Guyana Times - Friday, March 6, 2026

High Court rejects USindicted Mohameds’ application to reinstate cambio licence

“Divisive and discriminatory” – US-indicted LOO slammed for homophobic comments on LGBTQIA+ worshippers

M&CC cracks down on illegal stalls, signs, building materials on parapets

Police warn of online extortion scheme targeting Guyanese businesses

Mashramani floats left on NA streets days after parade President Ali to attend “Shield of the Americas” summit in Florida on Saturday

3 drivers fined $700,000 for drunk driving, licence suspended

101 officers promoted to strengthen leadership in Prison Service

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 6 –05:55h–07:25h, and Saturday, March 7 – 06:20h–07:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain is expected to become thundery showers by day, easing to light rain in the evening. Night-time cloudy skies are expected to give way to thundery showers in the early morning. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.57 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 06:08h and 18:28h reaching maximum heights of 2.75 metres and 2.69 metres.

Low Tide: 12:03h reaching a minimum height of 0.43 metre.

Americas Counter Cartel Conference

“Addressing

narco-terrorism, trafficking requires strong cooperation among nations” – PM Phillips …as

Guyana signs joint security declaration to tackle narco threats

rime Minister, Brigadier (Retired)

Mark Phillips has underscored the importance of strong regional cooperation in combatting narco-trafficking and narco-terrorism in the Western Hemisphere.

The PM led a Guyanese delegation to join regional partners at the inaugural Americas Counter Cartel Conference at the United States Southern Command headquarters in Doral, Florida, on Thursday.

Hosted by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the conference brings together defence and security leaders from across the Caribbean, Central America, and South America to coordinate efforts against drug cartels that threaten the hemisphere.

In his remarks, PM Phillips pointed out that transnational activities of cartels, gangs, and other criminal actors threaten regional peace and security. These networks, he added, also undermine the rule of law, weaken institutions, and threaten democracy and the safety and economic wellbeing of our citizens.

“For countries like Guyana, located along important maritime and regional transit corridors, addressing narco-trafficking and narco-terrorism requires strong cooperation among our nations. These threats demand coordinated intelligence sharing, enhanced operational cooperation, and strengthened defence capabilities across the hemisphere,” the Guyanese PM stated.

According to Phillips, as the region continues to grow economically and strategically, it is essential that countries work together to protect critical infrastructure and strengthen national institutions and enhance resilience to evolving security threats while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every state.

He contended that, “Through deeper cooperation and partnership, we can ensure that our hemisphere remains safe, secure, and a zone of peace.”

Turning his attention to bilateral relations, the PM noted that Guyana and the US share a strong and expanding strategic partnership built on mutual trust and robust defence and security cooperation.

“Through capacity building, joint exercises, and policy and technical engagements, our countries have worked closely together to combat narco-trafficking and other forms of transnational crime,” he stated.

Against this backdrop, PM Phillips declared that Guyana welcomes the adoption of the Joint Security Declaration of the Conference, adding that the country looks forward to joining the coalition to combat narco-terrorism.

The Government of Guyana remains committed to being a reliable and active partner in advancing the security and stability of the Western Hemisphere,” he stated.

Guyana was among 17 countries from throughout the Western Hemisphere that signed a joint security declaration with the US on Thursday, reaffirming their commitment to peace, sovereignty and stability in the region.

Deterrence of narco-terrorists

Signing on behalf of the US was Secretary Hegseth, who assured regional leaders that the conference is about the entire Americas.

“We, like you, want borders and sovereign territories that are secure; we want unfettered access to key terrain and trade so that our nations can industrialise; and we want to prevent external powers from threatening our peace and independence in our shared neighbourhood,” Hegseth told the group.

According to the US Secretary of War, the Western Hemisphere contains one-eighth of the world’s population but onethird of its violent crime. In

fact, he noted that the human smuggling industry grew by as much as 2000 per cent over a five-year span, soaring from being a US$500 million enterprise in 2018 to one that brought in US$13 billion in 2022. However, Hegseth said that under the Donald Trump Administration, all of these trends are reversing, including the flow of fentanyl into the US, which is now down by 56 per cent. He further highlighted the successful deterrence of narco-terrorists in the Caribbean region, which has been ongoing since September 2025.

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Execution, accountability & policing

The opening of the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Inspectors’ Conference this week served as a timely reminder that the success of policing reform ultimately depends on the quality of leadership exercised on the ground. In a direct and measured address, Oneidge Walrond placed the responsibility for translating national security policy into measurable results squarely on the shoulders of the force’s inspectors.

The message was “Reform is not an abstract aspiration; it is an operational responsibility.”

Guyana is undergoing rapid transformation as economic expansion, infrastructural development, and increased international engagement have altered the national landscape in profound ways. Growth brings opportunity, but it also introduces new and complex security challenges. As the country evolves, the demands placed on law enforcement must evolve as well. Modern policing requires discipline, innovation, and accountability at every level of the command structure.

Within that structure, inspectors occupy a critical position as they stand at the intersection between policy and practice, translating directives from senior leadership into everyday policing activities at stations and divisions across the country. The quality of supervision at this level determines whether national strategies succeed or falter. No amount of planning, investment, or legislative reform can substitute for strong operational leadership within the force itself.

The Minister’s emphasis on execution therefore reflects a practical understanding of how institutions function.

The reform agenda for the GPF has already been articulated through the framework advanced by President Dr Irfaan Ali, which outlines eight key pillars intended to modernise the force. These pillars include strengthening justice system integration, expanding the use of digital policing tools, improving intelligence capabilities, and deepening partnerships with communities.

However, strategic frameworks are only as effective as their implementation.

At the station level, inspectors determine whether case files are prepared thoroughly enough to withstand judicial scrutiny. They determine whether officers adhere to procedures that protect evidence and preserve the integrity of investigations. They determine whether technological tools are used responsibly or left underutilised. They determine whether traffic enforcement is applied consistently and fairly.

In essence, the operational culture of the Force is shaped by those who supervise daily policing activities.

Minister Walrond’s remarks also highlighted an issue that continues to threaten the credibility of law enforcement institutions worldwide: corruption. Her characterisation of corruption as a national security threat is neither exaggerated nor misplaced. When corruption infiltrates policing, it undermines public trust, weakens enforcement, and creates opportunities for organised criminal networks to flourish.

Effective supervision remains the most powerful deterrent against such misconduct.

Where standards are clearly communicated and consistently enforced, discipline improves and accountability becomes embedded in institutional culture. Conversely, weak supervision allows misconduct to spread quietly until it erodes the legitimacy of the entire organisation.

This reality underscores the importance of the statutory responsibilities outlined in the Force’s Standing Orders. These provisions are not ceremonial guidelines; they establish the framework through which authority is exercised and discipline maintained. Their consistent enforcement is essential to building a professional Police service capable of meeting the expectations of a modern society.

Equally significant is public trust in policing, as it is often shaped not by high-profile operations but by everyday interactions between officers and members of the public.

A Police service that demonstrates compassion, professionalism, and diligence in handling cases sends a signal that the law protects every citizen equally.

The challenge confronting the GPF in 2026 is the transition from reactive policing to proactive crime prevention. Economic growth and expanding commercial activity can attract sophisticated criminal enterprises seeking to exploit gaps in enforcement. Anticipating and disrupting these threats requires intelligence-led policing, consistent supervision, and decisive leadership.

Inspectors therefore occupy a strategic position in safeguarding national security.

Their oversight influences response times, investigative quality, and operational readiness. Their leadership determines whether officers perform their duties with professionalism and discipline. Their example shapes the culture within stations and divisions throughout the country.

Guyana has invested significantly in strengthening its security architecture as policies have been crafted, resources allocated, and strategic direction established. The remaining challenge lies in ensuring that these investments translate into tangible improvements in public safety.

How the Iran war could create a ‘fertiliser shock’ – an often-ignored global risk to food prices and farming

By Nima Shokri aNd Salome mS Shokri-kuehNi

Tehran is moving to restrict –or effectively close – the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, as part of the latest escalation in the war involving Iran.

Markets have reacted to the global impact of closing this incredibly busy shipping channel, focusing on the risk to oil and gas flows, the prospect of higher crude prices, and the inflationary pressures that would follow.

That concern is justified. But it captures only part of the story. A sustained disruption of traffic through Hormuz would not simply constitute an energy crisis. It would also represent a fertiliser shock (where prices go up dramatically and supply goes down) – and, by extension, a direct risk to global food security.

Modern agriculture runs not only on sunlight and soil, but on natural gas. When German chemists Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch developed their nitrogen fixation method in the early 20th century, they did more than just manufacture ammonia at scale.

They launched a global chemical revolution that remains a cornerstone of modern civilisation and agriculture. Through this process, methane is transformed into ammonia, and ammonia into nitrogen fertilisers such as urea – the most widely-used nitrogen fertiliser. Those fertilisers allow crops to reach the yields on which today’s global population depends. Without it, harvests of wheat, maize and rice would fall dramatically.

Around a third of globally-traded urea passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The Persian Gulf sits at the centre of this system for two structural reasons. First, it offers access to some of the world’s cheapest natural gas, essential for ammonia production.

Second, over decades, vast capital investments have built ammonia and urea capacity in countries within the region, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This is aimed at the export market. A significant share of globally-traded nitrogen fertiliser – and the liquefied natural gas (LNG) that powers fertiliser plants elsewhere – must therefore travel through the Strait of Hormuz. A closure of the strait

would threaten not only oil and gas exports but also the physical flow of nitrogen-based fertilisers and what is needed to make them.

The immediate effect would be delays to shipments of ammonia, urea, and LNG. They could be stopped completely or become prohibitively expensive through higher freight and insurance costs. But the deeper impact would unfold in the months ahead at farms around the world.

In the northern hemisphere, fertiliser purchases accelerate before planting seasons. A delay of weeks can be disruptive; a disruption of months can make a huge difference. If shipments fail to arrive on time, farmers face difficult choices such as how to pay sharply higher prices, reduce application rates, or alter crop mixes. Because of how crops respond, even modest reductions in nitrogen use can produce disproportionately large declines in yield. That could translate into millions of tonnes of lost crops. The consequences would ripple through global supply chains into feed markets, livestock production, biofuels and ultimately retail food prices.

Do countries not have their own supplies?

Some countries have supplies of fertilisers, but self-sufficiency is rarer than it appears. India, for instance, relies heavily on LNG imports from the Persian Gulf to run its domestic urea plants. Brazil depends substantially on imported nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers to sustain soybean and maize production.

Even the United States, one of the world’s largest fertiliser producers, imports meaningful volumes of ammonia and urea to help meet regional demand and reduce prices. In sub-Saharan Africa, use of fertiliser is already low. A further rise in prices is likely to reduce use even more, cutting yields and increasing food insecurity.

The system’s fragility extends beyond nitrogen. Sulphur – as an essential nutrient for plant growth – is largely a byproduct of oil and gas processing. If energy shipments through Hormuz are disrupted, sulphur output falls alongside fuel exports. So, the shock would not only reduce fertiliser shipments but also restrict ways to produce them elsewhere.

Meanwhile, the production of synthetic nitrogen is tightly coupled to energy markets because it is manufactured continuously from natural gas. A disruption in gas supply or ammonia trade immediately constrains global nitrogen availability. Estimates suggest that without synthetic nitrogen, the world could feed only a fraction of its current population. The Strait of Hormuz therefore sits at the intersection of energy and food security.

Changing where fertiliser is produced cannot happen overnight. Financing and constructing new ammonia plants takes years. A double-digit contraction in exports from a key region cannot be swiftly offset. In the interim, prices would rise, trade flows would re-route, and planting decisions would be made under uncertainty. Food price inflation, historically correlated with social unrest, could intensify.

Central banks, focused primarily on fuel-driven inflation, could underestimate the contribution of fertiliser scarcity to prices overall. Crucially, fertiliser shocks do not register with the same immediacy as oil shocks. Petrol prices change overnight. Crop yields reveal themselves months later. Yet the latter may prove more destabilising.

Controls and closure of this narrow maritime chokepoint would reshape the cost of living well beyond the Persian Gulf.

If the 20th century taught policymakers to fear oil embargoes, the 21st should teach them to fear a fertiliser shock. Energy markets can absorb shocks through reserves and substitution. But the global food system has far thinner buffers. A prolonged disruption at Hormuz would not simply reprice crude; it would test the resilience of the industrial nitrogen cycle on which modern civilisation depends. Oil powers cars. Nitrogen powers crops. If the strait of Hormuz closes, the most consequential price may not be Brent crude but the cost of feeding the world. (The Conversation)

Nima Shokri is a Professor of Applied Engineering at United Nations University. Salome MS Shokri-Kuehni is a Lecturer in Environmental Engineering, United Nations University; Technical University of Hamburg.

Dengue cases stable, Guyana’s system equipped to manage – Health Minister

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has assured the public that the current dengue situation in Guyana remains under control, with no significant increase in cases beyond what the health system is equipped to manage.

“We continue to track, and as we track, we treat. So that is a normal routine thing that we have been doing. We haven’t seen anything significant,” the Minister said.

On the side-lines of the launch of the Eccles Wellness Centre, on Wednesday, the Minister said that the Ministry continues to monitor reported infections closely and has indicated that while routine cases of mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and chikungunya occur, there has been nothing unusual or alarming at this time.

According to the Minister, a number of preventative measures are actively being put in place across the country to reduce mosquito population and limit the spread of diseases. Among these measures is the distribution of fogging machines and equipment to every Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). Staff attached to the NDCs have also been trained in the use of the equipment to carry out the fogging process in their communities. He also noted that the Ministry continues to provide the necessary chemicals needed to support the fogging operations within their respective communities.

Dr Anthony explained, “Right now, whatever is going on is nothing significant that our system cannot handle... One of the

things that we would have done about two years ago is we have given every NDC a fogging machine, and we have trained the staff of the NDC, and we have been giving them the chemicals so that they can do the fogging within their NDC. So that’s an ongoing process, and the teams from the Ministry have been monitoring that.”

In addition to fogging, larvicides are being provided for use in stagnant pools of water to eliminate mosquitoes at the larvae stage before they mature and become capable of transmitting diseases. Teams from the Ministry are also monitoring these efforts to ensure that the interventions remain consistent and effective.

“We also give them larvicides so that they can put that in stagnant pools of water, and that would kill the mosquito at the larvae stage. So that too is an ongoing thing. With these two measures alone, the mosquito population has been lower, and therefore, their ability to transmit any one

of these things, like dengue, chikungunya and so forth, would be far less. So from a preventative point of view, that is what we have been doing,” the Health Minister added.

Anthony believes that these combined measures have contributed to a reduction in mosquito populations, thereby decreasing the likelihood of transmission of viruses such as dengue.

While there is no spe-

cific cure for dengue, the Minister emphasised that healthcare workers across clinics and hospitals have been trained to diagnose and manage cases appropriately. Treatment is primarily symptomatic, with a patient receiving care for fever, body aches, and other common symptoms of the virus.

Medical personnel also monitor patients carefully, as some individuals may also develop complications. In such instances, patients are admitted to hospitals for closer observation and appropriate intervention.

The Ministry continues to encourage members of the public to seek medical attention if they experience persistent fever or other concerning symptoms and to take preventative measures at home, including eliminating stagnant water found around their homes.

The Health Minister maintains that with continued monitoring, community cooperation and sustained prevention efforts, the country’s health system remains capable of managing the current situation.

President Ali to attend “Shield of the Americas” summit in Florida on Saturday

President Dr Irfaan Ali will be attending the historic “Shield of the Americas” summit hosted by United States President Donald Trump in Doral, Florida, on March 7. The summit brings together heads of state from 12 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen cooperation on security, migration and the war on drug cartels.

President Ali and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar are the

only two Caribbean leaders attending the event.

Leaders from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Paraguay are among those expected to attend. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has said that the summit is intended to strengthen cooperation among Governments and to address common regional challenges.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026

Page Foundation

◄ Number Concepts

1. What is a numeral?

2. Write the number 345,672 in words.

3. In the number 573,204,891, what is the value of the digit 4?

4. Which number is greater: 48,652,301 or 48,652,312? Explain how you know.

5. Arrange these numbers from smallest to largest: 12,345; 123,456; 1,234,567.

6. What is a prime number? Give two examples.

7. List all the factors of 12.

8. What is the difference between a factor and a multiple? Give an example of each.

9. Find the HCF of 18 and 24.

By Theodore Weiss

For an anthology limited to thirteen-line poems Thirteen lines. After seventy years what’s left to keep or say? A few words, things impatiently shedding them like dead skins. An old cart, full of hides once coveted, in the collecting relished most, creaking to a stop. And the donkey not good enough now for glue. Maybe this way is best, the space around me growing and nothing to get in the way of nothing.

(Source: Poetry [October/ November 1987])

Your cat (who you called Curious) hasn’t come home for a week.

WORD SEARCH

“Divisive and discriminatory” – US-indicted LOO slammed for homophobic comments on LGBTQIA+ worshippers

The United Statesindicted opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) is receiving immense backlash over his anti-LGBTQIA+ remarks he made at a masjid recently.

my personal religious belief.

As Muslims, all are welcome to the masjid, where we partake in all activities in the outskirts of the musalla, but it should be known that the space of prayers is sacred. We have seen Ministers Kwame McCoy and Susan

In a video clip that has been circulating on social media, whilst speaking at a masjid recently, Mohamed is heard saying, “At our masjid in Georgetown, you know, questionable persons; lesbians and bisexuals come into the masjid and pray. What are our leaders really doing?”

Mohamed later took to his Team Mohamed’s Facebook page to defend his remarks by directly attacking Government Ministers Kwame McCoy and Susan Rodrigues.

“My remarks reflected

or demean” the LGBTQIA+ community.

Widespread condemnation

The Opposition Leader has since faced widespread condemnation, particularly from gay rights groups Sexualities, Women

Rodrigues being welcomed in a Masjid, performing prayers when they are openly in same-sex relationships; this goes against every fabric of Islam,” Mohamed posted.

“Coupled with the fact that they are not Muslims and they have breached a sacred space in the masjid, the place of performing prayers. When I spoke, I was referencing the sunnah and expressing a perspective grounded in faith,” he added.

In the same vein, Mohamed said it was not his intention to “target, insult,

and respect for diversity in all its forms. Guyana’s diversity includes lesbians and bisexual people,” the organisations stated.

In the statement, SWAG’s co-chair Savannah Williams said that “there are lesbians and bisexual people who are devout Muslims, whether Mr Mohamed likes it or not.” She added that “it’s not Mohamed’s place to judge any Muslim or worshipper – he is not God or Allah.”

SASOD Guyana’s Chairperson Mishka Puran expressed that “Mr Mohamed’s first public remarks on LGBTQIA+ issues were a missed opportunity to share a message of unity, togetherness, compassion and respect when Guyana and the world need it.”

The organisations also called on Mohamed to fulfil his constitutional obligations as the Leader of the Opposition.

SASOD Guyana’s Managing Director Joel Simpson explained that Mohamed’s comments in the masjid seem at odds with his party’s position as ar-

and Genders (SWAG) and Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) Guyana.

In a statement on Thursday, the groups said while they respect religious freedom, “Mohamed’s comments are divisive and discriminatory towards lesbian and bisexual people, in particular, who are followers of Islam.”

“His remarks came at a time when religious observances of Ramadan, Lent and Vasant Panchami intersected – a timely season to share a message of inclusion

ticulated by their General Secretary Odessa Primus at the LGBTQIA+ Elections Town Hall, which was held on July 29, 2025.

At that forum, Primus indicated her party’s support for the necessary law reforms and championed public education to improve social attitudes to LGBTQIA+ people in Guyana.

“Mohamed could have called on his Muslim brothers and sisters to be more inclusive and welcome lesbian and bisexual Muslims to their masjids, but he chose to do the opposite. How is

WIN championing education to change attitudes at one forum and preaching division and exclusion in the masjid?” Simpson questioned.

“Mr Mohamed cannot separate his personal, religious views on policy issues from his role as the Leader of the Opposition,” Simpson added.

Additionally, Puran said Mohamed must clarify his and his party’s position on reforming Guyana’s laws to decriminalise same-sex intimacy and protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

SWAG and SASOD Guyana said they are committed to constructive dialogue and publicly call on Mohamed and WIN’s leadership to engage both groups on how his office and party can support the public education and law reform that they advocated for at the 2025 Elections Town Hall.

“Electoral promises must be delivered,” the organisations said.

Bandwagon of intolerance

Mohamed also faced criticisms over his remarks from Government Ministers Susan Rodrigues and Priya Manickchand.

In fact, Rodrigues – a member of the LGBTQIA+ community – represented the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) at the very town hall alongside WIN’s Primus and other political representatives. She reminded us that “all of us condemned discrimination based on sexual orientation and expressed views in support of the gay community, acknowledging equal access to education, healthcare, work and protection under the law. Was the position expressed by WIN on that panel one of conve-

nience because of the impending elections? Has that position changed? Are we no longer equal?”

Rodrigues added that Mohamed’s position is of no surprise, since she has personally been attacked by his supporters based on her sexual orientation.

“He has encouraged his supporters and paid actors to relentlessly attack my personal life. I visited the Ramadan village, and they attacked. I went to church, and they attacked. My personal life is not a weakness, and I have never used it to play the victim. I am a proud gay person, serving in the cabinet of our country and supported by my party. When we say we govern for all the people of Guyana, we mean ALL the people of Guyana,” the Minister added.

Similarly, Manickchand has expressed, “Leading a bandwagon of intolerance for anyone based on their religion or sexual orientation or ethnicity or gender or for any other bigoted view ought to be something eschewed by political parties and their leadership. Imagine my shock, therefore, when I heard the WIN party leader shunning lesbians and asking for them to be disinvited from places of worship. Places of worship should be safe havens for all, not so.”

Minister Manickchand also questioned what the response from wider civil society would have been had such remarks been uttered by a member of the PPP. “Imagine if a PPP leader had done that. If indeed you think being a member of the LGBTQ community is a sin, then I ask, what/who are houses of worship for? Sinners or the righteous? And who really is righteous?”

Illegal guns seized in Linden, Agricola

PMeanwhile, in Agricola, East Bank, Demerara, officers on mobile patrol on Tuesday at 17:34h intercepted a white Toyota Axio carrying five male occupants following information received by the Police. A search of the vehicle uncovered a Ruger 9mm pistol with a magazine containing four live rounds under the front passenger seat.

Returning…

…to cocoa

Nolice in Regional Division 10 and Regional Division 4 A have made separate firearm discoveries in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and East Bank Demerara, Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), over the past two days. In Linden, ranks conducting an operation at a social event in Amelia’s Ward on Wednesday, at around 12:10h, noticed a male acting suspiciously near the stage area.

During a search, officers found a 9mm pistol in

his left pants pocket. The 24-year-old mason from Block 22, Wismar, Linden, was arrested and taken to the Mackenzie Police Station, where the firearm was lodged pending further investigation. He remains in Police custody as enquiries continue.

The occupants, aged between 17 and 34, from Sophia, Kitty, and Cummings Park, admitted that they did not hold firearm licences. They were arrested and taken to the Ruimveldt Police Station, where the firearm and ammunition were lodged pending investigation. All remain in Police custody as investigations continue.

Police warn of online extortion scheme targeting Guyanese businesses

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday advised members of the public, particularly the business community, to remain cautious following reports of an emerging online extortion scheme targeting individuals and companies.

According to the Police, several persons have reported receiving emails from individuals or entities claiming to be conducting in-

vestigative reporting into alleged drug trafficking networks operating in Guyana.

The emails reportedly accuse recipients of being linked to narcotics trafficking operations and request that they provide statements or responses to the allegations.

Police said that follow-up communications then demand financial contributions or what are described as

“restitution proposals” in exchange for halting the publication of the alleged investigative findings.

The GPF noted that such actions may amount to criminal offences, including attempted extortion, obtaining money by false pretence and cyber-related offences.

According to the GPF, members of the public are being advised not to engage with individuals making

such demands or to send any payments.

Anyone who receives similar communications is urged to report the matter to the nearest Police station or the Criminal Investigation Department and provide copies of the emails or any related correspondence.

Police said they are monitoring the situation and are encouraging the public to remain vigilant.

ow some of you dear readers might be wondering as to why your Eyewitness is referring to the present efforts of the Dominican Republic to cultivate cocoa here – both Governmental and private initiatives –as “returning”! But yes, Quashie, we have been cultivating cocoa going back all the way to the days of the Dutch!! However, unlike over in Trinidad, where after the abolition of slavery there was a large movement of freedmen – and later time-expired indentured labourers – into cocoa cultivation and processing, our efforts remained in stubborn family holdouts in the Pomeroon and the Canal Polders.

Nowadays, most of what we hear about cocoa cultivation is the use of its leaves to manufacture cocaine –centred in Colombia, where fellas like Pablo Escobar were pioneering entrepreneurs to develop markets in the US and Europe – and the networks to ship and distribute the “White Lady”!! Present production worldwide is around 3700 tonnes annually – with two-thirds of it coming from Colombia!! Now while you may snort (pun intended!!) at that seemingly paltry sum, let’s remember that cocaine wholesales in the US and Europe at about $80–$150 per GRAM (g) or $25,000–$40,000 per kilogram (kg)!! This retails in the streets at between US$80,000 and $150,000 per kg once broken down. So we’re talking about a cool US$400 billion industry!! Nothing to snort at, eh??

Now you might be saying, “Whoa!! The folks from DR ain’t talking about cocaine but cocoa – from which we can make nice chocolate drinks for our bedtime repose and even convert it into even more delectable chocolates –if we’re really ambitious. But hey!! Let’s get real – cocoa wholesales at around US$3,700 per tonne – compared to cocaine’s whopping US$300 MILLION per tonne!! Which one do you think those Guyanese entrepreneurs, whose ganja farms we hear are raided with alarming regularity, are gonna be gravitating into? And the best part of the arrangement is that the cocoa can still be exported since it’s the LEAVES that produce cocaine!!

And then, just as with sugar, what is the best we can do with the 1000 or so hectares we’re talking about that will produce – at best – the same number of tonnes of cocoa compared with the 200,000 tonnes of, say, Brazil??

But then again we can’t forget that while DR produces some 70,000 tonnes of cocoa annually – it steers clear of cocaine manufacture even though it’s one of the major transhipment hubs for cocaine heading to the US and Europe!! Could it be that they don’t want to risk producing the White lady in the DR – but might look aside in Guyana??

Regardless, the authorities gotta be very careful of the risks involved in the cocoa trade. Money makes the world go ‘round and ‘round!!

…to Venezuela

Initially, Exxon was quite leery about President Trump’s entreaty for the US oil majors to return to Venezuela and get involved in rebuilding that country’s production to its historic three million bbl per day!! Pretty much said they’d been burnt badly by Chavez – and conditions were still too fluid for them to make any commitment!! This, of course, was at variance with Chevron, which had remained and announced its return!!

Now we just heard Exxon’s gonna be going to Venezuela to “examine” conditions to determine whether it might also take the plunge!! Your Eyewitness notes that Exxon still has refineries on the US Gulf Coast that process the heavy, sour Venezuelan crude – and they’ve been using Canadian crude to keep going. It would seem that with the promise of getting back the billions awarded at arbitration for the Venezuelan expropriation of its assets – and with other sweeteners –Exxon might dip its toes into the Venezuelan muck!!

All your Eyewitness can say is “good luck” on this big gamble!!

…to roots?

Sanction Man is struggling to take his foot out of his mouth on his castigating Muslim and Christian leaders for permitting LGBT individuals to worship in their mosques!! Claims he was “only” repeating the religions’ position on the issue!!

Ouch!!

Father, teen daughter die in crash at Mandela Ave roundabout

...son hospitalised

Afamily has been left shattered after a tragic accident along the Mandela Highway on Thursday morning claimed the lives of a father and his 15-yearold daughter.

Dead are Kenneth Johnson and his daughter Kelly Johnson, while his 12-year-old son Kelroy Johnson, who managed to escape the vehicle, remains hospitalised

in critical condition. Reports indicate that Johnson A Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was driving the motor car, PAL 2882, west along Aubrey Barker Road at a high rate of speed at about 01:50h when he lost control and crashed near the Mandela roundabout. Police on Thursday said that the vehicle collided with the concrete median

and overturned several times before coming to a stop on the western parapet of the Nelson Mandela to Eccles Inter-Link Road. As a result of the collision, the driver and the front-seat passenger sustained injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor, while the 12-year-old was rescued from the vehicle and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Speaking with this publication, the grieving mother, Claudia Kendell, recalled that Johnson, a weed cutter and taxi driver, often took their children out for food or late-night drives, a routine family moment she never imagined would end in tragedy.

“Well, my husband does taxi work, and he also does other odd jobs. Sometimes when people called him at night, he would take the children with him, and they would go out. Or sometimes he would just wake them up and ask if they wanted to go for a drive or for food.”

The mother said that after hours passed without seeing her husband, son, and daughter return home, she became concerned and attempted to contact him by telephone, but the calls went straight to voicemail. A few moments later, she received a call informing her that her husband and daughter had been involved in an accident and were both deceased.

“After I didn’t see them home, I kept calling for Kelroy, and I

thought maybe both of them were gone. Around 6:30 or 7 o’clock, I knew something was wrong, so I decided to call him. When I called, a woman answered and explained what had happened.”

A relative of the deceased also refuted claims circulating online that bottles found in the car suggested the driver had been drinking. The relative explained that Johnson was known to pick up discarded bottles along the roadside to resell, noting that this was likely the reason they were in the vehicle.

“Whenever we are driving, we just pick up those bottles and sell them. Some people even have a whole case of bottles in their cars.

People were saying online that he was intoxicated, but that’s not true,” the relative said.

“…if the other children were up, he would probably have taken them all and taken them out as well. This man was like a brother to us. He would pick up bottles, sell them, and take the children anywhere they wanted to go. It didn’t matter what time it was; he never drank or misbehaved. If the children wanted something to eat, he would get it for them, no matter the hour,” the relative said. Kenneth Johnson had five other children. Persons who wish to assist the grieving family can contact them via telephone (592) 6414620.

Mashramani floats left on NA streets days after parade

The floats used during the Mashramani celebrations in New Amsterdam on Sunday that were left along roadways in the town

Three floats used during the Mashramani celebrations in New

part of bands brought to the town for the Mashramani activities, were seen

partially occupying the roadway, while two others were dumped along Strand,

Amsterdam on Sunday have been left abandoned along public roadways in the town.

The floats, which were

dumped along Main Street and Strand on Wednesday. One of the structures was left along Main Street,

including one positioned directly in front of the residence of the Regional Executive Officer (REO).

Residents and road users have expressed concern that the floats could pose a hazard to motorists, particularly at night, while others questioned why the structures had not yet been removed from the roadways

3

days after the celebrations concluded.

Mashramani celebrations were held across several communities on Sunday as Guyana marked its Republic anniversary, with New Amsterdam hosting

drivers

one of the regional activities, which included a street parade featuring floats, costumes, and bands.

Up to Thursday afternoon, the floats remained at the locations where they had been left by revellers.

fined $700,000

for drunk driving; licence suspended

Three residents of Region One (Barima–Waini) have been fined for driving with blood alcohol levels exceeding the legal limit.

Ricardo Boyer, Clive Henry, and Murphy Samuels appeared at the Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, before Magistrate Clive Nurse,

where the charges under Section 39A(1) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02, were read to them.

Boyer pleaded guilty to two counts of driving under the influence. He was fined $200,000 for the first count and $300,000 for the second. In both cases, he faces imprisonment of three and four months, respectively, if he defaults on payment. Additionally, his driver’s licence has been suspended for six months.

Henry and Samuels also pleaded guilty to the offence and were each fined $200,000 or face three months’ imprisonment if they fail to pay the fine.

ECD road expansion 59 Buxton Railway Embankment vendors relocated

The Public Works Ministry has finalised arrangements to relocate 59 vendors currently operating along the Railway Embankment at Buxton,

The decision was confirmed following a multi-stakeholder meeting held on Wednesday involving Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, representa-

sultant Beston Consulting Inc, and officials from the Ministry.

During the engagement, the Minister indicated that a new tarmac will be construct-

East Coast Demerara, as work progresses on the East Coast Demerara Road Expansion Project.

tives of the Buxton-Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), vendors’ representatives, the project con-

ed to accommodate the vendors, who are currently located along the alignment of the ongoing road project. He as-

sured us that the relocation exercise will not result in any vendor being displaced.

According to the Ministry, the new vending area will include amenities such as washroom facilities and lighting to support vendors and improve security.

The relocation is intended to clear the roadway to allow the contractor, China Railway First Group, to continue works under the East Coast Demerara Road Expansion Project.

Initial consultations

with vendors were held in November 2025, when Edghill and a technical team outlined the proposed relocation and discussed how the process would unfold.

The Ministry said the consultations formed part of efforts to keep affected vendors informed and ensure they can continue their economic activities during the construction period.

According to the Ministry, the clearing of the identified site has already begun along the Buxton

Line Top, adjacent to the Buxton-Foulis NDC. The location was selected through collaboration between the Neighbourhood Democratic Council and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to ensure an accessible area for the vendors.

The Public Works Ministry said it will continue to engage vendors as the project advances to ensure a smooth transition to the new vending area once construction of the tarmac is completed.

101 officers promoted to strengthen leadership in Prison Service

The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has strengthened its leadership with the promotion of some 101 officers, whom, according to Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, are now entrusted with greater responsibilities.

This approved promotion is the most comprehensive advancement exercise within the Prison Service in recent years and aims at strengthening correctional leadership and institutional stability.

According to the Home Affairs Ministry, the promotions span supervisory, administrative, and technical levels to expand command capacity, improve middle-management oversight, and advance security and rehabilitative reforms nationwide.

Among the approved promotions are five Superintendents of Prisons, 13 Assistant Superintendents of Prisons, two Cadet Officers (Internal) on probation, 17 Chief Prison Officers, 28 Principal Prison Officers II, 23 Principal Prison Officers I, 12 Prison Trade Instructors, and one Coxswain.

These promotions, which

operational accountability across correctional facilities.

The Ministry noted that the prison service modernisation in recent years saw

tions to the 101 well-deserved officers, Walrond noted that their continued efforts play a vital role in maintaining security, upholding justice, and

ing that advancement within the Prison Service must be accompanied by academic progression and skills-building.

major investments in human capital alongside physical upgrades to enhance the institution’s capacity to provide secure custody and advance structured rehabilitation.

According to Minister Walrond, determination,

supporting rehabilitation efforts across the country.

“These promotions place trusted officers in positions of greater responsibility.

Secure facilities and effective rehabilitation depend on their discipline, fairness, and daily commitment to lawful

were made after thorough administrative and procedural reviews, have now restored structured career progression, improved succession planning, and strengthened

hard work, and merit deserve recognition – something which she says was reflected in the promotion of these prison officers.

In extending congratula-

ties; enhanced security systems with electronic monitoring; professional training for more than 150 officers in 2026 in correctional management and human rights standards; and skills-based reintegration programmes to strengthen pathways for

mates have been trained in the areas of block making, carpentry, stress management, among others, while a total of 361 officers were trained in prison management practices.

In 2026, the GPS will be conducting comprehen-

The Home Affairs Ministry said it will continue advancing reforms to strengthen professional standards, protect officer welfare, and reinforce public confidence in correctional administration.

inmates.

In fact, the Guyanese Government has allocated some $141.8 million in Budget 2028 to continue prioritising inmate rehabilitation, vocational training and behavioural programmes aimed at addressing the un-

and humane custody,” the home affairs Minister noted.

Minister Walrond further urged those promoted officers to pursue continuous personal development, add-

Comprehensive reform

Meanwhile, these promotions support a comprehensive reform programme that includes infrastructure modernisation at Lusignan, Mazaruni, and other facili-

derlying causes of criminal behaviour, while simultaneously providing support for successful inmate reintegration.

To date, over 1300 in-

sive, advanced prison management and human rights training for 400 officers to ensure proficiencies aligned with the new correctional mandates, as well as train 1500 inmates in various areas to facilitate their reintegration into society.

This $141.8 million falls under the Prison Service’s $6 billion budget earmarked for this year, which also includes another $1.5 billion to further upgrade the prison infrastructure.

Last year, some $2.1 billion was spent on the upgrade of facilities at Mazaruni and New Amsterdam prisons, including a mess hall and living quarters, as well as completing the Lusignan prison headquarters along with several facilities, including a cell block, a female prison, and a fire suppression system.

These all fall under the Guyanese Government’s comprehensive plan of transforming the prison system into a modern correctional institution through extensive infrastructural upgrades and the consolidation of strategic facilities, thereby strengthening security and safety.

High Court rejects US-indicted Mohameds’ application to reinstate cambio licence

…upholds BoG's revocation

The High Court in Georgetown on Thursday dismissed an application filed by United States-indicted businessmen, Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, seeking to reinstate their cambio licence.

On June 13, 2024, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) had revoked the cambio of licence, trading under the name “Confidential Cambio”, of the Mohameds. This was after the US Department of Justice’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had sanctioned the Mohameds and their businesses in relation to gold smuggling and public corruption allegations. As a consequence, the Mohameds were added to the OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, which includes individuals, entities, and organisations with whom US persons are generally prohibited from doing business with. Exactly one year later, on June 13, 2025, the two Guyanese businessmen filed proceedings in the High Court, asking the Court for orders declaring that the revocation of their Cambio licence by the Bank of Guyana was unlawful, null, void and of no legal effect and to also order its restoration.

According to court documents, the Mohameds (applicants) contended that they were not afforded an opportunity to be heard prior to the revocation of the licence, in breach of the principles of natural justice. They further argued that the Bank of Guyana (Respondent) “acted unfairly, unreasonably and in breach of lawful procedure when it revoked the applicants’ cambio licence based solely on an external designation without due process”.

Cambio licence revoked lawfully

However, in handing down her decision on Thursday, High Court Judge

Justice Damone Younge rejected the applicants’ contention that they were not afforded an opportunity to be heard prior to the revocation of their licence. The Judge cited a letter, dated June 12, 2024, that was attached to the Mohamed’s application, expressly inviting them to a hearing to be heard. She also pointed to

with the authority to revoke the Cambio licence of the applicants and did so lawfully under the Dealers in Foreign Currency (Licensing) Act, specifically Section 4(1)(c), which states, “The Bank, after consultation with the Minister, may, having regard to…(c) the character and antecedents of the applicant, grant or refuse to grant to him a licence.”

Justice Younge contended that the “character and antecedents of the applicant” are essential factors to be taken into consideration by the Central Bank. “Therefore, any circumstance that would impact the character of a licensee is a circumstance that can be properly taken into account by the Bank of Guyana when determining whether to exercise the discretion to grant or refuse to grant a licence,” she stated.

Has power to revoke Another section of the Act that the Judge took into

the licence or any provision of the Act… In this Court’s considered view, this means that the circumstances as set out in s. 4 (1) must be maintained throughout the life of the licence and that any change in those circumstances would be a ground for the revocation of same. The appearance of the applicants on the SDN list would

an email response by Nazar Mohamed, who indicated he would attend the hearing but failed to show up.

“It is clear to this Court that the applicants were provided with an opportunity to be heard prior to the revocation of the licence, but for reasons known only to them, they did not avail themselves of the opportunity,” Justice Younge said in her ruling.

The court further unequivocally dismissed the applicants’ contention that the Bank of Guyana had predetermined the matter or that the letter of June 12, 2024, revoked the licence.

Moreover, the High Court Judge found that the Bank of Guyana was vested

consideration is Section 8(1), which says, “The Bank may revoke a licence granted to a licensee if (a) he has ceased to carry on the licensed business for a period of not less than six months; or (b) has contravened, or failed to comply with, any of the conditions subject to which the licence was granted or any provision of this Act.”

The Judge ruled that, “It is clear from the express provisions of this section that the Bank of Guyana has the power to revoke a licence. This power can be exercised where the licensee has ceased to carry on the licensed business for a particular period or has contravened or failed to comply with any of the conditions of

and has, in this Court’s view, negatively impacted whatever good character the applicants may have enjoyed prior to the imposition of the OFAC sanction and at the time they were issued the licence. To argue otherwise would be insincere.”

Having established that the applicants were no longer compliant with the provisions of the act, the court found that the bank had every right, and indeed an obligation, to consider the applicants’ sanctioned status and, as a consequence, was empowered to revoke the applicants’ licence on that ground.

“The revocation of the applicants’ licence by the Respondent was therefore

done in accordance with the Dealers in Foreign Currency (Licensing) Act,” the Judge declared.

The Court agreed with the submissions of the Bank of Guyana that the applicants were guilty of undue delay in instituting the proceedings challenging the revocation of their licence since the proceedings were, without explanation, filed one year after the revocation and six months after the licence would have expired on December 31, 2024.

Costs to Central Bank

Against this backdrop, the High Court Judge dismissed the application of the Mohameds with costs to the Central Bank in the sum of $250,000, which is to be paid on or before April 10. During the proceedings, the applicants were represented by attorney Darren Wade and the Bank of Guyana by attorney Pauline Chase.

In its June 2024 statement, OFAC said the sanctions are related to the evasion of taxes on gold exports, noting that between 2019 and 2023, Mohamed’s Enterprise omitted more than 10,000 kilograms of gold from import and export declarations and avoided paying more than US$50 million in duty taxes to the Government of Guyana.

Since the imposition of the sanctions in June 2024, the Guyanese Government has suspended the licences of the Mohameds’ various businesses, highlighting that the US-sanctioned businessmen are a risk and a threat to Guyana’s financial stability, sovereignty and diplomacy. Subsequently, several Government entities and local businesses, including commercial banks, have cut ties with the Mohameds.

Over a year after the sanctions, the two Mohameds were indicted in October 2025 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 linked primarily to alleged irregularities in gold exports to the US through their company, Mohamed’s Enterprise.

The US Government subsequently made a request for the father-and-son duo to be extradited to face the indictments. The Mohameds are currently out on $150,000 bail each, as they continue to fight their extradition. The case has been adjourned to March 12.

Meanwhile, since the OFAC sanctions, Azruddin Mohamed has founded a political party – We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) – and contested the 2025 elections, which earned him 16 seats in Guyana’s 65-member National Assembly and the position as the opposition leader.

US lobbyist Only last week, it was reported that the WIN party had hired and paid some US$250,000 to a lobbyist firm to engage the US Government and businesses there.

According to filings with the US Department of Justice (DOJ), Wyomingbased LSG LLC is the consulting services firm that was hired by WIN. The US lobbyist firm filed its registration on February 24, 2026, in keeping with the DOJ’s Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

“The Registrant will advise the Foreign Principal in developing and cultivating its relationships within the United States Government and private sector,” LSG LLC said about the services it would provide to WIN. The registration document names LSG LLC’s President, Stephen Payne, and Vice President, Logan Somera, as the persons who will render services directly in the interests of WIN.

“The boat was taking in water” – Captain recounts ordeal as fisherman still missing

Afishing vessel Captain has provided new details about the ordeal at sea that led to the disappearance of 33-year-old Ryan Roberts, also called “Blue Shirt”, of Block B Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, who remains missing and is feared drowned in the Atlantic Ocean.

Roberts was among a five-man fishing crew that had left the Abary fishing landing on February 24 on what was expected to be a 15-day fishing trip.

According to the vessel’s Captain, Dale Wilson, the crew had been at sea for several days when the incident occurred while they were hauling in their seine.

Recounting the events leading up to the ordeal, Wilson said the crew had just finished using the vessel’s hydraulic system to pull in their fishing seine when the situation suddenly changed.

“We had just used the hydraulic wrench to pull up the seine, and I was going down into the engine room to take it off the hydraulic system when the boat was hit by a large wave,” the Captain recalled.

Wilson said that shortly after the wave struck, he checked with the crew and was initially told that everyone was safe. However, when he inspected the en-

gine room, he realised the situation was more serious.

“When I checked the engine room, I realised the boat was tilting and taking in water,” Wilson said. It was then that the crew discovered that Roberts had been knocked overboard during the impact.

“It was then we realised Roberts was overboard. He had been by the icebox when the wave hit and knocked him into the Atlantic,” the Captain explained.

The Captain said the crew immediately began a desperate effort to save Roberts, who was struggling in the rough Atlantic waters. According to Wilson, the fishing seine

that was still in the water helped keep the injured fisherman afloat while the men fought against the waves to pull him back to the vessel.

“It took us about an hour to pull him back onto the boat, and during that time he told us that both his legs were broken,” Wilson said.

Wilson said that even as the crew struggled to stabilise Roberts on the vessel, another problem was unfolding below deck. Water had begun rapidly filling the engine room, causing the boat to lean dangerously in the heavy seas.

“The boat was taking in a lot of water, and we were about ten miles from shore when I started the engine to head back to land,” the Captain said.

However, the Captain said their attempt to race the crippled vessel back to shore was short-lived.

“About five minutes after we started heading back the engine cut off because the engine room had filled with water,” Wilson said.

With the engine suddenly falling silent and the vessel already heavy with water, the small fishing boat began to roll helplessly in the pounding Atlantic swells.

Moments later the situation escalated.

“The boat then capsized, and all of us were thrown

into the ocean,” he recalled.

Thrown into the cold Atlantic waters under limited moonlight, the crew suddenly found themselves fighting for survival as powerful waves rolled through the area. Wilson said the injured Roberts was quickly given a life ring while the men searched for anything that could help keep them afloat.

“We had him on an ice box and gave him a life ring, but the waves kept tossing him off,” the Captain said.

According to Wilson, the men clung desperately to the floating container as the rough sea repeatedly scattered them, each wave threatening to pull them

further apart in the darkness.

As exhaustion began to set in, the Captain said a powerful wave struck the group, scattering the men once again across the turbulent water.

“A big wave scattered all of us, and when we got back together by the ice box, Roberts was gone,” Wilson said.

He added that some members of the crew later reported seeing the injured fisherman some distance away in the darkness.

“Some of the men said they saw him some distance away, but we were too weak to fight the waves to get to him,” the Captain said.

The remaining four crew members continued battling the rough sea throughout the night before they were eventually rescued by another fishing vessel.

“Till next morning when the sun come up, another fishing boat rescued the four of us and took us to the Abary landing,” Wilson said.

All four fishermen sought medical attention after reaching shore, with two of them admitted to the hospital for treatment before later being discharged. Roberts remains missing and is feared drowned. The matter was reported to the Mahaicony Police Station.

M&CC cracks down on illegal stalls, signs, building materials on parapets …gives residents, vendors 1 month to remove obstructions

The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown have issued a public notice on Thursday, giving property owners, vendors, and residents of the city one month to remove any unauthorised encumbrances placed on municipal lands across the city.

In the notice, the council said items placed on parapets, reserves, road shoulders, sidewalks and other public spaces without approval are in violation of the city’s municipal regulations.

According to the Council, the action is being taken in keeping with Sections 9 and 10 (1) of the City Government By-laws and Sections 302 (24) and

(25) under Miscellaneous Powers of the Council in the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01.

The Council explained that unauthorised encumbrances include sand, stone and other construction materials placed on parapets or reserves, as well as unauthorised signs, billboards or advertisements.

It was also warned against the placement of boulders, barriers or other obstructions and the erection of stalls, structures or other items on municipal lands without written approval from the council.

Persons who have laced or caused such encumbrances to be placed on city parapets and reserves have

been given one month from the date of notice to remove them entirely.

The notice stated that failure to comply within the period given could result in the City Council removing the encumbrances without further notice. Administrative costs for the removal may also be charged to the responsible parties.

The council further warned that offenders could face possible fines or other legal action in accordance with municipal by-laws.

Over the past months, the Public Works Ministry has been issuing several removal notices directing the immediate removal of all encumbrances from the roadway.

Agri-workshop links farmers to services, financing, tech support

Some of the participants at the workshop

Efforts to strengthen agriculture as a viable business sector were highlighted during a Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne) Agriculture Capacity Building Workshop at the Regional Democratic Council boardroom in Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam, on Wednesday, where school teachers formed the majority of participants alongside farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.

The workshop is a collaborative initiative involving the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), World University Service of Canada (WUSC Caribbean), the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Guyana Food Safety Authority (GFSA), the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTTCB), the Small Business Bureau (SBB) and Guyana Bank for Trade

and Industry (GBTI), working alongside the Ministry of Agriculture to provide farmers and other stakeholders with information on the range of services available to support agricultural production, marketing and

business development.

According to Country Coordinator with WUSC Caribbean for Guyana and Suriname, Donald Cole, the initiative forms part of the Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean (SAC) proj-

ect, which is funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by WUSC.

“The workshop is basically about bringing everyone in the room… so farmers can have access to services available to them, whether they need to access finance or extension services,” Cole explained.

Cole explained that while many farmers may be aware of the agencies that assist, they are often unsure about the process of accessing those services.

“Sometimes they might know where to go, but they don’t know how to access the service, and in some cases it might be vice versa. With workshops like this, they now know where to go and how to access the service,” he noted.

The WUSC official added that the initiative also focuses on strengthening systems within the agricultural sector to ensure that farmers continue to benefit even after the project concludes.

“From the project perspective, we implement a

“Addressing narco-terrorism...

“America is prepared to take on these threats and go on the offense alone, if necessary. However, it is our preference – and it is the goal of this conference – that in the interests of this [hemisphere], we all do it together; with you, with our neighbors and with our allies who are eager and willing and capable to do this,” Hegseth appealed to regional representatives.

Last year, Washington had deployed about 10,000 troops in the Caribbean as part of efforts to combat transnational crime and the illicit drug trade in the region, especially coming out of Caracas.

The Trump Administration has stated that designated narco-terrorist organisations like Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles are using the region’s air and sea corridors to funnel drugs into the US, thus posing a direct threat to American lives and security.

On January 3, US troops captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas, taking them to New York to face several in-

dictments on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.

However, this development had sparked concerns of an expansionism plan by the North American powerhouse – something which President Dr Irfaan Ali had already shut down.

“My priority is the safety and security of the Guyanese people, and on the integrity of our borders, our territorial integrity and our sovereignty. And nothing in that relation will ever be compromised,” President Ali declared to reporters during an interview on the sidelines of an event on January 10.

According to the Head of State, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in Guyana, “… our allies and development partners are with us on that.”

In fact, President Ali has a series of security-related engagements with top US officials including Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, as recent as last week on the sidelines of the Caricom Head of Government Conference in St

Kitts and Nevis.

While in St Kitts, the Guyanese Leader confirmed that he was invited by President Trump for a meeting in Florida this weekend. President Ali said he intends to focus his discussions on strengthening bilateral relationships in terms of regional security.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve been engaging in strengthening our bilateral relationship in terms of security. And what the US Administration is having in Miami is a meeting on security matters that is convened by President Trump… It’s a meeting dealing with security matters, it’s dealing with some of the challenges in the region, and to see how we can coordinate better in relation to those challenges. And this is an engagement that has been ongoing,” Ali stated.

Based on reports, the leaders of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago are the only Caribbean representatives who will be attending this weekend’s high-level meeting.

market systems approach, and when the project leaves, we want to ensure the systems and structures we put in place continue beyond the life of the project,” Cole said.

He noted that the project has been implemented over the past four years and has engaged farmers and agricultural stakeholders in several regions across Guyana.

Meanwhile, research scientist attached to the National Agricultural

Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Denicia White, explained that the workshop also served to inform farmers and other stakeholders about the range of services available through agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture.

“We are collaborating to inform farmers about services offered by the government and to give them information on practices which

are good for agriculture and establishing their businesses,” White said while noting that farmers were introduced to several support services, including soil testing through NAREI, livestock support through GLDA, marketing information through the GMC and financing opportunities through agencies such as the Small Business Bureau.

She added that the initiative also encourages farmers to view agriculture as a structured business rather than simply a subsistence activity.

White also highlighted the growing emphasis being placed on hydroponic farming as part of efforts to modernise agricultural practices and improve productivity.

“Hydroponics farming is basically the use of nutrient-rich water to grow plants. With this type of cultivation, you reduce your inputs, reduce your labour, and increase your profit margin,” she explained.

Another major focus of the workshop was the Farmers Connect mobile application, which was recently launched by the Ministry of Agriculture to help farmers access information and support services more easily.

“The app in itself is like the Ministry of Agriculture moving with you and along with you,” White said.

The application allows farmers to access information such as weather up-

dates, extension services, soil data and training opportunities, while also providing a platform to seek assistance from Ministry officials.

Timely initiative

Meanwhile, an agricultural entrepreneur from East Bank Berbice and representative of agriculture in Region Six, Reynard Ward, described the workshop as a timely initiative that helps bridge the gap between agriculture and business development.

“One of the things that is very important here is the link between business and agriculture because a lot of times people don’t consider agriculture a business,” Ward said.

Ward emphasised that agriculture plays a critical role in sustaining families and communities and said initiatives such as the workshop should be expanded beyond regional forums.

“This initiative by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the other stakeholders is one that should be replicated not only in this region but at community levels,” he added.

Organisers said the workshop is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector by improving farmers’ access to information, services, and modern farming practices while encouraging greater collaboration between public and private sector agencies.

Magistrate recuses himself from case involving Mabaruma Mayor

The case involving Mabaruma Mayor Trevi Leung, who is facing charges of sexual touching and common assault, will have to be reassigned to another Magistrate after the presiding Magistrate, Clive Nurse, recused himself when the matter was called on Monday at the Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court.

The matter will now go before the acting chief Magistrate, Faith McGusty, in Georgetown for reassignment.

The case was subsequently adjourned to March 11.

Leung, who is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Vinay Punwa, had previously appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Mabaruma

Carlvin Burnett captures Road March title as Ministries dominate Mashramani costume & float parade

…Maxi Williams cops Designer of the Year title

Through judging points along Vlissengen Road and the Soca Ground, Carlvin Burnett’s hit track “Lunatic” dominated the Mashramani 2026 celebrations, earning him the coveted Road March title as large masquerade bands paraded through the streets of Georgetown.

Meanwhile, the costume and float parade saw Government Ministries and organisations capturing top honours across multiple categories.

In the Non-Commercial Float category, first place went to the Housing Ministry’s Central Housing and Planning Authority, designed by Jermaine Brooms. The Natural Resources Ministry placed second, while the Public Utilities and Civil Aviation Ministry finished third.

The Commercial Float category was led by the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL), designed by Samuel Ince, with the Heritage Band taking sec-

ond place. Heritage Band also secured first place in the Commercial Band category, while GUYOIL finished second.

In the Non-Commercial Full Costume Bands (Large) category, the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry captured first place, followed by the Natural Resources Ministry in second and the Public Works Ministry in third. For medium bands, the Health Ministry placed first, the Labour and Manpower Planning Ministry second, and the Amerindian Affairs Ministry third.

In the Small Bands category, the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry was first, followed by the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry in second and the Home Affairs Ministry in third.

The Semi-Costume Large Band category was won by the Ministry of Agriculture, while the Guyana Police Force

claimed first place in the Military and Paramilitary Organisation category.

In the regional competition, Region Six captured first place in the Full Costume Small Regional

category, with Region Four placing second.

Individual costume honours were dominated by Maxi Williams, who was named Designer of the Year. Williams also took home

King of the Band, Queen of the Band, Male Individual and Female Individual awards for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, as well as first place in the Party Truck category.

From road marches to floats and full-costume bands, Mashramani 2026 once again showcased Guyana’s vibrant culture, creativity, and talent across the nation’s streets.

Region 2 Police conduct tint sensitisation ahead of new legal requirements

Ranks in Division Two carrying out the tint sensitisation exercise on Thursday

Regional Divisional

Police Two carried out a tint sensitisation exercise on Thursday, targeting vehicle owners across the division to ensure compliance

with upcoming tint regulations. Between 15:00h and 17:00h, Inspector V Mahadeo and ranks conducted checks using window and wind-

screen tint meters to measure the percentage of Visible Light Transmission (VLT) on vehicles. Drivers were also educated on the new legal requirements.

Motorists indicated that they were aware of the amendments through social media, both electronic and printed, but expressed that the exercise helped them better understand the tint meters and the specific VLT standards.

The new regulations, ef-

fective April 1, 2026, stipulate front windows must allow a minimum of 25 per cent VLT, rear windows must allow a minimum of 25 per cent VLT, and front windscreens may not be tinted, except for a sixinch visor strip at the top.

Non-compliance will attract a fine of $30,000 under the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Amendment Act, Chapter 51:02.

Police noted that drivers voluntarily presented their vehicles for testing during the exercise, which is part of ongoing efforts to ensure

J’ca Govt to discontinue arrangement with Cuba over deployment of medical professionals

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica says the Government has made the decision to discontinue the current arrangement regarding the deployment of medical professionals in the public health sector by the Government of Cuba.

The Ministry, in a media release on Thursday, said this decision comes as both Governments were unable to agree on the terms and conditions of a new technical cooperation arrangement, following the expiration of the previous agreement in February 2023.

“In the interest of continuity of the valuable service provided by the Cuban medical professionals present in the country and for their personal certainty and well-being, the Government

Cuban doctors and nurses arrive in Jamaica

of Jamaica has indicated its willingness for the Ministry of Health and Wellness to engage these medical professionals on an individual basis, in keeping with local labour laws. This arrangement would last for the remainder of their scheduled tenure in Jamaica under the programme,” the

Ministry said.

The Ministry added that Cuban medical professionals have been serving in various public health facilities across the island, and Jamaicans have benefited notably from the eye care programme as well as the general care by nurses and doctors. (Jamaica Observer)

Ecuadorean troops find 35m-long “narco-sub” hidden in nature reserve

The Ecuadorean military says it has seized a 35m-long “narco submarine” hidden in a nature reserve near the country’s border with Colombia.

The semi-submersible had been carrying 6000 gallons (22,700 litres) of fuel and was ready to embark on “a long drug-smuggling voyage”, Ecuador’s Ministry of defence said in a statement.

The discovery came shortly after Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa announced a “new phase” in his Government’s war on drug cartels.

Sandwiched between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador has become a key country through which illicit drugs transit from South America to the US, Europe and as far as Australia.

Troops found the submarine in a mangrove swamp in the Cayapas–Mataje nature reserve.

They also found a camp nearby, which they said was being used by criminals as a logistics hub to prepare vessels for smuggling drugs.

Along with the 35m-long sub, the security forces also

seized six speedboats, seven outboard motors and dozens of barrels of fuel.

The troops came under fire during the operation from “armed individuals”, the Defence Ministry said.

There was no mention of any arrests being made or of any drugs seized in its statement. (Excerpt from BBC News)

ESFN concludes World Wetlands Day activities with successful Ramsar

Site ecological tour to Barbuda

The EcoShores Sustainable Futures Network (ESFN) is proud to report the successful completion of its youth-centred ecological tour to Antigua and Barbuda’s Ramsar Site established in 2005, the Codrington Lagoon National Park. This tour, held in recognition of World Wetlands Day 2026, brought together 70 participants from Antigua and Barbuda, including environmental enthusiasts, students, and teachers from the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS), as well as members of local environmental organisations such as IHO Nature Rangers,

Scrub Life Cares, and Adopta-Coastline. 24 Barbudan youth participants joined in the activity and shared their media expertise by capturing the momentous occasion. For many Antiguan participants, it was their first time to the sister island. Aligned with this year’s World Wetlands Day theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”, the Ramsar Site tour integrated lessons on the cultural, economic, and historical significance of these ecosystems to Barbudan and Antiguan communities. Through discussions and direct engagement, participants explored

3rd Haitian detainee dies in ICE custody

The family of a Haitian man who fell ill inside an Arizona immigration detention centre says he died Monday after his tooth infection went untreated by staff at the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. Emmanuel Damas, 56, is the third Haitian reported dead in federal custody since April 2025, amid skyrocketing detentions to meet the Trump Administration’s mass deportation goals.

“As a country – I’m an American now – I think we can do better than that,” Damas’s brother, Presly Nelson, said Wednesday.

Damas had been in custody since September and was being held even after his asylum application was denied. Damas first told medical workers at the Florence Correctional Center about his toothache in mid-February. Despite his pain, his brother says he was never sent to see a dentist.

Florence Correctional

A screenshot from ICE.gov of detainees reported dead in ICE custody since the fiscal year began last fall

Center is run by CoreCivic, a private company. It has declined to comment, referring all questions to ICE.

The federal agency had not yet responded to enquiries as of Thursday. Damas is the 14th person to die in ICE custody this fiscal year, according to the agency’s detainee deaths reporting page. His death adds to a growing list of concerns regarding the medical care provided in private detention facilities. (Excerpt from The Haitian Times)

Barbados calls for restraint as Middle Eastern tensions intensify

The Government of Barbados is calling for maximum restraint from all parties as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.

A statement issued through the Barbados Government Information Service said it was “especially concerned by the retaliatory attacks which the Islamic Republic of Iran is visiting on the states of the Gulf region”.

“These attacks are not only unprovoked but also unjustified. They constitute a grave escalation of tensions and represent a clear violation of the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference that underpin international law and the

Charter of the United Nations,” it said.

The full statement follows:

The Government of Barbados continues to observe with great concern the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

Barbados is especially concerned by the retaliatory attacks which the Islamic Republic of Iran is visiting on the states of the Gulf region. These attacks are not only unprovoked but also unjustified. They constitute a grave escalation of tensions and represent a clear violation of the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference that underpin international law and the Charter of

the United Nations. The continued use of force in this manner threatens civilian lives, destabilises the wider Middle East, and undermines global peace and security.

We urge the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to fulfil its obligations under international law and to immediately desist from any more unprovoked military action against these states. We further call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint. Barbados stands firmly with the international community in advocating for de-escalation, respect for international law, and the urgent restoration of stability in the Gulf region.” (NationNews)

UK introduces visa requirement for Saint Lucians

Show traditional knowledge can guide conservation practices and inspire sustainable stewardship of natural resources.

The success of this initiative underscores ESFN’s commitment to youth leadership, environmental education, and cultural preservation. By bringing together students, local organisations, and community members, ESFN continues to foster the next generation of environmental scientists and advocates equipped with knowledge, purpose, and a deep connection to Antigua and Barbuda’s unique natural heritage. (Excerpt from Antigua Newsroom)

aint Lucian nationals must now obtain a visa to travel to the United Kingdom, including for transit through the UK.

Details of the change appear on the UK Government’s official website, which states that Saint Lucia and Nicaragua will be removed from the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to enter the UK with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

According to a press release issued by the Government of Saint Lucia, UK authorities advised that the new visa requirement took effect on March 5, 2026, at 11:00h Eastern Caribbean time.

A six-week transition period will remain in place until midday on April 16, 2026.

During this time, Saint Lucian nationals who already hold an ETA and booked travel before the policy change may still enter the United Kingdom visa-free, provided they arrive before the end of the transition window.

According to UK authorities, the visa requirement will mean Saint Lucian nationals travelling to the UK will be assessed against immigration rules before arrival.

Reasons for the policy change were said to be a rise in asylum claims by Saint Lucian nationals, as well as concerns linked to the country’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme.

Information published on the UK Government website indicates that between

January 2022 and December 2025, “360 nationals of St Lucia claimed asylum, of which 128 (36 per cent) were made at port.” Officials described the figure as high relative to Saint Lucia’s population of about 180,000.

The UK Government said asylum claims place a burden on the country’s border and migration system. The UK Government also classified Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment programme as “high risk”. While acknowledging steps taken by the Government of Saint Lucia to strengthen oversight of the programme, the UK cited increases in passport applications in 2023 and 2024 as a concern. (Excerpt from St Lucia Times)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Oil settles up around 5% on supply concerns as Iran conflict widens

Oil prices settled up around five per cent on Thursday, extending a rally as the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran disrupted supplies and shipping, driving some major producers in the Middle East to reduce output.

Brent crude settled up US$4.01, or 4.93 per cent, at US$85.41 per barrel, a fifth session of gains. US West Texas Intermediate crude settled up US$6.35, or 8.51 per cent, to US$81.01, its highest since July 2024.

“There is no movement in the Strait of Hormuz, so prices will grind higher, and with countries having to shut in production, then we will be delayed even longer because it is not like you can just resume production at full strength; that will be a problem for a while,” said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital.

Missile attacks hit eastern Tehran, Iran’s ISNA news agency reported, and sirens rang in Dubai as war continued to spill over across the region.

Crude oil supplies from Iraq and Kuwait could start shutting within days if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, potentially cutting 3.3 million barrels per day by day eight of the conflict, JPMorgan analysts said in a note.

Around a fifth of global oil flows through the Strait. (Excerpt from Reuters)

3 US deportees file legal case against Eswatini over detention

Three men deported by the US to Eswatini – rather than their home countries – have filed a case against Eswatini’s Government with the African Union’s human rights body, claiming their detention was an unlawful violation of their rights.

Two of the claimants, from Cuba and Yemen, have been in prison in Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, for eight months. The third, Orville Etoria, was repatriated to his home country, Jamaica, in September.

They were among a group of five men deported by the US in July, with another 10 sent in October. Other than Etoria, all remained in prison in Eswatini, their lawyers said.

The US has labelled the men dangerous criminals, but their lawyers said they have already served their

sentences for any crimes committed in the US.

The men’s complaint was filed with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), an African Union body that monitors member states’ compliance with regional human rights agreements.

The commission can demand that states uphold rights and refer cases to the African court on human and peoples’ rights, but neither body has enforcement powers.

Beatrice Njeri, a lawyer with the Global Strategic Litigation Council, one of the organisations that brought the case on the deportees’ behalf, said: “The people in detention have committed no crime [in Eswatini] and continue to undergo various human rights violations … they are being held indefinitely.” (Excerpt from The Guardian)

US states sue to stop Trump’s latest global tariffs

Agroup of 24 states in the United States has sued US President Donald Trump’s Administration in the first legal challenge to his newly imposed 10 per cent global tariffs, alleging that the President cannot sidestep a recent US Supreme Court ruling that invalidated most of his previous tariffs on imported goods by citing new legal authority.

The Democratic-led states, including New York, California and Oregon, argue in the lawsuit that the new

tariffs are illegal.

Trump imposed duties under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs he imposed last year under an emergency powers law.

The balance-of-payments deficit measures in the Trade Act are primarily intended to address “archaic” monetary risks that existed when foreign Governments could trade dollars for gold held by the US, according to the states. Trump, however, has misapplied that standard in

an attempt to instead address US “trade deficits”, which occur when a nation imports more than it exports, according to the states.

Section 122, which has never been invoked, allows the President to impose tariffs of up to 15 per cent. They are limited to five months, unless extended by Congress, and are meant to address short-term monetary emergencies, not routine trade deficits.

“Make no mistake about it, President Trump’s signa-

ture economic policy is historically unpopular and is costing Americans, our business, and us as states hundreds of billions of dollars,” Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said. “It cannot continue just because a few of Trump’s lawyers have found a way to twist words and craft a legal argument.”

The suit comes a day after a judge ruled that companies that paid tariffs under Trump’s old framework should get refunds. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after controversy mounts

US President Donald Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday after months of controversy, including the fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis and lawmakers’ questions over a US$220 million advertising contract.

The Republican President will tap Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to replace her by the end of the month, he said on his Truth Social platform on Thursday. The appointment would require US Senate confirmation.

Noem, a former Governor of South Dakota, became one of Trump’s most high-profile Cabinet secretaries with social media posts that portrayed immigrants in harsh terms, highlighted alleged criminal offences, and used vitriolic language.

Her departure, after emerging as the face of an aggressive immigration crackdown that had grown unpopular according to recent polling, could allow Trump to reset his approach on immigration policy, a centrepiece of his agenda.

Shortly after Trump announced Noem’s replace- ment, she posted on X:

“We have made historic accomplishments at the Department of Homeland Security to make America safe again.”

During congressional hearings this week, Democrats and some Republicans criticised Noem for her approach to immigration enforcement and management of her department, including concern over a US$220 million advertising campaign that featured Noem heavily and had been awarded to two longtime Republican operatives without a standard bidding process. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Israel warns people to leave Beirut’s southern suburbs

Israel warned residents to leave Beirut’s southern suburbs, including Hezbollah-controlled areas, on Thursday, prompting an exodus from a swathe of the capital known as Dahiyeh, which a far-right Israeli minister said would soon resemble parts of Gaza.

Suggesting a major escalation looms in Israel’s offensive against the Iran-backed Hezbollah, an Israeli military spokesperson told residents of the southern suburbs to move east and north, posting a map showing four large districts of the capital they must leave.

Lebanon was pulled into the war in the Middle East

on Monday, when Hezbollah opened fire, sparking Israeli airstrikes focused on Beirut’s southern suburbs

and on southern and eastern Lebanon.

“Save your lives, evacuate your homes immediate-

ly,” the military spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, posted on X, saying that any movement southwards may endanger their lives. Roads out of the suburbs were clogged as people fled by car and on foot, television footage showed. The sound of warning shots could be heard in the southern suburbs, exhorting residents to leave.

Aliyyeh Hijazi, 66, said she fled her village in southern Lebanon at the start of the week for the city of Sidon in the south, before moving again to a relative’s home in Dahiyeh, only to flee again after Thursday’s warning. (Excerpt from Reuters)

FBI confirms its networks were targeted by “suspicious” cyber activities

The FBI on Thursday confirmed its networks were targeted by “suspicious” activities, without providing further details.

“The FBI identified and addressed suspicious activities on FBI networks, and we have leveraged all technical capabilities to respond. We have nothing additional to provide,” the bureau said in a statement.

The networks that were targeted in the cyber incident are known as the “digital col-

lection system”, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.

Documents obtained by a Freedom of Information Act by the Electronic Frontier Foundation decades ago described the FBI’s “Digital Collection Systems Network” as a suite of software that is used by the bureau to conduct a wide range of surveillance activities, from wiretaps to pen registers, which are surveillance tools that record phone numbers, IP address-

es, signalling and other information in real time.

CBS News could not ascertain additional details, including when the incident occurred, who was behind it or whether any information was compromised.

In 2024, state-sponsored hackers from China known as “Salt Typhoon” launched cyber assaults against commercial telecommunications companies.

The group hit numerous major US companies, in-

cluding Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies, and they also breached systems used by US intelligence to conduct wiretaps, CBS News previously reported.

That same group was also responsible for trying to tap into phones or networks used by then-former President Donald Trump, Sen JD Vance and members of former Vice President Kamala Harris’ Presidential campaign, CBS reported at the time. (CBS News)

Your actions will result in rewards. Lend a helping hand, volunteer or donate to a cause, and the returns will be greater than you expect. Listen with an open mind, but make choices with facts, figures, and reputation in mind. Doing what’s right will raise your profile and offer insight into who you want on your team.

Look at every possibility before you make a move. Refuse to let your emotions lead the way when common sense is vital. Spend more time on personal gains, growth, and physical improvements that make your life easier and your demeanor more appealing. Keep your eye on the possibilities, and your overhead under budget, and success will follow.

Pay attention, look for alternatives, and steer clear of anyone trying to take advantage of you, your possessions, or your skills. Say no to pressure tactics and emotional manipulation. Put your time and effort into learning, doing your part to help those less fortunate, and using your skills, connections, and expertise to make the world a better place.

Share your thoughts, let your words impact those you encounter, and it will help you gain insight into what others want. Don’t go out of your way to impress. If someone costs you financially, you will regret it. Take better care of your health, emotional well-being, and your reputation. Stick to facts and only promise what’s feasible.

Change your routine, make room for whatever brings meaningful results. It’s up to you to take responsibility for your happiness. Refuse to let others take over or dictate how you use your time or money. Be open to suggestions, learn on the go, and pay attention to maintaining healthy relationships. Love and personal improvement are on the rise.

Partnerships will require your attention, discretion, and hard choices. When in doubt, go directly to the source, ask direct questions, and make decisions for the right reason. A change of scenery will free your mind of drama and help you think clearly. Put emotions aside, avoid joint ventures and shared expenses, and use common sense.

Let your creative imagination lead the way. Dazzle those you encounter with your insight and unique alternatives. Spend more time rearranging your space to accommodate what you want to pursue. Keep life and your plans affordable and straightforward. Don’t feel obliged to participate in indulgent behavior or give in to someone using emotional manipulation.

Take the plunge and try something new. Social events will lead to interesting talks, friendships, and pastimes that bring you satisfaction, confidence, and drive. Keep your emotions under control and put your energy into self and home improvements that eliminate stress. Put your best foot forward, and your ideas and desires in motion. Romance is favored.

Refuse to let anger capture your attention. Concentrate on getting positive results by doing what’s right and best for you. Walk away from unsavory situations and people who try to push you in a direction that doesn’t suit your plans. A change to how you apply your skills and expertise to your work responsibility will pay off.

Go over your expenses and put a plan in place to pay down debt. Don’t believe what others tell you; verify facts before you make a move. An emotional situation can turn into a costly incident if you aren’t careful. Assess whatever situation you encounter and protect yourself from false claims. Focus on making money, not spending it.

Lighten up, engage in events that lead to information, connections, and people who can help you transform your life. Use your skills for something that excites you and explore what’s available that can help you raise your profile, qualifications, and earning potential. Leave nothing to chance and protect your interests. Choose fitness and diet, and look your best.

Take the blinders off and look at life through a magnifying glass. Leave nothing to chance or up to someone else’s discretion. Avoid excessive actions or emotional outbursts. Maintain structure, discipline, and honesty in all your dealings, and you will avoid unnecessary losses. Trust your instincts, follow your heart, and make peace with yourself.

On a night of pulsating drama, studded with 499 runs in 40 overs, including 34 sixes, India sealed their progression to Sunday’s T20 World Cup final, thanks to Sanju Samson’s second defining knock in as many matches and a display of targeted magnificence from the inevitable Jasprit Bumrah. But to do so, they had to withstand an innings from the ages, from the precocious Jacob Bethell, whose 105 from 48 balls kept England swinging for the fences in a heroically thwarted chase in Mumbai.

Set an unearthly 254 to win, after Samson had backed up his crucial 97 not out against the West Indies with another mighty innings of 89 from 42, England lost three wickets in the powerplay and eventually drifted out of contention as India’s seamers held their nerves in the death overs to leave an improbable requirement of 30 from the final over.

In the final analysis, however, it was the fine margin of fielding that made the key difference. Where Harry Brook dropped an utter clanger in the third over of the match, to reprieve Samson on 15 and leave his hapless bowler, Jofra Archer, winded and mojo-less, India’s defence turned on two stunning pieces of work from Axar Patel in the deep.

The first, at deep cover, showed Brook how it’s done, as England’s likeliest matchwinner was extracted for just seven from six; the second, at deep backward point, was an incredible running relay effort to intercept an uppercut from England’s player of the tournament, Will Jacks, whose 77-run stand for the fifth wicket with Bethell had given England a strong chance as they approached the final six overs.

Brook’s blunder signals India’s charge Suryakumar Yadav said he would have batted first had he won the toss, which

India in final after clinching high-scoring thriller

sounded like a bluff, given how compellingly the stats warned against it. No team had batted first and won a floodlight knockout at the T20 World Cup for 13 consecutive matches since Sri Lanka’s victory over the West Indies in their 2014 semi-final.

By the end of a 67-run powerplay, however, the inevitable was already charging into view. Sanju Samson had come into the contest with an unfavourable match-up against Archer – three dismissals for 23 in 25 previous deliveries in T20Is – but he also had the momentum of his match-winning knock at the weekend. He scarcely needed a helping hand to send his innings into overdrive.

Brook offered it nonetheless. It is hard to conceive of a more costly drop than the one England’s captain put down at mid-on in Archer’s second over. Samson had already cashed in on his shorter length, with two fours and a six in his first six balls, when Archer aimed a yard fuller and induced a scuffed drive at throat height. It was a dolly by any measure, and Brook’s face was a picture of guilt – first as the ball burst through his fingers, and then when Samson bludgeoned Archer high over the leg side two balls later.

At least Abhishek Sharma’s fallow campaign had been extended by that point – with Will Jacks trading two thumped fours for a miscue to deep midwicket in his opening over. It meant that England was spared a direct re-run of their previous bowl-first ordeal at the Wankhede, 13 months earlier, though the lessons of that night scarcely seemed to have been heeded.

Full steam through the middle Archer retreated with figures of 0 for 26 in two overs, to be replaced by Jamie Overton, who strayed far too full throughout his night’s work, and then by Sam Curran, whose changeups could not stem the tide either. Samson was too well set to be suckered by the moon ball, which he duly plonked over the head of mid-off.

The second most culpable moment of England’s fielding effort, however, was still to come. With two run-hungry batters itching to hit the spin, Liam Dawson’s introduction for the eighth over felt like a plan with too many drawbacks. Ishan Kishan and Samson duly traded a six apiece in a 19run demolition, and for the first time in his T20I career, Dawson was effectively rendered unusable.

The gloves were off from that point on. Curran returned for a change of ends but was subjected to a 20run tag-teaming, and at 112 for one after nine overs, jeopardy had left the building for India’s batters. Kishan flogged one last boundary

slog through the line, only for Tom Banton to spill the resultant chance at long-on.

Archer’s final over wasn’t anything like the same quality. He retreated with gruesome figures of 1 for 61, as Tilak Varma slotted three sixes in four balls before inside-edging onto his stumps for the most pyrrhic wicket of the night. Thereafter, Hardik was able to farm the strike for his favourable match-up with Jacks, belting two last sixes over the leg side to romp India past 250.

Bumrah up the sleeve

The good news for England was that Phil Salt flicked their first ball of the chase through fine leg for

before miscuing Rashid to long-off for 39 from 18, but out strode Shivam Dube to exact revenge with two huge strikes over long-on in the leg-spinner’s third over.

Archer’s return for a rare mid-innings foray telegraphed England’s desperation. But Samson, similarly, had eyes only for the boundary and none on impending milestones. He continued to accelerate into his night, marching into the 80s with two more sixes to take his personal haul to seven, before that man Jacks lobbed a wide-length ball across his bows to induce a miscue to deep cover. Since the start of India’s must-win in Kolkata on Sunday night, Samson had battered the small matter of 186 runs from 92 balls.

Death-overs frenzy

The only moment of genuine traction for England came in the 18th over, as Curran closed out his tough night with an excellent array of yorkers. And yet, he still went for 12, as Dube clubbed his fourth six before being sold a dummy by Hardik Pandya… who then lost control of his bat in a

four and that Jos Buttler also found the boundary for the first time in six innings, with an emphatic thump over the covers two balls later.

The bad news for England was that the bowler on the receiving end was not Jasprit Bumrah, but Arshdeep Singh. India had given themselves licence to keep their most deadly weapon in reserve and see what lumps they could extract before his deployment. Pandya duly obliged with a first-ball outswinger that Salt could only skew to cover, ending his fallow campaign with five from three balls.

Bumrah’s eventual entry, for the fifth over, produced a moment of poetry. A first-ball cutter suckered Brook straight out of the hand as he skied the ball high out to extra cover, but if that was good, then the snapping of the trap was even better, as Axar tracked back from the edge of the ring and clung on with a full-length dive, looking over his shoulder.

Back he went, up Suryakumar’s sleeve, not to

be seen again until the 11th over and then hidden again until the 16th, by which point an eight-run over was gold dust. His pinpoint dotball yorker to Sam Curran was greeted with one of the loudest cheers of an already raucous night.

Such was England’s refusal to buckle, however, that with 45 still needed from 18, Bumrah had to go again immediately. A barrage of perfect yorkers offered up just four singles and a two, to leave England needing back-to-back 20-run overs. That was the game, there and then.

Bethell at the double Bumrah’s extraction of Brook for 7 from six had been a perfectly targeted strike, but Bethell strode out with a refusal to be overawed. He silenced the Wankhede’s “Boom Boom” chants with a second-ball swivel-pull for six over fine leg, then greeted Varun Chakravarthy with three more in a row, over long-on, long-off and deep third, as if to plant his 360-degree versatility like a flag.

In the same over, however, England lost their third powerplay wicket and another of their kingpins. Buttler’s ugly campaign had flirted with resuscitation even as he kept losing his shape on a succession of heaves across the line. However, for the third

aaa

India (20 ovs maximum)

Sanju Samson † c Salt b Jacks 89

Abhishek Sharma c Salt b Jacks 9

Ishan Kishan c Jacks b Rashid 39

Shivam Dube run out (Brook) 43

Suryakumar Yadav (c) st †Buttler b Rashid 11

Hardik Pandya run out

(Bethell/†Buttler) 27

Tilak Varma b Archer 21

Axar Patel not out 2

Varun Chakravarthy not out 0

Extras (b 2, lb 1, w 9) 12

Total 20 Ov (RR: 12.65) 253/7

Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Abhishek Sharma, 1.6 ov), 2-117 (Ishan Kishan, 9.3 ov), 3-160 (Sanju Samson, 13.1 ov), 4-190 (Suryakumar Yadav, 15.4 ov), 5-212 (Shivam Dube, 17.3 ov), 6-236 (Tilak Varma, 18.5 ov), 7-251 (Hardik Pandya, 19.5 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Jofra Archer 4-0-61-1

Will Jacks 4-0-40-2

Wankhede innings in a row, he reached the 20s at a 150 strike rate and then immediately gave it away, this time to a flat-footed waft across Varun’s googly. Astonishingly, England still emerged from the powerplay one run to the good –68 to 67 – but at three wickets down, it was already a clear race between runs required and wickets standing. Banton got the memo by drilling Axar’s first two deliveries down the ground for six before ruining the moment by slogging over the top of a more flighted follow-up, but Bethell took further lumps out of Varun’s figures with back-to-back fours to bring up England’s hundred in the ninth over. His maiden Test century in Sydney had been an astonishing display of precocity and shot selection; this awesome effort was everything that he had forsaken to produce that innings and more. The self-sacrifice he had shown in his judgement outside in January was translated into a full repertoire of 360-degree stroke play. Until his ODI hundred against South Africa last summer, he had never previously made a professional century. Now, he has joined an exclusive club with three figures in all three formats. One thing is for sure: this won’t be the last the Wankhede crowd will see of him. (ESPNcricinfo)

Jamie Overton 3-0-36-0 Sam Curran 4-0-53-0 Adil Rashid 4-0-41-2 Liam Dawson 1-0-19-0 England (T: 254 runs from 20 ovs) Phil Salt c Patel b Pandya 5 Jos Buttler †b Varun 25 Harry Brook (c)

Wilson,

Declaring it as a good meeting, Sports Extra’s Franklin Wilson, organiser of the upcoming East Bank Inter-Village Football Competition, met with representatives of the invited teams during a simple ceremony that was held on Tuesday at the Eccles/ Ramsburg BB ground.

Wilson, himself a former top administrator of the sport, met the gathering, which included Chairman (ag) of the Eccles/Ramsburg NDC Ramesh Persaud, to discuss the staging of the tournament and to ventilate all pertinent information related to teams’ eligibility and expectations.

According to the organiser, among the teams represented at the occasion were Agricola, Grove, Herstelling, Farm, Circuitville, Samantha Point/Kaneville, Mocha and Timehri.

Several teams were excused for their absence, including Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke and Swan, who all provided acceptable rea-

Persaud’s 4-for sets up dominant GCC victory

Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) produced a commanding allround performance to defeat Guyana Defence Force (GDF) by nine wickets in a Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) qualifier of the Dave West Indian Inc First Division 50-Over Tournament at the historic Bourda Cricket Ground.

After winning the toss, GDF opted to take first strike but struggled to build any meaningful partnerships against a disciplined GCC bowling attack.

The visitors were eventually dismissed for a modest 91 in 33.1 overs.

Javid Karim led the resistance with a patient 30 from 57 deliveries, while Zameer Nazeer contributed 20. However, consistent pressure from the GCC bowlers ensured that GDF never gained momentum.

Aryan Persaud was the chief destroyer with an impressive spell of four for 10, ripping through the middle order.

Devon Lord provided strong support with two wickets as GCC maintained control throughout the innings.

Chasing a modest target of 92, GCC made light work of the run chase. An aggressive unbeaten knock from Mavendra Dindyal set the tone for the hosts as he blasted 48 from just 32 balls.

Matthew Nandu offered solid support with 24 as the pair guided GCC comfortably to 93 for one in just 14 overs, sealing victory with plenty of overs to spare.

The emphatic win strengthens GCC’s position in the qualifying stage of the competition as they continue their pursuit of the Dave West Indian Inc First Division title.

South Raiders, Western Warriors set for 5th Good Friday 40-Over Bash

Cricket fans can look forward to an exciting showcase of emerging talent when One Movement Entertainment hosts the fifth edition of the Good Friday 40-Over Bash on Friday, April 3, 2026.

The event, staged in collaboration with Ciarra B Enterprise, will be played at the Malteenoes Sports Club Ground and bowl off at 10:30h. The feature match will see South Raiders going head-to-head with Western Warriors in what is expected to be a competitive contest.

Western Warriors will be led by Captain Joshua Ferrell and coached by Martin Pestano Belle. The team has retained Tevin Imlach, the West Indies cricket team’s Test wicketkeeper, adding experience and quality behind the

stumps.

South Raiders, meanwhile, will be Captained by Adrian Hinds and coached by Rawle Merell. The Raiders have retained national player Richie Looknauth as they prepare to challenge their opponents.

Organisers indicated that the full squads for both teams will be announced in the coming weeks as anticipation builds for the annual fixture.

According to event organiser Royale Melville, the primary goal of the competition is to highlight the growth and development of young cricketers.

“Basically, the purpose of the competition is to showcase young talents progressively,” Melville explained. “The main focus is to observe the develop-

East Bank Inter-Village Football Tournament…

sons for their no-show.

The NDC Chairman, in his remarks, applauded the organiser for the initiative, adding that it was indeed timely and pointed to the benefits that will be derived during the staging of the tournament.

“I can already see the benefits of such a tournament which will afford young players the opportunity to play and showcase their skills and at the same time profit from the correct guidance in an organised setting,” Persaud pointed out.

Wilson, in his response, assured the Chairman that Sports Extra will render assistance in the development of the young players.

He even disclosed that the Eccles/Ramsburg facility is high on the radar for the official opening ceremony, which is slated for midMarch.

He further highlighted that the meeting was also called to commence registration of the invited teams, the rules that will govern the tournament and

ment of players throughout the year and allow them to come and demonstrate how their game has evolved since the previous year. It’s about giving them the opportunity to showcase that talent and skill set they have worked on during the year.”

The Good Friday 40Over Bash has steadily grown into a notable platform for emerging cricketers, providing them with an opportunity to perform in a competitive environment while gaining exposure in front of fans and selectors.

With experienced players mixed with promising youth, the fifth edition of the tournament is expected to deliver a thrilling contest and further highlight the depth of cricketing talent in Guyana.

the disclosure of the prize monies that will be given out to the winners and outstanding individual performances. Wilson also took the time to underscore the need for teams to allow all registered players equita-

ble playing time, while reminding them that there will be a zero-tolerance stance for any show of indiscipline.

The whole aim of the competition is to kick-start the resuscitation of the sport on the East Bank of

Demerara and highway corridors, which, according to him, has been in a dormant state for some time.

A total of $3 million in prize monies will be up for grabs, with the first prize set at $1 million, while second, third and fourth priz-

es are $500,000, $250,000 and $150,000, respectively, along with individual accolades for Best Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player and Highest Goal-scorer. Sixteen teams have been invited to battle for top honours.

CFU, GFF to host “Give to Gain” women’s match officials course

The Caribbean Football Union (CFU), through its Referees Committee and Secretariat, in collaboration with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), will host the “Give to Gain” course for Caribbean women referees from March 6–8, 2026, at the National Stadium. The three-day capacity-building initiative is designed to empower, educate, and elevate female match officials across the Caribbean, bringing together referees on the FIFA International List alongside emerging officials from the host nation.

Introduced in 2025, the programme seeks to strengthen female match officials’ technical competence, professional identity and support networks, while positioning them for greater regional and international appointments.

Over the three days, participants will engage in a blend of theoretical instruction, physical training, personal development, and leadership activities aimed at enhancing both on-field performance and off-field influence.

The course will cover core refereeing competen-

cies, including the laws of the game, positioning, match management, and the psychology of officiating. Sessions will also

hone in on communication, leadership, branding, mentorship, wellness, and empowerment.

“Give to Gain” builds

Ramsammy’s century lights up BCB U-19 tournament

Nathaniel Ramsammy slammed a magnificent 181 to propel Albion Community Centre to a massive 358-run victory over Rose Hall Town B in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) 50 Overs Under-19 Cricket Tournament.

Played at the Port Mourant Ground, the talented Ramsammy hit 18 fours and five sixes in his superb knock, as Albion posted 429 for eight in their allotted 50 overs.

Opener Saaid Jumrathy supported with 34, Feeaz

Baksh 31 not out, Arif Marimootoo 29, Rovin Lalbehari 28, Sahid Gajnabi 21, and Dave Prettipaul 20. Rose Hall Town B, in reply, folded for 71 in 17.3 overs. Medium pacer Nicholas bagged three for 16 and was backed up by leg-spinners Baksh with two for 12 and Jeremy Gobin with two for four, bowling for Albion. It was Albion’s third straight win in as many matches in the tournament. Meanwhile, Rose Hall Canje Under-19 showed pure dominance against

on the success of the “Accelerate Action –Caribbean Match Officials Course” hosted by the CFU in March 2025 in Antigua and Barbuda in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA), with support from FIFA, Concacaf, and UN Women MCO–Caribbean. That landmark initiative brought together 26 female match officials from across the region for elite-level technical training and personal development activities, including panel discussions, wellness sessions, workshops on professionalism and branding, and recognition of international appointees.

Wayne Forde, President of the GFF, said, “This programme is about more than refereeing; it’s about empowering women to lead, excel, and make their mark on Caribbean football. The Guyana Football Federation is proud to support initiatives that open doors and build confidence for the next generation of female match officials.”

a strong Tucber Park Under-19 team.

Tucber Park crumbled to 37 all out in 14.4 overs at Rose Hall, Canje. Kelston Kisten made 10. Gautam Dhanraj had three for 10, Adrian Hetmyer three for 20, and Romario Ramdeholl bagged three for five to complete the demolition job.

In reply, Rose Hall Canje Under-19 raced to 38 without loss in 7.1 overs. Richard Ramdeholl led with 23 not out, and Luke Amsterdam made six not out in a 10-wicket win.

A total of 30 participants, 11 of which are officials representing Guyana, will take part in the threeday event, guided by instructional teams led by Amara Felix-Toussaint from Trinidad and Tobago; Kelesha Antoine and Mickel Branna-Challenger from Antigua and Barbuda; Diane Ferreira-

James from the Bahamas; Rohan Thobourne from Jamaica; and Natasha Lewis and Lenval Peart from Guyana, alongside facilitators from other countries.

The course, which coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8, specifically targets women on the FIFA International Refereeing List as well as

promising emerging referees from the host country. By addressing challenges unique to female officials and celebrating the achievements of Caribbean pioneers in officiating, the initiative aims to elevate performance standards, expand representation, and foster unity and collegiality among women in refereeing.

Greene has high praise for Sport Ministry after T10 Blast confirms 4th tourney

Akeem Greene, co-organiser of the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, expressed his deep appreciation for the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, highlighting their unwavering support for the expanding tournament, which recently secured sponsorship for a fourth consecutive year.

“In terms of the Ministry’s backing for the One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, we are profoundly thankful from the FL Sport organisation’s perspective. Their involvement has been a pivotal element in the tournament’s growth and development,” stated Greene.

Greene also referred to the Ministry as a “driving force” behind the remarkable advancements the tournament has achieved since its inception three years ago.

“The Ministry has played a significant role in providing access to better facilities for tape ball cricket

players. I recall in the first year, when the tournament faced challenges from adverse weather leading up to the finals, the support from

The

from

Slingerz, Police set up fate in Elite League Cup final

Football fans were treated to two blockbuster clashes at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Centre (NTC) on Wednesday evening as the country’s top four clubs hunted final berths in the inaugural Elite League Cup.

An anticipated clash between Slingerz Football Club (FC) and Western Tigers FC, with the latter having the upper hand, having bested Slingerz in their last faceoff.

In the initial stages, it seemed as though Western would hold on to their bragging rights as a ball over the top met a sprinting Stephon Reynolds, who needed only to beat the last defender and slip the ball into the right corner of the net for Western’s lead in the 13th.

However, their celebrations were quieted when Kemar Beckford’s shot found the back of the net in the 26th to level the scores. The half eventually expired with the score remaining locked.

In the second segment, Lloyd Matthews eventually made the difference between the two sides capitalising on a scramble in the box to tap home Slingerz’ second goal in the 61st. As Western missed close opportunities to level once again, Beckford cemented Slingerz’ passage to the final with another goal in the 94th minute.

Following the victory, Slingerz head coach Jamaal Shabazz reflected on the game.

“I was confident; I thought in the first half we played with not enough discipline, and we did better in the second half. I always felt that Western would’ve gotten tired, and so said, so done,” Shabazz told this publication exclusively.

He went on to add, “First of all, Western scored in the last minute of a tied game; we don’t see them as a superior opponent, we see them as a bunch of talented players who don’t like to train. I feel the difference between Slingerz and Western is the seriousness in the approach to the game. They gave a good account of themselves today, but an account of a team that does very little in terms of conditioning.”

The second fixture on the night pitted Guyana’s law en-

forcement teams against each other in a high-adrenaline battle. Though the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) pressed early, it was the Guyana Police Force who eventually got the first strike after a sliding tackle in the box from the GDF’s keeper gifted Police a penalty.

Makayah Jervis made no mistake with the shot, sending it into the right corner for the goal. In the second half, Beveney McGarrell extended Police’s lead with a flat shot from the edge of the 18-yard box that sailed into the right corner.

The Elite League Cup final is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, at the same venue. The third-place playoff between Western Tigers and GDF will kick off at 18:30h, while the grand finale is scheduled for 21:00h, featuring Slingerz and Police FC.

Charter flight being arranged for stranded West Indies squad

Acharter flight is being arranged to get the West Indies team back home from Kolkata, where they have been stuck since being eliminated from the T20 World Cup on March 1. Cricket West Indies (CWI) issued a statement on Thursday night India time saying the expected departure time of the charter flight would be “within the next 24 hours”, but subject to final air traffic approvals.

The CWI statement said the confirmation came after “a high-level call” on Thursday involving CWI, International Cricket Council (ICC) officials, a representative of the team’s management, and a representative of the players.

“CWI has remained in constant dialogue with the players, team management, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) since their last match against India,” the statement said. “While the situation remains complex and fluid due to international airspace restrictions arising from security concerns in the Gulf region, CWI assures the public that every precaution is being taken to ensure the safe return of the team to the Caribbean.”

The West Indies team has been in Kolkata since their Super Eight loss to India, and earlier on Thursday their head coach Daren Sammy put out a post on X, saying, “I just want to go home.”

He followed it up with another post a little later, saying, “At least an update – tell us something. Today, tmw, next week. It’s been five days.”

West Indies are one of the teams stranded in India due to the military conflict in West Asia, which has also led to other games being cancelled since.

With the usual airspace corridors closed owing to the ongoing situation, the ICC has been confronted with severe logistical challenges of arranging return flights for teams.

On Wednesday, though, there was good news for Zimbabwe, with the first batch of their squad members leaving for home from Delhi after the ICC reworked their travel arrangements.

Like the West Indies, Zimbabwe played their last match at the T20 World Cup on March 1, losing to South Africa in Delhi. Zimbabwe were originally scheduled to depart on

March 2, but that plan was cancelled.

There is no official word on the travel plans for the rest of their squad members.

“Zimbabwe Cricket confirms that the Zimbabwe senior men’s team participating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 are on their way home from India after the International Cricket Council secured alternative travel arrangements following recent transit disruptions,” Zimbabwe Cricket said in a statement on Wednesday. “Due to flight availability and revised routing, the squad will return to Harare in batches. Zimbabwe’s original travel route was via Dubai on an Emirates flight, but it had to be altered. It has been learnt that Zimbabweans are now travelling to Harare via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.”

South Africa were eliminated in the semi-final by New Zealand on Wednesday night and will now wait to know their schedule for getting back home. In the event of England’s loss to India in the second semi-final on Thursday, their travel plans back will also have to be finalised. (ESPNcricinfo)

After four rounds of intense battle over the chessboard, Keron Sandiford and Ciel Clement lead the National Open Chess Championship Qualifiers and Diamond Fire-sponsored Women’s Chess Championship Qualifiers, respectively.

The tourneys, hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), got underway last Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

Sandiford, Clement lead respective divisions in National Chess Qualifiers

Current Junior Champion Kyle Couchman is in second place with 3.5 points. Couchman also played unbeaten for the weekend, recording a draw in the fourth round against U16 Open Champion CM Sachin Pitamber. Pitamber, also on 3.5 points, sits in third due to the tie-breaker system. Pitamber also maintained his unbeaten streak through the weekend, concluding the fourth round with a hard-fought draw against Couchman.

pressive 3.5 points after four rounds of play. Her bid for a perfect score was only halted by a strategic draw against WCM Sasha Shariff during their fourthround encounter, leaving Clement at the top of the leader-board heading into the final four rounds this weekend.

In the Open category, Sandiford took the lead with an unbeaten four points with his most notable victory over the weekend against FM Anthony Drayton in the third round. The mostly drawn match between the two dynamic players saw a shifting of the advantage ever so slightly between each player. However, the game took a turn when Sandiford forced his passed pawn for promotion, causing Drayton to turn his attention towards striking Sandiford’s king. However, in the end, Drayton was unable to stop the advancing pawn.

Drayton, Jaden Taylor, and Joshua Gopaul all concluded the weekend with three points each, occupying the fourth through sixth positions, respectively, on the table. This cluster of players remains within striking distance of the leaders as they head into the final four rounds next weekend.

Roberto Neto, Alexander Zhang, Rashad Hussian, and Kishan Puran all finished within the top ten with 2.5 points apiece. Notably, Puran appears to have found his stride in this tournament by defeating veteran players CM Greenidge and Gilbert Williams in the first two rounds and drawing with the formidable Zhang.

He has secured his best tournament results yet.

Clement scored an im-

In second place is WCM Jessica Callender on three points. Her only setback thus far came in the second round, where she lost to Shariff after a hard-fought three-hour battle.

In third place is the current National U14 and U16 Girls Champion, Kataleya Sam. Sam played unbeaten throughout the weekend, securing back-to-back victories with two wins in the first two rounds against Emma John and Anaya Lall, followed by two hardfought draws in the third and fourth rounds against Treskole Archibald and Shariff.

Maintaining their pursuit of the top spots, Shariff, Archibald, and Parnita Kishun each concluded the weekend with a solid three points. Through a series of resilient wins and strategic draws, the trio currently occupies the fourth, fifth, and sixth positions, respectively. Their consistent play across the opening rounds set the

stage for a high-stakes battle as the tournament moves into its final four rounds.

Holding steady in the seventh and eighth positions are Italy, TonneChung, and Anaya Lall, each finishing the weekend with a respectable 2.5 points. Rounding off the top ten for the Women’s category are Chelsea Harrison and Amaya Sharma, occupying the ninth and tenth positions, respectively, finishing with two points each.

The final four rounds of the qualifiers will continue on March 7 and 8, at the CASH from 09:00h. The top nine finishers from each category will earn a stake to participate in the National Open Chess Championship and Women’s Chess Championship 2026, set to

begin on March 14, 2026.

The GCF has expressed thanks to Diamond Fire and General Insurance for their steadfast support of women’s chess over the years. The company has been the proud sponsor of the National Women’s Chess Qualifiers and Championships for several years. Also extended are thanks to the National Sports Commission (NSC) for the use of the CASH. The top four boards of the women’s category are being live-streamed on lichess.org by John Lee, FIDE arbiter and technical director for the GCF. Results and pairings can be viewed on chess-results. com. Interested persons can visit guyanachess.gy to learn more about the GCF.

Guyana, Grenada clash tonight in regional basketball showdown

Guyana will continue its preparations for the upcoming regional campaign when they host Grenada in a three-match friendly basketball series beginning tonight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

The opening game of the series is set to tip off at 18:30h, with the two sides scheduled to play back-to-back matches over the next three days as part of their build-up to the FIBA Men’s Caribbean Championship, which is slated for July.

According to Michael Singh, the series is an important part of Guyana’s preparation plan as the Guyana Basketball Federation continues to invest in the development of the national programme.

The GBF President explained that the federation sees the series as a critical opportunity for the coaching staff to assess players and strengthen team chemistry ahead of the regional championship.

“This series is part of our continued investment in the national programme. It is important for us as we look to build a formidable roster for the Caribbean Championship. These games give our players valuable competitive exposure and help the coaching staff fine-tune the team,” Singh said.

National head coach Adrian Hooper and assistant coach Marlon Rodrigues have assembled what they believe is a balanced squad capable of taking on Grenada and setting the tone for upcoming international assignments.

The squad selected for the series includes Shamar Huntley, Zian Grey, Travis Belgrave, Nikkoloi Smith, Kimmol Grimmond, Dominic Vincente, Domitri Rankin, Jeevon Ross, Akil Hughes, Shelroy Thomas, Brandon Bento and Michael Turner.

Hooper’s unit will be aiming to build cohesion and improve execution on both ends of the court as they continue their preparation for the regional competition.

The series against Grenada marks Guyana’s second international engagement of the year. Earlier in the season, the national side travelled to Suriname, where they competed in the Nations Cup against the host nation and French Guiana.

Those matches, the GBF said, provided valuable game time for several players, and the technical staff will be hoping that the lessons learned from that outing will translate into stronger performances in the upcoming series.