Guyana Times - Sunday, February 15, 2026

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, February 15 – 15:20h–16:50h, and Monday, February 16 – 15:55h–17:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

$20B Technical Training College commissioned in Berbice …Region 6 becomes O&G training capital

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday commissioned the $20 billion Guyana Technical Training College Inc (GTTCI) at Port Mourant, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), declaring that the region has now been formally designated the national capital for oil and gas technical training as the Government moves to convert oil wealth into a highly skilled Guyanese workforce.

Addressing a large gathering at the state-of-the-art facility, the President said the investment represents far more than new buildings and equipment. “It’s an investment in a workforce, an investment in the future of our country,” he stated, emphasising that the college forms a central pillar of the Government’s strategy to transform Guyana’s human capital base.

The GTTCI, built and funded by the Government, is ready to deliver worldclass certification in technical disciplines critical to the oil and gas sector, including production operations, instrumentation, electrical, and mechanical training.

President Ali said the institution was initially designed to serve Guyanese but is already positioned to attract trainees from Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and other regional territories involved in deep-water energy development.

“Region Six has been designated the national capital for oil and gas technical training,” the President declared, urging residents to appreciate the scale of what that designation means. He noted that the facility aligns directly with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s development vision of converting oil revenues into sustainable, long-term national capacity.

The President explained that the college directly advances the Government’s human capital development agenda by transforming Guyana’s population into a highly skilled workforce capable of sustaining a modern industrial economy, pointing out that the realisation of the vision is in the party’s manifesto.

He said, adding that the GTTCI will train Guyanese in technical disciplines essential to supporting the oil and gas corporation and related industries.

He also linked the institution to Guyana’s Local Content Act and broader economic objectives, noting that the country must ensure its citizens and businesses benefit directly from oil production. By producing certified technicians, process operators, and industrial maintenance specialists, the college will help meet local content targets and reduce reliance on imported

labour.

President Ali underscored that the decision to locate the facility in Berbice reflects a deliberate policy of regional equity and balanced national growth.

“Development must not be concentrated only in Region Four,” he said, describing the GTTCI as evidence that an entire industrial ecosystem is now being anchored in Region Six.

Support economic diversification

Apart from oil and gas, he said the campus is designed to support economic diversification, including manufacturing, energy utilities, infrastructure construction, and the food industry. Plans are also underway to modernise and upgrade the GuySuCo Training Institute to match the capacity and capability of the new technical college, further integrating training systems across sectors.

Region Six, long known as Guyana’s agricultural hub, is also set to see the establishment of a state-of-

the-art agricultural training facility to support the industrialisation of agriculture and the expansion of the food industry. The President said this multi-sector training push is part of a master plan to align manpower planning with national development priorities.

“That is why we renamed the Ministry the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning,” he explained, stressing the importance of identifying skills gaps and reorganising workforce capacity to meet the demands of a rapidly modernising economy.

The Head of State also outlined complementary infrastructure developments that will further strengthen Region Six’s economic position, including the construction of a new teaching hospital with specialised research capabilities and a cardiac centre expected to serve the wider region. He noted that the next hospital to be built in the area will function as a teaching hospital, integrating medical education with healthcare delivery.

He pointed to ongoing improvements in sporting infrastructure, including upgrades at the Berbice stadium, and referenced future energy and port developments that will deepen regional industrial activity. He said decisions related to Phase Two of the gas-to-energy project and associated infrastructure are expected in the coming months, with long-term plans targeting 2030 for major integrated developments.

However, he emphasised that the GTTCI stands as a cornerstone of Guyana’s long-term transformation strategy.

“The development we pursue is temporary in the sense of the time it takes to build the facilities and infrastructure, but the results of that development are lasting,” he said.

He described the facility as a vehicle for youth empowerment and social mobility, providing young Guyanese with access to stable employment, high wages, and technical career progression. By positioning Guyana as a regional leader in energy and industrial expertise, the college will contribute to national competitiveness and regional leadership.

The responsibility for ensuring Guyana’s transformation, he said, rests squarely on the current generation of leadership. He expressed determination to see the master plan executed within his tenure, stressing that the investments being made today are intended to secure longterm prosperity for future generations.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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The challenge to print media

The patient is not merely ill; he is being asked to vacate the hospital bed.

With the announced closure of Stabroek News, another print newsroom prepares to fold its tents, power down its presses, and whisper a polite apology to the concept of permanence. Ink, it turns out, is no match for the algorithm. The obituary for print media has been drafted so many times it ought to have a commemorative supplement by now, but this one feels less like hyperbole and more like housekeeping.

Print once enjoyed the leisurely authority of a morning ritual. It arrived with the sunrise and coffee, confident that whatever it had chosen to report would define the day.

Now news breaks at 02:17h because someone sneezed on a livestream, and by breakfast it has already been litigated, memed, monetised, and forgotten. The newspaper, by contrast, shows up with yesterday’s certainties in a world that has already moved on to tomorrow’s outrage.

The closing of Stabroek News is not merely a local business story; it is a parable about the economics of attention. Advertising dollars – once the dependable ballast of broadsheets – have migrated to platforms that promise micro-targeted miracles and deliver macro-scale distraction. Why buy a quarter-page ad when you can sponsor a scrolling hallucination tailored to someone who once Googled “garden hose” at 03:00h? The market has spoken, and it prefers surveillance to serendipity.

Then there is the small matter of cost. Paper is not free. Ink is not free. Distribution trucks do not run on nostalgia. Meanwhile, publishing online requires little more than a content management system and a willingness to believe that page views are a form of civic engagement. The arithmetic is brutal: printing presses are heavy; tweets are weightless. Guess which travels faster?

But let us not pretend this is solely a tale of villainous tech barons twirling fibre-optic moustaches. Print media also laboured under the comforting illusion that credibility was self-sustaining. That readers would forever pay for fact-checked prose because it was virtuous. Unfortunately, virtue has terrible margins. The modern reader, marinated in free content, tends to experience paywalls as a personal affront rather than an existential necessity.

What is lost when a paper like Stabroek News shutters is not merely a product but a posture. Print imposed a discipline. Space was finite. Headlines had to fit. Editors had to choose. The act of selection implied judgement, and judgement implied responsibility. The infinite scroll, by contrast, has all the restraint of a toddler in a confectionery.

And yet, we are assured this is progress. News is more “democratised”. Everyone can publish. Everyone can opine. Everyone can be wrong at scale. The press, once a gatekeeper, is now a participant in a carnival where the loudest booth wins. In this marketplace, a carefully sourced investigation competes with a rumour in athleisure.

The closure of Stabroek News may be framed as inevitable – an unfortunate casualty of modernisation. But inevitability is often just a flattering synonym for collective indifference. Communities that once rallied around their newspapers now scroll past their demise between cat videos and cryptocurrency tips. We mourn in theory, then refresh our feeds.

Still, the presses fall silent with a certain dignity. Print media has always believed in the tangible: paper you can fold, margins you can annotate, and archives that do not vanish when a server hiccups. There is something almost heroic about insisting on physicality in a culture determined to dematerialise everything except outrage.

So here we are, watching another masthead dim its lights. The lesson, apparently, is that information wants to be free, but journalism stubbornly insists on being paid.

As Stabroek News prepares to join the swelling ranks of the formerly printed, we might consider whether the convenience of instant, endless content is worth the steady erosion of institutions that once considered facts a public service rather than a performance metric.

Or we could simply scroll on.

Students and teachers represented their respective schools during the Children’s Mashramani Costume Parade 2026, transforming the streets of Georgetown into a display of colour, music, and youthful energy as part of the annual celebrations. (Education Ministry photo)

UN decade of healthy ageing

By Ryhaan Shah

This decade – the years between 2021 and 2030 –has been declared the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.

The global collaboration being implemented through the World Health Organisation expects to bring together Governments, civil society, academia, the private sector and the media to foster longer and healthier lives for the world’s ageing population.

There is universal growth in the ageing population as people everywhere are living longer. In just five years, one in six people in the world will be 60 years or older. By 2050, the elderly population will double from its current number of one billion to over two billion. And it is not only the developed countries that are seeing this increase; the developing world is now experiencing the greatest change.

During this decade, the UN expects every country to implement policies that will improve the lives of older people, their families and their communities not only through the delivery of health care services designed specifically to respond to the needs of the elderly but also to change how we think, feel and act towards ageing and ageism.

Our Government has been spending much of the new national wealth on infrastructural development such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and health centres, which benefits everyone. There is also much emphasis on educating our youth in order to prepare them to take up new careers and job opportunities in the private and public sectors.

These initiatives are all good. However, there should be more consideration given to establishing wellness centres for the elderly in every region where senior members of the community could get free health check-ups, medications and help with such necessities – depending on their physical condition – as walking sticks and wheelchairs.

The centres would be staffed by an interdisciplinary team of doctors, physical therapists and social workers who could streamline the care needed to address any medical and mobility issues as well as any mental health care that may be required.

A “one-stop-shop” approach

would help coordinate the care and services needed and make it easier for us to receive prescribed treatment. The medical issues that most often arise with age are hearing loss, cataracts, diabetes, stroke and heart disease, arthritis, and depression and dementia.

Some of us may have more than one medical condition, and dedicated wellness centres would improve efficiency and care by providing a range of services at one location, such as diagnostic services, lab work, and on-site doctors, physical therapists, and counsellors.

While our healthcare services are improving, elder care still falls within the remit of general medical practice whereby the elderly often have to sit and wait for lengths of time in full waiting rooms.

Wellness centres will not only assist in more streamlined care for the elderly but also help family members who often have to take time off to accompany their older relatives to the doctor’s clinic.

If centres are established in each region or community, we will be able to meet peers and build friendships, which will improve our mental health and reduce any feelings of loneliness. Managed well, such centres can even become hubs for social interactions and foster a sense of community through shared activities and social events geared for the area’s senior members.

We, the elderly, are often seen, or even dismissed, as being frail and dependent when, with proper care and support, we can continue to make valuable contributions to our community.

Hospice care is another area that needs development not only by way of infrastructure but also in the training of professionals who could deal competently with the physical and mental health needs that arise with end-of-life care.

The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing provides an opportunity for the state to work with respective communities in order to improve the lives of older people and our families. The UN Decade sets out an ambitious vision of a world in which all people can live long and healthy lives.

Nelson Mandela said, “A society that does not value its older people denies its roots and endangers its future.”

A long and healthy life for every citizen would add to the welfare, wellbeing and cumulative contributions that could be made to our society. Additional years of good health would provide us with opportunities to pursue further life achievements, but the extent of our success would depend on the support provided to help us reach our goals.

There are still five more years until the end of this UN-designated decade. Time enough for our Government to consider establishing wellness centres for the elderly in every region.

Taymara Jagmohan earns PhD from University of Aberdeen

…proposes hybrid oil and gas safety model for Guyana

Aonce-in-a-million dream has come true for Taymara Stephania Jagmohan, as she has successfully achieved one of her lifelong dreams at the University of Aberdeen, where her PhD was conferred in November 2025.

From a young age, Jagmohan knew she wanted to be a writer. At just 16, she read over a hundred books each year to understand and appreciate various perspectives, preparing herself for the path she would later take.

However, before delving into law, Jagmohan explored the waters of science, integrating aspects of it into her doctoral thesis titled “Offshore Oil and Gas Health and Safety and Environmental Regulation in Guyana: Lessons from the UK and the US Safety Regimes.”

During her first master’s degree, she developed a keen interest in health, safety, and environmental protection. This interest, coupled with the fact that legislation in Guyana lagged behind the rapid pace of petroleum discoveries in her home country, shaped the focus of her PhD. Jagmohan undertook a robust comparative study of two experienced jurisdictions – the UK and the US –to draw lessons for Guyana.

While she initially anticipated a singular answer, her research revealed a more nuanced outcome, recommending a hybrid regime of both performance-based and prescriptive approaches to improve the legal framework and guide future reforms.

She emphasised that this summary represents just a fraction of the extensive analysis and insights she uncovered, which she hopes will be widely beneficial.

Jagmohan also described her experience in Scotland as transformative. She found the so-called “magic” of the environment unmatched, saying it was “unique only to the Scottish air.”

Immersed in the Viriditas, she connected deeply with nature, discovering a source of energy that allowed her to soar. She recounted feeling alive, with her energy rising each day, sometimes reaching a point of wildness and fury. This vitality was nurtured by her diverse activities, including conversations with her community, yoga, swimming, painting, drawing, weightlifting, endurance exercises, reading, cooking sushi, and watching Formula One.

Relentless and fearless

Despite facing detractors along the way, Jagmohan remained relentless and fe-

arless. She described herself as “unstoppable”, demonstrating perseverance and resilience in pursuit of her goals. She cited lines from Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “The Masque of Anarchy” as inspiration:

“Rise like lions after slumber in unvanquishable number – shake your chains to earth like dew.

Which in sleep had fallen on you – ye are many – they are few.”

Her supervisor echoed these sentiments, reminding her on September 4, 2025, that “anything worthwhile is worth fighting for.”

Jagmohan credited her success to her supportive supervisor, the love of God, her parents, brother, extended family, friends, nature, and examiners – acknowledging that the shared joy of achievement made her triumph even sweeter.

With an undergraduate degree, two master’s degrees, and now a fully realised PhD, Jagmohan remains tight-lipped about her next steps, playfully noting that “a woman never tells”, inspired by the line, “This is the day you will always remember as the day you almost caught Captain Jack Sparrow.”

She also shared that her competitive spirit will continue to be fuelled by music: Brian Tyler’s Formula One Theme to begin her writing day and Sak Noel, Salvi, and Sean Paul’s Trumpets to accompany her workouts in the evening.

Jagmohan reflected on her journey, noting that walking in the moonlight of

the forests and embracing every challenge has shaped her profoundly. Today, she stands transformed, having discovered not only the moon but also the sun, and looks forward to flowing onwards, “perhaps like the way a river flows and overflows, for there is no other alternative.”

She acknowledged the role of her reader’s support and shared enthusiasm in her journey, expressing her

joy in this remarkable chapter of her life.

Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is a prestigious, research-intensive institution in Scotland, consistently ranking in the UK’s top 20 and among the world’s top 300. It serves a diverse, international community of over 14,000 students across 12 schools, specialising in areas like energy, health, and AI.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2026

00:00 Sign Off 06:00 Cartoons 07:00 Movie - God’s Not Dead 2 (2016) 09:00 David Persaud Religious Program

09:30 Movie - Cats & Dogs (2001) 11:00 Movie - Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (2010) 12:30 Movie - Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite (2020) 14:00 Movie - Alley Cats Strike (2000) 16:00 Movie - 101 Dalmatians (1996) 18:00 Maths is Fun

18:30 Week-in-Review

19:00 Supergirl S5 E3

20:00 The Flash S2 E10

21:00 Shadowhunters S3 E13 22:00 Movie - Left Behind (2014)

Foundation

How can rescuers quickly find people lost at sea?

Have you ever wondered how rescuers find people lost at sea? The ocean is a big place – finding a person can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack! This is especially true when you think about how the ocean changes.

Search and rescue teams rely on clever mathematical calculations called algorithms, which help predict where a lost person might be. Scientists enter information about the weather, ocean currents, and where a person was last seen into an algorithm. This information creates maps for the rescuers of the best areas to search.

Scientists thought there might be a better way to find people lost at sea quickly, and used a new algorithm to predict where people might drift. They took information about ocean dynamics in new ways to make maps of things

called Transient Attracting Profiles (TRAPs). These TRAPs are like magnets – they’re curves of the sea that pull objects (like people!) towards them. But how helpful is their new method to search and rescue teams?

They wanted to test how well the algorithm worked in real life. Can it predict where TRAPs are? How

water?

Scientists went out to sea to test this method in three real-life experiments. Each time they used information about ocean dynamics to create maps of the nearby TRAPs.

These maps would hopefully predict where drifting objects would end up. Every 30 minutes, the maps were updated with

ocean changed in real time, which is very important for searching and rescuing. They used different objects – buoys and manikins (Figure 1) – and put them in the water to see where they would drift. GPS trackers were put on the objects, and the trackers recorded the location of the objects every five minutes. They drifted for a few hours

strongly do the TRAPs pull in objects drifting in the

the newest information. The maps changed as the

before they were collected. These experiments

showed where the objects drifted in real time. The TRAPs acted like powerful magnets in the sea, pulling everything towards them. The shape of the object didn’t matter – within two to three hours, the buoys and manikins were always drawn towards the TRAPs (Figure 2).

This new method worked very well in the real world. Scientists could predict where an object would end up, even without complete information about ocean dynamics or where and what object was lost at sea. Being able to quickly and accurately predict where people are lost at sea is very important. Search

These TRAPs are a reliable way of predicting where objects waill end up within a few hours. Finding people in such a short period of time means the chance of rescuing them alive is much higher.

Scientists can also use TRAPs in other ways. For example, they could predict how an oil spill will spread in the ocean. By doing this, we can quickly put barriers up to contain the spill and prevent lots of damage to the environment. These findings can help to save lives and limit environmental disasters!

The ocean is a fascinating place. A beach changes every day as the tide rises and falls, and the sea can be

and rescue teams use these predictions to plan things like flight paths for planes and ship routes to look for missing people.

There are many problems with the current methods and algorithms, though. Rescuers might not know exactly where a person was last seen or have complete information about ocean dynamics (they’re always changing). This can lead to many errors. It can also take a long time to produce the maps. Timing is a big challenge in search and rescue missions, where every minute counts!

This new method uses an algorithm to show where to find the areas of the ocean that act like a powerful magnet in real time.

calm one second and stormy the next! So it’s important to respect the ocean. Here are some things you can do to keep yourself safe at sea:

Always check the conditions (the wind and tides).

Tell someone before going out.

Swim with a buddy.

Wear a life jacket.

Obey all signs and flags.

Learn about rip current safety.

Swim near a lifeguard.

If you ever get in trouble in the water, it’s best to stay calm and float until someone comes to your rescue!

Maha Shivratri 2026

President Ali calls for unity, humility, acts of kindness

President Dr Irfaan Ali has extended Maha Shivratri greetings to Hindus across Guyana, calling on citizens to embrace reflection, humility and compassion as they observe the sacred festival today.

In his message, Ali said the observance of Maha Shivratri, known as the Great Night of Shiva, invites deep introspection and reverence. He noted that the festival encourages devotees to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and to reflect on the spiritual journey toward liberation and enlightenment.

The Head of State highlighted the significance of Lord Shiva in Hindu belief, describing the deity as a symbol of creation, preservation and dissolution. He said the festival provides an opportunity to contemplate the cycle of life and renewal and to acknowledge the divine source of all power.

Maha Shivratri, he stated, reminds humanity that ultimate authority over life and death rests with the Divine. In that recognition, he urged humility and an understanding of the limits of human strength.

President Ali also pointed to the religious practices associated with the observance, including fasting, prayer, meditation and the chanting of sacred mantras. He said these acts represent spiritual discipline and devotion, while offerings in temples symbolise love and surrender.

Additionally, he underscored the moral teachings associated with Lord

Guyanese economy to benefit as House passes bills to roll out Budget 2026 measures

The National Assembly has paved the way for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government to implement the series of measures contained in Budget 2026 that are aimed at increasing disposable income, reducing the cost of doing business, and incentivising investments in specific sectors.

important measures that will ensure the delivery of the measures that are contained in Budget 2026. And redounded to the benefits of both the Guyana productive sector and the individuals and households across the country.”

lows for an amendment to the Income Tax Act, the Corporation Tax Act, the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Act, the Property Tax Act and the Customs Act.

These amendments will increase disposable income, reduce the cost of living, promote local production, stimulate investment in priority sectors, and provide targeted tax and duty relief to individuals and businesses. They give effect to the Government’s fiscal policy measures for 2026, aimed at enhancing economic activity, supporting households, encouraging local production and reducing the overall cost of living.

Budget 2026 measures

Shiva, particularly the values of detachment from excess and commitment to righteousness. He said the festival serves as a reminder of the need for generosity in a world where wealth and hardship exist side by side. Ali encouraged citizens to practise kindness and to share with those in need, noting that even small acts of generosity can have a lasting impact. According to the President, compassion expressed through action strengthens communities and helps guide the nation forward.

He expressed hope that the spirit of sharing would unite citizens as one people and that the wisdom and grace associated with Lord Shiva would inspire love and harmony throughout the country. Maha Shivratri is one of the most significant observances in the Hindu calendar and is marked by night-long vigils and prayers.

In the wee hours of Saturday, the House approved the Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Bill that was piloted by Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh. This was after the National Assembly passed Budget 2026, which was presented in January under the theme “Putting People First”.

According to the Finance Minister in his remarks before the Bill was voted on, “I believe that the merits of this Bill speak for themselves… I strongly advocate the Bill enjoys the unanimous support of the House because it does propose a number of very

Though the Bill did not enjoy the support of the Parliamentary Opposition, Dr Singh noted that not only will these amendments allow for increased benefits to citizens, but they also demonstrate the “inescapable fact” that the only political party that presented a comprehensive vision for improving the lives of Guyanese is the PPP/C.

“The Guyana that we want to build…[and] the Guyana that we are building will see every single Guyanese citizen be able to achieve [and] secure not only their own well-being but be able to achieve personal and household prosperity,” the Finance Minister emphasised.

The Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Bill 2026 al-

Some of the measures announced in Budget 2026 by the Senior Minister that the Bill gives effect to include the removal of corporate taxes on agriculture and agro-processing businesses, expanding the list of products eligible for export allowance to include timber value-added products, the removal of VAT on locally made furniture and locally produced jewellery, and the removal of duty and VAT on security equipment.

Additionally, a flat tax of $2 million on double-cab pick-ups less than 2000cc irrespective of age and $3 million on double-cab pickups between 2000cc and 2500cc irrespective of age was also introduced, while VAT was removed on vehicles below 1500cc and on hybrid motor vehicles below 2000cc.

Sayonara…

…to

the Stabber

Out of the blue came the announcement – the Stabber’s throwing in the towel and crying, “no mas, no mas”!! Now the news wasn’t completely surprising since newspapers across the world have been calling it quits left, right and centre. Just the other day we heard about Newsday’s demise over in T&T. In the US –which is a bellwether for the world in this and so many other trends – over 3300 newspapers have shut down since 2005, and the pace is accelerating!! And if newspapers are closing shop so fast and furiously, you can imagine what’s happening to their employees!! It’s nothing less than a massacre – a bloodbath!!

But it can’t be any comfort for the folks over at the Stabber that it’s happening elsewhere. And those of us in the traditional media can’t be gloating – there’s John Donne’s old warning about “For whom the bell tolls”!! Which we can paraphrase: “…any man’s (newspaper’s) death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind (media), and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

So what’s going on?? It’s clear that the explosion of social media – facilitated by the technological advances in communications where practically everybody in the world’s got a smart device in their hands – is at the root of the situation. Fewer and fewer folks are gonna wait for a group of people to select what news they think we want – and then publish it on a piece of paper to be read – at best – a day later!! The smartphones can not only give you that news but can SHOW you it in living colour – by folks in the vicinity – before you can say “Jack Squat”!! And over so many different “platforms” that offer different takes!! Combine this with AI – that can curate the same news in literally thousands of ways – who’s gonna wait for the next day?? Of course, some newspapers will have writers or editors that certain people have gotten used to and trust!! But that’s gonna be a dwindling number – as writers and editors smell the coffee and get onto social media that’s now easier than saying, “Smile, you’re on Candid Camera!!”

In the specific instance of the Stabber’s closure, while they’ve been complaining that at any given time, the DPI owed them millions for ads they carried, they conceded this was not the causa belli. All the other print houses have that challenge, which is caused by the bureaucratic logjam in processing payments by the DPI, not any malice!! Stabber just couldn’t go on with their expenses in the face of declining revenues.

The others will pick up the slack… but the end appears inevitable, doesn’t it?!!

…to speeding?

Unquestionably, we Guyanese are a people in a hurry –as can be attested by anyone who’s had occasion to travel on our roadways!! Meaning every one of us!! To travel is to risk life and limb from drivers of vehicles – motorcycles, cars, trucks, and even tractors! – who create “third lanes” or drive into oncoming traffic whenever caught in any traffic delay!!

The Police – of course – are charged with returning order from the chaos that’s the norm. But we all know that up to now, their yearning for “a fried rice” that demands “leff something, na?’ has subverted that duty. No more, we hear!! Those speed cameras that have been installed on our highways and byways are gonna eliminate that!! We’ve been assured by our Home Affairs Minister – in the close of the Budget Debate – that these cameras show no fear or favour!! Once you speed, that ticket’s gonna be mailed to you!!

But did your Eyewitness read about some 600-odd tickets being wiped off the system??

…to animal slaughter?

Your Eyewitness’ attention was caught by the headline, “Butcher remanded for unlawful wounding”!! He wondered whether the slaughter of animals had now been outlawed and the fella was caught chopping some helpless cow or sheep!!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Stabroek News passes

The announcement that Stabroek News would cease publication next month has shocked most Guyanese – and certainly myself. Upon assuming office in August 1985, after LFS Burnham’s passing, Desmond Hoyte embarked on a mission to roll back the former’s “cooperative socialist” experiment that created a state monopoly in almost every sector of the country, including the media. David de Caries had been a member of the leftist, “progressive” New World Group of Caribbean intellectuals “who would interrogate the present and future of the West Indies.” He had penned the featured article, “Caribbean Integration”, in the inaugural edition of the group’s quarterly “New World Journal” in March 1963. De Caries, a lawyer in private practice, epitomised the group’s commitment to liberal principles of individual rights, such as freedom of expression, and most trenchantly the rule of law. He was encouraged to launch a newspaper here to articulate and disseminate such a perspective by a New World colleague who was Managing Director of the Trinidad Express.

Ravi Dev

The Stabroek News was launched in late 1986, helped by a US$100,000 grant from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which had been formed three years earlier by the Reagan administration to assist in the fight against communism. It funded activities, with a gentler face, that had previously been performed by the CIA. In the “policy statement” in the very first edition of the “independent newspaper”, he wrote candidly, “A newspaper represents the interests, outlook (and prejudices) of those who own and control it… By “independent” we do not mean free of any perception of the interests and opinions of its owners. No paper is, or ever will be, so “free”. We mean free of direction by any outside institution… Because the role of the press is essentially to investigate, inform and analyse, however, and because of the difficult conditions that now prevail, it is likely that we will on many occasions perform a critical function and will often have to adopt an adversarial role. So be it.”

I was living in New Jersey at the time and drove over to the Hillside Ave, Queens store of Tony Yasin, who would later purchase Guyana Stores, to pick up the initial weekly Sunday editions that were available the very next day. It was a breath of fresh air. As promised, it certainly reflected the perspective of the owner, and I remember taking him to task in letters he published over a centre-page headline, “Indian Guyanese enter mainstream culture,” after I remigrated to Guyana in 1988. I thought the article was condescending to Indian Guyanese culture, but he believed, as did Desmond Hoyte, who entered the discussion, and Dr Jagan, who did not, that we shared in a common “Guyanese Creole Culture”.

But David did believe that an Indian Guyanese point of view could be articulated in SN, and after publishing several of my letters, asked me to be a columnist (unpaid!) for the newspaper – which I was for several years. But it was after the Jan 12th riots in which Indians were beaten in Georgetown following the PNC’s loss in the Dec 1997 elections, when the Herdmanson Accord was signed by the PPP and PNC, that David definitively demonstrated his commitment to freedom of expression. I wrote a letter, which was published and began, “The Accord rewards the PNC for jettisoning the rule of law and due process in Guyana. It rewards the PNC for demonstrating to the people that if you lose by a set of rules you yourself had drafted, simply seize the umpire and demand new rules which will guarantee your victory. The Accord rewards the PNC for its wilfully lawless, bullying tactics, culminating in the January 12 pogrom launched by African-Guyanese against Indian-Guyanese. If not actually executed by the PNC (and this is most arguable), then at a minimum it was prompted by the reckless and inflammatory statements and actions of the PNC leadership and occasioned by the illegal march following Justice Bernard’s ruling… And this is precisely what the PNC has been doing and continues to do.”

The letter precipitated a wide-ranging debate in the letters page of the SN, and in the estimation of many, it was the beginning of Indian Guyanese in the modern era finding their voice to help constitute a more inclusive “Guyanese culture”. While “la luta continua”, it is ironic that SN will cease being a part of that process.

Awill face off against for-

including

Adrian Dutchin, and Diana Chapman in what promises to be a thrilling showcase of Soca talent.

Speaking with this publication, the Soca sensation, who has not participated in the competition for some time now, reflected on her journey so far and her plans for the grand finale. While she kept the finer details of her performance under wraps, she made it clear that she is bringing her A-game.

“I found this season to be particularly interesting because I’ve been managing my own personal challenges along with everything else happening in the competition… Usually, I would be the person who’s always on point, always ready, everything perfect. But this season, it’s been different. I’ve had to work through personal challenges while preparing for the competition, so it’s been a unique experience.”

Roberts spoke about her

held back slightly during the semi-final, giving only a glimpse of her full performance, the event allowed her to pace herself for the finals. Roberts reportedly achieved the second-highest score in Essequibo and praised the judges, competition, and organisers for their efforts, adding that she thoroughly enjoyed her time on stage.

As she gears up for the finals, fans are eagerly anticipating her return to the Linden stage, ready to witness Vanilla’s energy, charisma, and unmistakable soca flair in full force.

The Road March Queen assured fans that she will leave nothing behind on stage.

“Now, this is a competition that you have to bring your A-game… props gotta be on par, stage presentation gotta be there, every single thing. I don’t want you to sell out… I can guar-

competition entry, the track

We Don’t Play, and said the song stemmed from the identity of the Guyanese populace.

“The song talks about us. When we go there, we don’t play – we go there to party, to have fun. It also addresses the fact that I’ve been laid back over the past couple of years. People probably weren’t hearing from me, and I wanted to remind them that Vanilla’s here. The road was vexed with me; the fans were vexed with me. I’m here because of them. This song is about that.”

She also highlighted the song’s connection to the masquerade tradition. “If you listen to the drum patterns, you feel the energy. It’s all about masquerade. When you hear it, your shoulders start moving involuntarily, and you’re wondering what’s happening to your body. That’s why we don’t play with this one.”

Reflecting on her semi-final performance in Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Roberts described the experience as exhilarating. She noted that while she

antee you on that night, I am prepared to give you that version of me. You know, the truest, purest version that you probably will ever see in a long time. You are going to get that version of Vanilla on the night of Soca Monarch Finals.”

Veteran performer Roberts acknowledged that this year’s competition features a strong field of competitors, including both seasoned champions and rising stars. She also reflected on her own status as a 10time Road March Queen of Guyana and multiple-time runner-up, noting that all participants have grown alongside the music industry and will bring their unique strengths and experiences to the stage.

She described the upcoming event as high-energy and intense. “Soca Monarch competition night is definitely a competition to look forward to. It’s definitely going to be steamy. I ain’t gonna lie, it’s definitely going to be steamy. And this is why I have to bring the purest, purest version of Vanilla on that night.”

L…as Education Ministry records more entries; adopts new judging format

ike a sudden drum roll before a grand announcement, the children’s 2026 Mashramani Parade burst onto the streets as an early proclamation of the festival’s culture. Just days ahead of the main celebrations, they marched through Georgetown beneath the blazing sun, confidently signalling that they are more than ready to carry the heart and heritage of Mashramani forward. This year’s Children’s Mashramani saw participation increase significantly from across the country, along with the introduction of a new judging format, adding a fresh competitive edge and heightened excitement to the event. This publication was along the streets of Georgetown to witness the feat firsthand, speak with students and catch up with organisers behind the largescale production. One of the organisers, Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) Nicholas Fraser, explained that preparation for the event begins months in advance and involves competitions across all education districts.

“The planning started very early.

Obviously, what you’re seeing this week are all of the best performers from the competitions that we’ve had in all of the regions. There are 11 education districts, and each one of them would have had their own regional finals. For the dramatic poetry, the dance competitions, hip-hop, and all of those winners came to Georgetown. So what you’re seeing on the road here are the best costumes, the best pieces that they had in the regions,” he said. Fraser also outlined a major change to this year’s judging system, noting that it mirrors elements of the adult Mashramani format. “This is the first year that we’re going to have two judging points. The first judging section is situated at Camp and Lamaha Street, and the last one, which

we normally have, is on the tarmac of Park. We’ll have two judging points. It will raise the quality of the performance and ultimately cause them to be a little more choreographed along the route,” he explained. He added that the dual judgingpoint system is expected to become standard going forward. “Yes, this will be the new trend. And we’ve had double the number of entries from last year on the road this year. So we have grown quite a bit,” he said. According to Fraser, participation increased significantly across nursery, primary, and secondary schools. “This year

a big push. I think especially with dance, people are coming around to the changes that we’re making, and there are a lot more persons now who are participating,” he noted. Among the standout bands was Region Eight, which was themed around Guyana’s digital era, featuring a wide mix of colours and technology-inspired designs. A representative of the band said the presentation symbolised the country’s technological evolution. “Actually, we are representing the digital era. We have all the different colours in one to demonstrate

are in the technology stage, where we have all the gadgets that we use. Right now I hear the music, and the music is taking over me right now,” the representative shared. Speaking about dance preparation, she explained that coordination across multiple schools required extra effort.

“As it pertains to the dance, our section consisted of children from different schools, so we had to get everybody into the same choreography for all the dances. But we have a little mix where everybody is trying to put forward their best,” she said.

Housing Minister slashes Region 6 land title processing to 3 months

…200 titles, 390 agreements, 73 construction vouchers handed out in 2 days

Housing Minister Collin Croal on Saturday pledged that land titles in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) will now be processed within three months, as the Ministry of Housing and Water intensified efforts to reduce a longstanding backlog of applications submitted before September 1, 2026.

Addressing hundreds of applicants at the Classic International Hotel, Skeldon, during a two-day outreach, Croal said that while the allocation of house lots has accelerated significantly since 2020, the priority for many residents has shifted from receiving land to securing their certificates of title.

He acknowledged that title processing has historically taken six months or longer but declared that the Ministry is restructuring its systems to reduce that timeframe by half. Currently, there are about 8000 applications pending.

The Minister said inefficiencies will no longer be tol-

erated as coordination with the Deeds Registry remains a necessary part of the process; he admitted that some of the delays stem from internal shortcomings.

“Some heads will have to roll in due time,” he warned, as he underscored the Government’s commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring faster responses to applicants.

“Some of the glitches are not only at the registry level, but they’re also in-house,” the Minister said, adding that accountability measures will be enforced where necessary.

Croal said that the backlog of applications submitted prior to September 1, 2026, and emphasised that clearing those pending matters in Region Six remains a priority. He assured residents that the majority of outstanding cases would be addressed before the end of the year, with all pending applicants in the region expected to be cleared as the Ministry intensifies its outreach and processing drive.

Titles, agreements, construction vouchers

The commitments came as the Ministry processed a significant volume of transactions over the two days. On Friday, 390 agreements for sale were signed, while close to 400 certificates of title were issued. On Saturday, 200 land titles were handed over to beneficiaries, and 73 steel and cement vouchers were distributed to applicants who had qualified for construction assistance.

The steel and cement vouchers form part of the Government’s housing subsidy initiative administered through the Central Housing and Planning Authority, an agency under the Housing Ministry. The programme provides financial assistance toward the purchase of key construction materials, helping low- and middle-income allottees reduce upfront building costs and transition more quickly from land ownership to home construction. The vouchers are redeemable at approved suppliers and are intended

to support faster housing development within emerging schemes.

“Check back”

Croal noted that home ownership does not end with the allocation of land but with beneficiaries securing their titles and building within fully developed communities. He said the Ministry is not naive to the complaints raised by applicants and that improving efficiency remains central to its mandate.

Too often, he said, residents are told to “check back” or are left waiting for responses between regional offices and Georgetown. To address this, the Ministry is enhancing its internal digital systems to allow for real-time updates and faster tracking of applications. He also announced that staff from the regional housing office will establish a regular monthly presence in Upper Corentyne so residents can make payments, sign agreements, and make enquiries without having to travel to New Amsterdam.

The Minister also outlined

several ongoing and upcoming housing developments across Region Six. At Hogsty, infrastructure works are approximately 98 per cent complete, and beneficiaries who were allocated lots last year are expected to be able to physically identify and access their lands by early March. He indicated that agreements for that area will be finalised in the coming months.

At Moleson Creek, where allocations were made previously, Croal said initial delays related to access roads have been resolved, and contractors have resumed infrastructure works. Beneficiaries allocated lands are expected to be able to see and access their lots by July. He further noted that Moleson Creek is poised for expanded development, particularly in light of plans for a fixed bridge linking Guyana and Suriname, with the proposed landing site at that location expected to spur commercial and residential growth.

The Minister also referenced substantial investment at Palmyra, where over $1.5

billion has already been expended on housing construction alone, excluding broader commercial and recreational development. He said the area has been designated primarily for housing construction, including young professional and middle-income homes, as the Government continues to expand options for different income categories.

Croal reminded residents that housing development in Region Six must be balanced against competing land uses, including agriculture and sugar cultivation, noting the Government’s commitment to revitalising the sugar industry and protecting agricultural lands.

He said that since 2020, thousands of allocations have been made across schemes, including Ordinance Fortlands, Hampshire, Glasgow, Providence, and other areas along the Corentyne coast. The focus now, he reiterated, is ensuring that beneficiaries receive their titles in a timely manner and can begin building.

New Guyana Embassy in Brazil completed – Foreign Minister

Marred by massive delays and a flawed contract that had to be terminated and retendered, the new Guyana Embassy in neighbouring Brazil has been completed.

This was revealed by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd during the consideration of Financial Paper Number Two of 2025, totalling $18.8 billion for advances made from the Contingencies Fund that catered for developmental works countrywide and other initiatives for the period November 18 to December 16, 2025. Included in that $18.8 billion is a sum of some $237.6 million for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which came under scrutiny from Opposition Member Ganesh Mahipaul

of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in the Committee of Supply.

Defending the allocation, Todd told the House late Friday evening that the money went towards completing the construction of the Embassy in Brasilia. The Foreign Minister said the project had been initiated under the previous APNU–Alliance For Change (AFC) Coalition Administration and was “fundamentally flawed”. He added that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had taken over and completed the project.

“We inherited a very terrible project, and we went about righting that wrong,” Todd declared. “What we intended to do, Mr Speaker, was to ensure we complete the project so that we can deliver to the people of Guyana a project that in essence is complete. So, what we did was to appropriate these funds to complete the offices – the offices of the staff, the Ambassador and the residence of the Ambassador and staff. So, we were able to complete them.” According to Todd, they are currently in the process of furnishing the

below the US$7.370 million engineer’s estimate for the project.

building, and the full opening of the embassy is likely to be in April. Back in November 2019, a contract to the tune of US$4.499 million, equivalent to G$937.9 million, was awarded for the construction of the New Guyana Embassy, Ambassador’s Residence, and Diplomatic Staff Quarters in Brazil’s capital. This was way

The scope of works comprised the construction of a continuous reinforced concrete and structural steel complex to house a Chancery, Ambassador’s Official Residence, and Diplomats Residence, along with a swimming pool, recreational areas, a tennis court, a grass field, and other site development works, including a car park, ramps, security guard huts, a technical/utility building, and landscaping.

Agreement terminated

The contract was signed on October 14, 2019, and works had commenced two days later with a duration of 18 months. The planned completion date was April 16, 2021, with a defects liability

period of six months. But according to the 2023 Auditor General’s (AG) Report, there was no documentation to show any approved extension of time issued to the contractor or a revised completion date for the works. And by the end of 2022, the contractor had received some G$890.036 million, and the agreement was subsequently terminated. “According to documentation presented, the contract was terminated on 23 January 2023. The termination agreement, which had a list of materials on site attached, stated that the “owner” will pay the “contractor” the remaining balance of US$177,998.22 within seven days from the present termination agreement,” the AG’s report stated.

13-year-old hospitalised after brutal attack

…2 teens slapped with attempted murder charges

A13-year-old student of Zeeburg Secondary School, West Coast of Demerara (WCD), is in critical condition in the hospital after he was beaten by two young men. Injured is Jarron Williams of Zeelugt, WCD, who was attacked shortly after disembarking a bus on his way to play football. In an interview with this publication on Saturday, the teen’s mother, Delana Nandan, said that she last saw her son in perfect condition on Monday afternoon after he returned from school.

“My son, on Monday afternoon, left home and was going to play football,” Nandan said. “He catch a bus. We live in Zeelugt, so he jumped in the bus, and while in the bus,

these two other boys were in the bus, and they started picking trouble with him.” According to the mother, her son attempted to defuse the situation, but the two boys, 19 and 18 years old, persisted in bullying him.

“My son turned and told them, ‘Me ain’t want no problem with y’all. Why y’all picking trouble with me?’ He recognised one of the boys because he knew him. He went to school with his big sister. He told him, ‘Boy, you ain’t know me? I am Alana’s brother,’ and the boy asked him, what does that have to do with him.” she recalled. However, she said the confrontation escalated when one of the young men allegedly struck her son to the head

while still inside the vehicle. “When he cuff my son to his head, the bus stopped … and the driver put all of them out of the bus,” Nandan said. “And that was when they attacked my son.” Once off the bus, Nandan said her teenage son was allegedly brutally beaten and left for dead by the two young men.

“They had a wood, a big rock,” the mother said. “He claimed that one of them… he said he had a knife or something, or an ice pick. The Police said they found the metal part of a shovel, and when he was asked, he said they used it to inflict his injuries,” she said.

“While beating him, someone saw and shouted at them, and they ran away, and my

son was left lying there. That same person called the Police, and the patrol came and took my son to the hospital.” As a result of the attack, Jarron sustained three skull fractures, which left him unconscious for three days. Due to the severity of the head injuries and recurring seizures, doctors sedated the child.

“Three fractured skulls. Both the left and right sides. The most serious one is on the right side,” his mother said. “The doctor said that he was waking up but kept getting seizures. So up till Wednesday night, he was sedated.” According to Nandan, the teenager has since regained consciousness and continues to receive medical care.

“He is still in critical condition, but he is listed as stable… but he is now awake and talking. He is also now starting on liquids,” she said.

Guyanese father, son nabbed in Suriname drug bust

AGuyanese father and son were arrested in Suriname following a Police raid in Nieuw-Amsterdam, where they reportedly uncovered a quantity of illegal drugs and contraband cigarettes.

According to reports from Surinamese law enforcement, the operation was carried out in Nieuw-Amsterdam, in the Commewijne district of Suriname. During the raid, officers allegedly discovered quantities of hashish, crack cocaine, and marijuana in the possession of the two suspects.

14 cartons of illegal ciga-

rettes were also reportedly seized during the exercise. The two men, described as

being of Guyanese descent, are also said to have been staying in Suriname ille-

gally at the time of their arrest. Law enforcement officials in Suriname allege that the suspects were openly selling the prohibited items to drug users in the area.

Following their arrest, the father and son appeared before a court in Suriname and were remanded to custody. The matter has since been handed over to the NieuwAmsterdam Police Station for further investigation. The identities of the suspects have not yet been released, but a photo concealing their identities has been released by Police.

Labourer stabbed to death during WCD worksite dispute

A30-year-old labourer was on Friday morning fatally stabbed during an altercation at a construction site along the Meten-Meer-Zorg Public Road, West Coast Demerara.

Dead is Fendel Trotman, also known as “Johnny” or “Rasta Man,” of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara.

Reports are that the incident occurred at about 10:00h on Saturday, while Trotman was reportedly working as a mason at a two-storey concrete structure in the area.

According to reports, an argument erupted between Trotman and another male at the worksite. The confrontation reportedly escalated into a scuffle during

which the other man, who was armed with a knife, allegedly stabbed Trotman to the chest before fleeing the scene on foot.

Persons nearby went to the injured man’s assistance and transported him to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by medical personnel. A knife sheath was discovered inside the building where the incident occurred. Investigators are also expected to review footage from CCTV cameras located in the vicinity as efforts continue to identify and locate the suspect.

Trotman’s body has since been taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

New Guyana Embassy in...

Consequently, the amount of US$178,283.02 (G$37.172 million) was paid to the contractor on February 1, 2023, thus revising the total payments to US$4.458 million (G$927.208 million).

“However, we could not ascertain the quantities of works paid for at the time of termination, whether the advance payment was fully recovered or if liquidated damages and the provision of a performance bond were applicable under the contract, while the physical verification on 19 July 2024 revealed that approximately 65 per cent of the permanent works on the main buildings were completed,” the AG Office indicated in the report.

Moreover, it was noted that at the time of reporting in September 2024, the Foreign Ministry had engaged an engineering consultancy firm to prepare bid documents for completion of the Chancery section of the complex, and bids were solicited and received from qualified contractors. An evaluation report was subsequently prepared and submitted to the National Procurement and Tender Administration

Board (NPTAB), and an award was granted. To this end, a further sum of $525 million was allotted in 2023 for the provision of buildings – the Guyana Embassy in Brazil. According to the Appropriation Account, the full sum was expended. The report went on to detail that audit checks revealed that on December 18, 2023, four payments totalling $525 million were processed through the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), and that the full sum of $525 million was wire transferred to the Guyana Embassy in Washington Bank Account № 15247597 on January 15, 2024.

According to the 2023 AG Report, “The Head of the Budget Agency indicated that Cabinet has since agreed that the Chancery would be completed. In this regard, contractors in Brasilia, Brazil, were invited to submit bids for the construction of this phase of the project. At the time of the report, the Cabinet, following a submission and recommendation from the NPTAB, had granted it no objection to facilitate the award of a contract.”

Bartica man jailed for 4 years for drug trafficking

A43-year-old Bartica man was on Friday sentenced to four years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to narcotics trafficking, while three other individuals appeared before the same court on similar charges and were granted bail.

Asif Bacchus, an unemployed resident of Arcade Street, Bartica, appeared via Zoom at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir on Friday.

Bacchus was charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10.

After the charge was read to him, he entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment. The conviction adds to ongoing law enforcement efforts in the Bartica

13-year-old hospitalised after brutal attack

FROM PAGE 21

Remanded: Oswin Kenard Baker and Nicholas Thompson

Charged for attempted murder

Following investigations, suspects were arrested and charged with attempted murder. On Thursday and Friday, they appeared before the court and were both remanded to prison. Oswin Kenard Baker Jr, 19, of Tuschen North, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was identified as one of the suspects.

On Thursday, he appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Alisha George, where the charge was read to him. He was not required to enter a plea and was remanded to prison. His matter was adjourned to March 19. Meanwhile, on Friday, 18-year-old Nicholas Thompson of Barnwell, EBE, appeared at the same court, where he was also remanded to prison for attempting to take the 13-year-old’s life.

“Both of them were charged and were remanded on an attempt to commit murder. I was at court both times,” she said. She noted that Police have been maintaining contact with the family and providing updates on the case. Meanwhile, the incident has sparked concern within the community, particularly after allegations surfaced on social media linking one of the accused to another assault earlier that same day involving a different child. In a post that was published on Facebook on Monday and was seen by this publication, a parent was desperately seeking the public’s help in identifying Baker, whom they claimed went to the Vergenoegen Secondary School and brutally beat their son with a “chopper”. The

district to curb the trafficking of illegal substances.

In a separate but related matter, three Bartica residents were also charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking under the same act.

Eric David, 23, a construction worker of Three Miles, Bartica; Keegon Cummings, 25, also a construction worker of Three Miles; and Whitney Fraser, 35, a businesswom-

an of Four Miles Housing Scheme, appeared before Magistrate Mohabir at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court

on the same day via Zoom. The charges were read to the trio, and all three defendants pleaded not

guilty. Bail was granted to each accused in the sum of $500,000. The matter was adjourned to March 27.

Cattle owner fined for allowing animals to stray along

A54-year-old cattle owner was on Friday fined a total of $30,000 after pleading guilty to three counts of allowing his animals to stray along public roadways on the East Bank of Demerara.

Denesh Rohit of Garden of Eden, EBD, appeared before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Diamond Magistrates’ Courts. Rohit was charged with three counts of suffering animals to stray (cows), contrary to Section 28(1)(a) of the Road Act, Chapter 51:01.

The offences were committed within the Prospect Young Professional Housing Scheme, Herstelling Housing Scheme,

post claimed that her son had to be rescued by adults who were in the vicinity. Other parents also took to social media, claiming that their children were also allegedly attacked by Baker on the same day.

Deeply troubling

Meanwhile, Nandan described the situation as deeply troubling.

“It’s getting out of hand… only God knows what could have happened to my son if he was not saved… something needs to be done urgently with these attacks.” she said, referring to what she believes is a growing problem of youth violence. Investigations into the matter are ongoing. Just a few days ago, President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of Education Sonia Parag both issued strong warnings about the rise of gang activity and violence in schools.

Speaking at the Annual Police Officers’ Conference, President Ali cautioned that school-based gangs, cyberbullying, vaping, and shifting social values pose serious long-term risks to public safety if not urgently addressed. He stressed that youth crime and school violence must be treated as national social emergencies, not isolated policing issues. Meanwhile, Minister Parag made it clear that gang-related behaviour and the formation of cliques within schools will not be tolerated. During an engagement with students at Zeeburg Secondary School, she emphasised that students can only thrive in a safe and secure learning environment and warned against negative peer influence and violence.

and Farm Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

After the charges were read to Rohit, he entered guilty pleas to all three counts. Magistrate Bess subsequently imposed a fine of $10,000 on each charge, amounting to a total of $30,000.

He was also cautioned by the court and warned to take the necessary steps to properly secure his cattle to prevent them from straying onto public roadways.

Only a few months ago, the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department had urged cattle owners to properly secure their animals after several cows were struck and killed

on the East Bank Public Road. Traffic Officer of Division 4B, Inspector Michael Ramdas, warned that stray livestock pose serious risks to motorists, particularly on highways where vehicles travel at high speeds. He called on owners to pen or pasture their

ECD

animals and expressed concern that some are not branding their cattle, making identification difficult in cases of theft or accidents.

Officials cautioned that collisions with stray animals could result in serious injury or death, especially for motorcyclists. Chairman of the National Road Safety Council, Earl Lambert, also emphasised that road safety is a shared responsibility and urged both motorists and livestock owners to take preventative measures. Authorities are encouraging the public to report stray animals as enforcement continues along highrisk corridors.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2026 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyanese economy to benefit as House passes...

Similarly, the Government has removed all import duties and taxes on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and on outboard engines up to 150 horsepower.

For elderly and childcare, corporate taxes have been removed for companies providing these services, and some $1.5 billion in co-investment support has been made available.

Moreover, the Net Property Tax on Individuals was removed, and the Income Tax Threshold was increased from $130,000 to $140,000 monthly.

With the Fiscal Enactments (Amendment) Bill 2026 now approved by the House and once assented to by the President, the amendments to the Income Tax Act and the Corporation Tax Act would

come into operation from the current year of income, commencing on January 1, 2026, while the amendments to the VAT and Customs Acts shall come into operation on February 16, 2026.

On the other hand, the amendments to the Property Tax Act will come into operation from the year of income, commencing January 1, 2025.

Destination weddings in Guyana Meanwhile, the Marriage (Amendment) Bill 2025 was also passed in the National Assembly to introduce another budget measure that supports Guyana’s tourism industry through the removal of the 14-day residency requirement for destination wed-

dings.

Piloted in the National Assembly by Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, the measure is expected to expand tourism-related economic activity to the benefit of the hospitality industry.

With the Bill receiving the support of some members of the Opposition – Ganesh Mahipaul of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Nandranie Singh of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) – Walrond assured that the changes would not alter the sanctity of marriage but simply remove the archaic requirement and modernise the laws to make Guyana more attractive, accessible, efficient, and aligned with modern realities.

“We say to the Guyanese in the Diaspora: come home, get married. You can get it done. We say to the foreigners, ‘Come to Guyana, see the idyllic Kaieteur Falls and all our many other waterfalls and waterways. Come and get married!’ Guyana is serious about business,” the Minister stated.

Similar sentiments were shared by Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues, who noted that this was one of the recommendations that came to the Government to enhance and expand Guyana’s tourism offerings.

“Today, we are here to give effect to [one of] those recommendations… A lot of these measures benefit small and medium enterprises, and in the tourism and hospitality sector specifically, the greatest beneficiaries would be small and medium-sized enterprises,” Rodrigues stated.

$18.8B Financial Paper

Meanwhile, the National Assembly also approved after midnight on Friday, Financial Paper Number 2 of 2025, totalling $18.8 billion for advances made from the Contingencies Fund that catered for developmental works countrywide and other initiatives during the period from November 18 to December 16, 2025.

This sum catered for $10.5 billion under the Ministry of Public Works for the provision of additional resources to execute the Ministry’s expanded work programme, such as highway improvement on the East Coast of Demerara, miscellaneous roads and drainage, hinterland roads, sea and river defence works, and works on stellings and Government buildings.

Meanwhile, under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the financial paper made provision for additional resourc-

es for the payment of Old Age Pensions and Public Assistance to the tune of $5.4 billion, and a further $1.4 billion was catered for under the Ministry of Education for the provision of additional resources to facilitate an expanded work programme, specifically dietary, for primary education.

Under the Ministry of Housing, the financial paper provided $640 million toward additional resources to facilitate an expanded work programme in relation to hinterland water supply, water service expansion and management.

The financial paper also catered for $548.8 million to cater for expanded work programmes in Regions One, Two, Five, Seven, Eight and Nine, mainly in the areas of health and education, as well as for other activities, including national and other events, local travel and subsistence, and cleaning and extermination services.

Obama on ICE shootings in Minnesota: "This is not the America we believe in"

ormer United States

FPresident Barack Obama spoke out in a recent interview on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shootings in Minnesota that took the lives of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and addressed the state of the country.

Obama sat down with podcast host Brian Tyler Cohen for a wide-ranging interview released on Saturday, providing detailed remarks on what he called the "unprecedented nature" of the ICE deployment of over 2000 agents in an operation dubbed "Operation Metro Surge" to Minnesota without any clear guidelines and training.

"The rogue behaviour of agents of the federal

Government is deeply concerning and dangerous," Obama said, pointing to agents pulling people out of their homes, using young children to try to bait their parents and tear-gassing crowds simply for standing there, not breaking any laws.

Obama said Americans pushed back on the operation because, "This is not the America we believe in," and the community organised by buying groceries for folks, accompanying children to school and having peaceful protests. He added that the sustained behaviour in sub-zero weather by ordinary people is what should "give us hope". The former President said the way to restore norms, rules of law and

decency is for people to pay attention and say "enough", and that citizens have ideas of what an American family should look like.

In response to a question about President Trump posting a racist meme of the former President and his wife last week, Obama said he's been travelling around the country and met many people who still believe in decency, courtesy and kindness. He also said he doesn't believe the American people approve of this type of discourse, just as they didn't approve of what they saw in Minnesota. Ultimately, Obama said, "The answer is going to come from the American people."

(Excerpt from CBS News)

Around the World

Russia killed opposition leader Alexei Navalny using dart frog toxin, UK says

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed using a poison developed from a dart frog toxin, the UK and European allies have said.

Two years on from the death of Navalny at a Siberian penal colony, Britain and its allies have blamed the Kremlin following analysis of material samples found on his body.

Speaking from the Munich Security Conference, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said "only the Russian Government had the means, motive and opportunity" to use the poison while Navalny was imprisoned in Russia.

According to the Tass news agency, Moscow has dismissed the finding as "an information campaign", but Cooper said there is no explanation for the toxin, called epibatidine, being found.

While Cooper announced the findings, a joint statement was issued by the UK, Sweden, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Cooper met with Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, at the conference this weekend.

"Russia saw Navalny as

a threat," Cooper said at the event.

"By using this form of poison, the Russian state demonstrated the despicable tools it has at its disposal and the overwhelming fear it has of political opposition," she added.

In the statement the allies said, "Only the Russian state had the means, motive and opportunity to deploy this lethal toxin to target Navalny during his imprisonment in a Russian penal colony in Siberia, and we hold it responsible for his death.

"Epibatidine can be found naturally in dart frogs in the wild in South America. Dart frogs in captivity do not produce this toxin, and it is not found naturally in Russia.

"There is no innocent explanation for its presence in Navalny's body."

(Excerpt from BBC News)

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)

CANCER

Let your imagination and creativity flow, and you will discover an attribute or skill you enjoy using more in your daily routine. It’s time to shake things up and consider what makes you happy. Life choices can make or break your future. A mix of minimalism, gratitude, and satisfaction will take you on a magical mystery tour.

Question everything, but do so with kindness and consideration. Your best route forward is the one that allows you to be yourself and broaden your knowledge, experience, and options. A change may seem impossible, but once you start your journey, you will find peace in every step you take. Love and romance are in the stars.

Choose the path that satisfies your soul. Now is not the time to be a follower when you have so much to offer if you dedicate time and effort to the situations that concern you most. Less talk and time wasted on situations you cannot change, and more energy directed toward making a difference, are in your best interest.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

Use your ingenuity when you encounter a roadblock. A thoughtful approach to how you deal with others or take care of your responsibilities will serve you well. Opportunities are apparent, and interacting with others will satiate your desire to get to know someone better. A new look will fetch compliments and boost confidence. Romance is favored.

Stop stewing over situations and put an end to whatever is disrupting your life. Have the conversation, make the move, deal with health and financial matters, and step up to the plate and do the responsible thing. Peace of mind comes from action. Change isn’t always easy, but when it’s necessary, put it behind you.

Live and learn. Gather facts and assemble your thoughts and plans accordingly. Participate in events or sign up for whatever will get you out and interacting with people who share your beliefs and concerns. Opportunity knocks, but if you sit at home doing nothing, it will pass you by. Get out, engage, and see what happens.

Mix business with pleasure and see what happens. If you enjoy what you do, you will find the courage to initiate your dreams. Use your intellectual charm to mastermind your way into the hearts of those you want to impress or make adore you. A suggestion, if manipulated to fit your skills and experience, will pay high dividends.

Double-check everything you hear or encounter before you agree to participate. Distance yourself from anyone using pressure or temptation to lead you astray. Look inward and take the time to nurture yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. Surround yourself with supportive people, and a positive attitude will carry you forward. Romance is on the rise.

Push your agenda forward. Take control of your finances, reduce your overhead, and invest your energy where it will yield the highest return. Physical activity and taking action will help alleviate pressure and leave you feeling gratified and ready to conquer whatever comes next. Distance yourself from those who cost you emotionally or financially.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20Mar. 20)

Choose to use charm and intelligence over harsh words or disciplinary action. Bullying others will only escalate problems, whereas a give-and-take approach, grounded in reason, kindness, and consideration, will help you instill higher standards and better relationships. Choose your words wisely, and positive change will unfold. Personal growth and selfimprovement will enhance love and romance. Get your next adventure underway. Life is too short not to manifest your dreams and live up to your expectations. Nothing is ever easy, but it is attainable if you are willing to put in the time and effort. Reach out to those who can help make your dreams come true. A partnership or joint venture looks promising.

Interaction will lead to surprising connections and deep conversations that open your eyes to a host of possibilities. A change may not be something you want, but it might be time to shake things up and see what transpires. Paint an interesting picture for those you wish to incorporate into your plans and see what happens.

Marco Jansen's first four-wicket haul in T20Is broke the back of two New Zealand assaults to give South Africa an easy win and a likely top spot in Group D. Not that the finish matters, as the teams' games in the Super Eights are pre-decided as long as they make it out of the first group.

This was the first successful chase in a night game of this World Cup, but this was also arguably the first night match between evenly matched sides. Having survived Afghanistan in this group of death, both sides played with freedom. New Zealand kept coming at South Africa, reaching 33 for 0 in 3.1 overs, 57 for 1 in 5.1 and then 138 for 4 in 13.5.

Jansen, Markram hand South Africa a statement win

However,

Jansen pegged New Zealand back every time, the final strike resulting in a practical shutdown: only 37 came off the last 37 balls as New Zealand ran out of batting. In response, Aiden Markram's personal best of 86 off 44 ended the game with 17 balls to spare, making it 5-0 for them against New Zealand in T20 World Cups.

Allen and Seifert throw down the gauntlet.

Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada kept the dangerous duo of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen quiet for two overs, but the eventual onslaught arrived on a pitch where the ball came onto the bat beautifully. Allen started off with three fours and a six in the third over, bowled by Ngidi. The powerplay hitting involved no innovation or cuteness, just timing and power.

Jansen intercepts New Zealand twice.

Jansen's first ball of the night was dismissed disdainfully for a six over mid-on by Siefert. Jansen immediately went to Plan B. Mid-on went back, leaving no boundary riders on the off side. Siefert looked to exploit that field, but

Jansen bowled an accurate short ball to take an edge through to the keeper.

Allen didn't slow down, but then Jansen came back for the last over of the powerplay to take out Rachin Ravindra and Allen. While Ravindra got a thick edge to short third, Allen got too close to a slower off-cutter and couldn't find the elevation to clear mid-off.

Mark Chapman still kept coming, but when Keshav Maharaj bowled Glenn Phillips to make it 64 for 4 in the seventh over, New Zealand finally had to go into recovery mode.

Chapman and Mitchell put NZ back on track.

To be absolutely accurate, only Mitchell was in recovery mode. Chapman looked in fine touch and pulled Maharaj for a six two balls after Phillips' fall. Ngidi managed to bowl the 10th over without a boundary, but in the 11th and 12th, the duo took 29. Corbin Bosch was hit for a four by each batter, and Markram for a six each. At 131 for 4 in 13, New Zealand were back on track for 200, which looked like the bare minimum to stay competitive.

Jansen runs interference again.

Jansen had already got one wicket with a slower ball, but on his return he unveiled a knuckleball, which completely bewitched Chapman, who was 48 off 25 at that point. When Ngidi had Mitchell caught at long-on – for a

change, with an on-pace delivery that hit the inner half of the bat – New Zealand had lost six wickets with more than four overs left. Only James Neesham could do some damage in the end, but 175 looked paltry with dew already apparent.

Markram leads the romp. There are many different routes to a one-sided chase, but Markram took us on a scenic one. His driving, both on the up and otherwise, both along the ground and in the air, and both on and off side, was gorgeous right from the time he square-drove the second ball of the chase for four. The next one went through

the covers. In the second over, he bent his back knee and cover drove in the air for a six. The best perhaps was the six over long-on off Jacob Duffy to a ball that was short of a length and didn't give him any room to swing his arms. It almost looked like a footnote that he brought up the fastest half-century for South Africa in T20 World Cups in 19 balls and took South Africa to their joint-highest powerplay score in T20 World Cups, 83. Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton didn't do badly either, scoring 20 off 14 and 21 off 11, but it wasn't possible to take your eye off Markram's driving. (ESPNcricinfo)

Tom Banton's 63* sets up a nervy win for England

It was another nervy affair against an associate nation. But England's Super Eight hopes remain on course after a five-wicket victory over Scotland in Eden Gardens, moving them up to second in Group C of this T20 World Cup with a game to play.

Tom Banton's unbeaten 63 off 41 deliveries – his fourth T20I 50 – ultimately quelled a testy chase of 153, which began with openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler falling inside the first two overs to nibbling seamers Brandon McMullen and Brad Currie.

Banton's arrival triggered a vital 66-run stand with Jacob Bethell, and he was similarly engaging with Sam Curran for their partnership of 46, which brought the runs required below the number of balls remaining. Having managed just 4 from nine deliveries across knocks against Nepal and the West Indies, Banton, who struck four fours and three sixes, watched on as Will Jacks smashed Brad Wheal for a six down the ground and then pulled the quick behind square to seal victory with 10 balls to spare.

Much like Nepal in England's opening victory, Scotland will rue missed opportunities with the bat. They were dictating terms

midway through the 13th over, with skipper Richie Berrington leading a 71run stand with Tom Bruce. Berrington's hard-hitting against spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson made amends for a stuttering powerplay of 42 for 3 after losing the toss. Jofra Archer was the key aggressor in those first six overs, finishing with 2 for 24 as he ticked over to 50 T20I dismissals.

When Dawson pocketed Bruce (24) and Rashid did for Berrington (49) in the space of four balls, England did not relent. Only four boundaries were scored in the remainder of the innings, with three of them to Oliver Davidson, which included a towering six over cow corner off Archer on his way to a T20I career-best 20 not out.

Having left runs out there, Scotland were always going to be up against it. Though they were gifted wickets, such as Harry Brook's dismal flick over his shoulder to short fine leg for just 4, Banton's brutal striking took England home in this first completed T20I between these old enemies.

Banton to the four

Much has been made of Banton's position at No. 4 in this England batting

line-up. An opener by trade, he returned to the national side as a finisher before sitting out for Ben Duckett and then replacing the lefthander in the pre-World Cup tour of Sri Lanka. But after scores of two from five

against Scotland. And certainly when he found himself on 6 off ten deliveries, half of them unwitting dot balls, as he negotiated tricky medium-paced nibbles. But after leaning on Jacob Bethell early on in their partnership, the righthander came into his own and dominated their eventual stand of 66, with 36 runs of his own.

Few English batters hit as crisply down the ground, and it was left-arm spinner Mark Watt who bore the brunt of this trait; his first two balls were sent booming back of his head before a third six was hoicked over cow corner. The strikes settled England and Banton, who finally looked like he belonged at this tournament.

Perhaps the biggest sign of that was the fact that Banton did not play a single sweep to any of his 41 deliveries. He loves the shot

balls and 2 from four against Nepal and the West Indies, the Somerset batter was in the spotlight, particularly with many feeling Brook was slotting himself a spot too low at five.

That pressure was ramped up when Banton walked out at 13 for 2 at the end of the second over

– both orthodox and reverse – but took heed of the six batters undone by playing

it, including Bethell and Brook, without looking like he was lacking a scoring option.

Form temporary, class permanent Archer arrived in Kolkata distinctly out of sorts. His first eight overs of this World Cup, all in Mumbai, had reaped 90 runs for just two wickets. His usual threat seemed dulled, perhaps the result of coming back too early from the side injury that ruled him out of the final two Ashes Tests.

It is not like England does not have previous experience of rushing back prized assets. But the risks taken are because Archer is the most incisive fast bowler available to them. That was underlined on a good batting track at Eden Gardens.

The two wickets in his second over – the third of the match – were invaluable. George Munsey's destructive qualities have already been showcased at this tournament with a brutal 84 in the victory over Italy, but he was rushed for pace off a length, skewing a top edge to Banton at midwicket. Bounce then did for McMullen, second ball –he was rushed and uncontrolled – as he found Salt at deep square leg. Archer's three overs in the first six went for just 13 runs.

Pace up, strong through the crease, even a few smiles, particularly when Oliver Davidson kept out a searing yorker for his final over at the death. On a number of fronts, this was a welcome return for Archer,

Jamie Overton 4-0-23-1 Sam Curran 3.4-0-33-1 Adil Rashid 4-0-36-3 Liam Dawson 4-0-34-2

England (T: 153 runs from 20 ovs)

Phil Salt c Bruce b McMullen 2

and he seemed to enjoy it too.

Another Associate Element

Another near-miss for one of the big boys. For the neutral, it is a frustrating theme of the group stages of this World Cup. England has now had two of them. Their escape against Nepal was tenser than this one here in Kolkata, with their opening opponents needing 13 from nine balls. But Scotland will be as gutted that they botched their own piece of history, even if there was more of the race to run.

Berrington and Bruce had more than doubled the powerplay score in the four overs through to the midway point of their first innings. The Scotland captain was proving a handful for Rashid, taking 17 off eight deliveries and hinting at another tough day for the wily leg spinner.

But when Berrington fell lbw to the eighth from Rashid, it was the second of seven wickets to fall for just 39 runs in the space of seven overs. From 113 for 3 with 45 balls remaining, 180 was a doddle. They ended up 28 shy of that figure – runs that would have been oh so valuable in a second innings punctuated by English anxiety. (ESPNcricinfo)

DCB launches exciting U19 Inter-Association Tournament

Cricket fans across Demerara are set for an action-packed month as the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) bowls off its highly anticipated Under-19 Inter-Association Cricket Tournament on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The competition promises thrilling encounters and a showcase of some of the county’s most promising young cricketers.

Among the headline names is Shamar Apple, a West Indies Under-19 World Cup player, who will suit up for the Georgetown Cricket Association. He will be joined by a host of standout local talents, including Parmeshwar Ram, Marcel Nandu, Joshua Budhram, and Russel Anderson, all eager to lead their respective associations to glory.

Five Associations, One Title

Mahesh, Isaiah Anderson, Shazad Ally, Amrit Persaud, Christopher Persaud, Rudranauth Persaud, and Shaker Ramesh.

East Coast Cricket Board U19

Captain Arun Gainda, Munesh Outar, Marcel Nundu, Kyle Gibson, Bhishram Udan, Yannick Newton, Junia Dindyal, Jude Andrews, Trilok Nanan, Vijai Kaplu, Tyrell King, Joason Dindyal, Kaylon Calendar, Akeem Persaud.

Georgetown Cricket Association U19

Captain Dave Mohabir, Khush Seegobin, Emmanuel Lewis, Dhanesh Persaud, Shamar Apple, Jonathan Mentore, Ravaldo Pereira, Reyaz Latif, Shane Prince, Stephon Seymour, Danvir

The tournament features five teams representing the county’s leading cricket bodies:

West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA)

East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA) Upper Demerara Cricket Association (UDCA)

West Demerara Cricket Association U19

Captain Pameshwar Ram, Patricce Fraser, Wazir Gulam, Joshua Kushendyal, Navindra Samkar, Ishan Harricharan, Arvin Suknanan, Robin Seecharran, Krishna

Seegobin, Samuel Ally, Lomar Seecharran, and Jasane Craig.

East Bank Cricket Association U19

Captain Joshua Budhram, Vinesh Kalpoo, Rupie Rajaram, Dilshan Latchman, Yeshua Hutson, Leon

James, Orwin Jordan, Shane Shivbarran, Ravindra Singh, Julian Craig, Shem Ramcharran, Shane Kissoondeo, Marvin Simpson, Hemraj Bhowan.

Upper Demerara Cricket Association U19

Captain Russel Anderson, Errol Alder, Triston Peters, Elizah Bowen, Rusco Anderson,

Jaushawn

Clark, Tyrick Henry, Andy Ramgoolam, Alex Ragubeer, Shahid Ramzan, Nicholas Simon, Antonio Chan, Divin Persaud, Randy Chung, Nathan Bishop, Makai Dowlin, and Aadesh Mahase.

Opening Round Fixtures

The tournament begins on February 18 with a dou-

ble-header at 09:30h Georgetown vs East Bank at the Police Sports Club

West Demerara vs East Coast at MMZ Upper Demerara will draw the bye in the opening round.

Matches will be played across venues including the Police Sports Club, MMZ Ground, and LBI, with all games scheduled to start at 09:30 hrs. The round-robin

format continues through February 27, ensuring each team has the opportunity to stake its claim for top honours.

Significance of the Tournament

This Under-19 InterAssociation competition serves as a vital platform for nurturing young cricketers across Demerara. It provides them with the opportunity to gain a competitive

match experience, showcase their skills, and stake a claim for future selection at higher levels of the game. The DCB remains committed to fostering youth development and ensuring that cricket continues to thrive across the region. Fans are encouraged to come out and support these rising stars as they embark on their journey in the sport.

ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League set for July 23–August 1

The ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) will return for its highly anticipated third edition from July 23 to August 1, bringing world-class T20 franchise cricket back to the iconic Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Five elite T20 teams from across the globe will converge in Guyana to compete for a US$1 million prize pool, delivering ten days of high-intensity cricket in one of South America’s most vibrant and rapidly emerging sporting destinations. Providence – home of the Guyana Amazon Warriors –will once again serve as the stage for this unique international club showdown.

Now firmly established on the global T20 calendar, the GSL continues to grow in stature and competitive quality. The 2026 edition promises thrilling matchups, passionate crowds and a celebration of the global game in the heart of the Caribbean and northern South America.

The 2025 tournament marked a major milestone for the competition, with a sold-out Providence crowd witnessing the Guyana Amazon Warriors lift the trophy after defeating the Rangpur Riders. That electric atmosphere underscored the tournament’s growing appeal among players and fans alike.

Sir Clive Lloyd, Chairman of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament:

“It gives me immense pride, as Chairman of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, to officially announce the dates for our third edition. In just two years, the GSL has established itself as a truly global club competition, showcasing outstanding talent and attracting tremendous support both lo-

cally and internationally.

“Last year’s final, played before a packed stadium, demonstrated the passion for cricket in Guyana and the strength of this tournament. From July 23 to August 1, we

Schools’ Basketball League…

look forward to welcoming five outstanding teams to Providence once again, where they will compete fiercely for the title and a US$1 million prize purse. The GSL is about excellence, opportunity and uniting fans

from around the world through the game we love.”

Further details on participating teams, fixtures and ticketing information will be announced shortly.

Saints triumph in tight finish as St Rose’s runs riot

The Schools’ Basketball Tournament delivered high drama and a dominant display on Friday as President’s College suffered a narrow defeat to St Stanislaus College, while St Rose’s High cruised past Marian Academy in emphatic fashion.

Stanislaus Rallies to Stun President's College

In a thrilling contest decided by a single point, St Stanislaus College edged President’s College 49–48 in one of the most exciting games of the tournament so far.

President’s College burst out of the gates, putting on an impressive first-quarter display. They raced to 12 points while holding their opponents to just five, setting the tone early with disciplined defence and sharp shooting.

The second quarter proved more competitive, but President’s College maintained control and carried a 23–15 advantage into halftime. Their structured offence and solid rebounding kept St Stanislaus at bay through the opening two periods.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically after the break. St Stanislaus returned to the court with renewed intensity and determination. Applying relentless defensive pressure and capitalising on turnovers, they chipped away at the deficit.

The final quarter was a tense back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets. In the closing moments, St Stanislaus managed to seize the lead

and hold on for a dramatic 49–48 victory, handing President’s College their first loss of the tournament.

Leading the charge for St Stanislaus was Daniel Chisholm, who delivered a standout double-double performance with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Demitri Crandon provided crucial support, finishing with 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in a well-rounded effort.

St Rose’s High Runs Riot

In the day’s other matchup, St Rose’s High produced a commanding performance, overwhelming Marian Academy 91–20 in a lopsided encounter.

From the opening tip-off, St Rose’s High established complete control, dominating every quarter. Their fast-paced offence and stifling defence left Marian Academy struggling to find rhythm on either end of the court.

Each period ended in a blowout margin, as St Rose’s High showcased their depth and scoring power in one of the most decisive victories of the tournament so far.

The tournament action continues on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, when President’s College will once again face St Stanislaus College in what promises to be another highly anticipated showdown. After Friday’s narrow defeat, President’s College will be eager to even the score, while St Stanislaus will look to build on their hard-fought victory.