Guyana Times - Friday, February 13, 2026

Global Private Sector must see value of forested countries

SOCU’s sting operation uncovered illegal cambio operation before raid at Mohamed’s Enterprise

Cash cap increased to $6M as Gold Board moves to launch mobile purchasing service

“Business as usual” over as GPF urged to lead nation’s security transformation

Berbice duo arrested after discovery of 29lbs of ganja in boat

42 Region 2 schools set for major overhaul, construction in 2026

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, February 13 –13:50h–15:20h, and Saturday, February 14 – 14:35h–16:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny skies interrupted by brief intervals of midday rain are expected during the day, with clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 3.57 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 13:52h reaching a maximum height of 2.15 metres.

Low Tide: 07:22h and 20:04h reaching minimum heights of 1.20 metres and 1.01 metres.

Global Private Sector must see value of forested countries – President Ali

...as UK Minister lauds Guyana’s low-carbon, nature-positive development

President Dr Irfaan Ali has reiterated calls for Private Sector companies around the world to recognise the investment potential in forest-rich countries such as Guyana and to support the marketing of sustainable forest products.

He made these remarks during a recent appearance on the podcast of the United Kingdom’s Climate Minister, Katie White, to discuss forests, climate change, and biodiversity.

The podcast was recorded last month during the Guyanese leader’s visit to the UK, where he held talks with Minister White on strengthening collaboration between the two countries on forests, climate change, and biodiversity.

The UK Minister commended Guyana for keeping its forests standing, which cover 85 per cent of the country, without hindering the nation’s development – something President Ali credited to its low Carbon Development model that was crafted and introduced under the Bharrat Jagdeo presidency.

That revised model, the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030), has since been expanded to now capture biodiversity and marine life.

According to Ali, Guyana is future-proofing humanity by keeping its forests alive and standing. With support from nations like the UK, Guyana is now working with partners on scalable models to showcase how, at a jurisdictional scale, countries can deploy their natural assets, such as the forest, to be a positive contributor to both humanity and economic growth.

“Together, we are going to show the world, and we have started that process... [with our] standing forest, the standing ecosystem, and the standing biodiversity [to show how] in a world where 60 per cent of the biodiversity has already been lost in the last 50 to 60 years, we’ve kept ours intact. We want to demonstrate through this partnership how we would make this into an economic powerhouse, stimulating jobs, creating wealth, and developing a global product,” Ali stated.

In light of Guyana already trading its high-quality accredited forest carbon on the international market, the Head of State underscored the importance of having the global Private Sector play an active role in these sustainable efforts.

“The Private Sector must see the value of countries like ours and all those who are part of the FCLP (Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership) that [the UK is] co-chairing with us; the value of what comes out of that forest; and to create

a special market, whether it’s the cocoa, whether it is the honey, whether it’s the mushroom – whatever comes out, the ecotourism product [or] the sustainable timber that comes out, not only to create a special marketplace...but also to find a way in which they can invest in that space and make it successful,” the Guyanese leader stressed.

Launched in 2022, the FCLP is a voluntary group that unites over 36 Governments to work together to accelerate global climate action through forest-based solutions with the aim of halting forest loss by 2030.

Guyana’s total forest spans over 18 million hectares, stores more than 19 gigatonnes of carbon and removes some 154 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually.

Already, the country has signed multi-billion-dollar deals with major international companies such as Hess Corporation and Apple

Inc for its ART-TREESissued jurisdictional forest carbon credits, earning more than US$200 million in revenues.

Only last week, the Guyana Government announced that ART has issued another nine million high-integrity TREES carbon credits for the year 2023. These credits have been labelled as CORSIA-eligible, making them among the most rigorously assessed credits available globally for international aviation and other compliance-orientated buyers seeking verified, jurisdictional-scale emissions reductions.

Minister White related, “I think it’s important for people to see examples of where countries [like Guyana] are pursuing the low-carbon, nature-positive agenda, and at the same time supporting livelihoods, growing the economy, and allowing that investment so that we can pursue both of those things at once.”

President Ali, on the other hand, posited that achiev-

ing this balance requires widespread collaboration and bringing together all stakeholders, including the Private Sector, to the table when tackling climate and environmental preservation issues.

“Let us come to the table; let us see how we can support research, see how we can support alternative energy development, and integrate into a system where everyone is working towards a balance and not working towards displacing businesses or whatever. If we can demonstrate to investors or shareholders in the highest and most dangerous forms of energy production –let’s take coal, for example, which still controls a good percentage of global energy and is the most damaging –and find ways in which they can still be viable businesses while investing in alternatives, giving them the opportunity and space to do that, along with market security.”

“You know, a lot of emphasis is being placed on the science of the alternative, but I think we have to look at the economics. If we are not able to find a balance between science, economics, and the planet, then all of us will be doing ourselves an injustice because, at the end of the day, we have to find the formula... It is this new generation of leaders in this global space that will have to work on helping us find that balance and finding partners that can showcase at a national and global scale how that balance can be achieved,” he emphasised.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Environmental responsibility

Some parts of Guyana, especially Georgetown, are experiencing flash floods as a result of heavy rainfall being experienced countrywide.

Of note, however, is several Ministers leading a task force on Thursday that found several areas in and around Georgetown inundated, thus causing suffering to more than 100 households. Photos showed residents struggling to keep water out of their homes, as well as the improper disposal of garbage in the area.

The photo shows a canal full of plastic bottles and demonstrates and highlights the fact that residents of some of the flooded areas must also take responsibility for keeping their areas clean.

Over the years, there has been much talk about climate change and the devastating impact it is having, and is likely to have, on communities and the world as a whole. In fact, it could be argued that not many people are educated about the issue, especially as it relates to the kind of impact climate change has on the environment and on individuals themselves.

Citizens still take the issue for granted and do not pay much heed to the various messages about the need to change lifestyle patterns and so on.

Scientists have argued that the planet is indeed threatened by the lifestyle patterns of individuals, and if people continue to use resources the way we currently do, the planet’s reserves will be exhausted at an increasingly rapid pace.

For many countries, there is still the challenge of getting everyone to not only understand and appreciate the idea of the need to work towards sustainable consumption but also to take practical steps to move in this direction.

Certainly, Governments can set the framework with their policies: set targets, define standards, and give incentives to make companies go green. Businesses and industries, together with researchers, can provide the solutions, but in the end, consumers have the power of the purse, whether they buy green products or not.

In essence, achieving economic growth and sustainable development requires that we urgently reduce our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources. As stated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the efficient management of our shared natural resources and the way we dispose of toxic waste and pollutants are important targets to achieve this goal.

Based on statistics, the world’s population is growing rapidly, as more than a billion new people will enter the middle class by 2050. Experts have predicted that if citizens do not change their consumption patterns, the global use of resources will multiply by 15, which is considered dangerous for our planet, as it would not be able to satisfy the needs of everyone.

At the individual level, every person plays a crucial role in defining his or her own consumption patterns and can, in a way, also contribute to the fight against climate change. For example, we can reduce the level of energy utilised, and the money saved on energy could be used instead to develop climate-friendly technologies and appliances.

Official records show that on a global level, more than 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions are related to household consumption. While it is accepted that it is not an easy task to get people to change lifestyles and to work towards a climatefriendly environment, the task would be much easier if they were educated about the role they can play and the benefits of their own actions.

Here in Guyana, we still continue to dump garbage carelessly.

For example, people continue to dispose of plastics and other garbage in a reckless manner, resulting in the clogging of drains and trenches, thereby leading to flooding, etc. Flooding over the years has exposed our vulnerability and should serve as a big wake-up call for us to treat the environment differently.

For sure, there is a need for more effective public education campaigns on climate change and to highlight the effects of poor environmental practices.

Understanding the pandemic’s effect in Guyana

Dear Editor,

A heated debate is taking place regarding an overall poverty rate of 58 per cent and absolute poverty of 32 per cent in Guyana. These numbers emerge from an IDB study using the Labour Force Survey, which was conducted in 2021 by the Bureau of Statistics. Readers will recall that 2021 was at the height of the pandemic, and there was a major collapse of incomes in Guyana and across the world.

Even though enclave oil production started two years before, the non-oil sectors were adversely affected by the pandemic. Hence, there would have been job losses and therefore higher poverty in that year. Remittances would have also declined, thereby accounting for lower overall income in 2021. Yes, the IDB added remittances to income in the Labour Force Survey. The pandemic also pushed many (11 per cent of formal workers) into the informal economy, where incomes are significantly lower.

Therefore, the high poverty rate from the 2021 survey must be seen as a state of transitory poverty, making the number not very useful for analysis and guidance. I am certain from my observations that poverty is lower in 2025, but it is not eliminated. Maybe it never will. We could probably get to the philosophy in a later instalment.

The IDB study uses the income-based measure of poverty. However, we know there is a tendency for peo-

ple to understate their incomes in surveys. It is for this reason that others use consumption-based poverty. There are also good economic reasons for using consumption-based poverty measures. For example, the principle of consumption smoothing tells us what true deprivation is despite income fluctuations. Consumption is usually a better measure of deprivation relative to income because people usually understate the latter in surveys.

The World Bank uses multi-dimensional poverty (MDP) to better define poverty beyond income. MDP looks at deprivations in terms of limited nutrition, child mortality, years of schooling, housing, cooking fuel, drinking water, and others. According to the World Bank, 6.5 per cent of Guyana’s population was vulnerable to multidimensional poverty in 2019, a full year before the pandemic peak.

Staying with income for a moment, another study by the World Bank determines the income-based poverty rate was 48 per cent in 2019, a rate that declined from 61 per cent in 2006. Readers would recall that in 2006 Guyana was still amid its most intense post-independence civil conflict engineered by a combination of political and underground sub-state actors (the descendants of whom might be in Parliament today). Then there was a subset who were likely burning down their buildings for insurance claims. The income-based

poverty rate was 83.5 per cent in 1992.

We also know that the Venezuelan migrant workers are the most vulnerable ones to emigrate to Guyana, about 28,000 by 2021, according to one migration study. The relatively well-off Venezuelans migrate to Costa Rica, Spain, Canada, Panama and other high-income countries. The migration study showed that 75 per cent of these vulnerable workers work in informal sectors in Guyana, earning very low pay but not benefiting from Government transfers. These migrants also do not have deep diaspora networks to provide some remittances. These factors would have contributed to the high income-based poverty measure in 2021. These folks should be regularised into the Guyanese formal labour force so that they can pay taxes and enhance the sustainability of NIS. This is a great opportunity for Guyana. Simple economics tells us that labour force growth generates long-term structural growth, not cyclical growth.

Editor, Guyana still has high poverty, especially in the rural areas, but deprivations are significantly lower compared with when I was a teenager in the 1990s.

The question the country faces is how to optimally utilise oil revenues for building human capital and solving social leakages (eg, the minibus tout culture, dumping garbage in the canals, clearing of mangroves in the hope of chasing away mosquitos, loud

music, rum shop proliferation in new and old housing areas, mechanics and workshops in new housing areas, and many others). How to build climate-resilient housing? Are GOAL scholarships the best use of funds? How to sustain the University of Guyana and make it expand? Should tuition be free at UG? You cannot have good faculty pay, attract foreign students (a potentially great source of foreign exchange), have beautiful buildings and green spaces on campus, labs, computer facilities, and all the software with free tuition. The oil revenues are simply not enough (although a blessing). It never will be enough because all the foreign investors have a shareholder wealth maximisation objective. The challenge is to align Guyana’s developmental objectives with the revenues received after the multinational corporations’ shareholders get their cut. There is also not a better model. And all the talk of renegotiation is just that: talk! The constraint Guyana faces is it must continually spend just to maintain its infrastructure to stay above water; then it can think about building new infrastructure, paying for public service wages, paying for social transfers, funding education and healthcare, funding new airports, funding new deep-water harbours, and so on.

Yours faithfully, Professor Tarron Khemraj

SOCU’s sting operation uncovered illegal cambio operation before raid at Mohamed’s Enterprise

Despite USindicted businessman Azruddin Mohamed’s claim that the Cambio at Mohamed’s Enterprise is not in operation, video footage released by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) indicates otherwise.

SOCU on Wednesday and Thursday released footage of its sting operation conducted at the Lombard Street, Georgetown, establishment moments before it conducted a raid at the premises as part of its ongoing investigation into illegal foreign exchange transactions.

In a statement on Thursday, SOCU reminded that the Cambio establishment had been formally ordered closed following sanctions imposed by the United States Government and corresponding local regulatory and enforcement actions.

The Bank of Guyana had revoked the Cambio licence of Mohamed’s Enterprise after the United States imposed sanctions in June 2024 on businessman Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed.

Despite the directive, SOCU has uncovered evi-

dence that foreign exchange transactions continued at the location in breach of the closure order. Prior to the release of the additional footage on Thursday, Azruddin Mohamed publicly denied that the Cambio was operational.

In an interview with Demerara Waves Online News, Mohamed rejected claims that an illegal Cambio was being operated at the location.

Commenting on the first set of videos by SOCU, Mohamed said, “That is untrue. Never, ever!!! I looked at the video, and I am not seeing any USD (United States dollars).”

US-indicted Mohamed, who is also the Leader of the Opposition (LOO), has claimed that the enforcement action is politically motivated.

Following Wednesday’s operation, he stated that the Government had shut down his businesses and questioned how operations could continue under those circumstances. His party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), also issued a statement alleging that he was being targeted by the Government and law enforcement agencies.

A step towards a stronger Guyana

Dear Editor,

The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana (CRG) Party congratulates His Excellency, Dr Irfaan Ali, on his increased focus on national security. Planned improved border patrol initiatives will help boost the gains from the gold sector and reduce trafficking in persons and illegal smuggling.

His engagement with the Indian military will also encourage more of our citizens to join the armed forces, which will provide a significant boost in diversity within our military. These are steps in the right direction, and the nation will be stronger economically and more secure as a result.

It may be worthwhile to initially have a separate Indian Guyanese battalion for a more effective use of the Indian military training initiative. Our current racial and political divi-

sions should not be underestimated, and it may be easier to take such an approach before a fully integrated transition is effectively accomplished.

The issues of marginalisation and discrimination of the past have led to many Indian Guyanese rejecting the opportunity to sign up for military service – a remnant of the Burnham years that still strongly influences today’s perspective.

We may be able to overcome these past issues by allowing an opportunity for Indian Guyanese recruits to grow and develop in an environment where orders do not have racial undertones and where a purely military culture may take hold. Congratulations once again to His Excellency on advancing these initiatives.

Best regards,

Jamil Changlee Chairman – CRG

However, SOCU said the additional footage released on Thursday, captured minutes before the operation commenced, shows and audibly records the exchange of local and foreign currency. The agency stated that the video confirms that business transactions were actively taking place at the time.

On Wednesday, SOCU conducted what it described as a targeted joint law enforcement operation at 29 Lombard Street, where Mohamed’s Enterprise is located. According to a report published by iNews,

officers acted on intelligence indicating that illicit transactions were occurring at the premises.

During the raid, officers seized materials linked to suspected unlawful operations. Several individuals were taken into custody and are assisting with investigations. SOCU said the items recovered are undergoing forensic and financial analysis and that further enforcement action will be taken where warranted. Charges are expected to be filed.

In response to allegations of political persecu-

tion, SOCU on Wednesday released two videos described as sting operations. In the recordings, officers acting as civilians reportedly entered Mohamed’s Enterprise and were able to exchange foreign currencies despite the revocation of the Cambio licence.

“This action forms part of an intensified national and regional security strategy aimed at disrupting organised criminal networks engaged in gold smuggling, illicit financial flows, unlicensed money exchange operations, and related offences,” SOCU said in a statement.

The agency added that surveillance evidence will confirm that the raid was conducted strictly on credible information and not for political reasons. It reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law without political influence and stated that no one is above the law.

SOCU also highlighted ongoing collaboration with domestic and regional partners to safeguard Guyana’s financial and regulatory systems. Investigations remain ongoing, and the agency said further updates will be provided as appropriate.

Mohamed’s Enterprise and other associated businesses linked to Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed have previously been implicated in allegations of gold smuggling and tax evasion. Authorities have alleged the under-declaration of more than 10,000 kilograms of gold between 2019 and 2023, resulting in over US$50 million in avoided duty taxes.

The Mohameds continue to challenge the legal actions against them, including extradition proceedings in the United States.

Page Foundation

Conversion Graphs cont’d

Practice questions

1. The graph shows the conversion between kilometres and miles. Use the graph to estimate the number of miles equivalent to 6km.

2. An electricity supplier charges a fixed fee and an additional price per unit of electricity used. The graph shows the conversion between electricity units used and the cost in $. What is the fixed fee?

3. The graph shows the conversion between Pounds Sterling and US Dollars. Use the graph to convert £140 to $.

4. The graph shows the conversion between pints and litres. Use the graph to estimate the number of litres equivalent to 14 pints.

5. A knot is the speed unit used in sailing. One knot is equivalent to 1.15 miles per hour. Use the information above and the axes provided to draw a conversion graph for knots and miles per hour.

This charming, lovethemed bag is perfect for Valentine’s Day and makes a thoughtful, heartfelt gift for someone special.

What you'll need

Red, pink & purple dyes

Large fabric bag

Felt sheets

Imitation pearls

Coloured sequins

Fabric glue

How to make

Step 1: Start by taking your bag and twisting it tightly from the centre until it forms a circular shape. Secure the twisted bag with bands to hold it in place and create sections for dyeing.

Step 2: Mix up your chosen dye colours, then carefully apply the dye to different sections of the bag. Wrap the bag in plastic and let it soak for a few days to ensure

the colours set. Next, rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely.

Step 3: Once the bag is dry, cut out letters from the felt sheets spelling "LOVE".

Step 4: Stick the letters onto the bag using fabric glue.

Step 5: Decorate the bag by adding sequins, pearls, or other embellishments.

(Adapted from bakerross. co.uk)

By Jane HirsHfield

No wind, no rain, the tree just fell, as a piece of fruit does.

But no, not fruit. Not ripe. Not fell.

It broke. It shattered.

One cone’s addition of resinous cell-sap, one small-bodied bird arriving to tap for a beetle. It shattered.

What word, what act, was it we thought did not matter?

(Source: Poetry [September 2019])

Write a poem about an unhappy time.

WORD SEARCH

Pres Ali congratulates PM Mottley on sweeping 3rd-term election victory

– looks forward to further strengthening bilateral relations

President Dr Irfaan Ali is looking forward to further strengthening ties with Guyana’s Caribbean Community (Caricom) sister nation, Barbados.

The Head of State made this remark in his congratulatory message to his colleague, Mia Amor Mottley, who has been re-elected for a historic third term in what is being described as a clean sweep of the February 11 General Elections in Barbados.

Mottley’s Barbados Labour Party (BLP) has secured all 30 seats in the country’s House of Assembly.

According to President Ali, PM Mottley’s “emphatic and historic victory” demonstrates the level of leadership and the confidence that the Barbadian citizens have both in her and the party.

“In sweeping the polls with commanding authority, Prime Minister Mottley and the Barbados Labour

Thirty-three-year-old

Shemay Bryan, who was jointly charged for having 345.8 pounds (lbs) of cannabis in her possession along the Number 10 Public Road, West Coast Berbice, has been granted $500,000 bail.

Byran made another appearance before Magistrate Taunna Hardy at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court, during which the bail was granted. On the other hand, her co-accused, 32-year-old Sarafina Cheddy, was refused bail and further remanded to prison.

Party have once again earned the renewed trust and confidence of the people of Barbados.

“A third successive mandate and a clean sweep of all 30 seats speak to how much her leadership and that of her party resonated in the homes, hearts, and hopes of the Barbadian people,” the Guyanese leader posited in a Facebook post on Thursday.

To this end, President Ali reiterated Guyana’s commitment to continue deepening the already strong ties with the island nation.

“Guyana looks forward with renewed optimism to strengthening the fraternal bonds that unite our two nations. Our shared history and common aspirations form a sturdy bridge across the Caribbean,” the Head of State noted in this message.

Similarly, Guyana’s Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo extended congratulations to Prime Minister Mottley on her historic third consecu-

tive victory in Wednesday’s Barbados General Elections.

According to Jagdeo, “Securing such a decisive mandate for a third time is a remarkable achievement and a strong endorsement of her stewardship. I look forward to continuing the close partnership between Guyana and Barbados as we work together to advance the interests of our people.”

Mottley, 60, is the second leader to serve more than two consecutive terms in Barbados.

On Thursday afternoon, she was sworn in as Prime Minister by the President of Barbados, Jeffrey Bostic.

“I accept this responsibility with humility and with resolve. The people of Barbados have given me a mandate, and I am fully committed to honouring it through service and hard work,” Mottley stated in a Facebook post following her swearing in.

She went on to give

thanks especially to the BLP, candidates, constituents, and her family for their steadfast support throughout this journey. “Most importantly, I thank the people of Barbados for placing your trust in me once again. Now is the time to come together. The work continues, and we will move forward as one nation,” the re-elected Prime Minister of Barbados stated.

According to a Reuters report, this is the third time Mottley’s party has won all 30 seats, unseating opposition leader Ralph Thorne, who ran for the BLP in the last campaign, in an election that pitted her more global-facing approach against the opposition’s focus on Barbadians’ domestic needs.

In her victory speech after the landslide result, however, Mottley said the victory carried a responsibility, not an entitlement. She said, according to a Barbados Today’s article, “We did not come simply to hold office. We have come to

grounds that she allegedly committed a similar offence while already on bail for a previous matter.

During Thursday’s proceedings, the court also noted that the vehicle in which the narcotics were allegedly found was not registered to either defendant.

make Barbados better and to make your lives better.”

The article further stated that Mottley also pledged renewed focus on issues raised on the campaign trail.

“We do not turn our eyes away from the concerns of our constituents, constituency by constituency. Whether it is traffic or roads, or the state of our healthcare, or indeed the issue of public safety, I give you this assurance tonight: this team will be required to be able to make progress on all of these areas,” she was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the article added that Mottley has signalled a swift return to governance following the brief celebrations.

“I expect that the Cabinet

will have to be sworn in on Monday,” she said. “I have asked Parliament to get the business of Parliament ready for an opening no later than next Friday. We will do our rest and celebrate, but come Monday we start the work of the next five years of transforming this nation.”

In the meantime, Mottley has declared today (Friday) a national public holiday in Barbados as well as announced a national thanksgiving and celebration rally for Saturday afternoon – Valentine’s Day – at the National Botanical Gardens. Barbados is the Caribbean’s easternmost country, home to around 283,000 people, and a little over half the size of Singapore.

Attorney-at-law Bernard DaSilva, who represented both defendants, made separate bail applications on their behalf.

Bail was granted to

The women are jointly charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking following the January 24 interception.

Bryan with the conditions that she lodge all travel documents and report every other Friday to the nearest police station in her area of residence.

However, bail was refused for Cheddy on the

The defence further raised concerns that the prosecution was not making a full disclosure at this stage of the proceedings. Additionally, the court was told that no trial date has yet been fixed, though the matter is expected to proceed sometime in April or May. The case will come up again on March 26, 2026.

Corentyne contractor freed of sexual assault allegation

ACorentyne contrac-

tor was acquitted of a charge of rape following a trial at the Berbice High Court on Thursday.

Dexter Philadelphia, also known as “Dexter Clarke”, 51, of Number 51 Village, Corentyne, appeared before Justice Deborah KumarChetty in relation to an allegation involving a minor.

The court heard that the allegation stemmed from an incident said to have occurred on August 6, 2016, in Berbice. At the time, Philadelphia was reportedly residing in Fyrish Village. He denied the allegation. Philadelphia was represented by Attorney-at-Law Kevin Morgan of the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, while State Prosecutor Marisa Edwards presented the case for the

prosecution. According to the prosecution, the complainant was at home alone on the day in question when inappropriate contact was made with the alleged victim. The matter was brought to light several months later, on February 22, 2017.

The court was told that the child was subsequently taken for medical evaluation at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. The medical findings were presented as part of the evidence during the trial.

During testimony, the child’s mother stated that her daughter had spoken about the incident but initially wished to keep the matter private. Under cross-examination, discrepancies were raised regarding details contained in the child’s Police statement.

Lusignan butcher slapped with unlawful wounded charge, gets $200K bail

Sham Mohabir, 44, a butcher from Lusignan Grass Field, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who is commonly called “Bucky”, was on Thursday granted $200,000 bail on an unlawful wounding charge that stemmed from an incident on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Mon Repos North, ECD.

Mohabir was arrested on Monday, December 1, 2025, and subsequently charged on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, but appeared before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

After the charge was read to him, he pleaded not guilty; as such, bail was set at the sum of $200,000, and he is required to

report to the Police on the first and last Friday of every month until the determination of the matter.

However, he will make his next court appearance on April 17, 2026.

A Police Sergeant who recorded the complaint testified that only one alleged incident had been formally documented. After hearing evidence from both sides and receiving

directions from the judge, the jury retired to deliberate. They later returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty, resulting in Philadelphia being cleared of the charge.

Vagrant to spend 12 months in prison for breaking into, stealing from ECD business

Forty-one-year-old Kent

Williams, a handyman of no fixed place of abode, was on Tuesday sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for breaking into and stealing from an East Coast Demerara (ECD) business.

Williams was accused of breaking into the premises of a 49-year-old businessman of Mon Repos, ECD, between January 21, 2026, and February 6, 2026, during which he stole several items.

He was, arrested on February 10, 2026, and appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on

Thursday.

He pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 12 months in jail.

Teen remanded on attempted murder charge

Nineteen-year-old Oswin Kenard Baker Jr, of Tuschen North, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was on Thursday remanded to prison on an attempted murder charge.

Baker appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. He was not required to enter a plea to the indictment and was remanded to prison.

He will make his next court appearance on March 19, 2026.

What to do… …about youths

In his address to the Annual Police Officers’ Conference at Eve Leary, Pressy felt it necessary to raise the issue of the escalating upsurge of violence and other antisocial behaviour among our youths! Now your Eyewitness has been around long enough to know that in every generation, youths are considered to be upstarts and disruptive! Today’s grandfathers and grandmothers were the rebels in the sixties who changed the world from fashion – minis and bell bottoms – to anti-war protesters abroad! Here in ole’ Mudland, while they had their Afros and minis, etc, they were also in the forefront of the ethnic violence in that era!!

The point your Eyewitness wanna make is that youths of any generation will react and sometimes rebel AGAINST the order into which they were born – which they feel is confining!! But this doesn’t mean they should be allowed to get away with EVERYTHING they do!! At all times, those in authority gotta look at the interests of the society as a whole and decide where to draw the line. Youths gotta be made aware of this perspective – and concede that with their (disapproved) behaviour, they’ve influenced where the new line’s being drawn!!

According to the report in this paper, Pressie asserted that “school-based gangs, cyberbullying, vaping, and changing social values” pose serious long-term risks to public safety if left unaddressed. He said, however, it ain’t just a matter for the police to deal with – but parents and the entire society. So, let’s take a closer look at the enumerated pathologies afflicting our youths – starting with “school-based gangs”. Now schools have always had cliques – whether boys or girls who’d hang out together – and inevitably have run-ins with other cliques!! From many of the videos of school kids engaged in “violence” against each other, it’s a lot of hair pulling by girls and cuffs by boys that may lead to them rolling into drains off the streets!

But your Eyewitness thinks Pressie’s talking about a whole new type of gang – ones influenced by what we see in American inner-city schools!! These have led to those schools erecting metal detectors at their entrances to try to prevent knives and other weapons from being brought in!! If we allow our kids to get to the point of mixing it up with weapons – then we’re in for some serious trouble. So yes, we can’t be complacent about this new development!! Those 30 kids reportedly nabbed for skulking ain’t such a novelty – but that bus driver supplying liquor to kids on his bus certainly is!!

So yes…while the challenge of youthful indiscretions has always been with us – we gotta have a national conversation for a united plan to deal with its present iteration!! Gotta be a rod of correction!!

…about Bajan democracy

In Guyana, the Opposition constantly gripes about our Voters Roll being “bloated” – cause it’s about 88 per cent of the population. Their claim is that with one-third of the population being under 18, the numbers gotta be padded to facilitate rigging by the PPP Govt!! Never mind that they know that our law permits Guyanese who have migrated to remain on the list – and this is the cause of our high percentage!! And never mind that the PPP lost the 2015 elections with the identically compiled list!!

Well over in Barbados – which also has the same rule on not disenfranchising overseas Bajans – they have the same voters list conundrum. The Opposition DLP, which entered the just-concluded elections without a single seat, was once again completely blanked by Mia Mottley’s BLP, 30–zip!! They’d complained about voters list irregularities – and so for the first time, Barbados had Caricom and Commonwealth Observers!!

Will the DLP follow the Guyanese opposition’s practice and protest??

…dogs sucking eggs

They say, “when dog ‘custom to suck egg and eat yard fowl and yard duck, he does never stop.’” SOCU raided the unlicensed Mohamed’s Cambio premises and found evidence of foreign exchange trading!!!

Charges to follow!!

Govt, CDC mobilise as Georgetown residents under water

Following 24 hours of heavy rainfall, the Hydrometeorological Service confirmed a peak accumulation of 96.7 mm recorded in some sections of Georgetown.

Preliminary assessments indicate that approximately 100 households were affected by floodwaters, with residents experiencing water intrusion into their homes and disruption to daily activities.

During the early hours of Thursday, a Ministerial task force – including Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, and Housing Minister Collin Croal – conducted high-level site visits in the hardest-hit areas alongside technical engineering teams.

Minister Mustapha and his team visited flood-affected communities in Georgetown to assess flash flooding, listen to residents’ concerns, and discuss immediate relief efforts and longer-term recovery plans. He pledged rapid assistance and mobilised an excavator to begin emergency works during his visit. Authorities reported that all pumps and sluices are currently in operation.

However, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) promptly dispatched response teams to affected areas. Minister Edghill inspected critical infrastructure along Independence Boulevard, Sussex Street, Lodge, Wortmanville, Campbellville (Dennis Street and Conversation Tree), and Ogle to identify

and implement immediate remedial measures.

Engineers have confirmed that all primary sluices and drainage pumps are fully operational. While significant runoff has been achieved in most affected communities, targeted drainage efforts continue in low-lying areas. Heavy machinery, including excavators, has been deployed to desilt clogged culverts and restore optimal water flow.

The CDC also responded to reports of flooding in the Sussex Street and La Penitence areas, where rising water levels resulted in the inundation of residential properties. The agency has been mobilised to provide direct assistance to residents whose homes sustained flood damage.

The Government said it will continue to monitor the situation until water levels in all communities have fully subsided. The CDC is continuing its assessments and providing assistance where necessary.

The Hydromet Office has indicated that current weather conditions are expected to persist for the next several hours. Residents are being urged to exercise caution, especially when travelling through flood-prone areas and along roadways with reduced visibility.

On-site checks at the Liliendaal and Montrose pump stations confirmed that both facilities are fully operational following this morning’s heavy downpour, which also caused flooding along sections of the East Coast Demerara corridor.

Teixeira defends 1-year rule for Commonwealth citizens voting in Guyana

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira has defended the existing legal provision that allows Commonwealth citizens to vote in Guyana after residing in the country for one year, telling the National Assembly that the law is clear and cannot be altered without parliamentary action.

The issue arose during the consideration of the 2026 budget estimates for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), when Opposition Member of Parliament Dr Terrence Campbell questioned whether there was strict compliance with both residency and domicile requirements for Commonwealth citizens being issued identification cards and added to the voters’ list.

In response, Teixeira said the legal framework dates back decades and

forms part of Guyana’s post-independence arrangements.

“If you go back to the legislation… the Commonwealth citizens

would be allowed to vote in Guyana elections if they’ve been here for one year,” the Minister told the House.

She further explained that eligibility is determined through documentary proof. “How do you know what that one year means? One has to check their passport… maybe the stamp or their work permit or whatever they came in with.”

Teixeira rejected suggestions that there was ambiguity in how the provision is interpreted. “The law is very clear. There’s no interpretation to it,” she stated.

During the exchange, Opposition members raised concerns about the distinction between residency and domicile, but in response, Teixeira stated that Guyana’s legal system does not provide for a formal residency regime similar to other jurisdictions.

“We have no residency arrangement in Guyana. There’s no residency re-

quirement,” she said, adding, “Once you are in Guyana and you are living here, and you say you are living here, this is your home – that’s it.”

She further emphasised that officials administering elections cannot deviate from what is set out in the statute.

“They cannot breach the law. They have to follow what the law says until the politicians and the Parliament decide that we want to change the law,” the Minister said.

Pressed on the current operating procedure, Teixeira reiterated, “The law provides for one year. So, one year and registration.”

The exchange formed part of a broader debate on electoral processes and oversight as lawmakers scrutinised the allocations for the Elections Commission ahead of this year’s Local Government Elections.

Berbice duo arrested after discovery of 29 lbs of ganja in boat

A33-year-old construction worker from Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice, and a 34-year-old labourer from Gatetroy, Berbice River, were arrested after 24.9 pounds (lbs) of ganja were found in the vicinity of the Cumberland Koker, East Canje, Berbice, in the early hours of Thursday.

Police stated that the cannabis was discovered at about 00:26h on Thursday during a patrol exercise near Cumberland Koker, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six.

According to reports

received, the ranks observed the two men acting in a suspicious manner close to where a boat was docked. As such, the boat was searched, which led to the discovery of eight parcels wrapped in transparent plastic containing cannabis.

The men and the drugs were taken to the Reliance Police Station, where they were weighed and amounted to 24.9 lbs. Both suspects remain in Police custody pending further investigations and charges. The boat was also confiscated.

Over 2000kg of cocaine intercepted in rice, chemical shipments from Guyana

...likely added

Two separate con-

tainers containing rice and chemicals shipped from Guyana were intercepted in Belgium and Colombia with over 2000 kilograms (kg) of cocaine, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) reported on Thursday.

The drug enforcement body confirmed that these shipments were thoroughly inspected before they departed Guyana’s waters, and at that time, no anomalies or irregularities were detected.

However, preliminary information indicates that the containers were transhipped en route to their final destinations, and as such, CANU stated that it is highly likely that the consignments were contaminated during that process.

The unit, in a release, stated that “This method of exploiting transhipment

in

transhipment process – CANU

points to introduce illicit narcotics is a known tactic used by transnational drug trafficking networks seeking to circumvent security measures at ports of origin.” CANU is currently collaborating closely with its international counterparts as investigations continue.

Speaking with the Guyana Times, Director of the Unit,

James Singh, related that given the sensitive nature of the ongoing enquiries, further details cannot be disclosed at this time.

“We have been notified of seizures, and we continue to work with the authorities in their territories to examine where the containers were contaminated... We are 110% sure that the

containers were rigorously inspected through various means before they left their respective ports... Based on this, we are certain that the drugs were placed into the containers when the ship docked at one of their stops...” Singh explained.

He reiterated the importance of international, regional, and local collaborations to prevent Guyana from becoming a narco-state.

“We have been working with the Guyana Defence Force to dismantle illegal airstrips and teaming up with US, UK, and Caribbean counterparts for major cocaine seizures... Our success rests on cooperation and constant adaptation to shifting drug routes,” he added.

He also pointed to multilateral anti-drug forums and operations such as the Seaport Cooperation Programme, the TransRegional Intelligence

Group, and the United Nations-World Customs Organisation Container Control Programme, which have yielded success for the unit.

On this note, in 2025, Operation ZUES saw CANU collaborate with 31 countries for 51 joint interdictions, destroying 31 illegal airstrips and seizing 3.5 tonnes of cocaine across the region.

In 2025, CANU seized over $443 million worth of illicit drugs following collaborative efforts with key national stakeholders, thus improving information sharing, joint operations, and coordinated responses to drug-related threats.

These include 235.9 kg of cocaine, 726.3 kg of cannabis, 674 grams (g) of ecstasy, 83 g of methamphetamine, and 9.16 g of cannabis products.

The estimated cost

for the seized drugs is $433,973,770: $235.9 million worth of cocaine and $197.7 million worth of cannabis.

This shows that cocaine and cannabis remain the two dominant threats, representing the majority of trafficking attempts into and through Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit remains steadfast in its commitment to combating narcotics trafficking and strengthening cooperation with regional and international partners to dismantle criminal networks.

CANU added that it is actively collaborating with domestic law enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Guyana Police Force, as part of the ongoing investigations into the recent discovery in Belgium and Colombia.

Children light up NCC as national schools’ Mashramani competitions get underway

Laughter, music, and vibrant costumes filled the National Cultural Centre on Thursday as scores of performers and spectators gathered in the theatre for the Ministry of Education’s National Children’s Mashramani Competition 2026 Finale.

From excited children dressed in bright red, gold, and green costumes to nervous performers rehearsing backstage, proud parents and teachers filled the auditorium with flashing cameras and phones in hand to capture every moment of their brave little ones.

The two-day event will feature calypso, dramatic

poetry, and dance, opening with welcoming remarks highlighting the importance of culture, creativity, and unity of Guyanese youth.

The event will culminate on Saturday, February 14, with a grand road parade and costume display through the streets of Georgetown involving nearly 1500 learners and close to 60 entries.

This year’s competition is especially significant as Guyana marks 56 years as a Cooperative Republic. Speakers noted that young participants represent the nation’s future as they blend tradition with modern creativity under the theme “Little Builders

of One Guyana: Learning Together, Shaping a Digital Tomorrow”.

As the competition began, cheers erupted when the first contestant took the stage, setting the tone for an exhilarating showcase of young talent.

In the first event, the 8-10 calypso category, Santa Rosa Primary School of Region One (Barima-Waini) stole the spotlight, winning first place with her captivating and encouraging piece, “Don’t underestimate people like me”. The young performers delivered the song with passion and confidence, earning loud cheers from the audience.

Wismar Primary

School of Region 10 (Upper Demerara - Upper Berbice) followed closely in second place, while Region Three’s (Essequibo Islands - West Demerara) Revon’s Academy claimed third, rounding off an exciting opening segment.

Also featured in the competition, in the 8–10 Dramatic Poetry category, No. 29 Primary School of Region Five secured first place with a powerful and expressive performance that held the audience’s attention. Regma Primary of Region Ten earned second place, while St Angela’s Academy of Georgetown placed third, completing another highly competitive segment of the programme.

Addressing the audience.

Education Minister Sonia Parag encouraged students to embrace their talents and never be ashamed of their creativity but to express themselves.

“You are showcasing as an individual what you are capable of, what your creative side is, and what your talent is. And don’t be shy about it. Don’t ever be shy about your talent and your creativity… Once you are doing something positive and your talent is bringing out that positivity and car-

rying a positive message, you keep going with it. Keep going with it and take the opportunities that you see this Government will put forward,” the Minister encouraged.

She also shared her own childhood experiences as a former participant, reminding students that even the smallest mistakes can become a memorable moment on stage.

The Minister empha-

sised the Government’s commitment to developing Guyana’s “orange economy” by nurturing creative industries such as music, dance, theatre, and craft, allowing young people to turn talent into future careers.

Over the next two days students from all eleven education districts will continue competing in dance leading up to Saturday’s mass parade and costume procession.

Pres Ali announces firearm law reforms, AI-driven policing to tackle crime

President Dr Irfaan Ali, in addressing the backlog in firearm licence applications, related that the current system is unsustainable, with hundreds of appeals clogging the process daily.

The Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces was at the time speaking at the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Annual Officers’ Conference, where he further stated, “Every day, people are applying for a firearm licence. Every day, I have to go through a hundred-plus appeals clogging up the system,” he said.

To ease demand, he announced plans for legislative amendments to allow access to non-lethal but effective weapons as a phased alternative.

“I’ve asked the Minister

of Home Affairs to introduce special amendments to allow for non-lethal but effective weapons to deal with the high demands for firearm licences as a phased approach;”

He also suggested a tiered and graduated system in specific cases.

In addition, the President

outlined plans for artificial intelligence–driven predictive policing, including national crime heat maps and proactive deployment models.

“We don’t want only a highly effective and efficient Police force in response,” he said. “We want a highly effective and efficient Police

Cash cap increased to $6M as Gold Board moves to launch mobile purchasing service

The Guyana Gold Board (GGB) has increased its cash payout limit from $1.5 million to $6 million, and is preparing to roll out mobile gold purchasing units in key mining districts as part of efforts to improve services to miners and strengthen compliance in the sector.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat made the disclosure during consideration of the 2026 Budget Estimates in the National Assembly.

Addressing questions from Opposition Members regarding payment arrangements for gold sales, Bharrat confirmed that the increase was implemented recently.

“Recently, as in a few months back, we would have increased the cash payment by the Guyana Gold Board to $6 million; from $1.5 million to $6 million. So presently, the cash payment is $6 million,” the Minister told the House.

The adjustment comes amid rising gold prices and continued growth in declarations by small- and medium-scale miners. Bharrat

noted that while the increased limit allows for greater cash transactions, purchases exceeding the $6 million threshold will continue to be processed through electronic transfers or cheque payments.

“The remaining amount, if the purchase is more than $6 million, is paid either through electronic transfer directly into the individual bank account or by way of a cheque,” he explained.

The Minister indicated that the decision to raise the limit was informed by operational realities in hinterland regions, where access to banking services can be limited, and miners often prefer immediate liquidity for business operations.

In addition to the revised cash cap, the Gold Board is moving to introduce mobile purchasing services to bring its operations closer to mining communities.

“What we are considering right now at the Guyana Gold Board is to start doing mobile purchases,” Bharrat said, adding that several districts have already been identified for the initiative, including Papisho, Tamaki, Isano and the Fourteen Miles area.

The mobile units are expected to improve accessibility for miners operating in remote locations, reducing the need to travel long distances to fixed Gold Board offices.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of a wider enforcement and compliance drive in the mining sector. Bharrat told the Assembly that the ongoing operation is not intended to displace small miners but to ensure that production and declaration figures align more closely.

“It is not targeting small miners. It is not meant to displace small miners from the subsector. It is to bring greater compliance and ensure that their legal operations and production match the declaration,” he said.

The Minister reported that small- and medium-scale miners declared approximately 317,000 ounces of gold in 2025, describing the figure as significant. He further noted that December recorded a historic monthly declaration of 81,000 ounces, despite the traditionally shorter mining period during the holiday season.

According to Bharrat, the Guyana Gold Board also achieved a milestone in purchases, recording 195,000 ounces for the first time.

The higher cash limit and planned mobile purchases are expected to complement these gains by encouraging miners to transact directly with the Gold Board and remain within the formal system.

During the exchange, Bharrat also clarified that there is currently no shortterm plan to establish a new fixed Gold Board office in Region Ten for 2026, though mobile services will cover parts of that region.

The sums under the Ministry of Natural Resources were subsequently approved as the Committee of Supply continued its review of the 2026 Budget Estimates.

Meanwhile, the measures announced by the Minister signal continued adjustments within the gold sector, as the Government seeks to balance improved services for miners with stronger oversight and regulatory compliance.

force in proactive policing.”

He also announced the development of an electronic crime-reporting platform that will allow citizens to report incidents directly from their mobile phones, with reports automatically routed to the nearest Police outpost.

“In that way, we can track response, and we can track performance,” he said.

On this note, he called for urgent restructuring of the GPF’s public communication systems, warning that weak or unstructured messaging can undermine public trust. “Communication is key to the work of the Guyana Police Force and the success of the Guyana Police.”

He cited international examples where poor communication has fuelled instability and misinformation.

Commending the Force for its performance over the

past five years, President Ali said serious crime has fallen dramatically since 2020. “These are not accidental outcomes,” he said. “They are the product of strong leadership, professional policing, and massive investment.”

According to the data presented, Guyana recorded an average of 2,827 serious crimes annually between 2016 and 2020. That figure fell to 1441 per year between 2021 and 2025, an almost 50 per cent reduction.

Armed robbery dropped from more than 640 cases annually to fewer than 290, while break-and-enter offences declined by approximately 57 per cent.

However, the President said murders, domestic violence, school-based gang activity, and crimes against women remain “unacceptable” and require targeted national intervention.

“We have to deal decisively with domestic violence and every crime against women,” he said.

President Ali disclosed that total expenditure on policing between 2020 and 2025 amounted to approximately $141 billion, including $7.4 billion in capital investment. For 2026, the government has proposed approximately $31.4 billion for the Guyana Police Force. “The government is not sparing any effort,” he said. “Making the country safer requires more than rhetoric. It requires investment.” He concluded by emphasising that public safety is a shared national responsibility involving communities, families, faith-based organisations, and young people. “A safe Guyana will be achieved not only through enforcement alone, but through collective responsibility,” the President said.

“Business as usual” over as GPF urged to lead nation’s security transformation

The nation’s rapid economic rise must be matched by a relentless evolution in law enforcement, according to Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, who delivered remarks on the opening day of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Annual Officers’ Conference on Wednesday.

Walrond made it clear that “business as usual” is no longer an option for a country on a steep developmental trajectory, while acknowledging the “unprecedented national change” sweeping across the country.

From widened infrastructure to a rising international profile, she noted that Guyana’s successes bring new complexities. “We must be honest: growth without security becomes vulnerability,” the Minister declared.

“Development without order becomes instability. National transformation without disciplined, professional enforcement opens doors to organised crime, trafficking networks, corruption, and cyber threats,”

she added.

To counter these threats, she outlined a strategic shift for the Force, moving from reactive responses to a model defined by five core actions: Anticipate, Prevent, Deter, Enforce, and Protect.

A central theme of the Minister’s presentation was the integration of cutting-edge technology, which includes the “Safe City” and “Safe Country” initiatives, pointing to an end to the era of lax enforcement on the country’s roadways.

“The era of lax enforcement ends,” Minister Walrond warned. “Automated systems will be used. Road deaths must come down. That is not negotiable.”

While technology was a highlight, she emphasised that the most decisive asset of the GPF remains its human resources. She further linked individual integrity directly to the stability of the state, noting that when trust between the police and citizens breaks, national security is compromised.

“The most decisive asset of the Guyana Police Force

is not technology or equipment; it is the professionalism, discipline, competence, and integrity of the men and women who wear the uniform. Professionalism is national security.”

Along those lines, the Minister set a “Zero Tolerance” standard for 2026, targeting corruption, bribery, and abuse of power. She urged officers to lead by example, noting that leadership development is a top priority for all ranks this year. As the conference continues, the focus remains on the “Strategic Framework” for 2026. This includes the completion of the state-of-theart Brickdam Police Station and the decentralisation of services like passport processing to ensure every citizen, regardless of location, feels the presence of a modern, responsive state.

The Minister concluded her charge by reminding the officers that they are the guardians of Guyana’s future. The message was clear: as the nation transforms, the Force must not just keep up; it must lead the way.

Major upgrades for Stabroek Market, Bourda Green, city avenues in 2026

– as House clears $2.8B for Georgetown Restoration Initiative

Works to enhance the capital city will continue this year with some $2 billion set aside in Budget 2026 for the rehabilitation of the Stabroek Market and Bourda Green, as well as the enhancement of avenues throughout the city and other major locations.

This sum was part of a $2.84 billion allocation towards the Georgetown Restoration Initiative that was approved by the Parliamentary Committee of Supply on Thursday.

During the consideration of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development’s Budget Estimates, subject Minister Priya Manickchand was grilled by Opposition Members on the budget allocations for the restoration project that seeks to return Georgetown to its former glory.

Included in that sum is $100 million for further improvements to the Transport and Harbours’ old carriageway on Lamaha Street; $200 million for the enhancement of avenues within the city; another $150 million for the rehabilitation of the Municipal Training Council central area; and $35 million for the design and installation of street name signs in Georgetown.

Funds were also allocated for the construction of

Local Government and Regional Development Minister

Priya Manickchand and her team during the scrutiny of the Ministry’s budget estimates on Thursday

greenspaces at West, East, and North Ruimveldt, as well as the completion of the Stabroek Market rehabilitation and the Tiger Bay Multipurpose Court – both of which are rollover projects from last year.

According to Manickchand, these projects are all aimed at enhancing the capital city “so that the residents of Georgetown could live how we said we wanted people to live – comfortably and in a wholesome environment, with good streets and good drainage, and enhanced spaces where their children could enjoy our country, as well as restoring what we know to be the beautiful parts of Georgetown.”

The Minister was then questioned by Opposition

Member Ganesh Mahipaul from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) about a $2 billion allocation, which Manickchand explained will go towards restoration works at the “iconic” Stabroek Market and Bourda Green (Bourda Market).

Of that amount, $74 million is earmarked to continue repairs to the Stabroek Market roof.

“Even as we look to make sure this remains an iconic part of Georgetown...we want vendors who are in there right now and the hundreds of consumers that travel through there not to be wet when it rains... So, we’re continuing to fix the roof at a cost of $74,791,000,” the Minister noted, while adding that this cost could go up given the

CANU launches drug awareness campaign in Region 6 schools amid rising teen-related concerns

The Customs AntiNarcotic Unit (CANU) has launched drug awareness and sensitisation sessions across Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) in response to concerns raised by school administrators about emerging drug trends that may appeal to teenagers.

This initiative forms part of CANU’s ongoing national prevention mandate and community-based engagement strategy aimed at protecting young people from the dangers of illicit substances, including cannabis derivatives, cocaine, ecstasy, and emerging synthetic drugs.

The schools targeted were Crabwood Creek Primary, Skeldon Line Path Secondary, Skeldon High School and Skeldon Primary.

During these sessions, officers addressed the health and legal consequences of drug possession and use; the risks associated with edibles, vapes, and synthetic substances; peer pressure and decision-making skills; identifying early warning signs of drug involvement; and how students can safely report concerns.

Head teachers across the district have expressed growing concern regarding experimentation among adolescents and have formally requested

CANU’s support in strengthening awareness and prevention within their school communities. The Unit views these requests as a proactive step toward safeguarding students and reinforcing protective environments.

In addition to school-based sensitisation, CANU officers have begun conducting public outreach activities within surrounding communities across the Corentyne area. These engagements include informal discussions with residents and parents; distribution of drug awareness materials; guidance on recognising signs of drug activity; and information on how to confidentially report suspicious activity.

Community intelligence remains one of the most effective tools in disrupting drug activ-

ity and protecting vulnerable populations. CANU encourages residents to remain vigilant and actively support prevention efforts.

The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit reaffirms its commitment to reducing both the supply of and demand for illicit drugs through enforcement, education, and early warning mechanisms. Protecting young people remains a national priority, and collaboration between schools, parents, and law enforcement is critical in addressing emerging drug threats.

For further information or to request an outreach session, members of the public may contact CANU directly through our telephone number: +592 226-0431, social media platforms or WhatsApp: +592 6083344.

aged structure.

The contract for the roof repairs was awarded to BM Properties Inc. in November last year; with a March month-end deadline, the House was told that 60 per cent of the work has been completed.

With regard to the Bourda Green restoration project, Manickchand explained that several companies have submitted designs, but no one has been contracted as yet.

Moreover, the Ministry’s budget also contains money for works to be done this year at other markets across the city, including at East Ruimveldt and East La Penitence.

These sums are part of the $36.6 billion approved by the local Government and regional development Ministry: $33 billion for local Government

development, $596 million for policy administration, and $3.2 billion for regional development.

Of those amounts, some $18 billion is budgeted for rehabilitation works at several markets across the country, including at Port Kaituma, Bath, Railway Line Market, Unity, Rose Hall, Port Mourant, Number 79, Lethem, and Plaisance.

“It would complete what the initial scope of work was. However, markets are hubs of economic activity for the people who vend there,” the Minister noted in response to queries about whether this sum would complete these projects. “We want to make sure every market has good sanitary facilities, excellent protection from the weather...”

Further, Manickchand

added that a little over $404 million has also been allocated for Guyana’s first cultural market, which will be executed in three lots.

Meanwhile, the Committee of Supply also approved $2.8 billion to support municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), with municipalities to receive $50 million, and NDCs will get $30 million in subsidies each. The local Government and regional development Ministry also received approval for $5.9 billion for the Solid Waste Disposal Programme, which will see approximately $400 million going towards the Haags Bosch site at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and $150 million for the Lusignan landfill site on the East Coast of Demerara.

42 Region 2 schools set for major overhaul, construction in 2026 – new nursery schools earmarked for Capoey,

Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) is set to benefit from a sweeping expansion of its education infrastructure in 2026, with the Government announcing 42 new school projects alongside four major rollover works, as detailed during the 2026 Budget Consideration of Estimates in the National Assembly on Thursday.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand outlined what she described as a transformative year ahead for the region’s education sector, covering new construction, extensions, rehabilitation, sanitation works, drainage, water systems, electrical upgrades, and improved facilities across nursery, primary, and secondary schools.

The Minister confirmed that four rollover projects will continue this year, which include the construction of new nursery schools at Bethany, Siriki, and Hackney, along with the construction of a duplex living quarter at Friendship Primary. She disclosed that the Siriki Nursery School has already been completed and is currently in use.

“Siriki Nursery, I’m happy to say, is completed and in use. We have 42 new projects where schools across Region Two will either be constructed, rehabilitated, or extended,” the Minister stated.

These include the construction of a new nursery school at Capoey and extensions to Mainstay Lake, Lima, and Onderneeming nursery schools. Duplex living quarters will be constructed at Ulele Primary and Jacklow Primary, while a septic tank will be built at the dormitory of Anna Regina Secondary.

Several schools will benefit from the construction of sanitary facilities, including Hampton Court Nursery, Hackney Primary, Capoey Primary, and Adventure

Siriki, Hackney & Bethany Village

Primary. Rehabilitation works are earmarked for Charity Secondary School, while water trestles will be constructed at Marlborough Primary, Mainstay Lake Primary, Siriki Primary, Anna Regina Secondary, Strong Hope Primary, Bethany Primary, St Monica Primary, and Mashabo Primary.

Kitchen facilities will be constructed at Wakapau, Lillydale, Jacklow, Lima Sands, Tapakuma, Barakara, and Strong Hope primary schools.

Additional works include revetment construction at Martindale Primary; reinforced concrete drains at Better Hope Primary and Marlborough; walkways and sheds at 8th of May Secondary and Wakapau Primary; tarmac works at Abram Zuil Nursery; grill cages for security at Charity Secondary and Aurora; a storeroom at Martindale Primary; and electrical installation works at Huiste Dieren Primary, Better Success Nursery, Ulele Primary, Reliance Nursery, Anna Regina Nursery, and Good Hope Nursery.

Addressing concerns about secondary school capacity, the Minister told the National Assembly that the Cotton Field Secondary School, a major project valued at approximately $2 billion, is ongoing and scheduled for completion by September 2026.

The project is expected to alleviate pressure at Anna Regina Secondary, which currently operates double sessions. The Minister further stated that Kabakaburi and Wakapau are no longer functioning as annexes to Charity Secondary but are being developed as independent secondary schools with their own administration and staff.

“We don’t have Kabakaburi as an annexe anymore. Kabakaburi is a discrete secondary school that is going to

have its own staff, its own administration, its own cleaners, all of that... This is a more wholesome way to educate our secondary-aged children.”

On the issue of teacher training, Manickchand explained that for nearly two decades, Guyana’s trained teacher rate remained stagnant at approximately 60 to 62 per cent, largely because the system was graduating only about 535 teachers annually through the Cyril Potter College of Education.

However, she revealed that with the introduction of online training after COVID-19, graduation numbers increased significantly to just under 2000 teachers per year.

The Minister added that this sharp rise in output has allowed the country to move beyond the long-standing stagnation, pushing the percentage of trained teachers to over 80 per cent, with approximately 98 per cent of educators now either trained or currently in training.

“Ninety-eight per cent of our teachers are trained or in training. So, I heard somebody say 100. It’s never going to be 100 because you take on teachers who don’t yet enter training college until the new term begins. So, there’s a very small two per cent or so that will fall into that category,” the Minister said.

Minister Manickchand also highlighted improvements in student performance nationally, pointing out that the NGSA overall pass rate moved from 37 per cent in 2023 to 70.2 per cent in 2025. She cautioned that matriculation rates were affected by global post-COVID challenges, particularly in Mathematics, but expressed optimism that improvements in infrastructure, teacher training, and universal secondary access would strengthen outcomes in Region Two.

National Music Festival to be developed in 2026 – Min Ramson ...$100M set aside for Int’l Decade of People of African Descent

Plans are moving forward for a National Music Festival in 2026, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport confirmed that the initiative is included in this year’s national budget.

The disclosure was made in the National Assembly by subject Minister Charles Ramson Jr during the consideration of the 2026 estimates when the Minister was questioned about allocations for cultural development and national events.

Responding to queries from opposition parliamentarians during the consideration of the estimates in the 2026 national budget, the Minister explained that a key line item within the Ministry’s budget would fund several cultural initiatives, including the new festival.

“The line caters for the en-

gagement of consultancies for designs for civil works, the development of exhibits for the museums, and the engagement of services for national events. Approximately $100 million is also allocated for the International Decade of People of African Descent.

Additionally, it caters to the development of the National Music Festival as contained in our manifesto,” he told the House.

While specific details regarding the structure, categories, regional qualifiers, or timeline for the festival were not outlined during the exchange, the Minister positioned the initiative within the Ministry’s broader cultural programming and the expansion of national events.

Ramson revealed that the Ministry delivered 87 events across the Government in

2025 alone, involving thousands of young people and cultural performers.

“For example, you would have seen in 2025, we did 87 events across the Government, 87 events,” he said, noting that cultural performances have become a standard feature of Government activities nationwide.

The proposed National Music Festival is also being linked to the Government’s push to strengthen what it describes as the “orange economy”, the creative industries sector encompassing music, arts, and cultural enterprise.

The Minister indicated that a Cabinet Plus Committee has already been established to advance recommendations in that regard, with public consultations expected to inform cultural policy development moving forward.

“In our manifesto, we made the commitment that we’re going to have the development of the orange economy... We have since established a Cabinet Plus Committee... and from there, we will proceed to an elaborate public consultation,” he said.

Although no official launch date has been announced, the inclusion of the National Music Festival within the 2026 estimates signals that the initiative is moving from policy commitment to implementation.

Further details on programming and rollout are expected as the Ministry advances its cultural agenda for the year.

Businesswoman, construction workers busted with ganja during Police operation

Abusinesswoman and two construction workers were taken into custody following the discovery of a quantity of suspected cannabis at the Four Miles Housing Scheme, Bartica, Essequibo River, on Wednesday.

Based on reports received, Police conducted an intelligence-led operation at a residence, during which ranks observed a bag being thrown

over the back fence of the premises. As such, the ranks immediately went to the backyard, where the three individuals were present. However, the bag was retrieved, and upon inspection, a transparent plastic bag with several small Ziploc parcels containing cannabis was found.

The three occupants – a 23-year-old male construc-

New homes, more Govt support to community-based facilities among plans to enhance the lives of senior citizens

The Government is set to expand and modernise elderly care services with plans for a new senior citizens’ home, upgraded facilities, and incentives to support smaller private and community-based care homes in a push to strengthen support systems for the nation’s ageing population.

During the consideration of 2026 budget estimates, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud related that her Ministry is moving to significantly upgrade elderly care nationwide, with plans already underway for the construction of a new, modern senior citizens’ home and the rollout of more innovative and progressive approaches to supporting older persons across the country.

“You will be happy to know that we are constructing a brand-new senior citizens’ home, and that home will have the modern amenities and facilities. We already have a design for it. Further to that, we are looking at a very, very progressive, innovative, and creative way of addressing the needs of senior citizens across the country,” the Minister said.

To top it off, the Minister mentioned that the Government is examining ways to deliver more community-based and homebased care for both elderly persons and children.

She explained that this will be supported through a co-investment model aimed at equipping individuals with the resources needed to establish and operate small care facilities within their communities.

care through the Women’s Innovation Investment Network.”

Meanwhile, Opposition Members of Parliament questioned the allocation for building maintenance under the Human Services and Social Security Ministry.

In response, the Minister explained that the requested funds are intended to support the upscaling and upgrading of buildings under the Ministry’s responsibility, including facilities that provide care and social services. She indicated that the works form part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality and capacity of service delivery across the sector.

“Mr Speaker, we are looking at several buildings that fall under the Ministry, notably the one at Corn Hill and Water Streets. That is one of the main buildings providing services to persons, notably pensioners and persons with disabilities. It’s a very old building, and there are a number of repairs that have to be done, such as repairs to the ceiling and roof, wallboards, and repainting, because we have leakages in some parts of the building,” Dr Persaud stated.

She further outlined that the Palms Geriatric Home, being a very old facility, continues to face persistent structural and maintenance challenges, prompting a broad programme of rehabilitation works.

lighted that attention is being given to staff welfare, with improvements planned for working conditions. These include repairs to toilets, pipes, and other plumbing systems used by employees. Across multiple blocks, damaged floor tiles will be replaced, and washrooms rehabilitated as part of the overall upgrade.

In addition, several structural elements will be addressed, including the replacement of damaged windows and doors throughout the facility. She stressed that due to the age of the Palms, maintenance is an ongoing necessity, and the planned interventions represent only part of a continuing effort to keep the institution safe, functional, and better suited to the needs of its residents and staff.

“And here again, because of the age of the building – being a very, very old building that predates all of us here – we have very old wiring in some parts. So we have to redo all of the defective or unsafe electrical systems. We’re also looking at the kitchen at the Palms and doing plumbing, carpentry, and electrical works there, as well as repairs to wallboards, doors, and windows. We’re doing this in several areas of the Palms,” she said.

tion worker from Three Miles, Bartica; a 25-year-old male construction worker from Three Miles, Bartica; and a 35-year-old female businesswoman from Four Miles Housing Scheme, Bartica –were arrested and escorted to the Bartica Police Station. Whilst there, the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 288 grams. They remain in custody pending charges.

“We are looking at how we can provide community- and home-based care for elders and children. In the communities, we are going to be working through the co-invest model and equipping persons with the necessary resources to have some of these smaller facilities in their communities, doing several things – providing care, providing employment, and giving entrepreneurship opportunities. In addition to that, we have already laid the groundwork because we have trained a number of persons, in fact, hundreds of persons, in elder and patient

She explained that the building’s electrical system is outdated, with ageing wiring that now requires targeted repairs and upgrades. Planned works include the replacement and repair of electrical switches and outlets to improve safety and reliability.

Dr Persaud noted that the scope of works goes beyond electrical upgrades and includes expansion and reconfiguration within the compound. Two new specialised units are being established – one dedicated to senior citizens and another designed specifically for persons living with disabilities. Areas within the building are being repaired and converted to make these units functional and properly equipped.

The Minister also high-

Meanwhile, the Minister said the Night Shelter is also among the facilities slated for continued upgrades, noting that its condition in 2020 was “very, very deplorable.” She explained that between 2020 and 2025, significant rehabilitation works were undertaken to improve the environment for occupants.

“We’ve done significant work to improve the Night Shelter because we can’t keep people who are indigent or homeless in conditions that are not suitable,” she said, adding that further works will continue.

According to the Minister, investments have already been made to enhance the overall facility, with additional upgrades planned for ceilings, walls, and flooring. Repairs are also being carried out to electrical wiring, switches, outlets, washrooms, and sinks to ensure safer and more humane conditions.

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Venezuela’s PDVSA offers expanded oil areas to jointventure partners, sources say

Venezuela’s state-run oil company PDVSA is in talks with many of its joint-venture partners to offer them expansions to the oilfields their projects have assigned, three sources with knowledge of the matter said, a move that could contribute to increased crude and gas output and exports.

Venezuela’s National Assembly in late January approved a sweeping reform of the country’s main oil law, granting foreign oil companies autonomy to operate, export and cash sale proceeds even if they remain as minority partners in joint ventures with PDVSA.

The reform gave Venezuela’s oil Ministry, PDVSA, and its business partners six months to renegotiate their joint projects’ terms, which has accelerated talks for the area expansions, two of the sources said.

Most areas on offer are near the oilfields PDVSA’s partners currently participate in. The state company and the oil Ministry are offering them simultaneously to different companies, expecting to receive and compare proposals received before finally awarding them, one of the sources added.

PDVSA did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The companies in talks with PDVSA include US and European firms currently operating in the country, the sources said. (Reuters)

Kim Jong-un close to naming teenage daughter as future North Korean leader, South believes

South Korea’s spy agency has told lawmakers it believes the teenage daughter of Kim Jong-un, the North Korean dictator, is close to being designated as the country’s future leader, as Kim moves to extend the family dynasty to a fourth generation.

The assessment by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) comes as North Korea is preparing to hold its biggest political conference later this month, where Kim is expected to outline his main policy goals for the next five years and take steps to tighten his authoritarian grip.

In a closed-door briefing, NIS officials said they were closely monitoring whether Kim’s daughter, believed to be called Kim Ju-ae and about 13 years old, would appear with him before thousands of delegates at the Workers’ Party congress, said Lee Seong Kweun, a lawmaker who attended the meeting.

Ju-ae first appeared in public at a long-range missile test in November 2022 and has since accompanied her father to an increasing number of events, including weapons tests, military parades and factory openings. She travelled with him to Beijing last September for Kim’s first summit with Xi Jinping in six years, on the side-lines of a Second World War memorial event.

Speculation about her political future intensified last month when she joined her parents on a New Year’s Day visit to Pyongyang’s Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, a sacred family mausoleum displaying the embalmed bodies of her late grandfather and great-grandfather, the country’s first- and second-generation leaders. Some experts saw the visit as the clearest sign yet that she was being positioned as heir to her 42-year-old father. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

B’dos: DLP leader steps down after 3rd “redwash”

Democratic Labour Party (DLP) President Ralph Thorne indicated he was stepping down from the leadership of the party following its third successive 30–nil seat loss to the Barbados Labour Party (BLP).

He said, “I want to say that the party came back after the obvious difficulties of two years ago. We came back, and we fought together… I think we came out looking quite well. The result, as I said, is disappointing, but this party is very resourceful in going forward… This is a democratic organisation. I do not write political will, and a new leader will emerge, I’m sure, in the fullness of time.”

In 2018 and 2022, the DLP suffered 30–nil defeats to the BLP, which swept the polls in unprecedented victories.

“We fought the good fight, we finished the course, we kept our faith, and we go forward. This party goes forward

with the faith that what we do is well done here, and I also want to thank the Democratic Labour Party. I have had

amazing comradeship around here, certainly within the team, a group of young men and young women who made for a good group dynamic. We had an excellent group dynamic. When you saw us in public, and even here tonight, expressing affection, often it was quite genuine affection. So I want to thank the party for being a good party, and its work must continue.”

Thorne’s tenure as DLP leader was marked by internal dissent that boiled over into public controversy ever since his dramatic decision to cross the floor from the Government backbench and assume the role of leader of the opposition as the sole non-Government member of the House of Assembly. (Excerpt from Barbados Today)

T&T: Blue Wave Harmony cleared for inter-island service

The Blue Wave Harmony cargo vessel has been cleared to return to inter-island service, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT) confirmed yesterday.

The second-hand vessel has been deemed fit for sea after international classification surveyors inspected and certified all repair works, ensuring it met all required international safety and regulatory standards.

PATT noted that before entering full commercial operations, the vessel will conduct final sea trials with cargo, including heavy goods, construction materials, dangerous goods, and livestock. The Blue Wave Harmony was scheduled to depart Port-of-Spain at 14:00h and Scarborough at 23:00h yesterday.

Once fully operational, PATT said, the vessel is expected to boost freight and passenger capacity on the sea bridge, operating alongside the Buccoo Reef, APT James, and the Galleons Passage.

While Opposition Senator Melanie Roberts-Radgman welcomed the news, she criticised the Government for what she described as its dismissive attitude toward Tobagonians during the vessel’s downtime. She also called out the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) for remaining silent on the issue.

“We are struggling on the island, and we now have a Chief Secretary who, maybe for political expediency, has

been silent on the matter,” Roberts-Radgman said. “A fully functioning inter-island

sea bridge is an essential service for Tobago – we cannot survive without it.”

She added that key sectors in Tobago, including tourism, goods, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing, had been severely affected during the disruption.

“Shelves have been emptied, and even KFC outlets have been without sandwiches because goods were stuck in Trinidad,” she said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John rejected

claims that the inter-island sea bridge had been crippled. “The PNM Opposition are deluded and desperate, appearing to mislead the public with misinformation,” John said. “At no time has the inter-island sea bridge been crippled. All state agencies responsible for the sea bridge have been fully engaged in managing available resources and ensuring timely communication with the public. Supply always exceeded demand.” (Trinidad Guardian)

Reflect, reveal and revise. You are overdue for an overhaul. Consider what’s dragging you down and the type of pick-me-up you require to jump-start your enthusiasm.

You may need to use brute force to complete a job or fulfill your promises. Positive change comes with the ability to do the right thing at the right moment.

A change is not always the answer. Before you move on, make sure to tidy up loose ends. Carrying the burden of the past will prevent you from giving your all to something new and exciting.

Gather information until you are sure you can make the best possible choice for you and those you love. Do what works best for you, and don’t feel obligated to compensate for someone else’s poor choices.

The movers and shakers will attract your attention. Try not to get wrapped up in someone’s pie-in-the-sky ideas. You can be enthusiastic without contributing.

SUDOKU

Socialising, love and romance are all on the rise. If you use your imagination, you can turn something you do into a magical memory. Personal and lifestyle changes will enrich your life.

Mixed emotions regarding your living arrangements will surface. Put your energy into fixing up your place or moving elsewhere. An event that allows you to promote what you can do will lead to something you least expect.

Stay calm, stick close to home and relax and rejuvenate. The time you spend analyzing the past and present will help you make better choices moving forward.

Spend money only on necessities. Refuse to pay for someone else or to squander on indulgences you don’t need. An impulsive decision will lead to regret. Live up to your word and avoid backlash.

Share your thoughts and feelings, and you’ll find out where you stand. The input you receive will be very telling as to what other people think you can do.

Get in the groove and make things happen. If you want something, do your part to ensure it is accomplished. Let compassion set the mood. An open heart and a helping hand can do wonders.

Set the pace and focus on your goal. An open mind and a clear sense of what you want to achieve will help you complete your plans. Challenges can be addressed with honesty and fair play.

In only their second World Cup outing, Italy claimed a clinical first win, silencing a largely Nepal-supporting crowd in Mumbai. After the bowlers restricted Nepal effectively on a worn surface, Italy’s opening pair, the Sydneyraised brothers Justin and Anthony Mosca, rampaged to the target on their own, both notching half-centuries to seal victory with more than seven overs to spare.

Nepal, having run England so close in their opening match, came in as the favoured side – in terms of both their pedigree at global events and the backing in the stands. But they struggled to get going with the bat after being inserted, with Aasif Sheikh’s 27 off 24 being the top score of an underpowered effort. Italy’s spin attack was superb, with Crishan Kalugamage,

aaa

Nepal (20 ovs maximum)

Kushal Bhurtel c J Mosca

b Ali Hasan 5

Aasif Sheikh † st †Meade

b BAD Manenti 20

Rohit Paudel (c) c Stewart

b Kalugamage 23

Dipendra Singh

Airee b Kalugamage 17

Aarif Sheikh c Campopiano

b Smuts 27

Lokesh Bam c AJ Mosca

b BAD Manenti 3

Gulsan Jha c HJ Manenti

b Kalugamage 3

Karan KC not out 18

Nandan Yadav run out

(J Mosca/†Meade) 0

Sandeep Lamichhane c HJ

Manenti b Jaspreet Singh 5 Lalit Rajbanshi run out

(HJ Manenti) 0

Extras (w 2) 2

Total 19.3 Ov (RR: 6.30) 123

Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Kushal Bhurtel, 1.6 ov), 2-49 (Rohit Paudel, 6.6 ov), 3-49 (Aasif Sheikh, 7.2 ov), 4-93 (Dipendra Singh Airee, 13.5 ov), 5-96 (Lokesh Bam, 14.4 ov),

Ben Manenti and JJ Smuts claiming combined figures of 6 for 49 from their 12 overs. Needing to score a little more than a run a ball, Italy were in no mood to get bogged down. Anthony Mosca hammered his second ball for a towering six over midwicket, and, after a slower start, Justin soon joined his brother in targeting the boundary. Justin was the first to 50, from 37 balls, with Anthony bringing up the milestone from just 28 balls with another blazing slog-sweep moments later. It was Anthony who completed the Italian job with a single into the covers to spark jubilation on the side-lines.

Moscas run riot

The Wankhede is used to dominant displays from a team in blue, but few would have expected such a thrash-

6-100 (Aarif Sheikh, 15.4 ov), 7-102 (Gulsan Jha, 16.3 ov), 8-102 (Nandan Yadav, 16.5 ov), 9-123 (Sandeep Lamichhane, 19.1 ov), 10-123 (Lalit Rajbanshi, 19.3 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Ben Manenti 4-0-9-2 Ali Hasan 3-0-34-1 JJ Smuts 4-0-22-1

Grant Stewart 3-0-32-0

Crishan Kalugamage 4-0-18-3

Jaspreet Singh 1.3-0-8-1

Italy (T: 124 runs from 20 ovs)

Justin Mosca not out 60

Anthony Mosca not out 62

Extras (lb 2) 2

Total 12.4 Ov (RR: 9.78) 124/0

Did not bat: JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (c), Marcus Campopiano, Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, GianPiero Meade †, Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan

Bowling O-M-R-W

Karan KC 2-0-21-0

Dipendra Singh Airee 3.4-0-24-0

Lalit Rajbanshi 1-0-19-0

Sandeep Lamichhane 3-0-31-0

Nandan Yadav 1-0-12-0

Kushal Bhurtel 2-0-15-0

ing to be handed out by the Azzurri. Not least because they came into this match without their captain, Wayne Madsen, and having suffered a heavy defeat to Scotland in their opening match in Kolkata. Nepal, meanwhile, are looking to record their third win in T20 World Cups – and first since 2014.

Given their strengths, Nepal might have fancied their chances defending a low total on the same surface where spin played such a key role in Wednesday’s game between West Indies and England – but any such thoughts were quickly dispelled. Anthony Mosca, the elder brother, was particularly brutal in taking apart an experienced Nepal attack, while both openers used the crease intelligently to target scoring opportunities.

Having needed a few balls to get in, Justin Mosca took 14 off Karan KC’s second over, then the brothers traded sixes off Lalit Rajbanshi’s only over to raise Italy’s 50 at the end of the fourth over. Even the early introduction of Nepal’s trump card, legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane, could not slow the Moscas’ advance, as Anthony cleared long-off and then dragged past short fine leg to leave Italy at 68 for 0 at the end of the powerplay.

Record stand seals deal

From there, with 56 required off 84, the Mosca brothers could tick along towards individual milestones – and by reaching the target in tandem, they recorded the highest partnership between siblings in all T20 internationals, beating the 119 added by Kathryn and Sarah Bryce for Scotland against the Netherlands at the 2019 Women’s T20 World Cup qualifier.

Italy’s victory was a family affair, with Harry Manenti – younger brother of Ben – standing in for the injured Madsen as captain. “Our goal was always to compete at this level,” Harry said afterwards. “We

Mosca brothers star as Italy dismantle Nepal for 1st World Cup win

didn’t quite nail it the other day [against Scotland], but we showed the world what we’ve got.”

Italy keep it tight T20 isn’t the format that naturally lends itself to catenaccio – the famed Italian approach to football which is focused on defence – but

Paudel then got the crowd on their feet with sixes off JJ Smuts and Grant Stewart, as they ended the powerplay in better shape on 46 for 1.

However, Italy returned to spin and reapplied the defensive press. Paudel was dismissed in Kalugamage’s first over, hooking a googly to long-on, and two balls

Italy went about restricting Nepal superbly after opting to bowl first. The surface was the same as that used for the West Indies’ win over England the night before, and

stroke-making looked to be a challenge as Ben Manenti started with a maiden over to Kushal Bhurtel.

later both set batters were gone: Aasif Sheikh overbalanced against Manenti’s arm ball, leaving his toe on the line as Gian-Piero Meade whipped off the bails.

Spinners maintain stranglehold A hard-running partnership of 44 off 39 ensued between Aarif Sheikh and Dipendra Singh Airee. Just three boundaries were scored between the end of the powerplay and the fifth ball of the 18th over as Nepal scrambled to get a score on the board. Airee had helped take down Adil Rashid as they gave England a scare, but he struggled for timing this time around before being bowled by Italy’s legspinner, Kalugamage, smuggling another googly through the gap to hit off stump.

That triggered a disastrous collapse, from 93 for 3 to 102 for 8. Lokesh Bam hauled Ben Manenti to deep midwicket, Aarif Sheikh picked out deep backward square leg off Smuts, and Kalugamage bagged a third when Gulsan Jha holed out to long-on. Some shoddy running did for Nandan Yadav. Karan KC nailed the returning Hasan for six and four to briefly re-energise the Nepali support in the stands, but two wickets in three balls at the start of the 19th saw them bowled out short of their allocation.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Bhurtel took eight balls to get off the mark, found the boundary with his ninth and then was dismissed from his tenth, miscued a slash off Ali Hasan straight to cover point. Nepal were 10 for 1 after three overs but got going with Aasif Sheikh picking up back-to-back boundaries in Hasan’s second over.

Kishan, Hardik, spinners hand India record win against Namibia

Ishan Kishan set things up with a 20ball half-century, and Hardik Pandya made a 27ball half-century and picked up two wickets. Varun Chakravarthy took three wickets in his first 10 balls.

India posted a total of over 200 and didn’t let Namibia get anywhere near. Their 93-run win was their biggest in T20 World Cups.

And yet, because of the expectations India have carried into this tournament and the scrutiny that follows them everywhere, this match was also about all the things they didn’t do.

When Kishan was taking Namibia’s seamers apart, 300 was not an unrealistic possibility. When Hardik was at the crease, 240 seemed on the cards.

That they only made 209 was down mainly to one man. Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus, bowling off-spin with the widest imaginable range of release points – high-arm and round-arm, sometimes from well behind the bowling crease – made the most of a Delhi pitch with just a bit of grip in it to take 4 for 20 from his four overs. This included two in his final over, the 19th, which also featured a run-out. And that was over, beginning a late and only partially explicable collapse from India, who lost five for four off the last 11 balls of their innings.

For the most part, it was normal service for India against an Associate team.

But Erasmus and that late collapse briefly brought the contest to life and perhaps gave India’s future opponents – including Pakistan, who face them on Sunday and have an artful roundarm spinner of their own – a few ideas.

Samson’s cameo kicks things off

With a stomach bug ruling out Abhishek Sharma, who had been discharged from hospital on the eve of the match, a door reopened for Sanju Samson. He began his World Cup debut with a flurry of effortless hits – three sixes and a crisp drive for four over extra cover – before falling for 22 off 8, chipping a Ben Shikongo slower ball straight to deep midwicket.

It was brief, exhilarating, and ultimately told us

SCOREBOARD

India (20 ovs maximum)

Ishan Kishan † c Shikongo b Erasmus 61

Sanju Samson c Steenkamp

b Shikongo 22

Tilak Varma c Smit

b Erasmus 25

Suryakumar Yadav (c) st †Green b Scholtz 12

Hardik Pandya c sub (DO Leicher) b Erasmus 52

Shivam Dube run out

(Shikongo/Erasmus) 23

Rinku Singh c Erasmus b Smit 1

Axar Patel b Erasmus 0 Varun Chakravarthy not out 1 Arshdeep Singh run out (Kruger/†Green) 2

Extras (lb 1, w 9) 10

Total 20 Ov (RR: 10.45) 209/9

Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Sanju Samson, 1.6 ov), 2-104 (Ishan Kishan, 7.1 ov), 3-120 (Suryakumar Yadav, 10.1 ov), 4-124 (Tilak Varma, 11.5 ov), 5-205 (Hardik Pandya, 18.2 ov), 6-205 (Shivam Dube, 18.3 ov), 7-206 (Axar Patel, 18.6 ov), 8-206 (Rinku Singh, 19.3 ov), 9-209 (Arshdeep Singh, 19.6 ov)

Bowling

Ruben Trumpelmann

Ben Shikongo

O-M-R-W

4-0-38-0

3-0-41-1 JJ Smit

4-0-50-1

1-0-18-0

Max Heingo

Gerhard Erasmus 4-0-20-4

Bernard Scholtz

4-0-41-1

Namibia (T: 210 runs from 20 ovs)

Louren Steenkamp b Varun 29

Jan Frylinck c Dube b Arshdeep Singh 22 Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton c Patel b Varun 13

Gerhard Erasmus (c) c Tilak Varma b Patel 18

JJ Smit b Varun 0 Zane Green † hit wicket b Dube 11

Malan Kruger c Bumrah b Patel 5

Ruben Trumpelmann b Bumrah 6 Bernard Scholtz c Patel b Pandya 4 Ben Shikongo lbw b Pandya 0

Max Heingo not out 0 Extras (b 1, nb 3, w 4) 8

Total 18.2 Ov (RR: 6.32) 116

Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Jan Frylinck, 3.4 ov), 2-67 (Louren Steenkamp, 7.1 ov), 3-86 (Jan Nicol LoftieEaton, 9.2 ov), 4-86 (JJ Smit, 9.4 ov), 5-88 (Gerhard Erasmus, 10.1 ov), 6-94 (Malan Kruger, 12.3 ov), 7-111 (Ruben Trumpelmann, 16.4 ov), 8-116 (Bernard Scholtz, 17.3 ov), 9-116 (Ben Shikongo, 17.4 ov), 10-116 (Zane Green, 18.2 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Hardik Pandya 4-0-21-2 Arshdeep Singh 3-0-36-1 Shivam Dube 2.2-0-11-1 Jasprit Bumrah 4-0-20-1 Varun Chakravarthy 2-0-7-3 Axar Patel 3-1-20-2

nothing new. Samson plays a high-variance style at the top of the order, and of late his trigger movement –

powerplay in a T20 World Cup game – and brought up their 100 in 6.5 overs – no team has got to that mark

which takes him deep into his crease and leg-side of the ball – has been getting him into early trouble. He adopted the same trigger in this game, whether he was striking the ball sweetly or being dismissed off a shot he didn’t fully commit to.

Kishan tears into Namibia’s left-armers Namibia have a pair of left-arm quicks in Ruben Trumpelmann and JJ Smit, who can put big teams in trouble on their day. This wasn’t their day; their angle and lengths kept feeding Kishan’s leg-side repertoire, and he took both bowlers apart while rushing to 61 off 24.

India were 86 for 1 after six overs – their biggest

nings lull behind them, scoring 65 from overs 14 to 18. And when Erasmus brought himself back in the 19th, it seemed like he was taking a massive risk, bowling offspin against two set batters with fearsome end-overs records. Hardik pulled the first ball of that over for his fourth six, bringing up his fifty and India’s 200.

The next ball could have gone for six too, only for substitute fielder Dylan Leicher to take a spectacular running, juggling, in-out-in catch on the deep square leg boundary.

Pandemonium ensued. Dube was run out in a mixup with Rinku Singh. Axar Patel played all around Erasmus’ final delivery, a slow, low-arm grubber. The collapse continued through the final over with Smit – who, along with Trumpelmann, bowled superbly at the death, both nailing their yorkers with a high degree of efficiency – which brought three runs and two wickets.

This was still a daunting total, but imagine the look on Namibia’s face if you’d told them they’d only be chasing 210 when Kishan was blazing away.

Varun seals the win

They did a good enough job for Namibia to start the eighth over at 67 for 1. Then Varun struck with his first ball, ripping a wrong’un through Steenkamp, bringing a hefty dose of perspective to anyone who might have harboured visions of an upset.

By the time he had bowled ten balls, he had taken three wickets, and the contest was effectively over. Erasmus was still there on the burning deck, having slog-swept Axar for a pair of sixes in the ninth over, but the left-arm spinner had his revenge in his next over, and that was pretty much it.

Zane Green and Trumpelmann dragged the game deeper with a seventh-wicket stand of 17 off 27 balls, but once Jasprit Bumrah – playing his first match of the tournament after recovering from illness – ended it with a pinpoint yorker, the end was swift, with Hardik topping off an excellent evening with wickets off successive balls in the 18th over.

Left-right openers Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp looked briefly impressive, both hitting flurries of boundaries off Arshdeep Singh – who went for 36 in three powerplay overs – before falling in the 20s.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Kitty Square Mall National U-16 chess championships set

for Sunday

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) continues its calendar of tournaments with the Kitty Square Mall-sponsored National U16 Rapid Chess Championship, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Christ Church Secondary School, with games starting at 09:00h.

The tournament features a seven-round Swiss System format. The time control is 15 minutes plus a five-second increment per move. Eligible players – those under age 16 or born after January 1, 2010 – will compete for the National Rapid Chess Championship titles in both the Open and Girls categories.

From seasoned champions vying for the top spot to newcomers eager to learn, this tournament brings together the very best of Guyana’s junior chess community.

for the crown are reigning National U14 Champion Abel Fernandez Ciria, National U12 Champion Aiden Tinne, and former U12 Champion Jeremy Cole, alongside Vir Narine, Aiden Tinnie, Arush Ramnarine, Aquilani Swaminadha, Julian Mohabir, and Javier Davenand, among others.

With Woman Candidate Master Aditi Joshi’s participation unconfirmed due

In the highly anticipated Open category, Candidate Master Sachin Pitamber returns for a final stand in the U16 division to defend his title. A talented field of challengers awaits him, including the Zhang siblings (Alexander and Nicholas), Alek UbaldoSingh, and Rafael Park.

Also joining the hunt

to scheduling conflicts, the National U16 Girls’ title is wide open. Leading the charge are reigning girls’ champions Kataleya Sam (U14) and Divya Persaud (U12). They will face a deep pool of talent, including skilled competitors Rebha Lachhman, Emma John, Lusianna Farlot, and Angelina Yhap.

Other talented girls are Amaya Sharma, Sana Sreebalakumar, Rachel Raghunandan, Madison Daniels, Chelsea Harrison, Axela Viera, Maya Ali, and Saura Ruplall, among others.

Trophies will be awarded to the top five finishers in both the Open and Girls categories. Additionally, medals will be presented to the top U14, U12, and U10 players in each division.

Registration is now open for U16 players at www.guyanachess.gy (see “Scheduled Events”). Entry fees are $1200 for GCF members and $2000 for non-members. Please ensure all payments are completed via MMG no later than Friday, February 14.

The GCF extends its profound gratitude to Kitty Square Mall for its sponsorship and unwavering commitment to the development of chess in Guyana as we nurture the next generation of great chess players.

The federation also wishes to extend sincere appreciation to Christ Church Secondary School for providing the venue for the competition.

For more information on the GCF or how to become a member, visit our official website at guyanachess.gy

Linden Technical snatches 2-1 victory over CPCE

Linden Technical Institute (LTI) secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) in the fifth game of the Modec Tertiary Football Tournament at the Bayroc National Stadium on Wednesday.

The action-packed encounter saw LTI take an early lead in the ninth minute when Darnell Profit found the back of the net, setting the tone for a competitive first half. Despite pressure from CPCE, the hosts maintained their advantage until the second half.

The decisive goal came in the 56th minute, with Krishtian Louis doubling Linden Technical’s lead, giving them a crucial cushion. CPCE fought valiantly to stay in contention, and Trevon George pulled one back in the 70th minute, but it was not enough to salvage a point.

The match was not without disciplinary action, as CPCE’s Snerrai Daniels received a yellow card in the 66th minute.

With this victory, Linden Technical continues to build momentum in the tournament, while CPCE will look to bounce back in their next fixtures.

The Modec Tertiary Tournament action contin-

ues on February 14, with Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre (LT&VTC) facing Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI) at 11:00h, also at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Fans can expect more thrilling football as teams battle for supremacy in this year’s tournament.

National Sport Policy complete, awaiting Cabinet’s approval for publication –Ramson Jr

...confirms Cultural Policy a work in progress

FTConsistency is key to Windies’ success – Hope

cricket.

“It’s very important for us to play the best cricket we can on the day, every single time we turn up,” he said. “It’s not like a bilateral series where you can go one down and then come back. You have to execute as precisely as you can, especially from the start.”

ollowing a 33-run victory over England on Wednesday in their group, West Indies captain Shai Hope is confident that with consistency among the players, the team will be a force to be reckoned with in the ongoing T20 World Cup. With momentum on their side, the Caribbean side now prepares to face Nepal on Sunday at 01:30h, with another victory likely to secure a place in the Super 8.

Captain Shai Hope emphasised the importance of consistency in tournament

Hope highlighted the need to stay focused on the present rather than past results. “I always talk about learning from the past. The results we’ve had previously, we can’t necessarily control. Now we’ve got to focus on what’s in front of us. It’s just nice to get two wins in our first two games, and the aim is to continue that trend.”

A standout performer against England was Sherfane Rutherford, whose batting made a significant impact. “Sherfane has always been a hard worker, very diligent with his preparation,” Hope said.

“He would bat from the start of the session all the way through if he’s working on something. It’s great to see that hard work pays off and him making an impact today.”

Hope also praised the team’s broader batting contributions. “It’s very good to see the batters putting their hands up,” he added. With confidence rising, the West Indies look to maintain their momentum against Nepal. But as Hope stresses, in World Cup cricket, every game demands full focus and precise execution.

he long-anticipated National Sport Policy is complete and is now awaiting Cabinet approval before it can be officially published, according to Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr.

Speaking on the Ministry’s legislative agenda, Ramson explained that while both the sport and cultural policies were finalised in 2025, a decision was taken to delay publication due to the proximity of the elections.

“In 2025 the Ministry completed both the cultural policy as well as the sports policy. The decision not to have them published was based on the fact that we were leading up to the elections, and the Cabinet felt it should come thereafter,” the Minister stated.

With the new year underway, the Ministry is now preparing to move forward with the official release of the National Sport Policy. According to Ramson, the document is fully prepared and only requires final Cabinet vetting and approval before publication.

“What we are ready to publish right now in the year 2026 is the sport policy. So that is ready for publication on Cabinet’s approval. So, it has to be vetted, but we are ready for that to be published,” he said.

The Minister noted that

there is no additional substantive work remaining on the sport policy beyond completing public consultations. Once that process concludes and Cabinet grants approval, the policy will be formally released.

The Cultural Policy, however, will require further development this year. Although work began previously, the Minister indicated that additional input from stakeholders and the public will shape the final framework.

“What is going to be worked on is what the honourable member has asked; it’s the Cultural Policy,” Ramson explained. “There will be work to be done on the cultural policy this year.”

He emphasised that recommendations gathered from public consultations will form the foundation of the updated cultural framework, ensuring that the document reflects the views and priorities of citizens and industry stakeholders.

The development of both policies forms part of the government’s broader commitment to strengthening the country’s “orange ”economy” – the creative and cultural industries that contribute to economic growth, job creation, and national identity.

Once approved, the National Sport Policy is expected to provide strategic

direction for infrastructure development, athlete support, governance standards, and youth engagement in sport. Meanwhile, the forthcoming Cultural Policy will aim to expand opportunities within the creative sector and further formalise support systems for artists and cultural practitioners. With the sport policy now poised for release, attention is expected to shift toward completing consultations and finalising the cultural framework in the months ahead.

Bayroc National Stadium

CYouth, and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr was on Wednesday evening grilled on its budgetary allocation for 2026, during which he told the National Assembly that the recently commissioned Bayroc National Stadium in Region 10 will be operated similarly to the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, which comprises a full staff complement.

“For the operation of the Bayroc National Stadium, there is an already approved entire organogram of employment personnel who will be there full time,” the Minister said. “So in the next two weeks or so, expect to see a lot of movements in relation to that, just as there are at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. So you will have a full employment operation there to maintain and run the Bayroc National Stadium.”

The move signals the Government’s intention

to receive full-time staff – Min Ramson

...says Mackenzie, Anna Regina to open soon

not only to construct modern sporting facilities but also to ensure their longterm sustainability through dedicated staffing and management systems. The Bayroc National Stadium is expected to serve as a key venue for sporting events and community activities.

will also be a national stadium, we expect the facility to be ready just around maybe April or so. “We only have one major project outstanding, so in April, weather dependent, we should be ready to open,” he stated.

The anticipated opening of the Mackenzie Stadium is expected to boost sporting development in Linden and surrounding communities, providing upgraded infrastructure for athletes and sporting associations.

um next month.

Additionally, the Minister disclosed that four

“Let me just make this

Ramson, however, provided an update on the Mackenzie Stadium, which will also be designated a national stadium. He indicated that the facility is nearing completion, with only one major project remaining.

“In relation to the Mackenzie Stadium that

other stadiums are slated to open, including several indoor facilities aimed at broadening the country’s sporting capacity. More immediately, residents of Anna Regina can look forward to the commissioning of their own national stadi-

7 races to headline Phagwah horse racing meet at Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club

Excitement will return to the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club, East Berbice Corentyne, on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

A grand one-day horse race meet is set to entertain horse lovers, and the organisers listed seven races on the provisional programme with more than G$8 million in cash and prizes.

The feature event on the day’s card is the Phagwah Cup, which is open to all horses in Guyana, running at a distance of ap-

proximately nine furlongs for a winner’s purse of G$2,000,000 and a trophy.

There is a race for H Class horses, which will see the winner claiming G$450,000 and a trophy at a distance of seven furlongs. The three-year-old Guyana-bred Maiden event will see the winner walking away with G$350,000 and a trophy in the six-furlong event.

The J Class 7-furlong race has a pole position of G$350,000 and a trophy. The race for K Class and

lower horses carries a winning purse of G$350,000 over six furlongs.

There is also an event for L Class maiden horses, which will see the animals racing for a top purse of G$350,000 and a trophy, running at six furlongs. The event will be held using the rules of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club.

Interested persons can contact the executive of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club for further details.

Race time is 12:30h local time.

announcement that next

month, in the month of March, Anna Regina, get ready – we’re about to open the national stadium for Anna Regina too, and it’s a fantastic facility that is being developed there, and for the people of Anna Regina, they will be excited,” Ramson declared.

“We are going to be opening all five stadiums this year; we have already done one (Bayroc National Stadium), we have four more to go, and there is a likelihood of at least opening two more indoor facilities,” the Minister dis-

closed.

The flurry of openings forms part of the Government’s broader push to strengthen sports infrastructure nationwide, promote youth development, and position Guyana as a competitive host for regional and international sporting events.

With multiple facilities nearing completion and full staffing arrangements underway, the coming months are expected to mark a significant expansion in the country’s sporting landscape.

Motie’s new variation a plus for WI – Hope

West Indies captain Shai Hope has showered praise on left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie after his match-defining 3-33 against England.

Hope credited the break Motie had from the game and disclosed that his new variation with the ball is helping the West Indies in the middle overs.

“Yeah, when you get some time off, you’ve got to make sure you’re trying to find ways to improve and elevate your game. He’s one of the class bowlers that we’ve had for some time now.

“He’s just shown his class once again on the world stage. He’s brought something else to his game, and it’s benefiting us a lot here in the middle overs. It’s great to see that he’s continuing to progress and do what he does best for the West Indies,” Captain Hope disclosed.

Hope described the win against England as a more complete game, but he remains concerned about the opening partnership.

Hope, himself an opener along with Brandon King, had partnerships of 54 and 08. The opening partnership of 54 against Scotland was solid, but it came off 49 balls, which is a concerning factor for setting the tone in

a T20I innings.

“The openers still aren’t firing yet, but it’s to come for sure. We’ve got to put our hands up for the next few games,” Hope said at the post-match.

Reflecting on the most recent win, Hope said the West Indies have been play ing good cricket, but in patches.

“Yeah, for sure, but I’m just happy that the guys got over the line. We’ve been playing some good cricket in patches. Nice to see we’ve got more of a complete game today. And as you say, two games up, which is where we want to be in the table,” Hope explained.

The West Indies made one change to the team, adding Roston Chase to the XI. Hope described his countryman as versatile.

“Yeah, like I said in the pre-match, he’s a versatile player. He’s one that you can come and depend on in most good situations. With the bat, he can come in and stabilise the innings, and then with the ball, he can come and give you some crucial overs in the middle. It’s great to see him come in and get some crucial wickets, putting the England batters under pressure, and that’s exactly what we required to-

We understand we’ve got a lot of power in the depth in our batting. Today was just a slightly different role for him, but it was good to see he can come in and stabilise the innings for us,” Hope explained.

Hope also commended the Player of the Match, Sherfane Rutherford, for his batting exploits.

“Yeah, for sure. These guys have been playing really well the last couple of months. Sherfane has been exceptional, especially in the last few series that he’s been playing in. Again, it’s good to see one of the batters putting their hands up today and going big for the team.”

Bayroc National Stadium to receive fulltime staff – Min Ramson

TDCB names U-16 squad for InterCountry 50-over Tournament

champions.

The squad is led by Lomar Seecharran, with Makai Dowlin serving as Vice Captain. Also selected are Ishan Haricharran, Nathan Bishop, Prosper Jacobus, Shazam Ally, Mickel Johnson, Jagdesh Kalpoo, Aaron Persaud, Ashton Collins, Somesh Boyer, Shane Dewa, Afraz Khan, Krishna

Madramootoo, Hezekiah Hohenkirk and Jordan Bissessar.

The tournament, which was traditionally contested at the under-15 level, has now shifted to the under-16 level.

he Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) has officially named its Under-16 squad to compete in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Male U-16 50over Inter-County tournament, following the conclusion of the DCB competition which saw the Georgetown Cricket Association crowned

Mahase and Aaron Narine. The standby players named are Mario Singh, Jadon Birch, Adam Mohamed, Noel

The adjustment follows Cricket West Indies’ decision to re-

move the Under-17 tournament from its calendar this year. All matches will begin at 09:30h.

er will see the Select XI opposing Demerara at LBI, while Berbice will clash with Essequibo at Lusignan.

On Monday, February 16, Demerara will face Essequibo at LBI on the East Coast of Demerara. In the other fixture on the opening day, Berbice will take on the GCB Select XI at Rose Hall, Canje. Tuesday’s doublehead -

On Thursday, Demerara and Berbice will meet in a much-anticipated encounter at Lusignan, while the GCB Select XI will play Essequibo at LBI.

The final is scheduled for February 21, 2026, and will be played at either the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground or LBI.