Guyana Times - Friday, February 20, 2026

Strengthen

Police engage communities to address concerns in Region 2

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, February 20 –05:50h–07:20h, and Saturday, February 21 – 06:25h–07:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Morning sunshine will give way to intermittent midday rainfall, followed by the return of sunny skies. Clear skies are expected overnight. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 06:23h and 18:44h reaching a maximum height of 2.79 metres, respectively.

Low Tide: 12:17h reaching a minimum height of 0.39 metre.

Hydropower projects in Region 9 already saved over 17,000 drums of fuel – GEA Head

Less than two years after coming into operation, the two mini-hydropower plants in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have already saved the Guyana Government in excess of 17,000 drums of fossil fuel.

In December 2024, the 0.7 megawatt (MW) Moco Moco Hydropower Plant was commissioned with the capacity to generate approximately 4565 MW/h of electricity annually. Months later, in July 2025, the 1.5 MW Kumu Hydropower Station was operationalised to bring approximately 9700 MWh of clean energy annually.

These two mini-hydropower facilities were rehabilitated by Sri Lankan firm Vidullanka PLC under a US$12.85 million programme funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

During a panel discussion on the “Changing Power Landscape” at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo on Thursday, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma, said the two hydro plants are already reducing the country’s carbon footprint.

“In about 13 months of operation – the smaller [hydro plant] now operating for 13 months and the larger one now operating for six months – [they] have already saved more than 17,000 drums of diesel. With just those two [hydro plants], we’ve already avoided 17,000-plus drums of diesel,” Sharma stated.

According to the GEA Head, the cost of those drums of fuel amounts to some 27 per cent of the capital investment in the two mini-hydro projects.

Sharma went on to outline the importance of hydropower to Guyana’s energy mix, noting that it brings a greater level of predictability and availability when compared to other renewable sources.

“So, hydropower is going to be an important part of our energy matrix, and we have to scale these up,” he stated.

In fact, the GEA Head revealed that there are efforts currently underway to explore the setting up of more mini-hydro projects across the country, especially in hinterland areas where the demand is growing.

However, the hallmark of hydropower in Guyana is the 165-MW Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP). Just last year, the government issued a revised Request for Proposal (RFP), inviting compa-

nies from around the world to develop the Amaila Falls Hydro Project under a Build-Own-OperateTransfer (BOOT) model.

That invitation is still open and will run until April 9.

According to the RFP document, the project is

age reservoir, consistent with environmental studies and permits. However, it was noted that the size of the hydro may be re-engineered to take into account changes in turbine technology, thus

expected to deliver a minimum installed capacity of 165 megawatts, including the hydro dam, powerhouse, substation, and a 23-square-kilometre stor-

allowing more than 165 MW to be generated and transmitted – something which Sharma reiterated during Thursday’s panel.

“Amaila is going to be extremely significant…

While this was tagged at 165 MW some years ago, we believe that the technology has advanced to such a stage that we can get more from it,” he stated.

“The considerations for machine efficiency, for advances and improvements in hydraulic losses and friction losses in design construction – the kind of technology that you have now available to you to make the assessments, conducting the geotechnical [studies and]…laying of pipe penstock, is incredible, and there is so much more that can be done.”

The ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been keen on reviving the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, which has been on the cards since 2011 but was blocked by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition both in and out of office.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Public safety cannot be sacrificed

The intervention by the Public Works Ministry along the Rupert Craig Highway at Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD), highlights a persistent and troubling disregard for public safety on one of the country’s busiest roadways. The discovery of sand being dumped onto the carriageway, coupled with unsafe roadside vending and unauthorised construction activities, raises serious concerns about compliance, enforcement and civic responsibility.

Major road arteries such as the East Coast corridor are critical thoroughfares supporting commerce, emergency response, public transportation and daily commuting for thousands of citizens. Any obstruction or hazardous alteration to these thoroughfares has immediate and potentially severe consequences. The placement of sand on an active roadway creates conditions that can easily lead to skidding, loss of vehicular control and multi-vehicle collisions. For motorcyclists and cyclists, the risk is even more acute, as loose material significantly compromises traction and stability.

Such actions reveal a lack of consideration for fellow road users, and depositing construction material on a highway without authorisation is not a minor infraction; it is a reckless act that transfers risk to unsuspecting motorists. Drivers navigating at lawful speeds may encounter sudden hazards without warning, particularly at night or during inclement weather. The consequences can include serious injury, loss of life and costly damage to property.

Equally troubling are reports of unsafe roadside vending and illegal revetment works undertaken to expand commercial operations. Government reserves alongside major roadways exist for specific public purposes, including drainage, utilities, future expansion and safety buffers. Encroachment onto these areas undermines infrastructure planning and compromises visibility, pedestrian movement and emergency access.

When stalls and other structures are erected along hightraffic corridors, sightlines become obstructed. Drivers entering or exiting adjoining roads may find their view blocked, increasing the likelihood of side-impact collisions. Pedestrians navigating around stalls are often forced closer to moving traffic, heightening the risk of accidents. Informal parking associated with such vending compounds the hazard, as vehicles may stop abruptly or reverse unpredictably onto the roadway.

Unauthorised revetment works introduce an additional layer of danger, as coastal and drainage infrastructure in Guyana is engineered with careful consideration of environmental and structural factors. Altering revetments without approval can weaken sea defences, disrupt drainage patterns and accelerate erosion. The long-term implications extend beyond immediate traffic safety to broader environmental vulnerability and infrastructural degradation.

The Ministry’s decision to halt illegal works and notify responsible parties is a necessary step. Expansion of business operations, while a legitimate pursuit, must occur within the framework of planning laws and safety regulations. Shortcuts that compromise structural integrity or public access erode the rule of law and place communities at risk.

Traffic disruptions caused by obstructions or accidents slow the movement of goods and services. Emergency response times may be delayed. The cumulative effect is a burden borne not by the individual who created the hazard alone, but by society at large.

Effective deterrence requires consistent enforcement, and clear penalties for depositing materials on public roads, erecting unauthorised structures and undertaking illegal construction must be applied without hesitation. Public education campaigns can reinforce the message that Government reserves and highways are not extensions of private property. However, awareness must be paired with accountability.

Urban and roadside development must proceed through proper channels. Permits, environmental assessments and engineering reviews exist to ensure that growth does not compromise safety or sustainability. Respect for these processes is fundamental to orderly national development.

The intervention along the ECD should serve as a cautionary example. Sand on asphalt, obstructed sightlines, illegal revetments and encroaching stalls are hazards with the potential to alter lives irreversibly.

Preserving the integrity of public infrastructure demands a sustained commitment to compliance, oversight and civic responsibility. The safety of commuters, pedestrians and roadside communities must remain paramount. Any action that endangers that safety, whether through negligence or deliberate disregard, warrants swift correction and condemnation.

Stripped of finery, detained by Police as an ordinary citizen: now Andrew enters a new era – and Britain too

B y S imon J enkin S

What happens next hardly matters: the mystique and awe surrounding the royals had been shattered. The former prince’s arrest must change everything

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is a seismic moment for the royal family as well as for himself. On one hand, it is hard to believe any greater harm can befall the family after weeks of drip-feed from the US Department of Justice’s Epstein files. On the other, a royal arrest of this sort is unprecedented. Enough is already in the public domain to indicate that Police believe that there must be a case to answer to the charge of misconduct in public office.

King Charles, who apparently was not warned in advance that his brother was to be arrested, has been scrupulous in his response. “The law must take its course,” he said, offering prosecutors “full and wholehearted support and cooperation”. Whatever happens now, a line has been crossed in the life of the nation. A once exalted royal, facing serious judicial investigation by authorities acting on behalf of the citizenry. Stripped of status and finery, he faces the spotlight as would any other inhabitant of these isles. One cannot know the outcome, but just this arrest feels like a significant moment.

Until now the royal family’s involvements with the law have been minimal. In her wilder days Princess Anne’s dog bit a girl in Windsor Great Park and she was fined £500. She was also fined £400 for speeding in Gloucestershire. Apart from that, researchers into royal quarrels with the law have had to go back to Charles I and Mary, Queen of Scots.

This case begins at the time when Andrew strayed from the tedious round of royal duties, of fete openings and palace parties. He won a role as a government trade representative. It was a controversial appointment, made at the request of Buckingham Palace, which required him to travel extensively abroad. He was acting in effect as a junior minister, well away from the domestic political fray. He was not a policymaker, more a trade promoter. Andrew’s qualifications for the job were much discussed at the time, but the pressure from the palace was intense.

The extent to which members of the royal family are entitled to impinge on matters of Government has long been vexed, if only because all public decisions are made in the monarch’s name. Mike Bartlett’s play Charles III famously involved the king refusing to sign a bill with which he strongly disagreed. He had to abdicate. His advisers pointed out that he was,

in effect, a cypher without any exercise of discretion. He pointed out that if the bill could not pass without his active consent, it could not pass. He had refused that consent.

That Charles has felt strongly about many issues – his friends would say most – was well known. From architecture to agriculture and from town planning to herbal remedies he was desperate for “something to be done”. He was scrupulous in arguing that as mere heir to the throne, he was entitled like any citizen to hold views on political issues, only to avoid party politics. This was sometimes a nuance too far, witness the blizzard of “black spider memos” that poured into ministerial in-trays. What Charles did know is that when he took the throne that would stop. We assume it has.

Andrew is not the monarch. His status, like that of a dozen “working royals”, descends from the decision of the then queen and Prince Philip in 1969 to redefine the British monarchy as a “royal family”. The Head of State became the family of state. This was popular as the young children were filmed playing round barbecues at Balmoral. It came across less well as overprotected teenagers blossomed into wealthy celebrities.

Monarchy in a democracy depends entirely on the extent to which the king or queen of the day

enjoys public support. Queen Elizabeth II made that dependence extend to the support of her family, leading in turn to her fierce backing of Andrew. When support seemed to evaporate, as in the 1990s largely over the Princess Diana affair, the family had nowhere to turn. It “ruled” in effect courtesy of Ipsos Mori and Gallup, and the latter at one point put support at just 26 per cent.

The latest turn in the royal saga adds to the urgency of reform. The royal family was a constitutional wrong turning. At a time when monarchies across Europe were adopting purely figurative roles – the “bicycling monarchs” – the reliance of Britain’s extended royal family on celebrity and extravagance was simply out of date. What was more, it was grossly unfair in the pressure it put on the individuals involved. Unlikely ever to get the top job, they were condemned to a life of luxury – and exposure – in return for good behaviour. Not all could meet the bargain.

Charles survived the tribulations of his marriage and won through. His elder son, William, has emerged as a model heir to the throne. That cannot brush aside the difficulties into which Andrew and Harry were plunged. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Simon Jenkins is a Guardian columnist

Guyana’s power demand to surge 600% by 2030 – GPL Head

As the country’s rapid development accelerates, demand for electricity is projected to surge by an astonishing 600 per cent over the next five years, according to forecasts from Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc.

During a panel discussion at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo on Thursday, Head of Executive Management at GPL, Kesh Nandlall, outlined the projected growth in power demand for the next five years.

“Peak demand is now at 236 megawatts (MW). By 2030, we estimated it to be 1650 MW, or one gigawatt (GW) and 650 MW of peak demand output that we’ll have to have…that means a 600 per cent increase in our generating capacity from now to 2030,” Nandlall stated.

Moreover, the current 236-MW peak demand is a significant growth from 2020, where it stood at 120 MW – representing a 100 per cent increase over the last five years.

The GPL Head explained that this increase is driven not only by growth in the consumer base but mostly by the rising power demands of existing consumers.

In 2020, the state-owned

power company had a register of some 201,000 customers, but that figure has since gone up to 244,000, an increase of 21 per cent.

“So, that significant growth results from existing customer demand growing and new customers. We talk about the rapid development of the housing sector [and] the development of

the industrial sector. So, the growth really is in the generation requirement more than the number of customers. The same customers are demanding more, and bigger customers are coming on [to the national grid],” the GPL exec stated.

Currently, GPL’s generation output stands at 1485 GW hours compared to 903

GW hours in 2020. According to Nandlall, this 65 per cent increase was due to a number of interventions over the last five years to bolster supply to meet the soaring energy demands and keep pace with the country’s expanding economy.

“We had to really move very quickly to meet this increase in demand. From 2020 to now, we have added more than 186 MW of firm capacity, including the 46.5 MW at Garden of Eden, the 28.9 MW at Colombia, the 36 MW power ship in the Berbice River… and the 60 MW power ship in the Demerara River. Recently, we’ve added 18 MW of solar to the grid – 10 MW in Berbice at three locations and on the Essequibo Coast at two locations,” he outlined.

These, according to the GPL Head, have been complemented by small solar systems at Bartica, Wakenaam and Leguan, coupled with mini-grids through the various hinterland regions.

DBIS

Meanwhile, the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS), the country’s primary grid that links the

western Demerara system and the eastern Berbice system generating facilities, currently has approximately 260 MW of firm capacity available. According to Nandlall, this figure is likely to spike to around 285 MW this year.

“We have to now equip ourselves to bridge that gap until the end of the year when the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project will come onstream,” Nandlall stated.

Located at Wales, West Bank Demerara, the GtE Project comprised a 300MW combined cycle power plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility. The Guyana Government has touted this initiative as the

country’s answer to both reliable and cheap electricity, with prices set to be slashed by half when it comes on stream later this year.

But with power demand expected to increase by 600 per cent over the coming years, the power plant will be inadequate to meet Guyana’s growing demand. Against this background, the government is embarking on a second power plant to add another 300 MW of electricity to the national grid.

That second project –GtE Phase Two, which also includes another NGL facility, is slated to come onstream in 2030. FRIDAY,

Hydropower projects in Region 9 have...

The 165-megawatt project was the flagship initiative of the Bharrat Jagdeo-crafted Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). However, the project failed to take off despite having a developer in United States-based Sithe Global, which was backed by investment major The Blackstone Inc.

In August 2013, Sithe Global announced that it was pulling out of the project, which it said was too large to continue without national consensus, and had cited the lack of consensus in Guyana’s Parliament. At the time, the then APNU and AFC oppositions, holding majority seats in the National Assembly, had both voted down key pieces of legislation which consequently halted the project.

Then during its term in office from 2015 to 2020, the APNU+AFC Coalition regime, again, shelved the project.

FROM PAGE 3

The revival of the 165-megawatt hydropower project was one of the promises made by the ruling PPP/C in its 2020 Elections Manifesto. In November 2021, the AFHP was awarded to China Railway First Group (CRFG), but negotiations fell through after the company wanted to change the BOOT model, which the government rejected.

A revised Request for Proposals (RFP) was then issued in 2023, and four companies – Rialma SA (Grupo Rialma) from Brazil, China International Water & Elec Corp, Lindsayca CH4 Guyana Inc, and a group made up of OEC, GE Vernova and Worley – had submitted tenders to be pre-qualified for the Amaila Falls Hydropower project. Those bids were under evaluation for several months before the government decided to retender the project.

00:00 Movie - The Beekeeper (2024) 01:45 Movie - Imaginary (2024) 03:15 Movie - Jurassic World Dominion (2022)

Movie - Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

Fractions, decimals and percentages are different ways of representing a proportion of the same amount.

Decimal numbers can be recognised as they have a decimal point.

A decimal place is a position after the decimal point.

BY STUART DYBEK

For example: Fractions

Fractions are a way of writing equal parts of one whole. They have a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

The denominator shows how many equal parts the whole has been divided into.

The numerator shows how many of the equal parts we have.

Example

This shape has 9 equal parts, and 4 of them are shaded. This represents four ninths: 4/9.

Decimals

Decimals are a way of writing numbers that are not whole.

Example

Of the 10 squares, 7 are shaded. This shows the fraction 7/10. 7/10 can also be written as 0.7.

Percentages

Percentages are numbers which are expressed as parts of 100.

Per cent means “number of parts per hundred", and the symbol we use for this is the per cent sign (%).

Example

There are 100 equal parts, and 43 of them are shaded. This means 43% of the whole is shaded.

2.

3. Remove the largest plant from its container and dust excess soil off the roots.

4. Using the end of a spoon, make a hole in the soil big enough for the roots and nestle the plant inside, tamping the soil down firmly to hold it in place. Plan for approximately 1 plant per inch of container diameter.

5. Continue planting the

rest of the succulents, working from largest to smallest.

6. Finish with some landscaping; place a few additional pebbles here and there to complete the look. (Adapted from hobbycraft. co.uk)

In the old, stone hotel we slept beneath veils of mosquito net. We were on an island and in the dark it felt as if the island was moving— more the way we imagined an iceberg drifted, than a ship, massive, like a shadow that had broken from its moorings.

In the morning, we’d wake in another latitude. The sea out the window always looked the same—shifting blues one could spend a lifetime studying. From the balcony, glittering birds were visible circling an indigo stain of current that wound like a river through the pellucid ocean. Perhaps, the current was a wake, still trailing phosphorescent from the night before, left by other, distant islands that preceded us. And beyond the current and circling birds, the horizon marked a distance we’d cross again in the dark. Once on the island, it made no difference where we went so long as we stayed at sea.

(Source: Poetry [October/November 1987])

Write about someone who finally finds acceptance or chooses to let go of something.

Guyana invests US$150,000 per trainee to close oil and gas skills gap – Pres Ali

With each trainee representing an estimated US$150,000 investment and equipment in some laboratories valued at as much as US$180,000 per unit, the Government has now relocated to Berbice the very oil and gas training programme that once required Guyanese to travel to Canada, ending the costly overseas model and establishing Port Mourant as the country’s premier technical hub for offshore workforce development.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, speaking on the podcast “Tea on the Terrace”, explained that when Guyana’s offshore development accelerated in 2019, the country did not yet possess the technical infrastructure required to prepare maintenance and production technicians for Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) operations. As a result, the first cohorts of trainees were sent to Cape Breton University in Canada to complete the 12-month foundational programme before transitioning offshore.

That overseas model, he noted, came with significant logistical and financial demands: international travel, accommodation, specialised laboratory access, and extended offshore rotations. While necessary at the time, it underscored the absence of a domestic training ecosystem capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly expanding oil and gas sector.

Through collaboration with LearnCorp International, an extension of Cape Breton University,

the entire programme has now been transferred to Guyana. According to Phil Doody of LearnCorp, four complete cohorts were trained in Canada before the knowledge base, curriculum, and equipment were transported to the Guyana Technical Training Institute (GTTI) in the Port Mourant, Berbice facility.

“Beginning in 2019, we welcomed the first cohort of students to Cape Breton University… We completed that exercise four complete times, and now we are continuing that journey here in Guyana at GTTI,” Doody said.

He added that the team was responsible for procuring, transporting, installing, and commissioning the equipment now housed at the Berbice complex, describing the facility as unmatched in Guyana and competitive at the regional and international level.

President Ali emphasised that the transition significantly reduces the need for costly offshore-based training.

“This 18-month programme will reduce 18 months of being offshore and getting trained. Every person going offshore is very expensive,” the President said, referencing helicopter transfers and operational logistics.

He further stressed the scale of direct investment being made in each participant.

“If someone had to pay for this training, it would have been US$150,000. That is the investment we are making in each one of the young persons here.”

Beyond the institutional shift, several trainees shared how the relocation of the programme to Guyana has transformed their career paths.

Exceeds traditional industrial exposure

Dhanraj Kishun, who previously worked as an electrician before joining

ing the offshore programme, the presence of the facility at Port Mourant represents opportunity closer to home.

“SBM has given us the opportunity to take our careers to that next level. The fact that we have the training facility here now in Guyana means we bring Canada to us.”

Others emphasised the

described the investment as a long-term national strategy.

“We are not only transforming this country, but we are also making investments that we will reap and see 10, 20, 30, 40, or 100 years from now.”

Griffith acknowledged that Guyana currently faces a labour shortage across

SBM Offshore, said the depth of preparation now being delivered locally far exceeds traditional industrial exposure.

“Since entering this training programme, I have learned so much information. They teach you fire and gas, control of work, and permit systems. They are basically preparing you for when you go offshore, already equipped with the tools necessary to perform your job safely and effectively.”

For Jessica Johnson, a Berbice native who studied electrical engineering in Georgetown before join-

immersive nature of the training, particularly the focus on safety, a critical requirement for offshore operations.

Mugabe Rose described the programme as transformative.

“Ever since transitioning to the oil and gas industry, it’s been quite an immersive experience… especially with the emphasis being paid on safety and efficiency.”

Long-term national strategy

The manpower planning implications were underscored by Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keon Griffith, who

multiple sectors but said the training complex is designed to close that gap.

“We are putting in investment to have that manpower planning element so that we can catch up.”

The private sector has also welcomed the localisation of the programme, viewing it as a major boost to local content and workforce competitiveness.

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kathy Smith, said the presence of the facility in Guyana closes a critical gap between training and industry demand.

“From the private sector standpoint, we are happy that now the gap is being filled. No longer do we have to take the trainees to Canada. Right here in Guyana, we can train them.”

She noted that the demand for skilled technicians extends beyond oil and gas.

“The oil and gas sector alone is waiting on them. The construction sector needs them. The aeronautics sector needs them. Even the mining sector.”

The discussion also highlighted parallel investments in economic diversification. Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Suzan Rodrigues pointed to the construction of a worldclass Hospitality Institute adjacent to the technical complex, designed to train thousands of Guyanese for the expanding tourism sector.

“Thousands of people will be trained to enhance our tourism and hospitality sector that you are investing heavily in for Guyana.”

She confirmed that billions of dollars are being invested in hospitality infrastructure as part of the broader development strategy.

Meanwhile, President Ali framed the twin developments as symbolic of the country’s transformation.

“You have oil and gas over here. You have tourism and hospitality over there. A true example of diversifying our economy.”

He added, “Here on Tea on the Terrace, we don’t speak about development. Development speaks for itself.”

Guyanese man accepts extradition to US for fraud charges

...remanded to prison

AGuyanese national was on Thursday remanded to prison pending his extradition to the United States to face a series of fraud charges.

Ronley Bynoe appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he was told of the details of the application for extradition. Upon hearing the details, Bynoe informed the court that he does not wish to challenge the extradition.

Bynoe is wanted in the State of Ohio, where he was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 20, 2023, charging him with misuse of a Social Security number, aggravated identity theft, and two counts of bank fraud.

The man was committed to custody after indicating to the court that he would not be challenging the application for his extradition and is prepared to return to the US to face the indictments.

This matter comes on the heels of the pending extradition proceedings involving US-indicted Nazar Mohamed and his son Azruddin Mohamed.

The two men are wanted by US authorities to stand trial in a Florida federal court on 11 charges, including wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering, allegedly linked to their gold trading operations.

Unlike Bynoe, howev-

er, the Mohameds, who are currently out on $150,000 bail each, are challenging their extradition. Those proceedings are ongoing before Magistrate Judy Latchman and have been adjourned on several occasions.

The delays stemmed from defence-filed constitutional challenges, applications for stays, appeals to the High Court, issues surrounding prosecutorial disclosures and at least one illness-related postponement. Although attempts were made to halt the process, the High Court has rejected bids to stop the hearings, allowing the extradition matter against the two men to continue in the Magistrates’ Court.

When the matter was called on Wednesday, the case was postponed again after the court was informed that Nazar continues to deal with health challenges.

At a February 9 hearing, the presiding Magistrate had adjourned the matter to February 16 after being informed that the elder Mohamed was unwell.

On February 16, the Magistrate issued an arrest warrant for Azruddin after he failed to attend court for the 09:00h hearing. She subsequently withdrew the warrant following an explanation from the defence. During that session, Nazar did not attend.

The matter was then adjourned again to

Wednesday, and when the case was called, both the father and son attended, but no updated medical report was presented.

The defence explained that Nazar’s cardiologist is currently unavailable, and his recovery remains incomplete. As such, the court agreed to set the next hearing for February 26, allowing time for additional medical documentation to be prepared.

During the session, the prosecution indicated a desire to explore alternative procedures to advance the extradition, including the possibility of paper committal proceedings, in case the defendants cannot appear consistently in court. The defence maintained that such measures are premature and would raise procedural concerns, potentially requiring the case to restart from the beginning.

The Magistrate raised questions about whether the proposed approach would allow the defence adequate opportunity to review and challenge the evidence. Legal teams debated whether recent amendments to criminal procedure could apply to this case under the Fugitive Offenders Act, with the court inviting the prosecution to submit written arguments on the matter for the next hearing.

100 per cent committed Meanwhile, despite the delays and prolonged proceedings, US Ambassador

to Guyana Nicole Theriot has stated that the United States is fully committed to securing the extradition of the father-and-son duo.

“The US is 100 per cent committed to seeing this through,” the US diplomat told local news entity Newsroom on Wednesday, adding that “it is incredibly important to us that these proceedings continue and that a decision is ultimately made.”

Acknowledging the drawn-out nature of the case, she noted that “there have been a lot of delays, including today”, but noted that the United States remains hopeful that the matter will advance and that a decision will be reached.

Underscoring Washington’s seriousness, the Ambassador said, “The US Government does not spend tens of thousands of US taxpayer dollars to request extradition if we’re not serious. We want to see justice served, both for the Guyanese and the US people.”

At the same time, Theriot stressed that the United States respects Guyana’s legal process.

“We have to be respectful of the Guyanese judicial system; the ball is in your court, as they say… We are watching from afar. We are not interfering, but we are very, very interested in the outcome, and we are fully committed to seeing this through,” she stated.

Gotta…

…get

their man

The US ambassador was buttonholed on the sidelines of the Energy Conference by an enterprising reporter who asked her country’s position on their request for Sanction Man’s extradition to face the music stateside. She didn’t skip a beat and emphasised what an “IMPORTANT” question it was!! Said she, “I want to make it incredibly clear that the US Government is totally and completely committed to seeing this through. We do not spend tens of thousands of US taxpayer dollars to request extradition when we don’t care about something.” Now you can’t get clearer than that, can you??

The context for the question, of course, is the rear guard action Sanction Man and his Daady (SM&D) launched to drag out the extradition request in the courts!! While they simultaneously pursue their Pablo Escobar strategy to secure a political platform for gaining legitimacy!! The reporter focused on the delays in the courts, where the two sanctionees are hoping to repeat T&T’s Jack Warner’s extradition request, which was dragged out for TEN years – with the matter finally becoming moot!! SM&D even hired one of Jack’s Trini lawyers!! But what SM&D seem to forget is Jack’s extradition request concerned a FIFA matter – something very low on the US Government’s radar!!

Here, the OFAC-generated extradition request arises from smuggling gold to Miami – some of which allegedly originated in Venezuela!! And sold here by the Cartel de los Soles (CDLS), of which Mad Maduro’s the head –and which helped prop up that illegal regime!! The US is gonna be putting Mad Maduro on the stand – as they’d done to Panama’s narco-trafficking Noriega in the 1990s! – to interrogate the workings of CDLS as they shipped cocaine and gold using the same organisations!!

As such, the US gonna be looking to pick up some evidence from SM&D when they’re squeezed on their Venezuelan connection!! You would remember, dear reader, that gold dealer who was caught on tape singing like a canary about how Venezuelan military big ones –who all answer to Mas Maduro – came over to Guyana to sell the gold they’re supposed to refine for their country!!

Anyhow, we should all know by now that when our local crooks play checkers, the Yanks and their embedded agents are playing chess!! So when the US Ambassador speaks, we should listen!! For all we know they may be getting impatient for the Ambassador to be so insistent to conclude, “It’s incredibly important to us that this keeps moving forward. We want to see justice served!!” Incredibly important!! Now your Eyewitness ain’t saying that the Yanks will send in some of those Green Berets who extracted Mad Maduro. But we hope our courts are listening!!

A hint to Beneba mek Quashie tek notice!!

…screen youth’s social media!!

The explosion in dysfunctional and violent behaviour in youths – amongst themselves and even to themselves as “self-harm” – has caused Governments across the world to sit up and take notice!! Here in Guyana there’s been some talk about this, but your Eyewitness thinks it’s time to get serious – since we’re not just talking about “authoritarian China” or “theocratic Afghanistan”!!

We can do worse than examine the strengths and limitations of social media bans or restrictions imposed as of last year on schoolchildren in Australia!! One thing’s very clear – in the absence of any other practicable and effective measure, restricting kids’ easy access to all social media is increasingly popular. Over 77 per cent of Australians have supported the restrictions promulgated since late last year.

More germanely, a survey found that globally, 65 per cent of people support banning children under 14 from using social media!! France, Denmark and Greece have almost finalised rules banning children under 16 from accessing social media.

What are we doing??!!

…bring back the IMF?

In 2007, Chavez paid off all of Venezuela’s debt to the IMF – and refused to subsequently engage them!! After their economy imploded, the IMF didn’t reengage – but we were just told that they’re considering it!!

Dealing with the Devil’s bankers??

Modular power solutions proposed to meet Guyana’s surging electricity demand

Atechnical panel featuring experts from Helm Group highlighted modular power solutions and diversified energy sources as key strategies for meeting rapidly expanding electricity demand in Guyana without overbuilding generation capacity.

The panel in the discussion consisted of German Consuegra, President and General Manager of Machinery Corporation of Guyana Ltd (MACORP) and Industrial Supply Of Guyana Inc (ISG); Jairo Gonsaleez, Chief Commercial Officer of SOENERGY International; Johnathan Franco, Energy Commercial Manager of GECOLSA; Rafael Patino, Commercial Vice President of HMV; and Andras Mesics, Chief Executive Officer and President of SOENERGY International.

During the discussion, Johnathan Franco, Energy Commercial Manager at GECOLSA, addressed how emerging economies such as Guyana can size generation assets efficiently as demand grows.

He said modular power system design is considered best practice for avoiding overinvestment in capacity.

“In my own experience, the best practice to avoid overbuilding is to design a modular power solution. When you implement a modular power system, you can use different kinds of sources, not just one, not only diesel. Most companies start with diesel because it is traditional, common, and initially the cheapest and fastest solution. But today, we can integrate other sources in the energy matrix, for instance, photovoltaic, energy storage systems, natural gas, biogas, and also diesel gensets,” Franco said.

He added that the main challenge is ensuring high-performance integration across multiple sources while scaling in phases.

“If you implement a modular solution, you install exactly what you need, without overbuilding. You can invest in your own processes, maximise cash flow, reduce financial risks, and save money. In conclusion, the best idea is to start step by step,” he said.

Building on that point, Andras Mesics, Chief Executive Officer and President of SOENERGY International, addressed how countries can meet rising demand despite long

global manufacturing lead times for turbines and medium-speed engines – in some cases stretching to three or four years.

He pointed to what he described as a “bridge solution” model based on energy as a service.

Mesics also explained that rising global electricity demand is being driven by expansion in the oil and gas sector, increased residential consumption due to wider use of appliances and air conditioning, and the growth of electric vehicles and digital device usage. He noted that these trends are making overall demand more critical and more difficult to satisfy.

He said the manufacturing side of the energy industry was not fully prepared for the pace of growth, pointing out that producers of turbines and medium- and high-speed engines face capacity limits in how quickly new equipment can be delivered. As a result, he stressed that alternative approaches are needed to keep power systems expanding despite supply constraints.

“There is a solution called the bridge solution. While the permanent solution is being prepared, we can deploy a temporary solution. The concept is energy as a service – the off-taker doesn’t need to pay for the equipment or handle operation and maintenance. What really matters is the kilowatt hour delivered. It’s not forever; it connects the present need to the moment when the permanent solution is ready,” Mesics said.

Panellists noted that rapid expansion in oil, gas and mining operations is driving urgent electricity demand, making modular and temporary service-based generation an important stopgap

while permanent plants are being developed.

The discussion also examined integration risks when adding new capacity to existing grids. One panellist warned that grid imbalance is often underestimated when new generation comes online.

“Adding capacity is not only installing more gensets or more megawatts. With proper monitoring and management tools, grid security can be maintained, but to mitigate imbalance risks, it is important to diversify the energy matrix with different sources—not only diesel, not only one source,” the expert said.

Edghill engages DR company on geosynthetics, expands infrastructure talks

Pthe application of geosynthetic materials in modern infrastructure projects.

The LaKa Group is a Dominican Republic company which specialises in technological solutions for infrastructure development, with expertise spanning coastal protection, sanitary landfills, railways, mining, transportation and the oil sector. Discussions during the meeting focused on engineering innovations and

As part of the engagement, Edghill also participated in a site visit alongside the DR technical teams, where land reclamation works were successfully completed using geotextile materials supplied by LaKa Group.

The meeting was built on previous engagements between the LaKa group and the Government of

Guyana. In 2024, Prime Minister Mark Phillips met with the LaKa Group executives at the Office of the Prime Minister, where discussions centred around potential collaboration in construction, sanitary landfill development, and coastal protection. That meeting highlighted Guyana’s interest in leveraging international expertise to support its expanding infrastructure needs.

Man crushed by excavator at Mango Landing

Police in Regional Division 10 are investigating a fatal incident that occurred on Wednesday at Mango Landing, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), which resulted in the death of a 50-year-old man.

Dead is Balram Jhaman of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

According to preliminary investigations, articulated motor lorry GAL 8612, with a trailer registration number unknown, was parked facing west on the south-

ern side of the Mabura Trail with an excavator positioned on the trailer.

Police said Jhaman reportedly entered the excavator and attempted to move it off the trailer when the machine capsized and fell into a ditch, pinning him underneath.

Jhaman sustained injuries about his body and was transported to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty. Investigations are ongoing.

Public Works Ministry cracks down on ECD roadside hazards

The Public Works Ministry has intervened to address safety hazards on the Rupert Craig Highway in the Annandale area, East Coast Demerara (ECD), following reports of sand being dumped on the road and unsafe practices by roadside vendors. In a social media post,

the Ministry confirmed that owners responsible for depositing sand on the roadway have been notified to remove it immediately. The Ministry highlighted that citizens must be cautious of the safety hazards that reckless actions like these may pose to commuters traversing the road.

Appeal Court to

The Ministry has also engaged with the owner of the Tommy Jamaican Jerk Food establishment at Enterprise, ECD, regarding unsafe practices observed on the site. Illegal revetment works initiated by the business to expand operations were halted by officials to prevent any further hazards.

rule March 11 on Bartica Massacre appeals …including cases of 2 deceased convicts

The Guyana Court of Appeal has concluded hearings in the appeals stemming from convictions in the 2008 Bartica Massacre and is set to deliver its rulings on March 11.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in a release said that the appeals were heard on Wednesday. The matters before the court relate to Mark Royden Williams, Dennis Williams, Clebert Reece and Michael Caesar, who were convicted between 2016 and February 2017 for their roles in the killings of 12 persons during the February 17, 2008 attack in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

One other accused, Roger Simon, also known as “Goat Man”, was acquitted.

Mark Royden Williams and Dennis Williams died in 2023 and July 2024, respectively. Williams died in 2023 during a confrontation with the Joint Services in Region Seven, weeks after escaping from the Mazaruni Prison in a daring May 2023 breakout. It was his second escape from custody, having previously broken out of the Camp Street Prison in 2017 before being recaptured in October of that year on the Weldaad Public Road, West Coast Berbice. Dennis Williams, on the other hand, died in custody at the Mazaruni Prison after a period of illness.

Despite their deaths, appeals were filed on their

Dead convict: Mark Royden Williams, known as “Smallie”

behalf seeking to overturn their convictions by Attorney at Law Nigel Hughes.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Diana O’Brien, had argued that the continuation of those appeals was a waste of state resources and judicial time, given that both men are deceased. She had submitted that the right to appeal is created by statute and that the Court of Appeal Act does not provide for the continuation of an appeal after the death of an appellant.

In May 2025, Guyana Times had reported that Hughes had argued that the posthumous appeals should proceed to address the integrity of the convictions and the reputations of the deceased.

Dead convict: Dennis Williams, known as “Anaconda”

Clebert Reece, known as “Chichi”, and Michael Caesar, called “Capone”, had pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. Reece was sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment with eligibility for parole after serving 30 years. Caesar was sentenced to 60 years’ imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 40 years. Both men have also filed appeals against their convictions and sentences.

The Bartica Massacre occurred on February 17, 2008, when gunmen attacked the Bartica Police Station at First Avenue, Bartica, and other locations. Twelve persons were killed, including three Police Officers who were stationed at the Police Station at the time.

Additionally, the Ministry is urging owners of stalls operating in these areas to remove them voluntarily before it intervenes, emphasising that vending on

Government reserves alongside major road arteries, such as the East Coast Road, is considered a significant safety risk and is prohibited.

Strengthen standards, adapt to change – GDF Chief

…as 2026 officers’ conference kicks off

The 2026 Warrant Officers’ and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Conference of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) opened on Thursday with a clear directive from Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, for the Corps to strengthen standards while adapting to a rapidly-evolving operational environment.

Delivering the feature address, Brigadier Khan reminded the gathering that, while practices from over 30 years ago may no longer hold the same relevance, the Force’s core values remain unchanged. Discipline, regimentation, respect for authority, and attention to detail, he stressed, must continue to define the institution even as methods evolve.

In a post on the GDF’s social media page, it was stated that Brigadier Khan underscored the importance of adapting leadership approaches to engage the current generation of soldiers effectively. Today’s ranks,

he noted, often seek to understand the reasoning behind decisions. Embracing that shift, he explained, will help foster a more integrated and cohesive team, provided standards are never compromised.

Brigadier Khan called on warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers to use the conference as a forum for reflection, recalibration, and meaningful dialogue. He challenged them to identify gaps, acknowledge areas requiring improvement, and propose corrective measures. Tangible outcomes, he stated, are expected, including progress toward developing a Warrant Officers’ and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Handbook through a consultative process.

Drawing on the concept of battle preparation, Brigadier Khan stressed that leadership at every level shapes how soldiers prepare for operations. He encouraged leaders to frame challenges as opportunities for growth and reaf-

firmed that fitness and drills remain non-negotiable.

Referencing his strategic principle of Sound, Image and Movement (SIM), he underscored that discipline, bearing, and coordinated action are visible indicators of operational professionalism. He added that regimentation standards should be examined with a view to strengthening them.

“Our operational strength begins with you,” the Chief of Defence Staff stated, reminding those assembled of the solemn oath they took to defend the nation. He urged leaders to remain unwavering in upholding standards while being intentional in mentorship, ensuring that every senior non-commissioned officer feels heard, valued, and empowered. He further encouraged them to extend that same principled and supportive leadership to their subordinates.

The Chief of Defence Staff also commended the growing number of corporals, staff sergeants, and

warrant officers pursuing military, technical, and academic advancement. He highlighted initiatives such as the government’s GOAL programme as vital avenues for professional growth and institutional strengthening.

Distinctive responsibility

Setting the tone for the conference, Force Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class One Christopher Harmon emphasised the distinctive responsibility of the Corps as custodians of standards and the critical link between command intent and operational execution. He reminded participants that their mandate extends beyond enforcing discipline; it includes nurturing, training, and developing soldiers who embody both competence and character.

He urged members to re-

main fully conversant with policies, regulations, and established standards, noting that knowledge enhances leadership effectiveness and strengthens units. He highlighted the increasing academic and professional advancement within the ranks as evidence of a culture of self-improvement taking root across the Corps, encouraging continued pursuit of qualifications that enhance operational capability.

The Force Sergeant Major also stressed the importance of physical readiness and accountability, noting that fitness and Body Mass Index compliance directly impact unit effectiveness and mission readiness. Substandard conduct, particularly in matters of dis-

cipline and physical standards, must not be tolerated. The opening ceremony was attended by senior officers, serving and retired warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers, and retired force sergeant majors whose services have been retained as part of a panel to address matters related to military regulations and standards, reflecting a deliberate commitment to preserving and strengthening the institutional foundation of the Guyana Defence Force. The conference continues with focused deliberations aimed at reinforcing accountability, adaptability, and professional excellence across the GDF as it positions itself to confront present and future challenges.

Guyana guarantees contract integrity to investors

Addressing a room of international investors exploring opportunities in Guyana, Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar emphasised the sanctity of contracts in the country, assuring the business community that their investments are fully protected and secure.

“When we in Guyana enter into a contract, we make sure that that contract stands the test of inviolability, and the dictionary defines that as not to be broken or never to be broken, infringed or dishonoured,” Indar informed

delegates at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2026 on Thursday.

“So, in Guyana when we sign a contract, regardless of how bad it is or how good it is, we stick by it, and that stability is what brings people to Guyana,” he affirmed. His remarks follow the heavily criticised Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed in 2016 between the Guyana Government and ExxonMobil under the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Administration. That agree-

ment faced widespread scrutiny for its low royalty rate of just two per cent, absence of ring-fencing provisions, and expansive cost recovery clauses.

While some groups called for renegotiation when the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) assumed office in 2020, the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Administration emphasised its commitment to honouring existing contractual obligations.

Nevertheless, the PPP/C Government has introduced new model PSAs, with more favourable terms for the country. Unlike the 2016 oil contract, the new agreement outlines an increase in royalty from two per cent to 10 per cent, a 65 per cent cost recovery as opposed to the previous 75 per cent, and the retention of the 50-50 profit-sharing.

The Government has since signed its first new PSA with a consortium of TotalEnergies (40 per cent), QatarEnergy (35 per cent), and PETRONAS (25 per cent) for Shallow-Water Block S4 in November 2025. Then in December 2025, the Ghanaian company Cybele Energy Limited also signed the new PSA with the Guyana Government.

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday visited several booths and engaged with exhibitors and patrons at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2026. The four‑day event, hosted at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, is scheduled to conclude today

Police engage communities to address concerns in Region 2

Over the past few days, the Police in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have taken their services directly to communities, meeting residents to discuss issues affecting their daily lives.

Regional Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran, along

with officers and inspectors, visited several villages, including Sparta, Vilvorden, Cullen, Charity, Reliance, and Aurora. The outreach is part of the Guyana Police Force’s pillar of Partnership, aimed at strengthening collaboration between law enforcement and the public.

During the visits, residents shared concerns on a variety of topics, including child labour and abuse, vaping among minors, family violence, noise nuisance, road use, school dropouts, bus riding safety, underage alcohol consumption, parental responsibilities, and access to computer training

through ZARA Computer Centres’ certified programmes. Senior Superintendent Shivbaran noted that the engagements allowed Police officers to gain a clearer understanding of the community’s needs while providing guidance and support on relevant matters.

East Ruimveldt Market set for major rehabilitation

The East Ruimveldt Market is set to undergo rehabilitation as the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry plan to renovate and upgrade the facility based on the concerns raised by vendors about its deteriorating condition.

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand conducted a walkthrough on Wednesday, where she interacted with vendors and members of the community, assessing the ongoing challenges that are affect-

ing their daily operations.

During the visit, vendors expressed their concerns about the structural defects of the market, along with poor sanitation, drainage problems and the need for general upgrades to create a safer, cleaner and more comfortable environment for business. Markets in Georgetown are supposed to be maintained by the mayor and city council.

In response, the Minister assured the vendors that the concerns form part of the Government’s efforts to modernise and rehabilitate markets across

the nation. She emphasised that markets remain critical economic hubs within communities, not only supporting hundreds of families but also ensuring that all residents have access to their daily necessities and fresh products and essential goods.

Plans for the East Ruimveldt Market include infrastructure improvements, enhanced sanitation facilities, drainage upgrades and the creation of a more organised and resilient space for both vendors and customers.

T&T’s steelpan experts partner with Guyana to enhance Panorama standards

…as Mash celebrations get underway

As the sound and science of steelpan continue to transcend borders and take centre stage in Guyana’s music industry, Musical Instruments of Trinidad and Tobago Company Limited (MITTCO) is bringing expert tutors and training programmes from the carnival capital to help strengthen performance, expand technical skills, and support music education during Guyana’s flagship Panorama steel band competition.

MITTCO has joined forces with the Culture Ministry to deliver advanced performance training, technical development, and structured music education support through a visiting team of professionals from Trinidad and Tobago.

MITTCO is a steelpan manufacturing company that promotes reliable artisan production of steelpans. Using a blend of traditional and innovative manufacturing methods, its integrated team of experienced pan tuners and music enthusiasts works closely with customers to deliver high-quality sound and dependable service to both local and international

markets.

This publication caught up with Managing Director Akua Leith for a first-hand look at the team’s vision and objectives for supporting Panorama development in Guyana.

Leith said the collaboration with the Culture Ministry was designed to bring Trinidad’s Panorama expertise to Guyana, not only from a performance standpoint but also from an educational and technical perspective, covering music education, technique, and the wider steelpan landscape, with a visiting team of professionals supporting the competition.

“What we did was we collaborated with the Ministry of Culture to really bring the expertise of Trinidad when it comes to Panorama – not just from a performing perspective but also from an educational perspective. So the entire landscape – we’re talking about music education, technique, all those things. We have our team of professionals here today coming in from Trinidad to really take on the Panorama competition,” Leith said.

He explained that the col-

laboration is aimed at building long-term capacity in the sector. “We’re laying the foundation where tertiary education is possible, having collaboration through being invited to bands for Panorama, bringing a teachers’ training programme and workshop to Guyana, and vice versa, having them come to train us. You’re talking about training manufacturers, tuners, all these different things.”

Leith also stated that the strategy focuses heavily on educators as a pathway to improving student performance.

“What we realise is that students will do anything a tutor teaches them. We want to really target the teachers. If we could have a teacher-to-teacher programme, giving teachers the tools and specific rehearsal techniques to pass on to students, that would definitely work. Bringing the teachers up to scratch will get the students up to scratch. We believe starting with the tutors is the way to go.”

As the Panorama competitions begin, he noted that participation in Guyana continues to grow.

“We have seen over 20plus groups per competition showing up at Panorama, and that shows growth across the country. This year, we have seen three categories competing, compared with two in previous years. Breaking up the competition into categories shows they are focusing on development more than just the competition.”

The annual Republic Bank Mashramani Panorama Steel Band

Competition is one of the premier Mashramani events, featuring high-energy performances at Kingston Beach.

Leith added that the company is also prepared to support instrument expansion and structured school programmes.

“MITTCO is positioned to offer any amount of pans to Guyana. We can create ensembles and individual instruments. We’re not just selling pans – we’re bringing the support systems to get

students and schools ready for concerts, competitions, and music education. What we recommend is a balanced ensemble, which creates peer learning and built-in student support.”

He said steelpan development also brings wider social benefits. “Pan is not just music. It helps with teamwork, communication, leadership, and creative development. We want to see Guyana flourish in its own culture and space.”

Over 100 women in South Rupununi empowered to report crimes

Some of the participants during the DPP chamber’s outreach

Over 100 women from the villages of Potarinau, Shulinab, Meriwau, Quiko, and Parabara, South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), are now more knowledgeable on how to handle serious criminal cases in their communities, following a series of public outreach meetings hosted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). These meetings were held from February 10 to 13 and were focused on educating residents, mostly women, on the importance of reporting serious crimes to the Police.

that the Toshaos, the village leaders, were unable to handle sexual offences or domestic violence cases, and that there have been instances of village leaders allegedly trying to “settle” matters of sexual offences themselves.

During the sessions, some participants shared that they were unaware

Based on complaints received at the DPP’s Chambers, residents often said they were not aware of

how to go about dealing with criminal matters, especially those in relation to gender-based and sexual violence.

Attendees expressed appreciation for the outreach, saying it had provided clarity and guidance. “We need more of these public awareness and public education sessions, because we have

learnt so much from you on what to do when something happens,” one participant noted.

Co-founder of the South Rupununi Wapichan Wiizi Women’s Movement, Immaculata Casimero, highlighted that the meeting brings awareness, clarity and support to the residents of these far-flung communities. The outreach was held in collaboration with the Canadian Justice Education Society (JES), which engaged with participants in artistic and cultural activities, allowing them to express their thoughts on ending gender-based crimes and sexual violence against men, women and children.

$811M boost in education, health, transport for Region 5

Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) is set to benefit from $811 million in capital investments this year under the Government’s $1.558 trillion National Budget for 2026, with regional officials describing the allocation as transformative for education, health, and transportation services across the region.

Regional Chairman Ricardo Phillips said the National Budget, which was passed under the theme “Putting People First”, provides comprehensive interventions that will meaningfully impact residents.

“So the 2026 budget, a whopping $1.558 trillion, which was passed under the theme ‘Putting People First’, is a comprehensive and wellthought-out budget that has all the necessary interventions, programmes, poli-

cies and projects that the People’s Progressive Party, the civic-led Government under His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfan Ali, has put forward, and every single intervention will meaningfully impact the people of Region 5 and holistically the people of Guyana,” Phillips stated.

He added that clear interventions can be seen across key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, social services, housing and water, noting that each sector has been addressed in a manner that will positively affect the lives of residents.

“Our President believes that every single resident of Region Five and of Guyana as a whole must have a life that has efficient, effective, and transparent delivery of public services so that they can have a comfortable life. And the 2026 budget forms part of that intervention,” the Chairman said, while expressing gratitude to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, for what he described as a well-rounded fiscal plan.

Detailing the regional allocation, Phillips said the $811 million earmarked for capital works will fund several major initiatives.

“So in Region Five, we have $811 million allocated for capital investments,” he explained, pointing to the extension of the area nurs-

ing school, construction of a technical and vocational block at the Mahaicony Secondary School, and the extension and rehabilitation of various other schools across the region.

In the health sector, expansion and rehabilitation works are planned for several health centres to improve service delivery, while transportation enhancements are also included in the programme.

Among the initiatives outlined are the purchase of a 30-seater bus for the Maikuni Branch Road, a 19-seater bus for the Bihue Branch Road under the education programme, a 19-seater bus for the health programme, and the acquisition of a 200-horsepower boat for the Maikuni River to assist with the transportation of children and residents along riverine routes.

Continued transformation

Regional Vice Chairman Kleon Lindey also welcomed the allocations, describing the 2026 fiscal plan as a catalyst for continued transformation within the region.

“Under the Irfaan Ali

budget, led by a comprehensive budget by Dr Singh and his team, we can see in this budget the transformation and continued development in our region,” Lindey said.

He added that the people-centred approach ensures inclusivity across communities.

“Every community in Region Number Five is included in this budget, and the transformation of life is going to be 100 per cent, to an extent, for our residents in this community,” the Vice Chairman stated.

US offers US$1M reward for Haitian gang leader Johnson “Izo” André

The United States offered a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to the arrest of Johnson “Izo” André, leader of the Port-au-Prince Village de Dieu-based 5 Segond gang, linking him to the 2023 kidnapping of a US citizen – an announcement that quickly sparked criticism online.

In a notice issued on February 18 through the State Department’s Rewards for Justice programme, authorities accused André and his group of kidnapping a US citizen in Port-au-Prince on March 18, 2023. The victim was later freed after a ransom was paid.

US authorities said André is responsible for kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes that have deepened Haiti’s security crisis and caused widespread suffering among fam-

Johnson “Izo” André, leader of the Port-au-Prince Village de Dieu-based 5 Segond gang

ilies forced to pay ransom for loved ones.

“If you have information on Johnson ‘Izo’ André or his associates, please share it with us,” the State Department said. “Your information will be kept confi-

dential and could make you eligible for relocation or a reward.”

In December 2023, André was sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury under Executive Order 13818 for alleged human rights abuses. The designation freezes any property or interests in property under US jurisdiction.

In 2024, US prosecutors filed a criminal complaint charging André with hostage-taking and conspiracy to commit hostage-taking.

He joins other Haitian gang leaders targeted by US reward offers, including Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier, Wilson “Lanmò San Jou” Joseph and Vitel’homme Innocent – figures associated with the Viv Ansanm coalition that controls large swathes of Portau-Prince. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)

T&T Opposition calls on Prime Minister to retract allegations

Trinidad and Tobagi (T&T) Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles has called on Prime Minister (PM) Kamla Persad-Bissessar to withdraw allegations made against the People’s National Movement (PNM).

Beckles said in a statement on Facebook:

“Now, as a beleaguered Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar has resorted to her default modus operandi – accusing the PNM of ‘mafia-style financing and paedophilia’ in the same breath. One wonders what story she will concoct next!”

Beckles said PersadBissessar continues to level allegations of criminal conduct against the party

without providing evidence. She said the statements are made when the Opposition presents information challenging claims by the United National Congress.

The Opposition Leader referenced statements made in May 2022 in which the PM alleged the existence of a paedophile ring within the PNM and called for a Police investigation. She said no names or evidence were provided. She also cited allegations in 2023 of human trafficking involving PNM officials and claims made within the past month directed at senators.

Beckles said allegations involving organised crime, sexual exploitation, trafficking or financial crimes must be supported by evidence

and referred to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) for investigation. She said the Constitution does not permit trial by political platform.

The Opposition Leader said repeated allegations without evidence undermine national institutions and affect victims of crime.

She added that during Lent and Ramadan, citizens are observing periods of reflection, and national discourse should reflect restraint.

Beckles insists the PM retract the statements and apologise.

She said failure to do so should result in resignation from the Office of the Prime Minister. (Trinidad Guardian)

St Lucia National Workers Union to host

annual congress of delegates

A&B: World’s 1st ammoniapowered vessel to call at St John’s Harbour

The world’s first ammonia-powered vessel, the Fortescue Green Pioneer, will call at St John’s Harbour from February 21 to 28, positioning Antigua and Barbuda (A&B) at the forefront of discussions on maritime decarbonisation and sustainable shipping.

The vessel is described as a globally significant, high-profile demonstrator of the future of shipping and the safe and responsible use of ammonia as a marine fuel.

Powered by ammonia, the Fortescue Green Pioneer represents a shift toward alternative fuels aimed at reducing emissions in the global maritime sector. Its visit highlights growing international efforts to transition shipping away from tradition-

al fossil fuels toward cleaner energy solutions.

While in port, the vessel will be berthed at the Nevis Street Pier in St John’s.

Access to the pier is via the end of Nevis Street on the western harbourfront, adjacent to Heritage Quay.

The call underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s engagement with maritime innovation and the blue economy, as regional and international stakeholders continue exploring pathways toward more sustainable ocean-based industries. (Antigua Observer)

BVI: As cruise sector booms, pier park marks 10th anniversary

As cruise tourists streamed through the Cyril B Romney Tortola Pier Park in Road Town, British Virgin Islands (BVI), on Monday morning, many paused to watch a lively procession of drummers, moko jumbies and cheerleaders marking the pier park’s 10th anniversary.

A ceremony followed on the lawn, where senior Government officials reflected on a decade that included catastrophic hurricanes and a deadly pandemic before the territory clocked a record of nearly 900,000 cruise visitors last year.

Speakers also looked ahead to what could be an even busier 2026. More than one million cruise visitors are expected, alongside discussions about a proposed eco-tax on the sector and a decision about possible cruise-pier expansions to accommodate larger ships.

Tortola Pier Park Limited CEO Vance Lewis, who emceed the event, told attendees that the pier park was com-

The National Workers Union (NWU) will host its Annual Congress of Delegates on Friday, 20 February 2026, under the theme “The National Workers Union must continue to defend/protect/advance the economic, social, political and industrial achievements over the many years of its operation.”

In keeping with the Union’s Constitution, delegates from the various branches convene annually to receive a status report on the organisation’s development and future outlook. This year’s Congress will take place at the NWU Headquarters, in the Conference Room of the

John Burke King Industrial Academy at Unity House, 7 Maurice Mason Avenue, Sans Souci, Castries. The Open Session is scheduled to commence at 09:30h.

Chairperson Cde Kimani Pompelis will preside over the formal opening proceedings, and Cde Nnamdi Obodoechina, Central Committee Member and Shop Steward at St Jude Hospital, will deliver the invocation.

Secretary General Cde Johann M Harewood will present the Welcome Address, setting the tone for the Congress. The Feature Address will be delivered by Cletus Springer,

Chairman of the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC), who brings extensive experience in industrial relations.

Brief remarks will be delivered by Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Labour. Solidarity messages are also expected from regional and international affiliates.

Following the Open Session, the Congress will move into a Closed Session, during which delegates will receive and examine reports and formulate work plans for the upcoming term. (St Lucia Times)

pleted exactly 10 years earlier, on February 16, 2016.

In looking to the future, Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer emphasised “sustainability, modernisation and resilience”.

“We’re looking at how we integrate green technology into our port operations,” he said. “We are examining ways to reduce our environmental footprint while increasing our economic output.”

He added that he recently proposed an environmental levy for cruise passengers to the BVIPA chairman.

Currently, cruise passengers – each of whom brings the territory a $15 head tax, according to Mr Lewis – are exempt from the $10 environmental levy charged to all other visitors to the territory.

Mr Rymer also touted the economic benefits of the pier park, describing it as five acres with “11 buildings, 18 kiosks, and dozens of retail stores, restaurants and service centres.”

The diversity of businesses, he said, helps ensure that visitors’ money “flows directly into our economy.” (Excerpt from The BVI Beacon)

J’ca: PNP slams Holness for continued drawdown of NHT funds

The People’s National Party (PNP) has criticised the Jamaican Government’s plan to extract a further $57 billion over the next five years from the National Housing Trust (NHT), describing the proposal as “vulgar”.

In a statement on Thursday, Senator Floyd Morris, the party’s spokesperson on housing, hit out against recent comments by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)’s Abka Fitz Henley, accusing Opposition Leader Mark Golding of vulgar politicking for criticising the continued drawdown of NHT funds.

Citing the 50th anniver-

sary of the National Housing Trust, the PNP said the Prime Minister, in whose portfolio housing resides, has made no statement recognising this milestone or reaffirming NHT’s founding purpose. Instead, it said Jamaicans face yet another proposed amendment to the NHT Act to facilitate further extractions.

Morris argued that what is vulgar is “depriving working Jamaicans of their chance to own a home while billions are syphoned from the very institution created to help them”.

He pointed to 2013 when then-Opposition Leader Andrew Holness supported taking the then Government to court, arguing that the

withdrawal of billions from the NHT for budgetary support violated the property rights of contributors.

Morris noted that Holness publicly committed to ring-fencing those funds exclusively for housing.

The spokesperson said that since assuming office, however, Holness’ Administration has amended the law twice to extend annual withdrawals of $11.4 billion, enabling approximately $114 billion to be taken over the past decade.

Pointing to proposals now on the table to extract a further $57 billion over the next five years, Morris described it as blatant hypocrisy.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Oil closes at 6-month high on US-Iran conflict worries

Oil prices rose around two per cent on Thursday to settle at their highest level in six months, as traders worried about escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, which have stepped up military activity in the oilproducing Middle East.

Brent crude futures settled up US$1.31, or 1.9 per cent, at US$71.66 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude settled up US$1.24, or 1.9 per cent, at US$66.43.

After advancing more than four per cent on Wednesday, Brent closed at its highest since July 31, while WTI closed at its highest since August 1.

Oil prices got a boost from “geopolitical tensions and the worry that the US is going to strike (Iran) in the near future,” said Andrew Lipow, President of consultancy Lipow Oil Associates. “The market will continue to rally in anticipation of something happening.”

Iran planned a joint naval exercise with Russia, Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency reported, days after it shut down the Strait of Hormuz for a few hours for military drills. The strait is a vital link for trade, with about 20 per cent of the global oil supply passing through it. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Andrew released under investigation after arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office

Andrew

MountbattenWindsor was arrested on Thursday morning and was held in custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Earlier, Thames Valley Police released a separate statement saying it had arrested “ man in his 60s”, after Police said they were assessing a complaint over the alleged sharing of confidential material with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

King Charles III released a statement after his brother was arrested. Here it is in full:

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Files reveal Epstein was offered the chance to buy US Pentagon-linked FBI buildings

Emails released in the United States Department of Justice files show that the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was offered the chance to buy into a sprawling building tied to the Department of Defence in 2016, according to United Kingdom broadcaster ITV News.

The 84,710-square-metre complex, located roughly 1.6 km from the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, was described in an investor deck as a “mission-critical” site and “the only property in Arlington, Virginia, other than the Pentagon itself with the ability to meet the space and infrastructure needs of the DOD”.

The proposed purchase price was about $116m. The structure of the deal would have made Epstein a co-owner and, effectively, a landlord to the US Government.

There is no evidence that the transaction went ahead. But the prospect of a convicted sex offender acquiring a stake in property serving the Pentagon raises serious security questions.

Among millions of emails published last month, an FBI informant wrote in a memo that Epstein was a “Mossad Agent” working for Israel.

“Epstein was close to

the former Prime Minister of Israel, Ehud Barak, and trained as a spy under him,” the memo adds.

Epstein maintained a decade-long relationship with Ehud Barak, a former Israeli Prime Minister and one-time senior military intelligence figure.

Barak visited Epstein’s New York townhouse more than 30 times between 2013 and 2017. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

UN nuclear chief warns of 2 major risks if US-Iran deal is not reached

The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency has warned of “urgency” in the push for a diplomatic agreement to avert a war between the United States and Iran, citing the risk presented by Iran’s enriched nuclear material, which he said remained largely intact despite US strikes on three major facilities last year, and the risk of any new strikes sparking a wider conflict.

The US and Iran concluded a round of negotiations on Tuesday in Geneva, with both sides saying progress was made, but a US official telling CBS News there were “still a lot of details to discuss.” The official said Iran was expected to come back within a couple of weeks with detailed proposals “to address some of the open gaps in our positions.”

While that diplomacy continues, President Trump has bolstered the US mili-

tary presence in the region to back up his threat of new strikes if no agreement is reached to rein in Iran’s nuclear programme.

In an interview with French network TF1 posted online Wednesday, Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency, referred to the Geneva talks as “two steps forward”, but “further efforts are still needed”. (Excerpt from CBS News)

What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.

In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.

As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.

Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.

Charles R.” Andrew has previously denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein; he has not responded to the BBC’s requests for comment on any of the specific allegations in relation to the release of

millions of Epstein files in January.

In an update from Thames Valley Police, the force says that searches in Norfolk have ended, and the former prince was photographed reclined in the back of a vehicle leaving Aylsham Police Station soon after 19:00h GMT.

The former Press Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, Ailsa Anderson, told BBC News

the photo reminds people of his “extraordinary fall from grace”.

“He looked dazed, he looked shell-shocked, he was slouching down,” Anderson said.

Today’s events will leave the Royal Family feeling “bruised” and “shattered”, she added.

The arrest came on the same day that the former prince turned 66 years old. (Excerpts from BBC News)

South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol jailed for life for leading insurrection

ASouth Korean court has sentenced the former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment with labour over his failed martial law declaration in December 2024, finding him guilty of leading an insurrection and making him the first elected head of state in the country’s democratic era to receive the maximum custodial sentence.

The Seoul Central District Court found that Yoon’s declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, constituted insurrection, carried out with the intent to disrupt the constitutional order.

Judge Jee Kui-youn said the purpose was “to send troops to the National Assembly to blockade the assembly hall and arrest key

figures, including the assembly speaker and party leaders, thereby preventing lawmakers from gathering to deliberate or vote. ”.

In sentencing Yoon on Thursday, the court pointed to his lack of apology throughout the proceedings,

his unjustified refusal to attend hearings, and the massive social costs his actions inflicted on South Korean society.

The court said the martial law greatly damaged the political neutrality of the military and Police and caused South Korea’s political standing and credibility in the international community to decline, leaving society “politically divided and experiencing extreme confrontation”.

The court opted for life imprisonment over the death penalty, noting that while the crime was grave, Yoon’s planning did not appear meticulous, he had attempted to limit the use of physical force, and most of his plans ultimately failed. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

At Board of Peace debut, Trump announces global commitments for Gaza reconstruction

US President Donald Trump told the first meeting of his Board of Peace on Thursday that nations had contributed $7 billion to a Gaza reconstruction fund that aims to rebuild the enclave once Hamas disarms, an objective that is far from becoming a reality.

The disarmament of Hamas militants and accompanying withdrawal of Israeli troops, the size of the reconstruction fund and the flow of humanitarian aid to

the war-battered populace of Gaza are among the major questions likely to test the effectiveness of the board in the months ahead.

The meeting in Washington came amid a broader push by Trump to build a reputation as a peacemaker. It also took place as the United States threatens war against Iran and has embarked on a massive military build-up in the region in case Tehran refuses to give up its nuclear programme.

The Board’s founding membership does not include some key US Western allies concerned about the scope of the initiative.

In a flurry of announcements at the end of a long, winding speech to representatives from 47 nations, Trump said the United States will contribute $10 billion to the Board of Peace. He did not say where the money would come from or whether he would seek it from the US Congress.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Put everything in context before you choose to speak or act. Overreacting emotionally will cost you if you aren’t careful. Instead, put your skills to work for you and concentrate on cleaning up unfinished business, or offer your time and services to a cause that concerns you, and you’ll feel good at the end of the day.

Hidden matters will rise to the surface, and information divulged will require attention. Put your energy into bringing about positive change and resolving issues that can damage your reputation or position if you don’t take responsibility for your actions. Use your charisma, reach out to the powers that be, and your opportunity will present itself.

Live, learn, and adjust. Your ability to shift from one thing to another is your strength. Refuse to let anyone weaken you with their rhetoric or manipulative charm. Show discipline, courage, and the wherewithal to think for yourself and to do what’s best for you. Strive for equality and move forward in a direction that serves your purpose.

Set high standards and goals and dodge those pushing negativity and fake information. Choose to nurture your mind, body, and soul, and to offer a positive attitude and suggestions that are uplifting, kind, and considerate. What you portray and offer others is what you will attract in return. Protect your space and your well-being.

Listen to suggestions, live, learn, and love who you are and what you can do. Life choices will make a difference. Educate yourself to be the person you want to be. Your willpower, determination, and innovative outlook will help you rise to the top. Be the driver in your life, not a passenger who’s on someone else’s journey.

Choose what pulls at your heartstrings and discover something new about who you are and what you can do. Taking the initiative to use all your attributes to fine-tune your life to suit your taste is the path to happiness, success, and peace of mind. Trust your instincts, share your intentions, and make things happen. Romance looks promising.

Simplicity is the key to taking care of personal business and mapping out a plan that helps you mesh your responsibilities from all aspects of your life in a positive, workable manner. Peace of mind comes from organization, not procrastination. Pour your energy into completing and enjoying the rewards that follow. Learn from experience and initiate change.

Anger is a waste of time. If you want to make a difference, do so with grace, charm, and truth. Nurture relationships, make promises, and follow through with your plans. A positive change at home will also change the dynamics of a meaningful relationship. The more you open up, the easier it is to see what’s possible.

Focus on what you can change instead of wasting time on people, situations, and things you have no control over. Home improvements that make your life easier, efficient, or gratifying will lift you and encourage you to spend more time with the people and doing the things that make you happy. Walk away from drama and manipulative people.

Pay attention to what’s happening in the workforce. Prepare to make a shift, if necessary, to secure and pursue a lucrative future. Disregard questionable information. Facts matter, and your sources for information will reflect what you do and how you feel. Patience and understanding will help you maintain a happy mindset and better control and outcome.

Put your energy where it counts and pay attention to your money, health, and emotional wellbeing. How you handle your position, authority, and possessions will determine how you feel at the end of the day. Buying and selling look promising and can promote new opportunities to simplify and enjoy your life. Choose realism over emotional mayhem.

Choose the path that captures your attention and warms your heart. Participate in events that do their best to help those less fortunate or a cause that concerns you. Change requires time, energy, and thoughtful choices. Communication, education, and travel are in your best interest and will lead to opportunities to use your skills to the fullest.

Zimbabwe stun Sri Lanka to enter Super 8s unbeaten

Once is a shock. Twice, and the second to beat hosts Sri Lanka at their own game, are Zimbabwe. Led by their canny bowling, Zimbabwe pulled Sri Lanka back from a flying start to keep them to 178 on a sluggish Premadasa track. Their opener Brian Bennett, the quickest scorer in their history, dropped anchor, stayed unbeaten like his team, and Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl and Tadiwanashe Marumani did all the damage from the other end to seal their second-highest successful T20I chase.

Sri Lanka’s innings had three neat divisions: first 29 balls for 54 for 0, next 72 for 82 for 4 and then a finishing kick of 42 for 3 off the last 19 balls. Zimbabwe went Bennett and non-Bennett. Bennett scored 63 off 48; the other three combined for 102 off 64 balls. Raza was the decisive hand: 45 off 26 after the asking rate had gone past 11.

Nissanka continues good form Fresh off a match-winning hundred, Pathum Nissanka got off the blocks running along with Kusal Perera. In the company of Kusal Mendis, he took Sri Lanka past 50 in the fifth

over. Zimbabwe did try to deny them pace by bowling two overs of spin in the first four, but Raza and Wellington Masakadza were not as accurate and menacing as some of the more established spinners.

Zimbabwe pull things back

Once Blessing Muzarabani got rid of Perera with a slower short ball at the end of the fifth over, the game changed. Kusal Mendis played a strange innings of little intent and 14 off 20, during which Nissanka went past him as the most prolific run-getter for Sri Lanka in T20Is. By the time Mendis was dragged out of his crease by a ripping legbreak from Burl, Sri Lanka had fallen to 100 for 2 in 12.1 overs.

With even Pavan Rathnayake struggling at the start of his innings, Nissanka felt obligated to hit out and was out on the reverse sweep off Graeme Cremer, who returned figures of 4-0-27-2. His second victim was Kamindu Mendis, courtesy of a gentle push for a return catch.

Rathnayake provides a finishing kick It was only in the end that

Sri Lanka found some momentum, with Rathnayake finding a way to score 44 off 25. He hit the first six of the innings at the end of the 17th over and went on to hit

Hemantha conceded seven and six in overs seven and eight. Wellalage cashed in on the pressure with clever bowling outside Marumani’s arc. Zimbabwe responded by

the only other six of the innings off Brad Evans in the 19th over. Dunith Wellalage scored 14 off the last over to carry some momentum into the defence.

Zimbabwe struggle against slowness

When Sri Lanka chose to bat, Raza called the toss a win-win because he expected the conditions to get better as the temperatures cooled down and lights came on in the evening. That was certainly not the case at the start of the innings, as only 20 runs came off the first three overs.

Bennett sticks; others hit Starting with the fourth over, Marumani began to take extra risks. It started with two reverse-swept boundaries off Maheesh Theekshana in the fourth over, followed by a six over long-on off the same bowler in the sixth.

The squeeze is on Conceding 55 in the powerplay was not ideal, but Sri Lanka would have backed their slower bowlers to control the game once the field spread out. That is exactly what happened, as Dasun Shanaka and Dushan

promoting Burl to No. 3.

Burl keeps Zimbabwe in the hunt

With a single off the last ball of the 10th over, the asking rate went past 10. Zimbabwe needed 101 off the last 10 overs. Burl now unleashed a burly hit off Wellalage, first a short ball for four and then a 103-metre six down the ground. The pitch was not playing better. When Shanaka brought Sri Lanka back with a short ball to dismiss Burl for 23 off 13, Zimbabwe needed 81 off 50.

The Raza show

At this point Bennett was 37 off 32, but not for lack of trying. He was just struggling to get used to the pace of the pitch. And Raza also got off to a slow start of 7 off the first 10 balls he faced. With 61 needed off 33 balls, though, Hemantha dropped one short. Raza absolutely laid into it for a 94-metre six and followed it up with a straight six. He then walked at Hemantha to steer a four to the backward point.

In the next over, Raza took a straight six off Theekshana even though he hadn’t overpitched. This assault knocked the stuffing out of Sri Lanka, leaving 19

need - ed off the last three.

The final jitters

Wellalage bowled a good final over to leave 13 needed off the last two, and Hemantha managed to get Raza caught at extra cover off a short ball. Now Zimbabwe were looking at inexperienced batters who hadn’t yet had a hit in this tournament.

aaa

Sri Lanka (20 ovs maximum)

Pathum Nissanka c Munyonga

b Cremer 62

Kusal Perera c Cremer

b Muzarabani 22

Kusal Mendis † st †Marumani

b Burl 14

Pavan Rathnayake c Cremer

b Evans 44

Kamindu Mendis c & b Cremer 7

Dasun Shanaka (c) c Musekiwa

b Muzarabani 6

Dunith Wellalage not out 15

Dushan Hemantha c Burl

b Evans 0

Maheesh Theekshana not out 0

Extras (lb 3, nb 1, w 4) 8

Total 20 Ov (RR: 8.90) 178/7

Fall of wickets: 1-54 (Kusal Perera, 4.6 ov), 2-100 (Kusal Mendis, 12.1 ov), 3-108 (Pathum Nissanka, 13.4 ov), 4-123 (Kamindu Mendis, 15.2 ov), 5-142 (Dasun Shanaka, 17.1 ov), 6-164 (Pavan Rathnayake, 18.5 ov), 7-164 (Dushan Hemantha, 18.6 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W Sikandar Raza 4-0-36-0

Blessing Muzarabani 4-0-38-2

Contrasting wins for Santos, Slingerz in Elite League Cup

The Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) inaugural Elite League Cup, a one-month competition to ensure top teams stay active as the season’s commencement shifts to August, saw its second matchday being staged on Wednesday night at their National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara.

With a doubleheader on the cards, Santos Football Club (FC) managed to needle their Den Amstel FC opponents in the earlier fixture, while Slingerz FC later decimated Ann’s Grove United FC 8-0 in the following encounter.

Den Amstel, who seemed to “pull their socks up” after an embarrassing display on the open-

ing night of the competition against Police FC last Saturday, were a much better unit on Wednesday, getting in the way of Santos’ youthful XI. However, it was Shakeel King who found the back of the net in the 39th minute to hand Santos the lead. That goal would go on to become the game winner, as neither side could beat the goals’ custodians for the remainder of the 90 minutes.

Then, two hat tricks were on the cards for Slingerz FC’s goal spree against Ann’s Grove. After a few minutes to find their rhythm, Darron Niles broke the ice for Slingerz with a strike in the 12th minute. Kemar Beckford later made it a 2-0 affair with a goal in the 21st, while two minutes

DCB U19 50-Overs…

later, Niles pushed his personal tally to two. Curtez Kellman found favour with a close-range shot in the 31st, leaving Ann’s Grove reeling with a four-goal deficit at the half.

Upon resumption, Niles completed his hat-trick in the 49th minute, while Beckford found the back of the net twice more, in the 72nd and 81st, to secure his treble.

Rishaun Ritch added the cherry on top with a strike in the 84th, sealing Slingerz’s 8-0 victory.

The Elite League Cup will continue on Saturday, February 21, with a doubleheader at the same venue. At 18:30h, Ann’s Grove United will look to rebound against Monedderlust FC, while Western Tigers be-

East Coast take thriller; GCA record big opening victory

The Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Under 19 Inter-Association 2026 50-Over tournament got off to an emphatic start on Wednesday at the Police Sports Club, with Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) U19 and East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) recording victories in their respective opening matches.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, East Bank Cricket Association U19 endured a nightmare outing, collapsing for a paltry 38 in 19.2 overs. Their batting line-up never recovered from early blows, with Dilshan Latchman offering the only resistance with a modest 10.

GCA’s bowlers were clinical. Emmanuel Lewis and Dave Mohabir led the charge with three wickets apiece, dismantling the EBCA innings with disciplined spells.

In response,

Georgetown Cricket Association U19 made light work of the chase, reaching 39 for 2 in just 7.1 overs to secure an eight-wicket victory. Emmanuel Lewis’ outstanding all-round contribution earned him the Man of the Match award. In the day’s other encounter, East Coast Cricket Board also chose to bat first after winning the toss. They posted 126 all out in 37.3 overs, thanks largely to Yannick Newton’s top score of 34 and a supporting 19 from Kyle Gibson.

from 21:00h.

The teams in the Elite League Cup are competing for a $1M grand prize. Second place will leave with $700,000, while third and fourth places will pocket $500,000 and $300,000, respectively.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Thursday announced a new sponsorship agreement with Livpure, a leading water purification and home appliances brand, which will serve as an official jersey sponsor of the West Indies Senior Men’s Team for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the West Indies white ball tour of India later this year.

tory, West Demerara fell just short, bowled out for 120 in 32.4 overs. T Argyle fought valiantly with a determined 53, while P Ram added 21, but Arun Gainda’s three-wicket haul helped seal a narrow win for East Coast.

West Demerara Cricket Association’s bowlers kept things tight, with Robin Seecharran claiming three wickets and Pameshwar Ram picking up two.

Chasing 127 for vic-

The tournament continues today with two more fixtures on the schedule: East Bank will face East Coast, while West Demerara takes on Upper Demerara, as teams look to build early momentum in the competition.

The partnership comes at an exciting time for the West Indies men, who are currently on a strong winning streak in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and have already secured qualification to the Super Eight stage. The team will next face Zimbabwe in their Super Eight fixture on Monday, February 23, with the first ball scheduled for 09:30h Caribbean Time, as they look to maintain momentum heading into the knockout phase of the tournament.

The agreement covers the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for February and March, and the West Indies’ white ball tour of India in September and October 2026, which includes three One Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals.

CWI President, the Hon Dr Kishore Shallow, welcomed the partnership as an important step in strengthening the commercial foundation of West Indies cricket.

“On behalf of Cricket West Indies, I warmly welcome Livpure as a valued partner of our Senior Men’s team. This collaboration reflects the enduring global appeal of West Indies cricket and our ability to attract respected international

The nine teams in the League Group were placed in three groups: Group A (Slingerz FC, Monedderlust FC, and Ann’s Grove United), Group B (Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC, Santos FC, and Den Amstel FC), and Group C (Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC, Western Tigers, and Fruta Conquerors FC).

The teams will complete round robin play before the top four teams advance to the semi-finals. The tournament is slated to conclude on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

CWI welcomes Livpure as official jersey sponsor for Windies Men

brands. Strategic partnerships such as this are critical to supporting the growth, competitiveness, and longterm sustainability of our game across the region. We look forward to building a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with Livpure as our team competes on the world stage.”

CWI Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring also highlighted the significance of the agreement, particularly in a key cricket market.

“Cricket West Indies is pleased to welcome Livpure into the West Indies cricket family. This partnership reflects the global appeal of our team and the strong commercial opportunities associated with West Indies cricket, particularly in key markets such as India. We look forward to working closely with Livpure to deliver value both on and off the field during a pivotal year for our men’s team.” Livpure’s branding will appear on the leading arm of the team’s shirt during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

in accordance with tournament regulations and on the front of the shirt during the India tour, subject to international playing conditions and approvals.

Rakesh Kaul, MD & CEO for Livpure, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration.

“We are proud to partner with Cricket West Indies and to be associated with one of the most iconic teams in world cricket. The passion, flair, and global fan base of West Indies cricket align strongly with our brand values, and we look forward to engaging millions of cricket fans through this partnership as the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka sets the stage for an atmosphere of unmatched scale and excitement that resonates deeply with audiences across the world.”

The sponsorship underscores CWI’s continued focus on building sustainable commercial partnerships that enhance the team’s competitiveness while expanding the global footprint of West Indies cricket.

The upcoming physiotherapy seminar for coaches, featuring a panel of experienced local practitioners and sports medicine specialists, is being positioned as a major step toward strengthening athlete welfare and performance standards in Guyana.

The one-day programme, set for February 27 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, will be led by physiotherapists Vanessa Wickham, Jana Edghill, Angelica Holder, Neil Barry, and Kelly Coonjah, with each presenter focusing on critical areas ranging from injury prevention to safe return-to-play protocols.

Organised by the National Sports Commission (NSC) in collaboration with the Physiotherapy Department of the Ministry of Health, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between clinical sports

NSC unveils specialists slated for physiotherapy seminar

cussion management, and heat-related illnesses, an especially relevant topic in Guyana’s climate, while Holder will emphasise the importance of proper warmup and recovery strategies.

organisers, the seminar will cover a wide cross-section of practical topics, including injury prevention and load management, mechanisms of injury linked to coaching decisions, acute injury management, concussion recognition, heat illness prevention in tropical environments, hydration strategies, structured warm-up and cool-down protocols, and strength and conditioning for injury resilience.

Additional sessions will examine youth athlete considerations, injury tracking systems, and criteria-based return-to-play frameworks.

Wickham, who will address sports medicine team dynamics, injury patterns, and International Olympic Committee injury prevention protocols, is expected to set the foundation for understanding how coaching decisions influence athlete health outcomes.

Edghill will focus on acute injury response, con-

ABarry’s presentation will centre on strength and conditioning principles for both performance and injury prevention, with Coonjah concluding with guidance on safe return-to-play systems and youth athlete development.

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle described the seminar as a critical component of the NSC’s long-term vision to modernise sport development in Guyana, noting that athlete welfare must remain central to any performance ambitions.

“Our vision is clear… we want Guyanese athletes to perform at their highest level, but never at the expense of their health,” Ninvalle explained.

He added, “programmes like this ensure that coaches, who are often the first responders when injuries occur, are equipped with the right knowledge and tools to make informed decisions. That directly impacts athlete longevity, safety, and success.”

Essequibo crush Select XI as Berbice book title clash

a match-winning spell of 6 for 16.

Meanwhile, at the Lusignan Community Centre, Berbice secured a comfortable victory over Demerara to advance to the final.

Ninvalle further stressed that the partnership with the Ministry of Health and its department headed by Dr Arianne Mangar represents an important shift toward a more integrated national sports system, where medical expertise is embedded into training environments rather than

treated as an afterthought.

“This collaboration signals that sport and health must work hand in hand. When we invest in education for coaches, we are investing in the protection of athletes across every discipline, from grassroots to elite levels,” Ninvalle noted.

The NSC believes the

seminar will also contribute to reducing injury incidence, preventing reinjury, and improving performance sustainability nationwide.

Beyond technical knowledge, the initiative reflects a broader national commitment to athlete-centred sport development.

By integrating evidence-based sports medicine principles into coaching culture, organisers hope to create safer sporting environments while strengthening referral systems between coaches, medical professionals, and institutions.

The seminar is open to coaches from all sporting disciplines, with the NSC encouraging broad participation as Guyana continues its push toward sporting excellence built on a foundation of athlete protection and welfare.

t the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Cricket Ground, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Essequibo produced a disciplined all-round performance to defeat the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Select XI in the latest round of the GCB Male Under-16 competition.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Essequibo were dismissed for 134 in 25.2 overs. Timothy Ramdat led the scoring with a brisk 32 from 28 balls, striking six fours, while Jonathan Barry chipped in with 16. Skipper Gatum Dhanraj was the standout bowler for GCB Select XI, claiming an impressive 5 for 29 from 6.2 overs.

In reply, GCB Select XI struggled against tight Essequibo bowling and were restricted to 80 in 28.1 overs. Shaker Ramesh (19) and Tufan Chanderpaul (12) were the only batters to reach double figures. Barry returned to dominate with the ball, producing

Demerara, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, struggled to build momentum and finished on 120 for 8 from their allotted 50 overs. Lomar Seecharan topscored with 30, while Afraz Khan showed patience for an unbeaten 23 off 102 balls. Leon Reddy and Brandon Grimmond were the pick of the bowlers, each taking three wickets.

Berbice’s chase was guided by a composed unbeaten 40 from Asgaralli Nabi, which included three fours and one six. Akash Ramdewar provided solid support with 27 as Berbice reached 121 for 3 in 32.2 overs to seal a seven-wicket victory.

The final between Demerara and Berbice is scheduled for Saturday at the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, starting at 09:30h.

Tucber Park CC extends gratitude to Government after installation of lights

The New Amsterdambased cricket club, Tucber Park, has extended gratitude to the Government of Guyana after the recent upgrades on the ground.

The ground, which is opposite the Berbice High School, can proudly boast lights, washroom facilities, side screens, pavilions and a brand-new pitch that was relayed.

In a social media post, Tucber Park Cricket, which is the home of current West Indies international players Romario Shepherd and Shamar Joseph, extended gratitude to President Irfaan Ali and his Sports Ministers.

“Our executive and members extend our profound gratitude to the President, Irfaan Ali, Charles Ramson and Hon Steven JacobsMinister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport for the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport - Guyana installation of lights at the Berbice High School Ground.”

“This is in addition to the construction of Washroom Facilities, Side Screen and Relaying of the pitch, all which were previously done by the Government through the Regional Democratic Council Region No.6,” the Tucber Park post stated.

The cricket club added: “Having produced over eighty-five players for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies with the likes of Romario Shepherd, Shamar Joseph, Nial Smith and Zeynul Ramsammy among others, we see this as Government’s commitment to the development of sports more-so cricket in the ancient county and Guyana at large.”

In addition to the household names produced by the clubs, legendary administrator Carl Moore has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of youths positively. He was the sole source at Tucber Park Cricket Club, then his son Julian Moore, a certified coach, took over the mantle. Currently, the likes of Orlando Tanner, who is now a qualified and certified Level Three coach, and former West Indies Women’s

player Tremayne Smartt are directing the day-to-day affairs at the club.

On a daily basis, post school, more than 50 youths are out training. With the lights installed, training will continue for a longer period.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Hope’s 75; Forde, Joseph’s wickets help WI go into Super 8s unconquered

The West Indies headed into the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup unbeaten after successfully defending 165 against Italy at Eden Gardens on Thursday. Spinners Crishan Kalugamage and Ben Manenti impressed with the ball and were backed up by some sharp fielding, but the batters couldn’t get the Italian job done.

While Italy exited their maiden World Cup with a win against Nepal and many memories to cherish, West Indies sealed their fourth successive win at the

venue where they will face India in their final Super Eight fixture on March 1.

Italy may have sensed an opportunity for another win when they stifled West Indies’ power-packed middle order, but Matthew Forde’s twin strikes in the powerplay decisively tilted the game in West Indies’ favour. Bowling three overs on the bounce, Forde dismissed both Justin Mosca and No. 3 Syed Naqvi, helping West Indies restrict Italy to 37 for 3 in six overs. Shamar Joseph then bagged four wickets to go with his

four catches as Italy were bowled out for 123.

The win was set up by Shai Hope, who hit back-

but wrist spinner Kalugamage combined well with offspinner Ben Manenti to drag them back.

After being on 90 for 2 in 12 overs, a West Indies middle order that included the likes of Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford and Jason Holder could only manage 75 in the final eight overs on a fairly flat pitch at a ground with small boundaries.

Chase didn’t find his timing at any point, labouring to 24 off 25 balls before Ben Manenti had him holing out. Powell scored a runa-ball 9 before also falling to Ben Manenti.

Hope peppered the off side, scoring 46 of his 75 runs in that region. Anything that was remote-

to-back half-centuries and dominated the early exchanges with an array of offside drives. West Indies lost steam after Hope departed for 75 off 46 balls, but they regained it through their bowlers.

Hope’s solo act

After the West Indies were asked to bat first, they hit seven boundaries in the powerplay, and Hope was responsible for all of those. By the eighth over, the West Indies captain had zoomed to a 28-ball half-century. The first boundary by a West Indies player not named “Shai Hope” came in the tenth over when Roston Chase backed away and lifted left-arm spinner JJ Smuts over extra cover.

ly full and outside off was crashed in the arc between mid-off and point. When Italy dragged their lengths back, Hope was ready for it as well. Like when left-arm seamer Ali Hasan banged one into his upper body, Hope swatted him away over square leg for six in the fourth over. Hope was particularly severe on rightarm fast bowler Thomas Draca, taking him for 20 off nine balls.

Italy finally stopped him in the 16th over when legspinner Kalugagame bowled him with a tossedup wrong’un.

Italy fight with the ball West Indies were on track for 200, especially when Hope was in charge,

Kalugamage busted his finger while taking the catch of Powell in the outfield, but after a quick trip back to the dressing room, he castled Hope and brought out his trademark arms-crossed celebration, paying tribute to Lautaro Martinez, his favourite football player. The celebration made another appearance after Kalugamage had Holder caught at wide long-on with a short and wide legbreak.

Forde, who retained his place in the XI ahead of Romario Shepherd, who had also missed the previous game with a niggle, made a cameo (16 not out off of eight balls) to haul West Indies past 160.

Joseph and Forde close it out

After having the right-handed Mosca brother hopping to the inswing-

er, Forde brushed the off bail of the left-handed Mosca brother with an inducker. Daren Sammy, who also works with Forde at St Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League, trusts his bowler to swing the new ball both ways. On Thursday, Forde showed that he can also bang it away on a hard length when he hit the splice of Naqvi’s bat and had him miscuing a catch to mid-off.

Akeal Hosein, another powerplay specialist for the West Indies, got rid of Anthony Mosca for 19 off 18 balls. It was Joseph’s first catch of the day. He went on to take three more and four wickets to hasten the end for Italy. Joseph hit the deck harder than Forde and generated more extra bounce to discomfit Italy’s batters.

Ben Manenti was the only Italy batter to pass 25 in the chase. When Grant Stewart fell to a near yorker from Joseph for 12 off seven balls, Italy were 103 for 6 in the 15th over. Joseph came back to wrap them up for 123 in 18 overs and keep the West Indies’ spotless record intact in this World Cup. (ESPNcricinfo)

Kalugamage 4-0-25-2

Italy (T: 166 runs from 20 ovs) Justin Mosca b Forde 2 Anthony Mosca c Joseph