Guyana Times - Friday, January 23 , 2026

Members of major organised crime group arrested in Guyana

live shooting Burnt remains, more guns found as Police intensify probe into wanted man’s death

story on page 3 Guyana, Japan ink $7.2B deal to upgrade water system in Diamond

…as local Police partner with INTERPOL, neighbouring countries to crack down on illegal mining …198 arrested; cash, gold, mercury, guns, drugs seized Over 50 pieces of equipment seized in crackdown on illegal mining …44 arrested, charged

Some NDCs failed to utilise $30M allocation – Manickchand …says communities

Minibus driver’s licence suspended for 4 months

Azruddin Mohamed as Opposition Leader poses security risk for US, Guyana – US Journalist warns

nited States

UJournalist and researcher Thomas Jason Anderson has issued a strong warning regarding US-indicted businessman Azruddin Mohamed, citing potential national security implications for both Guyana and the United States.

Anderson is the director of the Washington, DCbased Last Government Watchdog organisation and has assisted The New York Times and The New York Post on several high-profile investigations, including stories surrounding the criminal indictments against US Senator Bob Menendez.

An expert in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), Anderson is known for un-

covering hidden truths through extensive analysis of public records. His work has involved engagement with the Federal Election Commission and collaboration with the Ethics Committee of the US House of Representatives as part of what he describes as a relentless pursuit of accountability among those in power. In a post on his social media platform on Wednesday, Anderson drew attention to what he described as the broader implications that a sanctioned individual such as Mohamed could pose for Guyana.

According to Anderson, the first issue on the agenda was national security, with Mohamed being a central figure in the concern. He stat-

ed that Guyana, a relatively small country in the northern part of South America bordering Venezuela, has gradually become a matter of concern for the United States.

This, he explained, is because the individual under US sanctions, Mohamed, is actively resisting extradition to the United States to face criminal charges. Mohamed has been indicted in the US on multiple charges, including conspiracy, money laundering, wire fraud, and allegations related to the smuggling of more than 10,000 kilograms (kg) of gold through the United States. These developments, Anderson noted, have attracted significant attention from US authorities and raised broader national security concerns.

He added that Mohamed’s primary objective is to avoid extradition. “He’s trying to avoid extradition, and the way he’s doing it is through the politics in the nation of Guyana, which is not good. The reason why it’s not good is because, if you strip away the outside appearance, yes, Guyana has gotten a lot of help recently from us, from our State Department, from our embassy, and from our White House, but what that’s done is it’s given the

place a good paint job. The problem is, Guyana has been a place that’s been neglected for decades by the United States. And in that neglect, it became a target for other nations around the world.”

Anderson warned that Guyana could be exploited as a launch point for actions against the United States, arguing that long-standing political weaknesses have left the country vulnerable.

“The political chaos that could occur from having this one individual fight extradition to the United States could create a domino effect, where whatever is being done in Venezuela can be totally undermined.”

He cautioned that such instability could also undermine efforts taking place in other countries, including Cuba and elsewhere in the region. Additionally, he not-

ed that Guyana’s rapidly-expanding oil sector, particularly the large volumes of sweet crude currently being produced, could be placed at risk if the political situation continues on its current trajectory.

“Whatever is being done in Cuba, anywhere in the region, can be totally undermined,” Anderson said. “On top of that, there is a boatload of sweet crude oil coming out of Guyana right now, and that could also be at risk if things continue the way they are politically. This is a serious situation. This is a code red. People need to pay attention. Do not fall asleep on it. Wake up and look at the tsunami that’s coming your way. This is a big deal.”

Indicted father-and-son duo

The father-and-son duo, Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on 11 criminal charges, including wire fraud, mail fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering. The charges are primarily linked to alleged irregularities in gold exports to the United States through their company, Mohamed’s Enterprise.

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, January 23 –06:55h–08:25h and Saturday, January 24 – 07:30h–09:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected during the day. Light evening rain and cloudy skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 07:27h and 19:49h reaching maximum heights of 2.60 metres and 2.62 metres.

Low Tide: 13:21h reaching a minimum height of 0.60 metre.

Members of major organised crime group arrested in Guyana

…as local Police partner with INTERPOL, neighbouring countries to crack down on illegal mining …198 arrested; cash, gold, mercury, guns, drugs seized

“They were carrying unprocessed gold and USD 590,000 in cash and are alleged to be members of a major organised crime group with possible links to a leading Guyana gold exporting firm” – Francebased INTERPOL

At least three persons believed to be linked to a major regional organised crime group were arrested in Guyana during a joint operation involving several South American nations and led by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) last month.

In a statement on Thursday, INTERPOL said it partnered with the Police and Prosecutors in Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname in the first-ever

ed in increased illegal gold mining, making it the fastest-growing revenue stream for organised crime groups, including in Latin America.

supplies and equipment used in gold mining and, in some cases, are known to be involved in the smuggling of gold and illegal supplies such as mercury.

Counterfeit medicines, alcohol & cigarettes

INTERPOL said the inspections marked an import-

transnational operation to combat illegal gold mining.

During the cross-border operation carried out in December 2025, over 24,500 checks were conducted on vehicles and individuals, which led to some 198 arrests. These include the detention of three men in Guyana on suspicion of gold smuggling and money laundering.

“They were carrying unprocessed gold and USD $590,000 in cash and are alleged to be members of a major organised crime group with possible links to a leading Guyanese gold exporting firm,” the statement from the France-based organisation detailed.

Additionally, the operation also led to the seizure of cylinders of mercury in Guyana and Suriname, totalling over US$60,000. These cylinders were being transported by bus and concealed in solar panels.

Mercury is commonly used in illegal gold mining to separate the gold extracted from other metals and is extremely harmful both to the environment and human health.

According to INTERPOL Secretary General, Valdecy Urquiza, “The surge in in-

ternational gold prices in recent years has result-

At INTERPOL, we are committed to working with our partners to disrupt those networks and prevent more damage to this remote and environmentally fragile region.”

Meanwhile, Operation Guyana Shield also involved “mirror operations”, where officers from Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname worked in tandem to carry out checks and searches on opposite banks of the rivers Oyapock and Maroni that form the border between French Guiana and Brazil to the south and Suriname to the west.

These included inspections of some of the many small stores located on the banks of the Maroni River that sell different types of

ant first step in transnational Police deployment there, and officers managed to seize counterfeit medicines, alcohol and cigarettes with a value of over US$40,000. The operation also led to the seizure of mining equipment, such as pumps and mats used to trap gold, firearms and communications equipment, including mobile phones. Officers also intercepted a bus carrying undocumented migrants, including several minors suspected of being exploited for child labour or sexual abuse.

Editor: Tusika Martin

News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Violence in schools & a line that must never be crossed

Violence directed at educators is a grave assault on the very foundation of the education system and cannot be treated as an isolated lapse in discipline. The recent attacks on teachers at secondary schools in Regions Two and Four underscore a deeply-troubling trend that threatens the safety of schools, undermines learning, and erodes respect for authority and community values. Such conduct demands unequivocal condemnation and urgent, coordinated action.

Schools are intended to be spaces of safety, structure and development. When a teacher is physically assaulted in the course of carrying out supervisory duties, the line of acceptable behaviour has been obliterated. An attack on a teacher is an attack on the institution of education itself. It signals a breakdown in discipline and a failure to internalise the most basic principles of respect and restraint. No educational objective can be achieved in an environment where educators fear for their physical safety.

Educators across the system are increasingly exposed to aggression, bullying and intimidation, often without adequate safeguards or timely interventions. The sense of unease expressed by teachers reflects a wider reality, which is that persistent indiscipline and violent behaviour cannot be managed solely through ad hoc responses after serious incidents occur.

Equally alarming are incidents in which teachers have been injured while attempting to prevent student-on-student violence. The expectation that educators must place themselves in harm’s way to maintain order is neither reasonable nor sustainable. Schools cannot function as battlegrounds, and teachers cannot be expected to act as enforcers without proper support, clear protocols and the backing of families and communities.

At the core of this crisis lies a fundamental issue that extends beyond school gates. Behaviour displayed in classrooms and schoolyards is often a reflection of values, boundaries and attitudes shaped at home. Parents and guardians bear a primary responsibility in instilling respect for authority, empathy for others and an understanding of consequences. When children are not taught accountability, self-control and respect from an early age, schools are left to confront behaviours that have already taken root.

Schools must continue to strengthen guidance and counselling services, enforce disciplinary codes consistently and identify behavioural issues early. Initiatives such as anti-bullying campaigns, reporting mechanisms and inter-agency collaboration are necessary steps. However, these measures will fall short if they are not reinforced by parental involvement and community standards that clearly reject violence and intimidation.

Moreover, the recent spate of bullying-related incidents, including cases that have drawn police intervention and resulted in arrests, illustrates the severe consequences of unchecked aggression. The involvement of law enforcement in matters involving students is a stark indicator of how far situations can escalate when early corrective action fails. Prevention must therefore be prioritised over reaction, with a focus on character development as much as academic performance.

Leadership within the education sector has signalled a firm stance against gang-like behaviour, organised intimidation and bullying. Such clarity is essential. Zero tolerance must not be an empty phrase but a policy consistently applied, supported by resources and reinforced through collaboration with parents, social services and law enforcement where necessary. Safety is not a peripheral concern; it is a prerequisite for learning and teaching.

Respect for teachers must be restored as a societal norm, and educators serve as role models, mentors and caretakers of the nation’s future. Allowing violence against them to be minimised or excused sends a dangerous message to students and society alike. Discipline, respect and values cannot be selectively enforced; they must be upheld collectively.

Schools must remain vigilant and responsive, authorities must provide protection and clear policy direction, and parents must actively engage in the moral and behavioural upbringing of their children. Violence and bullying have no place in educational institutions. The strongest condemnation must be matched by decisive, sustained action to ensure that schools are once again safe spaces where learning, respect and development can thrive.

A troubling moment for Guyana’s parliamentary democracy

Dear Editor,

The prospect of Azruddin Mohamed ascending to the position of Leader of the Opposition represents a troubling moment for Guyana’s Parliamentary democracy, as adumbrated by many prominent public figures, including the Attorney General and former Chairman and Parliamentarian for the PNCR, Shurwayne Holder.

This justified concern is rooted in established and documented legal realities emanating not from Guyana, but from the United States. Mr Mohamed is currently the subject of extradition proceedings arising from an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the US.

As the Guyanese people should know by now, that indictment alleges his involvement in a multi-year scheme encompassing gold smuggling, money laundering, wire fraud, and tax eva-

sion, resulting in the loss of millions of dollars in revenue to Guyana. These are not merely rumours; they are formal charges supported by documentation transmitted through official channels by the United States Government.

Further compounding the gravity of the situation is the fact that Mr Mohamed has been sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) – a measure reserved for individuals deemed to pose serious risks to financial transparency and international compliance. It is extraordinary that an individual under such crippling sanctions could be seriously contemplated for elevation to one of the highest constitutional offices in the land.

Beyond these formal proceedings, Mr Mohamed’s name has also been publicly linked to allegations of mur-

der, drug smuggling, and the financing of terrorism.

The existence of these allegations alone underscores the profound reputational risk that his elevation would pose to Guyana’s Parliament and our country’s international standing.

As former PNCR Chairman Shurwayne Holder correctly observed a few days ago, an Opposition that routinely critiques the Government on corruption, money laundering and criminal infiltration of the state cannot, without rank hypocrisy, choose as its leader someone who has not cleared his name of such serious accusations. Moral authority, once forfeited, cannot be reclaimed through rhetoric.

Editor, the Leader of the Opposition is not a ceremonial title. It is a constitutional office requiring unimpeachable character, credibility with international partners, and the capac-

ity to speak on governance issues without contradiction or embarrassment. To proceed otherwise would not only stain the Opposition but also diminish the dignity of the National Assembly itself.

Guyana deserves an opposition that strengthens democracy, not one that invites ridicule, weakens oversight, and compromises the country’s reputation at home and abroad. It goes without saying, therefore, that elevating Mr Mohamed under these circumstances would do precisely that. It is hoped that the Opposition members who truly care about Guyana and its international standing will do the right thing on Monday and opt for someone other than Mr Mohamed to hold the post of Leader of the Opposition.

Yours truly, Quincy Anderson

Opposition MPs are playing dice with Guyana’s name

Dear Editor,

As a proud Guyanese, I am alarmed at the recklessness being displayed by Opposition MPs in their rush to elect a Leader of the Opposition at any cost.

No serious country should be comfortable with a US-indicted, OFAC-

sanctioned individual occupying such a high constitutional office.

What makes this even worse is the double standard. These same Opposition figures accuse the Government of corruption and lawlessness, yet are prepared to ignore serious allegations when it suits them politically.

The PPP/C’s record on democracy is clear. The Opposition’s record, however, is stained by rigged elections, constitutional breaches, and the refusal to respect the rule of law when it did not suit them.

If Guyana’s image is damaged as a result of this decision, the Opposition MPs must bear full responsibility.

Yours truly, Annalise Humphrey Kwakwani, Region 10

Guyana is in jeopardy, as I support the Speaker’s decision

Dear Editor, I hold no special brief for the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, whom I got to know as a politician. I think that Nadir did the right thing at the right moment.

He had always intended to stick by the constitution and the laws of the country, from all my political understanding and news reading. Nadir never said otherwise, and I challenge anyone to prove me wrong. The speaker even went further to indicate exactly when the meeting would be convened to choose the country’s opposition leader.

He must be strongly commended because he did not have to say. He could have done it quietly, but he did so publicly in the midst of a few opposition opportunists and personalities for WIN, creating deliberate misinformation and disinformation about the process.

Nadir also earned stripes in my book because he said that he would not be intimidated or threatened while executing his role as speaker of the National Assembly. He was brave and sent a strong message to WIN, diplomats and other opposition surrogates, who all shame-

lessly and disappointingly were duped into commenting and expressing misplaced concern about the issue.

Let me be clear. You may not like it, but the speaker said what the majority of us were thinking. He was bold enough to offer a different version of the truth, and he is entitled to his position even within his constitutional limits.

I endorse every bit of Nadir’s expression of concern about the process that will unfold on Monday, like the majority of the country.

Mr Editor, like every sensible, upstanding, decent, educated, law-abiding and ordinary citizen of the country, I am very concerned about the consequences of Azruddin Mohamed being sworn in to the office of the Leader of the Opposition. At this phase in Guyana’s history, we need upstanding, experienced, respectful, professional, educated, knowledgeable, sound, law-abiding, and politically-savvy men and women to serve as Guyana’s opposition leader and on the opposition benches.

Guyana can ill afford to have a bully, wannabe gangster, poser, and seemingly

Dangerous trend of motorists replacing factoryinstalled fog lamps

Dear Editor,

There is an increasing and dangerous trend of motorists replacing their factory-installed fog lamps with extra-bright, high-intensity bulbs and then driving using these fog lamps instead of proper headlamps. These modified fog lamps are not designed to be used as primary driving lights. They are often improperly installed, poorly aimed, and excessively bright, resulting in oncoming drivers being temporarily blinded, particularly at night and during rainfall. This misuse of fog lamps creates a serious hazard and significantly increases the risk of traffic accidents.

Equally troubling is the daily presence of electric bikes (e-bikes) operating on public roads without any lights whatsoever, especially during early mornings, evenings, and night-time hours. These e-bikes are frequently observed passing police patrols without being stopped, warned, or penalised. Without proper lighting, they are nearly invisible

to other road users and pose a severe risk to both riders and motorists.

This raises an important and necessary question: what is happening with the enforcement of our traffic laws in Guyana? Rules governing vehicle lighting, roadworthiness, and safety clearly exist, yet enforcement appears inconsistent or absent. When obvious violations are ignored, it erodes respect for the law and places all road users in danger.

Road safety should never be optional. It requires clear standards, public education, and consistent enforcement. I urge the relevant authorities to act urgently – by enforcing existing laws on vehicle lighting, addressing the misuse of fog lamps, clarifying regulations governing e-bikes, and ensuring accountability before preventable tragedies occur.

This issue affects drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and families alike.

Yours sincerely, Suraj Nazir

daft businessman who is US OFAC-sanctioned and currently before the courts as opposition leader. Guyana can do without the infamy and shame which, I think, will reverberate across the Caribbean and world.

In 2020, Guyana was already known for having a Government, which was the APNU/AFC regime that tried to steal the general and regional elections that year. We became known as the country where election results were delayed for fivelong months when our democracy and tranquility was threatened.

Now, the opposition really wants us to become infamous for having another politician or alleged fugitive promoted to uphold the Constitution? Another stain on Guyana’s standing and name, just like the same late

Abul Khadir.

Islamic teachings provide clear criteria for leadership, emphasising trust, justice, and accountability. A leader who fails in these areas is considered unqualified, and Islam advises against allowing such individuals to rule or hold positions of authority.

As the Mohameds like to quote the Quran, I will do a deep dive into verses.

“When the matter is entrusted to those who are unqualified to implement its duties, then wait for the Hour (Day of Judgment).” (Sahih al-Bukhari).

According to Islamic sources, a person is not worthy of leadership if they act oppressively (Zalim), betray the trust (Amanah) of the people, are arrogant or narcissistic, are unjust and disregard the rights of others,

and seek power out of desire for status. Some would say that Mohamed seemingly is guilty of all.

Also, I read the words of Nazar Mohamed, and I respectfully disagree with everything he said in his defence of the younger Mohamed. It seems to me that he should hire more sensible, knowledgeable, and brighter ghost-writers and PR people because he wrote a heap of hogwash, rubbish, and dottiness.

Speaker Nadir should ignore Nazar’s appeal for an unqualified apology. I would not expect a response if I were Nazar.

I do not want this election and did not ask for another buffoon, but I respect the constitution just like the Government and the speaker respect the law of the land.

It is in this very context that all young people and upstanding Guyanese are worried, and rightfully so. I do not want this for my beloved Guyana. I don’t want a teleprompter opposition leader or a mentally unstable opposition leader making decisions on behalf of 25 per cent of the population. No. Guyana deserves better! The speaker must continue to be impartial, fair and decent, but he must be practical and unforgiving when parliamentarians breach the standing orders.

Editor, I am still waiting patiently for someone to pinch me and wake me up from this nightmare. The intended election of Mohamed as OOL is worrying and unsettling to my spirit.

Yours truly, Michael Younge

Serious reputational crisis for Guyana

Dear Editor, Guyana is on the verge of walking into a serious reputational crisis if Azruddin Mohamed is selected as Leader of the Opposition. The issue before us has always been straightforward: Parliament meets, and a Leader of the Opposition is elected. Simple. What is now at stake is judgement, integrity, and national responsibility, because the pending selection being pushed is presumptively Azruddin Mohamed.

Let it be absolutely clear: if the Opposition were to select any other Parliamentarian at this time, that would be their lawful choice and a normal exercise of democratic practice. But elevating a man who has been sanctioned and indicted by the United States on 11 charges and who is now regarded internationally as a fugitive offender is not normal, but it is reckless, indefensible, and dangerous. The Opposition Members must understand the gravity of what they are about to do.

Electing an Opposition Leader under such circumstances would not only drag the credibility of the Opposition into the gutter, but it would also

place Guyana’s reputation, Parliament’s honour, and our national standing at severe risk. It would also send a poisonous message to the country, especially to our youth: that status can be used to shield wrongdoing, that power can be used to sanitise disgrace, and that the highest offices can be treated like trophies rather than responsibilities. That is not leadership. That is moral collapse.

Democracy is not merely about numbers and votes. Democracy must be anchored in moral fortitude, decency, honesty, and respect for institutions. Without those values, democracy becomes a hollow performance – loud, shameless, and destructive. It is therefore deeply troubling to watch political actors behave as though they are “saving democracy” when democracy was never in danger.

Azruddin Mohamed and his acolytes were never chasing principled leadership; they were spotlight-chasing while manufacturing outrage and engaging in the worst forms of political theatre. Guyanese are not fools. They can see the circus for what it is.

We caution the 29 Opposition Members of

Parliament: do not create a burden for yourselves and a stain for this nation by making the wrong choice. History will not treat this as a harmless political manoeuvre. History will judge it harshly. And the consequences – political, institutional, and reputational –will be yours to answer for. This is the moment to open your eyes, reject the specta-

cle, and do what is right. Guyana deserves real representation and not reckless symbolism, not moral compromise, and not leadership that turns Parliament into an international embarrassment.

Yours sincerely, Association For Democracy and Human Rights (Guyana) Inc

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026

Proportion

How to recognise proportional graphs

In order to recognise a directly proportional graph/inversely proportional graph:

Step 1: Determine the type of proportional relationship

Step 2: Check the key features of the proportion graph

Example 1

Step 1: Determine the type of proportional relationship

As y ∝ x means y is proportional to x, we are looking for a directly proportional graph.

Step 2: Check the key features of the proportion graph

This direct proportion graph must be a straight line graph in the form y = kx, have a positive gradient, k, and intersect the origin (0,0).

The only graph listed that satisfies these three features is D.

Example 2

cont’d

Step 1: Determine the type of proportional relationship

As y ∝ 1/x means y is proportional to the inverse of x, we are looking for an inversely proportional graph.

Step 2: Check the key features of the proportion graph

An inverse proportion graph must be a reciprocal graph that consists of one smooth curve that is located in the first quadrant only and does not touch any axis.

The only graph listed that satisfies these features is B.

Write a story entirely in dialogue (eg, an argument or a conversation that spirals out of control).

Materials

• Air Drying Clay

• Acrylic Paint

• Embroidery Threads

• Scissors

• Paintbrush

• Rolling Pin

• Knife

• Cocktail Stick

Instructions

1. Make a template for the clay by drawing a heat shape onto paper (about 2.5cm high) and cut it out.

2. Roll out the clay between two sheets of cling film to a thickness of about 4mm. Remove the top layer of cling film and place the template on top, use a sharp knife to cut out the clay.

3. Cut a zig-zag line down the middle of the heart, then poke a hole through the top of each half with a cocktail stick.

TERESINA’S FACE

BY Margaret WiddeMer

He saw it last of all before they herded in the steerage, Dark against the sunset where he lingered by the hold, The tear-stained dusk-rose face of her, the little Teresina, Sailing out to lands of gold: Ah, the days were long, long days, still toiling in the vineyard, Working for the coins that set him free to go to her, Where gay it glowed, the flower face of little Teresina, Where the joy and riches were:

Hard to find one rose-face where the dark rose-faces cluster, Where the outland laws are strange and outland voices hum, (Only one lad’s hoping, and the word of Teresina, Who would wait for him to come!)

God grant he may not find her, since he might not win her freedom, Nor yet be great enough to love, in such marred, captive wise, The patient, painted face of her, the little Teresina, With its cowed, all-knowing eyes!

[Source: Poetry (August 1913)]

4. Smooth the edges with your finger and a little water, then leave to dry out overnight.

5. Use fine sandpaper to smooth all the edges on the pendants.

6. Paint in a geometric design then wait to dry. You can add a layer of varnish to add shine and durability if you wish.

7. Cut the embroidery threads into 60cm strips and thread them one at a time through the hole.

8. Move the pendant into the middle of the thread. Tie a luggage style knot so the pendant lies flat.

House Speaker engages diplomats, Private Sector on functioning of Parliament

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir on Thursday met with members of the diplomatic com-

When contacted, Speaker Nadir said the engagements were cordial and focused solely on parliamentary procedures and processes.

Speaking specifically about the engagement with members of the diplomatic corps, Nadir said, “My friends and I discussed how our Parliament and how our National Assembly operate. We did not discuss Mr Azruddin Mohamed. We did not discuss any other matter except about our Parliament… Everyone was especially pleased and thankful for the briefing.”

Nadir condemned what

“I never wanted this meeting among very good friends to turn out as a media event… However, some members of the media ambush my guests… They want to portray their own narrative of sensationalism,” he expressed, lamenting that “a simple meeting among friends, myself and the diplomatic community, has turned out on the fake and dark media to be portrayed as something as it was not.”

The House Speaker said a similar engagement was held with the Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr, and Vice

munity and the Private Sector for discussions on how the Parliament and the National Assembly operate.

The meetings were held at the Parliament Building in Georgetown.

he described as the “ambushing” of his guests by certain sections of the media and the sensationalism of their reporting on the meeting.

sector was very appreciative of the briefing… Both meetings were extremely cordial,” Nadir noted.

The meetings came on the heels of the House Speaker’s live broadcast to the nation on Tuesday evening regarding the election of the Opposition Leader and the functioning of Parliament.

During that broadcast, Nadir took issue with some sections of the diplomatic community’s comments regarding the absence of a Leader of the Opposition.

While expressing appreciation for the diplomatic community’s historic support for Guyana’s democracy, Nadir had posited that some recent statements failed to acknowledge the country’s constitutional progress, including the expansion of Parliamentary committees and the establishment of key oversight bodies such as the Integrity Commission, Public Procurement Commission,

Kathy Smith.

“And similarly, we discussed matters pertaining to the operation of the National Assembly and Parliament. The private

Local Government Commission and Ethnic Relations Commission.

Entitled to his opinion

Meanwhile, addressing the media following the meeting with the Speaker, US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot said Nadir is entitled to his opinion.

“I don’t feel like he targeted us. I think he was simply expressing his opinion, which he has a right to do,” Theriot noted.

She also described the meeting as “nothing formal, just a chat.”

During his address on Tuesday, Nadir had also sharply criticised some opposition figures and media houses, accusing them of misrepresenting the work of Guyana’s Parliament and undermining the country’s democratic institutions.

Nadir said claims that the National Assembly has been deliberately inactive are “false and outright absurd”, insisting that

Parliament has remained functional since the 13th Parliament was convened on November 3. He said more than 90 questions and five motions have been received, analysed and processed by the Clerk of the National Assembly, with decisions communicated to opposition members.

The Speaker also addressed personal attacks made against him by opposition member Mohamed. He accused Mohamed and his supporters of harassing his family, staging protests outside his Eccles home, conducting surveillance and making threats, which he said violated his constitutional rights.

Nadir also said he now faces an unprecedented constitutional dilemma, presiding over the election of a Leader of the Opposition when the presumptive nominee is an “international fugitive”.

TikTok live shooting

Burnt remains, more guns found as Police intensify probe into wanted man’s death

Police are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of wanted man Jamal Bourne, also known as “Skinny”, following further operations con-

Between 10:30h and 15:00h, a team of crime scene investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department, supported by canine units, carried out searches in the area in connection with a

vestigators examined a burnt area where suspected burnt human remains, including ashes and bones, were discovered. The items were secured and lodged for forensic examination.

ducted on Wednesday at Three Miles, Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden.

video circulating on social media involving Bourne. During the operation, in-

pected pistol with an empty magazine, three shotgun cartridges, a suspected spent 9mm shell, knives, clothing and other items. Three toy rifles were also found in nearby vegetation. Police on Thursday said that all exhibits were collected and lodged as part of the ongoing investigation. The suspected remains are to be presented to a Government pathologist for analysis. Police on Wednesday said that six persons who were arrested earlier in the investigation remain in Police custody and are assisting with enquiries. The Guyana Police Force has stated that further information will be released as investigations continue.

The latest developments follow an earlier report by Police, which stated that investigators were probing the discovery of burnt materials

Further searches at a nearby wooden structure led to the discovery of a sus-

in Wisroc, Linden, believed to be linked to Bourne.

According to that report, one of the six suspects in custody told detectives that Bourne’s body was removed from the scene and set on fire in nearby bushes after he reportedly shot himself during a live video broadcast on Sunday.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed that investigators were told Bourne had expressed fear for his life days before the incident and had instructed an associate to record a TikTok live video. The suspect claimed that Bourne shot himself shortly after the recording.

Investigators were further told that, following the shooting, those present panicked and transported Bourne’s body to an isolated location where it and some personal items were set on fire. The suspects reportedly returned the following day and observed that the body had not been fully burnt, after which the remaining body parts were disposed of in a nearby creek.

Police have said that the suspects provided detailed accounts of the incident and their alleged involvement in attempts to dispose of the body. Earlier operations in the area also resulted in the discovery of a firearm concealed under a mattress, along with ammunition, during searches conducted in dense vegetation. Investigations into the matter remain ongoing.

Too much…

…protesting

It wasn’t of any surprise that the WIN people didn’t take too kindly to the remarks of Speaker Nadir when he explained his thinking on l’affaire Sanction Man!! What else can they do when they know Sanction Man knows and the world knows they were suckered in to look the other way for one thing and one thing only – cold cash!! Or as some would have it – filthy lucre!! Accepting that what Speaker Nadir said has merit would’ve been tantamount to them publicly flagellating themselves for their cynical hypocrisy!

For 28 years we’ve had to bear the shame of conceding we’d been ruled by an election rigger by the name of Burnham. And in case anyone thought folks had forgotten the cross we had to bear, when one of his protégés tried to repeat his dastardly deed, he was mockingly dubbed a “sanctimonious gangster”!! So, from where your Eyewitness sits, he’s convinced that Speaker Manzoor – who’s been in the political arena since he was in short pants decades ago – was concerned about the “stain” that would be placed on the country he loves and which he’s served for so many years! It would be like that Scarlet Letter “A” which the adulterer Hester Prynne had to wear in public to signal her sin!! But what has Guyana done for all of us to be scorned for the sins of Sanction Man??

So, the intervention of Sanction Man’s Daady was even more expected!! After all, wasn’t it he who actually started breaking the law even before Sanction Man was born – and Sanction Man just fell into the criminal life like a duck to water?? Come to think of it, his petulant outburst against Speaker Nadir might have been precipitated by his guilt in creating the evil empire where bribery and thuggery are the default positions!! So, what did the Daady say? Firstly, he was hysterical that the Speaker compared his son with the infamous Colombian narco-smuggler Pablo Escobar!! But why? He said all his son did was evade taxes! Imagine that!!

The fact of the matter was both of them were smugglers into the US!! While Sanction Man Daady might want us to believe smuggling cocaine is more evil than smuggling gold… Has he forgotten why Venezuelan gold – which they smuggle – is called “blood gold”??

And that the same folks who smuggle gold also smuggle cocaine?? The first facilitating the second??!!

…old premises

Your Eyewitness wasn’t really taken aback by the Western diplomats requesting a meeting with Speaker Nadir after he chided them for what they claimed was a “late” convening of Parliament. Actually, it was within the four-month window that’s constitutionally permitted! And all that their calls revealed was they’d fallen for Sanction Man’s well-greased (with taxpurloined funds!) PR machinery and chicanery!!! Your Eyewitness is certain Speaker Nadir would’ve disabused them of the error of their presumptions!

The other elephant that would’ve been in the room was Speaker Nadir’s knowledge that even as they were meeting, the premises of the old “rules-based” order had been thrown out of the windows by President Trump.

As Canada’s PM complained at Davos, the “middle order” nations gotta adjust!!

…gold smuggling

Surely, it’s not a coincidence that the countries of the Guiana Shield just held a joint operation to clamp down on cross-border mining!

Sanction Man was a big player in the scam!!

Guyana, Slovak Republic aim to strengthen private Sector linkages

Guyana and the Slovak Republic have committed to deepening bilateral relations and private sector partnerships, with a focus on food processing and other investment opportunities.

This is according to a statement from the Guyana Office for Investment (GoInvest) following a meeting between Chief Investment Officer Peter Ramsaroop and the newly accredited Non-Resident Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Guyana, Katarina Tomková.

The engagement followed Ambassador Tomková’s recent presentation of her Letters of Credence to President Dr Irfaan Ali, formally marking the commencement of her diplomatic mandate in Guyana.

According to Go-Invest, discussions focused on expanding economic and investment cooperation between Guyana and Slovakia, with food processing identified as a key area of mutual interest.

The statement said Ambassador Tomková highlighted Slovakia’s long-standing history as a self-sufficient food-producing country, where a strong agricultural base has supported the growth of a robust food-processing industry.

“She noted that the sector today generates approximately €5 billion in annual revenues, employs 50,000

people, and comprises more than 3500 companies, with meat and poultry processing and bakery products among the largest contributors in terms of revenue and employment,” the statement outlined.

The Ambassador also underscored Slovakia’s interest in deepening commercial partnerships, facilitating knowledge exchange, and pursuing long-term collaboration that delivers mutual economic benefits.

Meanwhile, Ramsaroop outlined Guyana’s ongoing national development agenda and reaffirmed the country’s openness to foreign investment, particularly in infrastructure, logistics, agro-processing, and

technology – areas where European partners such as Slovakia can bring valuable expertise, innovation, and capital.

“The meeting underscored a shared commitment to leveraging diplomatic relations to support bilateral investment flows, enhance market access, and promote sustainable economic growth,” the statement added.

According to the missive, both sides expressed optimism about future cooperation frameworks, including trade missions, joint business forums, and initiatives to strengthen private-sector linkages between Slovak and Guyanese enterprises.

The discussions mark

a new chapter in Guyana–Slovak Republic relations, with both countries committed to advancing trade, investment, and long-term

economic cooperation.

Slovakia, officially the Slovak Republic, is a landlocked country in central Europe. It is bordered by

Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the west, and the Czech Republic to the northwest.

Minibus driver’s licence suspended for 4 months

…others charged as traffic cameras flag dangerous driving

Eleven minibus drivers and one pick-up driver were recently hauled before the courts on dangerous driving charges after they were detected committing the offences by the Safe Road Intelligent System (SRIS) traffic cameras.

One minibus driver had his licence suspended for four months.

Six of the minibus drivers appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on January 13 to answer to their respective charges.

They are Ernest Pollard, driver of minibus BAG 3019, and Manoj Amraj, driver of minibus BAH 2191, who were each charged with one count of dangerous driving and each fined $50,000.

Additionally, John Adeyinka, driver of minibus BAD 617, and Deolall Jones, driver of minibus BAK 1832, were each charged with one count of dangerous driving, and their respective matters were adjourned to March 11, 2026.

Earl Gathers, driver of minibus BVV 6982, faced six counts of dangerous driving, and his matter was adjourned to March 11, 2026, while Kwesi Moore, driver of minibus BAD 9654, faced three counts of dangerous driving, and his matter was adjourned to March 11, 2026.

Also appearing at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on January 13, before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs, were two minibus drivers.

Dasrat Mirchand, driver of minibus BAK 2053, was charged with one count of dangerous driving and fined $50,000.

On the other hand, Kelvin Roy Hardy faced three counts of danger-

ous driving and was fined $150,000. Additionally, his driver’s licence was suspended for four months.

Meanwhile, four persons, three minibus drivers and the pick-up driver, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to their charges.

Kimeon Bradford, driver of minibus BAG 8728, and Imtiaz Ahmed Baksh, driver of minibus BAL 2271, were each charged with one count of dangerous driving and each fined $40,000.

Peter Frank, driver of minibus BAJ 9917, faced two counts of dangerous driving, but he pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of $60,000, and the matter was adjourned to January 20, 2026. Horace Charran, driver of motor pick-up GAB 3545, was charged with one count of dangerous driving and fined $40,000.

In a statement on these cases, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) reaffirmed that the SRIS framework will continue to identify dangerous driving behaviour.

The GPF noted too that additional matters are expected to be listed before the courts as enforcement continues.

“The Traffic Department reiterated that dangerous driving poses a serious risk to public safety and will not be tolerated. Motorists are urged to obey traffic laws, drive responsibly, and recognise that offences detected through traffic cameras will be pursued through the judicial process,” the GPF said.

Over 50 pieces of equipment seized in crackdown on illegal mining

…44 arrested, charged

The Natural Resources Ministry has intensified its enforcement drive against illegal mining, resulting in the seizure of more than 50 pieces of mining equipment from unlicensed operations in the Northwest District, Region One (Barima-Waini).

The seizures were made during recent compliance and enforcement exercises conducted jointly by the Ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in the Eclipse Falls–North West area. According to the Ministry, the confiscated items included mining engines, generators, water pumps, hoses, and gold detection equipment. Officials said the equipment was being used in violation of Guyana’s mining laws and regulations. All seized items have been detained and lodged at the Mines Station, pending further action.

The Ministry reiterated that illegal and unregulated mining poses significant environmental, economic, and safety risks and stressed that such activities will not be tolerated. The enforcement exercises form part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring compliance with the Mining Act and safeguarding Guyana’s natural resources.

It was also noted that similar operations will continue across the country, as the Government moves to dismantle illegal mining networks nationwide. The Ministry also assured that findings and breaches identified during enforcement activities will be made public, in keeping with commitments to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

The Natural Resources Ministry again urged miners and operators to ensure that all mining activities are properly licensed and conducted in accordance with national regulations.

Charges, convictions

Meanwhile, the Natural

Resources Ministry has reported that 44 persons have been arrested, charged, and taken before the courts for engaging in illegal mining activities, as the Government continues its nationwide enforcement drive against unlicensed operations.

The individuals were found operating unlawfully in several mining districts and administrative regions, including Bartica and surrounding areas in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), as well as Mahdia and its environs in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). Illegal activities were also detected in other locations across the country.

The Ministry noted that several additional cases remain under active investigation, and further charges are expected as enforcement efforts continue.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat said the arrests and prosecutions demonstrate the Government’s commitment to upholding the law within the mining sector. He warned that illegal mining poses serious environmental, safety, and regulatory risks and will not be tolerated.

“Those who choose to operate outside of the law will be found, prosecuted, and held accountable,” Bharrat stated.

Intensified enforcement

Earlier this month, the Government intensified enforcement actions against illegal and non-compliant mining operations under a declared zero-tolerance policy. Working alongside the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Police Force, they shut down unlawful operations, seized minerals and equipment, and initiated legal proceedings against offenders found operating without the required licences and approvals.

The crackdown followed directives from President Dr Irfaan Ali for decisive action

against miners who failed to meet statutory obligations, particularly gold declaration requirements to the Guyana Gold Board. As part of these measures, registered dredges with no declarations were

targeted for deregistration, while foreign miners operating illegally were identified for prosecution and possible expulsion.

GGMC subsequently suspended the operations

of 107 Brazilian nationals who failed to comply with declaration and verification requirements. The suspensions remain in effect pending full compliance, without prejudice to further enforce-

ment action. Authorities also processed undocumented individuals and seized gold during joint operations conducted in Georgetown and other mining areas.

The Natural Resources Ministry, together with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), has also moved to ensure that all miners are properly registered, operate within the law, maintain local bank accounts, and sell gold through legitimate channels. Mining authorities have warned that continued non-compliance could result in severe penalties, including land repossession. These actions are part of the Ministry’s effort to curb illegal gold trade.

Some NDCs failed to utilise the $30M allocation – Manickchand

…says communities are losing vital services

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand on Wednesday expressed disappointment with the spending performance of several

Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), noting that despite receiving $30 million last year, the first such allocation since their formation, many were unable to utilise the funds amid persistent is-

sues with disbursement.

She noted that when the money remains unused, residents are deprived of services that the Government, the Ministry, and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic intend for them to receive.

Manickchand said her intention was to meet all 70 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils by the end of December, but this was not achieved as several officials were unavailable during the Christmas period. She expressed confidence, however, that engagements with all councils would be completed shortly.

The Minister noted that while she has been a familiar public figure for more than two decades, it was important to redefine the working relationship going forward and to hear direct-

ly from councillors. She explained that she deliberately chose not to meet only with chairs and vice-chairs, citing concerns raised by councillors who felt excluded from decision-making.

“Since you have been formed, last year was the first year you got 30 million dollars to spend. And I can see that we used to talk when we were small about disaccustomcy. I don’t know if you all know that word up here. Disaccustomcy was heavy, so much so that many of you couldn’t spend it. If you haven’t spent your money, that, for me, is grossly disappointing.”

She acknowledged that internal disagreements or uncertainty over programme implementation may have contributed to the failure to utilise the funds, but stressed that such issues must be addressed. Manickchand made it clear that the money cannot remain unspent and that corrective action would be taken to resolve the challenges faced by the councils.

“Because the money, if spent, means your community is getting service. If you don’t spend it, it means services your community could have gotten – that President Ali, the Ministry, me, and the party want your community to have – they didn’t get. They didn’t get it. Because I know you’re all fighting amongst one another, or you don’t know how to put on this programme. I’m not sure what it is. Whatever it is, we’ll thrash that out today. But you can’t send that money.”

NDC workers’ stipend

Meanwhile, she acknowledged that the stipends paid to NDC members were “ridiculously low” and said this would be addressed but emphasised that even with an increase, service to communities must remain the primary motivation.

“If you’re going to take responsibility to serve, you have to serve, and I can tell you now, you’re pretty much doing voluntary work. Because your stipends are ridiculously low. That will change, but even when it changes, it’s going to be voluntary work. But this is service – it’s almost voluntary service. And the kind of work I would expect from you – anything we pay you will be less than you deserve

if you work the way I want you to work. It doesn’t matter what we pay you; it will be less than you deserve. Because I want you to work every day, all day, for the people of your communities,” she said, highlighting that the stipend was one of the most common complaints received.

Manickchand said the meetings were intended to engage all members so that they could both voice their concerns and gain a clear understanding of the Government’s direction for local governance. She added that while local Government in Guyana is not new, the approach to how local democratic organs are expected to function is evolving, with a shift away from abstract or academic discussions toward practical, service-orientated governance.

She emphasised that neighbourhood and regional officials must remain accessible and responsive to residents in order to effectively meet the needs of their communities. She said the decentralised system of governance was designed to allow local democratic organs to craft their own budgets, manage their finances, and implement initiatives that best serve their regions, noting that local officials are often better positioned to understand community needs than central authorities in Georgetown.

The Minister stressed that councillors were elected by residents based on trust and service, not political affiliation or party loyalty. She noted that community members chose representatives whom they believed would look out for their welfare and respond in times of need.

She further underscored that once elected, councillors are not aligned to any political party within the framework of local Government. She explained that all Neighbourhood Democratic Councils operate under the laws of Guyana and maintain a reporting relationship with the Ministry of Local Government and the central Government of the day, currently led by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.

Guyanese-owned cruise ship targets cross-country, regional travel

…as Govt aims to diversify local tourism experiences

The “One Freedom: Guyana Glory” passenger cruise ship, owned by Guyanese businessman Larry Singh, is aiming to expand its operations as part of a broader push to support cross-country and regional travel, while complementing the Government’s efforts to diversify the nation’s tourism offerings.

At present, the vessel offers ad hoc and specially curated tours, with plans to introduce structured weeknight and weekend packages such as dinners and overnight options.

“I am looking to actually go all around Guyana; to Bartica, Supenaam, Wakenaam, Leguan, Linden, Skeldon, and New Amsterdam,” Singh told Guyana Times

“And maybe eventually, at the end of the year, I will probably go to Trinidad and Barbados,” the businessman added, noting that the boat has the capacity “to go anywhere”.

Singh said the initiative is intended to showcase Guyana’s natural beauty, heritage, and waterways, while providing safe and accessible travel options for both locals and visitors.

“My vision is to let people, Guyanese and overseas, explore Guyana’s waters,” he remarked.

The biggest challenge, however, is portage – something which he hopes can be

addressed through collaboration with authorities.

“It’s just that the logistics of getting the passenger on and getting the passenger off at a certain time, that’s what’s holding me up… It’s like you got a car [but] you have no roads,” he explained.

Journey across the Demerara River

On Wednesday, Tourism, Industry and Commerce

Minister Susan Rodrigues conducted an assessment onboard the vessel during a journey across the Demerara River and into the Atlantic Ocean.

She was accompanied by the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Kamrul Baksh, and team, along with officers from the Ministry’s Department of Commerce. The engagement focused on exploring opportunities to package river-based tourism experiences and strengthen connections between the travel trade and local tour operators.

“The assessment forms part of ongoing efforts to diversify Destination Guyana’s tourism product,” the Ministry said, adding that the ship’s amenities offer “a promising platform for the development of Demerara River cruises and charter experiences.”

The vessel, built in 2007 and rebuilt in 2018, arrived

in Guyana from Boston, Massachusetts, in 2024 and

can accommodate up to 125 passengers. It features 46 self-contained, double-occupancy rooms, a full-service kitchen and bar, a gym, and open deck space. Currently, the cruise ship employs about 20 Guyanese.

Just a few days ago, the Tourism Minister explained that Guyana is positioning itself as an emerging hub for cruise tourism, particularly expedition cruises. “That’s one of the things that I’m pushing really hard for 2026 and going forward, which is to encourage more expedition cruises to come to Guyana. We don’t have the draft for the major cruise lines. That is just a natural

result of our geography. But we can accommodate the small expedition cruises,” she had noted. She had also disclosed that an expedition cruise is already scheduled to dock in Guyana in March.

President Dr Irfaan Ali recently highlighted the Government’s efforts to expand cruise tourism.

Speaking during a December interview with a panel of women journalists, the Head of State explained that cruise tourism is a key component of the Government’s broader strategy to develop the orange economy.

“[We’re] working to expand our tourism product,

importantly, trying to get major cruise lines to come to Guyana. That is why we have to continue to develop this avenue [Lamaha Avenue]; we’ll be developing the entire seawall, and we’ll be creating a green ecosystem and walking trail across Georgetown. And of course, for those day tourists, we’ll have the Essequibo Island Tours and the tours to Kaieteur,” the President had remarked.

In October 2025, Guyana welcomed the luxury expedition cruise ship Swan Hellenic Vega, which docked at the GNSC Wharf in Georgetown with 75 passengers.

Viral video of student assaulted

Safe schools are non-negotiable; gangs will be dismantled – Education Minister vows

ducation Minister

ESonia Parag was on the ground at the Zeeburg Secondary School, West Coast Demerara, on Thursday, where she engaged both teachers and students on the serious issue of violence and bullying in schools.

The visit followed the circulation of a video on social media showing a student of the school being bullied and physically assaulted outside of the school’s compound on January 21. The incident raised widespread concern and engaged the attention of all relevant stakeholders, including the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Addressing the students directly, the Minister challenged them on the grounds of discipline, respect and personal responsibility. She made it clear that under her tenure, there will be a zero tolerance for gang-like activities or organised groups that threaten the safety of schools.

“There is no way under my tenure that I am going to tolerate any group of persons calling themselves a gang, any group of persons infiltrating a school to create what is called a gang or a clique or a group; I will work with every single authority to dismantle it,” Minister Parag stated.

The Education Minister emphasised that safety is essential for the develop-

ment of students and the effective teaching and nurturing of teachers.

She added, “You cannot develop unless you are in a safe environment. The teachers can’t do what they have to do unless they are in a safe environment.”

Parag was accompanied by the Public Utilities and Aviation Minister, Deodat Indar, and the Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vickash Ramkissoon, highlighting the seriousness with which the government treats the matter.

The Ministry of Education assured the public that they will continue to closely work with the school authorities, parents and law enforcement to address bullying and violence within schools in order to have schools become and remain a safe environment for learning.

3 arrested

Meanwhile, the GPF, on Thursday, said that they are investigating an assault involving a 16-year-old male

student which occurred on Wednesday at De Willem, West Coast Demerara.

Enquiries revealed that earlier that day the victim

was assaulted by several male individuals who dealt him several slaps to the face and several lashes about his body with a cutlass and a rope.

Investigations led to the arrest of three persons in connection with the matter.

The suspects include two juveniles, both males aged 16 and 15 years respectively and a 19-year-old male, all of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, who are presently in police custody assisting with the investigation.

Bullying in schools

Only last week, the Education Ministry announced that it will be launching a mobile app to address social issues such as bullying in schools.

This was disclosed by Education Minister Parag during an episode of the Starting Point podcast.

“We have an actual app that we created that we are going to formally launch, but it’s there already,” the

Minister said, noting that reports made are being managed by a Health and Family Life Unit within the Ministry of Education.

“These officers will take that report. They have to investigate the matter. The welfare officer and the guidance counsellors are all involved. The parents, the child who is the victim, and the alleged aggressor are involved. And so, at the end of that investigation, depending on what the investigation reveals, then we make a determination on what to do on a case-by-case basis,” Parag had explained. She said the ultimate goal is not only to ensure a safe environment for the victim but also to implement measures designed to reform the bully.

The Education Ministry in November 2025 officially launched an anti-bullying campaign. The move followed several reported incidents of bullying and fighting in schools across the country.

Teachers attacked by students at Charity & Carmel Secondary Schools

Teaching activities at Charity Secondary School, in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), were brought to a halt on Thursday after a senior educator was attacked by a Grade Nine student.

The incident unfolded shortly after 09:30h during routine supervision when the teacher intervened to address a student’s inappropriate behaviour. The situation quickly escalated, with the student allegedly turning violent and assaulting the teacher, leaving her with visible injuries to her face and arms. She was also bitten during the confrontation.

The injured teacher was rushed to hospital for medical treatment, and after be-

ing discharged, she later returned to the school, where meetings were convened involving senior education officials, regional authorities and representatives of the Guyana Teachers’ Union. In response to the incident, teachers at the institution temporarily ceased classroom duties, expressing growing unease over persistent issues of indiscipline, student aggression and the lack of adequate protection for educators.

Officials from the Department of Education subsequently engaged the student’s parent as part of the ongoing investigation.

The student has been suspended from the school.

Senior officials at the school

have acknowledged that the assault is symptomatic of behavioural challenges affecting the institution, which caters to approximately 750 students. Concerns over bullying and misconduct had been raised in recent times, despite an anti-bullying exercise being conducted at the school earlier this month.

Education officers have condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable, and have assured full support for the affected teacher.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday, a video that has since gone viral shows a teacher being attacked at Carmel Secondary School as she attempts to part a fight between two female students.

Motorcyclist fleeing traffic cops crashes into Policewoman

Police are investigating a road accident that occurred on Thursday at about 08:10h on the eastern drive lane of the eastern carriageway, Diamond Public Road, East Bank Demerara. The incident left a woman Police Inspector with serious injuries.

The injured officer, attached to Regional Division 4B and a resident of Kuru Kururu, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, was crossing the

roadway when she was struck by a motorcycle, registration CR 7062, ridden by a 29-year-old man of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the motorcyclist, while proceeding south along the Eastern Carriageway, spotted Police traffic ranks and turned his motorcycle around. He was reportedly travelling at a high speed in the wrong direction along the one-way

lane when the collision occurred.

Both the motorcyclist and the officer fell onto the roadway following the impact. The Police inspector was transported to the New Diamond Regional Hospital, where she remains admitted. The motorcyclist was arrested and remains in Police custody, and the motorcycle has been impounded. CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed as investigations continue.

3 men facing sexual offence charges on Essequibo Coast

Three men were separately charged for sexual offences and appeared before the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday and Thursday, where bail was granted under strict conditions.

Jaichan Castello, a 39-year-old labourer of La Belle Alliance, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was charged with sexual assault, contrary to Section 4(3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03.

The offence was allegedly committed on October 14, 2025, at Westbury Back

Charged: Jaichan Castello Charged:

Dam, Essequibo Coast, involving a female victim. He appeared before Magistrate

49-year-old

Elton Gudge

Tariq Mohamed at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court

on Wednesday, where the charge was formally read to him and he pleaded not guilty.

Castello was granted $100,000 bail on the condition that he stays away from and has no contact with the victim. The matter was adjourned until February 2.

Meanwhile 49-year-old Elton Gudge, a taxi driver of Good Hope, Essequibo Coast, was charged with the offence of sexual activity with a child family member, contrary to Section (16) (3) (b) (i) of the Sexual (Offences) Act, chapter 8:03.

The offence allegedly occurred on December

11, 2025, at Good Hope, Essequibo Coast. Gudge appeared before the same court on Wednesday, where he was not required to plead to the offence. He was released on $200,000 on the condition that he does not have contact with the virtual complainant pending trial. The case was adjourned to February 20.

Similarly, Frank Satrohan, 25 years old, of Queenstown School Street, Essequibo Coast, was charged for the rape of a child under 16 years, contrary to Section 10 (3) of the Sexual (Offences) Act, chapter 8:03, committed on a female juvenile of Essequibo

Members of major organised crime group...

Operation Guyana Shield (December 2025) was led by Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana and Suriname and was supported by EL PACCTO 2.0, a European Union (EU) cooperation programme that accompanies Latin American and Caribbean countries in their fight against transnational organised crime, in conjunction with INTERPOL and the High Impact Environmental Crime team of the Dutch Police.

Launched in July 2023 following the third EUCELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) summit in Brussels, this second phase of the programme strengthens the EU-LAC partnership on justice and security. It helps build more effective, transparent, and rights-based criminal justice systems, contributing to safer and more just societies.

With a budget of €58.8 million, funded by the EU, EL PACCTO 2.0 promotes political dialogue, technical assistance and institutional capacity building. The programme operates across the criminal justice chain and ensures that gender equality, environmental sustainability, and human rights are fully integrated throughout its actions.

Local crackdown on illegal mining

But even as Guyana partners with INTERPOL

and regional neighbours, there have been heightened efforts in recent weeks by local authorities to crack down

on illegal mining activities in Guyana and streamline the industry.

Just last week, the

Natural Resources Ministry, through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), launched a zero-tolerance campaign against mining operations that have failed to meet their statutory obligations, resulting in a number of operations being shut down, minerals seized, and legal proceedings initiated against the offenders.

In fact, only on Thursday, the Ministry reported that some 44 individuals have been arrested, charged, and brought before the local

Coast. This offence allegedly occurred on November 5 and 10, 2023, and also during the month of December 2023 at Queenstown, Church Street, Essequibo Coast. Satrohan appeared before the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where the charges were read. He was not required to plead to the offences.

Bail was also granted at the sum of $200,000 on the condition that he has no contact with and stays away from the virtual complainant pending his trial. That case was adjourned to February 24.

courts for engaging in illegal mining practices across Guyana, primarily in major mining districts such as Bartica and surrounding areas in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), as well as Mahdia and its environs in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

These offenders have been convicted and made to

pay various fines in accordance with local laws, as the Ministry warns that several other cases are presently under investigation, and it anticipates that further charges will be laid as the process advances.

This adds to the seizure of over 50 pieces of equipment and other related mining materials from unli-

censed mining operations in the Northwest District, Region One (Barima-Waini). Stakeholders in the mining sector, including the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), have backed the Government’s efforts to crack down on and eradicate illegal mining across the country.

Azruddin Mohamed as Opposition...

The United States has requested the extradition of the Mohameds to f ace the indictments, and those extradition proceedings are currently pending in the local courts.

However, a court document filed in Florida and seen by Guyana Times states that assistant US Attorney Joshua Paster would be appearing as counsel for the United States “regarding any forfeiture issues” in the case styled United States of America vs. Nazar Mohamed et al.

The Mohameds are accused of conspiring to defraud both the US and Guyanese Governments between 2017 and June 11, 2024. Prosecutors allege that the father-son duo used a scheme to unlawfully obtain property by transmitting communications through interstate and for-

eign commerce, in violation of US laws.

According to US Prosecutors, the goal was to enrich themselves while defrauding the Government of Guyana by evading taxes and royalties on gold exports. They are accused of reusing Guyana Customs declarations and official seals on multiple shipments to falsely indicate that taxes and royalties had been paid.

US authorities allege the scheme resulted in more than US$50 million in lost taxes and royalties to the Government of Guyana.

Additional indictments detail similar conduct involving shipments of gold, emails allegedly from Nazar Mohamed requesting the sealed boxes from Miami, and exports of over 165 kilograms (kg) of gold per shipment destined for Dubai.

If convicted, most of

the charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and fines of up to US$250,000, while the money laundering charge carries a fine of up to US$500,000 or the value of the laundered property. The US Government is also seeking forfeiture of certain assets connected to the accused. As a result, the assignment of Attorney Paster to the case is being viewed as significant, particularly pending the outcome of the extradition proceedings. The Assistant US Attorney assigned to the matter is an experienced prosecutor in high-value forfeiture and transnational corruption cases. Last year, he was part of a prosecutorial team that secured more than US$20 million in a civil forfeiture case linked to a Venezuelan bribery and money-laundering scheme.

Guyana, Japan ink $7.2B deal to upgrade water system in Diamond

Residents in Diamond and surrounding communities on the East Bank of Demerara will soon benefit from safe drinking water following a $7.2 billion loan agreement between the Governments of Guyana and Japan to upgrade the infrastructure there. The concessional loan document was signed on Thursday by Minister of Foreign Affairs and

International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, and Japanese Ambassador to Guyana, Dr Umezawa Akima, during a simple ceremony in Georgetown.

This paves the way for the development of a state-of-the-art Surface Water Treatment Plant at Diamond. The project will be executed under the Guyana Climate Resilient Water Supply Improvement Programme –

an initiative being carried out by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in collaboration with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

During his remarks at the signing ceremony, Minister Todd noted that over the last six decades of cordial and fruitful interstate relations, Japan has always supported Guyana’s

development by focusing heavily on ensuring the quality of life of every individual is catered to – something that aligns with the President Dr Irfaan Aliled Administration’s people-centred vision.

Recognising that Diamond is a rapidly growing community, the Minister said the upgrade of the water treatment infrastructure there is critical. He posited that access to reliable water infrastructure is fundamental to building a competitive and resilient economy.

“Our diamond community is a growing community… It’s becoming a major hub, and if the community is growing, then we’ll have to upgrade infrastructure… The upgrade or improvements in water treatment in Diamond, I think, fit well in terms of our developmental plan and our urbanisation plan. And if we’re going to ensure that we improve the quality of life of every citizen, water is very, very vital,” Todd emphasised.

Large-scale water treatment plants

Under the Guyana Climate Resilient Water Supply Improvement Programme, Guyana has benefited from four large-scale water treatment plants across the country over the last two years, including two in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), one in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and one in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) – all built by the Japanese company Toshiba.

According to the Foreign Minister, this partnership is reflective of the Guyana Government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Guyanese.

“We are very pleased to partner with the Government and people of Japan and the IDB in the Exchange of Notes and the signing of this concessional agreement, which paves the way for the implementation of this project. We can look forward to more initiatives, because Japan and Guyana will continue to have very strong and deep relations,” he noted.

Similar sentiments were

expressed by the Japanese Ambassador to Guyana, who said this collaboration between two countries is aimed at not only creating a safer and more sustainable drinking water supply but also enhancing the healthy living environment.

Currently, Japan’s water supply system covers 100 per cent of its residents, providing access to safe and clean water to every household. The Ambassador noted that with Guyana now undergoing unprecedented economic growth, it is high time to rid the country of its aged water infrastructure.

With Japan having many state-of-the-art water treatment technologies, such as precise pipeline technology, the highest accuracy of metering devices, and the highly advanced sludge treatment technology – something which Ambassador Umezawa says can be passed on so that clean drinking water can be delivered to the Guyanese people.

“I sincerely hope that this project will also become an excellent endeavour that fully leverages Japan’s state-of-the-art technology and experience… This project today represents more than just an infrastructure; it is a symbol of gaining the power to create your future with your hands,” the Ambassador stated.

Once completed, the new Diamond Surface Water Treatment Plant will significantly enhance water access for thousands of residents along the East Bank corridor, ensuring a more resilient, sustainable, and efficient water supply system. The project will also reduce groundwater abstraction and improve climate adaptability through modern infrastructure and non-revenue water (NRW) reduction initiatives, Guyana Water Inc (GWI) said in a March 2025 statement.

Meanwhile, as part of the broader Guyana Climate Resilient Water Supply Improvement Programme, the project will be supported by key infrastructure investments, including investment in water treatment and transmission, which seeks to construct a modern water treatment facility, raw water intake infrastructure, and 30 kilometres of new transmission mains.

Further, a significant investment in a non-revenue water reduction plan is expected to introduce smart metering, hydraulic modelling, and network upgrades to improve efficiency. Finally, GWI will strengthen operational management and revenue collection through modernised systems aiding digital transformation.

2 US-seized Venezuelan oil tankers reappear near Puerto Rico

Cayman Islands brace for surge in Cuban migrants

Two oil tankers seized this month by the US in its campaign against Venezuela were near Puerto Rico on Wednesday, a Reuters witness and Tankertrackers. com data said, the first sightings almost since their capture and a possible hint at their destination.

The ships are the super tanker M Sophia, seized by the US on January 7 carrying Venezuelan oil, and the smaller tanker Galileo, formerly called Veronica and taken last week empty, although it has previously carried Venezuelan oil.

The M Sophia and Galileo are among seven vessels linked to Venezuelan oil exports captured by the US military and Coast Guard in recent weeks, mostly in the Caribbean Sea.

US officials have not disclosed destinations or plans

coast of Ponce, Puerto Rico

for the seized vessels. The US Coast Guard declined to comment, directing enquiries to the White House. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.

Because the vessels’ geolocating beacons have not been turned on, the locations of M Sophia and Galileo were unknown un-

til the Tankertrackers.com and witness confirmation on Wednesday.

The vessels could remain in Puerto Rico or be moved to another US port. The other five captured tankers are near the US Gulf Coast, in Venezuelan waters and near Scotland, shipping data showed. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Relatives of Haitian man who died in ICE custody launch GoFundMe for funeral

Family members of Jean Wilson Brutus, who died while in custody of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have launched a GoFundMe campaign, “Honouring Jean Wilson Brutus, Who Died in ICE Custody”, to cover funeral expenses while they continue to seek answers about his death.

Brutus died December 12, one day after he was detained at Delaney Hall, a privately run immigration detention centre in Newark, New Jersey. ICE said he experienced a medical emergency and later died at University Hospital. The agency initially attributed the death to “natural causes”, then said the cause was “unknown” and later “inconclusive”.

For Brutus’s relatives, the shifting explanations have compounded their grief.

“To this day, we still have no clear answers about what truly happened,” Evans Belony, Brutus’s cousin and family spokesperson, wrote on the GoFundMe page.

“The lack of transparency has deepened our pain and left us with unanswered questions that no family should have to live with,” he wrote. “Today, our family is faced with the responsibility of giving Jean the farewell he deserves. This is about dignity. It is about respect.”

The GoFundMe campaign comes as Brutus’s relatives delay funeral arrangements while they seek an independent autopsy, a

step they say is necessary before they can lay him to rest. Funds raised will go toward funeral and memorial services, burial expenses and a repast so family, friends and supporters can gather to remember him. The family says the sudden nature of his death and the ongoing investigation have made the financial burden overwhelming.

As of January 22, only $424 of the $50,000 goal had been raised. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)

US names new top envoy for Venezuela after Maduro’s capture

The United States has named a two-time US ambassador as its top envoy for Venezuela, according to the US embassy in Caracas website.

Laura Dogu, who previously served as ambassador to Honduras and Nicaragua, will serve as chargé d’affaires to the Venezuela Affairs Unit based out of the embassy in Bogota, according to the website.

Dogu takes up the role after the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a raid earlier this month and whisked him to New York to face drug-traf-

ficking charges.

“The Trump Administration continues to work with the interim authorities to stabilise Venezuela as part of the three-phase plan Secretary Rubio laid out for Congress and the American people,” a senior State Department official said.

“This plan requires a full-time Chargé d’Affaires at the Venezuela Affairs Unit, located at the United States Embassy in Bogota. Ambassador Dogu is... well-positioned to lead the team during this transition period.”

The US earlier this month

began preparations in case President Donald Trump decides to reopen the US embassy in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas.

US diplomatic and security personnel travelled to Caracas on January 9 for an assessment of a “potential phased resumption” of embassy operations there, a State Department spokesperson said at the time.

The US in 2019 withdrew all diplomatic personnel from Venezuela, citing the deteriorating situation in the country after months of political unrest. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The Deputy Governor of the Cayman Islands, Franz Manderson, says the Government is gearing up for a potential surge in migrants from Cuba amid the possibility of further economic deterioration in the country.

According to Manderson, United States military action in Venezuela and its control over the sale and distribution of seized Venezuelan oil, potentially cutting off the supply of oil to Havana, may well encourage illegal migration from Cuba.

Addressing the Public Accounts Committee, Manderson spoke brief -

ly about the preparations for the potential arrival of Cubans, using the situation as an example of how risk management is becoming an important element for the civil service.

He said a “skilled team” was working to identify and mitigate the internal and external risks that this jurisdiction faces.

The Deputy Governor said that one of the most topical issues now is illegal migration.

The Governor of the Cayman Islands, Jane Owen, recently said that Cayman’s security services are making contingency plans for the possible influx of Cuban migrants.

With much of Venezuela’s oil now in the hands of the US, and given the Trump administration’s hard-line attitude towards Cuba, it’s likely that the island will be cut off from its main fuel supplier.

Owen said she recognised that people are concerned about this, and the potential impact is being carefully monitored.

She added that a committee dealing with mass migration will meet this week to discuss how the British overseas territory will manage the very real possibility of a surge in migrant numbers. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

T&T man killed by gunmen in 3rd attempt on life

While two previous attempts in 2024 and 2025 to kill Alistar George failed, gunmen returned yesterday morning and cornered the father of two in Belmont and opened fire on him, killing him instantly.

The 28-year-old unemployed man had been cleaning and clearing an area along Serraneau Road, Belmont, around 09:00h, when a car pulled up and two gunmen got out and began shooting at George.

With nowhere to run, George was unable to escape. He died at the scene, his car riddled with bullets.

The gunfire interrupted the quiet of the area and sent those in their homes seeking cover, as they prayed for the shooting to end.

George was father to an 18-month-old boy and was expecting another with his common-law wife.

A female relative of George, who lives close to where the shooting occurred, heard the gunfire but never dreamed he was the target. She recalled bawling upon seeing his bloody body lying on the road.

Murdered: Alistar George

Mourning George’s loss, relatives said he had lived his entire life in the area, and while he was “as ignorant as anybody else”, they denied knowing if he was a member of or affiliated with any gang. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Former B’dos resort workers still in limbo over severance

More than a decade after Grand Barbados Resort closed its doors, dozens of former employees say they remain trapped in “limbo” – still waiting for severance and other entitlements, still facing postponed hearings and still watching colleagues die without seeing a cent.

That frustration spilt out at Queen’s Park, where disaffected workers of the former hotel at Aquatic Gap, gathered to publicly recount what they described as a long-running failure of the system meant to protect them.

The dispute dates back to the hotel’s closure in early 2012, following extended periods of short-time work and repeated layoffs. Former employees claimed that they were kept off the job well beyond the statutory period that should have triggered severance payments, only to be intermittently recalled and sent home again.

The former workers maintained that the matter – understood to involve about 26 former employees – has moved through the Employment Rights Tribunal but has been repeatedly deferred and de-

layed, leaving them without clarity or closure.

Several workers said the repeated postponements at the tribunal had been the most demoralising.

“We’re just in limbo,” one said.

“We feel putting it in the public is the only way we might get help,” another said. “If we don’t talk, nothing happens.”

The Midweek Nation tried to get an update on the workers’ case from the Barbados Workers’ Union, but up to press time Deputy General Secretary Dwaine Paul could not be reached. (Excerpt from Nation News)

Around the World

Body of Russian swimmer found months after vanishing during cross-continental race

The body of a Russian athlete who went missing during the annual Bosphorus cross-continental swimming race in Istanbul has been found, Russia’s consulate said on Thursday.

“The Consulate General of Russia in Istanbul regrets to report that, according to the results of the DNA examination, the body found on January 20... belongs to the Russian swimmer Nikolai Svechnikov,” it said in a statement.

The 29-year-old professional swimming coach had joined the four-mile swim between Asia and Europe on August 24, alongside more than 2800 participants from 81 countries.

But on Tuesday morning, Police found the body of a man “near the Bebek embankment”, not far from where the race ended, the consulate said, with DNA testing confirming it was that of the missing swimmer.

The Istanbul public prosecutor’s office, which had opened a probe into the swimmer’s disappearance, had on Wednesday confirmed a body had been found with “no head, no feet and no arms”.

It was also found to be “wearing a swimsuit”, suggesting it was likely that of Svechnikov, it added.

NEWS

Oil slides 2% as Trump tones down threats toward Greenland, Iran

OBut the Turkish Olympic Committee, which organised the event, later said he “went missing during the race.” His disappearance was only noticed several hours after the event.

to his foot showed he started the race, but he “had not made it to the finish line”.

The Istanbul Governor’s office said security footage and the timing chip attached

Despite days of searches by the coastguard and the maritime Police, his body was never found.

Alperen Çakmak, a lawyer representing Svechnikov’s family, told RIA Novosti that he expects an ongoing Police investigation to proceed quickly.

(Excerpt from CBS News)

2 confirmed dead, more presumed buried after landslides hit house, campground in New Zealand

Landslides hit a house and a campground in New Zealand on Thursday, leaving at least two dead while emergency crews were trying to rescue others buried in rubble, officials said.

The first hit a house in the community of Welcome Bay on New Zealand’s North Island at 04:50h, Police said. Two persons escaped the house, and the bodies of two who were trapped inside were recovered hours

Trump touts “total access” Greenland deal as NATO asks allies to step up

President Donald Trump said on Thursday he had secured total and permanent US access to Greenland in a deal with The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), whose head said allies would have to step up their commitment to Arctic security to ward off threats from Russia and China.

News of a framework deal came as Trump backed off tariff threats and ruled out taking Greenland by force, bringing a degree of respite in what was brewing to be the biggest rupture in transatlantic ties in decades.

But the details of any agreement were unclear, and Denmark insisted its sovereignty over the island was not up for discussion.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said relations be-

tween the bloc and the US had “taken a big blow” in the past week, as EU leaders met for an emergency summit.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed Trump’s latest comments but said he was still in the dark on many aspects.

“I don’t know what there is in the agreement, or the deal, about my country,” he told reporters in the capital, Nuuk.

“We are ready to discuss a lot of things, and we are ready to negotiate a better partnership and so on. But sovereignty is a red line,” he added when asked about reports that Trump was seeking control of areas around US military bases in Greenland as part of a wider deal. (Excerpt from Reuters)

later, the emergency management minister, Mark Mitchell, said.

Later the same morning, emergency services were called to a second slide at the base of nearby Mount Maunganui. The rubble hit Beachside Holiday Park in a town named after the extinct volcano. Images showed vehicles, travel trailers and an amenities block crushed by debris.

Police Superintendent Tim Anderson said the number of people missing was in the “single figures”.

No survivors or bodies had been recovered by late Thursday from the Mount Maunganui rubble, where dogs were being used to sniff

for human victims, Mitchell said.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon urged residents in affected areas to heed local authorities’ safety advice during the extreme conditions.

Fire and Emergency NZ commander William Pike said there were some signs of life immediately after the Mount Maunganui slide.

Mayor Mahe Drysdale said those unaccounted for earlier had included people who had left the campground without notifying authorities.

The campground was closed after the disaster. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

US envoy meets SDF commander, calls for Syria ceasefire to be upheld

The United States has reiterated support for a ceasefire in Syria’s north, urging the Government and Kurdishled forces to adopt “confidence-building measures” after recent clashes.

US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack made the diplomatic appeal on Thursday after meeting with Mazloum Abdi, commander-in-chief of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and Ilham Ahmed, a leading Syrian Kurdish politician.

“All parties agreed that the essential first step is the full upholding of the current ceasefire, as we collectively identify and implement confidence-building measures on all sides to foster trust and lasting stability,” he wrote on X.

Barrack also renewed US backing for an agreement signed on January

18 between the Syrian Government and the SDF on integrating the Kurdish-led forces into state institutions as part of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s push to unify Syria. Disagreement over how such integration would work had led to recent bouts of conflict between the Government and the SDF, which had sought continued autonomy for some Kurdishmajority areas.

Under a ceasefire announced on Tuesday, Syria’s Government gave the SDF four days to come up with a plan for its remaining enclaves to merge and said Government troops would not enter two remaining SDF-held cities – Hasakah and Qamishli – if a deal was reached. Both the SDF and the Government have since accused each other of breaching the truce. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

il prices slid about two per cent to a one-week low on Thursday after US President Donald Trump softened threats toward Greenland and Iran and on some positive movement that could lead to a solution to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Brent futures fell

US$1.18, or 1.8 per cent, to settle at US$64.06 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell US$1.26, or 2.1 per cent, to settle at a one-week low of US$59.36 a barrel.

Trump said he has secured total and permanent US access to Greenland in a deal with NATO, whose head said allies would have to step up their commitment to Arctic security to ward

off threats from Russia and China.

European Union leaders, meanwhile, will rethink ties with the US at an emergency summit on Thursday after Trump’s threat of tariffs and even military action badly shook confidence in the transatlantic relationship, diplomats said.

“There is a deflation of risk premium related to the Greenland debacle, and Iran supply risk has also been reduced,” said Ole Hansen, chief commodity analyst at Saxo Bank.

Trump also said he hoped there would be no further US military action in Iran but added the US would act if Iran resumes its nuclear programme. (Excerpt from Reuters)

France seizes suspected Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker in Mediterranean

France says it has seized an oil tanker in the Mediterranean suspected of being part of Russia’s sanction-busting “shadow fleet”.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the tanker, named the Grinch, was “subject to international sanctions and suspected of flying a false flag”.

The French navy, with the assistance of allies including the UK, boarded the vessel on Thursday morning between Spain and Morocco. French maritime authorities said that a search of the vessel had “confirmed the doubts as to the regularity of the flag”.

Russia’s embassy in Paris said it had not been informed of the seizure.

The Grinch was travelling from the Arctic port of Murmansk in northern Russia when it was intercepted, French authorities said. The vessel had been flying a Comoros flag, ac-

cording to ship tracking websites marinetraffic and vesselfinder.

Announcing the seizure on X, Macron said, “We are determined to uphold international law and to ensure the effective enforcement of sanctions.

“The activities of the “shadow fleet” contribute to financing the war of aggression against Ukraine,” he said, adding that the vessel had been “diverted”.

Defence Secretary John Healy said the UK navy had provided “tracking and monitoring” support, with HMS Dagger monitoring the tanker through the Straits of Gibraltar.

He added, “Alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels to choke off the funds that fuel Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.” The UK has imposed sanctions on 544 Russian shadow fleet vessels.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Participation is the best antidote for feeling down. Join an organization that shares your concerns and volunteer, donate, or offer whatever support you can. Emotions will surface, and the responses you get from others can make or break your day. Reach out with a positive attitude and love in your heart, and you’ll connect with someone special.

You can sit and put up with annoyances, or you can change your plans and take control of what you do and who you spend time with. Participate in community services that can enrich your life and make it easier for you to maintain the lifestyle you desire. A positive attitude will attract companionship.

Seize the moment, go where the action is, and discover new people, hangouts, and activities that stimulate your mind and keep you up to date. Travel or chatting with old friends can offer suggestions or ideas to consider that alter your lifestyle choices. An interview or meeting will turn out better than anticipated. Romance is favored.

Dig in and finish what you start. Tunnel vision, along with discipline and intuition, will lead to positive physical or emotional change and potential profit. Be receptive to suggestions and willing to try something new. Negotiations, contracts, and resolutions are looking good. The stakes are high, but so are the rewards. Choose to participate rather than hibernate.

Let the electricity flow when you walk into a room, and the attention you receive will change how you feel about yourself, life, and prospects. You have plenty to gain by joining forces with people as dynamic and proactive as you. Love is in the stars, along with personal changes that will keep you looking your best.

An event or day trip will help you rethink your future. The people and surroundings you encounter will confirm what’s possible. Set guidelines, a budget, and an ongoing commentary with people who can assist any transition you wish to pursue. It’s up to you to create opportunities and to make your dreams come true.

Take some “Me” time and enjoy the luxury of relaxation, pampering, or spending one-on-one time with someone special. The downtime will give you a chance to consider what makes you happy. Get back to basics, start an activity you enjoy, or take on a project that has meaning and purpose. Make choices that excite you.

Keep life, conversations, and interacting with others light, playful, and entertaining, and you’ll avoid getting into a debate that can destroy relationships. Be the one to calm the storm instead of fueling the fire. Take care of your reputation and your mental and physical well-being. You have options: take the positive path, offer love and compassion.

Set a budget before you venture out. Your generosity or desire to please will cost you. You can’t solve everyone’s problems or pay for others’ mistakes. Offer a kind word or suggestions, nothing more. Home improvements that make your life easier are favored, but beware of scammers or anyone trying to sell you something you don’t need.

Partnerships will offer positive results. Whether you are dealing with someone professionally or personally, the encounter will be advantageous. Financial help, joint ventures, and shared expenses will lead to higher returns. Domestic improvements you start today will pay off. Don’t hesitate to be straightforward regarding what you want and what you are willing to give back.

Structure your day to meet demands. Organization, along with dedication and detail, will get you where you want to go. The time you spend fixing up your surroundings to make your life and responsibilities run smoothly will give you the push you need to reach your goal. Romance is on the rise. Discuss your intentions.

Get in the game of life and play to win. Use your intuition to guide you and your discipline to keep you out of trouble and avoid temptation. Challenge yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally, and enforce changes that lead to personal growth and new directions. Self-improvement projects will boost your confidence and open doors.

LGC set to light up Sundays with new National Top Flight Golf League

Golf at Lusignan is about to get faster, fiercer, and far more exciting as the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) prepares to launch the National Top Flight Golf League, an eightweek medal tour aimed at energising competition and drawing golfers of all levels back to the fairways every Sunday morning, a missive from the Club indicated.

Designed to promote friendly rivalry while rewarding consistent performance, the league is open to both members and non-members and will be played every Sunday with an 08:00h tee-off, except

when official tournaments are scheduled. All rounds will be played using the full-handicap medal format, ensuring fair competition across the field.

What makes the league especially thrilling is its points-based structure, where players can score big every week, not just at the end of the tour. Points will be awarded as follows:

Eight points for the overall winner

Five points for second place

Three points for third place

Two points for fourth place

One point for fifth place

Two points for best front nine

Two points for best back nine

With a maximum of 12 points available per round, the standings can change quickly, keeping pressure and excitement high right through to the final week. At the conclusion of the eight-week tour, cash payouts will be awarded to the top five overall finishers, while players outside the top five will still earn cash per point accumulated, meaning steady participation and consistent play will be rewarded. Adding

to the prestige, the overall champion will receive a perpetual trophy, with each winner’s name permanently engraved as part of the league’s growing legacy.

To maintain fairness while offering flexibility, players will be allowed two validated make-up rounds per tour under strict conditions. All scores will also contribute to players’ official club handicaps, supporting long-term improvement and competitive readiness.

Speaking on the launch

of the league, Lusignan Golf Club Secretary Chet Bowling said, “It’s a great initiative. It is a great opportunity for non-members to get involved in more competitive golf. For example, expats visiting the club for a short term and who don’t want to become members –the tournament presents a good opportunity for them to socialise, play competitive golf and improve their handicap. This tournament doesn’t only apply to the male players, but Lusignan

Golf Club is actively pursuing more women to get involved as well.”

With competition, prizes, pride, and camaraderie all on the line, the National Top Flight Golf League promises to be one of the most exciting additions to Lusignan’s golfing calendar in recent years.

For registration and information, interested patrons can contact the Lusignan Golf Club on Tel. # 220-5660 or lusignangolf@ gmail.com.

I-CEE Grand Prix III set for this weekend

boards of the open category and top four boards for the female category will be live-streamed on lichess.org by John Lee, International Chess Federation or World Chess Federation (FIDE) Arbiter and Technical Director for the GCF. Results and pairings can be viewed on chess-results. com.

Bounty Outdoor Hockey tournament returns Sunday

It has been more than 10 years since corporate giant Bounty Farm Ltd sponsored the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) oneday competition, which has become the customary season opener at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

However, this Sunday, January 25, 2026, the action returns to the best field in Guyana, and the male and female team competitions will be contested by Georgetown Cricket Club Hockey, Hikers Hockey Club, Saints Hockey Club

and YMCA Old Fort Hockey Club.

In a missive, the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) noted that they are grateful to Bounty Farm Ltd and the National Sports

Commission (NSC) for making the event possible. As such, they made an open invitation to the public to come and enjoy great seven-a-side hockey in the best outdoor facility.

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) continues its 2026 Chess Olympiad qualification process with the I-CEEsponsored Grand Prix III Chess tournament this weekend at the David Rose Special School, Georgetown.

The first four rounds will be played on Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25, with the remaining four rounds continuing on January 31, and February 1, 2026.

The eight-round Swiss tournament features a classical time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second in-

crement per move. Competing in the Open/ Absolute Category are top seeds Fide Master (FM) Rawle Allicock, FM Anthony Drayton, Candidate Master (CM) Taffin Khan, Kyle Couchman, CM Sachin Pitamber, and Keron Sandiford. They will be joined by a competitive field of junior and senior players, all vying for crucial ranking points and invaluable experience in the classical format.

In the female category, we will see experienced and seasoned players, such as Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Aditi Joshi, WCM Sasha Shariff, WCM Jessica Callendar, Ciel Clement, Treskolé Archibald, and junior player Kataleya Sam, competing for the top spots.

Cash prizes totalling $100,000 will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category. The top eight

At the presentation of the sponsorship cheque, GCF PR Director Mr Shiv Nandalall expressed gratitude to the company on behalf of the GCF for a successful collaboration in 2026. Brand Manager of I-CEE Soft Drinks, Mr Clayton McKenzie, remarked, “Banks DIH is pleased to collaborate with the GCF in its third Olympiad 2026 Qualifiers Grand Prix chess tournament through our I-CEE brand.” The federation also expressed thanks to the David Rose Special School for their partnership in providing the tournament venue.

Interested patrons can learn more by visiting guyanachess.gy or following their social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.

The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has unveiled a comprehensive and far-reaching competition calendar for 2026, underscoring what its President, Michael Singh, has described as one of the busiest and most ambitious years in the Federation’s history.

Spanning grassroots development, domestic

GBF maps out ambitious, actionpacked calendar for 2026

the Federation’s vision for the sport.

He underlined that the packed schedule is a deliberate effort to create consistent competition, build depth across age groups, and position Guyana more competitively on the regional and international stage.

The year opens in January with the School Basketball League (U18 Boys), running through to March, reinforcing GBF’s focus on youth development. That initiative is quickly followed by the Four Nations Cup in Suriname, giving the senior programme an early test against regional opposition.

leagues, regional engagements and major international tournaments, the 2026 calendar reflects GBF’s continued commitment to strengthening basketball at every level, while ensuring sustained exposure for both the men’s and women’s national programmes.

President Singh, in highlighting the scope of the calendar, noted that 2026 represents a critical phase in

GCWI T20 Blaze…

Domestic basketball remains a major pillar of the calendar, with the One Guyana Premier Basketball League set for February, complemented by the continued growth of 3x3 basketball through events such as the Edge Series Lite Quest, One Guyana 3x3 Quest, GBF 3x3 Championship, and multiple Schools 3x3 Challenges across Georgetown, Linden and Berbice.

Women’s basketball fea-

tures prominently throughout the year, with the GBF 3x3 Women’s Challenge, the Guyana Women in Basketball Association (GWiBA) Women’s League, and international opportunities including the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Qualifier and the FIBA Women’s Centrobasket Championship.

Singh has consistently pointed to the women’s programme as a key growth area, noting that sustained competition is vital for closing the performance gap at the international level.

On the international front, 2026 is particularly demanding.

Guyana will contest the Junior South American Games (3x3 U19) in Panama, the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 CBC Pre-Qualifiers, the

FIBA U16 and U16 Women’s AmeriCup Division B Qualifiers, and the Central American and Caribbean Games, which include both traditional and 3x3 basketball in the Dominican Republic.

August stands out as one of the most intense months, featuring the FIBA Centrobasket U17 Qualifiers for both men and women, the FIBA Women’s Centrobasket Championship, and the FIBA 3x3 U23 Nations League Americas Conference.

The latter half of the year continues with the High School Basketball League, club knockout championships in Linden and Berbice, the Inter-Guiana Games in Suriname, and culminates with

the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup in Mexico and the Georgetown U23 Knockout Tournament. According to Singh, the breadth of the calendar reflects a Federation intent on balancing elite performance with sustainable development.

He stressed that while the year presents logistical and financial challenges, it also offers unprecedented opportunities for players, coaches and officials to gain experience and elevate Guyana’s basketball profile. With most domestic competitions centred at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and a strong slate of international assignments, the GBF’s 2026 calendar, Singh said, signals a Federation firmly focused on progress, performance and purposeful growth.

uyana’s Women failed to retain their Cricket West Indies (CWI) T20 Blaze title after going down to an in-form Barbados side in Match 14 at the Arnos Vale Playing Field on Wednesday afternoon.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Guyana produced a disciplined bowling performance to restrict Barbados to 92 for 8 from their 20 overs. Barbados captain

Aaliyah Alleyne anchored the innings with an un-

beaten 38 from 36 balls, striking two fours.

Left-arm spinner

Kaysia Schultz delivered her best performance of the tournament, leading the Guyana bowling attack with outstanding figures of 4 for 13 from her four overs. Plaffiana Millington, Sheneta Grimmond, Ashmini Munisar, and Shabika Gajnabi each chipped in with one wicket. In reply, Guyana’s batting once again failed to fire as they were bowled out for 70 in 19.4 overs. Gajnabi was the lone bright spot with the bat, finishing unbeaten on 41 from 44 deliveries, which included two

fours and a six.

Barbados’ bowling was spearheaded by Theanny Herbert-Mayers, who returned figures of 3 for 16 from her four overs.

Aaliyah Alleyne, Naijanni Cumberbatch, and Keila Elliott provided excellent support, picking up two wickets apiece.

Barbados secured a 22run victory to book their place in the final, where they will face the Leeward Islands. Guyana will now contest Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place playoff today at 14:30h.

Guyana’s title defence ends at hands of Barbados NSC reinforces partnership with GCF

In a powerful show of support for the sport, Mr Steve Ninvalle, Director of Sport, met with Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) executives last Tuesday at the National Sports Commission to reaffirm his commitment to the game’s nationwide development. The meeting was a fruitful and collaborative effort between the two parties, focusing on streamlining efforts to accelerate the growth of chess within several regions across the country, participation in upcoming international chess competitions, and developing the young talent within the chess community.

GCF President Anand Raghunauth reflected on the activities and events of 2025, highlighting the recent success at the InterGuiana Games and the hosting of the CARICOM Classic

Chess Tournaments. He laid out a comprehensive plan for 2026, targeting growth and expansion of chess in Regions Three, Six, and 10, as well as expanding the training and development of chess among young children, especially girls, within the chess community.

Raghunauth identified key areas where support is required to better execute chess activities in outlying regions throughout the year. In response, Assistant Directors Ms Melissa DowRichardson and Mr Franklin Wilson, also present at the meeting, committed to helping the federation secure regional venues. They also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the new chess building, which is scheduled to be available in late 2026.

Mr Ninvalle commend-

ed the executive’s efforts in elevating the standard of chess over the years and expressed his delight at the federation’s recent success at the Inter-Guiana Games. He reiterated that the NSC remains a responsive and inclusive partner, ensuring its resources are fully available to support the sport’s continued development. In a significant boost for the sport, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall has been made available to the GCF for upcoming tournaments by the NSC. This offer is particularly welcomed by the federation, as it addresses the growing difficulty of finding venues large enough to accommodate their expanding events. The GCF thanked the director and his team for their hospitality and their continued support of chess in Guyana.

Springer bags hat-trick as West Indies deny Afghanistan 3-0 sweep

Shamar Springer bagged a hat-trick in the penultimate over as West Indies fought back to deny Afghanistan a 3-0 sweep in Dubai. Springer, who got a game in place of Shamar Joseph, dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan and Shahidullah with clever pace and length variations to make his case for the T20 World Cup.

Springer’s terrific 19th over, which cost West Indies just five runs, left Ramon Simmonds with 19 to defend off the 20th. The rookie leftarm quick, who is also vying for a place in West Indies’ T20 World Cup squad, sealed West Indies’ win with a collection of yorkers and hard-to-hit low full tosses.

A West Indies win had looked especially unlikely after Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran had added 59 in seven overs in Afghanistan’s chase of 152. Guided by Gurbaz’s half-century, Afghanistan remained in control for the most part, until Springer’s intervention in the 19th over. The allrounder became the third West Indies player after Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd to take a hat-trick in men’s T20Is. He celebrated the feat with his signature chest roll and upstaged Rashid Khan, who had bowled a boundary-less spell of 4-0-13-2 earlier in the day.

WI’s topsy-turvy innings

After being asked to bat, West Indies could manage only 27 in four overs.

Johnson Charles had moved back to the top in the absence of Alick Athanaze and Evin Lewis, the latter missing this game with a neck inju-

sixes in the powerplay, but couldn’t get Afghanistan’s spin ace Rashid away. The wristspinner had King hole out for 47 off 35 balls and

ry sustained on Wednesday. Charles laboured to a run-aball 17 before he exposed his stumps to Shahidullah, only to be bowled.

King, the stand-in captain, pumped Shahidullah and Mujeeb Ur Rahman for

gave him a fiesty send-off in the 15th over.

In the same over, Rashid bowled Shimron Hetmyer around his legs for 13 off six balls. While Hetmyer was bewildered by the manner of dismissal, it was business

equation to 58 off 36 balls with nine wickets in hand. It was Springer who kickstarted West Indies’ comeback by having Sediqullah Atal nicking a short ball behind to the keeper for 7 off 11 balls.

as usual for Rashid, who got his wrong’uns and legbreaks to fizz off the pitch. Rashid is now only six strikes away from becoming the first player to 700 T20 wickets.

Matthew Forde and Springer then turned up the tempo, helping West Indies take 40 from the last three overs of their innings. Forde cracked Zaiur Rahman Sharifi for two sixes during his 27 off 11 balls, while Springer picked away Abdollah Ahmadzai for a brace of fours in the 19th over. Springer would make a more telling impact with the ball in the 19th over of the second innings.

Gurbaz anchors the chase Gurbaz had a quiet start - he scored only 17 off 19 balls in the powerplaybut found his bearings in the seventh over when he clattered seam-bowling allrounder Justin Greaves for three fours in a 14-run over. After Forde cut Zadran’s innings short on 28 off 27 balls, Gurbaz pressed on, to bring up his fifty off 44 balls. He narrowed Afghanistan’s

Khary Pierre then pinned Darwish Rasooli lbw for 4 off six balls to create more tension. Gurbaz, however, diffused some of that tension when he jumped across off and swept Pierre for back-to-back fours in his next over.

The Springer show It came down to Afghanistan needing 25 off 12 balls. Springer first had Gurbaz caught at the midwicket boundary, with Fore pulling off a hokey-pokey catch, for 71 off 58 balls. Next ball, he had Rashid scything one with his wrists to deep third, with Pierre completing a tumbling catch. West Indies dropped at least eight catches across three matches, according to ESPNcricinfo’s logs, but their fielders stepped up in the end overs on Thursday. Springer completed the hat-trick by yorking Shaidullah. Though Mujeeb put the last ball of the over away for four, Afghanistan were left with too much to do.

While this was Afghanistan’s last T20I before they head to India for the T20 World Cup, West

Afghanistan (T: 152 runs from 20 ovs)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz † c Forde b Springer 71

Ibrahim Zadran c Springer b Forde 28

Sediqullah Atal c †Charles b Springer 7

Hetmyer b Rashid Khan 13

Quentin Sampson c Sediqullah

Atal b Ziaur Rahman 3

Matthew Forde c Gulbadin Naib

b Ziaur Rahman 27

Shamar Springer not out 16

Gudakesh Motie not out 2

Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 1) 4

Total 20 Ov (RR: 7.55) 151/7

Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Johnson

Charles, 4.1 ov), 2-62 (Keacy Carty, 9.3 ov), 3-85 (Justin Greaves, 13.3 ov), 4-102 (Brandon King, 15.1 ov), 5-103 (Shimron Hetmyer, 15.5 ov), 6-122 (Quentin Sampson, 17.4 ov), 7-147 (Matthew Forde, 19.4 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Mujeeb Ur Rahman 4-0-22-0

Ziaur Rahman 4-0-45-2

Shahidullah 1-0-13-1

Rashid Khan 4-0-13-2

Abdollah Ahmadzai 4-0-30-2

Mohammad Nabi 2-0-18-0

Gulbadin Naib 1-0-8-0

Darwish Rasooli c King b Pierre 4

Mohammad Nabi c Springer b Simmonds 6 Gulbadin Naib not out 7

Rashid Khan (c) c Pierre b Springer 0 Shahidullah b Springer 0 Mujeeb Ur Rahman run out (Hetmyer/Simmonds) 4 Abdollah Ahmadzai not out 0

Extras (lb 2, w 7) 9

Total 20 Ov (RR: 6.80) 136/8

Fall of wickets: 1-72 (Ibrahim Zadran, 10.1 ov), 2-94 (Sediqullah Atal, 14.1 ov), 3-107 (Darwish Rasooli, 15.6 ov), 4-114 (Mohammad Nabi, 16.5 ov), 5-127 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 18.1 ov), 6-127 (Rashid Khan, 18.2 ov), 7-127 (Shahidullah, 18.3 ov), 8-133 (Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 19.2 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Matthew Forde 3-0-28-1

Khary Pierre 4-0-29-1

Ramon Simmonds 4-0-26-1

Shamar Springer 4-0-20-4

Justin Greaves 1-0-14-0

Gudakesh Motie 4-0-17-0

WUnder-19 World Cup…

Carter century, Belle blitz sink South Africa

South Africa Under-19s (T: 235 runs from 50 ovs)

Jorich Van Schalkwyk lbw

b Morton 20

Adnaan Lagadien c Lawes b Belle 10

Muhammed Bulbulia (c) c Lawes b Belle 3

Phahlamohlaka b Basson 0

est Indies produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat South Africa by 55 runs in their final Group D encounter on Thursday, securing second place in the group and valuable points heading into the Super Six stage.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the West Indies were bowled out for 234 in 47.5 overs, a total built largely on a magnificent century from opening batter Zachary Carter. Carter was in imperious form, striking 114 from 104 balls, an innings decorated with eight fours and eight sixes, as he anchored the Caribbean batting effort.

The West Indies appeared in complete control at 115 for 2, but the dismissal of captain Joshua Dorne for 20 triggered a middle-order collapse. Jewel Andrew and Shamar Apple fell in quick succession, shifting momentum in South Africa’s favour. Guyanese batter Jonathan Van Lange offered some resistance with a composed 29, supporting Carter before the opener was finally bowled by Paul James.

From a promising 193 for 5, the West Indies faltered badly, managing only 41 additional runs as they lost their final five wickets. South Africa’s bowling was spearheaded by Jason Basson, who delivered a superb spell of fast bowling to claim 5 for 23 from 10 overs, well supported by Jason Rowles with two wickets.

In response, South Africa never truly settled against a disciplined and aggressive West Indies bowling attack. Fast bowler Shaquan Belle led the charge with a devastating spell, finishing with outstanding figures of 6 for 40, as he consistently unsettled the South African batters with pace and hostility.

Shamar Apple c Bulbulia

b Basson 0

Jonathan van Lange c Bulbulia b Kruiskamp 29

Shaquan Belle b Rowles 18

Isra-el Morton c Majola

b Rowles 2

Micah McKenzie b Basson 0

Jakeem Pollard c Bosman

b Majola 2

Vitel Lawes not out 7

Extras (b 2, lb 7, w 19) 28

Total 47.5 Ov (RR: 4.89) 234

Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Tanez Francis, 6.6 ov), 2-115 (Joshua Dorne, 22.3 ov), 3-115 (Jewel Andrew, 22.5 ov), 4-115 (Shamar Apple, 22.6 ov), 5-193 (Zachary Carter, 36.4 ov), 6-206 (Jonathan van Lange, 39.4 ov), 7-219 (Isra-el Morton, 42.2 ov), 8-223 (Micah McKenzie, 45.4 ov), 9-223 (Shaquan Belle, 46.2 ov), 10-234 (Jakeem Pollard, 47.5 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W JJ Basson 10-2-23-5

Bayanda Majola 7.5-0-57-1

Michael Kruiskamp 8-1-45-1

Paul James 7-0-35-1

Jason Rowles 10-0-44-2

Daniel Bosman 5-0-21-0

Jason Rowles b Lawes 46 Armaan Manack run out (McKenzie/†Andrew) 17

Daniel Bosman c Francis b Belle 19

Paul James c †Andrew b Belle 7

Lethabo Phahlamohlaka † c

† Andrew b Belle 26

Michael Kruiskamp c † Andrew b Belle 5 JJ Basson c †Andrew b Pollard 3

Bayanda Majola not out 9

Extras (b 4, nb 1, w 9) 14

Total 37.4 Ov (RR: 4.75) 179 Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Adnaan Lagadien, 5.4 ov), 2-40 (Jorich Van Schalkwyk, 8.6 ov), 3-40 (Muhammed Bulbulia, 9.1 ov), 4-82 (Armaan Manack, 17.5 ov), 5-115 (Jason Rowles, 23.3 ov), 6-132 (Paul James, 28.3 ov), 7-144 (Daniel Bosman, 30.3 ov), 8-160 (Michael Kruiskamp, 32.5 ov), 9-167 (Lethabo Phahlamohlaka, 34.2 ov), 10179 (JJ Basson, 37.4 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

7.4-0-19-1

Jakeem Pollard

Shaquan Belle 10-0-40-6

Isra-el Morton 4-0-27-1

Vitel Lawes 10-0-60-1

Micah McKenzie 6-0-29-0

Jason Rowles was the lone bright spot for South Africa with the bat, scoring a brisk 46 from 40 balls, including four fours and two sixes. However, Belle’s relentless pressure ensured wickets fell regularly, and South Africa were eventually dismissed for 179 in 37.4 overs.

The victory capped an impressive group-stage campaign for the West Indies, who now advance to the Super Six with confidence. They will next face Ireland as the Super Six stage gets underway at 03:30h on Sunday, January 25.

With momentum on their side and key players in form, the West Indies will be eager to continue their winning ways as the tournament reaches its decisive phase.

National U17 Girls “locked in” – Head Coach

Guyana’s National under-17 girls’ football team will embark on the first round of the CONCACAF U17 Qualifiers this Sunday, and according to Head Coach Delon Williams, the confident bunch is ready and rearing to compete.

The 21-member squad had the opportunity to come up against the GFF Women’s Division One League runners-up, Guyana Police Force (GPF) Women, in a practice match on Wednesday evening, giving the side some much-needed game minutes ahead of their campaign.

Williams, in an interview with this publication, later spoke on the importance of that match and their training sessions thus far.

The Head Coach divulged, “Training has been going well so far; we’re actually on par with training. We’re loving the response from the coaching staff that we have here for the girls; they’re very receptive in terms of what we’re trying to get them to execute.”

“And we see a bit of it in the actual training game here this evening [Wednesday], what we’re working on. The girls are pretty okay and comfortable; I think we’re all locked in to the tournament ahead of us, and the girls are set and ready,” Williams added.

Focusing on the team’s mindset, the head coach re-

vealed that his troops are focused on the task ahead.

Williams opined, “I think they’re prepared. The coaching staff has done an excellent job so far in that. Their mindset is just focused and ready; not too overconfident, not too nervous, but of course, they’re a little nervous, but not too nervous. I think they’re ready and awaiting the playing days.”

Discussing the composition of his team, Williams highlighted the players who enjoyed a successful run in the National U20 team last year and the value they add to the squad.

“We have a set of girls, at least four girls, back from the U20, which they just qualified for the second round of, and they brought with them a wealth of ex-

perience. We’re using that along with the other girls so that we can make inroads into the tournament ahead of us. So, the girls we’re having here, they’re all looking up to these girls as the big sisters of the team and the leaders of the team. So, we’re

using that, and go ahead,” the head coach explained.

The CONCACAF U17 Qualifiers will run from January 24 to February 2, with Guyana beginning their campaign on Sunday, January 25, against Jamaica.

The Junior Lady Jags are in Group D of the first round of the qualifiers, along with Honduras and Jamaica. St Vincent and the Grenadines and Aruba host.

The National U17 girls’ team read: Goalkeepers – Jasmine Solomon-Ross, Alexis Mars, and Sara Ernest Defenders – Aliyah John, Ella Yhip, Kuleni Springer, Lily Biffin, Avril Pasvolsky, Laila Ross, Laila So, and Caraleena Elliston

Chin, Carissa Lombardi, Ellie Biffin, and Ayah Stewart

Forwards – Alexaudria Chasles, Tanya De Vair, Anaya Joseph, and Eleanna Isaacs

The format of this year’s U17 Girls Qualifiers will see 29 teams competing in six groups for a chance to move on to Round Two. After round robin play, the six group winners, in addition to the two best second-placed teams, will advance to the final round.

There, they will meet CONCACAF’s top-ranked teams, namely, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the United States (who received byes to this round) for another bout of group play.

The Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP) has become the first corporate entity to join title sponsors MODEC in supporting the inaugural edition of the Tertiary Education Football tournament, slated to kick off next month.

Their sponsorship was announced during a simple event at the company’s Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) head office on Thursday afternoon, where tournament coordinators Petra Organisation also seized the opportunity to give a glimpse of the competition’s fixtures.

As MACORP prepared to make a $600,000 investment in the upcoming 14team competition, Marketing Manager Nadia DeAbreu expressed her eagerness at connecting with the country’s technical students.

“We are happy and proud to be part of

this inaugural tournament,” De Abreu declared.

Highlighting the company’s relationship with technical students across the country, the marketing manager added, “This tournament gives us an opportunity to reach all those young people. These are the people that we want to target in tournaments like these. Not just exciting, but they’re disciplined, they promote teamwork and, in the end, they work towards the goal of winning, and those are the same principles that guide us in our everyday lives and MACORP as a company.”

Further, Finance and Administrative Director at MACORP, Totaram Sooknanan, chimed in on the company’s intentions.

“Investing in sports is an investment in wellbeing, and MACORP has realised that, and this is what we want to be part of. As a company, we want to show that we care not just about profits but also about the community in which we work and serve. This today is just a small gesture that we hope will go a long way in developing key spirits and keep them actively involved,” Sooknanan shared.

On the other hand, Petra Organisation co-director Troy Mendonca assured MACORP of the value of their investment.

Mendonca remarked, “Your contribution, while it assists in some of the costs involved in running this programme, I want your company to know that we see it as an investment because of what we have planned for this tournament. It’s very good

that you’re one of our initial sponsors in this inaugural tournament.”

A look at the tournament’s fixtures sees the University of Guyana (UG) and the Guyana Industrial Training Center (GITC) coming up against each other in the tournament’s opening game, from 13:30h on Sunday, February 8. An ensuing clash between Texila American University (TAU) and Government Technical Institute (GTI) will complete that day’s doubleheader, beginning at 15:30h. Goth games will take place at the Queen’s College Ground. Thereafter, the competition will make its way around the country, tentatively set to visit venues such as Scotts Ground in New Amsterdam, Berbice; Bayrock/

Imam Bacchus Ground, Essequibo.

In addition, the venues being utilised for the knockout stages (quarterfinal-final) will be dependent on the teams that advance to those rounds.

The tertiary institutions will be competing for a $300,000 grand prize that will go towards a school project of the winners’ choice, while the second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will have to settle for $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000, respectively, for the same purpose.