Guyana Times - Friday, April 10, 2026

"I want to help animals" – First Son Zayd Ali at 4th

Strangulation of 7-year-old Mother claims “can’t remember” committing act; murder charge soon

"We need to do better" – Human Services Minister …calls for timely medical reports in abuse cases

“Green mining is the future” –Chinese envoy hails Aurora Solar Farm

welcomes new batch of trained cops

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily. Friday, April 10 – 10:05h–11:35h and Saturday, April 11 –11:35h–13:05h.

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny skies are expected to be interrupted by brief afternoon light showers, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 09:49h and 22:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.07 metres and 1.97 metres.

Low Tide: 16:12h reaching a minimum height of 1.14 metres.

Guyana "an attractive place to be” – US EXIM Bank Chairman

Having invested millions of United States dollars into the transformative Gasto-Energy (GtE) project, Chairman of the US ExportImport (EXIM) Bank, John Jovanovic, has said that Guyana is an attractive destination for investments.

He made this remark on Thursday while on a visit to Guyana, during which he visited the US$759 million GtE project site, an initiative that the US financial institution has injected a whopping US$527 million into following the signing of a loan agreement in January 2025.

In brief remarks following the visit to the project’s Wales, West Bank Demerara, location on Thursday morning, the US EXIM Bank official said this is a positive signal.

“It was important to visit the project this morning with our entire team to gauge its progress because we think it’s a very important signal to investors all around the world that Guyana is an attractive place to be and that the US-Guyana relationship is very strong,” Jovanovic told the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN).

The US EXIM Bank chairman was in Guyana for high-level meetings focused on strengthening economic cooperation, discussing the country's transformative Gas-to-Energy project, and reaffirming strong support for future opportunities in Guyana.

The EXIM Bank is the official export credit agency of the United States. In fact, the US$527 million loan for the transformative GtE project is part of US$2 billion in funding that the EXIM has made available for Guyana.

Back in July 2022, Guyana and the US EXIM Bank had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for financing of up to US$2 billion for projects in several sectors, including infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, water treatment and sanitation, and agriculture.

The MoU provides a framework within which fi-

nancing can be provided by EXIM to advance developmental projects either by the state or the private sector in Guyana while promoting the export of US-made goods and services.

Current and future projects

In fact, the Guyanese Government is now exploring other potential projects to tap into the remaining EXIM funding.

During a working lunch hosted by President Dr Irfaan Ali for Jovanovic and his delegation at State House on Thursday, they discussed current and future projects.

According to a brief statement from the Office of the President, “Discussions centred on strengthening relationships, the Gas-toEnergy project and other ongoing projects the bank is supporting in Guyana.”

“President Ali and Mr Jovanovic also discussed areas of priority, including food security, Government efficiency and security for Guyana’s development.”

GtE progress

Also at that high-level engagement was Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who had accompanied the visiting officials to the GtE project earlier on Thursday. During the visit, PM Phillips, whose office has responsibility for the country’s energy sector, highlighted the continued progress of the Gas-to-Energy project.

During that engagement, the Guyanese leader was joined by several members of his cabinet and the chief of defence staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan. Additionally, US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, also attended the meeting.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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A necessary leap toward order and accountability

The announcement by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall of a comprehensive digital registry of motorists is a necessary intervention in the modernisation of Guyana’s road safety and law enforcement architecture. Situated within the broader policy framework advanced by President Dr Irfaan Ali, this initiative is one that recognises that public safety, accountability and efficiency are inseparable from the intelligent use of data and technology.

For too long, the administration of traffic laws has been constrained by a fragmented and outdated system of record-keeping. Critical information relating to drivers, licensing details, prior offences, and patterns of misconduct has remained dispersed across agencies, often confined to manual files that are inaccessible in real time. Such a structure has undermined the consistent application of justice. The absence of a unified, accessible database has meant that repeat offenders could evade the full weight of the law simply because their histories were not readily available to those entrusted with adjudication and enforcement.

The proposed digital registry directly addresses this deficiency, and by consolidating disparate data into a single, integrated platform, the system promises to equip judicial officers, law enforcement agencies and other key institutions with immediate access to accurate and comprehensive records. This transformation is foundational to the rule of law. Effective enforcement depends on informed decision-making, and informed decision-making depends on reliable information. A Magistrate cannot impose proportionate penalties without a clear understanding of an offender’s history. A Police Officer cannot enforce the law consistently without access to relevant data. The registry, therefore, is not an innovation for its own sake; it is an essential tool for justice.

Equally significant is the initiative’s alignment with the Safe Country Initiative, a flagship vision that places citizen security at the centre of national development. Road safety is an integral component of that vision. The consequences of reckless driving, impaired operation of vehicles, and habitual disregard for traffic laws extend beyond individual incidents; they impose a collective cost on society in the form of injuries, fatalities, and economic disruption. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms is protective in purpose.

The inclusion of a demerit-based framework within the digital system further underscores this point. The ability to track offences cumulatively and apply escalating penalties, such as suspension or revocation of licences, introduces a level of accountability that has been difficult to achieve under the current regime. Repeat offenders, particularly those engaged in dangerous behaviours such as drunk driving or excessive speeding, will no longer benefit from systemic blind spots. Instead, the law will operate as intended: progressively and proportionately, with clear consequences for persistent violations.

By integrating the efforts of institutions such as the Guyana Police Force, the judiciary, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Guyana Revenue Authority, the registry embodies a coordinated model of governance. Public administration in the modern era demands precisely this kind of interoperability. Silos are the enemy of efficiency; collaboration is its foundation. The success of the registry will depend on this collective commitment, and the early indication of inter-agency cooperation is an encouraging sign.

Apart from traffic enforcement, the accompanying legislative agenda aimed at addressing noise nuisance and littering signals a broader commitment to public order and civic responsibility. The proliferation of excessively loud vehicles, particularly motorcycles operating without proper muffling systems, has become a pervasive source of disturbance in communities. Similarly, indiscriminate dumping has degraded public spaces and undermined environmental health. These are not trivial matters. They speak to the quality of daily life and the standards to which a society holds itself.

Crucially, the Government’s stated intention to proceed with urgency reflects an understanding of the stakes involved. Modernisation delayed is modernisation denied. While the technical challenges of digitising legacy data and integrating multiple systems are considerable, they are not insurmountable. What is required is sustained will, adequate resourcing, and rigorous oversight. The directive from the highest level of Government provides the necessary impetus; execution must now follow with discipline and precision.

The establishment of a digital registry of motorists is, at its core, an investment in order, order on the roads, order in the administration of justice, and order in the broader civic environment.

Such a move merits unequivocal support.

No rice acreage lost – Agri Ministry blasts “reckless narrative”

The Ministry of Agriculture has taken note of statements made by Mr Gobin Harbhajan on the current state of Guyana’s rice industry. These utterances are extremely misleading, betraying either a complete lack of understanding of how Guyana’s rice industry functions or a reckless willingness to mislead rice farmers for cheap political mileage.

Equally troubling is the reckless narrative being pushed by Mr Harbhajan about widespread losses due to rainfall. To date, no acreage has been officially reported as lost. Fields are being actively monitored by extension officers from the Guyana Rice Development Board, and any proper assessment can only be conducted after water has fully receded.

Having recognised Guyana’s vulnerability because of climate change and its geographic location, President Irfaan Ali successfully secured a crop insurance product for Guyana. This mechanism is in place and functioning, with 4433 rice farmers registered to date. Earlier rainfall events have resulted in farmers already benefiting from a pay-out, with two additional pay-outs pending. While there were no losses in those instances, rainfall levels exceeded the agreed threshold, making way for payments to be made.

For decades, the Government's role has been to create an enabling environment for rice cultivation in Guyana through strategic policies, infrastructure development, research, and continuous engagement with stakeholders. It does not determine the price for paddy. Paddy is sold to millers, and those millers, in turn, sell rice on the international market where prices are dictated by global supply and demand. While Government policies and interventions can influence paddy prices, any suggestion that the Government directly determines those prices is fundamentally incorrect and reflects a de-

liberate attempt to mislead farmers. If it has not been made clear enough in the past, it must be reiterated that Guyana is a price taker in the global rice market. Over the last two to three crops, major rice-producing and exporting nations such as India, Vietnam, and Brazil have recorded increased production and significant stockpiles, placing downward pressure on international prices. Guyana, as an export-orientated rice-producing nation, is directly impacted by these global developments and cannot be insulated from them. Furthermore, Minister Mustapha has been engaging millers at every stage of the crop to ensure farmers receive the best prices. These engagements are still ongoing.

Since returning to office in 2020, the PPP/C Government has injected billions of dollars into the rice sector to cushion farmers and strengthen production. Over $3.1 billion in fertiliser support has been provided, more than $96 million in seed paddy distributed, and additional resources deployed to combat paddy bug infestations. When prices fell during the first crop of 2025, the Government intervened decisively with a $300 per bag subsidy, ensuring farmers received no less than $4000 per bag. This amounted to approximately $1.9 billion in direct support. It is this support and investment into the industry that saw Guyana surpass the 700,000-tonne production mark in 2024, having produced 725,282 tonnes, with rice production expected to surpass 820,000 tonnes in 2026, having produced 810,299 tonnes in 2025.

In addition to direct financial support, the Government has implemented a range of measures to strengthen the industry. These include the reduction and eventual removal of commissions paid to the Guyana Rice Development Board on exported rice, the reversal of increased land rental and drainage and irrigation charges imposed by the

previous Administration, the provision of seed paddy and improved rice varieties, and substantial investments in paddy bug control, as well as drainage and irrigation infrastructure, including dam rehabilitation and maintenance.

At the same time, the Government has continued to implement practical measures to build resilience within the industry. Hope-like canals are being constructed in Regions Three, Five, and Six to improve drainage and reduce flooding. Drying floors and storage facilities have been developed to enhance post-harvest handling, while farmers are being organised into clusters to better manage machinery provided by the Government, ensuring efficiency and shared access.

Investment is also ongoing in research to develop new and improved rice varieties, while extension services are being modernised to provide farmers with timely, technology-driven support. Farm-to-market roads are being upgraded and expanded to ease transportation challenges, and new markets are continuously being secured through Government-to-Government arrangements to guarantee demand for Guyana’s rice.

Mr Harbhajan should also familiarise himself with the current policies to improve the rice sector that are being implemented by the Government under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Through the Ministry of Agriculture, President Ali has advanced a structured diversification strategy to strengthen resilience in the rice industry. Central to this approach is engaging farmers to convert one acre out of every ten acres of rice cultivation into alternative, high-value ventures, reducing farmers’ exposure to fluctuations in a single commodity.

Good omen as LCDS grid-connected solar household drive launched

Dear Editor,

The move comes at the right time, and it is welcoming that “Guyana is ramping up its transition to renewable energy to modernise and strengthen its electricity grid, making power more reliable and affordable.” The gist is that “as part of this effort, the new LCDS Grid-Connected Solar Household drive has been introduced, aiming to tap into the country’s vast solar potential through grid integration.” I think by now it is common knowledge that solar household systems provide significant benefits, including drastically lower electricity bills, increased property value, and reduced carbon footprints. The end result is that homeowners, through this intervention, gain energy independence, often slashing monthly utility costs, while modern, low-maintenance

panels offer a 25–30 year lifespan, adding significant equity and resale value. Yes, I fully agree that this shift or addition indeed does require high upfront capital, but it offers long-term, fixed-cost power, as solar is all about longterm investment.

What is key to note is oil production and solar panel usage are not in any way mutually exclusive or in direct conflict. Worldwide, and in many ways, these two are becoming increasingly integrated through symbiotic relationships. While they represent different energy paradigms –fossil fuels versus renewables – the oil industry often utilises solar technology, and petrochemicals from oil are used in the manufacturing of solar components.

Take the case of, say, Shell, Total, and BP. These all exemplify solar used in oil

operations, as they have invested in solar to power their own operations, using solar to run pumps, reduce carbon footprints, and save on operating costs, such as the 29-megawatt installation at the well-known Lost Hills oil field. Locally, as far back as 2009 and coming all the way to the present, or updated to the present, Guyana's Low Carbon Development Strategy is deemed a pioneering framework aimed at creating a sustainable, low-deforestation economy. It monetises the country's 85 per cent forest cover through carbon credits (e.g., selling 37.5 million credits in 2022) to fund green growth, community projects, and climate resilience while diversifying away from reliance on traditional extractive industries. This kind of model is trending, and Guyana would be remiss not

to capitalise.

The news here reveals that the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) explained that with grid-tied systems, solar panels installed on rooftops or other structures supply electricity directly to homes during daylight hours. However, especially in the beginning stages, if additional energy is needed, this will be provided by GPL, the national utility company, and if there is excess generation, it is sent back to GPL, and households receive credit on their utility bill. This is a big win-win situation. This symbiotic methodology, therefore, is quite encouraging and will definitely draw citizens into adopting rooftop solar technology, in helping them to lower their electricity bills and support a resilient, sustainable energy future.

The figures are not exor-

bitant either, as it was pointed out that a typical five kWp (kilowatt-peak) rooftop solar system can cost around G$1.2 million and will generate approximately 7884 kWh (kilowatt-hour) per year, reducing annual electricity expenses by an estimated G$342,402 (roughly G$28,533 per month), based on the current GPL residential tariff. Add to this that the investment can pay for itself in about 3.5 years and will help cut carbon emissions by roughly 5.5 tonnes of CO2 (carbon dioxide) annually. The broader picture is that the shift aims to support Guyana’s broader energy goals, which are boosting grid reliability, expanding access to clean energy, and advancing a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.

Hopefully, residents countrywide will maximise as the GEA is fully in support mood

and mode. The commitment from GEA is that it will provide full support and technical guidance via connecting with equipment suppliers and installers, assisting with the review of quotes, design and technical specifications, and working with GPL for efficient processing under the LCDS Solar Express Lane. This translates to just about every aspect in getting individuals fully set up. After all, the LCDS 2030 is about Guyana’s overarching plan for sustainable development, focusing on protecting forests and ecosystems while promoting responsible resource development and accelerating the shift to clean and renewable energy sources like solar, hydropower, wind, and natural gas.

Yours truly, Hargesh B Singh

Some suggestions to alleviate flooding

Dear Editor, Now that the floodwaters have subsided, it is time for the authorities to devise long-term solutions to alleviate the constant flooding in the country. Guyana needs urban planners and infrastructure designers with modern building codes. And no one has found a solution for heavy rainfall. Here are some suggestions:

1. Effective zoning to designate the type of buildings and associated usage.

2. Building floor to area ratios (FAR) so that enclosed quarters are not overbuilt in regard to land area. Not more than 80 per cent of the soil surface should be allowed for building structures.

3. Tax structures for different types of properties like commercial, residential,

mixed-use, etc. Here are a few suggestions that the housing authorities need to consider:

1. Open green space: In housing construction, a significant percentage of the lot, say 30 per cent, must be left open (the so-called green rule) and not concreted. This will allow rainwater to be absorbed rather than drained off into overburdened drains, especially in regions like Georgetown.

2. Retention ponds: In designing communities, say, like 100 homes, retention ponds are a dire necessity with their two-fold purpose: they will collect drain-offs to alleviate flooding, in addition to being a source of water in dry weather.

3. Regular garbage collection: Compactor trucks

for garbage collection would see significant removal of waste that blocks main drainage channels.

4. Household wells: In the further retention of rainwater, small wells need to be instituted in building codes (the dry well concept). These wells of, say, 64 cubic feet (4x4x4) will also prevent unwanted runoff into the poorly maintained drainage system.

5. Recycling: The collection of plastic, cardboard and glass containers must now be of high priority, as it not only provides an ‘income’ but is also a great deterrent for blockages.

6. Illegal dumping: Regulations in regard to dumping should be enforced with preventative fines.

Environmentally hazardous items like engine oil, televi-

sions (which contain lead), and un-degradable plastics top the list. Alternatively, authorities can facilitate a paid dumping site.

7. Recreation areas: New housing schemes need about one acre for, say, non-degradable every 100 houses; rum shops seem the primary hub of relaxation.

In Guyana, construction ought to be relatively straightforward, as builders do not have to contend with the vicissitudes of temperature changes like North America, which sees a range in one year from near zero to over 100 degrees on the Fahrenheit scale. Obviously, the burden of having a wide range of materials is eliminated, along with furnaces for winter heating and insulation materials like Styrofoam and fibreglass.

No rice acreage lost – as Agri...

FROM PAGE 4

Regularisation of squatting areas is a definite NO. These areas are poorly designed and rife with infrastructure deficiencies. Above all else, it is the sacred duty of the entire public to stop discarding food containers and plastic bottles throughout the country if people really want to prevent flooding.

Yours sincerely, Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine

Mr Harbhajan speaks with a confidence that is

Farmers are being encouraged to explore opportunities such as cage farming for crabs, aquaculture, and expansion into other livestock and agricultural products, alongside the cultivation of high-value crops, including coconuts, spices, cocoa, coffee, hemp, and millet. This is being supported by investments in modern storage infrastructure, improvements in the rice grading system, and mechanisms to stabilise prices and manage volatility. At the same time, the Government is rolling out technology-driven extension services to provide farmers with real-time access to information on weather patterns and disease management via mobile platforms, while targeted support continues through fertiliser assistance and direct financial interventions aimed at reducing production costs.

as misplaced as it is alarming. Such statements are designed to mislead rather than inform, and they undermine the confidence of farmers who deserve accurate and responsible communication.

While challenges with flooding due to prolonged rainfall and the decline in rice prices are not unique to Guyana, the PPP/C Government has responded with strong, targeted, and sustained interventions to cushion farmers and pro-

mote the long-term viability of the rice industry. Mr Harbhajan’s attempt to paint a picture of collapse is a clear example of political opportunism at its worst. Guyana’s rice industry will continue to expand, with the Government remaining committed and resolute in its efforts to improve the technology, invest in new varieties, upgrade drainage systems, and make more land available for cultivation.

Ministry of Agriculture

Page Foundation

NGSA Questions

1. Which of the following shapes is symmetrical?

Q (C) S (B) R (D) T

Question 2 refers to the diagram below:

2. What is the size of angle x? (A) 350 (C) 650 (B) 400 (D) 900

Materials

• Clear vase or large jar

• Baking soda

• Vinegar

• Popcorn kernels

• Measuring cups

Instructions

1. Pour 1

of dried popcorn kernels into a clear jar or vase.

Question 3 refers to the diagram below:

3. What is the size of angle marked x? (A) 1000 (C) 2700 (B) 1800 (D) 3600

Question 4 refers to the diagram below:

4. Which of the above shapes are examples of prisms?

(A) I and II only (C) II and III only (B) I and III only (D) I, II and III

2. Add 2 cups of vinegar.

3. Sprinkle in 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda.

4. Watch as the popcorn kernels begin to “dance” and move around!

What’s Happening?

When the baking soda and vinegar mix, they create a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas (the bubbles you see).

These bubbles stick to the popcorn kernels and lift them to the surface. When the bubbles pop, the kernels sink back down. This makes the popcorn move up and down – like it’s dancing!

(Adapted from weareteachers.com)

BY WILLIAM MATTHEWS

Once those fences kept me in. Mr. Mote threw a dictionary at me in that room on the corner, second floor, he and I hypnotized by spite and everyone else docile by default, for all we had was fourth-grade manners: two gasped, three tittered, Lanta hid her lovely head, six palely watched their shoes as if they’d brim and then flood urine, and the rest… Good God, I’d forgotten the rest. It’s been thirty years. That smart-ass afternoon I loved them all and today all I can remember is the name of one I loved and one I hated. Wasn’t he right to hurl at me a box of words? By the time the dictionary spun to rest under the radiator, its every page was blank and the silent room was strewn with type. I can’t remember how we found something to do, to bore up through that pall. It would be as hard as that to remember all their names, though, come to think of it, I can. Isn’t that how I got here, with you? I’m going to start at the northeast corner of that hallucinated room and name them one by one and row by row. (Source: Poetry [October/November 1987])

Write a story that subverts a historical event, or is a retelling of that event.

Guyana Development Bank Aggressive outreach coming to guide SMEs on US$100M funding access

The Guyanese Government will soon be embarking on a public education campaign to enlighten citizens on accessing funding from the US$100 million Development Bank, which will provide lowrisk loans to small and medium-sized businesses.

This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali during an interview with reporters on the side-lines of an event on Wednesday.

“We are going to, next week, launch an aggressive programme… First, an education programme and a training programme on the development bank and what we are seeking to do with the development bank. We will launch what we call the modelling exercise to look at the ideas, to look at projects. So, by the end of next week, we'll be ready to do that,” he noted.

The highly anticipated development bank will provide collateral-free and interest-free loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially those led by vulner-

Local

able groups such as women, youth, and persons living with disabilities. These loans will be paired with mentoring, training, and financial literacy support.

The aim of this statebacked institution is to empower local entrepreneurs, stimulate innovation, and dismantle long-standing barriers to financing.

Already, the Guyanese Government has allocated an initial US$100 million in Budget 2026 to launch the Guyana Development Bank this year. This sum is part of a US$200 million capital pledge from the Government and is one of the key commitments made by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in its 2025 elections manifesto.

The Development Bank is expected to serve as an alternative financing option for those entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional loans from commercial banks, thus empowering more Guyanese to take advantage of national eco-

businesses

nomic opportunities.

Currently, the Government through the Attorney General's Chambers is working on the legislation for the operationalisation of the development bank. When launched, however, the bank will offer collateral free, interest free loans of up to $3 million, with the possibility of an additional $7 million in financing from commercial banking institutions at preferential rates.

President Ali had previously stated that along with the development bank, there will also be a special incentive regime introduced to encourage commercial banks to increase lending to SMEs, similar to incentives used in the housing sector. In return, these banks would be required to reduce collateral demands and lower interest rates to below the current four per cent.

Online passport service

Meanwhile, the Government is also moving to make business transactions easier with

the introduction of the national payment system.

“We are advancing work on the national payment system with the e-wallet. I know many [commercial] banks are now ready to launch theirs. In the coming days, I think we'll be launching some from some of the banks. But [for the] entire national system, I've given them a time frame of six months [to come on board],” the Guyanese leader said.

These efforts are aligned with the Government's aggressive digitisation agenda. A major feature of this

plan is digitising the various Government services, such as processing passport applications online – something which the Head of State says is being finalised.

“There are a number of things that have to be completed. You know we have Guyanese all over the world. So, right now, if you want a visa for some countries, you have to do these biometrics at an agency. So, they are now completing that relationship. And I would say within a month, we should be closer to that,” Dr Ali indicated to this newspaper during the re-

cent interview.

The introduction of this online application system was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs over a year ago in February 2025. While applicants are currently required to submit manual applications at passport offices countrywide, the Ministry has said that the integration of an online platform will allow citizens to apply remotely, streamlining the process and reducing wait times.

Nevertheless, the President went on to outline that interventions such as the digitisation of the immigration process at the airports have also significantly enhanced the travel experience.

According to the Guyanese leader, “So, we are moving at great speed with the digitisation. Soon, the technology in healthcare will be celebrated in a way that is unbelievable… So, we are definitely pursuing technology at a speed and scale that would allow the country to propel itself among its competitors.”

warned over digital ID non-compliance

…after bank refuses to accept new form of identification

Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall on Thursday warned that the Police force will be directed to ensure compliance if businesses continue to refuse to accept the Government’s newly implemented Digital Identity Card as a valid form of identification. His comments come amid reports that at least one Private Sector business has declined to recognise the card for transactions, raising concerns about adherence to the Digital Identity Card Act of 2023.

“This is the first complaint I have not received any reports of such non-compliance. If there continues to be non-compliance, then the Police force will have to be informed and be directed to ensure that the law is

complied with,” Nandlall stressed.

Nandlall emphasised that the legislation clearly establishes the legal standing of the card.

“The law says that the card is a sufficient and lawful form of identification to conduct any business, both in person and online, that requires the use of a form of identification. And it applies within territorial Guyana to both the Public sector and to private entities. It has an extraterritorial effect as well in relation to countries with which Guyana may, at least at some stage, execute some type of agreement. So, the agency or entity that refuses to use the card is violating the Act,” Nandlall said.

“In the Act itself there are consequences of a penal nature that flow when there is noncompliance

with any provisions of the Act, in particular this provision of the Act. Because this is the pivotal provision in the law that activates the legal character of the card as a form of national identification.”

Part III of the Digital Identity Card Act of 2023 states that the card “shall be an official document, sufficient and necessary to lawfully identify the person in doing any business with a public body or Private Sector entity, whether in person or online, within Guyana or in any country that has a reciprocal agreement with Guyana for the use of such a card.”

The legislation, passed in the National Assembly in August 2023, provides for the consolidation of biometric data for citizens aged fourteen and older, as well as eligible non-citi-

zens, including Caribbean Community nationals and other foreign workers approved to work in Guyana.

Full effect on March 31, 2026

Prime Minister Brigadier, (retired) Mark Phillips recently announced that the commencement order bringing the act into full operation took effect on March 31, 2026. The move marks a significant step in the Government’s digital transformation agenda.

The Digital Identity Card initiative is intended to modernise identification processes, improve efficiency, and enhance access to services. Authorities say it will streamline transactions, reduce fraud, and strengthen service delivery across sectors such as

healthcare, finance, and public administration. The system is also supported by integrated security features and phased data protection measures aimed at safeguarding personal information.

Before the introduction of the Digital ID, the most widely accepted forms of identification for Guyanese citizens have been the national identification card issued by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for voting or the use of

Guyanese passports. Some businesses accept the use of the driver’s licence which is issued by the Guyana Revenue Authority. though some banks and businesses still do not accept this as a form of ID.

With the digital identity card now legally recognised as a universal form of identification, the Government has signalled that compliance by both public and private entities is not optional but mandatory under the law.

Tail…

…wagging in the Middle East

As your Eyewitness said yesterday, this war in the Middle East against Iran ain’t gonna be over till it’s over!! And with Israeli bombs bursting in air – and, more to the point, landing on Lebanese homes, killing hundreds – the war ain’t even on pause, as President Trump insisted!! So, what’s going on?? Israel – which is supposed to be an appendage to the US (a tail, if you will!!) – as has been the case from the beginning, is doing its own thing! Which means bombing whoever, whenever, or wherever it decides are enemies or enemy territory!! Presently, it’s Lebanon!!

But hadn’t President Trump said that Iran’s TEN-POINT plan was the basis for the two-week truce – to haggle over a more permanent arrangement?? And wasn’t a ceasefire in Lebanon one of the aforementioned TEN POINTS?? OOOPs!! The US –via VP Vance – now says it wasn’t, while Iran and the facilitator Pakistan insist it WAS!! Who to believe?? Well, you just have to look at the timeline!

As soon as the “agreement” was announced, as your Eyewitness pointed out yesterday, Israel unilaterally declared –even though it wasn’t part of the negotiations – that Lebanon was still fair game for its genocidal killing spree!! And then duly made that a fait accompli by unleashing its bombs and killing 254 Lebanese amongst the rubble and craters created!! Now your Eyewitness can’t understand why any of this is of any surprise to anyone!! Wasn’t the war started by Israel bombing Iranian real estate – and the Yanks, which had been massing their forces, HAD to jump in??!!

Point of the matter is that in all the wars in the Middle East, the Israeli tail wags the American dog because it KNOWS that the dog’s handlers will order it to go along!! And those handlers aren’t just the Jewish AIPAC lobbyists who write cheques to all the Washington movers and shakers – but also the Christian Evangelicals whose ideology is now guiding the Trump White House.

And what’s that ideology?? It’s called “Messianism” and is based on a literal belief of Biblical prophecies predicting a coming Armageddon in the HERE AND NOW!! For example, Chapter 38 of the Book of Ezekiel speaks of the conflict between the people of Israel and GOG and MAGOG that includes the Persian nation as a foreshadowing of the coming of the end times!! This is reinforced by the Israeli belief that the time has arrived for the rebuilding of the Second Temple – on the site regarded as sacrosanct by all Muslims – including Iran!!

Your Eyewitness understands that some in the Iranian leadership follow the messianic belief of “Mahdism” – the belief that the twelfth imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, will arise to establish justice for all.

Clash of Messianisms??

…or a tale of new indentureship?

Back after the end of slavery and the introduction of indentureship to fill the labour gap occasioned by the newly freed Africans decamping the plantations en masse, there was an influx of Caribbean small islanders – collectively dubbed “Bajans” – flocking our shores!! Believe it or not, our abysmal wages were higher than those in their native islands!!

Well, a few weeks ago, there was a story in this newspaper about three dozen Jamaicans – recruited to fill the cane-cutting labour gap at Rose Hall Canje sugar estate – protesting. Evidently, their pay had been delayed. Management explained their money was paid to their recruiting agency – and this had already been done!!

Well, in stepped APNU’s Chicken Man, who complained this was a “new indentureship” of AFRICAN Jamaicans!! Never one to lose an opportunity to play the race card – as we saw in the Adrianna Young tragedy – he kept on stressing the “AFRICAN” angle!!

Has he condemned the migrant worker programme run by the US – with thousands of AFRICAN Jamaicans participating??

…end??

They say “better late than never”, eh?? But what about the frustration one suffers because the desired outcome is delayed?? Your Eyewitness wants to report he FINALLY got registered for his cash grant!!

That portal gotta be redesigned!!

GPF welcomes new batch of trained cops …newly-minted ranks urged to remain professional, practise teamwork

Over 100 Police recruits have recently completed training and joined the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and are now geared up and ready to serve and protect.

The 101 recruits who were drawn from the three training campuses –Georgetown, Berbice, and Essequibo – completed an eight-month rigorous training course, which involved both theory and practical aspects of law enforcement.

The curriculum included four main modules according to the requirements of the modern-day Police force. The training topics covered included digital file creation, correct documentation such as the General Property Book and Charge Sheets for prisoners, as well as foot drills, practice drills, crime scene simulation, and traffic accident response, among others.

According to the GPF, various techniques were employed in the train-

ing process, including PowerPoint slides, videos, and other visual aids. Professionalism, integrity, and relationship-building with citizens were other key elements emphasised.

During his feature address at the graduation ceremony, Deputy Commissioner of Administration, Ravindradat Budhram, commended the graduates for their perseverance and dedication, noting that their journey into policing has only just begun.

He encouraged them to remain committed to ethical conduct, continuous development, and service to the nation. “The strength of the Force lies not in any single hand, but in the cohesive, diverse, and principled teamwork of all its members,” he stated.

“Your work is inseparable from the fabric of Guyanese life. Build trust with the communities you serve, listen before you act, and partner with citizens, schools, faith groups, and civil society to address the

root causes of crime and foster safer, more resilient neighbourhoods.”

Course Recognition

However, some of the exceptional recruits were recognised for their excellent performance across some categories, such as Best Student, Runner-up Student, Best Drill, and Best Shot.

Constable Rajkumar was named the Best Student and Valedictorian, while Apprentice Harry Samuels was the runner-up. The Best Drill award was giv-

en to Apprentice Harry Samuels, and the Best Shot award was secured by Constable Paulin.

In Course 47 B, Constable Jordan walked away with the Best Student and Best Drill awards, while Constable DeSouza was the runner-up.

In Course 48 B, Constable Alfred received the Best Student award, followed by Constable John as the runner-up, and the Best Shot award was presented to Constable Bento.

In addition, Constable Daniels received the Best

Student and Best Drill awards in Course 23 G, while Constable Thomas was awarded the Best Drill award and Constable Charles was awarded the Best Shot award.

Having been properly trained, the newly appointed ranks would now be dispatched to different divisions across Guyana. For many, the occasion signified not just the end of training but the start of a meaningful career in service.

Closing the ceremony with the “Vote of Thanks”, valedictorian Constable Rajkumar expressed gratitude and optimism about the future.

“It has been a great learning and interactive experience. The programme is comprehensive and well-rounded, and I am honoured to serve my country,” he said. When asked about his aspirations, he added, “I look forward to one day becoming the Commissioner of Police.”

“We need to do better” – Human Services Minister

…calls for timely medical reports in abuse cases

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud has called for urgent improvements in the handling of abuse cases, warning that delays in obtaining medical reports, especially in matters of sexual violence, are weakening cases and undermining the pursuit of justice in the courts.

The Minister made this call during a visit to Region Five (Mahaica–Berbice) on Tuesday, where she high-

Human Services and Social Security, Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud

lighted growing concerns surrounding the issue.

According to the Minister, there has been a significant number of reports related to abuse cases. She noted that in instances of child abuse or adult violence, medical examinations must be conducted within a specific timeframe to retain their evidentiary value.

“If they’re not done within a certain timeframe, they have no value. You all know this; the medical pro-

fessionals know this. What we have happening is that there is a push-around,” she stated.

She also did not hesitate to address a “pusharound culture” plaguing the system, stressing that better must be done to improve the process.

“When children or complainants go, there’s a push-around to get medicals, especially in sexual cases. So, we need to do better with this, but the intention is to make the case re-

port strong. A report has to go to court,” she said.

Persaud further warned that delays and incomplete documentation can severely weaken cases if they are prolonged or not properly handled.

“If a report has gaps, if a report is not sound, the case goes downhill before anything. That’s what they depend on. You can’t leave things missing from a medical report and hope to go back and remember what happened. Too many cases

go downhill because of poorly written reports and medicals done long after the fact. So, I think this needs to be fixed now. We can’t wait; this has to be fixed now,” she emphasised.

In April of 2025 Guyana recorded over 300 cases; sexual abuse is recorded on a monthly basis across the country, according to statistics from the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit.

New digital driver registry to track traffic violations …as Govt tightens road safety measures

Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister

Anil Nandlall on Thursday announced his chambers will be heading a new initiative that will see the Government establishing a digital registry of motorists aimed at creating

a comprehensive record of drivers’ traffic histories, including offences and demerit points, as part of efforts to strengthen road safety and law enforcement.

The registry will see the consolidation of key data on motorists, includ-

ing licensing details and prior traffic violations, which are currently stored manually across various agencies.

Speaking in a video statement on his social media page, Nandlall explained that his chambers are already working on

the necessary legal framework, alongside broader policy changes to address issues such as noise nuisance and littering.

The initiative will involve multiple state agencies and require legislative amendments to support its implementation. The ini-

tiative is the continued extension of the Safe Country Initiative, which was the brainchild of President Dr Irfaan Ali.

…The Safe Country initiative remains among our Government’s highest priorities. Making our roadways and public places safer is a crucial factor in this equation,” Nandlall said, adding that “the Attorney General Chambers will lead in an initiative involving the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Public Service and Government Efficiency, the Guyana Police Force, the National Data Management Authority and other important stakeholders to construct and populate a digital registry with crucial information of road users, including data regarding their licence particulars and their antecedents as road users, including previous charges and/or convictions of road traffic and related offences."

Digitise existing records

He explained that efforts are underway to digitise existing records, some of which are stored in physical files across multiple locations.

“The data is there; it is accurate, but you have to go and get it manually on case jackets, on files scattered all across the country. We now have to make a concerted effort to get the manual data up and inject it into this digital registry and connect to the various important stakeholders

that require this data in the exercise of their lawful function,” he said.

According to Nandlall, the system will be accessible to key institutions, including the judiciary, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), the Probation Department and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

“This measure will allow for a greater and more efficient enforcement of our road traffic legislative framework, specifically the diligent enforcement of penalties such as the demerit system that authorises the suspension and revocation of driver’s licences for different categories of offences, such as, inter alia, drunken driving on the road and motor manslaughter,” he said.

Manual system limits

The AG noted that the current manual system limits the ability of Magistrates to access a driver’s full record when adjudicating cases.

“So for example, a person who is charged at Vreed-en-Hoop and appears before the Vreeden-Hoop Magistrate Court in relation to speeding or drunk driving or motor manslaughter, for that matter, the Magistrate hearing the matter is not equipped and is not possessed of the antecedents of that person,” he explained.

Strangulation of 7-year-old

Mother claims “can’t remember” committing act; murder charge soon

Twenty-six-year-old

Sarah Elizabeth Shivpersaud, who suffocated her seven-yearold daughter and attempted to murder her young son at their Fyrish, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne) home on Sunday, was discharged from the Port Mourant Hospital after she attempted to take her own life.

However, as the investigation continues into the gruesome act, the woman, after her discharge, was taken back to the scene by detectives, who are now preparing their file to be sent to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice on the way forward. In the meantime, she will remain in custody.

Nevertheless, according to reports received, the woman claimed that she could not remember what took place on the fateful day. She is presently being psychologically evaluated.

Despite her claims, Police sources indicate that statements continue to be collected and key details verified as the probe advances.

Shivpersaud is accused of killing her daughter, Isabella Dabadial, and also attempted to strangle

her son, Ethan. The incident reportedly took place at about 11:30h.

It was reported that the woman had been experiencing emotional distress after her husband left the home several days

prior and refused to return. She is also said to have told investigators that she had nothing to eat on the morning of the incident and became overwhelmed.

Prior to committing the act, she reportedly posted a photo of her and the two children, seeking forgiveness for what she was about to do.

cutting the veins behind her ankles. She was admitted to the Port Mourant Hospital until her discharge on Thursday.

After committing the act, Shivpersaud attempted to take her own life by

Meanwhile, little Isabella Dabadial was confirmed dead after she and her brother were rushed to the same hospital. Her younger sibling survived the ordeal.

An autopsy performed on the body of Isabella proved that she died from manual strangulation.

“Green mining is the future” – Chinese envoy hails Aurora Solar Farm

As Guyana continues to push its green energy transition, Chinese Ambassador Yang Yang has underscored the importance of the mining industry moving away from traditional practices towards a more environmentally-friendly method.

She made these remarks during the recent

commissioning of the Aurora Solar Farm at the Aurora Gold Mine site in Region Seven (Cuyuni–Mazaruni) on Wednesday.

The US$100 million project will see the 49.4 megawatt (MW) solar system with 82 MWh of battery storage generating approximately 63 million kilowatt-hour (kWh) of clean electricity annually, thus reducing diesel consumption by about 18 million litres per year, and cut carbon emissions by roughly 47,000 tonnes each year.

According to Ambassador Yang, this project marks a solid step forward for Aurora toward low-carbon transformation and green mining development.

“Green mining is, above all, about changing the way development is pursued. Modern mining must move away from the old model of high consumption and high emissions. It must strive for resource conservation, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability. A modern mine should create not only economic value, but also environmental value

and social value,” she contended.

The Chinese diplomat noted that for too long, mining operations in remote areas have relied heavily on diesel power, which has resulted high energy costs and considerable environmental pressure. However, she declared that this is beginning to change with investments such as the Aurora Gold Mine.

“With the full commissioning of this project, most of the mine’s energy demand can now be met by clean power. Diesel use and carbon emissions will be significantly re-

duced. And power supply for the camp will also become more stable and reliable. This is a concrete example of the vision that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,” the Ambassador posited.

Chinese technology

Moreover, Ambassador Yang went onto outline that the Aurora Solar Farm represents yet another important achievement of China-Guyana cooperation in clean energy and mining.

"I want to help animals" – First

Zayd Ali at 4th lemonade sale

…$10M

proceeds to go towards animal shelters

Guyana’s first son, Zayd Ali, brought a burst of citrus to the lawns of State House as he launched his fourth annual Lemonade Sale, an event aimed at raising funds to support local animal shelters and promote animal welfare.

The lawns of State House came alive with citrus flavours as scores of children, cups of lemonade in hand, gathered on Thursday for the annual fundraiser in support of animal welfare groups and organisations.

Lemonade was sold at prices of $1500 and $2000, and the sale raised a total of $10 million.

Speaking at the launch, First Lady Arya Ali noted that the proceeds will go towards supporting animal shelters and the care of animals.

“I want to say today [Thursday] is a bright and

sunny day, perfect for lemonade… This is not just about enjoying a refreshing drink but also about giving back to animals. These are our friends who do not have a voice, so we must speak and care for them,” she said.

She added that Zayd is very passionate about animals and that the initiative was developed to instil values of compassion and kindness from a young age.

“He is just six years old and has been doing this for about three to four years now. As a family, we believe strongly in compassion, kindness, and giving back, and this is one way he can contribute at his age,” the First Lady explained. She further expressed gratitude to those in attendance and highlighted that the initiative aims to support animal shelters across the country while addressing the issue of stray ani-

mal overpopulation through spay and neuter campaigns.

“I want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting. We try to assist every animal shelter in the country, and this initiative is also about reducing the overpopulation of stray animals through spay and neuter programmes,” she said.

It was also explained that the event did not involve students specifically, but rather children from various orphanages who were invited to attend.

A representative noted that whenever initiatives, celebrations, or functions are hosted at State House, the children are often invited to participate and enjoy the activities.

“We have invited children from various homes –about 150 to 200 of them – to be part of today’s [Thursday] event. Whenever we host activities at State House, we

ensure they are included. We always say this is the people’s home, so it is open and welcoming to everyone,” the representative stated.

Meanwhile, the First Lady emphasised that more can be done to raise awareness about animal welfare and called on citizens to show greater compassion towards animals.

“…I think there is much more that can be done. People need to be kinder to animals. There is a lot of cruelty, and we must be our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper by treating animals with dignity and love,” she said.

Zayd also expressed his love for animals and encouraged the public to support the initiative.

“I am doing this because I want to help animals. I love them, and I want people to come out and support the Lemonade Sale,” he said.

Last year the event

Son

raised $9 million, which was distributed among eight animal shelters and organisations.

Each organisation received $1 million, including Hope for Animals, Tails of

Hope, Rosewood Foundation, Ravina’s Rescue, Paws for a Cause, Pawsome Oasis Inc, the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Furball and Friends Foundation Inc.

$3B Canadian deal fast-tracking gold production in Guyana

GMining Ventures' $3 billion acquisition catapults it to become a significant immediate gold producer with one of the highest current gold profiles, says the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The company announced an agreement to acquire G2 Goldfields on Tuesday.

The deal will see both the Canadian companies combine their two adjacent projects in Guyana, G2’s Oko-Ghanie Project and GMIN’s Oko West Project, into a largescale, low-cost mining hub.

The combined Tier1 Oko project is expected to yield over 500,000 ounces of gold per year, says Louis-

Pierre Gignac, CEO of G Mining Venture.

“I think there’s tremendous value for all shareholders given the very important synergies that come about with this transaction,” he said.

The transaction will result in GMIN and G2 shareholders holding roughly 80.1 per cent

and 19.9 per cent of the combined company.

It also includes a high premium of 72 per cent, which Gignac says is justified by the high asset value and clear operational synergies of the acquired deposits.

“That was a premium that we were prepared to pay and one that generates signif-

synergies, with a mix of CapEx synergies over the life of the mine and operating cost synergies as well,” says Gignac.

The deal will also create a total resource of seven million ounces, which will extend the life of the Oka West mine to over 15 years.

Support from the Guyanese Government

icant accretion for our shareholder shoulders on a net asset value (NAV) per share basis,” says Gignac.

$1 billion in saved costs

The deal was a long time coming, says Gignac, noting that the two properties are across the fence from each other.

“We see approximately $1 billion in

New

The company has strong support from the Guyanese Government and is already fully permitted for its current operations, says Gignac.

He says because its new project is an extension of existing work, it can update its current environment assessment and permits rather than starting a new application process.

He also says the transaction consolidates land around the

Oka West project into a 362-square-kilometre land package.

“This becomes district-scale and allows for a lot of upside opportunities for us from an exploration point of view,” says Gignac.

“We’re quite excited about the combination that this creates.”

The company plans to conduct infill drilling to support an updated feasibility study targeted for 2027. This study will define the expanded project scope, with construction slated for 2028 and the expansion becoming operational in 2029, says Gignac.

He says the company is fully self-funded with a $350 million undrawn credit facility and $255 million in post-transaction net cash from its Tocantinzinho mine in Brazil.

(BNNBloomberg.ca)

digital driver registry to...

“The Magistrate Court would not have the previous convictions or charges of that person for that offence or similar offences. And that stultifies the enforcement of these important measures, for example, the suspension and revocation regime provided for in the law in relation to driver’s licences for repeated offenders.”

He emphasised that the new system will ensure judicial officers and law enforcement agencies have immediate access to accurate information.

“This system, this measure, the construction of this registry, and the accessibility of the information stored in the registry to police officers, to the Probation Department, and most importantly, to our judicial officers will ensure that they have all the information readily available to them to make informed choices, informed decisions, and impose appropriate penalties in relation to repeated offenders as the law contemplates,” Nandlall said.

Amendments

In addition to the registry, the Government is preparing amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act to address noise pollution and littering.

“Based upon His Excellency’s direction, the Attorney General Chambers is ready with a new wave of legislative amendments to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act and related legislation to address issues such as noise nuisance, including that which emanates from motor vehicles and littering in public places,” he said.

Nandlall highlighted concerns about excessive noise from vehicles, particularly motorcycles operating without mufflers.

“Motorcycles right now, as a matter of fashion and style, are being ridden without mufflers, creating a public nuisance and an uncallous and intolerable level of noise. We cannot continue with this system of uncivilised behaviour," he stated.

FROM PAGE 10

He also addressed the issue of indiscriminate dumping across the country.

“The inconsiderate and absolutely callous and indiscriminate dumping of refuse on city streets and in main drainage canals across the country cannot be something that, as a decent, law-abiding, health-conscious society, we continue to tolerate,” he said.

He emphasised that while the process will depend on technical coordination among agencies, the Government intends to move swiftly.

“The Government’s position is to get this accomplished as quickly as possible, but of course we depend on the technical people, and the technical people will depend on the current authorities and agencies that have the data in their possession. So it is an interconnected effort, but the Government’s position is that it must be done with extraordinary dispatch,” Nandlall added.

Family of 106-year-old Berbice man appeals for medical home visits

…as travelling now difficult as result of fragility

Jeojodhan Bhorasi, also known as “Harold Bissoo”, turned 106 on Tuesday, but even as his family marked the milestone, they were again forced to confront a troubling reality: the Berbice centenarian remains unable to access regular medical care, despite living just three doors away from a health centre.

The family says getting Bhorasi, known to most as Harold Bissoo, to a doctor has become increasingly difficult because of his age and condition, while taking him to the New Amsterdam Hospital can cost about $5000 for a taxi. They are now appealing to the health ministry to intervene, particularly since the doctor attached to the nearby health centre is reportedly unable to visit him at home without official permission.

Born in 1920, Bhorasi has lived through more than a century of change in Berbice. His long life, however, is now being overshadowed by the difficulties his relatives and carer face in securing medical attention for him

in his old age. His daughter, Moona Jewjodhan, said the family remains proud that he has reached such an extraordinary age.

“I feel proud. I feel very proud because many people got to see that age and they couldn’t. So I am proud about him for how long he’s here,” she said.

She described him as a good person and said that for most of his life, he did not suffer from major illness.

“He never have a sickness, you know. This is

the first time like something with his toe,” she said, while explaining that his hearing has also deteriorated over time.

But for his caretaker, Geetaa Kishun, the greater concern is his present condition and the struggle to get him seen by a doctor.

Kishun, who said she has been helping to care for him for about 20 years, explained that he has become largely immobile in recent years.

“Most of the time, he doesn’t walk. If I hold him, he doesn’t walk. I’m

Guyana "an attractive...

Since his last inspection in January, the PM said he noted significant advancement. He emphasised that works are progressing steadily, with the installation of piping scheduled to begin within two weeks, following completion of pipe racks and ongoing foundation works.

The workforce on the GtE project is expected to rise to 1100 and peak between 1400 and 1600, with 12 hour shifts supported by onsite accommodations.

alone,” she said.

She said the family is not demanding special treatment but is simply asking that a doctor be allowed to visit him periodically at home.

“I need a doctor. I’m not compelling… I want one time a month for a doctor to come and see him,” Kishun said.

According to the caretaker, the situation is especially frustrating because the Goed Bananen Land Health Centre is only a short distance away.

“Next door to the

NDC, there’s a clinic there, Goed Bananen Land Health Centre… two houses from here,” she said.

Yet, despite that proximity, she said the family has been told that the doctor cannot come to the home without authorisation.

“The doctor in the health centre doesn’t refuse to look at him, but she doesn’t have the order to come home. I had to carry him to the clinic,” Kishun explained.

That, she said, is often not realistic.

She recalled that when he previously had to be taken to the hospital, she could not manage on her own and had to move him in a wheelchair. Added to that is the cost of transportation to New Amsterdam, which the family says is around $5000 by taxi.

Now, even as relatives celebrate the fact that Jeojodhan Bhorasi, better known as Harold Bissoo, has reached 106 years of age, they say the focus is also on ensuring that he receives the care and comfort he needs.

Court confirms enforcement powers of Court Marshals in judgement execution

The Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana has issued a public notice outlining the legal authority of Court Marshals and confirming the execution of a writ of possession in relation to a land dispute on the East Bank of Demerara.

3

Once completed, this project will double the country's installed electricity capacity, reduce electricity costs by 50 per cent for all Guyanese households and businesses, and cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 460,000 tonnes annually.

The project is being executed by Houston-based contractor Lindsayca Inc, which said on Thursday that real progress is taking shape on site.

“The Gas to Energy project in Wales continues to advance with visible and measurable progress,” the company said in a Facebook post.

“Following the successful advancement of key civil and foundational activities, the project is now

Dubbed as the largest infrastructure investment in Guyana's history, the Gas-to-Energy project comprised a 300-megawatt (MW) combined-cycle power plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility. The 300-MW combined cycle gas turbine power plant is expected to come on stream by this yearend.

progressing into mechanical installation, with major equipment already delivered and positioned on site and integration activities advancing daily.”

In order to meet the newest deadline of 2026 yearend, Lindsayca said operations continue across multiple work fronts, with several key activities carried out 24 hours a day, supported by a workforce of over 870 personnel and 240 units of equipment on site.

To date, more than two million man-hours have been completed safely. This progress is backed by a global logistics operation, with over 170 shipments from more than 20 countries, ensuring the timely delivery and integration of critical equipment.

According to the notice, Court Marshals function as executive officers of the court and operate under lawful authority in accordance with the High Court Act, Cap. 3:02. The Act establishes the Registrar as the Chief Executive Officer of the Court, with all Marshals acting under the Registrar’s control and responsibility, subject to the direction and approval of the Chief Justice.

The Court further referenced the Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2019, Part 45, which provides that a Writ of Possession authorises a Marshal to enter specified land or premises, take possession, and deliver that possession to the Judgement Creditor.

The clarification follows developments

in High Court matter 2023-HC-DEM-CIVSOC 331, involving New Friendship Farmers’ Cooperative Land Society Ltd and several defendants, including Elaine Adams, Rozel Dilleon Investment Ltd, and Leon L Rutherford.

In that matter, Justice Peter Hugh delivered judgement on September 25, 2024, granting possession of Parcel No. 739, comprising 13.6877 acres located at Block XXVIII, Zone East Bank Demerara, part of Friendship, to the second named defendant.

The court's order was served on the claimant, New Friendship Farmers’ Cooperative Land Society Ltd, on March 24, 2025. A stay of execution had been granted until December 31, 2024; however, the claimant

did not vacate the property within the stipulated period.

Subsequently, an application was made by Leon L Rutherford, resulting in the granting of a Writ of Possession on August 25, 2025. The writ was later issued by the Registrar of the Supreme Court on January 7, 2026, following a request made on December 22, 2025.

The writ authorises Court Marshals to enter the property, remove the occupants, and deliver possession to Leon L Rutherford, acting as a representative of Rozel Dilleon Investment Ltd.

In its notice, the Court advised that Marshals are executing lawful orders and urged all persons to cooperate fully and refrain from obstructing the execution process.

WCB man on trial for alleged child sexual offence

– 8 witnesses slated to testify

Thirty-sevenyear-old Robert Campbell from West Coast Berbice (WCB), who was accused of rape, pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the Berbice High Court on Wednesday.

As such, a mixed jury was empanelled to hear the matter, with the prosecution slated to call eight witnesses to the stand. Attorney at law Kevin Morgan is representing Campbell, while the State’s case is being led by prosecutor Marisa Edwards.

Among the witnesses are two welfare officers, four relatives, a police officer, and a medical practitioner.

Rape accused Robert Campbell

However, testimony began on Wednesday with a police officer outlining the sequence of events following an incident on April 30, 2018, which led to Campbell being placed before the court.

A medical practitioner also took the witness stand and told the court that her examination of the alleged victim revealed no visible signs of physical injury, such as bruising or tearing.

Meanwhile, under further questioning, the doctor explained that the absence of such findings does not necessarily rule out that an incident may have occurred.

During cross-examination by defence counsel Morgan, the medical practitioner agreed that in certain circumstances, including where specific conditions exist, it may be unlikely for visible injuries to be detected. The trial is expected to continue with the testimony of the victim and her mother.

“Green mining is the...

She added, “It is also a vivid demonstration of how Chinese technology, Chinese experience, and China–Guyana cooperation can contribute to greener development. In this sense, the project is not only an energy project. It is also a project for transformation, for sustainability, and for the future.”

The Chinese diplomatic further highlighted that this project also reflects the deepening practical cooperation between China and Guyana. In recent years, the two countries have expanded their cooperation in infrastructure, energy, mining and green development.

According to Ambassador Yang, her Government is pleased to see that more and more projects are generating economic benefits while

also advancing the green transition, improving the environment, and laying a stronger foundation for sustainable development.

“We hope this project will serve as a model and an inspiration. We hope it will encourage more enterprises to prioritize green mining, adopt clean energy, improve production methods, raise resource efficiency, and fulfil their corporate social responsibilities. Looking ahead, China stands ready to work with Guyana and with all partners to advance green development and build a future that is cleaner, more sustainable, and more prosperous for all,” she stated.

The Aurora Solar Farm, one of the largest in Guyana, integrates a system that balances generation and storage

FROM PAGE 12

in real time to maintain a steady and dependable power supply.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who commissioned the facility on Wednesday, said the project will transform operations at Aurora Gold Mine – not only cutting carbon emissions annually but also generating a significant amount of electricity.

Apart from the environmental benefits, Phillips noted that about 100 local jobs were created during construction of the solar farm, with Guyanese workers gaining practical training in renewable energy systems, battery storage, and microgrid management – skills that are critical as Guyana continues to expand its use of renewable energy.

Man gets bail for provoking, threatening father with gun

Jermaine Fletcher, who allegedly threatened his father with a gun, was granted bail in the sum of 50,000 when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts.

It is alleged that on April 3, 2026, at Independence Boulevard, Georgetown, Fletcher provoked Keith Fletcher, his father, and used threatening language while allegedly brandishing a firearm.

The incident reportedly escalated into threats, prompting the charges of using threatening and aggravating language.

During the hearing, the prosecution objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offence. When questioned by the magistrate, authorities clarified that no actual firearm was recovered; however, Keith Fletcher stated that the object shown to

him resembled a gun. Fletcher, who resides at 252 Independence Boulevard and works as a porter, denied all allegations. His lawyer asked for reasonable bail and emphasised that Fletcher will attend all court proceedings and has no prior convictions.

After considering submissions, the magistrate granted bail, and the matter was adjourned to April 22, 2026.

AC technician to pay millions in compensation as victims opt to settle case in court

Aman accused in a violent altercation in 2025 is expected to pay millions in compensation after the victims agreed to settle the matter financially.

Michael Layne, an air conditioning technician of Charlestown, Georgetown, reportedly agreed to pay Rafeek Khan $3.5 million and Julian Vanlange $2.5 million.

Khan told the court that the compensation is meant to cover medical expenses and surgeries he underwent following the incident, stressing that he is not benefiting financially beyond the reimbursement of his treatment costs.

Khan told the court that he had received $500,000 in total, including $130,000 paid in court on Wednesday. Vanlange reported receiving $190,000 on one

occasion and $60,000 on another, but no additional payment was made during the latest hearing.

The Magistrate noted that the matter remains under review as the settlement progresses. The case was adjourned to April 22, 2026, for a further update on payments.

Layne was charged for the August 23, 2025 wounding incidents which occurred at John Street, Werken-Rust, Georgetown. Prosecutors alleged that Layne wounded Khan with intent to murder and unlawfully wounded Vanlange with intent to maim, disfigure, or cause grievous bodily harm.

The incident reportedly arose from a dispute over vehicle repairs.

Michael Layne

Layne’s car had been taken to Khan’s auto shop for repairs, and disagreements over payments escalated into a violent confrontation.

Layne allegedly armed himself with a cutlass and attacked both men, leaving them hospitalised, with one suffering the loss of a finger. During last year’s proceedings, Layne was refused bail due to the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the complainants were hospitalised.

He was later granted bail.

Children’s show to transform National Stadium into safari-themed kids’ adventure park

Set to deliver a vibrant mix of excitement and family-friendly entertainment, the Play Land Carnival Children Show will take centre stage on May 31, inviting families from across Guyana to the Guyana National Stadium for a day packed with fun and adventure.

The event will run from 13:00h to 20:00h, and patrons are strongly encouraged to arrive early to fully enjoy the wide range of activities and attractions planned throughout the day.

This event promises a full day of excitement, as the stadium's tarmac will be transformed into a vibrant safari-themed play park, featuring multiple interactive zones designed to engage children between the ages of three and 16 years.

Organised by DACCO Guyana and Kids Fest 592, Play Land 2026 has been carefully designed to deliver a world-class children's entertainment experience.

The expansive venue will utilise every square foot of the tarmac, with organisers partnering with all major kids' event rental companies

across Guyana to ensure a diverse and engaging line-up of attractions for every family member.

Patrons can look forward to an impressive range of activities, including bouncy castles and trampolines, novelty games and interactive zones, go-kart racing and simulation racing, sports car displays, Kids

Fest Pageant cartoon character appearances, a kids spa experience, a DIY creative zone (hands-on arts, crafts, and interactive building activities), and a Squid Game Experience (Kids Edition) – fun, safe, and interactive versions of popular challenge-style games adapted for children.

The day will culmi-

nate in a super concert, featuring over 15 performers, including former youth competition winners, with support from the Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry.

Play Land 2026 holds the distinction of being an officially sanctioned children's event commemorating Guyana's 60th Independence Anniversary, making it a truly historic celebration for families nationwide.

In line with its commitment to inclusivity, organisers have launched a nationwide ticket distribution initiative to ensure children from all backgrounds can participate.

Corporate partners are encouraged to support the initiative through a ticket donation programme, allowing them to directly sponsor children from

underserved communities –ensuring that no child is left out of this magical experience.

Event Manager Natalya Thomas shared that, with another successful year of hosting the event, it has stood out as a safe space where children can enjoy themselves safely.

"For over 12 years, I've been planning events in Guyana, and Play Land represents a major step toward expanding our reach. This event was created to give children from every corner of Guyana a safe and exciting space where they can freely enjoy rides and attractions."

She added, "Safety remains a top priority. All unused areas will be properly secured, and we've worked extensively to ensure a controlled environment.”

Govt's women’s network programme launches climate-smart agriculture training with NAREI

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry, through its Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), has launched a new Climate Smart Agriculture course in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

The programme is part of a wider series of regional training initiatives aimed at equipping women with practical and sustainable agricultural skills. According to the Ministry, the initiative is designed to empower participants to adopt improved farming methods, contribute to national food security, and develop agricultural enterprises.

As part of the handson component of the training, participants are engaged in practical exercises including graft-

ing and budding. These activities involve working with a range of fruit crops, such as grafting spice mango

onto Julie mango plants, and combining grapefruit buds with lemon plants. The Ministry indicated that the train-

ing programme will be expanded across other regions. Individuals interested in participating in the Climate Smart Agriculture course can register using the provided link: https://form.jotform. com/260415249284054.

T&T PM announces energy mission to Venezuela

Prime Minister (PM)

Kamla PersadBissessar says a diplomatic delegation will soon travel to Venezuela to ensure Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) secures its “just share” of cross-border oil and gas resources, signalling a renewed push to advance long-stalled energy projects.

Speaking at a $69 million fire tender handover ceremony in Penal yesterday, Persad-Bissessar said the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s economic security alongside improvements in national safety infrastructure.

“Shortly, a diplomat-

ic delegation will depart Trinidad and Tobago to go to Venezuela to ensure we get our just share of the oil and gas, which we partly own through the NGC,” she said.

She did not elaborate further and declined to take questions from the media.

Her comments come amid longstanding negotiations between the two countries over joint energy reserves, particularly the Dragon gas field and the Loran-Manatee field.

The Dragon Gas field, located in Venezuelan waters but in close proximity to T&T’s energy infrastructure, has been identified as

a critical supply source for the country’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. However, development has been repeatedly delayed due to geopolitical tensions and sanctions imposed on Venezuela by the United States.

Similarly, the LoranManatee field, which straddles the maritime boundary between the two countries, has long been the subject of complex bilateral arrangements. While T&T has proceeded with development of the Manatee portion, negotiations have continued over how best to treat the Venezuelan Loran reserves. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Argentina passes bill loosening protection of its glaciers

Lawmakers in Argentina approved a Governmentbacked reform on Thursday that aims to promote mining investment in glacier regions, a step environmentalists and scientists have said would weaken protections and threaten water resources.

The Chamber of Deputies passed the reform 137-111, with three abstentions. The law takes effect once it is published in the official gazette.

Pushed by libertarian President Javier Milei's Government, the reform drew controversy for allowing provinces to set their own glaciers and periglacial protection standards. This shift, critics say, could undermine safeguards for high-altitude ice formations that serve as key freshwater reserves.

The measure is expected to generate $165 billion in exports by 2035 and create thousands of jobs, Economy Minister Luis Caputo said on X. "Some provinces will be changed forever."

Opposition lawmakers accused authorities of censorship, saying just 0.3 per cent of more than 100,000 applicants were allowed to speak against the mea-

sures at public hearings. Since 2010, legislation has barred mining and industrial activity in these areas and set minimum standards to protect water reserves.

Governors of major mining provinces and companies say the reform clarifies rules for investment and could position Argentina as a key copper and lithium supplier for the energy transition.

Domestic scientists say the reform is driven by economic and political interests, while environmental groups argue it favours large-scale mining projects over environmental protections.

The University of Buenos Aires raised concern about the reform in February, urging "unified scientific criteria, backed by technical expertise".

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Husband arrested in Bahamas in connection to wife’s disappearance

Bahamian officials say they have arrested a 59-year-old US citizen who is being questioned in connection with the disappearance of his wife, Lynette Hooker.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force did not release the man's name, citing the organisation's policy, but his attorney, Terrel Butler, identified him to CBS News as Brian Hooker.

Brian Hooker previously told Police his wife fell off their boat over the weekend. Butler said Brian Hooker "categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing" and "has been cooperating with the relevant authorities as part of an ongoing investigation."

The search for Lynette Hooker, who is from Michigan, is ongoing near Elbow Cay in the Abaco Islands

of the Bahamas, which the Royal Bahamian Defence Force said has turned into a search and recovery operation.

Brian Hooker reported that he and his wife, who are both US nationals, set sail aboard an eight-foot hard-bottom dinghy from Elbow Cay on Saturday night, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force. He told Police his wife fell overboard with the keys to the boat, causing its engine to turn off, and strong currents carried her out to sea, and he lost sight

of her. He paddled the dinghy to shore, arriving hours later at the Marsh Harbour Boat Yard at 04:00h Sunday. In an interview, Lynette Hooker's daughter, Karli Aylesworth, described her mother as an experienced swimmer who has been sailing for more than 10 years. She said she wants authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and that she doesn't believe the sequence of events described by Brian Hooker. (Excerpt from CBS News)

Trapped miner rescued from flooded Mexican tunnel after 14 days

Mexican army divers have rescued a miner from a flooded underground tunnel two weeks after he was first trapped.

Francisco Zapata Nájera, 42, was stuck 300 metres below ground after an embankment collapsed at the gold mine in the northern Mexican state of Sinaloa.

Video of the rescue shows him standing in waist-deep water, telling his rescuers that he never lost faith during his ordeal.

Following more than 300 hours of searching, divers finally spotted the blinking of the miner's torch light, which Zapata had turned on

and off to alert them to his location. While Zapata appears visibly relieved in the footage, his ordeal was not yet over. Due to the flooding in the tunnel leading to his location, the divers could not immediately extract him. Instead, they left him behind with water, cans of tuna and energy bars – and a promise to return soon.

After 20 more hours in which the rescue teams used pumps to lower the water level in the flooded tunnels, Zapata could finally be taken to the surface.

Twenty-five workers were inside the gold mine when the tailings dam – a structure which holds mining waste –burst on 25 March.

Twenty-one managed to get out, but four were trapped.

José Alejandro Cástulo was rescued after five days under ground, and another miner died, but it took rescuers a full 13 days to locate Francisco Zapata.

The search continues for another miner who is still missing. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Wrapped in a thermal blanket and sitting on an electric cart, he emerged from the mine on Wednesday and was taken by helicopter to hospital, where he was able to reunite with his family.

Around the World OIL NEWS

Iran war

doubles Russia's main oil revenue to US$9B in April, Reuters calculations show

Russia will see revenue from its biggest single oil tax double to US$9 billion in April due to the oil and gas crisis triggered by the US and Israeli attack on Iran, Reuters calculations showed on Thursday.

The Reuters calculation is some of the first concrete evidence of a windfall for Russia, the world's second-largest oil exporter, from the Iran war, which oil traders say has triggered the most serious energy crisis in recent history.

Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz – a route for about a fifth of global oil and LNG flows – after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran at the end of February, sending Brent futures shooting well past US$100 per barrel.

Russia's main revenue from its vast oil and gas industry is based on production. Export duty on crude oil has been nullified from the start of 2024 as part of the so-called wider tax manoeuvre, a years-long tax reform of the industry.

According to Reuters calculations based on preliminary production data and oil prices, Russia's mineral extraction tax on oil output will increase in April to around 700 billion roubles (US$9 billion) from 327 billion roubles in March. The revenue is up by some 10 per cent from April last year.

For the whole of 2026, Russia has budgeted for 7.9 trillion roubles from the mineral extraction tax. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Melania Trump says rumours linking her to Epstein “need to stop”

First Lady Melania Trump has denied connections to Jeffrey Epstein, telling reporters at the White House that any claims linking the two "need to end today".

In a surprise announcement on Thursday, the first lady called for congressional hearings for survivors of Epstein's sex trafficking.

She also denied online rumours that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, calling them "mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation".

It is unclear what prompted the announcement.

There was no prior indication from her office that she would make a statement on Epstein, and the White House did not share the topic earlier when her remarks were put on its daily schedule.

She said she had not been a victim of Epstein, with whom she only briefly "crossed paths"

Israel seeks Lebanon talks after bombardments threaten Iran truce

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday he is seeking direct talks with Beirut, a day after the worst bombardment of the war killed more than 300 persons in Lebanon and placed Donald Trump's US–Iran ceasefire in jeopardy.

Trump announced a ceasefire in the six-week-old Iran conflict late on Tuesday, just hours before a deadline after which he threatened to destroy Iran's entire civilisation.

In Pakistan, authorities were preparing for the first round of US–Iran talks, lock-

ing down parts of the capital Islamabad.

But there was no sign Iran was lifting its near-total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has caused the worst disruption to global energy supplies in history, with Israel's ongoing attacks on Lebanon cited as a key sticking point.

In a defiant statement, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday that Iran would be "resolute in avenging" the deaths of his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the coun-

try's "martyrs" and "will take management of the Strait of Hormuz into a new phase."

The statement attributed to Khamenei was read on state TV. He has not been seen in public since he took over from his father, who was killed on the first day of the war.

"...We will certainly not leave unpunished the criminal aggressors who attacked our country. We will undoubtedly demand compensation for every single damage inflicted," he said iin the statement.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Iran says it “would be dumb” for US to let Netanyahu kill diplomacy

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that it would be “dumb” for the United States to allow Israel to jeopardise the regional ceasefire by continuing its intense attacks on Lebanon, which have killed hundreds of people since the truce came into effect.

On Thursday, Araghchi noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial will resume on Sunday. He suggested that the Israeli leader has an ulterior motive for continuing the fighting.

“A region-wide ceasefire,

in 2000. "I have never had any knowledge of Epstein abuse of his victims," she said. "I was never involved in any capacity. I was not a participant."

She also denied knowing Ghislaine Maxwell, the disgraced financier's jailed associate. (Excerpt from BBC News)

incl. in Lebanon, would hasten his jailing,” Araghchi wrote on social media.

He then added a message for the US, which has denied that Lebanon was included in the original ceasefire.

“If the US wishes to crater its economy by letting Netanyahu kill diplomacy, that would ultimately be its choice. We think that would be dumb but are prepared for it,” Araghchi wrote.

His comment mirrors language used by US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday. Vance had warned against Iranians let-

ting the ceasefire fall apart over Lebanon, saying, “We think that would be dumb, but that’s their choice.” Since the ceasefire was announced on Tuesday, the disagreement over whether it applies to Lebanon has become a major threat to the future of the truce.

Iranian officials and media outlets have suggested that Tehran may respond militarily to the Israeli assault on Lebanon or block the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the ceasefire applies to Lebanon. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Putin declares 32-hour ceasefire in Ukraine for Orthodox Easter

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday declared a 32hour ceasefire in Ukraine over the Orthodox Easter weekend, following an earlier call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a pause in some of the hostilities to observe the holiday.

Putin's decree, released by the Kremlin, orders Russian forces to observe a ceasefire starting at 4 p.m. Saturday and lasting until the end of Sunday.

Zelenskyy proposed earlier in the week that each side stop targeting each other's energy infrastructure over the holiday, saying he made the offer through the United States, which has been mediating

talks between delegations from Moscow and Kyiv as Russia's invasion stretches into a fifth year. There was no immediate reaction from Kyiv to Putin's announcement.

Previous attempts to secure ceasefires have had little or no impact. Putin unilaterally declared a 30-hour ceasefire last Easter, but each side accused the other of breaking it.

The Kremlin statement announcing the ceasefire said that "orders have been issued for this period to cease hostilities in all directions", adding that "troops are to be prepared to counter any possible provocations by the enemy, as well as any aggressive actions."

"We assume that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation," it said.

Russia has effectively rejected a 30-day unconditional truce proposed last year by the US and Ukraine as a step toward peace, insisting instead on a comprehensive settlement, but Moscow has announced several short, unilateral ceasefires.

The US-led talks have made no progress on key issues, and Washington's attention has switched to the Middle East conflict while the Russian and Ukrainian armies remain locked in battle on the roughly 800-mile front line. (Excerpt from CBS News)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Refuse to let anyone talk you into something you don’t need. Scams are prevalent, and overpaying for a hyped-up product or inflated quote will set you back. When in doubt, take a pass and focus on unfinished projects that you can do yourself. Choose what serves you best financially, emotionally, and physically. Exercise and research are favored.

20-May 20) (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Take care of unfinished business. Follow the rules, instructions, and regulations that may slow you down. An opportunity will surface if you apply for a position or go for an interview. Be sure to ask questions and to get what you want in writing. A high-energy approach to your pursuits will meet with applause. Romance is favored. Be part of the solution, not the problem. Consider the positive changes you can make if you fact-check and research the best way to proceed. How you help others will determine your popularity. Talk is cheap if you don’t follow through. Problems with authority figures, investments, and medical issues will surface if you step out of line.

Take more time to appreciate what is going your way and spend less time worrying and criticizing what isn’t. Attitude is everything when you want to get things done. Consider how you can make improvements to your life, your appearance, and your relationships. Start with a plan that makes you look and feel your best. Romance is in the stars. Buckle up and get busy. Travel, making new friends, and indulging in something that expands your mind, skills, and perception of how you want your life to unfold will change your life. Don’t share too much personal information, listen, absorb, and determine what and who are in sync with you, your beliefs, and your values. Equality is essential. Network, interact with people who have as much to offer as you, and implement positive changes that help you broaden your awareness regarding what’s possible. Love is on the rise, and healthy discussions that share expectations will help solidify a meaningful relationship. What you do to encourage, support, and help others or a cause will make a difference.

Slow down, think before you spend. Only offer what’s feasible and make promises you can fulfill. Discipline and ingenuity, along with completion, will lead to victory. Refuse to let laziness play a role in the outcome of a relationship. Surround yourself with those who share your expectations, and avoid a negative outcome. A change of scenery is favored. Put on your thinking cap, and you’ll come up with an idea that will encourage a new adventure. A personal or professional partnership opportunity looks promising, and taking steps to ensure it unfolds in a timely fashion is in your best interest. Social events and sensitive topics of conversation will require finesse and delicate monitoring.

Put some time, money, and thought into your living arrangements. It’s time to upgrade your surroundings to suit your needs. Do as much of the work yourself and enjoy the outcome. A proper workspace will help you be more productive. A change to how you earn your living will encourage higher income or debt relief.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) (June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22) (March 21-April 19) (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) (May 21-June 20)

Ease into whatever you want to do, and spare yourself taking on too much or upsetting a situation that is already festering. Work on personal growth, health, and make positive personal changes. Nurture meaningful relationships, listen, compromise, and you’ll find solutions that ease stressful situations. Don’t dig yourself into a hole when it’s time to climb out.

Keep a low profile, and you’ll accomplish the most. A lifestyle change is on your agenda, and putting the pieces in place will put your mind at rest. Home is where the heart is, and the comfort and joy you aspire to will determine the outcome. A positive mindset will motivate you to open doors to new beginnings.

Keep life simple and affordable. Initiate positive change and healthy choices. A personal makeover will be uplifting and entice you to participate in events or activities of interest. Someone you encounter will offer insight into how you can use your skills more effectively. Personal gain is within reach if you set boundaries instead of going overboard.

Minister Jacobs pledges full support for 2026 O-40s World Cup in Guyana

Guyana is set to open its doors in 2026. The Over40s Cricket World Cup is scheduled to be hosted from October 17 to November 1, 2026, the Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA) informed following a productive meeting with the Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS), Steven Jacobs.

As such, the CWIMA has noted that the Government of Guyana has reaffirmed its strong support for the upcoming global event.

CWIMA was represented at the meeting by Chairman Rajendra

Singh, Secretary Roy Singh and Convenor of the World Cup Finance Committee Ramdeo Kumar.

In a communication from the CWIMA, it was noted that Minister Jacobs gave his blessings to the tournament and pledged his full support for the successful hosting of what is expected to be one of the most significant masters cricket events ever staged in the Caribbean.

The tournament is expected to bring together up to 16 international teams, with Guyana set to welcome players, officials, and supporters from across the cricketing world for more than

two weeks of high-level competition, sports tourism, and international exposure.

As part of the Government’s commitment, Minister Jacobs pledged the use of the stadia at Providence, Palmyra, Anna Regina and Linden as key venues within the tournament infrastructure.

In addition, the Minister pledged support for the refurbishment and upgrading of several cricket grounds to strengthen Guyana’s readiness to host the event. These grounds include Enmore, Malteenoes, Lusignan, and Albion, all of which are expected to play an

important role in the delivery and legacy of the World Cup.

Roy Singh, sec retary of CWIMA, said the support from the Government of Guyana is a major step forward in preparations for the event.

“This World Cup is more than a cricket tournament. It is a major international sports tourism opportunity that will bring visitors, global visibility, and economic activity to Guyana while also leaving behind improved sporting facilities for local communities.”

With Government backing, upgraded venues, and growing international interest, Guyana is positioning itself to deliver a memorable and professionally run World Cup that reflects the country’s expanding role in regional and international sport.

Khemraj hails team effort in Guyana’s recent success

Guyana’s National Under-15 cricket team delivered a commanding all-round performance to capture the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Under-15 50-over Bilateral Series, defeating Barbados by 37 runs under the DuckworthLewis-Stern (DLS) method in the fifth and final match at the Albion Sports Complex on Monday last to seal a 2–0 series victory.

Despite persistent rainfall threatening to disrupt preparations and match play, the young Guyanese unit showed resilience and composure beyond their years

– attributes Head Coach Yeuraj Khemraj credited to meticulous planning and strong support from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

“Despite the constant rainfall, our players were mentally ready for the contest,” Khemraj said following the triumph. “We made full use of the indoor facility at LBI, where we did a lot of work. Once we had sunshine, we moved outdoors immediately to get in outfield sessions and net practice. It was fortunate for me as head coach to have assistant coaches around who made life easier for us as a unit. I must

commend the Guyana Cricket Board for taking the initiative to increase the coaching staff.”

Guyana’s success was built on collective effort rather than individual brilliance. Throughout the series, different players stepped up at crucial moments, underlining the depth and balance of the squad.

In the opening match, Bishops anchored the innings with a composed knock, while Reddy provided late fireworks to propel Guyana to a competitive total. With the ball, Reddy and Akash set the tone early, dismantling the Barbadian top order. Within the

first six overs, Barbados found themselves reeling with five to six wickets down, effectively placing the game beyond reach.

“The unit was not depending on one or two individuals to give us victory,” Khemraj explained. “In the second game, Nabbie put up his hand with the bat. Reddy contributed again, and Lamar made an impact with his offspin bowling. It was a well-knitted unit. Each player worked together. We never saw one player as more impressive or less impressive than the other. We stuck as a unit and supported each oth-

er.”

The final encounter at Albion fol lowed a sim ilar script, with Guyana maintaining composure in challeng ing weath er con ditions. After set ting a compet itive tar get, their bowlers ap plied relentless pressure, and when rain intervened, the DLS calculations confirmed Guyana’s superiority, sparking celebrations among players and supporters alike.

Looking ahead, Khemraj emphasised the importance of nurturing the talented group as they transition through the ranks.

“It’s now for us to keep this pool of players together. They are a bunch of talented young play-

ers,” he noted. “We have programmes that will be put in place through the Guyana Cricket Board to keep them together so they can progress from Under-15 to Under-17, Under-19, and eventually into the senior setup.” With structured development plans and a strong team ethos already in place, Guyana’s Under-15 triumph may well mark the beginning of a promising pipeline for the country’s cricketing future.

GCB President engages Harpy Eagles before they jet off for title defence

The Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) have departed local shores for Antigua and Barbuda, where they will begin their campaign in the revamped Cricket West Indies Regional Four-Day Championship, a missive from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) indicated on Thursday.

Ahead of their departure, the team met with the President of GCB, Bissoondyal Singh, who offered words of encouragement and guidance as the defending champions prepare to embark on their title defence.

The GCB subtly noted in the communication, “The squad, which was submitted by the Ramnaresh Sarwanled selection panel, received unanimous approval from the full executive committee of the Guyana Cricket Board, underscoring the Board’s strong confidence in the composition and balance of the team.”

In his address to the departing team, President Singh urged the players to uphold the proud legacy of Guyana cricket, emphasising discipline, unity, and consistency as the foundation for continued success.

“You are not just representing yourselves; you are representing an entire nation that believes in your ability. Wear the badge with pride, play with heart, and remain disciplined in every session and every moment on the field. It is consistency, not flashes of brilliance, that wins championships,”

President Singh stated.

“As defending champions, you must expect every opponent to come hard at you – that is the true test of a champion. Embrace the challenge, trust in your preparation, and stand united as a team. If you remain focused and committed, there is every reason why this

title should stay right here in Guyana.”

The team will be under the guidance of Head Coach Ryan Hercules and his management team.

Hercules acknowledged concerns surrounding the team’s batting following two practice matches but expressed confidence in the squad’s experience and preparation.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Captain Imlach expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and approach: “We are mentally ready and confident. We just need a few net sessions to get things going in terms of cricket. We un-

derstand how we want to play four-day cricket, and that’s what we’ll focus on.”

The 13-man squad will be led by Tevin Imlach, with Matthew Nandu serving as Vice Captain.

The squad includes Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Raymond Perez, Kevlon Anderson, Kemol Savoury, Keemo Paul, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Richie Looknauth, Nial Smith, Isai Thorne and Zeynul Ramsammy.

Guyana will face the Windward Islands Volcanoes in the opening round from April 12–15 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The teams will meet again in Round Two from April 19–22 at the Antigua Recreation Ground, and Round Three from April 26–29 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

The playoffs, featuring the top three teams, are scheduled for May 10–20 in Antigua.

The GCB extended its best wishes to the team for a successful campaign as they begin their title defence, carrying the pride and expectations of the nation.

NTFGL set for Championship finale this Sunday

The National Top Flight Golf League (NTFGL) is poised for a thrilling conclusion this Sunday as Round Eight tees off with the championship still up for grabs. In an exciting twist, all eight players in the final two groups remain in contention, setting the stage for a high-stakes finish at Lusignan Golf Club.

Final pairings were determined based on total points, with ties broken by the order in which players reached their scores, adding further intensity to an already competitive leader-board.

The spotlight will be on the top pairing, where Patanjilee Persaud leads on 18 points. Close behind are Videsh Persaud, Fazil Haniff, and Joseph Szeplaki, all tied on 17 points. With just one point separating the leader from three challengers, the title race is wide open and promises a battle down to the final holes.

The second group also car-

ries significant weight in the championship chase. Brian Hackett, also on 17 points, remains firmly within striking distance and will be aiming to capitalise on any opportunity to close the gap. He is joined by Patrick Prashad (15), Mike Mangal (12), and Kishan Bacchus (10), all of whom still have outside chances of making a late push for the title.

One notable absence will be Chet, who is unable to participate in the final round. While his absence reshapes the field slightly, the competition remains fierce across both groups. All players are asked to be on time for the 08:00h tee-off, as the league prepares for what promises to be an electrifying finish.

With the championship on the line and no clear runaway leader, fans can expect a gripping finale where composure, precision, and mental toughness will ultimately decide who lifts the NTFGL League title.

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The West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) has expressed serious concern over the treatment of Guyanese all-rounder Kevin Sinclair following his omission from the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) squad for the upcoming West Indies Four-Day Championship tournament.

WIPA Secretary Wayne Lewis said the players’ body is dissatisfied with how the matter was handled and has initiated discussions with Cricket West Indies (CWI) in an effort to resolve the issue.

Sinclair was left out of the 13-man squad af-

WIPA challenges treatment of Sinclair; seeks talks with CWI

ter local officials, speaking at a press conference at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) pavilion last Saturday, cited a pattern of “disciplinary issues” as the reason for his non-selection.

However, Lewis, speaking on Tuesday evening on the Mason and Guest programme in Barbados, contended that due process was not followed when Sinclair was previously sent home from a tournament.

“I was very, very much involved in that situation, and I was very upset,” Lewis said. “We thought that due process was not followed. There was no hearing, no disciplinary committee. He was just sent home.”

Lewis explained that

the matter is complicated by the incomplete status of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) intended to be a tripartite agreement among WIPA, CWI and the regional franchises. While WIPA and CWI have signed their portion, he said, franchises have yet to formalise their part of the agreement.

“That’s something that Cricket West Indies has spoken to Chris Dehring about: that it needs to be satisfied and rectified,” Lewis noted, referring to CWI Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring. “It’s supposed to allow us to take up the phone and deal with matters collectively.”

According to Lewis, WIPA attempted to intervene when Sinclair was sent home, arguing that as a union member he was entitled to representation and a fair

hearing. “We tried to intercept it. We said he’s a member of WIPA, and we think it’s a unilateral decision to send him home like that. It never happened,” he said.

Lewis disclosed that he has since held discussions with senior members of the Guyana setup, including former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, in an effort to resolve the situation.

“He was never in a disciplinary situation where he went before a committee and was banned. Situations happen and they just made a decision to put him aside without due process, and we are not pleased about that,” Lewis said.

The WIPA official confirmed that he has reopened the matter, holding conversations over the weekend with Dehring and CWI

Director Miles Bascombe to review the correspondence and seek a resolution.

Lewis also revealed efforts to ensure Sinclair remained active on the field; he approached former Trinidad and Tobago Captain Daren Ganga about the possibility of selecting Sinclair for the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) team, should Guyana persist in overlooking him. Ganga, he said, was open to the idea. He further indicated attempts to contact former West Indies all-rounder Carl Hooper, who he believes has influence with Sinclair.

However, plans for a CCC team were scrapped due to financial constraints at CWI, which Lewis said further limited Sinclair’s opportunities.

“We thought that

Cricket West Indies would serve better if Kevin Sinclair were playing,” Lewis said.

“Now that CCC is out of the tournament, I don’t know that Cricket West Indies is benefiting from him not playing at all when there are disagreements or misunderstandings about how he should be treated.”

While emphasising that WIPA does not control team selection, Lewis maintained that the union’s primary concern is fairness and adherence to due process.

“We’re not trying to be combative. We just want the matter resolved and fairness on both sides. That’s all we have asked for,” he said.

WIPA expects CWI to take the lead in addressing the issue as discussions continue behind the scenes.

Stanton “proud” of CARIFTA team’s achievements

Guyana’s contingent recently returned from the April 4-6 Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games in St George’s, Grenada, with a six-medal haul.

Considering their four gold medals, it meant Guyana finished fifth at this year’s games with a 23-member squad.

This achievement came in for much praise from team manager Niall Stanton, who expressed his pride in their performances.

Stanton told media operatives upon their return, “I’m extremely excited. The games were tough, and the competition was extremely stiff, but all in all, the young people did extremely well. I think coming back with four gold medals, a silver, and a bronze, with a team with just 23

athletes, I don’t think we could ask for more.

“I must give credit to the coaches because they would’ve worked hard. Also, kudos to the Ministry; they have been giving us funding to have camps since last year. So, these young people have been in camps since October. I think it kind of paid off.”

“As the manager of this team, I’m very

proud of the work that the young people put in,” the team manager later added.

Stanton went on to single out Guyana’s record-breaking mixed 4x400m win as the highlight of this year’s games.

He gushed, “My high point was our 4x4 relay team; we not only broke our own record but, you know, most times we

have a complete 4x4 quartet. This trip we had a 200m athlete in that race, [Akeelah] Dover in the second leg, and to see what Dover would’ve done, to see that live, it’s exciting.”

Quizzed about the team’s near misses, the team manager did admit that there were more medals to be won by the Guyanese athletes.

Stanton conceded,

“Yes, we were hoping for our 4x400m male team, the 800m with Roberts, the jumps… you know, it was that close, but, on the day, it’s a competition. For the fact that they went out and they gave their all, the most you could do is just say thanks, congrats, and let’s try and see what we can do next year.”

Stanton repeated some encouraging words offered to those athletes who came close to the CARIFTA podium.

“I basically say to them, 'You've done your best; Guyana is proud of you. We've got to go back to the drawing board. You have time to come next year, and what you didn’t get this year, you’re going to do better next year'. I think they

understand that every athlete wanted to come back with a medal because that was our goal,” he related.

“As a coach, as a manager, for the fact that they would’ve made it to the finals, that says something. There’re over 20 teams in this competition, and you’re in the last eight; that says you’re one of the best,” the team manager further expressed.

Aside from the gold medals, Guyana also carted off one silver and one bronze at the 2026 CARIFTA Games.

Desert Vipers to make ExxonMobil GSL debut this year

The ExxonMobil

Guyana Global Super League (GSL) has confirmed the participation of the Desert Vipers, the reigning champions from the DP World International League T20 (ILT20), in the 2026 edition of the tournament.

The tournament will take place from July 23 to August 1, 2026, with all matches being held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), providing a worldclass venue for this landmark global competition.

The inclusion of the Desert Vipers further strengthens the league’s vision of bringing together top franchise teams

from around the world to compete in a truly global T20 event. The 2026 tournament will showcase elite cricketing talent and deliver a unique, high-quality experience for fans in Guyana and across the globe.

The Desert Vipers are the most successful team in ILT20 history, reaching three finals in its four-year history and winning more matches than any other team. Their participation underscores the Global Super League’s commitment to assembling a world-class line-up of teams that reflect the diversity and excellence of modern franchise cricket.

“We are delighted

to welcome the Desert Vipers to the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League,” said Sir Clive Lloyd, GSL Chairman. “Their presence adds tremendous quality and international appeal to the tournament. This is exactly what the GSL is about – uniting top teams from across leagues and creating a global stage for the game’s best talent.”

Guyana’s rich cricketing heritage and passionate fan base make it an ideal host for the tournament. With all matches taking place at Providence, fans can look forward to an exciting festival of cricket in a single iconic venue.

“The Global Super

League is designed to celebrate the spirit of cricket across borders,” added Sir Clive. “Welcoming a team of the Desert Vipers’ calibre is a significant step in building a tournament that resonates with fans worldwide.”

“The Desert Vipers are proud to be participating in the third edition of ExxonMobil Guyana

Global Super League,” said Desert Vipers Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Phil Oliver. “By assembling successful teams from around the world, the tournament has quickly developed into a premium T20 event, and we are honoured to be sharing the field with a great group of diverse and talented players.

“We hope to put on a

show for the passionate cricket fans of Guyana, both inside and outside the stadium – this is a brilliant opportunity to increase the social impact we make as a community-orientated franchise through additional opportunities in a new location, as well as celebrate the immense biodiversity in Guyana.” (GSLT20)

Goal spree as 2nd round of Massy Distribution U18 concludes

Though the sun was out in all of its splendour, it rained goals at the Queen’s College Ground, Thomas Lands, on Thursday afternoon as the second round of the Massy Distribution Under-18 football tournament group stage concluded.

St Joseph’s High were the highlight of the day’s proceedings, sending 15 unanswered goals past The Bishops’ High School.

Joel Stephens was the chief marksman, netting a glut in the 10th, 15th, 16th, 25th and 30th minutes.

Both Laurel George (third, 11th, 19th, 22nd) and Akeel Salcedo (14th, 17th, 46th, 49th) registered four goals each. Meanwhile, Roberto Costello and Semech Starke scored one goal each in the 53rd and 56th minutes, respectively, to complete their massive haul.

The 2025 runners-up Chase’s Academic Foundation had the second-best haul of the day, netting nine goals in their battle with Westminster Secondary.

Mark Glasgow led with a hat-trick in the 11th, 28th and 55th minutes. Nyron Barrow recorded a brace in the fourth and 16th minutes, while Germaine Garrett (second), Shaquan David

(ninth), Jaden Tasher (25th) and Jaden Christian (48th) netted one goal each.

Three Miles Secondary kept the goal scoring going with a 5–2 victory over Mackenzie High. LeBron Mendonca was the striker to watch with a treble in the 15th, 17th and 45th minutes. Durrell Washington (26th) and Joshua James (45th) also added their names to the scoresheet for Three Miles. Hemmany McKenzie (50th) and Lindsdale Fiedtkou (56th) were responsible for Mackenie’s response.

Jayden Bourne’s 17th-minute strike made the difference between Patentia Secondary and President’s College in a win for the former.

Peter Khan (21st) and Trevor Gordon (61st) spurred New Central High to a 2–0 win against Vryman’s Erven Secondary.

Annandale Secondary later cruised past Carmel Secwwondary 3–1. Goals came off the boots of Devon Williams (seventh), Zephan Henry (37th) and Malachi Jervis (48th) for the winners while Lamar Williamson registered Carmel’s consolation in the 28th.

A few teams were also forced to share points in drawn results.

Charity and Lodge Secondary had to settle for one point each after their 2–2 encounter.

Johnny Smith (third) and Daniel Gonsalves (55th) were on the scoresheet

for Charity, while Kemonthy Jones’ 11th and 22nd minute brace summed up Lodge’s reply.

Defending champions Dolphin Secondary’s title defence took another blow after a first-round loss, now having to settle for a 3–3 draw with Belladrum Secondary in round two.

Collin David netted a brace for the 2025 champions in the eighth and 54th minutes. Seon Grant added another to their tally in the 27th. On the other hand, Deadrian McKenzie (10th), Malachi Collins (24th) and Joel Ross (50th) scored one goal each to tie things up for Belladrum.

In an early third-round encounter, Santa Rosa Secondary mauled West Demerara Secondary 7–0.

Darren Williams netted a treble in the third, 28th and 52nd minutes to lead the charge. Meanwhile, Ken Richards (fourth, 17th) had a brace alongside Dane Phillips's (79th) and Ashlon Henry’s (50th) solitary strikes for the win.

The Massy Distribution U18 group stage will continue at the same venue over the weekend. The teams are competing for a $300,000 grand prize to be given in kind to the championship-win-