Guyana Times - March, 10, 2026

2 Berbice men feared dead after molasses barge sinks

Illegal bridge linking Chinese restaurant to Haags Bosch highway demolished

“Violence must not be a first choice” – DPP on tackling domestic violence

13.154kg of ganja found in car on Linden highway

Tuschen labourer found chopped to death

New WismarMackenzie Bridge on track for June opening – Ministry

Drivers must carry physical licence or risk being ticketed – Police warn

MARCH

BRIDGE OPENING

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, March 10 –07:40h-09:10h and Wednesday, March 11 – 09:00h-10:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to light showers are expected throughout the day, into the night. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 4.02 metres and 6.25 metres.

High Tide: 08:21h and 20:55h reaching maximum heights of 2.34 metres and 2.15 metres.

Low Tide: 14:46h reaching a minimum height of 0.91 metre.

2 Berbice men feared dead after molasses barge sinks in Atlantic Ocean

Relatives of two men who went missing after a tanker barge sank off the East Coast of Demerara on Monday are clinging to hope that the pair are still alive and awaiting rescue.

Missing are 22-yearold Ravindra Bissoondyal, also known as “Videsh” of Goed Bananen Land, East Berbice Corentyne, 52-year-old, and Gregory Singh, both of whom were working aboard the vessel when it went down sometime after midday.

The men were reportedly on board the tanker barge Trader III, which was transporting a cargo of molasses when the incident occurred.

According to a statement issued by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the vessel sank approximately 9.5 nautical miles

off Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

Family members said that shortly before the incident, Bissoondyal made a distressing call to his mother. In a Facebook post, one relative explained that the young man contacted his mother at around 12:05h.

“He called his mother and said he was on the barge and that the barge was sinking,” the relative wrote.

That was the last time his family heard from him. When Guyana Times contacted Bissoondyal’s mother on Monday, she was too distraught to speak and said she was simply waiting for an update on her

son.

Meanwhile, MARAD said it received a distress signal about the incident shortly afterwards. In its statement, the agency explained that it was alerted to the emergency and immediately launched a response.

“Immediately upon receipt of the distress communication, emergency response operations were activated for the missing persons,” MARAD stated.

The agency noted that the vessel had been transporting molasses at the time of the incident.

“At the time of the incident, the barge was engaged in the transport of

a cargo of molasses from Berbice to Georgetown,” the statement said. MARAD also disclosed that its Emergency Operations Coordinator, Captain John Flores, is overseeing the search efforts.

“MARAD’s Emergency Operations Coordinator, Capt. John Flores is leading the search and rescue effort, with support of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard, and the vessel owner,” the agency stated. Search operations were launched soon after the distress call as authorities continue efforts to locate the missing crew members.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Fight against NCDs through nutrition

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have steadily emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges in Guyana. Diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease continue to place a heavy load on the healthcare system while affecting thousands of families across the country. Addressing these conditions requires sustained prevention strategies, improved patient education, and stronger integration of nutrition into everyday healthcare. The Ministry of Health’s decision to introduce a national training programme for community nutrition technicians is an important and timely intervention in that regard.

The new programme is designed to build capacity within the health sector by preparing trained personnel who can work directly with patients living with chronic illnesses. These technicians will serve as a vital link between medical professionals and patients, helping individuals understand how dietary choices affect disease progression and overall health outcomes. Such an approach recognises that longterm management of chronic diseases often depends on behavioural changes that extend beyond hospital walls and into households and communities. For many years, treatment has understandably been the dominant focus of healthcare systems confronting the rise of NCDs. However, international experience and public health research increasingly demonstrate that prevention and lifestyle management must play a far greater role. Diet remains one of the most significant factors influencing the development and progression of chronic illnesses. Poor eating habits, excessive sugar consumption, high salt intake, and diets rich in processed foods contribute directly to conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Guyana’s growing NCD burden illustrates the urgency of addressing these dietary patterns. Thousands of citizens are already living with diabetes and related complications, and many more face the risk of developing similar conditions in the years ahead. Healthcare resources are stretched by long-term treatment requirements, while families must cope with the physical and financial consequences of chronic disease. In this context, the Ministry’s initiative demonstrates a practical shift towards strengthening preventive healthcare. By investing in the training of nutrition technicians, the health system gains personnel equipped to provide targeted dietary guidance to patients who need it most. These professionals can help individuals better understand how specific foods influence blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and heart health. More importantly, they can offer realistic, culturally-appropriate recommendations that fit within the context of local diets and lifestyles.

Such guidance is particularly important because dietary habits are deeply ingrained and changing long-standing behaviours related to food is rarely straightforward. Cultural traditions, economic realities, and convenience often shape the way people eat. Without sustained support and clear information, many patients struggle to follow medical advice regarding diet and nutrition. Nutrition technicians can, therefore, play a key role in bridging that gap by providing continuous engagement and practical counselling within healthcare facilities.

The integrated nature of the training programme is another positive development as the curriculum draws on expertise from several departments within the Ministry of Health, ensuring that participants receive a multidisciplinary understanding of nutrition, disease management, and public health. This collaborative approach strengthens the programme’s effectiveness by combining scientific knowledge with real-world healthcare practices.

Equally significant is the decision to place these trained technicians within health centres and institutions across the country. Accessibility remains a critical component of any successful public health initiative. Patients managing chronic diseases often rely on routine visits to health facilities for monitoring and treatment. Having trained personnel available in those same settings to provide nutrition counselling ensures that dietary guidance becomes a regular and integrated part of patient care rather than an afterthought.

The emphasis on heart-healthy diets and strategies to control blood sugar levels is particularly relevant given the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in the region. Many of these conditions are influenced by inflammation, poor nutritional balance, and excessive consumption of certain foods. Addressing these factors through informed dietary choices can significantly improve patient outcomes and, in some cases, delay or prevent complications associated with chronic disease.

Another important dimension of the programme is its emphasis on leadership by example as health professionals who advocate for healthier lifestyles must also demonstrate those principles in their own behaviour. When healthcare workers embody the habits they promote, the credibility of their advice is strengthened and patients are more likely to respond positively. Encouraging trainees to adopt healthier practices themselves, therefore, reinforces the broader cultural shift towards improved nutrition.

Guyana’s fight against noncommunicable diseases will not be won through treatment alone, as prevention, education, and behavioural change must stand alongside clinical care as central pillars of national health policy. The Ministry of Health’s initiative to train nutrition technicians signals a recognition of this reality and shows a commitment to strengthening the long-term resilience of the healthcare system.

Other countries are streets ahead of the UK on childhood obesity. Here’s what they’re doing differently

By Devi SriDhar

Despite health and fitness being more in vogue than ever, childhood obesity rates continue to rise. A new report from the World Obesity Federation warns that by 2040, the number of five- to 19-yearolds globally who are obese could increase from 180 million to 227 million. This is defined as a Body Mass index (BMI) of 30 or above – and is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and a number of other serious health conditions.

These trends are also clear in the United Kingdom, where overweight and obesity rates continue to increase in children. In England, the National Child Measurement Programme (which takes height and weight data in year 6 for 94.1 per cent of all eligible children) for 2024-25 found that 36.2 per cent of children aged 10-11 had a high BMI (more than 25), with children in the most deprived areas twice as likely to be obese, and projections indicating that in some areas, the majority of children would be at an unhealthy weight by 2035. The UK as a whole has twice the number of overweight and obese children as either France or Italy.

Looking at Britain’s food system, this data isn’t surprising. Ultraprocessed foods often make up the bulk of school lunches, while at home, fast food and packaged options are often the cheapest choice for families, while fruit, vegetable, dairy and meat prices have risen since Brexit. We’ve seen budgets cut to schools, which covers free school meals, bringing impossible decisions over how to provide nutritious meals at very low cost.

To be fair to the UK, obesity does

feel like a wave engulfing the world, one that certain Governments are trying to counter by building seawalls through legislation. Some of these might be seen as a “nanny state” intervention, but doing nothing isn’t in children’s, or taxpayers’, interest.

Take South Korea, where the Government has implemented “green food zones”, which state that within 200m of a school, vendors cannot sell junk food, high-calorie, low-nutrition food or high-caffeine food or drink. This has been supported by strict regulations over the targeted marketing of certain food products to children. Researchers concluded that environmental changes to what children can access was more effective than nutrition education.

Denmark has also taken an active approach, establishing children’s obesity clinics, to which children identified as having an unhealthy weight are referred. Here, children and their parents are supported to improve diet, increase play activities, and reduce sedentary time. Researchers found that BMI decreased significantly even after just one year of working with the clinic.

Closer to home, the Welsh Government has been trying innovative pilot schemes to get more vegetables into school meals. In 2022, the Government guaranteed a large market (school meals in Cardiff) to courgette producers with the requirement that produce met certain quality standards. Farmers scaled up their production knowing they could sell their vegetables, and wholesalers reduced prices, given the guaranteed bulk purchase. In a win-win dynamic, the Courgette Pilot gave a clear example of how to lower the price of (usually expensive) vegetables, supported local producers

and get more kids eating a nutritious lunch, and is a great model of how to provide affordable, healthy food to children.

The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, came to power aware of these challenges, and moved towards implementing policies such as banning junk food advertising online and before 9pm on TV, as well as raising the issue of “green zones” around schools. The impact of these measures will take several years to see. But there is more that could be done.

For example, free school meals are subsidised by schools’ budgets, which means that to provide these, head teachers have to cut educational activities, or not fill teacher vacancies. School lunches are often framed as a social welfare issue to ensure no child goes hungry (and getting food at the cheapest cost) instead of a preventive health intervention, which could actually save the National Health Service (NHS) money. Food is medicine, the adage goes.

An additional cause of rising child BMI rates is the decrease in physical activity rates in children. As a society, we haven’t figured out a good way to cope with the ubiquity of screens and the linked sedentary behaviour. You only have to look at young children these days to see that running around has been replaced by sitting and watching videos on a mobile phone or tablet. In short, the next challenge for Governments is to figure out how to get children under five to sit less and play more, which is underlying many of these worrying health trends. (The Guardian)

(Professor Devi Sridhar is chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh)

Edgar Heyligar was widely respected for his discipline – ICAG

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana (ICAG) notes with deep sadness the passing of Mr Edgar Heyligar, a distinguished member of the accounting profession and one of the founders of the Institute. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in the United Kingdom, Mr. Heyligar returned to

Guyana in the early 1970s and resumed a career in the public service, where he devoted his professional life to strengthening the country’s fiscal institutions. In 1978 he was appointed Commissioner of Inland Revenue, providing leadership to the Inland Revenue Department during an important period in the development of Guyana’s tax

administration. He later served as the inaugural Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority. Mr. Heyligar also made a lasting contribution to the accounting profession in Guyana. He was principally responsible for the enactment of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana Act, and his careful work in developing the

Institute’s early By-Laws is still recalled by many of his contemporaries. He belonged to the generation of accountants who followed in the tradition of public service exemplified by figures such as Willie Stoll and Victor Jeet Gangadin, and who helped shape the professional standards of revenue administration in Guyana. Mr. Heyligar was

widely respected for his discipline, integrity and commitment to public service. After demitting office, he devoted himself largely to his family and took little further part in public life. The Council and members of ICAG extend their sincere condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues.

Strategic diplomacy in a changing hemisphere, realities of Caribbean geopolitics

Dear Editor,

It may be difficult for some to see and accept, but I assure you that President Dr. Irfaan Ali did the right thing and uttered the right words.

In the practice of statecraft, the mark of a wise leader is not merely ideological consistency, but the ability to navigate complex geopolitical realities while safeguarding the national interest.

Those who are attuned to both local and international politics would have seen and heard the President’s recent comments regarding Cuba. I dare say that his remarks must be understood within the broader context of shifting hemispheric politics, evolving security threats, and the strategic imperatives confronting our country as a small state in a volatile region.

President Ali’s remarks, delivered during an international interview while attending the inaugural “Shield of the Americas” Summit in the United States, emphasized that “the status quo cannot remain” in Cuba and that any transition must ultimately lead to improved living conditions, democracy, and prosperity for the Cuban people.

This statement has drawn criticism from some observers who perceive it as a departure from the historically cordial relationship between Guyana and Cuba. Yet such critiques

overlook the essential nature of diplomacy: the balancing of difficult decisions with principle and prudence.

For decades, Cuba has been a valued partner and friend to many Caribbean nations, including Guyana. Cuban medical brigades, technical assistance, and educational opportunities have contributed significantly to the development of several states in the region. Our country, like many of its CARICOM partners, recognizes and appreciates this legacy of friendship and solidarity.

However, international relations are not governed solely by historical gratitude; they are shaped by contemporary strategic realities.

Today, Guyana finds itself at the center of an evolving geopolitical landscape. The country is experiencing rapid economic transformation due to its emerging oil sector while simultaneously confronting persistent territorial claims from neighboring Venezuela over the resource-rich Essequibo region.

In this context, the support of major international partners particularly the United States has become critically important. Washington has repeatedly signaled that it would respond forcefully to any Venezuelan aggression against Guyana. For a small state facing a larger and his-

torically assertive neighbor, such security assurances are not trivial diplomatic gestures; It is a big deal, they are matters of national survival.

Furthermore, regional dynamics have become even more fluid in recent months. The removal of Venezuela’s presidential leadership by U.S. forces and the subsequent disruption of the longstanding Caracas–Havana alliance have dramatically altered the political calculus across the Caribbean basin.

Cuba, long dependent on Venezuelan oil, now faces profound economic uncertainty, while Washington has intensified its rhetoric toward Havana. In such an environment, Caribbean leaders must tread carefully, balancing moral sympathy with pragmatic diplomacy.

President Ali’s comments should therefore be interpreted not as hostility toward Cuba, but as a carefully calibrated expression of diplomatic realism.

By intentionally emphasizing dialogue, incremental change, and improved living conditions for the Cuban people, he positioned Guyana within a framework that aligns with broader CARICOM discussions while maintaining constructive engagement with the United States. This approach reflects a recognition that Guyana’s

prosperity and security depend on stable relationships with global powers, particularly at a moment when the hemisphere is undergoing significant political realignment.

Critics who demand a more confrontational stance misunderstand the responsibilities of good and prudent leadership. The question one must ask is: what would be gained if Guyana adopted a defiant posture toward the United States at a time when the country’s greatest external security threat Venezuela remains unresolved?

Diplomacy is not theater; it is the quiet art of advancing national interests without unnecessary confrontation. A small state must be especially adept at this art.

It is also worth acknowledging a difficult but equally important reality. While Cuba has historically supported many Caribbean nations, its response to the recent escalation of Venezuelan rhetoric against Guyana and its legal territory was largely muted. This silence is understandable, given the depth of Cuba’s economic reliance on Venezuela.

Yet it illustrates a broader truth about international relations: every nation ultimately prioritizes its own survival and strategic interests.

President Ali’s stance reflects this same logic. His re-

A country developing its tourism products

Dear Editor,

As a French traveler entering Guyana from Lethem through the savannah and jungle, I didn’t have any expectations, nor idea of what the country looked like. But while going through the long dirt road heading to Georgetown, I could already feel the distances and imagine life overflowing beyond the side road trees.

When reaching the capital, I was struck by how different Guyana is from its South American neighbors. Minibuses driving along the seawall, on the left side, playing Guyanese music. Singers and passen-

gers speaking creolese and English, sun and rain alternating, mangos falling and banana flowers blooming. I feel in the Caribbean and in fact, I am.

I was lucky enough to meet a local Guyanese who then brought me to what makes this place so beautiful and diverse. We walked in the cool afternoon, stopped for a doubles on the side of the road, let ourselves dance on the sound of the steel pan festival before resting in one of those elevated, wooden, elegant and inviting typical houses.

What makes it truly special is how easily you can go

from singing in a Mandir, driven by the voice of the Pandit, the dynamic Dholak and the Harmonium’s chords; to watching the Mashramani’s parade with its colorful and joyful costumes and people. Knowing that the next day you might be feeding the manatees in the National Park or petting fifty dogs and fifty cats at Judy’s Hope for Animals Inc.

The littles things are what makes a place interesting. The authenticity and generosity of a street vendor, the smile of a bus driver, the “Wha happenin?” of old man and the

bright “Buenos días” of the Cuban preparing you a delicious hot dog. But if you dig deeper, an interesting place is a place that lives. A place made of the people making it move every day. Women and men from any background or region. The heart and the beat. They are the diversity and the reason why everything works together. A reason bigger than any other to come and discover a country developing its tourism products.

Yours sincerely,

Anice Khomany

sponsibility is first and foremost to the people of Guyana, and we should all appreciate the prudence of his decision.

In an era when geopolitical tensions, energy politics, and regional security concerns intersect with unprecedented intensity, prudence becomes the highest form of patriotism.

Indeed, leadership sometimes requires making decisions that is unpopular, that will not please everyone. Yet history often vindicates those who exercise restraint, foresight, wisdom, and diplomatic skill.

President Ali’s approach demonstrates an understanding that Guyana’s future depends not on ideolog-

ical rigidity but on strategic engagement with all partners old and new alike. In this sense, the President is not abandoning friends, nor is he surrendering principles. Rather, he is practicing the timeless craft of diplomacy: speaking carefully, positioning strategically, and ensuring that Guyana navigates a turbulent geopolitical moment with wisdom and dignity. Such leadership does not merely respond to the present; it prepares a nation for the future.

Yours respectfully, Jermaine Figueira Former Member of Parliament

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026

00:00 Movie - Gandhi (1982) 03:15 Movie - Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) 05:45 Daily Quran Recitation 06:00 Cartoons

07:00 Week-in-Review (RB) 07:30 Cartoons

08:00 Stop Suffering

08:30 Movie - Forest Fairies (2015) 10:00 Movie - Timecrafters: The Treasure of Pirate’s Cove (2020) 12:00 News Break

12:05 Movie - Sing (2016) 14:00 Movie - Sing 2 (2021) 16:00 KTLT (RB) 16:30 Indian Soaps 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Nature Programme

19:00 The Evening News

20:00 Movie - Grace Stirs Up Success (2015)

22:00 9-1-1 S6 E7

23:00 House of Cards S3 E11

Page Foundation

◄ Exponents

An exponent tells how many times a number should be multiplied by itself. An exponent is usually written as a small number next to, and slightly above a number that is larger in size. The larger number is called the base of an exponent. Each exponent represents a “power”. You have already learnt about the powers of 10. 103 is 10 to the 3rd power. Any number can be a base. 24 is 2 to the 4th power. 35 is 3 to the 5th power. 10

2

3

= 3 x 3 x

46 = 4 x 4 x 4 x 4 x 4 x 4

Often when the exponent is 2, people say squared instead of to the 2nd power. 52 = 5 to the 2nd power = 5 squared. Remember that squared means “to the 2nd power” You can add and subtract numbers with exponents.

Solve the following exponents

1. 101=

Turn a cereal box into a DIY picture frame with paint and paper quill embellishments. It’s an upcycled craft idea that makes a fun DIY cardboard picture frame!

Supplies needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

Acrylic paint

Construction paper

Glue

Paint brushes

Scissors

Construction paper

Paint

Craft stick

Disposable cups

Empty cereal box

Newspaper Straw(s)

Directions

Step 1: With scissors, cut out a picture frame shape on the cereal box to your desired size.

Step 2: Mix blue and white paint in the cup with a

craft stick, then paint the plain side of the frame. Let dry 1-2 hours. Paint a second coat. Dry again 1-2 hours.

Step 3: While paint dries, cut different colours of construction paper into strips and cut 1 folded newspaper sheet into strips.

Step 4: Snip a small slit into the paper straw.

Step 5: Slide a construction paper strip into the slit, then wrap it around the straw and adhere the other end with glue. Repeat with a newspaper strip and as many construction paper strips as desired.

Step 6: Repeat Step 5 to make enough paper quills to cover all or part of the frame.

Step 7: Glue the paper quills to the painted frame, let dry, and display! (Adapted from crayola.com)

By Sylvie Kandé

Translated By Nancy Naomi Carlson from the French

Love is a slope the egg mused while tumbling down the minute distance that kept them apart rolling in effect to its doom

Just brushing against the stone causes it to crack From its wounds white slowly issues forth yolk gushes out of this gash begins to run down the oblong belly Wholeness a thing of the past it’s broken viscous still begging for this love that’s neither granted nor denied As for the stone it’s at ease in its mass feeling nothing nothing at all from the pitiful sticky sacrifice performed atop its carapace which will never bespatter its heart

(Source: Poetry [March 2026])

Set your story in/on a car, plane, or train in the near future.

Cuba, not Guyana, pulled medical brigade – Health Minister

The Government of Guyana did not terminate the Cuban Medical Brigade operating in the country, but rather the Cuban authorities made the decision to withdraw their medical workers earlier this year.

This is according to Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, who during an interview with News Source Guyana on Monday said the withdrawal occurred in February following engagements between the two governments.

“We have been engaging the Cuban authorities and they choose to terminate or withdraw the Cuban doctors who were here. So that’s the first thing I want to make clear,” Dr Anthony said.

The minister explained that despite the withdrawal of the Cuban Medical Brigade, the government

is still open to employing Cuban medical professionals individually, granting that they meet Guyana’s regulatory requirements.

“Cuban doctors, nurses and technicians, if they want to come to Guyana, they can come to Guyana and once they are properly qualified and certified by our medical authorities here, medical council, nursing council, and so forth, once they meet those requirements, then we will be able to offer them a job,” he noted.

He added that several Cuban medical workers have already taken up this option and are now swerving within the country’s public heath system.

“And quite a number of persons have come, and so, we have offered them that job. So, they are working in the public system. So, we don’t have a problem once

Drivers must

they are qualified,” he said.

The health minister noted that while he did not have the exact number of Cuban medical professions, who remained in Guyana to work, some members of the previous brigade opted to stay and continue their medical careers locally.

“I don’t have the number but quite a number of persons, and some persons who were on the brigade also decided to stay back so they are working with the Government of Guyana,” the health minister said.

The withdrawal comes at a time where Guyana continues to expand its healthcare system and increase local training for medical professionals.

“As you know, we have been expanding our healthcare system and we have also started to expand training so a lot of people who were on the brigade were nurses, and through our training programme, we are compensating for those that would have been withdrawn,” the minister explained.

He revealed that the government’s expanded nursing training initiative is expected to significantly boot the local workforce.

“And this year, for example, because three years ago we started a registered nursing programme, and by June of this year we will be graduating close to 800 persons, and they will come into service soon, once they

have graduated successfully,” Anthony said.

The Cuban medical brigade programme has faced criticism, with some reports alleging that Cuban medical workers endure difficult conditions while participating in overseas assignments.

The United States (US) has been pushing countries in the Caribbean to end their partnerships with the Cuban regime regarding overseas medical missions, citing issues of human rights abuses and forced labour practices. Last year, the US expanded an existing Cuba-related visa restriction policy that targets

Drivers who operate motor vehicles without having their physical driver’s licence in their possession risk being ticketed, traffic ranks have warned.

The caution was issued during the ‘Road Safety and You’ programme hosted by the Chairman of the Guyana National Road Safety Council, Earl Lambert, who was joined by members of the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department.

forced labour linked to the Cuban labour export programme. That decision saw visa restrictions placed on state officials believed to be involved in the export of Cuban workers, a move that has been strongly criticised by some Caribbean leaders.

Administration had committed to maintaining diplomatic engagement with the US on this issue while ensuring that Cuban health professionals, who have been an integral part of Guyana’s healthcare system, are able to continue

In Guyana, Cuban medical professionals work in several public and private hospitals across the country. The Guyana Government has maintained that all foreign workers here, including Cubans, are being employed and paid under local and international labour laws. Moreover, the

their crucial work in the country.

Anthony’s clarification on the issue comes just days after a small group of concerned citizens wrote to President Irfaan Ali calling for the immediate reversal of the decision to terminate the services provided by the Cuban Medical Brigade and to have them return to Guyana.

carry physical licence or risk being ticketed – Police warn

ers must have their licence with them at all times when operating a vehicle.

“This offense is also a ticketed offense. If you’re driving your motor vehicle at all times, you must have your driver’s license on you so that when you’re being stopped by a policeman or a policewoman in uniform, and you’re being asked to produce that document, you must produce it,” the officer stated.

He noted that although some motorists attempt to rely on digital images of their licences, that method is not legally acceptable.

licence.

“It’s about flexibility, meaning that if I would have stopped you prior to that date when you produce a driver’s license on your phone and I’m aware that you have a driver’s license and it’s in force, shortly after let’s say a week after I would have stopped you and you don’t have it then I could verify that I would have stopped you prior to this and you would have produced that document to me and I am fully aware that this is in force.”

able offences under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act. Traffic ranks also reminded motorists that licences must be produced when requested by an officer in uniform so that details such as the driver’s name, address, class of licence, and expiry date can be examined.

Lambert urged motorists to comply with the law and cooperate with traffic ranks when stopped on the roadway.

He added, however, that such flexibility should not be relied upon by drivers.

During the programme, officers explained that while some drivers attempt to show a copy of their licence stored on their mobile phones, the law requires motorists to produce the physical document when requested by a police officer.

Inspector Naresh Khanoo, who is stationed at Regional Division Three (Essequibo Island – West Demerara) and serves as inspector in charge of traffic, explained that driv-

“We’re having some persons now who would want to produce the driver’s license on the phone since COVID. It’s not applicable,” the officer said.

However, he explained that in certain situations, officers may exercise discretion if they previously verified that a driver had a valid

“Producing that document on the phone, it’s not applicable. It’s just a form of flexibility,” he said.

The offence of driving a motor vehicle without a driver’s licence, as well as failing to produce a driver’s licence when required by a police officer, are both ticket-

“There are some people… they’re so confrontational when stopped by traffic ranks, and they want to argue, and then when they get the ticket, they feel offended. Communication… is very important,” he said.

Lambert explained that when drivers communicate respectfully with officers, the ranks may exercise discretion depending on the circumstances of the offence.

Tuschen labourer found chopped to death

A29-year-old labourer was discovered chopped to death at his Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) home early Monday morning following an alleged dispute with a man known to him.

Dead is Herbert Hartman of Tuschen New Scheme, EBE.

Reports indicate that the incident occurred sometime between 20:30h

on Sunday and 06:00h on Monday. Police said that Hartman and a 23-yearold construction worker of Tuschen Housing Scheme, who is currently in police custody, were earlier at a worksite in the area where they were allegedly consuming alcohol.

During that time, an argument reportedly erupted between the two men, and the suspect allegedly

threatened Hartman before leaving the location.

It is alleged that the suspect later went to Hartman’s residence armed with a cutlass, where another confrontation occurred.

At about 06:00h on Monday, Hartman was found lying motionless in a pool of blood at his residence with several chop wounds about his body. He was

Long Creek tragedy

taken to the DeKinderen Regional Hospital, where he was examined by a doctor and pronounced dead.

His body was subsequently transported to the Ezekiel Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

The 23-year-old suspect was later contacted and arrested and remains in police custody, assisting with investigations.

Alleged wife killer hospitalised, under Police guard

The 65-year-old welder, who is suspected to have knifed his common-law wife to death on Sunday is cur-

rently hospitalised under police guard, as investigators probe the murder of the 39-year-old woman at Long Creek, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Caslene Toney a housewife and mother of six lived at the same address as the suspect.

According to information released by the Guyana Police Force, the incident occurred at about 06:00h on Sunday at the couple’s Long Creek residence. Preliminary investigations revealed that Toney and the suspect were involved in a common-law relationship and reportedly had a disagreement shortly before the woman was attacked. Investigators were told

that during the altercation, the suspect allegedly armed himself with a sharp object and inflicted several injuries on the woman.

Toney was subsequently taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where she received emergency medical attention.

Due to the severity of her injuries, she was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for further treatment. However, despite efforts by medical personnel, she later succumbed to her injuries.

Police said the weapon believed to have been used in the attack was recovered and has since been lodged as evidence as part of the

ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, the dead woman’s sister, Lyndra Toney, has since said that the 39-year-old suffered years of abuse at the hands of the suspect.

Speaking during an interview with another section of the media, the grieving woman said that her sister had been repeatedly assaulted during the relationship but chose not to pursue legal action.

“She used to get abuse from him for years,” the sister said, adding that the suspect had only recently beaten her, but she did not want to press charges.

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.

13.154kg of ganja found in car on Linden highway

A58-year-old taxi driver is in custody after a quantity of cannabis weighing more than 13 kilograms was discovered in his motorcar during a stopand-search exercise along the Linden Highway on Sunday afternoon. According to the Guyana Police Force, the discovery was made at about 15:00h

on Sunday, during an operation carried out by ranks in Regional Division Ten in the vicinity of Bamia, SoesdykeLinden Highway. During the exercise, it was reported that ranks stopped a Toyota Premio motorcar that was being driven by the taxi driver, a resident of Wismar, Linden, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

A search was first conducted on the driver, but nothing illegal was found. However, a subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of four yellow five-gallon jars in the trunk. The containers were found to be holding 29 parcels wrapped in transparent plastic and containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The driver was immediately arrested and escorted to the Mackenzie Police Station along with the narcotics.

The substance was later weighed in the presence of the suspect and amounted to 13.154 kilograms before being lodged.

The taxi driver remains in custody pending charges.

Reaping… … the whirlwind

It’s interesting how pithy yet so profound so many Biblical sayings are!! Your Eyewitness hopes he doesn’t come off sounding like some religious fanatic or something!! But after all, those books – written thousands of years ago – can still hit you square between the eyes!! What does that tell us about mankind?? That we won’t change…or we CAN’T change?? Whatever the answer, that Biblical expression, “Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind” came to your Eyewitness’s mind as the news reports from the new battlefield in Iran and the surrounding States come in – even as the Israelis mop up their Gaza ethnic cleansing!!

On one hand, you gotta give those Israelis credit, don’t you?? Here they are with a population of just nine-anda-half million and they’re dominating a region with over 400 million enemies!! But in your Eyewitness’s view they can’t continue to do this forever – especially when they’re willing to poke the said enemies in the eye – seemingly on their own whim!! They’ve done this since 1967 when they rolled back the Arab armies led by Egypt – and ended up expanding their territory!! But for a people who actually produced the abovementioned Bible 4000 years ago, they should appreciate our saying, “time longer than twine”!! Sixty years ain’t but a blip in the ebb and tide of nations in that part of the world.

Yes…they had to respond to Hamas’ attack on their civilians – but did they have to launch an attack on Iran –which then forced the Americans’ hands to join in the fray?? This was a perfect example of “sowing the wind” – and your Eyewitness is convinced they’re gonna reap the whirlwind!! While they’re counting on the Yanks bailing them out –knowing that the latter have their own reasons for wanting to bring down the Iranian regime – they should know that ultimately America is 7000 plus miles away!! Meaning they’re gonna face the brunt of the Iranian fury on both the attacks and the decapitation of their top leadership.

First of all, unlike in Venezuela where there was a willing proxy to toe the US line – at least for now!! – in Iran, as your Eyewitness predicted, all it meant was “another Rasta” would take his place. In this case – even though the US demanded a say in this choice, Khamenei’s son has been selected!! The second premise of the Israelis was that after the initial attack the subethnic groups in Iran – Kurds, Baluchis, Azerbijanis, etc - would rise up from the boots on the ground – which everybody concedes are necessary to give a knockout blow to the regime.

We now see, this ain’t happening!! The whirlwind’s comin’!!

…mis-schooling

If it’s one good thing that came out of our colonial past, it was the respect students inculcated for teachers. It really came out of the respect for education by our fore parents who came out of slavery – and later indentureship – as the tool necessary to deliver real emancipation. As such, your Eyewitness was very disappointed to read about the violence that have become the norm with students in schools. And of the weapons they now tote around!

But let’s face it…this kind of behaviour is coming straight outta Compton and other American inner-city ghettoes. Sadly, it’s the culmination of the glorification of that ghetto culture by youths and has taken over the schools in what are now called “hoods”. It started with the misogynic Gangsta Rap that glorified violence – and influenced Dancehall singers like Vybz Kartel, etc – as the first step. Look what happened in Jamaica – which had the same colonial background like us.

We gotta get this out from the roots and not encourage it for Mash!!

…the miscalculation

Confirming your Eyewitness’s prediction, Iran’s hardliners staged a show of force yesterday, taking to the streets to proclaim their loyalty to the new supreme leader, who dashed Israeli hopes of a swift end to the whirlwind they unleashed!!

“Violence must not be a first choice” – DPP on tackling domestic violence …says

laws in place, but education crucial

Director of Public Prosecution, Shalimar Ali-Hack has emphasized the need for greater education and early intervention to combat violence in Guyana, even as domestic abuse continues to claim lives across the country.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the just concluded We Lift 6 Expo hosted by the Human Services and Social Security Ministry on Friday last, she said Guyana has made significant strides in strengthening its legal framework to address violence but noted that legislation alone cannot prevent such incidents.

“We have the legislative framework; we have the social services protection. But at the same time, we are seeing these events every day in the press. Why? There's no society in the world where you will not

find violence. It was there before our time, and it will be there after our time. But our aim and our objective must be to control it and to see how much we can minimize it. And it's these services that are available that can be used to minimize these occurrences. A very important aspect of the carbon of violence is educa-

tion,” she said.

Ali-Hack explained that over the years Guyana has introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at addressing violence in society, including the Family Violence Act, the Sexual Offences Act, and the Restorative Justice Act.

These laws allow for various forms of sentencing depending on the circumstances surrounding each case, including fines, counselling, suspended sentences and rehabilitation programmes.

However, a major challenge in prosecuting domestic violence cases remains the reluctance of victims to proceed with legal actions, sometimes due to family relations, economic dependence and emotional ties.

“We take the statements, and we are ready to institute a charge, and then the complainant comes for-

ward and says that they don't want, the complainant says she does not want or he does not want to proceed. I can understand due to family relations and whatever attachments, because we are dealing here with human beings. These are not robots, and they are not appliances. And they have feelings, and they have emotions, and they have needs, and those needs may be economic needs. And these all have to be taken into consideration in whether to proceed with the prosecution. And that's why we have developed the restorative justice system.”

Education, public awareness

According to the director of public prosecution, education and public awareness remain key in preventing such tragedies.

“Violence must not be a first choice,” she said, urging citizens to use dialogue and conflict resolution in-

stead of aggression.

The issue of domestic violence has once again come into focus following the death of 39-year-old Caslene Toney, a housewife of Long Creek along the soesdyle Linden Highway.

Reports indicate that the woman was discovered at her home with multiple stab wounds by her sister, who later alerted the police.

The man, who is said to be Toney’s reputed husband, was later located by police

in nearby backlands. He was taken into custody after ranks intervened when he allegedly attempted to harm himself.

Relatives have since indicated that Toney had endured years of abuse. They also stated that she had previously been severely beaten but had declined to pursue criminal charges.

Toney leaves to mourn six children, the oldest aged 18 and the youngest three.

New Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge on track for June opening – Ministry

…97% complete

Physical works on the new WismarMackenzie Bridge in Linden, Region 10, (Upper Demerara-Berbice) are now 97 per cent complete. This is according to the Public Works Ministry which on Monday provided an update on the status of the bridge. During an assessment visit to the project site on Friday, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill held a multi-stakeholder meeting with technical staff from the Ministry, contractors China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Company Ltd and GuyCo Construction Inc, and the consultancy firm, Politecnica.

Edghill and representatives conducted an onsite walkthrough of the 233-metre-long concrete bridge. Officials reported that concrete placement has reached 97 per cent. The team also inspected secondary connections leading to and from the bridge. A project update revealed that

works on the western end of the bridge, on the Wismar side, are progressing. The West Watooka Connector and Dacoura Haul Roads are 33 per cent complete. Subgrade preparation, subbase, crusher run base and curbing for these roads have been completed. Foundation works for the roundabout are finished, while curbing is about 50 per cent complete. Work on the Burnham Drive approach is also advancing. Subsurface works are 38 per cent complete, curbing stands at 39 per cent, and culvert construction is ongoing.

At the eastern end of the bridge, works are 27 per cent complete, including foundation and retaining structures. To date, 3,750 prefabricated vertical drains have been installed and geotextiles laid. Contractors are currently placing white sand and crushed stone as part of subsurface preparation. A

new culvert has also been installed at the Washer Pond Road approach at Noitgedacht. Construction of the retaining wall for the main embankment is underway, with excavation and geotextile installation already completed and backfilling in progress. According to the Ministry, the bridge project remains on track to be fully operational by June, pending completion of the connector roads. When completed, the toll-free crossing will include two barrier-separated pedestrian walkways,

modern lighting and two roundabouts on the eastern and western sides of the bridge. The new 220-metre-long precast concrete bridge is also being built to accommodate a wider range of vehicle sizes and weights, as well as higher speeds and uninterrupted passage for vessels, facili-

tating safer and easier passage for commuters. In a Facebook post in December 2025, President Ali said, “Construction of the new Wismar–Mackenzie Bridge is moving ahead steadily, marking another major investment in Region Ten’s infrastructure. Once completed, the modern concrete

and steel structure will replace the ageing bridge and improve traffic flow between Wismar and Mackenzie.”

The contract for the new US$35 million four-lane Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge was signed in January 2024, with works commencing in April of that year.

Nutritionist training launched to improve diets for NCD patients

…as over 20,000 Guyanese living with diabetes & hypertension

The Health Ministry has launched a training programme for nutrition technicians who will be deployed across health institutions nationwide to promote healthier diets among patients living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

This initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment

to strengthening the capacity of the healthcare system to prevent disease, address nutrition-related issues, and promote healthier communities across Guyana.

The programme is being run by three departments within the Health Ministry and combines elements of health sciences. Staff from these three areas collabo-

rated to develop the curriculum.

Currently, 20 persons are enrolled in the new Community Nutrition Technician Training Programme developed by the Ministry of Health.

The programme will run for six months and intends to equip trainees with the knowledge needed to guide

patients with non-communicable diseases on making better dietary choices.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, while speaking at the launch on

Occur together

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, he referenced data showing that Guyana currently has more than 20,000 people living with diabetes, with a similar number affected by both diabetes and hyperten-

to the health center and we see that they are at risk for a certain disease, trying to change that mindset can be extremely difficult.

“So apart from knowing the technical things, you must make sure that you work with them very closely so that they can adhere to the advice you are giving

Monday at the ministry’s boardroom, explained that the ministry recognized a critical gap in training related to managing chronic diseases, which led to the development of the collaborative programme.

He noted that over the years, the ministry’s Food Policy Division had provided training to individuals in specific skill areas. However, he said the evolving health challenges within society require a more integrated approach that combines those skills with current public health needs.

Anthony stated that the ministry therefore saw the need for a programme that would better prepare individuals to work within health centers alongside medical teams to assist in the management of chronic diseases.

sion.

According to the minister, these chronic conditions often occur together and, if not properly managed, can lead to serious complications for patients.

As he turned his message directly to the students who are a part of the program he highlighted to them about the challenging but important task of improving nutrition among citizens.

“Now your job, when we finish training you, is not going to be an easy one. Because we have found that when we try to change people’s attitudes and behaviors, that is very difficult. So if for someone’s whole lifetime they have been socialized to eat a certain way, and now that they are getting sick or they are coming

them. And that is extremely important,” he said.

The programme will also address diets that promote heart health and help persons with diabetes control their sugar levels.

“So if we know these foods are promoting inflammation, then why don’t we minimise them or remove them from our diet? But it’s not as easy as that, because you have to know which ones to take out of your diet. One of the things they will be talking to you about is these types of foods and how we can reduce inflammation,” Dr. Anthony said. He added that many people also suffer from heart disease and other chronic illnesses that are linked to poor dietary habits.

“Hope is not lost” – First Lady Arya Ali during International Women’s Day Walk …calls for end to violence against women

In observance of International Women’s Day 2026, under the theme “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls,” the Office of the First Lady on Sunday hosted a walk through Georgetown.

Hundreds of women participated in the initiative, creating a sea of purple as they moved through the city in solidarity.

Addressing participants, First Lady Arya Ali took a moment to remember several female victims of violence, stressing that Guyana must continue its efforts to maintain strong standards in protecting women and advancing their rights.

She said that intimate partner violence continues to have devastating effects on families, robbing them of mothers, daughters and sisters and leaving grief that reverberates across communities and the nation.

The First Lady noted that the number of killings resulting from domestic or intimate partner violence serves as a stark reminder of the significant work that still lies ahead.

She further explained that, in response to this challenge, the government has taken meaningful institutional steps over the last five years to protect women in vulnerable situations and hold perpetrators accountable through legislative and policy reforms, including the enactment of the Family Violence Act.

“Victims like Kenesha Vaughn were mothers, sisters, daughters and friends

whose futures were cut short, leaving behind not just grieving families but an entire nation. The tragic death of 14-year-old Aleena Preetam, a teenage mother who passed away shortly after giving birth, and 15-year-old Tiana Chapman, another teenage mother who was stabbed 25 times, underscore the difficult circumstances that little girls, not women, continue to endure at the hands of

violent men.

Hope is not lost

“But hope is not lost, and that is why we are here today. As much as we are here to celebrate the success-

about change.

“Once we continue to raise our voices like we are today, and with brothers like those of you who are here today who under-

processes to ensure they meet the needs of every woman and girl, regardless of their circumstances.

She also stressed the importance of recognising both individual and collective responsibilities within homes, schools, places of worship and communities, while supporting existing systems designed to protect and empower women and girls.

The world would not be what it is

Meanwhile Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud also addressed the gathering, where she spoke about the various programmes her ministry offers to assist and empower women.

She delivered a message encouraging women to recognise the value they bring

es we have made over the years, it is important for us to use this moment to reflect individually and collectively on our role in helping to make our society a safer and better one for our women,” she said.

In her view, the continued raising of voices on these issues will help bring

stand our plight and have chosen to join our fight, we will be able to dismantle those structures and break the toxic culture that undermines the dignity of our women and girls.

She stated that at the policy level, efforts will continue to focus on reviewing and reforming systems and

to society.

“As we continue to celebrate the day and the month, I wish that you see yourselves as leaders, as champions and as advocates. I wish that you see yourselves with all the confidence in the world.

Banks DIH donates $6.5M to 27 community groups

Some $6.5 million has been disbursed by the Banks DIH Limited disbursed to 27 community groups last Friday.

Delivering remarks at the handing over event was Banks DIH Finance Director, Deonarain Seepaul highlighted that as the company celebrates its 70th Year, the event has for 42 years been a fixture in the company’s yearly commitment, following the Senior Citizens Luncheon, hosted on March 1.

“We are proud of our ongoing efforts to support and uplift our communities, and we look forward to continuing this important initia-

tive in honor of those who give selflessly in uplifting lives, supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening the social aspect of our society,” said company spokesperson, Sonya Forrester.

Sister Jules Mathews from St John’s Bosco Boy’s Orphanage took to the lecture to express thanks on behalf of the recipients, to Banks DIH Limited for their ongoing support and commitment.

The donations were presented to the organizations by Chairman/Managing Director of the company, Clifford Reis.

This year’s ceremony was held in the Rotunda

and the donations were disbursed to Missionaries of Charity, St. Andrew’s Kirk, The Scout Association of Guyana, Girls Guides Association, St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, The Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist, Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), Uncle Eddie’s Home, Salvation Army, Gentlewomen’s Relief Association, St. George’s Cathedral, St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital, Guyana Red Cross Society, Guyana Society for the Blind, Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty

Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty to launch in Guyana this month

Beauty brands created by Rihanna will soon be available in Guyana, with Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin set to launch locally on March 28.

The products will be sold exclusively at Glamour Beauty located at MovieTowne Mall, marking the first time the brands will be officially available in the country.

The launch, a release on Monday stated, is part of the continued expansion of Rihanna’s beauty business across the Caribbean. In a statement, the Barbadian singer and entrepreneur said she was pleased to finally bring the brands to the re-

gion.

“I am so excited to finally bring Fenty Beauty, Skin and Fragrance brands to the Caribbean. I know the community has been waiting a long time and we can’t wait for you to experience the brand and try the products in a place that’s near and dear to my heart,” she said.

Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty in 2017 with a focus on offering products that cater to a wide range of skin tones. The brand quickly gained international attention for its shade inclusivity and diverse product offerings.

“When I created Fenty Beauty, I wanted everyone to feel beautiful and recog-

nized, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, or personal style,” Rihanna has said of the brand’s mission.

Among the products expected to be available at the Guyana launch are the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, which comes in 50 shades, the Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, the Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen, and the Fenty Treatz Hydrating and Strengthening Lip Oils.

The arrival of Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin in Guyana will allow local consumers to access the brands’ products directly in-store beginning March 28.

to Animals, St. Thomas Mores Conference Society of the St Vincent De Paul, St. Philip’s Parish Church, St. Vincent De Paul Society, St. George’s Finance Committee, Dharm Shala, Guyana Sanathan Dharma Maha Saba, Shaheed’s Boys and Girls Orphanage, St. John’s Bosco Boy’s Orphanage, Ruimveldt Children’s Home and Care Centre, Our Lady of the Mount RC Church, and Our Lady of the Mount Charities.

The event was also attended by Members of the Board of Directors along with other senior executive staff members.

Woman among 3 charged over Rose Hall armed robberies

A34-year-old woman is among three persons remanded to prison after they were jointly charged with robbery under arms in connection with the armed robbery of a Rose Hall Town supermarket during which $1.5-million in cash was stolen.

Steve Anthony Tsoi, called “Timmy”, 21, a construction worker of Alness Village, Corentyne; Samantha Thomas, 34, unemployed of Bangladesh, Port Mourant, Corentyne; and Sherlon McBean Jr, called “Red Man”, 20, a construction worker of Number 9 Village, Corentyne were jointly charged. The trio appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where the indictable charge was read to them. They were not required to plead, were remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned to March 31.

It is alleged that on February 28 while armed with firearms, they robbed Rose Hall Town businessman Gurudat Sudhai of $1.5-million in cash. The matter has been transferred

to the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

AK-47 rifle charge

Meanwhile, Tsoi also appeared before Magistrate Tamieka Clarke Hardy at the Whim Magistrate’s Court earlier on Monday, where he was charged with possession of firearms and ammunition without a licence. Police allege that on March 3 at Ulverston Village, Corentyne, he had in his possession an AK47 rifle and a 9mm pistol, along with four rounds of 9mm ammunition and seventeen rounds of 7.62 ammunition, without being the holder of a firearm licence. The charge was read to him and he pleaded not guilty. However, bail was refused and the matter was adjourned to March 13. Tsoi had earlier appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Albion Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where he was charged with two counts of robbery under arms committed on Stephen Ramsingh and Petal Sabsoop.

Police allege that during the incident, Ramsingh was robbed of $25,000, while

was robbed of a motorcar. Tsoi pleaded not guilty to those charges and was granted $100,000 bail on each offence. The matter was adjourned to March 20. The charges stem from two armed robberies carried out in Rose Hall Town within days of each other, during which gunmen targeted businesses in the area. In one incident, bandits struck Shanie Liquor and Grocery Store, where members of the Ramsingh family were robbed, while in another attack armed men stormed the G. Sudhai and Sons supermarket, escaping with $1.5-million in cash. Police had earlier reported that the firearm and ammunition were discovered during an operation conducted on March 3 at Ulverston Village, Corentyne, after ranks received information in relation to the recent robberies in Rose Hall Town. During that exercise, a cutlass sack was reportedly found in a tamarind tree on an empty plot of land, inside which were a 9mm pistol with four matching rounds, an AK-47 rifle with seventeen matching 7.62 rounds, and a pair of gloves.

Guyana advances major offshore seismic project to attract more oil exploration

The Government of Guyana, through the Natural Resources Ministry, has announced progress on a 3D MultiClient Seismic Acquisition project aimed at strengthening the country’s offshore petroleum framework and supporting the modernisation of its energy sector.

The project will be supported by Viridien following

“Hope

an international procurement process that began on September 6, 2025. Viridien, formerly CGG Services (US) Inc, has worked with the Government of Guyana since 2010 and has been responsible for acquiring, processing and managing the country’s seismic data. The new agreement continues that partnership.

Viridien specialises in geoscience, subsurface imaging and high-performance computing for the energy, mining and environmental sectors. The company has experience in seismic acquisition and processing across global energy markets.

The 3D seismic survey will use sound waves to generate detailed, three-di-

is not lost...

“I want you this morning [Sunday] to acknowledge the wins that you have had in life — the tiny ones, the really big ones and the extraordinary moments that make you who you are. Without you in the world, without your presence, the world would not be what it is,” she said.

People-centred approach

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yang Yang also spoke at the event.

Ambassador Yang noted that the partnership between Guyana and China continues to grow and emphasised that there will be increased support and collaboration between the two

countries to assist and empower women.

She stated that for many years China’s government has pursued gender equality through a people-centered approach, viewing it as an essential component of sustainable development and public well-being.

It was noted that both countries share a common commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women, and that their cooperation has produced meaningful results and contributed significantly to the global advancement of women.

“Across our two countries, women are gaining greater access to education and playing even more

important roles in economic, political, cultural and social life. Many have stepped onto the international stage, showcasing talent, vision and strength.

“Looking forward, China and Guyana will continue to work side by side to reduce women’s poverty and discrimination in all its forms and help more women realise their dreams for a better life,” the ambassador said.

“Our two nations share the same commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Together, we have delivered meaningful results and made a great contribution to the global cause of women’s advancement.”

mensional images of the earth’s subsurface. The technology is commonly used to map geological structures, identify potential oil and gas deposits and guide drilling activities.

Under the agreement, the seismic acquisition will be carried out without direct public spending. The project will be funded through a pre-funding model in which energy companies provide capital for the surveys in exchange for early access to the data.

The Government of Guyana

will retain full ownership of the data, which can later be licensed to other companies for a fee.

The survey will cover about 25,000 square kilometres offshore Guyana. The area includes the 11 blocks from the 2022 licensing round located south of the Stabroek Block and extending to the GuyanaSuriname border.

The agreement also provides for the reprocessing and integration of existing seismic datasets across the three survey lots.

Officials say the data

collected will help reduce exploration risk in the Guyana Basin and support more informed exploration decisions. It is also expected to improve the basin’s attractiveness to investors and support future bid rounds.

As part of the agreement, the acquisition partners have committed to maximise the use of local content in line with national legislation and provide technical training and capacity-building for petroleum sector regulatory agencies.

Decomposed body believed to be missing Abary fisherman’s found

Abadly decomposed body believed to be that of 33-year-old fisherman Ryan Roberts, also called “Blue Shirt,” of Block B Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB), was discovered along the foreshore at Cottage Village, WCB, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice). The remains were found among large boulders along the rocky sea defence that lines sections of the coastline in the area. Persons

involved in the search for the fisherman had been combing sections of the Atlantic and nearby shorelines after he disappeared last week during a fishing expedition. On the first day of the search, those looking for him recovered his icebox, which had been floating at sea. The discovery deepened fears among relatives and fellow fisherfolk that Roberts had drowned. It was previously reported that Roberts was among a five-man fishing crew that departed the Abary fishing landing on February 24 on what was expected to be a 15-day fishing expedition. According to the vessel’s captain, Dale Wilson, the crew had been hauling in their fishing seine when a large wave struck the vessel, causing Roberts, who had been standing near an ice box, to be knocked overboard into the Atlantic Ocean. Wilson said the crew managed to pull Roberts back onto the vessel after nearly an hour in the water, during which time the injured fisherman reportedly told them that both his legs were broken.

However, the situation worsened after the boat began taking in water, eventually causing the vessel to capsize in the heavy seas, throwing all five men into the ocean.

The crew attempted to keep Roberts afloat using an ice box and a life ring, but the rough waves repeatedly separated the men. Wilson said that during the ordeal, a large wave scattered the group, and when the remaining crew members regrouped near the floating icebox, Roberts had disappeared. The four surviving fishermen battled the rough sea throughout the night before they were eventually rescued by another fishing vessel the following morning and taken to the Abary landing. Roberts remained missing and was feared drowned until the discovery of the body along the Cottage foreshore. Police were alerted following the discovery, and investigations are continuing. A post-mortem examination (PME) will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

Nutritionist training launched...

The ultimate goal, the health minister emphasized, is to better manage patients with non-communicable diseases.

“So a lot of the chronic non-communicable diseases that we talk about — the very common ones like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure — can be prevented or their onset delayed if we use the right diet. In some studies, they have shown that even if you have conditions like diabetes, with the right type of diet you can actually reverse some of the changes that would have occurred in the body. So diet is very important, and that has been missing from the conversation.”

Anthony also underscored the importance of the trainees themselves leading healthier lifestyles.

“And we need you, as the class that is now starting this programme, to be examples. Because you cannot tell people to eat properly and practise healthy habits if you are not doing so yourself.

“You have to practise what you have learned. You have to be the embodiment of the healthier society we are trying to promote. If you are practicing it, you will be more convincing and better able to persuade others to adopt these habits.

“So as you go through the course, one of the things we want you to do is start practising. You have to internalize this so that you can give good advice to the patients,” he said. Also present at the launch were Director of Family and Primary Health Care Services, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton; Director of the Health Sciences Education Division, Dr. Chandrountie Persaud; Director of NonCommunicable Diseases, Dr. Latchmie Lall;, Director of Food Policy (ag), Gillian Trim; Health Education Officer, Kim Bristol; and Senior Health Education Officer, Georgel Abrams.

UG lecturer completes PhD on mangrove restoration

University of Guyana (UG) Senior Lecturer, Dr Mark Ram, has recently completed his PhD in Marine Ecology after undertaking a rigorous four-year academic journey pursuing a landmark research project which focused on understanding and improving mangrove restoration and coastal ecosystem recovery. Dr Ram, who is attached to the Department of Biology in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, began his doctoral studies in 2021 at James Cook University in Australia. Reflecting on the experience, he shared that the road to achieving his doctorate required resilience, discipline and faith in the value of the work he was undertaking. “The journey toward earning my doctorate was challenging,

but it was also rewarding. Conducting long-term ecological research required extensive fieldwork in coastal mangrove ecosystems, careful data collec-

tion and rigorous analysis. Balancing research with teaching and other professional responsibilities also required strong commitment and time manage-

Environmental Education Curriculum introduced for Region 1 students

Students of Region One (Barima-Waini) are set to benefit from the introduction of a new Environmental Education Curriculum designed to enhance their understanding of their culture, landscapes and wildlife while strengthening conservation efforts in their communities. The curriculum titled, “My Barima-Waini and Me: Our Culture, Landscape and Wildlife” was officially handed over in February through a collaboration involving the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) and several other partners. The programme builds on an environmental education model first developed in the Rupununi by the South Rupununi Conservation

Society (SRCS), which combines scientific knowledge with traditional ecological knowledge to help students understand their environment and role communities play in protecting biodiversity. Executive Member responsible for Partnerships a SRCS, Maya De Freitas, encouraged students to use the curriculum. To deepen their connection with their communities and environments. “Your knowledge, your stories and your connection to the land are powerful tools. Use this Environmental Education Curriculum to strengthen what you already know, deepen your understanding of why it’s important to protect your environment, celebrate your culture and shape a future you

can be proud of,” De Freitas told the students during the ceremony. The curriculum was developed using a community-centred approach that included consultations with teachers, students, Toshaos, elders and local organisations to ensure the content reflects the culture and landscape of Barima-Waini region. The initiative was supported by the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme with funding from the European Union (EU). Developers said the programme highlights the power of collaboration between communities, organisations and institutions in promoting environmental protection and empowering future generations.

ment,” Dr Ram explained.

As a lecturer at UG, Dr Ram was not only pursuing advanced research overseas but also continuing his professional responsibilities. The balancing act tested him, yet it also strengthened his resolve. “Despite the challenges, the process was incredibly fulfilling, especially knowing that the research contributes to improving our understanding of mangrove restoration and coastal ecosystem recovery,” he said.

Dr Ram’s decision to pursue a PhD was driven by his passion for Guyana’s coastal ecosystems and a desire to give back through science. “My inspiration to pursue a PhD came from an interest in coastal ecosystems and a desire to contribute meaningful scientific knowledge to conservation efforts in Guyana,” he shared. “Mangroves play a critical role in protecting coastlines, supporting fisheries and maintaining biodiversity, yet there has been limited long-term scientific evaluation of restoration efforts in the country. Achieving this milestone is very meaningful to me both personally and professionally,” Dr Ram added. Dr Ram believes this achievement will also strengthen UG’s academic standing and enrich the learning experience of his students. “This accomplishment contributes to strengthening the research capacity of the University

and enhancing the quality of teaching by integrating locally relevant scientific research into the classroom. It also helps to position the University as a contributor to global discussions on ecosystem restoration and climate resilience,” the young scholar added. Dr Ram noted that his research findings can inform national coastal management strategies and serve as a model for evaluating mangrove restoration efforts both regionally and internationally. For his students, this means access to cutting-edge, locally grounded research that connects theory with real-world environmental challenges.

He was quick to acknowledge that the milestone was made possible through significant support. His research was funded by the Government of Guyana, the WorldWide Fund for Education for Nature Fellowship, and the Marine Conservation Action Fund of the New England Aquarium. He also credited the academic guidance of his supervisors and the institutional support of UG, along with logistical assistance from the Mangrove Department of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute. “I received tremendous support throughout my doctoral journey, from funding agencies to academic mentors, friends and colleagues at the

University, it was truly a collective effort,” he shared. Dr Ram’s research focused on evaluating the ecological outcomes of mangrove restoration in Guyana. Since 2010, the country has invested in restoring mangrove forests to protect coastlines, strengthen fisheries and enhance community livelihoods. However, longterm scientific monitoring of these efforts has been limited. Through extensive fieldwork along Guyana’s coastline, Dr Ram compared restored mangrove sites with natural mangrove ecosystems. He examined vegetative cover, macrobenthic assemblages, fish communities and sediment characteristics to determine whether restored areas were recovering ecological functions similar to natural systems. The research provides critical scientific evidence to guide future restoration initiatives and strengthen Guyana’s climate resilience and coastal protection strategies. The University, on Monday congratulated Dr Mark Ram on the successful completion of his PhD and commended his dedication to advancing research, teaching and environmental stewardship for the benefit of Guyana and beyond. (Feature by the Department of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC), Office of the ViceChancellor, University of Guyana)

Trial begins for man accused of fatally stabbing Corentyne resident in heart

The trial of Andrew Seegobin for the murder of Ramanand Mingo commenced on Monday at the Berbice Assizes before Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty.

A jury was empanelled to hear the matter and State Counsel Marisa Edwards, who is prosecuting the case, told the court that the State intends to call 15 witnesses, including several community residents, members of the victim’s family, police officers, and a pathologist.

In outlining the State’s case, Edwards told the court that the prosecution will seek to prove that an incident occurred on November 19, 2023, at Amos Shop, in Port Mourant, Corentyne, during which Seegobin allegedly stabbed Mingo also called “Rambo” in the chest. The injury, the court heard, perforated the man’s heart and led to his death.

The State’s first witness,

Parbattie Rangasammy, who operates the business along with her son, told the court that she had known the accused for several years and that he was a frequent visitor to the shop. However, when asked in court whether she could identify him, the woman said she was unable to do so.

Rangasammy related that on the day in question, Mingo and his brother were at the shop. She said she had asked the two men to leave because of their behaviour, but one of the brothers pushed her to the ground.

The witness said that when she got up, she went inside the building, and upon returning, she observed Mingo with what appeared to be blood coming from his body.

During cross-examination by defence attorney Suriya Sabsook, the witness told the court that she

had wanted the brothers to leave the premises because she did not want customers to be harassed. She also testified that she had previously spoken to Mingo about his behaviour.

The witness further told the court that during the altercation her son armed himself with a cutlass after the younger of the two brothers allegedly attacked him. Apart from the three men involved, she said there was one other customer in the shop at the time.

Another witness, Amos Rangasammy, who also operates the business, later took the stand. He told the court that Mingo and his brother frequently visited the shop, which operates a Superbet outlet and also sells food and beverages.

Rangasammy said he saw his mother being pushed to the ground during the altercation and that Mingo attacked him. He told

the court that he ran inside and armed himself with a cutlass.

However, when he returned, he said he saw one of the brothers partly covered in blood, while the accused was nowhere in sight.

The injured man was subsequently taken from the shop by his brother and placed into a car, which drove away.

The trial continues today.

It was previously reported that Mingo of John’s Settlement, Corentyne, died after he was allegedly stabbed during an altercation in the community on November 19, 2023. He was rushed for medical attention but later succumbed to his injuries.

Following investigations, Seegobin was arrested and later charged with murder. He was subsequently committed to stand trial at the High Court.

Over $440M to be spent on major ferry repairs

…contractors invited to bid

Thousands of passengers and businesses that rely on Guyana’s river and coastal transport system are set to benefit from a major rehabilitation initiative targeting three key vessels.

The works are valued at more than $440 million and will reduce travel time along several critical routes.

According to a DPI report, the MV Ma Lisha, MV Barima, and MB Hercules vessels serve as vital transportation links between the coast and the hinterland communities.

The MV Ma Lisha is a 70 metre passenger and cargo vessel that operates between Regions One and Four. The engineer’s estimate is $199.3 million for the rehabilitation of the MV Ma Lisha.

Additional works will also be undertaken on the MV Barima at an estimated cost of $124.5 million.

The vessel regularly services the route between Georgetown and Port Kaituma in Region One. It plays a vital role in transporting passengers and cargo to communities across the North West District, including Mabaruma and Kumaka.

Meanwhile, the MB Hercules, which operates from the Parika Stelling along the Essequibo River to

destinations such as Bartica, Supenaam, Leguan and Wakenaam, will undergo rehabilitation works estimated at $124.2 million. The vessel was introduced to ease congestion and long waiting times and has become a key part of the region’s river transport system.

The Public Works Ministry, through the Transport and Harbours Department, has invited contractors to submit bids for the docking and overhaul works. Bidding will be conducted under the National Competitive Bidding procedures outlined in the Procurement Act 2003.

Interested parties can obtain bidding documents from the Transport and Habours Department beginning March 9, 2026, upon payment of a non-refundable fee of $5,000. Completed bids must be submitted to the National Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) at the Ministry of Finance on Main and Urquhart Streets in Georgetown.

When completed, the upgrades are expected to improve the efficiency along key river routes, helping passengers reach their destinations faster while supporting the steady movement of goods and services to riverine and hinterland communities across Guyana’s waterways.

Reggae icons awarded in FL

The South Florida city of Miramar staged its fifth Reggae Icon Awards on February 26 with Clive Murphy of The Tennors, bass guitarist Lloyd Parks, impresario Tommy Cowan and his wife Carlene Davis the 2026 recipients.

It was held at the Miramar Cultural Center’s Banquet Hall.

Murphy founded The Tennors in 1965, leading the trio on rock steady hits like Pressure And Slide and Ride yuh Donkey. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I am very grateful to be recognised/honoured for all the work I have done for 63 years. It also gives me a good feeling to know that our songs can stand the test of time,” Murphy told the Jamaica Observer. “The first song with the word reggae was

our song, Reggae Girl, and I was the person that spelled reggae the way

it is being spelt today.” Parks’ career also started during the 1960s as a vo -

calist with The Termites, a rock steady duo. He was presented with the Reggae

Icon Award.

Best known as the founder/leader of We The People Band, he has played on countless hit songs such as Hard Drugs and Number One by Gregory Isaacs, Should I and Ain’t That Loving You by Dennis Brown, and Cottage in Negril by Tyrone Taylor.

“I am extremely elated and appreciative of this award. I am excited to be honoured at this tine because most of the work has been done. It is a good time and the right time,” Parks said in an interview with the Observer. Cowan and Davis were acknowledged for their work in secular and gospel music with the Marcus Garvey Award.

“I am grateful. The journey has not been an easy one and so when I receive these honours I first give thanks to God. The scripture that says in Galatians

6: 9-10, ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest.’ If we do not give up, therefore, as we have the opportunity, let’s us do good to all people,” Davis told the Observer.

Jamaican Eddy Edwards, a Miramar commissioner, said the Reggae Icon Awards has grown in prestige.

“The feedback from attendees have been nothing but fantastic. All honorees are elated and have expressed that, despite being honoured on many occasions, this one is special and dear to them,” he said.

Past recipients of Reggae Icon Awards include Pat Chin of VP Records, Third World, Mutabaruka, and Winston “Wee Pow” Powell, founder of the Stone Love sound system. (Jamaica Observer)

UN says in talks with US on humanitarian fuel supplies for Cuba

The United Nations is in talks with Washington over easing a crippling oil blockade on Cuba to allow in fuel for humanitarian purposes, the UN’s coordinator on the island told AFP on Monday.

Francisco Pichon said UN officials had had “exchanges” with United States President Donald Trump’s Administration “in order to guarantee access to fuel” for emergency relief work.

The discussions also covered the fuel needs of Cuban Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that work with the United Nations and state-run health centres providing aid for the elderly, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups.

Trump has vowed to make US arch-foe Cuba his next target after Iran and the January overthrow of

representative

ceived no oil shipments for two months, forcing airlines to curtail or suspend flights to the island.

The blockade has also starved Cuba’s power plants and farms of fuel and brought daily life to a near standstill.

On Saturday, Trump told several Latin American allies that the island was in its “last moments of life.”

Trump on Cuba:

May or may not be a “friendly takeover”

United States President Donald Trump said on Monday Cuba is in “deep ?trouble” on a humanitarian basis and ?that US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio was dealing with the issue which may or may ?not be a “friendly takeover”.

“He’s dealing (with it) ?and it may be a friendly takeover, ?it may not be a friendly takeover. ?Wouldn’t really matter because they’re really down ?to...as they say, fumes. They have no energy, they have no money,” Trump, speaking at a news ?conference in Doral, Florida told reporters.

UN

Washington’s other bête noire in the Caribbean, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

In an attempt to precipitate the collapse of Cuba’s communist leadership, he imposed an energy blockade on the nation in January.

The Cuban state has re-

Pichon said UN agencies in Cuba had been subject to strict fuel rationing, which had “compromised” their capacity to fulfil their mandate.

UN staff were largely unable to carry out field work and UN agencies are having difficulty retrieving aid shipments from ports and airports, he added.

President Miguel DiazCanel has imposed emergency measures to conserve fuel, including strict fuel rationing. (Excerpt from AFP)

US military kills 6 in strike on alleged drug boat in Eastern Pacific

The United States military says it has killed six men in a strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean as part of a campaign against traffickers.

The attack on Sunday brought the death toll to at least 157 persons since early September when President Donald Trump’s Administration began targeting those it calls “narcoterrorists” in small vessels.

“Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” General Francis

Donovan, commander of US Southern Command, posted on X with a video showing a small boat being blown up as it floated on the water.

As with most of the military’s statements on the more than 40 known strikes in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, US Southern Command said it targeted alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes. The military did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs.

Trump has said the United States is in “armed conflict” with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks as a nec -

essary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the US. But his administration has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing “narcoterrorists”.

In a meeting with Latin American leaders on Saturday, Trump encouraged them to join the US in taking military action against drug-trafficking cartels and transnational gangs, which he said pose an “unacceptable threat” to the region’s security.

To that end, Ecuador and the US conducted military operations this past week against organised crime groups in the South American country. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Venezuela legislature approves mining law in initial vote

Venezuela’s ruling ?party-controlled National Assembly on Monday approved a mining law expected to open the sector to private and foreign investment, the latest salvo in a package of US-backed changes to the still-sanctioned country’s economy.

The Administration of US President Donald Trump has supported ?a

series of moves by Acting President Delcy Rodriguez to attract investors and stabilise the country ?since a January raid that captured President Nicolas Maduro, with Trump repeatedly praising Rodriguez ?for cooperating with the US.

A draft of the law seen by Reuters, but not yet made public ?repeals a 1999 mining regulation law, allows foreign and do-

mestic companies to exploit gold, diamonds and rare earths ?and increases concessions from 20 years to 30 years.

Though mineral deposits remain the property of the State, disputes will be resolved through international arbitration, according to the draft, which also creates new tax calculations for mining projects.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

The Cuban ?government has said it is not in any high-level ?talks ?with the United States, but has not outright denied press reports that US officials may be in informal talks with Raul ?Guillermo Rodriguez ?Castro, the ?grandson of former Cuban President Raul Castro.

Cuban exiles who are

largely ?concentrated in Miami have long dreamed ?of ?overthrowing the Cuban Government or seeing it fall and have in the past plotted ?against ?the Government that was established ?by the late revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.

Meanwhile, a group of just over 20 Cuban university students staged a rare, hourslong protest at ?the University of Havana on Monday, angry

over class disruptions amid a US oil blockade that has contributed to ?a near collapse of Cuba’s electrical grid. Students sat under a hot mid-morning sun, shading themselves with umbrellas while trading barbs with several of the university’s professors and administration staff, who arrived shortly after the “sit-in” began. (Excerpts from Reuters)

MPs in Cayman vote to look at curbing social

media access for under-16s

The Cayman Islands could follow Australia in banning social media for children under 16 following cross-party support on the issue in Parliament.

A Private Member’s Motion brought by Pearlina McGaw-Lumsden, MP for George Town West, said the issue was a child protection and public health measure, and that operators should be forced to put into place adequate age verification and compliance measures.

Countries such as Norway, the United Kingdom, Denmark, France and Germany as well as some US states are also considering limited access to social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat to young people as concerns increase about the impact of unrestricted access on mental health.

Starting off the debate,

McGaw-Lumsden said, “The mental health, safety and the development of our children must take precedence over the commercial interests and profit models of global technology corporations.

“These platforms are not passive tools. They are highly engineered digital environments designed to maximise attention, emotional response

and time spent on the platform. Their algorithms are built to reward outrage, controversy, sexualised imagery and social comparison, factors that are particularly harmful to developing minds.”

She said that children and young adolescents are more vulnerable to peer pressure, reward-seeking behaviour and social validation, “which are directly exploited by the design of modern social media platforms”.

While children around the world are affected, she said that Caribbean nations face unique vulnerabilities.

“Our societies are small, closely connected and highly-digitally connected as well,” she said. “Harmful content, cyber bullying and reputational damage spread rapidly and are difficult to contain.”

(Excerpt from Cayman Compass)

Chevron wants talks with T&T

Less than 24 hours after Trinidad and Tobago

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar met with United States Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal says global energy giant Chevron is already knocking on Trinidad and Tobago’s door.

Speaking with Guardian Media during Pandavas’ Phagwa celebrations at Palmiste Park in San Fernando, Moonilal also responded to critics who questioned his absence during the bilateral discussions with Wright, explaining that the Prime Minister attended a meeting of the Heads of Government, where she

would have discussed various matters and could not take her entire Cabinet with her.

Moonilal said it was not by coincidence that Chevron expressed interest in doing business with T&T just 24 hours after Persad-Bissessar raised “certain very important matters regarding the energy sector” with Wright. He added, “I believe it is not coincidental. I believe it is not accidental...This morning, I received news from Chevron that they are asking us to meet with their business development unit to further discussions on the cooperation in energy sector, not just exploration and production, but some matters per-

taining to storage and so on.” He recalled that during his recent visit to Guyana, he met the Chevron Chairman and discussed using T&T as a hub for their shipment of oil from Venezuela and other matters.

Moonilal said he would contact Chevron Monday morning to schedule a meeting, which could be as early as next week.

Moonilal said this development follows his recent announcement that the Government intends to give two blocks to CNOOC (China National Offshore Oil Corporation), the third-largest oil and gas company in China. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

OIL NEWS

Oil falls over 6% as Trump predicts Middle East de-escalation

Oil ?prices fell on Tuesday after hitting their highest level in more than three years in the prior session as United States President Donald Trump predicted the war in the Middle East could end soon, easing concerns about prolonged disruptions to global oil supplies.

Brent futures ?fell US$6.51, or 6.6 per cent, to US$92.45 a barrel at 0018 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was ?down US$6.12, or 6.5 per cent, to US$88.65.

Oil prices surged past US$100 a barrel on Monday, hitting session highs ?of US$119.50 for Brent and US$119.48 for WTI, their highest since mid-2022, as supply cuts by Saudi Arabia and other ?producers during the expanding US-Israeli war with Iran stoked fears of major disruptions to global supplies.

Prices later retreated ?after Russian President Vladimir Putin held a call with Trump and shared proposals aimed at a quick settlement to the Iran war, according to a Kremlin aide, easing concerns about a prolonged supply disruption.

Trump said on Monday in a CBS News interview that he thinks ?the war against Iran “is very complete” and that Washington was “very far ahead” of his initial four- to five-week estimated ?timeframe.

In response to Trump, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said they would “determine the end of the war” and that Tehran would not allow “one ?litre of ?oil” to be exported from the region if US and Israeli attacks continued, State media reported on Tuesday citing IRGC’s spokesperson.

But those comments did not lift prices, which were also under pressure because Trump is considering easing oil sanctions on Russia and releasing emergency crude stockpiles as part of a package of options aimed at ?curbing spiking global oil prices ?amid the Iran conflict, ?according to multiple sources.

“Taking the events of the past 24 hours into account, I expect crude oil to remain highly volatile, trading within a wide range between $75ish ?and $105ish in the sessions ahead,” Tony Sycamore, IG market analyst, said in a note.

Gulf ?oil producers ?have begun cutting output as the USIsraeli war with Iran disrupted shipping in the region. Over the weekend, Iraq slashed production at its main southern oilfields by 70 per cent to 1.3 million barrels per day while Kuwait Petroleum Corporation also began ?reducing output ?and declared force majeure.

Adding to the cuts, Saudi Arabia has now begun ?trimming production, sources said on Monday.

G7 nations said on Monday they were prepared to implement “necessary measures” in response to surging global oil ?prices, but stopped short of committing to release emergency reserves.

(Reuters)

US teacher killed after toilet paper prank goes wrong

Ahigh school teacher in Georgia was accidentally run over and killed outside his home when a toilet paper prank carried out by his students went terribly wrong, officials said.

Jason Hughes, 40, came out of his home to surprise the students who were tossing toilet papers over trees as part of a practical joke.

But Hughes tripped and fell on the ground which was slick from rain, and as the students tried to run away from the scene in two separate cars, he was inadvertently run over by the driver of one of the cars, Police said.

The student who was driving the car has been charged with vehicular homicide, but the teacher’s family say they want the charges dropped.

In a statement to the New York Times, Laura Hughes, Jason Hughes’ wife, who is also an instructor at the same high school, said that her husband was beloved by the students.

She said he knew about the prank and ”was excited and waiting to catch them in the act”.

The student driver, identified as Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, and two others stopped to try to help Hughes before emergency responders arrived and took him to the hospital, the sheriff’s office said.

Wallace and the four other 18-year-olds involved were also charged with criminal trespass and littering on private property.

Hughes’s wife told the New York Times the family fully ”supports getting the charges dropped for all involved”.

”This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students,” she said. ”This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Around the World

Trump says war could be over soon, as Iran rallies behind new hardline leader

nited States

UPresident Donald Trump on Monday predicted the war in the Middle East could be over soon, even as Iran’s hardliners staged a show of loyalty to new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in a sign that it was not prepared to back down any time soon.

The ?conflicting signals sent markets on a rollercoaster, with oil prices surging and stock markets nosediving before swinging in the other direction after Trump’s comments and reports of a possible ease in sanctions on Russian energy.

Khamenei, ?56, a Shi’ite cleric with a power base among the security forces and their vast business empire, has been declared unacceptable by Trump, who has

demanded Iran’s unconditional surrender.

Trump said the war would continue until Iran is ”totally and decisively defeated”, but predicted it would

be over soon.

”It’s going to be finished pretty quickly,” he told Republican lawmakers. ”We’ve already won in many ways, but we haven’t won

enough,” he said.

Trump did not, however, define exactly what victory in the war would look like.

Iranian State media showed large crowds in several cities rallying behind the new leader, ?waving Iranian flags and holding portraits of his father Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader killed by an Israeli strike on the war’s first day.

In Isfahan, state TV reported the sound of nearby explosions from apparent airstrikes as loyalists ?gathered in the historic Imam Square, chanting ”God is the Greatest” below a stage with portraits of Ali and Mojtaba Khamenei.

In a further sign of defiance, Iran’s military said it ?would step up its missile strikes.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine seeks more talks, but Kyiv’s partners focused on Iran – Zelenskyy

Ukraine is ready for new US-backed peace talks with Russia ”at any moment”, but its partners’ attention is currently focused on the Iran conflict, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ?said on Monday, saying that the US had asked to postpone an upcoming meeting.

Zelenskyy also said ?that Ukraine had received 11 requests from countries neighbouring Iran, as well as from the US and Europe, for help downing drones fired by

Tehran. Russia, he said, was manipulating the Iran conflict to improve its position.

Several rounds of talks aimed at ending the four-yearold conflict with ?Russia have failed to make progress on key issues, including a Russian demand that Kyiv abandon land ?that Moscow’s troops have not managed to capture.

”At the moment, the partners’ priority and all ?attention are focused on the situation around Iran, and because of this the meeting that had been planned ?for this week

is being postponed at the proposal of the American side,” Zelenskyy wrote in English on the ?X social media platform.

”However, Ukraine is ready for a meeting at any moment, in a format that can help and that will be realistic in terms of ending the war.”

The Russians, he said, were ”trying to manipulate the situation in the Middle East and the ?Gulf region in favour of their aggression,” he wrote.

”And ... effectively turn

the Iranian regime s strikes against its neighbours and ?American bases into a second front of Russia s war against Ukraine and, more broadly, against the entire West. This must not ?be allowed.”

Kyiv is seeking to leverage its deep experience countering Russian drones based on Iranian designs as it pushes its allies for more weapons capable of shooting down ballistic missiles fired in Russian air attacks on its cities.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

France preparing to escort ships in Strait of Hormuz when war calms – Macron

French

President

Emmanuel Macron has said France and its allies are preparing a purely defensive mission to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz once the most intense phase of the US-Israeli war with Iran ends.

Speaking in Cyprus on Monday, Macron said the purely escort mission must be

prepared by both European and non-European countries. Its purpose is to enable, as soon as possible after the most intense phase of the conflict has ended, the escort of container ships and tankers to gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz , the French President said, without providing further details.

Macron s comments come

as global oil prices have surged amid continued attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as retaliatory Iranian missile and drone strikes across the wider region.

The war has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic Gulf waterway through which about 20 per cent of the world s oil supplies pass, while Iranian

attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East also have raised concerns.

Responding to Macron s comments, top Iranian security official Ali Larijani said, It is unlikely that any security will be achieved in the Strait of Hormuz amid the fires of the war ignited by the United States and Israel in the region. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

2 men charged with terror offences after homemade bomb thrown outside NYC Mayor’s home

Two men have been charged with terror offences after Police said they attempted to bomb a protest outside the New York City Mayor’s home in an attack allegedly inspired by the Islamic State group (IS).

The suspects, 18-yearold Emir Balat and 19-yearold Ibrahim Kayumi, allegedly told Police that they aimed for the Saturday attack to be ”even larger” than the Boston

Marathon bombing in 2013 that left three dead.

New York Police say the pair attempted to detonate two explosives outside Gracie Mansion, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani lives. Authorities found a third bomb in their car.

The incident happened during an anti-Islam protest. None of the explosives went off as intended.

Footage of the incident shows one of the suspects being

detained just seconds after igniting one of the explosives, which did not detonate.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the two suspects had admitted to being inspired by IS and had watched IS propaganda videos. The two did not have any previous criminal history, she said.

They are facing charges, including attempting to provide material support to IS

and using a weapon of mass destruction. It is unclear if the two defendants have lawyers. ”We were fortunate that the devices used this weekend did not cause the kind of harm that they were certainly capable of causing,” Tisch said during a news conference on Monday. ”But luck is never a strategy. Devices like these have the potential to cause devastating harm.”

(Excerpt from BBC News)

SUDOKU

Refuse to let your emotions interfere with what you need to do. Act with unfiltered truth and compassion. Dedicate your time and effort to educating others and making a difference in your community.

Forward thinking will be necessary, and you will need to make the most out of what you have to ensure the best outcome. A career choice will offer financial benefits and emotional costs.

Stop procrastinating. Communicate, research and implement a plan. The more you do to make a difference, the greater the benefits. A solid plan will give you the confidence needed to make a move.

Protect your reputation. Ask questions, consider your options and avoid letting your emotions lead to arguments you cannot win. Keep your thoughts to yourself and avoid risky situations.

Actions will take precedence. Put your plans in motion, and don’t stop until you are satisfied with the results. Personal gratification for your achievements will be worthwhile.

Domestic issues will throw you off course. Don’t lose sight of your goal or neglect a situation that can influence how someone feels about you. Keep what’s meaningful to you in the forefront.

Keep your personal life to yourself. Mixing business with pleasure will be counterproductive. Romance and personal growth are heading your way.

Listen, and you’ll gain insight into how best to maintain the status quo. An energetic approach to physical activity will set you apart from any competition you encounter.

Pay more attention to what’s happening at home than what’s going on out in the streets. Don’t involve yourself in a fight that doesn’t concern you. Avoid people looking for a confrontation.

Fly under the radar if you want to maintain a steady pace. Refuse to let anyone coax you into putting their needs before your own. Emotions and money will not mix well today.

There is power in energy. Design a plan that lets you give your all to whatever delivers the highest returns. A little love and understanding go a long way.

Don’t start something you cannot finish. Choose your words wisely. Anger will lead to setbacks that can stifle your progress. Choose kindness and love over chaos and aversion.

Holder, lone West Indian in ICC T20 World Cup team-of-the-tournament

Defending champions India became the first team to win back-to-back titles as they defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

While India were dominant at their home World Cup, there were several performers that lit up the stage through the month-long tournament. The best players on show have made it to the ICC Team of the Tournament.

The team of the tournament was picked by a selection panel comprising West Indies great Ian Bishop, former England Captain Eion Morgan, coach-turned-commentator Natalie Germanos, ICC representative Gaurav Saxena and senior Sri Lankan sports journalist Rex Clementine.

Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)

7 matches, 383 runs, 76.60 average, 160.25 strike rate

Though Pakistan were patchy in the tournament, Sahibzada Farhan was consistently brilliant. His tally of 383 runs in seven matches was the highest a batter has scored in a single edition of the T20 World Cup, despite Pakistan exiting at the Super Eight stage.

The 29-year-old opener also became the first batter to score two hundreds in a single edition of a T20 World Cup. The highlight was a century he scored against Sri Lanka in the final Super Eight clash, setting up a fiverun win.

Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper, India)

5 matches, 321 runs, 80.25 average, 199.37 strike rate

Sanju Samson was key to India’s emphatic finish at the World Cup and was named the Player of the Tournament. Though unable to break into the star-studded Indian lineup at the beginning, Samson turned it around at the business end of the tournament.

The right-hand batter kicked off his scoring spree with an unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in the final Super Eight clash, and a virtual knockout. He then piled on 89 against England in the semi-final and another 89 in the final against New Zealand.

He became the third batter to score half-centuries in both the final and semi-final, and only the second to notch three successive 80-plus

scores at the T20 World Cup.

Ishan Kishan (India)

9 matches, 317 runs, 35.22 average, 193.29 strike rate

Ishan Kishan made an impact with relentless aggression at the top of the order. His three half-centuries stood out, but the southpaw also made valuable contributions of a quickfire 38 against Zimbabwe and 39 against England.

His best performance came against arch-rivals Pakistan. After India lost an early wicket batting first, Kishan led the Indian charge with 77 off 40 balls, studded with 10 fours and three sixes.

Having spent the last two years on the sidelines, Kishan’s redemption arc was complete as he contributed 54 runs and completed two important catches in the final.

Aiden Markram (Captain, South Africa)

8 matches, 286 runs, 47.66 average, 165.31 strike rate

Aiden Markram marshalled his troops well as South Africa won their first seven matches of the tournament. Never one to shy away from responsibility, he started at the top of the order, scoring three half-centuries. He was especially effective in Ahmedabad, scoring 86 not out in the key group clash against New Zealand and an unbeaten 82 against West Indies in the Super Eight.

During the match against India, Markram led with the ball too, providing his team with the breakthrough, with the wicket of Kishan in the first over.

Though the Proteas could not improve on their 2024 performance and went out

in the semi-final, Markram was impressive in the way he handled and backed the tal ented South African bowling line-up.

Hardik Pandya (India)

9 matches, 217 runs, 160.74 strike rate, 9 wickets

For the last few years, Hardik Pandya has been piv otal to this team’s continued success, thanks to his abili ty to turn the match around with the bat or ball. And he continued the run of form at the T20 World Cup as well, amassing 217 runs and pick ing up nine wickets.

Pandya scored two half-centuries, the second of which was a whirlwind 50 off 23 balls against Zimbabwe as he helped India to 256/4, the highest team total at the T20 World Cup 2026, and only four short of the highest-ever total in the tournament his tory.

With the ball, his best performance was 2/16 in three overs against Pakistan. Opening the bowling, Pandya packed off the rival team’s biggest threat, Farhan, for a duck and then bowled Usman Tariq to wrap up the Pakistan innings.

Will Jacks (England)

Zealand to take his team to an unlikely win in the final

8.25, which was the best from both teams, and probably the

saved for the last, as the pac er claimed 4/15 against New Zealand in the final to earn the Player-of-the-Match award.

8 matches, 226 runs, 176.56 strike rate, 9 wickets

It was a breakout tournament for Will Jacks, who emerged as one of the best all-rounders at the T20 World Cup.

Having dropped down the order, Jacks played the role of the finisher to perfection. His best performance was an unbeaten 53 against Italy, but Jacks played a vital cameo against India and scored an unbeaten 32 against New

It was not just timely scalps, but Bumrah’s ability to disrupt the opponent’s batting rhythm that separated him. His laser accuracy and ability to fire yorkers at the death turned his overs into choke points for the opponent.

During the semi-final against England, Bumrah claimed just one wicket, but it was the 18th over, where he conceded only six runs, that turned the tide. In a match that saw an aggregate of 499 runs, Bumrah conceded runs at an economy of

es, 12 wickets, 15.58 average, 7.19 economy

One of the best pacers at the tournament, Lungi Ngidi started the tournament with 4/31 against Canada and claimed two more three-wicket hauls. In the match against India, he did not claim any wickets but helped South Africa keep a lid on India’s batting firepower by conceding only 15 runs from his four overs.

Ngidi used his experience, variation, and slower ball to great effect on largely batting-friendly tracks.

Adil Rashid (England) 8 matches, 13 wickets, 19.23 average, 8.15 economy

Adil Rashid is the only specialist spinner in the team of the tournament. He used the conditions well, especially in Sri Lanka, to help England win six of their first seven

While his best on paper was a 3/36 against Scotland, Rashid played a crucial role in the wins over Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the Super Eights. After England were restricted to 146/9 by Sri Lanka, the leg-spinner engineered the home team’s collapse with 2/13 in 3.4 overs. Against India, he was more in damage-control mode and claimed the wickets of Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav to finish

India’s Sanju Samson headlined the team-of-thetournament

Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe) 6 matches, 13 wickets, 14.46 average, 7.88 economy Blessing Muzarabani was key to Zimbabwe’s dream run at the tournament. After missing out on the 2024 edition, Zimbabwe produced their best performance at the T20 World Cups as they competed in the Super Eights. Zimbabwe announced their arrival with a 23-run win over Australia. In that match, Muzarabani claimed 4/17 as Australia were dismissed for 146 while chasing Zimbabwe’s 169/2. In the group stage, the pacer claimed nine wickets in three matches as his team finished at the top of Group B.

Shadley Van Schalkwyk (12th man, USA) 4 matches, 13 wickets, 7.76 average, 6.80 economy The USA pacer was easily the best bowler of the group stage. Though USA failed to replicate their 2024 heroics and enter the Super Eight, Shadley Van Schalwyk was in a class of his own. He began with a four-wicket haul against India and had the co-hosts in a spot of bother at 77/6 before they recovered. Van Schalwyk followed it up with another brilliant performance, claiming an identical 4/25 against Pakistan.

Rose Hall Canje crowned BCB U-17 champions

Led by Adrian Hetmyer’s unbeaten 83, Rose Hall Canje Community Centre claimed a championship victory in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) U-17 tournament.

Playing at the Rose Hall Canje Ground, against Port Mourant Cricket Club, the visitors posted 194-8 in 37 overs. Devendra Samaroo struck a fluent 74 from 85 balls. His innings was decorated with seven fours.

Romario Ramdeholl returned 3-34 for Rose Hall Canje while Michael Newland Jr had 2-14. In reply, Rose Hall Canje U-17 reached 195-5

Transport, El Dorado advance to GCA & Friends 2-Day Final

The semi-finals of the Georgetown Cricket Association & Friends Second-Division Two-Day Tournament were contested over the weekend, with Transport Sports Club and El Dorado Cricket Club emerging as the two teams that will battle for the championship.

In one semi-final, Transport Sports Club faced Police Sports Club in a match that ultimately ended in a draw, but Transport advanced by virtue of first innings points.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Transport Sports Club made early inroads into the Police batting lineup, dismissing them for 120. Pernell London topscored with 27, while

and six sixes.

For Police, Euan Blair and Ameer Mohamed were the most successful bowlers, claiming three wickets each. In their second innings, Police Sports Club showed more resistance and reached 184 for 8 before the match concluded.

while John Persaud and Riaz Latif supported well with two wickets apiece.

Transport responded with a commanding batting display, piling up 353 all out to take firm control of the contest. Riaz Latif produced a superb innings of 117 from 139 balls, striking six fours and nine sixes. Shamar Apple also impressed with a brilliant century, scoring 100 from 108 deliveries, including 10 fours

Chemroy Kendall played an explosive cameo of 44 from just 15 balls, while Ameer Mohamed remained unbeaten on 43 from 73 deliveries, hitting four fours and two

Despite the

s bowlers dismantled the GDF batting lineup, dismissing them for just 99. Joshua Ferrell top-scored with 26, while Michael Deonarine added 18.

Mohamad Nassir and Owen Andrews were the chief destroyers with three wickets each, while Ntini Permaul and Stephon Wilson claimed two wickets apiece.

El Dorado then replied with 144 all out to secure a first innings lead. Deonarine Dindial led the batting with 35 from 50 balls, while Sunil Ramlall and Kampta Seepersaud contributed 28 each. Leon Andrews and Ayinda Rogers picked up three wickets each for GDF, while Delshawn McDonald supported with two.

GDF struggled again in their second innings and were bowled out for 92. Andrews top-scored with 23, while Gevon Shultz remained unbeaten on 18.

improved second innings effort, the match ended in a draw, but Transport Sports Club secured a place in the final after earning the crucial first innings lead.

Meanwhile, at the Everest Cricket Ground, El Dorado Cricket Club produced a strong all-round performance to defeat the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) by five wickets. After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, El Dorado

Mohamad Nassir delivered an outstanding bowling performance, claiming 5 for 25, while Stephon Wilson provided strong support with figures of 4 for 23.

Chasing a modest target, El Dorado reached 48 for 5, with Tuen Hicks contributing 24, to secure a five-wicket victory and confirm their place in the final.

With the results, Transport Sports Club and El Dorado Cricket Club will now face off in the final of the Georgetown Cricket Club & Friends Second Division Two-Day competition.

in 31.3 overs. Hetmyer hit an unbeaten 83 from 82 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes.

Romario Ramdeholl made 25 and Lakeram Singh scored 13 not out as Rose Hall Canje won by five wickets.

On the following day, the Rose Hall Canje B team qualified for the final of the Canje Zone Anil Lalsa Second-Division Tournament after defeating Canje Titans by 71 runs.

Richard Ramdehol, Seon Hetmyer and Adrian

Hetmyer struck half-centuries on a successful weekend for Rose Hall Canje. The Rose Hall Canje B team made 261-6 in 30 overs, with Richard Ramdeholl scoring 68 from 60 balls, in an innings laced with seven fours.

Seon Hetmyer made a classy 57 while his son, Adrian Hetmyer scored 58. In reply, Canje Titans made 190 all out in 27.2 overs. Ishmael top-scored with 65 while Sanjay Algoo had 4-31 for Rose Hall Canje in a 71-run win.

Persaud wins Women’s Day

Rapid Chess Tournament

Eleven-year-old Divya Persaud took home the first-place trophy for her standout performance at the Women’s Day Rapid Chess Tournament hosted by the Gambit Group.

The event, a collaboration of the Gambit Group, Guyana Chess Federation’s Women in Chess, and the School of the Nations, was held on Friday, March 6, 2026, to commemorate International Women’s Day.

A total of 24 females accepted the invitation to compete from various schools, including School of the Nations, Marian Academy, St Joseph High, St Rose’s High, Christ

ished third, also with 5 points. Montes De Oca and Yhap have been playing chess for several years and are gradually moving up the ranks of top junior females.

Church Secondary, Richard Ishmael Secondary, New Guyana School, St John’s College, and Mae’s Primary School.

Persaud, a student at the New Guyana School and the reigning National U12 Girls Rapid Champion, is rapidly cementing her status as one of Guyana’s premier junior chess talents. She dominated the tournament with an impressive, unbeaten score of 6 points, navigating the field with four wins and two strategic draws. Marian Academy’s Tharisha Montes De Oca, no stranger to the chess board, secured second place with 5 points, while schoolmate Angelina Yhap fin -

The fourth place and Best U16 player prize was won by New Guyana School’s Lusianna Farlot, while St Rose’s High’s Gabrielle Mohabir took home the fifth place and Best U14 player award. Amaya Sharma, from the School of the Nations, secured sixth and the Best U12 player prize.

Medals were also awarded to Shameera Dwarka from Christ Church Secondary; Anaya Lall and Maya Ali from School of the Nations, and St Joseph High’s Madison Spencer, who placed seventh through tenth, respectively.

The girls all showcased their talent and strategic

moves in the seven-round ten-minute rapid chess competition.

The trophies and medals were awarded to the top performers by Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Sasha Shariff, a member of the Gambit Group, during a brief ceremony.

A special thank you was extended to the organising team led by Gambit Group’s founder, Oluwadare Oyeyipo. Along with arbiters Marcia Lee, Keron Sandiford, WCM Jessica Callender, and Nathan Williams. Their tireless work behind the scenes ensured that the tournament was conducted fairly and in strict accordance with the rules.

A special thank you was also extended to the School of the Nations for providing the tournament’s venue.

Dover relishes “special” victory for Police FC

Guyana Police Force (GPF) Football Club Head Coach Wayne Dover has described his team’s recent triumph in the inaugural Elite League Cup as special, expressing hopes that the victory can motivate his troops in the upcoming eighth edition of the League, scheduled for commencement later this year.

On Saturday last, there were absolute scenes at the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Centre (NTC) where Police edged Slingerz FC 2-1 to lift the trophy.

“So, we spent this entire preparation dealing with ‘out of possession’, when we’re not in possession of the ball, to get behind the ball, to pressure the first touch, to come across and come back. We applied all the principles of defending during we training sessions and we see that these guys come out and execute

throughout the tournament. Hence, that’s the reason why I think we have triumphed,” Dover told Guyana Times,

discussing some focal areas in his team’s preparation for the tournament. He went on to say about

Guyana-born cricket umpire to represent Canada in WICUA Exchange Programme

By Frederick Halley

Guyana-born umpire

Daniel Singh, who now resides in Canada, is the latest candidate who will soon be participating in the revived and much-vaunted West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) Exchange Programme.

Singh’s participation was approved by the Executive Committee of the Canada Cricket Umpires Association (CCUA) and he will be officiating in matches in his home country during the period March 26 to April 8.

A fully-qualified WICUA umpire as of 2011, while living in the British Virgin Islands, Singh has also completed the Level Three Cricket Canada examinations, since migrating to North America in 2021. Since then, he has been an active member of the CCUA, as well as the Toronto Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (TCU&SA).

President of the CCUA, Azad Khan, who is also Secretary of the WICUA, made the announcement about Singh’s participation at the recently-held awards ceremony hosted by the CCUA.

Speaking at the ceremony, Khan extended unreserved congratulations to Singh and wished him well during the upcoming assignment in Guyana.

“I was happy to be one of the first persons who interacted with Singh since he came to Canada and welcomed him to the membership of the CCUA,” Khan pointed out.

“I am confident that he will bring great respect to our association as he represents us

in Guyana while officiating in matches there.”

One of the objectives of the CCUA is to develop, build upon and maintain close collaborative working relationships with cricket governing bodies and other umpire and scorer associations, both within Canada and overseas.

“So, as an Executive Committee, we are pleased that Singh has accepted the challenge and opportunity to help fulfil this mission, as he will be our first representative to participate in the WICUA Exchange Programme,” added the CCUA President. Khan also expressed appreciation to the President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Bissoondyal Singh, and the President of the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council (GCUC), Dawchan Nagasar, for their assistance with supporting the participation of Singh in the schedule for upcoming matches in Guyana.

President of the WICUA, Vivian Johnson, who also attended the CCUA awards ceremony, congratulated Singh and thanked him for his will-

ingness to be part of the programme. He explained that the WICUA does not have the funds required to cover the full cost of the programme, adding that a significant portion of the expenses is borne by each umpire.

“So, this is a significant individual sacrifice and we thank all the umpires who have represented their respective countries as part of the programme thus far,” said Johnson.

Prior to migrating, Singh also worked as a Journalist at the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), publishers of the Guyana Chronicle.

Another CCUA member, Sush Mahalanobis, will also be participating in the programme at a date to be announced, also likely in Guyana.

This Exchange Programme was conceptualised by the WICUA to afford the opportunity for its umpires to visit and officiate in matches in other countries, while also sharing in and experiencing the diverse cultures throughout its member territories.

their offensive work, “We had our plans in terms of when we win possession, to go through the wing, if not

through the wings, we penetrate and we ask one of the midfielders to join forward to add the extra number. Then when we play the ball to the wings, two times there was two effective crosses and we all know crosses are so effective that sometimes you meet to it first and convert or the defending team play it in their own goal and we saw that tonight in those goals.”

Quizzed about finally getting over the hurdle, Dover had no choice but to admit that Saturday’s victory was a special one.

The Police FC gaffer expressed, “It was special, because I think we have been playing a lot of good football for the longest while and we came up empty-handed most tournaments, so we want to make sure we dedicate this particular result to the entire administration in the Police Force, players, staff as well as the specta-

GCC hammer Ace Warriors as GNIC, Mystic Marvels claim T20 wins

Action in the Sherwin Williams SecondDivision T20 Cup 2026/27 continued on Sunday with several matches played at grounds across Georgetown, producing dominant performances with both bat and ball.

At the Bourda Cricket Ground, Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) delivered a commanding performance to defeat Ace Warriors after posting an imposing total.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, GCC produced a strong batting display led by Shiloh Adams. Adams struck a fluent 59 from 41 balls, an innings highlighted by seven boundaries, setting the tone at the top of the order. He was well supported by Timothy McAlmont who contributed 46, while Yeudistir Persaud and Rivaldo Phillips chipped in with valuable knocks of 40 and 42 respectively.

Their combined efforts propelled GCC to an impressive 231 for 5 from their allotted 20 overs. Roger Aarons was the pick of the Ace Warriors bowlers with three wickets, while Murtland Ward supported with two.

In response, Ace Warriors never found any real momentum with the bat and were restricted to 80 for 8 in their 20 overs. Rawle Enmore topscored with 16, while Ward added 12. Joash Charles produced a sensational bowling spell for GCC, claiming remarkable figures of 6 for 13 from his four overs to lead his team to a comprehensive victory.

Meanwhile, in the en-

tors. We want to thank them for their support and we look forward to many, many more success as we prepare for the season coming up.” Dover later responded to inquiries about whether or not Police’s triumph would set the tone for future competitions.

“We hope that the players will be motivated from this result and come out and train and you know, as you rightfully said, now we announce our dominance, we want to continue and maintain this flow of football and results,” the renowned Coach shared with this publication. For their efforts, Police pocketed a $1 million grand prize. In addition, their players Bevney McGarrell and Akel Clarke were named Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Goalkeeper of the tournament respectively.

counter between Police All Stars Academy and GNIC, Police won the toss and chose to bowl first.

GNIC post ed a competitive 155 for 7 in their 20 overs. Chandrika Persaud led the scoring with a brisk 32 off 22 balls, striking two fours and a six, while Lystuel George remained unbeaten on 28 from just 16 deliveries. Kelvin Leitch claimed two wickets for Police, while Kerwin Amsterdam and Joshua Budhram took one each.

the charge with an aggressive 46 from 25 balls, including four fours and three sixes, while Terrence King added 21. Neeran Bani was the standout bowler for Diplomats with 3 for 19, while Tyrell Peters and Munesh Outer claimed one wicket each.

Police, however, struggled during their chase and were bowled out for 118 in 19.3 overs. Troy Benn topscored with 26, while Leitch contributed 21. David Dick led the GNIC bowling effort with figures of 3 for 27, while Chandrika Persaud and Ovid Richardson each captured two wickets to secure victory for GNIC.

At the Malteenoes Sports Club Ground, GYO Mystic Marvels also recorded a convincing win over Diplomats.

Batting first after Diplomats won the toss and elected to field, Mystic Marvels posted 157 for 9 from their 20 overs. Trevayne Mohabir led

In reply, Diplomats struggled to keep pace with the required run rate. Rayson Gill offered some resistance with 42 from 46 balls, striking three fours and three sixes, but the innings never gained real momentum. Diplomats finished on 91 for 6 in their 20 overs. Kevin Seeram returned figures of 2 for 14, while Terrence King and David Singh supported with one wicket each. With these results, GCC, GNIC and GYO Mystic Marvels secured impressive victories as the Sherwin Williams Second-Division T20 Cup continues to gather momentum across Georgetown.

Bailey, Satar cop Novice, Junior

Best Lifter accolades

The new executive of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) lifted off its 2026 season on a high with the hosting of the National Sports Commission and Fitness Express-sponsored Novices and Juniors Championship at the St Stanislaus College Auditorium on Sunday last, when the world celebrated International Women’s Day.

There was one female lifter among the 14 lifters who competed, Charlotte Charles who competed in the 69kg Women’s Master 1 Raw as well as the 69kg Women’s Open Raw classes where she copped gold medals in both.

Ruling the roost in the Novice Classic, to take the Best Lifter trophy, was Andrew Bailey who took the gold medal in the 83kg Men’s Open Raw division ahead of Brandon Joseph. Bailey started off the squat with a 5kg deficit to Joseph as his best was 155.0kg to his opponents’ 160.0kg.

The two strongmen registered equal scores in the bench press of 107.5kg, but it was in the deadlift that Bailey stamped his authority with a best of 225.0kg while Joseph could only manage 165.0kg.

Eighteen-year-old Omar Satar, competing in the 83kg Men’s Junior Raw category, was named the best lifter as he totalled 525.0kg made up of a best Squat 182.5kg, Benchpress 132.5kg, and Deadlift 210.0kg.

A total of seven gyms fielded athletes yesterday including Essequibo’s Hulk Fitness Gym and Roy’s Gym. Total Fitness of Berbice, Primal Fitness, Anub Barbell Company, Akbar Gym and Exodus Gym.

Following are the full results:

Females

1 69kg Women’s Master 1 Raw – Charlotte Charles, Squat

130.0kg, Benchpress 55.0kg, Deadlift 157.5kg, Total 342.5kg

1 69kg Women’s Open Raw – Charlotte Charles, Squat 130.0kg, Benchpress 55.0kg, Deadlift 157.5kg, Total 342.5kg

Males

1 93kg Men’s Sb-Jr Raw – Aryan Bhagoo, Squat 175.0kg, Benchpress 90.0kg, Deadlift 180.0kg, Total 445.0kg

1 66kg Men’s Junior Raw – Omari Kewley, Squat 137.5kg, Benchpress 77.5kg, Deadlift 175.0kg, Total 390.0kg

1 74kg Men’s Junior Raw – Shafeek Case, Squat 135.0kg, Benchpress 82.5kg, Deadlift 152.5kg, Total 370.0kg

1 83kg Men’s Junior Raw – Omar Satar, Squat 182.5kg, Benchpress 132.5kg, Deadlift 210.0kg, Total 525.0kg

1 120+kg Men’s Junior Raw – Premindra Paul, Squat 237.5kg, Benchpress 120.0kg, Deadlift 250.0kg, Total 607.5kg

1 74kg Men’s Master 1 Raw – Bisram Sukhram, Squat 170.0kg, Benchpress 97.5kg, Deadlift 187.5kg, Total 455.0kg

1 66kg Men’s Open Raw – Joshua Hopkinson, Squat 130.0kg, Benchpress 90.0kg, Deadlift 157.5kg, Total 377.5kg

2 66kg Men’s Open Raw – Khristian Mcdonald, Squat 120.0kg, Benchpress 77.5kg, Deadlift 132.5kg, Total 330.0kg

1 74kg Men’s Open Raw – Bisram Sukhram, Squat 170.0kg, Benchpress 97.5kg, Deadlift 187.5kg, Total 455.0kg

2 74kg Men’s Open Raw –Shafeek Case, Squat 135.0kg, Benchpress 82.5kg, Deadlift 152.5kg, Total 370.0kg

1 83kg Men’s Open Raw – Andrew Bailey, Squat 155.0kg, Benchpress 107.5kg, Deadlift 225.0kg, Total 487.5kg

2 83kg Men’s Open Raw – Brandon Joseph, Squat 160.0kg, Benchpress 107.5kg, Deadlift 165.0kg, Total 432.5kg

1 93kg Men’s Open Raw – Johathan Griffith, Squat 167.5kg, Benchpress 102.5kg, Deadlift 205.0kg, Total 475.0kg

2 93kg Men’s Open Raw – Aryan Bhagoo, Squat 175.0kg, Benchpress 90.0kg, Deadlift 180.0kg, Total 445.0k

1 120+kg Men’s Open Raw – Premindra Paul, Squat 237.5kg, Benchpress 120.0kg, Deadlift 250.0kg, Total 607.5kg

2 120+kg Men’s Open Raw – Sheik Ariff, Squat 215.0kg, Benchpress 110.0kg, Deadlift 200.0kg, Total 525.0kg

Male Guests

66kg Men’s Guest Lifter Raw – Kadeem Bowen, Squat 172.5kg, Benchpress 107.5kg, Deadlift 207.5kg, Total 487.5kg