 3 (Reuters) - Israeli and U.S. forces pounded targets across Iran on Tuesday, prompting Iranian retaliatorystrikesaroundthe Gulfastheconflictspreadto Lebanon, rattled global markets and sent oil prices sharplyhigher

Four days into the war, U S President Donald Trumptoldreportersthatthe U S military had struck numerous Iranian naval and air targets, saying that “just about everything has been knockedout.”

Trump also sought to justify the assault on Iran, saying he had ordered the campaignbecausehehad“a feeling” Iran would attack after negotiations over its nuclearprogramstalled.

In response to the fierce assault, Iranian drones struck the U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia after previously hitting the missioninKuwait.

Washington shut both embassies, as well as its embassy in Lebanon, and ordered non-emergency government personnel and their families to leave much oftheMiddleEast.

Smoke was seen rising near the U.S. consulate in Dubai on Tuesday and Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters a parking lot was hit and all personnel were accounted for.

A source familiar with Israel’swarplantoldReuters that the campaign had been planned to last two weeks and was going through its target list faster than expected,withearlysuccess in killing Iran’s leaders — including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the opening salvoes on Saturday TrumponMonday said initial U.S. projections werefortheoperationtolast four to five weeks. When asked who he would like to be in charge in Iran, Trump on Tuesday gave a blunt assessment: “Most of the people we had in mind are dead.”

Iran’scapitalTehranwas repeatedly shaken by explosions through the day, as Israel struck the ‘state broadcasterIRIBandanarea around the city’s Mehrabad airport. The Israeli military also said it hit the Minzadehei underground nuclear development site in Tehran.

The building housing Iran’s Assembly of Experts, tasked with choosing a leader to replace Khamenei, was also flattened by an air attack in the city of Qom, Iranian news agencies said. Israel said it was still reviewing the results of that strike It was not immediately clear if anyone died in the raid, but Trump said senior Iranians had perished on Tuesday. As

Iranians have fled cities, the capital has become a ghost town.

“How long will this continue? Where are the shelters? Where is the government?” Bijan, 32, a bankemployee,toldReuters by telephone from Tehran. “Every night my wife and I hide in the basement. The wholecityisempty Thereis s m o k e a n d b l o o d everywhere.”

Firuzeh Seraj said she was afraid to take her 10year-old daughter for dialysis treatment after a hospital in the capital was struck. “World, do you see? Theyarekillingus.Hearour voice,” she said through tearsfromTehran.

STOCKMARKETS

TUMBLE,ENERGY PRICESSOAR

Globalstockmarketsslid as the disruption of Middle

East energy supplies threatened to reignite

inflation. The price of crude oil , gained 5% and the European wholesale price for natural gas was up a punishing 40%. U.S. retail gasoline prices averaged $3.11 per gallon, according totheAmericanAutomobile Association-ahighlyvisible sign of the rising consumer pricesthatvotersciteasatop concern ahead of the November midterm elections.

WallStreetstockindexes were down in midday trading, following losses of more than 3% in European and Asian indexes. Iran has called the war an unprovoked attack “We have told the enemy that if you try to harm our main centers, we will hit all economic centers in the region,” Revolutionary GuardsadviserJabarisaidin `Iranianmedia.Iranhasfired missiles and drones at neighboringArab states that

Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 3, 2026.

host U S bases, and strangled shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, where afifthoftheworld’ssupplies of oil and liquefied natural gas travel past its coast. Qatar, one of the world’s main exporters of LNG, has halted production, while tankershavedroppedanchor intheGulfratherthanbrave thestrait.

The cost of hiring a tanker to ship oil from the Middle East to Asia has nearly quadrupled since last weektoanall-timehighwell over $400,000 a day.Trump said the U.S. government would provide insurance to tankersintheregionandthe Navy would escort them through the strait if necessary Global air transport has also been in chaos, with Middle East air hubs linking Asia, Europe andAfricashut.InLebanon, Iran’s Hezbollah allies fired on Israel, which responded with air strikes and reinforcements of ground positionsinthesouth.Thick black smoke blanketed Beirut as the sound of explosions rumbled Authoritiessaiddozenswere killed.

Iransaid‘deathsfromthe attacks had reached 787. That included 165 girls killed on the war’s first day when their school was bombed, the highest toll among several civilian targetsreportedtohavebeen hit.

State media showed hundredspackingthestreets of the southern city of Minab,wherethegirls’small coffins, draped with Iranian flags, were passed from a truckandbornebythecrowd across a sea of upraised handstowardsthegravesite. The U N human rights office demanded an

investigation into the strike, which its spokesperson called“absolutelyhorrific”.

Some Iranians have openly celebrated the death of Khamenei, 86, who had ruled Iran for 37 years and ledsecurityforcesthatkilled ‘thousands of antigovernment protesters only weeksago.

RUBIOSAYS WASHINGTON ATTACKEDKNOWING ISRAELWOULD STRIKE

While Israeli officials explicitly say they want to oustIran’sgovernment,U.S. officials have said the war’s aim is to destroy Iran’s ability to project force beyonditsborders.

In a closeddoor briefing on Tuesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar declined to set a timeframe for the military campaign, acknowledging Iran’s government could survive the war but expressing confidenceitwouldcollapse later,sourcessaid.

The minister’s office did notimmediatelyrespondtoa requestforcomment.

Like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,Trumphasurged Iranianstotoppletheclerical leadership, which ‘has tormented the U.S. and its alliesforgenerations,buton Tuesday the president urged caution.

“Ifyou’regoingtogoout and protest, don’t do it yet. It’s very dangerous out there,” he said. In Israel, where Iranian missiles have killed 10 people since Saturday, air-raid sirens soundedrepeatedly,warning of incoming attacks and sending millions into bomb shelters as the blasts of interceptions shook buildings.

Caribbean economies face modest growth in 2026 amid global uncertainty – CDB

…Region expected to grow 1.1%, Guyana to drive that growth to 6.2%

In 2025, Caribbean economies recorded slower growth amid intensifying global uncertainty, climateshocks,andfiscalpressures

This is according to Caribbean DevelopmentBank(CDB)findings released on Tuesday at the Bank’s Annual News Conference in

Barbados

Presenting a review of the Bank’s 2025 performance and the economic outlook for 2026, Jason

Cotton, Acting Deputy Director of Economics,notedthatgrowthacross the region decelerated last year as external conditions became less

supportive and downside risks materialised

“Lastyearwasmorechallenging for the Caribbean region, as global conditions became less supportive anddownsiderisksmaterialised,”he said Cotton noted that noted that excluding Guyana, regional growth slowedto06%in2025,downfrom 14% in 2024 When Guyana is included, overall growth reached 4 7%, reflecting that country’s continued double-digit expansion, albeit at a slower pace than in the previousyear

He explained that outcomes varied across other countries Among commodity exporters, economic activity in Suriname accelerated, partly reflecting continued oil-related investment, while Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) experiencedmutedgrowth Cotton stated that serviceexporting economies expanded moreslowly,astourismmomentum eased “Onceagain,climateshocks

Continued on page 6

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EDITORIAL

Blacklisted contractors

One of the most glaring segments of budget wastage, corruption excess on steroids, and continuing PPPC Governmentfailuresisitscohortofcontractors. Acohort madeupofperforminganddeliveringcontractors,aswell as subsets made up of unqualified contractors, delinquent contractors, nonperforming contractors, and cheating and corruptcontractors.

They look for every loophole in a system setup to favourthem,thentakethefullestadvantageofthebillions in taxpayer dollars that they grab using a variety of schemes. Minister ofAgriculture, Zulfikar Mustafa, was given the dubious honour of sharing with the nation how seriousthePPPCGovernmentisaboutcontractlapsesand failuresbycontractors. Thirtycontractorsblacklistedfrom anyfurtherparticipationingovernmentawardedcontracts foranypublicworksprojects.

Thirty contractors blacklisted may sound like a huge development, but that's a drop in the contractor bucket. With hundreds of billions of dollars budgeted for new buildingandrehabilitatingofoldstructures,contractorsin Guyanaarelikeasmallarmybythemselves. Asmallarmy withinaclosedPPPCGovernmentcircleofinsiders,buta circlewieldingpowerthatoutweighsitssize. Inanutshell, contractors are the darlings among PPPC Government friends and are prominent in those favored by leaders. When 30 contractors are blacklisted for life, that sounds likebreakingnewsofmajorproportions.

Butisitreallyso? Somemorequestionsshouldhelpto parse through this cancerous area which costs Guyanese taxpayerssomuch,andpushesmorequalifiedcontractors outofthebidding.

Who are the 30 blacklisted contractors? The government will make a big production, with these 30 blacklisted contractors, as evidence that it is moving againstthewholegroup,whatevertheirdelinquency. Why isMinisterMustafasoresistanttonamingthem,sothatthe peoplewhosemoneypaysthem,Guyanesetaxpayers,have the clearest idea who the contractors are? Who are the principals,theprojectsonwhichtheyfailedtoperformper contract specifications, and the total cost to the country? Announcingthat30contractorshavebeenblacklistedisa good step, but only the first one. One question that observersandcitizensissuretoaskis:whynotnamethem, so that they can be recognised as either major or medium scalecontractors,orminnowsinthecontractorfield? Ifthe delinquent 30 is a batch of peripheral players in contract award schemes of the PPPC Government, then any celebration of government's seriousness is premature. Moreaboutgettingthemostmileageofwhatlookslikean inspiringdevelopment,butonewhichhasn'tmovedtoany materialdegree.

And leaving a door open, so that they can rebrand themselvesanddomoredamage.

When citizens are informed of the identities of those contractorsthatfailedinhonouringtheirobligations,they maybeabletofigureoutiftheymatteratall,andhowoften they featured in the contract failures that have haunted contract awards and contract fulfillment. Were they eligibleinthefirstplace?

If they weren't, then where did the procurement apparatusfalldownonthejob,andwhy? Aquestionthat Minister Mustafa should give serious consideration to is: how many in lost contract millions combined, and/or the extra dollars to hire replacement contractors, did the blacklisted 30 charge against the Treasury? If the total numberoftheminvolvedislimitedtothat30,thehittothe Treasury should still be substantial, and calls for the specifics of identification and more clarity The next questionwouldbewhatisthegovernmentdoingtorecover those millions, with that process also being publicly ventilated.

The contract for the $865M Belle Vue pump station sawtheTepui,Inc.,groupbeingadvancedcloseto$182M, withlessthanathirdoftheworkcompleted. Willtherebe

20 years later: Has the CARICOM Single Market really grown?

DearEditor, January2006markedthe official start of the CARICOM Single Market after its launch in Kingston, Jamaica Then, we were hopeful that the Caribbean wouldseethebenefitsofthe free movement of goods, labour, capital and services across the region. Late 2025

n Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines became the four MemberStatest

movement However, 20 yearslater,therehasbeenno remarkable growth of intraregional trade. The cause of thiscouldbeasaresultofthe endless barriers, boundaries and borders that prevent genuine movement. There's apopularsayingintheworld

of International Trade that goes“Countriesdonottrade, but people do”. Simple but profound, it catalyses us to pause and think about what exactly is my role in increasing intra-regional trade?

Yourroleissimple…you have the power of choice, and you have the power of demandastheconsumer As anintroductiontoCaribbean Integration and Intraregional trade, I challenge my students to pick a Caribbeancountrythatisnot their own, research ten manufactured products and readthelabelsespeciallythe ingredients.Assimpleasthis exercise is, it is to introduce my students to the top manufactured goods in a country, as well as the potential for exports within the region. It warmed my

h e a r t w h e n t h e announcement was made that Guyana Shop will be exporting watermelons to Barbados Now, after 20 years of the launch of the CSM, regional goods are movingmorefrequently A trip to Georgetown invariably leads to the vibrant Bourda Public Market for fruits in season and to the Guyana Shop, nestled on the corner of Alexander and Robb Street. TheGuyanaShopishometo hundreds of indigenous productsthatshouldbeinthe homes of all Caribbean citizens My favourite products range from readyt

eat Ashd

s Beef Pepperpot [in a Box] to Basdeo'sSaltedFishTroutto the innovative Ventriz Cheddar Cheese Plantain Chips. With the upcoming National Agricultural Exhibition (Agrofest) activitiesinBarbados,Ilook forward to touring and discussing with the businesses about their products, packaging and entrepreneurial journey as they seek to export to the Barbadianmarket.Nowwith intimate knowledge of the products, I can request them by name and quantity to place an order Let's be honest,itisonlywhenwesee the products and decide to purchase and try them out, do we see and understand that we ha

able alternatives to the extraregionally imported salt fish andsnacks,tonameafew Generally, Caribbean productsrelyontheircurrent citizens and the diaspora to propel their market

(Continuedonpage6)

Is Caricom being cultivated to be the straw that will break the Cuban camel's back?

DearEditor, WashingtonThinkTanks claim that 'the Trump administration has its external priorities right' First, it wanted to get 'the hell' out of Ukraine, then to secure regime change in Syria, thereafter, to wage war together with Israel on Iran and, ultimately, to seek 'a friendly takeover' -a euphemism for regime change- in Cuba assuming the island's government is agreeableto'atransition'that will take the country back from whence it came sixtysevenyearsago.

Inanefforttoachieveits longsoughtafterobjectiveof regime change in Cuba, the US wants all fourteen memberstatesofCaricomon its side. However, should thisnotbeachievable,thena US engineered fracturing of theregionalbodyshouldnot be discounted This will open the way for the US to partiallyachieveitsstrategic objective; “Cuba needs to change,Mr Rubiosaid.But, he added, “it doesn't have to changeallatonce.Itdoesn't havetochangefromoneday to the next. Everyone is matureandrealistichere.”

Incidentally, reports

indicate that while the US is talking 'friendly takeover' with the grandson of Raul Castro, it is talking 'regime change' with the son of the deposed Shah of Iran Meanwhile, Muammar Gaddafi's daughter is stepping up to the plate. In the circumstances, it seems asthoughweareintheeraof the much touted 'takeovers' by the Millennials and the Genz.

The triumphalist breeze that drifted recently across Washington with the kidnapping of President and First Lady Maduro, and the killingofAyatollahKhameni became a squall for the necons in America to rally for the call for regime in Cuba.

Saveandexceptforafew hints dropped by the US President, his Secretary of State and the chairman of Caricom as to what is to be expected in the weeks or months ahead, the little we have to hang on to is the meeting planned for this weekinMiami,Florida.That event will be hosted by President Trump to discuss US security and other concernsfortheregion.

In view of the fact that

genuine efforts to recover that fairly large sum from that contract,andtheamountscollectedbyothersthatfailed? It is an encouraging sign that government may have embarked on what's a groundbreaking step with blacklisting. But blacklisting cannot be all that happens, when there are so many millions overall involved. Recovery efforts must follow If not, then is this how the millions are advanced, then shared among government insiders.

President Trump is under immense pressure on the home front, speculation is rife whether he will nevertheless proceed with the encounter in Florida or whether he will task Rubio and Hegseth to deputise for him or whether he will simplypostponethemeeting indefinitely

The communique issued at the end of the Fiftieth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of GovernmentofCaricomand the Joint Statement on Caricom's Engagement with Secretary Rubio stated inter alia; 'The Caribbean Community, cognisant of its very close relationship with bothCubaandtheUSA,and

mindful of the extent to which the Region can be negatively affected, is willing to participate in any way that will redound to the benefitoftheCubanpeople, while maintaining regional stability' Questions have a r i s e n a s r e g a r d s interpretation of Caricom's willingness 'to participate in anyway'thatwillredoundto the benefit of the Cuban people.'

Following the meeting with Rubio, President Irfaan Ali said, “We spoke about Cuba, and of course, in dealing with Cuba, it's not a simple issue,” the President indicated that “Discussions centered on creating a (Continuedonpage6)

The law should be allowed its natural course, in Guyana too

DearEditor, Guyanese are repeatedly toldthatGuyanaLAWSwill alwaysbeappliedequallyto everyone regardless of their position, wealth or connections.Even if roadaccident victim, Waveney Fernandes, evidently a notwealthypersonhavingtodo twojobstosurvive; accepts any offered financial compensation; the dangerousdrivingcasemust stillbepursued.

Financial settlements to avoid dangerous driving convictions, especiallywith

Guyana's high rate of road fatalities, must never be allowed to cancel the charges, something which happened in the past. The Police and the Director of PublicProsecutionshavethe duty to be diligent in evidencegathering tomake surethatjusticeisdone.

Businessman Riyad Ahmad must be treated as any ordinary Guyanese would be. The Law should bealloweditsnaturalcourse, inGuyanatoo.

Regards FaiyazAlli

Effective protection depends on collective vigilance at a community level

DearEditor,

The tragic death of 14year-old Aleena Preetam andthereportedstabbingof 15-year-oldTianaChapman haveunderstandablyshaken

our nation and has personally shaken me. Any harm to a child—regardless of background demands

s o b e r r e f l e c t i o n ,

c o m p a s s i o n , a n d accountability, free from partisanframingorpolitical opportunism.

Guyana does, in fact, have a child protection framework designed at the policy level to prevent, detect, interrupt, and respond to the exploitation ofminors.Ourlawsprovide legalauthority,investigative

capacity, protective i n t e r v e n t i o n , a n d coordinated services intended to safeguard a child's physical safety, psychological well-being, andlong-termdevelopment. The pressing question, however, is not whether a framework exists, but whether it is functioning at the level and consistency envisionedbyitsarchitects.

The Childcare and Protection Agency Act establishes the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) with clear authority to intervene in cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Similarly, the Sexual Offences Act criminalises sexual activity with minors (below 16 years) and provides investigative and prosecutorial pathways. These are substantive, enforceable statutes not symbolic declarations. The national conversation must therefore center on implementation: Are these laws being applied consistently?

Is there seamless coordination between the CPAand the Guyana Police Force and the Hospitals?

Are reporting and investigative protocols operatingasdesigned?

Thisisnotamomentfor blame, but for constructive reform.Anurgent,calm,and coordinated national dialogue is required to strengthen what already exists and address areas of operationalweakness.

Inthisregard,Guyanais fortunate to have principled and compassionate leadership committed to social development Dr

Vindiya Persaud has consistently demonstrated a rare combination of empathy, administrative

discipline, and forwardthinking vision in matters affecting women, children, a n d v u l n e r a b l e communities. Her capacity as both a builder of systems andahealerofcommunities places her in a uniquely strong position to guide a c o m p r e h e n s i v e strengthening of our protective architecture. We should put her to lead the required national conversation with all stakeholders to truly fix the challenge and this conversation has to be concluded with some haste; too many unnecessary deaths I have total confidenceinherleadership andherwork.

One reform worthy of consideration is the establishment of a specialised arm within the Guyana Police Force dedicated exclusively to crimes involving women and children.An instructive model can be found in India's “Mahila Thana” (Women Police Stations).

Policing in India is historicallygovernedbythe Police Act of 1861 and modernstatereforms,under the policy oversight of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Within this structure, specialised stations staffed primarilybytrainedwomen officers focus on social crimessuchassexualabuse, domesticviolence,andchild exploitation.

These units receive focused training in victimsensitive interviewing, investigative procedures in sexualoffence,coordination with social services, and community outreach and theyaretrainedinexclusive

women populated and led training schools. This is e a s y t o f i x B y concentrating expertise in one division, the regular police structure remains responsible for general criminal matters while a dedicated unit ensures specialised attention to vulnerable victims who are childrenandwomenwhenit comes to crimes like child and women exploitation. A similar model in Guyana could enhance reporting confidence, strengthen investigative outcomes, and improve inter-agency coordination with the CPA, the Police and health services.

At the same time, we mustacknowledgeabroader societal responsibility No child protection system anywhere in the world can intervene in circumstances that remain concealed and secretive When child pregnancies are hidden within families; abuse is normalised When communities remain silent in cases of children and women exploitation, the system's reach is inherently limited.Effectiveprotection depends on collective vigilance at a community levelfollowingtheprinciple "see something; say something".

Strong child protection requires:

Mandatory reporting compliance (meaning in abuse, even the neighbours can be charged for not reportingtheexploitation)

Public awareness and education(unfortunatelythe GuyanaPoliceinitscurrent construct - men led, cannot (Continuedonpage9)

Property fraud in Guyana

DearEditor,

The case involving Chandrawattie “Daata” Mahabir, as reported in the media of recently, illustrates theseriousrisksposedbythe misuse of irrevocable Powers of Attorney (POAs) andquestionableagreements of sale. If the allegations are proven,thiswouldrepresent another example of elder financialabuseinGuyana— amatterthatdemandsurgent nationalattention.

Across Guyana, rising land values have heightened the temptation for exploitation Common tacticsreportedlyinclude:

Misleading elders about the true nature of legal documents

Obtaining signatures on blank or partially completed pages

Securing sweeping or “irrevocable” Powers of Attorney

Fabricating debts to justifypropertytransfers

Exploiting illness or hospitalisation to pressure elders into signing or affixingthumbprints

The Attorney General Mr Anil Nandalal must step in and stop this theft of property An irrevocable POA, if improperly obtained, can effectively place control of all movable andimmovablepropertyinto anotherperson'shands.Such powerful legal instruments should be subject to stricter safeguards.

Consideration should be given to requiring mandatory, independent legal advice (possible statefacilitatedforallpensioners) before any irrevocable POA affecting a pensioner's propertycanberegistered.

Stronger legislative protections are needed to ensure that elderly citizens are not divested of lifelong assets without clear, informed, and voluntary consent In the meantime, pensionersandtheirfamilies should consider the following precautions while we wait on Mr Nandalal since it might take years for himtowakeup:

1. Never Sign Without IndependentLegalAdvice

Seek truly independent advicefromalawyerofyour ownchoosing.

Do not rely solely on a lawyer introduced by the party requesting the signature.

Insist that every document be read aloud and explained in plain language toyou.

2 Exercise Extreme Caution with Powers of Attorney If a POA is necessary, limititcarefully

Specify precisely which propertyitcovers.

Set a clear and reasonable expiration date andnotlongerthanoneyear.

Include express provisions for revocation that give the pensioner ultimatecontrol.

Retaincertifiedcopiesof allsigneddocuments.

3.ProtectSignaturesand Thumbprints

Neversignblankpages.

D o n o t p e r m i t unnecessary photographing or copying of identification documentsandsignatures. If hospitalised, request that a neutral witness, like the nurse or the doctor be present at all times and that all documents be clearly explainedtoallthewitnesses beforesigning.

4.MaintainProperEstate Planning

Ensure wills are

(Continuedonpage16)

20 years later: Has the CARICOM...

Frompage4 penetration, but I would arguethatweneedtostopthe slide of Caribbean trade and start to have intimate conversations about the products and call them by name. We need to create or identify clear-cut strategies topenetrateregionalmarkets

by going directly to consumerswithproductsand marketingcampaigns. There is an elephant in the room when it comes to embracing regional products within CARICOM. New products enter the region from external markets, and we seemingly embrace them with open arms.Yet, when it comes to products from within the region, the bar is raisedconsiderably Itcomes across as though extraregional products are considered superior to our regional products For example, last year, we had a

situationwherereconstituted milk from Guyana faced extreme scrutiny in two CARICOM markets One wonders whether Member Statesapplythesamelevelof scrutinytogoodsfromextraregionalmarkets. Inlightoftheuncertainty in global trade, especially in theUSmarket,theCaribbean needs to hunker down and strategically increase its internal trade and prioritise South-Southtradeastheway forward. But increasing intraregional trade is not the only solution; what we need are major improvements in our infrastructure,scheduledand reliable trading routes, harmonised trade policies and investment in creating regional supply chains for major Caribbean industries offering niche products. It is also essential that our goods conform to internationally

recognised standards to allowformarketaccess.

But for Caribbean nationals to know the products, we need to be moving to discover them ourselves Don't get me started on the potential of culinary and community tourism in the islands of Grenada, Trinidad, Jamaica or St. Lucia. But we need m a j o r l o g i s t i c a l improvements to transport persons,whetherbyairorby sea. It is for this reason that the momentum of free movement cannot stop at four Member States. Full freedomofmovementacross all CARICOM member states is what will truly open the door to greater collaboration, investment, trade and people to people connections throughout the region.

Regards

Dr.Kai-AnnSkeete

Is Caricom being cultivated to be the...

Frompage4 frameworkinwhichtheregionandtheUnited States could engage on Cuba's development andtransition.”

ThecurrentChairmanofCaricomshould leadafact-findingCaricommissiontoCuba. The mission should comprise of Heads of government and should engage in talks with the island's leadership, have meetings with the Cuban people, religious bodies, NGOs and the private sector. They must hear for themselves the Cuban people's view about a 'friendlytakeover'oftheirsovereigntybythe US.

AswewishPresidentAlisafejourneyto, and a productive meeting in Florida, he and his colleagues should, respectfully, bear in mind the advisement of their Canadian counterpart ; “Great powers (the US) have begun using economic integration as weapons, tariffs as leverage, financial infrastructure as coercion, supply chains as vulnerabilities “… adding; “You cannot live within the lie of mutual benefit through integration, when integration becomes the sourceofyoursubordination.”

Yoursfaithfully ClementJ.Rohee

Caribbean economies face modest growth...

Frompage3

weighed heavily on performance Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica while it was still recovering from Hurricane Beryl, pushing the economy into a second consecutive year of contraction There was, however, some relief on inflation. In line with global trends,pricepressureseased acrossmosteconomies,with regional inflation falling to anaverageof3.4%,fromits 2022 peak of 9.7%,” he stated.

Notably, the Bank found

that labour-market conditions improved in severalcountries,withlower unemployment and higher participation, though disparities remain, especially among youth and women.

Further, on the fiscal side, Cotton said that consolidationgainsachieved in the post-pandemic period stalled in a number of Borrowing Member Countries.

Excluding Guyana, the regional primary surplus narrowedto1.3%ofGDPas expenditure growth outpaced revenue – when Guyana is included, the regional primary surplus narrowsto0.2%ofGDP He credits this to Guyana's significantcapitalspending.

“Higher recurrent expenditure, climate-related shocks, temporary tax relief measures, and volatile non-

taxinflowsallcontributedto theweakening,”Cottonsaid.

He added that while the regional central government debt-to-GDP ratio declined slightly to 46 6%, vulnerabilities remain. Debt levels were recorded above 60%inninecountries.

2026OUTLOOK

For this year, the Bank projects that growth across the Caribbean will remain modest. Cotton noted that excluding Guyana, regional GDPisforecastedtogrowby 1 1%, while Guyana is expected to expand by over 20%,liftingregionalgrowth to6.2%whenincluded.

Heexplainedthatamong other commodity exporters, prospects remain mixed, with growth outcomes closely tied to commodity price trends and production dynamics.

Notably, serviceexporting economies are anticipatedtorecordmodest growth, largely hinging on tourism and construction Cotton stated that inflation dynamics this year will be shaped by developments in globalcommoditymarkets.

He noted that on the fiscal front, while some countries will continue consolidating and strengthening revenue administration, pressures from post-disaster recovery, rising wage costs, and declining Citizenship-byInvestmentrevenuespersist.

Cotton added that in s e v e r a l c a s e s t h e aforementioned pressures have led to deviations from medium-termdebtreduction paths and will require fiscal adjustment to realign with

established debt targets and preservesustainability

“That said, risks remain on the downside. Global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, both globally and within the wider Caribbean Basin, and climate-related shockscontinuetocloudthe outlook,”henoted.

Cotton stated that fiscal risks also remain, particularly in highly indebted countries with limitedbuffers.“Atthesame time, stronger than expected t o u r i s m o u t t u r n s , accelerated investment, progress on the renewable energy transition, and accelerated reforms to the business environment could improve medium term prospects,”hesaid.

S p e a k i n g a b o u t development imperatives, Cotton highlighted the Caribbean'srecenthistoryof one external shock after another “Each one underscoring how exposed small, open economies remain. This year, beyond the shocks themselves, uncertainty has become more deeply entrenched,” Cottoncautioned.

Tothisend,henotedthat this reality makes regional cooperation not just desirable, but absolutely essential. He said, “In a more uncertain and fragmented world, vulnerability is magnified whencountriesactalone,but together, we are more resilient It is equally important to emphasise that we are not without agency External conditions matter, but they do not fully determineoutcomes.”

IDB projects Latin America and Caribbean to grow 2.1% in 2026

LatinAmericanandCaribbeaneconomiesareprojectedto grow by an average of 21% in 2026, broadly in line with its long-run average, according to the Inter-American DevelopmentBank’s(IDB)newmacroeconomicreport

The analysis underscores the resilience of the region’s economies and finds that accelerating inclusive growth will demandsoundmacroeconomicframeworksandboldstructural reforms, alongside efforts to harness opportunities in technology and commodities, amid growing global risks The projection reflects a gradual slowdown compared to the region’s2.2%growthin2025.

According to “Resilience and Growth Prospects in a Shifting Global Economy”, labour markets in the region have sustained low unemployment, inflation has been largely contained,andinvestorconfidencehasimproved,asreflectedin historically low borrowing costs, with the median sovereign spreadfallingto209basispointsattheendof2025,downfrom 268in2019.Despitethesegains,growthremainsinsufficientto close income gaps, public-debt levels are high, and higher interest payments are placing increasing pressure on public financesandexternalaccounts

“Latin America and the Caribbean navigated global uncertainty with resilience, supported by fiscal and monetary frameworks that have helped contain inflation and sustain macroeconomic stability,” said Laura Alfaro Maykall, IDB chiefeconomistandeconomiccounselor

“Lookingahead,countrieshavetoaccelerateproductivityled growth, strengthen public finances, and seize new opportunitiesfromdigitalisation,artificialintelligence,andthe energy to raise living standards and build more resilient and inclusiveeconomies”

OPPORTUNITIES IN CRITICALMINERALS

Theregionisuniquelypositionedtoturnrapidtechnological advances and global energy needs into engines of growth, the reportunderscores Bothtrendsrelyheavilyoncriticalminerals, which the region holds in abundance A striking example is lithium;globaldemandisprojectedtorisebetween470%and 800%by2050 Withroughlyhalfofgloballithiumresources, about 35% of global copper reserves, and more than 20% of rare-earth reserves, the region is well positioned to become a strategicsupplierinthevaluechainsofthefuture.

Thereportcautions,however,thatnaturalwealthdoes not guarantee lasting development Capturing the opportunity in critical minerals will require stronger institutions, predictable rules, diverse and reliable energy, robust environmental governance,anddisciplinedfiscalframeworks

IMPROVEMENT

IN LABOUR MARKET CONDITIONS

Labour-marketconditionsimprovedmarkedlyin2025,with unemployment rates falling in most countries between June 2024andJune2025,andjoblessnessnearingitslowestlevelsin recentyears Whilewomen’sparticipationinthelaborforcehas surged, growth remains constrained by modest productivity gainsanddemographicshiftsthatareslowingtheexpansionof theworking-agepopulation.

Asaresult,sustaininggrowthwillincreasinglydependon productivity gains and upgrading skills Expanding access to digitaltrainingandsupportingworkers’transitionsintohigherproductivity occupations will be essential as labour markets evolve The report highlights skills related to artificial intelligence as the fastest-growing in the region, with job postings referencingAI rising sharply by mid-2025, to 7% of total vacancies Fiscal policy is entering a challenging phase, requiring urgent strengthening of fundamentals Public debt remains above pre-2020 benchmarks, interest payments are rising,andfiscalconsolidationhasweakened.

Averagepublicdebtintheregionstandsat59%ofGDP,with projections ranging between 57% and 66% of GDP by 2028 underbaselineandstressscenarios.Amongpolicyactions,the report highlights the potential of digitalisation to boost tax collectionwhenpairedwithcredibleenforcementstrategies. Whileinflationhaslargelyreturnedtotargetacrossmuchof the region, higher global interest rates, shifting expectations, andthegrowinguseofdigitalandforeign-currencyassetsare reshapingthemonetary-policylandscape

Thereportemphasisestheimportanceofreachinganeutral monetary stance neither stimulating nor restraining economicactivity whiledevelopingflexibletoolstoabsorb external shocks The report concludes that policies promoting stronger competition, improved skills formation, deeper regionalintegration,andthedevelopmentofmoresophisticated regional value chains can significantly boost productivity and should remain at the center of Latin America and the Caribbean’spolicyagendas

CARICOM-welcomedguest,orunwantedintruder

StKittsandNevis’Prime Minister,TerranceDrew,said it well: “Adestabilized Cuba will destabilize all of us” I still love America, but I object to Cuba squeezing.

But for geography, Guyanese could be living with the fear and despair of Cubans.

It has meaning for me, even if from Pres Ali to the last citizen take an opposing stand Host PM Drew was toocircumspecttosayit,soI do. If Cuba today, who tomorrow? For a local version of that, what if Guyana’s political leaders discoverthecouragetosayto Exxon: this must happen, or

there’sanAmericanAirlines flight waiting? It is not goingtohappen.

But if it were, all the unsolved drug and money

s perpetuated and protected here could lead to powerful men airlifted out of here in chains. The ones in suits,

Americandignitaries.

My concern is about the plight of ordinary Cubans paying bitter prices for the mistakes of their leaders.

Gambling,sugarandtourism were huge pulls. Ideas percolate about a return to thosehotmoney,highliving

glorydays.

The commercial and political Mafias must be drooling Bring the country to heel, then walk all over it Happening next door and righthererightnow,isn’tit?

Another concern is what is happening to CARICOM. Its gathering of heads is graced with a visit from the recently appointed King of Cuba,MarcoRubio.

He speaks Spanish with an American accent; and he speaks the language of American politics Power Unstoppable force What is Secretary Rubio doing at a CARICOM summit conference? Welcomed guest, or unwanted, barely toleratedintruder?

Dependsonwhoisasked; and even then, no one is so adventurous as to broadcast their real position For his part, Guyana’s flamboyant superstarPresidentAli(Iam sure he will like that descriptive) was there, and very quick to greet Marco Rubio. He managed to restrain himself well, stopping short of a bearhug,

amid the concerns and tensionsoverCuba.

It’salittleindicatorofthe internals currently undermining CARICOM

And it’s over Cuba and America’sideasabouthowto strangle it, control what’s left. RevisitVenezuela. Itis where this strength in unity bodyistoday

It says so much Of men and women, national leaders, proud to live on their knees, rather than stand upright and walk as dignified, selfrespecting men and women should I discern a resurfacing of that ancient cultural inferiority complex

Not at the level of hustling citizens, but at the heights withopportunistic,scheming commanders-in-chiefs

Given the seemingly abjectsurrenderofablocof15 nationstothemightoftheUS, Ineedsomehelp Anyhonest, truly patriotic source would be well-received How is what is happening today any different from the centuries thattheBritishruledtheseas andlandmassesaroundhere? Yes, I know how realpolitik

operates Of superpower stalking shadow, ominous projection

And isolation and ostracism and oppression throughsanction But,byall that’smeaningfulinlife,there comes a time when it is compulsorytowalklikemen and woman of self-belief, independence. It must be more than the political wisdom that currently rages inneighboringTrinidad. It’s of the wisdom that projects courage, a clean, and unfettered way, that forces

Britishcame,conquered,and stayed the longest The Soviets were toyed with, got shoved aside, don’t count. The Chinese are here, and Cuba in the hot seat. How long they will last? And all along the US stand as the longest, broadest and strongestfootprint.

others to respectful recognition.

How many masters will Guyana go through? The Mexicans no longer determine their own destiny

TheCubansareunderthegun (literally) with the net tightening. Look at who in theregionisuptotheirnecks in that; either through open endorsement, or more nuanced positions that can’t be differentiated because they are inseparable from thoseofendorsers.

History teaches that the

Now, CARICOM seeminglylinesupwithhatin hand Last, a boat is bombed, fourkilled,andSecRubiohas noanswersastowhythatwas necessary Apparently, indiscriminate bombing withoutcaringaboutpretexts isthenewestleadershipsport

Apparent also is the shallowness of the chatter aboutzoneofpeace Avulgar leadership stunt, merely the vocabularyofemptiness.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper)

SiblingsdrownwhileplayingPhagwah

What was supposed to be a day of colour,laughterandjoyouscelebration turnedintoanunimaginablenightmare for a family of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, after two young siblings drowned behind the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) pump stationatEnterprise.

Dead are 10-year-old Jadon De Courte and his eight-year-old sister Tianna De Courte, both of Lot 17 Melanie Public Road and students of Paradise Primary School. The tragedy unfolded during what had become an annual family tradition, celebrating Phagwahtogether

According to a statement from the Guyana Police Force, the incident occurred between 08:00hrs and 11:05hrs. Preliminary investigations revealed that around 08:00hrs on the day in question, the children had left their home with their mother and were in the area when they reportedly wandered away “At about 11:05hrs, information was received that two children were found motionless in a trench at Melanie/Enterprise The mother was alerted and subsequently identifiedthechildren…,”policesaid.

Emergency Medical Technicians respondedswiftlybutpronouncedboth children dead at the scene. When Kaieteur News arrived at the location, residentshadmeasuredthedepthofthe trench where water from the pump station is released under pressure. The trench,theysaid,wasapproximately10 feet deep. Kaieteur News later visited the family’s home, where grief hung heavilyintheair Thechildren’sfather, JasonDeCourte,aBakewellemployee,

and their mother, Tisha De Courte, a housewife,sharefivechildrentogether Jadon, the 10-year-old, was the eldest, followedbythetwins.

The children’s mother was too distraught to speak. Amid tears and visible anguish, their father recounted the harrowing sequence of events that led to the drowning. According to Mr De Courte,Tianna had slipped into the trench while attempting to fill a toy water gun. When Jadon noticed his sister fall, he instinctively tried to hold onto her to prevent her from going under But unable to support both their weights,hetoowaspulledintothedeep water Other children nearby quickly alerted family members. De Courte’s brother, who was closer to the area, rushedtotheiraid.

“Mybrotherwentdowninthewater, but he had to come back up to catch he

breathandthengoinagainandpullthem out,that’showdeepthewaterdeep,”the grieving father said By the time the children were pulled from the trench, they were already motionless Fighting backtears,Mr DeCourtedescribedthe momenthelearnedofthetragedy

“They go to their mother this morning and said they want to go and play,andshegivethemtheokay Every year it’s an annual thing, they does go andplayPhagwaheveryyear Mywife proceededwiththemwhileIwasdoing somechoresintheyard.AfterIfinish,I put on my clothes and went to Buxton because she was in front with them, so noneedformethere,”hesaid.

“Around after 11, I come back and sit in front with my sister, and then I hear my cousin say, ‘You in front here andTiaandJadondrownattheback.’

Continued on page 16

Welfare officers suspended for dragging schoolgirl through city bus park

Two officers attached to the Child Protection Agency (CPA) have been suspended after a video surfaced showing them dragging a schoolgirl through the Stabroek bus park, promptinginterventionfromtheMinistryofHumanServices andSocialSecurity

Avideooftheincidentsurfacedonsocialmedia,showing the two officers dragging the girl who was clad in her school uniform.At one point, one of the officers held onto the girl’s hair as they dragged her Persons at the bus park were heard registeringtheirobjectionswiththewaythechildwastreated. Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud in a Facebook post on Tuesday morning confirmed that the matter was brought to her attention and immediateactionwastaken.“Anappallingvideoofaschool child being dragged by two officers of the Child Protection Agencyhasbeenbroughttomyattention,”theministersaid.

Continued on page 16

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BBCWorldQuestionssettoignitedebate onGuyana’soilwindfallandfuture

On Tuesday 10 March BBC World Questions will cometoGuyanatodebatethe nation’s political and economic future in the country’s capital,Georgetown.

In press release BBC World Questions said that vast offshore oil and gas reserves are transforming the nation and that Guyana is now the fastest growing economy in the world.

“But with regional pressures and environmental concerns, how should the oil revenues be spent – and will the windfall be fairly distributed among the population?”

According to the BBC with the former President of

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Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro nolongerinoffice,whatdoes this mean for security and Caribbeanintegration?

The BBC World Service programme, which puts people and their questions at the heart of the debate, will bepresentedbytheBBCCorrespondent, Jonny Dymond. Dymond will chair the hourlong debate which will be led by questions from the live audience.

Thepanelwillinclude:Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Tabitha SaraboHalley–WIN frontbencher; Ms Ayodele Dalgety-Dean, activist & businesswoman and Founder & Managing DirectoratBlossomIncorporated and Sispro Inc and Mr Clinton Urling – Secretary of the Private Sector Commission.

Gwenan Roberts, CommissioningEditor,BBCWorld Service English, says: “We are thrilled to be coming to Guyana’scapitalGeorgetown for BBC World Questions, in what is a period of unprecedentedeconomicgrowthfor the country We encourage audiences to attend and look forward to hearing about the issues that matter most to peoplelocally.”

Theprogrammewillberecordedinfrontofaliveaudience on Tuesday 10 March at the Pegasus Suites and Residences in Georgetown. BBC World Questions: Guyanawillbefirstbroadcast on World Service English on Saturday14March.

Itwillbeavailableonline, on BBC Sounds and on most other podcast platforms. The show is produced by Helen Towner

BBC Correspondent, Jonny Dymond

Property fraud in Guyana

From page 5 professionally drafted and periodicallyupdated.

Storeoriginaldocuments securely

Informatleastonetrusted such as a church elder outside of your circle of family, independent individual where the originals are kept.

5. Report Suspicious ActivityImmediately

Notifythepolice.

Inform the Deeds Registry,ifyoufeelthatyourproperty is being stolen.

6. Involve Neutral Third Parties

Trustedcommunityleaders, clergy, or independent witnesses can help oversee

significant transactions.

Elderlylandfraudisnota mere family disagreement; it isaseriouscriminalmatterinvolving forgery, fraud, abuse of trust, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. As land values continue to rise in Guyana, such cases may increase unless public awareness improves, legal safeguards are strengthened, and authorities treat elder financial abuse with the urgency it deserves.

Professional bodies such as the Guyana Bar Association and the Association of Chartered Accountants in Guyana, also have a role to play They are both slacking

intheirpubliceducationcampaign. Greater public education initiatives — including accessible pamphlets, community outreach, and simplified guides to common legal instruments — would be a valuablecontributiontosafeguardingpensioners.Protectingtheelderlyfromfinancial exploitation should be regarded not only as a legal responsibility, but as a moral one.Once upon a time a lawyer called Jamela Ali did an excellent project called the Law and You that helped people. That project has to restart.

Sincerely Khemraj Harryram

Siblings drown while playing Phagwah

From page 14

So, I run around there, and whenIcomearound,Iseemy daughter lie down there and my son motionless in my motherarm.Icouldn’ttakeit. Icouldn’tlookatmychildren likethat,”theemotionalfather said. He explained that about five minutes later, the ambulance arrived, and EMTs attempted to resuscitate the children.Despitetheirefforts, both were pronounced dead.

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The tragedy is made even morepainfulbythemilestones

that will now never be celebrated. Tianna would have turned nine on March 21, while Jadon had celebrated his birthday just last month. The children were described asloving,helpful,andinseparable.“Nowthere’sanempty room. I can’t pass that room now Thetwinscan’tdowithouteachother.Itisveryhard forme,”theirfathersaidquietly. He recalled how, on Valentine’s Day, Tianna had givenhimadrawingwiththe words: “I love you daddy.”

“These children are the only sourceofmylove,”headded.

GOVERNMENTSUPPORT

Meanwhile, Minister of HealthDr.FrankAnthonyvisitedthegrievingfamily,offering sympathy and government support. He confirmed that the children were taken totheEnmoreRegionalHospital and that the bodies wouldremainatthehospital’s mortuary until the family is readytoproceedwithfuneral arrangements. “The hospital has a mortuary, so we will be

Welfare officers suspended for dragging...

From page 14

She disclosed that the officers were suspended with immediate effect and that the GuyanaPoliceForcehasbeen calledintotakefurtheraction.

“They will be held accountable for their conduct which run counter to the values and operational procedures of the Child Protection Agency,” Persaud stated.

Further, the Minister Persaud reaffirmed the ministry’scommitmenttochild protection,adding,“Incidents such as this cannot and will not be tolerated.”

Theincidentcomesonthe heels of the CPA being criticised for its handling of two recent tragedies involvingchildren.

The CPA in recent weeks has been rounding students liming at city bus parks dur-

ing school hours. The CPA, in partnership with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) early last month launched daily inspections targeting truancy at major transportation hubs.

Youth mentorship programmes.

Dubbed“StreetLightActivity,” the initiative will see joint patrols at key routes including East/West, South, Lamaha and Kitty. Officers fromtheStabroekPoliceOutpost, alongside CPA’s North and South district teams and DirectorLevineGouveia,led the first sweep.

“Joint patrols were conducted along key public transportationpoints,including the East/West bus route, Southbusroute,Lamahabus route, and the Kitty bus route,” the ministry had said

inastatementonFebruary11, 2026.

Duringthefirstoperation, 30 students were found loitering at bus parks during schoolhours.“Officersinteracted with the students to verify school attendance, assess the circumstances surroundingtheirpresenceatthe bus parks during instructionalhours,andreinforcethe importance of consistent schoolparticipationasacriticalfoundationfortheirdevelopment and future success,” the ministry stated.

The ministry emphasised that the Street Light Activity will continue daily as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts tosafeguardchildren,encourage regular school attendance, and strengthen interagency collaboration in protecting the nation’s youth.

able to keep the bodies. As soon as they are ready to move them to the funeral parlour,wewillfacilitatethat. We will be happy, as a government, to assist with the various expenses, including thefuneral.Itisareallytragic situation,” he said. President Irfaan Ali also extended condolences in a statement, pledging support tothefamilyduringtheirtime of grief. “I also wish to personally extend condolences totheparentsandotherloved onesofTiannaandJadon.No words can truly ease the pain of such a devastating loss, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We stand with you and will ensure that every possible support is provided as you navigate this period of profound grief,” the President stated.

Also present at the home wereMinisterofTourism,Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues, Minister of Education Sonia Parag, and Attorney General and Minister ofLegalAffairsAnilNandlall. Opposition Leader AzruddinMohamedwasalso present, along with APNU membersDexterTodd,Nema Flue-Bess, Shenika Haynes, and Vinceroy Jordan. Throughouttheday,thefamily was surrounded by relatives, friends, and residents whofilledboththehouseand yard in a show of solidarity

$71M for water supply systems at Jawalla, Kopinang schools

The Guyana Water Inc. ( G W I ) w i l l s p e n d approximately $71 million for the installation of water supply systems at the new JawallaSecondarySchoolin Region Seven, and the Kopinang Secondary School inRegionEight.

This is according to a recent invitation for bids issued by the water service company According to the tender notice, the project at Jawalla is estimated at $35 million while the Kopinang projectis$36million.

Bids are expected to be openedonMarch24,2026at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board(NPTAB).

Commissioning similar systems across various hinterland communities, Minister of Public Utilities

Construction ongoing at the new Jawalla Secondary School.

and Aviation, Deodat Indar stated that the provision of safe, clean water is a fundamental part of the government's broader vision of closing the gap between the coast and the hinterland, withtheaimofachieving100 per cent access to potable waternationwide. It was recently disclosed that construction of the new J a w a l l a s c h o o l i s progressing.

The education ministry reported that the $231 9 million secondary school is expected to be completed by Septemberthisyear

At a recent visit to the school site, Minister of Education Sonia Parag said the new facility will play a critical role in easing overcrowding and will provide improved learning conditions for students transitioning from primary top.

“It's very important that we have students from the primary top come into this schoolandoccupythisspace. We want to remove the overcrowding that's happening at schools right now; that's one of the main reasonswhyweembarkedon this project,” the education ministersaid.

(Continuedonpage18)

U.S. turns up heat on Venezuela with threat to indict new leader Delcy Rodriguez

(Reuters) - The Trump administration is quietly building a legal case against Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodriguez including readying a draft criminal indictment, one of several tools it is using to strengthen its leverage with Caracas, according to four people familiar with the matter

Federalprosecutorshave put together possible corruption and money launderingcharges,and​have communicated to Rodriguez that she is at risk of prosecution unless she continues to comply with Trump's demands following the U.S. ouster of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas

Maduro in January, the sourcessaid.

Reuters has not seen the charges in written form being prepared against Rodriguez but spoke with four people briefed on the matter The news agency is thefirsttoreporttheeffortto craft the draft indictment of Rodriguez for alleged money laundering and corruption, which the sources said Rodriguez had beenmadeawareofverbally.

The U.S. Attorney's OfficeinMiamiispreparing the draft charges, the people said, adding that the documenthasbeenevolving over the past two months.

The probe focuses on R

involvementinlaunderingof fundsfromVenezuela'sstate oil company PDVSA, three of the sources said, and covers activities between 2021 and 2025, two ​of the sourcessaid.

The Department of Justicedeclinedtocomment on the story After a summary of the report was published on the Reuters World News morning podcast, Deputy Attorney GeneralToddBlanchewrote on X, “completely FALSE from@reuters.Notsure​how such fake news makes its waytopublication.”

In a statement, Reuters said: “We stand by our reporting that the Department of Justice is

preparing an indictment againstDelcyRodriguez,the n e w p r e s i d e n t o f Venezuela.”

The⁠WhiteHouseandthe U.S. State Department did not respond to Reuters' questionsforthisstory

Separate from the draft indictment, U S officials have presented Rodriguez with a list of at least seven former high-level party officials,associatesandtheir familymembersthatitwants her ​to arrest or to keep in Venezuela's custody for potential extradition, four sources said. This was first reported by Spain's ABC newspaper Rodriguez is facing this threat just two months after taking power followingalightningraidby U S special forces who captured Maduro and whisked the longtime authoritarian leader away to New York for trial on charges of narcoterrorism and cocaine trafficking Maduro pleaded not guilty and is being held in New Yorkpendingtrial.

In public, Trump has heaped praise on Rodriguez forcooperatingwiththeU.S. andhailedVenezuelaas“our new friend and partner” in hisannualStateoftheUnion address But the draft indictment is yet another bargaining chip the United States has added as it attemptstocompelmembers of the Venezuelan government, once loyal to Maduro, to carry out its wishes The Venezuelan communications ministry, which handles all press queries for the government, didnotrespondtoa​detailed list of questions about the potential charges being craftedagainstRodriguez.

The drafting of an indictment does not necessarily indicate a case will be presented by a prosecutor to a grand jury,

which would then have to find there is probable cause to believe Rodriguez ​committed a crime. Grand juries meet in secret, and Reuters was unable to determine whether prosecutors had begun presenting any evidence againstRodrigueztoagrand jury.Since the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores,onJan.3,Trumphas relied on Rodriguez, Maduro's 56-year-old former vice president, to stability in ⁠Venezuela while he prioritises U S companies' access to the OPECnation'soilreserves.

Flores has also pleaded not guilty to federal charges includingdrugtrafficking.

f Rodriguez's administration who already have been indictedintheUnitedStates includeherhard-lineInterior Minister Diosdado Cabello, and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, who are, along with Rodriguez, longtime members of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, or PSUV, founded by the late Hugo Chávez Cabello and Padrino, both still in power in post-Maduro Venezuela, have consistently denied wrongdoing Many of the individuals whom the U.S. wantsRodrigueztoarrestor keep in detention already have indictments in the United States for money laundering, drug trafficking and other crimes, according tofoursourcesfamiliarwith the matter.Laura Dogu, the newlyappointedU.S.envoy toVenezuela,puttherequest to Rodriguez, the sources told Reuters Among the ​high-profile names given to Rodriguez isAlex Saab, 54, whorose​toprominenceasa closeMaduroallytobecome one ⁠of the most influential financial operators within the Chavista movement,

$71Mforwatersupplysystems...

Frompage17

Education will continue to closely monitor the project to ensuretheschoolisdeliveredontime.

Theschool,beingconstructedbySheriffConstruction, willcaterforupto250studentsandwillbeequippedwith facilities including Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Information Technology laboratories, Technical and VocationalEducationandTraining(TVET)laboratories,a Home Economics room, library space, teachers' quarters, spaciousclassroomsandasmalldormitory

Meanwhile,thenewKopinangSecondaryisalsobeing constructedbySheriffConstructionfor$199million.

The school will accommodate approximately 250 students upon completion and will feature modern amenities, including an information technology lab, and a library, ensuring a conducive learning environment for students,aswellasadminandteachingblocks.

accordingtofoursources.

Following an Interpol notice requested by the United States, Saab was previously arrested by local authorities in Cabo Verde in 2020 while traveling to Iran onanofficialmissionforthe Maduro government Extradited to the United States, he faced bribery and money laundering charges for allegedly routing $350 million from a corrupt Venezuelan housing constructionscheme​through the U.S. financial system, before he was released in 2023 by the Biden administration in a prisoner swap.Reuters reported Saab was arrested in early February and two sources said he remains ​detained by Venezuelan intelligence serviceSEBIN.⁠TheU.S.has a new sealed moneylaundering indictment against Saab, two of the sources said, but its status is notimmediatelyknown. If extradited, Saab could provide information to U.S. authoritiesthatcouldbolster their criminal case against Maduro, according to a sourcebriefedonthecase.

It is unclear whether Saab,aColombianwhowas granted Venezuelan citizenship by Maduro, will be extradited to the United States Venezuelan law prohibits the extradition of Venezuelan nationals, a barrier for several of the people Washington is seeking Saab's U S -based lawyer Neil M. Schuster did not respond to detailed questions about whether Saab ⁠has been detained, ​any charges he may be facing or whether he had offered any testimony about Maduro during his previous US detention.Other names on the list include the media ​mogulRaulGorrin,whohas also been detained by SEBIN in Venezuela within thepastmonth,accordingto three sources familiar with thematter Gorrin faces multiple federal charges in the U.S., primarily tied to bribery, money laundering, and co

company,PDVSA.

Gorrindidnotrespondto emails and a text message seeking comment, nor ​did his media business Globovisión.

Howard Srebnick, a Miami attorney who has previously represented Gorrin, did not immediately return a request for comment.

Family suspects security guard found dead in Sophia was electrocuted

Relativesof28-year-oldTrelon Frankbelieveshemayhavediedby electrocution after visible burn markswerediscoveredonhisbody following his death in Sophia on Monday

Frank’s mother, Nicola Christian of Lot 172 Levi Dam, Angoy’sAvenue,NewAmsterdam, Berbice, told this publication that burns to her son’s hands and back strongly suggest he suffered an electricshock.

Though a post-mortem examination is expected to determinetheofficialcauseofdeath onWednesday,thegrievingmother

said the condition of his body pointstoelectrocution.

AtherBerbicehome,Christian recounted her final conversation withherson,whichshesaidwasa brief exchange. “He text me and I asked him Saturday, I said, ‘yuh comingfortheMash?’hesaid,‘yes, but I ain’t really telling yuh if ah gon’come.Ifyuhseeahcome,yuh seeme.’Andafterthen,Iain’thear backnothingfromhim.”

Thatwouldbethelasttimeshe heardfromhim

Frank,asecurityguardwhohad relocated to ‘E’ Field, Sophia, approximately five years ago, was

thefourthofeightchildren.Family members said he had been working in the security sector for about five months prior to his death. At precisely 9:52 am on Monday, Christian received a phonecallfromhereldersister “I was at home the morning, thenIgotaphonecallbyabigsister of mine She called me on the landline and asked me when last I see my two sons. I said, ‘Trelon working in town, he doing security…’shesaid,‘hegotshock, hedied,’”Christianrecalled. Frank reportedly lived alone and kept much of his personal

affairsprivate Hismothersaidshe was unaware of any recent issues involvinghim.However,hisfather later mentioned hearing that someone had been chasing him followingareportedconfrontation withamaninGeorgetown.

Despite that, relatives maintain there were no visible signs of a physical assault Jewelry and cash found on his person remained intact, effectively ruling out robberyasamotive.

Authorities are expected to conduct a post-mortem examinationtoofficiallydetermine thecauseofdeath

Residents of Union No53 Community on the Corentyne complain of state of Sports Complex

Despitebillionsofdollars

being budgeted and reportedlyspentonthesports inGuyana,oneofthelargest community grounds in the country has been neglected with no plans in train of it beingrehabilitated.

The Union No53 Sports Complex situated on the Corentyne has a two-story buildingwithaPavilionanda vast playfield. It was once one of the premiere sports andculturearenasinBerbice andGuyana. Nowithasbeen neglected and left to deteriorate for reasons unknown.

The resident feel that government has turned their back on them Residents recently engaged and

complained bitterly to Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed and a delegation including MemberofParliamentGobin Harbajan among others duringavisittothefacility

The resident stated that the last activities on the ball fieldwasheldin2019.Since thegovernmenttookofficein 2020, the ground has been left abandoned. There is no electricityandnowaterinthe facility Overgrown bushes havetakenoverthefield,the fenceandsurroundingareas. There are no functioning washroomfacilities.

Thebridgesleadingtothe field are in deplorable condition.

The surrounding drains

Wednesday March 04, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19

This is your day, Aries, so don't waste it. Being the helpful, friendly person you are, you may find yourself catering to other people's needsanddesires.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Reward yourself for all the great things you've done for youandotherpeople,Taurus. Youdeservetobetreatedlike royalty,somakesurethatyou do.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Putyourwisdomintoaction, Gemini. There is no good in accumulatingknowledgeand then letting it sit, collecting dust like an old book on a shelf.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Enjoyingthegoodtimesmay befun,butitmayalsogetyou into trouble down the road, Cancer Becarefulofspending all your resources on pleasure without setting something asideforleanertimes

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

The surge of power within youisgoingtoletothersnow that you mean business, Leo Make good use of this fantasticboostofenergy

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Be more adventurous than usual,Virgo.Feelfreetotakea trip somewhere without bringing a map or having any specificdestinationinmind The sheer excitement of the unknownshouldthrill.

arecloggedupandneedtobe cleared. The building and pavilion are rotten and deteriorated and being overtaken by bushes. The

placeistakenoverbywasps, rats,roachesandotherinsect. The playfield and surrounding bushes, house reptilesandotherdangers.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You might find yourself in a difficult situation when faced with a person who doesn't necessarily approve of how you'rehandlingyourself,Libra

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Your interest in certain offthe-wall topics may be encouraged when you're engaged in a conversation with someone who shares similarthoughts,Scorpio.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Takeyourleadershipabilities to a new level, Sagittarius. Gathersomefriendsandplan a trip that you've long been considering but were reluctanttoacton.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

There may be a stalemate when you're unwilling to expressyourfeelings,Capricorn Youmightautomaticallyassume that things will go smoothly if you leave the decisions up to someoneelse

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Decisionsdon'thavetobeas hard as you make them, Aquarius.Youmayfeelasifa strongforceispullingyouin a clear direction, so don't resistit.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Look at things from a more philosophical perspective, Pisces, instead of seeing everything from such an intenselyemotionalone.You mayhaveaconstantfearthat everyoneisouttogetyou.

The residents complain that garbage is not being collected by the NDC in the area.

The building previously housed a Coop, clinic, library, sewing room, and computer room among other accommodations.

The residents say that there are no streetlights in many parts of the community, creating safety concerns Especially for childrenandoldercitizens.

They stated that the facilityhassincebeenlocked byaPPPCouncilorwhothey allege, is fighting to take controlofthefacility

According to the residents,thefacilitybelongs to the community They said

itwasadministeredandtaken care of by various managementcommitteesthat were in place and past government back then. A Coop was also in place. The Leeds/ Union Restoration Group raised funds and helped in the restoration of the facility in days gone by The previous government a s s i s t e d w i t h t h e rehabilitation of the fence andplayfield.

The residents are calling onthegovernmenttorestore and rehabilitate the facility and ensure the citizens get streetlights.

Sport Ministry renews...

Frompage24 new stadiums set to be openedandwewillbetaking thematchestosomeofthose new stadiums,” Ramsingh expressed.

He indicated that while Providencehasbeenalovely home for the national finals, it was imperative that all counties get the opportunity tohostandwithtopfacilities in each county, the national finals will move around to accommodateall.

“We are looking forward to Essequibo again; we had tremendous support in 2025, even with the facility not fully completed. We felt it was imperative to give all teams adequate notice of where the national finals would be held before the registration period opens”, heoutlined.

According to the Director, “without question, the cash prizes have increased for 2026, and we will soon unveil new initiatives aimed at giving more to players and fans at thematches”.

In 2025, the Leon Johnson-led Titans All-Stars defeated Eccles All-Stars to defendtheirnationaltitle.

Sport Ministry renews commitment to One Guyana T10 Tapeball; National finals head to Anna Regina

The Ministry of Culture,Youth andSporthasagaingivenitsstamp ofapprovalandsupporttotheOne GuyanaT10,whichentersitsfourth season.

While the National Stadium in Providence has hosted the national finalsofthetournamentforthepast threeyears,the2026nationalfinals willbeheldatthenewAnnaRegina NationalStadiuminOctober

The Ministry will soon commissionthenewfacility

The tournament will be played between August and October, and the organisers, FLSport, indicated that it will follow the same format in2025,withfourzones.

Thezones-Berbice,Essequibo, East Bank Demerara/West

Demerara and Georgetown/East Coast Demerara – with the four zone winners heading to the nationalfinalsatAnnaRegina.

Furthermore, FL Sport reemphasised that each zone is open toanyteam,astheconceptremains focusedonbringingthetournament to communities.Registration will openinAprilonafirst-come,firstserved basis. According to FL Sport, precise details on the registration fee and the updated team prize structure will be announcedsoon.

SportMinistryhailsgrowth

During a recent meeting with Ministers Charles Ramson Jr and Steven Jacobs, both commended the organisers for the tournament's

growthoverthepastfouryearsand foresaw exponential growth in the pipeline, with other major tournaments currently in the discussionphase.

Minister Ramson Jr reminded the organisers of the plan they broughtfouryearsagoandhowthe strategic partnership helped the tournament to blossom into one of

the most popular and lucrative in theCaribbean.

MinisterJacobs,whohasbeena s

of the tournament,notedthepopularityof the tournament gives opportunity for talent to be exposed, some of whomhavetransitionedadmirably to the conventional 'hard ball' cricket.Directorofthetournament, John Ramsingh, expressed gratitudefortheMinistry'ssupport and,byextension,forPresidentDr Irfaan Ali's patronage and strong support.

“Partnerships are key and we certainly welcome the support of the Ministry, 2026 is going to be a tremendousyearforsportwithfive (Continuedonpage23)

2026 Sherwin Williams 2nd Division T20 Cup…Malteenoes Warriors vs. Police All Stars Academy

Thomas, Dalrymple star in 90-run win

Jonte Thomas (L) and Delon Dalrymple ® led Malteenoes to a huge win.

A collective effort from the Malteenoes Warriors helped them ease to a 90-run win over the Police All Stars Academy when action continued in the 2026 SherwinWilliamsT20Cup.

Afterwinningthetossand electing to bat first, MSC Warriors did an exceptional job in getting to 219-9 by the endoftheir20overs.

A string of scores, led by Jonte Thomas who cracked seven fours and a handful of sixesinhis79helpedtakethe Warriorswellpast200runs. Help came from Colis

Rimplewhohit32(3x4)(2x6) as well as Adrian Hinds 32 (3×6) (2×4), which added to thebigtotal.

Police bowling saw Grant Stuart picking up 3-29 from his4overswithsupportfrom the veteran Kelvin Leitch (224).

Unfortunately, the lawmen could only muster 129-9after20oversendedas P Singh scored 34 with no other batsman being able to negate the class of seamer DelonDalrymple,whosnared 4-17 to complete a magnificentspell.

Albion, Rose Hall among...

Frompage27

magical figures of 6-18, but collapsedinthebattingfor73 despite Nicolas Cameron scoring 31.Joshua Persaud grabbed4-5andWilliams3-5 to lead Port Mourant's bowling.

Sunday's action at Rose Hall Canje, witnessed the home team mauling Tucber Park by 10 wickets, after restrictingthevisitorsto37.

Bowling for RTC, Gautam Dhanraj bagged 310,whileAdrianHetymer(320) and Romario Ramdeholl (3-5)didadditionaldamage.

In reply RHC reached their target in just 7 overs thanks to Richard Ramdeholl scoring23.

At Rose Hall Town, the home defeated Port Mourant by27runsafterscoring232-9 offtheir50overs.

Tameshwar Deonandan led with 60, while Razam Koobeer (49) and Roshan Crandon (35) added to the cause.

Bowling for Port M o u r a n t , M u n e s h

Rampersaud claimed 3-26 before witnessing his team collapsefor207allout.

Vishal Williams missed a ton as he led with 86 while NavinBoodwahduginfor53, as Asif Marimutoo bagged 4 for 38 to lead the opposition bowling.

SouthAfricajuggernautfacesknockouttestagainstNewZealand

(Reuters)- SouthAfrica havehardlyputafootwrong in their march to the Twenty20 World Cup semifinals,butcomplacencycan have no place against a New Zealand side famed for punching above their weight when the teams meetatEdenGardenstoday, Wednesday

The Proteas are the tournament's only unbeaten side and look a far more rounded T20 unit than the

onethatfellatthelasthurdle in2024.

They beat New Zealand in the group stage and have earned the favourites' tag that rested with defending champions India before the startofthetournament.

IndiafaceEnglandinthe other semi-final tomorrow, Thursday ”I'm glad that we're favourites, because I've always felt that as a SouthAfricanteamyouwant to be able to play as a

favourite," head coach Sh

, suggesting they were enjoyingthespotlight.

Sincesurvivingadouble S

Markram's side have not takentheirfootoffthepedal.

In Quinton de Kock, M

Rickelton, they field a top order capable of banking a powerplay

explosive middle order offering little respite whentheopenersdonotfire.

S o u t h A f r i c a complement it with a varied bowlingattack.

Kagiso Rabada's hard, test-match lengths and Marco Jansen's left-arm bounce have cramped batters, while Lungi Ngidi's change-ups have been a revelationacrossphases.

Left-armspinnerKeshav Maharaj provides control if conditions grip, with Markram holding himself backformatch-ups.

KNOCKOUTSTAGE CHALLENGE

SouthAfricahavelooked ominous so far but the

knockout stage brings its own challenge Besides, NewZealandcanbeatricky opponent New Zealand opener Finn Allen's ultra aggression is often the powerplay disruptor alongsidearotatingpartnerDevon Conway or Tim Seifert.

All-rounder Rachin Ravindra's ability to change gears sets a platform for Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell to attack the back end.Their pace attack does not have a settled look though.

The Black Caps are likelytomisstheservicesof fastbowlerMattHenry,who is back home on paternity

leave. Jacob Duffy or Kyle Jamiesoncouldreplacehim. Theirspinunitlookswell coveredhowever

Captain Mitchell Santner's stump-to-stump trajectory is a key match-up against de Kock and Markram, and Ish Sodhi's leg-spincouldtroubleSouth Africa'sright-handmiddle.

"We faced them in Ahmedabad, which I thinkisavenuethatthey've grown pretty used to given thatthey'vespentafairbitof time there," New Zealand's headcoachRobWaltersaid.

"The semi-finals will be in a different venue. Itwillprovideadifferent challenge."

West Side Alliance, Beavers, No. 1 All Stars among winners on opening day

- Hamilton Green nine-a-side Football continues Friday

Th e a n n u a l Hamilton Green Cupburstintolife last Sunday evening at the PlaisanceGround,delivering a thrilling start to the nine-aside Inter-Ward Football competition.

E i g h t p u l s a t i n g encounters marked the opening night, with West Side Alliance, Beavers, Zeelugt, No 1 All Stars, Plaisance, Victoria and BuxtonStarsalladvancingto the second round of the s t r a i g h t k n o c k o u t tournament.

WestBankandEastCoast teams wasted little time in stamping their authority on thecompetition.

West Side Alliance, Beavers and No.1 All Stars wereparticularlyimpressive, signaling early intent with commanding victories to secureplacesintheround-of16phase.

The atmosphere matched the occasion. Hours before kickoff, teams arrived in full uniform, transforming the practice area into a kaleidoscope of colours as supporters gathered in anticipation of an entertainingnightoffootball.

When the clock struck 6:00p.m.,WestSideAlliance setthetonewithaclinical2-0

Part of the action between Herstelling and Beavers on Sunday in 2026 Hamilton Green Cup.

win over Eagles. After two intense 15-minute halves, West Side's persistence paid off as they breached Eagles' defence twice to claim the tournament's opening victory

Beavers followed with a dominant 4-0 triumph over Herstelling in the second fixture. After taking a 2-0 lead into halftime, Beavers returned with renewed purpose, adding two more goals to comfortably dispatch their East Bank opponentsandmoveintothe nextround.

Zeelugt produced one of the night's standout performances, annihilating

Belle West Stars 5-1

Dominant from the outset, Zeelugtbuiltasizeablefirsthalf advantage and completed the rout after the break to book their place in thesecondround.

No 1 All Stars and Plaisancealsoadvancedwith hard-fought wins. No.1 All Stars edged Pele, while Plaisance narrowly defeated Wales 1-0 in game six to secureprogression.

Victoria then showcased their trademark resilience in a tense 30-minute contest against Park Squad Ballers.

The determined unit prevailed2-1toadvance.

B u x t o n S t a r s ,

meanwhile, advanced without kicking a ball after Haslington failed to show, handing the Buxtonians a walkovervictory

Organisers have since announced that matches originally scheduled for March 4 have been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances and will now beplayedonFriday,March6, atthesamevenue.

The tournament is made possible through the collective support of several prominent corporate sponsors, including Ricks and Sari Enterprise, Kings

Herstelling brought the entertainment but Beavers provided the goals in 2-0 affair.

Liquor Store, Toolsie Persaud Ltd, G MIN Ventures, Busta Soft Drink, New Thriving Restaurant, Gafoors, John Fernandes Ltd, Pegasus Hotel, ENet, Cumm

Company Ltd, Stars Rental, China Trading, Aurora, Dr Linden Dodson, Dr Michael Sue,Patrick“Labba”Barton, Ronaldo Alphonso, Correia andCorreia,andtheOfficeof theCommissionerofPolice.

Albion, Rose Hall among weekend's big winners

The BCB/G

B

w

U 1 9 tournament continued thispastweekendwithanumberof exciting encounters being contested across the Ancient County Saturday's round saw over at Albion Ground, the home team handing Rose Hall Town 'A' a 7wicket defeat after posting 126 all outin43overs,battingfirst.

Tameshwar Deonandan (32) was the lone main scorer, as off spinner Rovin Lallbeharry bagged 3-12.

InreplyAlbionendedon127-3 from 23 overs with Nathaniel Ramsammy carrying his team to victorywith42.

Playing at home, Rose Hall CanjehammeredMt.Sanaiby199 runs, after racking up 309-8 off their50overs.

National players Romario Ramdeholl stroked (71) , Adrian Hetymer (59) and Richard Ramdeholl (51), were the innings battingstars.

Justin Southwell claimed 2-30 forMt.Sanai,whowerebowledout for110in23.3overs,withDaymon Alder(31)theleadingscorer Bowling for RHC Micheal Newlandwhoscored37earlier,had his moment with returns of 3 - 29, finding support in Richard Ramdeholl(2-6).

Over at Bush Lot Ground in West Berbice, the hosts defeated Cotton Tree by 69 runs after making165alloutin30overs,led byAkashRamdewar(29).

Adrian Hetmyer

Bowling for Cotton Tree was led by Arif Bacchus (4-45) and Christopher Baldeo (4-26) but in replyCTwerebowledoutfor96in 27.2oversdespiteadefiant24from AfridiKhanasBushLot'sAltafAli snared5-10. At Whim, Port Mourant defeatedRoseHallTown'B'by155

South Africa juggernaut faces knockout test against New Zealand

SportMinistryrenewscommitmenttoOneGuyana

Tapeball;NationalfinalsheadtoAnnaRegina