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ASL says being pushed out of business

ByShaniaWilliams

Air Services Limited (ASL), a longstanding aviationcompanyinGuyana withover60yearsofservice, has been targeted and unfairlytreated,accordingto Chairman Captain Ahamad Mazahar Ally. He said the company received informal instructionsfromtheGCAA Director General Lt Col (Ret’d) Egbert Field, to cease operations, followed by restrictions on flights to theMatthewsRidgeAirstrip in Region One until further notice.

Ally also claimed that several of the company’s pilots were suspended, resulting in a loss of both personnel and significant revenue, estimated at up to $5milliondaily

The GCAA Director General declined to address the allegations when c o n t a c t e d b y t h i s publication.

The ASL chairman expresseddeepconcernover what he described as abrupt andundocumenteddecisions made on Sunday, including verbal directives to cease operations and restrict flights to Region One, its largest destination carrier He warned that the future of the company’s more than 300 employees could be in jeopardy if the situation continues.

Asaresult,thecompany is now preparing to initiate legalproceedingsagainstthe GCAA, citing what it describes as “unreasonable and unjustifiable restraint of trade,” should the authority fail to provide substantial justification for the restrictions and allow operations to resume at MatthewsRidge.

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Wednesday, Ally detailedwhathebelievesisa pattern of victimisation aimed at stifling the company’soperations.

According to him, the situation unfolded on Sunday around 09:35hrs when the company received a call from the Director General’s office instructing them to cease all operations with immediate effect, without any prior hearing. This was later followed by furt

ghts to MatthewsRidge.

“We are faced with

- accuses GCAA of unjustified, unreasonable restrictions

Air Service Limited (ASL). (photo credit: ASL website)

apparent victimisation from Mr Egbert Field,” Ally stated.

He explained that ASL typically operates three flights daily to Matthews Ridge.However,onSunday, an incident involving one of its aircraft triggered the chainofevents.

“The first aircraft was involved in an incident. The second aircraft went in and returned with the pilot, and then our Operations Manager, Captain Zahir, received a call from the Director General indicating thathehadreceivedareport abouttheincidentandthathe would ground our air services and the pilot with immediateeffect,”Allysaid.

He noted that while the company was initially allowed to complete operationsonSunday,itwas grounded on Monday That directivelaterevolvedintoa complete restriction from operating at Matthews Ridge.

Ally explained that the incident involved an aircraft from another company that had landed, suffered a puncture, and veered off but remainedontheairstrip.Asa result,theASLaircrafthadto manoeuvre and ultimately

landed on a nearby constructionsite.

“There is no supervision or air traffic control there,” headded.

He further stated that while the GCAA has historically played a supportive, regulatory role, recentactionssuggestashift inapproach.

“They are now acting more like police. We have nothing in writing, this is how they operate. We have beentargetedbytheDirector General,”Allyasserted.

He added that incidents occur across the aviation sector,butASLappearstobe singledout.

“All operators have incidents, but they are not subjected to these kinds of measures. As far as we are concerned, only our company is being targeted,” hesaid.

Highlightingthescaleof ASL’soperations,Allynoted that the company operates more than 50 aircraft and provides a wide range of services across Guyana’s interior,includingscheduled and charter flights, medical evacuations, tourist transport, and agricultural operations.

“We have been around

(Front right) Company Attorney, Motee Singh; (back left) Operations Manager, Captain

and

for over 60 years. We are pioneers in the aviation industry Weoperatetheonly certified commercial helicopter service for search and rescue in Guyana. We support the mining sector and currently control about 60%ofthedomesticmarket.

We are the largest carrier at present,”hestated.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e company’s attorney, Motee

Singh, has formally challenged the GCAA’s actions, arguing that the directive to halt operations lacksanyjustifiablebasis.

“Suchadecisionappears to rest on personal opinion rather than facts supported by a valid forensic report or conclusive investigation,” Singhsaid.

He further contended that other operators at

M

breachesbutwereallowedto continue operating without restriction, raising concerns about bias and unequal treatment.

“My client has indicated thatmanyofthesereportsare based on hearsay and are unjustifiable, unreasonable, malicious, frivolous, and vexatious,”headded.

Singh warned that the directivetoceaseoperations at Matthews Ridge may be unconstitutional and contributes to an unlawful restraint of trade He has giventheGCAA24hoursto permit the company to

s uninterrupted,pendingafull hearinganddeterminationof theissues.

“It is imperative to note that my client has been subj

ve

investigations in the past under que

onable circumstances, seemingly driven by individuals with vindictive motives,” Singh stated.

Hecautionedthatfailure to allow ASL to resume operations would leave the company with no option but to initiate legal proceedings intheHighCourtforjudicial review,aswellasclaimsfor loss of

e and reputationaldamage.

When contacted again f

GeneralFieldmaintainedhis position, stating only, “No comment at this time,” beforeendingthecall.

KaieteurNews

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

$6.8B FPSO, and Guyana gets the handrails

Two Guyanese companies: one a subsidiary of a foreignfirmhavesecuredcontractsontheUS$6.8billion HammerheadFloatingProductionStorageandOffloading (FPSO) vessel. Not for engineering, fabrication of major modules,orhigh-valuesystems.Forhandrails.

Yes,handrails.

In a country now positioned as one of the world’s fastest-growingoilproducers,thisiswhatpassesfor“local content.”Itisdifficulttodescribeitasanythingotherthan symbolic participation dressed up as economic progress. Thecontracts,awardedbyJapanesefirmMODEC,wentto Asequith Guyana Inc. and Asian Sealand Offshore and MarineInc.(ASOM)forthefabricationofstructuralsafety handrails, components that will ultimately be shipped to Asia for installation. MODEC, in its official statement, hailed the move as evidence of Guyana’s “growing manufacturing capability” and a demonstration of its “commitment to local content.” That claim does not withstandscrutiny HandrailsonaUS$6.8billionoffshore production vessel are not meaningful participation in the oileconomy Theyareperipheral,low-valueadditionstoa project whose real wealth: engineering, fabrication, procurement, and technical expertise remains firmly in foreign hands. This is not capacity building. It is optics. And yet, predictably, this is the type of development that will be highlighted, celebrated, and paraded as proof that Guyanese are benefiting from the oil boom. It is an insultinglylowbar Asonelocalbusinessmanbluntlyput it, securing contracts to build handrails on a multibilliondollarvesselis“aslapinthefaceofGuyanese.”Heisright. At a time when billions are being extracted offshore, citizensarebeingaskedtoapplaudscraps.

The Hammerhead project itself is massive. Once operational,theFPSOwillproduce150,000barrelsofoil per day, contributing to a national output expected to exceed1.5millionbarrelsdailybytheendofthedecade. TheStabroekBlockaloneholdsanestimated11.6billion barrels of oil. ExxonMobil and its partners: Hess and CNOOC are moving aggressively, with multiple projectsalreadyonlineandseveralmoreindevelopment. Thescaleofwealthbeinggeneratedisstaggering.Butthe question that continues to haunt this sector is simple: where,exactly,isGuyanainallofthis?

Certainly not in the high-value segments of the industry Not in the design of these vessels. Not in their construction Not in the advanced engineering or technologicalservicesthatcommandrealprofitsandbuild long-termnationalcapacity.Instead,Guyanesecompanies aretoooftenconfinedtothemargins—logistics,catering, minor fabrication, and now, handrails. This is not what local content was supposed to mean. Local content was meant to ensure that citizens and local businesses participatemeaningfullyintheoileconomythattheygain skills,buildindustries,andretainvaluewithinthecountry It was meant to be transformative. What is unfolding instead is a carefully managed narrative, where minimal involvementisamplifiedintomajorachievement.

The Government of Guyana cannot escape responsibilityforthis.Ithasapprovedprojectafterproject, licence after licence, while failing to enforce a robust frameworkthatguaranteessubstantivelocalparticipation. The policies exist on paper, but in practice, they are yieldingoutcomeslikethis—tokencontractspresentedas progress. Ifthisistheresultafteryearsofoilproduction and billions in revenue, then serious questions must be asked about negotiation, oversight, and political will. Corporate operators are doing exactly what they are designed to do, maximise efficiency and profit. If left unchecked, they will naturally retain the most lucrative aspects of their operations. It is the role of the State to ensure that this does not come at the expense of national development.Thatisnothappeningatthelevelitshould.

REBELLIOUSAND DEFIANT ‘JJ’

DEAREDITOR

,

The criticism started because of an incident that tookplaceatStateHouseon December 19, 1997 when Janet Jagan threw a Court Orderoverhershoulder The Orderwasaimedatblocking herfrombeingswornintobe the sixth President of Guyana.

To her opponents her action was nightmarish and indigestible. As far as they were concerned, she was required to fulfill her constitutional duty with aplombandutmostdecorum befitting of a conventional highfalutin figurehead. The legal and sanctimonious nobility at that time, sought to remind her threateningly of the convention: obey the rule of law or be sanctioned bythecourtofanopposition dominated public opinion pretending to be both judge andjury

Mrs Jagan stood her ground, after all, it was her first and probably only shot she would have at the presidency after years of strugglewinninggeneraland specific freedoms and equality for women including, women’s right to vote, income equality and fighting for free and fair elections, all representing actsofdefianceonherpart.

But the critics paid no

Guyana’s

attention; they did not see a feistynorcombativewoman withmanyyearsofstruggle, imprisonment and sacrifice underherbelt,theysawonly defiance not the human factor All they saw was the need to depose ‘this white American Jew’ who accordingtothesatraps,‘had no place at the highest level of state and government in Guyana’.

In her defiance on that day, she had pushed the maliciousherdasideandout oftheway Herdefiancewas reported as an assault on the rule of law Some even felt she should be denied what the electorate had decided and that she should be reassigned to Freedom House onRobbStreet.

Having failed in their efforts to restrain, denigrate andhumiliateherduringher presidency, Janet Jagan’s defiance gave the political oppositionnightmaresnotto mention their ‘weeping and gnashingofteeth.’

‘But her defiance went beyondtheholdingofoffice, she asserted the right to resideatherhomeatBelAir and not State House when, citizenJaganshedeclared;“I have the right to decide where must be my place of residence and that right will notbetakenfromme.”

It was only days after

settling in at her office at New Garden Street, now Shiv Chandarpal Drive that shesoughttotelegraphtothe critics and cynics that she was neither a danger to herself nor to others as she went about her daily Presidential duties; not with the airs and graces or hubris as some did in the past but with marked self-assurance, humility and a deep commitment to fulfill the promises made in of her party’s 1997 election manifesto.

On January 18, 1998 in response to a question concerningheractionputby GTV journalist Martin Goolsaranthisishowsheput it; “… I regret what took placeandIwishtoapologise for my action. At the same time,Iwouldliketotakethe opportunity to show the othersideofthecoinsothat people may understand the state of my mind and what had occurred. I also wish to mention very categorically, thatithadnothingatalltodo with disrespect for our laws ororourconstitution.”

Frequently perceived as defiant. Janet Jagan never hesitatedtostandherground andtostateheropinion,even if it made people uncomfortable.Infact,itwas only thin-skinned people who did not see the positive

nature of her spirit of defiance.

Infact,itwasonlywhen she stood her ground-on questions of principle and her beliefs that she was labelled rebellious and defiant, a misinterpretation that reinforced the false impressionthatsuchpersons are disagreeable and unrealistic players, unfit to holdoffice.

During her tenure in office,Mrs.Jaganrefusedto be ‘imprisoned’ by the trappings of presidential office.AsPresident,shewas able to force changes in the status quo obtaining at the time. In her own style, she influenced cabinet decisions, government’s parliamentary agenda as well as her administration’s foreignpolicy

Mrs Jagan shunned extravagance, lavish state banquets and dinners. She dispensed with contractseekingshystersand‘Greeks bearing gifts’ and while not beingapresidentialintrovert nor sectarian with the Guyanesepeopleasawhole, she never neglected to ground with members and supporters of her party and government. Moreover, she proved capable of expressing her changemaking

(Continuedonpage06)

decline in decency and rule of law started just after independence

DEARMR.EDITOR,

Please allow me to respond to your Sunday headline on 13th March, 2026: the new strategy to address high rate of lawlessness in this country

When I saw the article, I remembered in 1993 I casually spoke to president Jagan at Everest Cricket Ground.

I mentioned to him that duetothelawlessnessinthis country, people are leaving and even, if their parents would like to come back, from America, Canada, or England, their children

would be an immigrant and they will be foreigners to Guyana.

Editor, I did not discuss thiswithJaganin1993butI am much older and wiser now and I see the state of lawlessness in Guyana at everylevel.

The lawlessness started in 1966 when Guyana became independent Guyana had the brightest minds, the best dressed people,bestdancers,thebest trades men in the West Indies.

It brought me back to a story which was told to me

Theawardingofhandrailcontractsisnotabreakthrough.It is a reminder of how far Guyana still is from meaningful participation in its own oil wealth. It underscores a troubling imbalance: vast resources flowing out, while limited value remains. MODEC can describe this as a milestone.Itisnot.Itisaminimum.AndGuyaneseshould be wary of any attempt to dress it up as more than it is. Because if handrails on a US$6.8 billion vessel are what we are expected to celebrate today, then it raises an even more troubling question about tomorrow: after billions morebarrelsareextracted,willGuyanastillbestandingon the sidelines holding the railings while others steer the ship?

by a respected gentleman, whoisnowadoctor

In 1950, he and three otherboysfromTrinidadand Tobago attended the Royal Queens’CollegeofTrinidad, theywereheadingtoOxford University in England; one of the best in the world in thosedays;eventoday

They were very proud and arrogant; all they talked about is what they would become when they came back to Trinidad & Tobago.

One of the professors, who was at the dinner, with them called them aside and advised them, “Boys you going Oxford, you bright”. They replied, “Yes, we bright. And that is why we aregoingtoOxford”.

The professor replied saying, “Go on my boys, I wishyouwell,butwhenyou reach Oxford, look out for them boys from BG (British Guiana)”.

Butwhentheyarrivedat Oxford, within one month, they realised they were brightTrinidadianboys.But the boys from BG were brilliant. And they were no matchforthem.

I will shift a little: if in 1966 a boy was allowed his cowtograzeontheroadand noonestoppedhim,in1980, his son will graze his cow anddonkeyontheroad,and noonestoppedhimby1985, the first boy grandson will graze his cow, donkey and horseontheroad.

By2026,ifsomeonesaid totheboy,“Youcannotgraze your animal on the road” he would be told, “Uncle you stupid,whereyouwantmeto grazetheanimal?”

Our decline in decency and rule of law started just after independence and gradually kept up like compound interest as the yearswentby

They laughed and responded to the professor saying “We aren’t scared of nobody from BG, we gonna destroy them and the rest of theworld.”

YoursTruly, FrankDeAbreu

Memories of Cheddi Jagan

DEAREDITOR, Marchisthebirth(1918)

a n d d e a t h ( 1 9 9 7 ) anniversary of Dr Cheddi Jagan. From the diaspora, there are fond memories of the iconic leader – coming from the same village,

Ankerville and interacting with him multiple times at Freedom House, President’s Office and in New York. He was a genuine leader, admired by everyone in the village of PortMourantandsupporters in the diaspora. He lived a verysimplelifeinthevillage andinurbanBelAir Hewas deeplyconnectedtohisroots of PM and supporters in other rural, sugar-producing villages and elsewhere. He engaged Guyanese and others whenever he visited America, with receiving welcomeinmeetingsatCity College,organisedbyChuck MohanandProfMathias.He is remembered as a pioneer and visionary, humble and hard-working Many felt thatnoonecanfilltheshoes of Cheddi. They said they don’tknowifthereisanyone in politics that could rival him. Anywhere you travel, people said that Cheddi was one of the greatest leaders, incorruptible, caring and humble, and he will be so remembered He had compassionforthepoorand the farmers and working class, rarely observed anywhere. The public and the diaspora felt his death was a great loss to the country, leaving an unfillablehole.

G r o w i n g u p i n Ankerville, I remember the Jagan’s small modest home, theplaceofworshipinfront (kutiya or mandir), the fruit trees in the large yard, and the cricket playground behind the fence at the back (whereIplayedasdidyoung Cheddi, Kanhai, Butcher, Solomon, among other greats decades earlier), the

nearby four foot trench whereIbathedregularly,the narrow sand and mud lanes from the main road to the Jagan’s home, the dirty drainsonehadtojumptoget there, the lack of sewer and flush toilets, the lack of phone service, scarcity of running water and dependableelectricity

There was no electricity or potable water when Cheddi grew up in

generation of electricity camein1960sandoutlawed in1976whenGECcameon board. The area didn’t see any noticeable change throughout the 20th century – long periods of blackouts and hardly any tap water, depending on rain procured in barrels. One would not believe a great person like Cheddi would emerge from AnkervilleontheCorentyne under such conditions from which the statesman emerged to become an internationally respected academicandpoliticalgiant. (There has been a lot of improvement over the last two decades though a lot more needs to be done especially with the narrow side-line dam being gradually eroded by the trench).

Cheddi was born to Jagan and Bachoni who cametoGuyanaasinfantsof indentured laborers in 1901 and got married (in Hindu rites) in Guyana producing Cheddi and several other siblings, the oldest being Uncle Oudit (as we youngsters called him) who wasmarriedtoAuntyJaney His elders and age mates or c o n t e m p o r a r i e s remembered him as a vibrant, bright young man. Cheddi studied at RN Persaud’s private school (primary) and Rose Hall (secondary schooling) before moving to Queens College in Georgetown at

age 15 to complete his high school on the advice of his school’s headmaster, an African Guyanese. He was brilliant in school and stood outamongschoolmates.His childhooddayswerespentin A n k e r v i l l e a n d neighbouring villages like Free Yard, Boundyard, Manager’s Compound, PortugueseQuarter,etc.

As a youngster, he played cricket and engaged in other forms of recreation w i t h h i s c o u s i n s (Rampersaud’s), my father (Baldat) and my uncles and others in the village before he left for town (1933-35) andduringhisschoolbreaks in studies. He worshipped with his mother, a devout Hindu, and other siblings at home, attended mandir and Hindu services (puja and katha) in the village. She also worshipped at the Peepal Tree in Boundyard and the Shivala Mandir on the Side-line dam. Young C h e d d i h a d d e e p connections with village culture before going overseas.

Cheddi came from a relatively poor family, his father at first a cane cutter andthenbecominga‘driver’ (supervisor) His parents told him education was the route out of poverty He left for the U S for dental studies in September 1936 when he was 18. After he returned from USA in October 1943, Cheddi lived and practiced dentistry in Georgetown. He entered the political arena and founded the PAC, trade unions, and PPP He often returned to visit Port Mourant and meet old friends with whom he grew up. He supported his brothers and sisters and

cousins and others to advance their education. He did not want anyone to be dependent but independent. He guided them to achieve educationalsuccess.Hewas amongtheearliest(ifnotthe first) to leave Corentyne to study in Georgetown and abroad, to make something ofhimself,andreturnedasa nationalist to serve the nation. He was a wise man, whohadhelpedmanytoget a tertiary education in the Soviet bloc. Although he excelled and decided to live in Georgetown, he never forgot from where he came, often returning to, and reminiscing growing up in Ankerville and playing with friends.

As a trade union and political leader, Cheddi frequented sugar worker villagesalloverthecountry, advocating for their social andeconomicadvancement. As Chief Minister, Premier, andPresident,hisfocuswas ondevelopingcommunities, p

production, health, and educationsotheycanhelpto modernise and industrialise Guyana.

In my boyhood, I r e m e m b e r C h e d d i frequentingAnkervilleinhis Russian Lada, and we ran behind the car as our hero had come. He would come to see his mother He was always well-dressed, attired inshirtjacinGuyanaandin NY Healwayshadmeetings at the Kresh open spot and the Train Line, adjoining Miss Phoebe. I don’t recall Africans coming to PPP activities in Port Mourant except a few linked to the party Hewouldrailagainst (Continuedonpage06)

Strengthening and expanding our drainage systems must be treated as a national priority

DEAREDITOR, With Guyana remaining a flood-prone nation, I am hopeful that we are better prepared for the upcoming rainyseason.Environmental cleaning efforts have been ongoing for some time, led by the Ministry of Local Government with support from private sector businesses.These initiatives arecommendableandreflect

reducingfloodrisks.

However, significant concerns still remain Agricultural lands and residentialpropertiesinlowlying communities continue tofaceseriousthreatsduring periods of heavy rainfall.

Strengthening and expanding our drainage systemsmustbetreatedasa national priority Improving existing infrastructure while implementingnewandmore efficient drainage solutions can greatly assist in p

, livelihoods,andproperty

Additionally, facilities management interventions for public buildings and privately owned business

be consistently maintained Preventative maintenance plays a critical role in

reducing flood-related damage and ensuring that essential services can continue operating during adverse weather conditions. Greater accountability is needed to ensure that maintenance standards are upheldacrossallsectors.

A growing issue that requires urgent attention is sidewalk and community drainage. Many drainage pathways are being obstructed by improper garbage disposal, as well as overgrown gras

d vegetation. This not only contributes to localised flooding but also highlights gaps in routine maintenance and enforcement at the community level As a public communications analyst,Ihaveobservedwith concern that many citizens continue to disregard basic standards of cleanliness by dumping waste along highways, community streets, and even the coastline.

This practice must stop. Improper waste disposal clogs drainage systems, increases flood risks, and creates environmental and public health hazards that affectallGuyanese.Withthe long-termconsequencesof

(Continuedonpage06)

Health Ministry launches ‘Project ECHO’ to help treat complex cases

TheMinistryofHealthin collaboration with Mount Sinai Health System on Wednesday launched the ‘ProjectECHO’Programme - Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes, where a team of expert specialists will provide expert training to healthcare workers in remote communitiestotreatpatients withcomplexcases.

The programme was launched at the ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown headquarters.

Providing an overview of the project Dr Caitrin KellyofMountSinaiHealth System explained that ECHO is a telementoring model designed to expand knowledge and expertise in healthcare and education t h r o u g h v i r t u a l communities.

She elaborated that it follows an “all teach, all learn” approach, where participants engage in discussions, share de-

identified patient cases and receive guidance from specialists or subject matter experts.

ECHO’s mission, she noted, is to democratise knowledge and improve accesstobestpracticecarein underserved communities aroundtheworld.

The ECHO programme in Guyana, she said comprises the hub team, which is the Ministry of Health’s Chronic Disease Unit, which consists of

experts in a particular field, supportstaff,facilitatorsand ITsupport, and then there is the spoke sites which are health centers around the country where participants are health care workers that are providing care in those communities.

This project will utilise the current telemedicine platform and is projected to haveamaximumparticipant of300persons.

Distinguishing the difference between the ECHO telementoring model and telemedicine, Dr Kelly stated that the telemedicine

programme is where community health workers andpatientsdirectlyconnect via telemedicine with a doctor in Georgetown to discuss a patient case directly and provide direct guidance.

“Project ECHO is different because it takes a teamofexpertsandconnects withhealthcareworkersand the goal is to provide mentorshipandeducationto the healthcare workers to develop their capacity to provide direct care to their communitiesovertime,”she

Executive Director at Mount Sinai, Dr. Rachel Vreeman

said. At the launch, she disclosed that there will be two complementary and parallel ECHO programmes in Guyana. The first is the Ministry of Health Chronic Disease ECHO, which will be launched today (Thursday)andisfocusedon primary care and chronic disease.

The second, she said is the GPHC’s Diabetes and Cardiovascular care ECHO programme where the focus is on the same chronic diseases, but more on the inpatient and tertiary care level.

Minister of Health, Dr FrankAnthonyinhisaddress said this initiative has been inthemakingforquitesome time now, and that it will complement the other work the ministry is doing, that is the investments in the healthcareinfrastructure.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony at the launch of ‘Project ECHO’ at the ministry’s Brickdam head office.

“So, we have to complement what we’re doing with infrastructure with upgrading people’s knowledge, and we feel one of the fastest ways of doing that is to ensure that we can have this peer-to-peer kind o f i n t e r a c t i o n o f information Now, you might have a case somewhere in a remote part of Guyana, and you were a little bit uncertain how to treat that person, but here you ha

ity, a wh

e network of people who can supportyou,”heexplained.

The minister said that at the ministry, they are a knowledge-based ministry and across the healthcare system, they want people to upgrade, and people to constantlylearn.

The health minister statedthateveryday

(Continuedonpage16)

Strengthening and expanding...

Frompage05 climatechangecontinuingto impact Guyana through increased rainfall and rising water levels, these issues can no longer be ignored.

A shift in public attitude is u rg e n t l y n e e d e d , supported by stronger e n f

a n d sustained environmental education. Preparedness must be a shared responsib

ent, private stakeholders, and citizens to safeguard the futureofourcountry.

Sincerely,

BlaneR.Bunbury

Memories of Cheddi Jagan...

Frompage05

America and imperialists. Often, there were black and white films on the Russian and Cuban revolutions and of ‘the good life’ in those countries and the east bloc. During his trips, he would urgepeopletocometogether on projects to uplift the community Acouple times, after extensive rainfall for daysandflooding,thelossof livestock and with animals, people, and machineries often ‘fastened’ (got stuck) in deep mud on dirt streets, CheddivisitedAnkervillein a show of solidarity He

would appeal to owners of tractors and trailers to volunteer to grade the mud road and fetch dirt to fill holes. During his visits, he wouldstayatSwasiDeola’s home in Tain and got securityfromWhimpolice. Whenever he came to Port Mourant, it was an emotional and joyous h o m e c o m i n g , heartwarming Hundreds would gather to welcome their illustrious son and brother; they referred to his wife, Janet, as blue eye bhouji He was always welcomedwithflowermalas or garlands, traditional ceremonies, Bhojpuri and bhajan singing, tassa and chautaal music, and intense excitement from villagers, a treatment received throughoutGuyana—amix ofhighadmiration,personal affection, and celebratory fanfare, reflecting a warm, personal connection that transcendedformalpolitics. Thereismuchmoretobe said about my encounters with him in NY before and after he became President andinGuyana.

Yourstruly, VishnuBisram

REBELLIOUSAND DEFIANT ‘JJ’...

Frompage04 views on culture, ideology andpolitics. Janet Jagan had good reason to be angry to be confronted with a court order, orchestrated by those in authority to block her

from being sworn in as PresidentofGuyana. Rebelliousness and defiancecanbearawdeal–they can be a strength in some areas and a liability in others. Butif‘JJ’wasn’tdefiant and rebellious during her years in opposition she would not have made to be thefirstwomanPresidentof ourcountry RIPJJ!

Yoursfaithfully, ClementJ.Rohee

Guyanese companies scrape handrail contracts on US$6.8 billion oil ship

T w o G u y a n e s e

companies-one a subsidiary of a Japanese firm managed to scrape the contracts to build the handrails for the US$6 8B Hammerhead Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel- a situation, which observers say underscores how poorly

citizens benefit from the oil industryhere.

“These two contracts to build the handrails for a US$6.8Boilshipisaslapin the face of Guyanese and an insult…yet our government will celebrate these menial contractsaslocalcontent…” a

commented. The FPSO is beingbuiltbyJapanesefirmMODEC.

In a press release MODEC said Asequith Guyana Inc and Asian Sealand Offshore and Marine Inc. (ASOM) were contracted to fabricate structural safety handrails

forintegrationintotheFPSO during construction, hailing itasthe“growingcapability of Guyana’s manufacturing sector to meet global offshorestandards.”

According to MODEC the components will be exported to Asia for installation on the topsides modulesoftheHammerhead FPSO Once operational, Hammerhead will have the capacity to produce 150,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), along with associated gas and water

handling,furtherembedding Guyana in the global energy supply chain “This milestone demonstrates MODEC’s sustained commitm

content. By partnering with Guyanese manufacturers, MODEC is helping to build technical capacity, create high-value opportunities for localbusinesses,andsupport long-term, diversified economicgrowth,”MODEC said in a press release. The companysaidthesuccessful delivery by Asequith and

ASOM“isaclearexampleof how collaboration between international operators and local industry can produce high-quality results and

emergenceasaregionalhub

services.”

MODEC is a leading

production solutions for the offshore energy sector,

ProductionStorageand Continued on page 16

Miner dead after struck in head by falling tree

Aminer identified as 27-year-old

Mark Anthony Williams of Morashee Village, East Bank Essequibo,isnowdeadafterhewasstruckin theheadbyatree.

In a statement police said that an investigationhasbeenlaunchedintothefatal incident which occurred on Tuesday at “a gold mining camp at 13 Miles, Mango Landing,UpperDemeraraRiver”.

SofarithasbeenrevealedthatWilliams

was working in a mining pit along with his colleagues when high winds and heavy rain commenced, it was during this time that a tree reportedly fell into the said pit, causing theminertoreceiveinjuriestothehead. Hisbodywasretrievedfromthepitandit wasdiscoveredthathewasinanunconscious stateandlaterfoundtobeunresponsive.The body was escorted out of the area to a mortuary for examination and official pronouncementasinvestigationscontinue.

The magistracy is under attack

Social media was once praised as a tool for connection and free expression It allowed ordinary people to share ideas, tell stories, and participate in public debate. Today,however,ithastakena troublingturn.Ithasbecome an open platform where almost anyone can publish fictionasfact.

Toooften,informationis shared without verification. Claims are made without evidence Rumours are dressedupastruthandspread atalarmingspeed.

This problem is not just about misinformation. It is also about harm Social mediaisnowbeingusedasa weapon. It is used to attack individuals. It is used to damagereputations.Itisused to spread lies about people whomayhavelittlemeansto defend themselves. Even worse,itissometimesusedto extortmoney.Individualsare threatened with further false allegations unless they comply with demands. This is a dangerous abuse of a powerfultool.

Overthepastfewmonths, we have seen a troubling development in Guyana. A member of the judicial system has been unfairly targeted She has been accused of many things These accusations have been made without proof. They have been repeated across socialmediapages.Thetone has often been harsh and

malicious. There has been little regard for truth or fairness.

What is even more concerning is the apparent silence from those in authority Certain progovernment social media pages and their supporters have taken part in these attacks. Yet no clear voice from the government has called for an end to this behaviour No strong condemnation has been issued. This silence can be seen as acceptance. It can encourage others to continue suchactions. This situation should worry every citizen. If a member of the magistracy can be treated in this way, then no one is safe

Magistratesareofficersofthe court. They operate within a system that provides some level of protection. Yet even with these protections, they are being publicly attacked.

Imagine then what can happen to ordinary citizens who lack such safeguards. Their reputations can be destroyedovernight.

It is important to understand that criticism is not the problem In a democratic society, people have the right to question decisions.Theyhavetheright todisagreewithrulings.They have the right to express concerns about the administration of justice This kind of criticism can evenstrengthenthesystem.It

encourages transparency and accountability

However, there is a clear linethatmustnotbecrossed. Criticizing a decision of the court is not the same as attacking the character of a magistrate. One focuses on the outcome of a case. The other targets the individual. When criticism becomes personal,itshiftsfromdebate to defamation. When false claims are made about a magistrate, it undermines public confidence in the court.

Thisiswheretheconcept of contempt becomes important.Contemptofcourt includesactionsthatbringthe court into disrepute It includes behaviour that undermines the authority of thejudicialsystem.

When individuals make false and damaging statementsaboutmagistrates, they are not simply expressing an opinion. They are attacking the integrity of the court itself. This can interfere with the proper administrationofjustice.

The magistracy has the power to act in such cases. It cansummonindividualswho engageinsuchconduct.Itcan hold them accountable for contempt. This is not about silencingcriticism.Itisabout protecting the dignity and authority of the court. It is about ensuring that justice is notweakenedbyrecklessand harmfulspeech.

Sofar,themagistracyhas

DEM BOYS SEH

De Evil Empire want we oil while denying Cuba de same privilege

D e m b o y s s e h sovereigntyain’tashirtyuh does wear only when yuh goingout;issomethingyuh supposed to keep on all the time—yes, even when big people watching. Because ifyuhonlysovereignwhen it convenient, then yuh just dressing up independence likecarnivalcostume.

Dem boys remember how Forbes Burnham used to run things. Back then, when apartheid South Africa was the flavour of wickedness,hedrawaline. He seh plain and straight: Guyananahdoingbusiness with South Africa. And it ain’t matter if private company want mek a lil extra dollar—dem had to fall in line National principle over private profit. Some people bawl,

some people grumble, but Guyanastandfirm.

Fast forward now, and dem boys watching a next episode of global sitcom.

The so-called Evil Empire tightening the screws on Cuba till light can’t even stay on. Whole place blackout like somebody forget to pay GPL. Fuel can’t reach, ships afraid, and the people catching it fromallsides.

Now here come the million-dollar—or billionbarrel question: what sovereigntyreallymeanfor Guyana? We got oil now, plenty oil. Enough to make friends, and apparently enough to lose backbone too, if dem boys ain’t careful.

Demboyssehifthebig powers could decide who

shown restraint. It has been lenient in not taking action against those responsible This restraint may have been intended to avoid escalating tensions However, the situation has now reached a critical point. The continued attacks suggest that leniency is being taken as weakness. Theremaynowbeaneedfor firmaction.

Itisalsoimportanttonote that contempt proceedings carry serious consequences. They are not matters to be takenlightly

Once a finding of contemptismade,theoptions for appeal are limited. This reflectstheseriousnessofthe offence It shows how important it is to protect the integrity of the judicial

system.

The time has come to drawaclearline.Theattacks on members of the magistracy must stop. Social mediamustnotbeallowedto become a space where lies thrive and reputations are destroyed Freedom of expression is a fundamental right.

Butitisnotanunlimited right.Itdoesnotgiveanyone thefreedomtodefameothers. It does not allow the spreading of falsehoods withoutconsequence.

Everycitizenhasaroleto play We must think before we share. We must question whatweread.Wemustrefuse toparticipateinthespreadof harmfulcontent.Atthesame time, those in authority must

speak out Silence is no longeracceptable.

The integrity of our judicial system depends on respect.Itdependsontruth.It depends on fairness. These valuesmustbeprotected.The currenttrendonsocialmedia threatensallthree.Itistimeto act.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Cuba can trade with, then Guyana could decide who get Guyana oil Simple maths.IfCubacan’tgetfuel because of pressure, then why Guyana fuel must comfortably find its way to the same hands doing the squeezing?

Tell the oil companies plain: this ain’t just business, this is principle. Guyana oil ain’t going to the Evil One while Cuba sitting in darkness. That is what standing beside Cuba really mean—not speech, not handshake, but action thatpinch.

Because sovereignty ain’t for show And if yuh can’t use it when it matter, then all yuh got is flag and anthem… and plenty oil goingthewrongplace. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

Pres.Ali-forevertargetingthewrongenemy

President Ali has this marvelous gift. He reliably charges after some secondaryenemy Hislatest is that school gangs had better get going because his government is coming after them. Necessary;butthere’s a bigger priority Ahelping handisextendedtoGuyana’s beloved national leader, forever avoiding dealing withtherealgangs,enemies of Guyanese, that are within hisfold. With respect, Prezzie, cleaninguptheareasaround schools is a fine endeavour

and hands angrily against otherGuyanese. Fromstale,

Afinerone,sir,istocleanup what’swithinthewallsofthe PPP Govt, prowling its corridors. Whoaretheones openly cussin out, viciously attacking, Guyanese they findobjectionable? They’re PPP, Venerable Excellency Those freed from restraints, those who raise their voices

Facebook’s parliament Whatkindofexampleisthat,

impressionable Guyanese youth?

Achildinherearlyteens is allegedly raped by her father, and the nation isn’t

ministers? I count three.

Which law enforcement leader decided to manage thatmatter,andwhy?Under whose directions? An underage mother is stabbed 25 times, and she falls between the cracks. Nine children are preyed upon by a teacher in a Brickdam publicSchool,andonlynow there is awareness, action. One or two may pass undetected, but how to explain nine exploited children in need of help and the system failed them? Which minister should have been informed, but wasn’t? Maybe I have this upside down? Perhaps the govt’s protected class was busy vilifying Guyanese women on Facebook. There’s that internally admired PPP comrade, Excellency Ali, who is the worst example of how to treat Guyanese women? This is where housecleaning begins, Excellency. For when the reprehensible becomes the norm, then those youngsters in gangs look, listen, and learn. Iftheycan,thenhow isitthatIcan’t?

Once Pres Ali is serious about doing better of all Guyana, he gathers his ministers and sets the rules. Mypeople,mygovernment, my guardians will fight fair, deal straight. My soldiers will not go around ambushing Guyanese When governance systems fail from children to adults, you have no choice, Mr Leader, besides overhauling

thesystem,fixingwhatis wrong. Fixthesystemand the people spearheading it, so that the awful results of both are eventually extinguished. It is now beyonddiscussionthatsome PPPGovtcoddledshouldbe in one State institution only Apenalcolonyforthembest servesGuyanese.

For the probably busy, likely distracted Pres Ali’s benefit,Ikeeptrying. When badmen with long reputations are deeply embedded in the PPP hierarchy, decent PPP Govt women lose their zeal to speak up, recommend corrective action Take charge, Dr Ali. Discharge dutyinamannerthatinforms Guyana that there are no untouchables, no holies

Why are those with rap sheets within the president’s sphere of influence allowed to wield their own considerableinfluencetothe detriment of Guyanese girls and boys, local men and women? When dirty, tricky matters are slickly fixed, then the outcomes of those are the foul odors that escape, taint everyone Presidential immunity is of little utility in these situations.

Leadership comes from you, Mr President. Rise, fightandvanquishtheforces of darkness close to the bosom. Government can’t do everything, but one thing it should do better than all other Guyanese combined.

Set a standard that inspires. Be that standard. Noise nuisance, public lewdness, politicalartificesallmustgo. From the BBC to the parliamentary to social media. Womenandchildren must feel safe, and be safe. The biggest thugs, and baddest goons, shouldn’t enjoy the benefit of protective custody within FortressPPP Mr President: thisiswhatGuyaneseseeall too frequently in the PPP Civilians,betheysupporters or local political nonbelievers, get the idea that anything goes, that imitationhasnopenalty,and t h a t c r i m e p a y s Misdemeanour or major felony, it doesn’t matter, the deed is done. One teenager dead, another absorbing 25 stab wounds, nine children abused. Somebody must takecharge.

What is working as it should in this country, Mr President? Who is honest enough to see that it does? Whocanbecountedonfora principled approach, work for the people? Going after gangssellswell. Youshould search yourself Dr Ali, start over Begin inside the PPP Govt.

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

Govt. argues unlimited parent company guarantee for oil spill will harm revenues to Guyana

The Appeal Court on Tuesday heard arguments overGuyana’srighttoclaim an unlimited guarantee via oil operator, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) fromitsparentcompany-US oil giant ExxonMobil Corporationinthecaseofan oilspill.

The appeal case centers onEnvironmentalProtection Agency’s (EPA) application to set aside a ruling by The High Court Justice Sandil Kissoon to have EMGL provide an unlimited parent company guarantee within 30 days of his May 3, 2023 decision.

Citizens, Frederick Collins and Godfrey Whyte hadtakentheEPAtocourtto enforce a critical clause in theLizaPhaseOnerenewed environmentalpermitissued toExxonsubsidiary,EMGL.

Lawyersrepresentingthe twomenarecontendingthat EMGL as the permit holder must be able to meet its liabilities. In the likelihood of an oil spill, the responsibilitiesofExxonare uncapped.

Notwithstanding the Act requires financial assurance in the Exxon permit, the attorneys believe that the core of the issue is for the corporation to provide unlimited guarantee for all costs related to cleanup, r e s t o r a t i o n , a n d compensation for damages caused by any discharge of contaminants, including investigations into pollution incidents.

On Tuesday, Appeal CourtJusticesDawnBarnes, Nareshwar Harnanan and Priya Sewnarine-Beharry heardoralsubmissionsfrom attorney for the EPA, Sanjeev Datadin, Senior

Counsel and Edward Luckhoo, who represents EMGL.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC, represented the Government of Guyana while the respondents (Collins and Whyte) were represented by a team of lawyers including Trinidadian born Senior Counsel,SeenathJairamand attorneys Melinda Janki and Abiola Wong-Inniss as well as British-born King’s Counsel, Tim Prudhoe who joinedtheappeal. In his oral presentation

beforethecourt,attorneyfor the EPA, Sanjeev Datadin raised contention over the legitimacy of the claims of an unlimited parent companyguarantee.Datadin advanced that the term was introducedatthelevelofThe High Court when the trial judge sought to give legal effecttotheterm“unlimited guarantee”.

“The submission of the appellants your honour is thatthereisnounderpinning to the claim of unlimited parent company guarantee and there is no reference in facttoitinthelegislationor thepermit,”hesaid.

He submitted that

Section 31 of the EPA Act requires financial assurance tobeprovidedinaspecified sum.Condition14.3setsthe formula to calculate the amount.

“The forms of financial assuranceshallbeguidedby an estimate of the sum of reasonably credible cost expenses and liabilities that may…from any breaches of thispermit…”heexplained.

While there is general reliance on Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) which essentially means entities causing environmental harm, particularly in the oil andgassector,bearthecosts of pollution prevention, cleanup, and remediation,

rather than the public, the lawyerheldthatthefinancial assuranceandinsuranceina specifiedsumshouldsuffice inthecaseofaspill.

Datadin contended that “Clause 14 1 provides clearly that the “… permit holder is liable for all costs associated with cleanup, r

s t o r a t i o n a n d compensation for any damages caused by any discharge This is consistent with the ‘polluter pays’principle set out in the Act...”

He emphasised that the financial assurance to be provided is pursuant to Clause 14.3 shall be guided byanestimateofthesumof the reasonably credible costs,andexpenses.

According to Datadin, thecourtfellintoerrorwhen itconflatedthetwoconcepts and c

assuranceswereneeded.

“This was not so. The liability for all damage caused is clear but the guarantee is an estimate of the possible damage; two very different concepts and their confusion lead the Courtintoerror.”

Thelawyerisoftheview that trial court erroneously issued a mandamus to compeltheappellanttoissue an enforcement notice within days of its decision directedtoExxontoprovide the said unlimited assurances, which, if not produced within thirty days w

environmentalpermit.

He noted that this is contravention of 14.2 where the permit holder shall provide and /or declare within a reasonable time followingthesigningofthis permit a combination of the following forms of financial

assurance to cover all its legitimate liabilities under thispermit.

Exxon’s lawyer Senior Counsel Luckhoo submitted tothecourtthattheerrorwas made when the trial judge andtherespondentconflated the issue of liability He noted too that in keeping with the permit, there must be an estimate sum for the professed liabilities He contended that it is international practice is that thesumisnotunlimited.

Attorney General (AG) Nandalllaterexpoundedthat estimate must be specified whether it takes the form letter of credit, performance bondsorcash.Hesubmitted that the primary issue to be determined by the court is whether the environmental protection act and the environmental permit require unlimited guarantee as was ordered by the trial judge but first the court will havetodecidewhethersuch ananimalexistsinlaw

“It is respectfully submitted that such a guarantee cannot be provided, it means the Government of Guyana’s rightsunderthecontractmay be [permanently affected bringing the contract practically to an end, resulting in immeasurable financiallossanddamageto thestaterevenuestream…” In this regard, the AG p o s i t e d t h a t t h e government’sinterestinthe Continued on page 17

Iran says will end war when it decides

to do so

...rejectsTrump’splans,setsownconditions

(AL-JAZEERA) Ahighranking diplomatic source has confirmed that Iran received a 15-point plan fromtheUnitedStatesaimed at ending the US-Israeli war on the country But the source told Al Jazeera on Wednesday that Tehran describedtheUSproposalas “extremely maximalist and unreasonable.”

“It is not beautiful, even onpaper,”thesourceadded, calling the plan deceptive and misleading in its presentation. The comments come as US President DonaldTrumphasclaimed–despiteIraniandenials–that negotiations are under way between Washington and Tehran to reach an agreement to end the nearly one-monthconflict.

The source explained that Iran has a clear understanding of what

conditions it requires for a ceasefire and what it will reject.Thesourcealsostated there have been no direct Iran-US talks since the war began, but messages have been exchanged through a numberofmediators.

Theresponsecamehours aftersourcesconfirmedtoAl Jazeera that Pakistan had shared US ceasefire demands with Iran, which has been under US-Israeli attacksinceFebruary28.

Later on Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Minister AbbasAraghchialsosaidno negotiationsaretakingplace between Tehran and Washington, but he noted that the US is sending messages through different mediators, which “does not meannegotiations”.

In comments shared by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, Araghchi

stressed that Tehran is not seeking war and wants a permanent end to the conflict. He also said Iran is demanding compensation forthedestructioncausedby weeks of US-Israeli attacks againstthecountry Egypt,Pakistan pushingfortalks

This week’s diplomatic push comes after Trump announced he was suspending planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructureduetowhathe described as “productive” talkstowardsendingthewar

TheconflicthasseenIran

fire missiles and drones across the wider Middle East, including at critical oil and gas facilities in the Gulf region Iran has also essentially shuttered the Strait of Hormuz, a Gulf waterway critical for global energy supplies, sending oil pricessoaring.

But on Wednesday, WhiteHousepresssecretary KarolineLeavittwarnedthat Washington is prepared to escalate its military operationsifnecessary “The president’s preference is always peace. There does not need to be

Pres. Ali, U.S. Special Envoy Kristi Noem discuss security cooperation

…address illegal migration and economic opportunities

President IrfaanAli met U.S. Special Envoy and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Tuesday where discussions focusedonjointeffortstocombattransnationalcrime,disrupt cartel activity, strengthen border security, address illegal migrationandpromoteeconomicopportunities.

ThemeetingwasheldatStateHouseinGeorgetown.

Guyana President Ali presented Special Envoy Noem withapaintingbyGuyaneseartistDillonCraig,featuringthe Canje Pheasant alongside the Harpy Eagle, a symbolic gesturehighlightingGuyana’snationalidentity

Senior government officials, cabinet members, and representatives of the joint services were also present The engagement forms part of ongoing collaboration under the Shield of Americas Initiative, which was advanced by PresidentDonaldTrumpatarecentsummitinDoral,Miami, Florida,earlierthismonth

Guyana is among 12 countries that have agreed to work with the U.S. government to address narco-trafficking and otherillicitactivities.

Meanwhile, the Guardian reported that U S President Donald Trump announced recently that he was replacing Noemasthehomelandsecuritysecretary,cappingweeksof bipartisan complaints about her leadership after immigration agents killed two US citizens and reports emerged that she was involved in a personal relationship withatopdeputy

Noem’s firing was the first major personnel shake-up of Trump’ssecondterm.Thepresidentmadeitpublicinapost on Truth Social, in which he said Markwayne Mullin, a RepublicanOklahomasenator,wouldtakeoverfromNoem startingon31March.

Noem,whoTrumpsaid,“hasserveduswell,andhashad numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!)”,wouldbecomespecialenvoyfor“theShieldofthe Americas”, a security initiative Trump said he planned to announceovertheweekend.

a

th and destruction,” Leavitt told reporters.

“ButifIranfailstoaccept the reality of the current moment – if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily and will continue to be –PresidentTrump will ensure they are hit harder than they haveeverbeenhitbefore.”

Mediators are pushing for in-person talks between the Iranians and the AmericansasearlyasFriday in Pakistan, Egyptian and Pakistani officials said earlierintheday

According to Al Jazeera’sOsamaBinJavaid, Pakistan is in a unique position as a mediator because it has a Shia minorityandrelativelygood ties with Iran, including cross-bordertrade.

It also has a defence agreementwithSaudiArabia and a Sunni majority that is closelyalignedwiththeGulf states,hesaid.Theleaderof Pakistan’smilitaryalsohasa relationshipwithTrump,Bin Javaid added. “So all of this puts Pakistan in a unique positiontoactbetweenthese twosides.IthasnoUSbases on its soil, so Iran cannot accuseitofbeingusedbythe UnitedStates,anditisastate that has historically tried to mend relations between theseactors,”hesaid.

‘Egyptian ‘Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, meanwhile, said Cairo was ready ‘to host any meetings relatedtoIranaslongasthey servede-escalation.

Abdelatty said at a news conference that Egypt supports ‘Trump’s initiative to‘negotiatewithIran.

OnIran’sresponseto‘the USplan,‘hesaid:“We‘have to continue our efforts. It’s all about diplomacy and negotiations.” Turkiye has also been trying to position itself as a possible mediator.

Harun Armagan, vice chairman for foreign affairs inTurkiye’srulingAKParty, toldtheReutersnewsagency that Ankara has been “playing a role passing messages” between Tehran andWashington.

Irancounterswithown conditionstoendwar

Iranian Englishlanguage broadcaster, Press TV, quoted an anonymous official as stating Iran had rejected the US ceasefire proposal. “Iran will end the warwhenitdecidestodoso andwhenitsownconditions are met,” Press TV quoted theofficialassaying.

The official offered Iran’s own five-point plan, which consisted of a halt to killings of its officials, the meanstoensurenootherwar is waged against it, reparations for the war, the end of hostilities and Iran’s “exercise of sovereignty overtheStraitofHormuz”.

Earlier, two officials from Pakistan described the 15-point US proposal broadly, saying it addressed sanctionsrelief,arollbackof Iran’s nuclear programme, limitsonitsmissilesandthe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas suppliesareshipped.

An Egyptian official involved in the mediation effortssaidtheproposalalso includes restrictions on Iran’s support for armed groups.Israeliofficials,who have been advocating for Trump to continue the war against Iran, were surprised by the submission of a ceasefire plan, The Associated Press news agency reported, quoting an anonymoussource.

Iran remains highly suspicious of the US, which has twice, under the Trump administration, attacked it duringhigh-leveldiplomatic talks,includingtheFebruary 28 strikes that started the currentwar Iran’srejectionoftheUS proposal came as Israel launched air attacks on Tehran and Washington deployed paratroopers and moreMarinestotheregion.

Iran, meanwhile, launched more attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab countries, including an assault that sparked a large fire at Kuwait International Airport.

Mohameds’ extradition case in local courts put on hold by CCJ

In a significant legal development on Wednesday, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) moved to stay extradition proceedings against sanctioned businessmen Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, granting their attorneys a major victory and bringing the ongoingmattertoatemporaryhalt.

The ruling comes after similar applications for a stay were previously denied by both The High Court and the Guyana Court of Appeal With the CCJ’s intervention, the extradition committal proceedings before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’Court have now been paused.

Thedecisionwashandeddown by a panel of judges, Winston Anderson, Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, and Chantal Ononaiwu, sitting in PortofSpain,TrinidadandTobago. The interim stay will remain in effectuntilthedeterminationofthe special leave application, the substantive appeal, or until further ordersofthecourt.

Last Friday, attorneys for the Mohamedsfiledforspecialleaveto appeal a recent Court of Appeal rulingwhichdismissedtheirclaims of bias in the handling of the case. Theyalsosoughtanordertohaltthe ongoing extradition proceedings.

Caribbean Court of Justice; Port of Spain, Trinidad and

The CCJ responded swiftly, convening a case management hearingtoaddresstheapplication.

At the centre of the application is a challenge to the Court of Appeal’sdecision,whichupheldan earlier High Court ruling that rejected claims of political bias against Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, in issuing the Authority to Proceed (ATP). Both lowercourtsfoundthattheminister acted in an administrative capacity andthattheallegationsofbiaswere unsubstantiated However, the Mohameds’ legal team has maintainedthatthosefindingswere flawed.

During the hearing, Justice Anderson emphasised that the court’s decision to grant the stay was guided by the “interest of

importance and urgency of the issuesraised.

The CCJ treated the matter as urgentandgrantedallorderssought by the defence, including having the special leave application heard s

substantive appeal. The court also directed that respondents file affidavits in opposition byApril 2, 2026. Written submissions on the applicationforspecialleavearedue byApril10,withrepliestobefiled byApril15.

The case is set to return to the CCJ onApril 21, where both sides areexpectedtopresentarguments.

a favourable ruling could effectively bringthecasetoanend.

“If the Authority to Proceed is dismissed, it effectively kills the proceedingsbeforethemagistrate,” hestated.

However, he noted that if the court rules against them, the stay will be lifted and the State will be allowed to proceed with the extraditionprocess.

Describing the development as a significant victory, Dhurjon said the legal team is “delighted,” but expressed concern about the route takentoreachGuyana’sapexcourt.

“Weregretthatwehadtoswim the ocean to get justice,” he said, noting that both The High Court

andtheCourtofAppealhaddenied the same request on identical legal grounds.

In a sharp critique, he asserted that the CCJ’s ruling “tacitly and implicitly”suggeststhattheearlier refusalsbytheChiefJusticeandthe CourtofAppealwereincorrect. He stressed that the key issue lies in jurisdiction, arguing that such fundamental questions must be resolved before proceedings continueatthemagistratelevel.

“Youcannotallowthematterto run like a runaway train in the magistrate’scourtwithoutfirst Continued on page 16

Man gets 15 years for assaulting stepfather with glass bottle

Mulshankar Sukhran, who was on remand for viciously attackinghisuncle,whoisalsohis stepfather, was on Wednesday sentenced to 15 years imprisonment The ruling was madebyJusticeDeborahKumarat theBerbiceHighCourt.

Sukhran,34,pleadednotguilty tothechargeofattemptmurder,but submitted a guilty plea for felonious wounding, contrary to Section 57(a) of the Criminal Law (Offenses)Act,Chapter8:01,Laws ofGuyana.

The incident dates back to July 16, 2021, in which Sukhran, of No.79Village,Corentyne,Berbice, violently assaulted 58-year-old Yughanraj Sukhran, also of the same address. The two are closely acquainted, with the victim being thepaternaluncleoftheaccused.

The court heard that the complainantwasathishome,when hewasapproachedbySukhranwho issuedprofanity-laceddeaththreats andalsohurledglassbottlesathim, resulting in cuts to his foot. The victimattemptedtogotothepolice station, but was intercepted by

Sukhran,whosethreatsintensified. The accused brandished pieces of broken bottles in both hands, and advanced across the road towards the complainant, scrambling him by his vest and repeating his death threats. The complainant pleaded withhimtodesistandcalmdown.

Sukhran then fired several jabs to the complainant’s stomach with the sharp objects. The victim ran into a neighbour’s yard but was pursued by the accused, who dealt him another stab. The injured man was subsequently taken to the Skeldon Hospital where he was examined by a doctor. He received twostabwoundstotheabdomen,1 centimetereach,anda5-centimeter stab wound to the upper anterior rightthorax,certifiedbythedoctor as life-threatening.Thevictim was later transferred to the New AmsterdamHospital.

On April 8, 2022, police successfully made contact with Sukhran,whoclaimedthattheman had been a menace to himself and hismother Sukhranalsotoldpolice that he was also threatened and chased with a pitchfork, and also attacked with an iron bar by the

complainant.

During the trial, Attorney-atlaw Sasha Roberts represented the defendant,whileProsecutorMarisa Edwardsrepresentedthestate. Asked if he would like to address the court, the accused bluntlydeclined.

In her summary of the aggravatingfactors,JusticeKumar upheld that the offence is a serious one. The accused’s actions, she

noted, were very dangerous and thatnotonlydidhefollowthrough with his threats to harm, but continued to inflict more harm on the incapacitated man. She also cited the doctor’s report of the gravity of the victim’s injury, and also his age. The victim’s impact statement was also considered, in which he noted that he was unable able to work properly owing to shortness of breath and constant

pain. This impeded his ability to earnasthesolebreadwinnerofhis home He also stated that he suffered psychologically due to being threatened with death by the accusedwhilesamewasinprison.

Turning to the mitigating circumstances, the Judge considered Sukhran’s immediate guilty plea and acceptance of responsibility Hisprobationreport revealedthathewasdescribedasa good and quiet individual, who only acted out of character when intoxicated.

JusticeKumargavethestarting point as 25 years. It was broken downto23yearswhenconsidering the aggravating and mitigating circumstances as well as the accused’s age. This was further reduced on the basis of his guilty plea,andthetimealreadyservedin prison on remand, commencing from his admission date of September26,2024.

Concluding her calculations, Sukhranwassentencedto15years, 6 months’ imprisonment, with orders that he enlist in alcohol rehabilitation and anger managementprogrammes.

MOH gets Starlink devices to support School Health Screening Programme

The Ministry of H e a l t h o n Tuesday received 10 Starlink Mini devices fromtheMountSinaiHealth System to support data collection and digital integration within the country’s Comprehensive School Health Screening Programme.

A c c o r d i n g t o informationprovidedbythe ministry,thedevices,which willbedistributedacrossall ten administrative regions, are intended to strengthen child and youth health screenings by enabling

r e l i a b l e i n

e r n e t connectivityeveninremote a n d h i n t e r l a n d communities

The ministry stated that this will allow school health teams to enter student screeningdatadirectlyintoa secure digital system (REDCap) in real time duringschoolvisits.

This advancement is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and

reach of health screenings conducted in nursery, primary, and secondary

schoo

, while also generating timely data to guide-decision making and enhance child and youth he

nationwide, the ministry reported.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, after receiving the devices on Tuesday, said that the improved connectivity will allow healthcare workers to bettermonitorstudenthealth outcomes and ensure timely

Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony receives 10 Starlink Mini devices from the Mount Sinai Health System to support data collection and digital integration within School Health Screening Programme.

interventionswhereneeded.

Dr Rachel Vreeman, ExecutiveDirectorofMount Sinai’s Guyana National Healthcare Initiative, at the handing over also noted the importance of the collaboration in advancing

system modernisation and strengthening care delivery acrossthecountry

“This initiative forms partofongoingcollaboration between the Ministry of Health and Mount Sinai, aimed at ensuring that

Quaminaguesthouseguttedbyfire

The longstanding Quamina Guest House was completely gutted by a fire early Wednesday morningatitslocationonQuamina Street,Georgetown.

The blaze was discovered between01:30hrsand02:00hrs.

While details surrounding the incident are currently unknown, one guest recalled the terrifying moment she became aware of the fire.

“I smelled something burning butdidn’tcheckrightaway Aftera while, I opened my eyes and noticedsmokecomingfromthetop of my room door I immediately jumped off the bed, alerted others, opened the door, and ran out,” she said.

Owner of the guest house, PatrickJohn,alsorecountedhowhe learnedoftheincident.

“Iwasasleepwithmywifeand baby when my phone started ringing Someone told me something was happening at the hotel and that there was a lot of noise At first, I thought it was a regular disturbance, like people arguing ButthenIheardthatthere wasafire.Weranoutofthehouse, andbythetimewegotoutside,the fire service was already there trying to control the blaze,” he explained.

John stated that he suffered millions of dollars in losses as a result of the fire. However, he expressed relief that his home was notaffected.

critical health data is effectively captured and utilised to better support children and families across Guyana, while building a healthier future for the nation’syouth,”theministry stated.

“A lot of people lost a lot, including the Cuban guests. It’s a sad situation, but it is out of my control,”hesaid.

The building also housed severalbusinessesonitslowerflat, all of which were affected by the fire. One business owner, Colleen

Management, described receiving newsoftheblaze.

“We got a call indicating there wasafireinthebuildingwhereour crewmanagementofficeislocated. When we arrived, there was still

evidenceofthefire,andfirefighters were working to contain the blaze andpreventitfromspreading,”she said. Abrams noted that the fire engulfed the entire building, resulting in devastating losses due tobothfireandwaterdamage.

“Assetsthatwehadintheoffice weredestroyed,”sheadded. Up to press time, the Guyana FireServicehadnotyetreleasedan official statement on the cause of thefire.

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Health Ministry launches ‘Project ECHO’...

From page 06 in medicine, there is something new, and this platform will allow for healthcare workers to share, seek and get access to latest information on ways to treat their patients.

Executive director at Mount Sinai, Dr. Rachel Vreeman in her brief remarks said that from her own experience of using and being part of a Project ECHO community in Western Kenya, that this initiative can really be an incredible way for every clinician to have connection into the kind of support and learning and answers that they seek.

“It creates this network

and community where we can all be providing the same standard of care to our patients, and then when we need to incorporate new things, whether that’s new guidelines for diabetes, for screening, for new medications that maybe are coming along, for addressing even just day to day problems, it really creates a place that you know you can come to and get practical answers to those things as well,” she said. The executive director added that Mount Sinai is privileged to be supporting this work and that this platform can really improve the quality of care that people are

receiving, especially those in the far-flung areas.

Speaking at the launch event was Director of the Chronic Disease Unit at the ministry, Dr. Lachmie Lall who shared that Project ECHO is essential for enabling primary care providers to treat patients with complex or unique conditions in their own local communities.

“How this will work for Guyana is that we will utilise this platform to present disease management presentations and cases.

It will give our local physicians an opportunity to do case reviews, specific case management discussions,

and it will bridge the gap in the management of chronic and other types of diseases, for CHWs, medexes, and GMOS,” she said.

“It is our hope that the local specialists will have a chance to have case management discussions with external specialists, sharing their groundbreaking work that is done here, and it will also give them a chance to interact with experts in their fields so that they can improve their patient management skills,” Dr. Lall expressed.

She also urged local physicians and healthcare workers to fully participate in the platform.

Mohameds’ extradition case in local...

From page 13

settling these preliminary issues,” he said. The Mohameds are currently facing a federal indictment in Miami, United States, following the unsealing of a 25-page document on October 30, 2025. The request seeks their extradition to answer to an 11count indictment involving allegations of large-scale fraud, money laundering, customs violations, bribery, and the evasion of millions of dol-

lars in taxes and royalties linked to gold exports.

Acting on a formal request from U.S. authorities, the minister signed the ATP, initiating the extradition process. Should sufficient evidence be presented during the committal proceedings, the magistrate could order their extradition to face the charges abroad.

Just on Tuesday, the matter was adjourned for 12 days after a medical report indi-

cated that Azruddin Mohamed had been diagnosed with dengue, with the case set to resume on April 7.

The proceedings, which began on October 31, 2025, had been ongoing almost daily, including the cross-examination of the prosecution’s first witness, Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards. However, following the CCJ’s ruling, that timeline has now been effectively suspended,

clearing the way for arguments before the region’s highest court, where the State will be led by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC. Meanwhile, the Attorney General, in a statement on his Facebook page, said the ruling was expected.

“A final court would normally preserve the status quo while the appeal is being heard. As expected, it has done so,” he stated.

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Guyanese companies scrape handrail contracts...

From page 8

Offloading (FPSO) vessels. MODEC performs Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI) for FPSOs and, by also owning and operating its FPSOs, provides oil and gas companies worldwide with comprehensive, competitive production solutions.

Back in September last year the Government of Guyana (GoG) approved a Petroleum Production Licence (PPL) for the Hammerhead project-ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL’s) seventh

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development in the Stabroek Block. The Stabroek Block which is estimated to hold 11.6 billion barrels of oil is operated by EMGL, who holds 45% interest. The other block partners Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30% interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25% interest. The Hammerhead development is located in the south-western portion of the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana and targets the Hammerhead reservoir.

Hammerhead was announced as Exxon’s ninth commercial discovery in August 2018. The Hammerhead1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 197 feet (60 metres) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoir.

The well was safely drilled to 13,862 feet (4,225 metres) depth in 3,773 feet (1,150 metres) of water. First oil from the Hammerhead project is expected by 2029. The project will use a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) conversion-type Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO), which will be built by Japanese shipbuilder, MODEC. Notably, a total of 445 million barrels of

oil is forecast to be produced with an estimated daily production capacity of 150,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd). Hammerhead oil production will be facilitated through 10 production wells and 8 injection wells. Hammerhead is expected to boost Guyana’s overall production capacity at approximately 1.5 million bpd, with the FDP projecting this by the second quarter of 2029. Additionally, government had said that the associated gas produced from the Hammerhead Project reservoir will be transferred to the Gas-toEnergy (GtE) pipeline network. Hammerhead is expected to boost energy security, drive industrial growth and create employment across various sectors, further positioning Guyana as a key player in the global energy landscape. In addition to Hammerhead the other six sanctioned projects under Exxon’s belt include: Liza One, Liza Two, Payara, Yellowtail, Uaru and Whiptail. The first four projects are already in operation, producing an average 650,000 bpd, with an installed capacity of 900,000 bpd.

Construction is underway for the Uaru and Whiptail, with Uaru anticipated to start

production in 2026, and Whiptail is anticipated for startup in 2027. ExxonMobil has submitted an application for an eighth project, Longtail and has been pushing ahead with developmental plans although government has not formally approved it.

The oil company is aiming to bring all eight developments into production by the end of the decade, targeting a combined output of 1.7 million bpd. Hammerhead adds to the other six sanctioned projects under Exxon’s belt. These include, Liza One, Liza Two, Payara, Yellowtail, Uaru and Whiptail.

The first four projects are already in operation, producing an average 650,000 bpd, with an installed capacity of 900,000 bpd. Construction is underway for the Uaru and Whiptail, with Uaru anticipated to start production in 2026, and Whiptail is anticipated for startup in 2027. Earlier this year, Exxon also submitted an application for an eighth project, Longtail.

The oil company is aiming to bring all eight developments into production by the end of the decade, targeting a combined output of 1.7 million bpd.

Former policeman freed of Seeta’s bar murder

The Georgetown Magistrates’ Court has dismissed the murder charge against former policeman Keenon David in relation to the July, 2019 fatal shooting at Seeta’s Bar, Kitty, following a successful no case submission by attorney, SiandDhurjonTuesdaymorning.

The ruling was delivered by Magistrate Annette Singh at the close of the prosecution’s case, bringing an end to proceedings which arose from an incident that occurredmorethanfouryearsago.

The charge stemmed from the death of Kurt Anthony Duncan, whowasshotduringanaltercation atSeeta’sBaronJuly29,2019.

Theprosecution’scasecentered primarily on the evidence of a single eyewitness who had been socialisingwiththedeceasedonthe evening in question, as well as CCTV footage obtained from five separate cameras installed at the establishment.

At the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, counsel for the accused advanced a no case submission on the basis that the evidence adduced was wholly insufficient to establish a prima faciecase.Itwassubmittedthatthe court was required to consider whether the evidence, taken at its highest, was capable of supporting aconviction.Counselarguedthatit plainlywasnot.

In detailed submissions, the lawyer contended that the prosecution’s case was fatally undermined by the unreliability of itssoleeyewitness.

Through cross-examination, the witness was shown to be so manifestly discredited that his testimonycouldnotsafelyberelied upon Dhurjon contended. Counsel highlighted significant inconsistencies, contradictions,

Govt.arguesunlimited...

Frompage11 matteris“purelyfinancial.”

“Whatever the sum is estimated in which form it takes, cost will be borne by the state sincebecauseallcomesoutofcost oil.”

Further, the AG noted that perhaps the most egregious error committed by the court was to ordertheagencytocompelExxon toprovidesomethingthatwasnot within the remit of its permit to provide.

The permit holder and the agency were in the process of having the regulations complied with when the court exercised judicial overreach and ordered it to have the oil company provide thisunlimitedguarantee.

“It was public knowledge and judicial notice ought to be have been taken that the suspension of the Environmental Permit would lead to the situation of the operations of Exxon being suspended which would lead to a reduction in revenues to the Government of Guyana and the additionalcostswouldbeincurred by the Government of Guyana to pay everything that followed as costoil’.”

In his response, Senior CounselJairamtoldthecourtthat his opponents are conflating two separateissues.

The attorney stressed that that the requirement for an unlimited guaranteefromExxoncorporation for its Guyana operation is separate and apart from the need for insurance and financial assurance as is reference in clauses of the environmental permitgrantedbytheEPA.

Heexplainedthatinsuranceis limited. It may cover some of the liability, but it will not cover all. Therestneedstobecovered.

“Thereisnoguaranteethatthis amount of insurance will cover Exxon’sliability Onthecontrary, unlimited insurance is not a

and deficiencies in the witness’s account, submitting that his evidence had been irreparably damaged to the point where no reasonable tribunal could place weightuponit.

Counsel further submitted that the CCTV footage, despite being derivedfromfiveseparatecameras at the scene, failed to cure these defects. Dhurjon argued that the footage did not establish, to the requisitestandard,thattheaccused wasthepersonwhocommittedthe shooting. The identification of the perpetratorfromthevideoevidence was said to be uncertain, inconclusive, and incapable of supporting a finding of guilt beyondreasonabledoubt.

Inaddition,Dhurjoncontended that there was no evidence before thecourttoaccountforanychange in David’s appearance over the substantialpassageoftimebetween the incident in 2019 and his eventualarrestin2024.

period and no reliable evidential link had been established connecting him to the person depictedinthefootage.

Road, Timehri, where he was reportedlyfoundplayingcards.

Hewassubsequentlyremanded to prison for the duration of the preliminaryinquiryproceedings.

Upholding the no case submission, Magistrate Singh accepted that the prosecution had failedtoestablishaprimafaciecase against the accused as the issue of identification which was put in issue by the defence loomed large inthecase.Thecourtfoundthatthe evidence, including both the eyewitness testimony and the CCTV footage, was insufficient to require the accused to enter a defence The charge was accordingly dismissed and the accuseddischarged.

feature of the insurance market.

An insurer will put a cap or limit ontheamountoflosscovered.Itis pellucidthatevenifExxonhadput inplaceinsurancewhichcomplied with the Exxon Permit (and it did not), that insurance would not coverallofExxon’sliability.

Hence the attorney emphasised the need for the unlimited guarantee which sets out in clear and unambiguous language in condition 14.1 of the permit.

Thepermitholderisliablefor allcostofcleanup,restorationand compensation for any damages caused by any discharge of any containment including the cost of all investigations into pollution incident or discharge of containments’

To support the argument for unlimited guarantee, attorney Janki provided the court with authoritiesandexamplesinwhich unlimitedguaranteeweregivenin case of an oil spill. The lawyer made specific mention of the scenariowhichExxonpurportedly gave this type of guarantee to Guinea.

Janki was however only able to submit two cases as authorities to court since Senior Counsel Luckhoo on the opposing took issue with how the information willbeviewedbythecourt.

Heobjectedtotheinformation beingintroducednotingthatatthe preliminary stage of the appeal, Prudhoe successfully objected to theintroductionoffreshevidence by the EPA The court subsequently ruled out an application by the EPA for fresh evidence to be introduced in the matter on the basis that the information previous permit and thefinancialrecordsfailedtomeet the necessary logical test for sufficient likely impact on the outcome of the appeal. The court isscheduledtorenderitsdecision onMay7.

It was submitted that this gap further weakened any attempt at identification, particularly in circumstances where the accused had been at large for an extended

A wanted bulletin had been issued for David, a former policeman, on at least two occasionsinJuly2019andagainin September 2023. After remaining at large for almost four years, he was eventually apprehended on January16,2024atSoesdykeBack

In delivering her ruling, the learned magistrate remarked that David ought to be thankful for the resolute efforts of his counsel, Dhurjon, in the conduct of the matter Following the decision, David expressed gratitude to the court for its patience and its commitment to upholding justice andtheruleoflaw Healsothanked his attorney for his perseverance throughouttheproceedings.

Netanyahu seeks to avoid snap vote as Iran war gives no boost in polls

(Reuters)-IsraeliPrime

Minister Benjamin

Netanyahuisracingtopassa state budget and stave off early elections he would likely lose, with the war in Iran so far doing little to improve his standing in the polls.

In the war’s first days, Netanyahu’s camp saw a chance for his right-wing coalitiontocapitalizeonthe openingthatkilledAyatollah Ali Khamenei by holding elections ahead of an expected October date, a

source familiar with Netanyahu’s political strategysaid.

One way to force snap elections would be to let parliament fail to pass the budget by March 31, which under Israeli law would triggeravotewithin90days.

AsU.S.-Israelistrikeskilled ahostoftopIranianfigures, some of Netanyahu’s

confidants publicly floated theideaofaJunevote.

But nearly four weeks into a war that has so far failed to achieve a stated objective of toppling Iran’s clerical rulers, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister is looking to stave off early elections, three members of his government toldReuters.

That effort to avoid an early contest has included allocating funds to political allies to secure a majority vote for the budget in parliament, and rushing it through the ‘chamber’s Finance Committee to meet nextweek’sdeadline.

Netanyahu’s political spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

In public remarks since 2023, Netanyahu has consistently rejected calls to bring elections forward at a

timeofwar.

“I hope the government fulfils its term meaning elections in September or October,” Netanyahu told reporters on March 12, saying that he had appealed toalliestoberesponsibleata time of war and pass the defence-heavy $225 billion budget.

STALEMATEINPOLLS ASWARDRAGSON

For Netanyahu, the war has helped him pivot attention away from Gaza and toward his joint campaign with the U S against Iran, where national consensus is strongest Surveys have shown wide support among Israelis for a war that Netanyahu says is meant to eliminate an existentialthreat.

But when it comes to votes, election polls are showing a picture largely unchanged since October 7,

2023, when the Middle East was plunged into turmoil by Hamas’ surprise attack, leaving Netanyahu’s security credentials in tatters.

Polls consistently show around 40% of voters sticking with Netanyahu’s coalition of nationalist and religious parties, 40% backing opposition parties and a swing vote so far not moving to Netanyahu, said Gideon Rahat, a political scientist at the Hebrew UniversityinJerusalem.

Even if Israelis rally in support of the war’s goals, theyaregrowingwearyasit drags on with no decisive end or diplomaticresolution in , after ‘a shorter round of fightinginJune,saidRahat.

“You have one round, a few months of quiet, and thenanotherround,”hesaid.

A poll published by the TimesofIsraelonMarch19 showed Netanyahu’s Likud party would win 28 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, down from34atpresent.

While Likud would be the largest party, his coalition would fall short of a majority, securing only 51 seats,thepollsaid.

On March 3, Israeli Science Minister and Likud party member Gila Gamliel told local radio that the election will be held in late June or early July Senior party members and Netanyahu aides made similar remarks to Israeli media.

In the weeks since, N e t a n y a h u h a s acknowledged there was no certainty Iranians will overthrow their rulers. As

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a memorial service held for Ran Gvili, an off-duty police officer who was killed fighting militants that had infiltrated Israel during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, and the last hostage recovered from Gaza, in Meitar, Israel, January 28, 2026. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File..

‘the war nears a fifth week, the prospect of a summer electionappearsremote.

“His strategy is buying time,”saidRahat.

BUDGETDEADLINE NEARSASWARCOSTS SOAR

With schools shut and workplaces only partially open,theIranwariscosting the economy five billion shekels ($1.6 billion) per week, according to Finance Ministryestimates.

N e t a n y a h u ’ s government has also had to approve an additional 32 billion shekels for defence costs since the Iran war started.

With defence spending climbing sharply, there is less money available to satisfy demands from key ‘constituencies whose backing Netanyahu needs in parliament including ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, who left his governmentin2025.

Those parties had threatenedtovoteagainstthe budgetiflegislationwasnot first finalised exempting ultra-Orthodox from mandatoryserviceinIsrael’s conscript military, an issue

t h a t h a s p l a g u e d Netanyahu’s alliance with themsince2023.

But they appear to have backed down on their threat after Netanyahu’s coalition allocated around five billion shekels for ultra-Orthodox schools this month Spokespeoplefortheparties, ‘Shas and UTJ, did not respond to requests for comment.

Vladimir Beliak, an oppositionmemberwho sits on parliament’s Finance Committee, said that by approving those funds, Netanyahu’s government has opted for “coalition survival over fair distributionofresources.”

Adding to Netanyahu’s political challenges is his long-runningcorruptiontrial on charges of fraud, bribery andbreachoftrust,whichhe denies.

Netanyahu, with support from U.S. President Donald Trump, has appealed to Israeli President Isaac Herzogforapardon. Amid-trialpardonwould be unprecedented and Israel’s justice system has arguedagainstit.

($1=3.1192shekels)

Dr. Carla Barnett reappointed CARICOM Secretary-General

Dr Carla Barnett CBE has been reappointed SecretaryGeneraloftheCaribbeanCommunity(CARICOM).

TheCARICOMSecretariatinastatementonTuesdaysaid that the re-appointment was secured via an agreement of the majorityoftheCARICOMHeadsofGovernmentduringthe th50 Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community held on 24-27 February2026inSt.KittsandNevis.

“…the required majority of CARICOM Heads of GovernmentagreedtothereappointmentofDr CarlaBarnett as Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community Dr Barnett’ssecondtermofofficewillbegininAugust2026,”the statementsaid.

Dr Barnett became the eighth Secretary-General of CARICOM onAugust 15, 2021, by unanimous appointment oftheConferenceofHeadsofGovernmentofCARICOM.

Sheisaneconomistwhoservedformorethan30yearsin the Region. She served as Deputy Secretary-General at the CARICOMSecretariat,DeputyGovernoroftheCentralBank of Belize, Financial Secretary of the Government of Belize, andVicePresident,OperationsattheCaribbeanDevelopment Bank, blazing a trail as the first woman appointed in these positions.

Dr Barnett has also provided consultancy and advisory services in public sector financial management and strategic planning.

“Her multi-faceted career also includes appointments as SenatorandMinisterofStateintheMinistriesofFinanceand Natural Resources, Labour and Local Government in the GovernmentofBelize,”CARICOM’swebsitesaid.

Further, Dr Barnett’s commitment to public service has extended to volunteerism as an active Member of the CaribbeanInstituteofWomeninLeadership(CIWiL)Belize Chapter, past President of the Belize Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), and Board Member for HavenHouse,ashelterforbatteredwomen.

“Sheisaconsistentadvocateforgenderequalityasgood economic policy and as the sensible thing to do to create a morestableandequitablesociety.”

Dr Barnett has received several awards, including Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for distinguished publicservice.

GMR&SC Kart Revival to reinvigorate grassroots Motorsport

Georgetown, GuyanaThe Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMRSC) will host its upcoming Kart Revival event on March 29 at the 555 Speedway, T h o m a s L a n d s , Georgetown, commencing at14:00hrs.

Theinitiativeisaimedat revitalisinggrassrootsmotor racingandfosteringrenewed

interest in karting as a developmental platform withinthesport. Karting,widelyregarded as the entry point into competitive motor racing, playsacrucialroleinhoning a driver’s skill and discipline.

TheKartRevivalaimsto

emerging drivers can gain competitive experience, while offering established competitors a chance to reengage with the local racing community

According to GMR&SC Technical Advisor Stefan Jeffrey, “I know a lot of peoplethatarefamiliarwith motorsports in Guyana, they’re accustomed to

seeing,youknow,theycome to see one, two, three races. So race one, race two, race three. Our idea now is to introduce the younger generationofmotorsportand drivers into a more, I would say, North Americanized or European worldwide standardofrunninganevent, whichisyoucomein,it’sthe same day, you come in, you qualify,there’sapre-final.”

Thursday March 26, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

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

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

When faced with ten entrees onthemenu,itmightbehard for you to choose just one. Feelfreetoordertwoormore, Ta u r u s D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down.Atthesametime.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.

CANCER(June21–July22)

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

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra. There's an incredibl

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

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

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

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Mixyourrealitywithabit of fantasy today, Aquarius. Allowyourfeettocomeoffthe ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

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foundationallevels.

Admission to the event will be free to the public, with organisers anticipating a strong turnout from both motorsport enthusiasts and members of the wider community Patrons can expect a structured programme of competitive races in a controlled and professionally managed environment.

So the qualifying, obviously, you put down your time, which grids you for a pre-final.The pre-final now is a race, which now yourfinishingpositiongrids youforthefinal.Soyouasa drivernowneedtobasically drivesmart.

So you qualify, which grids you for your pre-final. However, you finish in that pre-final, that will now line you up to start in your grid box for the final, and the final is where you will collectyourgrandprize.”

The event is being sponsored by Ming’s Products and Services, with additional support from Guyoil, Castrol, and ENet. Their involvement reflects continued private sector interest in the advancement ofmotorsportinGuyanaand the strengthening of its

drivers as well, trying their hand. So it should be an excitingdayofracing.”

According to organisers, the Kart Revival forms part ofabroaderefforttorebuild and sustain interest in grassroots racing, recognisingitsimportancein the long-term development ofthesportlocally

Jeffrey added, “So over the classes, we’re looking at about60competitorsthatare going to be out there. Some familiar faces, some new faces. There’s going to be a lot of people out there competingnow,alotofnew faces in terms of the cadets, theyoungerkidscomingup. And of course some of the more familiar faces that would have been cadets are now juniors and seniors moving on. And obviously you got some of the veteran

There’s also biking action involved, and according to Jeffrey, it’s something that they are triallingforfutureevents.

“Everybodylikesabike, so we’re introducing Supermotointotheprogram. So that should be pretty interesting.“

The GMRSC has indicated that events of this nature are essential to maintaining a pipeline of talent while preserving the competitive spirit and accessibility that define karting.

SchoolBoyz“OneGuyana” Tapeballtourney bowlsoffthisweekend

NSC saddened at the passing of GNDF Vice president Roberto Osborne

This weekend

marksthestartof the inaugural “One Guyana” 2026 All Guyana Secondary Schools Boyz Tape-Ball Super League,presentedbyMike’s Pharmacy, Geared towards cohesion among several of the country’s top secondary institutions, the competition willbeplayedunderan8-asideformat.

St.Rose’sHigh,Queen’s College, Berbice High, St. Joseph High, Morgan’s L e a r n i n g C e n t r e , Charlestown Secondary and L B I Secondary will do battle among other top institutions.

The National Cultural Center Tarmac will come alive with School’s Tapeball cricket this weekend.

The highly-competitive Chase Academy, Covent

Garden Secondary, Mackenzie High, School of the Nations, Brickdam SecondaryandNewCentral High, alongside other teams are set to be a part of the event.

Action gets underway from Saturday, March 28 and Sunday March 29 with both games starting at 9:00h respectively on both days, at the National Culture Centre Tarmac and the National Park Tarmac.

A c c o r d i n g t o organisers, the aim is to create a platform for which young cricketers

are able to showcase their skills in a more fastpacedsetting

The other aspect of the tournament is geared t o w a r d s b u i l d i n g stronger relationships with a more inter-school competitiveatmosphere

Given the number of schools and institutions on board, organisers are optimistic as it relates to strong support from students, parents and cricketfansalike

Cummings Electrical Co. and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Clifton Hicken, have thrown their support as sponsors for this competition.

The(NSC)hasexpressed deep sadness at the sudden passingofRobertoOsborne, VicePresidentoftheGuyana National Dominoes Federation, describing his death as a significant loss to the sport and the wider sportingcommunity

According to reports, Osborne passed away unexpectedlyafterretiringto bedonMondayevening.

He was discovered unresponsive the following day, sending shockwaves throughout the dominoes fraternityandbeyond.

Osborne was widely respected as a long-serving anddedicatedmemberofthe localdominoescommunity.

Over the years, he contributed immensely to thedevelopmentofthesport, serving in multiple capacities at both the nationallevelandwithinthe Georgetownsubdivision.

His commitment and passionfordominoeshelped

to strengthen the sport’s structure and foster a sense of unity among players and administratorsalike.

Director of Sport, Steve Nincalle, described Osborne’spassingasamajor blow, noting that his contributions went far beyond administrative duties.

“Roberto Osborne’s passingisatremendousloss to dominoes in Guyana. He was a committed servant of the sport who gave of himself tirelessly to ensure itsgrowthandorganization,”

Ninvallesaid.

Ninvalle also extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the NSC to Osborne’s family, friends, and the entire dominoes community during this difficulttime.

“This is a painful moment, and we stand in solidarity with all those grieving his loss,” Ninvalle added.

The NSC noted that Osborne’s legacy will endure through the many players and officials he mentored and the structures hehelpedtobuildwithinthe sport.

His dedication serves as a reminder of the vital role administrators play in sustaining and advancing Guyana’s sporting disciplines.

As tributes continue to pour in, the local dominoes community mourns the loss of a stalwart whose impact willnotbeforgotten.

Pitamber surges ahead, Joshi unshakeable...

Frompage26

dramaticconclusioninthefinalroundofthe championship WCM Jessica Callender holds third place with 5.5 points following eight rounds of play During the second weekend, Callender secured two victories andonedraw,beforeshehadanarrowdefeat in the eighth round against Sam. She navigated her matches with seasoned precision, leveraging her experience on the board.

Ciel Clement currently occupies fourth placeon5.5points;however,duetotie-break regulations, she ultimately settles for fourth place. A formidable competitor, Clement, demonstrated tactical skills throughout the weekend,securingtwodecisivevictoriesand ahard-earneddraw,despiteagruellinglossin thesixthroundagainstJoshi.

Kataleya Sam currently occupies fifth place with 5 points as she prepares for the decisive final round Trailing closely,

Treskolé Archibald and Anya Lall hold the sixth and seventh positions on the leaderboard, respectively Rounding out the standings are Sana Sreebalakumar and Italy Ton-Chung, both on 1.5 points, followed by ParnitaKishunwithonepoint.

The competition continues this weekend with the final round. At stake are over four hundred thousand dollars in cash prizes and trophies for players currently locked in the usuallyintenseannualchessChampionships.

The federation expresses sincere gratitude to our sponsors Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Diamond Fire and General Insurance.

Allboardsforeachcategorywillbelivestreamed on lichess.org by John Lee, FIDE Arbiter and Technical Director for the GCF Results and pairings will be published on Chess-results.com. Visit guyanachess.gy to learn more about the GCF and follow us on FacebookandInstagram.

Bartica Regatta Football

Tourney to benefit from LED Lights donated by SMAGI

Football fans, players and athletes in Bartica will be delighted with the timely donationoftwelve(12)LED L i g h t s t h a t w i l l tremendously improve the illumination of the Bartica CommunityCentreGround. This donation has been made by the Small Miners Association Guyana Inc. (SMAGI) and it fulfills a commitmenttothepeopleof Bartica ahead of the highly anticipated Bartica Regatta Football Tournament 2026 andbeyond.

These lights were officially handed over by SMAGI President David DanielstotheBartica Town CouncilandHisWorshipthe Mayor, Anthony Murray, ensuring that matches can now be played in a safer, well-lit environment, enhancing both the quality of play and the overall

experience for players and spectatorsalike.

Additionally, football gear including balls were donated on behalf of the SMAGI, to the Bartica Football Association (BFA) and the Bartica Regatta Committee (BRC), further strengthening the support systemforyoungathletes. On display at the presentation were the trophiesthatwillbeawarded acrossthevariouscategories during the tournament finals, symbols of excellence, discipline, and achievement.

Daniels noted that, at SMAGI, “We believe that sports play a vital role in community development This is more than just a donation; it is a continued commitment to uplifting communitiesandsupporting thenextgeneration.”

WalkersalutesPetraOrganisationefforts

At a time when Guyana is experiencing rapid economicandinfrastructural transformation, the Petra Organisation continues to stand as a pillar of consistency and purpose, by preserving and advancing the nation’s proud tradition ofgrassrootsfootballwithin theschoolsystem.

School’s football in Guyanadatebackmorethan eight decades, forming a vita

community engagement Today, that legacy is being carried forward with distinction by the Petra Organisation,whichforover adecadehaspositioneditself as the leading force behind school-based football competitions.

Through its unwavering commitment, Petra has not onlysustainedthecultureof youth football but has elevatedit.Theorganisation h a s c o n s i s t e n t l y demonstrated a clear understanding of the link betweenschooltournaments andtheholisticdevelopment of young athletes By fostering tournaments that enforces; discipline, teamwork, and academic responsibility under its

Flashback! Chase’s Academic Foundation lifting consecutive KFC titles …Eighty-six years later, even more schools experience the joy of participating in similar school-based competition.

guiding motto, “Stay in School,”

Petrahascreatedamodel where sports and education gohandinhand.

A hallmark of this organisation has been its inclusivity factor Petra tournaments cater to a wide rangeofagegroupsandhave increasingly embraced gender diversity, bringing female football to the forefront.Competitionssuch as the Courts U11 Pee Wee Tournament, Republic Bank U18 Football, MVP Sports U11 Girls Tournament, the B o y ’s a n d G i r l ’s

E x x o n M o b i l U 1 4 Tournament, the ongoing Massy Distribution U18 FootballChampionship,and the Modec Tertiary Championshiphavebecome highly anticipated fixtures ontheschool’scalendar

These tournaments not only provide structured and competitive environments for young players but also serve as platforms for exposure and advancement. Manyparticipantshavegone on to represent Guyana on regional and sometimes evenoninternationalstages, including the prestigious KFC Intern

al SecondarySchoolsSeries. In the height of this, statistician Charwayne Walker has lauded the Petra Organisation for its invaluable contribution to youth football, noting that thousands of players have benefitted from the opportunity to showcase their talents in safe, organised settings He emphasized that these initiatives provide recognition and pathways for growth, helping young athletes navigate both sport andlife.

Pitamber surges ahead, Joshi unshakeable after eight rounds in National Chess Championships

The battle for the National Chess Championship Titles continued at the David Rose Special School last weekend, with playersfacingoffinroundsfiveto eight of the Jumbo Jet/ Diamond Fire Insurance National Chess Championships.

The leaderboard saw a significant shake-up as the tournament progressed through its middlerounds.Thrillinggameplay andunexpectedupsetsallowedCM Sachin Pitamber to lead the Open Category; WCM Aditi Joshi remained unshakeable, successfully maintaining her lead inthewomen’scategory

In the open category, CM Pitamberascendedtothetopofthe leaderboard with 6.5 points by maintaining a flawless, unbeaten streak throughout the tournament. Building on the tactical brilliance displayed during the opening weekend, Pitamber secured three victoriesandonedrawinthelatest rounds His most clinical performance came in the sixth round, where he notched a

significant win against FM AnthonyDrayton.

Trailingcloselyinsecondplace is current Junior Champion Kyle Couchman, who sits on an impressive 6 points The weekend’s most stunning upset came when Couchman toppled defending champion CM Taffin Khan in a masterclass of composure and precision Throughout the tournament, Couchman has delivered remarkably steady gameplay, remaining unfazed and nearly flawlessagainstthemostseasoned veterans.

FM Drayton concludes the secondweekendinthirdplace,also on six points, separated by tiebreak calculations Drayton’s journey through rounds five to eight was a test of endurance, one loss with opponents, and a draw withCMKhan.

Asthetournamentheadsintoits ninth and final round, CM Khan occupies the fourth-place position with 6 points The defending champion demonstrated his

characteristicresiliencethroughout the weekend, recording two wins and a draw against a field of determined challengers, with the single loss against Couchman marringhisscore.

Keron Sandiford occupies the fifthpositionwith5points,leading a closely contested middle pack.

FollowinghimisRolexAlexander insixthplacewith3.5points,while Jaden Taylor holds seventh place because of the tiebreaker with 3.5 points. Rounding out the elite tenplayer field are CM Ronuel Greenidgewith2points,Alexander Zhang with 1.5 points, and Leslie Campbell,yettogetoffthemark.

WestIndiesFullboreShootingChampionships

GuyanaNRA

receives sponsorship boost from Continental Group of Companies

Regional Short-Range

champions, Guyana, yesterday received a financial boost ahead of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) title defence of the title at this year’s West Indies

Fullbore Shooting Championships set for Antigua and Barbuda, next month. Continental Group of Companies made the timely donation to the GuyanaNRA stating that they are confident that the Guyanese will once again represent the nation with p r i d e Handingoverthechequeon behalfofContinentalGroup ofCompanieswasAccounts Clerk, Ms. Sandra Dwarka to reigning Caribbean

Fullbore Shooting Individual Champion, Peter Persaud.

Dwarka expressed delight on behalf of her company to Persaud for the opportunity to make a

contribution towards Guyana’s quest to continue itsdominanceofthesportat the Short Range level

”Continental Group of Companies is well pleased withtheexploitsofthisteam attheCaribbeanlevel. Wearealsoawareofthe financial requirements to ensure that you are able to prepare properly and be in theperfectframeofmindto hit the target, thus our

support We wish the team well ” Persaudinresponse, expressed gratitude to Ms Dwarka and Management oftheContinentalGroupof Companies on behalf of the President, executive and C a p t a i n o f t h e GuyanaNRA ”We are very thankful for your continued

partnership and support which will go towards us being able to be properly preparedforthetaskathand.

We want to also assure you that the Golden Arrowhead will continue to fly high as we do intend to take care of business as usual.”

Guyana will come up against the formidable Antigua & Barbuda which hasbeenimprovingsteadily, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica M e a n w h

so preparing to welcome a 22memberEnglishRifleTeam to these shores for a Goodwill championship ahead of the Caribbean Championships, April 1319.

The two nations have always been involved in these exchanges and the locals will be using the championship to garner m u c h n e e d e d international to level practice ahead of the WIFBSC in Antigua and Barbuda

In the Women’s Category, WCM Joshi continues her commanding run, sitting atop the leaderboard with an impressive 7 points. Joshi’s consistency was on full display this weekend as she navigated high-stakes encounters against fellow top-tier players WCM Sasha Shariff and WCM Jessica Callender Joshi secured two victories and two hard-fought draws Her performance throughout the championship has highlighted both her technical mastery and her unwavering resolve in the pursuit of defending hertitle.

WCM Sasha Shariff occupies the second-place position with 6 points, having navigated the weekend without a single defeat. Her experience proved vital in managingademandingscheduleas shefoughttoawell-earnedwinand three strategic draws WCM Shariff’s ability to remain composed under pressure has solidified her standing on the leaderboard,settingthestagefora

(Continuedonpage24)

Flying Ace Cycle Club to host Jagan’s Memorial Cycle Road Race on March 29

Excitementisbuildingin East Berbice as the Flying Ace Cycle Club prepares to host its Annual Jagan’s Memorial Cycle Road Race this Sunday, March 29. The event, a staple on the local cyclingcalendar,isexpected to draw some of the country’s top cyclists for a day of intense competition andcelebrationofthesport.

Cyclistswillassembleat Freedom House Building in NewAmsterdamforan8:30 start, before setting off on a challenging route that is expected to test endurance and speed. The race will proceedalongtheCorentyne corridortothevicinityofthe No.51PoliceStationbefore riders make the turn, heading back to Babu-John for what promises to be a thrillingfinish.

This year’s edition will featuresixconcurrentraces, offering opportunities for cyclists across multiple categoriestoshowcasetheir talent.ThemarqueeGeneral Classification (Elite) race will see riders battling for top honours, with prizes awarded to the first six finishers. Meanwhile, the VeteransOpencategorywill

reward the top four riders, while the Over-50 division will see prizes going to the topthreecompetitors. Youngtalentwillalsobe on display, with junior cyclists competing for podium finishes, while the Category4andLadiesraces will award prizes to the top three finishers in each division Adding to the excitement, prime points will be contested at various stages along the route, ensuring aggressive racing fromstarttofinish.

T o f a c i l i t a t e participation, transportation willbeprovidedforcyclists traveling from Georgetown. Interestedridersarerequired to gather at Freedom House on Robb Street before 5:30 a m , with departure scheduled for 5:45 a m sharponraceday

The Flying Ace Cycle Clubisencouragingcycling enthusiastsandsupportersto comeoutintheirnumbersto witness the action and supporttheathletes.Beyond the competition, the event servesasatributetothelate President Cheddi Jagan, commemorating his legacy athishomevillage.

RaindampensCheddiandJanetJaganMemorialInterSchool

WindballCricketcompetitioninNewAmsterdam/Canjezone

BYSAMUELWHYTE

There was some action, but the inclement weather played a major role in the ongoing Janet Jagan Memorial Female Windball Cricket and the Cheddi Jagan Male champions’ trophytournaments.

T h e N e w Amsterdam/Canje leg of the competition was held at the Rose Hall Community Centre Ground, East Canje onTuesday

The competitions are a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport and the

N a t i o n a l S p o r t s

Commission The coordinator is Senior Sports OfficerAllisterMunroe.

The day’s activity was dampened by the inclement weather However,therewas someaction.

There was an opening ceremony which featured

Region 6 Regional Chairman Junior Bassant, Regional Executive Officer Rajendra Persaud and Regional Education Officer SatishOudit.

Mr Bassant thanked the organisers for the initiative and welcomed the participantstotheregion.He stated that the region is always open to such activitieswhichenablesboth students and adults in showcasingtheirtalents.

Mr Bassant mentioned thatcricketisdeartohim.He

loves to play and watch the game. Heurgedthechildren to grab the opportunities beingpresented.Statingthat, thiscouldbeastartingpoint in a long and fruitful cricketingcareer

The Regional Chairman urgedtheschoolstonotonly winthelocalsegmentofthe competition but win at the national level and make Region6proud.

Hestatedthatiftheywin thenationalfinaltheywillbe adequately rewarded by the Region.

Before declaring the

day’s activity opened he urged the students to be disciplined and maintain goodcamaraderie.

Regional Executive Officer,MrPersaud,pledged the Region’s full support to thecompetitions.

He also urged the students to be disciplined and show that Region 6 has the most well-behaved studentsinthecountry

He echoed sentiments of hissupportandinvolvement, includingsponsorshipinthis and similar competitions in thepast.

He told the students that every participant in the competitionisawinner andurgedthestudentstouse such competition as a stepping stone for bigger thingstocome.

He wished all, including theorganisers,successinthe activity

Similar sentiments were expressed by Mr Ouditinhisremarks

The first ball was struck by the REO, followed by the Regional Chairman and Regional Education Officer and other

officials.

ch were played at three overs a side due to the inclement weather:

Amongthegirls: Tutorial Academy Secondary School (TASS) batted first and scored 27 - 4 J C Chandisingh Secondary reached29–3. Vryman’s Erven Secondary (VESS) 25-1 N e w A m s t e r d a m Multilateral(NAMS)20-1.

Intheboys’division:

Tutorial Academy SS 33-3, Melano Parkmade 16 Canje Secondary School 36-3, Richard Ramdehall19

Berbice High School 27-2 J C Chandi Singh 30-1,SahidGajnabi30. In another game NAMS- 20-3 Vryman’s ErvenSecondary21-1

The competition is expected to continue on Thursday at the National Gymnasium from 10:00 hrs with schools from the East BankofDemerarainaction.

Shiffrin wins record-equalling sixth World Cup overall title

only a top 15 place in the giant slalom in Hafjell and made sure of that in the second leg before sole rival Emma Aicher of Germany had left the start hut for her lastrun.

Shiffrin was 17th after the first ‘run but ended up 11th, for 24 points, with 22year-oldAicherthenmaking amistakeanddroppingfrom thirdto12th.

“It’s quite emotional,” said the American. “This thing sums up the whole season of work and fighting... I have to say to Emma that her skiing has been just outstanding and today it was just so cool to watchher.”

Canada’sValerieGrenier won the race, a combined

0 43 seconds clear of Norway’s Mina Fuerst HoltmannandAustrianJulia Scheib, who had already secured the giant slalom CrystalGlobe.

The final overall points tally was 1,410 for Shiffrin withAicher87

The ‘overall title is decided by points from all fourdisciplines,withAicher anall-rounderwhileShiffrin has not skied downhill for two years and competed in onlyafewofthesuper-Gs.

The most successful skier in World Cup history with110winshas,however, won nine of 10 slaloms, the bedrock of her season, ‘and taken the globe in that discipline for a record ninth time. She was also overall

World Cup champion in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023.

The only other female skier to win six overall World Cup titles ‘was Austrian Annemarie MoserProell,whowonfiveinarow from 1971-75 and her sixth in 1979. On the men’s side, Austrian Marcel Hirscher holds the outright record of eight.

“I’m really, really `grateful to be in this position now,” said threetimes Olympic champion Shiffrin, whose slalom gold medalatlastmonth’sMilano Cortina Games was another highlightofheryear

“It’sreallyabigemotion but I’m also grateful for the fight.”

SMAGI President, David Daniels (3rd right), His Worship Mayor, Anthony Murray (2nd left), BFAPresidentAlden Marslow (right) and BRC Chairman, Holbert Knighs (3rd left) amongst others after the presentation.