Guyana Times - Friday, February 6, 2026

PAC introduces 24-hour CCTV surveillance at National Park

GDF boosting capabilities with more aircraft, marine vessel – Brigadier Khan

Georgetown wharf tragedy Crew rushed to help each other before dying

14-year-old hospitalised after being taken unconscious to Sophia

Police find $344M worth of ganja in Upper Demerara River

31 tickets issued, 10 fitnesses revoked in Region 2 road safety exercise

Croal slams “dishonest”, “false” disability assistance claims by WIN’s MP

Coretta McDonald injured after fall in National Assembly

APNU/AFC housing record was “weak and ineffective” – Croal flays Duncan’s criticisms of PPP/C’s projects

Housing Minister Collin Croal has fired back at Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Sherod Duncan following his criticism of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government’s housing programmes, telling the former APNU+AFC coalition Administration of presiding over a weak and ineffective record while in office from 2015 to 2020.

During his contributions to the Budget 2026 debates on Wednesday, Duncan, who now represents the APNU in the National Assembly, fervently criticised the housing programmes being executed by the PPP/C.

However, Croal reminded Duncan, who was a mem-

ber of the APNU+AFC Government from 2015 to 2020 and a member of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Board, of their dismal record.

He highlighted that from May 2015 to July 2020, the APNU+AFC made only 7534 allocations, 2000 of which were made when they were on borrowed time after their Government fell to a no-confidence motion.

Apart from the allocations, Croal reminded them of their poor performance in housing construction for citizens.

“They constructed 200 houses on the coastland, and then, to add insult to injury, they introduced duplex-

es, 40 of them that were neither properly recognised by the banks or could be covered by the insurance companies; there was no legal framework. This PPP/C Government passed the Act. For hinterland, 21 houses alone were built… the then Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Honourable Dawn Hastings, only built houses in Kako, the village where she’s from, and the surrounding villages in Region Seven. Mr Speaker, that’s it; that’s all they did for five years,” Croal pointed out.

In contrast, under the PPP/C Government, Croal said over 600 hinterland houses were constructed across all regions.

The APNU/AFC, he reminded, only developed three housing schemes, which were already established under the previous PPP/C Administration. He contended that the APNU/AFC administration made no efforts to develop any new housing areas.

“The records will show, Mr Speaker, no efforts were made to acquire new lands for housing development, so how were you gonna do it? The 7000+ allocations, Mr

Speaker, they did were all in areas the PPP/C established prior to 2015,” he noted. Croal also responded to Duncan’s criticisms of the house sizes being built for low-income families.

“I must remind you of the houses that were built at Prospect under the APNU+AFC Government, 18x20 houses, and you are criticising the low-incomesized houses,” the housing Minister contended.

Further, he dismissed contentions from the APNU/ AFC members that they did not have oil revenues to fund better programmes.

“All the oil revenue in the world will not derive development if a Government lacks vision, discipline, leadership and a commitment to delivering social solutions for people,” he posited.

Minister Croal pointed out that over the past five years, 53,000 house lots were allocated, over 100 housing areas were established, 4500 houses were constructed,

1912 informal settlers were regularised, and 25,000 land titles were processed.

Further, he noted that the Government launched the block-making initiative to support the booming construction industry and provide employment for scores of individuals.

He also pointed to the steel and cement subsidy programme that offset construction costs for vulnerable citizens.

Moreover, through Government interventions, the low-income mortgage ceiling will now be increased to $30 million and will also be extended to approved insurance companies that offer housing loans, making homeownership less burdensome for citizens.

In contrast, he asked what the APNU/AFC did to ensure improved access to homeownership for citizens.

“One cannot spend five years doing almost nothing and then return to this Parliament and pretend to

be an expert. This is not leadership; this is theatre,” Croal emphasised.

He also highlighted the economic benefits of the Government’s housing drive, noting that over 200 small contractors have gained meaningful employment.

“You tell those small contractors, all local, small contractors; you tell them, tell them and criticise them. They’ve played their role; they have created employment for over 25,000 persons. Now think about the magnitude when we’ll embark on our 8000 first-phase programme,” Croal said, referring to the Government’s plan to construct 40,000 houses over the next five years.

Croal assured that the Government will continue to aggressively pursue its housing programmes to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to access affordable homes.

Responding to the Opposition’s baseless narrative that only “friends, family, and favourites” benefit from the Government’s initiatives, Minister Croal asked, “Are we saying the 53,000 [who benefitted from house lots] is of only one type? Are we saying the 53,000 are only supporters of the PPP/C? Then I am proud to claim them, if they’re all my friends, if they’re all my family, if they’re all my favourite, I am proud to claim them.”

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, February 6 –07:10h–08:40h and Saturday, February 7 – 07:30h–09:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny skies will be interrupted by brief midday showers, followed by clear skies at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 07:17h and 21:37 reaching maximum heights of 2.60 metres and 2.56 metres.

Low Tide: 13:11h reaching a minimum height of 0.61 metre.

Pres Ali fires back at Opposition, saying Budget 2026 delivers real benefits for ordinary Guyanese

President Dr Irfaan Ali has rapped members of the Parliamentary Opposition who are claiming that Budget 2026 has nothing for the ordinary Guyanese.

In a live broadcast on Thursday, President Ali contended that successive budgets of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) have translated to significant benefit for citizens of all backgrounds.

He reminded them that it was a “PPP/Civic Budget that removed more than 200 taxes from your lives that were imposed by the APNU+AFC Government”.

Additionally, he reminded us that it was a PPP/C budget that removed VAT on electricity and water that was imposed by the previous APNU+AFC Administration.

“It was a PPP/Civic [budget] that reduced the water rate that was increased under the APNU+AFC Government…It was a PPP/C [budget] that returned the ‘Because We Care’ grant that was taken away from your children under the APNU+AFC Government. It was a PPP/C that reversed land rental charges and increased D&I fees that was imposed upon you by the APNU+AFC Government,” the Head of State added.

Budget 2026, he emphasised, is no different.

“To say that the budget has nothing for the ordinary Guyanese is to ignore the measures that are clearly outlined in the budget speech. Either the opposition, either the parrots did not read or listen carefully to the presentation by the Minister of Finance or they’re deliberately misleading our nation,” President Ali contended.

Delving into some of the budget provisions that will benefit citizens of all backgrounds, the President referred to the move to increase the low-income mortgage ceiling to $30 million.

“Who does this benefit? Low-income homeowners, middle-income homeowners, young professionals who can now borrow a loan of $30 million and have the same rate applied as low-income. How does this not translate into benefit? When persons own their own homes, when you have the security of your own home, collateral that can be used to accelerate wealth creation,” he outlined, reminding them of the housing improvement subsidy of $7.5 billion that will directly support the housing

needs of the vulnerable segment of the population.

President Ali also pointed to the reduction of VAT on various types of vehicles, which every citizen can benefit from. “Why do you think an entire series is completed in three months now? Because we have made it easier for the ordinary family to own a vehicle,” he posited.

Budget 2026 reduces vehicle import costs by removing VAT on new vehicles under 1500cc (less than four years old) and hybrid vehicles under 2000cc. Additionally, all VAT and import duties on All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and outboard engines up to 150 horsepower are eliminated.

President Ali also re-

minded that citizens from all backgrounds will benefit as Budget 2026 also extends the freight cost adjustment measure for another year, from January 1 to December 31, 2026. This measure aims to counteract inflationary pressures on imported goods by maintaining freight charges at pre-spike levels for customs valuation purposes, preventing increased shipping costs from affecting consumers on essential items.

Furthermore, he highlighted that households with children stand to gain from the increase in the “Because We Care” cash grant and the introduction of the school transportation grant, which, when coupled with the uniform

voucher, will see every student getting $85,000. He also reminded them that the Government is now paying for students’ Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations, further removing that burden from parents.

He added that the increase in the income tax threshold to $140,000 will further benefit all working individuals. “That will put more money in our workers pockets. These are measures that will cost hundreds of billions of dollars,” the President noted.

“And I’m not adding all the measures that we’re going to continue that we started in 2020. Who benefits? It is the Guyanese people,” he affirmed.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Safer, smarter National Park

The announcement by the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) that 24-hour surveillance is now operational across the National Park is a significant and timely step in the continued evolution of Guyana’s premier recreational space. Beyond the immediate reassurance it offers to patrons, the initiative is an effort to modernise public amenities while preserving accessibility, safety, and environmental value.

Public parks occupy a unique place in national life, as they are spaces of leisure and exercise, family bonding and quiet reflection, community interaction and individual well-being. As urban centres expand and usage intensifies, these spaces must adapt to new realities, including heightened security needs and greater expectations from users. The introduction of a comprehensive, high-definition CCTV network at the National Park directly addresses these demands, reinforcing confidence in the park as a safe and welcoming environment at all hours of operation.

The scope of the surveillance coverage is especially noteworthy, and as such, by prioritising key areas such as children’s play facilities, outdoor gyms, pet-friendly zones, parking areas, and pedestrian walkways, the PAC has demonstrated a thoughtful understanding of how the park is used on a daily basis. This targeted approach enhances deterrence against unsanctioned activities while supporting the legitimate enjoyment of the space by families, fitness enthusiasts, cyclists, and pet owners. Importantly, the emphasis on vigilance and collaboration with the public underscores that technology works best when paired with shared responsibility.

The surveillance rollout sits within a phased development strategy aimed at elevating the National Park’s infrastructure to modern standards. Efforts to raise ground levels and improve drainage respond directly to longstanding challenges related to flooding and usability, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. These works are foundational investments that protect the park’s functionality and longevity.

Equally significant is the focus on improved lighting; extended and safer evening access aligns the park more closely with the realities of modern work schedules, enabling greater inclusion of citizens who may only find time for recreation after the workday ends. Well-lit public spaces are proven to encourage increased use while also enhancing security, creating a virtuous cycle of activity, visibility, and safety.

Designated cycling sessions, family picnic areas, fitness zones, and pet-friendly spaces illustrate an inclusive vision that recognises the varied ways in which citizens engage with public green spaces. The installation of picnic benches made from repurposed oil and gas industry materials adds another positive dimension, highlighting practical sustainability and innovative reuse. Such initiatives demonstrate that environmental responsibility and public utility can advance together.

Attention to the Manatee Pond, one of the park’s most recognisable features, signals a commitment to both conservation and education. Planned revetment works and the development of a child-friendly walkway promise to enhance safety while fostering closer, responsible interaction with wildlife. When executed thoughtfully and in phases aligned with available funding, these improvements can deepen public appreciation for biodiversity without compromising ecological integrity.

Taken together, these initiatives point to a deliberate approach to public space management. Rather than isolated upgrades, the works at the National Park form part of a coherent strategy that balances safety, accessibility, sustainability, and user experience. The introduction of round-the-clock surveillance should therefore be seen not as an end in itself, but as one component of a commitment to quality public infrastructure.

As Guyana continues to develop, the stewardship of spaces like the National Park will remain a measure of national priorities. Investments that enhance safety, encourage healthy lifestyles, promote environmental awareness, and foster community unity yield returns far beyond their immediate cost. The current trajectory of improvements suggests that the National Park is being positioned as a model for how public spaces can evolve responsibly in a changing society.

The fiscal approach in Guyana’s 2026 National Budget

Dear Editor,

The 2026 Guyana National Budget has been framed with the theme “Putting People First”. This focus underscores a commitment to prioritising the needs and well-being of the population in current fiscal policies. At the same time, voices, particularly from the right, emphasise the importance of formulating a budget that considers the interests and prosperity of future generations. This perspective highlights the need to balance immediate social and economic needs with long-term fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

Now is the moment to initiate substantial medium- and long-term public investments to stimulate job creation and foster new opportunities in Guyana’s essential industrial sectors. These sectors remain critical to Guyana’s ongoing development and prosperity. The focus should be on constructing new urban and interregional roads, investing in the energy sector, expanding low-carbon energy sources, improving essential public services such as childcare and healthcare, and significantly increasing the allocation of resources to public education at all levels and to the development of workers’ skills.

Investments in public services and energy efficiency are particularly labour-intensive. Such investments have the potential to create more jobs than increased consumer spend-

ing while also supporting Guyana’s environmental goals, community development, and social justice objectives. This strategy not only addresses immediate employment needs but also aligns with the broader aim of fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

A growth period driven by public investment is required to revitalise the entire economy. Public infrastructure and services play a crucial role in enhancing the productivity of the private sector; public-sector investment enables and facilitates further private-sector investment. This symbiotic relationship is vital for sustained economic progress.

Adopting a high-growth strategy centred on public investment may offer the most advantageous pathway for establishing Guyana’s modern industrial economy. Given current constraints on global demand, this approach is likely to provide a stronger foundation for sustained growth than traditional export-orientated strategies. It also offers a more effective way to create opportunities for the majority of Guyanese people in the short to medium term, helping to address employment challenges and promote economic inclusion.

Embarking on a journey toward transformational leadership, as exemplified by President Irfaan Ali, can profoundly impact one’s life. This leadership is distinguished by its focus not only on conventional eco-

nomic growth metrics but also on the deeper values and aspirations at the heart of Guyana’s society.

Ultimately, the country ought to be a space dedicated to meaningful purpose, a place where people engage in work they value, alongside those they care about, and for causes they cherish. At the core of this vision lies morality, which signifies a clear recognition of right and wrong. It involves

choosing to do what is right, regardless of the cost, and avoiding pitfalls that may compromise one’s integrity. By embracing moral leadership and purposeful action, Guyana can build a future that is both prosperous and principled.

Yours faithfully, Sherwood Clarke Clerical & Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU)

Opposition supporters deserve better than Azruddin

Dear Editor, Step One: Lead a months-long campaign to be “sworn in” as Opposition Leader (no such thing) following an 11-count Florida Grand Jury Indictment and Extradition Request from Rubio himself.

Step Two: Suddenly accuse Trump and Rubio of being magically controlled by Freedom House to carry out “political persecution”.

Step Three: Make repeated comparisons to Cheddi Jagan. Though Cheddi fought to liberate Guyana from colonialism, whilst Azruddin fights to liberate himself from taxes.

Step Four: Get elected as Opposition Leader after falsely claiming that there was a constitutional crisis.

Step Five: Try to post-

pone extradition proceedings, citing Parliamentary obligations, whilst skipping several sittings. Post one or two Facebook monologues throughout this absence too.

Three things can be true: That Azruddin Mohamed is a Facebook politician who simply can’t handle the competitive nature of politics; that this is a barefaced attempt at using constitutional office to avert court; or that he’s a spoilt child who simply doesn’t care. Either way, the result is the same: The Opposition supporters deserve meaningful representation. Not evasion. Better simply is yet to come.

Yours faithfully, Nikhil Sankar

“Every dollar in budget has a human face” – Minister McCoy

On Wednesday, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy defended Budget 2026 as a people-centred plan designed to improve the daily lives of Guyanese, insisting that every dollar allocated under the spending programme is intended to produce tangible human benefit.

Speaking during the debate in the National Assembly, McCoy rejected claims from the opposition that the budget excludes sections of the population, arguing that it is instead structured to reach every class, race and category of people across the country.

“Every dollar in this budget has a human face. Every single dollar,” McCoy told the House, framing the budget not as an academic or accounting exercise but as a governing instrument rooted in lived realities.

He said the central objective of Budget 2026 is

to impact measurable improvement in the quality of life of ordinary citizens and described it as part of a continuous development programme rather than a one-off intervention.

According to the Minister, infrastructure spending in particular has been wrongly criticised, despite its direct role in creating opportunity and income at the grassroots level. He argued that roads, bridges, housing projects and public

works do not merely represent concrete and steel but livelihoods for thousands of Guyanese.

“Infrastructure has a human face behind it,” McCoy said. “It provides opportunity for contractors. It provides opportunities for people in small businesses. It provides opportunity for the man and the woman.”

To illustrate that point, McCoy shared the example of a young woman who

Georgetown wharf tragedy

for several years sold food at construction sites, waking before dawn each day to prepare and distribute meals. He said that through consistent work and by taking advantage of opportunities created by the construction boom, she has since expanded her income base.

“Today, she is also the proud owner of a taxi service with four cars,” he said, using the example to argue that public investment can create pathways for social mobility.

McCoy maintained that Budget 2026 caters to a wide cross-section of the population, including public servants, teachers, doctors, nurses, members of the disciplined services, farmers, entrepreneurs, youth, women and persons living with disabilities. He dismissed assertions that public servants would see no benefit, pointing to salary adjustments and support programmes embedded within the fiscal

Crew rushed to help each other before dying

Four crew members died on Wednesday evening after collapsing one after the other while attempting to assist each other inside the engine room of a cargo vessel docked at a Water Street wharf in Georgetown.

Police said the incident occurred on Wednesday, at about 18:00h, when the men were conducting an inspection in the engine room, located in the lower section of the vessel.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Brandon Deonarine, 18, a seaman of Support, East Bank Demerara, and Nerwaine Persaud, 57, a boat cap-

tain of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, were the first to enter the engine room. Both reportedly collapsed shortly after being exposed to suspected noxious fumes.

Dominic Alexis, 33, a seaman of De Kendren, West Coast Demerara, then entered the engine room in an attempt to render assistance. He also collapsed. Getindra Sanchara, 25, an engineer of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, reportedly entered the space moments later in a further effort to help but likewise collapsed.

An alarm was subsequently raised by other

crew members. Emergency Medical Technicians and ranks of the Guyana Fire Service responded and removed the four men from the vessel. They were transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where they were pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

The scene was processed by investigators; however, the engine room itself was not processed at the time, pending safety clearance. Police noted that no marks of violence were observed on the exposed parts of the bodies and no foul play is suspected at this stage.

The bodies are current-

ly at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting post-mortem examinations as investigations continue.

The vessel has been identified as the Captain Virat, which is owned by a Guyanese national. Public Utilities Minister Deodat Indar confirmed the deaths on Wednesday evening and stated that an investigation into the cause is ongoing.

He further indicated that the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) is also participating in the probe.

Police have since launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

framework.

“This budget is not just an economic or academic exercise; it is a governing instrument for real people,” McCoy reiterated.

Addressing the issue of cost of living, the Minister outlined what he described as significant fiscal interventions aimed at protecting household purchasing power amid global inflationary pressures. He said the Government has implemented a combination of tax reversals, foregone revenues and direct transfers to cushion families from rising costs.

“The quantified interventions amount to an estimated $307.2 billion in fiscal relief measures,” McCoy said, noting that these include subsidies and tax measures totalling more than $200 billion designed to reduce household cost pressures. He argued that these measures reflect a deliberate policy posture focused on maintaining social stability, strengthening welfare resilience and ensuring that economic growth translates into meaningful outcomes for citizens.

McCoy credited the formulation of the budget to what he described as a clear vision from President Dr Irfaan Ali and the translation of that vision into pol-

icy by Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh. He said the Administration’s ability to craft such a budget is rooted in sustained engagement with communities and responsiveness to the concerns raised by citizens.

According to the Minister, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration has earned public trust through delivery rather than rhetoric, and that trust continues to underpin public support for its development agenda.

“This budget provides opportunity for every single person across our country,” McCoy said, adding that while challenges remain, progress since 2020 has been measurable and widespread.

McCoy assured that the Government remains committed to continuous improvement, describing Budget 2026 as another step in a long-term process aimed at national development and individual advancement.

“We are humble to serve the people of this country. We will continue to invest in all the things that you need to make sure that your lives become better as the days go by,” McCoy said.

Page Foundation

Units of measurement cont’d

Imperial Units

Imperial units of measurement are an older system of measurements, but some are still used in everyday life.

Imperial units of length

For length, the imperial system mainly uses inches (in), feet (ft), yards (yd), and miles (mi).

Imperial units of mass

For mass, the imperial system mainly uses ounces (oz), pounds (lbs), and tonnes (t).

Imperial units of volume

For volume, the imperial system mainly uses fluid ounces (fl oz), pints (pt), quarts (qt), and gallons (gal).

How to convert imperial units to metric

Length

• 1 mile ≈ 1.609km

• 1 inch ≈ 2.54cm

1 foot ≈ 30.48cm

• 1 yard ≈ 0.914m

Mass

1 ounce ≈ 28.35g

• 1 pound ≈ 0.453kg

• 1 tonne ≈ 907kg Volume

• 1 fluid ounce ≈ 29.5ml

• 1 pint ≈ 568ml 1 quart ≈ 1.136ml

• 1 gallon ≈ 4.546L

What do you notice about these symbols? They look like an equals sign, but the lines are not straight. The symbol (≈) means approximately equal. You use this symbol to show that the values are not exactly equal, but they are very close.

Example 1

If James goes for a 2-mile bike ride, how far will he cycle in kilometres?

You know that 1 mile is approximately equal to 1.6km.

2 x 1.6 = 3.2

Therefore, 2 miles ≈ 3.2km

Example 2

What is 4.4 pounds in kilograms?

You know that 1 pound is approximately equal to 0.453kg.

4.4 x 0.453 = 1.9932

Therefore, 4.4 pounds ≈ 2kg.

Example 3

How many millilitres are there in 2 pints?

You know that 1 pint is approximately equal to 568ml.

2 x 568 = 1136

Therefore, 2 pints ≈ 1136ml

By William Butler yeats

3. Twist a green pipe cleaner onto the base of the flower and add green beads. Twist the ends onto the stem and pinch the centre of the pipe cleaner to shape it into leaves.

Some may have blamed you that you took away The verses that could move them on the day When, the ears being deafened, the sight of the eyes blind With lightning, you went from me, and I could find Nothing to make a song about but kings, Helmets, and swords, and half-forgotten things That were like memories of you—but now We’ll out, for the world lives as long ago; And while we’re in our laughing, weeping fit, Hurl helmets, crowns, and swords into the pit. But, dear, cling close to me; since you were gone, My barren thoughts have chilled me to the bone.

Green Helmet and Other Poems, 1912)

GDF boosting capabilities with more aircraft, marine vessel – Brigadier Khan

…as Commander-in-Chief details comprehensive plan to equip army for modern world

As part of ongoing efforts to optimise its resources and capabilities, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will soon be adding two new fixed-wing aircraft and a massive ocean patrol vessel to its fleet of assets.

ditional fixed-wing aircraft and two Bell helicopters. We expect to acquire two more fixed-wing aircraft within the next quarter,” the Army Head stated.

Similarly, the GDF has been bolstering its marine

This is according to the GDF’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, while delivering remarks at the opening ceremony of the army’s Annual Officers’ Conference held at Base Camp Ayanganna on Thursday morning.

Brigadier Khan noted that while 2025 was a busy and demanding year, considerable strides were made in enhancing the Force’s capabilities.

These include heavy investments to construct new and upgrade existing infrastructure within the military, including the $231.1 million GDF Air Corps Hangar that was rehabilitated last year at the Eugene F Correia International Airport in Ogle, East Coast Demerara, and the construction of a new hangar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

“These will be used, and are being used, to service our expanding air fleet, which now includes one ad-

infrastructure with the construction of a new $2 billion concrete wharf at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Ruimveldt, Greater Georgetown, to accommodate new and larger army vessels.

“[The] 600-foot wharf is slated to be completed this year in preparation to accommodate our largest ocean patrol vessel, scheduled to arrive in the third quarter… As a matter of fact, today [Thursday] we are conducting river trials of our newly built tactical river boats. We expect their arrival before the end of this month,” Khan stated.

According to Khan, the acquisition of other strategic assets will continue, as well as the expansion of the drone operation to support ground troops deployed across the country.

Capability development

Moreover, Brigadier Khan outlined that the army continues to make deliberate and measured investments in capability develop-

ment, including training of its officers.

In fact, the Army Chief disclosed that more than 1200 GDF members underwent specialised training in 2025, thus underscoring the Force’s commitment to improving operational readiness, adaptability, and professionalism. These trainings spanned a wide range of military, technical, academic, and leadership disciplines, strengthening the force’s ability to confront present and future challenges.

Similarly, the GDF con-

tinues to play a major role in national infrastructure development across the country, working on the rehabilitation of hinterland airstrips that not only improve hinterland connectivity and emergency response capabilities but also economic activity through air transport.

“These efforts”, Brigadier Khan posited, “reflect the evolving role of building a modern military, both as a guardian of sovereignty and as a partner in national development and resilience.”

This position coincides with the theme of this year’s Officers’ Conference: “Transforming the Force to better confront the nation’s present and future challenges by enhancing its awareness, adaptability and agility capabilities.”

In fact, a similar charge was delivered by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, during his feature address at the opening ceremony on Thursday morning as he outlined a comprehensive plan aimed

at guiding the GDF to operate in a modern world.

According to the Head of State, this plan is multi-layered and designed to equip officers with the tools needed to be multifunctional in an ever-changing landscape.

“We celebrate our accomplishments, but we now must define the next phase of this journey,” he told senior officers attending the conference at Base Camp Ayanganna.

US extradition request Court rejects migraine, LOO duties excuses to grant adjournment of committal hearing

An adjournment of the extradition committal hearing that was being sought by United States-indicted businessman Azruddin Mohamed was on Thursday rejected by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman when the matter was called at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The application was made by Attorney-at-Law Siand Dhurjon, who told the court that Azruddin’s duties in the National Assembly as Leader of the Opposition (LOO), particularly during the ongoing Budget 2026 debates and the upcoming lineby-line consideration of estimates, made it necessary for him to dedicate his time and focus to Parliamentary proceedings.

He argued that granting the adjournment would be in the public interest. Dhurjon further explained that Mohamed’s role in Parliament extended beyond delivering a speech, as he was required to listen to hours of debate, identify key issues, and respond to points raised by the Government. He described it as “unfair” to continue the committal proceedings during this period and added that Mohamed was suffering from a mi-

graine and was taking medication.

However, the Magistrate did not entertain the application, stating, “Yesterday is dead and gone; tomorrow is yet to come,” and ruled that the committal hearing will go on as planned.

Move ahead without delays

Speaking after the court session on Thursday, special prosecutor Terrence Williams argued that the court proceedings needed to move ahead without delays.

“The sitting of Parliament does not conflict with the proceedings of the court, and there is a need to press the matter along. Given that there is no conflict, and the dates for the court were set long ago, we felt, and the court agreed, that the matter should proceed as scheduled.”

When pressed for clarity, Williams responded, “All matters in court should be dealt with, with reasonable explanation, and any delays in any court matter must be for good reason.”

On this note, he added that the Opposition Leader is needed in Parliament in the evening session, but the court proceedings are done in the morning session. Williams nevertheless stated that two other witnesses are expected to take the stand as the proceedings continue on Friday.

Appeal

Meanwhile, Dhurjon also informed the court that the Mohameds will appeal the ruling of acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh on Wednesday to throw out one of two cases before him that challenged the constitutionality of the extradition proceedings.

In the dismissed case, the Mohameds had sought to quash the authority to proceed issued by the Home Affairs Minister, as well as all subsequent actions arising from it, including arrest warrants and the ongoing extradition proceedings before Senior Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The applicants argued that the Minister; the Government of Guyana; the president; the vice president; and the attorney general and legal affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, were biased against Mohamed because of his political activity, including his participation in the most recent general elections. They claimed this alleged bias rendered the extradition process invalid.

In the High Court ruling, the Chief Justice dismissed the allegations of bias, stating that a case for bias has not been made out and cannot be made out.

“The Minister is not performing a judicial or quasi-judicial function when issuing the authority to proceed but is instead discharging an executive function under the Fugitive Offenders Act. Allegations of bias, if

any, can only be directed at judicial tribunals, not the executive.”

The ruling also rendered unnecessary a pending application by the Mohameds to stay the Magistrates’ Courts proceedings, which were expected to continue this week.

The extradition of Azruddin Mohamed and his father is being pursued under the Guyana-United Kingdom Extradition Treaty, which remains in effect in Guyana under Section 4(1)(a) of the Fugitive Offenders Act, Cap. 10:04, as updated by Act No. 10 of 2024. The formal request for their extradition was submitted by the United States Government on October 30, 2025.

The Mohameds, along with their business interests, were sanctioned by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on June 11, 2024. The sanctions were imposed for allegations of large-scale corruption, including gold smuggling, money laundering, and bribery, with investigations indicating attempts to evade more than US$50 million in taxes owed to the Guyanese Government.

In addition, a grand jury in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida has indicted the father-son duo on 11 criminal counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering, primarily linked to the export of gold by their company, Mohamed’s Enterprises, to the United States.

If convicted, most of the charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and fines up to US$250,000. The money laundering charge carries a potential fine of US$500,000 or an amount equivalent to the value of the laundered assets.

The Mohameds have a second High Court action challenging the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Fugitive Offenders Act, particularly amendments made in 2009. That matter has already been argued, with written submissions filed by all parties, and a ruling is scheduled for February 16.

End of… …WIN’s rear-guard battle?

They say that when a cow’s being dragged to the slaughterhouse, it doesn’t care where it lets out its bovine excrement!! Its choices are a bit too stark for observing decorum and niceties, eh?? Your Eyewitness is reminded of this piece of folk wisdom as he witnesses the so-called defences thrown up by Sanction Man in the courts – to avoid being extradited to the US to face 11 criminal charges – being thrown out one after the other!! The latest was the one just dealt with condignly by the Chief Justice!!

Now, can you imagine any sane person would claim that the Government officials – the Minister of Home Affairs, the President, the Attorney General, the VicePresident and the Government – were showing BIAS when they followed up on measures to have Sanction Man and his Daady extradited?? Jeez!! The extradition request from the US was made waaaay before Sanction Man entered the political hustings!!! The Government officials – explicitly the Minister of Home Affairs – were following up on procedures stipulated in the Extradition Treaty inherited upon independence and given further force in the Fugitive Act 2009!! Were these written just to get at Sanction Man sometime in the future?? In your Eyewitness’ estimation, the matter shoulda been thrown out for being frivolous and a waste of the court’s time!! As it is, Sanction Man now has to only pay costs to the parties he named in his suit!!

But we know what’s going on here, don’t we?? Sanction Man’s now gonna appeal the judgement upwards all the way up to the CCJ – hoping it’s gonna be dragged out and he won’t have to be fitted out for that orange jumpsuit over in Florida!! He’s boasted quite openly – and cynically, since he’s been going on about “justice” recently as the newly elected LOO! – about this strategy!! But he’s just delaying the inevitable and wasting the courts’ time. Time which they don’t have since we’ve been reading about the enormous case backlog at all levels of the judiciary!!

There’s still another remaining suit filed by Sanction Man – that the aforementioned Fugitive Act is “unconstitutional”. The High Court’s gonna rule on this one next week – and this too will be thrown out…and the appeal will flow. But in the meantime, today Magistrate Judy, who’s dealing explicitly with the US extradition request, will be announcing her decision. And for sure, it’s gonna be “sayonara” to Sanction Man and Daddy!!

Pathetically, in his new role as LOO, Sanction Man’s gonna be pontificating in parliament today about things the Government’s not doing.

But he will remain mum on what he oughta be doing to remove the stain he’s cast on our nation – created by the US indictment!! Hypocrite!!

…the Budget Debate

They say that all good things must come to an end… but it’s true for bad things too, innit?? Well, while not altogether bad, as Budget Debate 2026 winds down today, it certainly wasn’t the searchlight the Opposition promised. To expose the Government’s alleged shortcomings on what they were gonna be doing this year to steer our ship of state into more prosperous waters!! The centre of attention was on the newbie MPs from Sanction Man’s WIN – castigated up to now as Scrapeheads off the streets but now getting an opportunity to destroy any undeserved stereotypes!!

As your Eyewitness predicted, they were clearly told to take the high road – but he hoped they would’ve displayed some wit in responding to the expected banter from across the aisles!! Not that the latter were particularly waggish themselves!! So, were there any highlights that stand out in your Eyewitness mind – apart from the record-breaking six-and-a-half-hour reading of the budget?

As your Eyewitness closes his eyes to reflect, all he’s drawing is a blank!!

…Region 11?

We all know that there’re probably as many Guyanese abroad as at home. The revelation that in only the last five years, there were 70,000 passports issued to Guyanese in foreign countries – while 2162 remigrated – suggests a One Guyana??

Guyana must not “drop its guard” – Pres Ali urges vigilance despite Venezuelan turmoil …says GDF must be ready for any eventuality

Despite the belief that recent developments in neighbouring Venezuela will see an ease in the aggression towards Guyana over the border controversy, Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, has cautioned that the country still needs to remain vigilant and must not lower its guard.

“The present situation in Venezuela does not remove

nor diminish the threat to Guyana’s territory. If anything, history teaches us that uncertainty demands preparedness, not wishful thinking. Guyana must not drop its guard. Guyana must not blink. We must be prepared. We must be ready. We must be ever vigilant,” President Ali declared.

On January 3, United States troops captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife in

Caracas, taking them to New York to face several indictments. With the toppling of the Maduro regime, it is anticipated that the prolonged aggression from Caracas towards Guyana is likely to wane.

According to the Commander-in-Chief, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) must, nevertheless, be prepared for any eventuality. This, he contended, is not a sign of provocation.

Region 2 health worker’s home destroyed in fire

The house which was consumed by fire in Queenstown Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)

Police in Regional Division Two, along with the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), are investigating a fire of unknown origin that destroyed the home at Queenstown Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

The fire occurred at the residence of 25-year-old Vanlisha Warrick of Parcel 362, Queenstown. The one-storey wooden house was completely destroyed by the blaze.

According to Warrick, a health worker, she lived in the house with her seven-year-old son, Hadin Sooklall. Her brother, Orvin Warrick, and his wife, Adelina Jones, reside in a separate structure located about 40 feet to the back of the yard.

Warrick told investigators that at around 08:00h on Thursday, she secured her home and left for work, leaving everything intact. She later stopped at a salon in the same street after work, and at about 17:40h,

she was informed by her brother that her house was on fire.

Jones recounted that at about 17:30h, while preparing to go shopping, she observed smoke coming from the kitchen window of Warrick’s house. She then saw flames and immediately alerted her husband, who went to inform his sister.

The GFS responded, and no injuries were reported.

An investigation has been launched.

“Preparedness is not provocation; readiness is not aggression; vigilance is not hostility. They’re simply the duties of a sovereign state that takes itself seriously. And that is why the Guyana Defence Force must continue to ensure that it is ready for any eventuality, on land, at sea and in the air. Readiness is not something you scramble to assemble when trouble arrives; it is something you build quietly, steadily and professionally,” the Head of State asserted.

President Ali was at the time addressing the opening ceremony of the GDF’s Annual Officers’ Conference held at Base Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown, on Thursday morning.

Venezuela is making spurious claims to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass – the entire Essequibo region and a portion of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent have been found and production as well as other exploration activities are currently being undertaken offshore.

Aggression

In recent years, there has been heightened aggression from the Spanish-speaking nation towards Guyana, including as recently as last year.

In fact, the GDF’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, recalled that approximately one year ago, in February 2025, six Guyanese soldiers were injured after coming under gunfire while traversing the Cuyuni River in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), which borders Venezuela.

While the army has recovered from that incident and several others, including another attack in September last year, Brigadier Khan noted that the GDF has since strengthened its presence in those frontier locations and revised its operational posture.

“The Force stayed resolute in maintaining Guyana’s territorial integrity, sustaining operational readiness, and conducting continuous activities to deter threats and protect our patrimony… our mission, even in such an environment, to protect and defend our territory remains non-negotiable.”

“We continue to assess the recent developments in Venezuela. And I must say, regardless of any opportunities such developments can potentially bring, we will and must continue to stand guard,” the army Chief contended.

Unambiguous duty

This declaration was welcomed by the Commanderin-Chief. Even as Guyana enjoys the strong support of regional and international partners as well as organisations against Venezuela’s spurious claims and aggression, President Ali underscored the importance of building internal defence.

“We have an unambiguous duty to defend our national patrimony from threats, both external and internal. And while Guyana actively seeks the solidarity of friends or partners. We must never forget that Guyana is ours, and Guyana is ours to defend. We cannot outsource sovereignty. We cannot subcontract our defence, and we cannot assume that any fairy godmother or godfather will always appear at a decisive moment. We have a duty to be prepared ourselves.”

“Partnerships matter, diplomacy matters, international law matters, and security cooperation matters. But in the final analysis, the most credible lines of defence for us must be diplomacy and the Guyana Defence Force, because the responsibility to defend Guyana rests first and foremost with Guyanese,” he asserted.

Enormous sacrifices Against this backdrop, the Head of State pointed out that Guyana has to be clear about the terms on which the country engages the world. He recalled the enormous sacrifices, struggles and resistance to ensure Guyana’s political freedom and independence – something, he says, must not be on the line.

“We will never dishonour our legacy by surrendering any of our territory or our independence to anyone. At the same time, we’ll continue to maintain friendly and cordial relations with all. We believe in good neighbourly relations. We believe in cooperation. We believe in friendship and cooperation, but those relationships must be grounded in the respect of our sovereignty, respect of our territorial integrity, and importantly, guided by shared and common values,” President Ali stressed.

In order to settle the decades-old border controversy with Venezuela, Guyana had moved to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) back in March 2018, seeking a final and binding settlement of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the boundaries between the two South American neighbours.

Currently, Guyana’s legal team is awaiting a date for oral arguments to be heard on the merits of the case before the World Court deliberates on its final judgement, which will be binding on the two countries.

Guyana has already filed two written pleadings on the merits of the case, and Venezuela has also filed two – the last being in August 2025.

Just last month, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd told reporters that Guyana is confident in its case and is anticipating a “favourable” ruling from the ICJ sometime this year.

Local Govt Minister outlines plans to modernise facilities, markets, local Govt

– as part of broader plan to decentralise governance, improve

quality of

life

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand on Thursday outlined the Government's sweeping plans to modernise solid waste management, rehabilitate markets and strengthen local Government organs across Guyana, as she defended the 2026 Budget during the fourth day of debates in the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

A key pillar of the Ministry’s programme is the construction of eight new modern landfill sites as part of a revamped national approach to solid waste disposal. According to the Minister, the new facilities will move Guyana away from traditional linear waste management toward a circular model that emphasises reuse and recycling.

“To this end we are building eight new landfill sites,” Minister Manickchand said, noting that facilities will be constructed at Zorg-en-Hoop in Region Two; La Grange/ Catherina in Region Three; Lusignan in Region Four; Blairmont in Region Five; Mabaruma in Region Six; Ten Miles in Region Seven; Bon Success in Region Nine; and Mabura in Region Ten.

“These landfill sites, sir, are going to be modern landfill sites that look at a

circular way of disposing of solid waste. We were looking at linear ways in the past, where we look at usage and disposal; we’re now looking at usage, disposal, and reusing,” she informed the House.

The Minister said the new system will require a cultural shift in how citizens dispose of waste, including the introduction of recycling education in schools and communities. She added that all landfill sites will be equipped with lighting and access roads, with road construction alone estimated to cost about $1.2 billion.

In addition, every Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and municipality will receive at least one garbage compactor truck, with some receiving two, along with shredders and market compactors to improve waste handling.

“But what we can guarantee you is that you may get a solution from us; you would not get a solution from you, because we didn’t get one from you for the five years that you were in office,” the Minister said in response to criticism from the Opposition, as she singled out APNU MP Saiku Andrews.

Strengthening local Government bodies

Alongside waste management, the Minister detailed significant alloca -

tions aimed at empowering local Government organs through greater autonomy and capacity building. Under the 2026 Budget, each of the country’s 70 NDCs will receive $30 million, while each of the 10 municipalities will receive $50 million.

“This budget this year is catering to give each neighbourhood democratic council $30 million and each municipality $50 million,” she said.

“The NDCs will get a total of $2.1 billion and the municipalities $500 million, and this is where we expect some level of autonomy, where these local Government bodies, through consultation with their communities, are going to determine what might be best for their neighbourhoods to develop,” she added.

Minister Manickchand said that the Ministry is also investing $480 million to construct eight new NDC buildings and rehabilitate five others, guided by a standardised prototype to ensure consistent service delivery.

“We know we need a help desk. We know we need a cashier. We know we need a single window. We know we need a place for the clerk. We know we need a place for the rate collection person. We’re drawing a prototype so we don’t have to reinvent the

wheel every time,” she explained.

Municipal infrastructure Municipal infrastructure will also benefit, with $150 million earmarked this year for the construction and rehabilitation of town council buildings in Rose Hall, Mahdia and New Amsterdam.

Major investments are also planned for markets nationwide, which the Minister described as central to Guyanese culture, commerce and social life.

A total of $4.9 billion has been allocated for the rehabilitation, reconstruction or construction of markets across the country.

“This year, Mr Speaker, $4.9 billion will be spent

on either rehabilitating, rebuilding or constructing new markets,” she said, adding that $2 billion will go towards the restoration of Stabroek Market and Bourda Green Market.

Other markets slated for works include East Ruimveldt, Albouystown, Rose Hall, Number 79, New Amsterdam, Mahdia, Lethem, Mackenzie, Port Kaituma, Suddie, Leonora, Zeelugt, Vreeden-Hoop, Tuschen, Mon Repos, Rosignol, Palmyra, Port Mourant, Bath, and Soesdyke, as well as several vending areas.

“We want our vendors to operate in a wholesome, or-

ganised space where they can earn for themselves and their families, and we want shoppers to have the experience that would be pleasant for them to shop in the market,” the Minister said.

Minister Manickchand framed the investments as part of a broader vision for decentralised governance and improved quality of life in communities across all regions.

“Our citizens want a wholesome, clean, safe community to live in,” she noted. “Our citizens want homes that they can call their own… roads that they can walk down safely on because there are street lights… playgrounds, health centres that work, and schools that deliver solid education. That’s what our citizens want, and we’re hearing them, and we’re listening to them.”

In concluding her contribution, the Minister said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government remains committed to delivering on its promises and adjusting course where necessary.

“We promise you and we commit to you that we are your servants. We will work hard every day to deliver, and where we falter, we are willing to correct ourselves and serve the people of this country,” she declared.

Coretta McDonald injured after fall in National Assembly

31 tickets issued, 10 fitnesses revoked in Region 2 road safety exercise

Ranks of the Regional Police Division Two Traffic Department conducted a White Knight traffic exercise along the Essequibo Coast public road that resulted in a total of 47 cases being made out for various types of road viola-

Police find $344M worth of ganja in Upper Demerara

River

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force on Thursday carried out a joint cannabis eradication exercise at Yaruni Bend, Linden, Upper Demerara River, resulting in the destruction of narcotics with an estimated street value exceeding $344 million.

The operation was conducted between 05:00h and 14:10h on Thursday. During the exercise, Police discovered two cannabis farms with a combined acreage of approximately eight acres. On the farms, ranks found an estimated 53,000 suspected cannabis plants, ranging in height from two to six feet.

According to Police, further searches in the area led to the discovery of two makeshift camps and five drying areas. These sites contained a combined total of approximately 800 pounds of dried cannabis. The Police also reported that all suspected cannabis plants, along with the dried cannabis, makeshift camps, and drying areas, were destroyed by fire at the scene. No arrests were made during the operation, and the exercise was completed without incident.

Police said that the can-

nabis plants were valued at approximately $17,956,400, while the dried cannabis was estimated at $326,586,240.

The total value of narcotics destroyed during the operation was placed at $344,542,640.

tions.

Police issued 31 tickets, served six summonses, and revoked 10 vehicle fitness certificates after checks revealed various breaches of traffic regulations.

The exercise, which was done last week, is part of ongoing efforts to enforce road safety laws and improve compliance among motorists using the Essequibo Coast corridor.

Road safety lecture

Meanwhile, on Monday, between 09:30h and 10:00h, Police ranks conducted a road safety lecture with truck drivers at the Onderneeming Sandpit, Essequibo Coast.

Several truck drivers were stopped during the engagement, and discussions focused on key road safety issues. Topics included speed-

ing, driving while the breath alcohol level exceeds the prescribed limit, faulty packing of loads, wearing seatbelts, defensive driving, restrictions on the use of handheld mobile devices while driving, the “five Cs” of driving, and adherence to road signs.

Police said several concerns were raised by drivers during the interaction, and these were addressed by the ranks on site.

14-year-old hospitalised after being taken unconscious to Sophia

Police are investigating an incident involving a 14-year-old female student of East Bank Demerara who was taken to Sophia, Georgetown, in an unconscious state. According to preliminary investigations, the teenager was transported in an unconscious state by other juveniles to a residence in Sophia at about

18:00h on Wednesday. She was later escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where she was admitted for medical care.

Hospital officials confirmed that the teen is now conscious and in stable condition.

Initial enquiries indicated that the student was in the company of the juveniles prior to becoming un-

conscious. Allegations have also been made that alcohol may have been consumed during that time. Police said no arrests have been made so far. Police said that several individuals have been interviewed as investigations continue, and efforts are ongoing to locate three juveniles who were reportedly present during the incident.

GDF’s Annual Officers

The Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Annual Officers Conference (AOC) commenced Thursday, February 5, at Base Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown, where Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, delivered the feature address during the opening ceremony. Also present at the event were Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, along with several Cabinet Ministers; National Security Advisor to the President Gerald Gouveia; Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan; and heads and members of the Joint Services, among others.

Officers Conference opens

PAC introduces 24-hour CCTV surveillance at National Park

Several months after this publication reported on works being undertaken to upgrade the National Park, the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) has announced the implementation of 24-hour surveillance coverage across the facility for the safety of its valued patrons and visitors.

“The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) remains committed to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for everyone who enjoys the beauty and recreational facilities of the National Park,” the Commission stated of the move.

According to PAC, high-powered surveillance cameras have been installed throughout the park.

“We are pleased to announce that 24-hour active CCTV surveillance is now

operational across the entire park. Our upgraded security network provides high-definition monitoring of key locations, including the outdoor gyms, children’s play park, Manatee Pond, and Woofington Park for Pets, as well as all main parking lots and pedestrian walkways,” the Commission said.

PAC added that the initiative is intended to deter unsanctioned activities and provide peace of mind for families, fitness enthusiasts, and pet owners alike.

While the PAC team continues to monitor the grounds, members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to on-site security personnel immediately.

The Commission also advised that it is not responsible for the loss, theft, or

damage of personal property.

Upgrades

Back in October, Guyana Times conducted an exclusive interview with Deputy Commissioner of the PAC, Parmanand Persaud, during which he revealed that a series of upgrades were being carried out at the National Park. He explained that the works are being executed in phases with support from the Ministry of Public Works as part of a broader plan to modernise and elevate the country’s premier recreational space.

According to Persaud, one of the major projects involves raising the level of the park’s ground to prevent flooding and improve drainage.

“We have a development infrastructure plan for the

park – one aspect being raising the level of the park, because it is currently below the level of the two roads being constructed,” he explained. “That is one of the activities aimed at improving the services provided to patrons who use the park.”

The Deputy Commissioner had further noted that the installation of new lighting systems was a top priority, as it would allow for extended opening hours and safer evening activities.

“Secondly, we are improving lighting throughout the entire space so that we can extend the opening hours of the park. This will accommodate those who leave work at 4:30 or even 5pm, allowing them to come into the park and spend a few hours in the space. In addition, we have mobile patrols and security in place so that visitors feel safe and comfortable,” Persaud had said.

He added that the park continues to cater to a wide range of users, including cyclists, with designated cy-

cling sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 07:00h to 09:00h.

Visitors will also notice newly installed picnic benches created using repurposed materials from the oil and gas industry.

“These benches came into the country as crates for the oil and gas sector. They were donated to the park and repurposed into the picnic benches you see today,” Persaud explained. “Rather than becoming waste, they were transformed for public use.”

Major works planned for manatee pond

Significant works are also planned for the iconic Manatee Pond, including full revetment and the construction of a child-friendly walkway.

“The intention for the Manatee Pond is to carry out revetment around the entire pond and construct a walkway that is more kid-friendly. It would extend slightly into the space so visitors can feed, view, and interact with

the manatees,” Persaud outlined.

He noted that these works will be executed in phases and are dependent on available funding.

“For example, we would not want to raise the level of the road and then raise the level of the park. We are raising the level of the park first, then the circuit,” he revealed.

The project represents a collaborative effort among the Protected Areas Commission, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the National Sports Commission.

Only recently, PAC Commissioner Robert Persaud announced that rehabilitation asphalt works along sections of the National Park Circuit at Thomas Lands, Georgetown, have been completed and reopened to the public.

According to PAC, the project was executed through a timely intervention by the Ministry of Public Works and was completed in the shortest possible time.

GDF boosting capabilities with more aircraft...

Modern security threats

To this end, the Commander-in-Chief charged the army to undertake continuous strategic transformation to meet modern security threats and safeguard national development. He emphasised that the nation’s defence system must remain “flexible”, “nimble”, and “relevant” to safeguard national development in an evolving security landscape.

President Ali made it clear that defence can no longer be viewed in a vacuum, pointing out that GDF’s mandate now extends to protecting national policies critical to national development. Guyana, he revealed, has moved ahead of many regional peers in this criti-

cal thinking.

The Guyanese leader further outlined a specific framework – partnership, priority, position and policy – that must guide the next phase of the force’s journey. He said partnerships must be integrated and coordinated within national policy, questioning how the defence mechanism integrates with national assets and challenges.

“Where do we want our people to position? Is our Coast Guard appropriately positioned or headquartered in this modern era of defence, and what is needed in the future? These are the questions we must confront now and adapt to what is necessary in a new environment,” he stressed.

At the core of this mod-

ern force are its people.

President Ali warned that training must anticipate the future challenges rather than reacting to past ones. He noted that defence personnel must prepare for shifts in migration and culture, stating that training within the GDF must not be limited to military priorities alone.

To support this, he called for a clear gap analysis covering the next 15 to 20 years to ensure that people, capability and capacity are properly aligned.

Beyond traditional defence domains

The Commander-inChief went on to outline a significant expansion of traditional defence domains to include the economy, ecol-

ogy and environment. He raised concerns about the protection of telecommunications and technological infrastructure, including undersea cables, describing them as central to Guyana’s economic well-being.

“This tells you that our defence architecture goes beyond the tradition,” the President said, adding that “we must now demonstrate, in keeping with this national and international priority, what our defence system will look like in relation to our ecology, our biodiversity, and our environment because we are positioning this country and this economy in that sphere.”

The President also announced a strategic shift toward technology-driven defence, including artificial

intelligence and enhanced intelligence capabilities. He disclosed that defence structures would be adjusted to reflect new priorities involving AI, technology and modern defence assets, describing this area as “the most important branch of the future”.

“We have to develop our in-house AI and train our in-house AI with the right data, with the right information, to be the right tool for our defence system. We can’t tiptoe around this issue,” the President stressed.

Moreover, the Head of State also emphasised the importance of domain awareness in protecting critical national assets, referencing recent acts of terrorism as evidence of evolving threats. He told officers

that responsibility, reliability and readiness must define the GDF, particularly in building trust with international partners.

“Our partners must know we are reliable in the defence of democracy, the rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he emphasised.

He reminded officers that decisions made at the conference would affect every level of the Defence Force, placing a heavy responsibility on leadership.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Cabinet Ministers, and other senior Government officials, as well as the heads of the joint services, were also present at Thursday’s opening ceremony.

Croal slams “dishonest”, “false” disability assistance claims by WIN’s MP

Housing Minister Collin Croal on Wednesday delivered an in-depth rebuttal in the National Assembly, following what he described as incorrect and dishonest statements made by Opposition Member of Parliament Natasha Singh during the 2026 Budget debate.

The exchange arose after Singh raised concerns about alleged failures in the government’s social assistance programme, specifically referencing persons from Port Kaituma, namely Leona James. Singh claimed that

James died without receiving her permanent disability assistance and other entitled benefits.

In response, Minister Croal firmly rejected the allegation, stating that the claims were false and misleading.

Quoting directly from documentation provided by the Human Services Ministry, Croal told the House that James had, in fact, been receiving permanent disability assistance for several years prior to her death.

“This is a lie, a big fat lie…she used to get the per-

manent disability assistance. Please let her soul rest in peace” Croal responded, quoting a statement attributed to a ministry official identified as “Denise”.

The minister explained that while James did not receive assistance for 2026, this was due to her death in January, which occurred during the same period when benefit books were being distributed for that year. He noted that records clearly show she received her full benefits for 2025.

“I have the evidence here,” Croal stated. “Since 2019, the late Leona James received assistance from the Ministry of Human Services.”

Croal further challenged Singh’s claim that pensioners were only benefiting from an increase of $160 per day under the 2026 budget—an amount Singh compared to the cost of a pack of biscuits.

Using basic calculations, the minister pointed out that the monthly increase of $46,000 amounts to approximately $1,534 per day, not $160.

“Honourable member, if I were you, I would not say

anything else to this honourable House,” Croal remarked.

No regional bias

The minister also took the opportunity to address accusations of regional bias. Croal dismissed claims of favouritism and provided a breakdown of allocations across the country. He highlighted that Region 10 received 2,315 allocations, while Region 4 received 27,976 allocations during the previous period. Croal explained that Region 4, being the most populat-

ed region, also has the largest backlog of pending applicants—amounting to 52,142. He said the government made a commitment to clear arrears across all regions while prioritising Region 4 due to the scale of the backlog.

The minister then outlined projected allocations by region, stating that the government plans to clear: Region 1: 187, Region 2: 2,000, Region 3: 10,000, Region 5: 3,500, Region 6: 8,000, Region 7: 300, Region 8: 70, Region 9: 900, Region 10: 3,000

He also announced that,

beginning in the new week, the government will expand the number of years being addressed for pending applicants in Region 4.

As he concluded his presentation, Croal reaffirmed his support for the 2026 National Budget, stating that it represents more than just financial figures.

“I give my deserving support to the 2026 budget not only because of the numbers it contains, but because of the lives it will transform, the homes it will create, and the future it will build for all Guyanese,” Croal said.

The public assistance programme provides temporary financial aid to vulnerable individuals and families facing economic hardship, including persons living with disabilities, those with medical conditions, and households unable to meet basic needs.

Permanent public assistance is also available to persons with permanent disabilities, with eligibility now based on disability status rather than income, meaning recipients remain on the register and receive support until they transition to pensioner status.

Education Minister rejects claims of lowered standards at CPCE

Education Minister Sonia Parag debunked claims made regarding the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) allowing students to graduate without achieving the necessary academic requirements, describing them as false and misleading.

Speaking in response to remarks made by the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) President and APNU Member of Parliament, Coretta McDonald, Minister Parag stated that the claims were aimed at undermining the country’s teacher training programme.

Minister Parag said, “It’s completely false. And it is ridiculous, actually, because it’s seeking to undermine the CPCE and un-

dermine our teachers who are training and heading into the schools.”

“They have very strict standards, and that is you have to have the academic, the practicum, and the assessment required of you before you can exit that college,” she added.

McDonald alleged graduates were being passed through the institution without assuming the grades required or meeting the necessary standards required to be graduated. However, Minister Parag highlighted that this is untrue and also unfair to the teachers who are being trained to serve in schools across the country.

She noted that in the past five years CPCE had revised and updated the curriculum to reflect and provide for modern teaching needs and national education priorities.

“Over the last five years, that curriculum has been revised and updated and is in keeping with relevant areas that need training. Our teachers need to be trained to head out into schools.”

The Minister also highlighted the Government’s investment in teacher training, noting that more than 2000 teachers are trained annually under the current Administration.

She stated, “From 2015 to 2020 – a Government that Ms McDonald now

APNU MP, Coretta

represents and represented for the last five years in Parliament, and is a member of – that Government trained a couple hundred teachers in [those] five years. Over the last five years, this Government has invested in training for teachers, with over 2000 teachers being trained every single year.”

According to Parag, the Administration is now focused on upgrading teachers to graduate-level qualifications to further improve education standards nationwide.

She stressed that maintaining high training standards benefits students and strengthens the education system.

“We committed to ensuring that we’ll have 100 per cent trained teachers. And the next move is to

have these teachers become graduate teachers. So, the investment in teachers is enormous. but also to the benefit of our children be -

cause that’s what we want. We want to have teachers who can be trained and give quality delivery in classrooms. That is what we’re

3 years later

looking at with the curriculum, and I’m sure that we will have another review of the curriculum,” Parag expressed.

Mother’s grief reopens as she finally lays daughter’s remains to rest after DNA test

More than three years after her daughter was reported missing, Waveney August said the confirmation of her child’s death has reopened wounds, as she buried the remains of her daughter on Wednesday.

August, the mother of Waletta Ashana Rigby, spoke with this publication as her daughter’s remains were interned after being uplifted.

Rigby had been reported missing in June 2021 following a boating mishap near the Guyana-Brazil border.

According to August, she was first alerted to the discovery of remains in 2023, after receiving information that prompted police to conduct a search near the border area.

“When they bring the body, they say let me identify the body. And I iden -

tify the body, and it’s my daughter,” August recalled. “I could see the bare foot… and they bring up a set of underwear. So I said, ‘This is my daughter’.”

She said the remains were recovered in the Lethem area, close to the border and in proximity to a river, but she was told at the time that no one could be charged.

“They said they can’t charge anybody. And the

story stays like that,” she said. August explained that it was not until January 2025 that she was informed that DNA testing had confirmed the remains were indeed her daughter’s. She said she was abroad at the time and had to submit identification and birth records as part of the process.

Cummings Lodge residents praise housing development

Residents of Cummings Lodge New Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, on Wednesday, expressed their gratitude for the improved living conditions during a walk-through visit by the President, Dr Irfaan Ali, where he engaged with citizens during a walkabout on the progress of the Government’s housing projects.

through the Government’s housing support programme, he was able to complete his studies and secure his own home in the area.

“I was able to graduate [with] my Master’s from the GOAL project. Further to that, I was able to now have my own home here in the Cummings Lodge, and I’m truly grateful for that opportunity,” he said.

improvements to the daily necessities of the community.

He expressed, “Whilst there was construction, the roads were not [up] to par, but if you could look now

tem, and we have all that we require.”

Residents also raised concerns about sanitation and security, calling for the continuous support of Government agencies. In re-

During the interaction, several residents highlighted how this initiative has transformed their lives, providing them with access to homeownership, improved infrastructure, and better community services.

The resident went on to recall the earlier challenges faced by the community, noting that when families moved in, there was a lack of basic infrastructure and roads were not easily driv-

One resident shared that

able. He highlighted that there have been significant

Mother’s grief reopens as she finally...

“They call and say they have the DNA, and it is she,” August said, adding that the confirmation came years after her daughter vanished.

Rigby, a mother of six, disappeared after travelling to Brazil to purchase goods and returning to Guyana by boat. One other woman reportedly survived the incident, while Rigby was never seen again.

August said the pain of losing her daughter has

and see that now we’re in a place where we’re able to drive comfortably and we’re able to be in a comfortable position, I’d be grateful to see that at least that promise was fulfilled that we will have a community where there’s accessible, potable water, a good lighting sys-

sponse, President Ali committed to addressing these issues, including an immediate request for fogging exercises conducted by the Ministry of Health.

“I’ll call the Ministry of Health to come into the area and do a fogging exercise. Let it start today, and

they have to have a programme in all these communities to do the fogging,” the President assured.

Several young professionals also spoke about the benefits of living in the area, highlighting easier access to employment opportunities in Georgetown and a diverse community environment.

She said, “I get to work in less than half an hour, so it’s absolutely amazing. It’s a blessing that I come from Berbice and have the opportunity to come to Georgetown and come here

to pursue my dreams.”

President Ali noted that the development reflects the Government’s commitment to inclusive growth and national unity, emphasising that people from various professions now live side by side in the community.

The visit forms part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to monitor housing developments and engage residents directly, as it continues to expand access to affordable housing across the country.

Essequibo Coast man shot dead after opening fire on cops in Region 7 raid

FROM PAGE 15 P

been compounded by the responsibility of caring for several of her grandchildren, including a minor.

“My child has to go in that small box, and it’s really hard,” she said. “I’m supporting four of them… I got a minor. I’m 65 years old, and it’s hard for me to take care of a child now.”

She described the emotional toll on the children, particularly the youngest, who is now growing up without a mother.

olice in Regional Division Seven are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Thursday during a joint service operation at Quartzstone Backdam, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), which resulted in the death of an Essequibo Coast man.

Dead is Shemar Latif of Onderneeming Sandpit, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The operation was carried out as part of efforts to apprehend a wanted fugitive and alleged accomplic-

es linked to several serious offences within the division.

According to Police, ranks encountered Latif during the exercise and

identified him as a suspected accomplice. When officers attempted to engage him, Latif, who was reportedly armed with a handgun, dis-

charged several rounds at the ranks while attempting to escape.

The Guyana Police Force said that ranks took evasive action and returned fire, during which Latif sustained injuries.

A 9mm pistol, six live rounds of ammunition, and several spent 9mm shells were recovered at the scene.

Latif was transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body remains at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Guyana working to reverse 19 maritime “strikes” caused by APNU+AFC Govt – MP McAllister

The Guyana Government is currently working to earn 19 “stars” to reverse the “strikes” that the country received from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) after failing to implement a series of compliance markers for an audit that was carried out in February 2018.

This is according to Legal Officer at the Guyana Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Thandi McAllister, who is currently serving as a Parliament Secretary in the National Assembly.

On Thursday evening, McAllister delivered her contributions to the ongoing Budget 2026 Debates, during which she noted that IMO imposed the strikes against Guyana under the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition regime.

She noted that despite being given adequate notification that mandatory audit amendments to the IMO Treaty would enter into force on January 1, 2016, the Coalition Administration failed to prepare for the audit scheme two years later.

“The APNU+AFC Government, clearly callous in the administration of the sector – as with everything else – failed to implement the requirements for verifi-

cation of compliance. Hence, during the conduct of the audit, from February 10 to 19, 2018, Guyana recorded 19 findings – 19 strikes,” she revealed.

Among the findings of that audit was Guyana’s lack of requisite technical and legal personnel for the effective implementation of Maritime Conventions, with no utilisation of available external options for the facilitation of the process.

The auditors also found that maritime affairs were not prioritised at the national strategic planning level and that there was a use of and a reliance on an archaic management system, as well as a lack of a policy relative to the retention of maritime information.

In addition, Guyana was flagged for having a lack of relevant technical capacity,

which resulted in no development of relevant policies and guidelines to aid the implementation of enforcement of IMO instruments to which the State of Guyana is party. It also found there was no effective mechanism as stipulated by several international organisations to ensure that messages related to the safety of navigation were made readily available.

19 stars

But according to McAllister, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is committed to fixing these findings.

“We will continue to build our maritime capacity and infrastructure so that when we have that follow-up audit… We will register 19 stars,” she declared

Panama’s President hits back after China threat in canal ports row

Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino has rejected China’s threat to make the Central American country pay a “heavy price” after a Hong Kong company was evicted from two ports on the strategic Panama Canal amid pressure from United States President Donald Trump.

Writing on social media on Wednesday, President Mulino said he “strongly” rejected the Chinese Government’s threat against his country, which followed after Panama’s Supreme Court invalidated a contract that had allowed the Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison to operate two ports on the canal.

In his post, Mulino pushed back against Beijing, insisting that Panama was a country that upholds the rule of law, “and respects the decisions of the judiciary, which is independent of the central Government”.

He added that the Panamanian Foreign Ministry would issue a statement on the matter “and adopt the corresponding decisions”.

Mulino said on Thursday

that the concession of contracts to operate two ports held and operated for nearly three decades by Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison Holdings will “never again” be issued to a single company.

“I don’t expect this situation to escalate,” Mulino said, calling the court’s decision definitive. “Panama is a dignified country and will not allow itself to be threatened by any country on earth.”

The loss of CK Hutchison’s port concession on the Panama Canal has come to symbolise the battle for influence and trade between the US and China in Latin America.

Following the ruling, the Panamanian Government tapped Danish shipping company Maersk to temporarily take over management of the port terminals until a new concession is awarded.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

in the National Assembly on Thursday evening.

The Parliament Secretary noted that since 2020, the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Administration has prioritised the transformation and modernisation of the maritime sector. In fact, it has embarked on an aggressive programme to construct over 30 navigation markers along the Essequibo River and key navigational aids in the Demerara River to enhance navigational safety and efficiency.

Moreover, the Government has acquired three new pilot boats and even fixed the second-hand David P vessel that was acquired by the Coalition in 2018 against her advice.

“The David P was not fully operational due to mechanical issues. We fixed it because we did not want for taxpayers’ dollars to be wasted,” she asserted, adding that “These [three] newly built vessels are part of the Government’s plans to modernise MARAD’s fleet, which will soon be expanded to include a modern hydrographic survey vessel and a specialised vessel designed to maintain, deploy and replace navigational buoys and beacons.”

Dredging works

These will be complemented with the dredging of the Demerara River, for which some $6.3 billion has been allocated in Budget 2026, according to Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar.

During his debate presentation on Thursday evening, Indar explained that “…the siltation rate is refilling the river where we already dredged. So, we have to make sure we keep it dredged.”

This way, the Public Utilities Minister pointed out, bigger vessels can be facilitated in local waters, bringing in more goods at lower costs.

“We can get fuel ships, cargo ships so that the unit rates in the country can drop, thereby making sure that all the goods that we bring in the country, the prices are dropped, including fuel for the power companies – fuel that we sell back to [vehicle owners] and the private sector. If we dredge deeper, we can have bigger cargo ships. It cuts down the unit cost of freight, then by that reduce freight for everybody in the country. That is what we’re spending our money on. That is our priority,” Indar stressed.

New Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre

Meanwhile, in order to fulfil responsibilities under the National Search and Rescue Plan, a new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre will be operationalised this year.

Apart from boosting marine assets, MARAD has been working on improving its technical and administrative capacities with the appointment of a Registrar of Ships and a Registrar of

Seafarers, in compliance with the Shipping Act of 98, both of whom are trained by the World Maritime University.

Training was also done to improve the quality of staff at the Hydrographic Unit in the areas of applied and exploration geology, marine cartography and Category B hydrographic surveys. There is also now a port administrator, a marine environment compliance officer and a port engineer, as well as lawyers trained to transform maritime conventions into national laws.

In fact, McAllister disclosed that MARAD’s legal department is working with the Ministry of Legal Affairs on “…crafting a comprehensive legislative blueprint, including a modern Port Authority Act that will reflect acceptable global standards of operation, oversight and regulation.”

These interventions, the Parliament Secretary added, are being recognised with Guyana set to host two major regional maritime time conferences this year – the 31st Meeting of the Caribbean Port State Control Conference and the fifth Regional Meeting of the Heads and Directors of Maritime Agencies.

Former Suriname bank Governor begins serving prison

The convicted former Governor of the Central Bank of Suriname (CBvS), Robert van Trikt, was picked up by Police Thursday morning to serve his prison sentence. This step implements the sentence pronounced by the Judge on January 19.

Van Trikt was convicted of abuse of office and violation of the Banking and Credit Act in connection with his actions as Governor of the CBvS. The case revolved around decisions he made in violation of laws and regulations, which financially disadvantaged the bank.

According to the Judge, Van Trikt was guilty of the unlawful use of CBvS funds, including by entering into transactions and obligations without the required

legal basis and internal approvals. These actions occurred during a period when Suriname’s monetary stability was under severe pressure.

Judge Maytrie Kuldipsing sentenced the 48-year-old son of Education Minister Lilian Ferrier to eight years following his

sentence

conviction for violating the Anti-Corruption Act, forgery, embezzlement, money laundering, and participation in a criminal enterprise.

However, he will spend only six years because he was behind bars from February 2020, according to Judge Kuldipsing. The Judge said there was largescale corruption in this case, but she considered that Van Trikt was a first-time offender at sentencing. The prosecution had sought a 10year sentence.

In addition to the prison sentence, Van Trikt was ordered by the court to repay approximately €625,000. According to the court, this amount was obtained through crime and used by him for personal purposes.

(Source: Suriname Herald, CNW)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Shell wants to export Venezuelan gas through Trinidad, CEO says

Shell hopes to produce gas from Venezuela’s Dragon field in three years and have it processed in Trinidad and Tobago for export, CEO Wael Sawan told Bloomberg TV in an interview on Thursday.

Shell and Trinidad have been trying to increase the supply of natural gas to Trinidad’s Atlantic LNG export facility and broader petrochemical sector amid shortages due to dwindling supplies from the Caribbean island.

Shell and Trinidad National Gas Company (NGC) were in 2024 jointly granted a 30-year licence by Venezuela’s Government to operate the 4.5 trillion cubic feet Dragon gas field, which is in Venezuela’s waters but only a few miles from existing energy infrastructure in Trinidad.

Shell would require a licence from the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to operate in Venezuela because of US sanctions.

Trinidad and Tobago was granted its first OFAC licence for the Dragon field in January 2023, and Shell and state gas firm NGC were named as licensees. That licence was cancelled in May 2025, while a new one was issued in October, allowing negotiations to take place regarding the development of the Dragon field.

”We are waiting at the moment for those OFAC licences from the US Government, and within a relatively short time, we believe that we could potentially get to a final investment decision and production a couple of years after that,” Sawan said.

He told CNBC in a separate interview on Thursday that the Dragon gas opportunity could be ”activated within months”.

With the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the US pushing for investment in Venezuela’s energy industry, Shell believes the development of the Dragon gas field is in line with the US strategy.

”It will be good for the Venezuelan people. It’d be great for the Trinidadians, and I think it’s very much in line with the policy of what the US is trying to do. So on balance, we think we can play an important role in that space,” Sawan said in the Bloomberg interview. (Reuters)

Russia, Ukraine exchange prisoners as peace talks end without breakthrough

Ukraine and Russia have conducted a rare exchange of prisoners of war and civilians after two days of USbrokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi.

A total of 157 Ukrainians – seven of them civilians –and 157 Russian soldiers were returned home in the first such swap in four months.

Russian, Ukrainian and US teams took part in the

talks in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, with the main sticking points believed to be territorial concessions Ukraine is under pressure to make and security guarantees for it to prevent further Russian attacks if a deal is agreed to end the four-year war.

No breakthrough has been reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the talks had not been easy and he wanted

”faster results”.

The talks in Abu Dhabi – the second round in recent weeks – are part of US President Donald Trump’s efforts to end the war.

Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s sonin-law Jared Kushner have been leading the negotiations.

The talks had been ”detailed and productive”, Witkoff wrote on X, but added that ”significant work

remains”.

The most difficult issue is territory, with Russia demanding that Ukraine cede the rest of the eastern industrial region of Donbas that Moscow does not currently control.

Another key sticking point is believed to be Kyiv’s demand to get robust security guarantees from its European allies and the US. No details have been released. (Excerpt from BBC)

8 current, former Toronto Police arrested in organised crime inquiry

At least eight current and former Toronto Police officers have been arrested following a sweeping investigation that officials say exposed the “corrosive” reach of organised crime into Canada’s largest municipal Police service.

Police allege fellow officers accepted bribes, aided drug traffickers, leaked personal information to criminals who then carried out shootings, and helped members of organised crime in a plot to murder a corrections officer.

Among the current and former Police officers charged are a father and son, both of whom are accused of leaking information to criminals.

Louvre Museum crown left crushed but “intact” after raid

The crown of French Empress Eugenie was left crushed after being dropped by fleeing thieves during the raid at the Louvre last October –but is ”nearly intact” and can be fully restored, the museum has said.

Raiders stole an estimated 88 million euros (£76m, US$104m) in jewels but left the diamond-studded headpiece belonging to the wife of Napoleon III on their escape route.

The museum has issued the first photographs of the crown since the theft, saying it had been left ”badly deformed” after the thieves tried to remove it through a narrow hole they sawed in its glass display case.

The crown is missing one of eight golden eagles that adorned it but retains its 56 emeralds and all but 10 of its 1354 diamonds.

It added the 19th-century crown would be restored to its original state ”without the need for reconstruction”.

An expert committee led by the museum’s President,

Laurence des Cars, had been selected to supervise the restoration.

The heist took place on October 19 and saw the gang use a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to gain access to the Galerie d’Apollon (Gallery of Apollo) via a balcony close to the River Seine.

Police have arrested four male suspects whom prosecutors allege are the thieves – but the mastermind behind the raid has not been tracked down.

The seven other items of jewellery taken, including a diamond-studded tiara that belonged to Eugenie and necklaces, earrings and

brooches, remain missing.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

after the attempt

Dozens of Muslims

jail.

Seven civilians, including three accused in the murder plot, and four other men with suspected links to international organised crime, were also charged.

Police acknowledged the investigation, which led to at least 30 arrests, also involved the tow-truck industry, which has increasingly become engulfed by gun violence, turf wars and links to organised crime.

Hogan said Police would revisit cases the officers worked on to determine if the accused directed or foiled the outcome of investigations.

Four officers charged have been suspended without pay. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“massacred”

in Nigeria for refusing to join jihadists, says Governor

Dozens of persons have been killed in a ferocious shooting attack on two villages, Woro and Nuku, in Nigeria’s western state of Kwara after they refused to ”surrender to extremists who preached a strange doctrine”, according to the state’s Governor.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said on X that ”75 local Muslims were massacred” in Tuesday’s

raid, while a state lawmaker told the BBC that 78 persons had been buried so far and the death toll could rise to an estimated 170 as more corpses were being recovered.

Blaming Islamist militant group Boko Haram for the killings, President Bola Tinubu deployed an army battalion to the affected area.

The attack began after 17:00h local time and last-

Man charged with “terrorism” for bomb at Indigenous protest in Australia

Australian authorities have declared an attempted bombing at an Indigenous rights rally in Perth last month “an act of terror”, charging a 31-yearold man with one of the most serious offences in the Commonwealth Criminal Code.

The Western Australia Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) said in a press statement on Thursday that the man removed a “ho-

memade improvised explosive device” from his bag and threw it into a crowd at a rally in Perth’s Central Business District on January 26.

The device failed to detonate, and no casualties were reported among the several thousand persons who attended the rally, held in support of First Nations people. The event was part of a series of nationwide “Invasion Day” protests organised

to advocate for Indigenous rights and to protest against the historical dispossession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

If found guilty, the man could face life imprisonment under the country’s law.

The Police said the man will remain in custody until his next court appearance, set for February 17 at the Perth Magistrates Court.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

ed three to four hours, he told the BBC.

Saidu Baba Ahmed, a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, said that Boko Haram activity had been gradually increasing in the area, saying the attack was triggered by the community’s rejection of a strict interpretation of Islam.

He explained that the Islamist group had written to the community about their arrival, saying they wanted to preach, but residents resisted and deployed local security forces. Details about the exact number of people who died in the remote area are hard to confirm.

A Red Cross official in Kwara, Babaomo Ayodeji, told AFP that ”reports said that the death toll now stands at 162, as the search for more bodies continues.” Amnesty International said in a statement that over 170 persons had died, noting many were shot at close range and some burnt alive. (Source: BBC News, The Guardian)

Set your sights on what has the most meaning and purpose for you. Sign up to volunteer, lend a helping hand, or explore how you can use your skills to help preserve our ecosystem and foster a healthy planet lifestyle. Do your part and feel the rewards and gratitude that come with doing what’s right.

Put a push on and go out of your way to finish what you start and live up to the expectations you and others have regarding your goals. Don’t let anyone burst your bubble or make you feel insecure or inferior. Set standards and boundaries, and trust and believe in you and your ability to make a difference.

An open mind and Gemini charm will carry you to victory. Recognition for what you do and complete will not go unnoticed. Be humble and grateful for what you have, and you’ll surpass your expectations. Personal gains, self-improvement, and additional charisma will encourage new beginnings and a chance meeting with someone you deem special.

Choose what’s economically feasible, and avoid making a costly mistake. Overspending on entertainment or trying to impress someone will not bode well. Focus on being innovative and industrious, and you’ll enrich your life rather than deplete your resources. Avoid temptation, excess, and indulgent behavior. You’ll gain the most if you stick close to home and protect your reputation.

Change can be difficult when forced on you. Take a step back and consider every alternative. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and if you use your Leo finesse, you’ll gain insight into how to handle anyone trying to mess with you. Secrecy is your passage forward, and the element of surprise is your ticket to success.

Choose the path that brings financial security in, not out. Consider every angle before you implement a lifestyle or professional change. Listen to what others contribute, but when it comes to initiating a decision, take the path that doesn’t jeopardize your position or reputation. A disciplined attitude regarding health, investments, and contracts is necessary.

Socializing will be the pick-me-up that moves you in a positive and fruitful direction. Don’t hesitate to make the first move or to liberate yourself in lifestyle choices that help you grow intellectually, spiritually, or financially. The opportunity to connect with someone at a higher level will help you carve a path to peace, love, and gratitude.

Stop, look, listen, and rethink. You’ll require more time to decipher your options and consider what’s possible and what isn’t. Refuse to let an outsider influence you or meddle with your personal affairs. Look at the big picture and what it entails to make your dreams come true. Change begins with you, and completion is up to you.

Put on a hefty push, complete projects, and feel free to have a great time. Whether you plan a trip, attend a self-help seminar, or reunion, you have plenty to gain by interacting with those you encounter along the way. Put some forethought into your plans, and you can create a schedule that is fun and profitable.

A clear conscience comes from being honest with yourself and others. Set high standards, project how you feel, what your intentions are, and what you expect from others, and you will clear a path to reach your goal. Don’t take a chance, protect your heart and your money from users trying to put you in a vulnerable position.

Fixate on finances, investments, and your overall well-being. A change of attitude that encourages you to engage in fitness, diet, and healthy eating will point you in the right direction. Say no to temptation and excessive behavior. Sticking to a budget and a plan will keep you on track and boost your confidence. Romance is on the rise.

Keep your thoughts and emotions to yourself. Determine how others feel and what your options are before engaging in discussions that could alter your status or relationship with someone you value. Concentrate on expanding your interests and developing a skill that can help you raise your income. Self-improvement projects will require discipline and forethought.

Georgia Voll and Smriti Mandhana masterminded the highest-ever chase in Women’s Premier League (WPL) history to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their second title, denying Delhi Capitals (DC) for the fourth time in a final.

The match went down to the wire, with RCB losing three wickets in just 14 balls towards the end. With eight needed off four balls, Radha Yadav hit two consecutive boundaries off N Shree Charani to complete a thrilling chase.

Mandhana and Voll came together at nine for one in RCB’s chase of 204 and put on 165 off just 92

Mandhana, Voll lead RCB to second WPL title

balls. It was the highest-ever partnership for any wicket in the WPL. This win marked the second time RCB have triumphed over DC in a WPL final, the first coming in 2024.

Lee starts strong After be-

Lee had an lbw decision reversed, de Klerk struck back in the same over, drawing her into a big swing and a miscue that went straight up and was taken by Grace Harris charging in from long-on.

Rodrigues, Henry, do the damage

Jemimah Rodrigues, having found form in recent games, was in full flow on the day. She looked in sublime touch, punishing remotely and widely, not letting the momentum slip away after Lee’s dismissal.

ing put in, DC began steadily before Lizelle Lee took charge, launching back-toback sixes off Sayali Satghare in the fourth over. In a chaotic over that included six runs off wides, Satghare ended up conceding 20 runs and also spilt a chance of Shafali Verma. Shafali, however, could not capitalise on her chance. Though she hit two fours off Arundhati Reddy in the sixth over, she edged to the keeper in the same over, departing for 20 off 13 balls.

Laura Wolvaardt then joined Lee, and the duo took charge of the innings, hitting 19 runs off offspinner Shreyanka Patil in the seventh over, which included three fours and a six.

Then Nadine de Klerk came on and created an impact straightaway. After

When Radha Yadav strayed full, she caressed her past extra cover for her first boundary of the day. She kept peppering that region, driving de Klerk twice and Patil once for fours in the 10th and 11th overs, respectively. Then she hit Patil for two more fours in the same over, bending her back knee to slog over short midwicket and rocking back to cut behind point.

She soon brought up her half-century off 32 balls but departed shortly after, holing out to deep backward square leg off a full toss.

Wolvaardt began steadily before finding her rhythm and clearing the ropes twice. But it was Chinelle Henry who inflicted late damage, hitting de Klerk for three fours and a six to score 24 runs off the 19th over. The final over bowled by Satghare went for 15, propelling DC to 203 for 4. It was the second-highest

first-innings total in any Women’s T20 tournament final.

Mandhana and Voll pace the chase RCB faced a record WPL chase. But they were the only team in the tournament’s history to have successfully chased a 200-plus total before and had dominated this season from start to finish, picking up five consecutive wins up front to top the table.

Grace Harris started the chase with a bang, hitting two fours off Marizanne Kapp in the first over. But Henry, carrying on from where she had left off with the bat, struck with her very first ball to flatten Harris’ middle stump for 9. Voll joined Mandhana at the crease and started to in-

novate straightaway, shuffling across early to scoop over short fine leg for her first boundary.

The pair ensured RCB kept up with the asking rate, finding the gaps often and targeting all of DC’s bowlers. Mandhana looked in imperious form, punishing anything in her arc. When Nandani Sharma bowled a slower one right into the slot, Mandhana got down on one knee to send it over deep square leg for the first six of her innings.

Voll brought up her half-century off 36 balls, with RCB at that point having cleared more than half their target. Mandhana too continued her masterclass, driving Sneh Rana over extra cover for four to bring up her half-century off 23 balls, her fastest in the WPL.

The runs continued to flow: Rana and Shree Charani went for 15 each off

the 12th and 14th overs, and Mandhana and Voll seemed to be turning a record chase into a stroll.

A slight twist, but RCB complete the job DC finally made a breakthrough, with Minnu Mani getting Voll to hole out for a 54-ball 79. This left RCB needing 30 off 21 balls, with two key batters in place. But Nandani struck in the 18th over to remove Richa Ghosh cheaply, and Henry delivered a critical blow in the next over, bowling Mandhana for 87. DC could sense a remarkable comeback, but with 13 needed off 8, Mani failed to hold on to a steepling chance in the covers off new batter Radha.

With RCB needing 10 from the final over, Radha sealed the win with back-toback boundaries, breaking DC’s hearts. (ESPNcricinfo)

ICC T20 World Cup…

How does West Indies’ Group C shape up ahead of the Global Showpiece?

Group C kicks off on the opening day as part of a thrilling triple header of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 action with Scotland taking on the West Indies in Kolkata.

England’s presence makes the group the only one to feature two two-time champions, and they will be out to make history in the subcontinent as, alongside India and the West Indies, they go in search of an unprecedented third title.

Scotland will make their seventh appearance in the tournament, the joint most out of all the associate nations, while Nepal return for a third time after figuring in 2014 and 2024.

And finally, Italy will become the 25th different national team to feature at an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with the Europeans set to make their debut.

England Harry Brook’s side travel to India and Sri Lanka with an outstanding T20I pedigree and are the only side to have reached at least the semi-finals of the last four tournaments.

The 2010 and 2022 win-

ners’ chances of making it five in a row are strengthened by the inclusion of superstar quick Jofra Archer, who has recovered from a side strain picked up during the recent Ashes.

While the 30-year-old will bring blistering pace, Adil Rashid, playing in his fifth T20 World Cup, offers a different threat with his wily leg spin. The 37-yearold has taken at least one wicket in the last 22 T20I matches in which he has bowled, the third-longest streak in history.

Sam Curran, Player of the Tournament in 2022, will have a lot to offer both with bat and ball and will be buoyed after taking England’s second-ever T20I hat-trick last month. Jacob Bethell’s ability both as a power hitter and as someone who can anchor an innings makes him dangerous, while world number twoand four-ranked batters Phil Salt and Jos Buttler need no introduction.

Italy

Italy are the only debutants at this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, having qualified in second place

in the 2025 Europe Regional Final. Gli Azzurri beat Group C rivals Scotland in the regional final to help book their place in India and Sri Lanka. Harry Manenti was the star of the show that day as he took five for 31 during the tense 12-run win, and he will no doubt be out to repeat such feats this month.

Italy will be led by 42-year-old Wayne Madsen, a stalwart of the English county circuit, who has recently impressed with 61 not out against Ireland ahead of the tournament.

Nepal

Former Australian international Stuart Law is head coach of a Nepal side

who will be relishing the opportunity of mixing it with some of the best players in the world.

Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh were their country’s highest-scoring T20 players in 2025, with 509 and 394 runs, respectively.

The former is just one of five Nepalese players to hit a T20I century and hit a blistering 92 not out against the USA in 2024.

Vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee is also a T20I centurion, while Sandeep Lamichhane was Nepal’s leading wicket taker with 21 scalps last year.

Scotland

Scotland will make their fifth consecutive appearance

at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, having last missed out in 2014.

With 2021 marking the associate nation’s best World Cup showing – reaching the Super 12 stage –the Scots will harbour ambitions of upsetting one of the Test-playing nations in Group C and progressing to the Super 8s.

Scotland’s fortunes will rest on key players stepping up, of whom Brandon McMullen is one.

The 26-year-old has seven international fifties to his name, with three of those coming against Australia in 2024, including a brilliant 60 at the last ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in a close defeat.

Veteran captain Richie Berrington will offer Scotland bags of experience and has a T20I century to his name. Mark Watt, who sat on 89 T20I wickets, could prove a tricky prospect for teams, and a strong tournament for the spinner could see him reach the 100-wicket landmark.

West Indies

After dominating the ICC Men’s T20 World Cups during the middle part

Panthera Solutions donates $400K worth of cricket gear to RHTYSC

Over the last 36 years, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) has worked hard to become one of the best in Guyana, and it is our aspiration to continue doing so in the future.

According to the club, their aim is to produce ten youth players for Guyana over the next five years and two more test players for the West Indies. This investment by Panthera Solutions today would play a major role in assisting us to achieve our objective.

Those were the words of RHTYSC Secretary Hilbert Foster at the official handing over ceremony of cricket gear by Panthera Solutions Ltd to the management of the club.

The presentation took place last Saturday at the St Francis Community Developers and was witnessed by senior managers of the company, RHTYSC officials and members of the club’s junior cricket teams. The donation included a large amount of cricket balls, four junior cricket bats, batting pads, batting gloves, wicketkeeping gloves, helmets and wicketkeeping pads. Foster, the former President of the

Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), stated that since its founding in 1990 by the St Francis Club, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club has produced 131 players for Berbice at all levels, with 76 going on to play for Guyana. 14 of them have played for the West Indies and the United States, including Asad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Kevon Sinclair, Kelvon Anderson, Shemaine Campbelle, Shebika Gajnabi, Eva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond, Akshay Homraj and Dominic Rikhi. He expressed gratitude to Panthera for their assistance, which would assist the club to organise developmental sessions for dozens of exciting talents in the afternoons and on Saturdays at the Area H ground.

Cricket manager Robby Kissondial stated that the club has a wide range of cricketing talents with players like Jayden Ganpat, Rafael Mekenzie, Tameshwar Deonandan, Daniella Mauns, Danielle Hicks, Trisha Hardat, Munesh Rampersaud, Leon Reddy, Jonathan Hicks, Akeem Fraser and Disham Le Cruz. The long-serving cricket manager stated that nine-year-old Eion Dhuppat is one of the most exciting batting talents in

the club, and he is receiving special emphasis from the coaching staff.

As part of its developmental programme, the club on Saturday last handed over a total of $300,000.00 worth of cricket gear to promising players. The gear included cricket bats, cricket balls, helmets, batting pads, thigh pads and batting gloves. Receiving the equipment were Jayden Coupet, Khemraj Bharat, Jonathan Hicks, Leon Reddy, Asteir Narine, Dinesh Singh, Disham Le Cruz, Azad Ali, Ronaldo Roberts, Ezekiel Horry, Jahleel Grant, Joshua Dhuarraj, Shamar Thompson, Aeon Dhuppat, Anthony Sirkisson and Randy Williams. Kissonlall urged the players to take proper care of the donated gear and to dedicate themselves to the club’s training programme. The RHTYSC also rewarded Jayden Ganpat, who in December was named the Best Guyanese Bowler in the Goodwill Under-13 tournament versus Barbados. He received a large trophy, a medal of excellence and a box of white cricket balls to work on his bowling at home. General Manager of Panthera Solution, Andrew Dinsdale, stated that his compa-

of the 2010s, a period in which they won two titles in 2012 and 2016, Carlos Brathwaite’s legendary exploits at Eden Gardens mark the last time the West Indies featured in a Men’s T20 World Cup knockout match.

A Super 8 exit last time out on home soil will have been disappointing, but Daren Sammy’s side are a team you can never count out.

Shimron Hetmyer has found some form at just the right time with a series of impressive recent knocks against South Africa and Afghanistan, while skipper Shai Hope’s first T20I century – from the top of the order – last summer against Australia showed he can play a captain’s knock when required.

In Brandon King, the West Indies have a second solid opener, and success for the team from the Caribbean will hinge on him and Hope going well first up. With the ball, Akeal Hosein, the only West Indian ranked inside the Top 20 T20I bowlers at 11th, will be a handful with his slow left-arm spin. (ICC)

ny was very impressed with the work the RHTYSC was doing and noted that they have been supporting the club since 2019.

Incoming General Manager Tony Turnbull, who takes over in May, hailed the RHTYSC as a perfect role model for other cricket clubs and pledged further assistance in the future.

Certified Coach Tanner Moving Up the Ranks Tucber Park’s certified cricket coach, Orlando Tanner, is a man on a mission

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) certified Level One and Level Two coach has had the opportunity to work with the current crop of elite Tucber Park players, including fast bowlers Romario Shepherd, Nial Smith, and Micah Amsterdam.

Tanner, who is the most present coach at the New Amsterdam-based cricket club, began his coaching journey back in 2019. He worked with junior and senior players and also featured at the Guyana Cricket Board inter-county, where he plied his coaching trade.

“I began my coaching journey in 2019 with Tucber Park Cricket Club, where I worked with both senior and junior players. In 2022, I earned my Level One CWI Coaching Certificate, followed by my Level Two certification in 2023.”

“Cricket has always meant a great deal to me, and coaching has become my way of giving back to the game while making a positive contribution to my community. Over the years, my passion for player development and continuous learning has kept me deeply committed to the coaching pathway,” Tanner told this daily publication.

Tanner is seeking upward mobility in his blooming coaching career. He learnt about the CoachED

programme and has his eyes set on the main prize: moving up the coaching ranks.

“A few months ago, I learnt that Gary Kirsten, a former international cricketer and renowned coach, is now involved as the programme coordinator with CoachED. This inspired me to reach out, as I am eager to further upskill myself, refine my coaching methods, and strengthen my ability to share knowledge

effectively.”

“These experiences of working with recognised players have reinforced my ambition to contribute to the development of cricket in our country and to coach at the highest level,” Coach Tanner said.

Equipped with passion and love for the sport and helping young cricketers, Tanner’s coaching journey will continue to reach greater heights. (Brandon Corlette)

GCA, EBCA claim convincing wins in Demerara U16 tournament

Action in the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Under-16 tournament continued on Wednesday, February 4, with two matches played on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), producing dominant performances and clear winners at both venues.

At the Lusignan Community Centre ground, the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) won the toss and elected to bat first but struggled against disciplined bowling from the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA). ECCB were dis missed for a mod est 57 in 39.1 overs, with Ashton Collins top-scoring with 17. No other bat ter reached double figures as wickets fell steadily throughout the innings. Jasani Craig and Afraz Khan led the bowl ing effort for GCA, each claiming three wickets to disman tle the ECCB lineup. In reply, GCA made light work of the target, racing to 58 without loss in just 6.5 overs. Lomar Seecharan starred with an aggressive 38 from 30 balls,

Jade’s Wok amongst joint sponsors for National U14 Chess Championships

Jstriking three fours and two sixes. GCA secured a comfortable 10-wicket victory, underlining their batting strength.

Meanwhile, at the LBI ground, the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Select XI faced the East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA). EBCA won the toss and chose to bat, posting a competitive 154 all out in 35.5 overs.

Jadesh Kalpoo led the scoring with a well-played 40, which included six fours and a six, while Anthony Indar supported with 27, featuring four boundaries. The Select XI bowlers shared the workload, with Hezekiah Hohenkirk, Savir Narine, Navin Adreenflood, and Adam Mohamed each taking two wickets. In response, the DCB Select XI were restricted to 103 all out in 32.5 overs. Aaron Narine top-scored with 32, striking four fours, while Ajay Kissoon

added 26 with three boundaries. EBCA’s bowling attack proved decisive, led by Jadesh Kalpoo, who produced an outstanding spell of 5 for 10 from 4.5 overs. Shane Dewa provided excellent support, finishing with 4 for 23 from eight overs. EBCA went on to win the match by 51 runs, with Jadesh Kalpoo named Player of the Match for his all-round performance. The tournament continues today with two fixtures scheduled for 09:30h. DCB Select XI will take on GCA at Lusignan, while WDCA face EBCA at the LBI ground.

ade’s Wok, Pinnacle Business Services, and Cubs in Action International have once again reaffirmed their commitment to youth sports by sponsoring the National U14 Rapid Chess Championships. The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the School of the Nations, with matches beginning at 09:00h. More than fifty players are expected to compete for the National Rapid Chess Championship titles in both the Open and Girls categories.

utilising a time control of 15 minutes plus a five-second increment per move.

The tournament will consist of seven rounds played in a Swiss System format,

This year’s tournament promises to be exceptionally competitive. With 2025 champions Nicholas Zhang and Emma John having aged out of the category, the field is wide open for a new pair of national champions to emerge.

In the open category, several strong junior players are expected to contend for the title, including current U12 Open Chess Champion Aiden Tinnie, former U12 Open Champion Abel Fernandez Ciria, Vir Narine, Arian Tinne, and Javier Davenand, among others.

In the Girls Category, competition promises a mix of fresh talent and seasoned players. Young talents Kataleya Sam, former U12 Girls Champion; Divya Persaud, 2026 U12 Girls Champion; Saura Ruplall; Rebha Lachhman; Amaya Sharma; Chelsea Harrison; Sana Sreebalakumar; and Olivia Rajmangal, among others, will all be vying for the championship title.

Trophies will be awarded to the top five finishers in

both the Open and Girls categories. Additional trophies will be presented to the best U10 and best U12 for both categories.

The GCF has extended its sincere gratitude to Jade’s Wok, Pinnacle Business Services, and Cubs in Action International for their unwavering support and commitment to sponsorship and the development of chess within Guyana.

“We also wish to thank the School of the Nations, a steadfast partner that continues to provide a premier venue for the federation’s tournament for several years,” the Federation noted. For more information on the Guyana Chess Federation or on how to become a member, interested persons can visit their official website at guyanachess. gy.

Ramson attests to improved Sport Ministry at budget debates

As Budget 2026 debates continued in the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, on Thursday, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr took to the mic, unveiling a long list of transformational projects that have reshaped the Sport Ministry since the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) took office in 2020.

The Minister, in his passionate presentation, hit back at criticisms from the Opposition’s side of the House, speaking to the restoration of the Ministry and the benefit of the personnel added.

Ramson Jr told the National Assembly, “I want everybody to understand, when we restored this Ministry, at the level of the people’s progressive party, we knew how important this Ministry was then and that it is now. It must have a say at the level of the cabinet, and because of that now too, I want to welcome Steven and James, and I also want to acknowledge the hard work of another MP, the Director of Youth. I would take Suresh Singh over all of y’all combined on my team.”

“We undertook the re-

sponsibility of building five stadiums, and those are huge undertakings.

In fact, all of those stadiums will be opened this year. I want to be clear, the first one is happening on Saturday, and it’s a really, really beautiful facility,” the Sport Minister shared.

Ramson went on to back up his claims, citing improved relations with athletes and associations and better athlete performances over the past 5 years.

Ramson Jr said about his Ministry’s work in the last five years, “Over the last five years, we lit 145 grounds in this country; they set us a target of 25, and we did 145 grounds. We started for the first time in this country a national sports academy, categorised into core and non-core sports. We built strong relationships with sports associations, and all of the sports associations have issued their support for us, this Ministry, and the budget because they know how they’ve benefitted.”

“Importantly as well, we started tracking and measuring how many medals our athletes started to secure; they have never been

tracked before. In the last three years alone, we have secured over 1000 international and regional medals by our athletes. Athletes are doing better now than they’ve ever done before, under the PPP leadership,” he further enlightened.

The sport Minister also took the time to update on his Ministry’s legislative progress, revealing that the National Sport Police is likely to be passed this year.

“We passed two pieces of legislation, including the much-desired Horse Racing Authority Act. We completed the draft for the Sports Policy, and it will be completed by the Cabinet this year,” Ramson Jr divulged.

Sport was allocated a whopping $6B in the 2026 National Budget, as announced by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh last week. Amongst the major projects earmarked for sport this year is the completion of four international-standard stadiums and the continuation of the community grounds project to the tune of $1.3B.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will, later this month, unveil a new tournament, the “Elite League Cup”, following its initial announcement at their Ordinary Congress in November 2025.

The new League Cup will fill the gap in the first quarter of the year, as the Federation pursues their desire to shift the 10-team Elite League to a new competition window, tentatively from August 2026 to April 2027, align ing with interna tional leagues across the world.

Nonetheless, the Elite League Cup was an nounced on Thursday, curi ously via one of the Federation’s social media handles, and will feature the top nine teams from last year’s Elite League 2025.

These nine teams have been sorted into three groups where they will be engaged in round-rob in play, followed by the semi-finals, a third-place playoff, and a grand final.

ons Slingerz Football Club (FC), Monedderlust FC and Ann’s Grove United FC. Group B comprises the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC, Santos FC and Den Amstel FC. Meanwhile,

Seeding is a method commonly applied in FIFA and CONCACAF competitions and is customised by competition organisers to align with the objectives and format of each tournament.

With the draw for groups already completed, Group A will house reigning Elite League champi-

Federation advises that the group allocation process for the Elite League Cup was conducted using a structured seeding approach.

Hope signals no fear as Windies are ready for the T20 World Cup

With the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 just around the corner, anticipation is building as captains from across the cricketing world addressed the media at a pre-tournament press conference on Thursday. Among them was West Indies skipper Shai Hope, who struck a balanced tone – measured, competitive, and deeply rooted in pride for the maroon jersey.

Speaking about batting expectations in Indian conditions, Hope played down the obsession with monumental totals, emphasising adaptability over ambition.

“You don’t necessarily put a target on the board,” Hope said. “The aim is to

try and get as many runs as possible. I wouldn’t necessarily say we are looking to get a 300-plus score.”

While acknowledging that Indian pitches can produce high-scoring encounters, Hope stressed the importance of game awareness, particularly when facing power-packed batting line-ups.

“From a feeling standpoint, the aim is to try and limit as much damage as you can… you’ve got to ensure you find ways to limit the scoring and give yourself the better chance of chasing.”

Beyond tactics and conditions, Hope spoke passionately about the responsibility that comes with leading the West Indies, reminding everyone that the team carries more than just cricketing expectations.

“Every single time you cross that line, you are representing the people of the West Indies,” he said. “They are glued to the television, sometimes at three or four o’clock in the morning. So whatever we try to do, we make sure we make them proud.”

Hope also touched on rivalries, particularly recent contests against Afghanistan, who have had the upper hand in their last few meetings. While he refrained from singling out specific opponents, he admitted that tensions remain and future encounters could reignite competitive fire.

“It’s certainly a big rivalry… Who knows? We’re probably going to come up against them again in this World Cup, and we’re going to have some beef again,” he added with a smile.

West Indies will begin their T20 World Cup campaign on the opening day of the tournament, facing Scotland at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with the match scheduled to start at 05:30h local time. As the Caribbean side looks to blend flair with discipline, Hope’s words reflect a team grounded in realism, fuelled by rivalry, and driven by the pride of an entire region watching from afar.

Elite League Cup kicks off next Saturday

For the Elite League Cup, teams were seeded into groups based on their final Elite League standings, with the objective of ensuring competitive bal-

This updated format of the Elite League Cup forms part of the Federation’s broader strategic approach to expanding competitive match opportunities, increasing meaningful playing time for Elite League clubs and players, and supporting long-term player and competition

The GFF has not yet revealed the prize structure for the tournament, which is set to conclude on Saturday, March 7. The entirety of the tournament is scheduled to be played at the GFF’s National Training Centre (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).