Guyana Times - Friday, April 3, 2026

Trump fires Pam Bondi as Attorney General

Authorities outraged as giant anaconda harassed in protected Iwokrama Forest Probe launched into alleged tasing of civilian at Cove and John Police Station

More foreign nationals charged, deported for illegal entry into Guyana

Yarrowkabra woman dies in 2-vehicle collision at Coldingen

BRIDGE OPENING

APRIL 3, 2026

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday April 3 – 04:55h–06:25h and Saturday April 4 –05:20h–06:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected during the day, gradually easing to light showers in the evening and cloudy skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metre and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 17:26h reaching a maximum height of 2.70 metres.

Low Tide: 11:01h and 23:12h reaching minimum heights of 0.42 and 0.56 metre.

Guyana secures US$50M CDB loan to boost climate resilience, resource management

As the country continues to pursue economic growth while protecting the environment, Guyana has received a US$50 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) – a comprehensive funding package that will strengthen the nation’s response to climate change and natural resource management.

In a statement on Thursday, the CDB said its Board of Directors approved this financing through its Second Environmental Sector Policy-Based Loan (PBL). This funding will advance practical actions for resilience and development that benefit people and nature.

The US$50 million is the second PBL as part of the Bank’s US$175 million twoloan programme for Guyana. Under this programme, a US$125 million disbursement was already made to Guyana in July 2025.

The loan is financed through CDB’s Ordinary Capital Resources and contributes to maintaining fiscal stability as Guyana scales up climate-resilient infrastructure and environmental management systems.

CDB’s Director of Projects, Lennox O’Reilly Lewis, commended the approval of this second tranche, saying, “As Guyana continues to experience rapid economic expansion, this additional financing deepens our support for the country’s efforts to embed environmental sustainability into national policy and planning, ensuring that key reforms in biodiversity management, climate resilience, and water governance are adequately resourced.”

According to the regional bank, reform actions covered under the PBL align with the Government of Guyana’s commitment to eq-

uitable climate finance by enhancing community climate resilience and livelihood opportunities.

It noted that these actions have strengthened national institutions to better steward Guyana’s biodiversity, grounding decisions in improved data, modern monitoring systems, and stronger interagency coordination. They have also expanded the restoration of carbon-storing ecosystems, as well as upgraded socially inclusive early-warning mechanisms for public health and climate-resilient water supply systems that serve coastal communities and are built to withstand floods and droughts.

This second PBL sup-

ports Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 and its obligations under international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Moreover, the loan further reinforces CDB’s focus on climate action as outlined in the bank’s Strategic Plan 2026-2035, which prioritises the protection of natural capital and increased capacity of borrowing member countries to absorb and adapt to climate-related shocks.

It also aligns with CDB’s Country Engagement Strategy for Guyana, particularly its focus on reducing poverty and boosting cli-

mate and disaster resilience. Only earlier this month, it was reported that the CDB had approved some US$226.7 million for climate action initiatives in 2025, marking the strongest annual climate investment performance in the bank’s history. The record-breaking total was approximately 50 per cent of the bank’s total project approvals last year and represented an increase of more than 100 per cent compared to the US$101.5 million committed in 2024. This surge was driven by the US$125 million environmental policy-based loan disbursed to Guyana, along with similar financing packages totalling US$30 million each to Dominica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. According to the regional bank, the PBLs will support reforms in biodiversity conservation, climate action, and water resource management, among other areas. The financing will also build the technical and financial capacity of the member countries to withstand and recover from climate shocks.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Reflection & renewal

Across the nation, the Easter weekend arrives with unmistakable vibrancy. Open spaces are transformed by the sight of brightly coloured kites soaring against the sky, families gather in anticipation of cherished traditions, and communities embrace a spirit of festivity and leisure. Yet, amid this seasonal enthusiasm, there remains a compelling need to recognise and reflect upon the deeper significance of this sacred period, anchored in the solemn observance of Good Friday and the enduring message of Easter.

Easter stands as the most ancient and central observance within the Christian calendar. Its foundation rests on the account of Jesus Christ, whose crucifixion on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday transcend historical narration or religious ritual. These events represent a profound moral and spiritual framework that continues to resonate across generations and societies. Good Friday, in particular, is not solely an occasion for remembrance but one that calls for introspection and moral clarity.

At its core, the day symbolises the ultimate expression of sacrifice, an innocent life given in atonement for the failings of humanity. Embedded within this narrative is a message of redemption, the victory of righteousness over wrongdoing, and the promise of renewal through faith and principled living. Such themes retain enduring relevance, particularly within a contemporary context increasingly marked by uncertainty, moral ambiguity, and social fragmentation. The message of Easter, grounded in hope and renewal, remains a necessary guidepost in confronting these challenges.

Modern society continues to grapple with a visible erosion of core values. Rising incidents of violence, deepening intolerance, and the weakening of social cohesion point to a broader moral deficit. This decline is evident across multiple spheres, within households, educational institutions and public spaces. The absence of consistent adherence to values such as respect, integrity, compassion, and accountability has contributed to an environment in which discord and division can flourish.

Such circumstances underscore the urgency of reaffirming principles long associated with the teachings of Christianity. These principles, centred on love for others, forgiveness, humility, and ethical responsibility, offer a framework capable of restoring balance within both individual conduct and collective life. Good Friday presents an appropriate moment for this renewed commitment, inviting reflection not only on spiritual beliefs but also on the practical application of these values in everyday interactions and national affairs.

The biblical account of the choice between Barabbas and Jesus Christ offers a timeless illustration of the consequences of moral compromise. Faced with the option of releasing an acknowledged criminal or an innocent man, the crowd’s decision reflects a tendency that remains evident in contemporary society, the inclination to favour expedience, popularity, or self-interest over principle.

Standards of conduct within society play a defining role in shaping societal norms. The tone set within the home, schools and religious institutions influences public discourse and behaviour at every level.

Apart from its religious foundations, Easter holds wider societal relevance as it presents an opportunity for renewal that extends beyond doctrinal boundaries. The central message of transformation, resilience, and the emergence of light from darkness offers universal significance.

The observance of Easter need not diminish the enjoyment of traditional activities that accompany the season. Celebrations, travel, and communal gatherings form an integral part of cultural expression. However, these outward expressions should not overshadow the deeper meaning of the occasion. Rather, they should exist alongside a conscious effort to engage with the reflective and restorative dimensions of the period.

Good Friday, therefore, must be regarded as more than a precursor to celebration. It represents a pivotal moment within a broader narrative of sacrifice, redemption, and renewal. To overlook its significance is to forfeit an opportunity for meaningful reflection at both the personal and national levels.

As the Easter weekend unfolds, there exists an opportunity for a collective reassessment of values and priorities. Engagement with the spirit of the season, grounded in reflection, humility, and a commitment to positive change, offers the potential to influence not only individual conduct but also the broader national consciousness. In embracing these ideals, the enduring message of Easter may find renewed expression, extending beyond places of worship into the daily lives of communities and the fabric of society as a whole.

Trump’s trade war put the UK on the back foot. His actual war may break

B y L arry E LL iott

Britain is facing the most severe energy shock since the early 1970s, but have no fear: the Government has a plan. Details of the said plan are still a little sketchy but will be unveiled in the fullness of time. No need to panic. Keep calm and carry on.

It remains to be seen whether the UK is better prepared to cope with the fallout from Donald Trump’s war with Iran than it was with the pandemic six years ago. To be honest, that wouldn’t be difficult. Yet it is not exactly comforting that Ministers are sending out a “we have your back” message to the public while at the same time seeking to reassure the financial markets that any help will be limited and targeted.

To be fair, contingency planning is not easy when you are dealing with someone as unpredictable as Trump. But given Britain’s heavy dependence on imported energy and food, this line will only hold for so long.

The economy was already in poor shape when the war started just over a month ago. Unemployment had been steadily rising during 2025, and growth came to a virtual standstill in the final quarter of the year. Now it is being hit by a colossal supply shock as exports of oil, gas and fertiliser from the Middle East have dried up.

This time last year there were fears of global recession after Trump announced “liberation day” tariff increases on goods imported into the United States. In the end, the global trade war was merely a dry run for the real thing – a proper war in a part of the world that happens to be not only volatile but crucial for the global economy to boot.

These days I write only fortnightly, but much has happened in the past two weeks – none of it good

for the global economy. Asia is the continent most dependent on energy exported from the Gulf, and it is there that the impact of the war has been keenest. The Philippines has imposed a state of emergency. Sri Lanka has introduced a four-day week. South Korea has announced budget measures to help households cope with spiralling energy bills.

But as the International Monetary Fund warned this week, all roads lead to higher prices and slower growth everywhere. Shortages send prices soaring, and because the basics – fuel and food – become dearer, people have less to spend on other things. Businesses look to offset higher costs by shedding staff. Demand slumps and countries slide into recession. In Britain, already expected to be one of the worst-performing major economies in 2026, that wouldn’t take much. This year’s crop of graduates is going to find job hunting really hard.

Trump’s announcement that the war could end within two or three weeks even without a deal between Washington and Tehran had an air of desperation about it. Even if there were to be an immediate end to the war, there would still be considerable collateral damage to all parts of the global economy, including the US. So, faced with a classic stagflation scenario that would hurt the Republicans in this year’s midterm elections, Trump has blinked. At least, that’s the way it looks.

Here in the UK, the Government hopes a swift end to the war will limit the damage to the economy and avoid the need for tough choices. There is a short-term spike in inflation, but once it becomes clear there are no permanent effects, the Bank of England can resume cutting interest rates. Rachel Reeves will scrap plans for this autumn’s increase in fuel duty and help the poorest households with their energy bills. Job done. The chances are it won’t be as

us

simple as that. Currently the Treasury won’t act big – or even talk big – for fear the bond markets will turn nasty and demand a higher price for financing the Government’s borrowing. Yet this is shaping up to be the third economic crisis of the past two decades, and the experience of the banking collapse of 2008 and the pandemic in 2020 is that countries can act without fear of a bond market backlash when they are faced with economic disaster. The policy tools used then – cutting interest rates aggressively, borrowing more, printing money –should form part of any serious contingency planning.

The Bank of England, which is warning of a “substantial negative supply shock” to the global economy, should be softening up the markets for interest rate cuts. These are going to happen eventually anyway, and the sooner the better. Reeves could ease the blow to the labour market by reversing the job-destroying increases in employers’ national insurance contributions in her first budget. Extra cash to subsidise public transport coupled with a reduction in speed limits would help conserve energy.

Britain also needs to work harder on its economic resilience. The war –just like the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – has highlighted the fragility of global supply chains and the need for greater self-reliance.

Going big on renewable sources of energy is obviously part of that story. Reducing the UK’s exposure to global fossil fuel prices makes sense. But there is much more to be done. Britain imports about 40 per cent of its food and last ran a trade surplus in manufactured goods in 1982. With the world as it is, every country requires a plan for economic self-sufficiency. That need is particularly acute here. (The Guardian) (Larry Elliott is a Guardian columnist)

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026

Govt committed to continue creating opportunities for every Guyanese – Dr Singh – 613

students graduate from BIT skills training programmes

Some 613 people from Regions Three and Four graduated from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT)’s skills training programme at the National Cultural Centre on Tuesday, with Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh encouraging them to reflect on available opportunities and position themselves to benefit from them.

Dr Singh told the graduands that they have been equipped with the skills and certification that the country’s economy is hungry for.

“As you graduate today, jobs are being created more rapidly than we can even fill them. You are a self-selected group of people; you recognise opportunity when you see it, and your Government is providing this training for you so that you can take advantage of those opportunities. You persevered and completed your training programmes, but the journey does not end here because the truth is it is really the beginning; you are now embarking on the world of work, and those who thrive and prosper are those who put in the effort, have the energy to go the extra mile, and who demonstrate a commitment to excellence,” he stated.

He added, “Each and every one of you has the capacity not only to survive but also to succeed and prosper, and I want to urge you to take advantage of the opportunities in the Guyana of today.”

Moreover, the Minister pointed out that the manpower programmes under the Labour Ministry have been expanded because “President Ali recognises, as he did in this period, that our country will face the most dramatic and structural shifts in our labour market; that the function of manpower planning would require dedicated effort because we have now a Guyana where more jobs are being created than at any other time in our country’s history and new types of jobs and new types

of skills, many of them for the very first time.”

He further highlighted that this is what is happening in an economy that has been growing at an average rate of more than 36 per cent per annum over the last five years and in an economy where the non-oil productive sector has been growing at an average of 11 per cent per annum.

“The result of that is that under President Ali’s visionary leadership, in his first term of office alone, 104,000 new jobs were created. By the end of President Ali’s first term, as a result of those jobs being created, more than 104,000 persons were working than at the start of his last term in office,” Dr Singh emphasised.

«Real economic growth translates itself into real opportunities for the Guyanese people because President Ali›s vision and our Government’s vision under President Ali’s leadership are a Guyana where every single Guyanese person of working age is able

and equipped to get a good quality job. That involves ensuring economic growth, job creation, and critical skills training and human capital development to fill those jobs, hence manpower planning and the phenomenal job that is being done by the Ministry of Labour and the Board of Industrial Training.”

Also delivering remarks to graduands at the graduation ceremony was Labour Minister Keoma Griffith, who, in addition to congratulating the 613 graduands, also presented honorary awards for their years of service at BIT to former Ministers of Labour Joseph Hamilton, Dr Nanda Gopaul, and current Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir, who served the institution from 2020-2025, 20112015, and 2001-2011, respectively.

David Armogan, who served as Chairman of BIT from 2020 to 2025, and current Chairperson Kathy Smith, the first woman to serve as Chairperson commencing

in 2025, were also awarded. Smith, in her address to graduands, explained that Guyana’s labour force needs them all and encouraged them to strive for success as she recalled once working with BIT before establishing her own business and being in the position she is in today.

Smith is the first female president of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) as well as chairwoman of BIT.

The 613 persons who graduated yesterday from various areas in Regions Three and Four are now equipped with skills in the areas of heavy-duty equipment operation, electrical installation, welding and fabrication, commercial food preparation, information technology, plumbing, and garment construction.

The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning’s BIT programme continues to train more Guyanese across the country, with 6593 per-

sons from Regions Three and Four having completed and graduated from their respective programmes between 2020 and 2025.

00:00 Sign Off

06:00 TVG Devotional Hour (Good Friday)

07:00 Evening News (RB)

08:00 Cartoons

09:00 Stop Suffering

10:00 Anthony’s Good Friday Special

11:30 Movie - The Dog Who Saved Easter (2014)

13:00 Movie - The Lion of Judah (2011)

14:30 Movie - The Miracle Maker (1999)

16:00 Movie - The Encounter: Paradise Lost (2012)

18:00 Aeronautical School Opening

18:10 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals

19:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals

20:00 Stop Suffering

20:30 TVG Music Break

21:00 Heartland S2 E10

22:00 Movie - The Passion of the Christ (2004)

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026

Page Foundation

NGSA Questions

1. The tally set below represents:

c. 15 d. 18

Study the set of scores below then answer questions 2 to 4.

2. What is the mean of the data set?

3. Calculate the median of the same set of scores

4. If the highest and the lowest scores were removed from the data set, what would be the new mean?

a. 3

b. 4

c. 6 d. 7

5. Which TWO numbers will correctly complete the sequence below?

a. 25 and 51

b. 25 and 55

c. 26 and 64

d. 26 and 65

6. When 10 is added to the LCM of 6 and 9, the result is a. 18

b. 28

c. 54 d. 66

7. Study the pattern below then select the number of dots that will complete the 5th in the pattern.

a. 15

b. 18

c. 20

d. 21

8. Which of the statements below is incorrect?

a. (19 + 36) + 4 = 19 + (4 + 36)

b. 12 x (15 + 7) = 12 x 15 + 12 x 7

c. 42 + 13 = 40 + 2 + 13 d. 24 ÷ (4 + 8) = 24 ÷ 4 + 24 ÷ 8

Study the Venn diagram below then answer questions 9 and 10.

By WILLIAM BUTLER yEATS

9. How many animals cannot live in water?

a. 3 b. 5 c. 7 d. 15

10. What percentage of the animals in the Venn Diagram can live both on land and in water?

a. 15 b. 33.3

c. 20 d. 66.6

Today is Good Friday!

Good Friday is a special day for many Christians. On this day, they remember and appreciate that Jesus, the son of God, was crucified and died on the cross for the sins of humanity.

Christians will go to church to pray today, in remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice. Families celebrate by showing kindness to others, like helping at home or giving

charity to the less fortunate. Established by Pope Paul VI in 1974, there is a dedicated annual "Pontifical Good Friday Collection" to help support homes, schools, and various charitable institutions like orphanages.

Even though the day remembers a saddening event, it’s also a time to think about hope, love, and helping each other. It’s a reminder that even in hard times, love and kindness can shine through.

So daring and sweet his thought. This other man I had dreamed A drunken, vainglorious lout. He had done most bitter wrong To some who are near my heart, Yet I number him in the song; He, too, has resigned his part In the casual comedy; He, too, has been changed in his turn, Transformed utterly: A terrible beauty is born.

Hearts with one purpose alone Through summer and winter seem Enchanted to a stone To trouble the living stream. The horse that comes from the road, The rider, the birds that range From cloud to tumbling cloud, Minute by minute they change; A shadow of cloud on the stream Changes minute by minute; A horse-hoof slides on the brim, And a horse plashes within it; The long-legged moor-hens dive, And hens to moor-cocks call; Minute by minute they live: The stone’s in the midst of all.

TO BE CONTINUED

This year’s spring showers are as frequent as ever, except for one big difference – the sky is showering money!

WORD SEARCH

Fmr acting Chancellor Justice Yonette

Cummings-Edwards named CJ of Turks & Caicos

– appointment takes effect from May 1

Former Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary in Guyana, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands for the next three years.

This was announced by the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, on Thursday. Justice Cummings-Edwards’ appointment was made based on the advice of the island’s Judicial Services Commission, in accordance with section 87(1)(a) of its Constitution.

According to the missive from the Governor’s office, Justice Cummings-Edwards brings over 37 years of experience across the judiciary, having served at the highest levels in Guyana, including as acting chancellor of the judiciary and previously as chief justice.

During that time, she led significant judicial modernisation initiatives, including the digitisation of court sys-

tems, the strengthening of case management processes, and the expansion of access to justice, particularly for remote and underserved communities.

She has also been instrumental in advancing specialised courts and restorative approaches to justice while championing judicial training and institutional capacity building.

Commenting on the appointment, Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam said, “This appointment follows a rigorous and highly competitive process, from which Justice Cummings-Edwards emerged as an exceptional candidate. I am confident that her extensive judicial experience, demonstrated leadership, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law will be instrumental in further strengthening the administration of justice and enhancing public confidence in our judicial system.”

“I extend my appreciation to the Judicial Services Commission for its contin-

ued diligence and support. I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to the former Chief Justice, the Justice Mabel Agyemang, for her six years of distinguished service to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her tenure was marked by significant and far-reaching reforms that strengthened the institutional capacity of the courts and improved access to justice. I wish her every success in her future endeavours.”

Chair of the Judicial Services Commission, Justice Neville Adderley, added that, “Upon my appointment last year, 2025, as Chairman of the Judicial Services Commission, I stated, and I quote, ‘As Chairman of the Commission, I will endeavour to cause judges and judicial officers to be appointed who will maintain or improve this already high standard’ of the judiciary.” I and the other commissioners, the Rt Hon Dame Janice Pereira and the Hon Mr Justice Carlos Simons KC (Ret’d), are content that we have fulfilled that promise

with this appointment.”

Meanwhile, in accepting the appointment, Justice Cummings-Edwards said, “I am honoured to be appointed Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands and grateful for the confidence placed in me. I look forward to working collaboratively with my judicial colleagues, the legal profession, and justice-sector partners to build on the strong foundation established and further strengthen the delivery of justice in a manner that is fair, efficient, and accessible to all. I remain committed to upholding the rule of law and serving the people of these Islands with integrity and dedication.”

Justice CummingsEdwards will assume her new role on May 1, 2026. In the interim period, Justice Tanya Lobban-Jackson will serve as acting Chief Justice, ensuring continuity in the administration of justice.

Back in October 2025, it was announced that Justice Cummings-Edwards had

proceeded on early retirement after serving as acting chancellor of the judiciary of Guyana for some eight years.

At the time, there were several local reports sparking controversy about her resumption of duties after returning from annual leave.

Justice Cummings-Edwards had proceeded on vacation leave in July until October last year.

In her absence, President Dr Irfaan Ali, on August 4, 2025, swore in then Acting Chief Justice Roxane George

to perform the duties of the office of Chancellor of the Judiciary and High Court Judge Justice Navindra Singh to perform the duties of the office of Chief Justice – positions they both continue to hold.

Justice CummingsEdwards began her law career in 1988 as a state counsel within the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). She was appointed a judge of the High Court of Guyana in 2000 and was later elevated to judge of the Court of Appeal in 2008.

From December 2015, she acted as Chief Justice of the Judiciary of Guyana, and in March 2017, she was appointed Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary – a position she served until proceeding on early retirement last year.

Justice CummingsEdwards is also the recipient of two national awards: the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) and the Order of Roraima (OR) for her outstanding contribution to the legal field.

SOCU appeals Magistrate’s ruling in $52M money laundering case

Three days after Magistrate Annette Singh dismissed money laundering charges against Chinese national Ying XinSu, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is taking steps to appeal the decision.

The accused was represented by attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat, who made a no-case submission in a matter that was upheld by the presiding Magistrate in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

According to SOCU, the charges alleged that on July 9, 2024, during a search conducted by members of the Guyana Police Force at rooms occupied by the defendant at the Princess Ramada International Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara, investigators discovered approximately $52 million, with substantial sums in foreign currency and documents relating to her properties.

However, during the trial, the prosecution attempted to tender several pieces of material evidence, including a financial analyst report, a video-audio recorded interview with the defendant, and other documentary evidence considered critical to proving the prosecution’s case.

The Magistrate refused to admit these as critical exhibits, which ought to have been properly ad-

mitted under the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act.

In a release to the media, SOCU contended at the time that there was no legal basis for the Magistrate to exclude any of this evidence, which materially affected the state’s ability to prove its full case before the court.

During the trial, the prosecution was further or-

dered to close its case prematurely by the Magistrate, notwithstanding that there were three available witnesses with material evidence to present in court.

“SOCU is of the view that the Magistrate erred in law and was unreasonable, among other things, and the decision of the court

could not be supported with regard to the evidence being led and the prevailing circumstances at the time,” SOCU stated on Thursday.

As such, the unit stated that it is currently taking steps to appeal the decision of the court and is of the view that there is a realistic prospect of success on appeal.

“Furthermore, civil asset recovery and forfeiture proceedings under the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act in relation to the cash, vehicles, and properties are being pursued by SOCU,” the release added.

Keeping up…

…people’s Government

Your Eyewitness is pretty chuffed about our Government’s clear determination to drag us into the 21st century when we clearly seem determined to remain in the 19th century!! Yes… 19th century!! When you look at the filth and floods in our capital city whenever there’s a heavy downpour, your Eyewitness can only think of 19th-century London – described by Charles Dickens in those books of starving young lads like the Artful Dodger and Oliver Twist!! So here we have the Government taking responsibility for cleaning the aforementioned filthy streets – over protestations by the local power brokers!! Your Eyewitness remembers old folks saying, “After a few minutes in a latrine, you get used to the smell – and can even read your newspapers!!”

Well, the other Government intervention is that $100,000 cash grant in which they aren’t following Sanction Man’s practice to hand it out in green $5000 notes!! After all, they aren’t sanctioned like that worthy – and also know that while money makes the world go round – when it’s denominated digitally and placed in bank accounts or “electronic wallets” – the money goes around faster – and takes the world along with it!! So, the Government created this “portal” which you have to enter electronically; submit your identification details, and PRESTO, the money will be deposited into the bank account you enter!!

Save for your Eyewitness, it hasn’t been a “PRESTO” experience!! Over the last three days, he’s made at least THIRTY attempts but has still not reached the stage to even offer up his bank account details!! The last one was just before starting this piece, and he was informed rather politely, “You are in line; thank you for your patience… Your estimated wait time is 22 minutes.” At the end of that time it told me if I had an account – which I had by then – I could log in. I did and was told (politely) there’s now another 26-minute waiting time!! He’s been caught in this time loop before – and he’s decided after the third iteration to call it quits!!

Then informed by PM Phillips that we all have to get our e-ID card, your Eyewitness had rushed over to the “Government office” established in his region. He was taken aback by the number of persons ahead of him –because most of them seemed to him to be Guyanese from forrin!! How did he know?? It was so easy with their fake American accents that every now and then lapsed into good, old-fashioned “bruk-up”!! Imagine their gall to act uppity when we all know they were rushing back to collect IDs to collect cash grants!!

Anyhow, with all the hiccups, your Eyewitness knows –and appreciates – that the Government’s following Spike Lee’s advice to “do the right thing”!!

…with the Iran War

Your Eyewitness stayed up the other night to listen to President Trump’s televised address on his plans for ending the Iran war!! It wasn’t just a matter of getting grist for this mill he’s presently turning – because he got skin in the game due to the (rising) prices of gasoline at the pumps!! So, what did the Big Guy say?? Well, he speaks in a register of his own, so you always have to read between the lines. With your Eyewitness’ concern about when the war was gonna end, he has to parse Trump’s overt assertion that it would take “another two to three weeks” – during which he’d blow Iran back into the Stone Age!! Now this appeared pretty clear, didn’t it?? But then the President took it upon himself to give us (excruciating!) details of American fatalities in all the wars from WWI to Iraq – plus the length of the wars!!

They all lasted for years. Was he saying this might follow suit??

...with boundaries

The US Ambassador says her country’s gonna bring Guyana and Venezuela together to “negotiate” our maritime boundary after the (favourable) ICJ’s decision!! What’s to negotiate?? If the land border’s set, doesn’t the maritime border follow UNCLOS rules??

US$75.8M EBD road improvement project behind schedule – engineer

– says project currently 50.9% complete instead of expected 70.7% at this stage

The East Bank Demerara (EBD) Road Improvement Project, covering the stretch from Good Success to the Timehri Police Station, is now 50.96 per cent complete, with ramped-up efforts to ensure its timely delivery.

This was according to the project engineer attached to the Public Work Ministry in an invited comment to the Guyana Times on Thursday. At present, no section of the project has been fully completed, but Section B (Supply–Soesdyke Junction) is the most advanced, with 73.94 per cent of works already completed.

The site engineer also revealed that the project is currently behind schedule, as the planned progress at this stage was 70.7 per cent. The projected completion date is March 31, 2027.

However, in light of recent downpours, he confirmed that the contractor is facing some delays.

Heavy rainfall has delayed works, as many activities had to be suspended. However, there was no impact on traffic during peak periods, as works are not executed during the day in a manner that would hinder the flow of traffic. Minor road maintenance, such as grading, was carried out as necessary,» the engineer explained.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, along with Traffic Chief and Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh and others from the East Bank Division, on Thursday conducted an on-the-ground assessment where ongoing road expansion works have been contributing to heavy traffic congestion during peak hours.

During the visit, the commissioner and his team engaged contractors working on the project and discussed measures aimed at improving traffic flow while construction continues.

Discussions focused on better coordination between

roadworks and traffic management to reduce delays for motorists who traverse the busy corridor daily.

Ranks attached to the Traffic Department were also briefed on the need for continued traffic regulation and monitoring along the corridor to ensure safety and maintain order during the construction period. While in the area, the commissioner also stopped at the Madewini Police Outpost, where he met with ranks on duty to discuss strategies for effectively managing the heavy traffic along the corridor.

During the interaction, he emphasised the importance of proactive traffic regulation, increased visibility, and coordinated efforts to ease congestion and ensure the smooth flow of vehicles.

The US$75.8 million project is divided into two sections. Section A runs from Good Success to Supply, while Section B continues from Supply to the Soesdyke Junction.

At a community consultation held last year, officials from the Public Works Ministry, contractor CRBC, and supervisory firm Sheladia Associates Inc outlined the scope of the project and addressed residents’ concerns, particularly regarding environmental and social impacts. While the current contract involves upgrading the road to two lanes, the minister revealed that the Government is exploring the option of expanding the corridor to four lanes from the Timehri Police Station to the Soesdyke Junction.

This would require full use of the 80-foot Government reserve. An inspection last year identified 248 encumbrances along both sides of the reserve, including houses, fences, and vending stalls. The Government would fund the proposed four-lane expansion, while the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) continues to support the two-lane upgrade.

Yarrowkabra woman dies in 2-vehicle collision at Coldingen

An accident along the Coldingen Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Tuesday has left 58-year-old Catherine Hinds from Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, dead.

Based on reports received, motor car PRR 2713, which was at the time being driven by a 65-year-old male of Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke–Linden Highway, was proceeding along the Coldingen Public Road at a fast rate of speed, and while negotiating

a left turn, the driver reportedly lost control and collided with minibus PAH 3379, which was proceeding west in the opposite direction.

As a result of the collision, Hinds, who was seated in the back seat of the motor car, sustained injuries. She was taken to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where she succumbed while receiving medical attention.

The driver of motor car PRR 2713 was also taken to the same hospital for medical attention. In addition, four

occupants of the minibus were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where a 30-year-old male of Charlestown, Georgetown, and a 27-year-old male of North East La Penitence, Georgetown, were admitted as patients suffering from injuries to their heads. They are said to be in stable condition.

However, a breathalyser test conducted on the driver of the minibus revealed no traces of alcohol in his system.

Moruca brothers killed after speeding car crashes into minibus

Two brothers from Santa Rosa, Moruca, Region One (Barima–Waini), were killed on Thursday after the speeding motor car in which they were travelling lost control and veered into the path of a minibus along the La Union Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The deceased are Mickel Daniels, 20, and his older brother, Miguel Daniels, 22.

Police stated that the accident involved motor car PAC 9853, driven by 23-year-old Moruca businessman Thomas Henry and carrying the Daniels brothers; minibus BWW 4493, driven by a 39-yearold male of Harlem, WCD; and motor car PAE 4787, driven by a 23-year-old from Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Preliminary investigations revealed that the motor car carrying the two deceased brothers was heading toward the Bharrat Jagdeo River Bridge at a high rate of speed when Henry reportedly lost control of the vehicle and veered into the path of the minibus, resulting in a head-on collision.

The third vehicle, which was travelling behind the

minibus, swerved to avoid a collision but ended up hitting the left rear of the minibus and veered to the side of the road.

Due to the impact of the collision, Henry and the two brothers, the driver and one passenger of the minibus, and the driver of the third vehicle, sustained injuries to their bodies.

The brothers, along with the others, were taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where the Daniels were pronounced dead. The others were admitted and are being treated. Henry is reportedly in serious condition and is being treated for multiple injuries.

Traffic ranks are currently reviewing CCTV footage that was obtained as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, when contacted, the mother of the two boys, Angie Daniel, related that she was at home in Moruca when she received the devastating news. She told Guyana Times that the two young men had travelled to Georgetown and were staying with their sister in Prospect, EBD.

She could not say where they were heading when the accident occurred but confirmed that they had travelled to the city to vis-

Brazilian national remanded on armed robbery charge

Twenty-eight-year-old

Christians Barros Buckley, a Brazilian national and driver from Bonfim, Brazil, was remanded to prison on Wednesday on an armed robbery charge. He appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged under Section 222(c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01, for robbery under arms committed in Lethem.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was remanded to prison until May 13, 2026.

Remanded: Christians Barros Buckley

it Lethem for the Rupununi Rodeo this weekend.

The devastated moth-

er was still in a state of shock but described her sons as loving, caring, and hard-working. The Moruca Sub-Office, in a social media post, ex-

pressed its heartfelt condolences to the parents of the two brothers and wished Henry a swift recovery. “Let’s keep all affected families and friends in our thoughts and prayers,” the post stated.

Citizens must share blame for flooding crisis across coastline – Nandlall

– cites garbage dumping, illegal structures as key causes

Attorney General (AG)

Anil Nandlall has called on citizens to change their conduct, behaviours, and actions that contribute to flooding in Guyana, especially along the coast, as he highlighted that garbage and obstructive concrete structures constructed by residents are the main contributing factors to blocked drains and flooding.

Speaking on his weekly programme “Issues in the News”, Nandlall noted that he was in various communities over the past week when several areas across the coast were inundated with flooding, and he was surprised by the temerity

of some residents who were contributing to the flooding but outright maintained that they would not do anything to correct the situation.

“I have seen in several communities dozens of manmade obstructions. People do it wantonly and with impunity. They block the drains. They’ve constructed bridges, and these bridges are permanent structures that impede the flow of water. These bridges are constructed in the drains right in front of their homes. So, what do you expect?” Nandlall pondered. “I engaged with one elderly woman who said that

she is not concerned about what is outside her yard. She is only concerned about what is inside, and she is standing in three feet of water. There is no drain outside her yard because she blocked it off. I asked her if she could clear this, and she said no, she’s not going to do it. One blockage can flood an entire street because the water drains in one direction, and when there is a blockage midway, the water can’t run.”

The AG noted that while he is not excusing the responsibilities of the central, regional, and local Governments and agencies in the management of the

waterways and flood risks, residents are just as culpable in contributing to the encumbrances of the waterways.

“It is not the Government’s intention to avoid responsibility when it falls on us, and therefore the Central Government, regional authority, neighbourhood democratic councils, and other agencies of the state, such as the NDI [National Defence Institute], must accept some amount of responsibility for the flooding that takes place. But one of the main causes of the flooding is the conduct, behaviour, and actions of the citizens,” Nandlall noted.

“We have to decide what type of society we would like to live in. It would appear that some people have no problem living in filth and no problem living in a garbage-infested society. They have no problem with an environment that is hazardous to health. You see that when you look at the way they conduct themselves, the way they treat their environment.”

Aside from the obstructive infrastructure, Nandlall called out the callous dumping of garbage that ends up in the waterways. He noted that many of the residents approached are refusing to see any responsibility for the cleanliness of the drains, instead believing the entire responsibility should be borne by the local Government Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

“In astonishing volumes, all of the main drains have these pile-ups of bottles, boxes, and other garbage. Piles accumulate in the corners

of the kokers. That is what you’re finding. I engage people, and I encourage them to clean their drains, and people flatly told me no, they’re not going to do it. When I grew up on this coast, I recall that every person used to dig their own drain in front of their homes. Now people are telling you that the NDC must do that,” Nandlall noted.

“When I was in primary school, there used to be posters on the walls that said cleanliness is next to godliness. That is apparently no longer applicable.”

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Guyana Hydromet Service warned that over the next three days heavy rainfall is expected across Guyana with the potential for significant flooding in a number of communities, especially low-lying and floodprone areas.

The advisory is expected to remain in place until Friday night.

The CDC said members of the public should avoid flood-prone areas whenever possible, exercise extreme caution when driving or walking during rainfall, keep drains, trenches and waterways clear to reduce risk of flooding and secure important documents, household items and other valuables.

The Hydromet Service is predicting that over the next three days, the country will experience cloudy to overcast conditions with frequent showers and thundershowers across Regions One–Five, southern Region Six, Seven, and Nine, with rainfall between 20 and 50 mm.

Other areas are expected to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered showers and lighter rainfall of 10–20mm.

As such, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) urged all members of the public to take necessary precautions during the expected period of rainfall and flooding.

Negotiations still ongoing for US$300M oil refinery in Guyana – Ambassador Theriot

– Govt, US company ironing out contract details

The Guyana Government and United States-based Curlew Midstream are still ironing out contract details with respect to refining and storing locally produced oil, according to US Ambassador Nicole Theriot.

Talks have been ongoing between Guyana and the Bentonville, Arkansasheadquartered energy infrastructure company since February 2025, but a deal is yet to be struck.

During a recent appearance on the “Sources” programme, however, Ambassador Theriot indicated that this collaboration is still active, dismissing concerns that the project has been stalled.

“I was talking to the Government and to Curlew about this. Negotiations are absolutely ongoing. They’re still working to reach an agreement on the contract, so it’s best if I don’t speak to it further because it is still ongoing. But we are very confident that they will reach a resolution,” the US diplomat stated.

This refined fuel facility will see a minimum of US$300 million investment in the first two years, aiming to process 30,000 barrels of oil daily.

Back in February 2025,

Curlew detailed that the partnership with the Guyanese Government will ensure Guyana’s continued move toward energy independence. In addition, it stated that the partnership will allow Guyana to store 750,000 barrels of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and heavy fuel oil in a modern fuel storage facility. It was also reported that it will enable Guyana to meet 100 per cent of its domestic fuel needs while also supplying high-quality, non-sanctioned fuels to nations of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The company further added that the increased fuel trade between the US

and Guyana through the Curlew terminal would lead to “an immediate, dramatic reduction in the wholesale and retail prices of fuels that power the nation”.

“These cost reductions will have the further impact of reducing the costs of all goods transported by air, road, and river. Additionally, the impacts of the reduction of fuel costs will be felt by businesses and households across Guyana in lower production costs of electricity generated by burning heavy fuel oil prior to the completion of the massive gas-to-energy complex,” Curlew had stated.

President Dr Irfaan Ali reiterated that in order for Guyana to move into its rightful and proud place in the growing regional economies, infrastructure must be viewed as one of the most vital puzzle pieces alongside education, healthcare, tourism, and oil and gas. He highlighted the partnership with Curlew as a giant leap in that direction.

An oil refinery is a factory that turns crude oil into useful products, like diesel, gasoline, lubricants, and heating oil.

The Government has already been exploring the viability of a 30,000-barrel oil

refinery at Berbice, enabling the country to sell different parts of crude oil to various industries.

With Guyana now producing more than 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil offshore in the prolific Stabroek Block and exporting over one million bpd, coupled with the recent Middle East war, it has underscored the need for a local refinery.

Just last month, President Ali sparked renewed discussions on a national refinery, emphasising that the strategic development of regional resources is essential to safeguarding the Western Hemisphere’s economic stability and energy security.

The conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States as well as other Middle East nations has seen mass disruptions of oil flow from the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. The war has resulted in some countries that heavily depend on oil from the Gulf region facing rising costs and even fuel shortages, including natural gas.

Speaking at the recent 136th General Meeting of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the Guyanese lead-

er stated, “This is a massive disruption, and that is why we support every effort to have the Strait of Hormuz open and functional and every effort in bringing the war to an end. We also support every effort to protect key energy infrastructure in the Gulf States. There is no other option – we are all going to suffer under these circumstances.”

“This, of course, brings us very importantly to our policy decisions moving forward. One of the strategies is to increase our storage capacity and take it to a level where we can better control price differentials and cushion extreme shocks on the market… Now, I believe we should return to the conversation of a refinery and security. This challenge has opened up discussions globally and reinforced what the US policy for the Western

Hemisphere has been – that we must optimise our resources and the development of those resources for the protection and economic viability of the hemisphere.” He further noted that these considerations are critical to the region’s energy viability.

“These are no longer farfetched ideas; they are now realities that we must embrace. An important part of this reality is ensuring we have a secure, rule-based hemisphere in which our shared values of democracy and freedom are upheld. We cannot continue to look beyond our hemisphere for solutions when we have so many resources within the Western Hemisphere that must be developed if we are to secure a sustainable future for ourselves. It is in this context that we must view this conference.”

Berbice Chamber expresses concerns over imposed Corentyne River fees

The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) is raising alarm over what it describes as the unilateral imposition of fees on vessels operating along the Corentyne River, warning that the development is creating uncertainty and placing an increasing burden on residents and businesses in Upper Corentyne communities.

In a recent statement, the Chamber said it has received numerous reports from stakeholders about charges being levied on Guyanese operating vessels along the river, a situation it says is disrupting livelihoods and long-established patterns of trade and movement. For generations, the Corentyne River has served as a vital artery for transportation, commerce and social connectivity for communities such as Orealla, Siparuta and surrounding areas. However, the BCCDA said the newly imposed fees are now threatening that lifeline by introducing both economic strain

and legal uncertainty.

“The Corentyne River is not merely a border; it is a lifeline for our people,” stated BCCDA President Samantha Reid. “These unilateral fees represent a significant escalation that our small business owners and residents cannot absorb. We are witnessing a situation where Guyanese are being penalised for utilising shared water space that has always been used freely for legitimate trade

and travel. This action directly impedes the ease of doing business and disrupts the longstanding relations between our border communities,” she added.

While acknowledging that cross-border management falls within the scope of national sovereignty, the Chamber argued that the abrupt implementation of the fees, without consultation or reciprocal arrangements, undermines the spirit of cooper-

ation between Guyana and Suriname.

The BCCDA is calling on the Government of Guyana, particularly the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, to urgently engage Suriname to clarify the legal basis of the charges and seek their suspension. It is also urging authorities to provide clear guidance to Guyanese operating on the river regarding their rights and obligations and to ensure a stronger presence in

Upper Corentyne communities to monitor the situation and assist affected residents.

The Chamber warned that if left unaddressed, the issue could stifle economic activity in Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne), discourage cross-border investment and increase the cost of living for communities that depend heavily on the movement of goods along the river.

The concern raised by the BCCDA comes amid a widening debate on the issue, which has also drawn responses from other private sector bodies and the Government. President Irfaan Ali recently said the matter had been brought to his attention, noting that such charges could create barriers to commerce and undermine business confidence, while stressing the importance of reciprocity in relations between Guyana and Suriname.

Business chambers have since adopted differing tones. The SurinameGuyana Chamber of Commerce has urged continued diplomatic engage-

ment between the two Governments, emphasising the need for stability, predictability and a mutually acceptable resolution to avoid disruption to cross-border trade and investment.

Meanwhile, the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce has highlighted the immediate economic pressures facing operators, with its Vice President, Mohamed Jaichand, warning that new requirements, including a reported US$2500 “pilot licence” along with additional broker and vessel-related fees, are likely to drive up the cost of materials such as sand, stone and lumber, particularly in Upper Corentyne communities.

The BCCDA said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and is urging affected businesses and residents to document and report any incidents to the relevant authorities as stakeholders await a response at the Government level to bring clarity and stability to operations along the Corentyne River.

Small Business Bureau launches

$1.2M

The Small Business Bureau (SBB) has officially launched the 2026 Green Technology Fund, offering up to $1.2 million in funding per successful applicant to support innovative, environmentally sustainable business solutions.

The Green Technology Fund continues to serve as a key platform for empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses to develop climate-smart technologies and adopt eco-friendly practices. As Guyana strengthens its national focus on sustainable development, this initiative aims to drive innovation that supports both environmental stewardship and economic growth.

Since 2020, the pro-

grant for green innovation

gramme has supported 53 entrepreneurs, with a total investment of over $54 million in green business initiatives. This ongoing investment reflects the Government’s continued

commitment to building a resilient and sustainable small business sector.

Examples of supported projects include drone-based fertilisation and pesticide application, the production

of organic fertiliser from animal waste, and the development of tax-compliant integrated business applications.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Small Business

Bureau, Mohamed Shazim Ibrahim, highlighted the importance of the initiative in shaping the future of business in Guyana.

“The Green Technology Fund provides a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions that address environmental challenges while strengthening their businesses. By supporting sustainable practices, we are contributing to a greener, more resilient economy,” he stated.

To qualify, applicants must be registered clients of the Small Business Bureau and submit a detailed business proposal outlining their green innovation. Proposals should include key components such as equipment needs, cost analysis, utilisation of technology or process improvements, environmental components, financial statements, cash flow projections, and supplier quotations.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their proposals before a panel of Judges, where selected entrepreneurs will receive funding to implement their projects.

The deadline for submission is May 31, 2026. Interested persons are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to bring their green business ideas to life.

Applications can be submitted via email at info@ sbb.gov.gy or delivered to the Small Business Bureau’s office at Lot 1 La Penitence, Georgetown (upstairs of the National Printers Building).

The Small Business Bureau remains committed to fostering innovation, supporting sustainability, and empowering small businesses across Guyana through targeted programmes and strategic partnerships.

Authorities outraged as giant anaconda harassed in protected Iwokrama Forest

In light of a video circulating on social media of persons pulling at a giant green anaconda along the Iwokrama Forest trail, the Iwokrama International Centre has strongly condemned the action, noting that it caused unnecessary stress and potential harm to the animal.

In a release, the centre stated that wildlife within the Iwokrama Forest is protected, and such actions are both irresponsible and unlawful.

The Iwokrama Forest is home to a rich diversity of species, all of which play critical roles in maintaining ecological balance. Interference with wildlife not only threatens individual animals but also disrupts the integrity of the ecosystem.

The Linden–Lethem Road, which passes through the Iwokrama Forest, extends for 72 kilometres (km). All people traversing this corridor are reminded that it is illegal to harm, ha-

rass, or interfere with wildlife under the Iwokrama Act of 1996.

As such, commuters are reminded to be alert for oncoming traffic and wildlife crossing; the speed limit within the Iwokrama Forest is 50 km per hour; stay in your respective lanes, especially at blind corners; do not drink and drive; keep waste in vehicles and dispose of it properly at designated bins; it is illegal to capture or remove animals from the forest; no hunting, fishing, or mining is allowed within the Iwokrama Forest; do not set fires within the forest or along the roadway; do not pollute waterways; and, more importantly, respect all communities along the route to Lethem.

In addition, Iwokrama urges all road users to respect wildlife and allow animals to cross safely without disturbance, reminding them that responsible behaviour is essential to safeguarding Guyana’s natural heritage.

More foreign nationals charged, deported for illegal entry into Guyana

Days after several Brazilian nationals were deported after being charged with illegal entry and mining, the court has again ordered the deportation of five others for similar incidents.

Samuel Dionisa Soares, 24; Yosbani Suarez Areces, 49, a Cuban national; Rafael Da Conceicao Viera, 30; and Deusimar Feitosa Dos Santos, 53, all of Boa Vista, Brazil, along with Berto Dasena, a labourer from Marau, Brazil, were arrested and charged with the offence of illegal entry.

within 24 hours.

The Natural Resources Ministry reiterates that this action forms part of its ongoing efforts to eradicate illegal mining and to ensure that all operators comply with the country’s laws and regulations.

They made a virtual appearance before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where the charge was read to them. They pleaded guilty and were given the options of a $30,000 fine or six weeks’ imprisonment.

In addition, they were ordered to depart Guyana within 24 hours.

Only last week, it was reported that the swift actions of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had led to the arrest of five Brazilian nationals for illegal entry and illegal mining.

A release from the Ministry stated that efforts to stamp out illegal mining remain critical to protecting Guyana’s environment, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding the nation’s natural resources for future generations.

Antonio Isal Das Soura, Michael De Souza Martin, Clinton Martins Fernandes, and Matheus Sere Martins all pleaded guilty and were ordered to depart Guyana

“The Ministry is also reminding all stakeholders that its enforcement campaign continues across all districts, and those found in breach of the law will face the full extent of the legal system.”

Video evidence contradicts claims in Otis Payne case – Walrond

ome Affairs Minister

HOneidge Walrond has rejected allegations that 30-year-old Otis Payne, known as Otis Jordan, was beaten by Police prior to his death, stating that video evidence reviewed by authorities does not support the claims made by his family.

“We have seen footage that does not bear credence to the claim that he was beaten by the Police,” the Minister said during a side interview.

Payne, a resident of Haslington, East Coast Demerara, died while in Police custody on March 24 at the Cove and John Police Station. According to reports, relatives were only informed of his death on the day he was expected to appear in court on a domestic violence charge.

Upon arriving at the station, they were told that his body had already been transferred to the Enmore Regional Hospital mortuary.

His death has since sparked national concern and intense public scrutiny, particularly following the release of an autopsy, which concluded that he died from peritonitis, a severe infection of the abdominal cavity caused by a perforated stomach ulcer.

In the wake of the incident, two ranks of the Guyana Police Force who were on duty at the time have been placed under close arrest, while investigations are ongoing by the Office of Professional Responsibility.

Reports indicate that

Payne had been arrested several days prior to his death in relation to a domestic violence matter and was scheduled to appear in court on the following Tuesday. Questions have since been raised about the length of time he remained in custody before being taken before the court.

Police have said that Payne complained of feeling unwell and was taken to the Enmore Regional Hospital for treatment. After being returned to the station, he reportedly complained again and later became motionless.

Despite the official findings, Payne’s mother, Amanda Kato, has strongly rejected the conclusion that her son died of natural causes. Having witnessed the post-mortem examination, she described his condition as alarming. “I saw his body; it had marks of violence... It looks like they beat up my son. I can’t accept that. I am

not satisfied,” she said.

Responding to those allegations, Minister Walrond reaffirmed the Government’s position that any form of abuse in custody is unacceptable and will be addressed.

“There is no tolerance for that kind of behaviour or mistreatment of anyone in Police custody. I have dealt with similar reports before, and they have been dealt with very seriously,” she added.

The Minister also referenced a separate incident that surfaced on Tuesday involving a video circulating online, which allegedly shows Police ranks beating and using a taser on a civilian. The individual was reportedly taken to the hospital after complaining of pain and was allegedly having seizures.

“These things are taken extremely seriously by my office,” Walrond said, confirming that the matter is under active investigation and that a report has been requested.

Meanwhile, Payne’s death has triggered public demonstrations along the Haslington Public Road, where family members, friends, and residents gathered in protest, calling for justice and accountability.

Placards bearing messages such as “Justice for Jah Jah”, “Enough is enough, justice for Otis”, “Police brutality must stop”, and “When cops kill us, where is the justice?” were displayed as demonstrators voiced their concerns. The matter remains under investigation.

Probe launched into alleged tasing of civilian at Cove and John Police Station

The Cove and John Police Station is once again in the spotlight following an incident involving a 31-year-old male last Sunday. The incident was reported to have been captured on video, after which it was posted on social media, prompting a probe.

Thus far, Police stated that at about 23:30h last Sunday, the 31-year-old male was arrested by traffic ranks for dangerous driving and taken to the Cove and John Police Station.

While at the station, a confrontation ensued between the man and a rank after it was observed that he was recording with his cel-

lular phone inside the station. The man subsequently alleged that he was tased during the incident. He later made an official report that is currently being investigated.

The Guyana Police Force wishes to assure the public that the matter is under investigation. Police also noted that efforts are underway to obtain a statement from the complainant as investigations continue. Only last week, 30-yearold Otis John Jordan Payne of South Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD), died while in Police lockup at the Cove and John Police Station.

Man shot in leg while in Police custody at Blairmont

A32-year-old Steve Vyfhuis of No. Nine Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB), Region Five (Mahaica–Berbice), is now nursing a gunshot injury to his left leg after he was allegedly shot while in Police custody at the Blairmont Police Station.

Vyfhuis was reportedly shot on March 14, 2026, one day after he had been taken into custody in connection with a damage to property matter, and his family has accused the ranks of excessive force and misconduct.

According to Vyfhuis, the situation escalated after he raised concerns about unsanitary conditions inside the lockup.

“I saw that the toilet was backflowing… waste water, faeces flooding the cell. My lunch bowl, my water, everything was receiving the wastewater,” he said. “I told the Police officers that wastewater is flooding up the cell.”

He alleged that after informing ranks of the condi-

tion, he refused to return to the cell when instructed, leading to a confrontation.

“He told me, ‘Go back in your cell’, but I didn’t go back,” Vyfhuis recounted. “He take a bullet… put it in the shotgun, crank it, and he shot me in my leg… close range.” Vyfhuis said he was left in shock following the discharge.

“I wasn’t expecting to get shot; this never happened to me before,” he added. He further claimed that while he was on the ground bleeding, ranks continued to act aggressively.

“While I was on the ground bleeding, they raise the gun and try to hit me in my head,” he said. “One of them take his boots and rest it on my head.”

The injured man also alleged that he was threatened during the ordeal.

“He said, ‘I gon blow off your head, boy,’” he stated, adding, “None of them didn’t help me. Nobody assisted me.” He was eventually transported to the Bath Public Hospital, where he received initial treatment.

Describing the severity of his injury, Vyfhuis said, “The whole flesh was hanging down, it bore through my foot,” noting that doctors have indicated that a second surgery may be required.

“The doctor say they might have to do a second surgery. Right now I feel restricted; I can’t do the work I planned,” he explained.

The incident has also disrupted his livelihood, as he had intended to pursue farming. “I was planning to go into farming, but this come and hinder me,” he said.

Despite the ordeal, Vyfhuis indicated that he is not seeking revenge but wants accountability. “I not looking for revenge. But I want them to admit the mistake,” he said, while calling for an investigation. “I want the authorities to investigate.”

His mother, Bernadette Vyfhuis, who spoke during the interview, was critical of the Police’s handling of the situation, arguing that the matter should have been approached differently from the outset.

“I don’t like the way the Police handle the situation,” she said. “They didn’t listen to me… they should have listened.”

Vyfhuis explained that her son had been involved in incidents where property, including a vehicle and part of a church, was damaged, but she maintains that it was a mental health-related issue and not a matter requiring custodial action.

“I told them ‘take him to the psychiatric, let them check him,’” she said, adding, “This would not have happened if they listened.”

She further noted that the family had already taken steps to resolve the matter with those affected. “We didn’t hesitate. We pay willingly,” she said, referring to compensation made for the damage.

The mother also highlighted the financial and emotional toll the incident has taken on the family. “I spend a lot of money, going up and down to the hospital,” she said. “We are suffering physically and psychologically.”

Calling for accountability, Vyfhuis said, “I need justice,” while adding that officers who engage in such conduct should not remain in the force.

“When Police behave like that, they should not remain in the force,” she said.

She also raised broader concerns about policing practices, noting, “Too many mothers have been crying for their children… Why is this so?”

The family is now calling for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the conduct of the officers involved.

Review of non-lethal gun licensing underway – Home Affairs Minister

In light of a recent incident where a fifth grader was found with a loaded firearm at a city school, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond stated that a review of firearm licensing – specifically for non-lethal weapons –is currently underway.

Late last month, the child was caught with the firearm belonging to a relative. Investigators later confirmed that the weapon was a 9mm Taurus pistol bearing serial number ACT 282510, along with a magazine containing 11 live rounds of matching ammunition.

During questioning, the child stated that on March 3, 2026, he had visited a cousin’s home in Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), where he was given the firearm and instructed to place it in his brother’s car. Instead, he wrapped the weapon, placed it in his haversack, returned home, and later took it to school.

It was later established that the owner of the firearm, a manager attached to Guyana Power and Light (GPL), related that he discovered the weapon missing from his safe one day before the incident.

Despite an extensive search with the help of family members, it could not be found. Investigations are ongoing.

“The issue of having a licence, as mentioned, in relation to the incident with a child

who had access to a licensed weapon is a serious matter. When you are licensed to own a firearm, it must always be kept on your person or securely stored in a place where you have full control and visibility. This represents a serious breach of the conditions of that licence. That is separate from the non-lethal regime, which is still under review,” Walrond noted.

According to the Minister, the Ministry is currently in the advanced stages of reviewing measures to facilitate the issuance of non-lethal or less-lethal firearms.

“So, what we are speaking about is looking at the issuance of non-lethal or less-lethal firearms instead of lethal firearms. Some people may feel the need for protection but do not necessarily require a lethal weapon. That is the regime we are examining, and it is currently in an advanced stage of review.”

When asked whether the current system adequately scrutinises individuals granted licences for lethal firearms, the Minister maintained that strict procedures are already in place.

“The law requires strict scrutiny of every single applicant, and this is what my office continues to enforce. You will not find reports of licences being issued arbitrarily. Each application is carefully reviewed and thoroughly vetted,” he stated.

Trump fires Pam Bondi as Attorney General

President Donald Trump has fired Pam Bondi as Attorney General (AG). She will be replaced for now by Deputy AG Todd Blanche, who will serve as acting AG, Trump said.

The President wrote on Truth Social that Bondi would be “transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector,” praising her for her work in his Administration and offering no specific reason for why she would be leaving.

“Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year. Pam did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown in Crime across our Country, with Murders plummeting to their lowest level since 1900,” he wrote.

Trump had been frustrated with Bondi on multiple fronts, sources said, includ-

ing her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and that she had not investigated or prosecuted enough of his political opponents. She is the second Cabinet secretary to be ousted in recent weeks; last month, Trump removed Kristi Noem as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. One source said Trump felt that firing went smoothly, making him less wary of removing others.

Trump had in recent days talked to allies about the possibility of firing Bondi, and he spoke with her personally on Wednesday about the possibility it would happen, sources said. In the conversation, which one source described as “tough,” Trump indicated Bondi was not long for her role and he would be replacing her in the near future, sources said.

Bondi posted on X that she would work to transition her office to Blanche over the next month before moving into a private sector role.

“Leading President Trump’s historic and highly successful efforts to make America safer and more secure has been the honor of a lifetime, and easily the most consequential first year of the Department of Justice in American history,” she wrote, adding, “I remain eternally grateful for the trust that President Trump placed in me to Make America Safe Again”. (CNN)

All focus has now been shifted to the Jumbo Jet events sponsored Nitro Kart Clash, set for April 19 at the National Stadium, Providence Tarmac.

With over $10M on offer for winners of the various classes of action, last weekend’s Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) Kart Revival has whetted the appetite of the local karting community.

Jumbo Jet Events, the organising body, has already confirmed several eye-catching pluses to widen the pool of racers for the event. These include free entry

for all local drivers and a significant expansion of the venue to accommodate surging interest.

Fans and enthusiasts are already talking about the potential transformation of the Providence Stadium parking lot into a custom-built racing circuit for the event, featuring a redesigned track layout, increased pit capacity, spectator accommodations, and the full range of family-friendly attractions that organisers are known for delivering.

“We are seeing a level of interest that exceeded early projections,” the event’s promoter stated. “At this point, we simply have no more

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has, on Wednesday, announced the appointment of former West Indies fast bowler and head coach Ottis Gibson as the new fast bowling consultant for the regional outfit on an initial one-year assignment.

One of the most sought-after coaching minds across the international game, Gibson’s appointment comes at a critical juncture, as CWI intensifies its focus on strengthening and managing one of its most important competitive assets, its fast-bowling unit. With a demanding international calendar ahead, the role is expected to be instrumental in ensuring that the region’s fast bowlers maintain peak performance, fitness, and consistency across formats.

Gibson has remained closely connected to West Indies cricket over the years, most recently serving as fast bowling consul-

room – not for extended covered bleachers, not for pitting of karts, and not even for the family attractions we normally bring. We are committed to delivering a complete experience and are not prepared to compromise because of venue limitations.”

The organisers, in conjunction with GMR&SC, are pulling out all the stops to ensure a thrilling day of both kart and bike racing.

“This is bigger than one event,” the promoter added. “Karting is the entry point into motor sport. And what we are building is a pathway – one that allows new drivers to come in while also bringing back those who have been part of the sport

Gibson appointed as fast-bowling consultant by CWI

tant during the West Indies’ historic series against Nepal in September last year.

He will begin his assignment in the lead-up to this year’s international home series season, which bowls off in June against Sri Lanka, and is eager to work with the region’s bowling assets.

“I’m looking forward to working with the various coaches and the very talented group of bowlers in the Caribbean to assist in their development across all formats of the game,” said Gibson after the confirmation of his appointment.

Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe emphasised the strategic importance of the appointment within the broader approach to player management and its alignment with the strategic engagement of specialist support for players as discussed during the Emergency Strategy & Committee Meeting in August of last year:

“Fast bowling has always been central to West Indies cricket and remains one of our greatest competitive advantages on

the global stage. As we prepare for an extended and demanding period of international cricket, it is critical that we invest in the strength, depth, and durability of this group. Otis brings a wealth of experience, insight, and proven success at the highest level of the game, and his presence will be invaluable in guiding and supporting our fast bowlers to perform consistently at an elite level.”

The West Indies team will navigate a packed schedule for the remainder of 2026, including preparatory camps ahead of the home series, followed by the Caribbean Premier League, and subsequent away tours to India and Bangladesh. Across this period, the fast-bowling group is expected to carry a significant workload, reinforcing the need for expert oversight and strategic management.

This sustained focus on building and maintaining a world-class fast-bowling unit is also central to CWI’s short to long-term ambitions, as the team seeks automatic qualification for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s 50over World Cup in 2027, along with early preparations for the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup.

With a clear emphasis on performance, player readiness and longevity, CWI is confident that Gibson’s appointment will play a pivotal role in positioning the West Indies for success on the global stage during this critical cycle. (CWI)

Attention shifts to $10M Nitro Kart Clash

before.”

Karting is widely recognised as the foundation of motorsport globally, serving as the training ground for drivers who progress to higher levels of competition. With Nitro Kart Klash, organisers aim to reignite the local karting scene while fostering long-term growth and talent development.

The expanded race programme will feature a wide variety of categories catering to all levels of competition. These include Briggs & Stratton sealed-engine classes for seniors, juniors (13–15), and cadets (6–12), as well as the 200cc Honda

four-stroke promoters and light classes. Additional categories include 125cc IAME two-stroke (heavy and light), under-12 60cc IAME, a five-lap time attack open category, and Supermoto 250cc bike competitions.

With strong support from corporate Guyana, including Banks DIH, AJM Enterprise, KP Jagdeo General Contractors, J’s Supermarket, SCI (Sawh’s Construction Inc), Precision Service Center, and Ramchand’s Autobody, Nitro Kart Klash is poised to deliver both high-energy racing and meaningful opportunities for drivers at ev-

ery level.

“This is not just about putting on a race,” the promoter emphasised.

“It’s about delivering something that Guyana and the Caribbean can be proud of.”

With preparations already underway for the new circuit at Providence and infrastructure development in progress, anticipation continues to build for what is shaping up to be a landmark motorsport event.

“This is just the beginning,” the promoter added. “We are building something that will stand out not just locally but across the Caribbean.”

Tucber Park congratulates trio after Guyana Harpy Eagles selection

New Amsterdambased cricket club Tucber Park extended congratulations to national trio batsman Zeynul Ramsammy and fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Nial Smith.

Ramsammy and Smith will feature in the first squad that will play from April 12 in Antigua against the Windward Islands Volcanoes.

Ramsammy, who earned a maiden call-up last season for the Regional Super50, missed that tour due to injury. However, he has recovered and now earns a maiden four-day call-up.

Ramsammy is a solid and capable middle-order batsman who bowls legspin. He has represented Guyana at the youth level and has shown leadership qualities, especially at the club level. He also played for the Guyana Rainforest Rangers.

“The executive and members of the Tucber Park Cricket Club extend congratulations to Nial Smith, Shamar Joseph and Zeynul Ramsammy on their selection in the Guyana Harpy Eagles side for the upcoming West Indies Four-Day Championship.”

“Speedsters Smith and Joseph will spearhead Guyana’s fast bowling attack while Ramsammy earns his maiden call-up to the four-day side after missing the last Super 50 Cup due to injury,” Tucber Park posted.

The Guyana Cricket Board noted that pacer Shamar Joseph will join the squad from round two following his approved rest by Cricket West Indies.

Guyana, the defending champions, will begin their title defence against the Windward Islands Volcanoes from April 12 to 15 at the Sir Vivian Richards

Stadium in Antigua. The Guyana Harpy Eagles squad comprises Tevin Imlach (Captain), Matthew Nandu (Vice Captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Raymond Perez, Kevlon Anderson, Kemol Savory, Keemo Paul, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Richie Looknauth, Nial Smith, Isai Thorne, and Zeynul Ramsammy.

The team’s reserves include Shamar Joseph, Junior Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Jonathan Van Lange, Thaddeus Lovell, Antony Adams, and Mavendra Dindyal.

It is safe to say that the Jamaican Government is eagerly awaiting the commencement of this year’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as the island makes its long-awaited return to the regional showpiece.

Earlier this week, a USbased ownership group led by Fawad Sarwar unveiled the CPL’s seventh franchise, the Jamaica Kingsmen, who are set to compete and, more importantly, bring four matches to Sabina Park this August.

Speaking during the

“In it to win it” – “Babsy”

Grange as Jamaica returns to CPL

team’s launch on Tuesday, Jamaican Minister of Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange expressed their intentions to not just make a return but to win the Cup once again.

Grange declared, “I’m delighted to say, Jamaica is back in the Caribbean Premier League, and we’re in it to win it.”

“For all its success, there was one essential element missing from the CPL, and that has been Jamaica. There’s no place to watch, participate in or talk about sports like Jamaica, and we have set out strategically to provide the best facilities for the best athletes in the world to develop and compete in

Jamaica and for the fans from every part of the world to come to Jamaica to experience and enjoy the one-of-akind energy and vibe that makes us who we are,” Grange went on to tell the gathering.

On the other hand, Jamaican Tourism Minister Edmund Barlett expressed his eagerness at tapping into its sport tourism product.

“We’re excited that Jamaica is brought back into the mix, and we want to give an undertaking that Jamaica will stay in the mix,” the Jamaican Tourism Minister expressed.

Bartlett went on to explain.

“CPL will provide another avenue for engaging our traditional and legacy markets, the United States, Canada and the UK. because the diaspora in those three main countries are not limited to Jamaicans

and Caribbean people who love and enjoy cricket but are also loaded with Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis, all of whom love cricket, and I’ll have a chance to market Jamaica to those individuals in that diaspora.”

Meanwhile, CPL CEO Pete Russell was on hand to reveal the dates of Jamaica’s home games. Their home campaign will begin on Tuesday, August 11, taking on the Barbados Royals. On Thursday, August 13, the Kingsmen will battle local

Local Coach Impressed with showing at Exchange Cup

Not deterred by the persistent rainfalls over the past week, the Vurlon Mills Football Academy’s (VMFA) inaugural Exchange Cup 2026 came off without a hitch.

As nine youth clubs from Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago took to the pitch at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Centre (NTC), the youngsters brought their “A” game to the competition.

Discussing the lead up to the event, VMFA Coach Yonnick Norton candidly shared how eager the players were to compete.

“A lot of them have been very anxious for the competition; some of them probably haven’t been sleeping and couldn’t wait for this day. So, aside from being here today, it was a lot of training hard because they were aware of the tourna-

ment for quite some time. So, they were putting in a lot of work, so it was just about execution,” the coach shared with this publication.

Norton further stated,

“Obviously, the nerves and stuff were still there, but I think after a while it got out, and they got to express themselves really well.”

As such, when the budding footballers took the pitch, Norton was nothing but impressed by the perfor-

mances he witnessed.

The VMFA coach expressed, “Very, very impressed. A lot of talented youths coming from all over the Caribbean, as you mentioned. I think it’s just great to see all these individual talents coming together and working together as a team, even the support they’re having from the parents, the coaches and stuff like that.”

The former youth play-

er turned coach went on to reiterate the aim of the Exchange Cup, emphasising its value.

Norton opined, “It’s very valuable. Given the fact that sports are competing in general, aside from their training that they’re doing together, they would want, and we as coaches want them to be able to express themselves against different talents that might be either on the same level as them or a bit higher than

Saints continue winning streak in Cheddi Janet Jagan Windball Classic

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) proudly celebrated 34 years of school girls’ wind ball cricket in Guyana with the successful staging of the 11th Janet and Cheddi Jagan Memorial Tournament at the National Gymnasium.

Organised by MCYS/ NSC Sports Officer Alister Munroe, the annual tournament once again showcased the depth of young cricketing talent across Georgetown schools, producing thrilling encounters in both the girls’ and boys’ divisions.

Janet Jagan Girls Division Saint Stanislaus College

continued their impressive run of form with a victory over Saint Rose’s High School in a rain-affected encounter.

Invited to take first strike, Saint Rose’s posted 87–3 from their allotted overs, led by a solid 32 from Tanuja Singh. In reply, Saint Stanislaus raced to 77 without loss in just three overs before bad light forced a premature end to the match. Based on the better run rate, Saints Stanislaus were declared winners.

Darshini Lallbehary delivered a breath-taking innings, blasting 54 runs, inclusive of seven sixes, while Natasha Stoll supported with 12 not out in a commanding opening stand.

franchise Guyana Amazon Warriors and later turn their attention to the Trinbago Knight Riders on Saturday, August 15. The Kingsmen will wrap up their home campaign with a clash against the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots on Tuesday, August 18. This year’s Republic Bank CPL will run from August to September 2026, with the final scheduled for September 20 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Cheddi Jagan Boys Division

The boys’ competition produced equally exciting cricket. Tucville Secondary managed 31–4 batting first against Brickdam Secondary, with Shan Raimoon top-scoring with 14. Brickdam responded confidently, reaching 35–1, thanks largely to a match-winning 30 from Garren Newton, who single-handedly steered the chase.

the level they’re at currently. That would help them see where they’re at and how they can improve.”

“Also, given that they’re playing teams from outside of the country and it’s an international tournament, it gives them that international exposure that a lot of players would wish to have,” he went on to add.

With the first day rained out, the Exchange Cup ran from Monday, March 30, to Wednesday, April 1.

In another closely contested match, Christ Church Secondary posted 85–5, with contributions from Suraj Persaud (16) and Joshua Yipsam (14). Defending Georgetown champions Saint Rose’s High pulled off a dramatic victory, reaching 87–1 off

the final ball after a costly misfield. Noel Madramootoo struck a composed 49, while Akash Ropnarine added an unbeaten 34 in the thrilling finish.

Saint Stanislaus College were also dominant in their outing, piling up 98 without loss. Ishsn Haricharan led

the charge

uyana’s contingent for the 53rd Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games departed local shores on Thursday morning, en route to St George’s, Grenada, where the regional track and field showpiece takes centre stage from April 4–6. The team touched down in the “spice isle” later that afternoon.

Guyana is being represented by a 24-member team competing across the sprint, middle-distance, field, and relay events at the Kirani James Stadium.

In the Girls’ Under-17 category are Tesianna Harris (100m, 200m), Angel Jeffrey (100m, 200m) and Olivia Solomon (400m, 800m). The Boys’ Under-17 squad includes Omari Welch (100m, 200m, long jump); Malique Kendall (100m); Jumeel Cornette (200m); Jarel Campbell (400m, long jump); Jermaine Shepherd (800m, 1500m); Bryson Anderson (800m); Keimal Gishard (triple jump, high jump); and Nathaniel Samaroo (shot put, discus).

Competing in the Girls’ Under-20 division are Athaleyha Hinckson (100m, 200m),

Akeela Dover (100m, 200m) and Tianna Springer (400m). The Boys’ Under-20 team features Onesi Dunn (100m); Gordon Thompson (100m); Tishawn Easton (200m, 400m); Daquan Farrell (200m); Malachi Austin (400m); Javon Roberts (800m, 1500m); Kaidon Persaud (800m, javelin); Ebo McNeil (1500m, 5000m); and Walton Alleyne (long jump).

Relay teams include the Under-17 Boys’ 4x100m unit of Welch, Cornette, Kendall, Campbell and Gishard. The Under-20 Boys’ 4x100m team comprises Dunn, Thompson,

CARIFTA team touches down in Grenada Attention shifts to $10M

Skylar Charles, Farrell, Alleyne and Easton, while the Under-20 Boys’ 4x400m team features Austin, Easton, Charles, Farrell, Persaud and Roberts. The mixed 4x400m relay squad includes Easton, Austin, Springer, and Dover. The team is being managed by Niall Stanton, with Safeguarding Officer Cheryl Sam and Coaches Quincy Clarke, Kesia Burnett, and Robin Phillips, and Physiotherapists Kelly Coonjah and Aretha Legall also accompanying the team.

Clash