Guyana Times - Saturday, February 7, 2026

BRIDGE OPENING

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 7 –07:30h–09:00h and Sunday, February 8 – 08:05h–09:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 07:52h and 20:14 reaching maximum heights of 2.52 metres and 2.44 metres.

Low Tide: 13:48h reaching a minimum height of 0.70 metre.

“Selective interpretation, chronic and barefaced distortion” – Finance Minister hits back at Opposition

enior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, closed off the Budget 2026 debates in the wee hours of today with a resounding rebuttal to what he described as “selective interpretation” and “barefaced distortion” by the Parliamentary Opposition.

Delivering his contributions to the debates in the National Assembly, Dr Singh took to task the combined Parliamentary opposition – comprising 12 members from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), 16 members from We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and one from the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM).

He singled out the lead for the APNU Parliamentary group, Terrence Campbell, who had cited an InterAmerican Development (IDB) 2025 report that states approximately 58 per cent of Guyanese are living in poverty, with 32 per cent in extreme poverty.

However, according to the Finance Minister, all of the Opposition Members of Parliament who referenced the report in their presentations failed to mention that the data was sourced from a labour force survey done by the Guyana Bureau of Statistics for the years 2016 to 2018 and then in 2021.

“For those who need to be reminded, the period 2016 to 2018 fell squarely during the APNU+AFC tenure in Government. And 2021 was in the heart of the COVID-19 shutdown,” the Minister stated.

This, Dr Singh pointed out in the late hours of Friday evening, reflects a pattern of behaviour by the Opposition.

“This is a pattern of behaviour: selective interpretation, selective quotation, chronic and barefaced distortion. This is a pattern of

behaviour: misleading the country. But guess what? There is something called basic common sense,” he contended.

The Finance Minister went on to highlight that the report produced the data on Guyana against two poverty lines established by the World Bank for extreme poverty.

The World Bank defines the median poverty line for lower middle-income countries as individuals living on US$3.65 per day and US$6.85 for those in the upper middle-income countries.

According to the Minister, no one in Guyana is working, at minimum, for a daily wage of G$1400.

“Everybody in Guyana knows this – that an unskilled labourer does not come out of his bed and

does not leave his yard for less than $8000. Common sense would tell you that you can’t get any. nobody is working for that amount of money in Guyana. And if the honourable member [Campbell] can find people who are working at that rate and willing to work at that rate, bring them and we will pay them. We will employ them.”

“It is convenient and now an ingrained habit of misrepresentation,” the Finance Minister said of the Opposition, as he listed a new Labour Market Survey that highlights how incomes have risen, employment has grown, and unemployment has halved in Guyana.

“That survey is publicly available, and many members quoted from it. But it is this chronic habit of se-

lective citation of statistics, whether accurate or otherwise, that has been displayed for a very long time by the APNU MPs; that has resulted now in their complete and abject loss of credibility with the people of Guyana, and that has directly resulted in them being consigned to 12 seats in the back benches. Because today, the Guyanese people are much wiser,” he declared.

The Finance Minister concluded his marathon presentation in the early morning hours of today, bringing the curtains down on the Budget 2026 Debates. On Monday, the National Assembly will commence the consideration of the estimates of Budget 2026 for five days before it is put to the House for passage.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Compliance is opportunity

The Government of Guyana has renewed its call for miners to declare their gold and operate in strict accordance with established laws and regulations. This initiative, underscored by President Dr Irfaan Ali during his recent engagement with small miners at Puruni Landing in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), reflects a strategic vision aimed at strengthening the mining sector, enhancing financial inclusion, and fostering sustainable growth. The approach is neither punitive nor restrictive; rather, it is a clear pathway for miners to translate their labour into tangible economic benefits.

At the core of this policy is the principle that formal compliance unlocks opportunity, and by declaring gold production, miners create verifiable records of income, which can then be leveraged to access financial services such as loans. As President Ali highlighted, declaration slips are more than bureaucratic instruments; they are tools that enable miners to secure capital to expand operations. For example, a miner producing 100 ounces of gold annually can use documented income to obtain financing for essential equipment like excavators, reducing reliance on informal credit arrangements that often entail high costs and loss of autonomy. This structural shift empowers individual miners but also strengthens the sector as a whole by formalising its financial footprint.

The Government’s focus extends beyond gold declaration to operational compliance. Registration of mining operations is a key component, ensuring that miners are visible within the system. This visibility enables targeted support, facilitates land allocation, and provides access to technical assistance. A registered and compliant operation demonstrates a track record of growth and responsible management, which positions miners to benefit more fully from Government programmes and opportunities for land acquisition. By embedding miners within a formal framework, the state fosters an environment where productivity and accountability reinforce one another.

Financial inclusion is another pillar of the Government’s strategy, and President Ali emphasised the importance of miners maintaining bank accounts, with teams deployed to mining areas to streamline the account-opening process. This initiative simplifies transactions as well as integrates miners into the formal economy, providing greater security for earnings and enabling access to additional financial services. By encouraging both domestic and foreign operators to secure digital IDs and enter the system, the Government ensures that the sector operates transparently, fostering confidence among stakeholders and potential investors.

Complementing these regulatory measures are targeted fiscal incentives introduced in Budget 2026. Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat highlighted measures such as the reduction of duties on essential vehicles and equipment used in mining. For example, duty on 2000cc four-door pick-ups has been capped at $2 million, representing substantial savings for operators. Similarly, ATVs, widely used in mining operations, will now attract no duty, lowering the cost of mobility and operational efficiency. Such incentives are designed to make compliance both practical and financially advantageous, signalling the Government’s commitment to enabling growth rather than imposing barriers.

The benefits of these policies are already reflected in national gold declaration statistics. Total declarations rose to 484,321 ounces in 2025, up from 434,067 ounces in 2024, with expectations to reach 510,450 ounces in the current year. These gains indicate that the sector is responding positively to structured engagement and that compliance translates into measurable results for the country’s economy. As production and documentation increase, miners gain credibility, banks gain assurance, and the national economy gains a stronger foundation for investment and development.

By creating a system where miners’ efforts are documented, supported, and financially recognised, Guyana is transforming the mining sector into a more sustainable and productive industry. Compliance enables access to financing, land, equipment, and technical support, while fiscal measures reduce operational costs. Together, these initiatives enhance efficiency, promote legal adherence, and encourage responsible resource management.

The call for gold declaration and compliance is an effort to empower miners and strengthen the nation’s economic base. By formalising operations, facilitating financial inclusion, and providing targeted incentives, the Government is ensuring that mining in Guyana becomes a vehicle for sustainable growth, improved livelihoods, and national development. This period of regularisation is an opportunity for miners to secure their financial futures, grow their enterprises, and contribute to a more prosperous and structured mining sector. Compliance, in this context, is the foundation for long-term opportunity.

Another candle, another chance

By Dr Joel Teelucksingh

Birthdays are strange things for doctors. For most people, a birthday is cake, candles, and messages that arrive in cheerful bursts. For doctors, especially those who have spent years watching bodies fail and time run out, a birthday is also a reckoning. Not dramatic. Not morbid. Just quietly unavoidable.

As I grow older, health feels less abstract and more relational. It is no longer just about numbers on a chart or years on a calendar. It is about being present for family dinners that are not rushed, for conversations that deserve attention, and for the quiet moments that remind you why staying well matters.

Health is not a selfish pursuit; it is an act of responsibility to those who depend on us and those we love. Longevity means little if we are too exhausted, distracted or unwell to show up fully.

Doctors are trained to notice what others overlook. Subtle symptoms. Quiet warning signs. Patterns that repeat long before disaster announces itself. That habit does not switch off when we leave the hospital.

So, birthdays come with a different awareness. I think of the patients who never reached the age I am now. I think of the man who said he would “start exercising next year” and never got the chance. I think of the woman who ignored fatigue

until it became something much more permanent.

One of the most dangerous myths we carry is that time is abundant.

We behave as though there will always be another Monday to start eating better, another January to exercise, and another quiet season to rest. We treat health like a subscription we can renew later.

Medicine teaches you otherwise. Bodies do not negotiate with procrastination. Blood vessels do not wait for motivation. Sleep deprivation, stress and poor habits accumulate interest quietly, efficiently and without emotion.

Nobody wants to talk about health when they feel fine.

Good health is invisible. It does not trend. It does not demand attention. It sits quietly in the background, doing its job without applause. We notice it only when it begins to slip.

Birthdays are a rare moment when healthy people briefly listen. Not because they are sick, but because they are older. And age, unlike symptoms, is harder to ignore.

The body remembers everything. It remembers years of poor sleep. It remembers chronic stress disguised as ambition. It remembers skipped meals, excess alcohol and the quiet neglect of movement. It remembers kindness too – hydration, routine, laughter, rest.

We like to believe the body resets magically after holidays, weekends or “bad phases”. It doesn’t. It adapts. And adaptation has limits.

Birthdays remind us that while we count candles, our organs are counting patterns.

There is a cultural obsession with “midlife crises”, as though reflection itself is pathology. The healthiest patients I know are not the youngest or the fittest. They are the most honest. They listen when their bodies whisper instead of waiting for screams. They course-correct early. They ask better questions.

A birthday week is about calibration.

Patients often ask me what the most important health advice is.

They expect something complicated. A supplement. A breakthrough. A secret.

It is disappointingly simple.

Sleep is not optional.

Movement is medicine.

Food is information.

Stress is not a badge of honour.

Loneliness is as dangerous as smoking.

And perhaps the hardest truth: consistency matters more than intensity.

Birthdays remind me how often I offer this wisdom generously and follow it imperfectly. That gap between knowledge and practice is where most illness lives.

Another myth birthdays

expose is the illusion of control.

You can do everything “right” and still get sick. You can do everything “wrong” and live long enough to confuse everyone. Health is not about perfection. It is about probability.

The goal is not to eliminate risk. It is to stack the odds gently in your favour.

To make choices that respect your future self even when your present self is tired.

A birthday is a quiet agreement to keep trying.

The greatest health gift is not longevity. It is capacity.

The ability to walk without pain.

To sleep without medication.

To climb stairs without fear.

To think clearly.

To laugh easily.

These are ordinary miracles. We notice them only when they disappear.

So, if you’re reading this and it’s your birthday week too – or even if it’s just another ordinary day – consider this your gentle reminder. You are not late.

You are not behind.

But you are responsible.

And that, oddly enough, is very good news.

Because responsibility means choice.

And choice means hope.

Age is inevitable; neglect is optional – and birthdays are the body’s way of reminding us which one we’ve chosen. (Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)

“This is our

Budget 2026 debate

golden era” – Teixeira reflects on Guyana’s journey

…rejects outdated data used by Opposition MP to paint picture of

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira on Friday mounted a detailed defence of the Government’s record on poverty reduction, arguing that widely quoted figures placing Guyana’s poverty rate at 58 per cent are based on outdated data and do not reflect current realities on the ground. Speaking during the fifth and final day of the Budget Debates at the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Teixeira, who made her 34th budget speech, said the figures from the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) 2024 report being relied on by critics used pre-COVID

data and failed to capture recent economic and social changes, particularly improvements in access to services and rising household purchasing power. She urged critics to examine poverty indicators outlined in the national budget, pointing to significant growth in access to electricity, potable water, telecommunications, housing and asset ownership.

Among the statistics highlighted were vehicle imports between 2021 and 2025, which she said totalled 80,551 cars, compared with far lower figures between 2015 and 2020. She also cited 16,748 lorries, 8101 pickups, 3280 excavators and 2666 tractors

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance

imported during the same period as indicators of expanding economic activity in construction, agriculture and commerce. “These

are indicators that are used in terms of social capital to look at the level of poverty in a country,” Teixeira said. “People have the power, the ability to purchase, to get loans to do these things.” She also pointed to growth in telecommunications access, noting that mobile phone subscribers increased from 652,338 between 2015 and 2020 to 1,012,305 between 2021 and 2025, calling this further evidence of improved living standards.

Essential utilities

Addressing access to basic services, Teixeira pointed to improvements in access to essential utilities for Guyanese.

“Between 1992 and now,

widespread poverty

the majority of people either have access to solar or to electricity,” Teixeira said, adding that “over 90 odd per cent of the population of Guyana have access to clean water and potable water.” She contrasted this with conditions in the early 1990s when residents of Georgetown and rural communities often fetched unsafe water from long distances, when Guyana was governed by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).

Teixeira acknowledged that poverty still exists but rejected claims that more than half the population is currently impoverished, describing it as political opportunism. “We’re not say-

US extradition request for Mohameds

ing there’s no poverty… [but] saying 58 per cent is opportunist and totally incorrect… Anything that makes Guyana look bad, you jump on. It’ll come back to haunt you,” she said. During her address, the Minister strongly criticised opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) for what she described as selective use of statistics and anecdotal claims, singling out A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) MP David Hinds, whose contribution earlier in the debate referenced poverty and rising living costs. “I am proud to see my country move from what it was in the seventies and eighties to what it is today.

Defence Attorney alleges US, Guyana Govts working together for political motives

As the extradition proceedings involving United States (US)indicted Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed continued in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday, Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, was cross-examined based on her role in dealing with the extradition request for the two accused by the US Government. During her testimony, she related that as PS of Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, she received an extradition request on October 30, 2025. She said she also received another extradition request from the US in November 2025. The lawyers for the US-indicted Mohameds attempted to question her about the latter request, but the question was disallowed after the Magistrate upheld an objection by the prosecution on the relevance of the question.

Roopchand noted that the documents were formal-

ly transmitted through official channels in accordance with established extradition procedures. However, Attorney Siand Dhurjon, representing the Mohameds, argued before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman that the extradition request – though framed around allegations of mail and wire fraud, money laundering and customs-related offences – was designed by the US and Guyanese Governments as a result of political motives.

Speaking with reporters outside of the courtroom, special prosecutor Terrence Williams stated that, “…for it to be an extradition, there needs to be concord between a request and a requesting state.” He added that every extradition is motivated by the fact that both counties have agreed to a treaty to support the criminal laws of another state by bringing fugitives from the requesting state to the requesting state. Williams related that he was satisfied with

the progress of the case and hoped that the cross-examination could be over with soon. “The questioning has been extensive and at times repetitive, but we are moving forward. The evidence supporting the request has been before the court since yesterday [Thursday], and we have dates next week to continue. We are hopeful that this witness will be completed so we can proceed to the next.”

Meanwhile, in addition to their present legal team, the Mohameds have contracted Trinidad and Tobago Senior Counsel Fyard Hosein, who previously represented former FIFA Vice President (VP) Jack Warner in his extradition proceedings. The matter has been adjourned to February 9, when Roopchand is expected to resume her testimony. Two other witnesses are expected to take to the stand.

The extradition of

Azruddin Mohamed and his father is being pursued under the Guyana-United Kingdom (UK) Extradition Treaty, which remains in effect in Guyana under Section 4(1)(a) of the Fugitive Offenders Act, Cap. 10:04, as updated by Act No. 10 of 2024. The formal request for their extradition was submitted by the US Government on October 30, 2025. The Mohameds, along with their business interests, were sanctioned by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on June 11, 2024. The sanctions were imposed for allegations of large-scale corruption, including gold smuggling, money laundering and bribery, with investigations indicating attempts to evade more than US$50 million in taxes owed to the Guyanese Government. In addition, a grand jury in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida has indicted the father-son duo on 11 criminal counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering, primarily linked to the export of gold by their company, Mohamed’s Enterprises, to the US.

If convicted, most of the charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and fines up to US$250,000. The money laundering charge carries a potential fine of US$500,000 or an amount equivalent to the value of the laundered assets. The Mohameds have a second High Court action challenging the con-

stitutionality of certain provisions of the Fugitive Offenders Act, particularly amendments made in 2009. That matter has already

been argued, with written submissions filed by all parties, and a ruling is scheduled for February 16.

Page Foundation

Conversion Graphs

Conversion graphs are straight-line graphs that show a relationship between two units and can be used to convert from one to another. They are very useful to solve real-life problems.

Some conversion graphs can show a direct proportion between two units, for example, converting between two currencies to show an exchange rate, such as pounds sterling (British pounds) to US dollars.

We can use horizontal and vertical lines in the conversion graph to convert between units like metric and imperial.

How to use conversion graphs

In order to use a conversion graph:

1. Locate the values on the axis representing the unit you wish to convert.

2. Draw a perpendicular line from the value on the axis to the conversion line.

3. Draw a line from the conversion line perpendicular to the other axis and read off the conversion value.

Example Converting currency

This graph shows the conversion between pound sterling (£) and US dollars ($).

Use the graph to convert $60 to pounds, £.

1. Locate the values on the axis representing the unit you wish

Materials

Pony Beads

Pipe Cleaners

Straws

Ribbons

Star Wand Instructions

1. Thread straws onto a pipe cleaner and bend into a star shape. Twist the two ends of the pipe cleaner together and push the ends into the straws.

to convert.

US dollars are represented by the vertical axis.

2. Draw a perpendicular line from the value on the axis to the conversion line.

Draw a horizontal line from $60 to the conversion line.

3. Draw a line from the conversion line perpendicular to the other axis and read off the conversion value.

Now draw a vertical line to the horizontal axis and read off the value.

$60 is approximately £43.

2. For the handle, twist two pipe cleaners together and twist the ends onto the bottom of the star.

3. Fill with beads, then twist the end up to stop the beads from falling off and hide the sharp edges. (Optional: add ribbon above the beads).

By ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

From breakfast on through all the day At home among my friends I stay, But every night I go abroad Afar into the land of Nod.

All by myself I have to go, With none to tell me what to do — All alone beside the streams And up the mountain-sides of dreams.

The strangest things are there for me, Both things to eat and things to see, And many frightening sights abroad Till morning in the land of Nod.

Try as I like to find the way, I never can get back by day, Nor can remember plain and clear The curious music that I hear.

(A Child’s Garden of Verses, 1885)

Write a story in the form of a letter, or multiple letters sent back and forth.

Declare your gold, grow your business – President Ali tells miners

…urges foreign operators to become compliant

President Dr Irfaan Ali is encouraging miners to ensure they declare their gold, noting that there are many benefits to operating in accordance with the laws and regulations.

He made the remarks on Friday during an interaction with small miners at Puruni Landing, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

For instance, he said, “Those decoration slips will help you to get a loan to grow larger and larger.”

“When you all sell your gold to all these people who just come and buy your gold, you’re making their balance sheet better. What about your balance sheet? So, they can take your declaration and go to any bank and get a $200 million loan because your declaration adds up on their balance sheet. We want you to make your balance sheet start working for you… So even if you make 100oz of gold in a year, that’s 100oz of income you show the bank that you brought in for that year. It unlocks the opportunity for you to get a loan to buy an excavator. You don’t have to go and pawn groceries and pawn your life to some person who gives you a little credit with a machine to go to work, and you have to give them all your gold,” the Head of State explained.

“You declare your gold. We will work with you,” he added.

In fact, President Ali emphasised that the Government wants to “invest in these areas to make your life here even more comfortable, to give you fa-

cilities, to expand facilities, to create opportunities. That is why we are going through this phase of having everyone become compliant.”

He also spoke about the need for all miners to get bank accounts, explaining that the Government will send teams to mining areas to make the process more efficient.

The President also underscored the importance of all mining operations being registered.

“Because by registering

encouraged them to get compliant, noting that “we are going to send a team here to help you, to regularise you, to ensure that you have a digital ID card, and to ensure that you are entered properly into the system.”

The Head of State assured miners that this process of regularising the mining industry is not meant to create additional hardships. “Do not look at this period of getting things right, of regularising your operation, as a period of difficulty. This is a

is designed to ensure that your operation is legal,” Bharrat noted.

your operation, you give us an opportunity to know who you are so we can help you. We can see your growth. So, when you apply for land, if you apply for land as a small miner, and we can see that you have been growing your operation, that you have been declaring, then it is easier for that land to be granted,” he explained.

Get compliant To foreign operators, he

period that will benefit you tremendously in the long term. Tremendously,” he emphasised. This point was emphasised by Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, who also addressed the miners. He noted that the Government’s recent enforcement exercises are not designed “to push our miners out of the sector”.

“It is designed to help you to become compliant; it

The Natural Resources Minister also elaborated on the measures included in Budget 2026 that will benefit the mining sector, such as the removal of taxes on vehicles often utilised in the industry.

“Now, a 2000cc four-door pickup – the duty on that vehicle will be $2,000,000. And that applies to any year. So, if you choose to buy a vehicle that is 2025, you still pay the $2,000,000 duty on it. That is a saving of almost $7,000,000,” the Minister outlined.

“And you would know that most of the new vehicles that are being manufactured today come with a smaller engine, but it is turbocharged, mainly because it is designed that way to cut emissions in the whole context of climate change, as well as lower consumption of fuel. And for those of you who prefer to buy a four-door pickup with a bigger engine or more pow-

er, Budget 2026 also caters for a reduction in duty for a four-door pickup 2500cc and below. You will only pay $3,000,000 duty on a four-door pickup of 2500cc and below. And again, it applies to any year. So, if you decide to buy a 2025 fourdoor pickup that is 2400cc, you will pay $3,000,000. That is a saving of almost $10,000,000 on duty,” he added.

“I know many of you use ATVs, and right now if you purchase a Honda ATV, you will pay almost $3.5 mil-

lion for one ATV… After the budget is passed next week, you will pay less than $2 million for one Honda ATV. Because there will be no duty on ATVs anymore,” the Minister further explained. Meanwhile, the Government expects gold declarations to rise to 510,450oz this year. Last year, total gold declarations amounted to 484,321oz, a significant improvement from 2024, which stood at 434,067oz, a modest 1954oz rise from the 432,113oz reported in 2023.

Lawyer for US warns against misleading claims on extradition court proceedings

AFacebook post circulating on Thursday morning has been described as “false and misleading” by counsel for the requesting state in the ongoing extradition of Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, in ongoing court proceedings involving extradition matters.

The requesting state in the matter is the United States of America.

Hanoman said that no evidence was presented regarding extradition requests relating to any persons other than the Mohameds. He further stated that there was no testimony concerning extradition requests linked to large-scale drug shipments, narcotics offences, or any drug-related matters.

that the courtroom was “visibly shocked” or that proceedings were disrupted were described as fabrications.

Protecting…

…our interests

On Friday, counsel for the requesting state, Glenn Hanoman, identified the publication as having appeared on a Facebook page operating under the name “Hana Khamelia”, which is associated with Hana Mohamed, the sister and daughter of the US-indicted Mohameds. The post, Hanoman said, purported to report on evidence allegedly given in open court by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sharon RoopchandEdwards.

The release explained that the witness referred only to the receipt of documents in November 2025 relating to a request from the US. These documents were not attributed to any offences or individuals beyond the issues already before the court.

The press release rejected assertions that a “bombshell revelation” occurred or that evidence suggested selective prosecution involving undisclosed extradition requests. Counsel stressed that no such evidence was presented in court.

According to the release, the claims made in the social media post have no factual basis and do not accurately reflect what transpired during the court proceedings.

It was also noted that the testimony given by the Permanent Secretary was routine in nature and did not give rise to any adjournment of the matter. Claims

Hanoman cautioned that the dissemination of false accounts of judicial proceedings is irresponsible and has the potential to undermine public confidence in the administration of justice. He urged members of the public to rely on accurate court records and credible reporting rather than unverified or sensationalised social media posts.

Over 3lbs of cocaine found during Suddie stop-and-search

Police in Regional Division Two have taken three men into custody following the discovery of a quantity of cocaine during a stop-and-search exercise on the Suddie Public Road, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). The incident

occurred on Thursday at about 17:05h, when ranks from the Suddie Police Station were conducting routine checks along the public roadway. During the operation, Police stopped a white Toyota Fielder Wagon bearing registration number HD 2872.

The President of Guyana, according to the GDF website, is “the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. (He) exercises supreme authority over the GDF, providing strategic guidance on national defence policy, authorising operational deployments, and upholding the constitutional and sovereign interests of Guyana.” One crucial point must be noted from this adumbration – to wit, that our armed forces are subject to TOTAL control of the civilian Government – led by the elected Government and headed by the President!! And this is a point that isn’t emphasised enough in our country!! Both the members of our armed forces and our citizens gotta remember this existential fact!!

As Commander-in-Chief, President Ali addressed the GDF Officers Conference at Camp Ayanganna last Thursday. The point he stressed was that the recent events in Venezuela, where the US sent in a contingent of Special Forces and seized and extracted Mad Maduro to the US to face trial for his narco-smuggling activities, hadn’t changed the status quo as far as we are concerned. “The present situation in Venezuela does not remove or diminish the threat to Guyana’s territory”!! Speaking forcefully to the men and women arrayed in front of him who’re charged with defending Guyana against all and any external threats, President Ali warned, “Guyana must not drop its guard. Guyana must not blink”!!

He, of course, was addressing sentiments expressed by some that since the US would be protective of the massive ExxonMobil investments in our country to exploit our humongous oil reserves – we needn’t worry about our security!! Now ExxonMobil’s presence here obviously means the US has an interest to protect them – and the strategic oil reserves!! This has been repeatedly emphasised by Secretary of State Rubio! But there are interests, and there are interests!! And it’s clear that President Ali’s a very prudent man who understands that one interest – say, Venezuela’s 300 billion barrel oil reserves – can trump (pun intended!) another interest – say, our 13 billion barrel oil reserves!!

Look at how the US had backed Maria Corino Machado and her Opposition group to take power in Venezuela on account of their winning the 2025 elections – which were rigged by Mad Machado and his henchmen and henchwomen!! Few were as pro-communist and antiAmerican as the most strident Delcy Rodrigues!! Yet here she is, installed into office by the Yanks while Machado has been kicked to the curb!! And no hard feelings – it’s all about interests, baby!! But from our standpoint, she was also the hardliner on the Venezuelan claim to our Essequibo – and that low-hanging fruit will be plucked sooner or later!!

So, Pressie emphasised we gotta strengthen our army, navy and air force!! At least we must show them we ain’t gonna be no walk-over!! That military base in Essequibo??

…our morals

Seems like revelations from the Epstein files are gonna take a very long time to blow over!! This ain’t gonna be your usual news-cycle turnover!! So we might as well try to extract some lessons from the admittedly sordid and downright nasty business. And “business” is the one to produce the wealth; that’s the motivation for that activity. And sadly, the “businesses” most often have absolutely nothing to do with creating anything in a factory or anything you can touch!! Epstein was worth some US$800 million – just by playing with the rich, famous and connected and making FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS based on titbits he would’ve picked up!!

Right up there is the lesson that wealth concentration –and it ain’t just by the top one per cent! – creates leisure, insulation, and impunity!! It allows the elites to detach from the pain their policies and businesses cause!! But just as critically, it creates a reverence for wealth that falsely equates money with intelligence, ethics, and leadership.

We see this in our little Guyanese pond??

…Sanction Man’s sanity

Poor baby!! Sanction Man’s lawyers pleaded with Magistrate Judy to postpone his extradition hearings because he’s suffering from “migraines”!! Were these brought on by the thought of speaking in the Budget Debate – or by his imminent extradition??

Venezuela border controversy

ICJ sets May 4 to hear arguments on merits of case

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has set May 4, 2026, for the commencement of oral arguments on the merits of the Guyana-Venezuela Border Controversy case, signalling a step closer to a final and binding settlement of the decade-long issue.

This was revealed by Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, on Friday during his contributions to the debates on Budget 2026.

“I am pleased to inform the House that on 27th January, 2026, all the parties in that case were notified by the Court that the hearings on the merits of the case will open on Monday, 4th May, 2026,” the Attorney General updated the National Assembly.

According to AG Nandlall, whose office works alongside the Office of the President (OP) and the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Guyana's case, the World Court further indicated that a detailed schedule for the hearing will be communicated with the parties shortly.

Back in March 2018, Guyana had moved to the ICJ, seeking a final and binding settlement of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the boundaries with Venezuela.

The Spanish-speaking nation is claiming more than two-thirds of Guyana's landmass – the entire

Essequibo region and a portion of Guyana's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) have been found and production as well as other exploration activities are currently being undertaken offshore Guyana.

The World Court had first established its jurisdiction to hear the border case in December 2020. The written phase of the case concluded last year after Guyana filed two written pleadings on the merits of the case, and Venezuela has also filed two – the last being in August 2025.

When the hearing commences on May 4, both sides will present oral arguments on the merits of their respective cases before the ICJ’s deliberations and issuance of its final judgement, which will be binding on both countries under international law.

Guyana has declared its steadfast commitment to the peaceful resolution of this border controversy with Venezuela in accordance with international law through the ICJ.

Favourable ruling

Only last month, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd said that Guyana is confident in the case presented to the World Court and is expecting a favour-

able ruling sometime this year.

“You've seen the performance of the legal team over the last several years. And I think you are confident also in the team, as we are confident. I think we have a very strong team, and we are very focused. But of course, we have to remain cautious. But we are very confident that we will have a ruling in our favour,” Todd told reporters on January 22.

In furtherance of its spurious claims, Venezuela has been heightening its aggression over the years towards Guyana, including as recently as last year, despite the case pending before the ICJ, which had even had to issue two sets of provisional measures to restrain Venezuela and ease rising tensions between the two South American neighbours.

But with the recent capture and toppling of the Nicolás Maduro regime in Caracas by the United States on January 3, that aggression is likely to wane – something which the Government of Guyana welcomes.

In fact, one of Guyana’s agents in the ICJ case, Carl Greenidge, believes that the latest developments in Venezuela could see a reduction in military aggression against Guyana.

“The change in the relationship between Venezuela and the US in the immedi-

ate future is likely to put on hold Venezuela’s military ambitions towards Guyana because I don’t think they’ll be in a position to realise that,” Greenidge, a former Foreign Affairs Minister, told local news agency OilNOW in January.

Ready for any eventuality

Despite this anticipated ease of tension, however, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, has cautioned that Guyana still needs to remain vigilant.

“The present situation in Venezuela does not remove nor diminish the threat to Guyana's territory. If anything, history teaches us that uncertainty demands preparedness, not wishful thinking. Guyana must not drop its guard. Guyana must not blink. We must be prepared. We must be ready. We must be ever vigilant,” President Ali declared on Thursday.

According to the Commander-in-Chief, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) must be prepared for any eventuality – something which he contends is not a sign of provocation.

“Preparedness is not provocation; readiness is not aggression; vigilance is not hostility. They're simply the duties of a sovereign state that takes itself seriously. And that is why the Guyana Defence Force must

continue to ensure that it is ready for any eventuality, on land, at sea and in the air.

Readiness is not something you scramble to assemble when trouble arrives; it is something you build quietly, steadily and professionally,” the Head of State asserted.

President Ali was at the time addressing the opening ceremony of the GDF’s Annual Officers’ Conference (AOC) held at Base Camp Ayanganna on Thursday morning.

GDF’s Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, also recalled that approximately one year ago, in February 2025, six Guyanese soldiers were injured after coming under gunfire while traversing the Cuyuni River in Region Seven, which borders Venezuela.

While the army has recovered from that incident and several others, including another attack in September last year, Brigadier Khan noted that the GDF has since strengthened its presence in those frontier loca-

tions and revised its operational posture.

“The Force stayed resolute in maintaining Guyana’s territorial integrity, sustaining operational readiness, and conducting continuous activities to deter threats and protect our patrimony… Our mission, even in such an environment, to protect and defend our territory remains non-negotiable.”

“We continue to assess the recent developments in Venezuela. And I must say, regardless of any opportunities such developments can potentially bring, we will and must continue to stand guard,” the Army Chief contended.

But even as Guyana enjoys the strong support of regional and international partners as well as organisations against Venezuela's spurious claims and aggression, President Ali underscored the importance of building internal defence to defend the country’s national patrimony.

Consortium can give small miners greater access to land, support – Pres Ali

Acknowledging that access to land has long been a challenge for small miners, President Dr Irfaan Ali said the Government has developed an initiative that will enable this group to pool their resources, improve productivity, and better benefit from Government support. He made the remarks on Friday during an interaction with small miners at Puruni Landing, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

“I know land for small miners is a big issue. But listen to me carefully. Listen carefully. It is uneconomical for a hundred small miners to be in a hundred different locations,” the Head of State explained.

“Because a hundred different sets of transportation you have to get,” he noted.

The solution, he said, is for small miners to form consortiums.

“We are to work on iden-

tifying one area, bring a consortium of small miners, and have you located in that area so we can provide better services to you,” the President noted.

You don’t need a hundred

trucks… If you’re together in one locality, instead of a hundred trucks, we can help you invest in five trucks. You can then come together and have one set of equipment that supports all of the operation,” he further outlined.

The President has set a timeframe of two months for the formation of these groups.

“So, within the next two

months, in the first quarter, we can have those allocations directly to the small miners’ consortium, and we can help you through the financial system, write up your proposal and get the backing for you. All we ask in return is for you to do the right thing,” President Ali said, emphasising that they need to comply with the laws and regulations governing the sector.

In addition to assistance with access to land, the small miners’ consortium will get other Government support.

“And we’re not only going to identify the land. I’ve directed the Minister to ensure that we help to do some of the basic testing, the basic testing. We help you with technology, with mining education,” the president noted.

Young Essequibo Coast driver fined $370,000 for traffic offences

A20-year-old man of the Charity Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) was on Friday fined a total of $370,000 after pleading guilty to multiple traffic-related offences at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

Ovid Williams, appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir in connection with offences that occurred on January 21 along Charity Back Street, Essequibo Coast.

Williams was charged with driving without a licence, contrary to Section 23(1) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act,

Chapter 51:02; breach of insurance, contrary to Section 3(1) of the Motor

Vehicle Insurance (Third Party Risks) Act, Chapter 51:03; and two counts of having obscured identification marks—one for the front and one for the rear, contrary to Section 13 of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02. When the charges were read, Williams pleaded guilty to all four offences. For the offence of obscured identification mark (front), he was fined $150,000, with three months’ imprisonment in default. He was also fined $150,000 for the offence of obscured identification

mark (rear), with a similar default sentence of three months’ imprisonment.

Additionally, Williams was fined $30,000 for driving without a licence and

$40,000 for breach of insurance, each carrying three months’ imprisonment in default of payment. The total fines imposed amounted to $370,000.

2 jailed, 1 remanded in separate Essequibo Court cases

Three men from the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), appeared before the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court this week in connection with separate criminal matters, resulting in prison sentences and a remand.

Mahindra Moniram, called “Rovin”, a 23-year-old labourer of Onderneeming Sand Pit, Essequibo Coast, was charged with the offence of robbery under arms, contrary to Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. The offence is alleged to have been committed against Fownda Callender on July 1, 2024, at Onderneeming Sand Pit.

Moniram appeared via Zoom from the Lusignan Prison on Friday be-

fore Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir. The charge was

read to him, and as the matter is indictable, he

was not required to plead. The prosecutor applied the Administration of Justice Act (AJA), and the defendant pleaded not guilty. The prosecution objected to bail, and Moniram was remanded to prison. The matter was adjourned to February 26 for disclosure of statements.

In a separate matter, Kevin Chattergoon, a 24-year-old fisherman of Paradise, Essequibo Coast, was charged with malicious damage to property, contrary to Section 160 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. The offence occurred on Monday at Paradise.

Chattergoon appeared before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir on Thursday. The

charge was read to him, and he pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

Meanwhile, Keshwa Nauth, a 26-year-old labourer of Lot 28 Bush Lot, Essequibo Coast, was arrested on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and later charged on Friday, February 6, 2026, with assault, contrary to Section Two of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:02. The offence allegedly occurred on February 3, 2026, at Bush Lot, Essequibo Coast. Nauth appeared before Magistrate Ragubir on Friday, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.

AG challenges Opposition Leader to explain US sanctions, indictments

…LOO deflects, claims sanctions “influenced”

Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, on Friday challenged newly elected Opposition Leader, United States-indicted Azruddin Mohamed, to explain to the National Assembly and to Guyanese the sanctions and federal indictments by the US Government.

“He must come here and account to the people,” Nandlall contended on Friday afternoon during his contributions to the debates on Budget 2026 in the National Assembly.

Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, have been indicted by a grand jury in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on 11 criminal charges

ranging from wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering, primarily connected to the export of gold to the US by their company, Mohamed’s Enterprises.

These indictments follow sanctions imposed in June

2024 by the US Government on the Mohameds and their businesses for large-scale corruption, including gold smuggling, money laundering, and bribery, which involved avoiding over US$50 million in taxes for the Guyanese Government.

Months after the sanctions, the younger Mohamed launched his political campaign, forming the We Invest In Nationhood (WIN) party and contesting the September 2025 General and Regional Elections, which got him elected to the National Assembly as the main parliamentary Opposition with 16 of 29 seats on that side of the House.

During his presentation, Nandlall reminded that the WIN party was born out of the “most dubious circumstances” and “personal necessity”. He highlighted the hypocrisy of the party running its campaign on “anti-corruption and transpar-

Over 3lbs of cocaine found...

The vehicle was driven by a 29-year-old hire car driver of Spring Garden, Essequibo Coast. Two other occupants were in the vehicle were a 45-year-old mason of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who was seated in the front passenger seat, and a 34-year-old fisherman of Good Hope, ECD, who was seated in the back seat with a multi-coloured haversack beside him.

During the stop-andsearch exercise Police ranks instructed all occupants to exit the vehicle. Searches were conducted. A further search was then conducted

on the multi-coloured haversack in the presence of the men, and ranks discovered two black plastic bags containing several pieces of whitish, rock-like substances suspected to be cocaine. The narcotics were shown to the fisherman, who was informed of the allegation and allegedly admitted ownership of the cocaine.

The trio was arrested and escorted to the Suddie Police Station. The cocaine was later weighed in the presence of all three men and amounted to 1539 grams, or approximately 3.397 pounds.

Meanwhile, on Friday,

ency and accountability”.

In fact, the Attorney General, in his calls upon the Opposition Leader, used words of WIN Member of Parliament (MP), Janelle Devi Sweatnam, who said in her debate contributions that “accountability is not optional.”

During his presentation, however, Mohamed deflected from the AG’s challenge, talking instead about another extradition matter. He also made accusations that the US sanctions against him were “influenced”.

Currently, the two Mohameds are facing extradition to the US to answer to the indictments. The father and son duo are fighting the extradition proceedings in the local courts.

While assuring that the Guyanese businessmen are being afforded all the safeguards guaranteed by the Constitution of Guyana, AG Nandlall declared the Opposition Leader must

FROM PAGE 8

Kevin Cumberbatch of Good Hope, ECD, was charged for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. The offence is contrary to Section 5 (1) (a) (i) of the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, chapter 10:10.

He appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir, where the charge was read and he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor objected to bail, and the defendant was remanded to prison. The case will continue on February 26.

“…explain to the people of Guyana and this House why he unwilling to surrender and go to the US, face his accusers and vindicate his innocence…after all… accountability is not an option. The people of Guyana deserve those explanations.”

The Legal Affairs Minister further pointed to the approximately G$190 billion in tax evasion that the Mohameds avoided paying the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), which had initially filed charges but had them withdrawn to facilitate the extradition proceedings.

“These are serious and damning matters, and that is why we cannot play politics with national matters. You don’t come to the National Parliament… This is the highest representative institution in the country… This is the big league, and if you are not qualified to represent the people

of this country, don’t come here.” Nandlall added.

Enforcing anti-money laundering laws

Meanwhile, the Attorney General went on to rely on the presentations made by his colleague, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, on the importance of strongly enforcing anti-money laundering laws. In her debate presentation on Friday, Waldon took a clear hit at the businessman-turned-politician.

“We will take financial crimes seriously,” emphasised the Home Affairs Minister, adding, “We will continue to enforce our anti-money laundering laws… This matters to us because Guyana is on a trajectory of important nation-building. Our financial sector has to be protected, and we will continue to protect it from crimes and proceeds of crimes and anything that will derail the growth and trajectory of nation building that we are on.”

According to Waldron, “If we have a weak anti-money laundering enforcement, correspondent banking relationships suffer, international financial transactions become harder, investors face a higher compliance risk, and the entire economy pays a price.”

In this regard, she emphasised that every person “must ensure that funds, assets and benefits they receive can withstand legal scrutiny.”

“This is our golden era” – Teixeira...

I am proud to have lived long enough to have seen what is happening to my country, to see the change, to see the transformation, to see the improvements in the quality of our people’s lives,” Teixeira said as she reflected on Guyana’s past under the PNCR, which has now coalesced with several parties to form the APNU. She recalled severe deprivation during that period, referencing widespread malnutrition, inadequate housing, and lack of water and electricity in both urban and rural communities,

particularly in Georgetown. “The poverty in this country was stark, palpable,” Teixeira remarked.

Social services

Highlighting social services, she noted that Guyana continues to provide free public healthcare, including childbirth and vaccinations, as well as education support and housing programmes. And with a rapidly growing population, she noted that these services will now carry high costs. All of which are being borne by the Government.

“This is our golden era. We have to measure where we come from and where we are and where we still have to go. But we are saying that consistently, constantly and sustainably we’re moving this country forward, and in the last five years this country has been on a trajectory never seen before, and it has never experienced,” Teixeira noted. Teixeira was praised by the Speaker, her People’s Progressive Party (PPP) colleagues and APNU MPs for her 34 years of service in the National Assembly.

GtE, renewables central to ‘Putting People First’ budget – PM

– reshaping economy while lowering electricity costs

Prime Minister (PM)

Mark Phillips on Friday defended the Government’s 2026 National Budget, telling the National Assembly that major investments in Gas-to-Energy (GtE) and renewable power are reshaping Guyana’s economy while driving down electricity costs for households and businesses.

Speaking as the debate on the national budget continued, Phillips anchored his presentation in what he described as Guyana’s “lived reality,” drawing a sharp contrast between conditions before the restoration of democracy in 1992 and the trajectory being pursued under the current administration.

He warned that forgetting the country’s past would place Guyana at risk of repeating it.

“I want to tell you about lived reality in Guyana,” Phillips told the House, cautioning that “those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.” The PM recalled that while Guyana attained independence in 1966 under a democratically elected Government, the period that followed was marked by electoral malpractice and economic decline. He said that by the time the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) returned to office in

1992, Guyana had become among the poorest countries in the region.

“By the time we took office in 1992, we were among the three poorest countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC),” Phillips said, recounting shortages, rationing and hardship that defined daily life for many Guyanese. Turning to the present, Phillips argued that Budget 2026 reflects a deliberate shift away from that past, with energy investment forming the backbone of economic transformation. He described the GtE Project at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) as the single most important investment being pursued by the Government. “The Gas-toEnergy project remains the most consequential investment undertaken by this Government and is aimed at transforming Guyana’s economic foundation,” the PM told the House. He said construction at the Wales site has moved firmly from planning into large-scale execution, with foundations, turbines and transformers already in place. According to Phillips, the project is on track to deliver results within the Government’s stated timeline.

“We will have electricity from that project in the last

quarter of 2026 – reliable and low-cost electricity,” he said. Phillips explained that cheaper, more stable power would enable heavy manufacturing, anchor the Wales development zone and attract both local and foreign investors, with wide-ranging benefits for the economy. “That will have a tremendous industrial and economic impact here in Guyana,” he said.

Renewable energy, digital connectivity

Alongside GtE, the PM highlighted significant expansion in renewable energy, particularly in hinterland, riverine and regional communities. He said that between 2020 and 2025, the Government invested $25.4 billion in renewable energy interventions, dramatically increasing national capacity. “We expanded capacity from 5.35-megawatts (MW) to 37.23-megawatts,” Phillips said, noting that the expansion also generated employment.

“More than four thousand five hundred jobs were created across construction, installation, operations and maintenance,” he added. Looking ahead to 2026, Phillips said the Government plans to install 21 new solar photovol-

taic (PV) mini-grids across the country, while upgrading existing systems and advancing additional solar projects, including at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and in Linden. “Linden will receive a combined 25-megawatts of renewable energy by the end of 2026,” he said. The PM said renewable investments are designed not only to expand power generation, but to reduce costs, strengthen local industries and improve quality of life, particularly in underserved communities.

“More stable electricity supply, lower energy costs over time, new jobs and skills training and stronger local industries, that is how it will affect people,” Phillips told the Assembly. He said more than 12,300 residents in hinterland and riverine communities will benefit directly from new solar projects, naming several villages that will receive mini-grid installations. Phillips also pointed to parallel investments in digital connectivity as part of the Government’s broader development agenda. He reported that all 253 hinterland villages are now fully connected to the internet, alongside significant improvements in connectivity across schools, health cen-

tres, police stations and fire stations nationwide. “253 villages in the hinterland of our country are now 100 per cent connected,” he said.

Digital ID system, disaster preparedness

Addressing concerns raised by opposition members, Phillips defended the rollout of the national digital identification system, stressing that the programme is governed by law and remains voluntary during its pilot phase. “This process is governed by law. The current pilot phase is strictly voluntary,” he added. The PM also underscored the importance of disaster preparedness in a developing country, announcing

that Budget 2026 allocates $73 billion to strengthen disaster management, early warning systems and contingency planning. “This budget will provide seventy-three billion dollars to ensure all of us are safe in Guyana,” he said. Phillips concluded by reaffirming the Government’s central message for Budget 2026, insisting that its measures are designed to benefit all Guyanese, regardless of political affiliation. “If you are disabled, if you are old, if you are young, if you are unemployed or underemployed… there is something in this budget for all of you,” he said. “This budget is about putting people first,” the PM reiterated.

Minister calls on miners to remain productive after cash grant distribution

Following a recent meeting with smallscale miners at Puruni Landing in Region Seven (Cuyuni–Mazaruni) on Friday, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat urged miners to continue working after receiving the Government’s cash grant, noting reports that some individuals temporarily halt their operations once the grant is collected.

He strongly discouraged the practice, emphasising that the grant is intended to supplement income, not replace regular work.

“My friends, Budget 2026 will significantly help

our people. Further to that, His Excellency promised that in this year’s budget there will be a $100,000 cash grant for every single adult Guyanese, and you will receive that after the budget,” the Minister said. “I was in Mahdia recently meeting with miners, and many of them were not too happy when I mentioned the cash grant, mainly because some workers, after collecting the grant, do not return to work immediately, but we want to encourage you to collect your cash grant and continue working,” he added. On this point, he reiterated that the cash grant is

meant to supplement regular earnings and is not intended to replace income. He further encouraged miners to remain actively engaged in their livelihoods.

“So I want to encourage you – collect your cash grant as Guyanese, but go back to work, continue working, and continue engaging in your economic activity and daily routine of earning a living. As I mentioned earlier, our presence here today, and His Excellency’s presence, is a commitment to the mining sector, especially to our small- and medium-scale Guyanese miners,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Minister

Pensioner charged for rape of 7-year-old

Aalso addressed enforcement measures, explaining that they are intended to help miners become compliant, ensure their operations are legal, and guarantee that gold is sold through the Guyana Gold Board.

While reaffirming the Government’s willingness to work with miners, he stressed that miners must also uphold their responsibilities by operating legitimately, adhering to mining regulations, and practising safe and environmentally responsible mining.

the environment in mind and ensure we are fully compliant with the mining regulations and laws of our country,” he added.

Charged: Arnold Gonzales

70-year-old pensioner and labourer from 1½ miles, Bartica, Potaro Road, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) appeared before the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday facing charges of raping a child under 16. Arnold Gonzales is accused of committing the offence against a seven-yearold girl of Essequibo Coast between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020, at Suddie, Essequibo Coast. The charge was read to the accused by Magistrate

Ravindra Mohabir, but he was not required to enter a plea.

The prosecutor objected to bail, citing the severity of the offence. However, the magistrate granted Gonzales bail in the sum of $500,000, with the conditions that he stay away from the victim, have no contact with her, and report to the Bartica Police Station every Friday until the trial concludes. The case was adjourned to February 20.

“Let us protect our environment while we do our mining – low-impact mining, or, as we say, mining with the environment in mind. Let us ensure that we have tailings ponds and settling ponds and that we do not discharge directly into our main waterways, as we have had a few complaints about that. Let us work together on this,” the Minister said.

He also encouraged miners to adopt alternative gold extraction technologies to improve recovery rates and profitability while reducing environmental harm.

“I want to encourage you to look at different technologies for extracting your gold, or doing a ‘washdown’ as you commonly call it, so that we can increase your recovery rate and make your venture far more profitable. But let us mine with

Addressing non-national miners, Bharrat urged them to ensure they are operating within the law and working under proper agreements with Guyanese miners.

The Minister further explained that officers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) are not only tasked with enforcement but are also present to assist miners in improving their operations. He said GGMC officers provide technical guidance,

advise on more efficient mining techniques, and promote the use of alternative technologies to mercury. He noted that reducing mercury use increases gold recovery rates while protecting miners’ health and the environment, particularly at a time when gold prices remain high.

“So our message here today is simple: we want to work with you, but we want you to work with us too – to ensure that your operations are fully legal and that you are selling your gold to a legitimate buyer. That is [my] main message here today as Minister of Natural Resources,” Bharrat said.

Budget 2026 debate

“People First” budget delivers nationwide – Govt MPs

- back $1.558T budget; point to health, hinterland gains, no new taxes

Speaking with a unified voice in the National Assembly, Government Members of Parliament (MPs) on Thursday mounted a coordinated defence of Budget 2026, insisting the $1.558 trillion spending plan delivers tangible benefits across every region while maintaining tax relief and accelerating invest-ment in healthcare, infrastructure and hinterland development.

MP Sanjeev Datadin told the House that Budget 2026 is the largest in Guyana’s history and yet intro-duces no new taxes while reducing existing ones. He framed the budget as the first instalment of ful-filling the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) 2025 manifesto, arguing that the electoral man-date secured at the ballot box authorises the Government to implement its promises through the na-tional budget. Datadin rejected claims of inadequate consultation, saying the manifesto itself repre-sents nationwide engagement, and stressed that parliamentary approval

of the budget enables the executive to deliver on commitments made to the electorate. Government backbenchers reinforced that message by pointing to visible changes in hinterland com-munities, particularly in Region One. MP James Bond drew on his personal experience in Mabaruma, describing a transformation in access to healthcare, education and digital services. He noted that communities once cut off from basic diagnostics now

have advanced medical equipment, including what he described as the country’s best x-ray facility, alongside maternity services and internet con-nectivity. Bond said the construction of six secondary schools in Region One also reflects the Govern-ment’s focus on expanding opportunity and reducing poverty through access, rather than short-term handouts.

Healthcare investment featured prominently throughout the debate, with

Dr Peter Ramsaroop, MP, pointed to Government positioning Guyana for sustained economic growth

medical practitioner and MP Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the House, outlining what he described as a fundamental restructuring of service delivery. Mahadeo told the House that telemedicine services have expanded from four sites in 2022 to more than 130, with plans to exceed 150 by the end of the year. He cited data showing thousands of patients accessing specialist care remotely, including ma-ternal and neonatal services, emergency re-

ferrals and chronic disease management.

Mahadeo also detailed major gains in dental care, ophthalmology and surgical capacity, arguing that these investments have saved households hundreds of millions of dollars in out-of-pocket medical costs while improving outcomes nationwide. Meanwhile, the Head of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Dr Peter Ramsaroop, said the budget prioritises long-term devel-

opment over cash transfers, stressing that improved roads, hospitals, and schools directly shape quality of life.

Ramsaroop argued that infrastructure investment acts as a multiplier – driving employment, private sector growth and investor confidence. He pointed to expanding energy capacity, agro-processing and manufacturing as evidence that the Government is positioning Guyana for sustained economic growth rather than shortterm consumption. Government MPs maintained that Budget 2026 is designed to benefit every demographic and every region, from the coastland to the hinterland, and said its success should be measured not by political rhetoric but by its impact on people’s daily lives. They argued that reduced tax burdens, expanded health services, improved infrastructure and targeted investments together reflect a people-first ap-proach anchored in delivery rather than promises.

Region 6 RDC sitting collapses amid dispute over uncirculated motion

Astatutory meeting of the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

Regional Democratic Council (RDC) was brought to an abrupt end on Thursday after opposition councillors objected to a motion being placed before the council without copies being circulated in advance, triggering a breakdown in proceedings and forcing the chair to close the sitting without a vote.

The motion, presented by Councillor Shaun Smith, sought to address the use of “urgent matters” on the RDC’s agenda, arguing that the classification was being misapplied and routinely used to bypass standing and sectoral committee scrutiny.

According to the motion, items that did not require immediate attention were repeatedly being elevated to urgent status, undermining participatory decision-making, technical review and orderly governance.

However, moments after the motion was read, opposition councillors objected strongly, insisting that while a notice of motion may have been issued, the full document itself was never shared with councillors ahead of the meeting.

Opposition councillor Mehalai McAlmont said councillors could not reasonably be expected to debate or vote on a motion they had not seen.

“Whatever the motion was, it should have been shared prior to the beginning of this session,” McAlmont told the meeting. She argued that councillors were being asked to respond to a document that had already been

discussed by others, without being afforded the opportunity to properly review it themselves.

She added that while notice was given, the absence of the actual motion was unacceptable.

McAlmont further questioned why councillors were being placed in that position when the document was, by her description, only two pages long. “Why are we here now when we don’t have a copy of that motion in front of us? It is a two-pager,” she said, describing the situation as unfair and stressing that the RDC chamber is a public space where proper procedure must be upheld.

Opposition councillor Colin Moore rose in support of McAlmont’s objections, telling the chair that the process being followed was fundamentally flawed. Moore said councillors were being asked to consider a motion that none of them had received in written form.

“The gentleman is here now reading from some paper that none of the council here have a copy of,” Moore said, questioning how councillors could, “in all fairness,” be asked to vote on a motion

without knowing its contents. Moore maintained that by law, a copy of a motion must be submitted to the council and argued that proceeding otherwise violated basic procedural standards.

As objections intensified, multiple councillors attempted to speak at the same time, raising points of order and disputing whether the motion could lawfully be put to the floor. Efforts to restore order proved unsuccessful, with crosstalk and interruptions preventing the meeting from moving forward.

With the council unable to regain control of proceedings, the regional chairman brought the statutory meeting to an end. No vote was taken on the motion, and all remaining agenda items were left unaddressed.

Misuse of “Matters of Urgent Public Interest”

According to the resolution, the “Matters of Urgent Public Interest” item was originally intended to address genuinely urgent regional matters requiring immediate attention and which could not reasonably await the next statutory meeting or committee review. However, the doc-

ument states that repeated use of the item has resulted in “procedural abuse”, transforming it into an instrument for absenteeism, the introduction of non-urgent matters, political speeches, partisan commentary and other activities inconsistent with the item’s stated purpose.

The resolution further notes that this misuse has contributed to disruptions in the conduct of statutory business, extended debates unrelated to urgent regional concerns, and reduced meeting efficiency. It also argues that bypassing committee review has weakened participatory democracy, technical scrutiny and collective decision-making within the RDC.

“Whereas the RDC has a responsibility to ensure that all matters brought before the Council follow proper procedure, pass through the appropriate committees, and receive informed analysis, except in cases of genuine emergency as defined by law or established Council policy,” Smith read.

The resolution proposes that, with immediate effect, the agenda item “Matters of Urgent Public Interest” be removed from the standard agenda of all RDC meetings. In its place, the Council would adopt and implement a formal “Notice of Urgent Motion Procedure” to govern the introduction of matters requiring immediate consideration.

Under the proposed procedure, any councillor seeking to raise a matter of urgency would be required to submit a written Notice of Urgent Motion to the Clerk of Council prior to the commencement of

the meeting. The councillor would also be required to provide a clear and concise statement explaining the nature of the urgency and to demonstrate that the matter cannot reasonably be deferred to the next statutory meeting or referred to the relevant committee without causing harm to public welfare, administrative functioning or regional operations.

The resolution assigns responsibility to the Chairperson of the RDC, act-

ing in consultation with the Clerk where necessary, to determine whether a submitted notice meets the established criteria for urgency and to approve or reject its inclusion on the agenda.

It further specifies that only four categories would constitute valid grounds for an urgent motion. These are imminent threats to public health, safety or welfare; critical administrative deadlines that cannot await committee review; emergencies, natural disasters or sudden events requiring immediate Council intervention; and legal or regulatory obligations necessitating urgent action by the RDC.

“All other matters shall be referred to the appropriate RDC committee, in keeping with established procedures for sectoral review, public consultation, and informed deliberation,” the resolution states.

The motion also provides for its implementation, instructing the Clerk of Council to update all standard agenda templates, communicate the revised procedure to councillors and administrative staff, and ensure compliance with the resolution at all future meetings.

The collapse of Thursday’s sitting once again highlighted deep procedural divisions within the Region Six RDC, with opposition councillors insisting that proper governance requires transparency and prior circulation of motions, while the motion’s proponents maintained that the issue being raised was RDC Moves to Scrap ‘Urgent Public Interest’ Agenda Item, Citing Procedural Abuse.

Region Three records decline in road fatalities

…as Police call for revived multi-agency transport oversight

Region Three has recorded a notable decline in road fatalities and serious accidents since the start of the year, a development traffic officials attribute to intensified enforcement, targeted road safety campaigns, and sustained public education efforts.

This information was relayed by Inspector C Roberts during a Road Safety and You programme conducted by the Guyana Police Force.

“Yes, my area of responsibility presently is very quiet in terms of accidents. We had a reduction in fatal and serious accidents over the period from the 4th of January to date, in comparison to the same time last year, so we’re doing fairly well,” Inspector Roberts said in response to a question.

According to the inspector, the reduction was achieved through a combination of enforcement and education.

“We achieved this by hard work and dedication – enforcement, lectures to drivers, lectures to all categories of road users, and a rigid campaign targeting certain offences such as driving without a safety helmet and speeding, which is a main contributing factor in accidents countrywide. We also target drinking and driving, so we’re doing fairly well in my area of responsibility so far,” he explained.

Meanwhile, a Police Sergeant from Regional

Division 4A, who was also present on the programme, reported that his area of responsibility has experienced a slight increase in accidents. He outlined that the division spans from Bel Air Road in the east – located near the Rubis Gas Station adjacent to the Rupert Craig Highway – to Vlissengen Road in the west, Rupert Craig Road and the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and the South Road Canal to GWI in the south.

He noted that there has been an increase in accidents, particularly along Delhi Street, which was recently repaved and reconstructed.

“We’ve had a slight surge in accidents, especially in areas like Delhi Street. However, we are working assiduously by conducting speed enforcement in those areas, as speeding is the main cause of accidents there. We are also focusing on truck drivers along Sheriff Street, who are frequently involved in accidents in my area,” the Sergeant said.

He added that Police continue to conduct lectures targeting truck drivers, cyclists, and other road users, noting that many cyclists involved in accidents sustain serious injuries due to failing to wear safety helmets.

Renewed multi-agency oversight to protect commuters

Meanwhile, a senior Police official also raised concerns about unfair mini-

bus fare practices, stressing the need for renewed multi-agency oversight to protect commuters, particularly low-income families.

He noted that many passengers operate within tight household budgets and are often overcharged, citing instances where commuters paid as much as $1000 for routes where the approved fare should have been $200.

The official explained that in previous years, complaints were channelled through the Consumer Affairs Department under the Tourism Ministry, where a coordinated approach involving the Police, road safety authorities, and minibus operators helped address fare-related issues. He recalled that around 2019–2020, stakeholders had agreed on a standardised fare structure,

Guyana Relief Council assists 4 families affected by house fires

The Guyana Relief Council (GRC) on Friday continued its humanitarian outreach by providing relief hampers to four families whose homes were destroyed by fires in recent incidents.

The non-Governmental organisation (NGO) was established to respond to the needs of persons across all 10 administrative regions who are affected by disasters, whether natural or man-made.

According to the Council, timely intervention remains critical in helping families cope in the immediate aftermath

of such events. The hampers are intended to ease the hardship faced by the affected households and to support them as they begin the process of rebuilding.

The beneficiaries are Bibi Fazila Manna, a family of two from Lot 23 GAC Old Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Thula Lee, a single-person household from Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway; Megan Ramnochan, a family of six from Lot 252 Peters and Fifth Street, Annadale, East Coast Demerara (ECD); and Odessa Outar, a family of five from Lot 861 Fourth Field, Kaneville

Grove, EBD.

The Council noted that its ability to respond to emergencies is supported largely by community-minded individuals and corporate partners. However, it acknowledged that its limited resources are increasingly strained. As a result, the GRC is appealing to members of the public to contribute cash or items in kind to support its ongoing humanitarian work. Donations in kind may include clothing, particularly for children, kitchen utensils, mattresses and other household items in good condition.

but enforcement has since weakened.

According to the officer, fare structures should be visibly displayed inside minibuses to ensure transparency for both locals and visitors. However, since the departure of the former Director of Consumer Affairs, he observed a rise in unresolved complaints, with commuters often being redirected without meaningful

follow-up.

While acknowledging that minibus operators face rising operational costs – estimated to have increased by more than 50 per cent since 2019 – the official emphasised that unchecked fare hikes ultimately burden passengers. He argued that some level of Government intervention is necessary, whether through stronger enforcement, subsidies on

key vehicle parts, or the reintroduction of undercover monitoring by Consumer Affairs staff.

He concluded by calling for a revived multi-stakeholder forum involving Government agencies, law enforcement, and transport operators to holistically address fare regulation and restore balance between operators’ costs and commuters’ financial realities.

Regional

Haiti receives armoured vehicles from South Korea as anti-gang operations expand

The Haitian National Police received three tracked armoured vehicles donated by South Korea on Thursday. This delivery provides officers with new, battlefield-level protection as anti-gang operations expand and hundreds of newly trained recruits deploy across the country.

The vehicles arrived by ship at the Port-au-Prince port, according to images released by Police and port officials, with senior commanders present during the customs transfer.

In a statement on February 5, the Police said the donation is part of bilateral cooperation between the Haitian and South Korean Governments.

“These tracked armoured vehicles, received from South Korea as part of its cooperation with the Hai-tian Government, will be used in the fight against terrorist gangs,” the Police’s General Directorate said.

The equipment significantly enhances the Police’s tactical mobility and protection in high-risk areas.

Until now, the PNH relied mostly on lightly armoured vehicles, limiting how far officers could safely advance in fortified neighbourhoods.

Police identified the vehicles as armoured per-

sonnel carriers (APCs), not heavy battle tanks, designed to transport officers safely during urban operations and protect them from gunfire and explosives. Images released by the Police show tracked vehicles with reinforced armour and mounted turrets capable of supporting light weapons.

The security reinforcement coincides with the deployment of officers from the recently graduated 35th class of the Police academy. On February 4, Police Director General Vladimir Paraison announced that 877 new officers, trained under the P4000 programme, are now operational.

The reinforcement also

Underage Suriname

comes amid a tense political climate, as Haiti approaches February 7, the scheduled end of the Transitional Presidential Council’s mandate.

Since the start of the year, Police have carried out repeated operations in gang-controlled neighbour-hoods across the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, such as Bel Air, Delmas 2 and 4, Avenue Magloire Ambroise, Rue Chavanne and Croix-desBouquets.

Police say that several gang members were killed during those raids and that officers seized firearms and ammunition. (Source: The Haitian Times)

moped rider seriously injured after collision with grader

A16-year-old moped rider suffered multiple fractures to his right thigh in a collision with a motor grader belonging to the Ministry of Public Works on Wednesday in Nickerie, Suriname.

Following the report, Police from the Nieuw Nickerie Police station responded to the scene to investi-gate. Preliminary in-

vestigation revealed that the 49-year-old motor grader driver failed to yield to the moped rider, who was on the right-of-way. This resulted in a serious collision.

The victim was transported by ambulance to the Mungra Medical Centre with serious leg injuries. Due to the severity of his injuries and the need for surgery, he was later transferred to the Academic

Hospi-tal Paramaribo, where he was admitted for care.

According to Police, neither driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. The driver of the motor grader was arrested today and arraigned. After consultation with the Public Prose-cution Service, his driver’s licence was confiscated.

(Source: Suriname Herald)

Bus plunges into ravine in Bolivia, killing at least 10

At least 10 people were killed and several others seriously injured when a bus plunged about 100 metres (330 feet) into a ravine on Thursday night in Bolivia’s highlands, Police said.

The crash occurred near the community of Putina Cotamasa, in Camacho province north of the capital, La Paz, and prompted residents and local authorities to work hours on rescue efforts.

Images broadcast by local television stations and circulated on social media showed the scale of the disaster, in-

cluding bodies of victims and injured passengers, among them minors. Emergency teams evacuated survivors and rushed

and

them to hospitals in La Paz, local media said. The cause of the crash was under investigation. (Reuters)

Bahamas gaming moguls slam human, gun trafficking allegations in Epstein file

On Wednesday, Island Luck’s co-founders both slammed claims they were involved in human and firearms trafficking as alleged in a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report released in the files on convicted paedophile and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Sebas Bastian and Adrian Fox both told Tribune Business in separate statements that they had never “met or associated” with the late financier, after their names were both included in a September 30, 2021, FBI document which detailed how an informant had alleged in an interview that “Epstein con-trolled the Bahamian and US Governments”.

The two web shop gaming moguls were far from the only Bahamians named in the same FBI report. Also

featuring was Craig Flowers, principal of the rival FML Group of Companies, though he was men-tioned separately from Messrs Bastian and Fox and not linked, or connected to, claims of arms and human trafficking.

Mr Flowers did not respond to requests for comment before press time last night, so Tribune Business is not detailing what was reported about him, but there is no suggestion that he has committed any wrongdoing.

Also included, although his name was spelt incorrectly, was Marvin Dames, the former national security Minister and an ex-Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force who, like Mr Bastian, is standing as a candidate in the upcoming General Election – for the Free National Movement

(FNM) in Mount Moriah.

The FBI report said Mr Dames, who was named as “Marvin James”, brought the informant who made the allegations against the web shop gaming chiefs to the US embassy in Nassau, who “took her infor-mation”.

The ex-Cabinet Minister on Thursday confirmed to Tribune Business that this element of the report was accurate, although he challenged the document’s authenticity.

The informant’s name was redacted, or blacked out, in the FBI report. However, Tribune Business knows her identity, and she is a wealthy US expatriate resident of The Bahamas who owns property and lives in Paradise Island’s high-end Ocean Club Estates. (Excerpt from The Tribune)

Croatian arrested at DR intl airport with 14 packages of cocaine

The Dominican Republic (DR) National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) reported the arrest of a 21-year-old man from Croatia when he tried to take 14 packages of cocaine out of the country at the Las Américas International Airport.

The detainee was identified as Frankfurt, who was carrying the drugs in his hand luggage and was de-tected by the X-ray machines.

On the instructions of the acting prosecutor and in the presence of the accused, a more thorough search was carried out, finding inside a black backpack 14 packages of a substance presumably cocaine, wrapped in plastic

bags of different colours.

Authorities arrested the young man, who will be brought to justice in the coming hours for violating law 50-88 on drugs and controlled substances.

The Public Prosecutor’s

Office and the DNCD have launched an investigation to identify, arrest, and bring to justice other possible individuals involved in the foiled international drug trafficking operation. (Source: Listin Diario)

ABGDA mulls possibility of establishing Caribbean’s first guide dog school in A&B

Aground-breaking initiative is being explored to establish the Caribbean’s first guide dog school in Antigua and Barbuda, a move that could transform the lives of visually impaired citizens across the region.

The Antigua and Barbuda Guide Dog Association (ABGDA), led by director Ronald Greenaway, Dr Radcliffe Robins, and Jacqueline Tweed Harris, is spearheading the project in partnership with international experts from the European Guide Dog Federation.

Speaking on Observer AM on Wednesday morning, Greenaway emphasised the importance of bringing this resource to the nation’s blind community.

“The people who are visually impaired or who are

blind – we really don’t see them. They’re there, but enough provision is not made for them. We want to bring awareness that there are options available to them so that they can get around,” Greenaway said.

The panel included David Adams – a former finance director from the UK who has been blind for 30 years and a guide dog user for 18 years – and his wife, Judith Adams, former executive director of the European Guide Dog Federation.

David Adams, accompanied by his seven-year-old guide dog Jimbo, described the life-changing independence a guide dog provides.

“It gives you total independence. I used to say to my wife, ‘Will you take me to the pub?’ Now I say, ‘I’m going to the pub. Do you want

to come? That’s a big difference,” Adams explained. The association has been working closely with the Government to amend the 2017 disability legislation to accommodate guide dogs in public spaces and transportation. The draft amendment is expected to be presented in the next session of Parliament.

Judith Adams, who has helped establish guide dog schools in Romania, Turkey, Greece, and Malta, praised the Government’s early support.

She identified challenges, including infrastructure improvements such as better pavements, tactile crossings, and audible traffic signals, as well as public education about guide dogs as disability aids rather than pets. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

OIL NEWS

Oil prices climb over $1 on worries over Iran-US talks

Prices climbed over US$1 a barrel for Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude on Friday as investors grew worried talks between Iran and US representatives were not making enough progress to prevent military action.

Brent crude futures climbed US$1.21 a barrel, or 1.79 per cent, to US$68.76 at 11:30 a.m. CST (1730 GMT), while US West Texas Intermediate crude was up US$1.01, or 1.6 per cent, at US$64.30 a bar-rel.

Iran and the United States held negotiations via Omani mediation on Friday to try to overcome sharp differences over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

“Going into next week, you don’t know if there is going to be an attack or not,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price Futures Group.

Iranian state TV reported in the late afternoon that the talks had ended. Iran’s Foreign Minister said ne-gotiators will return to their capitals for consultations, and the talks will continue.

Ahead of the talks, a lack of consensus on the agenda for the meeting kept investors anxious about ge-opolitical risk, as Iran wanted to stick to nuclear issues, while the US wanted to discuss Iran’s ballistic missiles and support for armed groups in the region.

Any escalation of tension between the two nations could disrupt oil flows, since about a fifth of the world’s total consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz between Oman and Iran.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq export most of their crude via the strait, as does fellow OPEC member Iran.

If the prospect of conflict in the region eases, oil prices could decline further.

On a weekly basis, prices were weighed down by a broader selloff in markets and by persistent expec-tations of an oversupply of oil, analysts said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Talks with US set to continue after “good beginning”,

Iran’s foreign Minister says

Senior US and Iranian officials are set to continue discussions after talks in Oman, the Iranian foreign Minister says, amid a crisis that had raised fears of a conflict between the countries.

Abbas Araghchi said the mediated discussions were a ”good beginning” and ”exclusively nuclear”, and the negotiators would now return to their capitals for consultations.

Ahead of the talks, US officials said they also wanted to discuss Iran’s ballistic missiles and its support for regional armed groups, which underscored the gaps between the countries’ positions.

There has been no immediate US reaction.

At least 31 killed, dozens wounded in suicide blast at Islamabad mosque

Asuicide bombing attack at a Shia mosque in Islamabad has killed at least 31 persons and wounded dozens more, in one of the worst such incidents to hit Pakistan’s capital.

The powerful explosion occurred at Khadija Tul Kubra mosque, in south-eastern Islamabad’s Tarlai Ka-lan area, during Friday prayers.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the mosque’s security guards tried to intercept the sus-pect, who opened fire at them before detonating his

explosives among the worshippers.

Asif alleged the attacker had been travelling to and from Afghanistan. In a statement, the Islamabad administration said 169 persons were transferred to hospital after rescue teams reached the site of the explosion.

Footage shared on social media and verified by Al Jazeera showed bloodied bodies lying on the floor of the mosque, surrounded by broken glass and debris.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Republicans condemn racist Trump video post depicting Obamas as apes

United States President Donald Trump has again stoked outrage over his online posts, this time for sharing a video depicting former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, as apes.

The reposted clip came as part of a flurry of late-night messages on Trump’s Truth Social account.

By midday on Friday, the video had been removed –but not after an outpouring of bipartisan condem-nation, slamming the post as blatantly racist.

In a post on the social me-

dia platform X, Tim Scott, the only Black Republican currently serving in the Senate, said he was “praying” that the video “was fake because it’s the most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House”.

“The President should remove it,” he added.

Another Republican, Representative Mike Lawler, also called on Trump to delete the post, calling it “incredibly offensive – whether intentional or a mistake”.

Democrats, meanwhile, sought to tie the video to Trump’s history of insensitive remarks, and they called

on Republicans to condemn this latest episode.

The White House, for its part, initially defended the post as an “internet meme”.

Later, it said the post had been shared “erroneously” by a White House staffer, not by the President.

The video, which bears the watermark of a site called Patriot News Outlet, briefly pairs the doctored image of the Obamas with the 1961 song The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

Initially, in the hours after the video was reposted on Trump’s Truth Social ac-

count, the White House dismissed the backlash as overblown.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told several US news outlets that the image of the Obamas was excerpted from an “internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from ‘The Lion King’”, a 1994 animated feature film.

But that explanation did not dampen the bipartisan push for Trump to renounce the video. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Russian General Vladimir Alekseyev in critical condition after Moscow shooting

Atop Russian military official who plays a major role in the country’s intelligence services has been taken to hospital after being shot in Moscow, state media has reported.

Lt Gen Vladimir Alekseyev was shot several times on the stairwell of his apartment on Friday by an unknown gunman in the northwest of the city and is in critical condition, according to reports.

Oleg Tsaryov, a

Friday’s discussions were mediated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who said in a post on social media they had been ”useful to clarify both Iranian and American thinking and identify areas for possible progress”. Araghchi led the Iranian delegation, while the US was represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. These were the first talks involving US and Iranian officials since before the war between Israel and Iran last June, when the US bombed Iran’s three main nuclear facilities. Despite the prospect of further meetings, it remains unclear whether a deal is possible, as major differences remain. (Excerpt from BBC News)

“West

pro-Kremlin Ukrainian figure close to Alekseyev, said the General had undergone sur-gery and remained in a coma.

No party has claimed responsibility for shooting Alekseyev, but suspicion in Moscow fell on Kyiv.

Ukrainian intelligence agencies have targeted dozens of Russian military officers and Russian-installed officials since the start of the war, accusing them of involvement in war crimes.

Russia’s foreign

Lt Gen Vladimir Alekseyev pictured in June 2023

Minister, Sergei Lavrov, called the shooting a “terrorist attack”, claiming without evi-dence it was intended to derail talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US to end the war.

The Ukrainian-born Alekseyev is a deputy director of Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, a unit in the defence ministry known for organising covert operations abroad, including assassinations, sabotage and espionage. (Source: The Guardian)

Wing” actor Timothy Busfield indicted on child abuse

charges

Timothy Busfield, the US actor and director known for his role in ”The West Wing”, was indicted by a New Mexico grand jury on charges of child sex abuse, the prosecutor’s office in Albuquerque announced on Friday.

Busfield surrendered to authorities on January 13 after Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman filed a criminal complaint accusing the actor of abusing twin boys over two years of produc-

tion of the Fox crime drama

”The Cleaning Lady”, when the boys were seven or eight years old. The boys are now 11. The 68-year-old actor, in a video recorded before he surrendered, said the charges against him were ”lies” and that he would be exonerated.

A judge ordered Busfield to be released from jail about a week later, ruling there was insufficient evidence for pre-trial detention.

Busfield could not imme-

diately be reached for comment. His defence lawyer, Christopher Dodd, did not respond to queries.

Allowing prosecutors to proceed to a trial, a grand jury voted to indict Busfield on Thursday on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child, a third-degree felony in New Mexico.

The indictment was not yet public on Friday morning, but the district attorney’s original criminal complaint said Busfield abused the twin boys

while filming ”The Cleaning Lady” in Albuquerque, the state’s biggest city. Busfield was an executive producer of the show and also the director of some episodes. Busfield is famous for his prime-time television roles as a White House reporter on the NBC political drama ”The West Wing”, which ran from 1999 to 2006, and as an advertising agency executive on the 1980s ABC ensemble series ”Thirtysomething”. (Reuters)

Strategy plus charm will get you what you want and more. Don’t waste time overreaching or promising more than you can deliver when it’s time to use your skills to your benefit. You’ll gain if you focus on what you want and turn your desire into a reality. Don’t hold back, speak up, and seize the moment.

Consider what you want to achieve and put everything else aside. Say no to anyone taking advantage of you or wasting your time. Saying no doesn’t make you a bad person; it makes you responsible for yourself and your happiness. Pay attention, put your mind at ease, stick close to home, and pamper yourself for a change.

Check your ego at the door, and you will learn so much more when you interact with others. Being attentive and a good listener will buy you time, offer insight, and help you make better choices. Avoid taking risks that could cause ill health or injury. Protect your reputation and rights from those trying to undermine your lifestyle.

Take the high road regardless of what others do. Stand up for the vulnerable, and you’ll gain ground and the attention of someone you least expect. Offer your insight and skills and participate in events that bring you closer to those in need. Your actions will speak louder than words and offer more leverage than a cash donation.

Put your emotions aside, or you won’t grasp a clear picture of what’s happening around you. Arguing is a waste of time. Choose your battles and focus on what gives your life meaning and purpose. Satisfying your soul will offer the highest returns. Pay attention to your health and well-being and take a timeout to reflect and rejuvenate.

Thoughts followed by actions will change your perception and direction. Trust your instincts, and you’ll gain insight into what’s possible. Participate in something that interests you, and you will connect with someone who can offer positive alternatives that will influence how you live life. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect against illness and injury.

Put your wallet away and say no to highticket entertainment. The best deal is the one that eases stress, helps you maintain your financial security, and is geared toward personal care, selfimprovement, and raising your awareness regarding your well-being and long-term goals. A quiet and inexpensive pastime will be revitalizing. Romance is in the stars.

Close the door and take a break. The time you take to rethink what’s behind you and what’s ahead will help guide you in a positive direction. Once you evaluate your options, you’ll gain clarity regarding your next move. Educate yourself, research, and consider where and how you want to live, and you’ll find your way.

Converse, make choices, and stick to a budget that suits your needs. How you move forward and who you include in your plans will determine your next adventure and the outcome. Put more time and energy into staying solvent and secure instead of casting your fate to the wind and letting others dictate your future.

Mixed emotions will leave you in limbo. Don’t rush decisions or make impromptu changes that can disrupt your finances, domestic situation, or professional goals. Time is on your side, and with a bit of thought and ingenuity, you will discover that what you thought you wanted and what is best for you aren’t compatible.

Physical self-improvement projects will be uplifting. Engage in plans that help you save time and money. A commitment from the heart will leave you questioning your long-term plans. When in doubt, only agree to what’s necessary and put everything else on hold. Put yourself first and fulfill your physical, mental, and emotional needs. Romance is favored.

Don’t jump to conclusions, open conversations, and address any discrepancies that concern you. It’s up to you to create your own opportunities and to protect what you already have in place. Social events look inviting, but beware of hidden costs and avoid indulgent behavior. Freedom comes with discipline and self-reliance. Focus on personal growth and gains.

Sooryavanshi’s 175 makes India 6-time U-19 world champions

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gave the latest demonstration of his prodigious talent with a record-breaking innings in Harare as India completed a dominant run at the Under-19 World Cup, swatting aside England’s challenge to lift the trophy for the sixth time.

The 14-year-old opener showcased his full range of scoring in an audacious knock of 175 off just 80 balls to almost single-handedly extinguish England’s hopes after India had opted to bat. When he was third out, India were 251 for 3 in the 26th over and hypothetically on track to score 500. No one could keep up with Sooryavanshi’s rate, but cameos down the order from Abhigyan Kundu and

Kanishk Chouhan did take India past 400 for the first time in a Youth ODI between Full Member nations.

For England, Caleb Falconer struck a scintillating 63-ball hundred in response, but there was too much left to do, and he was last out as India regained the Under-19 title, having lost the final to Australia two years ago.

Although England struck early, Aaron George caught at point off Alex Green, and the game quickly ran away from them. Sooryavanshi put on 142 in 15 overs alongside India’s captain, Ayush Mhatre, and then 78 out of 89 for the third wicket alongside Vedant Trivedi as the innings went into overdrive.

Having cruised to fifty

from 32 balls, he took just 23 more to bring up his first century of the tournament, then another 16 to progress past 150. Sixes rained down around the ground, as England’s spinners, Farhan Ahmed and Ralphie Albert, were treated with disdain –although arguably no shot was more outrageous than the forehand smash off a Green bouncer that somehow went straight back over the bowler’s head into the sightscreen.

He fell completely against the run of play, gloving behind when aiming a slog-sweep at Manny Lumsden, and India’s innings stuttered – at least relative to what had gone before. James Minto bagged three-for as England strove to keep the score below 400, a mark that was breached in the final over.

Set a record chase in Youth ODIs, never mind Under-19 World Cups; England needed an explo-

sive start. Instead, India began with two maidens, as Ben Dawkins and Joseph Moore struggled initially to lay bat on ball. RS Ambrish bowled Moore off an inside edge, but the arrival of Ben Mayes brought about the required increase in tempo as England raced to 64 for 1 at the end of the first powerplay.

Mayes struck seven fours and two sixes but fell to the ball after retaking the top spot from Sooryavanshi on the tournament run-scorers’ list. Thomas Rew, England’s captain, blazed out of the blocks with 31 off 18, and Dawkins notched a 49ball fifty – but the latter’s dismissal sparked a collapse of 4 for 3 in nine balls as India’s grip tightened.

England were well up with the rate, despite wickets falling, and were given hope by a stand of 92 between Falconer and James Minto. Falconer found the boundary regularly on the way to his maiden hundred, but the requirement had ballooned above 10 an over, and England were still 100 runs short when he was finally dismissed. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

India Under-19s (50 ovs maximum)

Aaron George c Mayes

b Green 9

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi c †Rew

b Lumsden 175

Ayush Mhatre (c) c Mayes

b Green 53

Vedant Trivedi c Mayes

b Minto 32

Vihaan Malhotra c Dawkins

b Minto 30

Abhigyan Kundu † c Albert

b Morgan 40

RS Ambrish b Minto 18

Kanishk Chouhan not out 37

Khilan Patel c Moores

b Morgan 3

Henil Patel run out

(Lumsden/†Rew) 5

Deepesh Devendran not out 0

Extras (lb 1, w 8) 9

Total 50 Ov (RR: 8.22) 411/9

Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Aaron George, 3.6 ov), 2-162 (Ayush Mhatre, 18.6 ov), 3-251 (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 25.3 ov), 4-302 (Vihaan Malhotra, 34.2 ov), 5-308 (Vedant Trivedi, 36.3 ov), 6-359 (Abhigyan Kundu, 44.2 ov), 7-367 (RS Ambrish, 45.1 ov), 8-375 (Khilan Patel, 46.4 ov), 9-393 (Henil Patel, 48.6 o Bowling O-M-R-W

Sebastian Morgan 9-0-74-2

Alex Green 5-0-49-2

Manny Lumsden 8-0-81-1

James Minto 8-0-63-3

Farhan Ahmed 10-0-77-0

Ralphie Albert 10- 0-66-0

England Under-19s (T: 412 runs from 50 ovs)

Ben Dawkins c Khilan Patel

b Mhatre 66

Joseph Moores b Ambrish 17

The year 2016 remains close to the hearts of many Caribbean fans. For West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy, it’s his most cherished memory on the field.

The constant flashback of winning the T20 World Cup back in 2016 will feel more alive as the West Indies open their T20 World Cup campaign today, Saturday, February 7.

West Indies will face Scotland in Kolkata, India, the venue where West Indies created history and won the T20 World Cup under the then captain, Sammy.

“It feels the same,” Sammy says. “We are going to India, and I’m pretty sure nobody is giving us a chance. Same as 2016.”

“From a batting standpoint, dot balls have been our Achilles heel for quite some time,” Hope says. “We have power-hitters who find boundaries freely, so if we limit those dot balls, then we can maximise our runs and score big totals, or chase what we need to,” Sammy said before the

World Cup.

The Head Coach added, “The realistic point is we can win the World Cup,” Sammy says. “The challenge, though, will be for us to put all this talent together.”

West Indies face Scotland in a morning encounter scheduled to begin at 05:30h, and Sammy was quick to acknowledge the challenge posed by their opponents. Scotland has built a reputation for unsettling higher-ranked teams in

ICC tournaments, including previous victories over the Caribbean side.

“Scotland has always been a tricky opponent,” Sammy admitted. “But when you go into a tournament, you trust the preparation you’ve put in. If you start doubting yourself or thinking about what happened in the past, you’re already behind the eight ball.”

According to Sammy, success in the T20 format depends less on reputa-

tion and more on delivering skills under pressure.

“If we go out and execute with both ball and bat, and also in the field, we are in it to win it,” he said. “These guys are prepared, they’re in form, and they believe in themselves and in each other.”

While optimistic,

Sammy stopped short of labelling West Indies as favourites, noting the unpredictable nature of the shortest format of the game.

“In T20 cricket, the shorter the game, the closer it brings teams together,” he said. “I’m not going to sit here and say we’re fa-

vourites. We have to execute a good game of cricket every single time we step onto the field.”

As the West Indies look to recapture past glories, Sammy’s message was clear: trust the preparation, back the talent, and play with conviction.

The journey begins at Eden Gardens, where belief will meet execution under the bright lights of a World Cup stage.

The fixtures are: West Indies v Scotland in Kolkata, February 7 West Indies v England in Mumbai, February 11 West Indies v Nepal in Mumbai, February 15 West Indies v Italy in Kolkata, February 19

The West Indies squad includes Shai Hope (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales and Romario Shepherd.

Western Tigers target Elite League Cup success ahead of tournament

The stage is set for a thrilling contest as the Elite League Cup brings together the top nine football clubs in Guyana for a high-stakes battle for national supremacy. Among the frontrunners are Western Tigers, who head into the tournament brimming with confidence after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over powerhouse Slingerz Football Club (FC) in the recent GFF Super 16 Cup.

That result has further strengthened the belief within the Western Tigers camp, as the club looks to build on its growing reputation as one of the coun-

try’s most competitive sides.

Tigers will face stiff opposition from GDF FC and Fruta Conquerors FC as they seek to advance to the knockout stages.

Player-coach Daniel Wilson believes the team’s mindset will be key as they enter the tournament.

“Yeah, I think the confidence is high as always in the camp, not only because we won that tournament (the Super 16 Cup),” Wilson said. “The confidence is high with the players going into any tournament.”

While Western Tigers have earned the label of fa-

vourites, Wilson was quick to stress that reputation alone will not secure success.

“Yeah, I think we put our name out there to be one of the favourites heading into any tournament because of what we have,” he added. “We still have to put out the performance because being favourites doesn’t mean that you win already.”

Western Tigers will begin their Elite League Cup campaign on Saturday, February 21, when they take on Fruta Conquerors FC in what is expected to be

BCB 1st Division set for Sunday, U-16 trials on for today

The hectic cricket schedule across the ancient county will continue to grow this weekend. The Under-16 trials are set for today, Saturday, February 7, at Port Mourant Community Centre Ground at 08:30h.

Additionally, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) will host the Ivan Madray T20 First Division final on Sunday, February 8, at Albion Community Centre Ground. The match will be played at 13:00h between Rose Hall Town and Albion. Furthermore, under-16 players must be attired in their club colours.

The list for the BCB U-16 trials includes: Justin Southwell, Adrian Emanuel, Anthony Persaud, Dennison Edwards, Ricardo Ganesh, Adriel Samuel, Ryan McPherson, Jeremiah Fraser, Niquan Fraser, Kelvin Henry, Darren

Sinclair, Ashton Dejonge, Aron Singh, Gutam Dhanraj, Eziquel Liverpool, Arush Hemraj, Shameer Ali,

Joel Baseo, Shamar James, Afridi Khan, Tardat Dhania, Ricardo Laurie, Davendra Rampersaud, Afraz Ali, Tamesh Hemraj, Matthew Sugrim, Donavan Newland, and Johnathan Sewcharran.

Meanwhile, the BCB inter-club under-19 competition has been pushed back from February 7 to February 14 in West Berbice and to February 21 in the other participating zones. This is to facilitate the Berbice under-16 trials.

The Under-17 final between Rose Hall Community Centre and Port Mourant will be played in late February.

The BCB debar list for 2026 was reviewed and will be published shortly. All rules for junior tournaments have been revised/reviewed

and will be published shortly.

Second division and first division rules will also be reviewed to avoid/prevent any loopholes in the system. The BCB under-16 inter-club competition is nearly at the quarter-final stage, as well as the Anil Lalsa second division countywide competition.

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club will play Albion Community Centre at Port Mourant (a neutral venue) to determine the zone winner. Both teams ended with similar outright wins, as well as first-innings wins in the two-innings-perside tournament run by the BCB.

All rules governing the transfer of players in 2026 will also be reviewed.

a closely contested opening match. With momentum on their side and confidence flowing through the squad, Western Tigers will be eager to make a strong statement as the quest for Elite League Cup glory gets underway.

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) is set to transform the South Dakota Circuit into a worldclass racing venue ahead of the GT Challenge de las Américas series slated for July 2026.

On Friday, President of the motor racing body, Mahendra Boodhoo confirmed that a suite of intensive infrastructure works will commence in the coming days, specifically designed to prepare the track for the highly anticipated GT Challenge de las Américas series.

This massive undertaking marks a pivotal moment for local motorsport, aiming to elevate the facility to meet rigorous international

A look at the fencing to be put in place

of advanced safety fencing.

According to Boodhoo, the new pit lane will be strategically integrated along the main straight, a move that

standards for high-performance racing.

At the heart of the renovation is the construction of a brand-new, active pit lane and the installation

aligns the South Dakota layout with those of premier international circuits.

This redesign is expected to streamline race logistics and significantly enhance safety for both drivers and

pit crews during high-speed transitions. Additionally, the project includes the extensive rehabilitation and extension of track curbs to ensure the circuit can handle the increased demands of GT3-class machinery.

President Boodhoo emphasised that these upcoming works represent only the first phase of a broader, continuous upgrade programme for the facility. The longterm vision for the GMR&SC is to systematically improve the circuit’s infrastructure until it achieves official FIA accreditation.

This phased approach ensures that while the track meets the immediate needs of the GT Challenge, it remains on a steady trajectory toward becoming a globally recognised, certified racing destination.

Technical oversight of the project is led by

Executive Member Ritesh Singh, who serves as the technical consultant for the upgrades. Singh revealed that the planning phase is already complete, noting that engineers have spent the last several days on-site conducting final surveys.

“Engineers have already been on the ground to carry out the necessary assessments, and the mobilisation of heavy equipment to South

Dakota will begin immediately,” Singh stated.

He emphasised that the focus is on precision and durability to ensure the track remains a crown jewel for Caribbean racing for years to come.

As the GT Challenge series approaches, these upgrades are expected to solidify Guyana’s position as a premier destination for sports tourism in the region.

Lusignan Golf Club will be the centre of at-

tention this Sunday, February 8, when it hosts the ANSA McAL Aperol Spritz Golf Tournament, a featured event on the club’s tournament calendar that promises competitive play, attractive prizes, and a vibrant sponsor presence on the course.

The one-day tournament

will see golfers competing in an 18-hole contest, with both overall honours and speciality awards up for grabs.

Players will be challenged not only to secure podium finishes but also to deliver standout performances on designated holes, adding excitement throughout the round. Prize categories include: Best Net - first to third; Overall Best Gross; Nearest to the Flag – Hole Four; and Longest Drive - Hole Five.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Lusignan Golf Club, Dr Joaan Deo, welcomed the partnership behind the event and highlighted its importance to the development of the sport locally.

“Events like the ANSA McAL Aperol Spritz Tournament are important for the continued growth and visibility of golf in Guyana. They create competitive op-

portunities for our players while also bringing a fresh, engaging atmosphere to the sport. We are pleased to see corporate partners investing in the game and helping us build a stronger golfing community,” Dr Deo stated.

Tournament sponsor ANSA McAL is one of the region’s most established distribution and beverage companies, recognised for its support of major sporting and lifestyle events across Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

Through its Aperol Spritz brand, which is internationally associated with social, stylish, and celebratory experiences, the company adds a distinctive hospitality element to this weekend’s competition.

The tournament will be played on Sunday, February 8, 2026, with tee-off scheduled for 08:00h. The presentation ceremony is expected to take place at approximately 12:30h following the completion of the play. Registration closes at 13:00h on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The fourth edition of the Commissioner of Police 5-A-Side Futsal Tournament will be played from February 20 to 22, 2026, on the tarmac behind the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and will see some 64 teams competing for millions in cash prizes and trophies.

Speaking on the tournament, Sport Development Officer for the Guyana Police Force, Colin Boyce, who appeared on Radio Eve Leary, gave more details on the competition.

“The Commissioner of Police Pre-Mash 5-A-Side Futsal competition is slated from the 20th to the 22nd of February. We are expecting to host about 64 teams maximum, and very shortly those entry forms will be out. We will close the entry on February 18, after which we will have the draw. But to tell you a little more about the competition itself, this is the fourth edition.”

He noted that the first prize is set at $2 million, while the second is $1 million, the third $500,000, and the fourth prize $250,000. “We also have a prize for the most valuable player in the final – that’s another whopping $250,000.”

Boyce, however, stat-

By modernising the circuit’s footprint and safety apparatus, the GMR&SC is not just preparing for a single event but is building a sustainable foundation for future international championships. Fans can expect a flurry of activity at the Timehri facility starting this week, as contractors race against the clock to deliver a theatre for speed.

Over $4M up for grabs in Top Cop PreMash 5-A-Side Futsal Tournament

ed that the first round will be played on the night of February 20 at 18:00h, while noting that each game is set to be seven minutes long – three and a half minutes per side.

“That’s a seven-minute game. So, if we have 64 teams, we’ll more than likely run the football for about six hours – six hours of football action, nonstop.”

He added that the event will be grand while reiterating that the Commissioner,

Clifton Hicken, means well for not only the communities but also for football in general.

GMR&SC greenlights major upgrades to South Dakota ahead of GT Challenge ANSA

Boyce, nevertheless, stated that registration will be open from Monday, February 9, until February 18. “We are looking for 64 teams to register; that will be it. I recall last year we had much more than 64 teams, but at the end of the day, we want to finish this tournament within the three days.”

On this note, he has sounded a call for all the football clubs across Guyana to register for the exciting tournament.