Republic Bank partners with UNICEF to address adolescent mental health PAC condemns deliberate vandalism of newly planted trees along Heroes Highway
Moblissa woman charged with 2025 Silver Hill fatal accident
Trio charged, remanded for robbing Chinese establishment Linden, Mahdia get compactor garbage trucks to improve waste management
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday April 25 –09:40h–11:10h and Sunday April 26 – 12:35h–14:05h.
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.
Thundery showers are expected during the day, gradually easing to light showers at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East-North-Easterly to East-South-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres. High
DB Invest – the Private Sector arm of the InterAmerican Development Bank – has engaged the local Private Sector and is now looking at several projects that could see potential investments of more than US$300 million being injected into the Guyanese economy.
This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IDB Invest, James Scriven, who was on a twoday visit to Guyana recent-
entire first three decades of Guyana’s membership in the IDB,” the Finance Minister added.
He noted, however, that in 2020, when President Ali assumed the presidency, the Government immediately set about re-engaging with IDB Invest and invited the institution to establish and ramp up a presence in Guyana, recognising that the rate of economic growth would be creating private investment opportunities.
“I am extremely pleased to say that in the space of the five and a half years
lion worth of financing for Private Sector projects, and these range across an extremely broad spectrum of sectors,” Minister Singh added.
During the roundtable discussion, Dr Singh further explained that the IDB is the premier hemispheric development institution and has historically been the largest provider of development finance to Guyana.
He also noted that this Private Sector arm of the bank recognises the importance of the mobilisation and deployment of private financ-
ly. Scriven engaged representatives from local Private Sector bodies on Thursday to discuss investment opportunities in the country and how the institution can assist Guyanese businesses through funding.
He also met with President Dr Irfaan Ali to discuss IDB Invest’s continued contribution to the country’s rapidly growing economy.
Following those engagements, Scriven said, “Rest assured that the agenda we discussed last night and the meetings we had today [with the Private Sector] team have only today seen opportunities north of US$300 million. So, rest assured that we will continue to support your effort to diversify the economy as a development institution…”
This commitment by IDB Invest to further ramp its investment portfolio in Guyana is building on acceleration over the last five years.
Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh, who facilitated the roundtable discussion between the IDB and the Private Sector, highlighted the failure over the years to fully capitalise on the financial institution’s offerings.
“For a very long time, I spent every available opportunity advocating that IDB
Invest do even some business in Guyana. And for many years, it did little or no business, with only four transactions totalling US$6 million being completed in the
that elapsed since then, under James’s leadership, and I know with his personal involvement, IDB Invest has now approved US$264 mil-
ing as an indispensable contributor to the realisation of the hemisphere’s economic growth aspirations.
Editor: Tusika Martin
News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761
Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707
Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com
Over the past week or so, heavy rainfall caused flooding in several communities across the country, with most low-lying parts of Georgetown inundated.
In light of this, the Government has triggered the interagency task force led by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to support those who were affected by the flooding.
According to the Hydrometeorological Office, the current extreme rainfall pattern is expected to last until Sunday, and Guyana is expected to receive above-normal rainfall; low-lying areas could experience flooding. As such, residents have been advised to take precautionary measures because the likelihood of flash flooding has increased.
Guyana is perhaps one of the more precarious lands in South America, as its coastal strip is already some 2.4 metres below sea level. This makes the country vulnerable to flooding. So, when the weather gets really extreme –as it is presently – the Government has kept its disaster response plans on standby.
However, compounding the situation further for Georgetown is the fact that City Hall has again failed to clear and clean clogged drains and canals in the city. It is well known that citizens of the city are fed up with the wrangling and sometimes even outrageous behaviour of City Hall and its failure to carry out its fiduciary duties.
For years, the central Government has been allocating huge sums towards the council, but unfortunately, citizens are not seeing the kind of results and development they expect. Certain parts of the city are littered with garbage; there are clogged drains and canals, and pavements and surrounding drainage are blocked due to illegal vending. As is currently being experienced, Georgetown continues to battle with garbage and flooding problems.
Instead of there being any notable improvements, the landscape in the city continues to deteriorate, and the problems worsen. Only a few days ago, City Hall reported that some 150 billion in taxes are owed to them and have presented a 5.6 billion budget to keep afloat.
For years, the country has had two rainy seasons, but with climate change, the weather patterns across the globe have changed significantly. Experts have predicted that more frequent and extreme weather linked to climate change, like hurricanes and severe flooding, would occur more often. While we cannot prevent natural disasters from occurring, we can certainly prepare better so that the impact is reduced.
For this reason, it is crucial that City Hall, and even the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) in the 10 administrative regions in Guyana, are always prepared by having control of waste management.
Waiting to clean clogged canals and waterways or fix drainage pumps only when the rainy season starts should be a thing of the past. It is important that we constantly review our disaster preparedness efforts. There should be no circumstance to catch us off-guard. As this publication has said before, the decisions we make today will determine our resilience to natural disasters and be critical to people’s well-being in the short and long terms.
With respect to City Hall, we agree that the municipality does need money to run the city, so residents and businesses must pay their taxes; but in the same breath, City Hall too must honour its obligations to the residents of the city.
When the previous administration took office in 2015, the M&CC embarked on a massive city-wide clean-up campaign in Georgetown and its environs. It is time that City Hall embarks upon these clean-up campaigns as part of its routine schedule to fulfil its obligations to the residents of the city.
President
With this step, the university joins a growing network of more than 120 member organisations and countries, including Germany and the United
Mental health care was the focus for a healthcare roundtable event hosted by KPMG Guyana Inc this week. Attended by health leaders, policymakers, researchers and innovators, the session explored emerging regional and international trends in transforming the way mental health care is delivered and governed.
The roundtable attendees discussed how mental health challenges are placing increasing strain on health systems worldwide. It was noted that often limited health-system capacity, pervasive stigma, and economic pressures stemming from high living costs and concentrated economies can combine to exacerbate these challenges.
The roundtable participants also discussed the human and economic stakes of not tackling the increase of poor mental wellbeing. Untreated mental illness can reduce life expectancy, increase healthcare use, reduce productivity and strain families and social systems.
Mental healthcare was also on the agenda at the 70th CARPHA Caribbean Annual Health Research Conference. In his address to conference attendees earlier in the week, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali shared the country’s plans to address pervasive public health issues, including mental health, by ensuring early intervention and cross-sector partnerships, starting with interventions in schools.
KPMG Guyana Inc was one of the conference sponsors and took the opportunity to meet many healthcare stakeholders from across the region who were in Georgetown for this event.
KPMG Guyana Inc
also launched its mental health service proposition this week, designed to help Governments, healthcare providers, businesses and community organisations strengthen mental healthcare provision, improve access, and deliver operational resilience through innovation.
“Across our network, we see many countries facing different distinctive social and operational challenges that require tailored, practical solutions – there is no one size fits all,” Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences, KPMG Islands Group Dr Edward Fitzgerald stated.
Further, Senior Manager, Policy, Sustainability & Healthcare Advisory, KPMG Islands Group, Charlotte Reboul, who co-leads the mental health proposition, stated, “Globally and regionally, the human and economic cost of unmet mental health needs are becoming increasingly apparent: from rising suicide rates to substance misuse to rising anxiety and depression amongst young people. And while the need for support is growing, we
also know that between 78 and 90 per cent of people requiring mental health support in the Caribbean currently do not get treatment*.
“We can work alongside policymakers, service providers and innovators to provide practical, implementable solutions that strengthen systems, support communities, and ensure people can access the care they need, when they need it.”
KPMG Guyana’s proposition can support Governments, health Ministries and mental health providers seeking stronger pathways and operational efficiency. Corporate employers in Guyana who are aiming to embed workplace wellbeing and prevention practices which are sustainable and locally relevant can also be served by this new advisory offering.
The new mental health proposition is built around three pillars. The first pillar, policy and strategy support, helps Governments, corporate employers and organisations understand current system gaps and design
practical solutions.
A second pillar focuses on care models and patient pathway design, supporting island communities to improve access and outcomes across the full spectrum of mental healthcare.
The third pillar centres on operational excellence for mental healthcare providers, helping services become more sustainable and resilient.
Dr Edward Fitzgerald concludes, “In our other markets, we work alongside clinicians, policymakers and people with lived experience to turn strategy into measurable change – from better access and earlier intervention to more efficient, person-centred services.
“We believe that investing in mental health is not only the right thing to do for individuals and communities, but it also makes strong economic sense for businesses and our wider societies. We believe that well-designed mental health systems reduce pressure on healthcare services, support productivity and deliver measurable long-term returns for society.”
Dear Editor,
Georgetown flooding is no longer a once-in-a-while inconvenience… it has become a predictable part of life. Businesses flood within an hour of rainfall, streets become impassable, and citizens are left to deal with losses over and over again. The frustrating part is this is not some mystery. The causes are known, the patterns are clear, and yet the problem continues to grow worse with each passing year.
The reality is that Georgetown sits below sea level, and from the very beginning it was designed to survive that reality, not defeat it. The original drainage system, built by the Dutch, was a smart and simple one. Canals and trenches would collect water, and kokers would release it out to the Atlantic during low tide using gravity. It was a system that worked with nature. But that system was built for a much smaller, less developed city, with open land
that could absorb water and clean, maintained drainage paths.
Today, we are operating a modern, rapidly expanding city on that same old concept, only now the pressure on the system is far greater. The building boom has changed everything.
Concrete has replaced soil, meaning rainwater no longer soaks into the ground but rushes straight into the drains. Natural drainage paths have been altered, blocked, or redirected. Areas that once held or slowed water are now pushing it elsewhere. The system is not just working harder; it is being overwhelmed. Then comes the critical factor many people overlook: timing. Georgetown’s drainage still depends heavily on the tide. When rain falls at low tide, the system should have a fighting chance. But the reality today is that flooding often begins regardless of the tide, even at low tide. That tells us something
deeper is wrong. The water is not even reaching the main canals where it can be discharged. Why? Blocked and poorly maintained trenches, garbage choking the smaller drains, silt build-up, and, in some cases, poor or altered drainage design at the community level.
So instead of flowing through the system, water backs up right where it falls. When heavy rain then coincides with high tide, the situation becomes even worse. The kokers cannot be opened, and the entire burden shifts to pumps, which must lift water up and over sea level. If the rainfall is intense, and it often is, the pumps simply cannot keep up. That is when localised flooding turns into widespread flooding within minutes, not hours.
Layer on top of that the growing garbage crisis, and the situation becomes even worse. Drains clogged with plastic, debris, and silt lose whatever capacity they had
left. Water that should flow freely now backs up into streets, yards, and businesses. Floodwater mixes with waste, creating not just inconvenience but a public health concern. And ironically, the same flooding then redistributes that garbage across the city, making the next rainfall even worse. It is a vicious cycle.
So, what we are really seeing today is not just “heavy rain”. It is a combination of factors colliding at once: a below-sea-level city, an ageing Dutch-designed drainage system, rapid urban development, blocked drains, and the unforgiving timing of tides. When all of these align, and they often do, flooding becomes inevitable.
The hard truth is this: Georgetown is trying to drain a modern city with a system designed for a different time, a different population, and a different landscape. The Dutch built a system that worked with nature. Over time, we
Dear Editor,
I must commend the Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning for engaging representatives of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana on Monday, April 20, 2026, on matters affecting the labour sector. Such consultations are encouraging, as they demonstrate a willingness to listen and work collaboratively toward strengthening labour relations in Guyana.
Engagements like these are important in building trust and ensuring that the concerns of workers are heard and considered. The Minister’s efforts to promote a balanced and progressive labour environment are welcomed.
At the same time, it is important that this spirit of engagement is extended to all unions and labour bodies across Guyana so that no group feels overlooked or excluded from the national conversation on labour issues.
The National Mine Workers’ Union of Guyana had a scheduled meeting with the Minister on April 17, 2026, to discuss several matters of concern to workers. Unfortunately, the meeting was postponed at the last minute due to an urgent cabinet engagement. This was communicated by the Minister’s personal assistant, who also conveyed an apology and indicated that a new date would be arranged. However, to date, a
rescheduled meeting has not yet been communicated to the Union.
In the interest of ensuring that the issues were still brought to the Ministry’s attention, the union left a copy of the matters it had intended to discuss with the Minister’s secretary on April 17, 2026.
i. Among the key concerns raised were the urgent appointment of a substantive Chief Labour Officer.
ii. The establishment of an Industrial Relations Tribunal or Labour Court
to address disputes in a fair and timely manner.
iii. The re-establishment of the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board, which plays a vital role in supporting proper representation within the labour movement.
These are not just institutional concerns but matters that directly impact the lives, rights, and well-being of workers across Guyana.
While we once again acknowledge and applaud the Minister’s engagement
with the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana, we respectfully express the hope that similar opportunities for dialogue will be extended to all unions, including the National Mine Workers Union of Guyana.
Inclusive and consistent engagement will go a long way in strengthening confidence in the labour system and ensuring that every worker’s voice is heard.
Yours faithfully, Lorenzo Joseph
have built a city that works against it.
Until we address not just the infrastructure, but also how we build, how we maintain our drains, and how we treat waste, the flooding will continue. And for many citizens and business owners, it won’t be a rare disaster; it will remain a regular cost of simply trying to live and work in the city.
As Dave Martins once said, “We are a peaceful
people; we na look for trouble.” And maybe that’s part of the problem. We accept the norm. We adjust. We clean up, dry out, and carry on like nothing happened. Struggling de struggle... year after year, flood after flood.
But is this really something we should accept for the next 50 years?
Yours sincerely, Miles Williams
Dear Editor,
Since the 1980s, minibuses have been imported into Guyana to address transportation challenges following the closure of the Guyana Transport Services. However, it appears that the Ministry responsible did not adequately plan for or designate minibus parks across the country’s 10 administrative regions. As a result, minibuses have encroached upon and displaced hire cars from their designated parks.
Consequently, many operators of hire cars licensed as four- or five-seater hackney carriages are authorised to ply for hire, including street hails and operation from taxi parks, and have adapted by functioning as taxis. A taxi, in this context, refers to a driver-operated vehicle hired to transport passengers to specific destinations, typically with fares based on distance.
This situation raises several important questions:
1. Are hire cars licensed as hackney carriages, now operating effectively as taxis, in breach of their road
service certification, licensing conditions, or insurance requirements?
2. Does Guyana have specific legislation governing taxi licensing?
3. Are there established laws regulating taxi bases or dispatch services?
4. If no such taxi-specific laws exist, on what legal basis are these de facto taxi operations permitted without appropriate operator or operating licences?
5. Why are numerous privately owned vehicles allowed to operate for hire across the country, particularly in Georgetown?
In the absence of clear and comprehensive taxi legislation, it is timely and necessary for the relevant Ministry or regulatory authority to examine the implications of establishing a structured legal framework. Such measures would enhance regulation, protect commuters from excessive fares, and promote fairness and accountability within the transportation sector.
Yours sincerely, Hemwant Persaud
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SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026
Study the information below and then answer the questions that follow.
Andy saved $400 monthly until he was able to purchase the watch for himself.
1. How many months did it take him to save all the money to purchase the watch?
2. After using the watch for a short time, he sold it for twothirds the cost price. How much did he sell it for?
Study the information below and then answer questions 3 to 5.
Before You Get Started Fire safety should be taken very seriously. Have an adult around for this experiment.
• Due to the chemicals in the fire extinguisher and the open flame, it may not be safe for young children to participate in the experiment. But they can still watch the magic of science happen!
Do not add too much vinegar to the container. Allow room for the baking soda to prevent the pressure from building too much.
• Handle the container carefully to avoid
losing the carbon dioxide.
• Carbon dioxide is colourless and odourless. You will not be able to see it come out of the container, but you will definitely notice what it does!
Materials
•Clear jar or bottle (with a hole punched in the lid)
•Vinegar
•Baking soda
•Candle
•Matches or lighter
•Paper towels
Instructions
1. Set a paper towel underneath the jar to catch
Josh and his sister left home and rode 500 meters to the main road. They still had 2 kilometres more remaining to reach the school.
3. Express the remaining distance in metres.
4. How far in km do the children live from school?
5. The school bell rings at 09:00h. If the children leave home at 07:30h and reach to school five minutes before the bell rings, how long do they spend riding?
An isosceles triangle and a rectangle are combined to form a new polygon shown below. Study it carefully and then answer questions 6 and 7.
6. What is the name of the polygon formed from the combined shapes?
7. Calculate the value of n
any ingredients that spill over.
2. Pour the vinegar into the jar until it is halfway full.
3. Drop a spoonful of baking soda into the glass. If you are using a lid, screw it on.
4. While the mixture bubbles and foams,
light the candle with your matches or lighter.
5. Put the container next to the flame. Pour out the gas, but not the liquid. If using a lid with a hole, aim the hole at the flame.
6. Observe! (Adapted from scienceexplorers.com)
By yannis Kondos
The ancient warriors rose and with their short swords beat on the door. Earth and rust fell from their bodies. Savage faces in the little light of the moon. They sought for a woman with red hair who had lured them into snares with wine and caresses. They didn’t know her name or her tribe. I opened without much interest. Their dry eyes looked inside. I showed them your death certificate. They left. I remained, however, in history for a while. Then I put on my armor, took up my sword, went into the other room and hacked you to pieces. Afterwards, I returned to my own era.
(Source: Poetry [October/November 1987])
your story in a place that has lost all colour.
The Guyanese Government has been invited by its Surinamese counterpart to discuss the controversial fees imposed by authorities in the Dutch-speaking nation on Guyanese operators using the Corentyne River.
Last month, President Dr Irfaan Ali disclosed that he had issued a diplomatic note to the Government of Suriname to formally protest the institution of the charges on Guyanese timber and quarry operators traversing the Corentyne River, which borders the two countries; however, the Dutch-speaking nation has sovereignty over the critical waterway.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation in Paramaribo said it has responded to Guyana in an April 20 Nota Verbale, explaining the legal and ad-
ministrative basis for the application of maritime charges and further inviting Guyana to engage on the matter.
“The Cooperative Republic of Guyana has been invited to technical discussions...,” the missive detailed.
Contacted on Friday, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd told the Guyana Times that no date has been fixed for this meeting. However, he noted that talks are ongoing between the two countries with the aim of finding a mutually acceptable solution to the situation.
“So, we will be having dialogue with Suriname at the level of the Foreign Ministries to find a reasonable solution to the fees and charges being imposed by Suriname,” Minister Todd told this newspaper on Friday evening.
Exemptions
Meanwhile, in Friday’s statement, the Surinamese Foreign Ministry explained that these maritime charges are based on existing laws and regulations of Suriname and do not represent a recent policy change. It was explained that Suriname had previously granted specific and limited exemptions to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to freely utilise the Corentyne River – something that was not intended as a general exemption for all vessels using the waterways.
Moreover, the Foreign
Ministry in Paramaribo further emphasised that all vessels, including Surinamese and foreign vessels, operating within Surinamese jurisdiction remain subject to the applicable laws and regulations. This, the missive added, upholds the principle of equal application of maritime rules.
Nevertheless, the Surinamese Government has expressed, in the statement, its appreciation for the long-term cooperation with Guyana and reaffirms its commitment to a constructive and cooperative relationship. Hence, the invite was extended to discuss the maritime charges.
“The Cooperative Republic of Guyana has been invited to technical discussions for the evaluation of the relevant arrangement for GuySuCo and further discus-
sions in connection with the safe navigation and trade on the Corentyne River,” the missive noted.
Suriname’s statement on Friday came in response to a media report in Guyana, which states that the Guyanese vessels were being allowed to freely use the Corentyne River.
But according to the Surinamese Ministry, the article does not accurately reflect the policy and practice in the use of the Corentyne River, adding that the statements regarding the discontinuation or adjustment of maritime charges are contradictory to current policy and regulations.
Economic impact
Already, communities along the Upper Corentyne region of Guyana are beginning to feel the weight of uncertainty as a result of the introduction of this new maritime fee, with those along river-dependent villages like Orealla bracing for a direct hit on their livelihoods. In fact, economic activity in Orealla is heavily tied to sand mining, loam extraction, and timber production – industries that depend almost entirely on river ac-
cess.
Moreover, the local Private Sector has been up in arms about the fallout that these new charges would bring to economic activity in Guyana, as well as trade relations with Suriname.
Only earlier this month, President Ali told reporters in Georgetown that he raised the issue with Suriname’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Melvin Bouva, when he travelled to Paramaribo on April 7 for the funeral of former Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.
“[The visit] was for a specific purpose; to pay tribute to President Santokhi, to honour the work and partnership that we had. But yes, of course, I raised the matter with the Minister of Foreign Affairs,” the Guyanese leader indicated.
According to the Head of State, his Government has placed tremendous emphasis on this issue, and it remains a priority matter for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Georgetown.
“So, every day, we are engaged with it,” the President had stated.
In his March 26 protest note to Paramaribo,
Following the roundtable discussion, Scriven and his team, accompanied by Dr Singh, toured some project sites for which IDB Invest had provided financing support.
The first site the team visited was Demerara Distillers Limited, for which IDB Invest in 2020 provided US$22 million to support food security by financing the expansion of milk and fruit juice production capacity, along with another US$7 million in 2023 to further boost production and diversification of agro-processing operations. Additionally, the team toured Muneshwers Limited,
where, in 2022, IDB Invest provided US$4 million for the procurement of a mobile harbour crane to increase port terminal capacity and, in 2023, an additional US$10 million for the expansion of port and warehouse facilities.
IDB Invest has also partnered with Guyana’s Private Sector through the provision of financing for a number of other projects, including US$45 million in 2023 towards Unicomer Guyana Inc’s sustainable commercial complex that will employ micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in local supply chains; US$30 million in 2024 towards One
Communications connectivity and networking infrastructure; US$5 million in 2025 to the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) to assist in expanding access to financing for micro and small enterprises (MSEs); as well as US$55 million under its Trade Finance Facilitation Programme to provide working capital and liquidity to commercial banks, including Republic Bank Guyana Limited, Demerara Bank Limited, and Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).
The visit culminated with Dr Singh and the visiting team joining President Irfaan Ali for the grand opening of the 172-room Four Points Sheraton Hotel, owned by Mauricio Van Dam, for which IDB Invest provided financing of US$18 million towards its construction.
Minister Singh, while delivering remarks, recalled that President Ali’s vision for all that is happening currently started when he was Minister of Housing and Water and Minister of Tourism, as at that time, “he already had a map with every dam in every cane field mapped out with remarkable clarity. So today, when we
President Ali had indicated that Guyana expects Suriname to reconsider and ultimately desist from such actions that may be perceived as arbitrary or detrimental to the shared objective of deepening cooperation between the two countries.
While expressing hope that this matter would be “dealt with as friends”, the Guyanese Head of State had underscored the importance of reciprocity, reminding that Surinamese businesses have been enjoying a level of freedom and equity of access, like any local businesses, here.
In fact, during his remarks at President Santokhi’s funeral service in Paramaribo, President Ali subtly addressed the issue, noting that the former Surinamese President viewed the shared waterway as a passage of unity between the two countries, not as a border for discord.
“He believed that the fortunes of our two lands were braided together. He often spoke of the river not as a line between us but as a vein connecting two hearts, a passage of unity, not a border for discord,” President Ali expressed.
fast forward to 2026 and we hear conversations about the dozens of hotels that are being opened and the thousands of rooms that are being created, as well as the thousands upon thousands of jobs that are being created in the tourism and hospitality sector, I can’t help but cast my mind back to that period when these ideas were being conceptualised, with the clarity with which they were being conceptualised and with a vision that really today makes me wonder about how much of it was foresight and fortuitous circumstances. Of course, the discovery of oil did help and will contin-
ue to help, but I want to really make the point to all of you today that we did not get here by accident and we did not get here only because of oil,” the Finance Minister explained.
Meanwhile, Scriven, in his remarks, said the opening of the hotel marks a significant milestone in sustainable development and investor confidence. He also noted that the hotel is setting a new regional standard for eco-friendly luxury and is anticipated to be the first EDGE Advancedcertified hotel in Guyana and potentially in all of the Caribbean.
“You are leading sustain-
able tourism by featuring a large solar roof footprint and energy-efficient design, and the hotel aligns perfectly with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy,” Scriven pointed out.
Joining the CEO on his visit to Guyana were the Managing Director for the Caribbean Region, Darryl White; the Director of the Caribbean Region, Corporates Division, Isabel de Caires, of IDB Invest; as well as the Executive Director for the Caribbean at the IDB, Navita Ramroop, and the IDB Country Representative, Lorena Solórzano Salazar.
Even as Sanction Man is in the throes of his last-ditch (Hail Mary??) effort at the CCJ to delay his inevitable deportation to Stateside, his minions have been frantically trying to create some relevance for themselves in society. They seem totally clueless on parlaying their role as the official POLITICAL opposition to the Government to gain political traction. But then they’ve defined themselves as being card-carrying members of Guyana’s Scrapehead fraternity – more adept at creating mayhem in the streets than offering better plans to develop our country than the Government!! And hopefully convince voters that THEY oughta be the Government come 2030!!
Yesterday being the first anniversary of the tragic death of that child, Adrianna Young – your Eyewitness expected Sanction Man and his WIN vehicle – which came to national notoriety through fanning the flames of the family’s grief into nihilistic rage against the PPP Government – to use the occasion for a reprise!! Hopefully they wouldn’t descend into a repetition of the burning and looting swathes of GT but confine themselves to taking verbal pot shots at the Government!! At the time, Sanction Man had promised that if WIN were to win last year’s election, he’d request the FBI to investigate Adrianna’s death. Well, he now has a constitutional role as Leader of the Opposition (the LOO), and your Eyewitness feels if he were really concerned about the circumstances of the child’s death, he’d have used his tight (financial?) connections with the child’s parents and relatives to initiate an investigation!! As it is, the Government has ordered an inquest to be conducted.
But then your Eyewitness noticed that the WIN second-tier leaders – headed by their General Secretary and comedian Odessa Primus – made an incredible announcement concerning the upcoming 60th anniversary of our independence!! She criticised the PPP trenchantly on how they’ve commemorated the day during their now 29 post-independence years at the helm!! She announced they were gonna “restore meaning, dignity and national pride to the country’s independence celebration” – with six weeks of activities under the theme “Rooted in Identity – Rising in Destiny”!! Imagine that!!
Now, your Eyewitness has no problems about going beyond “surface-level celebration” as was claimed. So, does this mean WIN’s gonna expose Forbes Burnham and his PNC’s machinations to betray the independence movement for the 30 pieces of silver to run Guyana?? Will they expose how their 1962 Black Friday demonstrations led to the burning down of GT’s business district? Or the racial civil war that spread from the coastal villages to Wismar? And how was Burnham on the CIA’s payroll??
These made a mockery of real independence – which should’ve meant bringing together all Guyanese to enjoy independence – rather than just PNC members?!!
…India bashing
For quite a while, Trump and India’s Modi projected a close relationship with the former’s “Howdy Modi” rally in the States and the latter’s following up with an even more massive “Namaste Trump” event in India. These were presumably going to lead to closer relations with the two nations – especially with India considering itself as about to enter the “superpower” big leagues – along with the US and China.
Well, India got a rude awakening when Trump hit its exports to the US with massive 50 per cent tariffs – while demanding favourable access into the Indian agricultural sector!! But in all of this, India kept its (diplomatic) cool!! However, when Pres Trump reposted material on Truth Social from conservative broadcaster Michael Savage, attacking birth-right citizenship in the US – and claiming migrants come from ‘China or India or some other hellhole on the planet’, the Indian reserve fell apart!!
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued an unusually direct response by asserting that the comments were ‘uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste’!!!
Whew!!
…the oil-fuelled boom
Your Eyewitness is pretty chuffed that the 172-room Four Points by Sheraton Guyana along the Heroes Highway was officially opened by the press!! Especially since it integrates Guyanese decor, colours and artwork inspired by our rivers, forests and Indigenous heritage!!
Driven largely by its burgeoning energy sector, Guyana has maintained a dominant economic performance at a time when global uncertainty, climate shocks, and domestic structural challenges have slowed growth across the Caribbean.
This is according to the latest edition of the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) flagship publication –Caribbean Economic Review and Outlook 2025-2026 –which was released on Friday.
“The Caribbean’s economic performance remained subdued in 2025, shaped by stable global growth but heightened geopolitical uncertainty, evolving trade and tariff policies, intensifying climate impacts, and persistent
domestic structural challenges,” the report stated.
It further pointed out that regional growth, excluding Guyana, slowed to 0.6 per cent in 2025 from 1.4 per cent in 2024 as activity weakened across most of the Bank’s 19 Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs). In fact, 11 of the 19 BMCs recorded smaller expansions relative to 2024, while three experienced contractions.
However, Guyana continues to be the primary driver of regional economic performance, as the country’s robust expansion moderated from extraordinary levels. “Including Guyana, regional growth was 4.7 per cent, down from 8.3 per cent in 2024, with overall growth still driven largely
by Guyana’s performance,” it highlighted.
The report finds too that performance among the commodity-exporting economies diverged, partly reflecting varying stages of energy-sector development.
Though Guyana remained the dominant performer among the group and the region, the CDB report outlined that the country’s growth decelerated to 19.5 per cent, down from 43.6 per cent in 2024. “This slower growth reflected a more moderate pace of oil-sector expansion relative to 2024, the first full year of peak production from the country’s third oil field. Despite this deceleration, the rapidly scaling energy sector remained the main driver of economic activity,” it stated.
In 2025, Guyana’s oil production rose by 15.8 per cent to 261 million barrels per day, that is, 715,000 barrels per day on average, supported by the start-up of the Yellowtail oil field in August and optimisation at the Payara oil field, which lifted output to roughly 15.0 per cent above its designed capacity.
The CDB report further
highlighted that Guyana’s non-oil economy also expanded strongly, boosted by a significant scaling-up of public investments in roads, bridges, energy systems, and social facilities, alongside strong private investment in tourism and real estate.
Similarly, it noted that agriculture was supported by growth in non-traditional crops, while services expanded, driven by growth in wholesale and retail trade, repairs, and administrative and support services. Mixed outcomes. Moreover, the report added that other commodity-exporting economies expanded but remained below pre-pandemic levels of output in 2025.
Suriname experienced moderate growth supported by offshore energy-related investment, while Trinidad and Tobago saw flat growth amid weakness in both the energy and non-energy sectors. Jamaica and Haiti were affected by climate-related disruptions, including Hurricane Melissa, which dampened economic activity and tourism demand. Haiti’s economy contracted for the seventh consecutive year as insecurity continued to suppress growth.
Despite slower economic activity, labour market conditions remained broadly stable across the region, with unemployment declining in most reporting BMCs. However, long-standing youth and gender disparities persisted, alongside labour shortages in some sectors. Inflation also moderated across the region, supported by lower global commodity prices, although it remained above pre-pandemic levels in most economies.
The report further high-
lights that fiscal performance across the region was mixed. Excluding Guyana, the regional primary surplus narrowed to 1.3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025 from 1.6 per cent in 2024, reflecting slower revenue growth and rising expenditure pressures. Debt levels remained elevated in several economies, with nine BMCs recording central government debt-to-GDP ratios above 60 per cent.
The Government of Guyana, in partnership with Colombia, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Toshaos Council, hosted an event titled “Promoting Self-Determination while Advancing Quality Healthcare in Indigenous Communities”, which brought together international stakeholders to examine inclusive and culturally grounded approaches to healthcare delivery.
The seminar was moderated by Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Her Excellency Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.
Delivering remarks, Amerindian Affairs Minister
Sarah Browne-Shadeek emphasised the importance of empowering indigenous communities to shape healthcare policies that directly affect their lives.
Key presentations highlighted diverse perspectives on Indigenous health governance and equity.
The Deputy Permanent Representative of Colombia, His Excellency Ambassador Raúl Sánchez, who presented on “Indigenous Health Governance in Conflict Settings”, outlined challenges and strategies within vulnerable environments.
In addition, the Director of the WHO office at the United Nations, representative Werner Obermeyer, addressed persistent disparities in healthcare ac-
cess in his presentation, “Addressing Health Inequities in Indigenous Communities”.
Guyana’s national perspective, presented by Dr Orin Lewis in “Healthcare and Self-Determination: The Guyanese Perspective”, underscores the country’s ongoing efforts to integrate indigenous voices into healthcare planning and delivery.
Further, contributions were made by Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Pauline Sukhai; Director General for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Sonia Latchman; Ministerial planning officer Miriam Andrew; Secretary of the National Toshaos Council Shane Cornelius;
and Technical Officer Dave Jeffrey, who highlighted both grassroots initiatives and the role of community leadership in advancing sustainable health outcomes.
The seminar attracted engagement from delegations representing Kenya, Nicaragua, Indonesia, Colombia, and Canada, as well as Guyanese non-Governmental organisations (NGOs).
During discussions, Guyana received outstanding commendation from local NGO, Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), for the significant strides it has made in improving healthcare access and promoting self-determination among its indigenous populations.
The Government remains committed to strengthening Guyana’s contract management systems as part of a broader push to enhance accountability and support national development.
Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, made the assertion on Thursday at the closing of a three-day workshop on the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) at the Grand Coastal Hotel.
The workshop brought together engineers, lawyers, accountants, procurement officers, and other public sector officials and forms part of ongoing efforts to build technical capacity across
Government agencies.
The AG emphasised that equipping public officers with specialised knowledge in complex contract systems is critical as Guyana advances major infrastructure and energy projects.
“A priority of our Government continues to be continual and continuous training in different and specialised areas of expertise to ensure that our officers are equipped to lead and execute the transformation agenda efficiently and effectively,” the Minister stated.
He explained that the Government is simultaneously reviewing its existing suite of contracts, including International Federation of Consulting Engineers
(FIDIC)-based agreements and locally developed models, some of which are decades old, to ensure they align with modern global standards and deliver stronger protections for public resources.
The AG noted that this review will address key areas, such as enforcement of performance bonds, effectiveness of remedies, notice requirements, and the overall efficiency of procurement systems.
According to the Minister, these reforms are essential to improving project execution, reducing contractual disputes, and ensuring better outcomes for citizens.
The initiative aligns with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision to modernise governance through improved systems, data-driven decision-making, and continuous human resource development.
The workshop was facilitated by international legal experts, including James Bremen, who guided participants through the complexities of FIDIC contracts and their practical application in large-scale projects.
The presiding partner of a London-based international law firm, James Bremen, explained that the threeday workshop was aimed at supporting the Government
of Guyana in managing its growing portfolio of large, fast-paced and complex development projects.
He noted that the sessions focused on key international construction contract frameworks, particularly FIDIC, to help participants better understand procurement methods and the legal issues involved to improve efficiency in project delivery, especially in relation to time and cost.
Meanwhile, Shakti Persaud from the Office of the Prime Minister said the training on FIDIC contracts was highly beneficial, describing it as intellectually stimulating and insightful.
She noted that while the workshop had a strong le-
gal focus, it proved valuable across multiple disciplines, including engineering, accounting and management.
Persaud added that the sessions helped her better understand and connect key aspects of the contracts she works with, equipping her with practical knowledge. She expressed appreciation
for the opportunity to participate. The engagement forms part of a wider Government strategy to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure Guyana can effectively manage the increasing scale and complexity of its development projects.
As global advocates observe Earth Day 2026 under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet”, Recover Guyana, in collaboration with the Education Ministry and with support from ExxonMobil Guyana, on Wednesday launched the fourth edition of SHOUT, the National Youth Environmental Speech Competition.
Winners of this year’s competition will receive more than $4 million in cash and prizes.
First launched in 2023, SHOUT encourages participants to think creatively about becoming environmental advocates for sustainability while undertaking major environmental improvements within their schools.
This year’s competition
within their own schools and communities.”
Since its inception, SHOUT has grown from a visionary concept into a national movement for youth empowerment, environmen-
is branded SHOUT4Change and aligns with the global call to empower youth voices to respond to the urgent environmental challenges facing the planet, including climate change, water security, biodiversity, waste management, and renewable energy.
Project Lead for SHOUT, Dr Dave Lalltoo, said that the initiative “is not just about speaking; it is about solutions, and this year we have fully embedded STEM throughout the competition to ensure our young leaders are equipped with the technical skills and critical thinking needed to design real, impactful solutions to Guyana’s environmental challenges, starting right
tal awareness, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) integration, delivered through a strong and strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education.
Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary), Sherwyn Blackman, was heartened at the support received, adding, “I’m even happier that it is rooted in STEM. The Ministry of Education, and, of course, by extension, the Government of Guyana, has done quite a lot advocating for the inclusion of STEM and how we can roll it out across the country. But more importantly, how can our young people also take advantage and use those
skill sets that they will learn through STEM to actually cause a rippling effect of development or continued development in our country?”
“I’m even more pleased”, he continued, “that this competition is rolled out across all 11 education districts. And I saw students coming up here from some schools that I don’t believe I saw in a competition last year, which means that this competition is gaining the kind of momentum that one would desire, which means that across our country, or secondary schools across the country, our young people are recognising how important their voice is to this competition.”
ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd (EMGL), which has served as the title sponsor of the initiative for the past three years, continues to support youth-led environmental advocacy through SHOUT.
Community Relations Supervisor at EMGL, Ryan Hoppie, said, “As we talk about the environment, we know that they are the brilliant minds in this room that will help us to channel
and mindsets as well as capabilities, and it’s about encouraging our students to apply that critical thinking capability and the creativity as well as the innovation that addresses the real challenges that we face within our communities. As Guyana continues to develop, these qualities will be essential in building a resilient and sustainable country.”
In addition, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr, who was the keynote speaker, touched on the adaptability of mankind and how the Shout4Change initiative lends directly to this, especially given the changing
us the solution that we need to save the world.”
Twenty national finalists
Environment Day, June 5, 2026.
Phase Two of the compe-
world.
“There have been challenges throughout human history for which we have
were unveiled at the launch, adding a new level of anticipation and enabling earlier engagement, mentorship,
those energies into championing the cause for the environment and the world that we live in. We recognise that important role indeed, and it’s not just about finding an amazing project, but it’s also about the responsibility and the awareness and stewardship that come with developing that project and ensuring that the impact is felt beyond the walls of our schools and into our communities. SHOUT helps us to build the right types of skills
always been able to find a solution. But if we find a solution through our innovation and deliberate focus on finding that solution, all of you are going to enter a world… in which you’re going to face those same kinds of challenges that all of us would have faced before. But the combination of your minds here in Guyana and around the world, the collective effort of your ideas and your minds that emanate from that will be the solution that gives us or will give
and visibility as competitors prepare for the national stage. These finalists represent a diverse and dynamic group of students from secondary schools across Guyana, each bringing unique perspectives and a shared passion for environmental advocacy and innovation.
The SHOUT4Change competition is divided into four phases, with Phases Two, Three and Four scheduled to take place on World
tition will see the finalists advancing to a presentation round, where they will be given 90 seconds to deliver prepared environmental speeches. This phase highlights the advocacy skills and environmental awareness of the selected schools.
Further, Phase Three will feature an impromptu speech competition for the top 10 secondary schools.
The final phase of the competition marks a pivotal stage, in which the top four schools will each answer a single, comprehensive environmental question. The results will determine and crown Guyana’s 2026 National Youth Environmental Speaker.
The top secondary school will receive a $1 million package towards an environmental advancement project and one year of free ONE Fibre internet service, while participation awards will also be presented to the top 20 finalists, and special awards will be given for the best speaker, environmentally impactful presentation, and most influential speech, as well as the Go Green Award.
The trial in the 2020 elections fraud case continued on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court with the conclusion of the cross-examination of former People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) elections agent Sasenarine Singh and the continuation of testimony from the prosecution’s witness, former PPP/C tabulation agent Beebee Anisha Mohammed.
During his testimony, Singh testified to collecting Statements of Poll (SoPs) duplicates from polling stations on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and handed them over to a party representative at the party’s Freedom House, Robb Street, headquarters. However, he acknowledged that during his possession of the SoPs, they were never checked to verify any of the security features to confirm the authenticity of the SoPs that were handed over.
On the other hand, Mohammed’s testimony saw several objections from the defence attorneys, Nigel Hughes and Eusi Anderson, who contested a video compiled by the witness, which comprised a voice recording that she made of a Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) staff member calling out numbers from the SoPs during the tabulation of the Region Four votes in the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections (GRE).
Mohammed testified that the audio recording in the video was made at Ashmin’s Building but acknowledged that the visuals were added to the audio in a video that she created.
Mohammed is scheduled to be back on the stand on Monday when the case continues before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty.
Nine persons are currently charged with conspiracy to commit electoral fraud in relation to the tabulation of votes for Region Four in the 2020 GRE.
They include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowefield, former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, former Region Four Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo, former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Minister Volda Lawrence, former APNU+AFC Chief Scrutineer Carol SmithJoseph, and former GECOM employees Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Michelle Miller, and Denise BobbCummings.
Among the offences these defendants are accused of committing are misconduct while holding public office, presenting falsified documentation and planning to manipulate Guyana’s voters by presenting an inaccurate vote total. These charges stem from attempts to rig the 2020 elections in favour of the then-ruling APNU/AFC.
Republic Bank Guyana Limited and UNICEF Guyana on Wednesday signed a landmark USD $50,000 partnership agreement to advance adolescent mental health and psychosocial well-being across Guyana. The collaboration comes at a critical time, as mental health challenges among adolescents continue to rise globally and across the region.
In Guyana, suicide remains a major public health concern, with the country consistently recorded among those with the highest suicide rates in the region. The programme to be implemented in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Education will focus on strengthening adolescent mental health and well-being through a multi-pronged approach, including community-based mental health response, stigma reduction campaigns, strengthening schoolbased psychosocial support systems, and capacity building for teachers.
It will also include the issuing of disability identification
facility now has capacity to accommodate over 500 students
Student capacity at the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre has increased from just over 300 to more than 500, following the commissioning of a new training block on Thursday. The new facility, which
Education Minister Sonia Parag, during the commissioning ceremony, stated that the expansion reflects the Government’s intensified focus on TVET over the past five years, including strengthening certification through Caribbean
houses eight state-of-theart classrooms, is expected to significantly expand access to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) for students across Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
Vocational Qualifications (CVQ).
She noted that the development is part of a broader effort to ensure that persons across all regions, particularly in rural and hinterland communities, have
tionally learned through experience, formal qualifications now play a key role in validating those skills and improving employment opportunities.
“People are going to choose the person with the certificate because they feel that person is trained,” she added.
Minister Parag also highlighted that the Government will continue expanding TVET infrastructure nationwide to meet growing demand, pointing out that the Mahaicony facility is designed not only to serve current students but also to accommodate future enrolment.
The expansion comes amid increasing interest in technical and vocational
access to skills-based training opportunities.
“Not everybody is going to be an academic, and we recognise that,” the Minister said, explaining that technical and vocational education allows individuals to develop practical skills that can generate income and support families.
She further emphasised the importance of certification, noting that while many skilled individuals tradi-
pathways among both male and female students in the region.
Also in attendance at the commissioning ceremony were Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for TVET, Dr Ritesh Tularam; Regional Chairman, Recardo Phillips; Regional Vice Chairman, Kleon Lindey; along with several regional councillors.
the agreement
cards to children and adolescents with disabilities in Region Two in partnership with the National Commission on Disabilities. The initial phase will be implemented in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), taking into consideration the region’s high rates of suicide; therefore, there is a pressing need and potential for scalable impact.
Lessons learned from this phase will inform expansion to oth-
er regions across Guyana, supporting a sustained national approach to adolescent mental health.
Managing Director of Republic Bank Guyana Limited, Dr Toussant Boyce, emphasised the bank’s commitment to national well-being beyond financial services.
“At Republic Bank, we believe that investing in people is the most powerful investment we can make. Our young people are fac-
ing unprecedented mental health challenges, and we are proud to stand with UNICEF in addressing this urgent issue. Through this partnership, we aim to help build stronger support systems, reduce stigma, and ensure that every young person in Guyana feels seen, supported, and valued,” he added.
UNICEF Representative for Guyana and Suriname, Javier Córdoba, highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing adolescent mental health.
“Mental health is fundamental to a child’s development, yet too often it is overlooked or misunderstood. In Guyana, where young people are disproportionately affected, this partnership represents a critical step forward.
Together with Republic Bank Guyana Limited, we are committed to strengthening prevention, expanding access to support and empowering communities to respond early and effectively.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a more resilient, inclusive and sup-
portive society where children and adolescents can thrive emotionally, socially and mentally. The signing ceremony held today marks the beginning of a multi-year collaboration aimed at strengthening national systems and community-level interventions that prioritise mental health and well-being as a foundation for sustainable development.
As the programme expands beyond Region Two, both partners reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that no young person in Guyana is left behind in accessing the care and support they need.
Reports indicate that young people struggle with mental health, including depression and anxiety, which are increasingly compounded by social pressures, economic stressors and limited access to early support services.
Globally, UNICEF estimates that one in seven adolescents aged 10–19 live with a diagnosed mental health condition, yet many do not receive the care or support they need during these formative years.
Atroubling pattern of deliberate vandalism is emerging across some of the country’s most significant public recreational investments, as the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), in collaboration with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), issues
an urgent appeal to the public to cease the ongoing destruction of young trees recently planted along the Heroes Highway.
Despite the installation of protective barricades designed to safeguard these plants during their critical growth phase, reports and
field observations have confirmed that individuals are deliberately reaching into these enclosures to break, uproot, or otherwise damage the saplings. Additionally, mesh and wooden materials used for the enclosures are being removed, exposing the trees to cattle traversing the roadway. The agencies have warned that legal action will be pursued against individuals found intentionally damaging public property.
These trees represent a significant investment in Guyana’s “Green Future” under the National Tree Planting Project, a flagship initiative of the Government of Guyana. The project, jointly implemented by the PAC and the GFC, aims to enhance the national landscape while addressing the global challenge of climate change. The trees being planted are more than mere aesthetic additions to roadways; they are vital components of national infrastructure.
The PAC and GFC wish to remind the public that these trees belong to all Guyanese and that acts of vandalism deprive future generations of their environmental heritage.
In a statement, the agen-
cies noted: “We are working tirelessly to build a greener, healthier Guyana, but the success of this project depends on the respect and cooperation of every citizen. We must move from being bystanders to being stewards of our environment.”
Citizens are being urged to desist immediately from interfering with the plants or their protective barricades, report any acts of vandalism to the PAC, the GFC, or the nearest police station, and encourage others to respect and protect shared green spaces. One day after the commissioning of the US$10.8 million Guyana-China Friendship Park on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), the PAC had raised concern over acts of vandalism affecting the facility’s newly installed sanitary services.
The Commission warned that the actions could lead to serious plumbing failures and may result in the temporary closure of sanitary units to facilitate emergency repairs.
The PAC expresses profound disappointment and concern regarding the misuse and acts of vandalism targeting the newly commissioned sanitary facilities at the Guyana-China Friendship Park, WBD.
Maintenance inspections had revealed severe and deliberate clogging of the sewage system with large quantities of industrial-grade tissue, and most alarming-
ly, a fish was discovered in a toilet bowl. Such actions may result in significant plumbing failures and can temporarily inconvenience the public by forcing the closure of specific units for emergency repairs.
The Government, through the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, on Friday handed over two garbage compactor trucks to Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) to further advance efforts to improve solid waste management and enhance service delivery within these communities.
The handing over was conducted by Deputy Permanent Secretary (PS) (Administration) of the Ministry Dr Josh Kanhai, who was joined by the Director of Sanitation Satrohan Nauth, along with representatives of the respective townships. This latest distribution brings the total number of garbage trucks distributed nationwide to 63, as the Government continues its
phased rollout to strengthen waste collection systems and support local authorities across the country.
To date, the Government has handed over two similar trucks to Port Kaituma and Mabaruma in Region One; 10 to Region Two; 14 to Region Three; 10 to Region Four; and 22 to Region Six, with 19 allocated to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and three to municipalities.
Region Nine has since received two trucks – one for an NDC and one for a municipality – while Region Eight now has one truck for the township of Mahdia and Region 10 has one for the
township of Linden.
This brings the distribution to 55 NDCs and seven municipalities equipped with garbage compactor trucks.
The initiative forms part
of the Government’s broader commitment to maintaining cleaner, healthier communities and ensuring that development is reflected in the everyday lives of citizens across Guyana.
Twenty-five-yearold Steffon Onassis Henry from La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, was on Tuesday granted bail in connection with a fatal accident that occurred on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Anteater Roundabout, Heroes Highway. It was reported that at the time of the accident, Henry was driving motor lorry GAM 4158, owned by Sundar Roopnarine of Timehri, East Bank Demerara, when he came into contact with 46-year-old Cuban national Urquiaga Zulueta Yohanis, who was
at the time riding an unregistered electric cycle.
Henry appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Diamond/Grove Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him. He reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges after the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied. As such, he was granted bail in the sum of $350,000. As a condition for bail, Henry is required to report to the Madewini Police Outpost every Friday until the determination of the matter. The matter was adjourned to May 12, 2026.
In a proactive step to advance the ongoing rehabilitation of Dennis Street, Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill recently convened a meeting with vendors cur-
rently operating along the corridor in the vicinity of C Field, Sophia.
The primary objective of the engagement was to establish a clear and mutually beneficial path forward,
ensuring that the vendors’ economic activities remain completely undisrupted as critical roadworks continue.
During the discussions, Edghill announced that within two weeks, the ven-
dors will be smoothly transitioned to a newly constructed, designated tarmac
More than five months after an accident along the Silver Hill Public Road, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, which claimed the lives of two persons, a 22-year-old woman was on Wednesday slapped with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. Sharda Rodrigues of Moblissa, Linden-Soesdyke
Highway, appeared before Magistrate Tamicka Clarke at the Friendship Magistrate’s Court, where she pleaded not guilty to both charges. Police stated that on November 16, 2025, Rodrigues drove motor car PAG 1280 in a manner dangerous to the public, which claimed the lives of Deron Bobb and 51-year-old Wayne
Clarke of Grove Village, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
It was reported that on the day in question, motor car PHH 1632, which was at the time being driven by a 28-year-old man from Grove Village, was heading south when the driver reportedly lost control, veering into the western lane.
The vehicle collided with motorcar PAG 1280, driven by Rodrigues. However, the impact of the collision caused motor car PHH 1632 to overturn, throwing its occupants from the vehicle.
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) later pronounced Bobb and Clarke dead at the scene. The driver of PHH 1632 sustained serious injuries and had to be hospitalised. Rodrigues and two minor passengers also suffered injuries and had to be treated.
Charged: Maurice Menezes
A44-year-old mechanic was on Tuesday charged with causing the death of 52-year-old pedestrian Matthew Vanveen, who died following an accident along the Providence Public Road last Saturday.
Maurice Menezes, from Coverden Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court, where a charge of causing death by dangerous driving was read to him. He pleaded not guilty to the charge after the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied. He was granted $300,000 bail and will make his next court appearance on May 20, 2026. He was accused of driving motor pick-up GAB 5505 in a dangerous manner, thus causing the death of Vanveen from the Castello Housing Scheme, East La Penitence, Georgetown.
It was reported that the pedestrian was crossing the roadway with a five-gallon container of fuel, and as he attempted to step off the concrete median, he re-
portedly lost his footing and stumbled backward into the path of the oncoming vehicle, thus resulting in a collision.
He was picked up in a semi-conscious condition and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he died the following day while receiving medical treatment.
Charged: Sharda Rodrigues
Meanwhile, at court on Wednesday, after pleading not guilty to the charges, Rodrigues was granted $250,000 bail on each count, and the matter was adjourned to May 20, 2026.
prepared specifically for them by the Ministry.
To guarantee fairness, a transparent lottery system will be utilised to allocate the new vending spaces, with the Ministry offering additional transition support on a needs basis.
Emphasising the project’s strict timelines and the necessity for swift cooperation, Edghill stated, “Once you pull your number for your spot, you must move to the tarmac by the following day because the road will be handed over to the contractor, and all hindrances in the path of the project will be removed for the continuation of the road.”
Beyond the immediate logistics of the relocation, the Minister underscored the importance of establishing a high standard for the new vending area’s aesthetics, challenging the business owners to elevate their operations.
“This can’t be a shantytown operation. Therefore, I encourage all of you to utilise the Development Bank loan to beautify your space
as a long-term goal for your respective businesses,” he reaffirmed.
The vendors responded positively to the directive, pledging their full support for the upcoming relocation exercise and welcoming the financial initiative pitched by the Minister to help grow their enterprises. The relocation exercise is a necessary component of the wider infrastructural transformation taking place in the Sophia area. Dennis Street is currently undergoing a major upgrade from the Eastern Highway heading east to Red Road (also known as E Field). This is being executed simultaneously with ongoing works on the internal main access points for various fields, including B and C.
Upon completion, this major upgraded artery will boast two widened lanes, significantly improved drainage systems, and the complete rehabilitation of several bridges along the alignment.
CARICOM
outlines immediate coping mechanisms, medium- to long-term strategies
Agriculture Minister and Chairman of the CARICOM Ministerial Taskforce (MTF) on Food Security, Zulfikar Mustapha, has underscored the urgent need for coordinated regional action to address the impact of ongoing global conflicts on food and economic stability across the Caribbean.
The call was made during the first CARICOM MTF on Food Security meeting for the second quarter of 2026, where representatives from across the region examined measures to mitigate the effects of global shocks arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Discussions highlighted that, although the Caribbean is geographically distant from the conflict, the region remains highly vulnerable to its ripple effects through rising energy prices, disruptions in fertiliser supply, increased
shipping and logistics costs, escalating food prices, inflationary pressures and exchange rate volatility.
Central to the discussions was the draft Regional Food Security Response Matrix, which provides a structured policy framework outlining both immediate coping mechanisms and medium- to long-term strategies. The framework emphasises the importance of a coordinated regional response to safeguard food systems and economic stability. The framework highlighted that disruptions in fertiliser supply continue to increase production costs and reduce yields across the region. In the short term, countries are being encouraged to promote alternative inputs, while long-term solutions include diversifying supply sources and investing in local production. Similarly, shipping disruptions have led to delays in
imports and rising food prices, with immediate responses focused on prioritising essential imports and longer-term strategies centred on developing regional shipping systems and establishing food reserves. Minister Mustapha said the report highlighted several critical vulnerabilities affecting the region, particularly in relation to fertiliser availability and shipping
Charged:
Three of the four men who were taken into custody for the armed robbery committed at a Chinese establishment last week were charged and remanded to prison on Friday. Twentyfive-year-old Terrence Phill, a construction worker of Durban Street, Work-enRust; Kobie Benjamin, 19, a welder of Vigilance, East Coast Demerara (ECD);
Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to them.
20 at La Bonne Intention Railway Embankment against Melford John, Hoyte Simeon, and Chinese businessman Sue Ye Fang.
Meanwhile, during their court appearance on Friday, they pleaded not guilty to the charges and were remanded to prison until May 29, 2026.
It was reported that on April 21, the victims were closing their business when four males arrived on two motorcycles. The pillion riders, one armed with a firearm and the other with a knife, dismounted their respective motorcycles and entered the premises.
and logistics. “In Guyana, we are currently advancing plans to establish a fertiliser plant. This initiative will not only benefit Guyana but
also the wider region. We are working to have the facility operational by the end of the year and are currently engaging stakeholders through expressions of interest for its construction,” Mustapha explained. He added that Governments across the region have been taking proactive steps to support farmers and maintain production levels. “Over the last two years, we have been working closely with farmers by providing fertiliser and other agricultural inputs to reduce production costs and boost output. Other countries in the region have also implemented similar mea-
sures to cushion the effects of these global disruptions,” he added. Furthermore, he emphasised that the ongoing conflict poses systemic risks to both food and economic security, making it imperative for CARICOM member states to pursue immediate interventions alongside sustained investments in resilience and self-sufficiency. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Regional Food Security Response Matrix was formally adopted and will be presented at the upcoming CARICOM Heads of Government meeting for further consideration.
A67-year-old pensioner, Ingrid Tull of Choppers Lane, West Ruimveldt, has died after reportedly falling from a bicycle on Friday while riding in the vicinity of Laing Avenue, Georgetown. The dead woman’s sister, Jennifer Tull, who was visibly shaken by the tragedy, recalled the moments just before the accident.
right there.’ Then someone else came and said that Ingrid got in an accident, so I called my grandson and told him to go quickly to check his aunty. He put on his clothes and left,” she said.
She added that while she was praying that nothing serious had happened, her grandson later returned with the devastating news.
aware when she went out,” the devastated sister related.
While her sister was out, Jennifer said she was bathing when she was alerted by a passer-by who informed her of an incident involving her sister. Hesitant to leave the bathroom as she was not finished bathing, she told the man she was unable to come out at that moment.
“I said, ‘Oh God, don’t let she die; don’t let anything happen to her.’ By the time he came back, the same man who had gone earlier was there. ‘Auntie, your sister dead,’ he said. I said, ‘What?’ I couldn’t move because I was at home alone’” she recounted.
and Antonio Atwell of Robb Street, Bourda, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Abigail Gibbs at the
Police stated that on April 21, 2026, they robbed Chinese nationals Yushun Lin and Linxie at Mon Repos of approximately $400,000 in cash and an iPhone 15. In addition, Phill and Benjamin were also charged in connection with the robbery of Fangkui Chen at Triumph North on April 19, 2026. Furthermore, they were charged with the robbery that occurred on April
The suspects allegedly assaulted the victims and relieved them of a cell phone and an undisclosed sum of cash before escaping. However, Police patrols responded to the robbery, but the suspects managed to evade law enforcement.
Nevertheless, during a pursuit, a mobile phone belonging to one of the victims was reportedly dropped and subsequently handed over to the Police.
Acting on intelligence received, an operation was conducted on Robb Street, Georgetown, where three of the men were arrested after two 9mm pistols with 18 matching rounds of ammunition, one toy gun, three knives, two XR motorcycles, and cash were found.
A 19-year-old construction worker was later arrested at another location with cash and two cellular phones in his possession.
She explained that her sister had been carrying out her usual morning routine, including tending to household chores and feeding pets, before leaving the house to go cycling. “This morning she got up, and I told her to come in the bedroom and clean up the cat mess, right? She said she would come in, and she came down. When she came down, we ended up talking. I told her about the cat, and she was feeding it, and we were talking. One thing led to another, and she left the house. I wasn’t even
“When I was bathing, somebody was yelling inside. I said I can’t come out, and the person said, ‘Oh, you bathing? Well, you stay
Reports indicate that the woman reportedly fell and hit her head, after which she began bleeding from her nose and mouth.
The matter remains under investigation.
Nevertheless, financial sectors remained broadly stable, supported by adequate capitalisation, high liquidity, strengthened credit growth, and continued regulatory reforms.
Regional outlook
Looking ahead, the report projects that regional growth excluding Guyana will remain subdued at 1.1 per cent in 2026. Including Guyana, growth is expected to rise to 6.2 per cent, largely reflecting continued expansion in the country’s oil sector.
“Guyana will remain the primary driver of regional growth, with output expected to expand by 21.9 per cent, supported by a 25.3 per cent increase in oil produc-
tion to 327.3 million barrels.
Consequently, when Guyana is included, regional GDP growth is projected to rise to 6.2 per cent,” the report stated.
Further, it added that among the other commodity-exporting economies, Suriname’s growth is expected to strengthen moderately as offshore oil-related investment continues to support activity. In Trinidad and Tobago, growth in 2026 is projected to remain subdued as the anticipated gains from new energy developments and diversification efforts are unlikely to translate into broad-based economic momentum in the near term.
However, the Caribbean’s outlook remains clouded by
significant downside risks, including slower global growth, geopolitical tensions, commodity price volatility, climate shocks, and fiscal vulnerabilities.
“While the Caribbean continues to demonstrate resilience, the region’s growth prospects remain constrained by external uncertainty, climate-related shocks, and longstanding structural challenges,” CDB’s Acting Director of Economics, Christine Dawson, said. She added that “strengthening institutions, accelerating reforms, and improving project execution will be critical to unlocking higher, more inclusive, and more sustainable growth across the region.”
Participate, be a player, mover, and a shaker. Let your quick wit and engaging appeal resonate throughout whatever room you enter. It’s your turn to shine and to proceed with confidence. Your demeanor will set the stage for what unfolds. Pump it up, and you won’t be disappointed. Love, romance, and new beginnings are favored.
Recap before you act. It’s better to head into situations with facts and figures to back how you feel and what you propose. Use your intelligence and call on experts to back your claims. Preparation is essential if you want to take care of matters quickly and efficiently. Don’t overspend or let temptation lead to indulgent behavior.
Call the shots, and make things happen. Make physical changes that enrich your life and boost your confidence. A positive change is within reach if you go through the proper channels, add to your qualifications, and direct your energy into something you feel passionate about. Rearrange your living space to accommodate your needs, and you’ll flourish.
Forget about what others are doing and concentrate on what’s best for you. Stay in your own lane and refuse to let anyone push you in a direction that serves them better than it does you. Protect your reputation, position, and your peace of mind. Put emotions aside and let facts and figures dictate how you proceed.
Turn your dream into a reality. Gather information and set aside what you need financially, physically, and emotionally to finish what you start. Additional discipline is apparent if you use your imagination and intuition to forge into the future with intellect and desire. Socialize, use charm, and explore the possibilities. Romance is in the stars.
Make physical changes for the right reason. Refuse to let emotions coerce you into altering your looks to appease someone else. Focus on research, healthy decisions, and demonstrating who you are and what you want. Opportunity and personal satisfaction come when you take responsibility for the choices you make. Avoid unnecessary costs and expensive entertainment.
Learn from your experiences and don’t make the same mistake twice. Rely on your instincts and those with your best interest at heart to get you where you want to go. You have plenty to gain if your expectations are reasonable. Taking on too much or alluding to something that isn’t realistic will be your downfall.
You need to distance yourself from the hustle and bustle and give yourself time to think. Talk to experts who can point you in a direction that makes sense and will bring about the changes your happiness depends on to lift your spirits. Refuse to let emotions lead you astray or cost you financially. You can’t buy love.
Put your differences aside and your emotions under control. Charm, understanding, and healthy discussions will help you build a brighter future. A change at home will influence your personal preferences. Consider making a commitment to yourself or someone else and following through. Acceptance and completion are your path to peace of mind and happiness.
Be careful who you share information and personal thoughts with. A volatile situation will erupt if someone is careless with your secrets or puts their own slant on something you say or do. Stick close to home and put your energy into selfpreservation and taking better care of yourself. Put yourself first, along with your aspirations and happiness.
Handle your finances with finesse, and build a stable future. A change of location or rearranging your space to meet your demands will ease stress. Your creativity is booming, and writing down your ideas will inspire you to follow through. Don’t hibernate when interactions will bring out the best in you and attract someone of interest.
Relax, and watch the world go by. Refuse to buy into someone else’s dream when you have your own plans to aspire to. It’s best to formulate, contemplate, and compose what makes you happy. Simplify your life, and let go of what causes you grief. Peace of mind comes from controlling your destiny by living within your means.
An exhibition of clean hitting by Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal ensured Sai Sudharsan’s measured 100 off 58 balls ended in a losing cause as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) beat Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar had no hesitation in putting GT in. Sudharsan laid a strong foundation on a pitch he described as “two-paced and sticky to start with”. But even when the surface became easier to bat on, GT could not get into overdrive. They scored only 35 in the last four overs and finished on 205 for 3.
In response, Kohli, who was dropped on zero, smashed 81 off 44 balls, and Padikkal blasted 55 off just
27. They put on 115 in 9.5 overs for the second wicket, and despite a bit of wobble towards the end, RCB romped home with seven balls to spare.
Sudharsan hogs the strike
The GT openers prefer to take as few risks as possible, and it was no different on Friday. Sudharsan was circumspect at the start and was on 17 off 16 after three overs. But he found his timing after that and moved to 41 off 27 by the end of the fifth. Gill had faced just three balls till then. GT finished the powerplay on 57 for no loss.
Sudharsan gets inventive Sudharsan went inventive after the powerplay, scooping Romario Shepherd for a six. When Krunal Pandya bowled a bouncer, he uppercut him over deep third. Later in the over, he slog-swept the spinner for another six, reaching 2000 runs in the IPL. Taking 47 innings, he was the fastest to get there, bettering Chris Gayle’s record by one. He and Gill added 128 in 12.4 overs, with Gill contributing 32 off 24 balls. The GT captain was starved of strike throughout his stay and holed out to long-on off
Suyash Sharma. Sudharsan
brought up his hundred off 57 balls, the slowest of the six so far this season. There was no cutting loose after reaching the milestone either. He was out on the very next ball he faced.
RCB put a lid on the scoring rate GT were 170 for 2 after 16 overs, but Suyash, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hazlewood gave away only 17 in the next three. At 187 for 3, Rasikh Salam ran in to bowl the final over, but he stopped even before he could bowl a delivery. It looked like cramps, and despite the physio working on him, he had to walk off the field. Krunal replaced him and was hit for a six by Jason Holder off the first ball.
After another ball, Krunal, too, pulled out of his delivery stride, holding his groin. But after a bit of medical at-
a four on either side of the wicket. But when he tried the same trick later in the over, he hit it straight to the
tention, he completed the over but ended up leaking 18 runs.
Bethell falls early
With Phil Salt injured, Jacob Bethell finally got a chance to play this season. Opening the innings after coming in as an impact player, he had a close shave in the second over. He got an inside edge to a length ball from Kagiso Rabada, but it missed the stumps and beat Buttler for four. In the next over, he shuffled across and hit Mohammed Siraj for
backward point. He made 14 off ten.
The Kohli-Padikkal show Kohli was dropped off the first ball he faced. It was a length delivery from Siraj that he flicked uppishly towards short midwicket, but Washington Sundar grassed a regulation chance. Kohli made his intentions clear in the following over when he hit Rabada over mid-on for a four.
Padikkal was even more ruthless. He opened his account with a first-ball six,
picking up a 153.6 kph length ball from Rabada over square leg. The GT bowlers didn’t help themselves by bowling onto his pads, and he kept flicking them fine for boundaries.
Rashid Khan wasn’t spared either. He dropped one short to Kohli and the batter duly pulled it over deep midwicket for a six before cutting the following delivery for four. In the spinner’s second over, Padikkal hit him for two sixes, the second one taking him to his fifty off just 20 balls. It made Kohli’s 30-ball fifty look pedestrian.
Rashid bowled Padikkal with a googly from around the wicket, and Kohli
played Holder on but not before hitting the allrounder for back-to-back sixes.
Krunal wraps it up after a wobble Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma kept the attack going. They hit a six each off Rashid but fell in quick succession. Suddenly, RCB were five down with 31 required from four overs. Krunal, though, bashed Manav Suthar for two fours and a six in the 18th over, bringing the equation down to seven needed from 12. In the penultimate over, he swatted Holder through midwicket for four before wrapping up the game with a gentle pull to fine leg.
(ESPNcricinfo)
Guyana’s senior men’s rugby team, the “Green Machine”, will look to make a strong statement on home soil when they face Bermuda on Saturday from 15:00h at the National Park Rugby Field in Georgetown.
The fixture marks the culmination of several weeks of local preparation, during which the Guyana
Rugby Football Union shortlisted a 30-man provisional squad following training sessions and an intra-squad trial match. That group is expected to be trimmed to a final 22 ahead of the weekend encounter.
Saturday’s clash forms part of a broader international engagement for Guyana, with match-
es against Bermuda and Barbados set to provide a key test of the team’s depth and readiness.
Playing at home is expected to be a significant advantage for the Green Machine, who will rely on familiar conditions and local support at the National Park venue. The team has been steadily rebuilding its structure, placing empha-
eliance Hustlers
RSports Club will begin their maiden tour of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) on May 1, opening their three-match schedule with a T20 clash against Monroe Road Cricket Club at the Monroe Road Recreation Ground.
The Essequibo Coastbased team is set to play two T20 matches and a 30over fixture during the tour. Following their opening encounter, Hustlers will face Transbrokerage XI in Couva before taking on Cosmos Sports Club in the lone 30over match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.
Captain Trevis Simon expressed confidence ahead of the tour, noting that the squad is well-prepared and eager to compete. He said
the players are excited about the opportunity to perform in a new environment and expects competitive outings in all three matches.
Simon, who also serves as president of the club, thanked the T&T teams for the invitation and acknowledged the sponsors who supported the trip. He added that the team is balanced and capable of making a strong showing.
The side will rely on a mix of experience and youth, including national fast bowler Neiland Cadogan and former Guyana youth players Bheesham Seepersaud, Nathan Persaud and Rovindra Parasram. Former Essequibo inter-county player Narendra Madholall and opening batsman Mark Austin are also expected to
play key roles.
Earlier this year, Reliance Hustlers captured the North Essequibo Cricket Committee T20 title and also reached another championship match, a form they will look to carry into the tour.
The full squad comprises Trevis Simon (Captain), Narendra Madholall (Vice Captain), Rovindra Parasram, Nathan Persaud, Mark Austin, Bheesham Seepersaud, Eknauth Persaud, Neiland Cadogan, Lokesh Lall, Mark Gonsalves, Rohan Persaud, Paul Henry, Zacariah Madholall, Mark Gonsalves Sr and Jageshwar Latchman. (Ravendra Madholall)
sis on fitness, discipline, and cohesion during the recent training phase.
The encounter against Bermuda is anticipated to
be competitive, with both teams using the opportunity to test combinations and execution under match conditions. For Guyana, the fo-
cus will be on translating their preparation into performance, particularly in set-pieces and defensive organisation.
Paruima Sports Club of Guyana created history on Thursday, capturing the men’s open title at the inaugural Indigenous International Cup 2026 in Bananal, Brazil, with a 2–1 victory over host team Makayapang.
The Guyanese side overturned a first-half deficit to secure the landmark win, marking a significant achievement for indigenous football representation on the international stage.
Makayapang, representing Brazil, took the lead in the opening half through a well-taken free kick, putting Paruima under early pressure. However, the
Guyanese outfit responded strongly after the break.
Rico Francis brought Paruima level immediately at the start of the second half, finishing decisively to shift momentum in his team’s favour. The comeback was completed when Kemron Thomas rose to head home from a free kick, giving Paruima the lead and ultimately the championship.
The result sealed a historic triumph for Paruima Sports Club, as they became the first champions of the tournament.
The highly anticipated One Guyana “Stars Among Stars” futsal competition is set to kick off on May 3 at the National Gymnasium, bringing together 32 teams from across the country in what promises to be one of the most exciting indoor football tournaments of the year. The announcement was made yesterday at the competition’s official launch at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).
Organisers have confirmed that the group stage fixtures will be released in the coming days, allowing teams and fans to prepare for a packed schedule of fastpaced futsal action leading up to the grand finale on June 5 at the CASH.
The event, presented under the banner “One Guyana Presents”, is designed to showcase elite futsal talent under the theme “Stars Among Stars Futsal Competition”. According to the official promo-
tional material, the tournament carries a substantial prize structure, with a total of $4,000,000 in
but also for placement positions throughout the
The group phase will take place at the National Gymnasium, which is expected to host multiple match days across May. The tournament schedule outlined features match dates spread across May 3, 4, 9, 13, and 15, indicating a tightly packed group-stage calendar.
The competition will then progress to the knockout rounds, with the semi-finals scheduled for May 29, before culminating in the grand final on June 5 at the National Sports Hall.
With 32 teams confirmed and fixtures soon to be released, anticipation is steadily building for what is expected to be a fast-paced and highly competitive tournament. The One Guyana “Stars Among Stars” futsal competition is shaping up to be a major highlight on the local sporting calendar, offering players a platform to showcase their talent and fans a month of thrilling indoor football action.
On Thursday, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), the Geo City Regionals lit up the court with energy and excitement as Youth Basketball Guyana showcased some of the country’s brightest young talent. When the final buzzer sounded, it was Tutorial High celebrating a commanding 55–5 victory over North Georgetown, with Keion Lynch playing a starring role.
Named Player of the Game, Lynch delivered a standout performance that set the tone early and never let up. The dynamic guard poured in 24 points, grabbed six rebounds, and came up
with three steals, leading his team on both ends of the floor. His scoring ability, combined with relentless defensive pressure, proved too much for North Georgetown to handle.
From the opening tip, Tutorial High controlled the tempo. Crisp ball movement and disciplined defence created scoring opportunities, but it was Lynch’s composure and confidence that truly stood out.
Earlier in the week, newcomers Christ Church earned a 12–3 victory over fellow debutants North Georgetown.
In a matchup featuring two brand-
new teams still learning the fundamentals of the game, both sides displayed determination and a willingness to grow. While the score-line reflected a low-scoring affair, the effort and enthusiasm on the court highlighted the promising future of youth basketball development in the region.
Christ Church was led by Player of the Game Amanzia Wood, who finished with eight points and three rebounds. Wood’s confidence with the ball and ability to find scoring opportunities proved to be the difference-maker in the contest.
Teammate Damarie Burke also made a significant contribution, adding four points and controlling the boards with five rebounds. Burke’s presence in the paint limited second-chance opportunities for North Georgetown while helping Christ Church maintain possession.
North Georgetown, despite the loss, showed resilience throughout the game. As a newly formed squad, the team continues to build chemistry and gain valuable experience with each outing in the tournament.
The Youth Basketball League Regionals are sponsored by Edward B. Beharry Ltd, G-Boats Inc, the National Sports Commission, the Ministry of Education, and Banks DIH Ltd, whose support continues to foster youth development through sport.
Seasoned and new sponsors have thrown full support behind the Port Mourant Turf Club’s horse race meet, which is set for Sunday, April 26.
Premium Asphalt, Big G Sawmill and Lumber Yard, KP Jagdeo General Contractors, OBL, Jumbo Jet, and AJM Forresters Lumber Yard and Building Supplies are among the seasoned sponsors, while Arka Supplies is the new sponsor. This race was originally set for Easter Sunday, but due to the inclement weather, it was postponed to a later date.
Horse-owners in the Port Mourant feature/Easter Cup stakes will be eyeing the $4 million purse, and the top horse will win $2 million.
It will be a race of the highest order as top stables have secured confirmation. Slingerz
Racing Stables’ top horse, Olympic
will be out
his counterparts, while JS Racing
want to let loose all his horses. Stat of the Master Z racing stables will be aiming to repeat he-
roics from the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club outing, as will MAPA Do Brasil. This race day is of great importance, as it marks the second nomination day for the Guyana Cup,
which is slated for August 23 at a venue to be announced.
A total of 11 races, including the jockey dash, are expected to take place.
Other races on the provisional programme include the Easter Sprint, open to all horses four years and older; the Three-YearOld Imported; and the F Class and Lower, open to four- and five-yearold imported horses that have not raced within the last six months, as well as six-year-olds and older that have not raced for over a year.
Additionally, other races on the programme include the ThreeYear-Old and Over West Indian Bred; the Open Three-Year-Old Native Bred; K/L Maiden; the H Class and Lower for West Indianbred horses that have not won in Guyana in 2025; the Three-YearOld and Over I/J/K Class; the Open L Class; and the Jockey Dash.
The Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Georgetown Zone continued on Thursday night with the Round of 16 at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac, where hundreds of patrons turned out despite overcast conditions, and defending champions Laing Avenue were knocked out of the competition.
Laing Avenue’s title defence ended with a 1–0 loss to Sparta Boss, one of several closely contested matches on the night. Two fixtures required penalty kicks to determine a winner, with Bent Street B defeating
With the Round of 16 completed, the competition moves into the quarter-final stage tonight, alongside fixtures in the Plate segment. In the Plate division, North East La Penitence will face Broad Street from 19:00h, followed by Team Immaculate against Team Cruel at 19:30h. East Coast All-Stars will oppose Albouystown at 20:00h, while Laing Avenue meets Z-Tekk at 20:30h.
In the Championship quarterfinals, Festival City will take on Island All-Stars at 21:00h, while National All-Stars face New Bay Ballers at 21:30h. Gold is Money will battle Leopold Street from 22:00h, and Sparta Boss will come up against Bent Street B at 22:30h as teams vie for places in the semi-finals.
Z-Tekk 2–1 on penalties after a goalless draw, while Leopold edged Albouystown 8–7 in sudden-death penalties following a 1–1 result in regulation time.
In other results, New Bay Ballers secured a narrow 1–0 win over Team Cruel, while Island All-Stars and Festival City also recorded identical 1–0 victories against Broad Street and North East La Penitence, respectively. National All-Stars produced the most dominant display of the round, brushing aside Team Immaculate 4–0, while Gold is Money defeated East Coast AllStars 3–0 to advance.
Gtested as a guest discipline
of their matches. They went down 14–17 to Venezuela and 9–21 to Brazil on Thursday, also losing 15–20 to Panama on Friday, ending with a 0–3 record and an average of 12.67 points per game. Despite the results, the team showed moments of competitiveness, particularly in the fixtures against Venezuela and Panama, where the margins were relatively close.
In chess, Guyana was represented in both the male and female rapid categories, with national champion Sachin Pitamber leading the men’s challenge. Over the two days of competition, Pitamber struggled for consistency against a strong field. On Thursday, he secured a notable victory over Ecuador’s Christopher Garzon Zapatanga in Round Five but suffered losses in several earlier rounds, including defeats to Venezuela’s Christian Allen Leydenz and Argentina’s Ilan Schnaider.
On Friday, Pitamber’s
campaign continued on a similar path, losing to Panama’s Andre Mendez Machado and Colombia’s Juan Jose Cano Alcaraz before managing a draw against Curacao’s Vaibhav Bedi in Round Nine.
In the female division, Guyana’s Italy TonneChung also faced a challenging tournament. She was unable to secure a win across
her matches, going down to opponents from Venezuela, Ecuador, Argentina, and Panama over the two days of play.
Overall, while both disciplines were not part of the core programme, Guyana’s participation provided valuable exposure for its young athletes against some of the top junior competitors in the region.
The stage is set for the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Super Bantamweight Championship showdown following the official weigh-in ceremony held at Pegasus Corporate Suites on Friday evening, with all fighters successfully making weight ahead of the card.
The main event will see
the undefeated Tanzanian Salmin Kassim come in at 121.6 pounds (lbs), while challenger and home boy Elton Dharry tipped the scales at 122 lbs, setting up a closely matched contest at the limit. The bout, hosted by title sponsor Pegasus Corporate Suites in Kingston, is expected to headline an event backed by several local stakehold -
ers, including the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MoCYS); the Ministry of Tourism; Courts Guyana Inc; Guyana Breweries; Banks DIH; Comfort Sleep; and Abdool & Abdool.
The undercard also features a number of local and regional matchups. In the featured featherweight contest for the Guyana title, Keevin Allicock weighed in
at 126 lbs, while his opponent Dexter Marques came in lighter at 124.2 lbs.
In another bout, Jamaica’s Kevin Hilton registered 155 lbs for his clash against Guyana’s Desmond Amsterdam, who came in at 168 lbs.
The opening fight on the card will see pro debutants Richard Howard Jr and Septon Barton face off in a
lightweight contest. Barton weighed 132.5 lbs, while Howard Jr was heavier at 136.4 lbs.
Vice President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control, Joshua Abdool, noted that there is growing excitement and tension in the lead-up to the event as local boxing continues to gain momentum. He also highlighted that Triller TV is currently producing a documentary on boxing in Guyana, further signalling increased international attention on the sport locally.
Guyana’s track and field team added another gold medal to their tally at the South American Youth Games in Panama City, Panama, producing a commanding performance in the men’s 4x100m relay on Friday at the Rommel Fernández Stadium. The quartet of Ezekiel Millington, David Williams, Deuquan Farrell and Gordon Thompson combined efficiently to clock 41.56 seconds for first place, tak -
ing Guyana’s overall medal count to five. Chile finished second in 42.33s, while Brazil secured bronze in 43.23s. Guyana entered the final stretch with a slight advantage after Farrell’s thirdleg run, before Thompson powered away from the field on the anchor leg, extending the lead decisively to seal the victory.
Earlier in the day, the Guyanese athletes delivered encouraging performances in the 200m semi-finals. Farrell won
the second men’s semi-final in 21.89s to advance as the fastest qualifier, while Thompson also secured his place in the final after finishing second in 22.16s.
On the women’s side, Angel Jeffrey progressed to the final after placing second in semi-final two with a time of 24.46s. However, Akeela Dover missed out on qualification, finishing fourth in her semi-final in 25.16s.
In the women’s 800m final, Joanna
Anthon did not finish, while Adanya Glen placed seventh with a time of 2:32.55s. The athletics programme concludes on Saturday, with Guyana set to contest several events. Nathaniel Samaroo will compete in the shot put, while Ebo McNeil, who previously secured bronze in the 1500m, returns for the 3000m. The girls’ 4x400m team is also scheduled to compete as Guyana looks to add to its medal haul.