Guyanese protest ‘anti-poor’ budget, flag multimillion allocation to "dormant" Commission of Information
4 nabbed for armed robbery of Herstelling businesswoman
Re-migrant wins tax exemption case against GRA - Health Minister …high court rules authority acted unlawfully
400 of 600 men test positive for prostate cancer
Guyana’s largest budget ever, $1.558 trillion, was on Friday evening passed, following five days of debates and another five daysofconsiderationsinthe CommitteeofSupply
Themed “Putting People First,” the budget marks the first to be presented by the administration since its reelection in 2025 Key provisions include a $5,000 increase to the old age pensionand$3,000morefor public assistance recipients. Other population-focused
measures include the $100,000 cash grant for every adult Guyanese aged 18 and over, alongside
supportinghomeandvehicle ownership, encouraging business startups, and diversifyingtheeconomy S
exceeding$100billioninthe 2026 budget, reflecting government priorities in infrastructure, housing, health, and public services.
The Ministry of Public
Works leads with $227.2 billion, followed by the Ministry of Housing at $159.4 billion, the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation at $140.1 billion, the Ministry of Health with $135billion,theMinistryof Finance with $116.9 billion, the Ministry of Education at $100 2 billion, and the OfficeofthePrimeMinister which received $111 4 billion.
Other ministries allocations include the MinistryofHumanServices and Social Security at $78 billion,theMinistryofLocal Government and Regional Development at $36 7 billion, the Ministry of Agriculture at $67.6 billion, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce at $26.3billion,theMinistryof Culture,YouthandSportsat $10.9billion,theMinistryof Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at $10 billion, the Ministry of Natural Resources at $3.3
billion, the Ministry of Public Service, Government E f f i c i e n c y a n d Implementation at $8 1 billion, the Ministry of Home Affairs at $52 1 billion, and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs at $7.5 billion.
Dr Singh had explained that the 2026 budget was crafted to give effect to President IrfaanAli’s vision for a modern, prosperous Guyana, providing opportunities for every citizen. He also noted that the budget is financed with no new taxes and is 12.7% largerthanthe2025budget.
Government intends to transfer $495 billion (approximately US$2 4 billion) in oil revenue from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF)tofinancethebudget, with an additional $49 7 billionexpectedfromcarbon creditinflows.
The government will remove corporate taxes on agriculture and agro-
processing businesses to increase retained earnings and encourage greater investment The Guyana Development Bank, first announced last year, will be funded with a US$100 million allocation in Budget 2026toprovidemicro-credit loansupto$3millionatzero interest and zero collateral f o r S M E s , y o u n g entrepreneurs, women, and persons with disabilities
The programme will also pair these startups with mentorshipandtraining,and a co-investment model will allowaccesstoanadditional $7 million from commercial banksatpreferentialrates.
Housing support includes an increase in the low-income mortgage ceiling from $20 million to $30 million and $7.5 billion to help families upgrade
their homes through initiatives such as the steel andcementsubsidy
Toeasethecostofliving, the budget introduces a flat
tax of $2 million on doublecab pickups under 2,000 cc and $3 million for pickups between 2,000 cc and 2,500 cc, regardless of age, while removing VAT on new vehicles below 1,500 cc and lessthanfouryearsold.
A total of $9 billion is allocated for measures to address the cost of living, including: increase in the Because We Care Cash Grant from $50,000 to $60,000; annual $20,000 transportation grant for schoolchildren; free first eight CSEC and CAPE subjects; annual $20,000 transportation grant for old age pensioners; income tax threshold increase from $130,000 to $140,000; stipendincreaseforPathway Workers, Community Enhancement Workers, Community Service Officers, and Community Policing Groups from $40,000 to $50,000 per month and removal of net propertytaxonindividuals.
The Ministry of Natural Resources(MNR)onFriday launched a new online service to process local contentcertificatesinamore timelymanner
Through the new portal, businesses will benefit from a 3–15-day renewal period, while new applications will receive registrations between5to21days.
Forsoleproprietors,new
applications will be processed within five working days, while renewals will be completed inthreeworkingdays.
Applications for 100%
G u y a n e s e - o w n e d companieswillbeprocessed 15 working days while renewals will be processed in 10 working days through theportal.
Additionally, foreign companies seeking a new certificate will be granted approval in 21 workings days and renewals would be processedwithin15working days.
During a simple launching ceremony at the
Duke Lodge in Kingston, Georgetown,Directorofthe Local Content Secretariat, Michael Munroe said the systemwillensureaneaseof doing business in Guyana and the move towards digitisation of services in keepingwiththemandateof PresidentIrfaanAli.
Munroe explained that the ministry formerly processed such applications throughemailswhichwould result in longer processing times due to the manual work required by secretariat staff.
“As you would imagine, thesecretariatisasmallteam and we're faced with voluminousapplicationsand thatprocess,alotofpersons don't appreciate, the issuanceofthecertificatesto the person require a lot of manual work on the back end,”henoted.
Assuch,theportaloffers ahubwitharangeofoptions to not only reduce waiting time, but offer a transparent process that tells users the date their certificate will be
ready,inrealtime.Userscan log in at any time to view their current application status,determinewhetheran application is under review, pending addi
ional information, or approved. This real-time visibility reduces uncertainty, limits the need for follow-up emails,andimprovesoverall trust in the process, the ministrysaid.
The updated system provides for online submission of applications, eliminating the need for manual paperwork and reducing administrative delays. It also strengthens internalreviewandapproval processes by automating workflows and introducing timelines according to the application selected Processingofanapplication or the timeline for completion will
commence unless all relevant documentation is provided.
During remarks, the M
Resources,Vickram Bharrat
pointed to some of the challenges faced by the ministry in rolling out the landmark local content act, passedin2021,ashepointed to the importance of conductingduediligence.
Director of the Local Content Secretariat,
Michael Munroe
“Registering over 1,200 businesses in such a short period of time obviously requires a lot of resources, especially personnel. Right now, the local content secretariat is very taxed and thisisthereasonwhyweare moving towards the portal because they were very taxed…we need to ensure that the due diligence especially on new applicationsaredonemainly because in the past we have had some bad experiences where people were trying to establishshellcompaniesso that they can get past the legislation,”heexplained. Additionally, the minister noted that cases of fronting were also discovered, however there has been a greater level of compliance with the Act by both Guyanese and foreign companiesrecently
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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
The PPPC Government is now very versed in insulting citizens. National budgets weaponised, with friends and alliesofthegovernmentmadestronger,whilethoseoutside therulingparty’scircleareleftweaker,morevulnerable. Oneofthelatestoutragesfromthisyear’srecordbudget isthe$40MfortheOfficeofCommissionerofInformation (OCI). This is waste to the nth degree, such a prolonged riverofwastethatit’snowanobscenity
WhatisGuyanagettingfromtheInformationOffice? In what way are Guyanese benefiting from the work of the OCI? Guyanese have followed all the required steps, petitioned in accordance with procedures, and gotten nowhere. Somedidgetsomewhere,butnottoaplacethat theycouldeverhaveimagined.
Theyhavebeenmocked,insulted,andabused,fortheir troubles. Toaddinsulttoinjury,Guyana’schiefinformation officer,PresidentIrfaanAlishruggedhisshoulders,opened hishandsinthatwell-knownarcofhelplessness,andthat’s wheretheOCIrests. Apresidentallbutpubliclyconfessing tohisownimpotence,andlackofwilltobringthesamefootdragging,stonewalling,underminingOCIinline. Theman in charge of the OCI must be quietly celebrating his extendedgoodfortune,andthereductionofthepresidentto apitifulheap.
ItisregrettablethatOCIbudgetoutlaysarefastclosing inonaquarterbilliontaxpayerdollars,withalmostnothing toshowforthatexpenditure. Almostaquarterbillionhave now been splurged on what represents a black hole that sucksuppreciousmillions,andthenationisrewardedwitha blank report card. If the OCI is above responding to Guyanese requests for information allowed by law, then eitheritsstructureoritsmanagementshouldbedismantled, andanewstartmadefromscratch. Itisacostlysacredcow tomaintainat$40Mayear
TheOCIisnotabrewingscandalofvulgarproportions, itisafull-timescandalinfullpublicview,onethatisfullyin thefaceofeveryGuyanese. Isn’tittimeforthisfarce,what is a con game being played by the PPPC Government, to cometoastop?
PresidentAliisnotanaccidentalpresident,norshouldhe makehimselfintoa wingless lameduck one. To be frank, the president does not cut an inspiring figure when he engages in that rope-a-dope slide that he likes. The one wherehedoesn’tgetinvolvedindevelopmentsofthatkind, andfarbeitforhimtointerveneanddemandimprovements. Thewaythatweatthispublicationseethissituationisthat since the office is so comatose, more or less a permanent ICUpatient,thepresidenthasoneoftwochoices.
First, President Ali must shed his pretenses at reservation, discard his hands-off standard (no matter how convenient to him) and demand changes for the better Second,ifthatisstillnothappening,thenhehastoissuean ultimatum:apresidentialorderthatisnonnegotiable.
Whenthegovernmentcanallocateanother$40Mtothe OCIfor2026,andthepresidentallowsthatofficetoreduce hisleadershiptoajoke,thenitismorethanthereputationof the OCI that is dented. Twist it or turn it, at the end of the day,it’sPresidentAli’sowndecisiveleadershipcredentials that come under sharp scrutiny, if not discredit. The OCI, the quantity and quality of its responses to petitioning citizens,anditsoveralloutputnowstandasanothersilothat could be painted National Disgrace. Whether he cares to acknowledgethatornot,itisunavoidablethatsomeofthat wouldtrickledowntothepresidentandsplashonhim.
The OCI, for the longest interval has given off the foulness of a national scandal. Another $40M in 2026 simplybreathesnewlifeintothisuglyandenduringGuyana scandal. Itistimethatitfunctionsasitshould,anddeliver Ifnot,thenitshouldbeoverhauledfromthetop,withheads rolling. PresidentAliwouldbedoingGuyanesetwofavors withonestroke. Heopensthedoorforsmootheraccessto informationrequests,enshrinedinlaw,andhegivescitizens thelastlaugh.
‘When
For nearly a week, the triad of PPP power—Jagdeo,Ali,andNandlall—has been uncharacteristically quiet. These aremenwhousuallytreatamicrophone likeanoxygentank,yettheynowseem to be suffocating under the weight of Mohamed’s receipts. The “crooks,” as many have long whispered, are no longer hidden in shadows; they are being named on the very floor of Parliament by the man who allegedly signedtheircheques.
ThemythofthePPPasagrassroots movement—driven by the grit and sacrifice of ordinary supporters—has collapsedundertheheftofMohamed’s revelations. When he declared that he provided “hundreds of millions, if not billions” between 2015 and 2020, the illusion shattered. This was not a party sustainedbythepenniesofcanecutters andmarketvendors;itwasfinancedby the gold of a man they now brand a “sanctioned criminal.” The duplicity is stunning: they took his money when it paved their route back to power, but oncehesoughtaseatintheHouse,they wrappedthemselvesinthehandcuffsof “righteousness.”
Equally revealing was the silence thatfollowedintheNationalAssembly When Mohamed uttered the word “bankrolled,” the usual chorus of
hecklers fell mute. Those who spend their parliamentary careers drowning outdissentwithrehearsedinterruptions suddenly found their voices paralyzed. There was no laughter, no mock outrage,no“pointoforder.”Therewas only that heavy, knowing stillness that comes when truth cracks the veneer In that moment, the PPP’s carefully painted image as a vanguard of progress and integrity—peeled away, exposing what some now see as a political entity subsidized by Mohamed’senterprises.
ThencametheSOCUraid—amove soclumsyitcouldonlybereadaspanic. WithindaysofMohamed’sdisclosures, officers were dispatched to storm his shuttered business, supposedly in search of “illegal operations.” But the timing was too conspicuous, too rehearsedtopassascoincidence.
It was not an investigation; it was a performance. The irony is brutal: as SOCU searched the empty offices of Mohamed’s company, they ignored his pointed invitation to “go search Freedom House” for the hundreds of millions he claims to have delivered there.
Now, the public conversation has shifted. No one is asking whether the PPP is compromised—the question is how deep that compromise runs. If
Mohamed was indeed the “main support,”whatdidhepurchasewiththat loyalty? How many government decisionswereconceivednotinCabinet rooms but in goldplated boardrooms? Andifonebusinessmancouldbankroll a party’s return to power, how many othersarequietlytuggingthestringsof thepresidency?
The truth, once revealed, is merciless.Theleadershipcannolonger hidebehindtheprestigeofofficeorthe complexity of governance. They stand exposed not as the stewards of nationalprogresstheyclaimtobe,butas agroupaccusedofusingthewealthofa man, they now disown to reclaim the state.
Theirpresentsilenceisnotstrategy; itissuffocation.Itisthesoundofaparty gasping, not because of Mohamed’s alleged lies, but because the truth has drained the last breath of credibility fromtheirranks.
This is more than a scandal; it is a forensic unmasking—a confrontation with the unsettling possibility that a political machine once hailed as the people’s champion sold the soul of the nation to the highest bidder and is now scramblingtoarrestthebidderbecause thebillhasfinallycomedue.
Regards, HemduttKumar
A war of words, wisdom and wise-cracks in the
DEAREDITOR,
The Guyana National 2026 Budget has taken an unprecedented presentation when members of parliament either defined, refined or undermined budget deliberation. The Guyanese public has always been privileged to the English language and the Creoles language being proclaimed orpersecutedinparliament.
But recently, a 360-degree turn heraldedatraverseonlinguisticfluency withtheflavourandfluencyofAwadhi, Hindi and Sanskrit, when, the Honourable Pt. Vikash Ramkissoon, a PPP/C Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, was responding to the Honourable Pt. Vishnu Panday, a WIN MemberofParliament.
In the rum shop, the conversation usually resonates around the trinity of politics, sports and religion. It is not a cultural travesty but a troubled custom which glues the company with commotionandemotion.Theeffectcan eitheraffect relationships,or afford the firsthalfbottleto“gaff”andthesecond halfbottleto“laugh.”
Somethingsdonotgohandinhand. It is unadvisable to mix alcohol with petrol. Do not drink and drive. Some things are inseparable. Sugar and spice aresweet-naturedbinders.Somesayto keeppoliticsoutofthechurch,mosque and mandir Others want to protect the sanctity of religion from being pulverized around the walls of parliament.
Many political heads are affirmed becauseoftheirreligiousaffiliationand vice-versa. Many battles were fought
over beliefs.Awalk down history lane will reveal and reflect on the horrific lamentsbythewoundsof,forexample, “the Battle of Badr-624 AD, the Christian Crusades-1095/1291, the th KurukshetraWar-10 CenturyBCE,the PartitionofBritishIndia-1947,theGaza War-2023,etc.
OneoftheHindureligioustexts,the Bhagavad Gita, coalesces spirituality with action by shaping politics not as power-pursuance but as “Dharma” (righteous duty) and “Karma Yoga” (detached service). It urges leaders to perform duties without attachment to results while focusing on ethical responsibilitiesoverpersonalgains.
AnelderPt.Panday’sadventureinto a religious parlance and his insular divergence from a protective parliamentary pavement, proved catastrophic and was sternly rebutted and dislodged by an assailing counterattack from the youthful but alertPt.Ramkissoon.
The Honourable MP Panday committed the unforgivable toxic mistakeofallegingthattheHonourable MP Ramkissoon did not profess a certain requisite knowledge, thus attemptingtoplacePt.Ramkissoonina cumbersome and embarrassing position.
Like a disturbed cobra, an infective and invigorated response was inevitable The Honourable MP Ramkissoonsternlyrebukedtheinsular provocation and ventured into the tapestryoflinguisticfinessetoexpertly andeloquentlyexpoundonhisancestral language,therebyremovinganydoubts
ofillusiveimaginationandtocorrectPt. Panday’s convoluted contortions and acidaccusations.
Guyanese are accustomed to the expressions,“hardearsandheadhard.” It was a light moment for the House to applaud and approve the appropriate answerfromtheyoungPPP/Cstalwart, finally making his impressive presence feltwithdistinctioninasignificantway, after an unnecessary period of pending parliamentary objection from the now reduced and battered Opposition APNU.
Representing Region 3 is no easy task,notwiththeexcellentstandardand high bar set by the distinguished PresidentDr IrfanAli,himselfasonof the soil from Region 3. Pt. Vikash Ramkissoon has excelled himself both as a politician and a pandit. He is undoubtedly a voice to reckon with for the government as a Minister, and a strongfighterforhisDharmaasapandit andacommunityworker
Mahatma Gandhi’s preference as a reference to the Gita, justified nonviolent resistance and read war as an allegory for the internal struggle betweengoodandevil.
IntheNationalAssembly,thereisa constant war of words, wisdom and wise-cracks, widening the gap of good and bad, light and darkness, and righteousnessandunrighteousness. Hopefully, there is a moral lesson for all Members of Parliament to learn from this episode of unwarranted innuendos.
Yoursrespectfully, JaiLall.
One year after his inauguration on January 20, 2025, Guyanese Americans whovotedforTrumparestill supporting him despite declining approval numbers and a crack down on immigrantslikeGuyanese.
Despite several legal cases against him and his controversial remarks against minorities, Trump won large percentages of immigrant American and minorityvotersinNovember 2024 for a second term, an accomplishment thought unimaginable. His victory was bolstered by increased support from all ethnic groupsintraditionallystrong
D e m o c r a t i c neighbourhoods. Minorities, includingBlacks,Hispanics, Asians, Guyanese, traditional Democrats, almostdoubledtheirsupport forTrump. He also expanded his support among Guyanese, West Indian, and IndoCaribbeanpeopleinthe2024 election.
There was a significant shift in support in Guyanese neighbourhoods like RichmondHill,OzonePark, Rockaway, Woodhaven, Jamaica, Queens Village, Hollis, Briarwood, etc. in Queens, Parkchester, Westchester, Fordham, GrandConcoursesectionsof
Bronx, and in Brooklyn especially on the border to QueenslikeinCypressHills. There was also a significant increase in Muslim support for Trump. Hisnumberswentupamong everyethnicgroupsincefirst elected in 2016 and lost in 2020, including among Indo and Afro Guyanese Americans.
Interactions found some Indo-Guyanese voted for Trump and some 15% Afro Guyanese. They said Biden Administration mishandled the economy, public safety, and immigration and raised their taxes. They flipped to Trump.
The last year saw
As a senior citizen, I request a space in your newspaper to share my profound appreciation for the recent budget presentation by the Ministry of Human Services and SocialSecurity
The Honourable Minister’ speech was far more than a defence of budgetaryallocations;itwas a masterful, passionate, and deeply “human-services”
articulation of what governancemustmean.
Inanenvironmentwhere political discourse often descendsintonoise,Minister Vindhya stood as a pillar of integrity. Her immediate correction of falsehoodsfrom the modest size of her secretariat was a powerful reminder that public service demands honesty and truth above all. What was truly extraordinary was how the debatewastransformedfrom figures on a page into a compelling narrative of hope, dignity, and national
transformation.TheMinister did not speak of abstract billionsbutgavethatmoney a human face and a beating heart.
Thepassionateadvocacy for the Care Economy is revolutionary By championing the move “from unpaid care to paid care,” the Ministry is dismantling generational barriers for women and creating a new, dignified economicsector
This, alongside the pioneering Gender Empowerment Seal and the v i s i o n a r y G o l d e n G e n e r a t i o n H u b s , demonstrates a forwardthinking leadership committed to a more inclusiveandcompassionate Guyana The Minister’s closing remarks resonated withpoeticforce. Her vision of “the Guyana that was and the Guyanathatmustbe”andthe profoundstatementthat“we are not just managing fiscal projections;wearenurturing
monumental changes in US domestic and international policy AmericaFirstdefined Trump’s foreign policy and immigration raids against illegals dominated news in hisdomesticpolicy
a nation” crystallised the entirepurposeofthisbudget. She compelled us all to look beyond infrastructure andseethegrandmother,the s t u d e n t , t h e entrepreneur—the people at thecentreofeverypolicy
The presentation was a “tourdeforce”ofprincipled leadership, rooted in a powerful belief in the potentialofeveryGuyanese. Our Minister and her team have championed the people with unwavering clarity, compassion, and conviction.
Thank you for this exemplary service and for reminding us of what truly people-centred leadership lookslike,MinisterPersaud.
With utmost respect and admiration,
A Grateful Senior Citizen
His approval rating has fallen. Yet, Trump remains popularinhisbaseincluding amongGuyanesewhovoted for him in 2024. Political observers have struggled to understand why Guyanese (and other minorities) voted for Donald Trump in 2024 and largely remain fiercely loyal supporters despite declining popularity There is something about Trump that draws people; he is charismatic, feared and respectedevenbythosewho criticize him Those Guyanese who votedTrump saw him as heroic and admirable He has no permanent friends, only permanent interests for USA This explains Guyanese Americans courted him in the interests of Guyana and the diaspora in USA and even proposed the idea of Guyana being an adjunct of USA for protectionfromVenezuela,a smart geostrategic move to protect their homeland from Maduro.
Trumphasbeenthemost powerful leader globally since January 2025, giving leadershipthelikesofwhich America never experienced. It’s been unabashedly “AmericaFirst”.Noruleror country can challenge or defy Trump without consequences except perhaps China and Russia, both of which have very powerfulmilitariesalthough the latter’s economy is in shambles. China’s economy remainsverystrong. Trump hasbroughtcountriestotheir
knees as we have seen over the last year, using tariffs to get his way for what is best forUSA. He could get away with his policy because USA is the world’s largest economy andmilitarilymostpowerful country
Every country depends onUSAfortrade.Trumpdid whatever to advance Americaninterests.
Because of the respect Trump commanded and AmericaFirstpolicy,andhis anti-immigrant stance, severalGuyaneseAmericans courted Trump, strategically promoting a policy of close ties (adjunct) between Guyana and USA. It was thought such a move would p
undocumented) immigrants (diaspora)inUSA.
Critics, naysayers and other left-wing detractors assailed the strategy of c
USA, mocking it The Guyana government knows he only attacks and destroys, and as such they ignored him and o
T
e government, under Jagdeo’s enlightened thinking, has courted Trump, hiring a lobbying firm with former closely tied Trump’s staff. GuyaneseinUSA,including this writer, have also been lobbying the President and his administrationas well as members of the Republican Congress directly for policies beneficial to
Guyana The strategy of linking Guyana with USA seemed to have been working Trump has temporarily removed the Maduro threat that has been claimed two-thirds of Guyana’s territory So far, the number of Guyanese deported has been minimal, and they were largely those involved in crimes as opposed to just being illegal inUSA.
Half of the Guyanese diaspora in USA have praised Trump for his probusinessplatformandtoughon-crime approach and against illegal criminal immigrants.
But they don’t support his crackdown on all illegal immigrants,pointingoutthat most are hard-working and honest and contribute significantlytotheeconomy
Guyanese contribute enormously to the US economy in all fields of Endeavor Andtheyfeelbad t h a t s o m e g o o d undocumented people were deported; they hope others willbeleftaloneandbecome regularized.
Guyanese Americans who voted Trump are confident things will improve in USA. But will they vote Republican next time with Trump not on the ballot. Guyana should not get on the wrong side of Trump by allying with American competitors who challenge the “Dunroe” Doctrine.
Yourstruly, DrVishnuBisram
The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)/formalised/thei r continued partnership with thesigningofthe2026–2030 Framework Agreement,
reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing
public health priorities acrosstheCaribbean.// The agreement provides anoperationalframeworkto support a unified regional vision for health, strengthening coordination and collaboration at a time when Caribbean countries face growing and complex
h e a l t h challenges,/and/where resources are limited but p u b l i c h e a l t h needs/remain/significant./
Covering the period 2026–2030, the Agreement positions both/agencies/to work more strategically to deliver results under the
(L-R) Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas Assistant Director of the Pan American Health Organization witnesses the signing of the Framework Agreement by Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director
PAHO–CARICOM Joint Subregional Cooperation
S t r a t e g y ,
supporting/Member States/in strengthening health systems, improving preparedness,andadvancing population health outcomes /The/Agreement/ marks the continuation of a long-standing and trusted partnership between PAHO and CARPHA:/grounded in sharedresponsibility,mutual accountability, and a common goal of improving healthandwell-beingforthe peopleofthe/Region./ Delivering welcome remarksatthevirtualsigning ceremony,/Dr Jarbas Barbosa,DirectorofthePan A m e r i c a n H e a l t h Organization/said: “This Agreement enables PAHO and CARPHA to jointly develop regional strategies and plans of action,
i m p l e m e n t health/programmes/aligned with our Strategic Plans and/Programme/Budgets, and provide technical cooperation that is responsivetocountryneeds. It also/establishes/a clear framework for subsidiary agreements, ensuring transparency,accountability, a n d r e s u l t s - b a s e d implementation”./
Dr LisaIndar,Executive Director, CARPHA/pointed out, “Caribbean countries rightly expect that the limited resources available fortechnicalcooperationare used efficiently, effectively, and strategically to achieve the greatest possible impact for our Caribbean citizens” /Dr Indar/added, “This can only be achieved t h r o u g h s t r o n g e r collaboration, streamlined i m p l e m e n t a t i o n ,
reduced/duplication and a lighteroperationalburdenon ourMemberStates”.// PAHO has supported CARPHA in multiple priority areas including the/Caribbean Regulatory System; laboratory s t r e n g t h e n i n g ; climate/resilience/and environmental health; noncommunicablediseases,risk communication and community engagement; a n d emergency/preparedness/an d response, including foodborne disease preparedness.// CARPHA and PAHO both/look forward to d e e p e n i n g collaborations/over the next fiveyearsandtranslatingthis Framework Agreement into measurableimprovementsin health outcomes for the peopleoftheCaribbean./
“The end of an era”, one of Guyana's oldest privately owned newspapers, Stabroek News, on Friday announced that after almost 40 years in publication, it willceaseprintingonMarch 14,2026.
The publication reported that in an address to employees, Chairman of Guyana Publications Inc (GPI), Brendan de Caires said the company will shortly begin the process of voluntaryliquidation.
He explained that newspapers like Stabroek News, which began publishing in November 1986 and became a daily in 1994, faced an existential challengefromglobaldigital platformssuchasFacebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Globally, he noted, print advertising has declinedby75percent,from approximately US$110 billion in 2004 to US$26 billionin2024.
He also disclosed that in recent years, GPI absorbed mounting losses by drawing onitscashreserves.“Despite cutting costs, the company haslostmoneyforsixoutof the last ten years”, he said. Nevertheless, he assured employees that all benefits duetothemwillbepaid.
Stabroek News was foundedin1986byattorney David de Caires, with his wifeDoreenbesidehim.
Inastatementissued,the founder's children, Isabelle and Brendan de Caires
described the decision to close the newspaper as “extraordinarilydifficultand painful” “Stabroek News was born in a media environment very different to the one that exists in Guyanatoday,”itwasstated.
The siblings noted that shortly before their father's death, the newspaper endured a period when advertisements from stateowned companies, which was a significant source of revenue, were withheld. “A rather crude attempt to muzzle the free press. In the past year, the state-run Department of Public Information has accrued a debt to this newspaper in excess of G$ 80,000,000 in unpaid advertisements. The debt persists despite repeated private and public entreaties to clear it. This tactic could equally be construed as an attempt to starve this company of its operating funds,” it was furtherstated.
It was noted that while the business tried to diversify and adapt seeking alternative sources of income, it faced significant obstacles “We have repeatedly sought (and been refused) a radio licence Although we operated a TV subsidiaryforafewdecades, our main local competitors enjoyed significant privileges.The playing field was not level The anticipatedprogressionfrom newspaper to multi-media
broadcaster has been impossible,”itstated.
They stressed that the model of reportage that this paper has cultivated in its lifetime is out of step with the algorithmic formulae that now control the circulation of news online.
“These considerations and conditions have shaped this moment and its outcome. But that is only a small part ofthestory,”theysaid.
Nevertheless, they stated, “So, in a sense, we exit as we entered Unbowed. Heads held high. Beholden to none. It will be for others to take the full measure of this newspaper's contribution to the democratic process in Guyana, and to the nation's ability to talk and listen to itself in civil tones, without invective,rancourormalice. Stabroek News has nurtured a generation or two of readers,writers,thinkersand pundits. It is time to hand overthebaton.”
As news of the closure spread,mediaoperativesand members of the public expressed sadness, noting the newspaper's role in shaping Guyana's media landscape and its reputation for fearless, independent reporting Several journalists reflected that their careers began at StabroekNews,creditingthe institution for their professionaldevelopment.
The Guyana Press Association (GPA) said it
was deeply saddened by the impending closure. “This development marks a significant loss to the nation'smedialandscapeand to the democratic fabric of our society,” the association said.
Itaddedthatfordecades, Stabroek News served as a pillar of independent journalism, providing credible information and diverse perspectives “Its closure represents not only the silencing of a critical voice,butalsoareminderof the challenges faced by independent media in sustainingoperationsamidst economic and political pressures,”GPAadded.
The GPA cautioned that without strong, independent journalism, citizens are deprivedofthetransparency and scrutiny that safeguard democracy and protect publictrust.
“Throughout its history, Stabroek News has been an advocateforsocialjusticein Guyana, highlighting issues such as corruption, human rights abuses and environmental concerns. It has been a bastion of journalistic integrity, empowering citizens to demand accountability and transparencyfromthosewho leadus,”itreminded.
It noted that the impending closure of StabroekNewsshouldserve as a wake-up call to strengthen protections for press freedom and to ensure
diverse, resilient, and capable of fulfilling its democraticrole.
Theassociationcalledon government, the private sector, civil society and the international community to recognise the importance of supporting independent media institutions and reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and supporting journalists acrossGuyana.
Ve
Gordon Moseley described the announcement as a dark day for independent media.
“Over the years, Stabroek News has served as a platform for diverse views and opinions and has remained steadfast in its work on a changing media landscape Guyana will become poorer with the absence of Stabroek News. To my colleagues at the Stabroek News, hold your heads up and keep pushing through. Bestwishesasyou plan a way forward. God's Blessings,”headded.
JournalistKurtCampbell said the closure marks more thantheendofanewspaper “For nearly four decades, Stabroek News stood as a pillar of independent journalism in Guyana. It asked hard questions It amplifiedvoicesthatneeded to be heard. It documented ourpoliticalshifts,oursocial struggles, our triumphs, and our everyday stories. It was
part of our natio
dialogue,”heremarked.
F
Leonard Gildarie reflected on his early career at the newspaper, describing his first year there as “lifechanging.” He added, “In recent years I have always wondered how print media managed to stay afloat with diminishing circulation madeworsebytheexplosion of social media as a country…we can marvel at the history of our country and Stabroek News the question will be …are we betterofffromitsimpending closure?”
JournalistAlvaSolomon saidthenewspapergavehim hisstartinacareerspanning two decades, calling the closure a sad day for Guyana'smedia.
Minister within the OfficeofthePrimeMinister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, also commented on the announcement. “It is regrettable to know of the intendedclosureofStabroek Newsbymid-March2026.It istrulyanindicationofhow porous is the global media landscape and a stark reminder to those in the media business that they must constantly take into consideration evolving their strategy to deal with competitive market forces and changing media dynamics, including the eruptionofsocialmedia,”he said.
The Committee of Supply on Thursday approved $10.9 billion for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as part of the 2026 Budgetestimates.
During consideration of the estimates and expenditures, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Charles Ramson outlined several planned developments within the cultural sector, with particular focus on the newly formed“orangeeconomy.”Hesaid the allocated funds will support its expansion and further assist in the developmentoflocalartists.
“In our manifesto, we committed to expanding the development of our orange economy,” Ramson said. “Guyana is in a very unique situation. The industries and relevant sectors connected to culture are evolving.
The singers would make a lot of money on air time that they get on the radio. Revenue is now being earned from Spotify now than broadcasting on radio because the marketislarger.
However, members of the opposition raised concerns about the status of the country's cultural policy and copyright legislation, arguing that delays are affecting local artists, particularly in securingrecognitionandprotection fortheirwork.
In response, Ramson said both theculturalandsportspolicieshave been completed, but have not yet been published due to the election season He explained that the policies can be released once cabinetapproves.
“What is currently being worked on is the cultural policy,”
theministerstated.“Weestablished a cabinet-plus committee in November, and since then several meetings, which is about to be submitted to the cabinet. The holding back of the cultural policy wassimilaralongthelinesofbasis, that what is contained and emanated from the stakeholder e n g a g e m e n t s a n d recommendations coming from there should also be distilled, filteredandthenbecontainedinthe policy,”hesaid.
He added that once public consultations on the sports policy arecompleted,nofurtherworkwill berequiredbeforepublication.
When questioned about whether the review of the legal
f
copyright legislation, Ramson confirmedthatthegovernmenthas
committed to updating the country'scopyrightlaws.“Wehave madeacommitmentthatwewillbe reviewing and updating our copyright legislation. When we insertthosepointsinourmanifesto thoseareourcommitmentsandwe havetosticktothose. Butitwon't be something that will happen immediatelysothatit'srushed,”he said. Meanwhile, in addressing questions about current
expenditureallocationsforculture, Ramson said the remaining funds will be used for design and rehabilitationworksatthenational museum, the engagement of servicesfornationalevents,andthe development of the national music festival, as outlined in the party's manifesto The minister further disclosedthatin2025,theministry hosted 87 government-related
MinisterofCultureYouthand Sports, Charles Ramson
events that engaged youths and featuredculturalperformances.
“Thatexceededourtargetsetin 2024goinginto2025.Government programmes have expanded, and every national celebration now includesculturalperformancesasa standardfeature,”hesaid.
Ramson also noted that arrangements are underway to bring more international artists to Guyana in support of the orange economy and upcoming national events.
Georgetown has always possessed the air of a place living on memory Not history in the grand sense, not the kind that builds monuments and sustains civicpride,butmemorythat is faded, selective, and slightlyresentful.
The old wooden houses, leaning like tired men; the canals dug by the Dutch, now thick with refuse; the markets once loud with commerce and argument, now crowded with the improvisations of survival. Georgetown is a city that remembers what it was and cannot quite admit what it hasbecome.
So, when the rains came—four inches in four hours, we are told—the city responded with surrender Streets became brown canals. Cars stalled in water that seemed to rise not only from the sky but from the veryearth,asifthelanditself had given up. The official e x p l a n a t i o n i s meteorological excess. Yet rainisanoldvisitorhere.Itis nottherainthathaschanged; itisthecity
If such a deluge fell across other parts of the coastland and surely it
d i d w h y d i d t h e
catastrophe feel so concentrated, so intimate to Georgetown? The answer is plain enough. Georgetown’s drainageisinshambles.The trenchesarecloggedbecause municipal governance is clogged. The kokers drain sluggishlybecausetheyhave not been properly maintained. The city does notfloodsimplyfromwater; it floods from neglect and denial.
The government, anxious to demonstrate
competence, has taken to cleaning drains, hauling garbage, dispatching machinery in displays of industrious urgency It is a theatre of intervention Trucks appear Excavators bite into silt. Photographs circulate.Foraweekortwo, thereismotion.Buttherains, indifferent to spectacle, return.Andthewaterrisesas before The truth is uncomfortable: Georgetown cannot be redeemed by periodic rescue. The city’s deterioration is structural, not episodic It lies in chronic incapacity of City Hall, in the culture of disorder that has become ordinary To clean a drain without reforming the institutionresponsibleforits maintenance is to scoop water from a leaking boat while refusing to mend the hull.
Andso,billionsarespent by government. Markets are rehabilitated Facades are painted Stabroek and Bourda are spoken of as though fresh concrete can summon back vanished commerce.
Thevendorswhocrowd the pavements do so not because the markets are unpainted, but because enforcement is absent and informality is easier than order Rehabilitating marketsdoesnotrehabilitate asystem.
There is something faintly tragic in the government’s persistence. It istheoptimismofastatethat believes capital expenditure can substitute for civic culture. But Georgetown’s crisis is not primarily financial.Itisadministrative and moral. The drains fill because garbage is dumped
with impunity. The garbage is dumped because regulations are unenforced. No sum of money, however grand, can purchase discipline.
The recent floods only dramatizedwhatwasalready known. The water revealed the city’s anatomy: its sunken roads, its uneven surfaces,itsblockedarteries. It showed how thin the margin is between inconvenienceandparalysis. Afewhoursofrain—andthe capital of a rising oil economy is immobilized The contrast is stark Offshore, platforms extract wealth from the seabed Onshore, the capital drowns inrunoff.
It may be time to admit what pride resists Georgetown, as presently constituted, may be beyond rescue.Acitycannotsurvive on nostalgia and subsidy If City Hall lacks the capacity togovern,theninterventions fromthecentralgovernment becomeactsoffutility They relieve immediate embarrassment but entrench long-termdecay
There are only two honest paths. One is radical reform: a renegotiation of municipal authority, a restructuring so profound that it would amount to rebirth The other is withdrawal—an acceptance that the central government cannot forever compensate forlocalfailure.Tocontinue pouring billions into cleaning campaigns and cosmetic refurbishments is topretendthatsymptomsare causes.
The city’s doom is not dramatic.Itisincremental.It isinthesmallcompromises: theillegalvendingtolerated,
Today is Valentine Day and when dem boys read about some of dem prices what dem eating houses charging, dem boys decidefuhplaysick.
Onemansehhenearlyfaintwhenhesee a “Valentine’s Special” is $25,000 and all yuh getting is two forkful of rice, one chickenbreastcutinhalflikeitapplyingfuh passport, and a slice of cake small enough fuh hide under yuh tongue.And dem call it “finedining.”Finefuhwho?
Another one seh the menu got names longer than the Berbice Bridge toll line. “Pan-seared, herb-crusted, flame-kissed chicken medallions resting on a bed of aromaticrice.”Isplainfrychickenandrice, bai.Justsaysoandlehwemindprepare. Demboyssehinsteadofgoingout,they gon cook at home. One man light candle, spray lil air freshener, and tell he wife is “five-starambiance.”Theonlystarsheseeis the one spinning round she head when she
thedrainsleftuncleared,the pittance collected as municipal taxes that cannot pay even for garbage collection.
Perhaps Georgetown willpersist,asitalwayshas, in a state of suspended decline neither fully collapsing nor genuinely renewing. But that is not survival in any meaningful sense.Itisdrift.
A capital city should embodyaspiration.Itshould
signal order, possibility, and seriousness of purpose Georgetown, in its current state,signalsfatigue.Andno amount of government spending can disguise that fatigueforlong.
tastethesaltystew
Onefrugalfellaevenprintheownmenu:
”Tonight’s Special: Whatever deh in de fridge.” Dem boys seh love might be priceless, but apparently dinner got VAT, servicecharge,andheartbreaktaxincluded. Valentine’sDaycomeandoneromanticwife decide she gon’test she husband love. She send a long, sweet text: “If yuh sleeping, sendmeyuhdreams.
Ifyuhlaughing,sendmeyuhsmile.
Ifyuheating,sendmeabite.
Ifyuhdrinking,sendmeasip.
Ifyuhcrying,sendmeyuhtears.
Nowthishusbandain’ttheflowerytype atall.Mandoesforgetanniversarylikehow peopleforgetumbrellaindryseason.
He read the message, scratch he head, andtextback:
“Babe…ahdehindetoilet.Wahexactly yuhwantmesend?” Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
The rain has done its work. It has exposed what speeches obscure If the government continues to chase redemption through expenditure alone, it will find that the water always returns and with it, the same uncomfortable truth: somecities,havinglosttheir structure and spirit, cannot besavedbymoney
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Members of Parliament fromboththePPPGovtside and the opposition aisles have a challenge on their hands. Mr Speaker, or Mr Master Executioner If governmentMPschooseMr Executioner, they giveaway the game -the Speaker delivers for their benefit.
When the honorable
opposition members (everyone, no matter what Drs.Ali,Nadir,andNandlall say, they all are) rise to get moving, if their salutationis Mr Speaker,theydosowith the hollowness of scorched consciences. For what has the same Mr Speaker not been for their interests tabled, if not Mr Executioner? Mr Master PublicExecutioner
Recognition of the facts onthegrisly,bloodyfloorof parliamentleavesatrailthat leads to the honorable Guyanese called Mr
Speaker My brow is furrowed, since the most perfect fit is Mr Executioner I suggest to fellow citizens that they be true to themselves, and consider how the Speaker's handiworks stand in dogeared, flea-bitten, roachraided, rodent-mauled disarray Thehandiworksof the man, not the honorable Speaker himself. Guyanese should realize that Mr Executioner is the best full headed, full faced, covering (with slits for eyes and nostrils), given the dangerous, deplorable deterioration of democratic norms in parliament. When democratic norms are demolished, then the replacement looks alarmingly close to parliamentary despotism When such a condition prospers, then is when a Public Executioner enjoys
great popularity with powerful recruiters and controllers. Heisreveredby godfathers. Reviled by the mobs.
I invite all Guyanese, fromfriendswhoarefew,to foes originating in an overflowing cup The symbol is detectable Friends and fellow Guyanese (I almost said Romans): the record of G u y a n a ' s P u b l i c Executioner strides on its own legs, is full of the incendiary and the bloody Mr Executioner has chopped off the heads of mere motions, papers pushed in front of him seeking some recourse, some degree of repeal. He was so committed, the ferocious image of a determined pit-bull, that he axedamoveforamomentof silence for an 11-year-old daughter of this savaged,
gruesome minefield that is Guyana. A real Speaker couldn't do something like that,wouldn'tdreamof(and even if he did), would not dare to slash at a moment of silence for anybody, or anything. Not for rabid dogs. Not even against venomous reptiles A moment of conscience, of probablydivineintervention (StateHousemayclaimthat right) let to the civility of correctiveaction.
Therewasstillhopefor Mr Executionerbrandishing his chopper There is still hope for Guyana, in the fadingtwilightofitsholdon parliamentarydemocracy
Then the walls of Guyana's parliament collapsed. One savaging sweep after another of the scimitar of a Master Executioner during happy hour I think I see a man driven to extremes by the sight and smell of enemy blood. Arteries severed. Bones crunched Flesh dangling. Oxygen drained. Life's pulsations ebbing The newest victim for the Master Executioner, which he went after with a vengeance (probably as
schooled) was the then waiting, hanging Leader of the Opposition, We Invest in Nationhood's Azruddin Mohamed Mr Executioner hacked away, and carved away,withoutmakingmuch progress.
Try separating a man's head from his shoulders, only for sword to encounter rubber Mr Mohamedmust be a jazzman, which earns him the honorific of 'Cat' Mohamed.
Thepoliticalliveshehas exhibited in a short time reminds me of that feline prowess. Personally, Cat is betterthan'fugitive.'
Mr Executioner (Mr Guillotine) was living his Guyana version of the French Revolution as he tried and tried to cutoff the LeaderoftheOppositionout ofexistence.
Guyana's a real hard townwithhardmenwhoare into hard stuff. When that selection process finally climaxed, the Speaker doubling as Master Executioner then decided that the time had come to behead a new victim
Trunca te the press is the new preferred pastime of Mr Executioner, this tireless chopper and slicer, doing a thanklessjob. Acenturionof the commanding state who can't afford to sleep, lessen hisvigilance.
The media in Guyana wasfirstdisarmedbyaslight stab (long held up selection process, procedure), then decapitated.
It's obvious, as presented, that Mr Executioner is one hell of a dedicated, industrious chainsawoperator Heaxes, slashes, chops, truncates, cuts off, beheads, and decapitates Guyanese, sending them packing to some political halfway house. Take a bow, Mr Speaker (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Justice Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Friday ruled that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) acted when it denied tax exemptions to re-migrant Bibi Mohamed, declaring the agency's conduct arbitrary and without legal foundation.
The judge also found that the authority exceeded its powers by imposing additional requirementsnotmandatedbylaw
In a statement, Mohamed's attorney, SiandDhurjon,saidthecourtrejectedGRA's insistence that his client provide proof of source of funds before being granted tax concessionsonamotorvehicle.
Thecourtdeclaredthattheconductofthe GRA was “arbitrary, ultra vires, unreasonable, irrational, unfair, an abuse of power,whimsical,capriciousandwithoutany legalfoundationorauthority”initsdenialof theexemptionsowedtoMohamed.
Counsel argued that once that status was granted, the GRA's role was purely administrative—toprocessandgiveeffectto thestatutoryconcessions.
However, the CustomsAct requires such exemptions to be utilised within six months. DhurjonsaidtheGRAdelayedtheprocessby repeatedly demanding bank statements, tax returns and other “source of funding” documents on at least three occasions — requirements he maintained are not prescribedbylaw
Although Mohamed submitted all
requested financial records in August 2024, court documents show that she was later informed, on April 2, 2025, by Deputy Commissioner Gavin Low that her request wasbeingrefusedbecausetoomuchtimehad elapsed.
In affidavits before the court, the GRA contended that it had authority under antimoney laundering legislation to request additional documentation However, the courtnotedthattheauthorityfailedtoidentify any deficiency in Mohamed's application, particularly after she complied with its requests.Justice Isaacs-Marcus issued orders of certiorari quashing both the additional requirements and the refusal of the exemptions.
The court also granted mandamus compellingtheGRAtoapproveallapplicable exemptions within 14 days of Mohamed submittingavehiclequotationandtotakeall necessary steps to clear and release the vehicle upon payment of the properly applicabletaxes.
Costs of $600,000 were awarded to Mohamed,payablebyMarch27,2026.
In an invited comment, Dhurjon welcomed the ruling, stating that his client sought nothing more than equal treatment underthelaw Headdedthatitwasregrettable thattheGRAcontinuestoengageinconduct previously condemned by the courts, noting thatsimilarmattersarecurrentlypending.
The defence team representing Opposition Leader,Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, has filed an application in the Court of Appeal, seeking to stay the extradition proceedings currently underway at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court.
Theapplicationwasfiled on February 5, 2026, by defence attorneys Roysdale Forde SC, Siand Dhurjon and Damien Da Silva. The action is brought against Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, Attorney General and Minister of LegalAffairs,Anil Nandlall SC,andPrincipalMagistrate JudyLatchman.
The appeal stems from high court proceedings involving a judicial review challenge to the Minister of Home Affairs' Authority to Proceed (ATP) in the extraditioncase,aswellasa constitutional challenge to sections of the Fugitive Offenders(Amendment)Act 2009. On February 4, 2026, the high court dismissed the judicial review application, which had alleged bias by thegovernment,particularly byMinisterWalrond.
Indocumentsreleasedon Friday, the defence is seeking a stay of the committal proceedings for
substantive appeal The lawyers are also requesting urgenthearingofthematter, along with additional orders including treating exhibits attached to the affidavit as theofficialrecordofappeal, and potentially treating the h
y applicationasthehearingof the substantive appeal if the courtdeemsitappropriate.
The defence argues that the application is grounded in alleged breaches of naturaljusticeandclaimsthe ATP issued on October 30, 2025, i
, unreasonable, arbitrary and anabuseofpower Thefiling also seeks orders to quash the ATP through certiorari (order by which a higher courtreviewsacasetriedina lowercourt).
Further, the defence contends there is political bias,notingthattheminister isamemberofthegoverning PPP/C, while Azruddin Mohamed is an opposition figure who has publicly criticised the government, includingthepresident,vice president and attorney general The filing also allegeserrorsinlawandfact bythelowercourtwhich,the defenceclaims,resultedina miscarriage of justice. “It is submitted that the decision
Tatianna Benn, first place winner of the 11-13 Calypso Competition
of the learned judge in the courtbelowwaspremisedon anumberoferrorsoflawand of fact which operated altogether to miscarry
justice,” the application stated.The lawyers further argued that the alleged bias by state officials renders the ATP null and void, citing
breaches of the rule of natural justice, particularly the principle of nemo judex in sua causa (no one should be a judge in their own cause).
The Mohameds are facing a federal indictment in Miami, United States, following the unsealing of a 25-page indictment on October 2, 2025 The indictment alleges a wideranging fraud and money-
involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and
the evasion of millions of dollarsintaxesandroyalties owedtoGuyana. Following a formal request from the United States, Minister Walrond signed the Authority to Proceed, allowing the extraditionmattertoproceed beforethemagistrates'court. If sufficient evidence is
committal proceedings, the magistrate could order the Mohameds' extradition to face charges in the United States.
Ag r o u p o f Guyanese on Friday protested against the allocation of resources in this year's budget, a plan which they believe will not ease the struggles of ordinary Guyanese, while resources are funneled to those 'cozy' withthegoverningparty
“I am out here because I am a poor person and this budget is not poor people friendly. I am angry that a former judge could be receiving $40 million a year for work that we don't even see,”saidWintressWhyte,a memberofthewomen-based NGO,RedThread.
She was referring to the provision made in the 2026 Budget for the Office of the C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information,spearheadedby Senior Counsel Charles Ramson, father of the Minister of Culture, Youth andSport.
Susan Collymore,
another Red Thread member,raisedconcernover the quality-of-life Guyanese areforcedtoendureonharsh salaries, with minimum wage just over $60,000 “Tell me wah duh could do. None of those ministers in there won't take their wages andgiveittopoorpeople,so theycoulduse$60,000when
“Poor people can't eat certain things. They always have to forego something. Some of them can't even afford to send their children to school every day. Some of them go to school and they can't even eat a proper meal. Look at what they giving the children and calling it healthy meal- a pine tart.”- Susan Collymore
themonthcome.” Collymore argued that while government boasts of increases to pensioners and public assistance, those amount to a meagre $5000 a n d $ 3 0 0 0 m o r e , respectively
Further, she believes the $100,000 cash grant to be p a i d t h i s y e a r i s “disrespectful”toGuyanese. Instead,shesuggestedbetter paying jobs as a more sustainable measure to improve the lives of Guyanese.
“Poor people can't eat certain things. They always have to forego something. Some of them can't even afford to send their children toschooleveryday Someof them go to school and they can'teveneatapropermeal. Lookatwhattheygivingthe children and calling it healthy meal- a pine tart,”
SusanCollymoreargued.
Similarly, Wintress Whyte noted, “The government minimum wage
is$60,147permonth.House rent in Georgetown is $45,000 and up for a one bedroom.Ican'tevenaddin the meals and transportation and so forth…poor people have to be in our bed worryingwhatwegivingthe childrenthemtomorrow We gottobedoingMathematics in we sleep. In we sleep we worrying, take away, subtractandthenyoudivide and multiply the money still can'tdo.”
Meanwhile, civil society member, Danuta Radzik raised concern about the budgetary allocation for the C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information, whom she said was a failure. Radzik told Kaieteur News that she personally submitted a request for information relating to oil and gas documents that were never madeavailable.
To this end she questioned, “Why is Mr Ramson not doing his job and being paid $40 million
for doing nothing? This is unacceptable.
GHK Lall, a newspaper columnist also joined the picket line in the blistering afternoon sun, with his placard. His contention is that Guyanese live in an oil rich country, with over half thepopulationunabletofeed their children and live in poverty
Hesaid,“Thebudgetisa financial plan. It's a mechanism where the government shares tax dollars, oil dollars and borrow dollars and I think hereisanopportunity,record budget for the PPP governmenttodosomething different; (instead we have) $40 million for the office of information. It's an insult to us.Wegetnothingoutofthat office.”
Sharing similar sentiments was outspoken attorney and Chartered Accountant, Christopher
Ram He said, “I am offended that the first lady gets$50millionandRamson gets$40million.
Now the first lady if she really wants to serve this countryratherthanlivingoff the state, she should be
information, Ram argued, “What this government is sayingisya'llcanstuffit!We will pay him for doing nothing they don't care This government has no care, no shame! All the thingstheytalkingaboutthe
“The government minimum wage is $60,147 per month. House rent in Georgetown is $45,000 and up for a one bedroom. I can't even add in the meals and transportation and so forth…poor people have to be in our bed worrying what we giving the children them tomorrow. We got to be doin Mathematics in we sleep. In we sleep we worrying, take away, subtract and then you divide and multiply the money still can't do.”- Wintress Whyte
setting up an NGO and getting involved in fund raising That's what first ladiesdo.”
Shifting his attention to t h e o f
c
poor people, when you look at who gets the real benefits from those vehicle concessions, it's the rich people. But Ashni Singh made a whole set of noise aboutthepoorpeople.”
Sir Ronald Sanders was officially installed as the 11th Chancellor of the UniversityofGuyanaduring aceremonyheldonFridayat the George Walcott Lecture Theatre on the Turkeyen Campus The installation ceremony was attended by Irfaan Ali, Mark Phillips, Sonia Parag, other members of the Cabinet, and senior
u
s, including Pro-Chancellor ProfessorRandolphPersaud andVice-ChancellorPaloma
Mohamed. In his inaugural address, Sir Ronald expressed gratitude to the university council for selecting him to serve as chancellor and thanked the government for endorsing the council's decision.
“I accept the office as chancellor of the University ofGuyanawithhumilitybut with a clear sense of duty,” he said. “Universities exist to prepare a society for the world it is entering. Each of
preceded me understood the
fundamental truth I am deeply conscious that I follow an impressive line of former chancellors. I shall endeavour to emulate the vision, integrity and public service that marked their example.”
He underscored the university's critical role in Guyana's national and international development, noting that it must remain central to the country's economictransformation.
“In today's world, knowledge is not an ornamentofdevelopment,it is its engine Capital is mobile, technology is tra
resources are finite, but a
skilled, adaptive and criticallymindedpopulation is the only sustainable advantage that nations retain,”hestated.
Sir Ronald emphasised that as artificial intelligence reshapes work, governance and production, the university must ensure that Guyanese are not passive consumersoftechnologybut confident creators and innovators. He also noted thatatatimewhenGuyana's sovereigntyisbeingtestedin international legal forums, the university's role in cultivating knowledge, confidence and national clarityisessential.
A labourer of South Vryheid's Lust, East Coast Demerara, was on Thursday granted $200,00 bail after he appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrates' Court to answer a feloniouswoundingcharge
The accused, 37-year-old Jermin Summer, appeared before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse, where the charge was
P r e s i d e n t A l i congratulated the new chancellor on his appointment and oath of office, describing him as a seasoned leader with deep regional and international experience. “Sir Ron is no stranger to this region's development process. He is no stranger to the world of academia, to diligent work, or to transforming institutions,” the president said.
The head of state also stressed the importance of maintaining high standards astheuniversityadvancesits (Continuedonpage17)
“If Guyana is to prosper beyond boom cycles, avoid uneven growth and reduce reliance on imported expertise, if it is to translate opportunity into broadbasednationaladvancement, then the University of Guyana must sit at the very centre of that national project,”hesaid.
readtohim.
According to the police, the offence was reportedly committed on a 40-year-old construction worker of South Vryheid, East Coast Demerara, onFebruary1,2026,atVryheid's Lust.Summerpleadednotguilty to the charge and was granted bail. The matter was adjourned toMarch19,2026.
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INTHEHIGHCOURTOF THESUPREMECOURTOF THEJUDICATUREOF GUYANAJURISDICTION
CIVILJURISDICTION
Case No.: 2025-HC-FDAESS-CIV-36
Party’s Name: SHAM KUMARIRAJWANTIE
PartyType:Applicant
Party’s Name- GANGA PERSAUD
Party Type: Respondent Notice to: GANGA PERSAUD
Last known address: Lot 1684TuschenNewHousing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, Republic of Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that on the 4th day of December, 2025 a Form 4A: GeneralHeading,Form:4C: Information for Court Use, Form 5A: Draft of Order, Form8B:FixedDateApplication, Affidavit of Sham Kumari Rajwantie and Notice of Appointment of Attorney-at-Law were filed against you by SHAM KUMARI RAJWANTIE, theApplicantisintheCivil Jurisdiction of the High Court in Supreme Court Sub-Registry Suddie, Essequibo Coast. AND FURTHERTAKENOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agentorAttorney-at-Lawat theRegistryoftheCivilJurisdictionoftheHighCourt atSupremeCourtSub-Registry Suddie, Essequibo Coast,whereyouwillbeissued with a Certified Copy oftheApplication,together with related documents. ANDFURTHERTAKENOTICE that if you desire to DefendthisFixedDateApplication,thenuponreceipt oftheCertifiedCopyofthis Application, you must file an Affidavit in Defence in theRegistryoftheCivilJurisdictionoftheHighCourt atSupremeCourtSub-Reg-
TheCommitteeofSupply on Thursday approved an additional $8.4 million in the 2026 budget for the reconstruction of Kariako Primary School in Region One, a $21 millionprojectthathasyetto commence.
During the consideration of budget estimates for the RegionOneRDC,Ministerof Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, disclosed that the$8.4millionformspartof the $321,941,000 budgeted undercapitalexpendituresfor schools and educational facilities.
Theministerdetailedthat the$321millionwillcoverthe expansionofArakakaPrimary School, reconstruction of Kariako Primary School, extension of Port Kaituma and CanalBankPrimarySchools, constructionofaSENCentre at Moruca, and building primary schools and teacher quarters at Five Star, Eye Lash,andBigCreekcommunities.
From the schools listed under the $321 million, APNU’s Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, asked whether any of the funding represents a rollover fromlastyear,when$183million was budgeted for 2025.
Manickchand confirmed that two projects are carryovers:ArakakaPrimary School,forwhich $12.1 million is budgeted for 2026, and the reconstruction of Kariako Primary School,for which $8.4 million has been set aside.
The minister was further asked to provide details on project commencement, the contractors executing the work, and expected completion dates. She disclosed that Zoya Enterprise is executing both projects. The Arakaka project was awarded in September2025,whileKariako’s project was awarded in December2025.
Manickchand informed
istry Suddie, Essequibo Coast within fourteen (14) days from the date of first publication of this Notice. TAKENOTICEthatDirections hearing fixed on Thursday the 19th day of March,2026at8:30ambefore the Honourable Madam Justice FIDELA CORBIN-LINCOLN,Zoom ID: 367 968 1848 and Passcode:6789123.
the National Assembly that, basedoninformationfromthe REO,theKariakoprojecthas not yet started. She noted that the project was awarded $21millionin2025,whilethe Arakakaprojectreceived$30 million.
“…It has not started yet; it is to be started. I was advised by the REO that the leveloftheBaramaRiverdisallows easy transportation to andfromthesevillages,which impacts how civil works are carried out,” Manickchand explained.
Following up, Mahipaul askedwhyanadditional$8.4 millionwasallocatedifthe$21 million project has not yet commenced.
“It’s a rollover amount, I’madvised,”theministerre-
sponded, noting that “mobilisation was paid for both projects, but not all of it was spent.”
Regarding timelines, Manickchand said the Kariakoprojectisexpectedto be completed by the end of March, while the Arakaka project is set for completion by end of June 2026.
“Having visited these communities,it’salmostinexplicablehowtheheightofthe rivermakesahugedifference. Somematerialscan’treachthe community if the Barama River is low, so while the projects are scheduled for March and June, they can be impacted by these factors,” the minister added
Some$9.1billionwaslater approved for Region One.
MinisterofHealth,Dr FrankAnthonyon Friday urged citizens to take advantage of routine screening programmes for prostate cancer,stressingthatearlydiagnosisiskeyto preventingdeaths,asthediseaseremainsthe leadingcanceramongmeninGuyana.
He made the appeal during his presentationbeforetheCommitteeofSupply during the consideration the Ministry of Health’s2026budgetestimates.
DrAnthony said that in recent years, the ministry has established routine screening servicesforprostatecancer,allowingmento accessProstate-SpecificAntigen(PSA)tests andfollow-upbiopsieswherenecessary
“You can also, apart from getting your PSAs,ifitselevated,youcannowgoandget abiopsydone,”henoted.
The health minister disclosed that over the last year, close to 600 biopsies were conducted and about 400 were positive. “So
thosemenwereabletocomeintocareearlier So, it’s going to make a difference, because right now, prostate cancer is the number one canceramongmeninGuyana.So,ifwecatch it early, we’ll be able to treat people and prevent them from dying from prostate cancer and that’s the objective of the ministry,”DrAnthonynoted.
Moreover, the minister also highlighted the progress in the fight against cervical cancer, pointing to the rollout of the ninevalent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which targets nine cancer-causing strains of the virus. He highlighted that the vaccineisbeingprovidedfreeofcost.“Think if you have to get that vaccine in the US, it wouldcostyouaboutUS$360.You’regetting ithereinGuyanaforfree,”henoted.
The minister encouraged persons with a child between the ages of nine and 15 to ensurethattheyarevaccinated.
Frompage14 free education initiative. He cautioned that programmes offered must align with Guyana’sdevelopmentpriorities.
“Sometimeswecangetcarriedawayinto thinking that free education means the deliveryofeveryformofeducationorevery programme we may wish to offer But our education must be matched to the national agenda,”hestated.
PresidentAlisaidSirRonaldassumesthe role at a pivotal time in the university’s history, as Guyana experiences heightened economic transformation. He noted that the country requires a strong national university capable of producing highly trained and skilled graduates across all disciplines to propelandsustaindevelopment.
“The University of Guyana is extremely fortunatetocounthimasits11thChancellor I have no doubt that he will provide enlightened leadership, wise counsel and distinguished guardianship to this institution,”thepresidentadded.
Former Chancellor Professor John EdwardGreenealsodeliveredremarksatthe ceremony Reflecting on his tenure and the progress made during his leadership, he expressedgratitudeforhavingcontributedto theuniversity’sadvancement.
Heencouragedtheuniversitycommunity to extend the same cooperation and sense of
purposetothenewchancellor
“To the university community, I ask that you accord your new leader the same unwavering cooperation and sense of purposethatsustainedme.Withaheartfullof gratitudeandlookingtothefuture,Ifeeland see that the best days of this national universityareyettocome,”hesaid.
AformervisitingfellowattheUniversity ofOxford,SirRonaldholdsamaster’sdegree in International Relations from the University of Sussex, and has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of the West Indies and an Honorary Doctor of Laws by the University ofGuyana.HehasservedasSeniorResearch Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies,UniversityofLondon,andasSenior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto. He was Rapporteur of a Special CommitteeappointedbytheVice-Chancellor of the University of London on the future of the Commonwealth Institute and was an elected member of the Executive Board of UNESCO.
Internationally, Sir Ronald is among the Caribbean’s most accomplished diplomats. HecurrentlyservesasAntiguaandBarbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States, and has served an unprecedented three terms as PresidentofitsPermanentCouncil.
Frompage11
interactive calypso titled “I Love My Country”.Fromthemomentshesteppedon stage,Benncaptivatedtheaudiencewithher confidentstagepresence,rhythmicflow,and spirited delivery, exiting to resounding cheers.
“I was extremely overjoyed and a bit emotional. I was confident that I was going to win, but hearing my name called was an experienceIwillneverforget.
Myselfandmyteacherworkedveryhard togethere,andseeingthehardworkpayoff was very satisfying,” Benn told Kaieteur News.
Her winning piece was crafted by Mr TerrenceGiddings,aSocialStudiesteacher at TASS known for nurturing calypsonians tonationalsuccess.Giddingsexplainedthat the song reflects a message of patriotism, designedtohighlightthepositiveaspectsof Guyana.
“I always try to use my craft to teach,” Giddings said. “A lot of people have been trying to run down Guyana…so I decided whenwritingthistracktohighlightsomeof
“Wewantbothboysandgirls,becausein boys,therearecertaincancerslikepenaland rectal cancer that you can get, and this vaccinecanpreventthatandwe’vealsoseen in other countries oral cancer that can be prevented by HPV. So, this is a good programme, and I just want to encourage peopletomakethebestuseofit,”DrAnthony said. He reminded of the $8,000 screening voucher to support cervical cancer testing, with treatment available for those who test positive. “So, these are good things, and please encourage your constituents to make suretheybenefitfromthis,”headded.
Further, he disclosed that this year $1.73 billion will go towards consultancies with MountSinai,NorthwellandErnstandYoung. Funding was also approved for health management information systems, consultancy services, electronic health records, and other administrative and technicalsupportservices.
The minister said the partnership with Mount Sinai, which runs until 2030 and is supported largely by Hess Corporation, Guyana will pay $891 million this year.The collaboration has already seen close to 80,000childrenscreened.
the good things, the positive things of Guyana.”
Second place went to Hannan Ramsaroop of Queen’s College, Georgetown, with “Little Builders, Big Tomorrow”, while Stacy Mentis of Abram ZuilSecondaryinRegionTwoclaimedthird placewith“OurCountry,OurPride.”
Minister of Education Sonia Parag, addressing the young performers, encouragedthemtousetheirtalentstotheir fullest potential She highlighted government initiatives in the “Orange Economy”aimedatsupportingthecountry’s creative industry and assured students that such platforms provide meaningful opportunitiestodeveloptheirskills.
“When you come out here, it’s not just because you are representing a school, but also because you are showcasing what you are capable of, your creative side, and your talent,” the minister said. “Once your talent brings out positivity and carries a positive message, keep going with it and take the opportunities that the government puts forward.”
(Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Friday said the United States relationship with Venezuela is “very good” and that he planstovisitthecountry
Trump’s praise for Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, follows
Nicolas Maduro in January, and comes as the Trump administration is trying to boostoildealsinthecountry
“I’m going to make a visit to Venezuela,” Trump told reporters at the White House, although he did not shareanyadditionaldetails.
“We have a very good relationship with the president of Venezuela,” Trump said, noting the United States is “working together very closely” with Rodriguezonaccesstooil.
“The relationship we have right now with Venezuela I would say is a
10,”Trumpadded.
Asked by Reuters if he will recognize Rodriguez as the official government, Trumpresponded,“Yeah,we have done that We are dealingwiththem,andreally right now they have done a greatjob.”
TheWhiteHousedidnot immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the official U.S. stance towards Rodriguez’s governmenthaschanged.
Trump administration officials in recent weeks made clear that the U.S. did not recognize Rodriguez’s interim government as legitimate.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright in Venezuela on Thursday said Rodriguez is the “interim president” working with the United States.
Wright, in a CNN interview, said the U.S. will not “tell Delcy what her future role” is in potential future elections, calling that d
president” of Venezuela.
The items police recovered following the armed robbery on the Herstelling businesswoman.
The Guyana Police Force has arrested four persons in connection with the armed robbery of a 59-year-old Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD) businessman on Thursday According to a police report, the incident occurred around 21:15hrs at HerstellingNewScheme.
The suspects are a 21-year-old driver, a 28-year-old labourer, a 19-year-old female anda24-year-oldporter,allofBougainvillea Park,Farm.
Preliminary investigations revealed that thewomanwaswalkingalongastreetinthe areawhenshewasapproachedbytwomales, one reportedly armed with what appeared to beahandgunandtheotherwithaknife.
Police said that “the suspect armed with the knife placed it to the victim’s neck and demanded her valuables, while the other
suspect stood by armed with the suspected firearm.”
Fearful for her life, the woman handed overabagcontainingtwocellularphonesand other personal items worth $93,500. The suspects reportedly then fled the scene in a motorcar.
The police stated that acting on information,rankslaterwenttoaresidenceat Bougainvillea Park, Farm, EBD, where a motor car suspected to be connected to the robbery was seen. There a search was conductedonthevehicleandpremisesduring which one of the stolen cellular phones was recovered, along with several other phones, twotoyguns,acutlass,scissors,aquantityof cash suspected to be counterfeit and a bottle ofwine,thepolicedetailed.Investigationsare ongoing.
The impending closure of Stabroek News marks a dark day for Guyana's democracy. Founded by David de Caires as a stubborn testament to independent thought, the paper endured decades of political and economic crosswinds.
It survived an era when the Guyana Chronicle stood virtually alone, and it withstood the crude withholding of state advertisements meant to muzzle its voice. Today, history repeats itself with delayed payments and mounting debts, a slow financial asphyxiation. This is not merely a local tragedy.
Across the world, from the United States to the Caribbean, newspapers have folded under shrinking ad revenues and the tyranny of digital algorithms. Print journalism, once the guardian of public discourse, now fights for breath in a click-driven age.
Stabroek News exits unbowed, but Guyana is poorer for its silence.
Action in the North
Essequibo Cricket
Committee Chunilall
Balgobin Memorial T20 Competition involving 10 area teams that are divided into two groups, got underwayovertheweekend.
Teams are battling for $1,000,000 in cash and prizes,inatournamentbeing playedinmemoryofthelate
Mr Chunilall Balgobin, who was a former Chairman of theNorthEssequiboCricket Committee.
Matchesarebeingplayed at the Joe Jagmohan Cricket Ground, Sparta Cricket Ground, Reliance Sports Club Ground, Walton Hall Ground and Richmond UnitedGround.
In results from GroupA:
Richmond United scored 184-7 vs Walton Hall, with Basil Persaud 44, R. Bholo 35,T Boodram25.Bowling for Walton Hall N Manbahadur took 3-24, L. Singh2-37.
Walton Hall replied with 112-10off14.4overstolose by72runs. L.Singh18and U.Balgobin16werethetop s
Richmond United, T Stephney took 3-18 and P Singh3-22.
Frompage27
contributions during his tenure.Wilson acknowledged that thesport’simagehadsufferedmajorsetbacksandpledgedto makeitsrestorationhisimmediatepriority
”Ourathletesmustcomefirst,”heemphasised,outlining his commitment to ensuring that the federation’s decisions and programmes are centered on athlete development and welfare.PerformingdutiesastheReturningOfficerwasMrs SafranaCameron-Baird.
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Yourintuitionandintellectual energy and insight are at an high today You'll probably wanttospendmuchoftheday alone,reflectingonyourideas anddecidinghowyouwantto putthemtoworkforyou.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
You could well be bubbling over with physical energy today,Taurus.Youmightwant tospendyourdayvisitingwith friends. You could pick up some interesting information from them, which you might beabletoputtoworkforyou.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Visitorsinyourhome,perhaps invited by others in your household, could put a crimp in your desire to be alone and hash out your thoughts today. Your mind is sharp and ideas shouldcomethickandfast.
CANCER(June21–July22)
You’re very intuitive by nature,Cancer,andtodayyou should be feeling especially so. Don't be surprised if you spontaneously tune in to the ideas and emotions of those aroundyou.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
This should be one of those days when you feel as if you could conquer the world.You feel strong and determined, Leo, and willing to do whatever it takes to get whereveryouwanttobe.
VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)
A business or love partner could bring opportunities for advancementyourwaytoday You may decide to draft or executelegalpapersthatcould be very important to your future.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
The hard work and good business sense that you’ve put into your job may finally be payingoff,Libra.Expectsome positive changes to take place attheworkplacethisweek.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Insightsthatmaycomewelling upfromthepastcouldbeputto workforyouinapositiveway You could use them as inspiration for a creative projectofsomekind.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Your home might need some work today, Sagittarius. You and other members of your householdcoulddecidetojoin forcesandgeteverythingdone. This might simply involve a thorough cleaning, or it could meanmajorrepairs.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Expectalotoflettersandphone callsfromloversorclosefriends today You might also want to make a few yourself Some positive and interesting information may have come your way that you'll want to sharewiththoseclosetoyou
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Studying some paperwork involving your finances could bring a pleasant surprise You’re better off than you thought, Aquarius! Dividends orbenefitsofsomekindmight beforthcoming.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Todaysomeinformationmight come your way that inspires you to come up with some valuable new ideas, Pisces. Yourownintuitivefacultiesare operating at a very high level, and therefore your insights couldprovevaluable.
Match 2: Walton Hall Junior beat Young Achievers.YoungAchievers scored 92-10 off 15 overs withC.Gopaul45. Anthony Persaud claimed 5-9 and Kevin Singh 2-13. Walton Hallrepliedwith93-5off12 .1. ManojLall29andKevin Singh12ledthevictory Over in Group B: Renegades edged Affiance. Renegades reached 147-6 with Sydney Peters 59 and Eron Benjamin 57, while Shaziff Mohammed took 236 forAffiance,who replied with146-7offtheir20overs. Parmesh Parsotam piloted the reply with 68 and Amit Persuad22.SydneyPeters217andMarkGonsalves2-27 werethesuccessfulbowlers.
DC Titans got the better of Sparwin DC Titans rattled up 148-8 in their 20 overs with Avinash Persaud 57, Dinesh Chattergoon 33 and Gavindra Sharma 30. Benny Persuad took 3-24 and Shane Paul 2-20 for Sparwin who replied with 77-10intheir20overs.
Anmole Persaud 24 and Benny Persuad 16 led their batting effort as Beesham Moses 2-5 and Dinesh Chattergoon2-2ledtherout.
Frompage26 defensively and hopefully serve up a theaterical finish, if they are to overturn the deficit and keep knockout hopesalive.
Followong that, at the same venue, Cyril Potter College of Education will host the Linden Technical Institute in another decisive fixture. CPCE also with a tough challenge on their hand, needing to win LTI by atleasttwogoalstoadvance.
With quarterfinal spots within touching distance, Mahaicony TVTC and Linden Technical Institute couldpotentiallybecomethe first two institutions to book their places into the next round.
Todaydecides.
The Modec Tertiary Football Tournament has already delivered pure
with Modec introduce a next layer of developmentalfootball.
Lookingahead,Wilsonsharedhisvisionforexpanding powerlifting throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. His plan includes taking the sport to communities and schools, thereby encouraging greater youth involvement andbuildingastrongfoundationforfuturetalent.
He also underscored the importance of engaging corporate Guyana to get onboard, noting that partnerships and sponsorships will be vital to sustaining growth and providingopportunitiesforathletes.
He commended the Government of Guyana, and by extensiontheMinistryofCulture,YouthandSportandthe NationalSportsCommissionfortheircontinuedsupportand recognising the need to invest in a building and high performance centre which will further bolster the sports’ development, noting that it’s a much needed pillar which will add to the federation’s quest for hosting regional and internationalcompetitions.
With renewed leadership and a clear mandate, the GAPLF is poised to strengthen its foundation, broaden participation, and elevate the profile of powerlifting nationwide.Thefederationremainscommittedtofostering discipline,resilience,andexcellenceamongathletes,while ensuringthesportcontinuestothriveacrossGuyana.
(Reuters) - Australia were dealt an early blow in theirquesttoreachtheSuper Eight stage of the Twenty20 WorldCupafterthedepleted formerchampionscrashedto a 23-run defeat by Zimbabwe in Colombo on Friday
Opening batsman Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 64 helped Zimbabwe set a target of 170 at the R Premadasa Stadium, and Australia got off to a disastrous start as they sought a second victory to takecontrolofGroupB
The 2021 winners lost four wickets inside the first five overs before Glenn
Maxwell responded with a battling 31, but his departure left them in deepertroubleat106-5with a little more than five overs left M a t t R e n s h a w attemptedtosteadytheship again during his innings of 65 but Zimbabwe’s bowlers,ledbyplayerofthe matchBlessingMuzarabani (4-17) and Brad Evans (323), turned up the heat to dismissAustralia for 146 in 19 3overs
“I’m very happy, but above all very proud,” said Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza, who struggled with crampinpunishinghumidity
midway through the match andhadtocomeoff.
“It was nice to watch fromoutsideandseehowthe team went about their business (showing) the cultureandtheunitythatwe have created over a long time.
“A win on top of that is unbelievable Itlookedlike the boys wanted it, and I think they really did, and theydeservetowintoday.”
FacingAustraliainaT20 World Cup for the first time in 19 years and looking to build on a famous fivewicket win, Zimbabwe reached 47 for no loss in six
powerplay overs after being askedtobat.
Australia’s stand-in skipper Travis Head brought Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann and Maxwell into the attack but they failed to stem the flow of runs even after Marcus Stoinis had Tadiwanashe Marumani caught behind for35
That setback barely mattered for Zimbabwe as Bennett helped guide them past the 100-run mark in the 13thoverandbroughtuphis half-century while stitching togethera70-runpartnership withRyanBurl.
Australia were left
sweating when Stoinis walkedoffafterbeinghiton hishandwhileattemptingto stopaferociousshotbyBurl, who perished for 35 on the next ball bowled by Cameron Green to complete the16thover Australia composed themselves and tightened thingsupthroughZampaand Nathan Ellis, but Zimbabwe skipper Raza (25 not out) took his team to 169-2 with thefirstsixoftheinningson thefinalball.
“We thought it was a goodwicket,”Headsaid.
“Itwasalittlebittackyat the start In the second innings we lost wickets and
putourselvesunderpressure.
“The Zimbabwe boys bowled well and the scoreboardratewentup.We found a partnership through themiddle,butprobablyleft ourselves a little bit too many
“It’s disappointing, but that’sthegame.”
Australia take on Sri Lanka on Monday while Zimbabwe meet Ireland the followingday
Scores: Zimbabwe 169 for 2 (Bennett 64*, Marumani 35, Burl 35, Green 1-6) beat Australia
1 4 6 ( R e n s h a w 6 5 , Muzarabani 4-17, Evans 323)by23runs.
Inter-association
Under-19 cricket is
back and more
competitive with the upcomingDemeraraCricket Board (DCB) hosting an upcoming limited overs tournament, geared towards the continued growth of cricket in and around the country
Amongtheplayerssetto feature in the competition, West Indies U19World Cup player Shamar Apple, alongside outstanding local talents such as Parmeshwar Ram,MarcelNandu,Joshua Budhram, and Russel Anderson are among those settoshowcasetheirskills.
These rising stars will battle it out for their associations, chasing braggingrightsandglory.
Thisexcitingtournament brings together five fiercely
competitive teams, showcasing the future of Guyana’s cricket Expect high-intensity action, raw talent, and unforgettable performancesastomorrow’s championstakecenterstage.
Theteamsareasfollows: West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA), East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB), Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA),
East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA) and Upper Demerara Cricket Association,(UDCA).
The tournament officially bowls off on Feb 22, 2026, with matches scheduled to be played across the county of
Demerara, all matches are scheduled to start at 09:30hrs.
WestDemeraraCricket AssociationU19
Pameshwar Ram (C), Patricce Fraser, Wazir Gulam, Joshua Kushendyal, Navindra Samkar, Ishan
H
Mahesh, Isaiah Anderson, ShazadAlly,Amrit Persaud, C
RudranauthPersaud,Shaker Ramesh.
EastCoast CricketBoardU19
Arun Gainda (C),
Munesh Outar, Marcel Nundu, Kyle Gibson, Bhishram Udan, Yannick Newton,JuniaDindyal,Jude Andrews, Trilok Nanan, Vijai Kaplu, Tyrell King, Joason Dindyal, Kaylon Callendar,AkeemPersaud. GeorgetownCricket AssociationU19
Dave Mohabir (C), Khush Seegobin,Emmanuel Lewis, Dhanesh Persaud, Shamar Apple, Jonathan Mentore, Ravaldo Pereira, Reyaz Latif, Shane Prince, Stephon Seymour, Danvir Seegobin, Samuel Ally, Lomar Seecharran, Jasani Craig. EastBankCricket
TheDemeraraCricketBoard(DCB)has officially named its Under-16 squad to competeintheGuyanaCricketBoard(GCB) Male Under-16 50-over Inter-County tournament,followingtheconclusionofthe DCB competition which saw the Georgetown Cricket Association crowned champions.
The squad is led by Lomar Seecharran, withMakaiDowlinservingasvice-captain. AlsoselectedareIshanHaricharran,Nathan Bishop, Prosper Jacobus, Shazam Ally, Mickel Johnson, Jagdesh Kalpoo, Aaron Persaud, Ashton Collins, Somesh Boyer, Shane Dewa, Afraz Khan, Krishna Mahase and Aaron Narine. Standby players named are Mario Singh, Jadon Birch, Adam Mohamed, Noel Madramootoo, Hezekiah HohenkirkandJordanBissessar
Thetournament,whichwastraditionally contested at the Under-15 level has now shiftedtotheunder16level.
The adjustment follows Cricket West Indies’ decision to remove the Under-17 tournamentfromitscalendarthisyear
Allmatcheswillbeginat9:30h.
OnMonday,February16,Demerarawill face Essequibo at LBI on the East Coast of Demerara.
In the other fixture on the opening day, Berbice will take on the GCB Select XI at RoseHall,Canje.
Tuesday’s doubleheader will see the Select XI opposing Demerara at LBI, while Berbice will clash with Essequibo at Lusignan.
OnThursday,DemeraraandBerbicewill meet in a much-anticipated encounter at Lusignan,whiletheGCBSelectXIwillplay EssequiboatLBI.
The final is scheduled for February 21, 2026, and will be played at either the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground or LBI.
AssociationU19
Joshua Budhram (C), Vinesh Kalpoo, Rupie Rajaram,DilshanLatchman, YeshuaHutson,LeonJames, Orwin Jordan, Shane Shivbarran,RavindraSingh, Ju
Simpson,HemrajBhowan. UpperDemeraraCricket Association
Russel Anderson (C), Errol Alder, Triston Peters, Elizah Bowen, Rusco Anderson, Jaushawn Clark, Ty
y, Andy Ramgoolam,AlexRagubeer, Shahid Ramzan, Nicholas Simon,AntonioChan,Divin Persaud, Randy Chung, Nathan Bishop, Makai Dowlin,AadeshMahase.
The inaugural Petra-Modec Tertiary Football Tournament continues today with three thrilling encounters across venues in West Coast and East Coast of Demerara. Following a series of statement victories
during the opening round, the race for quarterfinals qualification remains open as action intensifies over the next week of competition.
Upper Corentyne Training Centre,
Mahaicony Technical and Vocational TrainingCentre,UGTurkeyenCampus,and GovernmentTechnicalInstitutehavealready delivered early fireworks, announcing their presence with a few dominantvictories.The actionisbrewing,LindenTechnicalInstitute and Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre are set to play in important fixtures today, both teams playing their secondmatchofthetournament.
Spearheaded by the dynamic Petra Organisation and powered by title sponsor Modec,thetournamentrepresentsavitalnew tier in Guyana’s football pathway. With supportfromcorporateheavyweightssuchas Macorp, MVPSports and Demerara Mutual Group, the competition provides a crucial platform for players transitioning from secondarytotertiarylevelfootball.
A $300,000 first-place prize awaits the inaugural winners. Financial incentive will also be awarded to second, third and fourth place finishers At the moment the competition hang in balance. However, the
stakesremainhigh.
With the tournament now entering a relentless week of action, today’s fixtures promisenothingshortofdrama.
At 11:00 hours, Essequibo Technical Institute clash with Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre at the Leonora Ground in what is billed as an explosive openingencounterforbothsides.
Leonorawillbeamingforanearlyvictory in their home fixture. However, Essquibo’s intent could turn heads with the staggering numberoftalentpresentintheseareas.
After that clash, action shifts to Buxton Groundat13:30hours,whenGuyanaSchool ofAgriculture take on MahaiconyTechnical and Vocational Training Centre. MTVTC enters with a massive psychological edge after dismantling their opponents 10–3 in their previous encounter The work is not quitecomplete,MTVTCcurrentlyinabetter position to fancy their chances of sealing progression.GSA,meanwhile,musttighten
Continued on page 23
A last-ball win from the Tourism Guyana Titans cricket team ended a day of intense action astheOgleCricketClubheldaonedayInvitationalT10tournamentat their ground on the East Coast of Demerara.
S
ENGINEERING, Creative Marketing Company, AGN Customs Brokerage & Logistics Services Inc,Atlantis Water Store, D SinghTrading, Unisource,AAA
Transportation, Platinum Engineering, Regal Stationery & ComputerCentre,S&SBrokerage, the Titans were in fine cricketing touchasthesunset.
The TG Titans, one of the four teams that formed part of the Competitionneededtworunsofthe
last ball to bring home the trophy and achieved it, much to the pleasureoftheirfans.
Set 81 to win by The Other Guys-theotherfinalist–thetitans went about their batting methodically,withtheopeningpair of Fiaz Yamin and Vivian Beckles puttingon22beforethefirstwicket fell.
Yamin, playing the supporting role, fell for 2, caught off the bowling of Steve Baul with the ultimate ball of the second over, bringing Guyana’s Ronaldo Ali Mohamadtothemiddle.
ButwhenAliMohamedfellfor (0) to Nyles Liverpool three runs laterwiththescoreon25,theTitans werebeginningtosweat.
This brought the veteran
skipperAnnadBharrat.
Together, Bharrat and Beckles set about rebuilding the innings, adding 46 more runs before the latter departed, caught off the bowling of Beepaul Bhandoo for a punchy 32. Bhandoo would go on to complete his hat-trick with the next two balls, Marlon Bhole and
The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) successfully hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday,February12,2026,atthe Racket Center, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.
Whenthemeetingwascalledto order, over 30 registered members were in attendance, Franklin Wilson,whodidnotseekre-lection less than a year ago was returned unopposed to the presidency reaffirming the confidence of the membershipinhisleadership.
Wilson’sexecutiveteamforthe newtermincludesGordonSpencer asVicePresident,RogerRogersas General Secretary both retaining their positions as did Bjorn WilliamsCommitteeMember Kiana Benjamin is back as Treasurer, along with Public Relations Officer/Organising S
y,
Carl Kumar both falling for ducks astheTitanswerereallyinaspotof bother,fallingfrom71-2to71-5.
Eventually, Akash Singh (2) * and Bharrat (39) * brought the gamehome,astheTitansregistered thetournamentwinbyfivewickets.
Bhandoo finished with 3 for 2 from one over, with Liverpool and Baul picking up the other two wickets.
Earlier, theTitans Bowlers, led by Ali Mohamed restricted The Other Guys to 81 for 6 off their allotted10.
Ali Mohamed with 2 for 16 off two, along with Singh and Bhole, who both used their two overs to snag a wicket each with 13 and 20 runsrespectively,heldtheirown.
28 from Steve Gaskin and 19 fromAzadAli were the mainstays ofTheOtherGuysperformance.
Intheopeninggameoftheday, the TG Titans crushed the Mystic Marvelsby8wicketsand3.4overs tospare.
Opting to bat after winning the toss, the Marvels were almost bundled out for 68, the last pair holdingontoseetheoversout.
23 for Derek Persaud and 11
RickeySargentwerethetopscores in the Mystic Marvels side as four playersfailedtocomeoffthemark.
Three for 8 off two for Ali Mohamed and 3 for 11 off 2 for Bhole were the chief destroyers, withAkash Singh picking up 2 for 11off2.
Intheirchancewiththebat,the Titans lost opener Shayne Seebarran for a duck, which broughtAliMohamedtothecrease and later lostYamin for 4 with the scoreon22.
Ali Mohmaed (56)* and Beckles (3)* brought the game homewith3.4overstospare.
In the other game, the Other GuysbeatBellAirRubisby11runs thankstoa43*fromKevinBoodie and 10* from Sagar Hitramani, which gave them 80-4 in their allotted10.
There was a wicket each for Mahendra Jeenarine, Raj Singh, KevinLeitchandRiyadLatiff. In response, the Rubis side couldonlymuster67for7thanksto 16 from Andy Hall and 14* from TravisPersaud.
Hiteramani and Liverpool had twowicketseach.
Brian Bennett hits down the ground. (ICC/Getty Images)
Blessing Muzarabani struck the first blow. (AFP/Getty Images)
Wilson returns as President; Rogers retained as GS as three women elected at GAPLF AGM
Linden Technical Institute battles
Cyril Potter College today in away fixture. (Yohan Savory photo)
- As Modec Tertiary Football Tournament