Guyana Times - Monday, January 19 , 2026

Govt opening up farm-to-market access, connectivity across region – Ramraj

– as phase two of Moleson Creek–Eldorado Road project moves apace

Phase Two of the Moleson Creek to Eldorado Road project is moving apace, with thousands of acres of lands set to be opened up as works continue on this critical connectivity corridor, the Public Works Ministry stated Sunday. According to the Ministry, during a visit to the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) project site on Saturday, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall

Ramraj, underscored the strategic importance of the roadway, describing it as a transformative link that will connect communities, unlock production and strengthen regional integration.

“We are opening connectivity right across this region; from Crabwood Creek and Moleson Creek to Orealla and from Orealla to Kwakwani,” Minister Ramraj said. “This road is opening farm-to-market access and unlocking thousands of acres of land for farmers.” The Minister emphasised that the Moleson Creek–Eldorado alignment is a key component of the Government’s wider infrastructure programme, aimed at reducing isolation, improving market access, and driving sustainable development across hinterland and riverine communities. Providing a technical update on the project, Engineer Joel Tucker explained that works along the corridor began in a phased manner in 2021.

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, January 19 –16:55h-18:25h and Tuesday, January 20 – 05:20h-06:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected during the day. Clear to partly cloudy skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.79 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 17:07h reaching a maximum height of 2.62 metres.

Low Tide: 10:41h and 23:07h reaching minimum heights of 0.75 metre and 0.59 metre.

Gas bottling, fertiliser plants key to reducing cost of living – PM Phillips

As part of a long-term strategy to tackle the rising cost of living in Guyana, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips says that the proposed gas bottling and fertiliser plants at the Wales Industrial Zone on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) will play a critical role in cost reduction for consumers. During an appearance on the recent episode of the ‘Starting Point’ podcast, which streamed on Sunday, the PM pointed to the highly anticipated Gasto-Energy (GtE) Project at Wales which will not only bring cheap and reliable power but also slash the cost of electricity by half when it comes into operation by the end of this year. The GtE Project comprises a 300-megawatt (MW) combined cycle power plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility that will utilise the gas from ongoing oil operations in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana. Already, some 250 kilometres (km) of 12-inch pipelines have been laid to bring the gas onshore. However, only 40 per cent of the pipeline’s capacity will be used by the GtE Project to gas up the power plant and NGL facility, bringing 50 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of dry gas. With the pipelines having the capacity to push as much as 120 MMscfd of gas, the Government is moving ahead with Phase Two of the GtE Project that will utilise the remaining 60 per cent capacity of the pipeline to bring additional gas onshore. The GtE Phase Two will see the construction of another 300-MW power plant and NGL facility at the Wales site, using only 20 MMscfd. With the remaining natural gas available, the Government is planning to set up two major industrial projects – a gas bottling plant and a fertiliser manufacturing plant at Wales. Consequently, the Government, through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), has invited Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the Guyana Gas Bottling and Logistics Company (GGBLC) and the Guyana Ammonia and Urea Plant

(GAUP) – both of which are still to open February 19 and March 5, respectively.

Reducing costs

According to PM Phillips, these investments will be central to bringing down costs in Guyana, especially food prices by lowering production costs for thousands of farmers nationwide thus creating a ripple effect across the food supply chain. “Once we could reach to the stage of manufacturing our own fertiliser, that will have a positive impact on agriculture, on our farmers… that has a trigger effect because if you cushion the effect in terms of the cost of production in the farming sector, it will also have an effect in terms of the food that goes on our table, the price that we pay for food,” he noted. Currently, the Guyana Government is subsidising the cost of fertiliser to the tune of some $2 billion as part of efforts to support the local agriculture sector. The PM pointed out that once Guyana starts producing

its own fertiliser, it will not only reduce the cost but also bring in income.

“Having a fertiliser plant on board in a couple years down the line, it means that we will have enough fertiliser to satisfy our farmers at a far cheaper cost than they’re paying now, and of course, whatever excess is also available [will go] for export to the wider Caribbean region,” he noted. Similarly, PM Phillips stated that Guyana could also be exporting excess bottled gas after meeting local demands.

“When that [gas bottling plant] comes on stream, it means that we’ll be producing and bottling gas, and distributing to the people of Guyana at a far lower cost than they’re paying right now. It also means that we could market and export the gas to the wider Caribbean based on the production capacity that we envisage. We’ll satisfy the needs in Guyana and have gas exported to wider Caribbean. So, Guyana will benefit, the

region will benefit from it too,” he asserted.

Year-end completion of Phase One

But while these two initiatives are set to come onstream when the Phase Two of the GtE Project is operationalised by 2030, Phase One of the much-anticipated project is on track for completion this yearend. PM Phillips was given this assurance by the contractor during a site visit on January 9. The GTE Project falls under the OPM. During the visit, the PM was told that all four gas turbines and six main transformers have been installed. Additionally, substantial progress has also been recorded in steam generation works with four Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSGs) completed and scheduled to be in place by the end of this first quarter. Moreover, approximately 90 per cent of the project’s equipment has already been manufactured and is currently in storage. In fact, over the weekend, several control rooms for were successfully transported to the project site at Wales, marking another major milestone in this critical national initiative. However, as Guyana continues to undergo unprecedented development across all sectors, the demand for electricity continues to grow rapidly. To meet this energy demand – pegged at over 220-MW in 2025, the Guyana Government as implemented a series of shortterm measures including two power ships that are feeding over 90-MW into the national grid.

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Controlling the market

As our economy expands under the aegis of our fortuitous oil find, we have to take into consideration Marx’s aphorism: “Men make their histories but not in circumstances of their making”. It behoves us then that we consider the circumstances in which we have found ourselves. We are in the throes of the neoliberal order since 1989 when the Government subjected itself to the ministrations of the IMF Structural Adjustment Program.

The new model, unleashed by Thatcher in Britain and Reagan in the USA, insisted on loosening the regulatory framework over the financial sector that had been painstakingly installed after centuries of struggle. These were all jettisoned on the altar of “small government”. This retreat from social responsibility, which resulted in the most dramatic transfer of wealth to a small segment of every country that adopted the new dispensation, did not raise many eyebrows. The ships of the rest of the population would also rise as the gains were invested in the productive sector that created jobs.

That ethos was articulated by the influential thinker Ayn Rand, summarised in her novel “Atlas Shrugged”. Basically, Rand downplayed altruism and trumpeted self-interest (“the highest virtue”). “If you saw Atlas, the giant who holds the world on his shoulders, if you saw that he stood, blood running down his chest, his knees buckling, his arms trembling but still trying to hold the world aloft with the last of his strength, and the greater his effort the heavier the world bore down on his shoulders — what would you tell him to do?”

“To shrug,” wasn’t the pithy answer.

She lionised the human ego, rejected God as an artifice for the expiration of human failures, extolled the separation of State and the economy, and promoted governmental deregulation. Rand inspired a devoted band of followers including, especially, in the US. By the nineties, after Clinton completed the looseningup of substantive financial regulating by allowing regular banks to join the securities investment explosion, the bullish stock market silenced all but a few, who were derided as Jeremiahs –until the house of cards came crashing down in 2008.

Basically, the flaw with the neoliberal model went to the very core of their central premise – the exaltation of selfishness. They miscalculated the power of its corollary –greed, which had been kept in check, however tenuously, by the old regulatory framework. A chastened US Administration admitted the “flaw” in the model: self-regulation in an arena of greed unbound is, performatively, a recipe for disaster.

In practical terms, the model raises what is known in economics and related fields as the issue of “moral hazard”. It identifies the ever-present dilemma posed when people who are insured become more inclined to take risks, since they believe that they are protected. Where does one then draw the line?

Business and entrepreneurial behaviour is at the bottom, a matter of taking risks, and society is willing to have those who take risks receive the rewards – if, on the whole, the entire society benefits. And this last point was the motive behind governmental regulation.

For instance, early on when the corporation was invented as a “legal body” to encourage investments without threatening personal assets, there were laws enacted to ensure that the facility was not flagrantly abused. Closer to home to the present crisis, banks were heavily regulated to ensure that depositors’ money was secure, because the State had given them a virtual and literal power to create money.

They were forced to be conservative but steady. However, in the deregulatory excesses of the nineties, many other institutions were allowed to solicit funds from the public and deploy them in highly-speculative ventures.

Banks wanted a piece of the action; the law was changed and they were allowed to enter the world of high-flying investments – including the newly-discovered Philosopher’s Stone – derivatives. If not directly, then through various and sundry financial affiliates – some created specifically for this purpose.

In Guyana, the Government should re-look at the regulatory framework to discourage moral hazard scenarios as our banking and investment institutions increase their activities.

Discipline, democracy, and the price of progress

By Dr Varma Deyalsingh

In the 1950s, Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew openly criticised what he described as the “sloppy” and “undisciplined” habits of his people. During self-government debates, he argued that a lack of discipline, punctuality, and civic responsibility would retard national progress, warning that independence would fail unless people changed how they behaved — not merely who ruled them.

He and other People’s Action Party (PAP) leaders criticised what they termed the “kampung mentality,” in which individuals were careless about personal cleanliness, maintenance of public spaces, tolerant of disorder and inefficiency, and possessed a mindset that “someone else will fix it”. They contended that this mentality was dangerous to the growth of a modern society.

To achieve cultural change, strict post-independence laws were enacted, pushing citizens to become orderly, law-abiding, and self-disciplined.

These leaders used blunt language to reset social norms, justifying tougher laws and enforcement to force behavioural change. They shamed bad behaviour, named faults openly, and linked discipline directly to national survival.

Our Prime Minister’s blunt “lawless dump” comments may similarly be

an attempt to reset citizens’ mindsets and alter behaviour through tougher penalties and legislation.

The veracity of her remarks was evident in the chaos that ensued at licensing offices, reflecting widespread disregard for laws that had long existed. The imposition of higher penalties — the so-called “big stick” approach — triggered a mad rush to correct deeply entrenched indiscipline and lawlessness.

These laws exist to protect lives. Unworthy vehicles, expired insurance, and unlicensed drivers pose real dangers. Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Eli Zakour described the scale of lawlessness on the nation’s roads as “frightening”.

Those who defended an irate coconut vendor — who lacked a valid driving permit and insurance — would likely be the first to blame the authorities had his defective tyres failed or a coconut from his unsecured load smashed into a windscreen, causing an accident.

Thankfully, after public backlash, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar moved to introduce a Fixed Penalty Notice Warning System, allowing motorists time to repair vehicle defects before fines are enforced. She revealed that “a small minority of traffic wardens, licensing officers and TTPS officers have been abusing the ticketing system and terrorising law-abiding citizens”.

Law enforcement officers must be more cognisant of how they conduct their duties, so as not to create discord and resentment. Servants of the State who act in a draconian manner risk generating public animosity towards institutions, eroding trust in leaders elected to act in the public’s best interest.

A public social media platform can probably be developed by the ministry so people can highlight these officers, who can be investigated and, if found wanting, be removed or retrained.

Seventy-five years ago, Lee Kuan Yew viewed human nature as something that required training and discipline. He believed societal rights must take precedence over individual rights. Lacking natural resources, he maintained that Singapore’s survival depended on behavioural change rather than sentiment. His strict laws and heavy fines transformed Singapore from a fragile, impoverished backwater into the largest metropolis two degrees north of the equator.

However, this economic success came at a cost.

In 1963, he imprisoned more than 100 communist sympathisers without trial, eroding civil liberties and suppressing Opposition voices. He also introduced controversial eugenics and racial engineering policies, encouraging university-educated women to have more

children while incentivising poorer women to undergo sterilisation.

Despite this, international leaders continued to praise him. In 2009, Barack Obama described Lee as “one of the legendary figures of Asia”. Tony Blair called him “the smartest leader I think I ever met”. It appeared that as long as an authoritarian leader kept a country open to foreign investment, abuses were overlooked in the name of commerce. Lee’s memoirs reveal his political philosophy. He wrote of his goal to make Singapore “meritocratic, corruption-free and equal for all races.” He warned that “one person, one vote is a most difficult form of government”, noting that voters can become bored with steady improvement and opt for change for its own sake.

“In new countries,” he argued, “democracy has worked and produced results only when there is an honest and effective government. I do not believe that democracy necessarily leads to development. What a country needs to develop is discipline more than democracy.”

“I was never a prisoner of any theory,” he wrote. “The acid test is performance, not promises. As long as leaders take care of their people, the people will obey their leaders.” (Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)

Guyana’s political legacy, loyalty and leadership

Dear Editor,

Comically ironic, perhaps, is there “Much ado about Nothing” in Shakespear’s play, drama or theatrics, “All’s well that ends Well?” In life, in order to attain the helm, there are many hills to climb, encountering many hurdles while traversing. But in the end, we do have to descend to the bottom in order to participate with our ‘roots and grounding!’

So, is it worth the while, or, as Guyanese say, “anything sa do,” in our passing phase while paraphrasing our daily encounters in this dear land of many people who are busy going places while being passionately proud, or, protectively pretensive, or, pervasively pernicious?

Being potently poor further reduces the limitation of choices.

Guyana is feverishly approaching another milestone next month with the anniversary of the 56th year since Guyana brokered with Republicanism. She severed the British monarchy in 1970 although enjoying membership as a Commonwealth nation. Barbados followed suit in 2020 but Jamaica and other small islands re-

main non-Republic.

The benign or baneful wooing of friendships and the barefacedness or impropriety of vices, have scribed the famous and infamous trails, trials and traits of Guyana’s history in all its glory and ingloriousness, honour and dishonour and dignity and indignity. There is nothing dishonest about being honest!

Since Guyana became an independent nation in 1966, many courtships, companions and companies ensued prior, during and after, in order to campaign for this country’s sovereignty (Cheddi/ Forbes/Peter); govern this state (PPP/ PNC/UF); and, the declaration of a Co-operative Republic (Communism/Socialism).

From dust to dust, the three-party leaders have returned; the three parties have burnt their originality to ashes; and, Capitalism has metamorphosed as a common ideology. New leaders have been molded with different concepts; the three parties are either vibrant or dormant and the economic engine is now business oriented with a foreign fame, flame and flair.

From the birth of British Guiana to this day on earth in Guyana’s dirt, there is no dirth (dearth) of scandal, skepticism and suspicion, as we reside in this heavenly or hellish abode. Now it is so embarrassingly difficult to believe or disbelief anything and everything from everyone and anyone! It’s the facts of life and not only from the media but also from the horses’ mouths!

As Guyanese prepare to “mash” next month, in a mirror of reflection, we reminisce on Guyana’s Heads of State. The first President, Arthur Chung, also the first ethnic Chinese President, hailed from Windsor Forest in Region 3. Coming from the judiciary, he was powerful but remained powerless. Ostensibly formal, he remained ceremonial from 1970 to 1980.

Guyanese will confirm that PNC’s Burnham left his people, party and policy with the disdainful legacy of “feel the sharpness of his steel,” when he stated that, “the gauntlet has been thrown down.” Undoubtedly, his reference to violence has survived his name and nature and is still pronounced in wea-

ponizing his disciples. Dr. Walter Rodney from the WPA was one of the sad recipients of this effect.

To rewind, Burnham’s successor, Desmond Hoyte, instilled fear, fever and fury with his multifaceted mantra, “mo fya, slo fya.’ This ordeal has transgressed into audacious actions in many folds, more often than one would care to remember. Who will forget the many violent street protests, burning and looting, rape and murder and “kick down door” type robbery!

It is easier to remember recent events. “Sleepy joe” stumbled on many occasions. Granger, a ranger, remained a stranger, cloaked in hidden quarters most of the time. But he did not shun from political manipulations, misgivings and misrepresentations. His pernicious phrase, “kith and kin,” established the PNC’s misguided maneuverings and biasness for racism.

Guyanese will always recall Volda Lawrence’s speech in November 2018, while serving as Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and Minister of Public Health in Guyana,

“The only friends I got is PNC so the only people I gon give wuk to is PNC and right now I looking for a doctor who can talk Spanish or Portuguese and ah want one that is PNC.”

Dr. Cheddi Jagan reworked the making of Guyana when he became the first Chief Minister and Premier, leading the first elected government in 1953. He stamped his dominance by working with, by and for the people. Guyanese has inherited his patriarchal gift of “study, work, save and build.” No wonder he is referred to as “The Father of the Nation.” Guyana was dethroned from a “Bread basket” nation to a “Begging bowl” nation by the PNC government from 1964 to 1992. Lifting Guyana out of political shame and economic disgrace, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo’s debt reduction program and fiscal management saw Guyana’s GDP rise from $300 million to $3.7 Billion, with the per capita catapulting from $500 to $4,900 during his 1999-2011 Presidency. Donald Ramoutar led a PPP/C minority government under a backdrop of intense hostility and was

responsible for proroguing Parliament.

A two term President, it is Dr. Irfaan Ali who is retransforming the economic landscape of Guyana from the second poorest nation in this Hemisphere to the fastest and wealthiest growing nation per capita, mainly due to the oil and gas production. How will his legacy be grounded is anyone’s guess.

From the “Complete Lyrics of Ira Gershwin,” he scribed, “The future of this nation, with the present generation, You must admit is nothing but a joke.” Are our heroes now zeroes? Is Gershwin’s remark any reference to Guyana?

As they say, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Afterall, words are but winds, if we’re to accept “The comedy of Errors” as illustrated by Shakespear.

Guyana’s political arena is stigmatized with undiluted uncertainties, unadulterated jealousy and unabashed uncomfortableness. Should Guyanese worry when worry kills?

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

Page Foundation

Proportion

Sometimes a proportion problem may also involve ratio.

For example,

A cafe sells apples and bananas in the ratio 2:3. They sell 35 pieces of fruit altogether. Apples cost $30 and bananas cost $45. Work out the total amount of money the fruit cost.

So, first you use the ratio to work out how many apples and bananas were sold. The ratio 2:3 has 5 parts, so you divide 35 by 5 to get 7. Then you multiply each part of the ratio by 7. This means that 14 apples and 21 bananas were sold.

You can then use direct proportion to find the price of the apples and the price of the bananas.

Apples: 14×$30=$420

Bananas: 21×$45=$945

We add these together to get the total price for all the fruit.

$420+$945=$1365

Therefore the total price is $1365.

Graphs of proportional relationships

Proportional relationships can be represented graphically.

For direct proportion, as one variable increases the other variable increases. Therefore, the graph will go up as you look from left to right. The graph can be a straight line or a curve. All direct proportion graphs must start at the origin. For example,

If y is directly proportional to x then the graph will be a straight line.

If y is directly proportional to a function of x such as x2 or √x then the graph will form a curve.

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Include an unexpected meeting in your story.

WORD SEARCH

Govt expects 50MW of power to come from renewable sources by end of 2026

The Guyana Government is pursuing an aggressive renewable energy agenda, and according to Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, almost 50 megawatts (MW) of power will come from solar farms and mini hydropower grids alone by the end of this year.

“Well based on the projects [implemented since 2020]…just under 50 megawatts of renewable energy will be online definitely by the end of 2026,” the Prime Minister disclosed during a recent appearance on the Starting Point podcast.

More than half of this power is coming from the Guyana Utility Scale Solar PV Programme (GUYSOL).

Under this US$83.3 million initiative, funded by the Guyana/Norway partnership, eight solar farms are being constructed across Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) at Onderneeming and Charity; Five (MahaicaBerbice) at Trafalgar; Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) at Hampshire and Prospect; and 10 (Upper DemeraraUpper Berbice) Block 37, Retrieve and Dakoura, adding approximately 33MW of power.

Five of these solar farms have already been completed and commissioned into operation in less than three months, with the final three projects in Region 10 currently under construction and slated for completion by the end of this year.

In fact, with the three megawatt farm at Dakoura, four megawatts at Block 37 and eight megawatts at Retrieve, Linden will have the largest solar farm project in the country.

“So, by the time we reach a point of commission, it will be just about 50 megawatts [of renewable energy] and that will include the 33 megawatts of power from solar farms in Regions Six, Five, Two and 10,” the Prime Minister, whose office is responsible for the country’s energy sector, stated.

The remaining 17MW of power from the 50MW will come from other renewable projects especially in the hinterland regions, including mini hydropower plants at Moco-Moco and Kumu in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and at Kato, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) as well as other solar farm projects at Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Mahdia, Region Eight, and Wakenaam and Leguan in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

These are also complimented by over 36,000 solar home systems distributed in hinterland and riverine communities countrywide.

According to PM Phillips, these solar home systems have had a positive impact on the lives of persons living in the hinterland and river-

ine areas.

“It has transformed people’s lives. It means that more hours of darkness can now be used for productive activities. We have reports of the children [being able to now] study more hours in the night for the exams. People can connect to the internet by the powering of their devices. People who have small businesses, like people who do a lot of sewing or agro-processing at the cottage level, they can now do additional work. So, it’s a really transforming lives,” he stated.

Another positive impact, the prime minister highlighted is, the 30 per cent reduction of electricity costs for communities in the townships of Port Kaituma, Regions One (BarimaWaini), and Mahdia.

Similarly, he added that communities in Lethem and on the Essequibo Coast, where solar farms have been installed, would also benefit from a reduction in electricity costs.

PM Phillips explained that this will match government’s promised 50 per cent reduction on the coastland when the highly-anticipat-

Govt opening up farm-to...

“We began with the first 1.6 kilometres (km) of fair-weather road using a crush-and-run surface,” Tucker noted. “We are now approximately two kilometres in, including a section that was previously paved in asphalted concrete. Most of the farm access roads along the Eldorado alignment currently remain at a crush-and-run standard to support agricultural activity.” The engineer noted that the works now underway mark the start of the second phase, which will extend the road by an additional km to the final culvert at the entrance to Eldorado. Looking ahead, a further five km are planned for the 2025–2026 period.

“In total, this will give us eight kilometres from the Canawaima Turn junction straight into

Eldorado,” he explained. “The long-term objective is to extend this alignment all the way to Orealla, which is approximately another 40 kilometres from where we are now.”

He added that preparatory works are already being considered for 2026, including clearing the full alignment toward Orealla. Reconnaissance conducted from Orealla back toward Eldorado has identified approximately seven km in fair condition, as well as swampy sections that will require detailed technical assessment to determine the most suitable and resilient route. “All together, the distance from this point to Orealla is about 48 kilometres,” Tucker confirmed. The Moleson Creek–Eldorado Road forms part of the Government of Guyana’s long-term infra-

recently-commissioned

ed Gas-to-Energy Project comes onstream line later this year, adding some 300MW of renewable power to the national grid using natural gas from offshore oil operations.

Another major project in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s energy mix plan is the 165MW Amaila Falls Hydropower Project. Currently, there is a revised Request for Proposal

out for the revival of this project under a Build-OwnOperate-Transfer (BOOT) model. Interested persons or company have until February 17 to submit proposals for this project.

Pregnant woman dies by alleged suicide at GPHC

A22-year-old pregnant woman is now dead after allegedly jumping from the third floor of a ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Sunday evening, sparking urgent questions from relatives about patient supervision and safety protocols.

FROM PAGE 2

structure strategy to integrate regions, enhance food security and create reliable transport links between farms, markets and communities. Minister Ramraj reminded that the Government’s developmental projects are never done in isolation, noting, “As a Government, whenever we make any plans, they are all done holistically. When we open a road, we aren’t just building roads; we are creating space for development; for agriculture, housing, investment, jobs and improved access to services for our people.” As construction advances, the Government remains committed to a phased, technically sound approach ensuring durability, value for money, and tangible economic benefits for residents and producers across the region.

Dead is Marisa Eastman, of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), who was six months pregnant at the time of her death. Eastman had been admitted to the hospital earlier on Sunday after relatives became concerned about what they described as her increasingly abnormal behaviour.

According to a close relative, the young woman was recently sent to stay with family in Georgetown, after her mother observed troubling changes in her behaviour while she was living at La Parfaite Harmonie. On Sunday morning, relatives claimed that Eastman told them that people were “after her” and made statements suggesting she believed her unborn child was “godly” and could not be harmed. She also reportedly wrote a note apologising to her family that was posted on social media. They added that Eastman had been experiencing emotional distress linked to difficulties in her relationship with her boyfriend. Because of her state of mind, she was taken to the Georgetown Public

Hospital (GPHC) for medical attention. When family members visited her at the facility, they allege that were told that she was behaving hysterically, loudly calling out the names of other patients in the ward. Concerned for her safety, relatives said they asked hospital staff to ensure that she was closely monitored, sedated if necessary, or restrained to prevent her from harming herself. Shortly after leaving the facility, relatives received the devastating news that she was dead. Information received indicates that Eastman reportedly left her bed, went through a window on the third floor of the building, and jumped approximately 30 feet onto the concrete surface below. The impact caused head injuries, including severe skull fractures and extensive brain trauma.

Relatives say they are struggling to understand how a patient displaying clear psychological distress was able to leave her bed unaccompanied, access a window, and allegedly jump from such a height without intervention.

They are now calling for a full and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, particularly the monitoring procedures in place for patients exhibiting severe emotional or psychological issues.

GPHC late Sunday issued

a statement confirming the death of a patient, and noted that she was “admitted for further evaluation and management”.

It added that she was reviewed then referred for psychiatric assessment where, “no suicidal ideation or psychotic symptoms were identified” during the assessment.

According to GPHC, hospital officials have met with the family and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available while offering psychosocial and psychiatric support services to the family and staff affected by the tragic incident.

The hospital advised that it has initiated a “full internal investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the event” while reviewing existing protocols regarding patient observation and mental health monitoring, including their suicide watch polices so as to strengthen patient safety.

“The GPHC extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time,” the statement concluded.

Police have since launched an investigation.

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or know someone who is in emotional distress, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 915

Venezuelan labourer freed after High Court rules time served for manslaughter

A27-year-old

Venezuelan national was freed on Friday after Justice Navindra Singh ruled that he had already served his sentence for the manslaughter of a West Coast Demerara (WCD) labourer. Nestor Luis Bolivar Martinez, a labourer of Anna Catherina/ Leonora, WCD, appeared before the Demerara High Court, where he was sentenced for the manslaughter of 21-year-old Sanjay Hanoman, also of Anna Catherina. Martinez had pleaded guilty to the offence in October. The charge arose from a fatal stabbing that occurred on October 25, 2020. According to evidence presented during the proceedings, the incident occurred at about 23:30h, when an argument ensued between Martinez and Hanoman at Anna Catherina.

Eyewitnesses told investigators that during the confrontation, Martinez pulled a knife from his waist and stabbed Hanoman once in the outer left thigh. Hanoman collapsed on the spot, after which Martinez escaped by riding away on a bicycle.

Relatives of the injured man were alerted and he was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at about 01:10h on October 26, 2020. A post-mortem examination conducted on October 27, 2020, by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh determined that Hanoman died from haemorrhage and shock due to the stab wound to his left

thigh.

Sentencing

In handing down sentence, Justice Singh set a starting point of 18 years’ imprisonment, noting the seriousness of the offence and the loss of life involved. The court then applied a series of deductions after considering mitigating factors advanced on behalf of the accused. One-third of the sentence was deducted for Martinez’s early guilty plea, which the court noted spared the victim’s family the emotional trauma of a full trial. A further four years were deducted based on favourable probation and prison welfare reports, while an additional two years were removed in light of Martinez’s expression of remorse and acceptance of responsibility for the killing. Justice Singh also deducted three years after finding that the deceased had contributed to the provocation that led to the fatal incident. The court found no aggravating factors in the circumstances. After all deductions were applied, Martinez’s sentence was reduced to three years’ imprisonment. However, the court noted that he has been on remand since 2020. As a result, Justice Singh ruled that the sentence had already been fully served and ordered that Martinez be released forthwith.

Probation report

A probation report prepared by Probation Officer U. John provided the court with extensive background information on the ac-

cused. According to the report, Martinez was born on July 19, 1998, in San Felix, Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela, to Millize Martinez and Ernesto Abache Bolivar. He is the fifth of six children and was raised in a nuclear household. The report stated that Martinez completed his secondary education in Venezuela and, during his adolescent years, was a member of a police youth group that focused on life skills. He also played football recreationally. After leaving school, he reportedly worked with the Venezuelan Army for approximately two years before leaving due to the deteriorating socio-economic conditions in that country. Martinez migrated to Guyana in 2018 in search of better employment opportunities. Upon arrival, he initially resided in Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), with his sister and her husband, before relocating to Anna Catherina/Leonora to be closer to his workplace. He was employed at Tiyo’s Future Shop and worked six days per week. The report further revealed that Martinez is the father of two children, ages seven and eight, from separate relationships. Both children reside in Venezuela, and he reportedly provided financial support for them prior to his incarceration. Probation officers were unable to conduct a home visit, as Martinez could not provide clear directions to his rented accommodation, for which he paid a monthly rental of $15,000.

Community inquiries also yielded limited information, as he was not well known in the area. Checks conducted by the Criminal Records Office of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) revealed that Martinez had no previous convictions prior to the manslaughter charge. However, prison welfare officials reported that while incarcerated, he was transferred from the Mazaruni Prison to the Camp Street Prison in 2023. During his incarceration, Martinez incurred two infractions, including involvement in a fight at his previous location and refusing to pass an item to another inmate. Despite this, prison officials described him as generally compliant with prison rules. He is not enrolled in any rehabilitation programmes.

Sanjay Hanoman

The deceased, Sanjay Hanoman, was identified as a 21-year-old labourer of Lot 28 Anna Catherina, WCD. He was the youngest of seven children and had no children of his own. Family members described him as a friendly individual who was not known to be involved in conflicts and was often seen playing cricket with friends in the community. During a visit by probation officers, Hanoman’s parents said his death has had a devastating emotional impact on the family, noting that coping has been especially difficult given the gruesome and, in their view, avoidable nature of his death.

In addressing his attitude towards the offence, Martinez accepted responsibility for Hanoman’s death, maintaining that the act was not intentional. He expressed remorse for his actions and acknowledged the pain caused to the victim’s family.

Summing up… …the US aftermath

It’s now about two weeks after the US changed the entire paradigm that had controlled the modern world order when they conducted that precision raid to snatch narco-smuggler Mad Maduro! Now when things that had been going one way for decades are suddenly turned around on their head, it’s not surprising that lots of folks in high places are gonna be out of joint!! We’re all creatures of habit!!

Phrases like “international gangsterism”, bullyism, new imperialism, etc, are being thrown around by usuallystaid, button-down politicians in the direction of the US and Pres Trump!! Interestingly, the quarters from where there was expected to come the fiercest denunciations –China and Russia – have gone dumb!! And this had to’ve discomfited the wailing Jeremiahs who thought these American challengers woulda been leading the charge!! But this just goes to show that they really don’t know what makes the world go around! And this is that no country should be making declarations on what they’re gonna do in the international arena – drawn from any theoretical position about what is “right”. Rather they should do whatever it takes to protect their country’s interests – and the devil take the hindmost!!

America has decided that it’s in their interests to go after the miscreants in Venezuela – led by Mad Maduro – who’d been doping up Yankees while making billions and billions. They explained it was a new type of war –hybrid war – and they decided to nip it in the bud – so to speak!! They softened the Mad Maduro-led drug cartel by bombing the carrier boats out of the water – before their coup de grâce: the Maduro extraction! That the US decided to announce they’ll control Venezuelan oil going forward is par for the course in warfare. Didn’t the USSR control the resources of the “Eastern Bloc” after WWII?? And in Russia and China’s silence they unde rstand the “Great Game” that has been played ever since men decided to mark off “countries”. More specifically, Russia had already invaded Ukraine since 2022 and after millions killed and injured that war’s still going on, thank you!! And China had declared it’s gonna take over Taiwan time and again, come hell or highwater! And they’ve been ostentatiously conducting war games around the island with increasingly frequency! Your Eyewitness hasn’t heard the equivalent denunciations by the present band of virtue signallers!!

Interestingly, much of these denunciations came from several members of Caricom. And they were especially bombastic against T&T’s PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar who supported the American action!! She emphasised that it was in Trinidad’s interest for the Yanks to take out drug smugglers who’d created a (violent) state within a state in TT!!

Well, castigated by the local virtue signallers in Parliament, she bluntly told them she “had nothing to apologise for”!! Our government is also protecting our interests – and have nothing to apologise about!!

…spending our oil revenues

Your Eyewitness believes that the President’s simple articulation on cash grants this weekend is a foundational statement on his government’s philosophy on development! Very simply, Prezzie’s saying what should be obvious to any right-thinking soul!

While we’re getting some real money from oil right now…to just put that into people’s pockets is just not “sustainable”!! Shouldn’t that be obvious?? As he said -for one we don’t know whether the price of oil will drop to the floor soon! So what do we do if that happens?

Wring our hands and bawl?

No…while there can be some cash grants, the bulk of the funds must be used – as it is right now – to build infrastructure, facilitate the creation of jobs and encourage local investment!!

Go out and lift up ourselves by our own efforts!!

…tourism rooms

The opening of the new boutique-sized Plaza Hotel on Main Street opposite State House caps a year of spectacular expansion in the number of rooms in new hotels.

That the effort is by a local family that was here in the hard-guava season shows faith in our tourism potential!!

Guyana remains on guard against spillover at border with Venezuela – PM

Following the United States (US) capture of Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro and his wife, earlier this month, security forces at singular borders with the Spanish-speaking nation have heightened their surveillance, and while there have not been any unusual activities, they are not letting their guard down.

“To date, we have not seen – thankfully – we have not seen anything unusual. It’s just, what we consider the routine activities of people on the frontier. But we will not fall into any false sense of security [in] believing that everything is back to normal,” Prime Minister (PM), Brigadier Ret’d Mark Phillips said during an appearance on the Starting Point podcast which was streamed on Sunday. An early morning operation on January 3 saw US troops removing the Venezuelan dictator and his wife Cilia Flores from their home on a military base in downtown Caracas and transporting them to New York, where they were subsequently arraigned on narcotics charges. On the morning of the strikes, PM Phillips had joined President Dr Irfaan Ali for an emergency meeting of the Defence Board. Following that high-level meeting, the PM travelled to Region One (Barima-Waini) to engage the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) troops and ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) stationed in communities along the border with Venezuela as part of the Government’s immediate response.

For decades, the Spanish-speaking nation has deployed a number of aggressive tactics against Guyana, including as recent as last year, as it continues to lay spu-

rious claims to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass – the entire Essequibo region and a portion of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where successful oil operations are ongoing offshore by US-based oil giant, ExxonMobil and its partners. PM Phillips’ visit to Region One formed part of a series of routine leadership engagements led by the GDF across border locations and military bases nationwide – something that the army is still continuing. During his appearance on the podcast, the PM, a former Army Chief, was asked about situation on the ground during his visit. “Immediately, we went into a more heightened state of readiness. In fact, I would argue that the troops, they were already in a heightened state of readiness. So, it was just a matter of sensitising them to what happened in Venezuela, and for them to be extra vigilant, and not only for the troops and the police, but the wider community. We met with the Regional Administration, because they have an important role in terms of intelligence, in terms of security of the region,” he stated. The PM had also engaged residents in some of the border communities. While citizens there were largely abreast with the developments in the neighbouring country, Phillips said he impressed on both the residents and the Regional Administration the importance of remaining sensitive to what could likely happen on the frontiers.

“We will continue to observe, we’ll continue to focus on ensuring that any instability or any untoward acts on the other side of the border don’t spill

over to our side. Because at the end of the day, we have to define aggression on the border, we have to defend our border, and we have to ensure that the people who live on our side enjoy and accept the level of security away from any acts of instability that is likely to occur on the other side,” PM Phillips asserted. Meanwhile, following the US strikes and capture of the Venezuelan leader, President Donald Trump says the US will run the Spanish-speaking nation until a proper transition can take place in Caracas. This development had sparked concerns of an expansionism plan by the North American powerhouse.

With Guyana and Venezuela currently embroiled in a decades-old border controversy, President Ali was recently asked whether he is worried that the US, a long-standing ally of Georgetown and Guyana’s sovereignty, could potentially ask for an amicable settlement of the matter – something which the Guyanese leader shut down. “My priority is the safety and security of the Guyanese people, and on the integrity of our borders, our territorial integrity and our sovereignty. And nothing in that relation will ever be compromised,” President Ali declared to reporters during an interview on the sidelines of an event on January 10.

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

President Ali in fact, had a telephone engagement with US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, on January 6 to discuss the de-

velopments in Venezuela. A statement following the phone meeting detailed that, “President Ali welcomed Secretary Rubio’s reaffirmation of the US continued support for and partnership with Guyana in defence of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Currently, there is a case pending before the International Court of

Justice (ICJ) that was filed by Guyana, seeking a final and binding settlement of the 1899 Arbitral Award which demarcates the boundaries with Venezuela. One of Guyana’s Agent in the World Court case, Carl Greenidge, believes that the latest developments in Venezuela could see a reduction in military aggres-

sion against Guyana. “The change in the relationship between Venezuela and the US in the immediate future is likely to put on hold Venezuela’s military ambitions towards Guyana because I don’t think they’ll be in a position to realise that,” Greenidge, a former Foreign Affairs Minister, recently told local news agency OilNOW.

Guyana pushing eco-tourism agenda – to

focus on eco-product buildout

The Guyana Government is advancing a robust agenda to create a thriving local tourism industry and with heavy investments seeing an unprecedented growth in the country’s room stock over the last five years, the focus will now be shifted to building out its eco-product. President Dr Irfaan Ali made this remark on Saturday evening during the opening of yet another new hotel in Georgetown – the US$18 million Plaza Court Hotel on Main

Street. “Over the past five years, Guyana has experienced a remarkable transformation in its accommodation landscape… But the next phase is to match the eco-lodges and match investment in a nature-based product or eco-based product with the same intensity for the development of hotels. And we’re going to match it. We don’t have a choice. The only choice before us is success,” the Head of State emphasised. Eco-product buildout en -

tails integrating sustainability principles into every stage of a product's lifecycle, to minimise environmental impacts while achieving maximum efficiency with natural resources. According to one report, companies that manage products from inception to end of life can minimise environmental impact while simultaneously creating business opportunities, such as cost reduction and enhanced market positions.

Eco-tourism

In order to push eco-tourism, the Guyana Government last year launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) for new tourism facilities in different regions across Guyana. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, this initiative offered attractive incentives, including fiscal incentives, for community-driven investments that will create jobs and expand economic opportunities for residents. As part of this broader strategy to un -

leash Guyana’s tourism potential, the Government had invited local and international developers to submit proposals for new eco-lodge and resort projects in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo). The areas have been identified as suitable for investment: Mashabo (Region Two), Vreeden-hoop Waterfront and Leguan (Region Three), Stabroek Waterfront (Region Four), Bartica,

Sakaika and Kumerau in Region Seven, Kamana and Orinduik in Region Eight and Lethem in Region Nine. Interested developers had until December 31, 2025, to submit their proposals. During an Address to the Nation on December 17, 2025, President Ali disclosed that the response to that EOI has been tremendous. As outlined in its 2025 Manifesto, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has vowed to harness Guyana’s unmatched natural beauty and transform the nation into the Caribbean’s premier tourism destination. The Guyanese lead -

er had previously stated that tourism is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries and Guyana offers massive potential with its pristine rainforests, rivers and rich cultural heritage. Echoing the same sentiments at Saturday’s hotel opening, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, pointed out that eco-tourism and sustainable tourism remains central to Guyana's long term tourism strategy, which includes positioning the country as the premier destination in the Caribbean region.

Motorcyclist fined $330,000, ordered to perform community service after conviction on 24 traffic charges

A20-year-old motorcyclist was on Thursday fined a total of $330,000 and ordered to perform six months of community service, after pleading guilty to 24 traffic offences committed over two consecutive days along Tabatinga Drive, Lethem, Central Rupununi. The defendant, Romel Bhola, of Tabatinga Housing Scheme, Region Nine, appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court, where he admitted to a series of breaches of the motor vehicle and road traffic laws. Police said Bhola was the rider of a black motorcycle bearing no identification marks when he committed the offences on Tuesday and again on Wednesday. For offences committed on January 13, Bhola pleaded guilty to 13 charges, including operating an uninsured motor vehicle, operating an uncertified motor vehicle, and failing to display identification marks on both the front and rear of the motorcycle. He was also charged with making a loud and continuous noise, improper maintenance of a motor vehicle, failure to carry a speedometer, failure to carry a reflecting mirror, and failure to carry directional indi-

cator lights at both the front and rear. Additional charges included driving an unlicensed motor vehicle, operating a motorcycle without a safety helmet and failure to give the right of way.

For these offences, Bhola was fined varying amounts, with penalties ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, or imprisonment in default of payment. The following day, January 14, Bhola again pleaded guilty to 11 additional traffic charges, many of which mirrored the earlier violations. These included operating an uninsured motor vehicle, operating an uncertified motor vehicle, failure to display identification marks on both the front and rear, improper maintenance, failure to carry a speedometer, failure to carry a reflecting mirror and failure to carry directional indicator lights at both the front and rear.

He was further charged with driving an unlicensed motor

vehicle and making a loud and continuous noise.

For this second set of offences, the court imposed fines of up to $30,000 per charge, or imprisonment in default. In total, Bhola was convicted on 24 traffic offences, resulting in fines amounting to $330,000, or 33 weeks’ imprisonment if the fines are not paid.

In addition to the monetary penalties, Magistrate Chandan ordered Bhola to perform six months of community service at the Lethem Police Station, commencing on Friday, January 23, 2026, between the hours of 09:00h and 12:00h. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement, reiterated its call for motorists to comply with traffic laws and regulations, stressing that enforcement efforts will continue in the interest of public safety, particularly in hinterland regions where traffic violations remain a concern.

Legacy of Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud

celebrated at 90th birth anniversary – President lauds invaluable contribution to Guyana

President Dr Irfaan Ali, Saturday evening, joined the family of the late Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud in celebrating his life and legacy and highlighting his dedication as a religious leader and politician. According to the President’s social media post, the event, hosted to mark Pandit Persaud’s 90th birth anniversary, detailed his inspiring religious and political journey through a short video feature, with reflections by the President, Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, his daughter Dr Vindhya Persaud, who is also Minister of Human and Social Services, and Chandra Gajraj. Singers Artie Sookhai- Khellawan, Vishale Samlall, Ben Parag, Neval Chatelal and Suraj Singh presented a selection of Pandit Persaud’s favourite bhajans and Hindi film songs. In his remarks, President Ali spoke of Pandit Reepu’s long political struggle and unwavering support for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), as well as his pivotal role in relation to Hinduism and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS). He said a history of the PPP would be incomplete without reflecting on

Pandit Persaud’s immense role. The GHDS was launched on January 8, 1974 at the Shri Krishna Mandir in Campbellville, Georgetown presided over by Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud on January 8, 1974, along with other members, to promote selfless service and Hindu principles in Guyana. Prior to his passing in April 2013 at the age of 77, Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud presided over the Sabha for 39 years and served for many years as a Member of Parliament. (President Dr Irfaan Ali’s Facebook page photos)

Police arrest Lethem miner after 6.6g cannabis found

Police ranks in Regional Division #9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have arrested a 23-year-old miner of Lethem following the discovery of a quantity of suspected cannabis. The narcotics were found after the Police, acting on information received, went to a hotel located in Lethem, Central Rupununi, on Sunday at about 11:50hrs.

While there, the ranks conducted a search on the suspect and the hotel room he was renting, during which 13 transparent zip-lock bags containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be canna-

bis were found concealed in an article of clothing, along with G$164,000 cash. The suspect was arrested and escorted to the Lethem Police Station along with the suspected cannabis, which was

weighed in his presence and amounted to 6.6 grams. The suspected cannabis was lodged and the suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.

Body of female discovered in trench at North Ruimveldt

Police in Regional Division 4A (Georgetown) have launched an investigation into the discovery of a female body in a trench between Barbie Dam and Lamaha Springs, Georgetown. The discovery was made on Sunday at around 10:00h.

According to a statement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the unidentified female of mixed ancestry is believed to be between 40 and 50 years old.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the body was found floating face down in the trench with several visible marks observed on the body. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were summoned, and the body was removed from the trench and pronounced dead by a doctor on duty

from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The body was subsequently escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it is await-

ing identification and a post-mortem examination. Several persons were contacted and questioned as investigations continue, the police say.

Police probe Bareroot fatal shooting

Police are currently probing a shooting that occurred Sunday evening at Bareroot on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), leaving one man dead.

The man has so far been identified as construction worker, Orlando Chichester. When contacted, Regional Commander Khali Pareshram confirmed that detectives have secured the scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Orlando Chichester

This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.

A preview of the 2026 Mashramani costume displays from at Railway Courtyard, Kingston. Here are some images

from various Government Ministries took place on Friday from their debut and what to expect come February 23

Local Govt Minister expresses discontent with state of city at meeting with M&CC

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand on Sunday afternoon met with the Mayor, councillors and the Chief Sanitation Officer of the City of Georgetown, where she expressed deep concern, disappointment and consternation over the current state of the city.

According to the Ministry, the Minister emphasised that the present conditions in the city are completely unacceptable and stressed

that sanitation services, solid waste disposal and garbage collection must be reliable, predictable, and effective. Failure to do so, she noted, denies residents and visitors their rightful entitlement to a clean and habitable city.

Minister Manickchand requested that a comprehensive plan for effective change be submitted to her by 11:00h today, and assured that the public will be kept updated on developments.

Police tighten enforcement on Ogle Highway identified as speeding hotspot -

enforcement measures see reduction in accidents

The Ogle Highway has been identified as a major speeding hotspot, prompting intensified enforcement by traffic ranks as authorities move to curb reckless driving and reduce accidents along the busy corridor. As a result of increased police presence, the installation of speed cameras and the establishment of a police outpost along the highway, traffic accidents have declined sharply. Police confirmed that between September and December 2025, approximately 15 accidents were recorded along the Ogle Highway. Since the enforcement measures were introduced, only one accident has been reported. Police disclosed during a recent televised road safety programme that investigations and monitoring had revealed widespread speeding, particularly along the stretch from Industry to the Eugene F. Correia International Airport traffic light, where the speed limit is 80 kilometres per hour (km/h) and from the airport traffic light to the Ogle Roundabout, which is designated a 50 km/h zone. Despite the reduced speed limit near the roundabout, police reported that drivers were consistently travelling at speeds between 80 and 85 km/h in the 50 km/h zone.

Courts impose heavy fines, licence suspensions as dangerous driving cases reach judiciary

Courts have begun imposing stiff fines and licence suspensions on motorists charged with dangerous driving, as traffic enforcement cases linked to the Ogle Highway continue to reach the judiciary. During the televised programme, Road Safety and You, police officials disclosed that offenders convicted of dangerous driving have been fined $150,000 and $125,000, with additional penalties including licence suspensions ranging from two to five months. The sanctions form part of a wider enforcement drive targeting speeding, reckless driving and damage to public infrastructure, particularly along the Ogle Highway,

which police have identified as a major speeding hotspot. Police confirmed that several matters before the courts stemmed from incidents in which motorists collided with Guyana Power and Light (GPL) poles, resulting in service disruptions and damage to Government property. Drivers involved in such incidents have been charged, and matters were forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice and prosecution. Authorities noted that the enforcement push has been supported by increased police presence, the installation of speed cameras and the establishment of a police outpost along the Ogle Highway.

These measures have contributed to a reduction in traffic accidents along the corridor. Police also revealed that discussions are ongoing regarding the introduction of speed governors on trucks, which would limit heavy-duty vehicles to a maximum speed of 80 kilometres (km) per hour, as part of efforts to strengthen compliance and reduce the risk of serious collisions.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has indicated that enforcement and prosecution efforts will continue, as authorities work to curb speeding, protect public infrastructure, and improve road safety outcomes.

Damage to public infrastructure Traffic ranks also raised concern about heavy-duty vehicles and trucks, which have been linked to several incidents involving damage to public infrastructure, including Guyana Power and Light (GPL) poles. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National

Road Safety Council Earl Lambert, noted that drivers responsible for damaging Government property have been charged, with matters referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Police further revealed that discussions are ongoing regarding the introduction of speed governors on

trucks, which would restrict heavy-duty vehicles to a maximum speed of 80 km/h. The initiative forms part of a broader road-safety strategy aimed at enforcing compliance, protecting public infrastructure, and reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities along the Ogle Highway.

4 arrested as CANU unearths 154 lbs of cocaine at Parika

Four males were arrested on Sunday after being busted with a large quantity of cocaine in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

The discovery was made during an operation carried out by the Customs AntiNarcotics Unity (CANU).

According to a statement from the local drug enforcement agency, CANU officers acted on information received and conducted the operation in the vicinity of Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), during which they unearthed and seized several parcels of cocaine. The four suspects, including one Hispanic national, were escorted to the CANU Headquarters, along with the quantity of cocaine found, which when weighed amounted to 70 kilogrammes (154 pounds). CANU said investigations are ongoing.

Timehri Prison tilapia hatchery

nets nearly 90 pounds

…as Mazaruni inmates harvest over 200 pounds of produce

With agriculture one of the main rehabilitation programmes offered by the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), the GPS continues to strengthen its agricultural rehabilitation programme with recent harvests at the Timehri and Mazaruni prisons highlighting growing progress toward food self-sufficiency and inmate skill development.

At the Timehri Prison, the tilapia hatchery recorded its first harvest for 2026, producing nearly 90 pounds of red tilapia on Wednesday, January 14. The initiative, led by prison staff and female inmates, provides an additional source of protein for the prison population while equipping inmates with practical aquaculture skills.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, said the project reflects the GPS’s ongoing commitment to rehabilitation through skills training and sustainable food production. He noted that the hatchery contributes to reduced operational costs while supporting the long-term goal of self-sufficiency within correctional facilities.

The tilapia project forms part of a broader range of ag-

ricultural initiatives across the prison system, including vegetable cultivation and poultry farming.

Mazaruni prison harvests

Meanwhile, inmates at the Mazaruni Prison harvested more than 200 pounds of vegetables and fruits on the same day, including pak choi, cucumber, ochro, and five-finger (carambola). The harvest was produced on the prison farm under the GPS’s agricultural rehabilitation programme. Officerin-Charge of the Mazaruni Prison, Superintendent of Prisons Carlton Cameron, said the farming operation has remained productive despite recent adverse weather conditions.

Director Elliot added that the Prison Service’s agriculture programme aims to create a sustainable food supply while providing inmates with valuable skills in farming and animal husbandry that can support reintegration after release. Agricultural production is currently underway at the New Amsterdam, Mazaruni, Lusignan, and Timehri prisons as part of the Prison Service’s nationwide self-sufficiency strategy. In January of 2025, the Prison Service

had announced plans to revive its long-standing agriculture programme, which in previous years produced significant quantities of crops and livestock. The initiative was temporarily halted in late 2024 due to security concerns, but following a comprehensive review and the strengthening of Standard Operational Procedures, the programme has been reintroduced. The new guidelines are designed to improve supervision of inmates working on prison farms and prevent future breaches.

Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot, speaking at a meeting with agriculture officers on January 23 2025, underscored that all prison farmlands will now be fully utilised for large-scale farming. In addition to crop cultivation and harvesting, poultry rearing is also being expanded as part of the programme. Already, the GPS has procured thousands of broilers and layers for poultry operations at Lusignan and Mazaruni Prisons.

Pork and tilapia production will also be prioritised, alongside the cultivation of high-demand crops such as pepper, fine-leaf thyme, and broad-leaf thyme. The Timehri harvest of bora and

North Ruimveldt brothers referred to restorative justice programme over threatening behaviour

Two brothers from North Ruimveldt were on Wednesday referred to the Restorative Justice Programme after being cross-charged with threatening behaviour.

The defendants, Courtney Norville and Patrick Duncan, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. According to the charge, the two men allegedly engaged in threatening be-

haviour towards each other on Saturday, at North Ruimveldt, Georgetown. During the proceedings, the prosecution indicated that there was no objection to bail but requested that both defendants be placed on a bond to keep the peace.

In addressing the matter, Magistrate McGusty expressed the view that the dispute was suitable for intervention through the Restorative Justice Programme. A representa-

tive from the programme, who was present in court, informed the Magistrate that he would engage the brothers as part of the process. Both Norville and Duncan were placed on $10,000 bail each and were ordered to enter into a bond to keep the peace while the matter remains pending. The case has been referred to the Restorative Justice Programme and was adjourned to January 28, 2026.

cucumbers is the latest step in rolling out this larger strategy.

To support the expansion, the 2025 national bud-

get provided for the acquisition of new equipment, including two tractors with trailers and ploughs, as well as an excavator to aid with

land preparation and drainage works. Farming operations are expected to continue at Mazaruni, Lusignan, and Timehri prisons.

Sod turned for 50th SEND learning space as deaf education expands

Guyana is set to commission another specialised learning environment dedicated to supporting learners who are deaf, marking the country’s 50th Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) space and reflecting continued progress in inclusive education. On Friday, the sod was turned for the facility at Cummings Lodge, signalling the start of a landmark project in the country’s educational landscape and the commencement of construction on Guyana’s first dedicated School for the Deaf. The development comes amid broader efforts by the Ministry of Education to strengthen educational access for deaf learners. The purpose-built School for the Deaf is designed to accommodate 30 learners and will provide a nurturing environment that supports deaf culture while advancing specialised learning. Beyond

functioning as a school, the facility is intended to serve as a resource hub for deaf youths, promoting community engagement and personal development. Construction of the school, valued at G$194,472,570, was awarded to Superior Supplies and General Construction following a public procurement and tendering process. The project is scheduled for completion within nine months.

The sod-turning exercise was led by the Minister of Education and included the participation of the Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) responsible for SEND, Dr Keon Cheung, and Senior Education Officer for SEND, Nikoya Alleyne. Representatives of the Deaf Association of Guyana were also present, including its Director, Sabine McIntosh, whose long-standing contributions to the sector were acknowledged. In addition to

infrastructure development, the Ministry of Education has also expanded capacity-building initiatives to support deaf education. The Cyril Potter College of Education has incorporated deaf education into its curriculum, enabling deaf youth enrolled in the SEND programme to participate as teacher candidates. Further training opportunities are also being offered through the institution’s Disability Studies Department for educators interested in teaching learners who are deaf.

The upcoming commissioning of the 50th SEND learning space, alongside the construction of the first dedicated School for the Deaf, underscores ongoing efforts to expand specialised educational environments and strengthen support systems for learners with special education needs and disabilities across Guyana.

Guyana pushing eco-tourism...

According to Rodrigues, Guyana is already being recognised internationally for its environmental stewardship, Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and biodiversity conservation. It is important, she added, that the country capitalises on this recognition. “Our tourism product is built around protected areas, Indigenous and community-led tourism, rainforest and river experiences and wildlife-based travel. This focus is a strategic advantage. Sustainable tourism supports livelihoods in our hinterland and rural communities, protects our natural assets, and aligns with global demand for authentic and responsible travel. Continued investment in eco-lodges,

conservation partnerships and community tourism ensures that growth in this sector remains inclusive, resilient and environmentally sound,” the Minister stressed. Only recently, Guyana received three major international recognitions that reinforced its space on the global tourism market. Bloomberg has identified Guyana among its ‘Top 25 Destinations of 2026’; the New York Times featured Guyana in its ‘Globally Influential 52 places to go in 2026; and Wanderlust, one of Europe’s most renowned travel media brands, recognised Guyana as one of the ‘Top 26 Destinations for 2026.’ “These are not symbolic mentions. These platforms shape travel demand in our key source markets

and influence how destinations are positioned to investors, airlines, tour operators and international travellers. Their recognition confirms that Guyana is now firmly positioned on the global tourism landscape,” the Tourism Minister asserted. In 2025, Guyana recorded some 453,489 visitor arrivals – a 22 per cent increase over 2024. According to data verified by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, Guyana’s largest source market remains the United States (US), accounting for approximately 40 per cent of arrivals, followed by the Caribbean region at 33 per cent, while Canada, the United Kingdom (UK) and other international markets made up the remaining percentage of visitors.

Using GNBS certification & training to boost MSMEs

Building a business is often driven by passion and ambition, but the journey becomes significantly more complex as entrepreneurs navigate compliance requirements and operational standards. Research shows that challenges related to growth, sustainability and regulatory obligations contribute to the failure of a large percentage of businesses within their first year. It was this reality that inspired Erin Kirton to establish the Guyana Small Business Resource Centre (GSBRC), aimed at helping entrepreneurs transform early promises into long-term success. Established in 2020, the company is located at One Mile Wismar, Linden, Region 10. Through its operations, GSBRC provides training, guidance and consultancy services to entrepreneurs seeking to strengthen and grow their ventures. Kirton explained that the consultancy aspect of the business allows GSBRC to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in addressing challenges related to knowledge gaps, financing, accounting and compliance obligations.

“Because I understand the

processes, I prepare all the necessary documentation and either submit them to the relevant compliance agencies or personally ensure that the procedures are completed,” she said.

“This helps my clients meet their respective obligations efficiently,” she added. The documentation managed by GSBRC includes fire safety require -

ments, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) compliance, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) compliance, business licences and other regulatory requirements. In 2024, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) introduced its newest certification programme based on National Standard GYS 901 – Requirements for

Management Systems for MSMEs. The programme is designed to help MSMEs strengthen internal processes, improve efficiency, build customer confidence and prepare for regional and international opportunities. The new GNBS programme sparked Ms Kirton’s interest in becoming certified, as she recognised its potential

to enhance the quality of leadership and guidance she provides to her clients. “The (GNBS) training was fantastic,” she noted. “The facilitators challenged my thinking and provided clear guidelines on how to implement the standard within my business. They were extremely supportive and helped me to reorganise my office, redefine my vision and goals and develop a clear plan of action.” She explained that the training and certification process resulted in the development of a Quality Policy, improvements in record-keeping, the establishment of structured feedback channels, and an enhanced capacity to train clients more effectively. By the end of 2025, GSBRC was among the first businesses to be certified under the programme. On January 06, 2026, the company officially received its certificate from the GNBS Certification Services Department.

Reflecting on her experience, which she described as positive, Ms Kirton said she intends to actively encourage her clients to pursue GNBS certification. “The training has enhanced my ability to guide them in line with the

standard and to encourage them to become certified,” she explained. “I can now walk them through several of the steps and clearly outline the benefits of certification.” The businesswoman added that one of the key advantages of certification is the increased opportunity to work with foreign companies operating in Guyana, noting that certification to the GYS 901 standard serves as a steppingstone towards ISO 9001 certification. Looking ahead, Ms Kirton said the certification has positioned GSBRC to deliver its services at a higher standard, reinforcing its role in supporting the sustainable growth of small and medium-sized businesses across the country. Businesses thinking about applying for the 901 certification or any other GNBS Certification can contact the GNBS’s Certification Services Department. The application forms, along with detailed requirements, can be found on the GNBS website https://gnbsgy. org/certification/ For further information, contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-006466 or WhatsApp: 692-4627 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org

Moving Guyana from technology consumer to regional hub for innovation

Tech entrepreneur and Chevening Alum President, Amrita Naraine is bringing the future of creative technology to Guyana. After completing her Master’s in Data Science and AI (Artificial Intelligence) for Creative Industries, specialising in Creative Computing and Robotics, Naraine has launched Artellica AI, an innovation studio designed to modernise how Guyanese businesses think, create and operate. What started as a mission to support the creative industries has quickly grown.

This January, Artellica AI officially became a distributor for AI Robotics and Wearables, offering local industries access to advanced hardware. Artellica is filling a critical gap in the regional market by offering more than just hardware; the studio operates as a specialised consultancy leading interdisciplinary

Research and Development (R&D) projects that explore the role of AI in shaping the future of creative industries, with a specific focus on AI-powered software creation, ethical automation and intellectual property systems. Through its consulting services, Artellica collaborates with cultural ministries, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and innovation councils to design inclusive policy frameworks and AI governance that protects human expression at both local and global levels.

“We are moving Guyana from being a consumer of technology to a regional hub for innovation. By bridging the gap between complex AI and local needs, we are empowering Guyanese talent on a global stage,” commented Shakira Vieira, Marketing Executive on the remarkable offerings by Artellica AI. The stu-

Amrita Naraine, founder of Artellica AI

dio’s impact extends into education and preservation through immersive workshops designed to demystify advanced tools and build digital literacy for institutions. Furthermore, Artellica is a leader in Cultural Archiving, using AI and digital infrastructure to safeguard and doc-

ument Guyanese traditions and artistic output. By creating ethical systems for storytelling, the firm ensures that the nation’s creative heritage is not only preserved but made discoverable for future generations. A major part of this mission is Artellica’s flagship Biz Insights, simplify-

ing business management, allowing small business owners to track inventory and sales securely from anywhere in the world, removing the high costs usually associated with “going digital.” This expansion is supported by a key partnership with Eridani Digital Technologies, combining expert engineering with Artellica’s creative vision. “Eridani Digital Technology is proud of our ongoing partnership with Artellica AI, aligning our commitment to technological innovation with their leadership in ethical Artificial Intelligence. By collaborating with Artellica, we are expanding our ability to deliver cutting-edge, scalable and cost-effective software for creators and businesses. This partnership reinforces our mission to harness emerging technologies for sustainable and transformative impact across the digital and

trans-digital landscape,” founder of Eridani, Clifford Cheefoon, reflecting on this partnership, posited. Speaking on the future of Artellica, Naraine commented, “Artellica stands at the intersection of readyto-use innovation and custom-built excellence. We offer a diverse ecosystem; while we offer ready-to-use robotics, we are equipped to produce custom, AIpowered creative technology for the Guyanese and regional market. Our result is a foundation for our creators and the business community altogether have the tools to compete, the data to grow, and the ethical framework to lead.” By blending hightech hardware with accessible software, Artellica AI is positioning itself as the primary partner for digital growth in Guyana. For more information, contact info@artellica.org or visit artellica.org.

By Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam meD, enDocrinology/ DiaBeTes

Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health problems in Guyana, yet it remains widely misunderstood. Many people believe diabetes only affects the elderly or that it is caused solely by eating sweet foods. Others assume that if they feel well, their blood sugar must be normal. Diabetes often develops quietly over many years, damaging the body long before a person realises something is wrong.

Diabetes occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood, because the body cannot use insulin properly. Insulin is the hormone that allows sugar to move from the bloodstream into

HEALTH TIPS THE SILENT DIABETES CRISIS

the body’s cells to be used for energy. When insulin does not work as it should, sugar builds up in the blood and slowly damages blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs.

Why diabetes is a growing crisis in Guyana

Diabetes is increasing across Guyana and affecting people at younger ages than ever before. Many families only discover the disease after serious complications appear, such as foot wounds that do not heal, sudden changes in vision, kidney failure requiring dialysis, or the need for amputation. These outcomes are not sudden events; they are the result of diabetes that has gone undetected and un-

treated for years. The rising burden of diabetes is placing significant pressure on families, communities, and the national health system. Lost income,

long-term disability, and ongoing medical care affect not just individuals but entire households.

What health workers are seeing every day

Doctors and nurses across Guyana regularly treat patients who are shocked to learn they have diabetes only after major health events. Some arrive with severe foot infections or gangrene, others with vision loss or kidney failure. Many report that they felt well and had no reason to suspect illness. This pattern highlights how silently diabetes progresses and how dangerous late diagnosis can be.

Diabetes also significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Many patients experience these life-threatening events without knowing that diabetes was already damaging their blood vessels.

Causes

Diabetes develops over time and is linked to a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors. Frequent consumption of sugary drinks, sweet snacks, and processed foods increases risk, particularly when combined with physical inactivity. Being

At least 21 people have been killed and several injured after two trains collided in southern Spain on Sunday night, authorities said. A train travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed near Adamuz, crossing on to the other track where it hit an oncoming train, which also derailed, Spain’s Adif rail body posted on X.

“The [Madrid] to Huelva train, which was travelling on the adjacent track, has also derailed,” it added. Adif said the accident happened about 10 minutes after the Iryo train left

Málaga heading towards Madrid at 6.40pm (17.40 GMT).

“We have received calls from people reporting that there were injured and trapped,” a spokesperson for the Andalusian emergency services told AFP. The Spanish interior Ministry said 21 people were dead. Andalusian emergency services said at least 73 people were seriously injured, as rescue crews continue to remove people trapped in the derailed carriages. One witness told the public broadcaster RTVE that one of the carriages of the first

overweight, especially carrying excess weight around the waist, places extra strain on the body’s ability to use insulin.

Family history plays a major role, meaning people with parents or siblings who have diabetes are more likely to develop it themselves. High blood pressure, stress, poor sleep, and previous diabetes during pregnancy further increased the risk.

Who is most at risk

Although diabetes can affect anyone, adults over the age of thirty face a higher risk, especially those who are overweight or physically inactive. People with a family history of diabetes, women who had diabetes during pregnancy, and individuals with high blood pressure are also more vulnerable. Increasingly, younger adults are being diagnosed, dispelling the myth that diabetes is only a disease of old age.

Signs and symptoms that are often missed

In its early stages, diabetes may cause no symptoms at all. As blood sugar levels rise, some people experience increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained tiredness, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, or repeated infections. Because these symptoms are often mild or gradual, many people ignore them or attribute them to stress or ageing.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing diabetes is simple and widely accessible in Guyana. Blood tests can measure current blood sugar levels or show average sugar levels over several months. These tests are quick, affordable, and available at public health facilities. Early diagnosis allows people to act before irreversible damage occurs.

Living well with diabetes

When diabetes is detect-

ed early, it can be effectively managed. Many people control their blood sugar through healthier eating, increased physical activity, and weight management. Others require medication, including tablets or insulin. Taking medication is not a sign of weakness; it is a necessary step to protect the body and prevent complica-

tial, especially for those at higher risk. Reducing sugary drinks, eating balanced meals with fruits and vegetables, staying physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight significantly lower risk.

People diagnosed with diabetes can prevent complications by taking medication as prescribed, attend-

tions.

With proper care, regular follow-up, and lifestyle adjustments, people with diabetes can live long, active, and productive lives.

Complications of uncontrolled diabetes

When diabetes is poorly controlled or ignored, it can lead to severe and often permanent complications. These include blindness caused by damage to the eyes, kidney failure requiring dialysis, nerve damage leading to numbness and pain, and foot ulcers that can result in amputation. Diabetes also greatly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Once these complications develop, they are often irreversible and can lead to disability, loss of income, and early death. Many of these outcomes are preventable with early diagnosis and consistent care.

Preventing diabetes and its complications

Although not all cases of diabetes can be prevented, many can be delayed or controlled. Regular blood sugar testing is essen-

ing follow-up appointments, checking their blood sugar regularly, and caring for their feet. Small, consistent changes make a powerful difference over time.

The role of families and communities

Families play a vital role in preventing diabetes-related complications. Encouraging loved ones to get tested, supporting healthier meals at home, and reminding those with diabetes to take their medication can save limbs and lives. Diabetes affects entire households, not just individuals.

The diabetes crisis in Guyana is real, but it is not inevitable. Diabetes becomes dangerous not because it exists, but because it is ignored. Early testing, informed choices, and proper treatment can prevent most complications.

Do not wait until your vision fades, a wound refuses to heal, or your kidneys fail. A simple blood test today can prevent a lifetime of suffering tomorrow.

Check your sugar. Control your diabetes. Protect your future.

High-speed train derails, collides with oncoming train in southern Spain; at least 21 dead

train had completely overturned. Television images showed medical crews and fire services at the scene.

A journalist from the public broadcaster RNE who was travelling on one of the trains said the impact had felt like “an earthquake”.

“I was in the first carriage. There was a moment when it felt like an earthquake and the train had indeed derailed,” Jimenez said. Passengers had used emergency hammers to break carriages windows and get out, he said. In his latest update on X, he said he was among a group of

passengers waiting in the “freezing cold night” for buses to transport them to a local sports centre. Spanish media reports suggested a total of 400 people had been on the two trains. The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, said in a statement he was “closely monitoring” the situation. Iryo is an Italianrun private rail operator. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Adif has suspended all rail services between Madrid and Andalucía. (Source: BBC News, The Guardian)

Barbados heads to polls

February 11, 2026 as Mottley calls early election

Barbadians will go to the polls on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, to elect a new government, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley announced, formally setting the stage for a general election months ahead of the constitutional deadline.

The announcement was made at a Barbados Labour Party (BLP) nomination meeting at Westbury Primary School on Saturday, where attorney-at-law Michael Lashley, KC, was confirmed as the party’s candidate for the City. With his nomination, the ruling BLP has now completed its slate of candidates for all 30 seats in the House of Assembly.

early poll was likely. At the time, she urged BLP supporters to prepare for political work in 2026, signalling that the party would not wait until the final year of its mandate.

Cops killed, school cancelled in Guatemala as gang violence erupts

Violence broke out in parts of Guatemala on Sunday morning after Guatemalan security forces regained control of a prison that had been taken over by inmates, and took a top gang leader into custody, the country’s civil police agency said.

The upcoming vote will mark the second consecutive time Mottley has dissolved Parliament with a year remaining in her term. She led the BLP to historic 30–0 landslide victories in both the 2018 and 2022 general elections, leaving the opposition without a single seat in the House of Assembly.

The decision brings forward an election that was not constitutionally due until 2027 and follows months of speculation after Mottley hinted late last year that an

Parliament will be dissolved to trigger the election campaign, with Nomination Day scheduled for January 27. Parliament will be dissolved on January 19.

With the election date now set, political activity is expected to intensify across the island as parties make their case to voters ahead of the February 11 poll. (CNW)

Chile declares state of catastrophe as wildfires force thousands to flee

Chilean President

Gabriel Boric announced a state of catastrophe in two regions in the south of the country early on Sunday as raging wildfires forced at least 20,000 people to evacuate.

According to Chile’s CONAF forestry agency, firefighters are battling 24 active fires across the country as of Sunday morning, with the largest being in the regions of Ñuble and Bío Bío, where the government declared the emergency. The regions are about 500 km south of the capital Santiago.

According to the latest official tally by the Government, there are currently 16 deaths from the fires, 15 of which were recorded in the Biobío region and one in the Ñuble region, but it is estimated that this number will rise (El Mercurio)

Authorities regained control over Renovacion 1, near the southern town of Escuintla, one of the three prisons where inmates rioted and took hostages on Saturday, demanding greater privileges for their gang leader.

The agency also said authorities had subdued Aldo Duppie, alias El Lobo, widely reported as the top leader within the Barrio 18 gang.

Images provided by the civil police showed officers escorting El Lobo, who appeared to have a bloody shoulder, out of the prison. Shortly afterward, simultaneous attacks against police officers broke out in and around the capital of Guatemala City.

At least seven police officers have been killed in various attacks, while one gang member has been killed, Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda told

reporters on Sunday. Ten police officers have been injured.

The minister said the government would not negotiate with gang members.

In an interview on local radio, National Civil Police director David Boteo did not rule out that gang members might attack civilians, and advised Guatemalans to stay at home.

Guatemala’s education minister canceled school classes across the country on Monday, while Guatemala City officials canceled recreational and cultural activities scheduled for Sunday.

The release of the hostages held at the prison

leaves 37 hostages still being held at two other prisons.

Guatemala’s Congress declared Barrio 18 a terrorist group in October 2025, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration classified the gang as a foreign terrorist organization. Its leader, El Lobo, is currently serving prison sentences totaling some 2,000 years behind bars. He is married to the niece of Sandra Torres, Guatemala’s former first lady who has been the runner-up in three presidential elections, most recently finishing second to current president Arevalo in 2023. (Reuters)

Trinidad and Tobago to end legal proceedings linked to CL Financial collapse

Fires have consumed nearly 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres) in the two regions so far, endangering multiple communities in the region, leading authorities to declare evacuation orders.

Chile’s Senapred disaster agency said that nearly 20,000 people had been evacuated and at least 250 homes have been destroyed.

Authorities say adverse conditions like strong winds and high temperatures have helped wildfires

spread and complicated firefighters’ abilities to control the fires. Much of Chile is under extreme heat alerts, with temperatures expected to reach up to 38 C (100 F) from Santiago to Bío Bío on Sunday and Monday. (Reuters)

Colombia mining tragedy leaves 4 dead from gas accumulation in mine shaft

Anew tragedy has struck mining in Colombia with the confirmation of the deaths of four people at the El Diamante 42 mine in the municipality of Socha Viejo, Boyacá.

According to initial reports, the deceased include three miners and a young woman who worked as a Safety and Health at Work (SISO) officer, who was apparently carrying out inspection or control work when the massive accumulation of gases occurred that prevented the workers from leaving on Friday afternoon. Despite the efforts of the rescue agencies and the Mine Rescue team, the gas-

sy environment of the mine proved lethal for the four people.

Local media outlets released the identities of the victims. Among them are Esteban Estupiñán , a mine operator from the municipality of Paz de Río; Ricardo Carreño Sepúlveda , also a mine operator and resident of Socha; and Yeison , a mine worker from the same municipality. The fourth victim is Angélica Zárate , a safety and health professional, also from Paz de Río, who was inside the mine shaft when the massive gas buildup occurred.

According to the news portal Matinal Noticias, the professional’s presence in

the area suggests that, at the time of the emergency, inspection or safety checks were underway . However, the high concentration of gases prevented the workers from escaping. Although rescue teams and the Mine Rescue team entered the mine shortly after 5:00 p.m., the environment proved lethal for the four people.

Local authorities and the National Mining Agency have launched investigations to determine why the ventilation and gas detection systems failed at this mining facility and whether there were any technical or operational omissions that contributed to the emergency. (Reuters)

The Trinidad and Tobago government has announced it will bring an end to the long-running civil matters tied to the collapse of the CL Financial Group, citing billions of dollars spent on legal fees with little accountability to show for it.

Attorney General John Jeremie, speaking in Parliament on Friday, said the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration had decided to halt the decades-old civil proceedings after determining that public resources were being drained by what he described as a prolonged and ineffective legal process. Jeremie laid the Sir Anthony Colman report into the failure of CL Financial in Parliament during his presentation.

Jeremie told legislators he had been tasked with deciding whether to continue the investigation and concluded that it had devolved into a “legal feeding frenzy,” consuming billions of dollars in attorney fees without meaningful progress.

“As guardian of the public interest, and having consulted with the Honourable Prime Minister, I have to say that we are not able to continue to spend hard resources, government re-

sources,” Jeremie said.

He stressed that while criminal proceedings fall under the remit of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and regulatory matters involving the Central Bank are the responsibility of the finance minister, he has the authority to end civil proceedings. Jeremie said the government intends to exit those cases in a cost-effective manner, even if that requires paying reasonable costs to do so.

The attorney general described the collapse of Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO), a subsidiary of CL Financial, as stemming from “unconscionable action” by past administrations.

CLICO collapsed in 2009, prompting a government bailout of CL Financial on January 30 of that year after a severe liquidity crisis linked to excessive related-party transactions, high-risk investments and falling asset prices.

Jeremie said the former government spent TT$28 billion rescuing the CL Financial Group, with an additional TT$3 billion to TT$4 billion spent on matters related to the collapse. He told Parliament that

close to half a billion dollars had been paid in some instances to attorneys and accountants, with payments reportedly stopping in certain cases after 2022.

He noted that nearly TT$400 million had been paid to Deloitte and Touche alone, despite no criminal charges being brought against any individual in connection with the collapse. Jeremie also said the legal costs did not include liquidators’ fees and that the public had seen little benefit from the massive expenditure.

The attorney general raised concerns about the lack of investigative resources assigned to what he described as the largest financial fraud in the country’s history, saying that at times as few as one or three police officers were assigned to the matter. He added that the Colman report itself cost approximately TT$150 million to produce and had effectively disappeared from official offices.

The government has not indicated whether any new criminal investigations will follow the decision to end the civil proceedings. (Caribbean National Weekly)

South Korea sentences ex-President to 5 years in 1st martial law verdict

ASouth Korean court has sentenced former president Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison for mobilising presidential security forces to block his own arrest and abusing his powers. It is the first judicial ruling linked to the events surrounding his failed martial law declaration in December 2024.

The ruling is separate from Yoon’s main insurrection trial, where prosecutors earlier this week sought the death penalty and a verdict is due next month.

Seoul central district court found Yoon guilty of special obstruction of official duties, abuse of power and falsifying documents, saying he had “disregarded the constitution” and shown no remorse. His legal team has said he will appeal against the ruling.

The presiding judge, Baek Dae-hyun, said Yoon “deserves condemnation” for his actions.

Yoon stunned South Korea late on 3 December 2024 when he declared martial law, dispatching police and armed troops to the national assembly. Lawmakers rushed to override the decree, with some climbing over fen-

ces to reach the chamber before voting to lift the order.

The emergency rule lasted six hours before Yoon backed down.

In the separate insurrection case, prosecutors allege he attempted to use military force to paralyse the legislature, arrest political opponents and seize control of the national election commission.

“The defendant abused his tremendous influence as president to obstruct lawful warrant execution, effectively privatising security officials sworn to serve the Republic of Korea into his personal

troops,” Baek said in a televised ruling. “His crimes are extremely serious in nature.”

The insurrection verdict is scheduled for 20 February.

Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon Hee, faces a separate verdict on 28 January on stock manipulation and bribery charges, carrying a prosecutorial demand of 15 years’ imprisonment and a 2bn won (£1m) fine.

The former prime minister Han Duck-soo is due to receive a verdict on 21 January on charges of aiding insurrection. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Major EU States condemn Trump tariff threats, consider retaliation

Major European Union states including Germany and France decried U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland as blackmail on Sunday, as France proposed responding with a range of untested economic countermeasures.

Trump vowed on Saturday to implement a wave of increasing tariffs on EU members Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland, along with Britain and Norway, until the U.S. is allowed to buy Greenland.

All eight countries, already subject to U.S. tariffs of 10% and 15%, have sent small numbers of military personnel to Denmark’s vast Arctic island, as a row with the United States over its future escalates.

”Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral,” they said in a joint statement.

The Danish exercise in Greenland was designed to strengthen Arctic security and posed no threat to anyone, they said, adding that they were ready to engage in dialogue, based on prin-

ciples of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement she was pleased with the consistent messages from other states, adding: ”Europe will not be blackmailed”, a view echoed by Germany’s finance minister and Sweden’s prime minister.

”It’s blackmail what he’s doing,” Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel said on Dutch television of Trump’s threat.

Cyprus, holder of the rotating six-month EU presidency, summoned ambassadors to an emergency meeting in Brussels late on Sunday as EU leaders stepped up contacts.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, visiting his Norwegian counterpart in Oslo, said Denmark would continue to focus on diplomacy, referring to an agreement Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. made on Wednesday to set up a working group.

”Even though we are now being confronted with these threats, we will naturally try to stay on that path,” Rasmussen said. ”The U.S.

Around the World

Blue diamond worth £30M found in South Africa

Alarge blue diamond has been found in a South African mine which experts believe could reach up to £30 milloin at auction.

The rough gem, which was found at the Cullinan Mine, resembles the shape of Africa and has been estimated at almost 42 carats.

Blue diamonds are exceptionally rare and form only at extreme depths of up to 370 to 430 miles, before being brought closer to the surface by volcanic activity.

They take their distinctive colour from traces of boron that help absorb red, orange and yellow light, leading to a highly prized light blue or grey tint.

Fewer than 0.1 per cent of natural diamonds are classified as blue diamonds, technically known as type IIb.

Experts are still in the process of examining the rare diamond

Gem experts are still assessing the stone before deciding how it will be cut.

Petra Diamonds, which operates the mine 20 miles east of Pretoria, said it had “recovered a 41.82 carat type IIb blue diamond of seemingly exceptional quality in

terms of both its colour and clarity at the Cullinan Mine in South Africa”.

A statement said the company was “in the process of analysing the stone and ascertaining the preferred method of the sale of this stone”.

The mine is the world’s most significant producer of blue diamonds and was also the source of the famed Cullinan Diamond, which was the largest gem-quality rough diamond the world has ever seen.

The discovery follows several difficult years for diamond miners as prices have fallen.

Prices slumped after a pandemic spending splurge, and the rising popularity of lab-grown stones, which are cheaper than natural stones, has hit them further. (Excerpt from The Telegraph)

6 killed in Pakistan shopping mall fire

Afire at a shopping centre in the Pakistan city of Karachi has killed six people as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.

Parts of the Gul Plaza, containing 1,200 stores and spanning 8,000 sq m (86,111 sq ft), have collapsed which officers said was hampering rescue efforts.

One firefighter is among the dead, more than 20 people have been injured and there are fears some are still trapped inside the multi-storey mall.

is also more than the U.S. president. I’ve just been there. There are also checks and balances in American society.” he added.

Meanwhile, a source close to Emmanuel Macron said the French President was pushing to activate the Anti-Coercion Instrument, which could limit access to public tenders, investments or banking activity or restrict trade in services, in which the U.S. has a surplus with the bloc, including digital services.

British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said allies needed to work with the United States to resolve the dispute.

”Our position on Greenland is non-negotiable... It is in our collective interest to work together and not to start a war of words,” she told Sky News.

German Christian Democrat lawmaker Juergen Hardt also mooted what he told Bild newspaper could be a last resort ”to bring President Trump to his senses on the Greenland issue”, a boycott of the soccer World Cup that the U.S. is hosting this year. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Local emergency services said that when helpers arrived at the site on Saturday ”the fire from the ground floor had spread to the upper floors, and almost the entire building was already engulfed in flames”.

A senior police official told the BBC that the authorities had been unable to search the building for bodies as the fire has continued to burn.

More than 30 people have been reported missing by their families, who have gathered outside what remains of the centre, waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones. Administrators for the city have set up a desk to register the names and details of the missing.

Smoke was still billowing from what remains of the Gul Plaza building on Sunday

morning. Much of it has collapsed and there are concerns it could collapse further.

Summaiya Syed, Karachi’s police surgeon, said six bodies had been transferred to the city’s Civil Hospital as well as some of the injured. She added that the police were ”invoking mass disaster protocols”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Indonesian rescuers find wreckage of plane with 11 on board

Indonesian rescuers have recovered wreckage from a missing plane that is believed to have crashed with 11 people on board while approaching a mountainous region on Sulawesi island during cloudy conditions.

It was carrying eight crew members and three passengers from the Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministry who were on board as part of an airborne maritime surveillance mission.

The discovery on Sunday comes after the small plane –on its way from Yogyakarta on Indonesia’s main island of Java to Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi province – vanished from radar on Saturday.

A rescue team on an air force helicopter on Sunday morning spotted what appeared to be a small aircraft window in a forested area on the slope of Mount Bulusaraung, said Muhammad Arif Anwar, who heads Makassar’s search and rescue office. Rescuers on the ground then retrieved larger debris consistent with the main fuselage and tail scattered on a steep northern slope, Anwar told a news conference. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Lend a helping hand. Do what you can to make a difference. Giving back will make you feel good and bring you in contact with people you’ll want to get to know better. Say no to temptation and excessive behavior.

Rely on your speed, accuracy and intelligence, and you will come out on top. Implement domestic changes that give you the space you need to do the best job possible. Choose a path and march forward.

Avoid letting anyone drain your energy. Focus on what you can do to keep up financially and professionally. Update your look to enhance your appeal. Be bold and share your true feelings.

Set your sights on what gives you the most relief from stress. Don’t wait for someone else to step in and take charge; own the solution, process and result. When opportunity arises, run to meet it.

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Turn your words into actions, and make things happen. Get fit, find your niche and discover new people, places and possibilities. Romance is in the stars.

Set goals and work to reach them. Ask experts for guidance and use the information to learn and experiment. What you accomplish will boost your confidence and encourage you to use your strengths in rewarding ways.

Mitchell, Phillips centuries trump Kohli’s as

New Zealand win 1st-ever ODI series in India

…Kohli and Rana’s 99-run seventh-wicket stand threatened to spoil New Zealand’s party

New Zealand 337 for 8 (Mitchell 137, Phillips 106, Arshdeep 3-63, Rana 3-84) beat India 296 (Kohli 124, Reddy 53, Rana 52, Clarke 3-54, Foulkes 3-77) by 41 runs

A little over a year since winning their first-ever Test series in India, New Zealand have beaten India in their homeland for the first time in a One-Day International (ODI) series. Arriving with a squad severely depleted by injury, they have come from 1-0 down to win 2-1.

They achieved another impressive feat in completing the job in Indore, handing India a first defeat in 14 home ODIs

where they have won the toss. Daryl Mitchell, India’s foremost scourge, was at it again, scoring his second hundred of the series, his fourth against India, and his fourth in India. Glenn Phillips, who joined Mitchell at 58 for 3, scored an 88-ball 106 in a fourth-wicket stand of 219. That set things up perfectly for the bowlers, who, defending 337, reduced India to 71 for 4. An India, that too, without Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya, and with question marks hanging over everyone batting from number six down.

Virat Kohli was still there, though, and he kept India

aaa SCOREBOARD

New Zealand (50 ovs maximum)

Devon Conway c Sharma

b Harshit Rana 5 Henry Nicholls b Arshdeep Singh 0 Will Young c Jadeja

b Harshit Rana 30

Daryl Mitchell c Kuldeep Yadav

b Mohammed Siraj 137 Glenn Phillips c †Rahul

b Arshdeep Singh 106

Michael Bracewell (c) not out 28

Mitchell Hay † lbw b Kuldeep Yadav 2 Zak Foulkes c Kuldeep Yadav

b Arshdeep Singh 10

Kristian Clarke b Harshit Rana 11 Kyle Jamieson not out 0

Extras (b 5, nb 2, w 1) 8

Total 50 Ov (RR: 6.74) 337/8

Did not bat: Jayden Lennox

Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Henry Nicholls, 0.4 ov), 2-5 (Devon Conway, 1.1 ov), 3-58 (Will Young, 12.1 ov), 4-277 (Glenn Phillips, 43.1 ov), 5-283 (Daryl Mitchell, 44.1 ov), 6-286 (Mitchell Hay, 45.2 ov), 7-304 (Zak Foulkes, 47.1 ov), 8-327 (Kristian Clarke, 48.6 ov) Bowling

O-M-R-W

10-1-63-3

Arshdeep Singh

Harshit Rana 10-0-84-3

Mohammed Siraj 10-0-43-1

Nitish Kumar Reddy

Kuldeep Yadav

Ravindra Jadeja

8-0-53-0

6-0-48-1

6-0-41-0

India (T: 338 runs from 50 ovs)

Rohit Sharma c Clarke b Foulkes 11

Shubman Gill (c) b Jamieson 23 Virat Kohli c Mitchell b Clarke 124

Shreyas Iyer c Foulkes b Clarke 3 KL Rahul † c Phillips b Lennox 1

Nitish Kumar Reddy c Young b Clarke 53

Ravindra Jadeja c Young b Lennox 12

Harshit Rana c Nicholls b Foulkes 52

Mohammed Siraj c †Hay b Foulkes 0 Kuldeep Yadav run out (Phillips) 5

Arshdeep Singh not out 4 Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 6) 8 Total 46 Ov (RR: 6.43) 296 Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Rohit Sharma, 3.6 ov), 2-45 (Shubman Gill, 6.4 ov), 3-68 (Shreyas Iyer, 11.2 ov), 4-71 (KL Rahul, 12.5 ov), 5-159 (Nitish Kumar Reddy, 27.3 ov), 6-178 (Ravindra Jadeja, 32.1 ov), 7-277 (Harshit Rana, 43.4 ov), 8-277 (Mohammed Siraj, 43.5 ov), 9-292 (Virat Kohli, 45.4 ov), 10296 (Kuldeep Yadav, 45.6 ov) Bowling O-M-R-W Kyle Jamieson 9-0-58-1 Zak Foulkes 9-0-77-3 Kristian Clarke 9-0-54-3 Jayden Lennox 10-0-42-2 Daryl Mitchell 1-0-10-0 Glenn Phillips 8-0-54-0

believing, scoring his 54th ODI hundred and shepherding two young seam-bowling all-rounders in Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana who scored their maiden ODI fifties. But the target was steep, India had to keep taking chances, and Kohli eventually fell short for only the fifth time in 29 hundreds in ODI chases.

There were three phases in Kohli’s innings. The first, following a pattern established over recent months, was fre-

Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja fell in the space of 28 balls, came the explosion. It was necessary, with India now needing 160 at nearly nine an over, and it came from both ends. Kohli punched, whipped, and lofted his way from 74 off 76 balls to a century in 91, while Rana showed both muscle and finesse in rushing to his half-century in just 41 balls.

But Rana’s dismissal, which left India needing 61 off 38 balls, left the chase entirely in Kohli’s hands, and it was

looked entirely at ease at a venue unforgiving to spinners, with a notoriously small outfield, bowling with pinpoint accuracy while constantly varying his pace and taking 2 for 42 in his 10 overs.

Zak Foulkes and Kristian Clarke, though expensive, picked up three wickets each. And Phillips, bowling eight overs with New Zealand Captain and primary offspinner Michael Bracewell off the field, went for under seven an over.

netic, displaying an eagerness to charge fast bowlers and hit them in the air if required, and bringing four fours and a six in his first 24 balls. Then, with wickets tumbling at the other end, a period of nearly dot-free rebuilding, with just the one bound- ary in 52 balls, scor- ing 47 runs regard- less.

And then, when

all over when he was ninth out after bringing the equation down to 46 from 27.

Different bowlers delivered for New Zealand at different times. Kyle Jamieson seamed the newish ball both ways to peg India back after a quick start, most crucially taking out a rampant Shubman Gill with an in-ducker. Jayden Lennox, playing just his second ODI,

Together, Lennox and Phillips took 2 for 96 in 18 overs. India’s spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, bowled just six overs each and went for a combined 89 runs. Once again, New Zealand’s spinners had outbowled India.

And this, as in Rajkot, had a lot to do with how well their batters took on Kuldeep and Jadeja. Mitchell, in a manner now familiar, set the tone, jumping out to Kuldeep’s first ball and launching him for a straight six.

There was little breathing room for the spinners thereafter, and India

did not even bring Jadeja on until the 30th over, trusting instead in their sixth bowler, Reddy, to do a job of bowling stump-to-stump medium pace with the keeper up. He did this well at first, conceding just 17 in his first four overs, but he began looking increasingly innocuous as India kept him on for perhaps two overs too many, conceding 36 in his last four.

As India struggled to find a wicket through the middle overs, Mitchell and Phillips switched gears effortlessly. The first 70 runs of their partnership came in 89 balls; thereafter they plundered 149 in 99. Mitchell timed the ball ominously from the start, the clearest sign of his form the way he punched through the infield with a straight bat on both sides of the wicket, and attacked the spinners from all points: from yards down the pitch to right back by his stumps. Phillips, cutting with fast hands, and clearing the small boundaries with ease when he chose to, rushed from 21 off 36 to bring up his second ODI century off just 83 balls. New Zealand looked set for at least 350 at one stage, but lost wickets in clumps through the death overs, with Mohammed Siraj bowling magnificently – getting his wobble-seam ball to grip, bowling relentless good lengths when that was required, and pinpoint yorkers and bouncers when that was the need of the hour – to finish with figures of 0 for 43 in 10 overs, and Arshdeep Singh and Rana more expensive but taking three wickets apiece. Given Indore’s history of steep scoring – only Trent Bridge and the Wankhede have produced more 380plus ODI totals than Holkar Stadium – 337 looked like anyone’s game at the halfway point. Eventually, it was more than enough, despite the evergreen Kohli’s best efforts. (ESPNcricinfo)

Rew, Mayes lead England to victory; Mahboob, Sadat star for Afghanistan against WI

…as a result of their second wins, England and Afghanistan sealed qualification for Super Sixes

England 209 for 2 (Rew 86*, Mayes 77*, Mazvitorera 2-54) beat Zimbabwe 208 for 9 (Mudzengerere 45*, Lumsden 3-38, Farhan 2-33, Albert 2-49) by eight wickets

England have confirmed their place in the Super Sixes of the Under-19 World Cup 2026 after crushing hosts Zimbabwe to register successive wins in the group stage. Captain Thomas Rew (86*) and Ben Mayes (77*) led the chase of 209 in Harare. England asked Zimbabwe to bat first, and struck third ball as Alex French got Nathaniel Hlabangana for a duck.

From there onwards, each time a partnership looked stable for Zimbabwe, England hit back to disrupt their momentum. There were stands of 30, 45 and 32 for the second, third and fourth wickets, respectively, with Luke

smashing Dhruv Patel for a six in the 18th over. Mayes got a runa-ball half-century in the 22nd over, as England clubbed the final 64 runs in seven overs to win with a whopping 22 overs to spare.

Zimbabwe’s loss came after their first game, against Scotland, was washed out. They face Pakistan next, and could find it tough to enter the next round.

win over West Indies. They wrapped up the win when Nooristani Omarzai bagged his fourth wicket. With two wins in as many games, Afghanistan have locked in their Super Sixes spot.

Hands, Farhan Ahmed, and Ralphie Albert among the wickets. All Zimbabwe batters from numbers three to six

In reply, England got off to a quick start. They were two down within seven overs, but had also scored 48. Rew and Mayes had

Afghanistan 262 for 6 (Sadat 88, Mahboob 86, Pollard 3-39, Lawes 3-48) beat West Indies 124 (Andrew 57, Omarzai 4-16, Stanikzai 3-20, Wahidullah 3-36) by 138 runs

Contrasting half-centuries from Osman Sadat and Mahboob Khan set up Afghanistan’s 138-run

scored at least 30, but none passed Captain Simbarashe Mudzengerere’s 45 not out. England’s Manny Lumsden got three wickets.

got together on the fifth ball of that over, and their union remained unbroken on 167. Rew was the first to get to fifty off 30 balls by

Roohullah Arab, Wahidullah Zadran Fall of wickets: 1-86 (Khalid Ahmadzai, 17.2 ov), 2-90 (Faisal Shinozada, 19.3 ov), 3-110 (Uzairullah Niazai, 25.6 ov), 4-187 (Osman Sadat, 41.4 ov), 5-225 (Azizullah Miakhil, 47.1 ov), 6-256 (Mahboob Khan, 49.1 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

10-2-39-3

Jakeem Pollard

Shaquan Belle 8-0-45-0

Jonathan van Lange 7-0-53-0

Matthew Miller 5-0-41-0

Micah McKenzie 10-0-33-0

Vitel Lawes 10-0-48-3

West Indies Under-19s

(T: 263 runs from 50 ovs)

Tanez Francis c Khatir Stanikzai

After Afghanistan opted to bat, Sadat and Khalid Ahmadzai put on 86 for the opening wicket before Vitel Lawes, the sixth bowler West Indies used in 18 overs, created a brief stutter. He struck three times in eight overs as Afghanistan lost 3 for 24. Mahboob then steadied the ship in Sadat’s company, adding 77 for the fourth wicket. While Sadat took 68 balls to get to his fifty, Mahboob got there in 54, before accelerating. Mahboob scored 36 off his next 15 balls as Afghanistan scored 79 off the last 10 overs to post 262 for 7.

In reply, only Jewel Andrew, who has played eight internationals for West Indies’ senior side, and 15 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches, offered some resistance. He scored 57 off 70 balls, laced with four fours and three sixes, and was the eighth wicket to fall with the score on 101.

West Indies had lost their first four wickets inside 11 overs. While Wahidullah Zadran started the slide in the first power play with his offspin, seamer Omarzai’s strikes through the middle overs were too much for West

b Wahidullah Zadran 9

Zachary Carter b Wahidullah Zadran 3

Jewel Andrew † c Azizullah Miakhil

b Khatir Stanikzai 57

Joshua Dorne (c)

b Wahidullah Zadran 0 Shamar Apple lbw

b Nooristani Omarzai 5

Jonathan van Lange c Faisal Shinozada

b Nooristani Omarzai 9

Matthew Miller c † Mahboob Khan

b Nooristani Omarzai 2

Shaquan Belle c Khalid Ahmadzai

b Khatir Stanikzai 9

Micah McKenzie b Khatir Stanikzai 5

Jakeem Pollard not out 11

Vitel Lawes c Uzairullah Niazai

b Nooristani Omarzai 9

Extras (b 1, w 4) 5

Total 33.2 Ov (RR: 3.72) 124

Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Tanez Francis, 3.2 ov), 2-21 (Zachary Carter, 5.1 ov), 3-21 (Joshua Dorne, 5.6 ov), 4-51 (Shamar Apple, 10.2 ov), 5-75 (Jonathan van Lange, 20.5 ov), 6-80 (Matthew Miller, 22.1 ov), 7-96 (Shaquan Belle, 26.4 ov), 8-101 (Jewel Andrew, 28.3 ov), 9-105 (Micah McKenzie, 30.3 ov), 10-124 (Vitel Lawes, 33.2 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Abdul Aziz 5-0-27-0

Wahidullah Zadran 9-1-36-3

Nooristani Omarzai 7.2-2-16-4

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) on Saturday last secured a semi-final berth in Berbice cricket for a record 200th time when they defeated a spirited Skeldon Community Centre Cricket Club by eight wickets at the Skeldon Ground.

Playing in glorious sunlight, the home team won the toss and elected to take first strike on a wicket with some preparation moisture.

Openers A Chattergoon and F Kalakadeen added 12 for the first wicket before the latter was caught by Raffel Mckenzie off medium pacer Munesh Rampersaud for two in the fourth over. The home team batsmen showed great application and they batted out 48.5 of the allotted 50 overs to reach 162 all out. The visiting bowlers struggled in the windy conditions

BCB Under-17 tournament 2025…

Hicks, Deochand lead RHT

Bakewell

and gifted Skeldon a healthy 53 extras which included 46 wides. Adil Ali top-scored with an aggressive 30, which included three boundaries. He received support from Chattergoon (15); A Ally (14) and A Nabi (16).

The Rose Hall Town Bakewell bowling effort was led by off-spinners Akash Sooklall and Balraj Narine, who ended with figures of 3 for 28 and 3 for 33, respectively. Pacers Mckenzie and Rampersaud ended with one wicket each. National Under-13 left-arm spinner Jayden Ganpat bowled 10 tight overs for seven runs, claiming the wicket of S Hercules.

Needing to score 163 from 50 overs, Rose Hall Town Bakewell were given an opening stand of 24 by national junior cricketer Ramzan Koobir and the in-form Jonathan Hicks before the former was bowled by L Sukwa for 10. Sukwa then bowled Rampersaud for 8 in the eighth over to give Skeldon some hope as the visitors fell to 43 for 2.

A confident captain, Tameshwar Deochand walked to the crease and changed the course of the game by taking 24 runs off the pacy Adil Ali. The ninth over cost 24 runs which included two mighty

Sinclair Foundation hands over kits to several clubs

In an effort to boost the capabilities of up-andcoming clubs and players, the Kevin Sinclair Foundation last week handed over a complement of cricket kits to various local clubs.

According to a missive from the Foundation, which is spearheaded by Guyanese and West Indian cricketer Kevin Sinclair, Supreme Stars, Speightland and South Stars were on the receiving end of full gear bags.

The donation was made possible by local corporate giant AJM Enterprise.

Thanking the entity for its support, Sinclair also shed some light on the rationale behind his Foundation’s efforts to support other clubs.

“We want to thank AJM Enterprise for their support in this project. Next year, we’re going to be bigger and better and we do hope that these equipment add some value to these clubs and

more so, enhance the game and make the development happen faster, in terms of having equipment at their hand-reach to go out and practice,” Sinclair told this Guyana Times Sport

The spin-bowling all- rounder went on to share, “Hopefully, some of them could go on to represent Guyana and the West Indies; that’s the aim behind this whole gear project. So, once again, thanks to AJM Enterprise.”

The donation to the three clubs is just the latest in Sinclair’s fervent efforts to support up-and-coming players.

to semi-finals

sixes and three sweetly off-driven fours. Deochand and Hicks then rotated the strike beautifully to add 122 runs in 22 overs to take their team over the line and to a place in the semi-finals.

Deochand was unbeaten on 59 while the fast-improving Hicks was not out on an even fifty. Deochand struck two sixes and five boundaries while Hicks, who scored a century last week in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Under-16 tournament, hit four boundaries. Sukwa, who was impressive with his medium- pace, ended with two wickets for 23 runs from six overs.

Rose Hall Town Bakewell now join Port Mourant as semi-finalists.

Next Saturday, Tucber

ing quarter-finals to determine the last two semi-fi

a total of 130 tournaments to date since its formation in 1990 and has emerged as runners-up 38 times.

Just last week, the Foundation hosted a fundraising tapeball competition, featuring some of

Guyana’s biggest names on the local cricket circuit in an effort to raise funds for the ongoing cricket gear project.

GVF unveils packed 2026 calendar

The Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) has announced an ambitious and action-filled calendar of activities for 2026, reinforcing its commitment to the development of volleyball at all levels across the country.

Under the theme “Peace and Unity through Sport”, the Federation’s schedule features a blend of competitions, training programmes, and developmental initiatives aimed at players, coaches, referees, and administrators.

The year officially began with the GVF Annual General Meeting on January 3, setting the tone for a busy sporting year.

Competitive action gets underway in February with the Female Club Tournament, followed in March by coaching and referee courses, highlighting the federation’s emphasis on technical development and capacity building.

The First Division Male Club Tournament is slated for April, alongside a beach volleyball tournament, reflecting the growing popularity of the discipline.

The mid-year period will see a strong focus on national representation and youth development. May features a CSV Beach Volleyball Tournament and the National B Division Tournament, while June is dedicated to the National School Tournament, providing young athletes with opportunities to compete at a na-

tional level.

July and August are expected to be among the most exciting months on the calendar, with the Premier League Finals, Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) Under-16, IGG National Championships, and the Border Games in Lethem all scheduled during this period. Additional beach volleyball tournaments will further add to the packed agenda.

International exposure remains a key priority for the Federation, with a CSV Tournament planned for September and an International Invitational Club Tournament in November, events expected to attract regional and overseas participation.

The year will conclude on a celebratory note with the GVF Appreciation Dinner on December 13, recognising athletes, officials, sponsors, and stakeholders who contributed to the growth of volleyball throughout the year.

GVF President John Flores and General Secretary Ulecia Bishop have both expressed confidence that the 2026 programme will strengthen the sport nationwide, enhance regional competitiveness, and foster unity through volleyball. With a calendar that spans grassroots to elite competition, 2026 promises to be a landmark year for volleyball in Guyana.

Front Line Warrior, Soca Harmony and Sydney were among the horses working out at the Port Mourant Turf Club on Sunday.

These horses from the Jagdeo Racing Stables are in preparation mode for the Banks Classic, which is slated for February 1 at the same venue.

The Banks Classic, which is presented by the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee, promises to be a spectacle as Guyana Cup nomination will be up for the taking.

Importantly, Olympic Kremlin may return to competitive action while Dataman is set to stand firm and continue his winning ways.

According to people from the Jagdeo Racing Stables, the horses are working smoothly ahead of race day. Frontline Warrior in particular looked primed for greatness.

The track at Port Mourant Turf Club is in pristine shape as weather conditions have been favourable in the Ancient County.

The Banks Classic race meet will be the first of four nomination days for the 2026 edition of the Guyana Cup, which is slated for August 23 at a venue to be announced.

A total of 10 races are on the cards for

February 1, and more than $15 million will be up for grabs.

According to organisers, the top horse in the feature one-mile event will be rewarded $2 million.

Other races on the provisional card include the Sprint Classic Open, the F Class and Lower open to E Class non-winners in their last start, four-year-old imported maidens in Guyana, three-year-old Guyana-bred non-winners of two races, L Class maidens open to first-time starters, G Class and Lower open to F Class non-winners in their last three starts, I Class and Lower open to West Indian-bred non-winners in their last two starts classified to H Class, J3 and Lower, L Class Open, and L Class non-earners for 2025 and 2026.

Entries for this race will be accepted from January 18 until January 28. Entry forms can be uplifted at Port Mourant Turf Club, Rising Sun Turf Club, Bush Lot United Turf Club, and Georgetown.

Horses will not be able to race without an entry form. Earlier this week, the Guyana Cup Committee officially released the 2026 Guyana Cup Nomination Series, covering the Guyana Cup (Mile), Guyana Cup Sprint, and Guyana-Bred Derby. Three races, four nomination days, one

championship season.

The nomination days are February 1, 2026, at Port Mourant Turf Club; April 5, 2026, at Port Mourant Turf Club; May 3, 2026, at Bush Lot United Turf Club; and July 5, 2026, at Port Mourant Turf Club

(final nomination day). The Banks Classic will be the first of those nomination days, and all horses will be hoping for fruitful results to secure their spots for the prestigious Guyana Cup.