Guyana Times - Monday, April 20, 2026

Skills Connect app links over 1200 Guyanese to new job opportunities

The government’s Skills Connect initiative is creating new economic opportunities for skilled Guyanese by linking service providers directly with individuals and businesses seeking their expertise.

Speaking on the “Starting Point” Podcast on Sunday, Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Minister, Zulfikar Ally, said the platform is already gaining traction, with more than 1,200 persons registering their skills across a range of trades.

The digital platform allows electricians, plumbers, mechanics, carpenters, painters, and other skilled professionals to advertise their services and connect directly with potential clients, reducing barriers to employment and supporting entrepreneurship.

The initiative is part of the government’s push to modernise service delivery and empower citizens through technology, while also strengthening the country’s growing economy.

Ally explained, accord -

ing to a DPI report, that the platform addresses a longstanding challenge where skilled individuals struggled to find work opportunities despite demand for their services.

“You can go on this app, and you can put in, ‘I’m looking for an electrician,’ and you can see electricians that are around you,” he is quoted in the DPI report as saying.

Ally also revealed plans to expand the platform by introducing draft contracts to protect both service providers and clients.

These contracts will outline agreed prices and the scope of work, reducing disputes and promoting professionalism.

The Skills Connect initiative complements the government’s broader strategy to create jobs, boost small businesses, and ensure more Guyanese benefit from the country’s rapid economic growth.

It is expected that the platform will continue to expand as more skilled workers and employers register, further strengthening the country’s labour market and supporting sustainable development.

15MW energy deal set to strengthen electricity supply across Region 10

Residents and businesses in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) are set to benefit from more reliable and stable electricity as the government advances efforts to strengthen energy infrastructure in the mining town of Linden.

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and the Linden Electricity Company Incorporated (LECI) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the injection of 15 megawatts of clean energy into the Linden power grid.

According to a DPI report, the initiative is part of the government’s strat-

egy to modernise energy systems, improve reliability, and support economic expansion in hinterland and mining communities.

The additional power is expected to significantly improve electricity stability for thousands of residents, covering more than 14,000 households across the Mackenzie and Wismar Shores, including commercial districts and key public services.

The investment, the DPI report stated, also supports the government’s aggressive housing drive in Region Ten. With improved power capacity, new housing developments will be more sustainable

and attractive for residents and investors alike.

LECI’s General Manager, Avery Trim, underscored the government’s plans to develop the Wismar Land area, located in Amelia’s Ward.

“The government proposes a housing drive in the Bounceland area… this will see another 1200 receiving lands,” he said. “Currently, they are running all the line hardware to facilitate that process.”

The improved energy supply is critical to supporting this expansion and ensuring new homeowners have access to reliable electricity.

Currently, the Linden power system relies heavily on existing generation facilities, which have faced capacity constraints due to growing demand.

The new clean energy injection will reduce pressure on the current infrastructure while improving efficiency and reliability.

The project represents a major step forward in the government’s continued investment in infrastructure development, housing expansion, and improved quality of life for residents in Linden and surrounding communities.

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, April 20 –05:40h–07:10h and Tuesday, April 21 – 06:25h-07:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Cloudy skies and scattered light rain showers with instances of thunder are expected during the day and into the night, with sunny conditions in the afternoon hours. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.13 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 06:12h and 18:46h reaching maximum heights of 2.83 metres and 2.60 metres.

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

Transformation in action – AG on multi-billion ECD energy corridor, major housing expansion

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandllall, on Sunday noted that several major transformative projects that are currently being undertaken along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor, many of which are not visible or known to the general public.

In a bid to highlight something of these initiatives, Nandlall travelled to the ECD backlands where a massive energy corridor is being built out to replace the aged transmission lines and accommodate increased power that will come from the highly-anticipated Gas-toEnergy project.

new infrastructure being built out to facilitate the distribution of power from the GtE Project to the national grid. The power from the GtE Project, which is expected to deliver some 300-megawatts (MW) by this year end, will be dispatched to the new Goedverwagting Substation, where it will be added to the national grid and then be further transmitted via the new lines.

Electricity revolution Team Leader of the Executive Management Committee at GPL, Kesh Nandlall, told the Guyana Times last month that the foundation works are on-

going to facilitate the installation of new 69kV and 230kV transmission lines.

“These transmission lines will be moving pow-

“This simple corridor, at the back of what is currently nowhere, is a multi-billion capital investment,” the minister stated.

According to Nandlall, “This is the type of development that you’re not seeing but is taking place. So, when we speak about transformation, while you are seeing some…there are other transformative projects which are ongoing that are not visible to many people because of where they’re being constructed. And this certainly would rank among those transformation projects that people don’t see, and unless we tell that story, you don’t know.”

This energy corridor is part of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. expansion and development plan, including a US$422 million (approximately G$90 billion) project to expand and upgrade the country’s transmission and distribution network. These works will see

er from Goedverwagting to Berbice, and they are made up of transmission lines 69kV and 230kV, as well as numerous substations… So, the lines are not up physically as yet but we’ve ordered the materials. They are doing the pile driving, then they’re going to do the pile capping. And then they will put up the monopoles or towers to string the lines to transmit power to Berbice,” the GPL Head had explained to this newspaper. The US$422 million contract was signed in April 2025 for these works. The project is divided into three lots: Lots One and Three were awarded to PowerChina for a combined total of US$256.7 million, while Lot Two was awarded to Kalpataru for US$156.5 million.

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Seizing economic opportunities

At a time when some in the Opposition are focused on berating the Government for what they see as their constituency being excluded from participating in the booming economy, ironically in the news was our Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh signing an agreement with the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation (IFC). The latter is the Private-Sector arm of the WBG and focuses on economic development through private enterprise in emerging markets as the largest global development institution for the Private Sector. It was represented by its VP for Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean (LAC), Alfonso García Mora. Immediately afterwards, it announced that the “WBG Establishment Agreement (is) a key milestone to scale private sector development, support job creation and deepen impact in the country.”

What the meeting confirms is a shift in the nature of our development financing: Guyana is moving from reliance on public financing and oil revenues toward Private-Sector–driven growth, with support mechanisms like guarantees, financing tools, and partnerships. Last month, the Minister had reiterated in a podcast in which World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc, had participated, “We will always fight for the largest possible access to concessional resources, but as we navigate this period of change in the Guyanese economy, other members of the World Bank Group have tools, instruments and products that will take on new relevance, including, in particular, the World Bank’s Private Sector operations…”

All representatives of the Government from the President onwards have been highlighting ad nauseum, specific areas of the economy in which opportunities abound and which now have funding waiting to be seized. These are not only with private banks, but with the new US$200 million funded Development Bank, for which there have even been training sessions for youths and women to be educated for specific small and medium businesses, for example in agriculture.

As we reported yesterday, in addition to the WBG meeting, Dr Singh also attended an AgriConnect Partners Meeting that convened public and private stakeholders to evaluate the initiative’s progress since its launch in October 2025. The session also focused on overcoming emerging challenges and identifying strategic opportunities to meet the goal of supporting more smallholder farmers by 2030. In his presentation, Singh outlined that Guyana holds the lead responsibility for agriculture and food security within the Caribbean region and underscored that agriculture remains a primary contributor to Guyana’s non-oil GDP, supported by abundant arable land and freshwater resources. He further noted the strong alignment between the Guyana Government’s policy objectives and the AgriConnect initiative, particularly in areas of access to technical assistance and extension services for small farmers and the deployment of science and technology in the agricultural sector, and reaffirmed that Guyana looks forward to actively participating in this initiative to drive sustainable growth and food security.

To show that the Government was putting its money where its mouth is, in the same edition of the newspaper there was an article on the commissioning of a $58.5 million agro-processing facility at Canal Number One WBD – the 15th now established in the country. As the Minister explained, the seasonal nature of crops, combined with their perishability and fluctuating market demand, raise the risks of farmers since it often prevents them from maximising returns on their labour and investment. The agro-processing facilities with modern solar drying and agroprocessing technology, in the words of the Minister, “will convert perishable produce into shelf-stable, value-added products such as dried pineapple, citrus slices, pulps, juices, herbs, seasonings, and condiments. This will reduce post-harvest losses by as much as 3540 per cent, while opening new income streams for 70 to 90 smallscale farmers and processors, including women’s groups and youthrun agro-enterprises who will directly benefit,”

This concrete initiative underscores the Government’s continued commitment to transforming Guyana’s agro-processing sector and has been replicated in every other sector such as tourism, supporting the oil industry, energy generation in solar farms, medical tourism, financial services, ICT and digital services, education and training, tech startups, and business support services, etc.

The Opposition should encourage their remaining supporters to “get with the programmes”.

Don’t knock small talk. It has the power to mend a world ripped apart by rage

By Bidisha

Hi there, how’re you? How’s it going? You alright? All good?

As any Briton knows, none of these questions is an inquiry into your emotional state, the material conditions of your life or your opinion on anything. Respond positively – “all good so far, touch wood” is nice – then move on to the purpose of the interaction: “I’m returning an Amazon package?”

I communicate for a living and am nearly always in front of a camera, microphone, keyboard or live audience. Great conversation is a supreme design to me, an exquisite dance of mutual pleasure practised by true proficients who make it seem effortless. And then there’s small talk, the Primark version for everyday wear. That’s all the chat around the edges, the bits of make-do and banter. Busy day so far? What’s the traffic like?

But make no mistake – this kind of conversation isn’t superfluous, it’s vital. In fact, the work day doesn’t flow without small talk. It’s team building, not forced conversation, and it should occur simultaneously with a necessary interaction, transaction or service, to ease the movement like linguistic synovial fluid.

Recent research backs me up. Across three countries (Singapore, the US and France) and 1800 people, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology reported that people find value in everyday conversations they’d

anticipated as being boring. So small talk is a social good with a bad reputation. We dread it, but it benefits us. Small talk is not an invitation to engage in deep conversation, theoretical debate or soul exchange, but a hedge against them. It is supposed to be rote GCSE-level role play about universal topics on which everyone has the same opinion, by which I mean the weather, not death. You are meant to recycle phrases that are not interesting, without introducing novel information.

Through small talk, this week I learned that a recent football match was like watching kids in a playground (ie both amateurish and boring), that April weather is so variable you’re never sure what coat to wear, and that now the clocks have gone forward the evenings are noticeably brighter. Through small talk, you can be polite to the dry cleaner for one minute, three times a year, for decades, saying the same thing over and over, and you can both earn a reputation as pillars of the community, however true or not that might be.

I mean, don’t force your inane babble on the unimpressed staff at the 24hour shop, like some sad woman whose eventual departure is trailed by pitying looks and the shop workers saying: “Poor thing. She must be lonely.” Be brief, sincere and bland. Don’t ask weird questions. I was once asked by a serial-killery waiter what exactly I planned to do for the rest of the day. And I was once trapped on a night bus in a traffic jam in the rain, having

some doleful chat with the woman next to me when she said, with intent: “It’s a bit grim, isn’t it? A bit like my year.” I did not take the bait. I was also asked by a very intense girl at a gallery cafe which painting I liked best in the exhibition, and why. I froze, then whispered: “I like all paintings equally.”

If you avoid these pitfalls, you’ll do fine. Small talk isn’t boring; it’s a necessary staple. It’s not meaningless blather; it’s essential reinforcement with deeply-embedded cultural meaning. It’s a bulwark against total social breakdown. The one thing that human beings do that distinguishes us from other mammals is use language to communicate, express ourselves and understand others. Has evolution done a U-turn? Just take one look down the length of a train carriage, crammed with inert, slack-faced blobs staring at their phones, seemingly unaware of each other’s existence.

How have we got a society – it’s not just young people, I’ve seen it in all generations – in which we no longer know how to talk to each other with decency, self-awareness and consideration? Through small talk, we patch and mend a world, word by word, that hasn’t been completely ripped apart by rage, paranoid mistrust, fear and loathing or numb resignation. That is what I’m getting at when I ask if you’ve had a chance to get out of the office and enjoy the sunshine at all. (The Guardian) (Bidisha is a broadcaster, critic, and journalist for BBC, Channel 4 and Sky News)

Submit production records or risk losing licences – GGMC reminds miners

The Natural Resources Ministry, through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), has issued an urgent reminder to miners to submit required production records or risk having their licences suspended or revoked.

In a notice to the mining community, the GGMC said all miners are required

to submit copies of their Production Sheets (Form 14) in accordance with Mining Regulations 195(4).

The commission said submissions must include receipts for all minerals sold to the Guyana Gold Board, licensed dealers or licensed traders for the period January 1 to April 15, 2026.

Miners are required to

submit clear and legible photographs of production sheets and sale receipts via WhatsApp to 623-2262, ensuring that the relevant dredge number is clearly indicated.

The GGMC warned that failure to comply with the requirements will result in the suspension and possible revocation of dredge licences for 2026.

Transformation in action...

Among these works is the installation of some 155 kilometres of 230kV double-circuit transmission lines, which will interconnect the Goedverwagting Substation to new substations that will be built along the Corentyne in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Meanwhile, another 167 kilometres of 69kV double-circuit transmission lines will be established to replace existing infrastructure along the railway embankment, linking substations along the East Coast of Demerara all the way to the existing Columbia Substation at Mahaicony.

In total, five new substations will be built and several others upgraded as part of the project.

In order to facilitate the installation of these new transmission lines, a new road network is being developed from the Goedverwagting Substation in the backlands along the East Coast corridor heading to Mahaicony in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). This is new road network in the backlands is specifically for GPL to allow access to the new power poles and lines for maintenance works.

Against this backdrop, Minister Nandlall went onto add, “So, quite apart from the infrastructural transformation that is taking place, the electricity revolution that will result when these transmission lines are laid, and we have new transmission lines, and we have a Gasto-Shore project that will generate electricity that

will bring down your light bill to half of what it is now and will produce cooking gas at an extremely low price. This is what we are speaking about. And I am here to help tell that story.”

Housing developments

Another area of development that the minister highlighted during his visit on Sunday was the housing sector. He pointed to a new housing scheme under construction at Enterprise, ECD – Enterprise Phase Two.

“It’s one of the largest housing schemes under construction in the country. But it is not available for most of the population to see,” AG Nandlall said. “It begins about one and a half miles from the public road and it extends southwards about four miles after that. So, you have four miles by half a mile of what used to be cane fields that is now a massive modern housing scheme under construction.”

Billions of dollars are being expended by the Housing Ministry on critical infrastructural works, including the construction of roads, bridges, culverts, drainage and pipe networks in the new scheme. Already, hundreds of houselots have been allocated in the area and dozens of homes are now under construction.

“But none of this most people know about in Guyana because they never come at the back here… In the backlands, [major transformations like these are] taking place at dozens of locations across this

Canadian man to avoid murder trial with plea deal in assisting suicide case

ACanadian man accused of helping 14 people in the province of Ontario kill themselves by selling a legal but deadly substance online will avoid ?a murder trial by pleading guilty to lesser charges, his lawyer said on ?Saturday.

Kenneth Law, 60, will plead guilty to counseling or aiding suicide under a deal with Crown prosecutors that will see more serious first-degree murder charges withdrawn, Matthew Gourlay of Henein Hutchison Robitaille said in an email.

Law’s ?case is scheduled to return to court in Newmarket, Ontario, north of Toronto, ?on Monday. His plea will be entered at a later date, Gourlay said.

country, where we continue to accelerate our housing drive as a government to ensure that all of our people get housing, proper housing, and get titles for their lands. That’s why when we promise 50,000 housing or house lots, it is not a bluff,” Nandlall stated on Sunday.

Gourlay ?declined further comment. Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General didn’t immediately respond to a request ?for comment.

Law is facing 14 counts of first-degree murder and 14 counts of counseling or aiding suicide ?related to 14 victims, all Ontario residents between the ages of 16 and 36 who died by suicide.

Canadian police allege Law, a former cook at a Toronto hotel, operated several websites starting around 2020 through which ?he marketed and sold a toxic salt and other items, including masks and hoods, that ?could be used for self-harm.

Canadian investigators allege that Law mailed at least 1,200 packages to addresses in more ?than ?40 countries, including around 160 in Canada.

The alleged shipments prompted authorities in several countries to examine whether the products were responsible for deaths in their jurisdictions and to conduct welfare checks on those who purchased them.

A spokesperson for Britain’s National Crime Agency said in a statement in ?April it is investigating ?potential crimes linked to ?the deaths of 112 people who purchased items to assist with suicide from Canada-based websites.

“Our investigation explores all viable leads linked to these ?websites and a Canadian suspect in order to identify evidence of crimes ?committed in ?the UK,” the spokesperson said, without naming the suspect.

Law has been in custody since being arrested at his home west of Toronto in May 2023.

A conviction for counseling or aiding suicide comes ?with a ?prison sentence of up to 14 years, according to ?Canada’s Criminal Code. First-degree murder in Canada carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment with no chance of parole for ?a minimum of 25 years. (Reuters)

Page Foundation

ridgE Knight

No moon floods the memory of that night only the rain I remember the cold rain against our faces and mixing with your tears only the rain I remember the cold rain and your mouth soft and warm no moon no stars no jagged pain of lightning only my impotent tongue and the red rage within my brain knowing that the chilling rain was our forever even as I tried to explain:

“A revolutionary is a doomed man with no certainties but love and history.”

“But our children must grow up with certainties and they will make the revolution.”

“By example we must show the way so plain that our children can go neither right nor left but straight to freedom.”

“No,” you said. And you left.

No moon floods the memory of that night only the rain I remember the cold rain and praying that like the rain returns to the sky you would return to me again.

(Source: The Essential Etheridge Knight [University of Pittsburgh Press, 1986])

Write a poem about your family heirloom coal pot.

Finance Minister engages Saudi Eksab

on strategic investment partnership

Following a series of high-level engagements and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked last year, Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance

Dr Ashni Singh recently held a follow-up meeting with executives from Saudi Eksab – a global investment entity.

Last week, Minister Singh attended the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) in Washington D.C, United States, where he engaged Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Eksab, Yazeed Saleh AlYahya, and his team on

the sidelines.

In a subsequent social media post, the finance minister explained that the engagement serves as a follow-up to the discussions held between President Dr Irfaan Ali and the Saudi Eksab leadership during a visit to Georgetown earlier this year for the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2026.

Dr Singh was accompanied by Guyana’s Ambassador to Brazil, Dr. Compton Bourne, and the Executive Director for the Caribbean at the IDB, Navita Ramroop, during the meeting.

Investment priorities

Meanwhile, the Saudi Eksab CEO said the engagement provided a platform for exchanging perspectives on investment

Construction worker stabbed to death during drinking spree

A28-year-old construction worker was fatally stabbed on Saturday night following a heated altercation during a drinking session at First Street, Ivan Road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

Dead is Curtis Bengochea of Eight Street, Ivan Road, Soesdyke. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Regional Hospital after sustaining a stab wound to his left rib area during the incident.

Police in Regional Division #4 ‘B’ (East Bank Demerara) confirmed that preliminary investigations indicate Bengochea and the suspect, who are known to each other, were among a group of persons imbibing when an argument erupted.

The disagreement, which started at about 22:30h, subsequently escalated from a dispute over money. According to information gathered, during the confrontation, the suspect allegedly armed himself with a knife and attacked Bengochea. The situation quickly escalated, with both men ending up in a nearby drain where the confrontation continued.

Persons at the scene reportedly intervened and separated the two men. However, shortly after, Bengochea was pulled from the drain with a visible stab wound to his side.

The suspect reportedly fled the scene on foot immediately after the incident and remains at large as police continue their search. The injured man was rushed to the Diamond Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced him dead on arrival.

His body was later tak-

en to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Dispute over $1 000

Meanwhile, in an interview with Guyana Times on Sunday, the victim’s sister, Carolyn Benjamin, said the confrontation stemmed from a dispute involving $1,000 while the group was drinking.

She explained, “For $1,000, they had a confrontation for $1,000. They were drinking together, and they were buying, my brother was buying for everybody, so the suspect gave him $1,000, and he [the suspect] asked him back for the $1,000…”

Benjamin said the situation escalated after her brother refused to return the money.

“He turned and told the suspect that, I am buying all night, and I ain’t asking nobody for nothing. If you want $1,000, you could come and take it,” she related.

She further alleged that the suspect then pulled a knife and attacked

Bengochea. “The suspect had a knife, and that’s when he brushed my brother two times in the face with it,” she said.

Benjamin added that Bengochea retaliated with a bottle he was holding. “My brother now had a Guinness bottle in his hand, and that’s when the suspect was in him,” she explained.

She stated that the confrontation continued as both men fell into a nearby trench during the struggle.

“They fall in, they probably had a scuffle, they fight and stuff, and the suspect fall in the trench… I don’t know if it was accidental, but that is what the friend told us and told the police,” she said.

Benjamin added that after they were pulled from the drain, her brother was found with a stab wound.

“When they pulled my brother out from the drain, he was stabbed… he just made one sound, and he was gone. He died…,” she said.

The grieving sister also confirmed that Bengochea was unmarried and had no children. She said the man who is also from Mabaruma, Region One (Barima- Waini), had moved to Georgetown to live with his aunt after his mother died.

Carolyn Benjamin said she hopes that the suspect is found so that he can face the brunt of the law for killing her brother.

“We heard the man is of unsound mind, that he sits and talks to himself, but we do not know. All we were told by my brother’s friend is that after stabbing my brother her ran away,” the woman said.

Police said the suspect remains on the run as investigations continue into

priorities.

In a social media post about the series of meetings he had with various partners from government entities and multilateral institutions including Guyana, AlYahya noted that the engagements emphasize the importance of alignment in advancing more effective investment approaches, anchored in institutional partnerships, informed by a sophisticated understanding of market dynamics, and focused on delivering sustainable impact and long-term value across frontier and emerging markets.

“These meetings underscored the importance of enhancing the alignment of efforts and integration of

roles among various stakeholders, contributing to the establishment of more effective investment directions based on institutional partnerships, grounded in a precise understanding of market specificities, and oriented toward achieving sustainable impact and long-term value across emerging and developing markets,” the Saudi Eksab CEO stated.

Growth & diversification

Meanwhile, this recent engagement comes months after the Guyana Government and Saudi Eksab signed a MoU to explore investment collaboration across key strategic sectors to drive sustainable growth and diversification.

Witnessed by President Ali, the document was signed by Guyana’s Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally and CEO Alyahya, on the sidelines of the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh back in November 2025.

The partnership opens a pathway for joint efforts on new investment ventures and knowledge transfer between the two nations. Additionally, it also reinforces Saudi Eksab’s cur-

rent role as a trusted partner in supporting Guyana’s economic transformation.

According to a statement, Minister Ally said Guyana is eager to explore partnerships that accelerate infrastructure development and economic diversification while fostering global cooperation. He believes the MoU will contribute to the transformative environment in Guyana.

In the statement, Alyahya said, “This partnership marks an exciting step forward in our mission to identify high-impact investment initiatives that drive shared economic growth. We look forward to identifying meaningful opportunities.”

Saudi Eksab describes itself as “an international investment entity guided by purpose, powered by investment rigour.”

The company’s website further states, “We provide the bold, strategic capital needed to unlock the potential of frontier and emerging markets. Led by a team with technical expertise across a variety of investment types and international markets, we deploy capital with ambition. To increase prosperity denied by financial exclusion.”

What’s with…

…the

war in Iran?

There’s an old complaint tossed out whenever we Mudlanders seem to be ignoring the obvious on one thing or other in the public sphere – “Guyanese eyes still na clean!” Even though we now have a hospital dedicated SOLELY to cleaning eyes, your Eyewitness thinks the kind of “eye cleaning” we REALLY need is learning to read between the lines when we scour our news feeds. But since we’re fast following the Yanks in getting our news from social media comedians and podcasts of political hacks – they’re interchangeable!! – it’s tough reading between lines that are actually punchlines!!

Anyhow, now that we’ve been assured that the Iran war’s already hitting us big time in our pocketbooks –which were never too well-laden to begin with – your (virtue-signalling!) Eyewitness thinks he’ll be doing a public service by examining how much longer THAT conflict might continue!! It’s clear by now that we ain’t gonna be having no repetition of the Venezuelan scenario!! There, all it took was to snatch President Mad Maduro with some Special Forces and back his VP, Delcy Rodriguez ,who started performing better than a puppet on a string!! But being the cautious soul he is – some unkind detractors would say “timid”? – he’s gonna simply quote from the assessments of media friendly to the US Administration so he won’t be accused of being “anti-American”!!

On the tactic of “leadership decapitation” and installing a pliable replacement, the Yanks did one better than the Venezuelan operation!! Along with the Israelis, they conducted pin-point bombing based on on-theground info and killed not only the President of Iran but almost all his ministers and high government officials –AND the armed forces’ top brass!! But according to the Wall Street Journal, the regime continued unabated as, “..the void is being filled by radical new leaders who have shown little interest in political compromise at home or abroad”!!

Then, there was the matter of war strategy: According to an Iranian leader, “We fought in an asymmetric war in such a way that, with our own design and preparedness, we pushed the enemy back. The enemy had money and resources, but did not act correctly in design. They make mistakes in strategic decisions. They are wrong about our people, just as they are wrong in their military design.” The asymmetric war was to use cheap drones!! According to the New York Times, “Iranian drones, made with commercial-grade technology, cost roughly US$35,000 to produce. That is a fraction of the cost of the hightech military interceptors sometimes used to shoot them down.

“In just the first six days, the US spent $11.3 billion –with interceptor stockpiles running dangerously low.” And the Strait of Hormuz is still controlled by Iran!!

…Caricom?

While Caricom’s fissioning under the pressures generated by the Yanks reasserting their Monroe Doctrine – which they insist confers hegemony over our hemisphere – others still see value in the regional grouping!! France – which has been recently nudged out of former “Francophone Africa” – has announced that it has modified its laws so that its colonies in the Caribbean might join Caricom as associate members”!!

France doesn’t call them “colonies” but “overseas territories” that have representation in their Parliament!!

As if that meant anything with their insignificant numbers!!

But what do they expect to gain from Caricom?? Your Eyewitness believes that with Trump’s anti-NATO stance, France wants influence in a bloc that’s close to the US!!

A conclusion that several of our worthies have criticised Pressie for arriving at, early in the day!!

As France explained, her colonies “will be able to participate in the work of the organisation and its agencies, gain access to more comprehensive information on regional developments, and strengthen their capacity to take action within their immediate geographical environment”!!

…our Essequibo defence?

Iran just confirmed your Eyewitness’s old recommendation that our asymmetric defence against Venezuela be based on drones. We should be ordering up 100,000 from Iran/Russia/China pronto – and train those communities identified by Brigadier Khan in drone assembly workshops!!

Fire destroys upper flat of Essequibo Coast home

Police in Regional Division No 2 are investigating a fire which destroyed the upper flat of a house at Charity, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Reports are that the incident occurred on Sunday between 07:15h and 08:30h at the family’s residence owned by Deodat Maniram, a 38-year-old truck driver of David James Scheme. Investigations revealed that the upper flat of the wooden and concrete building was completely destroyed, leaving only a few upright posts, while the lower flat sustained partial damage. Police said that Maniram, who was at work at the time of the incident, lived at the residence with his wife, Shereema Maniram, 38, a housewife, and their two daughters ages 10 and eight.

According to Shereema Maniram, at about 07:15h on Sunday, she lit agrabatti and a diya at the altar in the house as part of her routine religious practice before going to the lower flat with her daughters.

She reported that at about 08:30h, she heard a noise coming from the upper flat and one of her daughters went to investigate and observed the upper floor engulfed in flames. An alarm was raised and Shereema Maniram said she attempted to extinguish the fire, but it had already spread to the window curtains and surrounding areas. The Guyana Fire Service responded and the fire was extinguished.

The matter was also reported to the police and ranks and detectives from the Charity Police Station visited the scene.

Cop arrested as guns, ammo vanish from Cove & John Police Station

Asergeant attached to the Cove and John Police Station, East Coast of Demerara has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of seven firearms and 68 rounds of ammunition from the station’s arms room, police confirmed on Sunday.

The missing items include four 9mm pistols, three .32 pistols, and the ammunition, which were discovered unaccounted for on April 15. According to preliminary investigations, the matter came to light during routine

checks and a subsequent audit of exhibits and firearms lodged at the station.

Following the discovery, further checks were conducted; however, the weapons and ammunition were not located. The matter was immediately escalated through the established chain of command, and the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has since launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

As part of the probe, police said several state-

ments have already been taken and relevant records extracted to assist in determining how the items went missing. The Guyana Police Force said it is pursuing all necessary investigative and operational measures to account for and recover the missing firearms and ammunition.

GPF has assured that the matter is being treated with the seriousness it warrants, adding that all action will be taken in accordance with the law and established procedures. Investigations are ongoing.

Cyclist crushed to death

“They killed him and left him” – aunt condemns reckless, intimidating truck drivers

Afamily is calling for accountability and greater caution on the nation’s roadways following the tragic death of a young cyclist, who was crushed by a motor lorry along the East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Dead is 24-year-old Shawn Roache, a construction worker of Agricola, Greater Georgetown, who lost his life on March 26 after the bicycle he was riding came into contact with a motor lorry on the Rome Access Road, EBD. According to police, the accident involved motor lorry GAK 7143 with trailer TYY 9718 attached, driven by a 30-year-old man of Little Abary, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Reports indicate that the lorry was proceeding along the roadway behind Roache when, in the vicinity of Farm/Supply, the driver attempted to overtake the cyclist. During the manoeuvre, the left-side rear wheel of the trailer reportedly struck the rear wheel of the bicycle, causing Roache to lose control. He fell onto the roadway and

ended up beneath the trailer, where the wheel ran over him. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were summoned to the scene, and Roache was examined by a doctor at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was pronounced dead.

A breathalyser test conducted on the driver showed no trace of alcohol in his system. He was arrested. The incident has left Roache’s relatives devastated, with his aunt, Ms Wong [only name given], speaking publicly about the circumstances surrounding his death during the televised programme “Road Safety and You”.

According to Wong, her nephew’s death was a shock for her family, who were saddened that he lost his life at such a young age. “I lost my nephew… he was 24 years of age. He had everything going for him, a full life that was just snuffed out,” Wong said as she struggled to contain her grief. “They killed him and

left him on the roadway like an animal… I miss him so much,” she added. Wong used the opportunity to call out what she described as reckless and intimidating behaviour by some container truck drivers, arguing that their actions often endanger smaller road users.

“Some of the things that these container truck drivers are doing are terrible. Some of them would rev up the front of the truck as though they wanted to bully their way through. Everything else that is smaller than them should wait on them because they are in control of the road,” she said. “You don’t own the road. You’re using the road with other people.” She explained that her nephew had opted to ride his bicycle instead of driving due to traffic congestion, but believes the driver failed to take the necessary precautions when overtaking.

“He passed the driver. The driver should have known that this was a person on a bicycle. You can’t just make any wild turn because you have a blind side. You can’t see to the back of your vehicle,” Wong said. “He could have maintained the same line he was driving in so that my nephew would have been able to clear the back wheel. But instead, the back wheel clipped my nephew’s bicycle.”

The grieving aunt also expressed frustration that she has not yet come faceto-face with the driver.

“Until now, I haven’t seen the driver to tell him how much he has hurt me, that he has taken the star of the family. And it’s unacceptable,” she said.

Masked gunmen ambush ECD man …escape with motorcycle, cash, jewellery

A43-year-old self-employed man of Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara, was on Saturday night robbed at gunpoint of his motorcycle, cash, jewellery, and a cellular phone after being ambushed by masked men along the Melanie Public Road.

The incident occurred at about 23:00h and according to Police investigations revealed that the victim was travelling on his motorcycle when he observed two motorcycles following him from the vicinity of the Lusignan traffic light. He continued along the roadway, with the suspects trailing behind.

Upon reaching Melanie Cinema Road and turning into the area, the suspects allegedly rode alongside him and caused him to lose control of his motorcycle, resulting in him falling onto the roadway.

It is alleged that one of the suspects then pulled what appeared to be a handgun from his waist and pointed it at the victim, while the other(s) relieved him of several valuables.

The stolen items include a silver metal wedding ring, a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cellular phone, $60,000, and a black XR motorcycle, CR 6379.

The suspects, who were reportedly masked and dressed in dark clothing, then made their escape on motorcycles in a southern direction.

CCTV cameras along the escape route have been identified and will be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation, as efforts continue to locate those responsible.

“I does

sell a piece and smoke a piece” – fisherman caught with cocaine tells cops

Police on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) have arrested a fisherman after he was caught with cocaine in his possession at Charity Public Road. According to reports, the incident occurred in the vicinity of the Charity Police Station when ranks observed the 32-year-old man Unity Lancaster Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara, riding a bicycle in an eastern direction. He was stopped

and escorted to the Charity Police Station. A search of his person was conducted, but nothing was found. However, during a subsequent search of a grey single-strap bag he was carrying, officers discovered a transparent plastic bag containing three smaller plastic bags with several whitish, rock-like substances suspected to be cocaine.

The substance was shown to the fisherman, and he allegedly responded, “is me own boss I does sell a

piece and smoke a piece.”

Further searches of the bag led to the discovery of two metal pipes, each about three inches long, suspected to be smoking utensils. When questioned, he reportedly said, “is me smoking thing.” He was then arrested.

The cocaine was weighed in his presence and that of police ranks, amounting to 14.5 grams. The smoking utensils were also lodged.

He remains in police custody pending charges.

3 Essequibo Coast drivers fined $600,000 for drunk driving offences

Three Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) men have been fined after appearing before the court on charges of driving with breath alcohol levels exceeding the legal limit. Bhoopaul Roy, a 43-year-old hire car driver of Golden Fleece, was charged with the offence committed on March 21, along the Suddie Public Road. The charge was instituted under Section 39A (1) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02,

as amended. The matter was heard on Friday at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir. Roy changed his plea from not guilty to guilty and was fined $200,000. He will serve six months imprisonment if he fails to pay the fine. In a separate matter, Peter Dyal, a 64-yearold shopkeeper of Hampton Court, was also charged with the same offence, which occurred on April 5, on the Suddie Public Road. He appeared before

the same court on Friday, where he pleaded guilty. He was fined $200,000, with a default sentence of six months imprisonment. Meanwhile, Ganesh Nohar, a 47-year-old hire car driver of Golden Fleece, faced a similar charge for an offence committed on April 15, along the Golden Fleece Public Road. He also appeared before Magistrate Mohabir on Friday, pleaded guilty and was fined $200,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in six months imprisonment.

“We must move beyond awareness” – parents call for stronger autism support systems

Parents of children with autism in Guyana are urging the Government and other stakeholders to expand diagnostic, educational and social support services across Guyana, pointing out that current systems remain inadequate as the number of diagnosed cases continues to rise. The call was made during a recent edition of Disability and You, where autism advocates and parents Anjalena Beshpatty, founder of Samir Uniquely Me, and Neema Roopnarine discussed autism through a human rights lens and the lived realities of raising children on the spectrum.

Roopnarine said the national conversation must move beyond awareness and into full acceptance and societal inclusion of persons with autism. “For me, the theme this year is very appropriate, it’s moving from autism, from awareness which is basically saying I see you to I respect you which moves on to acceptance and then to belong in which is you belong here,” she said. She stressed that children and adults with autism have the same right to participate in society and live meaningful lives, regardless of their neurodevelopmental differences.

Beshpatty highlighted major gaps in early screening and diagnostic services, noting that many families are forced to travel long distances to access basic support. “We need more screening environment to be there, to get your screening, more diagnosis to be done, and to have more centres that provide services for the children across the country and all regions,” she said. She explained that the current system places additional pressure on families in outlying regions, who often have limited or no access to specialised services. “We have

had children come from all regions of the country to us in Georgetown, on the West Coast. And that’s a long travel. Of course, the complaints are there that there is no service available,” she noted. Both parents indicated that delays in diagnosis often affect early intervention, which is critical in autism development and long-term outcomes. The discussion also raised concerns about the ability of the education system to adequately support children with autism, particularly in mainstream or general special needs classrooms.

Beshpatty said autis-

tic children require targeted intervention and structured learning approaches tailored specifically to their developmental needs. “Autistic children need a more specialised programme. They cannot be included with all disabilities… because their learning needs are different,” she said. She added that behavioural challenges must be addressed as part of the learning process, as they directly affect educational progress. “You have to first deal with the behaviour. Because even though autism is not behavioural, it exhibits itself through behaviour,”

she explained. She further emphasised the need for trained professionals, behavioural therapists and structured learning plans in schools to ensure children can function effectively in academic environments.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the lack of structured pathways for persons with autism transitioning into adulthood, with parents expressing concern about long-term independence. She said there is a need for structured vocational programmes and supportive employment systems that recognise the strengths of persons with autism. “We need a lot of support programmes for the children… where they can also experience that life has meaning,” she said.

Both advocates pointed out that many persons with autism function well in structured, repetitive environments and can contribute meaningfully in sectors such as libraries, hospitality, arts, and technical fields if properly supported.

Beshpatty noted that inclusion must extend into the workforce.

Financial & emotional strain

The parents also highlighted the significant fi-

nancial and emotional strain placed on families, particularly where one parent is forced to leave employment to provide care. She added that workplaces must become more flexible to accommodate parents of children with disabilities. She also emphasised the need for more structured care facilities to help parents and ensure that children receive proper support while main caregivers are at work. Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially and experiences the world around them. It is called a “spectrum” because it presents differently in each individual, with varying levels of support needs and abilities. People with autism may experience challenges with verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and may engage in repetitive behaviours or have highly focused interests. At the same time, many individuals on the spectrum also demonstrate strong abilities in areas such as memory, pattern recognition, creativity, mathematics, music and structured tasks.

EU-backed training strengthens Guyana’s forest protection efforts

The Natural Resources Ministry, through the Guyana Forestry Commission, has partnered with the European Union (EU) to advance efforts aimed at reducing deforestation and forest degradation within the Amazon Rainforest. The initiative is part of the Amazonia+

Programme, funded by the EU and led by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), in partnership with the Pau Costa Foundation. The programme promotes the responsible use of fire as a tool for sustainable land management while reducing the risk and impact of wildfires across the re-

gion. As part of the programme, a series of training sessions under the Community Brigades initiative (BRICOM) was conducted from April 14 to 16, 2026, in Linden, Region 10. The training brought together representatives from local communities and national agencies, including the Civil Defence

Commission (CDC), the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Participants took part in practical and technical sessions focused on fire behaviour, operational readiness and strategies for managing fire in ways that support both

environmental protection and community development. In a release on Sunday, the Natural Resources Ministry, said that the initiative is aimed at strengthening Guyana’s approach to sustainable forest management and climate resilience. By equipping communities and institutions with the neces-

sary skills, the programme supports efforts to protect forest resources while maintaining livelihoods. The Ministry also said it will continue to work with international partners and local stakeholders to ensure that Guyana’s forests remain central to the country’s environmental and economic sustainability.

King’s Baton Relay arrives in Guyana ahead of Glasgow 2026 Games

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips

joined local athletes, officials and representatives of the Guyana Olympic Association in the King’s Baton Relay held in Georgetown on Sunday morning.

The relay forms part of the lead-up to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and is currently on a symbolic journey across all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. It was officially launched by King Charles

III at Buckingham Palace in March 2025.

In brief remarks, Prime Minister Phillips said the relay represents connection, unity and shared values among Commonwealth countries. He noted that Guyana’s participation in the upcoming Games is a source of national pride and expressed confidence in the country’s athletes.

Guyana is expected to send a 27-member delegation

to the Games, scheduled for July 23 to August 2. The team will compete in athletics, boxing, 3x3 basketball, swimming and cycling.

Following the relay, participants took part in a 5K road race along Main Street, Georgetown. Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Charles Ramson and members of the Diplomatic Corps were also in attendance at the event. (Office of the Prime Minister photos)

Traffic ranks take driver’s exams to North Rupununi

Residents of Fair View Village, North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) benefitted

from a traffic outreach on Saturday, led by ranks from the Traffic Department in Region Nine. The initiative includ -

ed a Learner’s Driver’s Theoretical Examination, allowing both first-time and re-sit candidates to complete the test within

their community. The exercise removed the need for residents to travel to Lethem to access the service.

According to participants, the outreach provid -

ed a timely opportunity for persons seeking to obtain or advance their driver’s permits. Several residents expressed appreciation for the effort, noting that it made the process more ac -

cessible.

Community members also indicated interest in similar initiatives being held in the future to improve access to public services in remote areas

Hurricane Melissa relief Canadian man charged in connection with theft of supplies for Jamaica

ACanadian man has been charged in connection with the theft of millions of dollars worth of Hurricane Melissa relief supplies destined for Jamaica from the North American country last year.

Varinder Dhillon, 40, of Brampton, was slapped with multiple offences, including breaking and entering, theft of over CA$5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, and multiple breaches of probation orders. The charges were announced by the Peel Regional Regional Police in a statement on Thursday.

Investigators say Dhillon is currently on probation for similar of-

fences and has been prohibited from driving indefinitely. Reports are that on December 3, 2025, about 5:10 am, Dhillon allegedly broke into a secured storage facility near Derry Road East and Goreway Drive in Mississauga.

Using a transport truck, the accused hitched a trailer with a shipping container containing relief supplies, and fled the area. According to the police, the relief supplies included clothing and non-perishables, which was “awaiting shipment to Jamaica to aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa”.

Following an extensive investigation by Peel Regional police’s

Commercial Auto Crime Bureau, Dhillon was identified as the suspect. In addition, more than CA$1 million (approximately J$115.2 million) of stolen property was recovered as a result of the probe.

“The recovered property was returned to its rightful owner and shipped to Kingston, Jamaica, where it was to be dispersed for hurricane relief,” the Peel Regional police reported. A search warrant was subsequently executed at a home in Brampton on March 11, culminating in the arrest and charge of Dhillon. He remains in police custody. (Jamaica Observer)

GTA business clinics empower entrepreneurs with skills to boost growth

Entrepreneurs and small business operators are gaining critical skills to strengthen their operations through business clinics hosted by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) under the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, as the government continues to invest in capacity building and private sector growth.

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by

the government to improve service delivery standards, enhance professionalism, and position local businesses to benefit from expanding tourism and economic opportunities.

Participants at a recent business and etiquette training said the session provided valuable knowledge to help them refine their business practices and improve customer engagement.

Quancy Cummings of Family Guys Transportation highlighted the importance of the training for entrepreneurs and employers alike.

“The business etiquette course is important for all potential employers and entrepreneurs because it gives you the opportunity to learn more about yourself and how to develop your business,” Cummings said.

He explained that the training provided practical tools for customer service and conflict resolution.

“It teaches you about how to deal with the customers’ reception area, how to deal with issues, resolve them, and also how to better yourself to communicate effectively with your customers,” he added.

Cummings described the training as both educational and inspirational,

encouraging more young people to participate.

Tanya Reddock of The Balance said the programme strengthened her understanding of professionalism and effective communication.

“This experience has strengthened my understanding of professionalism, communication, and the importance of delivering excellent service,” Reddock stated.

She added that the knowledge gained will positively influence her personal and professional growth.

“I’ve gained valuable skills that I am confident will positively impact both my personal growth and future career,” she said, while expressing appreciation to the government and GTA for investing in individual development.

Miner arrested after Mahdia warrant hunt turns into violent scuffle

A25-year-old gold miner of 111 Miles, Mahdia, Potaro, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) was arrested on Sunday during a police operation in relation to several warrants issued following his conviction for multiple offences. Kellon Henry, was apprehended at about 10:10h on Sunday, when ranks from the Mahdia Police Station acted on information and carried out an operation in the 111 Miles area.

During the exercise, Henry was reportedly arrested without incident; how -

ever, police said he later became disorderly, resulting in a scuffle between him and a police rank. As a result of the confrontation, both Henry and the rank sustained injuries. Henry was subsequently subdued, taken into custody, and escorted to the Mahdia Police Station, where he was detained. The injured parties were later taken to the Mahdia District Hospital, where they were examined by a doctor on duty, treated, and sent away. Henry remains in police custody as investigations continue.

France gives green light to Martinique to join Caricom as Associate Member Bahamian extradited to US to face drug case

France on Friday said it will continue to work alongside its overseas communities to support their regional integration after Paris gave the green light to Martinique for the agreement on accession to the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

A statement issued by the French Embassy here said that the approval of the CaricomAgreement on Privileges and Immunities is regarded as “a decisive step towards the regional integration of overseas territories”.

The statement said that the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, and the Minister for Overseas Territories, Mrs Naïma Moutchou, welcome the National Assembly’s approval on Thurdday of the agreement on accession.

“Following the Senate’s vote last January, Parliament has now authorised the final approval of this agreement within a tight timeframe,” the statement said, adding that “this marks a major step forward in strengthening relations between France and CARICOM, as well as in furthering the regional integration of French overseas communities in the Americas.

“This agreement allows the Territorial Collectivity

of Martinique to join as an associate member, in accordance with the agreement signed on 20 February 2025 in Bridgetown (Barbados). It also paves the way for the other territorial collectivities of the Antilles-Guyana region to join as associate members,” the statement added.

The European country said it has fully rallied behind Martinique to support “this complex legal process, which involves the interplay between domestic law, European Union law and Caricom’s own rules.

“This development now opens up concrete prospects: Martinique, along with other territories that might join Caricomas associate members, will be able to participate in the work of the organisation and its agencies, gain access to more comprehensive information on regional developments, and strengthen their capacity to take action within their immediate geographical environment.”

The statement said that this involvement will thus complement the existing engagement of French communities in the Americas within regional Caribbean organisations, notably the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS).

“This development forms

part of France’s ambitious policy aimed at strengthening the regional integration of its overseas territories, with a view to promoting their economic development, resilience and influence.

“This strategic direction, first set out at the 2023 Interministerial Committee for Overseas Territories (Comité interministériel des outre-mer or ‘’CIOM’’), was reaffirmed at the 2025 CIOM,” the statement noted.

In February this year, the French Senate gave the green light to Martinique to seek associate membership with Caricom.

“The Senate’s vote on January 28, 2026 opens a new phase for Martinique within Caricom. The challenge now is to transform this institutional framework into tangible projects and useful cooperation for the territory and its stakeholders.

“Membership is not a symbolic achievement, but the starting point for a regional participation that will be translated into action, in the service of Martinique’s development and integration into the Caribbean,” according to the French-based Richès Karayib, a multimodal and multilingual media platform dedicated to showcasing the culture, heritage and tourism of the Caribbean. (CMC)

Aman was extradited to Florida on Thursday to face trial for drug crimes allegedly committed in 2020.

Lernis Cornish Jr. is ac-

cused of cocaine possession with intent to supply and conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to supply.

Cornish was ordered extradited following proceedings before

Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley. After Cornish did not challenge the magistrate’s order, he was handed over to US authorities. (The Nassau Guardian)

By Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam meD, PuBlic HealTH

Why this matters now

his week marks STI

TAwareness Week, a time to highlight the importance of prevention, testing, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In Guyana, STIs remain a major public health concern. Despite increased awareness, many infections continue to spread silently, not because people are careless, but because many do not know they are infected. The reality is simple and concerning:

You can have an STI and feel completely normal

HEALTH TIPS

STI Awareness Week: You can have an infection and feel completely fine

...Why

testing, early treatment, and breaking stigma are critical in Guyana

Viral STIs (manageable, not always curable)

•HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

•HPV (Human Papillomavirus): linked to cervical and other cancers

•Herpes (HSV): causes recurrent sores

These infections may stay in the body long term, but can be effectively managed with treatment.

Other common infections

•Trichomoniasis (para-

What are STIs?

STIs are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

Common STIs in Guyana include:

Bacterial STIs (usually curable)

•Chlamydia

•Gonorrhoea

•Syphilis

These infections often have no symptoms, especially in women, but can lead to serious complications if untreated.

site infection causing discharge and irritation)

•Hepatitis B/C affects the liver and is sexually transmissible

•Pubic lice (“crabs”): spread through close contact

Some are easily treated, while others require lifelong management.

The silent nature of STIs

One of the biggest challenges with STIs is that many infections do not cause symptoms, especially in the early stages.

Research shows that a large proportion of infections, such as chlamydia

and gonorrhoea, are asymptomatic (CDC, 2021). This means individuals can carry and transmit infections without knowing they are infected. Because there are no symptoms, many people delay testing until complications develop.

When symptoms do appear

When present, symptoms may include:

•Unusual discharge

•Burning during urination

• Sores or ulcers

Lower abdominal pain

Pain during sexual activity

However, these symptoms are often mild or mistaken for other conditions.

Complications of untreated STIs\

Untreated STIs can lead to serious health problems:

•Infertility

•Chronic pelvic pain

•Pregnancy complica-

tions

•Increased risk of HIV transmission

•Organ damage (in advanced infections like syphilis)

These outcomes are preventable with early detection and treatment.

Why people still don’t test

Despite the risks, many people avoid STI testing due to:

•Fear of results

•Stigma and embarrassment

•Lack of symptoms

•Misconceptions about risk

Some believe that STIs only affect certain groups. Any sexually-active person can be at risk

Breaking stigma: a public health priority

Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to STI control.

When people feel judged, they delay testing and treat-

ment. This not only affects individual health but also allows infections to spread within communities.

Normalising STI testing as part of routine health care is essential.

Testing is simple and available

STI testing is quick, confidential, and available at public health facilities across Guyana.

Testing may include:

Blood tests

Urine samples

• Swabs

Regular testing is especially important for:

People with new or multiple partners

Pregnant women

Individuals with previous STIs

Treatment works – if taken properly

Many STIs can be cured with antibiotics if detected early. Others, like HIV, can be effectively managed with treatment.

Completing treatment and following medical advice is critical. Partners should also be tested and treated when necessary to prevent reinfection.

Prevention: What works

Preventing STIs involves:

•Consistent condom use

•Regular testing

•Open communication with partners

•Reducing stigma around sexual health

Community-based programmes and outreach strategies in Guyana have shown success in improving access to testing and prevention services (UNAIDS, 2022).

The role of public health programmes

National efforts in Guyana, including outreach, peer education, and integrated HIV/STI services, are helping to improve early detection and reduce transmission.

However, sustained effort is needed to:

•Increase testing uptake

•Reduce stigma

•Improve awareness

•Strengthen linkage to care

STIs are common, often silent, and treatable, but only if detected early. Do not wait for symptoms. Do not let fear delay your health. Get tested. Know your status. Protect yourself and others

Trinidad: Acting Corporal found dead in station; 4000 rounds missing

In a brazen and deep-

ly disturbing incident, an acting Woman Corporal, Anusha Eversley attached to the San Fernando Municipal Police was found shot dead inside the station early Sunday morning. The shocking discovery was made around 06:00h by colleagues when they reported for duty.

Initial reports indicate that firearms and ammu-

nition are also missing from the station’s armoury at Kìngs Wharf, raising serious security concerns.

The victim would have reported for Saturday night’s shift. Missing are 52 Glock pistols, six shotguns, four MPXs, and 4000-plus rounds of 9mm ammo.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

T&T Opposition calls for urgent action after discovery of 56 dead bodies; Policewoman killed in station

The Trinidad Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM)

Chairman Marvin Gonzales has called for immediate action following two incidents involving the discovery in Cumuto of 56 bodies in one grave on Saturday and the killing of a Police Officer at a station on Sunday.

In a statement, Gonzales said the country was confronted with the discovery of a site in Cumuto with the remains of more than 50 infants and several adults, and the killing of a Woman Police Constable inside a Police Station, along with reports of firearms and ammunition missing. Missing are 52 Glock pistols, six shotguns, four MPXs, and 4000-plus rounds of 9mm ammo.

Gonzales extended condo-

lences to the family and colleagues of the officer and to families affected by the discovery.

He said the incidents occurred during the State of Emergency and raised questions about security measures and the protection of citizens and called for investigations into both matters.

Gonzales referred to statements by Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro that the issue facing the country was fear of crime rather than crime itself. He said the incidents show that crime remained a concern.

He called on Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to convene a meeting of the National Security Council and to address the country.

Gonzales also called for

steps to locate the missing firearms and to identify those responsible.

He said the Government should seek international assistance in technical, forensic and investigative areas if needed.

Gonzales called for the removal of Minister of Homeland Security pending further developments related to the incidents.

Meanwhile, the T&T Defence Ministry said it has activated a national security response following the death of the municipal Police Officer attached to the San Fernando Municipal Police Station.

In a media release, the Ministry said the officer was killed in the line of duty.

(Excerpts from Trinidad Guardian)

Holness calls for Caricom to reconvene on Barnett’s reappointment

Jamaican Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness has called for a meeting of regional leaders to address concerns surrounding the reappointment of Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett, saying discussions are already taking place behind the scenes.

Holness said the matter required direct engagement among Heads of Government within Caricom, as public commentary continues to generate unease across the region.

“I think the solution really lies in assembling another Heads meeting to have the matter addressed,” Holness said. “That’s something that I have been pushing for quietly behind the scenes. I think it is distressing for a lot of persons within the region regarding what is being said in the public domain, but I know that all the Heads are working behind the scenes to have this matter resolved,” said Holness after being honoured by the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) in New York.

Holness indicated that further diplomatic engagement was imminent, adding that he intended to contact Trinidad Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar as part of ongoing consultations.

The issue of Barnett’s reappointment has drawn attention within Caricom, with differing views emerging among member states. Holness maintained that a unified approach was necessary to resolve the matter and preserve regional cooperation.

The Jamaican leader’s comments come as attention also turns to financial concerns involving Caribbean Airlines and its operations linked to the former Air Jamaica.

Guardian Media has reported exclusively that since Caribbean Airlines acquired Air Jamaica in 2011, the airline has recorded losses exceeding TT$1.7 billion, equivalent to approximately US$255 million, in managing the Jamaicabased operations. Documents obtained by Guardian Media’s

Mexico mends ties with Spain in 1st presidential visit in 8 years

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met in Barcelona on Saturday after a summit of progressive leaders, signalling a rapprochement during the first presidential visit to the Mediterranean country in eight years.

The meeting took place during Sheinbaum’s visit to Barcelona to attend the fourth “In defence of democracy” summit, a gathering of global leftist leaders to mobilise advocates of these movements against the far right.

Sheinbaum’s trip marks a softening of previously-strained ties and was the first visit by a Mexican President to Spain since the ruling Morena party came to power ⁠in 2018.

Relations deteriorated under her predecessor and mentor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who in 2019 demanded an apology for abuses committed during Spain’s colonial rule in Mexico, a re -

Brazil’s

quest that was not met at the time.

“There has already been a rapprochement from both the Spanish president and the king himself, which we acknowledge,” Sheinbaum told reporters as she left the event, noting that she still outlined Mexico’s stance on the importance of acknowledging the abuses committed during the colonisation of Latin America during her meeting with Sanchez.

She said she had invited Sanchez to attend the

fifth edition of the summit, to be held in Mexico next year.

“I believe that President Sheinbaum’s presence here is a very important and positive sign of a rapprochement between the two countries,” Spain’s economy minister, Carlos Cuerpo, told reporters at the summit, highlighting the importance of boosting trade and investment ties, particularly in the energy, infrastructure, and financial sectors. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Lula, Germany’s Merz stress close European-Brazilian cooperation

Investigations Desk showed that unaudited accounts for the period 2012 to 2025 reflect cumulative losses of US$254,709,575.

Holness rejected suggestions that the country has not met its obligations.

“The question, I suppose, is Jamaica not paying its share. Jamaica makes contributions, as it can, and I’m not certain that the positioning of not paying its share is correct,” he said.

“There is a request for Jamaica to make contributions to the airline. We value the airline. It’s very important. And there may be other ways in which Jamaica can support Caribbean Airlines, and we will be examining those. So there is a request for support, and we will be considering that.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Sunday called for closer ties between South America’s largest economy and the European Union at the opening of the Hanover industrial fair.

Both welcomed the entry into force of the EUMercosur free trade agreement on May 1.

“This shows that we are sticking to the multilateral order, that we want a rules-based economic system, and that we want this cooperation with as few

tariffs as possible – ideally none at all,” Merz said.

Lula described Brazil, this year’s partner country at the world’s largest industrial trade fair in Hanover, as a reliable and important partner, including in the supply of raw materials.

Lula said he wanted to discuss the full range of economic cooperation with Merz, including artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and data centres.

German-Brazilian government consultations are due to take place today. (Reuters)

Although only about 30 per cent of Brazil’s mineral potential has been mapped, the country already has the world’s largest reserves of niobium, the second-largest reserves of graphite and rare earths, and the third-largest reserves of nickel, Lula said. “These raw materials must serve as a driver of economic and social development,” he added, calling for greater technology transfer and more processing capacity to be established in Brazil.

Around the World US seizes Iranian cargo ship, Tehran vows to retaliate

OIL NEWS

Oil claws back losses as Strait of Hormuz is closed again

Oil prices rebounded more than six per cent today after tumbling more than nine per cent on Friday on news the Strait of Hormuz is closed again after both the US and Iran said the other party had violated their ceasefire deal by attacking ships over the weekend.

Brent crude futures jumped US$6.11, or 6.76 per cent, to US$96.49 a barrel by 2327 GMT and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was at US$90.38 a barrel, ⁠up US$6.53, or 7.79 per cent.

The US military had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday, while Iran said it would not participate in a second round of peace talks despite Trump’s threat of renewed airstrikes.

The United States has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has lifted and then reimposed its own blockade of the Strait, which handled roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply before the war began almost two months ago.

“Oil markets continue to gyrate in response to ⁠oscillating social media posts by the US and Iran, rather than the realities on the ground which remain challenging for oil flows to resume in a rapid fashion,” Saul Kavonic, MST Marquee’s head of research, said.

Both contracts posted on Friday their largest daily declines since April 18 after ⁠Iran said passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz was open for the remaining ceasefire period and Trump said Iran had agreed to never close the Strait again.

“The announcement of ⁠the Strait opening proved premature,” Kavonic said.

“Ship owners will be twice shy about heading towards the Strait again without receiving much more confidence that any announced passage is ⁠real.”

More than 20 ships passed the strait on Saturday carrying oil, liquefied petroleum gas, metals and fertilisers, Kpler data showed, the highest number of vessels crossing the waterway since March 1.

(Reuters)

Bulgaria’s pro-Russian former President set for landslide election win – exit polls

Pro-Russian former President Rumen

Radev is set for a runaway victory in Bulgaria’s election and may even secure a parliamentary majority, exit polls showed, potentially ending years of weak coalition governments and altering the European Union member’s foreign policy.

An updated exit poll conducted by Sofia-based Alpha Research showed Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria with 44 per cent, far ahead of the long-dominant GERB party, led by former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, at 12.5 per cent.

If confirmed, the performance, which outstripped opinion polls, would mark one of the strongest results by a single party in a generation, sideline a party that has

ruled on and off for decades, and may see an end to the instability that has resulted in eight elections in five years.

“Progressive Bulgaria won decisively. This is a victory of hope over distrust, a victory of freedom over fear, and finally, if you will, a victory of morality,” Radev said of the exit poll results during a press conference.

Radev, a eurosceptic and former fighter pilot who opposes military support for Ukraine’s war effort against Moscow, stepped down from the presidency in January to run in the parliamentary election, which comes after mass protests forced out the previous government in December.

Final election results are expected today.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

The United States said on Sunday that it had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade and Iran said it would retaliate, raising the possibility that the ceasefire between the two countries might not last for even the two days it is set to remain in force.

Efforts to build a more lasting peace in the region likewise appeared to be on shaky ground, as Iran said it would not participate in a second round of negotiations that the US had hoped to kick off before the ceasefire expires on Tuesday.

A weeks-long blockade of shipping that has driven global oil prices higher likewise might remain in place.

The United States has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has lifted and then reimposed its own blockade on marine traffic passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which typically

handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.

The US military said Sunday it had fired on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship as the vessel sailed toward Iran’s Bandar Abbas port.

“We have full custody of their ship, and are seeing what’s on board!” President Trump wrote on social media. Iran’s military said the ship had been travelling from China. “We warn that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond and retaliate against this armed piracy by the US military,” a military spokesperson said, according to State media.

Iranian state media also reported that Tehran had rejected new peace talks, citing the ongoing blockade, threatening rhetoric, and Washington’s shifting positions and “excessive demands”, (Excerpt from Reuters)

8 children killed in Louisiana shooting, Police say

Eight children, aged from one to 14 years old, have been killed in a shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, which Police are describing as a “domestic disturbance”.

Officers said the incident began about 05:00 local time (10:00 GMT). A single gunman shot 10 persons before

fleeing in a stolen car. Police then chased and killed the suspected shooter.

“We have hurting families, we have hurting Police Officers, coroners’ personnel,” Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. “This affects the entire community, so we all mourn with these families.”

Police did not name the victims, but said some of the children were related to the deceased man.

The suspected gunman has been identified as Shamar Elkins, Shreveport mayor’s communications director Leigh Anne Evensky told the BBC.

Speaking earlier on

Sunday, the mayor said: “This is a tragic situation –maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had in Shreveport.”

He said some of the injured victims had been taken to hospital and asked for prayers for the families and the city. (Excerpt from BBC News)

UK’s Starmer faces Parliament over Mandelson vetting as resignation demands swirl

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will address Parliament today, facing calls for his resignation over his handling of the appointment of Peter Mandelson, a senior figure in his ruling Labour party, as US Ambassador, though it emerged he had failed a vetting process.

Mandelson, 72, was sacked as Ambassador in September last year following revelations about the depth of his ties to the late

sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with Starmer apologising for appointing him in the first place.

But on Thursday, new information came to light which showed Mandelson had failed a security vetting process carried out before he was appointed, heaping pressure on the beleaguered Prime Minister whose popularity has sunk since he won a huge majority for Labour at a national election in 2024.

Starmer, who had previously told Parliament all due process had been followed over Mandelson, has said it was unforgivable he was not told about the vetting failure until last week. Top Foreign Office official Olly Robbins was consequently sacked. Starmer said he would “set out the relevant facts” to lawmakers today, while Robbins is due to give evidence in front of a parliamentary committee on Tuesday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine pushes for Europe to build defence system against ballistic weapons

Europe must have its own defence system against ballistic weapons, and Ukraine is already holding talks with several countries on its creation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday.

Defence against ballistic missiles is one of Ukraine’s biggest challenges in the war with Russia, since only certain types of missiles used by the American Patriot system are capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.

Russia uses ballistic missiles to attack Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, destroying thermal power generation and electricity transmission systems.

“I believe, and my idea

is that we should have a European anti-ballistic missile defence system. We are in talks with several countries and are working in this direction,” Zelenskyy told the national TV channel,

Marathon.

“We need to build our own anti-ballistic missile defence system within a year,” he added.

Zelenskyy said the task is extremely difficult but real-

istic, and added that he had already discussed it with key European countries, though he did not name them. He gave no more details.

However, Fire Point, maker of Ukraine’s Flamingo cruise missile, told Reuters this month that it was in talks with European companies to launch a new air defence system by next year, creating a low-cost alternative to the increasingly hardto-get Patriot system. Patriot missiles are in increasingly short supply amid extensive deployment in the Gulf against Iranian attacks. And Europe’s only anti-ballistic system, the ItaloFrench SAMP/T, is produced in relatively small numbers.

(Reuters)

SUDOKU

HOROSCOPES

Be passionate about what you do. Let your words carry weight and your actions seal whatever deal you are trying to manifest. It’s time to sharpen your wit and make your move.

A little will go a long way if you are strategic. Be patient regarding domestic improvements. Nothing happens fast, but things will turn in your favor if you follow proper protocol.

21-July 22)

23-Aug. 22)

Stick to what you know and do best, and flaunt your talents. The people who take notice will enrich your life and encourage you to do more. It’s time to stand up and be counted.

Keep tabs, take notes and leave nothing to chance. Take better care of yourself and the people you love. Assume responsibility for what you say and do.

Participate in community events or functions related to your work or interests. Someone you don’t take to immediately will grow on you. Say no to temptation and excessive behavior.

Pay more attention to what you do, how you look and where your priorities stand. Letting your emotions interfere with your performance could set you back. Act quickly to defuse a tricky situation.

Self-control is necessary if you want to come out on top. Sending the wrong message, overreacting or taking on too much will affect your reputation. Think and act quickly.

You need to blow off steam. Sign up for something competitive or learn a new skill that motivates you to branch out in a unique professional direction. Compromise is necessary.

Adjust what isn’t working for you. Rearranging your space to encourage greater productivity will revive your enthusiasm and encourage success. Money management is necessary.

Refuse to get all worked up over nothing. You are best off creating stability, not chaos, if you want to stay in control. If you need time to think, remove yourself from the situation you face.

Think twice before making a physical or personal change. Your domestic situation may require alterations, but you should be careful what you wish for. Focus on business and building the life you want.

Live and learn. The information you discover will bring about physical changes that reduce emotional tension. Question relationships and consider who is good for you and who drags you down.

Arya, Connolly power unbeaten PBKS to NRR-boosting win

Punjab Kings 254 for 7 (Arya 93, Connolly 87, Prince 2-25, Siddharth 2-35) beat Lucknow Super Giants 200 for 5 (Pant 43, Markram 42*, Marsh 40, Jansen 2-37) by 54 runs

After cruising through two 200-plus chases and easing past 196 without fuss, Punjab Kings (PBKS) faced a different challenge on Sunday against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), of setting a target for the first time this season. And on a fresh New Chandigarh surface, they responded in style.

Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly powered PBKS to 254, the highest total of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 – they upstaged Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 249 against Chennai Super Kings. LSG never got close, and PBKS’ 54-run win extended their unbeaten run to six matches. LSG, meanwhile,

Riders – who notched up their first win of the season earlier in the day – and Mumbai Indians – who play

A dream start and two missed chances Mohammed Shami’s bolt-upright seam and late movement had Prabhsimran Singh nicking to slip for a golden duck in the first over. In the second, Mohsin Khan should have had Connolly twice. First, LSG let go the possibility of an lbw review; replays confirmed three reds as Connolly was beaten attempting to flick an in-ducker. One ball later, Mohsin missed a simple return chance on his follow-through.

Arya gets stuck in Three overs, 40 runs. Those were Mohsin’s powerplay figures in his comeback game. Much of the early damage was done by Arya, who hit him for four sixes – all to different points on the leg side, off short balls

aimed into the body. This helped him race to 40 off 13 in the power play, and to his half-century in 19 balls.

The standout aspect of Arya’s game was his awareness. He was brutal in front of square with the pull, a mark of how quickly he was picking the length. At one point, just after the power play, LSG had four fielders patrolling the leg-side boundary, from long-on to deep backward square leg. Arya responded by walking across his stumps to paddle left-arm spinner M Siddharth past short fine leg.

Connolly joins the party

At 110 for 1 in 10 overs, Rishabh Pant turned to Shami for a second spell and Connolly welcomed him with two sixes. He had begun slowly, scoring just 41 off his first 32 balls, but now he was in a punishing mood. When Shami went short, he pulled him ferociously in front of square. And when he went slower and fuller, Connolly teed off, straight over his head.

however, helped PBKS hit 40 off the last three overs, as they eventually got past 250; seven overs went for 15 or more, with three passing the 20 mark.

PBKS walloped 21 sixes, the most in an innings yet this season.

LSG never threaten After PantMarkram and Markram-Marsh, LSG opened with Ayush Badoni and Marsh, and they only scored 12 off the first two overs. It spoke of the magnitude of LSG’s task that even 49 off the next four overs, which gave them a powerplay score of 61 for 1 seemed inadequate.

Connolly was audacious too, such as when he exposed all three stumps and got down low to scoop Avesh Khan over short fine leg. His blockbuster act of the night was to come soon after, when he hit Aiden Markram for three back-toback sixes in his only over, which cost 32. By the end of the 13th over, PBKS had hit 16 sixes; nine by Arya and seven by Connolly.

A mini LSG comeback

At the 13-over mark, PBKS were already 179 for 1 and going at nearly 14 an over. The next three overs, however, only brought 17 runs. Prince Yadav, who would end the night with remarkable figures read 4-0-25-2 (the rest travelled for 226 off 16 overs) began the fightback, dismissing Connolly with a hard-length delivery that he sliced to short third, breaking a 182run stand for the second wicket.

Siddharth dismissed Arya two balls later when an ice-cool Mitchell Marsh held his composure to make a tough catch at long-off look simple. LSG truly seemed to have come back into the game when Mohsin had Shreyas Iyer edging to short third while looking to force the pace in a three-run 16th over. A late blitz from Marcus Stoinis,

Vyshak Vijaykumar provided the early breakthrough when he dismissed Badoni for 35. Pant hit two sixes off his first three balls, but was reined in expertly by Vyshak and Yuzvendra Chahal. Vyshak stuck to his strengths of bowling the wide yorker and slower deliveries that Pant could not get away, and all that pressure led to Marsh holing out as Chahal struck for the first time in three

Punjab Kings (20 ovs maximum) Priyansh Arya c Marsh

b Siddharth 93

Prabhsimran Singh † c Marsh

b Mohammed Shami 0

Cooper Connolly c Siddharth

b Prince Yadav 87

Shreyas Iyer (c) c Mohammed Shami

b Mohsin Khan 5

Marcus Stoinis run out (Pooran/†Pant) 29

Nehal Wadhera c Pooran

b Siddharth 13

Shashank Singh c Markram

b Prince Yadav 17

Marco Jansen not out 1

Extras (lb 3, w 6) 9

Total: 20 Ov (RR: 12.70) 254/7

Did not bat: Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Prabhsimran Singh, 0.3 ov), 2-185 (Cooper Connolly, 13.5 ov), 3-187 (Priyansh Arya, 14.2 ov), 4-193 (Shreyas Iyer, 15.2 ov), 5-208 (Nehal Wadhera, 16.5 ov), 6-252 (Shashank Singh, 19.4 ov), 7-254 (Marcus Stoinis, 19.6 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Mohammed Shami 4-0-56-1

Mohsin Khan 4-0-43-1

Prince Yadav 4-0-25-2

Ayush Badoni 1-0-14-0

Avesh Khan 3-0-46-0

Manimaran Siddharth 3-0-35-2

games. Then Pant fell soon after, LSG slipping to 128 for 4 in the 13th. The freefall continued with Nicholas Pooran next to go, extending his horror run to six games. Some big hits from Markram merely reduced the margin of defeat. A series of drops late in the innings from Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran were minor blips in yet another dominant PBKS win, which set their campaign up with a great chance of finishing in the top two. (ESPNcricinfo)

England rifle team’s goodwill tour concludes with thrilling Individual performances

…ahead

of team showdown

The final day of the England rifle team’s goodwill tour delivered challenging conditions and outstanding performances as competitors took on the demanding 900- and 1000-yard ranges.

Strong, fast-switching winds greeted shooters from the outset, adding a dynamic layer of difficulty. While visiting marksmen from England are well accustomed to windy conditions at Bisley, the unpredictable nature of the gusts in Guyana tested even the most experienced competitors.

At the 900-yard range, most shooters posted scores in the low 40s. However, Matthew Blythe rose above the field to claim the gold medal with an impressive 49.5. He was closely followed by Martin Whicher, who secured silver with 49.2, and Matthew Keel, who earned bronze with 48.4. Guyana’s Dylan Fields led the local

contingent with a solid 46.2, while Roberto Tewari (44.4) and Leo Romalho (44.2) also delivered commendable performances.

The 1000-yard event proved equally demanding. England Team Captain Phillip Chapman-Sheath captured gold with the top score of 46.3. Whicher continued his strong showing with 46.2 (including two Vs) to take silver, while Keel secured bronze with 45.3.

In the second day’s aggregate (900 and 1000 yards), Whicher emerged victorious with a combined score of 95.4. Keel placed second with 93.7, followed closely by Blythe with 93.6.

The Overall Individual Championship, which combined scores across all ranges, saw Blythe crowned champion with 234.14. Christopher Crabtree earned silver with 231.16, and Keel completed the podium with bronze at 231.12. Fields achieved an impres-

sive sixth-place finish overall.

Focus now shifts to the highly-anticipated Team Match, which will be con-

tested across distances from 300 to 1000 yards.

The Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) team will compete against

England Red and England White, with each team comprising eight shooters, a wind coach, and a plotter. Guyana will be aiming to de-

liver a strong performance against their English counterparts in what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the tour.

Suri Trading supports Albion CCCC T10 Tournament

Suri Trading is onboard with sponsorship of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club’s upcoming T10 Second-Division Cricket Tournament and Bar-B-Que.

The cricket tournament is an exciting community-driven event set to take place at the Albion Community Centre Ground, at a date to be confirmed.

This initiative forms part of the Club’s ongoing efforts to raise funds in support of its cricket development programmes, which continue to nurture young talent and promote the sport across Berbice and beyond.

The tournament will feature several competitive teams, creating a vibrant day-and-night atmosphere of cricket, entertainment, and community engagement.

The event is expected to attract strong participation from players and patrons alike, with free admission encouraging families and supporters to come out and enjoy not only the thrilling

matches, but also a variety of food and refreshments avail able on site.

As part of its contin ued commitment to cor porate social respon sibility, Suri Trading remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that foster youth de velopment, sportsman ship, and community unity.

Cricket holds a spe cial place in Guyanese culture, and investing in grassroots programmes like this ensures the continued growth of the sport and the empowerment of future generations.

Suri Trading, a Guyanese-owned company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality food and beverage products under the Suri brand. Beyond business, the company is deeply invested in uplifting communities and supporting meaningful initiatives that make a lasting impact.

Suri Trading extends its best wishes to the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club for a successful and well-supported tournament and looks forward to seeing the event bring together players, families, and cricket enthusiasts in celebration of sport and community spirit.

Record-breaking Bayern win Bundesliga

Bayern Munich clinched a 35th league title on Sunday by beating Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena – but could this prove to be the most impressive triumph of them all?

After nearest challengers Borussia Dortmund fell to defeat at Hoffenheim on Saturday, Bayern needed only a draw to win a 13th title in 14 seasons.

But, as has been the case all season, they turned on the style and came from behind to beat Champions League-chasing Stuttgart 4-2.

Victory keeps Bayern’s hopes of winning the Treble alive, with semi-finals against Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup and Paris St-Germain in the Champions League to come this month.

The best team in Bundesliga history?

When Bayern began the season by thrashing RB Leipzig 6-0, it felt like an early warning to the rest of the Bundesliga.

England Captain Harry Kane, who scored a hat-trick, Michael Olise and summer signing Luis Diaz were on the scoresheet as Bayern swatted Ole Werner’s team aside on home soil.

Over the next 29 games that trio evolved into one of the most formidable forward lines the Bundesliga has seen, driving Bayern to a record 109 goals.

Kane, Olise and Diaz have

scored 59 of those.

In the history of the Bundesliga, only two teams had previously reached the 100-goal mark –Bayern in 1971-72 and 2019-20.

The fact that Vincent Kompany’s side have surpassed that tally with four games remaining is testament to their breathtaking quality and relentless mentality.

With three of their final matches coming against bottom-half opposition, including second-bottom Wolfsburg and bottom club Heidenheim, Bayern will have their sights set on pushing towards 120 goals.

But it is not just in attack where Bayern have excelled this season. The 35-time champions have been equally impressive at the back, conceding only 29 goals.

Should they win their remaining matches, they would equal the record for the most points in a Bundesliga season – 91, set by Jupp Heynckes’ treble-winning Bayern 13 years ago.

“You have to be winning major trophies”

It was only fitting that Kane scored on a historic afternoon in Munich on Sunday.

There have been several standout performers for Bayern this season, but none more so than the number nine.

It was only two years ago that Kane was being challenged about his decision to move to Germany as Bayern ended a season trophyless for the first time in 12 years.

But fast forward to the present

day and Kane has not only helped his side return to the summit of German football by winning backto-back titles, but has also put himself in contention to win football’s most prestigious individual accolade – the Ballon d’Or – after netting 32 goals in 27 Bundesliga appearances this term.

No player in Europe’s top five leagues has managed more goals than Kane’s 50 in all competitions.

Now in his third season at Bayern, Kane is also delivering in the Champions League.

This month he scored home and away against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals to help Bayern reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2024, while equalling Frank Lampard as the highestscoring Englishman in the knockout stages of the competition with 15 goals.

“I could score 100 goals this season, but if I don’t win the Champions League or the World Cup, you’re probably not going to win the Ballon d’Or,” said Kane in November.

“It’s the same with any player. You have to be winning those major trophies.”

If he can help Bayern to a seventh Champions League title and play a leading role for England at this summer’s World Cup, Kane would surely have a strong case to become the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001.

2013, 2020... and 2026?

Bayern’s attention will now turn to completing the Treble for only the third time in their history after 2013 and 2020.

“In the way we play, we’ve learned and evolved over the last 12 months,” Kane said last month.

“A lot of people forgot it was Kompany’s first year last year. We were still learning the way he wanted to play. We were still learning different ideas from him.

“We’ve really honed in on his ideas now, and for sure we’re a better team this year than we were last year.”

If Bayern win two more trophies this season, they would become the first European men’s team to win the Treble three times. Can anyone stop them? (BBC Sport)

Massy Distribution U18 Football…

Charlestown, Chase,

Santa

Rosa,

West secure semifinal berths

Spectators were either or the edge of their seats or moved to their feet in excitement on Sunday, as the quarterfinal round of the Massy Distribution Schools’ Under-18 Football tournament took centre stage at the Queen’s College Ground in Georgetown.

Charlestown Secondary were the first team to punch their ticket to the next round, enduring a tense penalty shootout against New Amsterdam Secondary.

The tension blossomed since the first half, as neither side was able to find the back of the net.

However, in the second half, Adion Marks broke the ice for Charlestown in the 60th minute. That was met with an immediate response off the boots of New Amsterdam’s Domonique Rodrigues in the 62nd minute.

Omari Cassius made it 2-1 in Charlestown’s favour by the 70th minute, but again, New Amsterdam levelled the scores, this time

through Clevon Cort in the 72nd to ensure a 2-2 score at the end of regulation time.

The contest eventually boiled down to penalties, through which Charlestown prevailed 3-1 for the win.

Then, Chase’s Academic Foundation continued their stellar run in the competition with a massive 9-2 drubbing of Region Seven’s Three Miles Secondary. Chase was met with some resistance early on as Lebron Mendonca netted a brace in the 7th and 31st minutes, responding to three ear-

ly goals from Chase – one apiece from Mark Glasgow (3rd); Shaquan David (15th) and Nyron Barrow (21st).

The 2025 runners-up then launched an all-out onslaught. Glasgow completed his hat-trick in the 42nd and 44th minutes while David did the same in the 45th and 57th. Barrow added another strike for a brace in the 55th. In addition, solitary strikes came off the boots of Germaine Garrett (37th), Micah Boodie (60th) and Jaden Christian (62nd) to complete the nine-goal haul.

Santa Rosa were the next team to secure their semifinal spot, cruising past Annandale Secondary 3-1. Santa Rosa struck first through Shane James in the ninth minute, but Annandale’s Ronoko Morris found the back of the net in the 27th to level the scores.

James wasted little time in netting a second goal to hand the lead back to the Region One outfit while Darren Williams scored in the 60th to seal the win.

West Ruimveldt later brought the curtains down

on the quarterfinal round with a 5-1 mauling of St Joseph High.

Donovan Welcome was the marksman to watch, netting in the 7th and 35th minutes. Lyndon Gray (16th), Dellon Philadelphia (25th) and Dominic Lesperance (68th) each found the back of the net once to extend West Ruimveldt’s tally.

Meanwhile, Laurel George was responsible for St Joseph’s consolation goal in the 45th minute.

The Massy Distribution football semi-finals is set to

More than 80 horses entered for Port Mourant race meet

Horses from near and far will assemble at the Port Mourant Turf Club on Sunday, April 26 for a grand one-day horse race meet.

This race was originally set for Easter Sunday, but due to the inclement weather, it was postponed to a later date.

According to organisers, there will be newly-imported horses be running at the event and some eight horses could run in the feature event of nine furlongs. Horse-owners in the Port Mourant feature/Easter Cup stakes will be eyeing the $4 million purse, and the top horse will win $2 million.

It will be a race of the

highest order as top stables secured confirmation. Slingerz Racing stables’ top horse Olympic Kremlin will be out to rule his counterparts while J’s

Racing stables will want to let loose of all his horses.

Stat of the Master Z racing stables will be aiming to repeat heroics from the Kennard’s Memorial Turf

Club outing as is Mapa Do Brasil.

Some of the sponsors for the event are Premium Asphalt, Big G Sawmill and Lumber Yard, KP Jagdeo General Contractors, OBL, Forresters Lumber Yard and Building Supplies, and Arka Supplies.

This race day is of great importance as it marks the second nomination day for the Guyana Cup, which is slated for August 23 at a venue to be announced.

A total of 11 races, including the jockey dash, are expected to take place.

Other races on the provisional programme include the Easter Sprint, open to all horses four years and older; the Three-Year-Old

Learn and move on: Sir Carl Hooper to Kevin Sinclair

By Brandon Corlette

Kevin Sinclair has been a hot topic of discussion around the Caribbean cricket circle after his exclusion from the Guyana Harpy Eagles team.

Sinclair’s omission sparked a press conference by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) after a social media outburst. Based on what was said at the press conference, disciplinary issues were the main reason for

Sinclair’s omission.

Legendary West Indies player Sir Carl Hooper is hoping that Sinclair can learn from this situation and move on quickly. He appeared on a recent Mason and Guest radio programme, where he also disclosed that he had conversations with Sinclair, and then Ramnaresh Sarwan, Guyana’s chief selector.

“It’s disappointing to hear about the issues he is hav-

ing, because he is a talent, and he can easily play for West Indies for eight-nine years. Hopefully, he can get back to playing for Guyana and West Indies.”

“I called him, he speaks to me in confidence. I spoke to him (Kevin) and the Chairman of Selectors (Ramnaresh Sarwan), so I heard both ends of the story. It is unfortunate, but I think he will come through it, grow, and push this behind him,” Sir Carl said.

be staged at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue next weekend. The teams are competing for a $300,000 grand prize that will be allocated in kind, for a school project of their choice.

Imported; and the F Class and Lower, open to fourand five-year-old imported horses that have not raced within the last six months, as well as six-year-olds and older that have not raced for over a year.

Additionally, other races on the programme include the Three-Year-Old and Over West Indian Bred; the Open ThreeYear-Old Native Bred; K/L Maiden; the H Class and Lower for West Indianbred horses that have not won in Guyana in 2025; the Three-Year-Old and Over I/J/K Class; the Open L Class and the Jockey Dash. Racing will be conducted under the new Guyana Rules of Racing.

The 59-year-old with 102 Test caps is hoping that the problem is resolved quickly.

“I hope it is resolved soon. Sarwan has a lot of positive things to say about his cricket, but it’s just his issues off the field. We have to learn from our mistakes and be better for it.”

Post the press conference, Sinclair issued a state-

ment.

Based on the statement made, Sir Carl believes that Sinclair must own up, take responsibility, and not make excuses.

“I saw him release a statement. The statement seems to contradict himself a lot. It’s either you own up and accept responsibility, apologise and move on. He is young and he has so much to offer. It will be a shame if we don’t try to help as much as we can, and hope he understands, and learn from it,” the former West Indies cricketer added.

This is not the first time

has been left out of the Guyana side, and administrators and selectors cited disciplinary issues. He had issues at the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and at other regional tournaments.

While it is evident that he must work on being disciplined on and off the field, Sinclair must be guided accordingly and fulfil his talent for Guyana and the West Indies. His passion and determination are unmatched, and he must stay focused on the game itself.

PM leads Guyana’s leg of King’s Baton Relay

Scores of athletes and administrators took to the streets of Georgetown on Sunday morning for the King’s Baton Relay, in anticipation of this year’s Commonwealth Games, in Glasgow, Scotland.

Led by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, Sport Minister

Charles Ramson Jr and Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) President Godfrey Munroe, the baton made its way from the Umana Yana to the Seven Ponds in the Botanical Gardens.

“This symbolises what the Commonwealth Games represent – community, unity and using this as a

vehicle for improving lives, citizenship, among other things,” GOA President Munroe shared when they gathered at the Seven Ponds, “So, it’s good as a community that we could come together and show our solidarity for 1) sports; 2) as a Commonwealth nation but more particularly, the theme for this year,

which is ensuring we use sport as a vehicle, emphasising what we do with our environment, in terms of protecting our environment.”

Reggae Girlz ease past Lady Jags 2-0

Guyana’s senior women’s national football team, the Lady Jags, ended their quest for a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF W Championships with a spirited performance on Saturday night, going down to eventual group winners, Jamaica, 2-0.

At the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, Lady Jags Head Coach Omar Khan opted for a starting XI that featured Captain Brianne Desa, goalkeeper Arden LaRose, Rylee Traicoff, Hope Windebank, Heike Clarke, Savanna Mondesir-Singh, Stefanie Kouzas, Jenea Knight, Sandra Johnson, Otesha Charles, and Annalisa Vincent.

The Lady Jags found themselves in a spot of bother from early on, playing the majority of the game in their half as Jamaica relentlessly pressed at the goal.

The Reggae Girlz’ efforts were rewarded pretty early when Captain Khadija “Bunny” Shaw positioned herself near the ‘last post’ for their first set piece from the corner. The Manchester City forward leaped above the Guyanese defenders to send the ball into the opposing corner of the net for Jamaica’s first strike in the eighth minute.

However, Guyana’s performance from there on out was commendable as the Lady Jags pulled out all the stops to ensure the Jamaicans were unable to

thrill their boisterous home fans with another goal anytime soon.

Leading that charge was goalkeeper LaRose, who pulled off a series of stunning saves across the 90 minutes. As Knight proved to be a worthy nemesis for Shaw, who missed several clear-cut chances in front of the goal and Traicoff worked overtime on the left, Guyana were able to hold their hosts to just a solitary goal after the first 45 minutes.

In that time, Guyana saw a lone goal-scoring chance when Vincent caught up to the Jamaican keeper, Rebecca Spencer, with the ball at her feet. However, Vincent lost her footing as Spencer passed the ball off to defender Deneisha Blackwood, before Traicoff could come to Vincent’s aid.

At the beginning of the second half, the Guyanese ladies made more of a concerted effort to advance to the net, however their persistent inability to pass accurately haunted them and they would end the contest with just two shots at goal.

Meanwhile, their defence remained resolute until slipping up in the dying minutes of the encounter.

In the 88th minute, Paige Bailey advanced down the left with enough room for a brilliant cross into the box where Shania Hayles was waiting to head the ball into the net for

Jamaica’s second strike. In spite of all her heroics throughout the game, there was nothing LaRose could do as she watched the ball sail past her outstretched arms.

With the 2-0 win, Jamaica have finished at the top of Group B with a perfect 12 points from four games, sealing their spot in the CONCACAF W Championships and keeping their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup dream alive.

On the heels of a 14-0 thrashing of Dominica on the same night, Nicaragua finished second in the group with nine points from three wins in four games. Guyana completed the top three in the group with six points from two wins in four games.

Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica managed a solitary point in the group after one draw and three losses, each.

Alongside Jamaica, Mexico (Group A); Costa Rica (Group C); Haiti (Group D); Panama (Group E) and El Salvador (Group F) are the teams that will advance to the CONCACAF W Championships. There they will meet the topranked teams in the region – USA and Canada.

The CONCACAF W Championship will serve as the Confederation’s qualifier for both the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil 2027 and the 2028 LA Summer Olympics.

Ramson Jr went on to emphasise the importance of the Commonwealth, even in Guyana’s own recent history.

He informed, “It’s the values that the Commonwealth represents, which is democracy, human rights, the rule of law, shared prosperity and development. All those things are important for us here in Guyana, there’s no question about that. And even when we were challenged in 2020, it was the Commonwealth, amongst others, that stood with us.

“The Commonwealth is important because it is a

group of nations that share the same values, the same ideas, but we can learn from them, we can have close partnerships with them, share trade and resources and also advance human capital and development. I’m here because I’m a supporter,” the Sport Minister reminded.

Also sharing remarks was PM Phillips, who expressed pride in Sunday’s activity while pledging support for Guyana’s participation in the Games.

Phillips expressed, “I’m proud to be here with you this morning as we have the Baton Relay.”

“I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of our President, our Government and the people of Guyana to express to our athletes who will be going to Glasgow,

West

Athat you have our 100 per cent support, as you represent Guyana and participate in the Commonwealth Games,” the Prime Minister assured.

He added, “So, Guyana will continue to uphold the values of the Commonwealth of Nations, Guyana will continue to support the ideals of the Commonwealth, we will support the development of sports in Guyana.”

Following the King’s Baton Relay, the athletes and administrators moved over to the Kingston Beach where the GOA spearheaded a clean-up exercise, in keeping with this year’s theme.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled for July 23 to August 2.

Indies Championships…

Smith’s 5-for rips through Volcanoes on Day 1

from 13 overs.

It was Keemo Paul who opened the floodgates, removing Ackeem Auguste for two runs in the second over of the innings.

By the third over, Smith had his first strike, sending Johann Jeremiah back to the dugout for a solitary run. Smith had a double strike in the fifth over, claiming both Kavem Hodge and Alick Athanaze’s wickets to reduce the Volcanoes to 17-4.

stunning spell with the ball from Nial Smith ensured that the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) would make headway early in the contest when Round 2 of the ongoing Regional Four-Day West Indies Championships bowled off on Sunday.

At the Antigua Recreational Ground in St John’s, the Harpy Eagles won the toss and opted to bowl first, quickly routing their opponents, the Windward Islands Volcanoes for 151.

Smith was the chief architect of the Volcanoes’ demise, with figures of 5-36

Paul then claimed his second wicket of the day, of Shadrack Descarte for 1, leaving the Volcanoes languishing at 21-5.

However, the Volcanoes had a reprieve as a 68-run partnership between Sunil Ambris and Noelle Leo allowed them to accumulate a few runs and avoid an embarrassing situation.

Leo hit 36 from 43 balls while Ambris contributed 35 from 43 before having his stumps rattled by Shamar Joseph, who returned to the fold in the second round.

The Harpy Eagles bowlers also met some resistance from Ryan John, in

his 37 off 51 deliveries. With Kenneth Dember’s 15 in the latter stages, the Volcanoes got up to 151 in 37.1 overs. Both Paul and Joseph claimed two scalps each while Gudakesh Motie took the remaining wicket.

With the bat, a painfully slow innings from Tagenarine Chanderpaul kept the Harpy Eagles ticking while Matthew Nandu, uncharacteristically, became the aggressor with a quickfire half-century.

Nandu brought up his sixth First-Class half-century, featuring eight fours and one six. Nandu eventually departed for 54 off 65 deliveries while Kevlon Anderson also had a short but meaningful stay at the crease with 41 off 50 balls, punctuated by seven boundaries.

By the close of play, Chanderpaul was unbeaten with 29 from 129 deliveries while Captain Tevin Imlach had 4 from 3. Dember claimed both wickets lost for the Volcanoes with figures of 2-34 from 13 overs.

The Harpy Eagles had got up to 130-2 in 41 overs when the first day’s play ended. They will resume on that score when Day Two begins at 10:00h today.

Demerara flip the script in Berbice’s backyard to claim U19 title

Demerara’s Under-19 outfit made a profitable trip to their opponents’ backyard at the Rose Hall, Canje Ground on Sunday, defeating the hosts by eight wickets to clinch the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 Inter-County 50-Over title.

On the heels of a loss to the same opponents, in the preliminary round of the tournament, Parmeshwar Ram (50); Kishawn Silas (48) and Dhanesh Persaud (4 wickets) were among Demerara’s standout players, en route to the title. A detailed report on the Inter-County final will be published in Tuesday’s edition of Guyana Times Sport